The Gladiator and the Guard, by Annie Douglass Lima

I had the opportunity to be a beta reader (early critiquer) on this novel and the last one. I normally read contemporary romance or regency novels, so this is not my normal genre. Having said that, I really loved the fight scenes and the drama involved with being unjustly accused of a crime and fighting for survival. I think I prefer it to book one, the Collar and the Cavvarach. Although they build on each other, you could read this as a stand-alone and be just fine.

Can't wait for the next one. This series (The Krillonian Chronicles) would be great for just about anyone who can handle serious themes and some battle violence, but especially for middle grade or older boys who like to read, but have a hard time finding something that's doesn't have angsty romance. The book is currently .99 for Kindle, although that may be a limited time introductory price. It's a worthwhile read.

Tidal Patterns, by Rachelle Paige

Tidal Patterns is about two workaholics with troubled pasts who vie for the same events job on the island they live on. I actually liked the work conflict better than the romance aspect. Mark and Lizzie spend a lot of time thinking about each other, with little going on between them other than a few very short conversations at first. This is clean, but aimed at adults. A nice, light read.