Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These are adorable books! I read them to my daughter (she will be a year old in a week). And she loooooved spike! Where I don’t really think the storylines make much sense, it is children’s books so it is ok I guess.
5 Stars
Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth
Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a wonderfully written Sci-Fi Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I honestly wasn’t sure to expect going in but man im glad I decided to give this a read. This author is a fairly new author to me but I can see myself being a fan. The characters are fun, fully developed and relatable. They really bring the story to life and had me feeling like I was apart of the story. This authors style of writing and attention to detail kept me turning the pages till the end. Get ready to be taken on a adventure with Ashali as she finds herself in a situation she never imagined she be in. There’s twists and turns that will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what happens next. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
I adored this book! Such a fun read for me, and I even got my 12 year old to enjoy it!! Superhero’s, danger, Sci-Fi, a little romance, and of course drama!
Young girls on spring break! Boy meets girl and they have chemistry. They attempt to get to know each other and hang out…. And then next thing you know girl goes missing! Who comes to save the day??
Ashali and Jace were a lot of fun together. Jace was that gorgeous boy by day and superhero by night. Ashali is smart and cute with some secrets of her own. When Ashali is taken she proves to be no damsel in need of a knight…. From there our superhero adventure begins!
This book was simply amazing, full of non stop action from beginning to end, I simply couldn’t put this one down. This book really had it all a sci-fi meets romance with plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader interested from beginning to end. The characters were amazing, the plot was intense and interesting, and the cover was beautiful. So If your looking for a great new sci-fi or a new romance combo, pick this one up today.
There is no lull in this entire book! It is nonstop action from beginning to end and I breezed right through it. I loved that Ashali is a force to be reckoned with.
Ashali is spending Spring Break with her friend in Florida where she runs into Jase. He seems like a nice guy but sometimes appearances can be deceiving. It turns out he is actually a vigilante, the Blue Horseman, who Ashali was never very fond of. She has some secrets of her own though and it was fun to see each one come to light.
Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a great sci-fi meets romance with a lot of adventure. This is a book I found incredibly easy to visualize which is always fun! I recommend picking this up and absorbing the world created by Jordan Elizabeth.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth. This was a fun read. Its the story of Ashali who is on spring break with her friends. She meets Jase at a bar and is smitten. The night is going good so she goes back to his place but she is suddenly kidnapped. Jase is a superhero and is called the Blue Horseman and thought he had kept his identity a secret but apparently not. He realizes now that Ashali has been kidnapped he is in danger but his main priority is saving Ashali. Once he finds her he realizes she can take care of herself. Things go haywire fighting the bad guys together and they get into some dangerous situations but realizing they care about each other makes them fight harder. This book is full of danger, aliens, super heroes and fights. Such a fun read.
Ashali and her friend Miranda fully intend to make the most of their Spring Break and decide to go out to a club together. Miranda has no problem letting her hair down or meeting guys but Ashali, on the other hand, cannot seem to be as uninhibited as her friend. Until she spots Jase, that is, who Ashali feels inexplicably attracted to. Jase is good looking, polite, and charming so Ashali instantly feels at ease with him. Jase and Ashali immediately hit it off and Jase invites Ashali to come back to his house. This is something that Ashali would never normally do but she feels as though she can trust Jase and accepts his invitation.
Ashali is unsure what to expect when she gets to Jase’s home but decides to try to relax and get to know Jase better. What she never expected was to get kidnapped by a group of assassins that are known as Ives who want to use her against Jase. As it turns out, Jase is a vigilante known as the Blue Horseman and Ives thinks he has something they want that will aid them in their sinister plot to take over the world. Of course, Ashali does not take well to being kidnapped and as it turns out she can hold her own against the bad guys. Before long Ashali and Jase have teamed up in a quest to uncover what kind of dark secrets Ives has been keeping. Ashali and Jase are now in the fight of their lives as they battle evil and dark forces all around them.
I truly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down as the author drew me completely into the world of Ashali and Jase. I was surprised again and again as the book took twists and turns that I did not see coming. The character of Ashali comes across as being dainty, sweet, and innocent at first glance but as you read farther you discover that she has strength and mad fighting skills. Jase initially comes across as a bit of a playboy but as the story unfolds so does his character. As the story develops, we discover that Jase is the Blue Horseman, and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Together, Ashali and The Blue Horseman make a dynamic and unstoppable crime-fighting duo. This book was action-packed throughout and impossible to put down. I highly recommend!
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/fc712ca5-cfe5-4637-8981-a5218e3f3f19
What a fun and original read! A young adult, slow burn romance, fantasy that is appropriate to read for your teenager with fade to black scenes.
In this world, superheros are a common sight and they actively save the world and fight crime when the opportunity arrives. Ashali is your typical loner girl out on vacation with her best friend Miranda in Florida when she meets a handsome boy at the bar named Jase. A spontaneous decision to go home with Jase makes for a lengthy adventure of superheros, bad guys, a growing attraction neither party can deny and a discovery of one’s own ability to be a badass.
Ashali and the Blue Horseman
By: Jordan Elizabeth
4 Stars
Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a bit of a superhero adventure story by Jordan Elizabeth. I was immediately intrigued as soon as I laid eyes on the title and cover- then the blurb sealed the deal for me.
This was a fun story with just the right amount of tension, action, intrigue, mystery, and romance to keep things interesting.
Ashali life is about to take an unexpected and action-packed turn. With an evil gang of assassins, a vigilante, secret identities, and much more- get set for a ride on the fun side.
I can see this making a great movie, or TV series.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Jordan Elizabeth!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
5 stars!
I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out, but I instantly fell in love hard and fast! I love Ashali, she seems so meek and in need of saving at first but once put into a situation her fight comes out, and she is magnificent. Jase, he seemed a little obnoxious at first meeting, but I could tell how he was falling for Ashali, and watching their relationship blossom was so sweet. There were a couple of different surprises throughout the book, like who Ashali’s family is and where she comes from. I thought the story flowed so smoothly and really hope to see if Ashali and Jase will be continuing their journey together and being the superhero they are.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Ashali and The Blue Horseman is a brilliant adventure story with a touch of romance. An intriguing sci-fi based story it grips you from the start. The writing is easy to read and world-building very well done. The story is layered with several storylines and is told from both Ashali and Jase’s POV which makes for a deeper connection. With strong characters, vigilantes, aliens, superheroes and secrets this is a highly recommend.
Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a sci fi romance tale.
This story is unique and engaging with an interesting plot. It is well written, and the world building is done well with characters that are compelling.
There are lots of twists and turns as we adventure along with Ashali, evil mercenaries, and blood-thirsty aliens. With dark secrets to uncover, kidnappings to get out of, villains to take down along with a budding romance Jordan certainly keeps us on our toes.
Ashali finds herself in a situation she could never have dreamed of. She is not a wilting flower and she will not stand by and let the villains win. Instead of a white knight riding in to save the day, Ashali has someone known as the Blue Horseman shows up. She soon finds her heart is on the line.
Reviewed by @jennadb
I simply loved reading this book, it had action, those super hero moments where your cheering from your seat as you read, girl power moments, tender moments, and anything else you would want in a super hero book! The author did an amazing job creating this story and bringing it to life!
I love a good super hero book. A hero fighting against those who mean wrong This one was off the wall amazing! Loved the character personality of Ashali and how she started off in the book, and whom she was by the completion of it. It was a fun read, full of action and moments where I laughed and smiled! Chase was a great “side kick” character as well! I really enjoyed how the story went and the development of the plot. The author impressed me with their creativity and how they brought the story to life! Loved it!
This was a very entertaining read that intrigued me all the way through! I did not want to stop reading, I constantly needed to know what would happen next! The author is a must read, hands down and really knew how to pull the reader in! A high recommendation for a book from myself, a must read for sure!
I found this to be one of those books that surprised me with how good it was. Although the story is fantastic for me this book is all about the characters. They have a strength to standout as individual characters, capturing my interest in them on their own. Combined, together as a duo, they are just the perfect pairing. I thought the author did great at weaving a story full of adventure and sci-fi, keeping it exciting and fast paced. I easily read this book as I was pulled in right from the start. This is a great story that I would definitely recommend.
5 out of 5 stars
“How can you be sick of superheroes?” Ashali is in Florida for Spring Break and sees reports everywhere of the Blue Horseman. She goes out with her friend to a bar and this hottie, Jase, sits down. Ashali is a strong, independent character with a few issues but she goes for Jase. After a little conversation, he invites her to see his parents archeological collection (uh huh, we’ve all heard that.) She doesn’t know his secret identity. He’s a millionaire with a secret. But, alas, she is kidnapped. This is where the rom com drama begins. I loved this story. The humor, mystery, and romance make for a story that will have you chuckling. My family though I had lost it due to my laughing while I was reading. The characters are well-written. If all superhero’s could be that hot, I’d be in trouble more often. The plot is well-developed. A quick read that you’ll enjoy.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy books that make me question the author’s intentions. I think the extended title, “A Dark Comedy Or Not,” kind of answers this. I read this book during a time that I was going through some intense personal struggle, and it definitely helped me escape my reality. There is a diverse cast of characters in The Cool Thing. Many of them have baggage, and that helps to make them relatable and highlights the humor in the story. Mr. Rife did a fantastic job in creating this comedy that included monsters and aliens. It is a good start to the series.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What would you do if you came across a UFO that makes you feel a little weird and gives off a funny smell? I have never read a book like The Cool Thing before! This was full of things your wildest imagination couldn’t even think of. It took me quite a bit to get into it as the first few chapters are very short and seemingly disconnected, but once I got a feel for the flow it was mind-blowing. Full of monsters, quirky sci-fi events, and even love, I was not sufficiently prepared to soak all of this in on the first read. I fully intend to read it again before I pick-up the next book in this jaw-dropping series!
If you keep an open mind when you begin reading this, it won’t take long for you to be absorbed in Robert Rife’s incredible storytelling abilities. Give it a chance and you’ll come out the other side with a marvelous yet dark picture of what is going on with all of these characters.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was definitely different than my normal go to reads but it was memorable. It had dark humor, horror, sci-fi elements, and a whole lot of weirdness. The writing style is also important to note because I have never read anything quite like it but it was enjoyable. Worth the read!
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.
The Cool Thing series: Book 1
By: Robert Rife
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 stars
I have never read anything like this! This story is everything you want it to be and more. Robert Rife creates a world full of monsters, aliens, love, and surprises in this delightful dark comedy where things can only get worse.
The dark and twisted humor and the weirdly fascinating story kept me turning pages! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to pick up the next book! Robert Rife uses vivid imagery and language to bring these wonderfully bizarre characters to life. His use of dialogue like Deena Lynn’s bubbly “Okaydee?” or any of the dark jokes really captured me and brought some fun realism to this strange and scary tale. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be horrified and laugh out loud at the same time!
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fantastic book it a way of going between dark and funny at a quick pace. It’s a different type of book it’s a fast read. The dark humor is great as someone who løbe it is very refreshing to read. Whislt the couple are selling items they find themselves in sticky situations all things been told from different pov makes it a very interesting read.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife. This is my first read by this author but it for sure won’t be my last. It’s a crazy read but so fun. It starts out with a crazy couple who will do anything and I mean anything for cash. When they find an abandoned UFO they begin to sell it part by part. When they get caught they realize they are in more trouble than they bargained for. There is also a crazy Dr who has a lab full of messed up specimen. Unfortunately they don’t all disappear some never die! This crazy read will take you on a sci fi, alien fueled, monster bash. You will be turning pages late in the night trying to figure out what all these crazy people are doing. I’ve not read a book like this ever but I’m ready for the next one. Do yourself a favor and pick up this dark comedy with aliens, monsters and people that could pose as monsters!
(°◡°♡) 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE (°◡°♡) 
Spring break is as wild as Ashali has always heard. It even includes a cute guy, Jase. It’s everything Ashali imagined and dreamed.
Until she’s kidnapped by a gang of assassins known as Ives. Jase is a vigilante called the Blue Horseman, and Ives wants to use Ashali as leverage against him. Of course her dream date would have to be battling evil. Nothing in her life has ever been simple.
But Ashali is no damsel in distress and doesn’t take to being held by villains. Teaming up with Jase, the two set out to discover the secrets behind Ives.
Evil mercenaries, blood-thirsty aliens, and dark secrets on all sides will give Jase and Ashali the biggest challenge of their lives. They might even survive it.
Jordan Elizabeth lives in a fantasy world of magic and adventure. When she isn’t reading romance, she has her mind immersed in a daydream. Jordan’s home office is often frequented by a cat, a toddler, and a husband.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cool Thing was definitely an interesting read. By far the most unique story I’ve read so far this year. After reading the 1st few chapters I was sooo confused I wasn’t sure if I was likely the book or not but I couldn’t stop reading. It’s definitely not gonna be for everybody but if you like Sci-Fi, Comedy, & Romance then this is definitely for you. I’m really happy I didn’t give on finishing the book. It turned out to be quite enjoyable and I’m even looking forward to reading book 2.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy Or Not is the first book in The Cool Thing series. Let me tell you, I was intrigued by the blurb, but it does not prepare you for this book. The story is a fun, sci-fi, romance, and adventure rolled into one. The story is really creative, but what did it for me was the elements of dark comedy. The descriptions and dialogue were unexpectedly amazing. I wasn’t sure where the story would take me, but I was not disappointed.
I look forward to reading the next book in this creative series and reading more from this author soon.
The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A thoroughly strange and unique read. I have to admit my favorite thing about this book was the author’s descriptive language. I had never read anything from this author, but their style of writing definitely drew me in and gave life to this book. The book has an eclectic plot that is like nothing else I’ve ever read before. Bottom line: if you’re into dark humor, horror, sci-fi elements, and not too attached to characters in general – you’ll enjoy this book.
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Quick of Destiny was a bone chilling tale about what can happen if GM food products had disastrous effects on the majority of the population. The book starts off slow in the beginning but it provides a good platform for the main characters. When the disaster strikes is when the story truly takes off and sends Calum and the people around him into a journey of survival. Imagine a world where anyone that has eaten GM effected food products such as meat, dairy turns into a crazy person with no rational thought. That is the world that the majority of the book takes place in. Calum and his friends are put into varies dangerous and exciting situations that they must escape themselves out of into this new world.
Catherine Greenall was able to bring up the issues in our current food predicament in a truly engaging way. It’s a good start on informing people to change their ways by being more green and the dangers of eating GM food.
My main complaint is when the location and/or the point of view switched without a break on paragraphs. Eventually I was able to figure our where the characters were. The only other thing is there are a lot of characters towards the end that weren’t introduced besides their names.
Overall I found the book engaging and thought provoking.
Review by @callielamarche
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~Zombies…Epidemics…For All Fans of Thrill and Destiny~
There are so many reasons I loved this book. I think the main one is because of my own natural love of the environmental sciences. Reading about them in a fictional setting, from an author who obviously did their homework makes this an easy favorite. From world building, scene setting, and character development you are in for a ride. Calum is a character you can fall right in line with as the plot develops.
He is persistent in the face of obviously challenging situations, making him in my opinion an excellent leader. He isn’t a cookie cutter character, rather his choices really put you into the world in a way that makes you think, “What would I do here?” The plot develops in a way that is shocking, and unique. Seriously loved this over-all, it’s hard to find a story with zombies that you can really sink your teeth into. If you have ever wanted to read the post-apocalyptic genre, focused more on the sciences and challenges your way of thinking, you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fast paced, could totally happen apocalyptic read! I really love the authors writing style and the characters. I love Calum’s level head in some pretty stressful situations. The fact that this story isn’t that far fetched will send chills down your spine! It will keep you up late turning pages to see what happens to Ben, Calum, Rob and Jessie. Just when you think you may have the plot figured out there’s another truth found. There’s a lot of science to back up the story to really get you thinking! I can’t wait to read the next book!
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Overall – a good read with a storyline that works well with the character and plot drive. A dystopian fueled by modified foods and a deadly coverup that goes horribly wrong. It introduces many interesting concepts and a severe warning that many can just take and run with it. With a background in agriculture, there is often a lot of misinformation and misleading among these topics.
It was a good read in terms of the possibilities that can come from improper regulation and the misuse of power.
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Quirk of Destiny is a chilling dystopian read and I couldn’t get enough. I really enjoyed the scientific and political parts that were woven into the story. When the content is this realistic as well as relatable, you get pulled in and start wondering if this is something that could happen!
Calum has been trying to alert someone about the safety of this new modified food but his whole department was told to keep quiet. Calum does not accept this and wants to inform others, so they know the repercussions. The government seems to silence anyone who is coming forward with news they apparently don’t want leaked. People begin behaving in an odd manner and panic ensues. Everyone starts looking to Calum for guidance and he becomes a natural born leader in humanity’s most dire moment.
The chapters in the beginning are very short so it took a little getting used to but after the first few, they get more in-depth and incredibly interesting. I am very excited for the second book in this series and recommend getting this one as soon as you can!
Reviewed by @shannlynn