amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)


"Readers will find themselves holding their breaths in anticipation at the turn of every page!"

Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/june/viewer/desktop/#page/64

"This novel is filled with lust, danger, and love, which is pretty much the definition of the Wild West."

Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/june/viewer/desktop/#page/64

"This is a darling novella reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet."

Check out the rest of the review at InD'Tale Magazine"

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/june/viewer/desktop/#page/64

"Fans of television shows like "Constantine" or "Supernatural" will absolutely love this book!"

Check out the whole review at InD'Tale Magazine:

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/june/viewer/desktop/#page/86

"This gruesome thriller really dives into the thinking of a serial killer."

Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/june/viewer/desktop/#page/94

When I first received information about Banished From Memory by Mary Sheeran, it definitely piqued my interest. The book takes place in 1960 and introduces Dianna Fletcher, a 16-year-old actress. She comes from a whole family of actors and takes it very seriously. However, she has reached an age where she is too old for the child roles, but not quite mature enough for the young female roles. She is worried about being in the shadow of her family and losing her talent. However, not only that but it is a scary time due to the Blacklist. Fears of communism haunt the United States and when she does land a role, she and her fellow-co-worker, Bill Royce don’t get along. Everyone in Hollywood has secrets and will do anything to keep them from being exposed.

This book tackles so many interesting and important issues. Almost too many. I felt that it was trying to fit so much in that is almost smothers the reader. The 1960s is just the beginning of the end of classic Hollywood and I loved reading about so many famous names throughout the story. However, there are parts that become so confusing. I am a huge Disney buff and even though this famous family is fictional, she ties them to real events. For instance, Dianna discusses how Anne Foster (Dianna’s mother) is the voice of Sleeping Beauty, even though it was the lovely Mary Costa who voiced and sang the part of Princess Aurora. Dianna also mentions how she gets the title part of Pollyanna? If this is going to be about a fictional actress, the film should also be fictional. It just made things a little confusing.

The story was not as engaging as I hoped it would be. It is extremely dialogue-heavy, and mainly “he said, then she said” constantly. There was not a lot of emotion for me to connect to and it made the pace extremely slow. It also hinders the character development. While I do appreciate the author for tying the events to the 1960s and making the connection to today’s political climate and #MeToo movement, it just didn’t grab my attention. This is why I have to rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to JKS Communications for a copy of this book!

I came across this book randomly on Chirp. The description piqued my interest and I am a huge fan of thrillers. Caged by Ellison Cooper is narrated by Danielle Deadwyler. Agent Sayer Altair is not an ordinary FBI agent. She is also a neurologist who is examining the minds of serial killers. However, a new case will take her away from her research. The body of a young girl has been discovered in a basement, in a cage that is rigged with explosives. The young girl is identified as a Senator’s daughter who went missing a year before. Evidence shows that she had been tortured through ritualistic experiments and that she is also not the only one. Agent Altair must find out who the killer is before they get anyone else.

If you want a thriller, like an edge-of-your-seat, unpredictable thriller…then this is it. My favorite aspect about this book is the incredible detail in regards to the investigation. The author makes sure that it is all realistic and accurate, especially when it comes to the facts and the procedures. The author dives into the mythology behind the ritualistic torture.

Sayer Altair is an incredible main character. She is flawed and ruthless. She is focused and determined. After losing her parents, and then her fiance, she is closed off from the world, just focusing on her work. Throughout the novel, she is forced to recognize that is not how someone should live. Her development is quite wonderful and inspiring.

Danielle Deadwyler did a phenomenal job of reading this novel. Her voice is clear and animated. She really has a grasp on each character, making each one sounding just slightly different. And goodness, the emotion in her voice almost brought me to tears.

I rate this audiobook 5 out of 5 stars! If you love crime, horror, suspense, thrillers, etc.. then you need to read this book. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. This book made me appreciate those agents who have to deal with these monsters in their everyday life.

Exploring Jenns Cove by Marc Sanderson is the second book in the Jenns Cove eco-romance series! I absolutely loved the first one, Undercover in Jenns Cove. In this book, we meet Jess Everston. She is a new scientist at ESSI, working under Jake, who we met in the first book. She struggles with getting used to the area since it is completely out of her comfort zone. On top of that, she has to deal with Rand Gallagher, Jake’s brother-in-law. He is hired to be a guide through the trails in Jenns Cove because there are dangerous areas. Jess doesn’t think she needs him. He is grumpy and solitary. Little does she know he suffers from PTSD after his tour in Afghanistan with the Army Rangers. The attraction between them seems to get in the way of their stubbornness. They try to resist, but sometimes opposites attract.

I think I enjoyed this book more than the first and that is saying something because I really enjoyed the first book! The main thing I love is all the issues the author is able to bring together in the books. These books may be in the romance genre but they also discuss environmental issues and mental health, plus add in a little suspense to keep the reader on their toes. Both the characters are wonderful. Rand is my absolute favorite! He is such a complex character. He struggles with PTSD and opening up to those around him but also is able to find positive ways to channel his emotions, like hiking and photography. He is also willing to go to ANY lengths for those he cares about.

This book is for those who enjoy romance but also have an appreciation for the environment. The writing is strong and witty. I love the descriptions of Jenns Cove. What I would give to go hiking there! Also, the way the author writes the relationships between the siblings is so unbelievably relatable. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

A friend recommended that I read this book. Apparently, it is a fan fiction that started online and has a ton of views. After by Anna Todd is a steamy, young adult fictional story about a girl named Tessa. Tessa is a freshman in college who is always modest, organized, and an avid follower of the rules. Her new roommate introduces her to Hardin. Hardin is an English bad boy. He is snarky, rude, and is always with a different girl. They start off hating each other but there is this strange magnetic chemistry that develops between them. They couldn’t be more wrong for each other, so why can’t they stay away?

Let me start off by saying that this is a 600-page book but it FLIES by. It honestly could have been shorter, like 300 pages shorter. There are more than a few moments that felt repetitive. If you love drama, then this book is for you! I couldn’t believe how much these two fought. One chapter they are in love, the next they hate each other. That goes on for the entire book and I got a little frustrated. But then I remembered what it was like in high school and early college, listening to my friends and their relationship woes.

Poor, poor Tessa. This girl is in desperate need of some self-confidence. I really wanted to see her grow. Don’t even get me started on Hardin. If I could jump into the book and smack him… I would. I did like how the author incorporated their love for literature being the one thing that they share. I loved all the references to the classic romances. There is also a lot of mention of bullying, mental health, trauma, and addiction.

But my god. That twist at the end had my jaw drop! I don’t know why I was surprised but now it really makes me want to see what happens in the next book. I am hoping this twist will provide Tessa with the strength to rise above, and show how capable and strong she is!

Just FYI, this book is steamy! Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. It did leave me wanting to know what happens next!

Forsworn Fate by Mia Pride is a prequel novella in the Sisters of Danu Series. This novella introduces Ceara, a fiery young woman who is promised to marry Garreth Mac Ceht. How could she marry him? Yes, he is to be king but he spends his days with a new girl in his arms. Obviously, he doesn’t wish to be with her. She finally gathers her courage to tell him that the marriage is off. The only problem is Garreth has just realized his true feelings for her. Now he must win her back which will not be easy.

This is a short, sweet and great introduction to what promises to be an entertaining series. First of all, Ceara is dazzling! She is sure of herself and knows her worth. I also love Garreth’s character development. Yes, he can be a bit abrasive. When he tries to win back Ceara, he realizes how cruel he has been to her. Their stubbornness towards each other makes this novella so entertaining.

One of the things that I love so much about this book is the historical aesthetic rooted in Celtic history with a dash of fantasy. It gives the story a mystical aspect. This novella is very short, just about 100 pages, so it is a perfect afternoon read. I love how it builds up the story for the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read the rest! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! If you love historical romance, then you will love this read!