Rhe’s Bookshelf ~ The Last Lumenian Series by SG Blaise

Get ready! It’s my first Rhe’s Bookshelf in just a bit and I’m journey through a SciFi world of fantasy. It’s kind of out of my typical genre preference, but I’m nothing if not adventurous. Not really sure what to expect I decided to dive right in without reading up on it at all. So, let’s jump right in here too.

The Last Lumenian series is two books – Book One, of the same name, and Book Two, True Teryn. We meet Lilla, General Callum, Prince Arrov, and Lillia’s best friend Glenna. She sets out to free refugees forced to work in her homeland. She joins the rebellion to save the people but she ends up on a journey to save herself, and discover who she truly is and what purpose she serves. In Book Two, Lilla finds herself in a new role, but still fighting to do the right thing. You will truly find yourself interested in these characters, and in the story. I myself was surprised.

Lilla is sassy and fiery and you want to root for her. Blaise’s ability to write the characters in such a vivid way so that you can not only envision the characters but their clothes and their homeland. Throughout both books to learn more about Lilla’s mother, a looming presence in her life. She died with Lilla was little and took with her secrets that will change the way Lilla views not only herself but the world around her. Full disclosure, there is just a sprinkling of romance in the books as well, which really make it the perfect young adult book in my mind. It is a quick and easy read, which really short chapters, but you don’t miss out on any of the information and intrigue one needs in a good book.

Important to note – a few “love scenes” are present in the series, and some mild language

I enjoyed reading this book. It might not have totally sold me on the genre but if fantasy, magic, and sci-fi is in your jam you absolutely need to grab this book for yourself. Snag your copies below!

  • The Last Lumenian: Sci-Fi Fantasy and Action-Adventure of the Rebel Princess named Lilla
  • True Teryn: Sci-Fi Adventure of Lilla discovering the greatest secret in the Seven Galaxies (The Last Lumenian Book 2)

About the Author

S.G. was born in a faraway land of castles, monarchies, and fallen dictatorships, aka Hungary. Hollywood movies were forbidden under Soviet oppression during her childhood, but her dad smuggled them in, risking his life so that his children could experience the magic and hope inherent in those stories.  She watched rebellions unfold in real-time. Journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean for love.  She ended up in sunny California, where she is living her dream — writing stories and annoying family members.

Learn more by visiting SG Blaise’s website and social

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Disclosure – This post is part of the book release blog tour and I was compensated for my participation. As always, my reviews, thoughts, and opinions are not purchased.
Rhe’s Bookshelf prides itself on bringing you accurate and honest reviews. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Rhe’s Bookshelf – May Recap

Book Reviews by Rheanna, Rhe's Bookshelf

This post contains affiliate links in images and word links 

Happy June Ya’ll! It’s the first day of June (almost officially summer), school is almost out for us, its National Donut Day and I’ve been reading like a crazy women. May was a good reading month and I’ll be sharing my May reads with you in this post. Make sure you are following me on Facebook because when I can I share links to the books I’ve read, especially when they are on sale or Free!

Troublemaker by Leah Remini

This book is still quite expensive in both the hands on book and kindle versions so I picked this up at my local library. Ever since I started watching her show on A&E I’ve wanted to read this. Scientology has always fascinated me, I mean Tom Cruise jumping on a couch, hello! I’ve learned a ton by watching her show, and reading this book just added to that. I think its such an important read and it took guts to write this. I admire her for doing this! This book is raw and real, and really written in her voice. Its easy to read and I powered through it. I ended it wanting more. Add this book to your summer book list.

    3 out of 5 Stars

 

True Crime Addict by James Renner

Another random library find! I was just trolling through the library and the title of this book popped out at me. This title definitely describes me, and while I wouldn’t say I completely identify with the author of this book; I would say that I became as interested in his life as I was in the case that he was discussing. Among current true crime buffs, the Maura Murray case is big. Its one of the mysteries that is so mysterious you can’t stop thinking about it. There’s no end to discussing it. Countless podcasts have tackled it, as well as a documentary or two. What is interesting about this book is that I wouldn’t necessarily call it strikingly well written. At times he rambles and thoughts seem disconnected. He goes between his own personal life and the case. But like Leah’s book, Renner is raw and real and that is what I personally love as a reader! It speaks to me and draws me in. I feel things on a deep level, and whether that is good or bad I’m not sure. This book is a must-read for true crimers, and while you’re at it track down Renner’s previous book, which is about the Amy Mihaljevic.

3 out of 5 stars


One of my girlfriends had checked this book out of the library, and she sped through it. There were so many holds placed on it that she decided to pass it around our little group. I snatched it up because it has been a long time since I have read a book on the “Just came out” list. I sped through this book as well. It is complex, but readable. Twists and turns that will catch you off guard. I had to go back and re-read portions to make sure that I really was reading what I was reading. Hendricks and Pekkanen capture your imagination and tap into your raw feelings, pulling you into the lives of the women in this book. If you want to check it out your best bet is probably the library. The Kindle version of this book is still over $10 on amazon. But you can read the first four chapters for free! I would highly recommend this book, and I’m adding this book to list of books that I would read again.

5 out of 5 stars

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Rhe’s Bookshelf: Bookshelf Update!

Gosh, I haven’t done one of these in awhile. I’ve been really killing it in the book reading department this year. I made sort of a pact with myself to do some more reading, and really make that part of my self-care. Believe me, just sitting and reading a book goes a long way to get me through most things – loneliness, sadness, anger and frustration. Just hanging out with the characters in a book can really make a whole lot of things better for awhile. I’m going to catch you up on on the books I’ve been reading for the past month. Hopefully they catch your attention and you want to snag them for yourselves. Find me on Goodreads and check out all my bookshelves, or check out the Rhe’s Bookshelf tab up top for more. You can snag your own copies of all the books listed below by clicking on the image.

Synopsis

After a decade of making it on her own, Irish immigrant, Blayne MacCaffrey is determined to return to her homeland and make peace with her father, who hasn’t forgiven her for deserting the family—for what she believed was true love. Her ticket home is in the bag with the launch of the Archer Conservation Park of Cape Van Buren. Only she must partner with the devastatingly sexy heartbreaker who first awakened her desires and unequivocally destroyed her dreams years ago.

 

This is the second book in the On the Cape series and I’m so in love! I plowed through this book. I can guess what is coming in the series and I already can not wait to see where it goes. These are such good characters, and just the fact that you’re dealing with old love, moving on, not moving on….you guys this book gave me some serious tingles. MK Meredith delivers yet again with this sweet, yet sultry, small town romance. The main character Blayne has such spice to her, and I loved her as a character even in the first book in this series. And since I’m such a book cover snob I can’t not comment about how much I love it.

Synopsis

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.
You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.
You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.
You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.
Assume nothing.

You guys, this book….whoa is almost all I can say. My friend got it from the library and read it in like half a second. Then we passed it around to each other and we all read this thing in two days. It is incredible and the first secular fiction (non romance) that I’ve read in a while that makes you obsessed.It sucks you in from the very beginning with paragraphs that keep you on your toes. It is incredible writing and deserves every accolade its getting right now. Greer and Sarah bring you into the story of Vanessa and Nellie and you don’t know who to feel sorry for! I literally can’t even write any more because I will give it away. This page-turning, psychological thriller is worth every second of your time.  And once you read it, send me a message so we can talk about it….because I really can’t even properly review it here guys. Must read! Go. Now.

 

Synopsis

Mason Hall, Navy SEAL, knows all about difficult assignments, but his current mission is one for the record books. Not only must he find a wife—and get her pregnant—or forfeit the ranch his family has prized for generations, he must also convince his three brothers to marry, too—before the year is up. Who knew one city girl and three wayward brothers could put up such a fight?


I’m a Cora Seton fan, and this is such a fun series to add to your list. It is semi-steamy, with a couple sexual scenes, but doesn’t sacrifice the story for that. Of course it is sort of unbelievable right…but who reads romance all the time for “this could totally happen to me!” Its sweet, sad, fun and even made me laugh. It’s everything you want in an easy to read, sweet romance. At the beginning of the story Mason is leaving the military, so this is not a military romance in that you deal with anything about him serving. In fact that is almost non-existent in the story. I would read it again and that, to me, says a lot of about a book. Another A+ from Cora Seton!

Synopsis

Pepper Blue wants a baby. Forget the husband. She’s better at training men to be good husbands for other women than she is at getting one herself, so she’s doing this on her own.
But she hasn’t exactly shared the news with her family, and they’re determined to find her a date to the next family wedding. A date that won’t leave with one of her sisters or cousins. This time.
Which means Pepper Blue needs a fake boyfriend. A fake boyfriend that she has no chance of actually falling in love with. A fake boyfriend like her obnoxious neighbor.

Number 6 in the Misfits Bride of Bliss Series…and please don’t ever stop Jamie!!!! I still want more! I love this series, and this one has quickly topped out at my favorite one yet! What I particularly love about this book, and the series in general, is that it pays homage to the other characters in the books before this one, the town is its own character and and that never disappears. Jamie Farrell takes you into Bliss, a town that seems both completely normal and also completely ridiculous…never could be real in a million years. I’m not sure how she does it, but each time Ms. Farrell gives me exactly what I want in a women’s fiction, sweet romance, with a little spice (pun intended) and a small town I want to move to like yesterday. Tony is actually the best and one of my favorite of the Farrell hunks, country singer Billy aside. Because what could top a Luke Bryan romance knock-off. No one, in case you were wondering. I’ve reviewed a ton of Jamie’s novels on my bookshelf tab, and you can find links to this book and my other favorites under “Favorite Things” on the side bar!

Stay Tuned for These Reviews Coming Soon

True Crime Addict by James Renner

The Solider’s Email Order Bride by Cora Seton

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

Troublemaker by Leah Remini

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Favorite Things for 2018!

We are about half-way into the first month of 2018! So, it’s a great time to share some of my favorite things that you should try, read and get for the new year.

 

First up, beauty supplies! 2017 was the year of trying all the beauty supplies. I can’t even begin to tell you how many I’ve tried this year. From cleansers, to lipsticks, and even some muscle rub!

beauty supplies

   

 

  1. REDKEN No Blow Dry NBD – Since blow drying my hair is my least favorite thing to do, even at its short length, when I spied something specifically meant for that I jumped at the chance to give it a try! This stuff is actually designed to help your hair air-dry faster, while being able to style it! I use it every day. There are three formulas – for thick hair, find hair and medium hair. available at ulta and amazon
  2. Skinfood Egg White Pack, Korean Skin Care – I have several Korean friends that are always raving about Korean skin care products. This is my first one, and I’m going to head back for some more. This product is basically like a Biore strip, although I felt like it worked so much better. Plus, I love a brand that prides itself on quality ingredients, working with eco-friendly and responsible farmers across the world. That’s something I can get behind. available at ulta, skinfood.com, and amazon
  3. Clinque Take the Day Off cleansing balm – I picked this up on whim in the check out at Ulta. You know how that happens. This little tiny purple container is literally amazing! It is light, doesn’t make me greasy and goes a long way. It does a pretty fantastic job on my color-stay lipsticks and eye make-up. available at Ulta and amazon
  4. AP24 Whitening Flouride Toothpaste – Now I’m going to admit to you right off the bat that I totally committed the ultimate blogger sin and didn’t do a before an after photo. But lets be real, I’ve got three kids and life is crazy!!! I head about this from my girlfriend who competes in the Mrs. America pageants. She raves about it. So I’ve been using it, with the kiddos as well. I definitely would recommend this to anyone looking for something like this. It takes good, my kids like it, and it does an amazing job at whitening teeth without harmful peroxides. available from an independent rep, NuSkin.com or amazon (for an amazing price!)
  5. RimmelLondon Provocolips 16 Hr Kiss Proof Lipstick – Obsessed is probably a light way of explaining how much I love this lipstick. I think I have about six colors and I wouldn’t mind adding in some more. While being a lover of lipstick means I have a lot in my collection, I also love my husband. So my first foray into kissable lips was when I got married thirteen years ago, and I’ve been on a constant hunt ever since. Of all the ones I’ve tried recently Rimmel’s Kiss Proof knocks it out of the park. It goes on smooth, doesn’t automatically adhere to your teeth (which I had found with similar brands), and while it is Kiss Proof I don’t have to take one million layers off my lips to get it to come off. Go get some!!! available at most drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, rimmellondon.com and amazon (i linked my favorite color)
  6. Cover Girl TruNaked Smokey Eye Pallet – this is a brand new product I got to try thanks to Influenster (if you don’t use Influenster you have to give it a try! You don’t need a blog – use my referral link ) The pigment on these colors is crazy amazing and this is perfect for creating those smokey eye looks for date night! available at drug stores and amazon
  7. Revitalift Intensive Overnight Mask – Oh man I love this stuff! Being honest with myself about taking care of my skin as I settle into my mid-thirties was a battle. But here I am, accepting it, and valuing the amazing skin genetics has given me by not taking that for granted. Extra bonus of this is that it keeps my skin looking and feeling amazing in these brutal East Coast winters! Yuck! This California girl does not like what this weather does to my skin. $24.99 seems steep but when you are investing in the future of your skin, its totally reasonable. available at CVS, Walgreen and Amazon
  8. Sugar + Spruce Muscle Rub – previously known as Ladyburg, Sugar + Spruce is a military family owned business located in Fredricksburg, Virginia. I love love love this place! I may just make a whole post devoted to all the products I love from them. For all of you that are re-dedicating yourself to getting back to the gym or running (like me) this is exactly what you need. Make with pure and quality oils infused with natural muscle soothers like Capscian and St John’s Wart, this is my go to product post-workout.

 

clothing

  1. Frumos Palazzo Pants – These pants are life, and I secretly dub them my period pants. When I’m tried of wearing leggings these are my pants! I’m already trying to decide what color I’m going to order these in next. They are so comfortable and I’m excited to style them for all types of occasions, not just lounging around the house (available in plus size!!) Way to go amazon fashion! click image to purchase

 

                2. Leggings Depot Leggings – I was on the hunt for some plain black leggings that were buttery soft and I had heard from someone that they had                              gotten some leggings off Amazon. Since I now apparently buy everything on Amazon, why not give it a shot! They aren’t see through and they                              didn’t fall apart in the first wash so I could that as a win. click image to purchase

 

Books

  1. Jamie Farrell, Officer’s Ex-Wives Series – I love this series and I keep bugging her to write more! If you’re looking for a fun series to read this year add this to your list. Her Rebel Heart is book one.
  2. Jamie Farrell, Misfit Brides Series – I may be a little partial to Jamie. She’s a fellow military spouse and a lover of all things southern (including Luke Bryan, so you know…).  Blissed is book one.
  3. Kim Mills, Way Home Series – Another military spouse, but this time Canadian, Kim Mills is a new writer on the scene and her books are fabulous! There are two books in the series, All the Way Home is book one.
  4. Finding Chandra Levy – If you like true crime, this was on my list for 2017. It’s written well and an easy read. I picked it up, having known some of about the case since I was living near where she was from at the time of the case. Now that I’m living in Washington, DC I thought it was time to pick this up and see what I could learn.
  5. The Killer of Little Shepherds – This is a true crime genre book all about the birth of Forensic Science, and the case involved in the creation.
  6. Becoming Winston Churchill – My mom read a book about WC, so I too set out looking for one. If you also were a fan of The Crown and became intrigued by this interesting character, that was towards the end of his life during that story line, I suggest you learn a little bit more about the great man.
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