Must Love Cowboys by Cheryl Brooks Review

Description:
Shy computer specialist and amateur chef Tina Hayes travels to Circle Bar K ranch to scatter her father’s ashes in the Tetons of Wyoming. Once there, her father’s old army buddy and his cast of cowboy ranch hands persuade her to stay on as the ranch’s cook for a while. It’s not a hard decision, especially when she meets Wyatt McCabe, a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else. But with so many cowboys to choose from, can Wyatt show Tina that he’s the only one for her?

My Thoughts:
This was just a little too much for me. I wanted to like it more but it's almost a parody of a romance novel. Shy Tina is surrounded by hot cowboys who all want her. It's just over the top and some parts were pretty ridiculous. I don't mind losing myself in the fantasy of a good romance , but a spontaneous orgasm because he walked into the room?? That was a bit much for me. And some of the vocabulary used during the steamier scenes brought me out of the story. I did read to the end out of curiosity, but it was just ok for me. 

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: Netgalley



Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | ARE | Kobo


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Review: The Dark Space by Mary Ann Rivers and Ruthie Knox

Description:
College senior Winnie Frederickson has accomplished nothing in four years but summa cum laude and the power of invisibility.

A professor’s kid, carelessly popular Cal Darling feels like he’s been going to college forever. If there’s anything left to learn, he’s not going to find it in the classroom.

The theater department’s “make-out class” is famously hard to get into, and what goes on between the twelve people who take it every spring is an annual topic of speculation. Winnie needs one more arts class to appear well-rounded for fellowships. Cal is just … bored.

The dark space – a class, a place, a state of mind – is ready for them both.

My Thoughts:

This one is a little different. Winnie is the girl who gets good grades that no one notices. Cal is the popular guy. They end up in the same class. Then things take a turn. Things get a little odd. They're in college. They're exploring and figuring out themselves, each other, and the direction they want to take in life. I like the writing, but you do need an open mind for this one. 

My Rating:  ***
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes: Language and some college-age experimentation.

My Source: purchased


Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N


Where to find the authors:

Mary Ann Rivers
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Ruthie Knox
Website | Twitter | Facebook  | Goodreads

Brain Mill Press

Don't Judge Me by Sylvie Fox - Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Don't Judge Me by Sylvie Fox

A Judgement Novel

Publication Date: September 15, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Multicultural, Romance

Synopsis

So far, Raphael Augustine’s ten year career as a comedian consists of a lot of ones: one night gigs, one night stands, and one night in jail. But he’s committed to inking a successful TV deal, nonetheless. He’s not looking for a relationship and certainly doesn’t expect to have his briefs tied in a knot by a prim and proper woman from Connecticut.

There’s not much to laugh about in Daisy Fletcher’s life. She never thought an Ivy League degree would land her work as an adult webmaster. Years later, fake chat room dates are her only companions, and a failing business her reward. Her father always told her men only want one thing. By selling that one thing to virtual customers, she’s lost faith in the opposite sex.

After Daisy catches Raphael’s shirt during a striptease at a gay bar, she’s tempted. Can a rakish comic change Daisy’s ideas about love and fortune?

About Sylvie Fox

Sylvie Fox writes spicy contemporary romance featuring quirky characters, and emotionally driven women’s fiction about ordinary women facing extraordinary challenges.

She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, son, and a menagerie of pet rescues. In spite of her decade in Hollywood, she’s never been on television or in a movie, but avoids the paparazzi like the plague. When she is not in LA, Sylvie is eating her way through Budapest.

Sylvie loves to connect with readers at sylviefox.com She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts:
I'm too judgey for this book. I didn't think either Raphael or Daisy were appealing characters. They both made stupid choices. Honestly, I found myself not caring whether they got together or not. It was rather funny in places, which was what kept me reading. They met at a gay bar and she thought he was gay for a while. It just wasn't enough. I kept hoping things would get better, but the ending just didn't save it for me. I'm sure other, less judgemental people will enjoy this book, it was just okay for me. 

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

Review: Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris.

Description:
There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart...

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough...

My Thoughts:
I was pleased with this conclusion to the Sookie Stackhouse series. This is book 13 and it starts a little slow and not in Sookie's point of view. There are actually several instances of third person throughout the book. Pretty much every character still living in Sookie's universe seems to make an appearance in this book. As Sookie is arrested for a murder she did not commit, she finds out just how much love and support she really has in her friends. While some people may not be pleased by the ending, it was pretty much as I predicted. I loved this series in the beginning, but it's been getting a little old over the last few books. I'm happy the end is here to have some closure.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!

My Source: library

Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N


Where to find the author:

Website | Goodreads

Love Zombies of San Diego by E.Z. Graves - Blog Tour Review

Description: Love Zombies of San Diego by E.Z. Graves is a young adult zombie story that's a bit different. Josh is a zombie but he knows he's different from the grunting, mindless dead things he sees wandering all over the streets of San Diego. Josh doesn't breathe or have a heart that beats, but he does think, and brains are not his food of choice. He walks the streets, killing zombies with his trusty sword called Rockstar. Josh's concern that he might be the only one of his kind is dispelled when he sees Tasha, who's obviously confused and talking to herself. Tasha's a bit doubtful of Josh's theory that they are both Love Zombies, born of zombies and capable of thought and speech. They team up with other teenage Love Zombies and hatch a plan to find the source of the 'Old School' Zombies and eradicate them.

My Thoughts:
A different take on zombies. The whole love zombie thing was a little tough for me to get on board with. Written from the pov of a teenage boy zombie. It was just hard for me to connect with. There is plenty of action along with some science and social issues. There is a lot of zombie killing but the gore is not overly descriptive. Just a little icky for me.  Younger readers who love zombies may connect with this better.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Some ick factor. Violence, gore, but not overly descriptive.

My Source: blog tour

Where to get it:


Where to find the author:
Facebook
Goodreads

Review: Windows by Emily Minton

Description:
Lucas Beck crawled through Melinda James’ window every night. Each time, gaining a piece of her heart and leaving a bit of his behind.

Lucas was in love with the girl next door, but he ruined any chance he had of making her his. So, he moved on without her.

Lindy gave her heart to the boy next door, but he left her humiliated and heartbroken. So, she started a new life without him.

They both head off to college, leaving the other behind. Lucas finds success then misery on the Football field. Lindy finds new love, but it never feels quite right.

Years later, Lucas and Lindy find themselves back in their hometown. Will Lindy open her window again and give Lucas another chance?

My Thoughts: 
I love stories about friends becoming more and second chances. This one just missed the mark for me. I wanted to like this book more. There were parts that I liked. The beginning of each chapter had snippets from Lindy and Lucas's childhood that were sweet. And some of the secondary characters were fun. I just really did not like Lucas. He's supposed to be the reformed bad boy, but he just came across as a jerk. And I thought Lindy forgave him way too easily. The mystery was also fairly predictable. If you don't mind those things, you might like this book. And from the epilogue it looks like Lindy's friend Tara will be getting her own book.


My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: author

Where to get it:


About the Author:
USA Today best selling author, Emily Minton is a Kentucky native. Raised in Missouri, her family returned to Kentucky when she was a teen. She is proud to call the Bluegrass State home. She claims she bleeds blue--Wildcat Blue!
Emily has been married to her husband, David, for over twenty years. They share two lovable but irritating teenagers, Jess and Bailey. She is also the proud mom of a feisty terrier mix, Rae Rae.
Emily loves to read and has more books on her kindle than most people could read in a life time, but she intends to read every single one. Nope, no hoarding problem here! Her favorite author is Kristen Ashley, and she swears Kristen’s book Sweet Dreams changed her life.
Emily has co-authored two books with Dawn Martens, Whiskey Lullaby and Renegade Lady. She has also written one solo book, Windows. Many more are floating around in her head, and she hopes to get them all on paper before long. She loves sharing her dreams with her readers. 

Where to find the author:
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Blog Tour Review: Embracing Love by Delisa Lynn

Description:
Lila was nineteen and going off to college, she hated to leave her family and friends behind. She had the perfect life; she had two best friends whom meant the world to her. She had a great boyfriend, she cared a lot for him and was worried about what would happen once she left for NYC and left him behind.

Although Lila and her boyfriend had been friends for years before dating, she suspected he was unfaithful. It hurt her more than she thought it would when she catches him in the act and found out it had been going on for months. The one person she thought, would never be there for her was now her rock. This man she never thought she would feel anything for was now whom she admired, and wanted in her life. What was going to happen once she left?

Lila was excited when she seen a familiar face in NYC and had met new ones. It couldn’t get any better, she had met great friends and stayed in contact with the man she had fallen for. Things change when tragedy leaves Lila feeling broken and not knowing where to turn, when she has lost two of the most important people in her life. What is she to do now that all her dreams where fading. Could she move on and be happy, or should she just give up hope.

My Thoughts: 
This book has a ton of drama and plenty of twists. There is cheating, people dying, and a cliff hanger ending. The problem is that the writing seemed so distant to me. I felt no connection to the characters. Lila is hard to like. She comes off as selfish and immature and I couldn't understand why she made the decisions that she did. I felt absolutely no empathy for her. I felt that it could have been better. But if you like lots of soap opera-like drama, you might like this. 
My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: blog tour

Where to get it:




About the Author: 

Delisa Lynn grew up in Columbus Ohio and loves Buckeye football. After working in retail photography for sixteen years, she wanted to take a different path and attended college where she received a diploma in Medical Assisting. She married her high school sweetheart, and moved to the Midwest, missing the east coast they decided to move back and are now residing in Western New York with their fur daughter Sophie. Delisa has always had a passion for reading, and has wanted to write her own novel. Delisa loves the outdoors, traveling, shopping and family time. When not writing, you can find her snuggling up with her fur daughter and reading a good book or watching a good movie. Delisa is currently writing Borrowed, a Novella from Evan Martin’s POV. Also look for Embracing Us and Embracing Hearts, all releasing early 2014.


Where to find the author:
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Whitley and Austin by Parker Paige

Whitley & Austin by Parker Paige

Description:
THREE beautiful redheads - THREE Motives - ONE Murder

Tapping into the common wish to be someone else, if only for a short time, this suspense drama explores what happens when a woman, bored with her humdrum existence dyes her hair red and takes on the persona of her late sister.

After the murder of her beloved sister, a quiet and warmhearted legal secretary, Charlie Weiss, who works for the prestigious Whitley & Austin, is in search of an escape. A few sessions with her psychologist propel her to the realization that the excitement that she seeks is in a new life, the life of her late sister.

With a daring wish to continue the wild life of her late sister, she colors her hair red and dares to reinvent herself. And with this new persona comes a different type of experience, including becoming one of three redhead suspects to a murder.

My Thoughts:
Charlie doesn't know what to do with herself after her family dies. She drinks, doesn't have many friends, and keeps the man who loves her at arm's length. She decides to dye her hair and become a different person.  And that, not surprisingly, doesn't turn out well. Most of what she does makes little sense, but she is fairly unbalanced and that is part of her character. The story is somewhat predictable at times, and I found it hard to believe that Charlie looks exactly like her late sister and two of her co-workers when she dyes her hair red. There were parts that were tough to read because of strange word choice or awkward sentences. Overall it is a fairly good read. The banter between Charlie and her nemesis is entertaining.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes: Adult language.

My Source: blog tour

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

Review: Blood of Ancient Kings by V.J.O. Gardner

Blood of Ancient Kings by V.J.O. Gardner

Description:
Blood of Ancient Kings begins as an evil king is overthrown and his kingdom taken from him on the same day his wife dies in childbirth. He’s devastated and wants to die, but the new king having compassion offers both a punishment and a blessing. He must raise the child on his own – but there is a catch: He is stripped of title and privilege and forced to live among the very people that he abused as king.

The first night in the village, the villagers block the door shut and set the house on fire! He rescues his daughter as the roof falls in! He finds himself surrounded by angry villagers that pelt him with rocks as he runs seeking shelter. He crawls under a bridge and huddles in the mud to protect his infant daughter. For the first time in his life he is truly afraid of death, but not for himself – for his daughter. And that’s when it starts getting exciting!

A medieval fantasy novel that has been loved by teens and adults, both male and female, Blood of Ancient Kings drops two men into new and unfamiliar circumstances. One must figure out how to care for himself and his infant daughter, while the other must learn to lead and defend an entire nation instead of just a troop of men. Each must learn to be a father and gain the respect of others. Follow their children as they find friendship and inner strength while searching for love and their own identities. Meet two brothers that are as different as their fates are. Discover how they cope with life together and apart.

My Thoughts:
There are a lot of things I liked about this book. I enjoyed the medieval fantasy setting. There were some great characters and I cared about what happened to them, making me keep reading. There were politics, secrets, and sweet love stories. There is a contrast between royalty and commoners, palace life and village life. The story is clean with little violence and suitable for younger readers as well.

I liked the story. I want to rate it higher, there were just a couple of things that bothered me. There are some descriptions of people and events that are repeated so often that they become redundant. It just takes away from the story after a while. I also felt like the ending was a little abrupt. The story follows generations, but seems to suddenly stop in the middle of the next story. I get that this is the first book of a series, but it seemed to me like an odd place to end.

I do recommend this if you like stories set in medieval fantasy lands with royalty and sweet love stories and can overlook the repetition and abrupt ending. I liked it enough to want to read the next book.

*Note: The author has done some re-writing to take care of the repetition issues. I will check it out.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !


My Source: Sage's Blog Tours

Where to get it:
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
iTunes

About the author, V.J.O. Gardner

Growing up in a small Utah town, I was a voracious reader. In college I took Fantasy Lit and writing classes. I’ve always enjoyed observing people and how they interact based on their individual experiences and upbringing. I found that I enjoyed writing to take a break from the reality of life. After trying my hand at a variety of jobs, I felt it was finally time I begin to publish what I had been writing.

There have been so many great authors that I have learned from and a few very poor ones. I do not presume to compare myself to any other author’s style but only attempt to tell the story in such a way as to immerse the reader in the story. Just as some of the characters spend most of their time trying to figure out where they fit in this life, I too have been searching for a place where I fit only to realize that it’s the journey of discovery that is the most important part of life.

Where to find the author:
http://www.ancient-kings.com/
Twitter @AncientKingsBks
Goodreads

Review: The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

Description:
On August 15th 1939, at the brink of World War II, an English plane crashed and sunk in Danish waters. Five deaths were reported: two Standard Oil of New Jersey employees, a German Corporate Lawyer, an  English member of Parliament, and a crew member for the airline. Here is a conceivable version of the events. 

My Thoughts: 
This is a fictionalized account of an actual event. There is a bit of a love story and one of the characters has nightmares and seeks help for them, finding out that he was a pilot whose plane crashed in a past life. Bill and his new girlfriend Maggie end up trying to piece together a decades-old mystery using psychics, hypnotism, past-life regression, and good old-fashioned research. The story reads a lot like non-fiction and is very research-heavy. It was very slow for me. History lovers might like it more.

My Rating: ***

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon

Where to find the author:
Website
Author Page
Tumblr

Review: The Whispers of the Sprite by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

The Whispers of the Sprite by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

Description:
When Ania moves from London to Swansea city in Wales she is hoping that her life will get a bit more exciting, after all she is running away from her controlling mother to taste more freedom and feel more independent. Everything seems to be going the way she wanted until she almost dies while taking a quiet walk around the beach in the late evening.

When she opens her eyes, nothing seems the same...

She starts seeing people that no one else is able to notice. An enchanting looking man keeps following her and Ania’s life seems to getting more exciting than she ever wished for.

After the attack something changes inside her, she has been blessed with the new frightening gift of seeing and hearing sprites all around her... the magical creatures that only existed in folklore, myths and legends of Britain.

Gabriel is attractive and handsome but no ... he is not a vampire. He keeps coming back and Ania feels an instant connection between them but this might get her into more trouble. Supernatural romance is not on her mind right now.

Because he is forbidden to even touch her ... the line between the death and love has never been so thin and the sprites won’t stop whispering until ... she will choose to love or abandon Gabriel. 


My Thoughts:
Ania is suddenly able to see people she shouldn't and begins to learn about a whole world she never knew existed, and falls in love with the Sprite (fairy) who is assigned to watch over her. The story itself is interesting, but it is slow in places and seems to drag. There are also some critical scenes that we are told about, but don't actually see. It made their relationship a bit difficult for me to understand. We don't really see the development so I found it hard to believe. I didn't really get why they were in love. Other than that the story was interesting enough that I would read the next book to find out what happens.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!

My Source:
author

Where to get it:
Amazon


Where to find the author:
Blog
Goodreads

Review: Back in Time...Times Two by Rebecca A. Holt

Back in Time...Times Two by Rebecca A. Holt

Description:
Carmen and Celeste Summers are fraternal twin sisters that have taken completely different career paths. While the pragmatic Carmen spends her days shuffling legal papers the slightly eccentric Celeste is reading tarot cards and celestial charts for a living.

Carmen and Celeste are very aware of their many differences but the one thing they both enjoy is spending their weekends together searching for unusual antiques.

When one of their trips unearths an Ancient Egyptian artifact on the same day there is a meteor shower they find themselves spiraling back in time...

My Thoughts:
This was a fun read. The sisters find an artifact that allows them to time travel to the time and place of their choosing, allowing them to go on adventures and get into some trouble. The twin dynamic was a lot of fun. They have an interesting relationship, as they are so similar in some respects, yet so different in others. At times, I had a hard time really getting into the story, as I felt more like a casual observer and not really pulled into the story with the characters. We are told a lot of the story, instead of being shown what is happening and really being involved.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon 

Review: Order of the Dimensions by Irene Helenowski

Order of the Dimensions by Irene Helenowski

Description:
When Jane Kremowski first began her graduate studies in physics at Madison State University in Wisconsin, little did she know where her work would take her. Now, she is embroiled in a multitude of dimensions all leading to different outcomes. She and her colleagues therefore must act wisely in order to take and keep away the Order of Dimension from falling into the wrong hands for the sake of her loved ones.

My Thoughts:
I liked the story. The idea of multiple dimensions and different selves leading different lifes depending on circumstances was interesting and a little mind-bending at the same time. It reminded me a bit of the t.v. show Sliders. I loved that show (until the aliens). It was interesting enough to keep me reading to find out the outcome. Really, anything could happen. And there were some morality questions that were explored as well. The one thing that kept me from loving the book was that the characters didn't have that much depth. You don't really get into their heads and I didn't feel that connected to the story. It is a different type of story-telling and others will like it, especially people that like exploring science questions. Very interesting concept.

My Rating: ***
My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon
Lulu

About the author:
Irene Helenowski is a statistical analyst collaborating with several biomedical researchers who lives and works in Chicago. She recently received her doctorate degree in Biostatistics. Her interests include attending art exhibits and music concerts of all types, reading about current scientific advances and theory, and creative writing. She is also looking into foundations which help promote the sciences to youth groups.

Where to find the author:
Facebook

Review: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Description:
A man controlled by his desires...

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand— she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk.

A woman haunted by her past...

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control—one that may well destroy them both.

A bargain neither could refuse.

My Thoughts:
This was a bit darker than I expected. Lazarus is a dark, tortured hero that reminded me a bit of a Georgian Christian Grey from FSOG. I liked the story, but I never quite understood why he chose Temperance to help him. I also thought there was too much of the secondary characters and storylines. It sets up other books in the series, but takes away from main story. Overall I liked it. If you like darker stories and historical romances, you may like this. Iwill probably check out the rest of the series if I find them at the library.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes: Some BDSM elements.
My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo  

Where to find the author:
Elizabeth Hoyt
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest

Review: Conceived by June Spears

Conceived (Blood Moon Chronicles #1) by June Spears


Description:
Sophie is just your average  teenage girl who's world gets turned upside down by the handsome stranger in  her dreams. Or so it seems... She no longer knows where her dreams end and reality begins.

My Thoughts:
I loved this, until I got to the end and realized that was it. This is not a whole story, it is just the beginning. It is a promising beginning, but I finished it in under 20 minutes and was left wanting more. This does not stand on its own. It piqued my interest enough to want to read more. I tend to be too impatient for serials, though. I like to be able to read the whole thing at once.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !



Where to get it:
Amazon


About the author:
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, June E Spears had spent her early years writing mostly poems and school songs. However, she could not escape the allure of storytelling and quickly began studying to become a novelist. She began by reading every chance she had. Mostly Fantasy and Romance novels, June's love of writing was uncontrollable. Once she began typing, she never stopped.
June is best known for her Fantasy Novelette Series "The Blood Moon Chronicles". She is a single mother to her only daughter Isabella Rose.


Where to find the author:
Blog
Blood Moon Chronicles
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Dominion (Guardian Angels #1) by Melody Manful

Dominion (Guardian Angels #1) by Melody Manful


Description:
I Dare You.
Look Over Your Shoulders.
Do You See Them?
They are behind you...
They are always behind you.

Abigail Cells had a nightmare the day before she met Gideon, the new guy in school who has every girl drooling just to be near him. In her nightmare, she was murdered by a magical creature. As she gets to know Gideon, she begins to remember pieces of her nightmare, and was shocked when Gideon turned out to be the creature from her nightmare. Who is Gideon really, should Abby allow herself to fall completely for him, or is he the next disaster waiting to happen?

My Thoughts:
This is an interesting take on angels. They work in pairs; a good angel and a bad angel known as Grantinians and Grandinians. Abby gets her very own pair to watch over her and her live changes. The story was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading and find out all of the secrets. However, there were some things that I found confusing and many answers that were left unresolved. I am hoping that these questions are answered in the next book. I liked the book, I just didn't love it. Overall, I think the writing would appeal more to younger readers. Maybe I am getting too old to fully appreciate books about teenagers that talk and act like teenagers.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Some violence

Where to get it:
Releases August 20.

About the author:

Melody Manful was born on the 8th of June 1994 in Tema, A town in Ghana. She started writing at a very early age and has been doing it ever since. We has two siblings, and lives in Denmark with her family. She loves music, reading and writing, and puts a great deal into making her friends happy.

Where to find the author:
Guardian Angels Series
Facebook
Twitter

Review: '59 by Anthony Sunderland

'59 by Anthony Sunderland


Description:
January 24th 2059: The exploration ships Intrepid and Valiant set sail on the first mission to Proxima Centauri. Finally the stars were within our reach. We would step out onto unexplored worlds, in our quest to reach out into the galaxy in search of exciting discoveries and new life.
Mission Commander Donald Lewis promised his daughter Janine that he would return from the nineteen month mission in plenty of time for her twenty first birthday.

He never came home.

Janine vowed to discover her father's fate, no matter what it might cost her. This is a quest that will test young Janine's courage and resolve to their very limits. A journey fraught with massive obstacles and terrible dangers at every turn.

This is the first instalment in the epic series '59.


My Thoughts:
'59 is the first in a sci-fi series about humans exploring beyond our own solar system.
The premise is interesting but the story is very short. It is basically a set-up the for the series. Lots of points are introduced but not developed. There is no resolution. It was difficult to really get invested in the story and characters. I also noticed that the tense shifts between past and present for no apparent reason, which I found distracting.
This was a quick read and interesting enough for me to want to read the next book to find out where it goes. It does sound intriguing. If you are a fan of sci-fi space stories, I recommend it, but prepare to keep reading because this one does not stand alone.

My Rating: ***


Where to get it:
Amazon

Amazon UK


Where to find the author:
Anthony Sunderland
Amazon

Review: Son of the Mob

Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

Description from Goodreads:
Vince Luca is just like any other high school guy. His best friend, Alex, is trying to score vicariously through him; his brother is a giant pain; and his father keeps bugging him to get motivated. There is just one thing that really sets him apart for other kids. His father happens to be the head of a powerful crime organization. Needless to say, while Vince's family's connections can be handy for certain things-like when teachers are afraid to give him a bad grade as they can put a serious crimp in his dating life. How is he supposed to explain to a girl what his father does for a living? But when Vince finally meets one who seems to be worth the trouble, her family turns out to be the biggest problem of all. Because her father is an FBI agent-the one who wants to put his father away for good.

My Thoughts:
This was entertaining. Vince wants so hard to live a normal life and have nothing to do with the mob, but it pops up in hillarious ways. I liked how Vince always referred to his dad's business as "the vending machine business." And of course, the girl he meets would be the daughter of the FBI agent bugging his house. I would have liked more of Kendra's character, but the story was really about Vince and how his dad being in the mob affected his life, so it makes sense that she wasn't all that developed. Overall, I liked the book.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: One party with underage drinking.

Review: Addicted to Love by C.J. West

Addicted To Love by C.J. West

Description:

Wes Holliday sells his landscaping business and retreats to a quaint mountain town to heal after ending a ten year relationship with a woman he couldn't bring himself to marry. In three weeks he is so captivated by a hair stylist that he deprives himself of food and sleep to be near her. When the local sheriff is murdered, Wes is recruited to keep the peace in the town his parents built, but he knows nothing about law enforcement and he's struggling to understand how a woman he just met can dominate his every waking thought. Soon the idyllic town with a penchant for romance is rocked by a bizarre series of murders that defy explanation and it is up to Wes to stop a raging epidemic of violence.

My Thoughts:
This was different. The description pretty much sums it up. Something seems off in this town, which is why this book moved to the top of my to-read list when I found it free on Amazon. I wanted to find out what was going on. The plot is compelling enough to make you want to keep reading to find out.  Poor Wes was so confused for most of the book, I felt bad for him. I was a bit surprised by the ending. It was worth a read.  I will check out other books by this author.

My Rating:  ***
Steam Factor:  !!

Review: Ever After

Ever After by Nora Roberts 

Description: 

Wearing an ancient star pendant, an enchanting woman journeys to an otherworldly land - and introduces a skeptical stranger to the magical powers of love.

My Thoughts:

This is a sweet, short story.  Elena and Connell are brought together by magic. They recognize one another on some level, but Connell resists. I don't mind stories with instant attraction between the characters, but "insta-love" bothers me.  Give them five minutes to get to know one another before they profess their love.  Overall, I did like the story, I just had a hard time getting past that part.  Not one of my favorites by Nora Roberts, but still a good read.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor:  !!!