Why Reinevent the wheel when you can Make it better!

Hubby and I saw Star Wars and YES! We loved it!
Over the course of several weeks people would talk about the movie and how much it was like number 4 in the original series. I heard people say it was a rip off, it was the same story and why pay money to see the same move just a decade or more different.

First off J.J. Abrams did the same thing to Star Trek and everyone loved it. That man is brilliant he takes the basic story that has already been told and makes it better! Why reinvent the wheel just make it better. That is what J.J Abrams does he take the same story and recreates it making it better than the original. I cried and gasped even though I could see what was coming it still hit me hard and that is a good story teller does.

Isn't that what most authors do they recreate a story that has pretty much have been written only try and make it better.
Mystery Romance (Female tries to fix something that has wronged her. Alpha Male tries to keep her safe and evil guys always have monologues which good will defeated.)  Same story over and over again but some are better written than other that will keep reads flocking to the same author time and time again. Its the same story as others have created but it is all about who can tell the story better.

Apple created the amazing Iphone which personal was amazing at first but they kept recreating the same items only improving on small things. While other companies like Nokia, Samsung ran with the idea making their phone better than Apples but still using the basic concepts people love. Texting, Camera and touch screen. Again I say why Create the Wheel when you can make it better than the original.
So when reading a novel I understand I will read the same story over and over again its the author who can recreate a story that pulls me in to the point everything around me fades away and I am walking the streets of a small town wondering if everyone around me could be friend or foe.

Posting Reviews and Life

Please forgive when that comes to Reviews. I know they have been little hit and miss lately. I am reading but with kids it makes it hard to sit down and write the reviews of books I have read. Lets face it by 8:30 I am ready for bed hoping to get 4 hours of sleep because someone needs mom to chase away the monsters or find a missing toy at 3 am. 

The other day I started to write reviews when my 2 year old crawled on my lap and decided it was my laptop or him.  We lasted about ten minutes before his writing skills consisted of aaannndduuujjeeoo.

Enough said I closed down my computer and went to watch Mickey Mouse Club house. I could live a life time never having to Watch Mickey Mouse Club House ever again.

I found several new authors I can't get enough of and lets face it I love Mystery, suspense, thrillers with just the right balance of romance. Can you blame me I think I read every Nancy Drew book ever written. Ok so some of these are not new but I love their books and can not get enough of them. Melinda Leigh, Lisa Hughey, Julie Anne Lindsey, Kendra Elliot, Nico Rosso and I love Evan Katy!

I also love Amazon Crossing Publishing because those books are from authors from overseas that have been translated and so far I have been impressed with the three I have read.  So again I have been able to find more authors to read but scared they won't find success here stateside and I won't get the next book in the series.  I also use my kindle unlimited to be able to find new authors I end up loving.
Aurélie Venem and Stefanie Ros.

My brithday came and went and yes turning 37 isn't a big deal but this year I decided to do it right. Starting off with a fender Bender that wasn't my fault. Poor kid this whole front end will cost in the thousands and my SUV came out with a few more scratches and dents. DO NOT DRIVE AND TEXT!!!!

My tines were alright just a little scared and My insurance lady wish my Happy Birthday at least twice the cop grunted as he handed me the information for my insurance company.
The day was the same as most taking care of kids, homework hair pulling out but than Hubby brought home Pizza (Never have pizza because all 4 tines hate pizza.) My tines bought me each a gift which I loved.

Nothing is better than having a birthday with family and friends.

With all that being said I am looking at post three times a week with Throwback Thursday! Thankful I have the help of other reviews, my kids who love to read and friend whom I bug.

Book Review: Justice For Abby (The Bodyguards Of L.A. County #6)

Title: Justice For Abby


Author: Cate Beauman

Stars 4 out of 5

Review:
I saw this on Book Blub and if you haven't signed up for that website you need to. I have found some amazing books that are only free for a short time and that is how I found Justice For Abby it was free and I thought why not.

Once you start reading this book you realize right away it wasn't going to be easy to get though due to the story line which revolves about sex, rape and international sex ring in which Abby is the only witness.

This book is a stand alone but I did feel really lost wishing I had read either the last book or the one before that hoping for a little more clarity.

The characters have heart, strength and lots of fun even with how dark the subject matter is.

Cate Beauman brought light to a very dark subject.

That characters had great banter and it felt natural and not forced.

The suspense was perfect and the twist I saw coming.  You find you hate Jerrod's Ex-Girlfriend but at the same time the Cate Beauman gave her depth instead of making her fluff without a reason to be in the book.  Everyone had purpose and reason for being in the book and I love that.

This book might have triggers for those who have been in violence situations similar to Abby.

Synopsis:

Fashion designer Abigail Harris has been rescued, but her nightmare is far from over. Determined to put her harrowing ordeal behind her and move on, she struggles to pick up the pieces of her life while eluding the men who want her dead.

The Mid-Atlantic Sex Ring is in ruins after Abby’s interviews with the police. The organization is eager to exact their revenge before her testimony dismantles the multi-million dollar operation for good.

Abby’s safety rests in the hands of former US Marshal, Jerrod Quinn. Serious-minded and obsessed with protocol, Ethan Cooke Security’s newest agent finds himself dealing with more than he bargains for when he agrees to take on his beautiful, free-spirited client.

As the trial date nears, Abby’s case takes a dangerous turn. Abby and Jerrod soon discover themselves in a situation neither of them expect while Jerrod fights to stop the ring from silencing Abby once and for all.

About The Author:
 
International bestselling author Cate Beauman is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Her novels have been nominated for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Golden Quill Award, Writers Touch Award, and have been named Readers Favorite Five Star books. FALLING FOR SARAH received the silver medal for the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Awards and SAVING SOPHIE was selected as the 2015 Readers Crown Award winner for Romantic Suspense.

Cate now makes her home in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. Currently Cate is working on Deceiving Bella, the eleventh novel in her popular bodyguards series.

For information on Cate’s new releases, monthly giveaways, and upcoming events, sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.catebeauman.com/author/hom...

Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/catebeauman.

You can follow Cate on Twitter @CateBeauman 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

That right world I have no problem celebrating the birth of ME!

I am turning 37 and still have no idea when I will grow up or when fart jokes will stop being funny. I love Super Heroes, Nancy Drew Books, my crazy tiny humans and last but not least my amazing partner in crime. Who will always have my back even when I get a little crazy.

Book Review: Fully Ignited

Title: Fully Ignited

Author:Shannon Stacey


Stars: 3 1/2

Review:

 I have Read Shannon Stacy's' Romantic suspense series Devil Group and thought I would try out her romance series Boston Fire.  Fully Ignited is book 3 and a very simple story of boy meets girls and they both have the hots for each other IE Love at First Sight.  Their isn't really anything to build up from there but Shannon uses the fact that Jamie wanted to be a fire fighter because someone told her as a little girl she couldn't be and Scott because everyone in his family was. The complication was made because neither one would listen to each other.  There wasn't really any sexual tension making the read a little boring.

I did however loved the supporting characters who were funny, engaging and kept the story moving.  There was a fun humors moments that even had me laughing out loud but all in all it was your typical romance novel with fire fighters as the background.

Lots of Sex though out the book and I will admit I might have skipped a majored of the scene to get back to the story.
ARC from Netgelley for my honest thoughts.

Synopsis:
When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.

Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.

Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future…there’s no resisting the right now.



About The Author:
 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV. 

Throwback Thursday

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Book Review - Into the Darkest Corner - Elizabeth Haynes

Title: Title: Into the Darkest Corner

Author: Elizabeth Haynes

Review:  Here is what the book did well.  It was a nice portrayal of how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) works, especially as a coping mechanism for trauma.  Plus its separation of OCD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was nicely explained and demonstrated by the lead character Cathy.  Essentially it clearly showed how an individual with OCD tendencies could lose control of their life when subjected to a vicious long term attack.  

Too often we would look at those exhibiting OCD symptoms and wonder why they just don’t knock it off (They door is locked already).   Mrs. Haynes wonderfully opens up this world of compulsion and the need for safety that is beyond their control.  How they are always seeking comfort and security, and how they wish they could just leave it more than you do.

The other thing I really liked was the reliance of friendship and support.  When Lee (the villain) was able to infiltrate Cathy’s closest friends and sow the seeds of doubts, she became more and more isolated.  This allowed Lee to gain more power over her life, cutting off all avenues of escape.  It wasn’t till many years later through the friendship of her neighbor was she able to start her recovery.  When times get tough it is our relationships that will get us through.  We need others for support and love when life doesn’t work out.  That is why it is important to just be there for our friends when they are suffering, not necessarily to provide solutions, but just to listen.

As a point of personal preference the author told two different timelines in alternating chapters.  We see Cathy as she gets involved with Lee paired with Cathy 4 years later in recovery.  This style worked but I would rather have had a part one and two, but as I said that is not a knock on the book; it is just what I like.  I supposed the advantage is we got to see the parallel of Cathy going from a free spirit to a mentally destroyed individual with a traumatized victim gaining her inner-strength back.  Clever, but a little to much in your face for me.

Finally I thing a PTSD/OCD challenged girl just happens to have a trained psychologist move into her upstairs apartment just when she is ready for recovery was a little to convenient for the plot.  It detracted from the tension the author was presented with the rest of the book.  Anotherwords it was hard to get into the serious darkness of the plot when a metaphorical flashlight was right there.

Overall an excellent first novel that kept me entertained.  I very much look forward to Mrs. Haynes sophomore effort.

Publisher: Myriad/Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0-06-219725-2

Copyright: 2011

Pages: 403

Quick Review: 3.75 stars out of 5

Why I Read It: I will always read an English crime book, and this was in large print too (it makes me feel like a speed reader)

Where I Obtained the Book: At my local library.

Synopsis: Catherine Bailey has been enjoying the single life long enough to know a catch when she sees one. Gorgeous, charismatic and spontaneous, Lee seems almost too perfect to be true. And her friends clearly agree, as each in turn falls under his spell.

But what begins as flattering attentiveness and passionate sex turns into raging jealousy, and Catherine soon learns there is a darker side to Lee. His increasingly erratic, controlling behaviour becomes frightening, but no one believes her when she shares her fears. Increasingly isolated and driven into the darkest corner of her world, a desperate Catherine plans a meticulous escape.

Four years later, Lee is behind bars and Catherine--now Cathy--compulsively checks the locks and doors in her apartment, trusting no one. But when an attractive upstairs neighbour, Stuart, comes into her life, Cathy dares to hope that happiness and love may still be possible . . . until she receives a phone call informing her of Lee's impending release. Soon after, Cathy thinks she catches a glimpse of the former best friend who testified against her in the trial; she begins to return home to find objects subtly rearranged in her apartment, one of Lee's old tricks. Convinced she is back in her former lover's sights, Cathy prepares to wrestle with the demons of her past for the last time.

Utterly convincing in its portrayal of obsession, Into the Darkest corner is an ingeniously structured and plotted tour de force of suspense that marks the arrival of a major new talent.

  

Author Biography: Elizabeth Haynes grew up in Seaford, Sussex and studied English, German and Art History at Leicester University.

She currently works as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Kent with her husband and son.

Book Review: Samantha Watkins

Title:Samantha Watkins

Author: Aurelie Venen

Translator: Stacey E. Battis

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:

I am not one to read about Vampires because I think the whole Fantasy is really silly because everyone is so amazingly beautiful. However I thought I would take a chance on Aurelie Venem because it sounded interesting.
                                                         I love this book!!
This vampire book Samantha Watkins had me laughing from beginning to end not to mention the fact I found myself emotional invested in Samantha and everything about her.
Aurelie Venem created characters that will draw readers in until they are unable to think of anything else but Samantha and her amazing abilities to have you laughing.

The book has a wonderful blend of colorful characters who will capture the readers heart strings. The action is painted in such a way the reader will feel as if they are watching a movie. The dialogue moves quickly and the reader is never left scratching there head unless Samantha is.

I have only read one Vampire series and it was Anne Rice who created a world of fantasy and romance. Aurelie Venem Creates that same world but use humor to have the readers fall in love.
With this book being translated from French to English I found something things funny and had to reread some part but I was simple amazed how easy everything flowed page after page until I was dying for more.
The way the characters spoke mainly Samantha was a little too proper for me but knowing this book was translated from French to English it made a lot of since. I have read other book translated from Spanish to English and found it difficult but this translator did an amazing job bring this story to life in English.
I can't wait to read book 2 and 3 when they arrive and I will recommended this book to everyone I know.
ARC Netgalley 

For a Vampire book there was hardly any sexual reference and zero sex scenes. 

Synopsis:

Young librarian Samantha Watkins has always been perfectly content with her humdrum existence. Never easily fitting in with anyone anywhere, she feels most at ease in silence, among stacks of books. Sam believes in leaving fantasy and drama to the characters in her beloved novels. But one night when she leaves work late, she finds herself center stage in a tale of vengeance and terror.
Samantha is rescued from a gang of vampires by Phoenix, a mysterious and otherworldly man. Suddenly her paranormal adventures take a far more extraordinary turn than any story she’s ever read. Phoenix, her savior, is actually a vampire as well, tasked with stopping his peers from killing. With no possibility of returning to her former life, Sam becomes his assistant. Together they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances and attempt to save the human race from a horrible fate. Battling vampires thrills and empowers Sam, but where does she stand with supernatural Phoenix? Could Phoenix, through their work together, become a different man?

 

Paperback, 428 pages

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by AmazonCrossing (first published August 3rd 2014)

About The Author and Translator:

Aurélie Venem counts a diverse list of writers among her influences: from epic poets Homer and Virgil to bestselling contemporary young adult novelist Stephenie Meyer. Aurélie is a voracious reader and currently works as a teacher of history. Samantha Watkins is her first novel.

Book Review: Nemesis

 
Title: Nemesis

Author: Stefanie Ross

Stars: 31/2

Review:
Nemesis has so many characters that if it wasn't for the list at the beginning of the book I would have been lost.  Lots of people with the letter M in their first name which can get very confusing. Stefannie Ross is very much into the littlest detail that can get the readers a little loss but the action of the story will keep the reader reading. This book has almost too many twist of the length of the book but it also keeps you wondering if what you know to be true.
This book was originally in German and translated into English and they did such a good job you would have no idea it was ever translated.
Readers will have to push though the first three chapters but once they do they will find an action pack novel with heart.
ARC From Netgalley

Synopsis:

Detective Sandra Meinke does the real work off-hours. Her arrogant boss in the Hamburg police department dismissed her theory about a series of child kidnappings, so she has covertly investigated during her free time—until one day she makes a serious mistake that catapults her directly into the criminal underbelly.
Navy SEAL Daniel Eddings is the first person who believes Meinke’s suspicions about the connection between the disappearances. Together they find a series of clues that lead them to a sinister society of wealthy citizens with a horrifying agenda. As the danger and intensity of Meinke and Eddings’s work brings them closer, they discover a growing mutual attraction. Up against powerful people who will stop at nothing to preserve their interests, the two must fight to protect the innocent—and each other.
 

 

About The Author:

Stefanie Ross was born in Lübeck, Germany. She has lived for most of her life in northern Germany and has traveled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico by car and motorcycle. In 2012 she published her first romantic thriller, featuring hot men, strong women, and dark secrets. She has published fifteen novels—crime stories, thrillers, and romantic suspense—in German, and some of her books have been translated into Bulgarian. When not writing or thinking up new stories, she’s riding her motorcycle, reading a book, or spending time at the ocean. Ross lives near the Baltic Sea with her husband and son. She’s addicted to coffee, whiskey (single-malt only!), and spending time with her two guinea pigs. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Nemesis: Innocence Sold is her English-language debut. Readers can visit her website at www.stefanieross.de or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stefanieross.04. 

Book Review Crazed Blood Money #3

Title: Crazed

Author: Edie Harris

 Stars: 3 1/2 out of 5

 Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Blood Money Series each one is connected but can be read as a stand alone.
For some reason this book just didn't click like the others and I am not sure why but about 63% into the book it picked up and I couldn't put the book down. Casey is the main sibling focused in this book but I loved how Edie Harris kept you updated on the rest of the sibling readers have already read about. Each book is connected building on each other until the reader is so invested you have to read each book more than once.
Crazed was one crazy ride that packs a punch from the second Casey sees he's dead wife to finding his kidnapped brother.  The end of the book is a nail bitter with an expected cliffhanger if you have read any of the other Blood Money books.
Amazing Sex scenes, non stop action and moments of ahhh.
Crazed is a wonderful addition to the Blood Money Series and I can't wait to read more.
ARC From Netgalley

Synopsis:
Casey Faraday was a soldier before he was a spy, but family always came first, no matter what.

When a member of the Faraday clan is snatched off the streets and dragged halfway across the world, it’s Casey who follows the kidnappers’ trail to South America. Thrust into the heart of the cartel he barely escaped during an undercover assignment four years earlier, he’s unprepared for the shock awaiting him on Colombian soil.

Ilda Almeida—the only woman to ever tempt Casey into madness, the beautiful wife he’d mourned for years—is very much alive. And keeping a secret that will forever change life as he knows it.

Casey can’t control his hands—or his heart—around Ilda, but neither can he abandon his rescue mission. When cartel violence turns the jungle into a bloodbath, he can only protect one family: his.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: January 11th 2016 by Carina Press

About The Author:
 
Edie Harris is the author of cinematic, compelling, James Bond-esque romantic suspense. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. During the day, she does corporate things and subsists on caffeine and pastries. Her nights, however, belong to the world of romance fiction. Edie lives and works in Chicago. Visit her website for backlist titles, contact information, and regular updates on upcoming projects. www.edieharris.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Edie-Harris/e/B004YE1BS8/ 

Book Review: The Asset

Title: The Asset

Author:Anna Del Mar

Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Review:

I am not one for "Broken Characters" In fact I wouldn't call these Ash and Lia characters broken at all they were simple amazing to read about. 
 I enjoyed the fact that Anna Del Mar didn't create instate love or lust she allowed the characters to grow over time getting to connect and grow together.  It was head to read the emotional, physical and  abuse that Lia goes though.  The author was able to paint such a emotional picture the reader will have a hard time letting the characters go.


The Asset is a roller coaster of emotions that will have the reader wanting to hug Lia as she opens up to Ash. This book is a perfect romance and thankful lacking the typical trapping if insta-love. Their love grows over time all the while the mystery of who Lia really is and why she is hiding in a small remote town.
There is action, romance, suspense and an incredible of hearing and finding the person who you can live without but chose not to.

ARC From Netgalley


Warning: This book contains scenes of torture, and physical-mental-and sexual abuse but without it you wouldn't understand Lia and you will cry.

Synopsis:
Fleeing doesn't lead to freedom

She's on the run from a deadly cartel, hiding in a small Rocky Mountain town. Surviving, but only barely.

Her luck might be over when a stranger shows up at her door.

Her finger twitches on the trigger. No way. She's not going back.

Lia Stewart won't be taken alive.

Ash Hunter knows what it is to run. A SEAL wounded in Afghanistan, he's gone AWOL from the hospital. Scarred physically and mentally, Ash is drawn to the isolated lakeside cottage—and then to the beautiful, haunted woman holding a gun to his head.

Like recognizes like.

Soon, Ash realizes he's not the only one tormented by the past. Pushing the limits of his broken body, testing the boundaries of her shattered soul, he'll protect Lia until his last breath. 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: February 22nd 2016 by Carina Press

About The Author:
I couldn't Find anything 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14685194.Anna_del_Mar

Book Review: A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic (Geek Girl Mysteries #2) (Out March 6th)

 
Title:A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic (Geek Girl Mysteries#2)

Author: Julie Anne Lindsey

Stars: 5out of 5

Review:
I am not sure there are enough words for me to tell you how much I loved this book. It had everything and more than I expected from Julie Anne Lindsey.
The author has kept the characters moving forward in relationships, trauma from the last book, and you can't help but full in love with Mia's family and their strange and funny connections.
I loved the fact that Mia is human and the author allowed her to still fear her shadow instead of making her super human and not allowing anything to effect her after the last book.

The mystery has twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the end of the book.

A Geek Girls Guide to Arsenic is full of humor, suspense, so many laughs, Jake and Mia and their awkward and humors relationship.

This book is could be read as a stand alone but you will miss out on the humor and mystery of the first book.

If you love Nancy Drew and are looking for an adult style with humor, romance, mystery and suspense this is you book. I can't wait to see what Julie Anne Lindsey has next for Mia and her cast of life like characters that pop off the pages and into your heart.

ARC From NetGalley.

Synopsis:
It's been three months since Jake Archer rolled into town, accused Mia Connors of murder and stole her heart. She hasn't heard from him since. So when a man collapses at the fall Renaissance Faire, she's surprised to see the US marshal arrive on scene. And shocked when he points the finger at her—again. Mia would sooner be able to resurrect the poor fellow than poison him.

Jake Archer's career has been rising fast, but it's about to come to a crashing halt. The Ren-Faire victim was in protective custody—Jake's custody—and they were painfully close to nabbing a major crime boss. If Jake doesn't solve the murder soon, he'll be fetching donuts instead of protecting his nation. A difficult enough task without the alluring Mia Connors in the way.

Working with Jake to catch the killer might push Mia into crazy-cat-lady territory. But with a murderer on the loose—and Mia's reputation on the line—they'll have to work fast to find the killer before the killer finds them.

About The Author:
 
I tell stories, mostly to my children, sometimes to strangers. I'm fandom obsessed, over-excitable, addicted to social media, caffeine and Poptarts. You can find me online anytime lurking around the Internet, amped up on sugar and wielding a book.

Sometimes writing as Julie Chase  

Book Review: All In (Leaving Las Vegas #2)

Title: All In

Author: Aleah Barley

Stars 3 1\2

Review:
All In is a fast pace romantic suspense. The female lead is cute, spunky and easy to connect with while the male lead is your typical alpha male in a romantic suspense.All he needed to do was beat his and yell you are My woman and I am man. I protect you!  I really would like to read where a who Alpha is more willing to allow the female lead to find her own way or in fact have her take a little of his control away.
All In is predictable the book is well written keeping the reader engaged to the last page. Readers of romantic suspense will love this book.
ARC From Netgalley

Synopsis:
  World-class statistician and poker prodigy Daisy Drake has two rules: never risk anything you can’t afford to lose, and never, ever, trust a gambler. Which is why she gave up the game and moved to Los Angeles, where she became a tenured professor. But when an old acquaintance calls needing Daisy’s...expertise...to help catch a cheater, she heads back to Las Vegas and the poker tables.

FBI Agent Ryan DiNatto’s been a gambler since he was four, and a hustler since he hit puberty. Coming off an undercover mission that ended with him shot and his partner in a wheelchair, Ryan’s out for blood. With a mob accountant and a hit man on the loose, the stakes have never been higher, and this time, he’s determined to make things right—even if it means beating spunky, sexy, Daisy Adams at her own game.



About The Author:
 
Aleah Barley is a writer of humorous (she hopes) contemporary romance. After living all over the United States, she recently moved to Motor City with a fluffy Maine Coon Cat who is constantly trying to appropriate her computer. She is hard at work on her next book.

ThrowBack Thursday Royal Rebel By Dana Taylor

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Book Review - Royal Rebel - Dana Taylor

Title:  Royal Rebel

Author: Dana Taylor

Review:   Royal Rebel is a new take on the old story of Robin Hood.  Princess Robin is the secret child of King Richard and she is known throughout the land as Princess Robin whom steals from the Rich and Gives to the Poor with her band of merry boys. 

Princess Robin is raised as a wild child and has no desires to fulfill her duties as a woman of her time.  Sir Simon takes every opportunity to teaser her, bate her and make her as angry as possible. Sir Simon is a Knight of King Richard and is trying to save King Richards true love from marring the fat Prince John. Robin and Simon are thrown together into a light and fun adventures that takes them from the Sherwood forest, though swampy mash lands, mountains so high and back down to Nottingham, looking for an artifact that will keep Lady Marion from marrying Prince John.  Robin falls in love with Simon over the course of their adventures because she realizes that he isn't what he seems.  Their romance blossoms and the author gives the reader a reminder of their first love, however there are several sex scenes in the book while not graphic I wouldn't want my young teen or teen reading the book.   I wish the author had created more of an adventure and less romance throughout the book, but that is only my opinion because I enjoy a good adventure and less romance.  I will however admit I did giggle like a school girl while reading the book several times.

I also wish the author made Robin more physically strong and able to take care of herself and less I fallen and I can't get up.  Several times Robin talks about being able to take care of herself or knowing where she was going but instead she is lost or falling into quicksand or off the side of a mountain.  I feel it would have made Robin a bit more believable as a thief, the leader of robbers, if she was able to take care of herself.  I read this book remembering it is a self -published young adult novel and while it isn't going to win Pulitzer prize I think the author gave a fun take on a very old story.  It is a love story for the young adult who might not be ready for a strong adult romance but do not want to be stuck reading Disney romance story either.

The author took lot of liberty in her choices of history, landscape and language used but at the same time it was an enjoyable teen\twenty something novel.  If you are looking for a quick summer romance with an adventure this book Royal Rebel is for you.

Thanks Heidi for this review.

Publisher: Published August 4th 2011 by SupernalFriends Publishing (first published 2009)

  ISBN: 2940013648593

  Copyright: 2009

  Pages: ebook -272 pages

  Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)-

  Why I Read It:  Purchased on my Kindle.

Synopsis:   Prepare ye for a lark as the Robin Hood legend is turned upside down in the award winning romance,

PRINCESS ROBIN

By

Dana Taylor

The King’s Secret Daughter

The secret daughter of King Richard the Lion-Hearted, Princess Robin leads her Merry Men against the tyrannical reign of Prince John. Feisty and fearless, Robin fights injustice as she awaits the return of her crusading father. Will he acknowledge his rustic, bandit daughter?

The King’s Spy

Arrogant knight extraordinaire, Sir Simon of Loxley returns to England as King Richard’s spy. Posing as a court jester, he encounters the formidable Princess Robin. Can such dominating personalities form an alliance? Will love overcome stubborn pride?

Filled with humor, adventure, color and romance, Princess Robin presents delightful twists to the beloved Sherwood tale. (Any historical accuracy is strictly coincidental.)

Note: Sexual content may be inappropriate for younger readers.

Author Biography:  Dana Taylor writes stories to uplift the spirit. Her work as an energy healer influences her tales of flawed humans seeking spiritual and emotional healing. Believing laughter is the best medicine, her books include a good dose of humor. Born and raised in California, she graduated from the University of Redlands. She has been published in various magazines, including the Ladies Home Journal. She hosted the Internet radio program Definitely Dana! at HealthyLife.net. and won various contests with the Romance Writers of America, including Best First Book from the Desert Quill Awards. Her published works include JAGUAR JACK, AIN'T LOVE GRAND?, DEVIL MOON: A MYSTIC ROMANCE, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS and ROYAL REBEL. She's also published a non-fiction book entitled EVER-FLOWING STREAMS. a Finalist in the 2012 eFestival of Words Awards for Religion & Spirituality. She manages two blogs-- www.SupernalLiving.com and www.BookLuvinBabes.com. Find her on twitter @bookluvinbabes @supernaldana

Product Review: The Ancient Art of Origami

 Stars: 3 out of 5

Review:
We received this as a family Christmas present because 1. My husband lived in Japan for two years and not only speaks the language fluently but is loves the culture and 2. Well I have four kids so they find things like this entertaining.
I decided to try my hand at paper folding and found the first one to be easy and I am now the master at folding Samurai Helmet. However as I tried my hand at other items like the block or crane I found the instructions lacking and I wasn't able to understand the instructions.
I asked my husband to try it because maybe I wasn't understanding what I was reading. Nope he had a difficult time folding some of the simpler items as well.
Good: It comes with lots of color of papers so you don't feel bad when you mess up.
Bad: The instructions are not easy to understand.

Book Review: Bricking It

 

Title: Bricking It

Author: Nick Spaulding‏

Stars: 4 Out of 5

Review:

I found this book to be a brilliant look at a remodel/makeover of a
 house in Southern England. The comedy is British humor at perhaps the 
upper middle range. But one must like, and understand, British humor in 
order to grasp some of the more subtle elements. I thoroughly enjoyed 
the book but to do so you can not be put off by the numerous incidents 
of profanity. This is way average Brits talk not like you hear on most 
British TV shows.
 
I gave it a four star rating and would recommend it to my friends.
 
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis: 

When siblings Dan and 
Hayley Daley inherit their late grandmother’s derelict Victorian 
farmhouse, it seems like a dream come true. All they have to do is fix 
the place up and sell it for a tidy profit!

Except—as anyone who has renovated an old house knows—things are never that easy.

The walls are rapidly crumbling around them, the architect is a certified 
lunatic, the budget is spiraling…and then there’s the disturbingly 
intelligent cow to worry about.

On top of all this, the 
renovation is being featured on a daytime reality TV show, and as soon 
as Great Locations presenter Gerard O’Keefe catches sight of Hayley’s 
first-floor balcony, he’s determined to woo her out of her ban on 
romance, whether she wants him to or not.

Will Dan and Hayley survive and sell up? 

Or will the whole thing collapse on them like a ton of bricks?

From bestselling author Nick Spalding comes a hilarious tale of life, 

love, and dodgy plumbing.

About The Author:

Nick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.

Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, 
mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get 
tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a 
crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success
 so far, it has to be said. Nick has now sold over half a million books,
 and still can't quite believe his luck.

Nick lives in the South of England with his fiancée. 

He recently had to turn 40 - and is rather 
annoyed at the universe because it gave him no choice in the matter; he 
also suffers from the occasional bout of insomnia, is addicted to Thai 
food, and still thinks Batman is cool.

If you fancy getting in 
contact with Nick, visit his website at spaldings-racket.blogspot.com / 
add him on Twitter: @spalding_author / add him on Facebook: Nick 
Spalding / or email him at nick.spalding@hotmail.co.uk. 

Book Review: Viral Justice (Biological Response Team #3)

Title: Viral Justice (Biological Response Team #3) 

Author: Julie Rowe

Stars: 3 out 5


Review:
  I really enjoyed the first two novels in the Biological Response Team but I found this was to lack the same punch as the others. Alicia Stone is the body guard to Colonel Maximillian who worked hard to get where she is at and wont take crap some anyone even her superior's. Colonel Mazimillian hates violence will not raise  his hand to anyone even if they threaten to kill him and wants to cure the world. Where the other two books focused on the adventure this one seemed to focus on the mutual attraction between Max and Alicia. Sex was right off the bat which took away from the Will They or Won't They.  I also found the story basic and lacking the punch the other two novels had. It doesn't mean I won't keep reading the series. Not all authors can bat 100 every single time. I can't wait to read the next in her series.
ARC From Netgalley



About the Book:
Book three of the Biological Response Team (description subject to change)

Colonel Maximillian heads the US Army's Biological Response Team. He's responsible for the identification and destruction of any biological hazards and weapons the Army might encounter. He's sent to deal with a potential flu virus that's rapidly killing people in a remote Iraq village. Viruses he understands. Women, not so much. So, when he's assigned a bodyguard, a woman who's a trainer for the Special Forces Combatives program, he's all left feet and thumbs.

Sergeant Alicia Stone has always been the odd woman out and frequently in conflict with male officers who think they know her job better than she does. Max, however needs her more than anyone she's ever met. He's a soldier who can't shoot or defend himself in any way. She takes on the task of keeping him in one piece and teaching him the basics of combat, but it's tough to train a man who refuses to fight back. That might be a problem, because a madman is gunning for Max with a virus that might just wipe humanity out entirely

About The Author:
 
Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at www.julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor .  

Happy New Years!!!

I hope your New Years is filled with Romance, Excitement, Murder, Mayhem, Thrills and Chills and most of all HOPE!