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Desperate Chioces – Jeanette Cooper

AngelaLeave a comment

This is a fantastic book! A quick read, full of suspense, romance, and intrigue. As a note, there is quite a bit of violence against women going on in this book, please be advised before you read.

Rochelle met a wonderful man who she married, and learned about his abusive side after the fact. He is a major king pin in the drug world, and she is a hostage in her home.

It seems predictable at points, and when Michael starts acting like a total ass, it got a bit hard to not skim over. but keep going, it is worth the read. One woman learns what is important, learns a lot about herself, and just may find her happy ending!

Desperate Choices Cover Image

The Boss Killers – Keith Gillison

Angela1 Comment

You have to read this book! I cannot remember the last time I read a story that had me not only laughing out loud, but also anxious to turn the page and see what was about to happen. Excellent book! You will laugh, and hold your breath waiting to see what happens next. A fun read that you will not want to put down!

The Boss Killers Cover Image

Ross Ackerman is obsessed with getting rid of his boss, Mr. Charles Belvedere. Chief Inspector Harry Christmas is not only tired of the jokes he listens to during the holiday season, he is the only one who sees a connection with the fact that more business executives seem to die from “accidents” during the holiday season than at any other time.

With a full cast of characters, you will never get bored with this story. When Ross cannot take it one more day, he reaches out to his friend that he absolutely needs to kill his boss. His friend, ever concerned about Ross, devises a better idea.

Let him think he is killing his boss, via computer graphics, 3-D, real life video game. If only he knew what he had just stumbled upon. It is almost like opening Pandora’s box.

I would love to give you all the details on this story, but it truly is one you need to read for yourself. I challenge anyone to read this book and tell me they did not enjoy it!

Dreams and Shadows: The Aylosian Chronicles – Jeffrey Collyer

Angela3 Comments

A young man, Michael, has had a less than ideal childhood. The only thing he is aware of in his short 19 years of life, is that his mother abandoned him, his foster mother died when he was 5 years old, and his foster father, Rob, was so absorbed in his own grief that Michael was basically on his own from that very young age.

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A dream that seemed too real to be ignored started Michael on a journey that would change his life. Although he would have some questions answered, many more would come to mind as he learned things about a world he had no idea existed. A world that he was taken out of, and where he finally managed to find his way back.

Going back to the world he came from is just as difficult as you would expect it to be. He knew no one, he did not understand their traditions, some of the things they said, and many of the things they did. While he made a couple friends, there were others who were still wary of him, and questioned why he just suddenly showed up in their land.

A journey of epic proportions is in store for Michael. It is his chance to find out about his mother, as well as how he may have come to be in such a strange and wondrous land. Although others seemed to understand, would Michael come to terms with who he really is, and why he is needed in this new land?

With brilliant writing, well-developed characters, and a fantastic storyline, I could not put this story down. I tend to avoid Dystopian type novels as of late, but this was a great surprise and a breath of fresh air for finding a whole new world that you want to know everything about.

Sorry, but you know my policy (at least 99% of the time); no spoilers.

To find out more about Jeffrey Collyer, please visit his website here:  www.jeffreycollyer.com

Over You – Christine Kersey

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This was a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed. Labeled as a romance/suspense novel, it delivered as promised.

Over You cover image

Jessica Stevens has just broken up with her boyfriend Alex, after he was seen out to dinner and kissing another woman. Needing to get away, she goes and stays at her favorite Aunt’s house. Running into Kyle, her ex-fiancé, was the last thing she had expected, or wanted. Having him remodeling her Aunt’s house had her seeing him much more than she wanted to.

Kyle seems to have a girlfriend, and Alex can’t stay away from Jessica. He knows he made a mistake, and wants to make it right. Not being able to figure out her own personal life and feelings, Jessica begins investigating a mystery that seems to have taken place in her Aunt’s house. 50 year old love letters start Jessica on a hunt for answers that may come with a price she doesn’t want to pay.

I do not want to give away any spoilers to this story, but I certainly recommend you read this if you like romance or suspenseful stories. Free of profanity and sexual content, there are no worries here about having to struggle through awkward sex scenes that seem to be very difficult for anyone to get right.

There is a sequel to this story, called Second Chances. which I have purchased. Over You is free where e-books are sold. I am currently reading another story, and have another one I will be starting today as well. The review for second chances will be posted in the near future.

Second Chances cover image

Have you read Christine Kersey before? Let me know what you thought. She has several novels and I will be choosing some of her other works as well.

For more information on Christine and purchasing her books, please visit her website here: http://christinekersey.com/

The Life & Times of an Incorrigible – G.M. Roberts

Angela14 Comments

GM Roberts Cover ImageG.M. Roberts tells a straight-forward story of his life, in the first-person, from his birth, his lack of enthusiasm for learning, school, or being to what to do, to his Military career, his marriage, and what he did after he was once again a civilian.

I’ve not heard very many people say they wanted to go to Vietnam during the war. Okay, I have never heard of anyone saying that. G.M. was most comfortable in the Military. He may not have always been able to have the job or position he wanted, but it was certainly the career he was meant to have.

Civilian life was not all it is cracked up to be for G.M. He had a career, and people contacting him to work and teach for them, but after losing his Emy to cancer, nothing was important anymore.

This story had me laughing out loud, and feeling great sadness. The story about the sloth still has me cracking a smile. The descriptions of the rappel demonstrations will not soon be forgotten. G.M. certainly knew how to have fun no matter what he was required to do.

Life lessons are shared throughout the story, and are lessons that can fit anyone, in any situation. They are not cliché, or redundant, or untimely. They are important. G.M. questions the influence he had on the many troops who he trained, mentored, taught, and watched both come and go in the Army. I think it is safe to say he likely influenced and helped more people than he could ever realize.

This was a very smooth, easy read for me. It was like talking to a relative, and listening to their stories of what their life was like, the things they experienced, and how it helped shape their life. I highly recommend this story, especially if you are a veteran, currently serve in the Military, or are somehow connected to someone who is.

No, I Do Not JUST Read Books!

Angela6 Comments

books and opinions quote 4-25-15

It is so much more than that. I learn things, and I share the things I learn with others.

I get to experience places and things that otherwise would be off limits to me.

I get to encourage and support new authors, when they feel like giving up, and setting their work on fire.

I get to edit books, and help authors present their best work possible.

There is no such thing as too many books, or reading too much.

If you believe there is, you will never understand what you are missing.

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Start With Me (A Modern Parable) – Michael Seaton & John Blase

Angela2 Comments

Start With Me Coer Image

This is a fast read that involves many different characters, all at different points in their lives, but also all connected in one way or another. A middle-aged married couple who have everything they ever wanted, and feel like “Is this it?” A young widow who lost her husband in Iraq, and is raising two young sons. A new pastor in town who is getting the feel for the members of the church. Another married couple who have never been able to have children, and are now looking to adopt.

The whole idea of Start With Me is right on the back cover: “In a hurting, broken world, one person can make a difference!”

As each of these people go on with their busy lives, along with other characters in the story, they slowly see opportunities to help someone in need. Or someone with a need who can not see it themselves. The smallest kindness, gesture, or even a few words, really can change a person’s day. It can also change their outlook, their attitude, and the way they view the world.

One person really can make a difference. And if many persons make those small differences, just imagine how much more wonderful things could be in your neighborhood, your town, your state, the world? I often feel like there is something I should be doing to help others, more than donating time and money. I pray about it daily, that I will see the opportunity or calling when it is presented to me.

If you are in need of a powerful, uplifting read, this is a book you will be glad you spent a quiet afternoon with.

Why You Have To Finish Your Book!

Angela6 Comments

Dawn of Desire – Joyce Verette

Say it isn’t so! I am posting a review of a “romantic-possibly-sex-laden-book” that is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Dawn of Desire book cover image

So there is a back story to this book. By the time I was 12, I was reading at least one book a day, and when I made my weekly visit to my Grandma’s, I found this book. It was obvious that she hadn’t been reading it, so I “borrowed” it. And when you are 12 years old, anything and everything are possible. But even more than that, this story is GOOD. An arranged marriage, hoping for the best, and expecting the worst, murder, treason, and suspense. Two different nations, trying to unite to avoid a war.

Princess Nefrytaten and Prince Ameni are trying to save Egypt, and build it to what it should be. This story is seriously so good, that there is even more to how I lost the copy I “borrowed”, and found it again.

When I first read this book, I read it again as soon as I finished it. It was always in my bookcase. I always had it near me, until I had to move and all of my books got packed up.

I knew they were safe with my parents, until my Dad called to tell me the basement flooded or some other tragedy, and he threw all of my wet books out.

“WHAT?” You threw my books out? Who throws away books; wet or not? I knew this book was lost to me, and as much as I loved it, I could not remember the author.

I literally searched online for this book every single year until I finally found it on Amazon a couple years ago. I bought it, and the 2 following books in the series.

Is there a moral to the story?

Yes, there is.

Never doubt your writing ability. Write your book, and fight to get it published. Because that book is going to change a reader’s life forever.

I promise!

I Didn’t Realize How Much This Happens…Please Do Not EVER Pay Someone To Review Your Book

Angela41 Comments

I have randomly seen here-and-there that someone would say they paid to have their book reviewed. I have also randomly seen someone post that they would review books; for a fee.

So I figured I needed to look into this, and find out exactly what was going on. I mean, really, I have been reviewing books for new authors for quite some time, so how much money could I have made? (Sarcasm)

I found a man who made over $10,000.00 in a month doing this. WHAT? He was caught soon enough; a writer called him out 🙂 He tried to change his name so he wouldn’t come up in search engines, but the last thing I read was that he was now selling real estate.

So without getting too technical and looking up my blog post from the beginning of January (Yes, I am tired, it has been a long day, and I kind of remember), I read and reviewed books in numbers of upwards of 40. I know around September, I asked for new authors to let me review their books. And boy did I get the response! Out of all the books that I bought or were sent to me (Yes, I bought several of them, and many were sent free of charge), there was only one that I did not post the review to. It was terrible, and I had no worries about anyone else buying this book, so I did not post the review. I got harassed, threatened a bit, and stalked, but I think they finally went away.

Who knew that the reading and writing business was so cut-throat?

So I guess I still just don’t understand the need to pay for a review. If I charged people for reviews, no one would ever trust a single review I spent the time to compose. I understand that new authors are anxious to get their work out there, and be recognized for the hard work they have invested.

But do not EVER compromise that hard work. Because as soon as any reader, such as me, finds out you were paying for reviews, they will never pick up one of your books.

I am looking forward to getting feedback from both authors, readers, and reviewers. Did you pay for a review? I am not calling you out; but I am certainly curious if it helped you at all.

Waking Up Married – Mira Lyn Kelly

Angela2 Comments

Megan Scott and Conner Reed are both in less than stellar moods when they happen to bump into each other at a bar in Las Vegas. Both recently out of relationships, and swearing off love and everything it brings with it, they are married before morning hits. Megan remembers none of it, and Conner remembers every minute of it.

Waking Up Married Cover

Asking for a 3-month trial before she files for divorce, they both try to begin to trust again, especially in such a difficult situation as they find themselves in.

This was a really fun read for me, and I enjoying it a lot. I am not usually a reader of romance books in general, but I am glad I gave this one a try.

It was a light read, filled in a few hours for me this weekend, and I did not want to put it down, or reach the end of it. There is some steamy scenes to this story, but nothing overly graphic or just ridiculous in how it is written. Mira has a great style of writing and this will not be the last book of hers I pick up.