Reviews – What You Should Read Next

The Dysfunctional Test by Kelly Moran

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those great romances that you can’t put down and don’t want to end. I was in love with the hero. A little broken, a little bit macho, and just the right amount of vulnerable. The heroine is that girl that you can’t help but like. I couldn’t stop smiling after putting the book down and I instantly had to find another book by this author.

The premise isn’t exactly new to me, two people lying to avoid family scrutiny. The originality comes in the family and the craziness that ensues. The supporting characters are awesome and give you just enough to feel like you would want to be there with them. The heat and sparks between the hero and heroine is everything you’d want and more. Without giving any spoilers, your heart will be yanked and pulled in all those great ways that true romance can. You are going to LAUGH a lot, cry a bit, and swoon throughout. LOVE THIS

 

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The Reluctant Debutant by Jean Jacobsen

My Rating 3 of 5 Stars. It is *FREE* right now on Amazon

The author has a great way to immerse you into her world of the past. I enjoyed the plot and loved the city scenes. This was a story about a woman during a time that didn’t really see woman as equals. It was refreshing to see Clarissa’s ability to come out on top.

Things that didn’t work for me: There were a few areas that seemed weren’t as developed as I’d have liked and left me wanting a bit more as well as a few areas that I don’t felt added to the story. I also don’t enjoy more than two or three perspectives at most. Too many people telling a story can get confusing to me.

Overall this was a good story and I look forward to seeing how the author develops in her next stories.

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A Week in “Review”

Here are some new reviews and a few from my backlog that needed some love.  Can I just say that I love the fact I am finding so many great reads out there!  I just want to say, the biggest reason I give a 5 star review is that the book stuck with me.  I loved it and then remembered it.  I nearly had withdrawals leaving it. Without further delay – here they are.

A Wizard Rises by A.J. Nuest

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the book I’ve apparently been waiting for. I love this series, but this book is my favorite. I can’t say if it’s the devotion of Rhys or the strength in Faedrah. I am for sure in love with Rhys though.

This book shows the struggles of the kingdom and how Rhys has his work cut out for him. He comes into his powers, the ones he genetically inherited but never knew. The fact that he is willing to risk everything for the woman he loves and continuously demonstrates this is the epitome of romance for me. The ending is still unresolved, but Rhys and Faedrah are together.

I can’t say what i love best about this book. The book on a whole satisfies the part of me that wants to be a princess that needs a little saving, while being strong enough to make a stance for what matters most.

I can’t wait for the last book.

The Sacrifice by A.J. Nuest

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m addicted! Ms. Nuest picks right back up where A Furious Muse picks up. Within a page or two I was swept back into the world of the Golden Key Chronicles. The only issue I had is yet another cliff hanger and the wait between books. THEY ARE THAT GOOD.

This book figures out something that is going to help with the kingdom and now it has to be found. The danger is walking back into the layer of “Leo” who is back and creepier than ever. This book has a chill factor and an ending that will have you turning all the lights on. Good news, you get some steamy action and Rys goes around shirtless.

A Case for Calamity by Mackenzie Crowne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super sweet and quick read. You can’t go wrong with instant attraction-oh and a hero that is a little bit cowboy, a little bit business, and a whole lot of sexy.

The heroine is strong and out to prove she can make it on her own. I love that she doesn’t fall into the routine of so many books out there – stay with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Rich. (Okay, so I would have stayed.)

You can’t go wrong with a headstrong heroine and a love struck hero. The ending is satisfying and will leave you smiling. You might still be craving a little bit of Calamity Jane and her sexy cowboy though.

Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s not to love! First love, first kisses, and steamy screens. Really steamy-because Cara is a Phoenix. The idea is original and new. I’ve not read anything about a mythical bird/human hybrid ever. I love Cara and Logan’s chemistry and the way they are drawn to each other, like real teens. Everything seems realistic and I’m drawn into the small town of Ashlan Falls.

The bad guy is hinted at towards the center of the story and is a surprise when you figure it out. It’s a twist that I thoroughly enjoyed and it worked great. There is no love triangle, and in mind that is a good thing. Cara knows her heart. She’s a strong female character who makes you understand each moves she makes.

The only issue I have is that it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and I have to wait for the next book.

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A Week in “Review”

I’ve been trying to read a lot lately.  Most of the reason,  a few of my favorite authors had new releases. I always try to show my support and appreciation by reviewing an author’s books.  I am not a professional reviewer by any means.

I want to note a few of these books aren’t yet released, but you should go and add them on Goodreads OR “follow” the author on Amazon to get up-to-date release information.  Each book will be releasing soon!

NEW Releases:
Love’s Revenge by Terri Rochenski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne is a remarkably strong woman who had the means to change her life. Anne didn’t have a fairy tale life, but it helped her grow and become a survivor. Have you ever been hurt so deeply you’d do anything to let it never happen again? Anne clung to her hurt and pain to make her life change and give her control of her own future for once and get her away from an abusive man.

I loved watching Anne grow and I loved meeting Connagher. He is the all American cowboy, and you can’t not love his patience and kindness. Anne made me want to slap her a few times, but after remembering her pain and knowing that she is headstrong you understand her hesitancy to allow herself to love anyone again.

I find it entertaining that Gavan allowed his desire and anger for what he couldn’t have destroy him and his relationship with Anne, only to have Anne to the same. The difference is she was productive with her anger.

You can’t go wrong if you like historical romances with heroines that take control of their own life overcoming the barriers for woman of the time. I could not put it down.

I did not see the ending at all. LOVED it!
UPCOMING Releases:

Susceptible to Him by Lynn Burke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you want a quick read with romance and a bit of steam that will get your nether regions going, read this!

This was a great contemporary read that I finished in one day. It left me smiling for the hero and heroine.

Lia needs to move past the hurt of finding her fiance in bed with other women (plural). In her mind this is a shock, she thought she had a loving relationship. Good thing she has an awesome, albeit horny, roommate. Someone has got to push Lia back out into the dating pool after two years.

What can I say about Ryan? He seems like the boy next door once he opens up. Granted he is a very rich boy next store who has a great car and an even more impressive body. The entire time he is a charmer with a very genuine side. He’s that man every woman would love to meet and marry. He might have all the charms of a lady’s man, but deep down he’s just another guy looking for love.

This book is steamy at points with a sweet budding romance.

A Highlander’s Passion by Vonnie Davis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ms. Davis has a way with words. I love the first book in this series and the second book did not let me down. The youngest brother Bryce, was hinted at in the first book. Now we get to hear and see his story. Although this story has some serious undertones, Ms. Davis adds her humor at every twist and turn she can. I love getting lost in the highlands. Bryce is HOT and some of the scenes are smoldering. Oh to be Kenzie.

Kenzie is a contrast to the first books lighthearted feel. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this. She is a strong woman who has made it out of an abusive relationship and isn’t going to let it define her. It does however make her see the world in a tainted way.
Bryce is hell bent on getting her to see the good in the world and protect her. I say let him. As always, the men are hot. Gram is still a nut, but she is a nut with purpose.

Overall, if you loved book one this is a must read. The story is suspenseful with a little witchcraft, the good kinds mostly. The love story is believable and you can feel the pain that Kenzie endured and why she made some poor decisions in her past. You love Bryce for his ability to admit to his own mistakes and the sweet way he helps Kenzie heal from her pains. It can be read alone too, but I don’t know why you would want to miss A Highlanders Obsession. I can’t get enough of these kilted warriors.

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Fun Fact Friday – Reviews Count

My fun fact is that I’m barely surviving having two kids and we are out of chocolate. Actually the author that was going to appear today had a family emergency this week and I didn’t have the time to get someone on short notice.

That being said, I thought that I would write and remind readers that a review can go a long way.  The fun fact of reviews is that you as a reader can actually help out your favorite author or stop someone from wasting their time on a poorly written book.

Why review a book you loved? Well its a great thank you to the author and it also will help get the book recommended to others when they do searches.  Maybe your review is just a number for some large bestsellers, but to the independents and the small-publisher contracted authors these reviews are precious!  In a world where digital is becoming the new fad this could actually be the best way to help new and favorite authors grow. 

If you want to review a book be constructive and maybe think about this method.  Mention what the author did right, then mention what didn’t work for you (unless you just loved the book), and close with a positive statement.  Authors will love you, readers will take you sincerely, and lastly you won’t sound like you are another angry person on a rampage.  Yes, authors do pay attention to their reviews.

Happy Friday and happy reading.