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94 reviews

Silverlake by Colin Darney

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious slow-paced

4.0

When Darney Reached out asking if I would like to review book two of his “Resthaven” series. I had to agree. I needed to know what would happen to Tommy and the rest of the gain. 
So let me start by saying that I felt this book's flow went a little slower than the first book. That being said, that is the only negative thing I have to say about the book.
I really enjoyed the characters that we had come to love, and cheer for. While he also brought new characters to life. The main plot is the same. Donnor and his made family and son, are walking with the army they had created. Trying to spot the Ondilaani, from killing everyone and everything. I felt that we got another deeper, almost newer understanding of each character.
This is shown in one way, with Tommy and Ari. The growth and healing that both of these went through. It shows how strong each character became. I also enjoyed getting a new look at Mikus. I felt like in the first book, we got a small look into this character. While in book two, we get more into his thinking, and build up. 
I felt the war scenes were done with taste, and talent. Neither over doing the details or cutting them short. It was interesting to see the Ondilaani get more detailed. And learn more about these beastly things.
All in all, I am very happy with this story, and the way things went. Which is why I gave it a 8/10 rating. And why I am excited to continue the story with book three “Windysprings”. 
Thank you Colin for giving me “Silverlake” to review. 
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Jack And Anna - Back To Winnipeg by R.S. Penney, R.S. Penney

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

Wow. When Penny reached out to me, asking me to read this book. I thought this was going to be a fantasy, maybe have a little romance, with a side of adventure. I did not expect it to have all this and more.
This is a Sci-fi story about a husband and wife. Who after giving up everything, are now renegade bad guys, alien guys. This is after they were actually wiped from existence, in order to save their way of life.
Only to have Jack’s father, who didn’t remember he had a son. Come to him for help. Something weird is happening on earth. Jack and Anna immediately leave to help.
I really enjoyed Penny’s easy yet thrilling world building. I felt that the easy to read wording, added to the reading experience. While also allowing the character build up to creep in. I thought it was an interesting twist to make a main character on the Autism Spectrum, with a  side of ADHD. This was done with what I felt was truth and care. 
When reading a new author I’m always worried about the action being overwritten in a Sci-fi story. This book seemed to have just enough to draw you in, while cheering for the characters. This also added to the thrill of finding out about the “Bad Guy”. 
I was delighted to find out that this was the first book in the series which has five books total. Allowing us to continue this amazing story. I can happily say that I gave this an 8/10 rating.
If you want to check out “Jack and Anna Back To Winnipeg”, or have a teen who is into Sci-fi looking for a good read. I highly recommend checking it out now. 
Thank you Penny for giving me this book.

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A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Oh my gosh! “A Touch of Malice” is the third book in St. Clair’s  “A Touch Of Darkness” Series. Let me start by saying that this whole series is a love rollercoaster. In this book. We came back in after Persphone went through some pretty horrible things. Only to be rescued by Hades. 
St. Clair did a wonderful job, describing things that survivors go through. Along with the healing process, and things that help and sometimes set them back. 
I feel like out of the three books this was the fastest moving story. I honestly thought that this was going to be the last book in the series. Luckily I was wrong, there is a book after this. 
I felt for Persphone and Lexa in this story. Both kinda got the short straw with this one. But watching their friendship grow and build was worth the pain of what happened. Plus the side love story that *wink *wink wasn’t going on in the background. Was a nice distraction as well.
I felt like we got a closer look at all the Gods in this story. Some of the things and traits we read about them in this story surprised me greatly. I loved that St. Clair took the opportunity to expand on the characters that played a main part in the book. That we didn’t really get to know too much. 
Honestly this is the spiciest book out of all three. And it is hard to write this review, due to how many spoilers could come out. Because of this, I gave it a 8/10 rating. And state read the book! If you are a Persphone and Hades fan. I don’t think you will be disappointed. 

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X Members of the FB Group by Chris Colmenero, Chris Colmenero

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funny medium-paced

3.5

Let me start out by saying somethings about me and this book. First, thank you Chris for providing me with a copy of “The X Members Of The FB Group” for my review. Second, I am a member of the FB group that Chris used to manage, and got to weigh in on some polls and posts about the book. When they were in the process of writing it. Why am I saying this? Because this was on my TBR shelf before any of the reviews were created.
After the reviews I had a feeling that this book was going to be read like my all time favorite movie “Dracula, Dead And Loving It”. Which, if you haven't seen it. It is a comedy with an easy to follow plot. That borderlines too much, but just in the right way. And has you laughing at the most random times. This book was the same. 
I will admit the writing starts out rough. But with this being the first book ever written by this author, it happens. I was really happy to find as I continued reading the flow started and I found myself enjoying the plot and characters. Which the characters! I loved the fun and yet sometimes relatable. I felt that Colmenero was really able to take everyday things and really run with them creating this funny story.
Because of the humor and the storyline this was an easy 7/10 rating from us. If you're looking for a book that will at least make you smile. With an easy writing style. Then I recommend grabbing the kindle copy now. I think this book would go really good with a cold cocktail and some summer sunshine. 

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Empty Gold by Ian Thomas

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

This was the second book I had read by Thomas, and he yet again did not disappoint. 
In this story we do a little time jump in the beginning. Which did originally confuse me, but I knew it would only make this book better. And oh boy did it! Zoe is the main character who with her BFF, brother, and some unlikely characters. Is working to stop the demon that tried to take over her life. By the way, I do want to warn the reader. There is talk of child trafficking, and kidnapping in this book. It’s kind of a side plot that is nessaracy to the book. But it does not continue to be a big part of the story, in my opinion. 
I really loved the fact that Thomas made Zoe and her family black. Coming from a mixed family myself, I love when a book portrays a character with as much detail as he did. While still keeping the characters relatable and realistic. 
It was really fun watching Zoe deal with the issues of being a teenager, then a kidnapped person, possessed, and then a hero. Then to come back to her life, just to find out she is still having to deal with the demon. And all the weird things happening to her classmates. As if high school wasn't bad enough. 
Reading this book was definitely different then other books I read like this. You get a good feel of Thomas’ writing abilities, while enjoying his easy going humor. This was an easy book that I and my teens found ourselves enjoying. Which was great because it is so hard to find a book both ages can read together. All in all it was easy to see why I not only gave “Empty Gold” a 9/10 rating. But that is why I am also already looking forward to the next book by Thomas on my list. 
If you're thinking of grabbing a copy, I highly recommend doing so now. This is a wonderful spring read, to read with a nice cold drink in your hand. Thank you Ian for sending me your book. 

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A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“A Touch of Ruin” is book two in St. Clair’s Book series “A Touch of Darkness”. This book continues Hades’ and Persephone’s story. Set in a new age, with personal aka mother issues, and business issues. Oh and that Persephone has a stalking in this one.
Watching Hades’ personality grow and fears come to light was interesting. The way he was written in this story. Made it so that I had to add “A Game Of Fate” to my TBR list. Plus Reading how Persephone grew into her position as not only a boss, but also as a Goddess.
There are so many different issues that make the storyline in this book. It seemed like everytime a problem was almost solved, there was another right around the corner. Like with Lexa. We all know her as Persephone’s best friend, her partner in crime. Well Lexa has some big problems in this story that plays a large part into not only book two but also book three.
Another thing that plays a large part in this story is the news. It brings people to and forces people away from the Gods. It even gives her stalker the things they need to enact their plans.
Thankfully Persephone does keep her friends close and Hades closer. We get to find out who she really has to lean on and see relationships we thought would last, break apart. 
There is a good amount of character information in this story. S. Clair’s added a lot of detail in this book. It made for a fantastic read. Because of everything in the book, and the story line. I ended up reading this within a few days. So of course I had to give it a 9/10 rating. 

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Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I can not tell you how much I loved this book! 
 You have Evangeline who’s love is marrying her step-sister. She is left under the care of her step-mother after losing her father. All of this is too much for Evangeline who runs to the “Prince Of Hearts” aka Jax. A god who has the power to kill women with his kiss, and stop Evangeline’s step-sisters’ wedding. Unfortunately he turns everyone to stone. And the only way to undo the curse, is for Evangeline to willingly drink the poison herself. 
 I really enjoyed the story line in this book. Although sometimes confusing and at times doesn't seem to make sense. You find out by the end it was all necessary, and why so much was put in it. 
 The characters were definitely more than they seemed. I really think Jax has a lot more than we know about, going on. And honestly I’m scared of what Evangeline has become in the end. Though I can’t help but wonder how far she will end up going to get what she wants. But I wonder, does what she thinks she wants, actually what she wants?
 All in all, this was a 10/10 book rating. And I immediately had to place a hold for the next book “The Ballad Of Never After”. 
 If you like a story of slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers, gods and monsters, and a form of good vs evil. Then I recommend grabbing a copy of “Once Upon A Broken Heart” today.

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Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle by Jennifer Ivy Walker

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a sweet, yet action packed romance novel. This is actually the third book I have had the privilege to read and review for Walker. And like “The Wild Rose and The Sea Raven” series, I was not disappointed with the story.
I really enjoyed reading about our “Viking Queen” Gabrielle, and her crush Chivalrous. Their story was one that made you feel young again. I loved watching how they let their passion lose and their love bloom. Without taking away from each other. 
Watching how each character added to the overall story was interesting. The side characters built up the story well. Though I hope that if we get a second book that we find out what happened to the King’s Healer, if he was found later on. 
I loved that Walker talked about the issue of children in this book. There was a small amount of talk about being unable to have a child, and the struggles about being a parent. Both issues were done with respect and care. But did not play a large part in the story. 
I really feel that the villains were my second favorite characters. In that I love to hate them way. I felt that although we did not get as much into them as the other books did. There was enough there to give the characters detail, a backstory, and the healing of “I Don’t Like You”. 
All in all this was an easy 9/10 rating from me. Which is one of the many reasons. I am looking forward to continuing “The Wild Rose and The Sea Raven” series. By reading her third book in the series “The Emerald Fairy and The Dragon Knight.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing this story with me. 

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The Loyal Wife by B. Love

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adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.5

Wow. This was my monthly pick from “Black Odyssey”, and I am so glad I chose this one. 
I was hopeful this was going to be a book with twists and turns. I thought there may be ups and downs as well, with interesting character development. I was not disappointed!
Love created a world that immediately hooked you in. then continued the rollercoaster ride. Between the storyline twists, the crimes, the back stabbing, ect. I had to sit in silence for a moment after reading. I actually found myself hoping that the villain would get a happy ending. And was a little upset that they didn’t. Though it did leave it on a great cliff hanger!
I enjoyed Love’s easy writing style, and word choice. Love showed a talent for using a good vocabulary. Without confusing the reader, or taking away from the story. 
All in all I was very happy about reading “The Loyal Wife”. After all, I did give it a 9/10 rating. And a smut rating of a 2.5/5. If you want to check out “The Loyal Wife” by B Love. I recommend checking out it out now. It is an easy read and a book that is good to start at any time.

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The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

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adventurous challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

I was so excited about reading “Radium Girls”. This is a really big part of history that seems to be disappearing. All because people do not talk about it anymore. This book is helping to change that. 
Inside you will find real photos of the women who lost their lives, because of their jobs, painting clocks for our fighting men. Moore used her writing talent to give us a really great history lesson. Without making it feel like we were reading a textbook. I really felt that I learned more about the women who suffered. And what their lives were like. 
Moore didn’t just focus on what happened during the time the women were working, or became sick. She talked about their families, everyday life, their wants and needs. The way she wrote about the women at times, had me tearing up. You felt like these were your neighbors, like they could have been the girls sitting next to you at school.
Life was already hard for everyone in the world at this point in time. Moore took the next step to show us how these women also had fun. It wasn’t all suffering, before they started working at the factory. 
That was another thing. Factory work life. Knowing how some factories worked, and some of the conditions their workers had to work in. I was shocked that they didn’t take better precautions after finding out the girls were getting sick. Yes some got to see a doctor at their jobs. But how fair are you going to be treated when the doctor you are seeing is hired by the factories to claim they were not getting sick from working there? 
I was so angry when they tried to say that the girls had STDs, instead of admitting that it could have been the radium. This was actually brought up in the hearings, and trials. So much fact and truth was shown in the hearings. It was heartbreaking to see how much those women had to go through. Just to try and be comfortable in their last days. Or to help their families after they passed.
I am thankful that Moore went to the end of the story. She didn’t stop where it was good. She made the story start from the very beginning, and went till the story was done. 
This is the first book that you should grab if you want to know more about the “Radium Girls”, and their struggle for justice. Just be ready for the truth to come out, and shock to set in.
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