Book Review: Darker Side Endings by Kelvin Kettle

Darker Side Endings 


Author: Kelvin Kettle
File Size: 249 KB
Print Length: 104 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Kelvin Kettle; First editon edition (July 9, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Kelvin Kettle. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The book is a compilation of eight short stories. Loved them especially SPIKES and DATE MISTAKE. It would be better if the author turn those two into full length novel. Husband read' them and thought all had weird/dark endings and then I reminded him of the title and then he was like 'OH!'. LOL. 

If you are into short stories with dark-ish endings... pick up this book! 

Read other positive reviews here.

About the book:

DON'T BE AFRAID. YOUR JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE AWAITS (Warning: Adult content. Not intended for young readers)...8 short horror/suspense stories, each with a dark theme. Readers who take themselves on this terrifying journey will be hooked from the first story to the very last.

The stories:  SPIKES--Inspector John Quint is assigned to a brutal murder case in Boston, Massachusetts. The suspect is a beautiful dangerous woman who dresses in black leather. Will Quint be able to capture her before she strikes again?./ SHANGLIN FOREST--A forest ruled by grizzlies, where Shanglin is King. Where many years ago, blood was shed. And where four crazy hunters will soon shed blood in the forest once again./ THE BLACK EGG--Where did it come from? Is it from another world? When the black egg hatches, terror is unleashed./DATE MISTAKE--When Jake goes out on a blind date with his friends sister, it turns out to be the deadliest mistake of his life./ AMANDA IN RED--She is only visible to Robert. Every time he sees her, she gives him a frightening warning. Who is she? And why is she wearing a blood stained white dress?/ THE STUDENT--Carl Stone was accused of murder in the past, and now he is going to be taught a deadly lesson./PRETTY LADY--James must answer the invitation from the pretty lady in white, or lose her forever./ THE DEVILS ALTAR--Five friends who love to party. Five friends who think that the devils altar will be the ultimate partying destination. Five friends who are in for a terrifying night from hell.

About the author:

Hello! I live in Mapleville, Rhode Island with my wife and cat. Mapleville is a quiet little town.

I have been writing short stories for many years and I love to entertain my readers. I always try to think of stories to write that will capture the interest of my readers right away and not want to put it down.

I tend to have a dark side when it comes to story telling. It is just as much fun for me to write a story as it is for my readers to read it. I never know what dark and twisted turns I am going to take.

If you like a variety, then I think you will enjoy my collection. Won't you join me?

Book Review: The Prodigal by Michael Hurley

The Prodigal 

Author: Michael Hurley
Paperback Edition
Paperback: 358 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 28, 2013)
Amazon Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 678 KB
Print Length: 359 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1482694271
Publisher: Ragbagger Press (May 28, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link



Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Michael Hurley . The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Beautiful story.

This is a tale told by Aidan Sharpe, a 40-something very successful lawyer, probably the best in town, had a wife, money and everything. In one single mistake (stupid mistake), he lost everything... his job, wife, money, and even some friends. As an advice of someone dear to him, he went to Ocracoke Island and there he met a lot of people who would teach him what it means to really 'live' his life.

I liked that this book has a male character lead, Aidan was easy to get along with. When he lost his job, it was very hard for me to accept that he just walked away after that one stupid mistake. Been around lawyers for more than 10 years and they always find ways to make people forget things. They are good at erasing memories... It was when he started his journey to this Ocracoke island I started to really love his character. Rebuilding his life in a remote town suddenly became enticing to me. I mean there are times I would get tired of everything's going on around me and I'd go on vacation somewhere I'd be on my own. Though it would take a lot of courage to do the things he did. Oh well, he lost everything so he didn't really have any choice but to take that path. Love Aidan, I could picture him in my mind and every character  made a wonderful contribution in the story. One of the best reads for this year. 

About the book:

Pride, betrayal, forgiveness . . . and the eternal sea.  The Prodigal tells the mystical tale of four people on Ocracoke Island whose destiny is tied to an abandoned schooner, thought to have been lost at sea more than a century ago, that one day drifts ashore.  Marcus O'Reilly, a renegade Catholic priest, must confront his inner demons.  Ibrahim Joseph, a Bahamian fugitive, must face his past.  Aidan Sharpe, a fallen lawyer, struggles with self-doubt and his growing affection for Molly McGregor, a fearless towboat captain who cannot find the courage to love.  They will all be drawn into a 2,000-year-old mystery that unfolds with the reappearance of the ship.

About the author:

Michael Hurley and his wife Susan live near Charleston, South Carolina. Born in Baltimore in 1958, he studied English at the University of Maryland and law at St. Louis University. 

Michael's first book, Letters from the Woods, was a collection of essays, self-published in 2005, based on wilderness canoeing expeditions with his children. It was selected as a finalist in the Nature category for ForeWord magazine's Book of the Year award. In 2013 Hachette Book Group published his memoir, Once Upon A Gypsy Moon, under their Center Street imprint. 

The Prodigal is his first novel.

Blog Tour/Book Review: Weak At The Knees by Jo Kessel

Weak at the Knees

Author: Jo Kessel
Kindle Edition
File Size: 460 KB
Print Length: 293 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1490397604
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: J.K. Publishing; First Edition edition (September 17, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Pump Up Your Book. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Okay, this one is a DNF. It was THAT interesting at first, liked Danni and because she seems to be a nice and honest woman, thought we'd get along. Problem is, she became something opposite to 'nice and honest' soon after her best friend died. It slowed down just after that, like I was listening to a friend's boring life story. 

It's hard to like a book when you don't like the main character . . . . sorry DNF. There are others who enjoyed the book, click here to read positive reviews. . . 

About the book:

“We got so busy living life that we forgot to live our dreams.” Danni Lewis has been playing it safe for twenty-six years, but her sheltered existence is making her feel old ahead of time. When a sudden death plunges her into a spiral of grief, she throws caution to the wind and runs away to France in search of a new beginning. The moment ski instructor Olivier du Pape enters her shattered world she falls hard, in more ways than one. Their mutual desire is as powerful and seductive as the mountains around them. His dark gypsy looks and piercing blue eyes are irresistible. Only she must resist, because he has a wife - and she’d made a pact to never get involved with a married man. But how do you choose between keeping your word and being true to your soul? Weak at the Knees is Jo’s debut novel in the new adult, contemporary romance genre – a story about love, loss and relationships, set between London and the heart of the French Alps. Due to descriptive sex scenes, this book is not appropriate for younger readers.

About the Author

Jo qualified as a Barrister before moving into journalism, working for the BBC before reporting and presenting for ITV on holiday, consumer and current affairs programmes. She writes for several national newspapers in the UK including the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and the Express and was the anonymous author for the Independent's hit column: Diary of a Primary School Mum. Jo is married with three children and lives in London. Weak at the Knees is her second novel. Find out more at www.jokessel.com.

Book Review: The Blood She Betrayed by Cheryse Durrant

The Blood She Betrayed

Author: Cheryse Durrant
Kindle Edition
File Size: 723 KB
Print Length: 475 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Clan Destine Press (October 30, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Cheryse Durrant. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The Blood She Betrayed is the first book to the Heart Hunters series by a newbie author, Cheryse Durrant. The fact that this author is from Australia makes me want to jump for joy! LOL Honestly, ever since I've read Keri Arthur's books (Australian), I've been looking out for other books with Australia as the setting of the story. Or any other countries aside from the US. Setting is very important to me as this is sometimes my deciding factor whether to continue reading or to DNF a book.

Back to the story, The Blood She Betrayed is about Shahkara, a half-Taloner wanting to destroy the heart-devouring Taloners, her kind. Accidentally, when she entered Earth, she met Max McCalden, son of a billionaire and together they set out to find the Elnara death lantern that can kill all Taloner.

I loved the setting and so the plot of the story. Read the story in less than a week considering I was in 'hell' (busiest days of my work life) those times. I find all the characters interesting. As for the romance part, Shahkara and Max had good times together. Though the earlier part of the story I was annoyed with Shahkara's constant questions on every thing/gadget she sees. And like Max, I kept on forgetting she's from other world/dimension LOL. Love the twists and mystery on Shahkara's past. I highly recommend this book, your money is well-spent on this one.

About the book:

Book 1 in the Heart Hunters series. 

Thrust into the technology-driven Earthlands, Shahkara must find the ancient Elnara death lantern - the only thing that can save her homeworld from the heart-devouring Taloners. 

She enlists the help of geeky billionaire Max McCalden, but soon finds that, as a half-Taloner herself, her blood demands what she knows she can't have - a human heart. 

Shahkara longs for love, but as deadly enemies attack at every turn, will her lust for Max destroy them both? 

Or will she find the strength to free both worlds from a threat more horrific than the demons that share her blood?

About the author:

Hello! I'm Cheryse Durrant, author of the YA/NA urban fantasy Heart Hunters series, published by Clan Destine Press. I grew up on a farm in central Australia and wrote my first story on my aunt's bedroom wall when I was about five, but it didn't attract the literary acclaim that it deserved. I worked as an journalist for 15 years before trading my soul for fiction and now spend my days fighting my cat Scamp for the laptop. The Blood She Betrayed is the first novel in my Heart Hunters series and is described by Vampire Diaries creator LJ Smith as "ingenious and unique".

Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X) by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X)

Author: Richelle Mead
Paperback
Publisher: Berkley

Kindle Edition
File Size: 783 KB
Print Length: 462 pages
Publisher: Dutton Adult (June 4, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

My ratings: ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

'Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.'

In love with Richelle Mead's VA and Geogie's world? Yikes! Stay away from this book! When I first read the excerpt in RM's blog, I thought this will be another hit like her VA and GK, instantly loved Mae and Justin, extremely excited to have a copy! 

HOWEVER! During my 'stay' in RUNA's world, *sobbing* it was nowhere near VA and GK, oh I kept on ignoring the signs --- (1) too many distractions: coffee, internet surfing, tv, kids, etc. (2) only reading 2-3 pages per day (!) and the worst (3) talking to a friend and when asked about the main characters, waaa I forgot their names! I kept on reading because this is Richelle Mead's work. Uh, seriously, I can't put together the story and the characters. Dialogue - waaaah long paragraphs as dialogue??? RUNA's world - weirdest world ever! Hah! Of course, DNF!!! 

About the book:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

About the author:

Richelle Mead is an international bestselling author of fantasy books for both adults and teens. Her Georgina Kincaid series follows a reluctant succubus, while her Dark Swan series features a shamanic mercenary caught up in fairy affairs. Over on the young adult side, Richelle writes the much-acclaimed Vampire Academy series and its spin-off, Bloodlines, about a secret society keeping the vampire world hidden from humans.

Richelle's books have been on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and received honors from the American Library Association. Her books have been translated into over two dozen languages, as well as transformed into graphic novels. A lifelong reader, Richelle loves mythology and wacky humor. When not writing, she can be found spending time with her family, buying dresses, and watching bad reality TV. More at: www.richellemead.com

Book Review: Motorcycle Man (Deam Man Series Book #4) by Kristen Ashley

Motorcycle Man (Dream Man Series #4)
by Kristen Ashley

Series: Dream Man
Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: Forever (January 28, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 686 KB
Print Length: 412 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

Motorcycle Man is the 4th and final book to the Dream Man Series. Oh miiii gaawwwwwwd, I immensely enjoyed reading this book! This is so far, the funniest, the sexiest, in the Dream Man Series (not counting the second book, Wild Man - tbr). I was giggling the whole time and forgot I was at the library. Halfway reading the book, I had to step out because all eyes were on me and had to continue reading right there in a small vacant "lot" where no one can see me. LOL. 

Tack = bad ass biker in the whole KA world! Uhm, maybe there are others but have yet to meet them! Motorcycle Man is totally a 'dirty' book, lots of cursing and sex in every chapter. The first time I read a KA book, I thought I was gonna DNF because of the vulgar words but I learned to skip some yAy! parts =) You could try that too as it worked for me lol! Past half of the story, awww, I fell in love with Tack... he was such a loving, understanding, and protective father to his kids. I mean he can be really really mean but when it comes to Tyra and the kids, he gets softy... 

I also rated Motorcycle Man the best of the series because of Tyra, she (thank God!) is one normal woman. I mean, if you've read books #1 and #2, you would agree with me. Gwen is such a slut, flirting, wanting all the men around her and Mara, oh Mara. . . hate her for always critizing herself, that girl has some serious self-esteem issues. Tack's Tyra is sweet, nice to people around her, can be highly intellectual, AND totally focused on what she wants in life. There is a spin-off series, can't wait to start them! 

About the book:

Stuck in a colorless world, Tyra Masters decides to chuck her old life and starts searching for something. She doesn’t know what it is until she meets her dream man. The goateed, tattooed, muscled, gravelly voiced motorcycle man who plies her with tequila and gives her the best sex of her life. But she knows it isn’t the tequila and sex talking. He’s it. He’s who she’s been daydreaming about since she could remember.

Until he makes it clear she isn’t who he’s looking for.

Tyra slinks away from his bed, humiliated. The problem is, he’s her new boss. She just may or may not have forgotten to tell him that part.

Kane “Tack” Allen has a rule. He doesn’t employ someone he’s slept with. And he lets Tyra know that in his motorcycle man way. Tyra fights for her job and wins it using sass and a technicality. Tack challenges her that if she hits his bed one more time, she loses her job.

Tyra is determined to keep her job and keep away from Tack. But she makes a big mistake. During their head-to-heads, she lets it all hang out and shows Tack she is who he’s looking for. And Tack has had a good woman slip through his fingers, he’s not about to let that happen again.

Although Tack colors Tyra’s world with a vibrancy that’s blinding, being with him means she has to live in his Motorcycle Club world. Full on, no holds barred. And since Tack’s world, not to mention Tack, is a little scary, Tyra isn’t so sure.

It's Tack's job to convince her.

About the author:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. 

Nothing's changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. 

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.


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Book Review: Curse of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Curse of the Chupacabra

Author: Michael Hebler
Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: Michael Hebler (September 10, 2013)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1622 KB
Print Length: 196 pages
Publisher: Night After Night Publications, LLC (September 4, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Yay, the author did a wonderful follow-up on the Night of the Chupacabra! After the first book, I've been wondering about what happened with Drake, Suzanne, Jessie, Danny and Norman. Book #1 had a sad ending, especially for Drake. I was truly sad for the father who lost his family and when he finally found his missing daughter, he 'died'. 

Book #2 immediately starts right after the ending of book #1. Even after Drake became something evil, like Jessie, I felt fear when he's around and at the same time happy to have him again. Suzanne met some new people, I initially found them boring, though James and Evelyn became completely interesting characters just past half of the story. It went wild past the third quarter! I couldn't stop reading, it's like I was addicted to the chupacabra *LOL*. This is definitely worth 5-stars! I want more! 

About the book:

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

~ PAPERBACK ~

~ KINDLE EDITION ~

Book Review: The Princess Diana Conspiracy: The Evidence of Murder by Alan Power

The Princess Diana Conspiracy:
The Evidence of Murder
Author: Alan Power
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Probity Press Ltd (August 29, 2013)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 807 KB
Print Length: 298 pages
Publisher: Probity Press Ltd (August 26, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

This book authored by Alan Power talks about the death of Princess Diana, not by a car crash but a planned murder by the Royal Family. The book is mostly just a re-telling and detailed analysis of the whole scenario with the author's view on the matter, taken from the evidences/testimonies of the witnesses presented in courts. 

This allows readers to see the life story of Princess Diana/Diana Spencer before she became a princess, during her marriage with Prince Charles and after her death. I knew some of the things mentioned here as they're on the news but reading the detailed description of the evidences . . . they are interesting to read but it can be pretty depressing too. Yes, really depressing, the way a princess lived her life in the palace in a loveless marriage, without having real friends and knowing all communications/vehicles are being bugged 24/7 by the British Security Services and even if she's out of the country, she's still being monitored. The murder evidences can be convincing, especially the witnesses' sudden deaths. Like if you witness the car crash, sometime later in your life, you'll be dead, either by committing suicide or heart attack. Yay! The only thing I disliked in the book was the constant repetition of some of the evidences (the motive, witnesses' stories, etc), thought the book is longer than it should be. I highly recommended this book for readers who are into true crime/true story books. 

About the book:

The Princess Diana Conspiracy presents extremely incriminating evidence that all democratic nations should embrace. Its proven that the paparazzi were kept away from court through “Political Intervention”; the decision to embalm Diana was taken at a “Diplomatic Level”; MI6 are proven to have perverted the course of justice and are forced into acknowledging they murder people; senior police officers compared their evidence to get their stories straight during the inquest and repeatedly sidestepped crucial questions-just some of the information disclosed.

The authorities are examined both pre and post the Paris attack. Disturbing evidence is presented and questions are raised over Britain’s democracy where the people are supposed to be the law. If you share this books view that this heinous act was intolerable then consider; Diana’s murder needed the nod from someone in a position of considerable power or influence; so, who gave the order?

Post attack, shamefaced authorities were coerced into cooperating with a subterfuge just because the people’s justice endangered one family and, of course, MI6; clearly an abuse of the people’s democracy. This book shows evidence of murder that any honest court would accept.

Murderous monsters assassinated Diana to preserve the status quo; an act of which the Nazi SS or the old KGB would have been proud. But instead of burning books, these people now intimidate writers who seek justice and they are, in my view, guilty of treason. Please read and consider your verdict.

About the author:

The author has enjoyed a variety of interests including being a drama student, an official candidate of the Conservative party and a company CEO. His hobbies are flying aeroplanes, pistol shooting, scuba diving and he is a past Rugby football player.

After Diana’s murder, Alan felt rage that such a beautiful and natural person as Diana could be used, abused and so cruelly discarded; he considered the probability that this crime was to ensure the monarchy’s survival and found the time to begin an investigation. He has produced startling new evidence to satisfy any honest court that Diana was murdered. Also that it was conducted by serving MI6 officers using their “Increment” military attachment; it wasn’t rogue MI6 officers, considered as being possible during the inquests.

Despite many attempts by others to prevent, or delay, this book’s release, Alan now brings you his findings. There is an overview of the background to Diana’s dilemma and a selection of relevant events prior to the inquests when Alan delivers the most compelling and damming indictments in his search for British Democracy.

Alan asks you to consider the facts and then to deliver the most important verdict of all; yours.

Amazon Buy Link

Book Review: Letters to Katie by Kathleen Fuller

Letters to Katie

Author: Kathleen Fuller
Series: A Middlefield Family Novel
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 7, 2013)

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Booksneeze.com. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Letters to Katie is the third book to the Middlefield Family Series. This book centers to two Amish young couples, Katie and Johhny + Sawyer and Laura.

Initially, it was a little dragging. Didn't like Cora's (Sawyer's grandmother) ways of showing love to Sawyer and I admit there's sometimes a feeling of unease to Sawyer's constant mention of his faith to the Lord. As for Johnny and Katie's story, liked it better than Sawyer and Laura's. The conflict seems better/real to me. I liked their story, painful to very sweet ending. If you are into clean romance books, go out and grab yourself a copy of this book. 

About the book:

Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.

Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.

Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.

Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.
With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

About the author:

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and currently live in Geneva, Ohio. I've been married to James for 20 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, two dogs, and have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

Book Review: Mystery Man (Deam Man Series Book #1) by Kristen Ashley

Mystery Man 
(Dream Man Series Book #1)

Author: Kristen Ashley
Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 27, 2013)
Amazon Link

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

Mystery Man is the first book to the Dream Man series, second from KA. Law Man book #3 review, click HERE.

Gwendolyn Kidd has been 'dating' a mystery man. Dating a mystery man means: no names, in Gwen's bedroom, lights out, unlimited sex for one year and six months. It freaked me out the first few pages, I just can't imagine anyone would agree to that kind of set-up. One-night-stand, that I understand but doing it with someone you don't know for nearly two years??? Gwen - are you high? That was my initial reaction to Gwen's story so I left her crazy world for a while, went back I guess two or three days after.

So, this Mystery Man is Hawk, real name Cabe Delgado. Hawk's an ex-army, bad ass domineering alpha man who gives great sex. Not considering the insane set-up, Hawk can be swoon-worthy too. I love that he calls Gwen babe (my favorite endearment next to sweetheart), he can cook, buys his woman expensive things, etc. Though it bothered me that he was spying on Gwen, like monitoring (through his boys) her activities 24/7, WITH CCTVs inside and outside of the house! That's creepy for a guy! Yay... 

As for the story/conflict, it kept me interested the whole time and I guess it was better than Law Man, though in my hotness meter, Mitch still tops the list of my to-day-dream (human) men. And, of course the epilogue and the HEA. . . . I just love love LOVE Kristen Ashley's books! Wanna start Wild Man and Motorcycle Man soon!

About the book:

While drinking cosmopolitans, Gwendolyn Kidd meets the man of her dreams. Then she takes him home. Then she wakes up alone. But her fear that she lost her dream man turns into a relationship with a mystery man when, night after night in the dead of night, he comes back for more. Hoping it will blossom into something real, she lets him.

But she doesn’t even know his name.

Gwen’s struggling with the decision to end their crazy non-relationship when her sister-from-hell, Ginger’s best friend pays a visit and warns Gwen that if she and her sister don't get smart, they'll both get d-e-a-d, dead. Gwen has no clue what’s going on but she’s used to Ginger’s antics and decides to lay the problem on her sister’s biker boyfriend's doorstep. Bad choice. She hits the Denver Underground radar with a big, loud ping.

This means Gwen’s Mystery Man, Cabe “Hawk” Delgado has to step in to keep her safe. But when Hawk gets a dose of Gwen in the daylight, he makes the decision that he finally wants real with Gwen. However when Gwen gets a dose of badass, bossy, straight-talker Hawk in the daylight, she decides she’s done.

Thus begins the head-to-head of the Commando vs. Cosmo Girl as Hawk woos Gwen in his own unique way, Gwen survives firebombs, drive-bys, kidnappings, hot pursuits by biker hotties and gorgeous police detectives and discovers the heartbreaking reason why Hawk kept her at arm’s length.

And as all this happens, Gwen finds that her sister’s troubles are serious trouble and she must decide who to keep alive: her sister-from-hell or the man of her dreams.

About the author:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. 

Nothing's changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. 

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

Book Review: Law Man (Deam Man Series Book #3) by Kristen Ashley

Law Man
(Dream Man #3)

Author: Kristen Ashley
Kindle Edition
File Size: 673 KB
Print Length: 412 pages
Amazon Link


Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts: 

Mara Hanover follows a rating system when it comes to people. According to her calculation, she is a two point five girl and she is fine with it, never wanting 'more' than two point five men. However, when this sexy police detective Mitch Lawson moves just in front of her apartment door she suddenly finds herself wishing she is more than two point five as Mitch is a ten point five. And of course, in Mara's world, ten point fives do not associate themselves with two point fives. 

Mara is suffering from a serious self-esteem issues and this annoyed me for most part of the book. I understand girls tend to have these issues, had this too but I was a teenager then. Mara, on the other hand, is in her late twenties or so, can't remember, but really, she is too old to still have that issues affect her life. So it was like another Bella in disguise *sigh*. 

The redeeming part was Mitch. If not for Mitch, I would have stopped reading the story. Oh Mitch Lawson *swoon*. OMG. Just mentioning his name makes me want to re-read the book! I've just added Mitch on my to-day-dream-men list (which currently Dimitri Belikov- Vampire Academy tops the list, followed by Quinn O'Connor - Riley Jenson and Richard Zeeman - Anita Blake, respectively). I always love to read stories with dominating but softy alphas. And Mitch *day dreaming* I guess would top the list for human men *grins*. Law Man is an adult book but not much on sex scenes. And the fact that this is HEA (happily ever after) book, re-reading is very much possible, he will definitely stay with me for a long long time! There are too many things I wanna say about why I love him and the book but don't wanna give too much information to you dear readers *sweet smile*.  

Law Man is my first book by Kristen Ashley and will definitely hook-up with her other men in the Dream Man series! 

About the book:

Love is just around the corner . . . 

Sweet, shy Mara Hanover is in love with her neighbor. For four years, she has secretly watched her dream man from afar. Handsome police detective Mitch Lawson is way out of her league. She's a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and there's no way a guy like Mitch would want anything to do with her. But when Mara has a leaky faucet that she can't fix, it's Mitch who comes to her rescue. 

Mitch has been eyeing his beautiful neighbor for a long time. He jumps at the chance to help her, and soon their formerly platonic relationship gets very hot and heavy. But when Mara gets a disturbing phone call from her cousin's kids, she gets pulled back into the life she's tried so hard to leave behind. Can the hot law man convince Mara to let go of her past-and build a future with him? 

About the author:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. 

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Book Review: Snow Day by Dan Maurer

Snow Day

Kindle Edition
Author: Dan Maurer
File Size: 684 KB
Print Length: 100 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Black Rapids Press (April 1, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy (audible) of this book free from the author, Dan Maurer. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★    

My thoughts:

Considering Snow Day is a novella, it should be a quick read. However, I found the book dragging. My copy is in an audiobook format and this is the fourth book I've listened through Audible and didn't like. I honestly can't tell if it was the story or just because I thought the narrator's voice was bad (too old to be a 10-year-old boy). I am truly sorry I have to 'DNF' the book. 

To read what others have to say (positive reviews) about this book click here (Goodreads) and here (Amazon).

About the book:

It happens each winter, and has for over 35 years. Every time the snow starts to fall late in the evening before a school day, the dreams begin again for Billy Stone. They are always the same – there’s a dark tunnel, and there’s blood, lots of blood, and someone is screaming.

In this chilling childhood tale, Billy, recounts the events of one unforgettable day in 1975. On that day, he and his friends played carefree in the snow, until an adventure gone awry left him far from home, staring death in the face, and running from a killer bent on keeping a horrible secret.

Set in a time before Amber Alerts, when horror stories were told around camp fires instead of on the nightly news, Snow Day is a blend of nostalgia and nightmare that makes us question if the good old days were really as good as we remember.

From a new voice in dark fiction comes a thriller about an idyllic childhood turned horrifying; a cautionary tale about how losing sight of the difference between feeling safe and being safe can lead to deadly consequences.

About the author:

Dan Maurer is an independent author, theater producer, director, and digital marketer. He is also a proud member of International Thriller Writers, Inc. and the Horror Writers Association. Throughout his career in publishing and marketing, he has been involved in the publication of bestselling titles such as John Grisham's The Firm, Richard Price's Clockers, and Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger's Lost Moon, which became the film Apollo 13. As a digital marker, he has supported popular publishing brands including Curious George, Peterson Field Guides, and The Polar Express. He has also developed marketing strategies for many corporations, including Citizen, Dun & Bradstreet, RCN and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dan is a member of an acclaimed New Jersey-based theater company and has won awards for his producing, directing and sound design. He lives with his wife and their daughter in Robbinsville, New Jersey.