Books by Katydid

 World's Collide Dream's Edge Series Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson Worlds Collide took me on a whirlwind of an adventure. I loved reading more about Tyler and Amaliya's relationship and their progress in the world of ice skating. Their experiences with the KGB and the Russian skating world kept me on edge. Traci Hunter Abramson does a fantastic job of pulling in the reader and diving deep into the world of whatever sport she writes to make it feel like they are a part of it as well. 

  Sinister Secrets Three Suspense Novellas Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, and Paige Edwards While these three authors are so unique in writing style- they are all fantastic storytellers. Each story is different but all have suspense that starts right from the beginning and drew me in. From Traci Abramson's with a teenage girl running for her life to Paige Edwards's where there is FBI and DEA all involved. Each of these authors make it possible for you to jump into the story and see a little snapshot into the lives of these characters. The intrigue, adventure, and love-familial or romantic-makes this set of stories sing. 

  About the Book: Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings. At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with t...

  Heart of the Frontier A Western Romance Collection Written by: Brittany Larsen, Jen Geigle Johnson, Jennie Hansen, Carolyn Twede Frank This compilation of western romances showcases the hard-work and romanticism that is so prominent in the time period and location. From the bustle of the cities back East to the desolation of small-towns in Idaho and Wyoming, the authors in these stories paint the scenery with the beauty that can be found. All four of these authors came up with adventurous stories to tell-including bank robbers, train bandits, gun fights, and cattle thieves these stories make for an enjoyable read. While these novellas don't have any common characters, there is a consistency in the how they really showcase the heart of the west.  Something I love about novella collections is the ability to finish one story and take a break before moving on to the next one. With a busy mom life, having no cliffhangers keeping me up late at night is a good thing and these stori...

 The Crown of Rosemund Written by: Michele Ashman Bell This story is different for Michele Ashman Bell's typical stories. With a deep dive into historical, the whole story makes me longing to know how Rosemund will survive the hostile takeover of her home and crown. There is some deep grief and loss in this story that leads to strong personal growth for the princess. There is a lot that happens over the course of not much time. Michele Ashman Bell does well at creating character development. While the relationships could use some more depth and more of the progression illustrated, overall this was a successful foray into a new genre. 

The Gentleman and the Thief Written by: Sarah M. Eden The Gentleman and the Thief showcases Sarah Eden's masterful writing skills. With unique dialects, an immersive world, and well-written characters, this story is a great sequel to The Lady and the Highwayman. From the beginning, Hollis Darby and Ana Newport have romantic inclinations but their differences in situations create barriers that they have to circumvent as suspense, adventure, and danger threaten the world they hold dear. Sarah Eden's books are always a favorite of mine and this one is no different. I loved  how it went from the pure romance genre to adding adventure and mystery. These additions made this book page-turning (in a digital way). The skillful writing of dialogue and character perspectives added to the genre to make this one of Eden's best works. I loved reading this advanced reader's copy and can't wait for it to come out in November to share with friends and family.

  Caetlin's Courage Cwenland Chronicles Book One Written by: Rachel A. James Caetlin's Courage is story of courage, determination, intrigue, and duplicity. Rachel James manages to write this one in such way the reader is left guessing until the very end. Who is on who's team and what everyone's end goal is.  Not only is this a story of historical adventure and suspense, it has a great romance layered within the story. The characters have individual arcs that drive the the rest of the story.  Caetlin's Courage is a great story that could use a little polishing. 

 On the Run A Guardian Novel Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson On the Run is a book that gives crime shows like NCIS, CSI, and Blue Bloods a run for their money. There is action, there is adventure, there is romance, and it all lies within the realms of national security for the United States while being set in a different country.  This is a great follow-up to Traci Abramson's other guardian novels but works well as a stand-alone novel as well. The plot line is cohesive and the mystery of whodunit lasts until Traci is ready for the big reveal. There are different pieces to different mysteries running all throughout which makes this such a good, intense read.  All of Traci's books give me the thrill of the chase without scaring me beyond what I can handle. Everything in this story feels so realistic. Traci Hunter Abramson's first hand experience with the intelligence communities shows in her expertise of writing. 

  Code Word Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson takes the best of action and adventure books and mixes it with the perfection amount of romance. As Carina Channing lives her life hiding from her past and all involved, she stumbles upon Jay Wellman- a Navy SEAL. Jay is the man to help in the intrigue that Carina can't hide from anymore. Traci gets my heart pumping every time with her real life experience in the intelligence community. Anytime I want to escape with a little more than just a romance I know I can turn to one of her books and this one follows suit.  While this story takes place in the world of the other Navy SEALs that Traci Abramson has written about, it is a stand alone and is a great introduction into the world she has created. The characters feel real and she throws you into the life on the run, hiding from the mob. This was a great story with the intensity of any action/adventure movie. 

Dealing with Dragons The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Book One Written by: Patricia C. Wrede Dealing with Dragons is a childhood favorite of mine. This story has all the stereotypes of the fairy tales- from damsels in distress and knights in shining armor to dragons who takes princess from their homes. Despite all the stereotypes, this story also adds a depth to the princess story. Princess Cimorene is a princess who is anything but the usual lady. She wants to learn how to cook, fence and anything and everything she can. When her parents tell her to become more normal, she runs away to become a dragon's princess. This story is empowering for girls. Just as Cimorene can choose her own destiny, other girls can as well. There are no limits to her future. Patricia Wrede shows readers through a fun fantasy story that prejudices and preconceived notions don't have a place in the world- that people can be anyone they want. 

Ace A fighter pilot romance Written by: Sophia Summers This fighter pilot romance was an adventure from the beginning to the end. With two characters with strong personalities who have very different ideas about reaching the same goal mixed with the beauty of the islands of the Pacific and the craziness of war. This story was a great one from start to finish. While the adventure was strong, I would have enjoyed a little more romance. Sophia Summers does a great job of introducing characters with intense feelings, a beautiful world, and a realistic conflict. Each character has a different perspective and Sophia manages to make both perspectives valid and logical yet contradicting. For an adventure with a wide of romance this was a fun one to read.

Everything I Do Outlaws: Book 1 Written by: M.C. Frank Everything I Do was a book I did not want to put down. Written in the world of Robin Hood with Maid Marian playing a new and intriguing part, I wanted to find out how everything ended. Starting with an archer whose skills exceed the infamous Robin Hood and a new addition to the band of merry men, this story runs the gamut from heartache, heroism, fear, and satisfaction. Seeing as this is book one of the outlaw series it left me wanting more. The characters are real with heartbreaking issues- depression, anxiety, hopelessness while still trying to move forward to help the people who are struggling around them. Each individual has the horrors of war written upon their pasts in unique ways. While M.C. Frank has written these characters and the story in a realistic way, it is still a beautiful story that I enjoyed reading.

Winter's Heart Written by: J.E. Taylor J.E. Taylor wrote a short but satisfying fantasy. Lisa Winters has been told from a young age that she is the answer to the prophecy- the hope for their village against the great white tiger. Now that she is coming of age everything is starting to change and the answers she once thought were so sure are no longer right in front of her. When she meets the great white tiger, will she kill him or find there is more than the story told? This story had some great characters and beautiful world building. I was rooting for Lisa as she found her own drive and discovered her independence despite everything going against her. The town believes in her based on a few sparks as a child but she doesn't believe in herself until she takes the chance to go out on her own and discover the secrets of her past. Herk who could otherwise be called Herk the jerk has his moments of redemption despite his actions at the beginning. The setting of the story i...

The Lady and the Highwayman Written by: Sarah M. Eden While few authors can tell two stories simultaneously in a story, Sarah Eden succeeds in writing three cohesive stories that draw the reader in. With two Penny Dreadful novels told at the beginning of each chapter as a replica of the time period, the mood is set. While Elizabeth Black purports to be a proper lady and female author of books for the elite, she is THE author of the famous dreadful novels by Mr. King. On the other hand, Fletcher Walker advertises himself as the most successful dreadful author while keeping his charitable acts hidden. These two characters work well together, keeping their secrets hidden despite growing closer as a couple. With a setting that takes the reader to the streets of London and a plot line that keeps the reader wanting more, this story reflects the skill that Sarah Eden uses in all of her books while adding a level of  adventure and suspense that is not common among her writing. The r...