The Happy Leader: A Leadership Fable about Transformation in Business and in Life by Shawn Johal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Instead of another self-help book that promises you a quick scheme to further yourself in your profession, this book gives you a set of characters who all are woven into an intriguing story that showcases challenges and problems that they need to overcome. These can be quickly carried over into your own life and you can take these lessons and solutions for your own good.
I liked the “fable” aspect of this book, it made the topic intriguing and engaging, and you really feel more like you are reading a story instead of learning anything. It was surprising how much information stuck with me once I was done. Great job!


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Courage Johnathan: An uplifting read set in Bali by Heather Nadine Lenz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the Courage to Rise series by Heather Lenz, is about a new couple, that have a whole new set of problems to overcome. John and Caroline have solely been drifting apart, the more wealth John has amassed, the further it seems they are. Caroline does not want to lose her husband, but she is unwilling to be with the man he has become, always hounding after more money. John must make the decision; will he lose the marriage and woman of his dreams? Or will he let her go in his pursuit of the riches he can attain.
The synopsis is very brief; however, I enjoyed the first book in the series and wanted to continue. I am happy I did, this book continues in the same form, however, the tenderness of the 1st book is not quite here. Greed plays a bigger role here and how it can corrupt a person and make them lose sight of what’s important. I loved the ending and am glad I read it.


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Courage Caroline: A Romance Novel by Heather Nadine Lenz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every now and then, we want some wholesome, sweet, tender, and heartfelt stories to carry us through our days. Courage Caroline is the first in a series of romance books by author Heather Lenz. In this book we follow Caroline who is determined to follow her plan for her life, is excited to see new avenues of growth for her business beyond those she has mapped out. But when the yoga invite from Jolan turns into something more, will she have the courage to follow him? This book was sweet, and while I wanted to knock some sense into Caroline a few times for being stubborn, I liked that she was headstrong and knew exactly what she wanted. The fact that she was able to overlook faults in others was a nice trait for the main character to have. Enjoyable story and nice change of pace form the other romances I’ve been reading.

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Neglected Merge: A Fantasy Utopian Romance by Eve Koguce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dystopian romance, Neglected merge is about two people from vastly different worlds that find themselves in unusual circumstances and embark upon a journey that will unite them in unexpected ways. Living in a world where pleasures are expected to be delivered instantly, building a meaningful relationship with anybody would be thought. Tauria and Doron, while on first glance were superficial characters, I found to find more depth to their stories as the book went on. A unexpected and pleasurable romance.

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Shadow & Poison by J.B. Curry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prohibition era Chicago has had many novels set in that timeline, however here the author set this time and place among monsters and creatures of the night. When something begins eating its way through Chicago’s gangsters, Private Detective Mark Van Ryn is called upon to investigate. His powers and control of the shadows will be needed if he wants to solve the case before more people are killed. He is also called upon by a Mrs. Karlova, a perfumist who need Van Ryn to find a dangerous man for her. The ensuing feelings between these two have the power to derail not just her search, but also the detective’s own investigations and possibly pout the safety of all of Chicago at risk.
History and Paranormal fiction fans will rejoice at the blending of these two genres’ in this book. While the pacing might need some improvement in a few areas, the overall impression is of an excellent start to a new series.


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New America 2042: Dystopian Science Fiction by Brett Krausse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Great Calamity, that destroyed most of the Western Nations, was eight years ago. We are now ruled by the Co-Op, a regime that boasts of unbiased leadership while secretly promoting a nonsocialist regime. Henry Smith and Derwyn Davis are robotics engineers that work for Co-Op. They are working on a new security platform that was supposed to be defensive, however, soon after its deployment, the platform is used to start a bloody war of attrition of foreign assets. Horrified with the use of their creation, Henry and Derwyn seek out the resistance le by Claire Avatar and hope to overturn Co-Op once and for all.
It was interesting, to see the thought process behind this book, in that the author took some relatively new technologies (or at least undervalued) and made them the dominant items in the near future. How would that all play out, for the good or worse of humanity? This was an interesting view into a possible dystopian future for us that I hope will not come true. Great book!


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The RICH Method: The Definitive Guide to Getting Money and Success. by Richard Gracia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Richard Garcia draws upon his financial experience to bring us his tips, tricks, and secrets into how you can become financially independent with a flush of income that replenishes itself through investment returns and more. In this book, we learn about how you can increase your income, the best way to tackle and pay off your debt, setting and adhering to a budget and even how investing can be most beneficial to you in both the short and long term.
There is much good advice in this book. Many tips and ideas however are ones that have been out there for a long time, while Mr. Garcia has a sound grasp on financial theories and the book has useful information, there isn’t any new or groundbreaking information given. If you haven’t read any financial advice books that are out there, then this is certainly a good buy, if you have read a few, then you won’t see anything new here.


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Darkness Awaits by Jamila A. Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Natalie and Alexander are students at Virtus Academy, and they thought their 1st year was rough to survive. Starting their second year, things are about to get much rougher, in that they are pitted against attacks from their families, other students and the shadows that are pressing in, trying to find some advantage over these two powerful girls. Navigating Junior year has just gotten much more complicated than simple relationship dynamics and tough classroom assignments.
The second in the series, it picks up where ethe other leaves off and the girls are still growing in both powers and maturity. I liked reading about their struggles, and they did not seem to grow too powerful too quick like some other series do. I liked the twist with the relationships, its good to see more representation in fiction novels. The story moved along quickly and even with some foreshadowing of events, there was enough surprise twists to keep the story interesting.


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Gray Wolf: A legends of Ansu fantasy by J.W. Webb
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Corin an Fol is a simple teenager living in his small village and loves his family. When one day Pirates pillage his village and he attempts to warn them only to watch his father die, something inside him is unleashed. Corin is consumed with revenge and will do most anything to exact his revenge and find his missing sister, even join a notorious elite military unit, intent on gaining as much training as he can to aid him in his quest. This is the first book in a series and the stage is set with characters, motives, world building and much more.
I am unsure if I will continue the series. On one hand, we have a story worthy of Conan the Barbarian, complete with damsels in distress, heroes who cannot be vanquished and a true good vs. evil undertone of the plot. However, the story, is pretty misogynistic, a la “Tarnsman of Gor”. There is some issues with the worldbuilding and inconsistencies throughout, that easily jarred me out of the story, which became a bit annoying.


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Lost Angel by Ana Valen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

17-year-old Mia Moore is an orphan living in one of Hollywood’s Orphanages. Having lost her parents six years prior, left her with the distinct wish to simply disappear. Being invisible would be so much better for her and her ultimate goal. A chance encounter with an LAPD officer, finally brings her true goal closer into her reach. Seizing an opportunity, she changes her identity to ingratiate and insert herself into this officer’s life.
Plenty of twist and turns, the book is amazingly complex and deep, the characters are not clear cut and we don’t have a pure antagonist, nor a pure protagonist. This distinction Is what makes this book so great, there is a sense of realism to the characters, mainly because we can see ourselves in them, from their positive traits to their flaws. Much is revealed at the end and many things (or people) may not be all that they seem up until then, a truly surprising ending.


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A Tower Below The Sea by Karsten Krepinsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Offshore Oil Rigs have a rather bad rep with the public, mostly for spills and other environmental factors. But on one oil Rig, there is something much more sinister waiting than a simple spill. Six employees of Global companion have won an all expense paid vacation are on their way to the yacht when a sudden storm forces the pilot to seek the first safe harbor he can. This possible not so safe shelter turns out to be an oil rig that seems to be deserted and other than the pools of blood throughout, there are no signs of life. The group are spooked and when one person is murdered, they are suddenly all fighting for their lives before they too are next.
A suspenseful thriller and murderous story are the spine of this book. I am German, so I understand the German mindset in how stories flow and was easily able to follow along. The story is well done. The only issue I had is the main characters portrayal, she was not likeable, and even with the trauma in her past, the vast majority of women would not act the way she did. (Speaking as a woman, and as a multiple trauma survivor).


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Smart Pills by Tony Teora
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Markus of the Spaceship Aerostella and his motley crew have just landed at the planet earth. Here, Captain Markus encounters some of Earth’s more bizarre inhabitants. From two bumbling mobsters trying to catch a quick payout, to the unstable president of the united states, Captain Markus and his crew will have their work cut out for them if they want to prevent the destruction of an ancient alien beacon, while leaving with their hides intact. Humor, sci fi and some catchy phrases all tie this entertaining tale together.
A lighthearted story, enhanced by a few illustrations scattered throughout the book, this was certainly entertaining. I liked the character of the two mobsters the best. Their antics were the funniest for me, I could see them having their own novella, a la three stooges’ style. The writing is well done and while I didn’t quite like Captain Markus, his character was tolerable throughout the story.


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What Lies Beneath: A Florida Action Adventure Novel by Scott Cook
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another book in the adventures of Orlando Private Investigator Scott Jarvis, now accompanied by Lisa Gonzalez. Together, the two PI’s take on a few small cases that quickly evolve to be much bigger and more connected than they originally thought. One case unearths a connection to Lieutenant Sharon Nolan, a close friend to the two PI’s. Nolan’s father is kidnapped, a battle over claimed land with drug runners and added to the mix are the private interests of two politicians that involve themselves in the case.
If the synopsis seems a bit convoluted to you, that would be because it is. There is a lot packed into this book and I must say I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I did the others I’ve read. The book moves fast and if you don’t pick up all the details, it is easy to get lost in the overarching plot. I know I had to go back and search for some clues that were previously revealed. If you like complex stories full of tidbits and misleading information that is not unveiled until the end, then this book is certainly for you.


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Legacy by Chris Coppel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Retired Marine Sniper Craig Edmonds likes his peace. He fought hard and long for it and even accepted a sheriff posting in the remote wilderness of Utah. One late evening, he gets a mysterious delivery addressed to him that is certainly not anything he was expecting. Once he opens the crate and reveals the ornate mirror, horrible forces are unleashed and only Craig will be able to banish these evil forces to where they came from. Travelling 25 years into the past, Craig will have to learn to rely on his marine training once more as well as a resurgence of his nightmares and PTSD.
A blending of genres, paranormal, sci-fi, mystery and even thriller, this book transcends many stereotypical notions and uses descriptive language to bring the novel to life in a horrifyingly tangible way. The ending, while foreshadowed comes about in an unexpected manner which is always great in these types of stories. Very well done!


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Finn: Stone Warriors Book Two by Chris Redding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Second book in the Stone Warriors MC series, this story follows Finn, who finds Coleen one night and helps her out. Their paths cross later when Coleen persuades Finn, a hidden artist, to display some of his landscape paintings in her art gallery. As their paths continue to cross, Finn discovers Coleen is in a domestic abusive relationship and helps her leave her tormenter. Finn and Coleen both struggle with their developing feelings to each other until the HEA.
For an MC book, there was not much violence, or filthy stuff. This will be a selling point for some, or a turn off for others. However, I think that it is a good thing to show and write about MC’s in different styles, not just rough and tumble and turf wars all the time. Well written characters, the building love was palpable, and I enjoyed the tenderness of the story.


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Lover Boy by Stephen Kronwith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Peck is a physician who loves to “love”, spreading himself around as much as he can. He is contacted by Anna Franklin, who wants to see her husband no longer among the living and is willing to give Dr Peck what he wants, as well as millions to his dear friend, a Mafia boss. On the case is detective Rieger, who is struggling to unravel all the clues and solving this case, while keeping her personal life under wraps.
Billed as a Crime Caper, this book is more of an erotica story in my eyes. Plenty of sex grace the pages, with our main character, Dr Peck as the primary instigator for most of these. With this in mind, the book has the overarching plot of a crime story, but that is overshadowed by the frequent intimate encounters for all the characters. Enjoyable story, just not what I thought it would be based on the synopsis.


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Dwarven Steel & Dragon Fire: The Queen of Hamb by Ivan Ertlov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this fantasy adventure, the kingdom of Farank is excited about the upcoming war. Too long have the citizens endured while their King has allowed the neighboring kingdom, ruled over by a sea-witch, to shelter hideous monsters and their unnatural cravings. The King of Farank however avoids strife when possible until he is finally overruled. In a final attempt at diplomacy, Ambassador Kyara and Halbar of Malan set out for the north in hopes of delaying or even preventing a war that will cost thousands their lives. This best-selling German book has now finally been translated into English to allow more readers the opportunity of living the adventure.
I remember reading the German books growing up and the spirit of adventure that they can instill has given me my love for reading today. This book is no exception to that, and the story is exceptionally well written and the plot is complex yet fast-moving. A great book to lose yourself in.


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The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston by Tim Ferguson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In his newly revised edition, we revisit the story of Mattpaul, a young man living on the world Caperston. On his world, there is no religion, or faith or any gods. The people simply work and follow the rules of their ruler and believe whatever the propaganda machines want them to believe. Mattpaul meets a prophet who ends up changing his life and sets him upon a completely different path than the one he was on. In a later chance encounter, the youth of Caperston begin correspondence with the youth of planet Earth who inform them all about loving your neighbor and acceptance of others as well as the other Christian values.
A nice book, especially for the Christian youth in need of an uplifting message that will keep you optimistic about our world and events right now. The story is a coming of age story with a feel-good undertone that may be hard to palpitate for some who are not seriously religious.


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Fifty Things I Love About My Wife: Love is the Only Way by Keshav Jha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In all his 27 years of marriage, author Keshav Jha has amassed information and experience that can help you in your marriage. Building better communication, understanding as well as practicing forgiveness towards both your partner and yourself, are just a few of the practical pieces of advice that Mr. Jha puts forward. The resources available in this book from the principles to the advice are all based on two things: love and gratitude. Both of which he has seen in so many successful marriages.
I think that even those who do not have a rocky marriage or relationship will be able to glean some good information here. I certainly found some reminders of tasks we should do or avoid that we haven’t been so vigilant on in our own 10-year marriage. Certainly, this will prove to be a charming book for those looking to find more meaning in their love.


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Sedition by Chris Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In 1861 Nathan Chambers, former army captain, is embroiled in a whirl of politics regarding the secession. Abraham Lincoln has just won the election and Virginia is poised to abandon the Union in revolt. Nathan fights against this while his Evelyn is recruited into the Underground Railroad and coerced to work as a spy. This book is the third in the series, continuing where the previous one left off and our characters continue to find their place in the tumultuous new world, that they live in.
Set during the Civil War era, I found this book to be very well written and the characters well drawn out. Even jumping into the middle of the series as I did, I was able to follow the plot with little difficulty and I found that Evelyn’s courage and even her conflicts resonated deeply with me. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series. Well Done!


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Another Big Lie: How the Government Stole Billions From The American Dream Of Home Ownership. And Got Caught! by Tim Pagliara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you ever wondered how the 2008 big housing market crash was allowed to happen, then this book could possibly answer the question for you. Tim Pagliara explores all the events leading up to the big crash, the failing of the government in protecting us, the consumers, and the aftermath that still affects us today. The GSE promoted the narrative that the big 2 Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae caused the housing crash through bad investments, greedy lending and coverups. The author goes to great lengths to expose the truth, the lies and everything in between.
I found this to be really interesting. I wasn’t a homeowner until 2012, so I escaped the great crash and plummeting of home values, however, I think that this book serves as a cautionary tale to those who put their trust 100% in the government and their lenders. We all need to consider backup plans in case our mortgages fail again.


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