Category: Book Reviews

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Blog Tour w/ Review: In Alexa’s Shoes

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this amazing book by Rochelle Alexandra.

Alexa’s story is harrowing, but then, anything involving the Nazis usually is. She and her mother are rounded up in Poland in September of 1940. What follows is an amazing journey through heartaches and hard times, triumphs and tribulations.

The story is told in a very straightforward manner, in a narrative style, so it is very easy to follow. I really don’t want to give away any plot points, because Alexa’s story is truly amazing.

From the moment the Nazis roll into Alexa’s hometown when she is 13, to her being sold into virtual slavery to a German couple connected to the Gestapo. From falling in love and marrying to telling her granddaughter her story decades later (not to mention the fantastic discovery at the end), this is ultimately story about human nature and choices that are made in dire situations – and whether or not human nature allows people to change over time.

Alexa’s journey is especially poignant when it comes to her post-war life. It is the perfect illustration of how sometimes the hardest lessons in life come in everyday decisions.

Although I think that this is a book that should be read at any time, as an American, I believe it is especially important now. When there are members of our Congress who have no idea of the horrors of the concentration camps and throw out frivolous analogies, it becomes imperative for a brutal history lesson.

I believe this book could be that history lesson for a great many people. And beyond being an amazing story, I think that is where its importance lies.

In Alexa's ShoesIn Alexa’s Shoes by Rochelle Alexandra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic story that could not come at a more critical time! The story of a Polish teenager rounded up by Nazis and given to slavery to a Gestapo family is brutal and heartrending. The author did an excellent job of capturing both the horrors of the Nazis and the aftermath of trying to put one’s life back together after the fact. For me, it seemed as if Alexa’s post-war experiences shaped her almost as much as her teen years under Gestapo/Nazi rule. And that becomes a vital lesson in human nature and the resilience of faith. Alexa’s story is a parable for the ages from which many people can learn. Please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for further thoughts on the importance of Alexa’s story. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Purchase Links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B07SVR7H36&qid=1560244696&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=In+Alexa%27s+Shoes&qid=1560244667&s=gateway&
sr=8-1

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Blog Tour w/Review: Save the Date

I love a book that allows the reader to journey with the characters. And I love an author who takes the time to build the romance between the characters, instead of just jumping from one point to another in the characters’ relationship. Save the Date by Monica Murphy has both of these aspects, and that’s one reason I recommend this book.

I liked the “meet-cute-with-a-twist” set up worked very well. It did not come across as heavy-handed or manipulative. Caroline is genuine, and it shows in all of her interactions throughout the book. From hanging out with her friends to her dealings with Tiffany, I could see myself having the same thoughts as her. I do like when I can relate to a character that strongly.

As usual, I don’t want to reveal plot points here, so I can’t talk about a few events in detail. Suffice to say that I felt like one of the gals hanging out at brunch, and I loved the “Pretty Woman” vibe of the shopping spree scene. I also enjoyed the descriptions of another location, because my family and I recently visited there, and my son had some of the same reactions Caroline did to seeing places for the first time.

But it is the slow-building romance that kept me turning the pages of this book. As a reader of many romances, it is easy to get jaded and think “Oh, just get together already, would you?” Or know that the couple is destined to be together anyway (wouldn’t be romance otherwise, now, would it?)

That makes the journey to the HEA important. When an author can build it so that I get that same swoop in my stomach that the heroine gets when there is a first kiss or first touch? That’s romance magic, right there. And this book delivers on that, big time. Hearts and romance galore….

This is listed as the first in a series, and with the number of friends Caroline has, I will be happy to visit with them as they take their journeys. I do hope that we get to see more of Caroline and Alex’s story play out, if even in the background of the others.

Go get this one, guys, it’s a great summer read!

Save The DateSave The Date by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Right off the top, the author had me at “Carmel-by-the-Sea,” which is one of my favorite places on Earth. I loved the descriptions of the real locations she included in the story because I was able to picture them as they looked when I visited there. But beyond that, the whole book was enjoyable. I liked Caroline’s periodic awkwardness – it was enough to make her realistic without being cartoonish or over the top. I also liked how the plot built; nothing was given away too early, which allowed the reader to journey with the characters. For more thoughts, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Book Review: Total Surrender

The “Beauty and the Beast” trope is one that gets lots of action, especially in romance novels. Who doesn’t love a story where the bookish, nerdy gal tames the beastly, hunky guy, amiright? The problem is that it is SO popular, it becomes difficult to find a new way to use the trope.

Erika Wilde does an excellent job in Total Surrender, the first in her “Dirty Sexy Fairy Tales” series.

No plot spoilers here, but Arabella attends an annual charity ball put on by Maddux and his siblings. She’s excited to do something new; little does she know that her father was only invited so Maddux can settle an old score between him and Arabella’s father (and his sidekick Gavin, who is an awesome up-to-date version of Gaston).

I liked how the author continued the set-up between Arabella and Maddux, and how it wasn’t an instantaneous thing. The build of the story was well-paced. The struggle Maddux had with himself seemed real, and I loved Arabella’s attitude toward the whole situation. (Her conversations with the cameras had me giggling along with her).

I did think that the whole story wrapped up rather quickly, and I would have been happy to keep reading more about how Arabella charmed Maddux. And I really would have liked to have seen more repercussions for her father and Gavin (especially him, because he was slime). On the other hand, I appreciated that the author didn’t draw things out unnecessarily, and got right to the point.

A scene between Hunter (brother of Maddux) and Arabella reminded me a lot of the scene in “Pretty Woman” when the lawyer confronts Vivian about Edward’s attention. But it worked for the story here as well. I can’t wait for his story next, and I am really looking forward to Tempest’s story – mainly because I can’t quite figure out which fairy tale that one is going to be yet.

Oh, and the sexy times are super-sexy!

I definitely recommend this new series. It’s a quick read with interesting characters and a unique twist on a familiar theme. Looking forward to the rest of the series

Total Surrender (Dirty Sexy Fairy Tales Book 1)Total Surrender by Erika Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the best “beauty and the beast” novels I have read in a long time. The characters were realistic, the set-up was plausible, and the action moved right along. I was drawn in especially by Arabella’s nature – even though she was the bookish “Bella,” she was still a strong female who knew herself. It was refreshing to see her go toe to toe with the beast (Maddux). I also enjoyed how the author set up the siblings’ stories and can’t wait to read Hunter’s, which looks to be “Cinderella” based. It was a quick read, but it kept me engaged the entire time. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Book Review: Nine-The Tale of Kevin Clearwater

Yeah, I really don’t know know where to start with this one. It was truly unlike any romance I have read before. Anti-romance? I don’t know. But what I do know is that I loved it.

I was very unsure about it in the first few chapters. But as I read further, I understood why the set up needed to be the way it was and it made a huge difference in how I looked at Nine for the rest of the story.

(Here is where I add that this is the first of the series that I have read, so even though it is a standalone, I got the definite feeling throughout that there was backstory to be found. That being said, I’m glad that I hadn’t read any others, because the style and characters were all new, which added to my reading enjoyment).

Okay, back to the story. I thought it moved along at a rapid pace and I loved the interplay between all of the characters. There were a number of times where the notes in my Kindle were “HA!” “Funny” and variations thereof. And the backup singing “Boom Boom Pow” had me literally laughing out loud.

I liked the interplay between Nine and Lenny. I really enjoy when an author creates a palpable magnetism between the characters that can be felt through the pages.

I loved Bo. With everything going on around him, there’s no way he could be anyway but the way he was. My favorite was when he said that he was nine and listening wasn’t a strong point for kids his age. He gets it.

While we are on the subject of kids, the ending gutted me. I don’t want to give it away, but the mom’s speech in court was heart-wrenching. As someone who is adopted and knows that I was given up so that I would have an opportunity at a better life than my birth mother could give me….that speech touched me deeply.

My ONLY complaint is about the cover. It does not seem to be representative of Nine’s tattoos at all. When he unveils his main one, it has meaning to both him and Lenny. and it most certainly is NOT what is on the cover. That is disappointing.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book, and I know that I will enjoy reading the first eight books in the series.

Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater (King, #9)Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater by T.M. Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the most interesting “romances” I have ever read. The hero is an anti-hero (he does lots of bad stuff), and the heroine is pretty much an anxiety-riddled alcoholic – but it all works to make one helluva story. In some ways, their flawed characters make them more real than the perfect pretty-boy billionaires and saucy ingenues that often populate romance novels. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just a nice change every so often). I liked the plot, I liked the tension, both romantic and in general, and I really liked the twist that I didn’t see coming. For more thoughts on this “not-cute” romance, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. I’m now going looking for the other stories involving these characters! This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Book Review: The Dream House

I love a good thriller that keeps a reader guessing without overt manipulation. You know the kinds of books that I mean. The books that throw a last minute character or event in to tie it all together? I find those to be dishonest.

The Dream House definitely kept me guessing, but only because the plot was masterfully crafted. I knew that everything was going to tie together somehow, but the writer did an excellent job of sneaking those ties in subtly. As I have mentioned, I leave notes on my Kindle as I read so when I write my reviews, I can remember what I was thinking/feeling at the time of reading.

In this book, I have six separate times where I left a “Wow!” or “No way…” (and even one “Holy Shit!!!!”) in my notes.

Now, y’all know that I read a lot. And I’m pretty good at guessing plot twists. I will admit that I guessed one, and half guessed another. But the others totally took me by surprise. And that’s just freaking awesome in my bookish world.

I also want to discuss the subject matter. I imagine that domestic violence is a difficult subject matter to write about. It’s a fine line between wanting to get the cruelty and depth of abuse across clearly while still treating it with respect to the victims – all while making sure it doesn’t become overly dramatic or cartoonish.

I think the author thoroughly succeeded in getting the points across succinctly and without it becoming overwrought. I especially liked how the various types of abuse were explored (again, subtly) so that characters in the present showed signs of committing the same abuses that they were against.

I know that sounds a little complicated, but psychological abuse, making excuses for the abuser, and abuse causing personality changes (among other things) are all woven into the plot, creating a tapestry of abuse-related actions that are inter-related.

This is not to say that’s all the book is. Far from it. It’s an excellent character study with a tight plot, deep characters, and twists galore – a psych thriller that truly earns the moniker “unputdownable.”

Oh, and one more thing: The title of the book switched from The Guest to The Dream House. The new title has a double meaning (which you will understand when you read the book) and I think it was a good choice to change it.

The Dream HouseThe Dream House by Jess Ryder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are psych thrillers that are “unputdownable,” and then there are ones that keep giving you one-two jabs of “holy heck what just happened?!?” The Dream House is the perfect combination of the two. I read it in two sittings (only due to a prior commitment) otherwise I would have read straight through. It is masterfully crafted with a plot that is both brutally realistic and hauntingly beautiful. It should probably be mentioned that the subject matter (domestic violence) might be triggering to some readers; descriptions can be rather frank. But the author deals with it in an honest and true-to-life way. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more thoughts on this excellent book. Thank you to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book (formerly titled The Guest).

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Release Blitz and Review: Hooked – A Love Story on 7th & Main

Hooked: A Love Story on 7th and Main, an all-new standalone opposites attract Contemporary Romance by Elizabeth Hunter is NOW LIVE!

   

She’s in high heels; he wears hiking boots. Can these two opposites make romance in Metlin work?

Tayla McKinnon is not a small town girl. The fashion blogger moved to Metlin with two goals in mind: help her friend start a book store and have a little fun. A year later, Tayla has made new friends, successfully launched INK, and is ready for a new challenge. Too bad she can’t get a certain rock-climbing, comic book geek off her mind.

Jeremy Allen has been playing the long game with Tayla, even though the avid outdoorsman was certain she was the one from the minute he set eyes on her. They may have different tastes, but their chemistry is undeniable.

When a job opportunity from a new fashion start-up lands in her inbox, Tayla takes it as a sign. She’s not meant for a small town, even though her best friend and her inconvenient crush are trying to convince her otherwise.

Jeremy can’t believe Tayla would be willing to leave her new life behind, but maybe he’s been playing it too cool. Summer in Metlin can sizzle, which gives Jeremy an excuse to turn up the heat.

Hooked is a stand-alone, opposites-attract romance in the Love Stories on 7th and Main series by Elizabeth Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author of INK.

   

Download your copy NOW!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2H4CEpO Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2JkHiBG Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2H3k2GG Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Lo4Ury Nook: http://bit.ly/2Vm9uer Kobo: http://bit.ly/2LtMB4i AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2WrSyQl Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2VMSVb2

Add to your TBR – http://bit.ly/2WwSEGw

   

 

Follow the link to enter in the Giveaway!

http://elizabethhunterwrites.com/giveaways/hooked-release-giveaway/

   

About Elizabeth Hunter

ELIZABETH HUNTER is a USA Today bestselling contemporary fantasy, romance, and paranormal mystery author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher. She once substitute taught a kindergarten class, but decided that middle school was far less frightening. She’s the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, and the Cambio Springs Mysteries. Sign up for Elizabeth Hunter’s newsletter today and receive a free short story, “Too Many Cooks,” in your inbox. Newsletter subscribers receive monthly updates with exclusive short stories, bonus scenes, and contests. Subscribers also receive an alert when new books are released.  

Follow Elizabeth Hunter

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    Hooked (7th and Main, #2)Hooked by Elizabeth Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise of this book seemed interesting: big city girl in a small town tries to deny that the small town is where she belongs. I loved Metlin, and I loved the residents. What I didn’t love was Tayla. She turned me off when she ignored Emmie regarding the costumes for the middle school book club, and she never really got back into my good graces after that. I found myself wishing for someone better for Jeremy. I’m sure other people will like how she realizes her love, but she rubbed me the wrong way, and it tainted the book for me. Three stars for Gus and the other residents of Metlin. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: On the Rocks

I was intrigued by the description of this book and was happy when I received an ARC. I did NOT expect it to be such a gut-wrenching look at love and loyalty.

I’ll be honest, the author kinda had me at “whiskey” anyway, but was still sucked in to the plot.

You know me, no plot recaps here. But the four Becker brothers and their mom are very interesting characters. The allusions to Jordan’s differences from the family and their father’s connection to the whiskey factory gave the story an air of mystery that I truly hope is explored in future books.

Both of these plot points were very subtle but were a nice addition to the romance, rounding out the story more thoroughly.

That being said, the story really belongs to Ruby Grace and Noah. I loved his strength and her grit, his grace and her loyalty. I thought the way their relationship built slowly was very effective and liked that there were nuances to it – there was emotion in addition to attraction.

And that is where the author was very successful. Ruby Grace’s actions and reactions were very true to form for a 19 year old Southern girl brought up to believe in doing what’s right for family.

Speaking of family, even though some may think that Ruby Grace’s family situation was beyond belief, I can attest that it was extremely indicative of small-town life. From everybody knowing everybody else’s business to the backroom dealings, it all happens.

I also enjoyed the references to various movies (whether they were intentional or not). I found Dirty Dancing, The Wedding Singer, and Runaway Bride, to name a few. Betty would love this book 😉 And by the way, she was a fantastic secondary character. I loved the role she played.

I’m new to this author’s books, but after reading this one, I am a huge new fan and can’t wait for Logan’s story. Color me excited to find a new author to explore!

On the RocksOn the Rocks by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this expecting a good romance, but what I actually got (in addition to that) was a surprisingly deep exploration of family expectations and dedication. I couldn’t put this book down, fell in love with the Becker brothers, and hope that the author continues to explore the history of Scooter Whiskey in future books, because I think there’s more to Patrick Scooter than meets the eye. Oh, and I had fun recognizing some movie references here and there. For more on that, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Paperback Writers Anthology

You can read my Goodreads review below to get an overall feel for the book. I very much enjoyed all of the stories, but, I’m just going to quickly go over a few of my favorites.

The book really started off right. “Don’t Want to Leave Her Now” by Effie Kammenou was touching and heartfelt. The way the author wove the emotion of the song (“Something”) into the story was seamless. The concept of soul mates has always been fascinating to me, and it was explored beautifully in this story.

“Fidelity” by Morgan & Jennifer Locklear was another good one. I am a history buff, so the setting of the establishment of the Berlin Wall was especially interesting (I knew it would be so when I saw the date of the prologue). The dual meaning of the word fidelity, both as it relates to records and sound and faithfulness were intertwined to create the story of loss and hope.

Melanie Moreland is one of my favorite authors, and I was very excited to see that she was included in this anthology. Her “The Taste of You” read like one of her novels, and that made me very happy. I loved how she used the sensuousness of food to introduce the two main characters and special kudos to the hero’s name. Food is poetry and love for Chef Byron Lord; that’s just genius.

The other stories were just as good, but these three stood out to me. There is something for just about every taste in Paperback Writers. Even better, proceeds from the sales will benefit the World Literacy Foundation.

The Beatles, great authors, and contributing to a worthy cause. Go get your copy now!

Paperback WritersPaperback Writers by Jennifer Locklear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful anthology that will make you feel “Glad All Over.” Each of the stories is based on a Beatles song. Some of the authors work lyrics and/or song titles into their stories and some use the lyrics of a song as a theme or the plot. When put “All Together Now,” the result is an extremely diverse and highly entertaining anthology. “Don’t Let Me Down,” please go to my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews to find out which stories I liked the most, then “Run For Your Life” to pick up your own copy! This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC. “The End.”

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Book Review: Covering All the Bases

If you’re a baseball lover (like I am) you’re constantly on the lookout for stories /romances that are interesting but that don’t sacrifice the details of the game for the plot.

Covering All the Bases by Jody Holford is a winner in this regard. It’s not entirely baseball heavy, but there is enough reference to the sport for the casual fan to enjoy. The chemistry between the lead characters is evident from the beginning and the secondary characters are fun too.

This is a great summer read for fans of the game.

Covering All the BasesCovering All the Bases by Jody Holford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this sports romance. Most books in this genre have a hero who is a stud sports dude who humbles himself to be with the woman who takes him down a peg or two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But this story was different because Liam Cruz was a sweetheart from the very beginning. It was so nice to see a guy who was comfortable being a nice guy in spite of his sports stature. I liked the chemistry between Liam and Isla, and I really liked Talia – I hope there is a story for her coming up next. I also enjoyed the plot; I thought it was unique. And frankly, I’m a sucker for a baseball story. Since we are heading into the heart of baseball season, I’d definitely recommend the book. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: The Mummy Bloggers

This book is a must-read for anybody who has spent any time on social media (so, yeah, that means that everybody should read it).

The author does a fantastic job of creating characters that are easily recognizable. I especially liked how the three main characters were all linked in one way or another. It allowed for the plot to be woven seamlessly between the three, instead of just being three perspectives.

The plot itself was fun: the three women all write “Mummy Blogs” (it’s set in Australia). Elle is the Stylish Mumma, Abi is the Green Diva, and Leisel is the Working Mum. They have each been nominated in the “Best Parenting” category of the Blog-aahs Awards (clever name).

Where the author excels is in the “unmasking” of each of the mums, and how each is not exactly what they seem to be – or at least what they put out to their followers on social media. Liesel is the one who comes closest, but Elle and Abi both have lots to hide.

Abi was especially interesting because she typified the “angry feminist” type of person who is extremely hypocritical, shooting off about “white privilege” (and finding out the person she was complaining about wasn’t white) and capitalism from her iPhone.

Elle is the worst of them, though. I can’t even begin to tell you how awful she is, and the terrible things that she does. But because she is so evil, she is so much fun to hate. Honestly, she is the stereotypical woman you know has to be lying because nobody is that perfect.

Which brings me to the main point that I took away: social media is NOT real life. People lie. They stage events and act a part. And they get so wrapped up in “clicks” and “likes” and “followers” that they have forgotten how to be decent human beings.

And that, my friends, is the state we are in today.

This is a timely novel that delivers the above message with humor but in a very pointed manner. Very well done.

The Mummy BloggersThe Mummy Bloggers by Holly Wainwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this book and thought that the writing was excellent. I liked how the characters were representative of the different people easily found on social media: the overwhelmed mom, the ‘appearances are perfect’ mom, and the crunchy granola mom. But the author did an excellent job of illustrating how there is always more to a story, and nobody can actually be categorized that easily. There were quite a few jaw-drop moments, including one near the end that had me yelling “NO WAY!” at my Kindle. For more insight into the stereotypical characters, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to Legend Press (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read a complimentary digital ARC of this book.

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