Review: Refuge by NS Osborne

Refuge by N.G. Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is the plot well-developed? The story is believable and it paints a very sad picture.

Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Charlie changes. He doesn't believe in God. But as time goes on, he begs God to help him and his friends.

If you could continue the story, what events would you include? I would have Charlie and Noor saved. So they could have had a loving life together.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review & Interview - Merry Farmer

Our Little Secrets by Merry Farmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? Love, acceptance and learning to over look the past of others. The author showed and told the readers how important these thing are in our life. After reading this book I realized how easily we judge others.

Did the book description relate to the story? The description provided just enough information to grab reader’s attention leaving them wanting more.

Favourite quote... Charlie and Michael wake up Saturday morning and Charlie wants to ask Michael questions.

“It’s Saturday. Saturday’s are for sleeping in, not asking questions.”

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

 

 

Author Interview:

Where do you see yourself in five years?  In five years I’d love to be able to retire from the day job and be making a living off of my writing.  Right now I’m publishing about two books a year, but if I could write full time, I’d be able to do at least four.

What are your current writing projects now?  I’m currently writing Sarah Sunshine, a novella that is part of the Montana Romance series which should be published late this summer.  Then I’ll be starting In Your Arms, the third book in the Montana Romance series.  After that I’ll either write the fourth book in the Montana Romance series, another Montana novella (my sister-in-law has informed me I MUST write a novella about Jacinta), the first book of my next series, A Duke and A Pirate (I kind of like to overlap series set in different time periods so that it’s not so much of a sharp shift between times), or maybe the sci-fi series I’m shopping traditionally or the next book in an inspirational romance series I’ve started.  See, I’ll be busy for ages with all that I need to write!

Are you reading any interesting books at the moment?  I just finished reading Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and I loved it!

Are there any new authors that have sparked your interest and why?  Well, Courtney Milan is new to me.  I keep feeling drawn to read her work, which should happen very soon.  I’m also intrigued by the success that Bella Andre has had as a self-published author and I need to read some of her stuff.  And I can’t wait to read Ella Quinn’s debut novel, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe.  I’ve gotten to know Ella through my RWA chapter and I think she’s the real deal!

What are some of the best tools available today for writers, especially those just starting out?  Professional writing organizations.  The Romance world has RWA (Romance Writers of America) and it has been invaluable to me on so many levels.  There are classes, resources, but most of all fellow chapter members who have been willing to share ideas and insights and help with networking.  If you can, join a professional writing organization.  Now.

 

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Western Historical Romance

Rating – R

More details about the author & the book

Connect with Merry Farmer on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://merryfarmer.net/

Review: Redwood Violet by Robin Mahle

Redwood Violet by Robin Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What part would you change in the story, and why? I would not change anything in the story. Everything fit and was a wonderful read.

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered? Who kidnapped Katie and how did she escape? This was not answered in the book.

Was location important to the story? In some parts of the story yes, location was very important while in others I feel location did not matter.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Sleeper's Run by Henry Mosquera

Sleeper's Run by Henry Mosquera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who was your favorite character? Eric was my favorite. He never gave up and he adapted to every situation and acted accordingly.

Share a favorite scene from the book. When Eric was caught and when he was being tortured. When he met with the doctor about brain washing.

Who do you think the author intended to read this book and why? He wanted all ages to read it. To show how easy it is to become the target of someone and be manipulated to complete any actions they want.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

 

Book Description:

• Winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards for best mystery/thriller
• Winner of the 2011 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards for Best South American Novel
• 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award finalist
• Honorable mention at the Paris Book Festival
• Honorable mention at the San Francisco Book Festival

War on Terror veteran, Eric Caine, is found wandering the streets of Miami with no memory of the car accident that left him there. Alone and suffering from PTSD, Eric is on a one-way road to self-destruction. Then a chance meeting at a bar begins a series of events that helps Eric start anew. When his new job relocates him to Venezuela-the land of his childhood-things, however, take an ominous turn as a catastrophic event threatens the stability of the country. Now Eric must escape an elite team of CIA assassins as he tries to uncover an international conspiracy in which nothing is what it seems.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Political Thriller

Rating – R

More details about the author

Connect with Henry Mosquera on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://redroom.com/member/henry-mosquera

Review: The Book of Paul by Richard Long

The Book of Paul by Richard Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What did the title have to do with the book? The entire book was based on Paul's twisted ways. His craving for power and control over others was his downfall.

How realistic was the characterization? The characters were realistic and they made sense, given the circumstances.

Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? When I first saw the title, I personally thought this would be a biblical/historical text. After reading the book, I felt it fit perfect.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Be Good by Dakota Madison

Be Good by Dakota Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What did you dislike? Jake’s easy way out questions “Is everything okay”. If he was really concerned he would ask not beat around the bush.

From whose point of view is the story told? Story is told from Anna's point of view.

Which character could you relate to best? I personally could not relate to Anna. I related to Brett on the level of wanting to help Anna.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Bloodstorm (Heart of a Vampire, #1) by Amber Kallyn

Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? Book 1 and Book 4 both have very strong female characters. How was she inspired to feature them like this?

If you could rewrite the ending, would you?
Not at all, both books we read ended just the way they should.

Favourite scene …. When Niki wakes up to being chained. This scene was so gripping, I couldn't breathe.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3) by Lynn Osterkamp

Too Many Secrets by Lynn Osterkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If your book was a mystery, what was the mystery was and how it was solved. Gayle, Pagie and Cleo solved the mystery. Gayle finally saw Sabrina’s spirit in the chamber and was told where to look.

How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? I believe the story could have taken place in a different location but it could not have taken place in a past time. The modern convenience were required to this story.

Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? A few of the Moxie females. I refuse to write spoilers so I will leave this up to future readers to figure out the who and what.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Tainted Waters by Maggie Thom

Tainted Waters by Maggie Thom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? Lies, betrayal, murder and drugs. The author did a really good job at executing all themes .
Describe 2 different settings or locations. Newspaper office - Used to be the tallest building in town . Dark brown interior with mottled tiles on the floor. Golden walls with maroon trim .
Keegan - Tied to a metal chair. Bloody, bruised face. Shirt covered in blood. He is unconscious and slumped. Considering he had to go through so much, it was really impressive that he still wanted to help Sam.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Yes, she was likable and inquisitive. Despite her constant need to prove herself, her character was well-developed.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: Eyes of Ember by Rebecca Ethington

Eyes of Ember by Rebecca L. Ethington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


How did you feel about the main character? She fights for herself, her survival.

Favourite quote … "Leave me alone Lylan, let me enjoy my hamburger, I'm having a moment."

Would you recommend it? I recommend this book to people who like paranormal reads. However, I believe the first book needs reading before this book. It is hard to grasp everything in this book since the first book was not read.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Time Killer by Todd M. Thiede

Time Killer by Todd M. Thiede
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Would you recommend it? I recommend this to people who enjoy a little mystery and some gruesome scenes.

List the characters and describe them. Max – detective; Jess – rookie detective; Tom – car salesman and boyfriend to Rosie; Stephen & Gwen Bjornson – victims; Perry – police captain; David Pierce – having affair with Gwen Bjornson; Hanush Patel – medical resident; Amber – victim; Melissa – see’s the killer; Rosie – florist and girlfriend to Tom; Harold and Ellen – parents to Max; Phoebe – victim and once married to Mike; Amanda – daughter to Phoebe and Mike; Mike – car salesman

What are some of the major themes of this book? Murder and people wasting time. The police are trying to figure out who committed the murders. The scenes provide the motive written in the victim’s blood.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Primal by D.A. Serra

Primal by DA Serra by D. A. Serra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Did you find this book a quick read? I found it very hard to put this book down. Wanted to read in one setting

What are your concerns about this book? Don't have any concerns about the book.

Consider the main character: what does he or she believe in? She fights so her family can live without someone tracking them down to kill them.

At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters? I have hope for the family. With some therapy and a lot of love for each other, they will be fine.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? The book was about a matchmaker. Her marriage and celebrities. The execution was wonderful.

Describe 2 different settings or locations. Marla's office, where she worked for the service. Pig party, lot's of celebrities and potential clients.

Were you able to connect with the main character and why? The main character was feisty. Some of her comments were humorous.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Pain and Gain - The Untold True Story by Marc Schiller

Pain and Gain - The Untold True Story by Marc Schiller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I liked about the main character. He was so brave. He used his head and remained calm. He did whatever it took to stay alive .


What I liked about the setting in this book. The warehouse was so scary. He was taken to different rooms to be tortured in different ways. He was tortured mentally & physically. He was always blindfolded for a entire month .

Cover. The cover was fantastic. Jumped out and said, read me. I would have picked this book up immediately.


Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Symbolon by Delia Colvin

The Symbolon by Delia J. Colvin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I liked Alex, Valeria, Paolo and Caleb. Never had any dislikes.

How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? Part of the appeal of the book is all the places they travel. Would have been less effective if they never visited anywhere.

Make a list of facts you learned from the story. They traveled to Venice and St Croix. Valeria was a reincarnation of Cassandra. Alex was already married to Kristina. Alex and Paolo were both in love with Valeria. Paolo is Katrina's brother and Alex's best friend.

List the characters and describe them. Alex was an immortal that was married to Kristina. But couldn't ever get over his love, Cassandra, even though she had died over 3000 years ago. Valeria was in love with Alex and wanted to marry him. She was reincarnated and used to be married to Paolo. Kristina was Alex's husband and Paolo's sister. Paolo loved Valeria. He was rich and he wanted to have his precious Isabella back in his life. Caleb was a young boy that was to be Alex's best man. He also played a major part in saving Alex and Valeria's life.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Straight Dope A 360 degree look into American drug culture by LeRon Barton

Straight Dope A 360 degree look into American drug culture by LeRon Barton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Favourite quote … This quote really makes me mad. Just because God makes it does NOT make it safe. "God made pot. Man made beer. Who do you trust?"

Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? Some sections pulled me in and some sectios were a a forced read. The formatting and editing needed a lot of improvement, so these were the parts that were very slow to read.

Did the book description relate to the story? The description was accurate.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Jack Templar, Monster Hunter (The Templar Chronicles, #1) by Jeff Gunhus

Jack Templar, Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I didn't like – It was somewhat unrealistic and overly dramatic in some scene.

Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? Yes it did. The title was perfect and the cover makes sense once Jack's destiny is uncovered.

What did you think of the story structure? The story structure was simple and easy to understand, I have nephews and nieces who would definitely enjoy this story.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: Lessons from the Lemonade Stand: A Common Sense Primer on Investing by James Berman

Lessons from the Lemonade Stand: A Common Sense Primer on Investing by James Berman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Did the book description relate to the story? Yes, the description was broken down easy and simple just like the book.

Describe 2 different settings or locations. The author explaining how markets and how the stock exchange started. How Victor loss money even though he thought he was buying a sure thing.

Cover. Loved the cover. So simple yet plays an important part of the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews

Review: The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4) by Alex A. Akira

The Italian Connection 1 by Alex A. Akira
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What lesson did you learn from the story? Love is stronger that whatever indiscretions we have committed in the past.

Find one word that describes a character in your book very well. Phillipee mysterious – shy, always changing his looks, does not allow anyone to see the real him, constantly moving around, has a double identity.

What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? When Julian found his thief.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

View all my reviews