Tag Archives: Book Review

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Just as retired G-man John Hixon recovers from wounds incurred from a security detail in which he saved the life of billionaire investor Julian F. Thibaut, Thibaut calls him again. This time, his talents, intuition, and experience are put to the test as he attempts to protect seven of Thibaut’s friends while investigating a murder. In this, his second novel, FCEtier brings eight new characters into play along with several from his previous novel, The Tourist Killer.

Hixon and company, along with his loyal K-9 corps, must defend their home turf as they seek the truth behind international conspiracies and encounter the seat of ultimate power — the puppeteers who control the world’s finances. Hixon and company discover that those same powerful forces who control the world’s money also control the destinies of those who oppose them. FCEtier takes readers on a breathless and perilous trek through the jungles of politics and the palaces of power.

   Standouts in this novel are the realistic characters and their dialogue, and an intelligent plot. The club of old men at the centre of things seem ordinary and innocuous. You are fascinated by their interactions and their minds, but you wonder where it’s all leading. You are actually pulled quite unsuspectingly into the intrigue – or perhaps it’s a case of the characters being so interesting and well written that you are distracted from the plot and freshly surprised by the way it steadily builds and escalates into a powerful political thriller. Yes, the strength of both the plot and the characters are quite impressive. I’d highly recommend this novel to readers who like an intellectual challenge to go with their serving of wit, humour and suspense.

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Just past actuality and third universe on the left…

Emily Branwell wakes up one morning with a hangover and finds her horoscope is astoundingly accurate, sausages keep appearing out of nowhere all around her, and she can walk through walls. That is confusing enough, but when a huge, threatening shadow appears in the sky, Emily must solve the riddle of her rapidly disintegrating world before reality itself collapses.

In her quest for answers, Emily seeks the help of both psychics and scientists, but finds that ultimately the truth lies far beyond the world anyone knows.

Maybe next time she’ll count her drinks.

Plato’s Cave takes a humorous look at humanity’s search for truth and the meaning of existence through the eyes of someone who wishes the universe would just stop bothering her.

BOOK REVIEW: This is an excellent, highly imaginative story you can just read and enjoy. You could also read it again and again and delve deeper into Plato, I suspect. I liked the witty, irreverent style of storytelling the author used, even apologetic about getting too philosophical or scientific in places. It kept things light and enjoyable and kept the story powering along. Terrific characters, especially the heroine. The sausages… classic!!

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Little Doll is a dark, gritty story not for the faint hearted. It’s not all bad. Redemption, forgiveness and trust are central themes that are weaved amongst the character’s interactions. If you are easily offended by most things violent, this tale of survival may not be for you.

Laila had already overcome many heartbreaking obstacles in her twenty-five years… but none compared to this. With her brother missing and no other family to speak of, Laila has no idea of the evil that shadows her every move. Now in the hands of a notorious cartel family, she quickly learns that trust and betrayal are a deadly mix.

Aiden had a plan. One that was operating smoothly until Laila surfaced in his father’s mansion. With time against him, he must work night and day to right the wrongs that threaten to expose his ultimate betrayal.

Juan and Aiden share many differences, but the one thing that threatens to tear their family apart is the one thing they want to claim as their own, no matter what the costs.

This series continues with Part Two: Crimson Desert (Bittersweet Duet)

This book contains themes and situations some may find confronting.

   The beautiful young heroine in this powerhouse of a book is dragged through shocking acts of violence, through deprivation, imprisonment, lust, domination, desperation, need, passion, betrayal… She is wonderfully drawn – authentic and endearing in her blend of fight and vulnerability. You’re going to want to personally get your hands on her captors. They are excruciating to read. Our hero is a bit of a mystery so far. The way the heroine is driven to (mistakenly?) hate and despise him is brilliant storytelling. Just how much she is now indebted to him is tantalising…. I’m so glad the next volume is already available. This story is too good to stop reading at this point. A cover to cover edge-of-your-seat thriller.

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“Fight me or Marry me!” Frances Kendrick was not a woman willing to sit idly by and wait for her Prince Charming. An heiress, the best rider, hunter and swordsman in the Royal County of Berkshire in the last year’s of good Queen Anne’s reign, she found the men presented to her either boring, stupid, or most often both. Until she met this scapegrace of a lawyer, Benjamin Child. This sweet romance with a paranormal twist follows their developing passion and the means they used to bring their romance to fruition despite the objections of her trustees.

Set in Reading and thereabouts in 1714, the story commences with the memorial service for Frances’ older brother. Since she is the heiress to a baronet, Miss Kendrick did not want for suitors. She wanted for acceptable suitors, as the men she met were simply not up to her standards. When she finally meets one who is, a circuit-riding barrister named Benjamin Child, her trustee’s refuse their approval. He’s too much of a fortune hunter, gambler and wastrel for their tastes. Despite their difference in rank and fortune, he’s the man for her and she’s the woman for him.

Complications abound in the story, ranging from a gypsies’ curse, to highwaymen, to nobbling jockey’s before a critical horse race, and even to the activities of the Hellfire Club.

Book Review: The heroine is a handful. Way too intelligent and strong willed for the conventions of her time. The way she fights, deceives and manipulates to get what she wants out of life makes for a bit of a romp, but the fact that this tale is based on a true story is quite sobering. It’s also very romantic and interesting because of that. For word of this lady to be around 300 years later, she must have made quite an impression at the time… I felt well enough immersed in the early 18th century setting, with minimal detail allowing the plot to move along quickly, making for a fast and exciting read. There’s a cute supernatural twist that offers another dimension to the tale. This quite cleverly heightened the intensity of the climax and ending with a parallel timeline. It also brought our protagonists to the intersection of storytelling and true-to-life… Well done!

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Kaia Hart seems to have it all: a career as a successful architect, two perfect children, and a handsome husband, Patrick, but she’s haunted by an accident in her past. On a business call, one day, she’s surprised to find Asher, her once-love, has moved to town and will be working with her. In “No Turning Back,” Kaia faces nightmares from her past and big decisions about her future, as the two worlds seem to collide. Will Kaia give up everything for Asher, or will she find comfort in the arms of Patrick?

   This is bad. The exciting kind of bad. An old flame reignited and the blow-torch put on a worn out marriage. This is a complete mess for our heroine. She has a life – a family! Why does wrong have to feel so right? Is it right? After an impactful opening scene we are drawn quickly into the drama. The story is cleverly conveyed through past and present time parallels. We are treated to what is happening with Kaia at the same time as we are learning why. This mix is intriguing. Where the story takes us is beyond the issue of the marriage and the old flame, towards a bleak kind of truth and reality – to a road that must be walked… This is an ordinary yet strikingly powerful tale about the choices we make and the doors we close by making them – about never being able to have that other choice again…. A smart and thought provoking read.

WITH ANGEL’S WINGS   Stephanie A. Collins

With Angel’s Wings is the true story of Laura, a young wife and mother of a three-year-old daughter. Her husband, Kevin, a marine, is deployed overseas, leaving Laura to give birth to their second daughter and handle the two young children on her own.

Thirteen days after the birth of her youngest, the pediatrician detects a heart murmur. That leads to just the first of multiple diagnoses for both of her daughters, sending Laura on an unexpected and emotional journey into the world of parenting medically-fragile, special needs children.

Right when Laura fears she will break under the incredible pressure, she encounters the beauty of true love, in a most unexpected and unconventional way.

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BOOK REVIEW: As tough, draining and, at times, horrific the experiences depicted in in this story are, they also take us to the title and how angelically blessed our lives can be. My deepest feeling after reading this wonderfully told story is a warm and fuzzy kind of envy. I’m so happy for Laura to have been gifted these children. As gutsy as she has been to nurture and care for them, she deserves every ounce of the love you get from family – the harder the circumstances the more intense and fulfilling that love can be… To the way this story is written – it’s direct and fast moving with enough detail to educate us and give us an appreciation for what is happening. I’m glad the medical info wasn’t glossed over because it is a huge part of the story. The romance is sweet and real. This pair deserve each other, and that’s saying something… This is a fantastic book – definitely grueling, absolutely heart wrenching, and from cover to cover – inspirational.

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Do you believe in magic?

Our world was born into chaos four billion years ago. It has survived to nurture and protect a species that is duty-bound to help it live. And it’s not human. Now, those protectors are dying and the Earth will perish. Their leader Rox has a plan, but she will not be alone.

From a chance meeting, Rox will travel with the bravest creature she has ever met. A young human girl, Ellie. Travel with them both, through the dark woods to the far reaches of the past, as they seek a way to save our world.

Can you fly?

Ellie returns home to forge a unique friendship that will change her life. Her new companion, Cole, will fly her to amazing heights and plummet to the lowest depths beneath the earth, as they embark together on a perilous and personal quest to discover something precious lost so long ago.

Could you save the world?

The fate of mankind hangs in the balance and on the shoulders of Ellie and her dragon, Cole. Old and new friendships will come together to overcome the dreadful future the young friends have unleashed upon the world. Everything must be risked and sacrificed if Ellie is to save everyone she knows and loves.

A choice must be made. A price must be paid.

And only one girl can make it.

   Don’t you just love all the wonderful ideas you find in children’s books? This one has an abundance of them. Do you often wonder (as I used to) what keeps the world revolving and what became of all the dragons? The Seren Trilogy has the answers. It’s well paced and cleverly put together as a trilogy. This is a terrific story book kids will love, and grownups will enjoy reading along. Try the sample – you’ll see!

 This is a beginner’s guide to real estate investment. It will provide the readers with decision making process and strategies for various real estate investment options. Filled with personal experiences and real life scenarios, this book not only offers what a beginner needs to know to get started but at the same time realize their dreams!

Available on Amazon

BOOK REVIEW: This is plain English and mathematics. An easy to read and understand guide to assessing whether real estate investment is for you and for planning the first steps should you choose to take the plunge. I like the breadth of analysis – the comparison with other types of investments through to the various types of properties to be considered and on to financing and property management. I’m impressed by the clear, concise presentation of facts and ideas (walking us through). This book strikes me as intelligent, rational and realistic. There is no gloss or hype… If you’re considering real estate investment as a beginner, this would be a great guide to add to your preparations.

**Dream Stalker – First Place Winner of the Romance Writers Association’s PASIC Book of Your Heart contest**

Reporter Janine Chase believes she has finally found someone who truly loves her in Detective Connor Dawson. Then horrific nightmares of murder start and romance becomes the furthest thing from her mind. Nightmares become reality when a serial killer begins murdering everyone close to Janine, including Connor’s brother Brian who is working as Lead Detective on the murder cases. When the killer attacks Janine, she survives, but Connor reports to the press that she has been killed. She loses everything from her former life, including Connor who blames her for his brother Brian’s death.
Now, two years later, Janine is living quietly under a new identity and she believes the killer who stalked her dreams has stopped. Until she is awakened by a brand new nightmare…
Could the killer be back? Her worst fear is confirmed when Connor shows up on her doorstep shortly after. Despite his anger toward Janine over Brian’s death, Connor has kept tabs on her and although there were no more murders after he announced her death, he always believed that the killer would resurface. Now, the murderer’s fresh trail of death is leading straight to Janine’s new hometown. Not a believer in coincidence, Connor fears she is next and as hard as it is to see her, he knows it will be worse if the killer gets to her and he could have prevented it. Can he protect Janine and put an end to the psychotic killer’s bloody rampage once and for all?
Dream Stalker is a romance with psychological and thriller elements.

Available on Amazon

BOOK REVIEW: This story begins with a murder in progress. Cover to cover, the tension never lets up. This is the kind of book you read standing up, pacing the room, thumbing pages with one hand while making your cup of tea with the other – assuming you’re still up for a cup of tea after what goes on here…. The tension never abates because it has a number of strings to it and they’re each being constantly wound tighter: We have serial killings – who and why? We’ve got romance, lust and giving in to desires. There’s a good dose of the mildly supernatural to figure out. The relationships are complicated and real – abandonment, family, blame, revenge, loss, love. We have everything closing in around our main characters, little by little the whole book through…. The dripping suspense never relents and the author shows us no mercy. Five stars and two thumbs up!

 Two Sisters. Threatening Calls. Mastering Fears

Blaze and Brooke, sisters of the Masters brothers, return home for a double wedding. Before they settle in, Brooke receives a call threatening her fiance and Blaze receives a call from someone else doing the same. Scared but determined not to lean on their brothers, they secretly prepare for a battle while finishing last minute wedding details. Things go from bad to worse, but Blaze and Brooke have learned from the Masters, literally. They’re not going down without a fight.

If you love Christmas, snow, romance, and a little suspense Mastering the Brides is the book for you.

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BOOK REVIEW: A shiveringly atmospheric little romance with a couple of dimensions to the chill. The setting is icy, so too the suspenseful undercurrent, making the contrasting warmth and happiness of marriage and family feel tenuous. The blend of these opposites is a strength of this author, and we’re served a tasty sample in this novella. Standalone, I’m giving this one 4 stars, but if you know the characters and read this as the conclusion to a powerful romantic suspense series, it’s 5 star all the way.