Sunday, January 29, 2017

New Review! Taking care of the Target by Cindi Madsen, 5 Cranky Stars

Taking Care of the TargetTaking Care of the Target by Cindi Madsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



***** 5 Cranky Stars *****

Wowzers!!!!!!! I found a new Sexy Alpha Male Mafia Member to crush on. Vincent is one delicious morsel of hotness that woman want to lick like their favorite piece of Chocolate. Unfortunately, he is part of a mafia family. All he wants to do is run the family restaurant legally and keep on the right side of the law.



Vincent feels like he is obligated to his uncle for being there for him and his brother Bobby. His Uncle took him and his brother in when their parents died. Vincent ends up doing a few things for his Mafia family but not because he wants to. Vincent does it to keep on his Uncles good side so his Uncle will
Keep helping him with his brothers problems.



Cassie is shy, sweet, cute, and adorkable. Every time Vincent comes around her, Cassie starts stuttering and blushes. It frustrates her that she turns into a teenager who is fanning over her celebrity crush.



Cassie sees something that she should have never witnessed and runs for her life. She wakes up in the hospital with a concussion and realizes she can't remember the last couple of years of her life. She gets out of the hospital to continue her life as normal as possible.



Cassie remembers her past and all of the tragedies that she has faced head on.
She remembers her father dying of cancer and holding his hand through it all. She finds out where she used to work at and has an anxiety attack when she nears the place. She can't remember why but gets a bad feeling that her life is in danger.



It is hard to describe anymore of the book without giving away any spoilers. The sexual chemistry between Vincent and Cassie sizzles. This is one of those books that the Author does a good job of keeping the readers interest and wanting more. I hope the Author plans on writing a book about Bobby. It would be intriguing at the least to see how the Author spins the storyline.



I can't wait to read more of her books.


View all my reviews

New Review! Fall with Me by Jayne Frost, 5 Cranky Stars

Fall with Me (Sixth Street Bands #2)Fall with Me by Jayne Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



***** 5 Cranky Stars *****

If you are a fan of rocker romances, then you are going to love Fall with Me by Jayne Frost. This romance novel was so well written that I did not want it to end. Normally I am wary of romance stories from the male POV but the author nailed it. I almost felt like I was seeing everything through Christian’s eyes.



I really enjoyed his first meeting with Melody. I love how the most mundane setting can lead you to the love of your life. Seriously the romance world needs to take note that you can meet the love of your life in everyday settings. How the characters interacted with one another is what kept me glued to the story. Everything was realistic.



Jayne Frost did an amazing job with this story. I cannot wait to read other books by her. I give this story five stars.

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 28, 2017

New review! Scala by Christina Bauer, 4 Cranky Stars


Scala (Angelbound Origins #2)Scala by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**** 4 Cranky Stars ****



This is the second book to the Angelbound series and just like its predecessor, it’s full of action and did not disappoint.



Myla is now The Great Scala, the deliverer of souls to either Heaven or Hell. The only being across the entire magical realms every power-hungry villain wanted to control if not steal her ability. To do that however, one has to go through an Archangel, the president of the Quasi-demons, a powerful Ghoul and the crown Prince of the Thrax. And if you’re still alive at the end of that line, you’ll likely die at the hands of the greatest warrior of the Arena, the Great Scala herself.



Surely nobody would be silly enough to try?



Well...remember Adair? The lovesick Thrax, Scala-wannabe twit who was desperate to be Lincoln’s bride? Yep, her.



In a sudden turn of events, she began displaying powers she’s never had before, threatening Myla’s unique position and demanding attention from left to right. People began doubting Myla’s capabilities. Even the Thrax king seemed more taken with Adair to be Lincoln’s mate. Suddenly, being the Great Scala didn’t seem so great after all.



Everything seemed to be against Myla. And all because of Adair of all people! She fought and defeated the king of Hell himself, how come this clueless girl was able to overturn her?



One thing that shined through all the troubles was Lincoln’s obvious love and devotion to Myla. He would move mountains for her if he could, that one was without a question.



One thing I would have liked to see was more passion between the two although there’s enough heat to keep a reader going.



What an enjoyable read from Christina Bauer!

View all my reviews

Friday, January 27, 2017

Cover Reveal! Fighting for Alexa by Jennifer Ann

Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Designs
Photographer: Eric Battershell Photography
Cover Model: Matt Zumwalt
Release Date: February 15, 2017

Synopsis
Michael Harrison is bad for me.

Angry, albeit drop-dead sexy men in prison for murder are generally bad for anyone. So I’m unable to explain why I feel a need to prove his innocence, or why every time he opens his mouth I want to feel those thick lips all over my body.

I’ve worked hard to prove my worth since my parents abandoned me, and getting involved with an inmate could cost me the career I worked so hard to establish. So why do I find myself ready to throw it all away for a chance to be with a tattooed biker?

Alexa Darrington must be an angel.

How else can I explain the sudden appearance of this mouthwateringly gorgeous woman with legs that go on for miles? It’s not only her looks that make her irresistible. Her determination and stubborn will make her the kind of woman worth laying down my life for.

Even though it's too dangerous to involve her in the truth, I’m too selfish to let her go. But what will I have to offer if I’m stuck in prison for life?

FIGHTING FOR ALEXA is a full-length standalone novel bursting at the seams with heat and intrigue





Giveaway
One of Five ARCs of Fighting for Alexa







About the Author
Jennifer Ann is the author of eight published steamy romance novels with complex love stories. Like her characters, she's in love with the city of New York, rock concerts, and Marines. Sometimes you can catch her driving a tractor alongside her husband in southern Minnesota while trying to keep up with the madness of their four active children.

Connect with Jennifer
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2kuDaz1
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2jro8fZ
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2jgPvpK
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2gLurdF
BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2j6v1Vr



Thursday, January 26, 2017

New Review! Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels, 3.5 Cranky Stars

Shadows of the ForestShadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***

After tragedy upon tragedy, Lily wakes up in a mysterious hospital and is informed she's been involved in a terrible accident. Her twin brother, Cole, is in precarious health. Lily discovers he made a pact to save her and there begins her quest to return the favour.



The cover of this book is glorious. I enjoyed Michaels' writing style and her ability to tap into the vulnerability of a character as well as darkness. At the heart of this story is the love the twins have for one another and what they'd do to ensure the other would survive.



Part fable, but also, drawing on inspiration from older myths and legends, Lily's quest sees her encounter many figures from different cultures, including the mysterious Arro.



This is a clean read and I would recommend it for readers much younger than I am. I'd have no problem passing this book to pre and young teens to read.

View all my reviews

New Review! Anne of Green Gables - The Collection by L.M. Montgomery, 5 Cranky Stars

The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set (Anne of Green Gables, #1-8)The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



***** 5 Cranky Stars *****

Precocious, ginger haired, freckle faced 11 year old Anne Shirly explodes into the lives of spinster Marilla and bachelor Matthew Cuthbert, owners of the farm Green Gables in Avonlea on Canada's Prince Edward Island.



The Cutheberts had sent away to the orphanage for a home boy to help aging Matthew with the farm, instead they got Anne who entered their lives like a whirlwind and just stayed there whirling! Anne attracts mishaps and mischief like a magnet but her inherent good humor and good intentions wins the hearts of all who get to know her.



The collection contains 8 novels which follow the life of Anne Shirley from school girl to Collage student to teacher, from girl to young woman. Her courtships and friendships, her trials and successes. Her friendships with a myriad of colorful people. The books tell of the days when children could still be children, when mothers made all their children's clothes and fathers mended their shoes, the days when children had chores to do and did not expect payment for it. When life was lived and not raced through; initially no phones but letters written between friends, no planes or motor cars, people walked or traveled by horse drawn vehicles, long distances were traveled by train or boat.
The 8 novels cover Anne's childhood, her marriage, becoming a mother and experiencing devastating loss. The later books concentrate more on Anne's children but she remains a central figure in all of them.



I last read these books as a teenager and my decision to reread them was a treat to myself, the books are written in the beautiful language of the time and the author had a lovely descriptive way of getting her stories told. I highly recommend reading these books either for the first time or re-reading them. Literature that has stood the test of time.



Charming, uplifting, the collection deserves 5 stars, collectively and individually.

View all my reviews

New Review! Quietly Making Noise by Yessi Smith, 5 Cranky Stars

Quietly Making Noise (Wanderlust, #1)Quietly Making Noise by Yessi Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



***** 5 Glorious Cranky Stars *****

It's good to have dreams and to follow them. Sometimes dreams fade and change. Once in a while they explode into attainable stars. To truly grasp your dreams and grow with them is what this story is all about.



Elio has felt loss at a young age. He starts acting out at a young age along with his best friends Owen and Dylan. When a family friend shows Elio a different path that allows him to find himself and help support his Mama he grasps it with both hands. Busking is now his life and dream and he's talented too.



Vee ran from tragedy to Key West to live with her cousin Owen and his son Devon. A former nurse turned paddle board tour operator and she's enjoying her life, minus the demon chickens.
Two paths intersect and the stars change for Elio and Vee. Can the wanderer and the steadfast come together?



Yessi Smith melted my heart with this story. It left me contemplating my place in this world and what I can do to change my circumstances. I love all of the characters and feel as if we're old friends. I truly believe this is a story that needed to be told and I plan on reading it again and again.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

New Review! Touch of Lust by Michelle Horst 5 Cranky Stars

A Touch Of LustA Touch Of Lust by Michelle Horst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Cranky Stars



Once again Michelle Horst has flipped the script. She gave us a story about redemption and salvation. That you can be a victim of circumstance or take back your life. Live it to it's full potential even if it doesn't go as planned.



Mila was given to The Order at the age of 13 along with her sister who's years younger than her. She fights daily beatings to repent for sins she doesn't even understand she committed. This grueling brainwashed life goes on for years until one day Mila snaps and flees the compound with the promise she'll come back for Claire.



Flash forward Mila is now a college student yet she hides from life and has numerous fears. The one thing getting her through the day was thoughts of Claire and the life they'll have one day. Then one day Liam makes himself known in her life. He promises beautiful things that Mila doesn't think she deserves.



Liam is familiar with the cults as well. Seeing his mother gave up her life and her kids to live with one. Doing the joint custody with his dad Liam wishes for life outside the walls. He keeps going for his baby sister then tragedy strikes and he's left floating from one day to the next.



He is taken in by his uncle and cousins and shown a new way of life. Liam is now a soon to be college graduate headed to graduate school. He has loved Mila for so long he feels this is his final chance. He comes to learn her secrets and tensions mount.



This book grabbed me. I've always been intrigued by the whole cult and the craziness that comes with it. What happens to the girls or boys who flee? This book teaches us that we are the captains of our life and sometimes we can't save everyone. Ultimately in the end we have to save ourselves. You mourn then you move on and make something new with the pieces. I adore Michelle Horst and her writing this was an excellent story.

View all my reviews