Forgive Me Not By Lacynda Mathes, A Book Review

Forgive Me Not is a murder mystery that goes down such and winding, twisting path, I had a hard time following it. That’s what you want, though, right? I thought I had it figured out, but the story kept me going to find out I didn’t have a clue. I guessed a few times at the conclusion, actually, but I was wrong each time.

Deb is a mother, a divorcee, and a girlfriend, asking herself if she should be, questioning who she is, and what kind of person she has become. She is better friends with her ex-husband now than she was when they were married. And she likes his new wife and is happy for him. She has what appears to be a tumultuous relationship with her mother and questions things, but pushes those thoughts to herself or her mother being irrational, so it’s better to just leave things alone. Not rock the boat, so to speak.

There wasn’t enough reasonable thought as to who would be trying to hurt her, or her mother, or her ex-husband's new wife, Miranda. Trying to figure that out was perplexing for her. In Deb's search and the state police, Gavin's search, she never expected to hear some truths about her family. Reading it felt like bouncing off a brick wall. So unexpected.

The writing style was short sentences, to the point, and directed you to the main character's thoughts and intentions without delving too deep. I don’t know if that was intentional to keep you guessing what happened and who did it, or not. It worked, though. Unfortunately for me, I did have trouble keeping all the characters straight. There are quite a few of them in the whole story, so I had to slow down in my reading to get it right, only so I could hopefully figure out who did it and why.

For a murder mystery, it was compelling. The characters were interesting, and kept you wondering about their full story, always wanting to know more so you had more ammunition for your own conclusion. Unfortunately, I didn’t solve it correctly before the author did.

Overall, it was a good story with good pacing for a quick read with only 190 pages. If you like murder mysteries, with a lot of characters to sort through to determine who did it and why, you will like this book. I think the story could have been enhanced and enriched with heightened anticipation and discovery had the characters been more developed and explored. That may have made the character sort and understanding a little easier.  For that reason, I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

 

Fate’s Roar by Jalpa Williby, A Book Review

This book is the second in a series, taking the same characters but delving deeper into two of them, Shane and Samantha, making this their story. The story takes place ten years after the first book’s timeline, giving birth to elements that deepen connections and keeps the story interesting.

It is in the same fantasy genre and is another fun one to read. The pace keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next, and disappointment is never on the agenda.

The love story is embracing and relatable to any young love no matter what time, place, or situation. The characters were believable because being exasperating and exciting, rings true for any person you know. Nothing is seldom straightforward without unexpected or even expected events happening, and it keeps the story grounded enough to be true to a real life romance of these characters.

If you enjoy fantasy, then this is a good fun romance to read.

 

Redemption By Sara Furlong Burr, A Book Review

Seldom do you get a series that every single book is great. This is one. Even the final book was a treasure with consistency, pacing, and characters that kept you glued to the pages.

It is well written with a storyline that easily captures your imagination and emotions. I really enjoyed this book as well as the others, and actually hope for more. The ending is good, but Sara definitely leaves the door open for further books, and I would love to see more. If that is any indication of its power of a great read, then get the books, you will definitely enjoy them.

 

 

Vendetta Nation By Sara Furlong Burr, A Book Review

This is the second book of her trilogy, and it is as good as the first. Sara’s main character, Celaine, carries forward that same spunk you admired, as well as ignites exasperation and hope. Another can't put it down just yet book.

The story line is still interesting, intriguing, emotional and well paced. The characters again give an emotional connection and you remain invested in what they are feeling and doing.

The story continues to grab your attention chapter after chapter and keeps you turning the pages. It is again a good ending, which keeps you wanting the read the third one.

I am anxious to read the last one, and you will enjoy it too. Get the book. Sara does a great job.

 

Fate’s Cry (Fate Series Book 1) By Jalpa Williby, A Book Review

 

Jalpa’s stories never fail to keep you wanting more, and she sealed the deal once again with Fate’s Cry. I truly enjoyed this story and am anxious to read the next ones.

Kelsey, as a young girl, had to grow up fast, but it was not without consequences. Her life was with sorrows and lonely, yet straightforward until reality became unreal. The hints were in the chapters, and it was fun to see when your thoughts were in sync with the author, but it was even more fun to discover how the twists became creative and adventurous fun.

Jalpa Williby always gets you to love the characters. It has been true in every book of hers that I have read, which makes the story rich and vibrant.

I would recommend this and all her books for a fun and memorable story that you will want more of. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Anticipation Day By Jeff Michelson, A Book Review

A Sci-Fi novel set in 2030 about a simulation of any kind being available to citizens to live a different scenario from their present life, or relive a time from their memories as if they are really there, back in time. There are several characters, and the story is long, and even though it is interesting, the pace was slow in many areas, which waned my attention. The characters starting out in the novel are not revealed again once the simulation stories begin, which I was disappointed with because I had unanswered questions about one of the characters.

The simulation stories were interesting, and some were very detailed, appearing to have been well researched, while others, not so much. I got the emotions and thoughts of each character, but never reached the solid connection to them that I wanted to happen, which kept me from rooting for one or another during their dilemmas. Each simulation was different and explained to understand why they chose that anticipation, but the context or writing was raw, so I couldn’t immerse myself in the story with the character. I just didn’t feel it like I wanted to.

Connecting the characters was also hard for me. Yes, they knew each other but didn’t really interact to reveal their connection, meaning just friends, lovers, acquaintances, or nothing. I questioned what sustained their being in the story with each other. At times, some aspects of how one knew another were mentioned, but they didn’t interact with each other enough to provide a foundation for development and for my thoughts to analyze and connect with. I could only stand on the outside and watch what happened in the story.

Throughout the whole tale, I wondered how it would all end because I wasn’t tying it all together, and I was disappointed. It felt like the whole thing didn’t come together as a storyline from start to finish, but rather short stories of people and what happened in their lives. I get what I believe it was supposed to do, but the common thread through it all was just too wide and thin, or had too many characters not meshing to keep it together. I am not sure which it was.

I think this could be a great story, but it needed a little more work. Because of the raw areas and the storyline issues I had to give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

 

Scotch On The Rocks By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

Another tender romance that warms your heart. Everything in Scotland seems to make me happy, and this story didn’t disappoint. I always enjoy a good romance, and one that has a storyline that keeps you turning the pages is wonderful.

Ishabel Stuart is a character who reveals and reacts to her emotions in a heartfelt and yet stubborn way. She had a less than stellar parental upbringing, and it shows how she survived and rose above it. You root for her to figure it out and not deny herself the pleasure of allowing love to be the front and center of her life.

Brodie, is the love that does all the right things, has all the right moves, and yet you wonder if it’s real or enacted to get a selfish advantage. Even so, his Scottish looks and tender heart are endearing, placing you solidly in his corner. For real.

The other characters in this story shape these two in many ways and enlighten you to the individuals they became, and enrich the story to an enjoyable tale you don’t really want to end. I adored this book as much as the others I have read by Lizzie Lamb. If you like romance novels, you will enjoy it too.

 

The Blood Wares: Crystal Secret By Maria Bradley, A Book Review

 

This sequel was a good continuation, but it left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe that was the intended design, but I don't like it when things end, and I still have questions.

It was a good story, both in the first and second books.  It was creative, interesting, and the characters were relatable to typical kids their age when you want them to shut up, or forge ahead while you're rooting for them.

I would certainly be happy if there were a third installment of this tale, but still, it was fun to read the first two. If you like vampires and all the intricate details of power and abilities that go with them, then this is a great fun read for you.

Only Human: The First One By Marie Bradley, A Book Review

This book tells the story of a vampire kingdom and the humans they have overtaken. I don’t much care for vampire stories, even though I liked Twilight because it was also a love story, but this is a different take on it. It kept me guessing, and the creative inputs were not expected. The flow was good, guaranteeing the need to find out what happens next throughout the story.

I enjoyed it, and there is a sequel which I am about to start now. Love sequels, especially when the story is absolutely not finished in the first or even subsequent books, meaning you have to get to the final book, and even then, you might want more. The need to read more is fun. The ending of this first book was surprising, so I have to find out what happens next. Thanks for the story, Maria, it was a delight to read.

 

Worth the Chance MMA Fighter #2 By Vi Keeland, A Book Review

This story takes the lad Vinney from the Worth the Fight book into his adult life. His mentor in that book, main man Nico, trains him to be a prizefighter. Vinney falls for Olivia but doesn’t realize how deep until he almost loses her. It is amazing how easy it is to write about how most men are slow to understand their emotions. Anyway, Vi again writes the lines to keep you turning the pages, even though you are sure how it will end, you may not see the bumps in the road, which makes it fun. 

 

Frazzle By Stephen Cosgrove, A Book Review

 I am torn with this book. It reads like a goal to show children that you can be whatever you want to be, but it always takes work and determination. The problem for me is that I felt it was too harsh in some ways. The concept is commendable, but I would have used different words and ways to tell it in some places. Of course, each author has their own writing style, so others will probably find none of my issues.

It is a teaching story, and I am sure others will enjoy it as much or more than I.

Wrath, Prequel to Tredan’s Bane By Lita Burke, A Book Review

 

This mini 17-page book is part of what I wondered about in reading Tredan’s Bane. It helps fulfill the questions and thankfully is written in detail, as is the author’s way. I enjoyed it, but I still have questions, meaning there actually could be another book, and it would be a welcome read.

On to the next one of this author’s interesting and fun stories.

Tall, Dark and Kilted by Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

This story is a romance between a young, ambitious, caring, and tender-hearted Felicity and a tall, dark, and kilted laird of a Scottish estate, Ruairi Urquhart. I was drawn to this book because I love Scotland, and the title's image was, of course, also enticing. I would love to see that for real. Many, many times.

As with most romance stories, the two don’t get along at first, but are drawn together time and again due to the fire-starting chemistry that can’t be doused to embers. In their confrontations, though, you acquire truths about them from child to adult, learning what makes them who they are, and who they will become. There were a few instances where I had to slow down to understand the writing dialect, as in the true Scottish accentuation I am not accustomed to, but truly love. It makes the story come to life.

It is an enjoyable story, well done, and in a few years, I will probably read and enjoy it all again. In the meantime, I will be reading other books by Lizzie Lamb. Thanks for this book, Lizzie. I am delighted you became an author. 

Vietnam 1969 Year of the Rooster By Patrick Keally, A Book Review

Intense and real. My two brothers went to Vietnam, and I have always had an idea of what they endured through my second brother. This book put the last stitch to the mural with the true events of what just one soldier bore. It was, in many ways, the same and in others better and worse than my own family. These events cannot be compared; only sadly absorbed as facts of incredibly torturous actions they experienced.

I have always been distraught over how much of our own country treated these valiant soldiers during and after the war. It was and is disgusting, and I always hoped they would get a grip and be thankful for the unwarranted war they had to fight. It was not their fault, and they suffered innumerable grievances for our country. Every person in our country.

Read this book for a glimpse into the real-life understanding of what was, the Vietnam war. 

Worth the Fight MMA Fighter #1 by Vi Keeland, A Book Review

 Vi Keeland does not disappoint if you want a fiery read. One book after another, the emotions from both partners are explored and enjoyed... passionately. They are love stories that show you true and complete love, one fulfilling the needs of the other, unconditionally. Of course, with any love story, they don't start without issues, including a lack of self-confidence, fear, and vulnerabilities. Hence, the story evolves with each other realizing and understanding new truths about themselves, and releasing their walls of protection, so they can experience the greatest of all blessings, love.

If you like details on the love life of a couple, this author delivers, and the story is a woven tale of enjoyment from start to finish.

Tredan’s Bane By Lita Burke, A Book Review

 

What a creative and fun story. It is not the usual writing I read; the author states many things in short, exact sentences. Yet it’s descriptive where it needs to be to engross you to turn the page for more. The characters complement the story and delight the senses. They weren’t doing irritating things, like ‘they should be smarter than that’ scenes, which I greatly appreciated.

I don’t want to tell more of the story because not knowing the creative weave of place and people makes it that much more pleasant to discover. Suffice it to say, I was impressed with the whole story from start to finish, and I am certain you will enjoy it too.

It is a love story, and I was so pleased with the whole thing; I definitely want to read more of Lita’s books. I will recommend this book to everyone. Great job, thank you!

Hero For Hire By C.B. Pratt, A Book Review

 Sometimes delving into a book can be slow and confusing as you get into the story and the characters. This was no exception, but only because you are in a totally different world from your own, which you need to learn and understand. 

Pratt is a colorful writer, rendering your senses alive and vibrant while you quickly turn the page for more information. It was a good story, with interesting characters that you either decisively liked and wanted to spend time with, knew there was something you didn't know yet about them, or just didn't like them at all. It was written to elicit a reaction rather quickly.

The story is entertaining, and at the end, you want to know what happens to that character next. You know the next book will be an interesting read from the created lead character and all the other characters he encountered in this one. 

The story was well done and enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.

It Lives In The Basement By Sahara Foley, A Book Review

 I enjoy reading stories that are supposed to delve into the nightmares, especially around Halloween, but most fail to raise my heart rate or evoke goosebumps. This story surprised me. I am actually still avoiding my basement now. I am not kidding.

Sahara has a letter in the story that the detective is reading in the house they are investigating. The tone and details of events described kicked it off into high gear of fear. Then she took it even further, expanding the cast and events.

I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't suggest you read it at night. Great job.

Zero Days by Ruth Ware, A Book Review

 Zero Days was a race: a race against time, and a race for justice. This alone kept the story moving. I had figured out ‘the who’ early on, but that didn’t detract from the fun and enjoyment of each page. Of course, I wasn’t certain until much later, but I was pleased that I had been right.

You will root for the lead character, Jacintha (Jack), and feel like you are just like her because she is a down to earth, everyday person. She resonates with everyone; Ruth creates her characters well.

Ruth also plays her scenes well. I had to reread one such scene that I put words into, expecting it to be so, and found out I was so wrong. I had to read it again to make sure I had read it wrong. She is a master. Well done.

I enjoyed this book as I have others of hers and recommend this one to anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced and thrilling read.