Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Getting Enchanted with Enchantment by Charlotte Abel


Hi.  Okay...So I read Enchantment by Charlotte Abel and I would like to say that it made me homesick for my home state of Tennessee.  I will start off saying that.  Just the way Channie and her family spoke made me smile.  That was enough to get me into the book.  
I love the settings which ranged from Arkansas backwoods to Louisville, Colorado.  I enjoyed both because of how different the atmosphere of both were.  Also, I was able to connect with Channie quickly because I know what it's like to move to an unfamiliar place.  So, the settings were wonderful.  
The characters were likeable and I found myself loving everyone from Channie and Josh to the trips.  Even Josh's mother had likeable moments even though she was the only character I wasn't sure I'd feel about her at first.  The characters personalities were big and they made the story enjoyable.  My favorites included Channie, Josh and Aunt Wisdom.  Mrs. Abel did a wonderful job of building enjoyable characters.
The plot of the story is magical.  It kept me glued to the book and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  It was romantic and had plenty of action.  However, do have a complaint...Channie's age bothered me.  I think she could have been a little older even though I understand the culture she grew up in.  Other than that, I loved the book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.  
I do recommend this for older teenagers and adults.  It is not suitable for younger teenagers or children.  I also recommend this for anyone who likes magical tales, romance and a little bit of mystery.  

My Rating: 4 stars
Book Cover Rating: 5 stars



Monday, December 21, 2015

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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  

Monday, December 14, 2015

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

Monday, November 9, 2015

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

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


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

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