Savage Bonds By Sable Wynn, A Book Review

 So, yes, I did read the last book of the series. I just wanted to know how the story ended for real, so my imagination didn’t wander. As I have said in the other book reviews, the story itself was pretty good, but could have been phenomenal for me had the romance truly been a romance. There was no such thing in the whole series.

That lack of romantic interplay ruined the whole series for me, and I honestly can’t recommend this to anyone unless they don’t mind a story that hints at romance but never delivers. I could only give this 3 stars.

Savage Claimed By Sable Wynn, A Book Review

This is the second book in the series, and, for me, the romance was missing. From the first book, I expected the romance to develop in the next. Not so. To me, romance is way more than just sex scenes, and I am not into the multiple-partners gambit either. So even though the rest of the story was creative and interesting, this part tainted it for me.

The other characters, besides the main one, Sera, were also not defined enough for me to understand why they were emotionally where they were. Some tidbits were revealed later, but nothing to keep me rooting for any of them as the story evolved. Then again, it could be the lack of romance, which this story was supposed to be, that let me easily brush them all aside. Either way, I was terribly disappointed.

I have the third book and I am teetering on the edge of to read, or not. I could only give this 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Savage Mates By Sable Wynn, A Book Review

 The rest of the title, ‘A Reverse Harem Shifter Academy,’ clues you in to a little more about the story, but it's still surprising.

The romance (or is it?) is a little weird for me, but the mystery of what is happening, along with what the lead character Sera is physically experiencing, keeps the story moving and developing.

I enjoyed the story and didn’t want to stop reading, hoping the answers I wanted would be revealed. Then at the end of this first book, it’s clear that what I thought was a major answer is only the tip of the iceberg. For the author, it's a great setup; for me, it compels me to read the next book.

If you enjoy romance, particularly paranormal romance, then you will enjoy this book. The story is good, and I believe the romance that I imagine will develop over time. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars for the story and creativity. The romantic category, I believe will shine much brighter in the next book.

The Lies We Lived (Broken Empire Series Book 1) By Eve Campbell, A Book Review

 This is a romance with mafia-fueled trials, escapes, and survival tactics throughout. It reads like a Godfather saga, but the romance keeps it centered on the lead characters and rooting for their survival.

It’s the typical romantic angst that keeps the two from agreeing, accepting, or believing in what the reality of their lives together truly is.

The author gives both sides of the story, showing how each feels, wants, and needs. That keeps you connected to them and hence their story.

If you like romance and intrigue, and can handle, or look past, brutal violence at times and cold-blooded murder, then you will enjoy this story for the romance that I believe it was intended to be. I gave this 4 our of 5 stars.

Her Latest Disappearance by Jacie Middlemann, A Book Review

There are eight books in this story, but it should have been only one. I don’t know why it was split into eight. That said, I read all of them; mind you, the shortest one was only 38 pages long.

The story is interesting, mostly, but the characters' interaction, not just dialogue, was too simplistic to hold my interest. They overthought, or the author overexpressed their thoughts and maybe personalities, which seemed to draw a curtain over the words that I didn’t want to lift. I felt it made them sound ridiculous instead of well-experienced, expert, and intelligent beings I think the author was trying to convey.

Next, even though the story keeps you turning the pages with its paced disclosures of new facts to support finding the whole picture of what was going on, the final facts missed the mark for me. I never did get the reveal that closed the book. I thought I missed something, but going back, I still didn’t have the answers I wanted.

Hence why I could only give this four stars out of five. It’s a mystery that keeps you reading, but if you need concrete information to close it, I am not sure you will find it here, or maybe it’s just me. The story was still interesting anyways.

Beneath The Ice By Smith Richards, A Book Review

 This story is a creative, interesting concept from start to finish and makes you want to read the next book in this series.

The lead character, Mara (also known as Elara), discovers things she never thought existed, and it throws her for a loop intellectually and emotionally. The author's emotional writing keeps you immersed and looking for answers right along with the characters. The intellectual and creative writing entertains you throughout. Win, win.

I enjoyed this book, and I am anticipating the second one as well. If you enjoy sci-fi that grabs you from the start, you will appreciate this book, and most likely the whole series. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Fear The Night By Dianne McCartney, A Book Review

This is a sweet romance that is created with a new guy, Angus, in town. He arrives at just the right time to bring peace to his own life and help his new acquaintances, who turn into fast friends.

The book rides the why is Max afraid of the dark, wave for a while before it is revealed. Discovering that most people are affected by something is the basis I took from this story. And good or bad, all things have to be confronted and resolved to move forward.

Angus is a strong character, with a strong name that his six-year-old neighbor pronounces Agnus. That was cute. The other characters were just as engaging and memorable, making the story come together in a good way.

If you want a sweet, non-violent romantic read, then you will enjoy this book. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

 

Silent Watcher By Jon Cronshaw, A Book Review

The book was interesting, and the writing kept you wondering what was going on. Then you think you have figured it out, only to be surprised by another move and another concept to think about. It was challenging trying to figure out what was happening and what would happen next. I liked that.

This story is related to the series by Jon that I had read recently, and I enjoyed them, but this one was less evolving since it is a standalone, so I guess I prefer series. Anyway, it was still well done and intriguing.

The crimes (or not), the details and questions, and the storyline were well worth the read. If you like intrigue from beginning to end, you will enjoy this book. I know there will be a second book to this next year, 2027. That should be interesting.

 

Fortuna Redux-Rimrider Adventures Book 5 By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 The final book of the series ended well. It left a little wiggle room to continue the story, but still left you satisfied with the end. The story hit a good note, and the characters were set on a serene path that left you content.

The creativity, again, was most entertaining and kept the pages moving at a steady pace. Jane and her love, Mac, fight for each other, keeping you on your toes to the end because with this author, you never know what might happen.

The other characters were the same story, keeping you vigilant and reading each page as quickly as possible.

The story didn’t quell, didn’t conflict, nor stagnate. That is something a lot of authors struggle with, especially five books thick. That is a lot of story to control. Enjoy the read, my friends; it is worth the time spent. An engaging, entertaining adventure series. I once again gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Shadow Fleet-Rimrider Adventures Book 4 By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 The fourth book of this series gives the story even more thrills and twists you don’t expect and keeps the reader turning the pages. I once again loved and enjoyed the story.

The author brings the characters together, unites them with their need to win the war for freedom from the oppressors, and connects you emotionally to each of them. Their backstories, current situations, and emotions of it all are displayed so you can connect to them and feel their woes and joys. The catalyst to cement you to the whole story and each character.

Sci-fi creativity and great battle writing in this book are no less well done, and lead you to now expect nothing less from this author. The bar is set, and the author complies. Every time.

The book ends, compelling you to read the final book. You just have to know what exactly happens in the story and to each character. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Shadow Fleet-Rimrider Adventures Book 4 By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 Being the third book of the series, you are cautious of the story dipping or falling off the developed wave of fun and excitement from the first two books, but this book held the course. It was well-paced, creative, and very enjoyable.

Of course, there were instances where my mind said that couldn’t happen, or that is unlikely, but that just tells me I am still sane. The story is what it should be and really fun to read from start to finish.

Jane, the lead character, doesn’t disappoint with the adventures, attitude, and lovable persona. She is apparently very intellectually gifted to do all that she does, but it doesn’t keep the reader from enjoying her and the creative story.

I am once again glad I found this series, and I am moving on to the next book. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

When The Light Died: An Apocalyptic Mystery Thriller By Joshua T Calbert, A Book Review

 This book takes on an experience beyond what you would expect. The author immerses you in the story through intriguing, suspenseful characters that keep you turning the pages. I had to keep reading to find out what happened, and I couldn't even guess what would happen next or why.

I love those types of stories, and this author is a pro at it.

There are a lot of characters, and I have to admit I am not good at keeping them straight, but the author was consistent with each one, helping me along the way. The character backgrounds and the suspense that most of the characters created kept the story keen and moving at a steady pace, keeping the reader engaged with every word.

The story is intriguing and creative, written with intense wonder that leads to constant questions of what exactly is going on, from every angle.

I really enjoyed this book, and I believe any sci-fi reader will enjoy it and read the sequels. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Outlaw Jane (Rimrider Adventures, #2) By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 This second book of the series is just as good as the first, but with a little less action, which is fine. The story itself didn’t lose any punch because of it.

The characters kept you engaged and turning the pages when the story slowed a bit. Well, I can’t really say it slowed, but it just wasn’t as busy as the first one, I guess. Anyway, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Quite creative.

As with the first book, I now must read the next one, and I am happy with this author's creative mind. I have a feeling all her books are great, and I intend to find out.

If you like sci-fi with adventure, creative aspects and scenes, laughable moments, and even a little romance, you will definitely like this series. Great read. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars, and it was well deserved.

The Ex She Feared By J.C. Moore, A Book Review

 

This was a quick read. A story that’s based on a victim of domestic violence no longer having the normal, so-called protection in a functioning society due to an event, possibly global, that cuts the power, phones, and electronics. I say ‘so called’ because the protections offered in normal life are not even close to real protection for these victims. Anyway, the story is written to feel like you are in it with them. Looking over your shoulder, not trusting anyone, walking softly, quietly, observing everything. Crazy, and yet so real.

The characters are tuned to the current situation they are in. Few references are made to their past lives or their future goals. The present details and what is happening occupy their minds and actions almost 100 percent. So you can’t predict too much but wonder just the same. That does not bring me into their world to know, understand, or hope for them greater than the situation they're in.

The story was interesting, and one of the reviews made me wonder whether the reviewer had even read the book. None of what they said was true; it was just one of those people posting a low rating for their fun. It’s sad when I see that.

There were times when I had to go back and reread a part because I thought I had missed something. I didn’t; the story just skipped information. Not vital information, but for the flow, it was needed.

If you like psychological thrillers, you will like this story. Except for the skips, it was well done. But because of the skips, I could only give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

An Ear For Secrets (The Apex Kingdom #2) By LC Whitehouse, A Book Review

 

This, of course, is the second book of this series, and definitely not the last. Another interesting and fun story to read, and it pushes my need to get the next one when it’s published.

The characters, even though I feel I really know them from the first book, held some surprises in this one. The tender love between the two main characters keeps you glued to their trysts of thievery for the sake of justice and humanity. Rooting for them. Laughing with them. Enjoying their banter.

The loyalties amongst the group will keep you fixed in one direction, until you aren’t. The beliefs in them that emerge suddenly get questioned. Never assume - is the lesson here.

You will wonder what happens next, what lies hidden beneath each character's façade, and how they will each get through to the end. It’s a laid-out plan that never goes as planned and keeps you turning the pages to see what is next.

Another well-done story that thumps your heart and flutters your soul. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

A Taste For Lies (The Apex Kingdom #1) By LC Whitehouse, A Book Review

 

This story surprised me with its creative flair. Sometimes when the setting is outside normal reality, the authors have a hard time conveying the scene and emotions well enough for the reader to comprehend and dig into what is transpiring. Also, implanting thoughts or motions that hinge, enlighten, or prophesy other parts of the story are key to keeping the story a discovery.  These opportunities often get missed. Thankfully, this author did not disappoint. I think it was well done every time, from the beginning right to the end of the book.

The characters were developed, showing their past and present emotions with solid moves, thoughts, and conversations. Their interactions were realistic enough to evoke concern, irritation, and adoration, mixing these emotions at many levels, supporting the different scenes in the story. It kept me interested and glued to the story, compelling me to read the next book in the series. Which I will.

Well done, LC Whitehouse!

The Crimes of Colleen O’Byrnes By Jennie L. Morris, A Book Review

 

This is a story of surprise and worth reading. The main character, Colleen, was too aloof for me to fully understand or predict, and purposely so, I believe. It was a story that moved at a good pace, kept you guessing and trying to predict the next move, making it a mystery to solve.

The ending was totally unexpected because I thought I had a grasp of the characters’ psyches, but alas, I was mistaken.

It’s a quick read, if you like crime and suspense, that keeps you in the story throughout. I gave this 4 stars.

Allie’s War: Episode 1 by J.C. Andrijeski, A Book Review

 

I purchased this book some time ago, as a quick read to see if I would enjoy the author’s writing and storytelling.

The story was interesting, but I had a hard time following the action. I believe the characters went into other dimensions, or the ether, or something. I never quite figured it out. The characters had some depth established, but their connection to each other was not yet revealed, meaning you would have to continue to the next book for resolutions.

Moving forward was not a compelling thought for me, because I had such a hard time grasping the story in this short read, so I will not be moving to any other books at this time. I could only give this book 3 stars.

Rimrider(Rimrider Adventures-Book1) By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 This book was fun. I had adventure, creative aspects and sceness, laughable moments, and even a little romance. I enjoyed the whole story, and actually want to read more by this author, including the sequels to this book.

I did not know about this author or any of the other books she wrote before reading this one, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This novel is great, and not a run-of-the-mill sci-fi so many now are.

The characters were engaging and emotionally felt from start to finish. The main characters were wonderfully real, and their emotions and actions felt like they were right there beside you. I found myself smiling, sad, laughing, and rooting for them as their adventure unfolded. Great job.

I will be noting this author in the future; she’s a good one. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Moon City By Martin van Balkom, A Book Review

 This was a fun read. The story was an adventure with punctures of realities that aren’t too far-fetched. In some instances, harsh and real possibilities, if history and current events of people and their nature are any indication.

Even though thoughts of ugly truths ring in your ears at times, the story still entertained. Going to the moon as easily as the story writes is probably not so far off the mark. The set on the moon is believable and then not. Using guns for control, ripping holes in the containment system, you know, so people can still breathe and live in a vacuum environment, wouldn’t be the smartest move. But then again, I felt like the book is showing just how dumb and self-absorbed people are, can be, and may very well rise in the worst of times.

Next, we have the normals and intellectuals who rise above the chaos but won’t escape the destruction caused by the controllers. There are always controllers in these situations.

It was sad, exasperating, and yet entertaining throughout the book. A lesson on people is what I took away, and the facts and creations from the exploration and colonization of the moon were all fun and interesting.

I really enjoyed the story, and I believe any sci-fi person would like it as well. Although I didn't expect the ending, it is intriguing. For the entertaining story, and clean writing, I gave this book 5 our of 5 stars.