Psychotic Obsession (The Edge Of Darkness Trilogy) By Leigh Rivers, A Book Review

 This is an afterthought of the trilogy, because I think it was written after the series was complete, to further show the interaction between the main character, Kade’s mother and father. It untangles the intricacies of Kade’s mental development and, hence, how it all started. I am glad she wrote it because the series left a lot of questions unanswered that this book supplied.

Some slow-moving parts weren’t done in the other books, but it still hit the suspense and shock at times that the other books did. And, thankfully, the questions were answered, and I enjoyed the story.

If I had known this book was out, I would have liked to read it first. It doesn’t propel you to read the next one with a hanging ending. But the storyline is still there, moving to the next generation, and it is intriguing.

I recommend the whole series if you like intrigue, suspense, or just sexy, steamy scenes. Fair warning, for those who don’t like explicit, these books definitely are explicit, both sexually and dark, graphic murder, and even torture. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.

Restitution (The Edge Of Darkness Trilogy) By Leigh Rivers, A Book Review

 This is the third book of this series, and thankfully, I was satisfied with the ending. I have to say, though, reading through, I wasn’t sure if it was going to make it. This author is really great at making you wonder and shocking you with twists you don’t see coming. The psychological aspect is unbelievable and gripping.

I enjoyed the series, although it should also be under the horror genre, because some of it was really in that category. I am not a real fan of graphic horror, but the author’s ability to develop her characters and craft a realistic, suspenseful tale keeps you engaged. It makes you want to fight for them and turn every page to make sure they win in the end.

There is now a fourth book, which is really a back to the beginning of how this all started book, that I have now started reading. I am quite certain there will be twists I don’t see coming, and characters developed that again keep me turning the pages.

I would recommend the series, just warning of the explicit sex, which is expected in this genre, and also some very graphic and horrific things that stomp on your brain. I just read past it and keep going. If you, as a reader, can do that, then the story and characters will be an enjoyable read you won’t soon forget. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Voracious (The Edge Of Darkness Trilogy) By Leigh Rivers, A Book Review

 I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Explicit sex scenes, but I didn’t feel any of them were used as filler this time, and the story was great. This is a trilogy, and it didn’t disappoint, leaving the reader no choice but to get the final book after completing this one.

The characters were created and well written, giving the reader a solid footing to enjoy, and even hate and cry for them and the events that happened as the story developed. It was a great read, and most people will enjoy it. The scenes showed a very strong and heartfelt love between the main characters that no matter what happened, Stacey and Kade could not lose or have taken away from them. 

It is touching, loving, heartbreaking, shocking, and emotional throughout, keeping the pages turning and the story engaging without fail. Everyone would enjoy this romance even though parts of it are dark. It shows light and love triumph, which keeps our hearts pounding, and curiosity plunges us forward to read the end. 

This book doesn't just propel you to the next book; it demands it. Truly, you have no choice but to read the final book unless you want to dwell on suppositions about the ending forever. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Insatiable (The Edge Of Darkness Trilogy) By Leigh Rivers, A Book Review

 I was surprised. The book was promoted as a Young Adult book, and reading the ad caption, I thought it would be interesting. It was interesting all right, and now I want to find out what happens next, but I was totally unprepared for the content.

It is definitely not a YA book. When I went to Amazon to post a review, I looked to see what category it is in: Romantic Erotica. So, I am sure you now realize, it is completely explicit sex and some romance, but also suspense, and twists of a tale book.

I can read pretty much anything, but I don’t like thinking a book is one thing and realizing it is something else entirely. I did enjoy the story, but I thought the sex scenes were much more than necessary. It felt like filler sometimes, to add more pages, but it didn’t enhance the plot. Well, maybe to some it does. But for me, it stole time from the story's progression, stalling the plot.

I did enjoy the characters, though, which made it much more interesting and fun to read. Of course, now I have to read the second book because I am so curious as to where the author is going to take this. 

If you like to read steamy and explicit sex scenes with romance, you will enjoy this book. The story was well thought out and enticing you to read the next book as well. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.

The Day We Destroyed Earth By S.K. Apollo, A Book Review

 This story is apocalyptic, but the characters and the writing of the events make it seem real. Living it with them, turning the pages to stay in the story, was my reaction. I found it a great story and a fun adventure.

There are times in the book where I didn’t like parts, like spiders. I hate spiders, and I really don’t want to read about them, but it was still real and engaging enough to keep me reading. There were some writing issues, but nothing that would deter me from completing the book and thoroughly enjoying it.

The characters were interesting and actually true to real-life actions, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I could believe it from every angle. The parts about our and the world governments are so true, it is disturbing. Then the passages of what we, the people, need and must do are also true to a frightening degree.

I would suggest reading this book for numerous reasons, but the first is that it is a great story you will enjoy, and it will leave you thinking about it even after it's read. More than once. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Passionate Magic By Dawn Addonizio, A Book Review

 This was a fun, fantasy romance with a little mystery stirred in.

The characters were fun and emotionally developed to grant a feeling of camaraderie with the reader. This being a fantasy, you, of course, had some unrealistic events, but that made it a pleasant and entertaining venture.

If you like romances, fantasy, or not, you will enjoy this book. 

Into The Storm: Evidence Under Fire By Rachel Grant, A Book Review

 This book is gripping action from start to finish. And, truth be told, it is also a churning romance, the ups and downs of a roller coaster ride.

Audrey an archeologist, is in a dangerous military exercise during a outrageous winter storm.. Xavier is a military officer, and the other part of the romance/frenemy. A training exercise that brings about surprises and entertaining events that you will enjoy reading..

The pace of this story with the two protagonists work together to exit their situation is suspenseful and complete with a sexual tension between them that keeps you turning the pages. I love that in stories, it is such fun to read.

If you like romances and suspense, you will enjoy this book..

 

Welcome to Antioch College: Book One of The Antioch Adventures By Mitch Goth, A Book Review

 Now I know this is a series, but this first book didn’t capture my interest enough to prompt me to continue to the next book.

The characters weren’t developed enough to grab me emotionally. There probably wasn’t enough writing to do that, but even so, I didn’t get attached at all. Then the plot wasn’t strong enough to keep me turning the pages, anxious to see what happened next. Again, was there not enough story written in the first book?

I am not sold on this series, so sadly, I have no desire to continue to the next installment. I guess I am too conditioned to getting the whole story or at least a big portion of it, to be propelled to the next part. I could only give this 3 out of 5 stars for effort

The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling By L.J. Thomas, A Book Review

 L.J. Thomas writes the whole story as each main character records their thoughts and antics in their diaries. I really enjoyed that. It gave you each character’s perspective of what happened, but also what the other characters saw and felt about the others in their entries.

The story is well written, compelling you to turn the next page as the events unfold, to find out what happens next. Since this is a retelling, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the telling. If you like the fantasy/fairytales/folklore stories, you will definitely enjoy this one. The story is well done and done well in the historical time frame.

The Headmistress Of Rosemere (Whispers On The Moors, #2) By Sarah E. Ladd, A Book Review

I love reading romances, especially those that are subtle and yet stirring. This book is set in the early 1800’s with factual support of true life at that time. The story is fun. An entertaining read.

The characters are kept in the personalities Sara Ladd created, which are realistic and nonapologetic. They are who they are, and each portrays their flaws as well as their gifts. That builds a bridge of emotional connection to each of them.

The story is simple because living in that era is unbelievable compared to today's technological state, so it keeps you wondering how they survived the cold or isolation, with no electricity and little communication, and many other things we take for granted now. Reading a book like this is an escape back to a calmer, slower time in those days, and it is fun, interesting, and peaceful.

I really enjoyed this story, and now I want to read Sarah’s other books. If you like romances, you will find this a fun read.

 

The Silver Shadow By Liz Tolsma, A Book Review

 Despite the murder aspect, this was quite a pleasant story to read. The characters are enjoyable, their personalities open and inviting or open and intriguing. The plot created a guess-who-did-it chase, and it was fun.

Based on a true crime story, it was an interesting and shocking read, realizing the crime actually happened. Real people suffered the acts and felt the dire emotional impact.

The writing was well executed, maintaining a consistent pace, intrigue, and emotional connection that were enjoyable. I am quite certain anyone reading this book will enjoy it and any other book Liz writes.

House of Lights By Natalie Banks, A Book Review

 

This was a great story. It kept me turning the pages to find answers to the questions it raised throughout the chapters. It started strong and kept the pace up until the end.

The characters were well developed, so you could understand and relate to their turmoil, emotions, and joys. I surely didn’t want to live their lives, but it was interesting enough to want to hear all the details. The main character, Kate, was a normal person, just in the wrong place at the right time, causing her to question everything, including her own sanity.

The writing easily creates pictures in your mind with details that sharpen the images and enhance the emotions attached. I enjoyed not just the story, but the imagery she created. Anyone who likes thrillers, psychological thrillers, or mysteries will enjoy this book. I gave this book 5 our of 5 stars.

Village E3: Survival of the Human Spirit (Village E3, #1) By James Holler, A Book Review

 

An interesting story, with an ending that confused me somewhat. This is the first of a series, so now it makes me want to see how the second one goes.

The writing was simplistic, and I wondered if it was due to the target age group. I am not sure. The descriptive writing gave a vision of what was happening, but again, it was a basic structure for me. I am used to the weaving details that keep your mind moving to the next scene without a stutter or stop, breaking the connection. It did, however, give you the full picture of who, what, and where, with keen interest, just with a different style of writing.

I did like the story. It kept the interest and questions of what happened ongoing throughout the book. There were three main characters in the story, starting with one, then introducing the other two. There were gaps in the storyline that I thought should be there, though, such as the backgrounds of the characters. Getting past that, the rest was enough to keep the plot intact, keeping you reading.

Although I had more questions that didn’t get answered, hopefully they will be revealed in the second book. I think readers would enjoy this story. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars for the interesting concept outweighing the issues I had with the writing.

KARA: Seeds of the Universe (Astrex #2) By Peter Beard, A Book Review

 This is the second book of this series, and I really enjoyed the first one. So I expected the second one to be as good, but it had some moments that drew me into a faded view.

The start of this book was very confusing and beyond most understanding. The words didn’t fit together in the overall picture. I felt like it was fluff, allusions to what the story was about, instead of a real, solid read of the story. So that thwarted my enthusiasm, and I actually had to put the book down and read another for a bit.

The rest of the story went pretty well, though, and I did enjoy it. I am hesitant to read the next one when it is available, even though I do want to find out what happens next and how. I do understand now what the author was saying in the first part of the book, but it only happened after reading much more of it. Maybe that part should have been after the next part, look back. I don’t know, but it complicated things for me.

The whole story of the two books is interesting, and I am glad I read them. I believe, without revealing any of the great parts, that others would enjoy the story too. The characters are explored, developed, and lovable, keeping you in the whole plot. The sci-fi part is also engrossing, which I particularly like because it is a world you can create and develop however you like. It is fun and exciting to see the creativity, as long as it doesn’t go beyond the believable.

I would recommend this series so far to any of the sci-fi fantasy readers who want action, steady, or fast-paced stories that you can connect to and thoroughly enjoy. I rated this 4 out of 5 stars.

Out Of The Box Everlasting-Book 3 of the Out Of The Box Series By Jennifer Theriot, A Book Review

 After reading the second book of this series, I had to immediately read the third. From my reactions of the first book, to the happy findings in the second, I had to read the finishing saga in the third to complete my quest for answers.

I am content, satisfied with the family events and all the emotional baggage and trauma that came with it. It felt real. Exciting. Disappointing. Sad. All the things real life is, and you were crying, excited, and rooting for each member of this family.

I really enjoyed each book, each event they endured or celebrated, and I was sad to see them go. Writing well pulls the reader into the story so deeply that the characters become part of your life. This saga does just that.

Out Of The Box Regifted-Book 2 of the Out Of The Box Series By Jennifer Theriot, A Book Review

 

This is the second book of this series, and I wrote the following about the first book. ‘I was disappointed in the holes and doubts the characters' personalities created. I think it should be tweaked and revised to bring the reader into the story to root for and hope for their great moves to successful growth, not just happiness because of others’. As for the saying: if wishes were horses, beggars would ride, this book puts a solid stamp of thank you on my first book thoughts. In other words, the characters’ development is all it should be, and takes the reader along with it, every step. The truth of emotions is, you are never on a linear path, and this one is pleasantly no exception.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first, and there is one more to read, which, of course, I will.

The story revolves around a family of older and young adults, who are living their lives as best and happily as they can. As with any life, there are things they don’t see coming, and things they don’t like, but pulling together in tragedy and celebrations, keep them strong and deliberately loving to weather and enjoy each day they have together.

The emotions are strong, every single time, so enjoy each page. I did.

Kara: The Astrex Series, Book 1 By Peter Beard, A Book Review

 

A book that grabs you from the first page, holding you tight through the very last one.  I was excited from the start. I knew this was going to be a great book from the very first page.

There aren't many books that can do that. I was so happy to have found another one. Peter writes with emotion, even in his hard-hitting action scenes. It keeps you in the present and enduring all the twists, turns, and hits that his characters experience.

As I said, it is gripping. It is exciting, and the pace is flying like the wind. There is no boredom or thinking hurry up, because you are already into the next twist or turn. I can’t imagine anyone not finishing this story and eagerly reading the next.

Kara is a character who seeks to learn who she is, who her parents really are, and what her purpose is. She is deeply loyal and protective of her close circle of friends. She doesn’t have any biological family alive, or does she? She always thought she was alone in that realm, so she sought answers from anywhere she could. The answers were dangerous, but they had no clue why.

Reading this book was a breeze because you quickly became engrossed in the story, reading many chapters before you even thought to take a drink from your cup. I gave this story 5 stars out of 5 for the story itself, and the writing was so enveloping, you couldn’t and didn’t want to escape. Loved it.

The Wrong Family By Tarryn Fisher, A Book Review

 

It was confusing at first, trying to figure out what was going on, but I’m certain that was intended. Then it was chilling, and again, intended. As the story slowly slid into place, it was clear that not everything can be discerned from clues. Sometimes you need cold, hard facts, no matter how disturbing they may be.

Winnie, Nigel, Sam, and Juno have all struggled to live a happy, good life. Why each did what they did, though, most likely can’t be understood or put into logical order, especially for a reader who wouldn’t do what they did. But the comprehension of people’s actions cannot be reasoned out very often, so pull your thoughts tight and move on. This is what made the story disturbing, and it could very well be true. Who’s to say with what was presented? It made for an interesting read just the same.

It isn’t a can’t-put-down book, an unstoppable page-turner, but it keeps you reading just the same as you try to figure it all out. I liked the story because it wasn’t dull, slow, or crazy impossible. It was a sad story with troubled characters who are believable because the writing justifies their actions and keeps you reading.

I would recommend this to others. I only gave it 4 stars out of 5 because in my world, I need to know more. I want the characters to be understood and felt to the core, especially by the end of the book. There were too many unanswered questions for me, but I still enjoyed it.

Outworlder: A Star Wanderers Novelette By Joe Vasicek, A Book Review

 

This story was a quick read, of course, because it is a novelette, some would believe. But, in truth, some novelettes aren’t quick because the story is too poor to keep reading it, or it’s undeveloped, making it impossible to follow, or even want to.

This story was done well. The characters were developed as realistically as possible due to the space available, so I enjoyed them. Had this been a longer story, and the characters even more revealed, I would have loved them.

This book is a good, fun, and quick read. I am sure you will enjoy this one. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars

The Exception By Vi Keeland, A Book Review

 

I have read other books by Vi Keeland, and I have enjoyed every one of them. They are real stories, emotionally strong, and interesting. They aren’t written just to be explicit romance. Many of the more explicit romance books don’t have well-formed stories that embrace romance for the sake of romance and love. Hers are full of emotion, romance, and a great story to boot.

This story is no exception to the quality of her books. Well written, engrossing, and highly emotional, all of which lead to a great romantic story you’ll enjoy. The characters, Sutton and Jagger, are well-developed and enjoyable. They get tripped up on things from their past, which keeps the story interesting and endearing.

I enjoyed this book a lot. There are explicit sex scenes, so beware if you prefer less descriptive content. I would recommend all books by Vi Keeland, if you like romance, great stories, and a fun read. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Slivers of Memory )Chosen Legends, #0) By A. J. Dasher, A Book Review

 

This was a fun read. The action and intrigue were non-stop. A page turner that didn’t end on the last page. Now I have to buy the sequel. Probably all of them.

The characters were being developed page after page, but leaving you wondering and yearning for more information. I love this type of writing. It keeps you glued to each page until there are no more to read.

Arctic, what a great name for this character. Once you read about him you will understand why. River, another awesome name for her. I have nothing bad to say about this book. The story, the writing, and the characters are all wonderful.

Buy this book if you like fantasy and intrigue. You will enjoy it. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Year Of The Lynx By Lizze Lane, A Book Review

 

This was a long book for me. The story was interesting, but I felt like it took too long to get to the end. There were a lot of things happening, but it didn’t hold my feet to the fire, a must-see what happens next feeling. Maybe the love interest should have started sooner, I don’t know.

The main character, Morcant, I came to enjoy and feel for. But it took a long time to get there. Lizzie wrote the characters well; you knew how they thought and what they felt for the most part. They were woven into the story well, also, so I am not sure what exactly slowed me down from staying deep into it, anxious to know what would happen next.

I did enjoy the story overall; it is a good read, and others will certainly enjoy it. The writing is done well, the story is constantly moving, and history abounds, so it is an interesting read. History buffs would certainly love it. Due to the second sentence above, I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.

Dark Secrets By Ruth Milligan, A Book Review

 This story was surprising. The characters, scientists, worked at a lab in an advanced future that had destroyed our planet. That travesty caused mutations that normally occur to be amplified in animals and transferred to humans. Finding the cure was a race and fraught with ill intent, psychological trauma, and dedication to do what is right, humane and urgently needed to save lives.

Surprising, because I expected the characters to be more explored, or exposed, might be a better word. I wanted to root for them, but I didn’t have a character identified enough that I loved and cheered for. Maybe a more in-depth creation would have helped that. Anyway, if I were asked about Adam or his fellow scientists and what made them tick, I couldn’t really tell you.

It is a good story, but I feel it glides over the top of the details that would draw one into the center of it, making it memorable and wanting more. It is a page turner because you want to see if they succeed in their mission, and the pace is well done. And there is a character you instinctively dislike; writing about her was not mistaken or questioned, really.  How Ruth set the adversary up is how she should do the others.

I would still recommend reading the book; it is a good story and as I said, a page turner. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.

Out Of The Box Awakening By Jennifer Theriot, A Book Review

 

This story is a romance novel with the older generation, but it didn’t dampen or dull the senses due to the age of the characters; it woke them up. I felt it was sometimes patronizing of the elderly, as if age mattered concerning emotions. We put the limits on what people of certain ages can or should do, so I wasn’t in favor of that subtle nuance.

The main character was lovable and fun, but almost too much. Her new companion was a great person, and a little too perfect. Together, they were fun to follow, but left me doubting it could ever be true, believable, which taints the story a bit. I want happy endings, fun lives, and exciting adventures, but real life just doesn’t walk that easy path. So I wavered. My faith in the story, the characters, and the path became questions and doubts. Olivia was strong-willed, but without the confidence to venture forth alone, no matter what she thought about it. Some of the steps in the story were left unresolved, which piled onto the already questionable actions. Ash, the compliment to Olivia, was a little too perfect. With no flaws, he became a fairytale, one you couldn’t even see in the ending as real.

I did enjoy the story mostly, but I was disappointed in the holes and doubts the characters' personalities created. I think it should be tweaked and revised to bring the reader into the story to root for and hope for their great moves to successful growth, not just happiness because of others. I felt as if the character couldn’t have accomplished this on her own; she needed the perfect Ash to get her there. It was a dependent resolution, and that was unfortunate. The writing, overall, was good, though, so I still gave it 4 stars out of 5.

The Siege of Baradesh By Brad Stucki, A Book Review

 

A story to learn from and a delight to read. The book is well-written, well-versed, and told in a way that keeps you reading and your mind engaged with many thought-provoking ideas.

Reading the author’s notes at the end gripped me, making the story even more stunningly important. This book tells a story, a lesson we all should heed, learn, and practice. What a different society and culture we would have today if we had and did heed the lessons of the story.

Caleb, the heir, is not only brave and intelligent, but he also absorbed the knowledge given and utilized the keys to wisdom that Silas, his guardian, taught him. Recognizing the tragedies of the past is one thing, but creating a better future with wisdom is quite another. This story is not only entertaining, it is also a valuable lesson for everyone to learn, and hopefully, wisely, enact.

This is a timeless tale that everyone should read, and all will thoroughly enjoy.

Winter Star in the Scottish Highlands Book 2, By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

 Lizzie Lamb is an author who never disappoints. Another ‘hit it out of the park’ book that you enjoy too much to put down. This is the second book in this series; the first one is ‘Dark Highland Skies’. At the end of this book, Lizzie says Tor and Halley are her two favorite characters, and she’s not ready to let them go yet. I don’t want her to let them go yet either, but there are only these two books in the series, so…I will have to deal with that.

The writing is so involved, showing intrigue, passion, truths, deceit, and even contrition, giving the characters depth and relevance on each page. I can’t get enough of her novels, so I am sure you will see another review of another one of her books soon. If you read one, you will read another. Enjoy.

My Darling Bride (The Darlings, #1) By Ilsa Madden-Mills, A Book Review

 

What a fun read. The story was a pleasure to dive into and enticing without fail, page after page. The pace was constant, void of boring pauses, and the characters were lovable. That keeps you reading even if the story is not very good. Thankfully, it was a great story and entertaining.

There is some explicit sex, but not the whole book, for those who don’t read explicit romances. The characters shine in Lisa’s writing, leaving you with a sense that you really know them in real life. There are funny parts I had to laugh out loud at, and even exasperating parts that actually felt real, meaning my friends or I would have done that sort of thing.

A lot of romance novels are predictable and tried-and-true, with nothing new or fun. This book hits the mark; I would recommend it to everyone who likes romances. You will enjoy the story Lisa weaves.

Awakening, Book 2 of TheFortress Series By Lisa M. James, A Book Review

The second book was well worth the time to read. The pace was good with no downtime to let my mind wander. The ending was also great, and answered the many questions from the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The score is settled for Isaac and Kiatra, with their love on display for everyone to see. It was a story not lost in the weeds of deception as the two braved the turbulence of power and greed in their lives, fighting for justice and peace with love as the hidden truth. They both want to be secure, safe in their place in life, and free to love and enjoy the normal life easily afforded to others. Getting the courage to show their truth of love and hope was a long, hard road, but they did get there, and it was a breath-expelling moment of relief. They made it, and while they are all the better for it, it also soothes your soul.

If you read the first book, you can’t miss this second one. It completes the circle of questions with answers. There is a large leap from a depth of despair to a love from which the true heart and soul of faith resides. It’s a great story with an ending that calms the emotional heart-wrenching events, to a comforting and soothing peace and contentment.

 

The Riddle of Prague By Laura DeBruce, A Book Review

A story like the scavenger hunt game, with a riddle to solve and the discovery of whom to trust. It is a non-stop, moving story with questions galore, wondering who is who in the big picture, and how it will all end.

I did enjoy the story and kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next, and I was not disappointed. There were many characters, but they were essential to the story and all its twists and turns.

I don’t want to give anything away about the story and possibly ruin your fun of guessing and discovery. So, suffice it to say, this was fun to read, and I would read the sequel. 

Premonition The Fortress, #1 By Lisa M James, A Book Review

 

Premonition is just that, a sight of the future that one young man could see. It is a great story, without dead zones, waiting for the story to move forward. That made the story easy to read, quickly.

The characters stayed true to their initial depiction, evolving a little, but still staying true to their core being. So you knew what to expect of them, and wanted to emotionally coax them to ‘get it together’ sometimes, too. The pace and details were involving and entertaining. There were some scenes that I didn’t like, or maybe prefer is a better word, but they seemed to be needed for historical relevance.

Isaac was tormented by his gift and lived life hiding it. He also suffered family issues because of it. Kiatra was a priestess, set on discovering all Isaac’s secrets while ruling the kingdom without appearing weak or showing favoritism toward Isaac.

I really enjoyed the story. It was different, well-paced to keep me reading, and written to draw you in and keep you there. I liked it so much, I just bought the sequel, so I can find out what happens next. If you want a good, fun, engaging read, get this book.

Dark Highland Skies By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

Another great romantic read by Lizzie Lamb. I have read several of her books, and not one has disappointed my criteria of ‘needs to be’ for a good story.

In this story, the life experiences and determinations of Halley Dunbar feel real, authentic, and so emotional. It could be you or your friend; it is so true to life. The feelings the author writes for her get transferred to your heart, leaving you hanging on to her story, hoping she gets the ending you want her to have, so your heart can beat normally again. The same is true for Tor. His need for healing and finding the right person to share his life with is a prescription many face, and most likely another person you feel you know.

Granted, the story is quick down the love tunnel, but isn’t it always? I don’t think we fall in love on a slow boat; we just don’t realize the depth of our feelings at first. We are slow to entertain feelings a lot of the time, doubting ourselves. Halley is right there, denying, postulating her thoughts, and shunning the truth of her investment. Tor, on the other hand, is certain of his love but cautious of committing, knowing she won’t be staying in Scotland. She has a career elsewhere, and he doesn’t want to make her choose because he is certain it would not be him. Their emotional dance is wrenching and sometimes irritating because we can see the whole picture of what both are thinking, but if you only see from one of them at a time, it is so real to life, it’s eye-opening. I see it in myself and others as we navigate our relationships, which makes this an immersive story of romance.

This story is romantic, nicely paced, and emotionally detailed without being sexually explicit. A well-done journey of love and life. If you like romance stories, you will enjoy this one.

Trials of Hallion, Two of Swords #1 By Maria Greene, A Book Review

This was a complex story that took you from real New York to Scotland and then to other dimensional realms. The scenes were described with a detailed eye, but it was truly difficult for me to follow and absorb them from a simplistic view of what was happening. I don’t know if it was the new world that I couldn’t understand, or the plot. What exactly was happening to whom or why, maybe more importantly, was elusive to me.

This is a fantastical, magical story that leaves nothing common, boring or untouched with mystical fantasy from another level of experience. An animal becomes a person, a land becomes an evil and oppressive existence, but the emotions of the people fighting to survive and mend the tragedy are real, raw, and felt by the reader.

The story is long as they traverse the continents, fighting to save the light and good from being overcome by the dark. It is an interesting and colorful story that keeps you wondering how it came about and how it was going to end. Authors can be so creative that you wonder how they thought it up and developed it into a story. This story is just that.

I enjoyed the story even with my silly difficulties. If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy, you will like the story and its explicit delivery, creating a magical world you won’t forget. I gave this 5 stars mostly for creativity.

 

About Hana (The Hana Du Rose Mysteries #1) By K.T. Bowes, A Book Review

This was an interesting and somewhat complex story, which I had a difficult time immersing myself in the whole plot. I couldn’t figure out where the story was going, and felt the immensely descriptive and detailed writing was fluff covering an undefined picture. Wordy. Verbose overkill, and yet I couldn’t stop reading, page after page. Something about that very writing I was questioning kept me intrigued, excited, and stuck to the story I was trying to figure out.

I’m sure glad I did, too. Even with the rough beginning for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and want to read the sequel. The characters were real, giving me the exasperation and exhilaration any other person would feel at the different times in the story. Hana was complex and yet simply sweet in living with and addressing her demons and life-changing experiences. Logan was a puzzle. Only some things were revealed about him in this book, so there are a lot of questions you would love to have answered, hence the sequel and its appeal.

I have enjoyed other books by this author, and this was no exception. I was surprised by my complications at the beginning of this book, but not surprised by the artistry of her writing in creating such a great story. This is a great read, and you will want to read the sequel, too.

 

Cyborg Spell Shop: A Harkon Colony Short Story By James Chalk, A Book Review

 

A very short story, and fast paced. It was interesting and could have been expanded for a longer book, but entertaining just the same.

The story can't really be told here without giving it all away, but it was a surprise ending and kept you turning the pages.

It's a good, quick read for fun.

Girl In The Castle By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

 

Another great romance story, fun to read, and engaging all the way to the end. I haven’t read a story by Lizzie Lamb that wasn’t fantastic.

Henri, short for Henriette, is a professor and a romantic. Although she has denied herself the love marriage, kids path as she sought her academic goals, this new interim job changes everything. Henri is not impressed with the heir to the dilapidated castle, so just doing her work of cataloging the library is her avoidance tactic, and it works. Right?

Keir, the heir, isn’t so impressed with Dr. Bruar either. That is, until he gets to know her, and a lot happens in between it all. The story keeps going, one event, or emotion, or person to another, keeping you engaged and entertained. Waiting for these two to recognize their attraction is fun. There were laughs, surprises, and even sorrow in a great story, so very fun to read.

If you like romances, you will really enjoy this book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

 

The Errant Flock-The Flock Trilogy #1 By Jana Petken, A Book Review

 

This story is a dark, mysterious telling, consistent with times as portrayed by historians. I love stories in this timeline. The story sparks truth and entices the reader to seek comfort for the characters, the only way they can, by turning to the next page. Page after page.

Written with character depth and intrigue, Jana didn’t skip sordid details or gut-wrenching emotions, which gave the characters broad, eventful lives. She also kept to the beliefs of the time, grounding them in their reality, as difficult and crazy as it was at the time.

Stories of this era are fraught with power plays and control of the people, which seem to always be present even today. In this case, however, the good guys suffering don’t end up the sole victors, which keeps it interesting. The emotional and physical impact of the events is felt by all and carried on by those who survive.

The ending left me wanting to read the next book, even though the trauma in some of it was hard to read. Light overpowers dark, and I want to make sure that happens, one page at a time.

If you enjoy historical tales that accurately depict the past, then you may like this book. The story is not a faint-of-heart, whimsical tale. It stays in the realm of what times were like then, so be prepared, and enjoy the tale. The book was worth reading. It was written well, and I gave it 5 stars out of 5.

Harper’s Highland Fling By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

 

Another fun and enjoyable romance story. I have not been disappointed with any of Lizzie Lamb’s books ever. This story is entertaining from start to finish.

The characters are great! I loved all of them and would be friends with them if they were real and in my orbit. They all developed through the story, and surprises were had at many turns. Revelations were not just unexpected at times; they were welcomed accomplishments of character growth as well. It was so lovely to read a romance that made you feel like you were a part of the group, and rooting for them all.

Romance stories can be intimate in detail or intimate in the telling of each character’s emotions, thoughts, and actions of vulnerabilities or perseverance. This had a telling of the latter, which kept you reading, and turning the pages, waiting for love to win the dance. The character creations of Harper and Rocco were woven into an imaginative and inspiring love story, showing that you never know what can happen in life. Realizing the gifts given and taking action in time, though, is the trick. I thank Lizzie for creating them so uniquely and writing this story with such an engaging quality. It is a story very worth reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, if you couldn’t tell, and recommend it to anyone wanting an entertaining romance story that leaves plenty of intimate details to the imagination. I had to give this 5 out of 5 stars.

Tagged: The Apocalypse" by Joseph M. Chiron, A Book Review

 

A zombie apocalypse with subtle biblical references and prophecy, written with moving scenes of death and horror, keeps the story moving at a fast pace. I don’t really like zombies; they seem too unbelievable to me. In this story, however, they are quite a bit different, moving faster, having some intellect, and posing a little more difficult to kill because of it. Yet they don’t like light, so that creates a way to defeat them also.

The zombies I can get used to, but the debauchery of the people is disturbing to me. I get that it is most likely to happen, at least all the stories generally present that scenario, but it does not entertain me to read about it, so I could have done without that. I also had a hard time following where the characters were going and how they really escaped some situations. I couldn’t form a clear picture in my brain of the setup or the movement in a lot of cases.

The story was unique, though, and held its own. I would want to read the next book, to continue following the characters and what happens, to the end. I would just have to skip over any more wickedness or horror, but I don't see a book 2 available, so if you read this, don't be disappointed with no real ending. I had to give this a 3 out of 5 stars.