Finding Mercy with The Mercy Tree By Nicole Donavon

I will be doing a series review for The Kingdom Critters series and this is my first time doing this so everyone please bear with me.  First, I will be reviewing The Mercy Tree and on Christmas night I will be posting the review for the next book in the series called To Catch A Seeing Star. I was happy to do this one because I was able to read these books to my nine year old daughter.  

The setting is as sweet as the story itself.  It starts in the fictional land of animals which includes Chimara, deserts and castles.  It is magical and compelling.  Like I said before, it is definitely sweet. 

The characters within this book are just as wonderful as the settings.  I love the main character, Archer and understand what he’s going through.  His father and mother are darling and there is even a bad guy that makes you wince.  What is different about this story is Archer is a hedgehog as are his parents.  The rest of the characters are animals too. Children will love both the setting and the characters.

I am going to do something that I haven’t done before.  I am going to include the summary from amazon so that you can read that because I always fear giving too much away and with the summary I won't.  

“I can’t be a witness for some critter that never existed.” 

That statement sends Archer, a tiny hedgehog with an even tinier faith, on a journey for truth. What he doesn’t realize is that sometimes when you set out to prove something false you end up proving it’s true. 

Soon he finds himself traveling all over Chamira and meeting some interesting critters along the way. From the critters in Nod who have it all and won’t part with any of it; to those on Unfit Peak who are thankful for the little they have that doesn’t even fill their bellies. 

Throughout this adventure Archer will learn that the White Lamb is always there for His critters. That even when Archer wanted nothing to do with Him, He would not leave him to wander in the darkness alone. 

If you have found yourself questioning your faith, come and join Archer on a journey that won’t only change his life, but yours as well. 

As you can see this is spiritual tale and it does exactly what it’s supposed to.  It sends the reader on a journey with this little animal who has very real human feelings.  I didn’t find myself bored and my daughter enjoyed it immensely.  I do recommend this book for children and early teens. It is a Christian story so there is obvious Christian undertones so please take that into consideration before buying. 

My rating: 5 stars

Book cover rating 5 stars

Falling for the God of Mischief…My Review of Mischief’s Mate by Nicolette Scarletti

I am back again and this time, I have read Mischief’s Mate by Nicolette Scarletti.  It is the gripping tale of Loki and Chantelle and is a delightful twist on the tales of Gods, Goddesses and magical realms.

                So, I will start with the setting.  The setting is in a few places that range from Asgard to Washington State.  I know that’s a big difference but with magical fantasies such as these, it’s good to have a range of places.  I loved the fact that there was modern mixed with a time of old.  It gave a good atmosphere for the story. 

                The characters were all vibrant.  I loved Chantelle.  She was strong but had a heart that was easy to relate to.  Loki made me fall in love with him.  He was all alpha male…She is mine but then, I saw his sweet side and melted completely into a puddle at his feet.  The supporting character are wonderful.  I love Emma, Frigga, Bells and all the rest.  Nicolette Scarletti does really well at creating interesting and realistic characters.  On the same subject, I hate her villain.  Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do.  So, she did a wonderful job on all of it.

                Now, for the plot.  It is hot.  I love the chemistry between Loki and Chantelle.  There is a good dose of want in the story and love but the electricity between Loki and Chantelle is heartwarming.  I loved every minute of it.  The backstory is heartbreaking and makes Loki all the more appealing.  Whether he would like anyone admitting it, you saw his vulnerability in it.

                So, do I recommend this book?  Run...Power-type…Whatever you have to do to get this book.  It is wonderful.  Do I recommend it for children?  No because some of the scenes are too hot for them to touch.  Everyone else should get it. 

My rating: 5 ++++++++++

My book cover rating: 5  

Feeling Invincible with Cecily Anne Paterson's Invincible (Book 2) The Invisible Series

I am happy to be reviewing again and this time it is by the talented author Cecily Anne Paterson and her book Invincible which is the sequel to one of my favorite books Invisible of The Invisible Series.  So, I was really excited to get this book and if you haven't read my review of Invisible, please do.  

We start with the same setting as before with a teenage girl who lives in Australia.  She is fairly new at her school because her mother moved them around a lot because of a tragedy in their lives but thankfully, they have decided to stay after the events of the last book.  The setting still works really well for this book.  So, I'm glad that Mrs. Paterson didn't have Jazmine move again.  So, we are able to start this book where the other left off.  

The characters are still wonderful.  I love Jazmine and I love her friends.  The author has a wonderful way of making her characters real with real problems.  Unfortunately, I was a little confused when it came to Liam.  You get to know him in the book before and the changes he goes through within a matter of weeks don't make sense because you do not expect his actions in the second book.  It seems kind of forced. I wish there had been some clues to his personality in the first book.  For example, with Gabby you saw her actions coming but for Liam it was a surprise.  For someone who didn't read the book before this one, you wouldn't notice but I did so I noticed.  It's the only real complaint I have characterwise.  

Now, the plot was a little sticky but it goes back to the surprising actions of Liam and it was because I had to switch from seeing him as one person to seeing him as another very quickly.  However, once I was able to see him that way, the plot was easier to take in.  The other parts of the plot were perfection.  I loved it.  There was real emotion within them and I was able to experience everything with those characters.  I do like the message behind the plot.  I just wish there had been more signs pointing to what was about to happen.  I think it would have helped the message also.

This book is still enjoyable.  I still loved it.  I will be recommending it especially to young girls.  The messages in it are important to any teenage girl.  I recommend this book to anyone who likes clean books with a healthy dose of sentiment.  I also recommend it to anyone who likes books with dramatic flare.  

My rating: 4 stars

Book Cover Rating: 5

A Naughty Review of Master for Tonight by Elaine Barris

Hello, Everyone.  I am very happy to review a new book tonight by Elaine Barris called Master for Tonight.  I have been looking forward to reading this book since seeing some teasers and I finally got to sit down and read it and now share my humble opinion with you.
First, the setting.  There are quite a few places in this book that work as the setting.  It has the deepest, darkest bowels of the city, a house down a country road and a shelter where the main character works.  There are other places too but there is a whole little world created in this story and I like that.  It allows the setting to work around the characters.  The settings created in this book did that and made the storytelling richer and more meaningful.
The characters were well written and I was able to relate to them.  Julian was sexy and smart with a bit of bad boy charm.  He had a heart too which is wonderful.  I was able to relate to Kate.  I love that Mrs. Barris gave her anxiety issues.  It made her very real to me.  Both Julian and Kate worked well together and you will ship them without a problem.  The bad guy (or girl in this instance) Evangeline is complicated.  I hated her but I also felt sorry for her too.  Also, the supporting characters are wonderful also.
The story is told by a master story teller.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  It has a woman who isn't perfect who deserves love, a sexy vampire...Actually, a few sexy vampires, fantasies that come true, torture, a bit of murder and a lot of sexy action.  It kept my attention strictly on the story.  The ending made me want to read more...Actually, I will have to read more...Including Evangeline's story.  So, it's safe to say, I can't leave this story alone.  I would recommend this book for adults who love vampires and erotica.  I would also recommend this book to romance readers and anyone else who wants to take a walk into the darkness.  I do NOT recommend this for minors.  There are definitely some naughty parts that they should not read.  Everyone else should read it.  To say the least, Master for Tonight was a Joy to read.

My Rating: 5+
Book Cover Rating: 5

My Review of Fifty Shades of Grey By E.L. James

Hello, Everyone.  Yes, I am finally going to review Fifty Shades of Grey on my blog.  It was naughty that I waited this long.
 Anyway, before I begin, I will go ahead and say this.  There have been many comments about this book and I will remind you that some of them have very strong opinions behind them.  Some people believe this book promotes domestic abuse.  I have seen domestic abuse up close and personal.  It has happened to me and to those very close to me.  It is ugly and will mark you for life. You have no say in what happens to you.  You don't have a choice whether someone is going to hit you or not.  Saying that, it is MY opinion that this book is NOT about domestic abuse.  It is about a consensual relationship between two people that may be unconventional to a lot of people but it is still a consensual relationship.  If you are expecting me to slam this book based on that idea, obviously I will not do that and I urge you not to continue.  However, I will review this book the way I always have.  If you want that review please continue.

As always, I will begin with the setting.  Since this book was based on fanfiction of Twilight, the setting is still in beautiful Washington state.  However, it is based in Vancouver and then, Seattle.  Washington is a beautiful state and adds beauty to any book where it is a setting.  However, it takes place in Anna and Christian's world so you get to imagine the businesses and their apartments and also their world from a helicopter which is wonderful.  I loved the setting.  It was fitting for this book and gave more of a ambiance to the story.
The characters were wonderful too.  Christian was handsome and charming in his own way.  He was broken by his past in a way that is heart-wrenching.  I was pleased to see that he had many layers.  Anna was gloriously clumsy and awkward.  Those traits are some that I hold dear considering that I possess them myself.  However, she was also strong and witty and very brave.  The other characters in the book were engaging also.  My favorite is Taylor because of the few scenes where Anna was able to break through his stoic right hand man personae.
The story was intriguing.  I was engaged though the emotional turmoil made this book a long read but in a good way.  I realize that this book isn't merely about sex though there definitely is sex in this book.  This book is a love story about a man who has been crushed by life and though successful in business, has a very immature outlook on romance.   It's a book about an inexperienced girl who falls in love with a man who needs her light.
If I had any complaints about this book it would be about Anna's inner goddess and her subconscious.  They became characters that took me away from the story.  Other than that, this was a good story.  Obviously, I recommend this ONLY for adults.  I do recommend this for people who love dramatic romances and of course, erotica.

My rating: 4
Book Cover Rating: 4

My New Book Review for Whatever It Takes By Nicolette Scarletti

Whatever It takes Review

            Hi!  As you know, sometimes I do surprise reviews for brand new books.   This is my new book review and this time it is a brand new book by a brand new author, Whatever It Takes by Nicolette Scarletti.  Since I love discovering new authors, I was excited when I began this book.

            The book opened up with scenery set in real places but with a cloak of fantasy that was alluring.  Mrs. Scarletti did well with making the scenery a character which is always something that makes the story worth reading because it keeps the reader’s interest.  This story had no problem keeping my interest.   

            The characters were wonderfully intriguing.  Dara was beautiful because not only had she been shredded to pieces, she put herself back together strong.  Josef is more than just a pretty face and he definitely has that.  He can handle his own and that’s what makes Dara and Josef and perfect synchronization.  Also, the bad guy is beautiful at least on the outside but don’t worry, you won’t have a problem hating him and wishing for his death.  The rest of the characters are beautifully written and will keep you engaged. 

            Now, for the plot.  It is beyond anything that I hoped for when beginning this book.  It is a bit dark but with a story like this, it needs to be.  I really enjoyed it.  The scenes between Dara and Josef are so hot, I was sweating just reading them.  The scenes between Dara and Sabine reminded me of the bond I have with my little sister and the scenes between Dara and Kristoff made me hate him with every I breath I took.  This story made me experience emotion and any great story does that.  Whatever It Takes is a great story.  I fell in love with each word. 

            I will end this with the obvious.  I would recommend this book though not to the kiddies.  There are some scenes not suited for children.  I would also caution against people who have a problem with torture.  There is a bit of that but for everyone else, you should read it.  I am positive that you will fall in love with the story too. 

Book Rating: 5 stars

Cover Rating: 5 stars

My throwback review of The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Every now and then, I decide to do a throwback review which means that I reread a book that I've read previously to see if I still love it or if I didn't love it in the first place, I try to give the book a second chance because I realize that sometimes my mood can affect how I feel about a book and it's really not fair to the author but I only do this for books I have not reviewed here.  

The Darkest night is by one of my favorite authors, Gena Showalter.  I am always intrigued by her stories.  However, there are some that I love more than others.  This book is the first book in The Lords of the Underworld Series and I will say that it isn't the book that hooked me, it just helped the hook set in a little more.  

First, I will tell you about the setting which I wasn't sure about at the beginning of the story.  It is set in Budapest which I did not know much about at the beginning.  However, there are castles and a city that came alive with people who believed in superstitions and angels. So, the setting did blend well with the story.  Honestly, I ended up loving the idea of Budapest as the place where things of myth lived.  I became enamored.  I will admit that I googled Budapest and now, I've fallen in love with a place that I hadn't really thought of before.  I don't think I would have done that if it wasn't for Mrs. Showalter.  So, if you're not sure about the setting, give it a try and I'm sure you will fall in love with it too.  

Now, the characters of the story are many so I will start with the main characters, Ashlyn and Maddox.  Ashlyn was the perfect combination of many things.  She was both smart and naive.  She was daring but afraid.  She was broken but strong.  I could really relate to her on so many levels.  The most wonderful thing about her was her ability to love very deeply.  It's something that you wish to see in everyone.  Maddox was strong but gentle when everything in him should have pushed him toward violence.  He is truly a tortured, sensitive soul who would do anything for those he loved.  Together, Ashlyn and Maddox make you root for them.  The other characters of the book are nothing short of awesome.  You want to know more about them which is a good thing in a series.  I could not ask for a better temptation than the Lords to finish every book in the series.  

The story has it all.  It has romance and fights.  It has a family feud.  It has demons and Greek Gods.  This story was literally genius.  It always kept my attention.  I can not think of one page that was boring.  Mrs. Showalter is a master story teller.

By now, I suppose you can see that my opinion of this story has not changed.  If anything, The Darkest Night has gained more respect than I previously had.  I adore this story and look forward to all of The Lords of the Underworld stories in the future.  I'll end this by saying thank you to Gena Showalter for entertaining me again.  

My rating: 5 

My book cover rating: 5 

Watching out for Burglars: My review of B Is For Burglar (Book 2) A Kinsey Millhone Novel

B Is For Burglar is the second book by Sue Grafton that I have read.  The first was A Is For Alibi and my review for that book is in one of my earlier posts.  I walked into this book familiar with some of the characters.  I was also looking forward to stepping into Kinsey's world again.  

There are two settings for this book.  The first is Santa Teresa, California which I was familiar with because of the first book.  I love this place because it is beautifully described especially the buildings.  The other setting is Boca Raton, Florida.  Both are ripe with building descriptions in beautiful detail and characters that contribute to each of the town's beauty.  Sue Grafton does a terrific job of detailing each town.  

The characters are unique and beautifully written.  Even the frightening ones are to be respected and evoked emotions that caused me to see the complexity of each of them.  Sue Grafton did a wonderful job of using their personalities to amp up the mystery and the twist and turns within the story.  I also loved that she didn't make the elderly characters helpless.  She made them rebellious and strong.  It made me love the characters even more.  My favorite is Julia.  She stole my heart.  

As beautiful as the characters and the settings are, the plot is the star of the story.  What everyone wants in a good mystery are twists and turns around every corner.  This book gives that.  While reading, I was constantly entertained by the fact that things were not what they appeared at first glance.  So, I give praise to Sue Grafton for her plot.

If I were to complain about anything, it is the slight lag in the story which happened once and it lasted a very short time period.  It was certainly not anything that would keep me from reading the rest of the story.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a good mystery especially one with twists and turns.    I would like to thank Sue Grafton for her work.  Thank you for entertaining me and I am sure you will be doing so again.  

Book Rating 4.9

Book Cover Rating: 3 

Bullying Within the Author Community...Yes, it happens here too

Thankfully, I have only dealt with this once in my career and I hope to never deal with it again but sadly, bullying in the author community is becoming very real.  I have heard about it over and over again and I truly think it needs to be addressed for many reasons.  I will say that I don't believe that my blog will stop all of these bullies nor do I think that I have the power to do that.  I equally know that I may be getting looks of anger from the people guilty of this very thing and I may even receive retaliation.  I hope someone wouldn't be that childish but the possibility is there.  Still, writing this is worth it because at least I've put it out there. I think before I go any further I should note that I won't be calling out anyone.  I promise.  So, please read until you reach the end.
First, I will explain how this is happening because honestly, there may be someone who is bullying and don't realize that they are doing this.  I'm always an author before reviewer or blogger so I'll begin with how authors are being bullied.
Authors get reviews.  We get them through bloggers and professional reviewers.  We get them from people who picked up our books because they thought it was interesting because of the cover or the synopsis.  Regardless of the work we put into our books or anything else, we realize there is a chance that the person who just picked up our book won't like it.  We can't please everyone because everyone has different tastes.  We also realize they may write a bad review.  I will be honest and tell you that I love my reviews because they tell me what I'm doing right and what needs to improve.  The reviews I don't like are the ones that tear down.  I don't care if they are mine or someone else's reviews, if I read a review that spews absolute hate to the point where I wonder if there was a personal vendetta, it makes me cringe.  It makes it even worse when I can't see anywhere in their statements that they have read the book.  I wish that I could tell you that the bullying ends there.  It did in my case but I've witnessed fellow writers go through much worse. The worst example has come from a reviewer that has threatened the people who support the author they are attacking.  Understand that I believe that it is highly unprofessional.  It should not happen.  Also, know that I will not respect a reviewer who does any of these things or worse.  Yes, I do realize that it can become even worse than what I've mentioned.
Now, I will write about the flip side of the coin.  I read an article about a woman who reviewed a book and was contacted by someone claiming to represent the author asking her to change her mind about her review.  From what I understand this person became very angry when she refused and began to harass her.  As someone who can see both sides of this, I was horrified.  This should not happen.  I would like to put this out there...If I see all five star ratings and reviews and no one star or two star ratings and reviews, I become suspicious of whether they are true.
Also, just a short note on bloggers who are bullied and how to prevent being a bully:  If you don't agree with a blogger, quit reading their blog.  Don't start a campaign to stop it.  It's that simple.  It's the same thing with an author.  If you don't like their books, don't read them.
Now, to everyone who has been bullied, don't give up what you love.  Continue on.  You will find support in those who truly care.  Those are the ones who matter.  As for me, I will continue to support authors, bloggers and reviewers who are true.  I will not quit supporting them due to threats.  I will review the books that I want to review without tearing down the author's works because even if I didn't like it all, there was something in the book that I did like.  I will respect the author by pointing out the good and telling them what needs to be improved.  I support reviewers who are honest.  I'll end this by saying, don't be a bully.  Thank you for reading.

My Soul Searching Review of Dead Girls Don't Blog by Pamela Frost Dennis

I started Dead Girls Don't Blog by Pamela Frost Dennis unsure as to what I would find when I opened the book and began to read.  What I found was a story that surprised me.  Mrs. Dennis wrote her story in a way that twisted my mind and made me question what would be right or wrong.  As I journeyed through this book, I found myself questioning what I would do in a similar situation.  I will admit that I did take my time with this book because of the extreme emotions the story incited.  I had to analyze not only the book but myself.  So, please remember that as I write this review.  

I'll start with the setting.  I loved that the story took place in Santa Lucia, California.  It gave a vibrant backdrop to a very sad story.  The setting showed a nice neighborhood along with a college atmosphere ripe with fraternities and sororities.  I have to give Mrs. Dennis kudos for that.  The setting allowed some light into a dark situation.

Now, I will get to the characters.  I loved Katy.  She made me smile and she seemed like someone that I would be friends with.  Equally, I loved her mother, father, Sam and grandmother, Ruby and of course, Josh the Viking too.  Even her pets, Daisy and Tabitha were wonderful.  Surprisingly, I found that I liked Jake and Phil and that's where my feelings become conflicted.  I can understand these characters.  I can understand what led them to their fates and it shook me.

That leads me to the story itself.  When I pick up a book, I want conflicts and emotion but I also want something that makes me think.  This book did that.  It made me think and see mistakes.  This book made me experience humanity in a very raw form.  So, I am in awe of the talent of Mrs. Pamela Frost Dennis.  

So, now I am to the part where I give something that I disliked about the book.  The problem is that I couldn't find one thing wrong.  I loved it.  I can't wait to read book two.  Thank you for a wonderful story, Pamela Frost Dennis.  

My Rating: 5 

My book cover rating:  3

Why I Also Give Reviews

A question was asked by a reader and I thought that since it applied to me as an author AND as a reader, I should answer it here.  The question was...Why do you give reviews on other author's books?  They posed it as a negative question because not all reviews are perfect fives and I would like to explain in a way that they understand and most authors would respect.

As an author, reviews help me know that people like my book.  Yes, I realize that not all reviews of my work will receive five stars and the amazing truth is that I wouldn't want them to.  I would want them to be honest because they let me know what I can improve on and what I did well.  Second, I wouldn't want someone to look at my reviews and think I paid for them.  I have heard of this happening.  I don't think it's right.  I have also heard that reviewers have been bullied before after giving a review that the bully didn't like.  I don't condone that.  So, I would like to go on record to say that if anyone harasses you over my books or their reviews, please let me know.  It is unprofessional for me to allow that to happen.  Now, that being said, there is another spectrum, Trolls are everywhere and this is no exception.  There have been authors who receive fake bad reviews or maybe they read the book and decided to be nasty.  Trolls don't help anyone.  They tear down and give no way that the book could be improved.  So, as an author HONEST reviews help me.  I do realize that I will get some five star reviews which are wonderful if you truly love the book.  I understand I'll get four stars.  I love four stars.  Four stars are not bad.  I may get three stars.  Just so you know...Three stars aren't bad either.  Two stars are fine and even one stars.  However, all I ask is that you leave the reason for your rating whether it be a great, a good or a bad rating and don't be nasty about it.  

Now, I'll explain why I write a blog with reviews and I leave them on amazon, goodreads, Shelfari and Rifflebooks.  I'll explain this as a reader.  Not only do I think it helps the author to hear what I enjoyed about the book or didn't enjoy but I think it gives the author who put their blood, sweat and tears into their work a thank you.  It also shows them that you respect their work.  It helps them get sales.  As a reader, I am suspicious of when I see all glowing reviews and there a lot of them.  I'm not talking about the books that have only a few reviews.  I'm talking about the ones who have a lot.  Statistically, someone is going to give you at least a three star review.  So, that does turn me off of a book sometimes.  I don't get paid for my reviews.  They are honest.  I DO feel bad about bad reviews that I have to give but I do put it in a way that I hope helps the author and I also try to respect them and their work as I write the review.

So, even though I'm an author and I know how it feels to get a bad review...I still write reviews.  As an author, I understand that not everyone is going to like my books.  That's okay.  That's normal but I still like the reviews.  Please give them.  So, there is the answer to that question.  By the way, most authors do give reviews.  We know how much it helps.

Feeling Emotional with Of Mice and Men

This is one classic that I have never read.  So, I was very excited to start this adventure.  Also, I had never heard the synopsis or anything to do with this book other than references to it in movies.  I must say that it did not prepare me for what I read.  

The setting was wonderful and I learned so much from it about the lives of men who worked on ranches.  I love seeing settings that are filled with different types of people and allows me to discover a different time and place.  This setting did that.  

The characters are very vibrant.  Most of the characters were men but each were different in their own way.  They each had their own hardships and worries and that made them each real.  Because of that, I was able to see the world through their eyes and experience their lives.  My heart ached for most of these men and in most cases, I truly liked them.  There were a few characters that I disliked but they were written to be disliked.  So, Mr. Steinbeck did well when he developed these characters.  The story itself was heart-wrenching.  It was a story about dreams and broken dreams and how life intertwines with death.  It really involves all of your emotions which is what a good book does.  The characters and their stories will live with me long after reading this book.  Now, the only thing that I did have a problem with was the language.  I had to remind myself frequently that the book was written in a different time.  After jumping over that hurdle, I was able to enjoy the story.  

Finally, I do recommend this book to anyone who loves a good classic.  It really is a good story that is well-written and is able to make you become emotionally involved.  

My Rating: 4

Book Cover Rating: 4

Taking Some Liberties: My review of Liberty for Paul by Rose Gordon

I have literally just finished Liberty for Paul so it is still very fresh in my mind...Which is a good thing because you'll know that this review is from someone who is still living in the story.  

First, I would like to say that I did read the first book in The Scandalous Sisters Series by the name of Intentions of the Earl.  It was a wonderful story and if you want to read my review on it, you'll find it in the older posts.  That said, I was greatly excited to read this book especially since Liberty and Paul were introduced in the first book and they were very interesting characters.  So, I had great optimism while beginning their story.  

I suppose I'll review the setting first.  England is always an interesting place especially at a time when balls were thrown and marriages were negotiated in very interesting ways.  Thankfully, Mrs. Gordon does give us a very detailed view into English society.  Also, she doesn't just show us the pretty parts of society but also the ugly parts of society too.  So, her setting was beautifully written and diverse.  

The characters are vibrant and interesting.  I was so glad to see that Liberty evolved from being plain to beautiful.  I loved that Paul even before he loved her could see that beauty.  The rest of the characters are vibrant and they have personalities that you can find yourself becoming engaged with.  I was also happy to find that Rose Gordon showed characters who may be dressed well but had horrible personalities or vice versa.  They could wear rags and be the most wonderful people.  It was very refreshing.  

The story itself was well plotted.  I loved it.  The way they misunderstood each other reminds me of the atmosphere of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  They truly do get to know each other and you get to see them fall in love.  By the way, I loved the arguments they had.  It made me laugh out loud quite a bit.    So, there is quite a bit of humor in this book.  

So, I guess I'm saying that this is one of those books that I will reread over and over again.  I love it.  I can't think of one thing wrong with the story, the setting or the characters.  I am looking forward to reading the third book.  I would like to say thank you to Rose Gordon for entertaining me.  It's such a beautiful story.  I recommend Liberty for Paul for anyone who loves a really good romance.  

 

Book Rating: 5 (I would give it more if I could)

Book Cover Rating: 5

Searching for Werewolves with Lori Handeland in Blue Moon

I love werewolf books especially werewolf romances. So, whenever I can get my hands on a werewolf book I do devour them.  Unfortunately, I am often left disappointed.  I am happy to say that this one did not leave me feeling that way at all.  So, this will be an enjoyable review.  

I'll start with the setting.  Miniwa is the perfect setting for werewolves.  It's a small town.  It's a bit of a tourist attraction but it is surrounded by forests and Native American legends.  In other words, there are plenty of dark, shadowy areas to hide in at night and it's a normal little town during the day (Except for the werewolves).  Miniwa is perfect and becomes a character in the book which is what you always look for in a good setting.  

The characters are beautifully written and absolutely believable.  I was very happy that the main character, Jessie isn't the most beautiful girl in the room.  As a matter of fact, she often describes herself as plain and so do other characters.  William Codote is beautiful inside and out but he has a vulnerability that is endearing.  I absolutely adored Edward Mandenauer's character.  Again, Mrs. Handeland is original in that he is an elderly man who fights werewolves.  Other characters such as Zelda, Clyde, Cherry and the rest of the characters in this book are very much characters that you can fall in love with.  

The story took me a minute to get into.  The very beginning dragged just a little but not enough to really bore me.  Once the action began, it kept going and I was able to be a bit more engaged.  The only part, I wish she had slowed down on is the love story.  They went from meeting to involved so quickly that you had to ask how it happened.  Still, it wasn't enough for me to focus on for too long.  The background of these characters is very interesting.  I love History and Legends and I was glad to see those intertwined in the story.  

So, the rating...I will give this book a 4.8 rating just because of the little bit of drag and then, the rush of the romance but I have high hopes that the next book will be more balanced in those areas.  I love the cover.  It's beautiful.  So, the cover gets a 5.  I do recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal romance, werewolf romance or a story steeped in History and legend.  I would like to take the time to thank Lori Handeland for writing such a stellar book.  It's beautifully written.  

Book rating: 4.8

Cover rating: 5

Call Me Investigating with Dani Ripper

I started the first of the Dani Ripper Novels, Call Me with a lot of interest.  The Summary was gripping and I sat down and read Call Me and entered the world of Dani Ripper.  

First, the setting and back story.  It takes place partially in Cincinnati and partially in Nashville.  Since, I am from a town two hours away from Nashville and I'm a bit homesick, I was extremely happy to find that at least some of the setting would be there.  The background of Dani Ripper is interesting and I found that I was engaged with her. 

When it comes to the characters, I really did like Dani.  However, the rest of the characters were hard to find believable.  I kind of liked Sophie but not enough to see the relationship between Sophie and Dani.   I kind of liked Ben but not enough to see that relationship either.  So, I tried but the only one I could find believable besides Dani was Detective Aub and he wasn't in the book enough to keep me interested in the characters.  

The plot was interesting and I did find myself interested in the actual story line but I did feel that it should have had more detail in parts but for the most part it did keep me engaged.  So, I enjoyed the story.  

So, I would recommend this story to people who want to read a detective's novel even though the characters left me feeling a bit disappointed.  

My rating: 2.9

Cover Rating: 3

Getting Familiar With Murder with Classmate Murders by Bob Moats

When I decided to read this book, I wasn't too sure about it.  Still, I tend to finish what I begin and so, I began the book with a bit of skeptic caution and I am happy to say that I did finish it and it was different than what I thought it would be.

First, the setting of the book is nice and it definitely shows you both the classier world and the underground of a city.  This is what I expect from a good mystery.  You want to see both worlds and Bob Moats does do that.

The characters have a sense of humor and that balances well with the darkness of the book.  In other words, you aren't kept in a perpetual state of gloom even though there are murders galore in the book.  I would also like to state that all of the characters are wonderful.  Yes, that includes the always grouchy Trapper.  I even have a favorite.  I also must thank Mr. Moats for including a positive spin on bikers.  I'm married to one so you won't be surprised to learn that Buck is my favorite character. Also, I am so happy to find older main characters.  Sometimes, people forget how refreshing that is.  

The story is great.  I loved the premise of it and it kept me engaged with each new development.  I found that the story never really dragged and I was always interested.  

Now, for the only unpleasant part of this review.  This is the only reason that this story did not get a five star review.  The story really does need editing.  If Mr. Moats reads this I would be happy to point him to the right direction because I do believe the talent is there.    Usually, I do not say anything about editing but this story needed it so much that it was distracting.  However, I still loved the story and Mr. Moats talent of storytelling is there.  

I would recommend this book for lovers of a good murder mystery.  I would not recommend this for people who are easily distracted by grammar.  

My Rating: 3.8

My Book Cover Rating: 4

Getting Spooked by Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Every now and then, I love reading the classics.  I will confess that I have read this book before.  I was twelve then.  Since it's been over twenty years, I decided to read it again and review it for you while my mind is fresh with the story.
First, I would like to say if you are expecting the written retold story of the movie starring Johnny Depp or the television show, you will be disappointed.  This is far from those tales.  I would never want you to expect something else because I believe it makes you bias against the original story.  So, please keep that in mind as you read my review.
The story itself is beautifully written.  The words are very visual and make it easy to imagine what Mr. Irving describes.  The setting is interesting in that it is as much a character in the story as the people.  The trees and the building within the town are described in wonderful detail and you begin to understand the town's characters from its buildings and landmarks.  The setting does exactly what it is supposed to...Enchant you.
The characters are diverse and beautiful in their own way.  From Brom Bones to Ichabod Crane to the lovely Katrina, the characters are displayed with such interesting characteristics that they become very real in your mind.  They aren't perfect.  They all have flaws and it's endearing.
The story itself is wonderful.  I loved the spooky mischief of it.  It's well-told and very engaging.  The only thing that bothered me is that it is very short.  I do believe that it could have been longer but I still adore the story.  I do not recommend this book for someone looking for a long read but if you are looking for a short read, this book will be perfect.  I also recommend this to anyone who wants to read a good ghost story.  You won't be disappointed.


My Rating: 4
There is no cover for this book on my Kindle so I am not able to rate that.  :)