Posts

No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Shannen Kern

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was gripping from the very first page to the end. The author did an incredible job portraying a journey that no person should go through, but many do. I had so many emotions throughout this story, and I already want to read it again to really absorb everything. A harrowing story about how one man’s dedication rippled outward, tormenting his mind and family. Will his wife, Lisa, be able to love him out of this nightmare or will he suffer at the relentless mercy of his past military service? This is a must read for anyone but especially if you know someone affected by PTSD as it is such an eye-opening experience!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Amanda Glaspie

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an incredibly written book following a young man as he battles his secret illness and the girl that helps him along the way. I grew up with a brother who had epilepsy so this book hit close to home. The author was able to capture the real emotion of Nathan and the fear that encompassed him. All he wanted to be was normal. Each episode he had, his pain could be felt. Combine that with the raw emotion that Holly brings and your heart will go through all sorts of feelings. I found myself smiling, crying, and hoping for everything to work out. I had the hardest time putting this book down. Read it, you will not be disappointed.

View all my reviews

The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Erica Fish

The Prospect of Death (Alyssa Chalmers mysteries, #2)The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a historical mystery set in British Colombia. This story has all of the makin’ of whodunit. It has danger, crime, investigation, and plenty of secrets to boot. The characters are fully developed and complicated. There are a group of brides, that is mail-order brides, who have found themselves in a gold mining town. Alyssa is part of the mail-order brides who looks for the locals to assist in her murderer’s investigation. She is hoping to gain peace in her town. You will have to read to see if she succeeds in her investigation.

View all my reviews

Oliver: A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstorm-Review by Amanda Kimble

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

Not my first book I’ve read by the author. The author knows how to get kids’ attention and keep them for a short period of time. My daughter absolutely loves these little books I read to her.

Oliver is an alligator that is adopted. When he hurts himself and gets sent to his room he starts thinking. What if he wasn’t adopted? What would his life be like? The quote I chose for Oliver is: “Then I guess I’ll stay with you two. But first I want to mend my pillowcase.”

Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.

View all my reviews

King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

King Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #6)King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a 6 out of 5 stars for me!! I didn’t want this book series to end but WOW what a perfect ending! This band of brothers has been battling their father this entire time but none as fervently as the oldest son. Until the love of his life bursts into his life! While shie is very strong & capable, she has a wonderful capacity to understand & trust him. That is IF he lets her!! I highly, highly suggest reading the previous books before this page-turner. I will definitely follow Kells for her future masterpieces!

View all my reviews

@vetforchrist

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #5)Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trigger warnings:frequent mentions of childhood sexual abuse & ending their own life thoughts/urges

All of Kells’ book are fast-pasted & explosive, but this is the first one that made me cry. Two lost souls, on the brink of giving up, meet by pure chance. With their brand of misery, they become each other’s light. Can two broken souls piece each other back together? You finally get a peak into the last book and it needs to get here NOW!!

View all my reviews

@vetforchrist

True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 4) by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

True Bastard (Dark Sparrow #4)True Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am officially a Kells fan! It was so wonderful to see all the boys join forces! The main heroine this time, however, is so unique! She has strong responsibilities that keep her away from our strong, wounded cop, but all she does is ignite his protective instincts! And the epilogue?! I just can’t wait for the next one!

View all my reviews

@vetforchrist

Wild Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

Wild BastardWild Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book does not disappoint as third installment of this series! Just as action-packed as the first two, the emotional suspense just pulls at your heart strings! Both hiding their pasts, the main couple cannot deny their once-lost connection! Can their relationship survive their secrets being revealed? And the brothers from her other books making an appearance was just the icing on the cake!

View all my reviews

@VetforChrist

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Ashley Sugar

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book deserves 10 stars but sadly I can only give it 5. It’s one of my favorites and I want to recommend it to everyone! The inner dialogue is HILARIOUS! You will laugh, you will get angry, you will cry, you will smile! This book makes you feel it all. Has a real deep story to it and the characters are amazing!! LOVED them all. Book did really well with getting you connected to it. Shows you that you’re never really alone in life and there’s always someone out there going through the exact same things you are. You just have to trust people and let them in. No matter how hard you think it is.

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Rosanna Ingram

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathan has a secret that he will do anything to hide….including lie and bully others to keep the focus off of himself. But, when Holly finds out, she promises to keep his secret. What starts out as a farce to keep everything under wraps soon evolves into real feelings. However, the popular girl is not a fan of this and his secret is threatened to come out. Will he come clean or continue the lies to keep it hidden?!?

Throughout the story, Holly is compassionate and sees Nathan for who he is despite what he is hiding. It was almost heartbreaking how deeply Nathan wished to keep his secret and just how mean high school kids can be. This book dealt with with real issues in a believable manner and I was here for it!

View all my reviews

Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow #2)Cold Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cold Bastard is such a whirlwind!! I am a sucker for the classic cold, stern, control-freak male lead whose entire routine-only life gets totally disrupted by the leading lady! Curves & glasses tempt him too far. And he doesn’t even know how much she will corrupt! You HAVE to read this one!

View all my reviews

@vetforchrist

Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Alisa Boomer

Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #1)Lost Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lost Bastard had me a little nervous to start because I am not a huge organized crime fan. It swept me off my feet! The female lead is so powerful in her own right! And a witty alpha male is always swoon-worthy. Wrap that all up in an action-packed page turner and watch the sparks fly!

View all my reviews

@VetforChrist

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Helani Kihe

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lie That Binds was a phenomenal story. I love a good love story.
When I saw that it was a young adult story I knew that it would have some love scenes but nothing like what I read in adult books. Most YA romance books I’ve read don’t have sex scenes in them and the ones that do aren’t very descriptive. Sex might be implied but there usually isn’t too much detail. This story was more mature than I had expected and I am here for it!
The characters were well written. They were your classic teens in school. You’ve got your populars, not so popular, etc.
The struggles that Nathan endures when no one is around was something that I’ve never seen in a book before and the way that Holly comes along and helps him through it was absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed “watching” their relationship grow.
Overall great read that teens and adults can both enjoy.

View all my reviews

The Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford – Review by Kerry Baker

The Second Alpha HeirThe Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like how this book had a unique and refreshing view of a shifter story. It is a genre that is over done so to find something with a fresh take is always good. I enjoyed the writing style of the book. I really connected with the characters, especially Nolen. I felt his journey and everything he went through. The book has so much going on it was definitely exciting to read. I would highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Kerry Baker

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading about the characters in this book. The connection between the main two was real and believable. With secrets dictating everything the story certainly kept you engaged.
I think thr story flows really well. It is a little slow in parts but it picks back up again in no time. This is a great story and we’ll worth reading.

View all my reviews

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Candida Hopper

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a short read but a good one.Sol is trying to deal with not being a firefighter anymore and he isn’t dealing well. Ember is a new firefighter and missing her mentor Sol. Both Ember and Sol have had romantic feelings for each other for some time but neither of them know of each other’s feelings. This was a full body story even though it was short. The characters are great and it’s a good story line. This was a good read.

View all my reviews

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remington Starke is the “mastermind” behind the collaborative venture Waterfyre Rising, a video game that had been a childhood dream. But that’s just his side-venture. Remington made his living buying struggling businesses and reselling them. He was a ruthless businessman that knew everything about everyone he dealt with. When he purchases a marketing firm, Audrie Wu is the last person he expected to run across. The sister of his best friend, old feelings are ignited as he spends more time with her. Can he afford to let things go beyond being friends? He sure hopes so. I was wrapped up in the story from the start. Full of action and twists, this book will not disappoint.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

View all my reviews

The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jerricka Brown

The Vardoger BoyThe Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book from this author. I really enjoyed reading this. I was hooked from the very beginning. It is the second book in the series but it was a great read. I will definitely be reading the first book also. I loved all the aspects the author used in this book to make it come to life. I felt like I was right there in the story.

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Kerry Carr

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this young adult story. The author does an amazing job with the characters. I was gripped from the beginning and couldn’t put it down.
Holly has moved to a new school, the most popular guy at the school catches her eye. From then I thought it would be a normal teenage romance but it’s not. This books is full of teenage angst that most people can relate to. From the feelings of being inadequate or not good enough and believing you have to act and look and certain way to fit in.

Nathan has a secret that he is trying so hard to keep so he can have a normal life. However when Holly stumbles upon his secret he needs to make sure she won’t tell another soul. So he sets out to become her friend. The more then get to know each other the more their friendship turns into romance.
But with all the lies Nathan had told will Holly believe that their romance is real or is this just another mask to hide Nathan’s secrets?
And what other obstacles will they need to overcome in order to give their relationship a chance?

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Karyn Taylor

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a standalone YA romance that I absolutely loved. This is only the 3rd book that he author has published and she’s right up there in my favourite authors list. Her first two books, The Embrace Duet, blew me away and I’ve already re-read them. Could she live up to the pedestal that I’d already put her on? Oh yes she could!! This book is different, being a YA book but by God, it still had all the feels an had me laughing in places and sobbing in other places. This author definitely has an amazing talent for pulling hard on the heartstrings.
Nathan just wants to be like all the other teenagers in his high school but he has a secret that no one can find out or his life will be hell. So when new girl in town Holly accidentally finds out his secret is his life about to implode?
I adored both Nathan and Holly. Nathan is having a really hard time coming to terms with his secret and just wants to be ‘normal’. Holly is a total sweetheart. She’s exactly the type of person you want as your friend. Everyone needs a Holly in their life.
Like a YA romance with lots of angst and heartache? Like a YA with a great romance story? This is definitely the book for you.

View all my reviews

The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Debbie Lesley

The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you believe in fate? How about coincidence? Can fate have a little help? In reading The Happily Ever After Bookstore, you find yourself wondering these things. And if fate does have a little help, and things turn out well, maybe that is a good thing….as if it was meant to be. And with fate and/or coincidence involved, one understands the name of the book store, Happily Ever After.

I was drawn to this book simply because of the setting of a book store. (A dream job for me, I get to “work” in book stores through books.) Somewhat similar to The Little Paris Bookshop, Leona works to be sure every customer has a “happily-ever-after” experience when purchasing from her bookstore, much like the owner of the book barge in The Little Paris Bookshop. Is it possible that Leona manages to mix good choices with luck or fate? When things work out as happily as things do in this book, you find yourself wanting to visit Leona and let her work with your fate!

The book centers on several people and has a somewhat circular story lines where everything comes together in the end. The characters are all likeable and real. I felt a good understanding of the family dynamics and emotions of the characters, which is important to truly understand the people. It was also good having a grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s as the author made a point to show how an Alzheimer’s patient may go in and out of being aware of people and events.

For a “feel good” read, take the time to read this one. It is a five-star book simply for how good you might feel after reading it. Is it great literature? Maybe not but it sure is good.

View all my reviews

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Body Checked is a sports romance about a hockey player, Bridger, who is struggling with his playboy persona, causing all sorts of issues with his career. People haven’t been taking him seriously because of all the problems he is causing, but he is trying to fix that. One idea he had was to do a fundraiser that involved the hockey players in a calendar shoot. This is the moment his life seems to change, when he meets the photographer’s assistant, Tia. Tia has recently been let go of her job due to complications with an ex-boyfriend. When she was younger she got caught up with a rich guy who made it his mission to destroy her life. When she meets Bridger she is instantly attracted, but has promised herself to never date another playboy again. They can’t seem to deny the attraction so they decide they will give themselves one weekend to get each other out of their system. This weekend turns into a friendship that could turn into more, but will they let it? Will the past allow them happiness? Would you give the other person up to save them?
I always enjoy a sports romance with a little smut. I thought these characters were really loveable. Bridger, even playing an enforcer, was endearing. His need to protect others at all cost was sexy. The banter that the two of them have going from frenemies-to-lovers was really good. You could see the development of their relationship really well in who the author wrote. One of the things I think I liked most was that nothing seemed dragged out. The story flowed and when the “problem” came in, it was short and sweet and dealt with.

View all my reviews

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Jasmin Marie

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An excellent debut novel! I absolutely loved the characters. Ellawyn is relatable, kind, and all-around someone I can imagine being friends with. Beckett is charming, thoughtful, and just perfect for Ellawyn. The other characters, though minor, add extra elements of emotion to the story. The small town vibe that makes up Quimby Grove is exactly what I needed from this book! The characters kept my heart in this book, but the drama and twists left my brain wanting more and more. There were a few inconsistencies in the story, hence the 4-star rating, but I am looking forward to reading more about this small town and from this author!

View all my reviews

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks, Reviewed by: Breanne Christian

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Burned by Fire: Danielle Jacks
Part of the Firehouse 13 series, Burned by Fire is installment number four. Each book can be read separately. In Burned by Fire, the story follows former fireman Solomon Fox. Sol was injured while doing an off-duty rescue, forcing him into early retirement. His life became a downward spiral until he reconnects with a former mentee. From there, with her help, his life starts looking up again.
All the characters from Burned by Fire are relatable. The reader could feel what the characters were feeling the entire story. The story kept me guessing and I enjoyed how it portrayed him turning his life back around. It is a heart-felt story, and I could not put it down. The only downfall is that it could have used a little more description in places and some of the conversations were worded awkwardly.
Overall, Burned by Fire is a must read. If you are looking for a realistic love story that is also a quick read, look no further.

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by M Policicchio

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Powerful drama about keeping secrets. Brilliant story well told.

Nathan has a secret. A secret that he is keeping from everyone. Holly was new to town and the high school. Holly saw Nathan’s secret. Now, Nathan is doing whatever he can to keep her from telling everyone. As Holly and Nathan get closer, can their friendship survive the secret?

The author’s handling of this issue was thoughtful and sensitive. The way the author was inside Nathan’s head and able to depict how he was feeling, even when he wasn’t, is superb. A book like this should be on every highschooler’s reading list!

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly have loved all the books i have had the pleasure to read by this wonderful author, but this one truly sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat! The story was gripping and excellent character development as well as plot. The story kept me guessing for a while! Such a intense read!

Reading Nathan’s and Holly’s story had me deep within this book. Not all was what it seemed. I found that with Nathan to expect the unknown. He was a man of secrets as well as someone just trying to get through high school. Holly was a total sweetie, and she learns something deep on Nathan that he fears that his life will be over. Things take a turn. I was surprised and gripped to the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. I was constantly shocked, the deeper I dove into the story, the more it progressed. It was such an amazing read. i loved this amazing author’s writing skills and how they kept me in anticipation. This is something we all should read for various reasons! I could not put this book down! Loved it seriously!

Such a freaking good book! I could not get enough, and I kept reading to see what would happen next in the plot! Highly recommend this must read book! Certainly not one to be passed up!

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Alison Risher

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As someone who struggles to remember names of people, I was tickled when the heroine immediately started giving nicknames inside her head to everyone she met at her new school. The character development was truly amazing. Readers learned more about the characters at an appropriate pace. All the drama of high school was present. The hero did not get all of his issues resolved, but learned to cope with his problems in meaningful and healthy ways.

View all my reviews

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Katrina Jones

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a short but cute romance read! It alternates telling the story form each of the main characters story, so you get to know both characters! Sol is a retired firefighter who went through a traumatic event. Ember is a new firefighter who is falling for her old mentor Sol.
As the story continues, you fall more and more in love with their story!

View all my reviews

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from her first book. This is a well written story where the author’s use of details gave her story a realistic feel. Her writing style brought the story to life. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. They are young adults where one is new and the other who doesn’t get close to anyone in fear of them seeing through to the truth. This is a great story that is full action and kept me turning pages. The characters are connectable and made the story for me. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the growth of the plot which made the story easy to read. This is a great story that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and this author.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

The Lie That Binds is a YA romance story. It is a story where one has a secret and lies to keep that secret just to keep the cool kids from finding out. But the cool kids are cruel. There are bullies and mean girls, popular and unpopular groups, all those usual cliques. Nothing any teenager doesn’t go through when in high school. There is the usual teenage angst, lies and secrets, fear and pain. It is a rather emotional read to see what length some will go through because of the fear of what others think. I really wanted to knock some heads together and hug others. I really loved Amy’s other two books but there were times where I felt that the story was repetitive and others where it lulled making it hard for me to be fully immersed in this world.

Nathan feels he needs to lie to protect himself. He bullies others to keep the lime light off himself and his secret. But along comes Holly and what starts out as pretend becomes so much more.

If you enjoy teenage high school dramas and romance, then this is for you.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews