The Remains of the Fae by Demitria Lunetta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Paige is faced with the VSK, and then later jets off to Fairyland with her Ex-husband to get their marriage annulled. But nothing is ever so simple with faes. Throw in Nico and some Truth potion, and you get a wild ride.
This was certainly not my favorite of the series. Paige seemed even more inclined towards knee-jerk reactions and then was surprised when no one liked the results. Also, the plot was all over the place. The VSK was hyped up so much over the previous 4 books that this conclusion seemed a bit of a let down. It was almost like two novellas were smooshed into one book. And, Paige and Nico's "romance" has officially entered a "Glacial-pace burn", its not even slow since nothing has changed and we are at book 5 now. I hope the next book will be better, or I might abandon the series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily decided to leave a review.

View all my reviews

Knock Three Times by Colleen McManus Hein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A story about relationships and how the pandemic of 2020 has affected them, both good and bad. Following various characters in a roundtable of ever changing POV’s, Stephen, Claire, Rose, Luke, Reagan and more. All struggling with their own issues, infidelity, pregnancy, loss, marital strains, etc, and then the pandemic as the cherry on top.
I like human stories and drama, but these characters were so self-centered and only worried about their own internal issues and what they didn’t like about the others. This made it very hard to connect with them and care about them. The story itself is well written, and there are interesting developments throughout the book, however, I didn’t feel entertained or excited about learning new tidbits.


View all my reviews

Trenouth by Bea Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elinor Campbell is staying at her uncle’s house along the shore in Cornwall. Struggling with grief, Elinor’s uncle Leo, tries to coax her back towards the land of the living and out of depression by introducing her to the locals. Elinor begins to learn how to surf and make new friends and eventually opens up her heart again.
An empowering tale of loss and love, I liked the way the author handled Elinor’s journey through her grief. Not a linear path for anyone, this book shows how acceptance and gentle perseverance can make all the difference. Well written and great character development.


View all my reviews

Iris: A fleeting tale of love, murder and betrayal by Chand Ghei
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“What makes me shiver at night is the fear I might get too complacent of laziness, hence imprinted in the present.” This book follows Special Detective Kenneth Johansen through poignant moments in his life. The book is told through the lens of a narrator, telling us what happens as the story unfolds and Kenneth attempts to unravel a case that also has him looking into his own psyche at the same time.
This was a bit harder to read, the narration writing style isn’t my favorite. Kenneth’s journey is not strictly linear as it only covers highlights in his life that influenced him the greatest on the journey. As such, it can feel a little disjointed. The story is not bad, it was simply a bit hard to get through for me.


View all my reviews

Crystal's House of Queers by Brooke Skipstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set during the pandemic, this book explores the difficulties and challenges that many (if not most) teenagers and young adults who identify as Queer have to endure. In Alaska, Crystal reconnects with a dear friend she has loving feelings for when she rescues her from man abusive Ex. Together they set out to discover what it means to be true to oneself and live without worry about others views.
This book was a great book. There are not many out there that will speak to those in the LGBTQ community that portrays characters outside of a trope or stereotype and gives them a voice as a major character. I see this book as valuable for younger readers especially, as well as adults. I really liked it.


View all my reviews

Isle of Dragons by L.A. Thompson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Intermingling Steampunk with magic and dragons, in this ambitious book, the author gives us a world of mystery, filled with a major power intent on suppressing the populace. Young Jade sets out to rescue her father who has been imprisoned and gathers supporters along the way.
The authors debut novel is pretty good. There is a solid worldbuilding and plot development and the adventure was certainly intriguing. I did find the character development to be a bit superficial, but that can be overlooked. I think that a YA audience will be a good fit for the book.


View all my reviews

The Crystal Rings by Christine E. Schulze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three stories are in this book, about 4 incredible young women who have to navigate a world that pushes them to figure out their true selves by placing obstacles in their way. The main theme here are the crystal rings that are central to each of the stories and have hidden meaning to each princess.
A great new addition to the series of this wonderful world, I like that these books are suitable for young adults while still being entertaining enough for adults to enjoy. There is not much world building beyond basics (it is the third in a series), but it is solid enough to read this book on its own. I liked the story development and the overarching themes of friendship, love and courage.


View all my reviews

La Finca by Bea Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Las Nevadas, of southern Spain, Sebastian Ortez is determined to return a dilapidated and run-down farmhouse and the surrounding olive farm into its former glory. He meets several characters throughout the novel, one of the most poignant one being Nuria, the Head Gardener and he struggles with his immense feelings for her when he simply wants to finish this project.
The beauty of rural southern Spain is brought out in this novel, a romance gives some tension to the story of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. This was not a thrilling tale, but a slow and steady story about human nature. I liked it very much.


View all my reviews

Generation AI: The Rise of the Resilient Entrepreneur by Katerina Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book covers the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its influence in recent years over various industries, even ones that we do not immediately think of (such as Automotive). With a look into the future and a possible “unemployment Tsunami”, the author gives us ideas about what we can do to get both ourselves and our families through a possible uncertain time ahead.
I liked the possibilities the author gives us. Obviously, nothing is certain, however, for those astute enough to read between the lines it is easy to see what needs to be done, esp. in terms of retraining and reskilling ourselves as well as accepting that AI is here to stay in various forms. I liked the book, it gave some new perspectives, furthering my knowledge I got in some college courses previously.


View all my reviews

Can-Do Real Estate: Stable Success From The Ground Up by Ali Jamal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The author Ali Jamal recounts his early days as a teenager as he is given advice from his family who steer him away from buying items that quickly depreciate (like a car) and towards real estate. HE then goes on to share all that he has learned in his years of investing in real-estate. He gives pros and cons, and even debunks some common myths.
This is certainly a great book for anyone with some starting capital and looking to invest in the real-estate market. I don’t think anyone looking for pointers to save money to start will get anything out of it. As such, it was nice to see the American real-estate market through the eyes of an immigrant and how they can bring their unique spin to things.


View all my reviews

Keeping A Secret: The Foundling's Path – Part 3 by Jemima Brigges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the years 1817 and 1818, this book continues the family saga of the Linmore family and those surrounding it. Specifically, we follow Nell Walcote, who is a nurse working at the Middlebrook Surgery. She becomes entangled within a conspiracy to conceal the truth when she attends the birth of Lady Althrope’s child.
One thing leads to another in this book, and the historical setting is meticulously researched and many of the characters have hidden depths (as I have seen in previous books of the series). Full of drama, spiteful Nannies and subterfuge, this is sure to tickle the fancy of many a historical fiction fan.


View all my reviews

Restarting Your Life When You Are No Longer A Wife: One gal’s tale of humor, tears, and hope after being Left at 50 by Diane Burroughs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Starting out anew after you have been married for years, especially after your husband leaves you for a younger “version” would be difficult for anyone. The author went through such an experience and chose to share her journey with us in hopes it will help others.
I haven’t gone through this (and hopefully I won’t), but I have friends who came home to find out their husbands have left them for the secretary. This happens all too often, and I found the book to be emotional, humorous and in general like the straight-shooting best friend you can talk to, in order to get good advice. I liked the book and the advice was good and the unique perspective on a woman’s life after 50 was insightful.


View all my reviews

Overliked: Finding Direction, Courage, and Meaningful Relationships in a Society Crippled by Social Media by Rob Singleton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In today’s world of narcissism, where we as a society have become obsessed with how we look virtually, rather than physically (in the real world, or in real time), the pressure to conform to something perceived is extremely high. The author makes many points about how we can try to mitigate these pressures and how to bring our life back to God.
I wasn’t aware this was a religious book. Although, the references to God and religion can be overlooked if you choose. There is plenty in here that is thought provoking and valid concerns in our hyper-connected day and age. I liked the book, and think that this is a helpful tool to help us overcome some of our issues with social media.


View all my reviews

Apotheosis Now: Rabbit Hole to the Beyond by Yanhao Huang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is our identity really tied to security because we finally “became someone”? How many lies do we tell ourselves that only truly limit us? So many questions are discussed in this book by the author, and while he gives us some answers, and guidance, much of the book is a guide for us to consider working through ourselves.
I liked that I had more of an input. While the advice helped, there were certain sections I hadn’t even considered that were helpful to ponder. Where I thought I was a truly selfless being, some of the thinking’s reveal that we are all guilty of egoic thinking in our mind every day. Very good book!


View all my reviews

Know Your True Self: The Formula to Raise Human Consciousness by James Petrossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Using visually appealing graphics, the author gives us his formula to increasing your peace and ability for self-discovery. From Self-awareness, to willpower and even gratitude, each step is explained and demonstrated.
I found the book to be interesting and some of the information is certainly helpful. I think it will appeal to a younger audience more than an older audience, simply based on the graphics that are on essentially every page. Other than that quirk, this is a good book to help you on your way to a better mindfulness.


View all my reviews

6 Mega Power and Influence Hacks by Mirza Barlas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the most difficult lessons to learn as a leader, mentor, or simply a good listener, is how to read non-verbal cues. This book doesn’t solely focus on this, but it is a big part of the book. The book also teaches how to spot coercion attempts and how to resist them.
I liked the book, I found the part that dealt with understanding non-verbal cues the best and most informative, followed by the section on how to resist coercion. I found them informative and well written in a way that would let me understand and actually feel like I could apply the information.


View all my reviews

The Recipe For Empowered Leadership: 25 Ingredients For Creating Value & Empowering Others by Doug Meyer-Cuno
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author Doug Cuno pens his recollections of lessons he has experienced during his growth from a small-business owner to the leader of a multi-million-dollar company. His faults and his successes are here to give you an idea of areas that can use improvement in your own leadership skills.
While informative and well written, the information was not new, nor was it presented in a thought-provoking way which would prompt me to reach for this book again to reread certain sections. So good book, but not one that will be very memorable.


View all my reviews

The Cabin at Jackson Hole: A Frontier Story by Kari August
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A reluctant romance that brews between two very different people thrust together and who must survive extreme difficulties. Independent Ava is quite unlike the other women around her in 1885. Taking on a grand new adventure in the wilds of Wyoming, she is forced to seek shelter with a reclusive rancher after getting lost.
I really liked this book. The heroine (Ava) was strong and able to do most things herself. She didn’t need to become a wilting flower, in order to attract her man. Hesh is the typical gruff mountain man, but he had that softer side and that protective streak that is very attractive. A sweet ending after a tumultuous book.


View all my reviews

Pride of Ashna by Emmanuel M. Arriaga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on in the same world as Foundra, the first novel, the author yet again delivers an exciting, detailed and expansive universe for us to explore. This book centers around Serah’Elax who enlists into the Ashna Maidens, a zealous and extremely effective police force. Amidst Pirates, Founder’s Elites and even an ancient interdimensional threat, the Ashna Maidens will be tested like they have never been before.
I really liked the first book, and this one is no exception. The author continues on with the great writing and pacing, bringing us through action and dramatic scenes with skill. This is a detailed and heavy book, perfect for losing yourself in a new universe.


View all my reviews

Vade Mecum: An Always-Present Guide to Your Divine Path by Carla Camins Macapinlac
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The author delves into many different mystical practices, such as numerology, dreams and visions, and energy healing to name some. She uses this knowledge to guide her through her life towards a better future. Leaning on her own personal experiences as well as teachings from others, the book gives an interesting overview of the various mystical branches in the world.
Well, I think it was interesting, and although I am religious and somewhat spiritual, I must not be ready to receive the “guidance” in the book. I found it to be a bit all over the place in some places as she goes from one mystical practice to another pretty quickly. Not completely my cup of tea.


View all my reviews

Beyond Balancing the Books: Sheer Mindfulness for Professionals in Work and Life by George Marino CPA
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the beginning of the book, we see the life of two different CPA’s, one who is distracted by his work, simply goes through the motions and though he is successful, he is not mindful, the other CPA is very mindful of her day and her work and is happier in her life. This is the basic principles of this book. It is a book dedicated to teaching us how to be mindful and apply it to our lives and work, and yes, there is some emphasis on CPA’s as the author is one, however it is easily taken and applied to other situations.
I liked the exercises and the case studies that were included in the book, it made it easier to visualize how we are supposed to practice the mindfulness mentality. It was interesting, educational yet easy to understand.


View all my reviews

The Doomsday Machine: Space Scrap 17 Book 1 by Erick Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Space Scrap 17 has a new Captain and XO: Daisy Daryl and Michigan Jones, ex-lovers, and now unwillingly reunited co-workers. Sent on a dangerous mission (one fully out of their normal day to day operations) that will determine the fate of the galaxy, the two must learn to work together and fast before the Doomsday Machine can end their lives prematurely.
While the premise might seem more of a doom and gloom scenario of Sci-Fi, there is a wealth of humor, puns and jokes in this book that run the gamut from snarky to slapstick. There is certainly a plot here, and the story was good. I was not overly enthralled with the story, but I was entertained and sometimes that is all that matters.


View all my reviews

Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sierra is not your typical 16-year-old. She is a staunch believer in rights, whether human or animal and will do almost anything to defend them. On her way to the planet Nexus in search of her Father, Sierra and her friend Yesha find out that not everything is as it seems. A fast-paced young adult Sci-Fi novel that is well written and well defined.
I liked Sierra, she was mature and determined in pursuit of her goals and even when she receives shattering news regarding her own families, she still does what she believes is right. I liked the plot and the undercurrent of danger that ran throughout the book. Great Book!


View all my reviews

Mistress Suffragette by Diana Forbes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before the Great depression, the United States had The Panic of 1893. This is the backdrop to the story in this book, that follows a young woman, Penelope Stanton, as she navigates the society in which she lives, trying to balance the search for a husband with her ambitions and support for the Suffragette cause. In the end, which will win out?
While I liked the diary style presentation of the book, I was not able to truly connect with the main character. Penelope was not interesting, and I found the “love interest” Mr. Daggers much more interesting. The historical background was also more interesting than Penelope and made the book readable.


View all my reviews

The Leader Within Us: Mindset, Principles, and Tools for a Life By Design by Warren Rustand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the most important lessons came early in the book: “A leader must avoid being overwhelmed by the constant distractions of the day- and must make time to think”. I think that sentence, out of most of the book, resonated the most with me as I often found myself overwhelmed by the many tasks when I was a manager. Many of the stories in this book are from great leaders of the past, they dealt with and overcame extremely hard situations in the past, with much less than we have at our disposal, and they were able to achieve greatness. A rousing book, this is less of a self-help book and more of a collection of stories that will give you insight into the minds of great leaders and hopefully find the leader within yourself.

View all my reviews

The Bully - A Paranormal Thriller by K.J. Kwon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We’ve all had those bosses that we didn’t like, and if you are a woman, maybe you were even harassed, but in this book, the roles are twisted, the boss is a demanding and unpleasant woman. The victim is a young man, fresh to the city and simply wanting to start his career by doing a good job. Declining her advances do not work and when she sets her sights upon him in more ways than work, his life becomes a hell of her making. Gripping story and I am grateful to see the tables turned, not many books will approach the topic of female abusers. There is a satisfying ending and I liked the pacing; it was a very good book.

View all my reviews

The View From Breast Pocket Mountain by Karen Hill Anton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometime the road less traveled will bring us to the most unexpected places. In this touching memoir, we see the life of the author, from a young girl growing up in New York, to her worldly travels all throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia before settling in Japan. The honesty that she writes with was refreshing. She describes her encounters with new societies and locals, both positive and negative encounters which many books can leave out. I enjoyed the unique perspective she brings and this book renewed my desire to travel to Japan and experience the lifestyle myself.

View all my reviews

The Currency Of Gratitude: Turning Small Gestures Into Powerful Business Results by Michele Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gratitude and expressions thereof may be seen as personal and private endeavors; however, the author makes a big case for them being part of our busines models and operations. She focuses on two challenges, inward facing (Employee engagement, retention, etc.) and outward facing (Brand awareness, customer satisfaction) challenges a company might face.
All throughout the book, I found the personal experiences by not only the author, but others as well, to be informational, uplifting and a reflection of the overarching topic of the book. I think that the tools given in each chapter (the questions) will be helpful for most who might want to further their exploration into this subject.


View all my reviews

The Forgotten Queen by Matt Glicksman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The forgotten Queen might be dead, but she has put certain failsafe’s in place which will allow her soul to carry on her dark ambitions. The Priests guild strives to stand in the way as the populace begins to lose faith in the increasing evidence of the demons’ powers. A dark fantasy world will get even darker before the light will emerge.
I found for a second book in the series, that this book was much too complex. Complex can be good, however, a new cast of characters were introduced, each with their own histories that we went into as well as everything else about their personalities. The plot itself was satisfying, however, it was a slow read with me putting down the book a few times simply due to the information dumps we got.


View all my reviews

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!


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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!


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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).


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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!


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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!


View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews