Book Reviews Archives

June 27, 2019June 25, 2019

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 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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June 18, 2019June 17, 2019

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.

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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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May 8, 2019May 8, 2019

Book Review: Heartthrob by Robin Bielman

NOW AVAILABLE: MAY 7, 2019

I grew up around baseball, so I am a sucker for anything that has baseball has a central part. In this case, Finn Auprince is a megastar baseball player for a fictional team, and Chloe Conrad is hired to be his social media manager.

The camaraderie that grows between them is a delicious slow burn. I loved how the author built trust between the two. I also appreciated that their reactions to events were very natural. There wasn’t any of the melodrama that one often finds in romance novels. I loved Finn’s compassion and also that he wasn’t a total rogue or jerk (also commonly found in romance novels), just someone who was committed to the sport he loved.

One of my favorite aspects of the story, however, was somewhat of a throwaway in the overall plot – but it meant a lot to me. Chloe mentions that she was homeschooled because her dad was an umpire and she had to travel with him during the baseball season. Why was this important to me?

Because Chloe is perfectly normal.

Many of you know that I have homeschooled our son since he was in the fourth grade, and we’ve all heard the stereotypes and misnomers about homeschoolers: they’re socially awkward, they don’t have good people skills, they’re isolated, etc. While those may apply to some homeschoolers, they certainly don’t apply to most.

Chloe is the epitome of the homeschoolers that I am familiar with, and in some ways, she reminded me of my son. She’s outgoing, confident, knows how to deal with people, and has an open spirit about her. The schooling her dad gave her exposed her to so much more knowledge than a traditional school could have. We are doing the same thing.

Oh, and I especially loved that her dad used Brain Quest – we had those for every grade level. I remember standing in line for the Tower of Terror at Disneyland, reading Brain Quest cards to our son. By the time we finally got to the ride, we had quite the trivia competition going on with the people around us.

I love it when an author hits the nail on the head with something like that. It just makes the book that much better. There are two more Auprince brothers to be paired off, and I can’t wait to read their stories. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up to get the series started. My Goodreads review is below.

Heartthrob by Robin Bielman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the story of Finn and Chloe! I appreciated that the author gave some thought into a unique way to bring them together. I also liked that it was realistic: not just the plot, but the characters as well. There wasn’t a lot of angsty back and forth; the doubts that each character had were real emotions that an actual person would feel in the same situation. I literally lol’d more than a few times. Oh, and it’s got baseball and goat yoga, so…yeah, fun times! I can’t wait to read the other Auprince brothers’ stories. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for some more thoughts on this sweet romance. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC.

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May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

Book Review: The Invited

I have started putting notes into books as I read them, so I can remember what I was thinking or feeling at a certain point. It helps me with reviews later, especially when my mind is a jumble of all of the things I want to say – like it is right now with The Invited by Jennifer McMahon. I requested this one on NetGalley, and boy am I glad that I received approval!

One of my first notes in this book was “I am Helen.” It makes me so much more invested in the story when I can instantly identify with a character. Everything Helen did in this book, from her attitude about events to her motivations for her actions, was something that I could see myself doing. I loved her tenacity, her desire to find the truth and especially her love of history.

The foreshadowing and omens in this book were plentiful and entirely natural in the course of the plot. None of them were overtly apparent or seemed out of place as a way to play “gotcha” with the reader. The suspense built gradually and kept me turning pages quickly. There were nods to real historical events (Salem Witch Trials; Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire) that intertwined seamlessly with the mystery plot.

Most of all, I really liked how the author tied everything together. There were no loose ends, and the puzzle was solved piece by piece. I did guess a few points or at least had suspicions confirmed, but they weren’t totally obvious; it took some sleuthing on my own.

If you like twisty mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, you will love this book. My Goodreads review is below.

NOW AVAILABLE

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, which was kind of cool because the book kept surprising me at every turn. At times haunting and mysterious but always compelling, the story kept me riveted. The mood created by the author with the opening scene sets the tone for what is to come while making the whole story seem timeless. (The concept of a Salem, MA type of attitude in 1920s Vermont was genius!) It was a pleasure to be able to draw parallels and find connections as Helen uncovered information, and there were many “aha!” moments. This was a page turner that I cannot recommend highly enough. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more details. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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April 30, 2019April 30, 2019

Book Review: Every Last Breath

I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels lately, so I was more than ready to read something different, and this was the perfect choice!

Writing a spy novel can be challenging. Not only are there big shoes to fill and be compared to, but it is also all too easy to write a caricature of spies or a story that is too far-fetched to be believable. Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan avoids all of that.

To be perfectly honest, I think it might be just as difficult to write a review of a spy novel, because it would be too easy to give away plot points. The real fun of a spy novel is figuring out where the plot is going next – and far be it for me to give any of that away.

I really enjoyed the character reveals that kept popping up throughout the book. Past and current relationships play a huge part in the plot, and everything is deftly written. I did get a little bit of a “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” vibe from parts of the story – but this was much better.

The spy stuff is pretty damn cool as well. Q (James Bond) would be proud of some of the gadgets the agents used. And the intelligence gathering/op planning was absolutely fascinating. I liked that the threat they were trying to stop was realistic, as were the motivations of the bad guys. It made the suspense more visceral (especially imagining how easy it would be for this to happen in real life).

I also appreciated that the main character was a kick-ass female who could hold her own against all of the alpha males.

I could write more, but I would be in danger of giving plot points away, and I hate to do that. Do yourself a favor and get this book right away. You’ll be turning pages well into the night because you won’t be able to put it down. It looks like this might be the first in a series and I can’t wait for the next ones. My Goodreads review is below.

Now Available 4/30/ 2019

Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shades of Tom Clancy and John le Carre, this book has everything a reader could want out of a spy thriller. The action starts at the very beginning and doesn’t let up until the last pages. There are chases, twists, the evilest of bad guys, a global threat, and a rekindled romance. Honestly, this was a page turner that I could not read fast enough. I love a book that makes me feel like I’m watching a movie, and this one definitely fit the bill. Visit my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review, but trust me, this is one exciting novel, and I hope to read more by this author. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

Book Review: Falling for the Beast

When I read the first in a duet or series, I am always hopeful that the second book will be the crescendo to a story that built slowly in the first book. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes the second book just falls flat. Unfortunately, this book falls in the latter category.

I thought that the first book, Beauty and the Professor was okay, and I had high hopes for this one. The characters and premise are interesting. The execution, however, does not do the story justice.

As I mentioned in the first review, there was a lot to work with, but nothing was as developed as it could have been. This was even more evident in the second book. It could have been so much more.

Even a pivotal scene with Blake’s family, which should have been fireworks and a major revelation, just fell flat. It all felt disconnected in some way. It’s sad because I usually like this author, but this duet did not reach its full potential. My Goodreads review is below.

Available now.

Falling for the Beast (A Modern Fairy Tale Duet, #2)

Falling for the Beast by Skye Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book picks up where Beauty and the Professor left off. Frankly, I was expecting more out of the second book. There was so much that could have been expanded upon: Erin’s thesis and the scandal, Blake’s parents and upbringing, his PTSD, his buddy in the hospital are just a few things I would have liked to have explored. But so much of it was left by the wayside to focus on the sexy times. As always, the author writes those scenes well, and they are quite steamy. But I just felt that was ALL this book was; like the plot points were just a means to get to the next sex scene. Disappointing. See my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review.

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April 28, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Making a Medium

The newest series by Erin Huss is a journey into the paranormal. Her Cambria Clyne series is excellent, and she continues the tradition of awkwardly funny heroines in Making a Medium.

A mystery within a paranormal mystery, it’s the story of Zoe Lane and her realization that she can see ghosts. Of course, it’s not as straightforward as “oh, look at that.” It’s more like, “what the heck is happening/am I going crazy?” This thought is due mainly in part to her overbearing mother, who is hiding secrets from Zoe.

But Zoe has more significant problems, in the form of Willie, who appears to her after she is almost hit by a car. The two form an uneasy but amusing bond. He acts as a spiritual guide, commenting on everything from Zoe’s fashion sense (she doesn’t have one) to her life (she really doesn’t have one), while she tries to solve the mystery of how he died.

The interaction between the two quickly became my favorite parts of the book. Even as Zoe learned how to use her “gift,” she still maintained her awkwardness. More than once, I laughed out loud at her efforts trying to cover for talking to Willie – which of course to everyone else looks like she’s talking to thin air.

I also liked how Zoe’s character grew throughout the novel. She gained a backbone and started to embrace her talents. Both the primary mystery and Zoe’s mystery are well-plotted and not easy to solve, so that is an added bonus.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the continued paranormal experiences of Zoe. My Goodreads review is below.

Pre-order for 99 cents on Kindle (Available 5/09/19); available now in paperback.

Making a Medium: a humorous, cozy mystery! (Lost Souls Lane Mystery Book One)

Making a Medium: a humorous, cozy mystery! by Erin Huss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author’s Cambria Clyne series (that’s another good series to pick up), and I was excited to see her branch out into another series. Zoe Lane is sheltered by her real estate agent mother (who reminded me of Tammy Faye Bakker) and is socially awkward as a result. In a twist of events, she finds out that she can see ghosts, mainly when Willie shows up claiming that he was killed and that Zoe needs to help him. What follows is a fun whodunnit, filled with vivid characters and witty dialogue. I loved Zoe’s awkwardness and how Willie calls her “person.” The mystery driving the plot was good (I can usually guess but didn’t get this one) as was a secondary plot involving Zoe’s past. All in all, a great start to the new series. Visit my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. Both reviews were written based on a pre-release digital copy.

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April 26, 2019May 8, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Sweet Home Louisiana

Erin Nicholas has done it again! The second in her Boys of the Bayou series is just as good, if not better than the first one. My Best Friend’s Mardi Gras Wedding had great characters and a fun setting and was the perfect introduction to Autre.

Sweet Home Louisiana gives us the story of Owen and Maddie. I’m not going to repeat what you can find in the blurb. But as with Tori and Josh from the first book, their chemistry is off the charts. Unlike Tory and Josh, however, they have a history that influences the way they react to each other. And that is where the real craziness starts.

We see a completely different side of Owen in this book. In the first one, he was sort of the playboy/flirt, but in this one we see why he wasn’t very serious. His heart belongs to Maddie only, and boy does he know how to sweet talk her to try to sway her decisions. Actually, not so much sweet talk, but dirty talk. Well…both.

Seriously, there was one scene in the business office where I thought my Kindle was going to combust spontaneously! I would bet good money that there are millions of women (this one included) who would love to hear the words that Owen says to Maddie.

Maddie is a strong female character, which is another thing the author does really well. The women in her novels are not shrinking violets and do not get offended. They are their own person, but also know their limitations (for the most part). Maddie thinks she knows what she wants, until she realizes that she’s pretty much had it backwards for 12 years. And can I just mention Kennedy? I believe that she is my spirit animal. Her attitude and the things she says are so realistic – I want to be her friend.

I like how the author introduces the next book naturally as part of the story. There isn’t a cliffhanger, and it doesn’t end in a weird spot. It just flows to a natural place and then stops, leaving the reader definitely wanting more.

This is one of my new favorite series, and I look forward to each entry. By my count there should be at least two more…but I’m kind of hoping that we meet a few more cousins or other Landry family members because I’m nowhere near ready to leave Autre. My Goodreads review is below.

Expected Release: May 7, 2019

Sweet Home Louisiana (Boys of the Bayou, #2)

Sweet Home Louisiana by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second in the Boys of the Bayou series does not disappoint. Erin Nicholas has a way of writing scenes and dialogue that paint the most detailed pictures (no pun on Maddie’s talent intended). The Bayou craziness comes through clearly (Maddie’s description of her encounter with TSA had me laugh-crying), but so does the fierceness and love the extended family shares for each other. I appreciate that her heroines don’t get offended and give as good as they get. Now those are strong females! The author also does a great job keeping familiar characters involved but giving the main characters the spotlight. Owen and Maddie’s story is just what you’d hope for it to be. You know they belong together, and the ride they take to get there is plain ol’ steamy Bayou fun. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC. Check my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review.

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April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

BOOK REVIEW-Haunted Melody: A Ghost Story

I read so many books that I am sometimes amazed that I like almost all of them. Usually I can find something to latch onto even if the overall story doesn’t do it for me.

But it was bound to happen sooner or later. Y’know, finding a book that I just couldn’t get behind. Unfortunately, this is that book.

Now, I do have to start with a mention that I greatly admire authors. They have a talent that is unique, and it takes a lot of guts to share that talent and open themselves to criticism.

I’ll also say that just because this book didn’t do it for me, doesn’t mean that one of you won’t love it. Everyone has different tastes. So please take this as it should be: my opinions on what the book did (or didn’t) do for me.

It took me forever to get into the plot. I spent the first few chapters trying to figure out exactly what was going on, and I could not get a grip on it. I’m all for an author not revealing secrets, or building slowly to a reveal. But I was so lost on this one that it put constantly on the wrong foot. I didn’t have anything to latch onto to help pull me to that revelation where everything would suddenly make sense.

And once that reveal occurred, it caused me to have even more questions (instead of being an “Aha!” moment where things all of a sudden make sense). You know the premise from the blurb, but it still didn’t clarify a whole lot as I read further.

With paranormal romance (or paranormal anything) there has to be a certain amount of belief in the supernatural, as well as a suspension of disbelief. I’m really into the supernatural, so I usually don’t have a problem with that. But for some reason, and I think it’s because the beginning put me in the wrong frame of mind, I kept questioning the relationship between Milo and Rachel. There were too many things that just didn’t work for me.

I know this probably doesn’t help some of you very much, but I don’t do plot-heavy reviews because I think people should be able to experience a story with on their own with as little interference as possible.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance then you should absolutely give this novel a try. I will still look forward to the author’s next books. This one just wasn’t the one for me.

My Goodreads review is below.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Haunted Melody: A Ghost Story by Alyson Santos
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m all for trying new genres and finding new authors. I know a lot of people love this author, so I was excited to be able to read an ARC of her latest. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed early on, and that disappointment never let up. I’m sure other people may love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I do not like to give DNFs if at all possible; if I’ve been entrusted to read it, I will read to completion. But this one was a struggle. I spent the first half of the book wondering what was going on and the second half in disbelief (and not just because it was paranormal – I’m cool with that part). There were too many logical fallacies and unsupported issues for me to be able to enjoy the story. I’ll give another one of this author’s books a try, but I didn’t like this one. This review was written based on a pre-release copy.

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April 24, 2019April 24, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake #3) by Rachel Caine

I read the first two books in this series before I started my blog, so I don’t have reviews on them, but believe me when I say that I eagerly await each new installment in this series.

SPOILER ALERT: I will warn you right now, if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, do not read any further. Not only are there references that you won’t understand, but there may also be plot points from the first two books that will be exposed. That being said, get over to Amazon or your bookstore of choice and get the first two books of the series. Be warned, there are twists, turns, and the exploration of the evil of human nature, but they are excellent thrillers!

Okay, back to the review.

After the events of the second book, one would hope that Grace and her kids (and Sam) would be able to have a little bit of normalcy. Unfortunately, evil still exists and their lives once again get turned upside down.

I found Grace to be a fascinating character. She understands that her past will forever put a target on her back, and (by extension) on the backs of her kids. But she still also feels the need to help other people, which is how she gets caught up in the events at Wolfhunter River.

The author is especially good at creating moments that appear to be part of the overall plot, but sometimes they are not. I love this aspect of her writing because it keeps me (as a reader) off balance and questioning what I think I know.

I am a pretty good detective, and I did have suspicions about one part of the plot about halfway through the book that turned out to be correct (go me!). But the rest of the plot had some excellent twists that I didn’t fully guess on.

I did like her commentary (via Grace) regarding the online outrage and blame culture; I think that was spot on. However, there were a couple of mentions (Westward Invasion and a brief commentary on a 12 year old not calling adult women females) that seemed jarring and out of place. It felt like the author’s political beliefs took over for a few brief moments, and they took me out of the story.

All in all, however, this was another excellent analysis of the evil of man and how people can be so easily consumed by greed and hate – and how dangerous that can be when the beliefs are based on false perceptions or flat out lies.

I look forward to seeing where the series goes next because I have a feeling that Grace and Sam still have a way to go. It will also be interesting to see if friendships are repaired and trust can be regained.

My Goodreads review is below.

AVAILABLE NOW! (Released 4/23/2019)

Wolfhunter River by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been excitedly waiting for this book and could not wait to start reading. I was not disappointed. I could not swipe pages on my Kindle fast enough and read this straight through! After the events in the second book, I wondered where the author would be able to go with the main thread tying the books together, and she did a great job of creating a situation that will give her plenty of leeway for future novels. There was “hold onto your seat” action and a LOT of gut-tearing emotion. Both aspects are something the author has always done very well, and what will keep me coming back for future installments of the series. Another wild ride in a great series. If you want a more detailed review, visit my blog at firefliesandfreekicks.com. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

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