Happy Halloween Have a Skel -a- ton of fun

Have a Skel -a- ton of fun!
Thank to my 10 year old for his endless puns!

Book Review: Vengeance

Title: Vengeance

Author: Shana Figueroa

Stars: 3 out of 5

Review:

This book should come with a warning about the endless sex between M/F, F/F, M/M, M/F/M and abuse. I will admit it would have kept me from picking up the book and honestly I had hard time reading past all the sex and endless body counts. Once you can get past all of that there is a story. The characters are flawed but desire to be a better person and works to be better. Advance Copy from Netgalley

Synopsis:
Not every Valentine is a saint . . .

Corruption. Greed. Illicit sex. Murder. Private investigator Valentine Shepherd thinks she's seen it all, and her strange ability to glimpse the future gives her an edge no one else in the world has. But when her fiancé is killed trying to exonerate his client, billionaire Max Carressa, Val makes it her personal mission to bring the people responsible to justice, no matter the cost. Convinced the two men are linked by more than attorney-client privilege, she enlists Max's help in her investigation and gets more than she bargained for.

On the run, Val and Max must uncover who wants them dead and why. The answer leads them to a conspiracy that has Val herself at its center. She doesn't understand how or why, but time is running out to expose the truth and escape the danger she knows is coming . . .

Paperback, 336 pages

Published September 6th 2016 by Forever Yours

About the Author:

Shana Figueroa is a published author who specializes in romance and humor. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two young daughters, and two old pugs. She enjoys reading, writing (obviously), martial arts, video games, and SCIENCE—it's poetry in motion!

Her goal—besides becoming rich and famous, and staying young forever so she can enjoy it all (come on, science, don't let her down)—is to do something new and different with romance and erotica. She loves romance and wants to take the genre to places it’s never been before, so she took Toni Morrison’s advice and wrote the books she wanted to read. Hopefully you’ll want to read them, too!

Other Reviews:
 https://www.amazon.com/Vengeance-Valentine-Shepherd-Shana-Figueroa-ebook/dp/B01FD96JNE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#customerReviews

Throwback Thursday Books Review

Throwback Thursday Books Review

Book Review - Twisted Perfection - Abbi Glines

Title:  Twisted Perfection

Author: Abbi Glines

Review:  This book is full of sex…if that is your thing then this is your book.  I have a friend who reads romances and swears she skips the sex parts...good luck with this book about 20 pages would remain.  Lots of flirting and yet almost cave man behavior from most of the men in this story.  I love a strong male lead, but the flirting is bordering on sexual harassment since many of the characters work for the men who seem to have more money then brains in this small costal town.  Being asked to sit on a stranger’s lap, at first meeting, would put me off a bit…but I am not 19 like the lead in this book.  She seems to enjoy the attention and all the men making reference to getting her naked.

The story was OK, kind of weak and over the top at the same time.  I read the book and it didn't take long, not much there for story line….but lots and lots of sex and lots and lots of thoughts of having sex when they were not having sex.  The ending leads into the next book in the series and since this is the 3^rd book in the series and I have yet to read the other two I guess maybe I missed why the men in this town are so super sexual with anyone with boobs.

This book felt rushed and maybe the author just wanted to meet her deadline and that is what this book reads like…great sex and lots of it…story line not much of anything happening there.  A bit disappointed by this book…but it was a fast read.

Publisher: Published July 30th 2013 by Atria Books (first published April 24th 2013)

ISBN: 9781476756509

Copyright: 2013

Pages: 247

Quick Review:  2 stars out of 5

Where did I get the book:  Sent by the publisher for an honest review.

Synopsis: My future was about to be completely thrown off track because Della Sloane was under my skin, and I had to have her. I couldn’t ignore it anymore . . . I’d gotten close enough to her to see deeper. 

Della Sloane is not your average girl. Yearning to break free of her dark and sheltered past and the memories of the illness that claimed her mother, Della plans a solo road trip to experience real life on her own terms. But the trip is nearly cut short in the little beach town of Rosemary when she realizes she can’t even pump her own gas—until Woods Kerrington shows up, more than willing to help out a pretty girl in need.

Woods’s family wants him to settle down with a wealthy woman in pearls, but he can’t resist this carefree girl in cutoffs passing through town. A one-night stand should have been enough, but months later, Woods can’t get the irresistible Della out of his head.

When a twist of fate brings Della back to Woods, all signs point to trouble if they don’t keep their distance. Neither is truly free, and a relationship could destroy both of them. With their hearts on the line, Della thinks the safest bet is to walk away. But Woods isn’t about to let that happen . . .

Author Biography:  Books published by Abbi include The Vincent Boys and the USA TODAY bestseller The Vincent Brothers, Breathe, Because of Low, the USA TODAY bestsellers While It Lasts and Just For Now, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless, andThe New York Times bestseller and Wall Street Journal bestseller Fallen Too Far. Currently she is working on Never Too Far, the sequel to Fallen too Far.

When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.

Book Review Viking Warrior Rebel

Title: Viking Warrior Rebel

Author: Asa Maria Bradley

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
Action packed and full of surprises, the story starts off fast and keeps going until the end. Lots of Mystery and intrigue to keep readers pushing until the end of the book. There is balance of sexual tension to go with satisfying hot moments. The story will bring back secondary characters we met in the first book make another appearance. Keeping the readers connected.

However like most PNR they bring in every single type of paranormal characters and there is only so much my brain can deal with. A reason I have never like PNR.

Overall not a bad book just not what I was hoping for.

Advance Copy from Netgalley

Synopsis:
he can’t let him discover…Immortal Vikings are among us

Astrid Irisdotter is a Valkyrie-a fierce warrior fighting to protect humanity from the evil god Loki and his brutal minions. She’s on an urgent mission for her queen when everything goes hideously sideways. Undercover agent Luke Holden arrives on the scene just in time to save her life-and put his own on the line.

Luke may have saved her, but that doesn’t mean Astrid can trust him. Tempers flare as they hide secret upon secret from each other, but Astrid’s inner warrior knows what it wants…and it will not take “no” for an answer.

About The Author: 

Asa Maria Bradley grew up in Sweden surrounded by archaeology and history steeped in Norse mythology, which inspired the immortal Vikings and Valkyries in her paranormal romances. She came to the US as a high school exchange student and quickly fell in love with ranch dressing and crime TV series. Asa currently resides on a lake deep in the pine forests of the Pacific Northwest with a British husband and a rescue dog of indeterminate breed. 

Booklist has attributed her writing with “nonstop action, satisfying romantic encounters, and intriguing world building.” Her debut book, VIKING WARRIOR RISING, was a 2016 double RITA® finalist and her most recent release, VIKING WARRIOR REBEL, received Top Pick! status from Romantic Times Magazine, which described the book as “filled with action and passion from the first page until the last.”

Book Review Eating By Faith

Title: Eating By Faith: A Walk With God. My Eating Disorder from the Inside Out

Author: Lisabeth Kaeser

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:
As someone who has struggled with the demon of an Eating Disorder everything Lisabeth Kaeser wrote about was honest, truthfully and heartbreaking.  Her honesty about how the demon will take root and just waiting for you to cross the line and the moment you do it will take over. All the time you keep lying to yourself thinking you can control.
Most do not think or see Eating Disorders as Addictions buts it front and center in the addiction world from controlling food to working out until your body gives into the high.

This book will help those who have loved ones suffering from an eating disorder.  It will help open there eyes to what their love one goes though every day. From the struggle of eating, to the endless thoughts of hating themselves.  She explains how it take roots in a secret place. A place where the addict rarely reveals to anyone even the people they love the most.  If they do most of the truth is hidden away. In Fear of the truth.

Eating By Faith is a beautiful story of how Lisabeth Kaeser found Gods love while Satan would make her believe she is worthless. Eating By Faith is not only about an eating disorder but also a self discovery of our Saviors Unconditional love. No matter how hard we fight with our inner demons God is always there for us we just need to stop and ask for help.

No one is ever cured of an eating disorder it will always be there waiting to find your weakest moment and take over.  If you have an eating disorder or a loved one with a disorder this book is worth the time.  

Lisabeth Story is raw, honesty, heart felt and the truth for those who struggle with the mental illness of an eating disorder.
I would recommended this book to everyone who has been touched by someone with an eating disorder or personal has an eating disorder.

Synopsis: 

In Eating by Faith, Lisabeth invites you into the secret world of her eating disorder, and recovery. And while the illness looks different for every patient, all share a commonality of symptoms physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 
Eating by Faith will bring you into the mind and heart of someone suffering from the illness in such a brutally honest way, that you will have a greater understanding of the mind and heart of anyone suffering from this illness.
Her eating disorder, like most, takes root inside a secret place. This root is often anchored in the lies Satan would have us believe about ourselves. Once established, he will use the eating disorder to separate us from God, robbing us from our joy and our identity in Christ’s unconditional love.
Lisabeth’s story is one of wrestling with the eating disorder, herself, and God. It is about finding her identity in the love of Christ instead of her illness. Taste and See…

About The Author:

https://www.facebook.com/lisabeth.kaeser

Its Birthday Season Part 1

We have two birthday season in this house hold. One Starts in October and Goes until the end of December.  The Nest Starts in January and goes until March.  Every month has at least one birthday not to mention different holidays that all need attention.  Today I have an amazing little 6 year old who has grown and changed from the shy little girl who would hide her face with her long hair to wear pony tails, smiling and trying hard to make her R sound like R's and not W's.

She is beautiful (Yes she is my daughter) Has the most amazing grays eyes. Yes she drive me nuts, knows where to push all my buttons to the point I want to pull my hair out and instead of time out for her its me that really needs time out because all she wants is a little attention from me.

She loves to smile, hug anyone that is her size and thinks the world is an amazing place full of adventure, life, love and hope.

Seeing her eyes light up at something new is what makes being a mother the most amazing gift.  Even on the days I hide in the bathroom needing a little time to myself.

Happy birthday to my Amazing little Princess.\

Bodyguards of L.A. County by Cate Beauman

Cate Beauman is a romantic suspence author who wants you to read her books.  How do I know?

When you sign up on her author page to get updates on her life, books she writes and upcoming novels she will send you two free books.  Now most who sign up have read at least one of her books usually the first one because it is free on Amazon kindle.  Once you sign up you get the first in her Bodyguards of LA County free Morgan's Hunter.  After a few days you will receive books 2 Falling For Sara not to mention any other of her books on sale or free as well on Amazon.

I will admit her books are hit or miss for me.  I have read 4 books 2 I really enjoyed because the characters were fun, feisty but the other two the characters were annoying, and fell into the Romantic Suspense trap. (The female lead refuses to listen and the male is Alpha to the point of eye rolling.)

Each book can be read as a stand alone as well in the series where each characters develops more but as secondary or background characters. Female Characters are all in need to help or support but don't want it or refuse to listen.  Most are very stubborn to the point it might turn off some readers but others will love them.

The books are all Happily Ever Afters making them predictable but at the same time its the adventure on how they fall in love that makes it worth the read.

http://www.catebeauman.com/

Throwback Thursday The Secrets of Ravelston - Sergio Silveria

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Book Review - The Secrets of Ravelston - Sergio Silveria

Title:  The Secrets of Ravelston

Author: Sergio Silveira

Review:  Well this one is tough book to review.  I read it and I enjoyed it for the most part.  I felt the mystery that took Jane over was not well developed that if it had been me I would have just forgotten about it.  Why pursue something with so little interest.  Yes, as the book progressed she found more to interest the mystery, but I would have lost interest at the beginning and so should have Jane.

I don’t know about his being a YA mystery, it could be for any age, but the telling of the story did slow the flow of the book down.  Telling and telling without showing gets old really fast.  I was sick this last weekend and picked up this book.  I read it and put it down to start another and when I finished that one I picked it up again and finished it.  A bit slow in parts, but not a bad story overall.  A bit tweaking of the writing style would greatly enhance the reading experience and maybe a bit more to grasp on for the mystery to start.  Jane was bored, but I still did not see that as enough to get her interests sparked as much as they were in this Mary.

The ending felt a bit rushed and well a bit strange for that matter…what the heck was really going on?  Is what I had to ask myself too many times.  

Publisher: Published January 20th 2012 by Self Published

ISBN: B0070ORZGG

Copyright: 2012

Pages: 180

Quick Review: 2 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It:  Sent by the author for review.

Synopsis: As a young and well-to-do British lady of 1805, Jane Freemont's fate was solely decided by others. But her spirit was that of of a fearless sleuth, determined to discover the fate of a poor young woman who had vanished.

If you enjoy the genres of the English novels of manners (Pride and Prejudice) and English mysteries (Miss Marple), you will enjoy the Secret of Ravelston. It attempts to put together both. It also has much satire of aristocratic, well-to-do, individuals, who spend most of their idle lives attempting to amuse themselves, and being served by countless human beings they don't see as real people.

Drum Roll Please. For my first giveaway the winner is........................

We put everyone's name in a hate and my youngest pulled out the name.  Well several names. In fact he wanted to taste the papers. I quickly grabbed the licked on and Mrs. Breaux you are the Winner.   Just send me your email address to Bookhimdanno2015@gmail.com and I will send you the gift.

Again Congratulations! 

Sorry about not posting the Winner

School is back in session after a long and fun 14 days with my 4 kids.
We will be posting the Winner Tomorrow Afternoon.

Book Review A While Latte Murder (A Java Jive Mystery 3)

Title: A Whole Latte Murder

Author: Caroline Fardig

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

The redheaded she devil is back and up to her neck in murder and mayhem. Although she has sworn off of  getting involved in police investigations somehow she always finds herself in the thick of things and as usual they go to hell in a basket very rapidly. However our heroine is able to maintain her wits about her and carefully put the pieces of the puzzle together and resolve the problem for the police.

I enjoyed this offering and gave it a four star rating. I recommend it for Individuals who cozy mysteries with well rounded characters.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis:

Coffeehouse manager and reluctant sleuth Juliet Langley returns in a gripping novel from the bestselling author of Death Before Decaf and Mug Shot. Just as things are perking up in Nashville, a serial killer sends tensions foaming over.

Juliet's personal and professional lives have recently received an extra jolt of energy. Her romance with the hunky detective Ryder Hamilton continues to simmer, and business at Java Jive has never been better. But her good mood quickly turns as stale as day-old espresso when she finds out that Ryder has been promoted to his precinct's homicide division. With him risking his life to catch the worst kind of criminals, Juliet's growing sense of unease ignites when a local college student goes missing.

Suddenly every Nashville resident is on high alert, especially Juliet's neighbor Chelsea. Juliet does her best to calm the girl's nerves, but her worst fears are confirmed when she finds Chelsea dead. Even though she tries her best to stay out of it, Juliet's involvement puts a strain on Ryder's first homicide case. The situation soon becomes even more personal for Juliet and her best friend Pete Bennett when one of their employees disappears during her shift. As a killer lurks in the shadows, Juliet, Pete, and Ryder seek out a double shot of justice.

ebook, 272 pages

Expected publication: November 8th 2016 by Alibi

About The Author:

CAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.

I found Heaven On Earth

Yesterday we took the two oldest kids on a 3 mile hike. We didn't finish the trail because we had to get home to the two youngest little ones.  I have to admit it was so hard to leave.
I love hiking, Backpacking and camping and since having little ones it has taken a backseat.

I hope to come back to this beautiful place and stay forever.

I didn't play with any filters just my SL Digital Cannon Camera.  Nature doesn't need fliters.

Book Review Heated Pursuit

Title: Heated Pursuit

Author: April Hunt

Stars: 3 1\2 out of 5

Review:

Heated Pursuit is more romance than suspense. I spent most of the time reading this book skipping the sex scenes that seem to fill the pages. The story is very basic with twist that readers will see coming before it happens.

The book starts off really fun and make readers excited for what is to come in the book. April Hunt falls into the sex because I don't know what else to do with my characters until the action scenes are needed. 

With that being said April Hunt ability to create characters who are true from beginning to end. Never once as a reader question what Penny or Rafe were going to do because she was true to the characters. Penny is the saving grace of the book. She is feisty, smart, but is female with all her insecurities she keeps hidden as she fights to find her missing best friend. Rafe is your typically written alpha male who loses it when anyone threatens the woman he loves. 

Me Tarzan You Jane Crap.

The author add humor in this area of the book making it stand out among the other Security/Mec/Alpha books. Where most stand on the same basic story April is able to bring humor at just the right time. Rafe has a heart and Penny can handle life's punches because of her fathers upbringing.

This book is 80% Sex and 20% story which I wish it was better balanced. After awhile I was pretty sure Rafe was a ranging hormonal teenager with a medical condition called the Endless Boner.
Advance Copy from Netgalley

Synopsis:

TROPICAL HEAT

Penny Kline didn't come to Honduras on a pleasure trip. She's here to rescue her kidnapped niece, the only family she's got left. What she didn't plan on was walking into a covert ops mission---or being wrapped up in the hard-muscled arms of Rafe Ortega. The cool-as-ice operative's touch may get her all hot and bothered, but no man can have a hold on her heart until her niece is home where she belongs.

Even in the tropics, Alpha Security operative Rafe can take down the bad guys without breaking a sweat. Hostage extractions. Clandestine missions. Those are the things he's been trained to handle. Relationships? Not so much. But one look at this strong, sexy redhead and he's seized by a fierce urge to protect her at all costs. Now Penny and Rafe will have to up their game because they're about to go into a master criminal's lair without backup, and the danger---and passion---is about to explode .


About The Author: 


April blames her chocolate addiction on being born near the country chocolate capital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. When April's not busy raising her husband and two young children (yes, that's worded correctly), she can be found writing about her next brooding alpha hero and the woman he never knew he needed, but now can't live without

HEATED PURSUIT is her debut release with Grand Central Publishing. Alpha Up and meet the heroes of Alpha Security...you'll be SO GLAD that you did.

Throw Back Thursday Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Book Review - Cinder - Marissa Meyer

Title:  Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Review:  A book about a cyborg girl who comes into her own when faced with death and disease and the threat of losing her sister; yes please! Include some aliens from the moon called lunar people; oh yeah. Include a direct link between this story and Cinderella? Meh.  I could take or leave the whole fairy tale link behind. The story is good with or without Cinderella correlations.  It took me a bit to get into this book. I wasn’t very good at picturing the culture surrounding the characters. It takes place in “New Beijing,” but I didn’t get the setting right in my mind. The clothes, the look of the characters. Buildings, etc. seemed to be a bit lacking. While I enjoyed the story and crossed my fingers with the rest of the readers, I feel it lacked the depth I needed to give it more stars.

Thank you Heather for this review.

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages:   390
Quick Review:  3 out of 5 stars
Where I got the book:    my sister recommended it

Synopsis:  Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Author Information:  I live in Tacoma, Washington, with my fiancé and our two cats. In addition to my slight obsession with books and writing, I'm big on road-tripping, wine-tasting, and hunting for antiques. I'm represented by Jill Grinberg.

CINDER, my debut novel, is a futuristic re-envisioning of Cinderella in which Cinder is a cyborg mechanic. Release date: 3 Jan 2012.

Book Review COLOSSUS (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes Book 1)

Title: COLOSSUS (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes Book 1)

Author: Jette Harris

Stars: 2 out of 5 stars

Review:


I decided to read this book based on the glowing reviews from other readers on Amazon. I’ve been a fan of thrillers and horror fiction for as long as I can remember, so I eagerly anticipated digging into COLOSSUS and finding a new, exciting story to digest.


I will begin with the good aspects of the book.


Harris is a skilled wordsmith. She is adept at using the English language to her advantage. She describes emotions, action, and many scenes with skillful aplomb. She opens the novel with a riveting prologue that is interesting, original, and makes a compelling case for believing the rest of the book to be a shotgun blast of dark thrills. For many unfortunate reasons, that promise is never fulfilled and that is where the praise for this novel ends.


The book is positioned as a suspense/horror thriller, but based on my interpretation of the content of COLOSSUS, that is incorrect. There were flashes of suspense, but never was it sustained. Most of those instances occurred within the first few chapters before the teenagers find themselves in Mr. Rhodes’ house of horrors. After that, the story is almost completely devoid of any level of tension. In my experience, the key to a compelling thriller is building tension and injecting unexpected events from time to time to keep the readers guessing. There is precious little of that here. Instead, COLOSSUS features a grueling, monotonous plot that suffers from pointless repetition and offers little in the way of reasons for the readers’ pulse to rise or even to continue reading.


The first few times Rhodes forces himself sexually on the teenagers is shocking (as any tale depicting rape should be). However, the author hamstrings the earth-shattering effects of such an event by boring the reader with blunt repetition. The author writes chapter after chapter of similar rape scenes until the reader becomes numb to the innate terribleness of the act. In doing so, the author also wastes precious pages which could have been used for character development, adding subplots, or building of suspense… on yet more rape scenes. As a result, the pacing is very slow and plodding because the story really doesn’t move until the final few chapters. There are, without exaggeration, dozens of scenes depicting rape or implying “off-screen” rape in the book. Occasionally the author throws in a flashback scene between rape sessions, but they are few and far between.


Once anything resembling a forward-moving story happens, it is very late in the game and in my opinion, too late to save the novel from itself. By the thirtieth rape scene I’d already had enough of the book and the “twist” (if it can be classified as such) is preposterous and a pill I just couldn’t swallow.


Police or FBI presence is non-existent despite this not being Rhodes’ first time torturing and raping kids for a month straight. With this being set in the very recent past (10-13 years), and technology being the state that it is in even in 2003, the idea that the authorities have no leads or clues with regards to the modus operandi of Avery Rhodes is implausible at best. Towards the end of the book, he even brags about them giving him a name (Phoenix) and having knowledge of his escapades. However, they only appear in the beginning of the book and the very end, and do nothing of consequence besides pester an old man. Does every suspense/horror novel have to have a law enforcement element? No. But such a subplot is more likely to build tension and be preferable to another rape scene.


On to the topic of the antagonist, Avery Rhodes (Colossus, Thatch, Phoenix… I might be missing one.) He begins the story sufficiently sinister and menacing enough, but then devolves into a cartoon caricature of a bad guy. He keeps a hunting knife in a bedside table drawer, unlocked, when he goes to rape a victim in the very same room. For some reason he takes his victims from their holding areas into another room to assault them, then returns them to their rooms, despite that creating a huge weak point in his plan. The kids are unrestrained before, during, and after with no handcuffs, no leather restraints, not even plastic zip ties. During the prologue, Rhodes finds a filthy and dilapidated house and secures it for himself. Only to apparently have the time and funds to renovate it, restore it, fill the kitchen with modern appliances, have the electricity restored (despite not being the actual owner of the house), and reinforce or replace all of the doors. He also chooses to make his torture and rape room stark white. Calls it The White Room. Now, I’ve never been a serial killer nor rapist, but if I were to establish a room where I was going to beat, torture, and sexually violate people for a month, the absolute last color I’d want the walls, bedding, and carpeting is white.


As for the ending: despite the seemingly endless scenes of rape and abuse, the ending was much too terse and unsatisfyingly anti-climactic. There is no redemption nor cathartic revenge, no twists in the plot, no big reveals, no final fight. It just ends. Speaking of which, those looking for a reason or meaning behind the series title: My Name Is Not Heather Stokes will not find any resolution to that question by the end of this book. The protagonist is called Heather Stokes at the beginning of the book, is called that throughout the book, and is called Heather Stokes until the very last line. Maybe in the next book?


Lastly, I would like to address the editing. COLOSSUS is rough: Liberal use of parentheses in passages where they are not normally used. (Also occasionally italicized.) Questionable use of semi-colons and other punctuation. Even a section that dips into regional dialect and becomes nigh unreadable when a trifecta of intentionally misspelled words conspires with hundreds of apostrophes during a five-page stretch of italics.


All of those things being said, I write this review not to dissuade the author from writing more, quite the opposite. It is clear Harris knows how to write, and has the key building blocks at her disposal to make a phenomenal story or series. However, this is not that story. I encourage the author to: Please, write more! But I also urge her to hone her craft, refine her skills, and prove that she’s better than this work. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars with the second star being given solely for the potential of the writer only hinted at in the pages of COLOSSUS.

Thank you Douglas for your Review.

Synopsis:

Abducted and held captive, four high school seniors are forced to entertain the malicious appetites of an unpredictable predator. He calls himself Rhodes. They call him Colossus, the looming, threatening figure teetering on the edge of madness. 

Heather Stokes, no stranger to tragedy, does all she can to protect her friends, risking her life and sanity. As days of torture drag into weeks of Hell, both Heather and Rhodes realize that they are in over their heads, and it is possible that none of them will survive. 

COLOSSUS is a brutal psychological thriller that will have fans of Gillian Flynn and James Patterson adding a new name to their list

About The Author:

I was born and raised in the greater metro-Atlanta area. I live there with my husband, dog, cat, and snakes. 

I graduated from Mercer University in Macon, GA (class of 2008) with a dual BA in English and German, as well as a certificate in secondary English/Language Arts. 

After teaching middle and high school for three years, I ran away screaming.

I now write character-driven, multi-genre novels (and work a dayjob). My debut novel is the horror-thriller COLOSSUS, the first book of the My Name Is Not Heather Stokes series.

My primary goal is to make your heart beat faster.

Other Review: 
http://www.drunkmonkeys.us/book-reviews/2016/3/26/book-review-colossus-my-name-is-not-heather-stokes-book-1-by-jette-harris-moran-publishing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0189HX9AI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Book Review Chasing Shadows A South Shores Novel

Title: Chasing Shadows

Author: Karen Harper

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:

This is the Nancy Drew adult Nancy Drew fans have been waiting for. Claire Britten is a forensic psychologist who will figure out who or why someone killed, killed themselves or went missing. She listens to words, facial movements and action of the living to find out what happened to the dead. Nothing more than a slip of the word and Claire will solve the case. The only difference is she has a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder that cause issues in her personally life. Nothing stands in her way. The author wrote Claire to be strong female character who takes charge, follows when needs to and cares for those around her. Claire is human, caring, normal person readers will connect with. 

There are moments where I feel the author forget what happened at the beginning of the book with Claire but it doesn't stop readers from enjoying the book. This is really my only complaint.

The story follows every string that Claire pulls to find the murders. We follow Claire and we jump to the same ideas of who the murder is as well. The mystery is front and center with a little romance that is perfect for southern mystery, haunted houses and women and men who want to keep life as it was years ago.
I felt like a little girl reading Nancy Drew for the first time. Reading every word wondering who could be the killer. Throw in a handsome Lawyers a cute little girl and this book is made for Women who grew up with Nancy.
Karen Harper as a gift to be able to build a story in waves that is careful crafted keeping reader wondering who the killer is or is it a ghost from the past. 
I am excited to read the next book in the series. There is a cliff hangers that will have readers excited for the next book.

Received this book from Netgalley for my Honest Thoughts

November 29th 2016

Synopsis:

The dead still talk if you know how to listen… 

Every case that Claire Britten cracks is a win, not only professionally but personally. The forensic psychologist has spent a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder, and her ability to conquer it is a testament to her razor-sharp intuition.

Nick Markwood is used to winning in the courtroom, so when his latest case is overthrown by Claire's expert testimony, he can't help being impressed by her skill. He needs her on the team of his passion project—investigating unusual cases involving mysterious deaths. Her condition doesn't deter him, and neither does the attraction that sparks between them…even if it should.

As they join forces to investigate a murder in St. Augustine, Florida, Claire is thrust into a situation far more dangerous than she'd anticipated, pushing her disorder to a breaking point. Just when she fears she can't trust her own mind, she discovers Nick's personal connection to the case—and wonders whether she can trust anyone at all. 

About The Author: 

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE COLD CREEK TRILGOY: Shattered Secrets, Forbidden Ground and Broken Bonds. Look for her "Downton Abbey" inspired historical novel THE ROYAL NANNY in June 2016. Please visit her fb page atwww.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor

Motherhood Monday My Advice Take Time For Yourself. Best gift you can Give To Your Loved Ones.

Starting Oct 3rd thought Oct 15 I am mommy 24 hours a day.  It is fall break here since we are on a modified school year we get 14 day breaks in the fall, winter and spring. 6-7 weeks in the summer.

I love making plans for my kiddos but as all best laid plan seem to fall apart.  This time wonderful things one made our fall break fall apart. One of my husband co workers are adopting twins out of state.  Instead of traveling we will be staying home, camping in the backyard, going to the natural history museum that my kiddos love and playing lots of "educational games." Thrown in some hiking.

Not to mention my daughter cracked and chipped off a molar, cracked two adult molars and needs 4 fillings.  The other kiddos dentist appointments wonderful expect for my baby who is 3 he has 3 fussed teeth.  So he is missing three teeth because 3 are fussed together.  We can't do anything about it until he is 5 so nothing to worry about.

My mother sent books to my daughter that were hers when she was 7 years old.  My daughter dove right in enjoying every single word on the page.  These book were publish in 1935 (No my mom isn't that old) however the books are so my daughter has been so careful with "Grandma's special books."

My 99 year old Grandmother died a week ago having enjoyed a long life my mother and father asked me what my family would love of her.  I asked my kids and the first thing they said was "Does she have any books? We would Great Grandma books.  I requested any books as well as her dinner jewelry as my grandmother called it..  She was only a few months away from her 100th birthday but the only person she wanted to spend it with had died two years ago her twin sister.  Now they get to spend it together.

The other day someone asked me how I had it all together when it came to my family.  I said "Lots of Medication." As Funny as it sounds its not far from the truth.  I suffer from social and general anxiety along with ADHD. In a nutshell my brain never shuts down which is what causes me endless insomnia; curse and pretty dang awesome gift.  I get to read all the time.

I don't have it all together in fact most day I am swimming with my head just above the water. The only advice I can give other mom is take time for yourself.  Its ok and guess what no matter what you will feel guilty but once you have done all you can do for your family it is time to do something good for you.  Sit down, read a book, enjoy the quite and guess what cleaning can wait.

There is my only advice.  I try to go out once a month with my girlfriends to dinner, or a movie or a piano bar.  I go out once a week with my husband to have some time to talk, walk, watch a movie or just sit next together other without hearing "Stop Touching Mommy She is Mine!"
These are some of the greatest gifts I have given to my family.
Mommy needs some time not to be mommy. Put your needs first at the end of the night, or the end of the week and do not feel guilty because you have put in so much hard work during the months, weeks and days.
You need to recharge as much as anyone else in the world. Take it. Enjoy it and love yourself.

Book Review: Safe from Harm (Protect & Serve, #2)

Title: Safe from Harm (Protect & Serve, #2) 

Author:  Kate SeRine

Stars: 3 out of 5

Review:

I hate writing reviews like this.
I wanted to really like this book but for some reason no matter how many times I read the book after I finished I couldn't really remember anything about it. The characters were typical in a second chance romance, Elle was spunky, sweet and caring. Gabe Dawson is your typical play boy who has always had a thing for the spunky Elle. The book followed the typical pattern of a simple romantic suspense.
If there were any twist the readers will see it coming.

If you like second chance romances that are quick forgettable reads this book is for you.
Advance Copy from Netgalley.

Synopsis:
Deputy Gabe Dawson has had his eye on prosecuting attorney Elle McCoy for years. But the smart, sassy redhead is immune to his legendary charm and good looks—until Gabe is shot on the courthouse steps protecting Elle from a vengeful domestic terrorist.

Elle McCoy has been protecting her heart from the cocky playboy cop. But it’s hard not to notice a guy when he takes a bullet for you and seems determined to turn his life around. With the extremists still at large and Elle a target, Gabe and his law enforcement brothers kick into high gear to take down the threat. And as they work together, Elle realizes she’s losing her heart to a man who will risk it all to keep her safe from harm.


Series reading order:
"Torn" (Protect & Serve #0.5; in Way of the Warrior anthology)
Stop at Nothing (Protect & Serve #1)
Safe from Harm (Protect & Serve #2)

About The Author:


Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it's no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She's the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES series and the PROTECT AND SERVE series, and will be releasing the DARK ALLIANCE series with Kensington in 2016.

Kate is a member of Romance Writers of America and of Indiana RWA and has been a finalist in the Fire and Ice Contest (2010), the Finally a Bride Contest (2010), and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence (2013), and is the recipient of The Emily (2012) and the National Readers Choice Award (2012). She is represented by Nicole Resciniti with the Seymour Agency. 

Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project--probably while consuming way too much coffee. 

Series reading order:

Transplanted Tales:
Red
Grimm Consequences
The Better to See You
Along Came a Spider
Ever After

Protect & Serve:
"Torn" (prequel novella in WAY OF THE WARRIOR)
Stop at Nothing 
Safe from Harm

Dark Alliance:
Deceived
Concealed