Posts

DANGEROUS GROUND: Tina and Chase’s Story (Under Ground Book 5) by Alice Rachel – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Dangerous Ground: Tina and Chase's StoryDangerous Ground: Tina and Chase’s Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As the author advises in the blurb… This is not a stand-alone. Do not read this before reading the series in the suggested order. Seriously, don’t do it. Even with the glossary at the beginning of the book it took me a few pages to settle in for the ride that is DANGEROUS GROUND.

What a ride this series is.

Holy moly, Dangerous Ground was a powerful story. I really had to sit with this story before writing this review because my emotions where a bit all over the place.

“Numbers clearly show that the lower class as a whole consumes fewer resources in year than the upper class in five months.”

“… I believe the law should forbid them from tying the knot as well. Without children, there is no point in matrimony anyway.”

Chilling words that are set in a fictional time and yet it appears not so fictional when set on the backdrop of November 2018 America.

There are many layers to this epic story. Reading this story as each character goes through changes and growth is breath taking and heart breaking and an emotional rollercoaster.

The characters and layers to the story are so written visually that I didn’t want to put the story down because it is like a movie playing in my mind.

I’m truly not sure if I could sit here and say this is my favorite of the series but I will say that is was the most… It was the most… It just WAS. I really can’t put in to words what it is about this story that just grabbed me, shook me up and put me back down. I feel like I left a teeny piece of me back on the pages. Perhaps I will get it back as the series concludes .

I would recommend it my niece when she is old enough to read the series as a whole.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being from Boston, the art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has always intrigued me. The who, why, where is a mystery that I don’t believe will ever be solved.

ISABELLA’S PAINTING is fiction based in truth. All of the aspects that surround the theft really happened. The rest is fiction and was fun to read.

This is a story filled with a bit of mystery, suspense, murder and very civilized mayhem. I really enjoyed the layers of the story. The complexity of the relationships and the roller coaster ride we were taken on.

I would recommend this story and I look forward to reading the next installment of this new series

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Plot by Melinda De Ross – Review by Maura Harper

/1 Comment/in /by

The PlotThe Plot by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that the blurb doesn’t do it justice. I was a little hesitant to read it because I thought it was going to be heavy on human trafficking. While it is a major part of the story, it’s in the past and is the thread that ties the story together.

This is a story of revenge and redemption and self-forgiveness. A complex story that is told in a fantastic way. It was easy to read and flowed well and quickly. The characters were well developed and I was rooting for Yoko from the very beginning. I was able to read every word in this book from beginning to end in one afternoon.

This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I will absolutely read more.

Review by @mauraharper

Felicity Found (Rogue Series Book 6) by Lara Ward Cosio – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Felicity Found (Rogue Series Book 6)Felicity Found by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If this is the first book you are considering by this author, please go back and read the other books in this fantastic series. It will give you a much better understanding of what is going on and who everyone is.

This is a story about life. Plain and simple as life. The story goes from situation to situation with an honesty that is unusual in fiction.

We get to follow up with characters we’ve previously met and hopefully it’s not for the last time.

It’s a well developed story with emotional situations throughout. I felt all the feelings right along with the characters.

I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and this author.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Our Unexpected HopeOur Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read the prologue for this book I thought I had already read it. There was something so familiar about it and then I realized that this is based on the daughter from “Our Next Chapter”. I was so happy.

This is a quick and delightful story. It moves fast so pay attention or you might miss some the romance. This is a book that has no angst, lots of goodness and a few tears.

There is not one bad thing I can say about this story and I don’t want to give anything away so I’m just going to advise you to read “Our Next Chapter” before “Out Unexpected Hope” you will love them both.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Nearness of YouThe Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the “Southern Promises” series written by this author so I was looking forward to getting comfortable and opening this book.

This is a book that fulfills many girls dreams. The “what if I meet that famous person, would I be able to handle myself? Be true to myself?” This story explores that theme.

The main character is a strong woman who, while not ashamed of her situation, doesn’t downplay it or use it to her advantage when talking to someone of means. She holds true to her values and doesn’t mold herself to what she thinks she should be. A nice change of pace was how nice the lead male is. Sure he’s got a great accent, is smoking hot, has a good head on his shoulders – he’s also kind and nice. They have a meet cute and the story goes on from there.

The characters are quickly developed and have all the earmarks of a classic tale. The story flows well from beginning to end and I was able to stay totally comfortable while reading this quick tale.

I recommend this book and this author.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Mouse Trapped (Satan’s Devils MC #9) by Manda Mellett – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Mouse Trapped: Satan's Devils MC #9Mouse Trapped: Satan’s Devils MC #9 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MOUSE TRAPPED is the 9th book in The Satan’s Devil MC Series. I’ve only read a few of the others and was able to settle right into this book, so it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.

I would like to review this book from a slightly different perspective. Sure it’s a story involving a motorcycle club, a computer geek and a woman who needs help. That stuff is pretty standard in MC books. What’s unique about this book is the WAY it’s told. It is not the cookie cutter “pretty white girl meets hot alpha white male and everyone lives happily ever after”. This is a story that takes a look at the overlooked in “romance” books (gosh I’m using a lot of italics tonight). This story talks about immigration rights and multi-racial stereotypes and discrimination. It shows us how not everything is as we want it to be or we think it to be. It took a non-partisan look at how the US really is – and that’s a scary place to some. This is a book that makes me think about others besides myself. Opens my eyes to topics that I am currently being distracted from by the use of ridiculous tweets. This is still a real problem and it reminded me that I have pay better attention to what else is going on around me.

Having said all of the above, MOUSE TRAPPED is also a story that allowed me escape into a book. It is a well written story that gives us a glimpse at characters we’ve read in other stories in this series and gives us a deeper look at Mouse (it’s about time he got his story told) and what it’s like to not fit in ANYWHERE. The story flows well from beginning to end and I would recommend it. Also the cover model is HOT, so there’s that 😉

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Fifth Knight: An Arthurian Legend Reverse Harem Romance (The Knights of Caerleon series Book 1) by Claire Luana & Jesikah Sundin – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Fifth Knight (The Knights of Caerleon #1)The Fifth Knight by Jesikah Sundin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Jesikah Sundin, I enjoy reading Claire Luana so I was excited to read this story.

It’s an interesting take on The Knights of the Round Table. Honestly, I don’t know much about the legend so it was all pretty new to me. I found the reverse harem an interesting twist. RH is new to me and it feels like it’s the latest “popular genre”. I have read a lot of it and this seemed tamer than what I have read.

The story features a kick a** strong female lead whose destiny is written and it is not the usual direction you would think she would be going. The characters are well developed and the story is layered with a few different threads. It held my interest and I only found myself skimming a few times.

I will re-read this story when the future installments are published.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Silk Road: Code Raven 6 by Lynda Filler – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

SILK ROAD (Code Raven, #6)SILK ROAD by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and while it is the sixth book, I was able to easily distinguish who is who based on the guide on page one and the detail given with each character’s introduction. I never had that “lost feeling” while reading SILK ROAD.

Even though this is fiction, it makes me sad that all of the elements of the story are, in fact, true and “we” have just turned a blind eye to it because “it’s not my family”.

The story held my attention from the very first word to the very last. It has intrique and suspense. It’s well written and flows quickly from beginning to end .

At times, this story reads like a travel journal taking us to beautiful and dangerous countries. There are so many locations this book takes place and the author does an amazing job introducing each locale.

I recommend this book and will be checking out the others in the series.

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

Must Be Crazy (Darling Cove Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Must Be CrazyMust Be Crazy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This the third book in the Darling Cove Series. I think it’s important to read the first two books of the series as there are references made that would be helpful to have knowledge of the characters and events mentioned.

Darling Cove is a small community which still has fairs with pig races and cotton candy and all the other things that makes small towns so much fun.

He is the Fire Chief and she is a lawyer. Together they make sparks. Throw in an adorable son and cute dog and you’ve got a situation that will cause ovaries weep.

This is a story that has multiple story lines (and lots of babies) all working at the same time (much like life). While I absolutely understand the direction the story was going in there were times that it was just “too much”. As a woman who has a “son of my heart” instead of a biological son I 100% understood and related to Skye and Jules relationship.

This is a quick read as were the other books in the series.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set (Books 1-3) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set (Books 1-3)Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ROMANCE IN REHOBOTH is a boxed set that contains:
Fat Girl
The Flip
Plot Twist

Each book is a stand alone book with crossover characters. Each book holds up on it’s on with complex characters, strong female leads, men who aren’t afraid of strong women and a whole cast of characters along the way. Each has romance, humor, a bit of angst, self-discovery and growth.

In Fat Girl, we meet a woman who is on the precipice of so many life changes. We get to see her find out who her authentic self is.

The Flip is a cute story about 2 unlikely people involved in a project that forces them to be together for a while and discover who they are.

Plot Twist is the story of realizing that you can’t always stay in the background when you are meant to be out front.

Each of these stories made me smile and feel good about the characters (did I like each and every decision, of course not). I would absolutely recommend these books and this author.

Review by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Imperfect Heart (Combat Hearts Book 4) by Tarina Deaton – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Imperfect Heart (Combat Hearts Book 4)Imperfect Heart by Tarina Deaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

IMPERFECT HEART is Book 4 of the Combat Heart Series. It is a stand-alone but you really should read the other stories in the series also to find out how fabulous each and every friend is.

I love this series and it just keeps getting better and better. I hope it continues on with Elba’s story – Oh my gosh, and Kevin!! We need Kevin’s story!!! The thing I especially like in this series is that the author is not afraid to write strong, independent women who do not NEED men in their life to make them complete – they WANT them in their life. That’s an amazing place to be and I wish more people understood that – real and fictional.

As with the other stories in this series, the characters are well developed and are mature and able to speak their truth eloquently. The characters are family – some by blood and others by choice. This is a multi layered story that is told in 3rd person. It’s real and and it’s genuine. I would absolutely want to be friends with all of the women in this series and the story makes me want to go to my local independent bookstore for a cup of coffee and a book.

This is a quick and easy read that I was very fulfilled with.

I absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Across From You by Amabel Daniels – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Across From YouAcross From You by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those stories that I started highlighting funny lines and then realized I would be highlighting a lot so I just sat back and enjoyed the story.

Here are a few of my faves:

“Being on time had always been an unreachable talent, like completing Sudoku puzzles or avoiding chiropractic aid after yoga.”
“If functioning like Inspector Gadget was an Olympic sport, I’d nab gold – if I made it on time to the event, of course.”
“Premenopausal Elsa gifting us cold flashes instead of hot.”

Funny stuff.

This book is absolutely a rom-com full of lively banter, great friendships and romantic gestures. The lead female is definitely someone I would like to be friends with. She has quick wit, loyalty, and even though she’s late for everything else – she has an amazing work ethic. Then there is Jack. A hot cop who isn’t going to settle for a random hookup. He has values and trusts his instincts.

I really enjoyed this quick and easy romance and was able to read it cover to cover in a few hours. If you are looking for something to escape into, I absolutely recommend ACROSS FROM YOU!

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

Jesse (Glass City Hearts Book 3) by Desiree Lafawn – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Jesse (Glass City Hearts Book 3)Jesse by Desiree Lafawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third book in the “Glass City Hearts Series”, JESSE can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I would absolutely recommend that you read the first two as they are great stories and we get to revisit the characters in this story.

JESSE has it all. It’s a wonderfully sweet romance – hmmm now that I think about it – it is a “sweet” romance as in there is no sex and I actually don’t remember any swearing. There are only a few characters in the story so it’s easy to know who is who and why everyone is where they are. Having said that, there is a lot going on. It’s definitely not a one dimensional story line.

I enjoy the way this author writes. There is a flow to her stories that moves them along at a really nice pace. The stories are well plotted and there is a very clear beginning, middle and end. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I think Jesse is my favorite in this series. There is just something about him that is sweet and endearing. (Please don’t tell the others.)

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Small Town Hero (Small Town Brides #1) by Kim Koby – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Small Town Hero (Small Town Brides, #1)Small Town Hero by Kim Koby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style. I was in the mood for a “sweet romance” and this fit the bill perfectly. It’s a clean – low angst story with a bit of depth to it.

The characters are quickly developed, the story moves at a decent pace and the secondary characters are well played. The book allowed me to “escape” for a few hours and I appreciated that.

I will be looking forward to more from this writer in the future.

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

My Hidden Life by Necie Navone – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

My Hidden LifeMy Hidden Life by Necie Navone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“It’s the blood they shed for the Family, and the devotion they’ve shown that makes them Family.” That is an interesting definition of family by choice vs family of origin. This story is about THE Family (always with a capital F), more specifically about the Princess of the Family and how she grows up.

I know I read about this character in the first book of the “Camelot Series” but it’s been a few books since I’ve read the story and I can’t remember the part she plays. This is her origin story.

The first part of a trilogy, MY HIDDEN LIFE is written in great detail from the protagonist’s 6th bday to her 15th. It is a story that shows the growth, both physically and mentally, of Aless as she moves through her childhood. The secondary characters all play a large role and the story is easy to follow along.

I am so so grateful that I have parts two and three of the trilogy downloaded so I can continue with the story .

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Confectioner’s Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1) by Claire Luana – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Confectioner's Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1)The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Confectioner’s Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1) by Claire Luana is a book that I “one-clicked” as soon as I saw the pre-order button. I very much enjoy this author’s stories and was excited to read this.

The world building in this story was fascinating. There is a very distinct class structure and it was interesting to see what roles people played. This is a story of magic and sweet treats (seriously, I NEEDED cupcakes by the time I finished reading it). It’s the story of a “lost girl” finding her tribe. There is murder and mystery and new crushes. Besties and trusted friends and people who want to help while still others who do not. If this wasn’t YA, I think it could almost be classified as a “cozy mystery”. There is definitely a youthful innocence to some of the characters and a mean twist to others. This story reminded me of a fairy tale with a twist.

For some reason, I read Wren (the main protagonist) with Shirley Temple’s accent and her friend Olivia as the best friend/side-kick in The Little Princess (because this is a YA book, the likelihood that anyone is going to get that reference…). This is one of those books that I would recommend to my younger cousins as a series starter.

The story flowed well, was easy to read and kept me interested from beginning to end. After the series is over, I will absolutely be going back to read again.

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

The Confectioner’s Exile by Claire Luana – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Confectioner's ExileThe Confectioner’s Exile by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes series are odd. The series is written and then a “prequel” is added at the beginning to better explain a character or characters. That’s what this prequel is. It’s the explanation of what makes Hale, Hale. I would suggest reading the series first and going back to this story.

It’s a quick and easy read with lots of drama, conflict and emotions. The writing is visually appealing and allows the reader to visualize what is going on. While it’s listed as a novella, it packs a lot of punch.

This is not a new to me author and I absolutely recommend their stories.

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Painting Kuwait VioletPainting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

PAINTING KUWAIT VIOLET is one of those books that has many layers to it.

It’s a look at cultural “standards” in the not so distant past. Women are less than second class citizens and laws and traditions are slow to change; “… Kuwait was rebuilding and needed skilled and unskilled laborers. Most Kuwaitis were either not qualified or too rich to do the work.” People like Violet saw this as an opportunity to perhaps get ahead in life. Violet wasn’t afraid to lower her expectations for work.

It’s also a story with mystery and suspense. There is someone running amok and making the protagonist’s boss (Sabah) tip toe around what is going on.

This book is very detailed in its writing. At times I found myself skimming a bit because I wanted to know what happens next. There are many characters in the story and each is introduced in a way that I was able to keep most of them straight. There is good and there is evil and there are those doing evil for what they think is the greater good.

This story was very complex. At all times it made me grateful for the life I live today.

This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I will keep an eye out for her stories in the future.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers, #2) by Lee Kilraine – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers, #2)Give and Take by Lee Kilraine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GIVE AND TAKE is Book 2 in the Thorne Brothers Series and I think it would be helpful to read book 1 just to understand the amazing dynamic that takes place in this family. If you don’t have time – that’s ok because you will still enjoy this one.

The author does such a fantastic job of giving each character individual traits while keeping the main thread of relationship going along. This series is building off each siblings experience growing up and how they now contribute to the family and world around them.

I think the author handles what could be sensitive subjects with a grace that allows the reader to stay immersed in the story and feel the feelings but not want to throw the Kindle out the window (or perhaps that’s just MY experience). This book is full of humor (omg the first scene had me chuckling so hard) and heart and romance and sweetness and just over all goodness.

I originally rated this book as a 4 and then as I started writing the review, I thought I WOULD gift this book to a friend or buy it for myself at a signing so I’ve changed it to a 5.

I absolutely recommend this author, this series and this story.

Review by @angelahayes
View all my reviews

Love, Christmas – Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book 2) by Various Authors – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book 2)Love, Christmas – Movies You Love by Mimi Barbour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I “stumbled” upon this anthology. Some of these authors are new to me while others are authors I’ve become familiar with over the last few years. While some of the stories are novellas or shorts from series, I don’t think you will be lost at all with any of them and may actually desire to read the entire series because they are that good.

Each story is a take on a “holiday” movie. Either a complete retelling or “fan fiction”… Some I have seen some I have not. Some movies I LOVED and watched over and over and others I didn’t care for. Based on my movie viewing experience, I tried to be unbiased when reading these stories.

Here are a few samples of the stories.

LOVE, ACTUALLY BY THE SEA by Traci Hall – A quick and emotional story about memories and realities and new beginnings. A story about having regrets before even trying. “Life just happens. Nothing extra special or pre-ordained about it.”

TWO HEARTS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (TWO HEARTS WOUNDED WARRIOR ROMANCE BOOK 9) by Tamara Ferguson While this is book 9 of a series, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I love love love this entire series and this was a fantastic addition to it. This is one that I hope you fall in love with and go back to the beginning where it all started.

THE HOLIDAY (CHRISTMAS) by Nancy Radke This is a story about house switching and I LOVED THE MOVIE so I was a little worried about how the author would “re-imagine” the story. It was everything I wanted it to be and so much more.

I could go on and on and recap every book, but I feel like that would be doing you a disservice. Grab this anthology and read them all. It is one of those books that you can pick up and put down and not worry about “missing anything”. If you are like me, you will rip right through it.

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading and especially if they like reading holiday tales.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal WillALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This trilogy is a MUST read. Each book is about 100 pages so you can rip through the whole trilogy in no time at all. I wish I was able to read them as a boxed set, so congrats on one clicking this.

There is so much to say about the amazingness of this series. The quick, information filled chapters. The visualization from the writing. The believability of the desired situations. It was fascinating to read.

Every letter, every word, every paragraph and every character moved this story along. It was told in such a minimalistic style yet is so full bodied. I felt it had an important moral and I was pleased with how it ended.

This is in my top 3 trilogies that I’ve read. I 100% recommend it to everyone.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Deadly Alliance : A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover Novel by Maddie Wade & India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Deadly Alliance: A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover NovelDeadly Alliance: A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover Novel by Maddie Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a quick read full of suspense and action. It’s told in 3rd person and it is a wonderful meshing of two fantastic series. I’ve read most of each series and it is my opinion that you can read this crossover even if you have not.

Even though this is a collaboration between two authors, it is written seamlessly. Had I not know I would not have guessed there are two different narrators to the story.

I appreciate that there are strong alpha females who are equal partners to their male counterparts.

I absolutely recommend this story.

Review by @mauraharper
View all my reviews

The Only One; The Brothers Of Camelot by Necie Navone – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Only One (Brothers of Camelot, #1)The Only One by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It’s the first in a new series and I will be reading future installments for sure. This was a great set-up introducing “The Brothers of Camelot”.

Each brother has a unique back story and the THE ONLY ONE introduces Fitz and Bella. SWOON. He is a classic Alpha and was fun to read.

Their story is one of humor and romance and friendship. Gosh their friendship is something that is absolutely “pinky swear” worthy.

The story held my attention all the way through and while introducing all of the subcharacters, the author was able to disclose just enough about them to make me super curious.

I look forward to reading more about the “Brothers”.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author (under either name) and I was expecting a cliche “flimsy” sports romance. It exceeded my expectations to such a level that I will gifting a copy to a dear friend of mine (book nerds unite!).

I enjoyed everything about this book. It was well thought out, never rushed to get to a scene. It has a strong beginning, middle and end and I appreciated the epilogue.

The characters were dimensional and human. The book was written in such a way that sometimes I was expecting a right turn and it took a left. It held my interest from beginning to end.

This book was NOT a Hail Mary pass. It was a well practiced “play” (football analogy that I hope I used correctly).

I absolutely recommend this book.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Embrace The Passion: Pets In Space 3 Anthology – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Embrace the Passion (Pets in Space Anthologies, #3)Embrace the Passion by S.E. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with other “EMBRACE THE PASSION: PETS IN SPACE” volumes, VOLUME THREE has 11 stories about (obviously) pets in space.

This particular edition introduced me to all new authors.

Some of the stories are short stories that show a snippet of a story while other stories are full bodied and multi layered. What I’ve liked about all of these anthologies is that it’s easy to pick up and put down while doing other things in life.

Each story is unique and could stand on its own merit. I will be looking for more stories by these talented authors.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Boss (Fire’s Edge) by Abigail Owen – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Boss (Fire's Edge, #1)The Boss by Abigail Owen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the start of a new series of dragon shifters. This group of shifters is the “dragon version of enforcers. Police, judges, jury, and sometimes executioners, all rolled into one.”. Each dragon has it’s own distinct look and while some are not related by blood, they are all brothers and sisters by experience.

This is the story of the group’s alpha – Finn. He is “THE BOSS” of the group and is a serious guy. He’s been through some things that effected him in such a way that it changed his outlook on life.

Delaney is someone that trouble seems to follow. She has had some pretty wild experiences as she has grown up and she often wonders if this is really her life. She has settled in her new living space and has made a great friend when things start to change – again.

This story was enjoyable in that it had suspense and shifters and friends and romance and DRAGONS. The story had great world building and I look forward to reading the future of this series.

It was a quick and detailed read that I recommend.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Do Not Open Until Halloween by C.A. King – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Do Not Open Until HalloweenDo Not Open Until Halloween by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know, I know… It clearly said “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL HALLOWEEN” but I couldn’t help it, I HAD to read it as soon as it hit my Kindle. This is one or my favorite authors who writes such spectacular stories that I couldn’t resist.

I have something in common with a character in this story. You see, I’m a “flamboyant introvert” (I also explain it as an extroverted introvert) and had to make sure that the story portrayed said character in a grand manner. (She was portrayed perfectly.)

Did you know that “Darkness can never hurt you as long as you have hope in your heart for a bright sky ahead.”? You will learn that and more when you read this incredible story. It’s a story of magic and friendship and stories, ohh the stories.

I recommend this beautifully written story to everyone from my young cousins and my elderly mother’s book club alike.

Actually, can I rate it with 31 stars for Halloween???

Review by @ mauraharper

View all my reviews

Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan – Review By Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

Our Next ChapterOur Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve enjoyed other stories by this author and was looking forward to reading OUR NEXT CHAPTER after reading the blurb.

This is a well constructed story that ran a little long because of all of the drama. Second chances can be hard when there are outside influences.

While I liked both main characters, there was something about each of them that bothered me. I didn’t have as much of an emotional connection with then as I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong, it is an enjoyable story and had very distinct plot points. I also liked the friendships and sibling relationships in the story.

I recommend this story.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Jack (The Immortals Book 2) by M.K. Harkins – Review by Maura Harper

/0 Comments/in /by

The Jack (The Immortal Series Book Two)The Jack by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Please read THE READER (Book 1 of The Immortal Series) first. THE JACK (Book 2 of the series) is an amazingly fantastically layered story and it is my opinion that it will be a much more satisfying read if read in order. There are a lot of nuances and characters for which the groundwork is layed in the first book.

Ok, now my review… Today was an incredibly busy day being an adult. After finally getting home at 7pm, I started reading THE JACK and realized this was a book that deserved a pleasant treat while reading. As quickly as I devoured a pint of ice cream, I turned the pages of this book.

THE JACK is everything I was hoping it to be and 100% more. It has complex plots and twists and all the goodness that comes from the author’s brain. It is a visually appealing book and I was able to “watch it unfold” as I read along.

I do not write spoilers in my reviews so I am choosing to say nothing about the storyline. Just know that this series is in my top five reads of 2018.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews