literary_lioness's reviews
261 reviews

Prayers and Po-Boys: A Cancer Survivor's Journey through Chemotherapy and Beyond by Larry Singleton

reflective slow-paced

3.0

No one ever wants to hear the three words “you have cancer.” Yet, these words are spoken to thousands of people around the world, and Larry Singleton was one of them. 

 

Through the power of prayer, determination, and a love for po-boys, Larry documents his chemotherapy journey in his memoir Prayers and Po-Boys. Follow along as Larry takes his readers inside the cancer center and details his interactions with his “team”. 

 

Expecting a heart wrenching, emotional, and faith inspiring story, this memoir fell short. Unfortunately, it was a collaboration of rambling and two-minute conversations between Larry and some of his support team. There was no context, no words to evoke feeling, and little to no transition to tie the events together. 

 

A missed opportunity to dig deep and bring readers in to a personal experience, 3 out of 5 stars is the result. Nonetheless, admiration is given to Larry for having the courage to share, and best wishes to him and his family.

 

Thank you to #PrayersAndPoBoys, #LarrySingleton, and #MascotBooks for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/prayers-and-po-boys-review

The Girl in the Ground by Stacy Green

sad slow-paced

3.0

Nicole “Nikki” Hunt returns to her job as an FBI agent after her three-month sabbatical following her ex-husband’s murder and daughter’s abduction. When human remains are found on her boyfriend’s construction site, followed by the disappearance of a pregnant female, Nikki becomes entwined within a web of evidence. Can she unravel the network of clues and solve the case, or will the case unravel her?

 

Take a look behind the scenes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Stacy Green’s The Girl in the Ground. An elaborate story that gives her readers a glimpse into the intricacies of how seemingly unrelated events, can ultimately be linked. Mix that in with the internal struggles of the main character, and an interesting plot takes form.

 

Yet, unfortunately, this book was a lot of talk and a little action. The majority revolved around strategy and conversations discussing the next move. Granted, this may be how FBI agents actually complete their jobs, but it did not catch this reader’s attention. Add the confusion associated with constant name variances (use of last name, first name, and nicknames) plus the influx of profanity and a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is awarded.

 

Given this book is about an FBI detective and her vicious crime cases, some actions may be triggering. Please read with caution if any of the following may cause you distress: serial killers, kidnapping, murder, wrongful imprisonment, divorce, drugs, alcohol, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, foster system, missing persons, cheating, bullying, gestational diabetes, witness protection, abduction, molestation, abandonment, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, physical and mental abuse, PTSD, pedophiles, suicide, and rape.

 

A continuation of the Nikki Hunt Series, The Girl in the Ground can be added to your collection when it releases on December 1, 2021. 

 

Thank you to #TheGirlInTheGround, #NikkiHuntSeries, #StacyGreen, #Bookouture, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-girl-in-the-ground-review

Perception and Deception IV: A Spy Series by Andrea Hintz

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Faith Mathis has finally accepted that being an agent for RLIP, is her “normal”. Added bonus, her husband, Ashton, has joined the agency as well. Yet, before they start their adventure together as agents, they want to enjoy their journey as newlyweds. So, when a teenage boy shows up on their doorstep stating Juro is in trouble they end their celebration and jump in to action. 

 

Introducing a couple new characters to the mix, Andrea Hintz entwines a glimpse of the past with the hope of the future in her novel Perception and Deception IV. Readers are immediately swept into an action-packed tale, chockfull of unforeseen twists. Add in a profound illustration into her main characters’ psyche, and it quickly becomes a book you do not want to put down. 

 

Furthermore, Andrea shares her love for Christ with a few occurrences of prayer, praise, and cross jewelry. Although Jesus is mentioned, the focus is on the connection between her characters, especially during a time of great loss. 

 

As Andrea ensures her stories are appropriate for all readers, the use of profanity and sexual content is eliminated. Incorporate her attention to detail and errors containing spelling or grammar are not found. Thus, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is given. 

 

Please take caution if any of these actions may cause concern: home invasion, incarceration, missing child, car accident, witness protection, kidnapping, bullying, run away child, alcohol and drug consumption, death of child, memory issues, deceit, hand to hand combat, and gun violence.

 

Customary to Andrea’s expressive gifts, Perception and Deception IV is another exceptional addition to her Spy Series. 

 

Thank you to #PerceptionandDeceptionIV, #SpecialAgentPublishingHouse, and #AndreaHintz for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-iv-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Perception and Deception, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-review

 

Review of the second book in this series, Perception and Deception II, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-ii-review

 

Review of the third book in this series, Perception and Deception III, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-iii-review

Perception and Deception III by Andrea Hintz

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Faith Mathis (previously Faith Evans), is now married to Ashton! Excited to start their “normal” lives together, they begin figuring out what their responsibilities look like without RLIP.

 

Then Mr. Harrison shows up. At first, Faith rejects Mr. Harrison’s offer to work another case. That is until she finds out the case is about Wolf’s grandson being kidnapped. Given the help they offered her and Ashton when she went missing, she knows she has to step up. 

 

Thrown into a very personal case, Faith, Ashton, Juro, and Wolf grab the reader’s attention and do not let go in Andrea Hintz’s Perception and Deception III. A deeper look into the intimate aspects of the characters, Andrea creates a feeling of being wrapped in the arms of a loving family that would do anything for one another.

 

Incorporate her ability to write modestly, there is an absence of profanity and sexual content.  In addition, spelling nor grammatical errors are included. Nonetheless, there are a couple of instances where prayer and praise towards Jesus are mentioned. However, Andrea is very open with her beliefs and this should be expected to be shown in her writings. Therefore, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is granted. 

 

As spy series usually go, some actions may cause concern. These may include: kidnapping, drugs, deceit, hand to hand combat, and gun violence.

 

Yet again, Andrea shows her unending ability to bring forth another story that her readers cannot help to connect with in her book Perception and Deception III. Another great addition to the series, this reader is excited to keep it going with the next one.

 

Thank you to #PerceptionandDeceptionIII, #SpecialAgentPublishingHouse, and #AndreaHintz for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-iii-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Perception and Deception, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-review

 

Review of the second book in this series, Perception and Deception II, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-ii-review

Perception and Deception II by Andrea Hintz

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Faith Evans (previously known by her codename, Felix), has chosen Ashton over her career with RLIP. Although she loved working for her parents’ organization as an agent, she is ready to hang up her gun and badge for a chance at a normal life.

 

However, a normal life is not ready for her. Kidnapped by an escapee, and framed to be helping said escapee, Faith wonders if she will be able to figure out how to get out of this one. When she is injected with a serum that causes her to lose her memory, all seems lost. Will Ashton be able to find her, clear her name, and bring her memory back?

 

Yet again Andrea Hintz wraps her readers in a flurry of adventure with Perception and Deception II: A Spy Series. By putting Faith in trouble, Andrea’s readers are able to get to know Ashton, Juro, and Wolf on a deeper level, enticing the pages to keep turning. Include an absence of profanity, sexual content, as well as spelling nor grammatical errors and a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars is easily achieved. 

 

Given this is still a spy series, there are going to be actions that may cause distress. Please read with caution if any of these may be an issue for you: memory loss, homelessness, being framed, kidnapping, alcohol consumption, deceit, hand to hand combat, gun violence, and robbery.

 

All things considered, Perception and Deception II brings a new aspect to the characters you cannot help but love. As the third book has already been released, and this reader is dying to know what happens next, expect another review to be out quickly.

 

Thank you to #PerceptionandDeceptionII, #SpecialAgentPublishingHouse, and #AndreaHintz for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-ii-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Perception and Deception, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-review

Perception and Deception by Andrea Hintz

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Felix is an agent for the Real-Life Immersion Program (RLIP), in other words the backup program for the FBI. Her mission: to find and protect a man whose parents left blueprints of weaponry that would be detrimental to the nation if put in the wrong hands. So, with the help of her team, she goes undercover in the small town of Toselville, Vermont.   

 

Then she meets Ashton and the connection between them is unmistakable. Fearful of putting her new found love in danger, she struggles to decide what to do. Will this end up being her final assignment, or will she continue to live in solitude for the organization? 

 

Get ready to fall in love with Felix, Ashton, Wolf, and Juro in Andrea Hintz’s Perception and Deception: A Spy Series. From the first sentence the reader is invited into the characters’ domain and becomes a part of the action, adventure, and mystery. Toss in a slow burn romance and one craves a prolongation. 

 

Not to mention the lack of profanity, sexual content, as well as spelling nor grammatical errors and the competence behind Andrea’s writing is undoubtable. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the least this book merits. 

 

Please keep in mind, this is a spy novel, so there are some activities that could cause distress. If the following may aggravate you, read with caution: deceit, hand to hand combat, gun violence, physical threats (ex: knife to throat), sabotage, poisoning, robbery (including house break in), vandalism, and bullying.

 

All in all, a mesmerizing start to the Perception and Deception Series that you do not want to conclude. Luckily the next book has already been released, so look for the second book’s review to come soon. 

 

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #PerceptionandDeception, #SpecialAgentPublishingHouse, and #AndreaHintz for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/perception-and-deception-review

Wrong Side of the Pack by Tilly Tiason

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Ramona lives a simple life. She is a receptionist at the vet clinic in town, caregiver to her depressed father, and in love with one, maybe two, werewolves. 

 

When her family arrives one night, with her estranged mother, the life she has built comes crumbling down. Betrayed by her family and learning she is destined to become a hunter, Ramona becomes conflicted. Will she hunt down the loves of her life and support her family, or sacrifice her family for the loves of her life? 

 

In Wrong Side of the Pack, Tilly Tiason brings a world of werewolves and hunters to life. Her descriptive words surround the reader creating an image one cannot help but be captivated with. Yet, the fantasy world is not the only aspect she brings to the forefront. Enfolded throughout are real-world issues women of color have to deal with every day, making this not only entertaining, but thought provoking as well. 

 

However, all this information does lead to some disconnect. The thought processes of the main character are sporadic and contradictory, resulting in confusion. Add the unwarranted amount of profanity plus quite a few spelling and grammatical errors and a rating of 3 out of 5 stars in awarded.

 

As some actions of certain characters may cause some readers grief, please take caution if any of the following trigger you. Depression, bullying, sexual harassment, racism, sexism, profiling, abandonment, murder, and torture.

 

Overall, an attractive starter to the Hunted Blood Series and looking forward to the second book, Wrong Side of the Coven, scheduled to release June 2022.

 

Thank you to #WrongSideOfThePack, #HuntedBloodSeries, and #TillyTiason for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/wrong-side-of-the-pack

The Safe Place by L.A. Larkin

mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Jessie is an outcast in the small town of Eagle Falls. Apparently, accusing the town’s golden boy of domestic abuse will do that. So, when a slew of house fires occurs, killing the families stuck inside, Jessie quickly becomes the prime suspect. Befriending a former FBI agent new to the town, Jessie and Ruth start their own investigation. Will Jessie be able to prove her innocence or will the people of Eagle Falls let Jessie burn? 

 

Buckle up and hold on tight as L.A. Larkin takes “never give up” to the next level in her book The Safe Place. A gripping ride from the first sentence to the last, one easily gets caught in the web of chaos that is Jessie’s life. 

 

Yet, the amount of profanity utilized was somewhat of a deterrent. A perfect score could have easily been awarded if the profanity was eliminated or reduced. But given the scoring template used, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the result.

 

Please note, this is not a tale for the faint of heart as there are numerous mentions of heinous crimes. A bit of warning if any of these actions may cause distress: physical abuse, heroin use, overdose, toxic brain injury, epilepsy, sexual harassment, car accident, murder, arson, breast cancer, miscarriage, anti-Semitism, rape, Parkinson’s, and gun violence.

 

If women that never stop fighting for what is right is up your alley, then this book is for you. Make sure to add this to your To Be Read (TBR) pile when it releases on November 9, 2021, you will not be disappointed. 

 

Thank you to #NetGalley, #TheSafePlace, #LALarkin, and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-safe-place-review

Mortal Secrets by Isa Medina

adventurous funny medium-paced

3.0

Ana Calliope Holt is a demon hunter. Ok, so maybe not your typical demon hunter, but demon vermin need to be taken care of too, right? Granted, it does not pay very well, but a job is a job. At least that is what she keeps telling herself. 

 

That is why she typically offers favors for things she needs. Yet, when she traded two favors for some information on a particular sword, she never saw the heap of trouble coming. Now, not only do the favors and troubles keep adding up, but her secret may be exposed, and she definitely cannot let that happen. 

 

Become entangled with mischief and adventure in Isa Medina’s Mortal Secrets. A twist on the typical demon hunter tales, the narration and nonconformity will have you rolling. Topped with a hint of mystery, romance, and explicit imagery, one will become delighted.

 

Although an interesting storyline, the main character seemed to repeat the same actions with different environments. However, this may be due to familiarizing the reader to all the characters and multiple complexities. Even though most of the profanity was either borderline or references (ex: middle finger), there were more than ten instances. Therefore, a 3 out of 5 stars is the outcome.

 

All in all, a great concept caught in the introductory aspects of a new series. Nonetheless, with the release of the second book coming February 2022, the Realms Unleased: Red Angel Series can and will bring numerous fans to this angelic, demonic, and fantastical world.

 

Thank you to #BookSirens #MortalSecrets, and #IsaMedina for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/mortal-secrets-review

The Phoenix Project by C.A. Gray

adventurous fast-paced

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

4.0

Kate Brandeis is brainwashed. Again. 

 

This time the Potentate is using targeted mind control. He also moved her into the palace so he can ensure the manipulation is effective. Yet, Kate is overwhelmed with the new information and cannot figure out which thoughts are real. Resulting in consistent panic attacks, Kate fears that she is losing her mind. Will she be able to break through, or has the Potentate succeeded in overtaking her?

 

An epic continuation of The Liberty Box Trilogy, C.A. Gray’s The Phoenix Project keeps one on their toes. Bursting with unexpected curve balls, being consumed by the tale of Kate, Jackson, and the rest of the refugees cannot be helped. Immersed, one can only keep the pages turning until they know how the story ends. 

 

With the exclusion of sexual content and no spelling and grammatical errors, Gray continues to showcase her writing acuity. However, this novel does include some borderline profanity. Although not enough to interfere with the pace of the storyline, a 4 out of 5 stars is the outcome.

 

A well-executed completion of the trilogy, The Phoenix Project does not leave anything unresolved. Overall, a satisfying ending to a thrilling adventure. 

 

Thank you to #ThePhoenixProject, #CAGray, and #WanderlustPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-phoenix-project-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, The Liberty Box, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-liberty-box-review

 

Review of the second book in this series, The Eden Conspiracy, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-eden-conspiracy-review