Gladly Beyond by Nichole Van
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a great story! I received a copy of Gladly Beyond for participation in the Ebooks for Review Program hosted by Inspired Kathy. Claire, Dante and one other art authenticator are invited to Florence, Italy to authenticate a drawing that might be Michaelangelo's work. The catch is that they are all competing to work for the owner at an amazing salary as a permanent authenticator. Unfortunately, Claire is being followed not only by her recent past but, also by a stalker. Claire is being haunted not only by the stalker, an unfortunate incident from her past but, also by her parents' past in the limelight.

Dante has a very interesting past and he also feels a huge amount of responsibility for his family as he and his twin provide major support for the family holdings through their family business. He and his two brothers have what hs been considered a curse, though they have managed to turn it in their favor. Dante and Claire have a connection which turns out to be a bigger connection than could have ever been predicted. This meeting is a catalyst for events that not even the most gifted psychic can predict, though, it appears that one gifted gypsy might just know what is coming.

Gladly Beyond is atmospheric, exciting, mysterious and does a great job with a bit of haunting. It cannot be clearly called a ghost story because it doesn't fit that title either. The mystery is very well written and provides a great twist in the end. The characters are well drawn and provocative. The methodology used to bring in the history of the drawing and each of the characters was innovative and draws the reader into the story. My most favorite part of this story is the great descriptions of Florence, Italy. I could literally picture each of the places and remember my visit to some of the landmarks mentioned in the story. I have already signed up for newsletters from the author so I can grab the next installment in this series when it is released.

Crowned for the Prince's Heir by Sharon Kendrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Harlequin reader really cannot go wrong with a Sharon Kendrick book. I received an early release copy via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Lisa is a clothing designer that has seen moderate success, but, things are slowing down when Luc, someone from her past walks into her shop. Luc is heading home to fulfill his duty as the governing prince of his nation and head into an arranged marriage, one Lisa was not aware of when they were previously involved. Luc decides to have one last night with Lisa but, they leave things in a very negative light. This is unfortunate because Lisa is pregnant and Luc's marriage to a neighboring Princess who he has been engaged to for a very long time is about to happen when he learns of her pregnancy. Luc decides he needs to claim his child and is not aware that Lisa will not be dropping everything to run into his arms. What ensues is a serious clashing of two headstrong people, both intending to get their way. This is a great modern royal romance that will not disappoint Harlequin fans.

The Sway by Ruby Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sway was a great, action-packed novel with a bit of mystery and a lot of supernatural gifts. I received an e-Arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have a huge love of espionage and spy thrillers. The Sway starts out as a great YA spy thriller and morphs into a YA supernatural thriller. Julia, who has been in a special program for a black ops group under the government since she was 13 years old is given a strange assignment. She is assigned to get close to Cole and report on his activities so that the government can determine Cole's father's activities. She heads back to high school and is placed near Cole residentially and her job works out better than expected and in a way she never saw coming. His father Hank is more than he seems and it appears so is Cole and Julia.

Julia has no idea that she is also being watched by Cole and his group when she is in place for the mission. She is at a disadvantage because it turns out that The Sway have been watching Julia for a lot longer than she has been watching Cole. They know more about her than it seems she knows about herself and they intend to make her a part of their mission to save the world. Saving the world sounds a bit ominous but The Sway has their hands full against a group that is just as powerful as they are, but, The Sway has some members that no one could foresee. This is a great beginning to a great series and I look forward to following these books