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.

Chaysing Memories Book 2 by Jalpa Williby, A Book Review

Book two of the romance novel that grabs your heart, wins another five stars.  The continuing saga is nothing shy of thoroughly entertaining.

The characters have developed some, especially Tess with her maturity.  Her graceful step up and Chayse's virility connect so strongly that they seep into your psyche and mesh for quite some time.  I found myself thinking about the story long after it ended, and since there is one more sequel, wondering what would happen next.  I know what I want to happen, and I can only hope my wishes come true.

The second book resumes pretty much where the first one left off and didn't have a lot of back story that you had to read.  I like that.  Because, if you haven't read the first one, what are you doing reading the second one of a series?  I don't want to help you get the picture; I want to get on with the show.  Fortunately, this book gets right on with the show and I was not disappointed with it either.  It was fun, well paced and easily engrossed you with the characters and their lives.

Tess was a very naive young girl in the first book, but comes into her own in the second.  The great part is, the love story actually brings her to fruition and Chayse was developed to sizzle the picture.  This guy was... well let's just say I hated it when he wasn't in the scene.  Crazy?  Yeah, I know.  But, he was just my kind of guy, and he is what made the story so great for me.  Tess was interesting, but being female, she didn't quicken my heart.  Know what I mean?

The love scenes again are well written without being offensive or crude.  They were much more tender but passionate and driven which fit the story perfectly.

The supporting characters came more into the story line this time giving some depth to Tess and Chayse.  It gave them more substance and credibility allowing the reader to feel more of their emotions and understand some of their thoughts outside of the immediate scene.  It was just well done.

Many times romance novels can be pretty predictive, not only in steps but concept as well.  I didn't feel that way with this story.  It wasn't earth shattering events, well some were actually quite, okay enormously surprising, and even when they weren't I couldn't predict how things would unfold.  I love that.

Truly, I enjoyed this book immensely.  I felt my heart beats match their steps and hope they won, and didn't want it to end.  This is a great book and well written which I thoroughly enjoyed, that you need to buy for a great journey.

Free From The Tracks by K. T. Bowes, A Book Review

Sohpia and Dane find each other, love and life.

Sophia had a hard time with social interactions.  She did well in school academically, but socially she was a wreck.  Written for young adults, they will easily be able to relate.  Her saving grace is meeting a young boy named Dane.

Dane, due to Sophia's introversion, has to make the first move.  Of course being in the awkward stage they are, neither one handles the encounter as well as they'd like.  So the uncertainties bubble to the surface and they learn how to deal with them in the normal raw and uncensored way we all do.  Their feelings are exposed and met with disdain from some and encouragement from others.  How they weave their way to a secure place, is wonderful.

Kate has a way of bringing you into their world, feeling their emotions, and living their lives before you even realize you're there.  You feel their sorrows, pains and joys and you love every minute of the journey.

This book is one of a series and you can be sure, they will all be read once the first one is opened.  The everyday lives of some are what we may be far removed from, so reading a story that's told so real and simply, gives a depth to your soul that wasn't there before.  This story will leave a mark of growth on your soul, and march you to the enlightenment of love and compassion beyond what your normal life may give.

These books should be given to all youth.  Their impact would be strong and good as well as entertaining.

Tam Lin by Heather Osborne, A Book Review

A short little tale that brought back memories of stories written long ago.

This story has been told many times in many ways, so you'd think it would be tiring to hear it again.  But if the author is adept, she will take you on a journey like you've never been there before.  Heather does quite well with that, and the story does keep you thinking about the next scene.

The love scenes were more graphic than I like, preferring to be able to paint my own final picture, but it kept you turning the pages.  I really liked the writing of the character's accent, it brought them to life and the descriptive settings made it complete. 

Overall it is an interesting short tale.  The journey will stick in your mind long after the last page, and if you're like me, take you to another era and another place.

Ill Fated by Evelyn Ink, A Book Review

This fantasy takes you on a journey that was everything but slow, boring, or stale.  The creative mind of the author kept you engaged and watching a great movie play out as fast as you could read it.

From the beginning of the book I wondered what was going to happen and that never changed.  The character was anything but perfect which made you enjoy her even more.  You saw her as a real person, not a perfect part of a real person.  In fact at the end it was like saying goodbye to a new friend.  I really wanted there to be more, and at the very end of the book I read she is now writing a sequel.  This book does and can stand alone.  The story ends on a good note, but how Evelyn wrote the story, you really got to enjoy these characters and want to spend some more time with them.  You know, I wondered what they would do next.  And I'll bet most everyone else will too.

Leila is the main character that flows on a quest from an affluent upbringing to the ills of dirt, danger and horrors.  She doesn't become a person using her background to let others take the lead or do the dirty work.  Her actions and reactions don't really surprise you once you get to know here, in fact they give you satisfaction.  She's straightforward, non-assuming, and honest.  That's her first quality, and far from her last.  Her determination makes you root for her, and her morals gain your respect.  She keeps you interested, entertained and happy to see what she does next.  Interested yet?

Who she meets along her quest, and how the story unfolds will bring surprises and awwhh moments that only enhance the storyline.  What I really watched for was the development of a romance between Leila and Cyrus.  It was on the fringes and yet circumstances had to keep it at bay.  Evelyn was good at keeping the emotions there yet not dwelling on them which I think could have made the storyline less exciting and more assuming than it was.  She did bring that subject to the surface at the very end though, which only made me want more of them both.  See what I mean?  It needs a sequel.

The story is about a young girl on a quest she knows little about, to prove she can lead the people of her ruling father's kingdom.  What she discovers in the quest changes her life, her knowledge and her destiny.  It's a well written and highly entertaining story that anyone who enjoys fantasy or a mystery will love to read.  I know I will now be reading her other books because a good writer usually has some great stories.  Enjoy friends!