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The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the Girl and the Raven, we are introduced to young Lucy Walker who tragically loses her mom. Lucy finds herself uprooted from the only life she’s ever really known and moves from her small town to the big city of Chicago to live with her uncles. Lucy is hoping for a fresh start and a life free of drama and stress; something that young Lucy has never had before as she’s always had to look after her drug addicted mother.

What Lucy never expected was for her life to take a sudden turn with the discovery that she is half-witch and half-demon. Not only that but she meets the father that she never even knew existed. In Addition to discovering her long lost father, Lucy also finds herself battling for her life by a mysterious stranger. Clearly, this new life isn’t quite what Lucy expected but never one to back down from a challenge, Lucy faces each new challenge head-on.

Shortly after moving in with her uncles Lucy meets her upstairs neighbor, Marcus, and can’t help but become smitten with this good-looking lad. Lucy soon finds herself spending a lot of time with her new neighbor and finds herself falling in love with him. Marcus was friends with Lucy’s grandmother and promised her that he would look after Lucy and protect her, a vow that he takes very seriously. Young neighbor Marcus has a secret of his own that Lucy soon discovers. Lucy also finds herself quite attracted to Young Dylan, a boy she meets at her new high school. At first, Lucy thinks that Dylan is a jerk and wants nothing to do with him. As she gets to know him better, she sees another side of him that he keeps hidden from everyone. Suddenly she’s thrust into a love triangle as well as everything else that she is currently dealing with.

When Lucy discovers that her grandma’s beloved Raven is missing, she is determined to find it and save it at all costs. Lucy has always had a special connection with the beloved family pet. She finds herself teaming up with her neighbor, Marcus, and the two of them set off to save The Raven. Lucy’s life and everything she has ever known is forever changed as she is now thrust into a battle between good and evil.

The one thing that really drew me into this book was how strong the lead character Lucy is. Young Lucy has always had to be strong but now she really has to dig down and discover her true strengths. Lucy is one tough young lady who manages to persevere and overcome any challenge that comes her way. She will do anything to protect those that she loves. Lucy’s protective and loving nature combined with her strength is quite admirable.

I found this book had many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. From the very first page that just kind of leaves you in shock I was hooked. I immediately fell in love with the characters. I admired Lucy’s strength. The love triangle sucked me in, but I immediately became conflicted as to who would be the better choice for lucy, the brooding neighbor Marcus, or the high school friend Dylan. I love the supernatural aspect and the demons, gargoyles, and witches.

I found this book impossible to put down. As soon as I was able to, I moved on to book two in The Girl and The Raven series, entitled The Girl and The Gargoyle. I highly recommend this book and the others in The Girl and The Raven series by Pauline Gruber.

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III tells the horrific tale of the length’s a mother will go through to keep her son’s love. Mother Juana de la Cruz is a devoutly religious woman and Superior of the Orphanage of the Holy Innocents located in the community of Atzlan del Norte. The Nunnery and Orphanage is a place of closely guarded secrets, one where evil and darkness lurk behind every door. Mother Juana de la Cruz’s son Gabriel de LaTierra is a psychiatric healer who has devoted his life to helping the children at the orphanage. When Gabriel starts uncovering secrets of supernatural happenings and missing children, he becomes suspicious of the true motives of the nuns running the Orphanage of the Holy Innocents. The one person he trusts within the orphanage and nunnery is his beloved Mother Juana de la Cruz, a woman who is a true saint in Gabriel’s eyes and could harm no one, especially a child. A woman who is also considered a saint by the devoutly religious community of Atzlan del Norte.

Gabriel’s wife Consuela, however, suspects otherwise and attempts to get Gabriel to see the true person his beloved Mother Juana de la Cruz is. Consuela has powers of her own as a seer and knows that true evil is smart, often hiding in plain sight. She tries to warn Gabriel that his beloved Mother Juana is pure evil. Gabriel finds such thoughts unimaginable because his Mother Juana is devoutly religious and he refuses to see how Mother Juana keeps him, her beloved son, brainwashed and under her spell. To shed light on what Mother Juana de la Cruz’s true intentions are, Gabriel is shown through visions from Consuela the blood sacrifices of children that take place in the desert late at night. A ritual that has been taking place for centuries and one that gives Mother Juana de la Cruz and her nuns immortality. Gabriel is horrified to think that his beloved Mother could be capable of such horrendous acts of pure evil and finds himself conflicted between the love he has for his wife and the love and devotion he has towards his mother. When his beloved wife Consuela is viciously attacked, and his young son is kidnapped, Gabriel is forced to act. Will Gabriel be able to find the strength and courage to save his wife and son? Will good triumph over evil?

The Goddess of Everything is a new twist on the age-old tale of good versus evil, and the darker side of religion. From the first page Paul deBlassie III pulled me into the story and held my interest with tales of the supernatural, magical powers, religious rituals and sacrifices, and the dark realms of true evil. This book was action packed throughout and delivered from start to finish. Great read that will give you goosebumps and will surely haunt your dreams!

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes

Ye Gods! The Law Is An Ass! by Seelie Kay – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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-gods-the-law-is-an-ass” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass!Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass! by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass! Is book 2 in the Donovan Trait Series. In Book 1, we were introduced to Donovan Trait, a vampire and lawyer. Donovan is sexy, mysterious, smart and everything women want in a man. No woman has ever been enough for Donovan until he meets the vivacious, smart, and sexy Judge Shirley Magnusen. Donovan and Shirley fall head over heels in love and know that they are destined to spend eternity together. To do so, Shirley undergoes treatment by vampire scientists to turn into a vampire. Donovan and Shirley must agree to terms placed on them by the Vampire Coalition as part of their union of pure-blood vampire and turned human. They agree to allow vampire scientists to monitor the conception and birth of any children, not expecting to learn on her wedding day that she has become accidentally pregnant.

This startling discovery unleashes the fury of the Vampire Coalition who now believe that Donovan and Shirley have breeched the terms of their agreement. Their wedding, something which should be a joyous occasion, has taken a dark and sinister turn. Donovan and Shirley are suddenly forced to flee to save their lives and the life of their unborn child.

This book did not disappoint and was action packed throughout. I found myself rooting for Donovan and Shirley; hoping that the Vampire Coalition would realize the error of their old school ways and that Shirley and Donovan would finally get their happy ending. This book kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited with bated breath to see what would become of this power couple. I could not put down this book and had to continue reading to see how it would end. Would Donovan and Shirley survive the wrath of the Vampire Coalition? Will they get their happily ever after? I highly recommend both this book, and book 1 in the Donovan Trait series.

View all my reviews @ Tara Johnson Barnes

Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team #2)Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unsettled Scores by Kel O’ Connor is book 2 in the DAG Team Series. Amy Stuart has been estranged from her family for three years since the death of her sister Audrey, something that she blames herself for. After her sister’s abduction and death, Amy sets her sights on the drug lord responsible and swears to get revenge on him. When she is hired by lawyer Hugh Bainbridge IV to investigate who is smuggling drugs into his mother’s charity Amy is brought face-to-face with her arch nemesis. Amy now has the chance to fulfill the revenge she has been carefully planning for the past three years.

What Amy never expected was to fall for Hugh, a good-looking lawyer who dresses in sweatpants and is like nobody that she has ever met before. Hugh also finds himself falling for the feisty, strong-willed, and intelligent Amy. As Amy closes in on the drug lord who killed her sister, she finds herself forced to choose between love for Hugh, and revenge for her sister Audrey’s death. Which will she choose?

Unsettled Scores is a real page turner. It is very well written, and the characters are ones you find yourself drawn to. I found myself intrigued by Amy and I admired her strength, resilience, and courage in the face of danger. Although Amy was strong, she also had moments of weakness which made her more likable because the reader could see that Amy was human and that not everyone can be strong all the time. This book is a must read.

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Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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murder-among-friends” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Murder Among FriendsMurder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Camille Thurston decides she needs to recharge from her highly stressful life as a PI in Boston. She takes a leave from her job and goes to stay with her brother Zach and his family in Connecticut. What she does not expect is to get wrapped up in an investigation involving a missing woman. Rather than sit idly by Camille feels compelled to help her brother Zach, and his partner Russ. Camille aids in the investigation by keeping tabs on the missing woman’s husband, neighbors, and friends. What starts out as a way to keep track of the missing woman’s husband turns into so much more and Camille never expects to fall in love with the missing woman’s husband.

Murder Among Friends was a real page turner. It took twists and turns that I never saw coming with one big twist at the end that seemed to come out of nowhere. This book will keep you hooked as you delve in to see what will happen next.

View all my reviews @ Tara Johnson Barnes

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Shares his Trail is the third book in the Jake The Growling Dog Series. Jake loves taking walks down his favorite trail but one day while out for a walk with his friend Neet, they stumble onto something different that scares them. Jake and his friend Neet are worried about the discovery and find it hard to sleep. Jake’s friends Bodhi and Luna come over to play and decide to help their friend, so he does not have to worry alone. The friends set out for an adventure together to figure out what this strange discovery was that Jake discovered on his favorite trail.

Jake The Growling Dog shares his trail is a beautifully written story and the author does an amazing job teaching her readers valuable life lessons. Samantha Shannon describes through her characters the power of friendship and how we are never truly alone if we have friends by our side. Through Jake and his friends, she says that being different is okay and that everyone gets scared sometimes but that is okay too. Samantha Shannon gives some great tips and resources at the end of the book for both parents and children. I highly recommend this book for young and old alike.

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes

Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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raven-woman-s-tavern” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern is set in the near future in an abandoned mining town that is occupied by a small group of survivalists eking out a meagre existence. Many, but not all, of the community’s citizens are law abiding folks so when a small group of militia members converge upon the town it sets some of the community members on edge.

The story is centered on Raven Woman, a shapeshifter, and her tavern. When the militia members enter Raven’s tavern it sets off a chain of events that forever changes the life of one of its members, Baylor. After a night of heavy drinking and obnoxious behaviour the militia leave the tavern and head for home. The four members end up lost which baffles them because they have travelled that very same stretch of road on numerous occasions in the past. Somehow though, the road looks different, and time seems to be standing still. The four young militia are left to battle with each other as well as the harsh elements. Baylor is banished from the group, and he must venture through the woods and try to survive on his own. As he wanders through the forest, Baylor spots a raven in nearby treetop and swears that it is talking to him and leading the way for him. He quickly brushes this off as from fatigue and malnourishment and plods on, hoping that he can find shelter before he is too weak to continue.

Raven Woman’s Tavern is the first book that I have read by Laura Koerber, but it will not be the last. The author did a marvelous job of describing the characters, their lives, and the world they were struggling to survive in. The book gave a glimpse into how lives would be if we were suddenly stripped of all the modern conveniences, we have grown accustomed to having and often take for granted. This is something that I have though of often and found myself wanting a simpler life. Learning to fend for myself and be more self sustainable started with growing and canning my own food. These are skills that seem to have become lost through the years and I am hoping to pass these skills onto the next generation. Kudos to Laura Koerber, I look forward to reading more of your books!

View all my reviews @ Tara Johnson Barnes 

Journeys through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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journeys-through-timespace” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through TimeSpace is the second book in the series by James Talisman and starts where Book 1, Journeys Through SpaceTime, leaves off. Our three young heroes return in Book 2, and it is up to this trio to save Earth from a powerful enemy. They have travelled to a secret and hidden place deep in the Himalayas to train and prepare for their quest. A quest that has them travelling between the past and the future to find treasures that are required to save Earth.

I loved reading this book and highly recommend it because it is truly intriguing and really had me thinking about the concepts of time travel, parallel universes, and the fascinating concept of a MultiVerse. I especially loved reading about the MultiVerse and was anxious to see how the story would unfold between the various characters and each of their planets. As I delved deeper into the book, I was introduced to the concept of the seven important principles which embody all of creation. This quickly had me thinking and wanting to explore these seven important principles farther.

Journeys Through TimeSpace is very well written and there is a great amount of detail in the story throughout its entirety. Each world is described vividly, really drawing you into the scene and the lives of the characters. My three favorite characters were our brave young heroes who have an amazing and unique friendship. Regardless of the numerous obstacles they are faced with in both the past and the present the bond between the trio remains strong and unwavering. Not only do I highly recommend this book but I think that both books would make great movies!

View all my reviews @ Tara Johnson Barnes

Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Caught by HimCaught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Willabelle Stone agrees to help her grandfather out by watching his home for him while he is out of town. She arrives in a houseboat, under the cover of darkness which instantly puts the next-door neighbor on edge because he thinks there is an intruder lurking about.

Brody Nash, a famous movie actor, is caught off guard by the intruder he spots trying to break into the house next door and he decides to deal with it as best as he can. To his surprise, he is greeted by the beautiful Willabelle as she perches precariously atop the neighbor’s gate. Brody and Willabelle find themselves instantly attracted to one another which neither expected to happen.

As Brody and Willabelle start spending time together and getting to know one another each realizes that they are in love with the other. Unhappy with the blooming romance between Brody and Willabelle, Brody’s Assistant and Willabelle’s ex boyfriend plot to come between them and destroy their relationship. Brody’s Assistant Carmody is obsessed with Brody, and she feels that she is better suited for him. Willabelle’s ex boyfriend is still trying to get her back even after their break-up two years later. When Carmody and Willabelle’s ex boyfriend plot together to break up Brody and Willabelle it threatens to destroy the blossoming romance between them. Will Brody and Willabelle’s love survive?

Caught By Him is a beautiful story of how opposites can attract and fall in love. Tammy Mannersly tells this story beautifully and draws the reader into the lives of Brody and Willabelle. She shows us that true love can survive and that, as Brody often says, “Life is only worth living if you’ve got something to lose.”

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Mate by CR Robertson picks up where Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) left off. In Book 1, Forbidden Wolf, CR Robertson introduces the characters of Levi, a Lycan, and Tasha, a Vampire. Levi and Tasha have fallen deeply in love although they were never meant to be mates. The Lycans and the Vampires have been sworn enemies for centuries and were ordered to kill one another on sight but are now fighting side by side to end the Lycan-vampire war. The vampires and Lycans have formed a tentative alliance to fight a much bigger enemy, the Hellspawn.

As the war against the Hellspawn rages on Levi And Tasha are thrown into a dark world of secrets and lies that threatens to destroy everything they have ever known. It is a race against time as Levi and Tasha try to solve the mystery behind the genetics of both the Lycans and Vampires. As strong as their love is for one another it might not be enough to survive the bigger enemy and overcome the dark secrets behind their genetic makeup.

I instantly fell in love with the characters of both Levi and Tasha when I first met them in Book 1, Forbidden Wolf, and was completely drawn into their world. Book 2, Forbidden Mate, continues their journey and builds more on the characters and their lives. There was never a dull moment throughout the entire book, and it is action-packed throughout. Forbidden Mate kept me turning the pages and I found myself rooting for Levi and Tasha and hoping that their love would persevere through all the trials and tribulations they were continuously put through. My heart skipped a beat when the evil Castus popped back into their lives and tried to come between Tasha and Levi. I cringed when the Master Hellspawn is almost able to lure Tasha to him. I waited with bated breath in the hopes that Levi could save his one true love. CR Robertson does a great job building suspense and keeping the reader intrigued. I highly recommend this book!

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes

Avenging Devil Part 2 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #4) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellet starts off where Avenging Devil Part 1: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego left off. Part one left us on a cliff-hanger wondering what was going to become of Saffie and Niran.

Saffie’s past has caught up with her and Niran is embroiled in it. To save Saffie from her husband, Duke, Niran says that he was the one responsible for aiding in Saffie’s capture by her abusive ex, Duke. Saffie is devastated by this news and believes that the one person she felt that she could trust, Niran, has betrayed her trust and lied to her all along. She loathes Niran for betraying her and feels that no biker can be trusted. Niran vows to keep Saffie safe at all costs and avenge her, but to do so Saffie must believe his lies.

Avenging Devil Part 2 was an intense, emotional ride and not one for the faint hearted or for anyone easily triggered. It left me riveted as I wondered what would become of both Saffie and Niran. My heart ached for Saffie, and I felt anguish over the abuse she suffered by her husband, Duke, and his club members. Manda Mellet does a fantastic job of describing the characters and drawing the reader into each scene, making the reader feel as though they are there. I anxiously kept turning the pages to see what would become of both Saffie and Niran. I highly recommend this book!

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes

Journeys through SpaceTime (Journey Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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journeys-through-spacetime” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through Space Time intrigued me from the very beginning, and I found it difficult to put this book down. That came as a huge surprise to me because I am not a fan of anything Sci Fi and try to avoid it as best as I can. However, I quickly became wrapped up in the lives of the characters and was fascinated by the concept of multiple worlds. The multiple characters, storylines and points of view were beautifully written, and the story was immensely entertaining.

Even more intriguing to me was that the voice of a mysterious being could be heard in the minds of inhabitants across both time and space. This powerful and wise voice spoke to each inhabitant and gave each one of them advice or words of warning. The only thing linking the inhabitants of all these different worlds was the mysterious voice that each one of them heard. Those that heard the mysterious voice must now combine forces and use their knowledge and newly acquired skills to fight the forces of evil. The fate of the Multiverse is up to them.

I found it truly fascinating to explore the concept of multiple worlds and the vast Multiverse of space and time. The concept of multiple planets each with their own inhabitants had me really thinking about the possibility of life on other planets. The thought of a wise and powerful being that could get into our minds and control our thoughts intrigued me. This book gave me plenty to think about with the concept of multiple realities taking place simultaneously on multiple planets. This book is one that I will read again.

View all my reviews @ Tara Johnson 

The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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the-monster-that-ate-my-mommy” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>The Monster That Ate My MommyThe Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Monster That Ate My Mommy is a superbly written memoir by Jessica Aiken-Hall describing years of horrific abuse at the hands of those that were supposed to love her. In her memoir Jessica speaks very openly and honestly about the abuse she suffered at the hands of many throughout her life. Her abuse started at an early age by a mother who was incapable of loving Jessica. The abuse she suffered at home left her feeling unwanted and as though there was something wrong with her that she was unworthy of being loved. If her own mother could not love her, then nobody else could either.

The Monster that Ate My mommy resonated deeply with me as I, too, am a survivor of domestic abuse. I understand all too well the feelings of being unloved, unwanted, and undeserving of love. I also appreciate how difficult it is to tell one’s story for fear of rejection or worse, not being believed. I know that it must have taken a great deal of courage and strength for Jessica to share such a heart-wrenching story. As common as domestic abuse is, many women are not brave enough to share their story, while others tragically do not survive. I know that many people may not understand why someone would stay and continue to be abused by their spouse or partner and they feel that it is as simple as just walking away. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as just choosing to leave.

Domestic abuse is complex in that it is not as easy as just walking away from your abuser. You choose to stay for a multitude of reasons. You love them. You believe their promises. You hope that they change. You feel unworthy of love. You feel scared, isolated, and alone. You feel vulnerable. Years of mental abuse leaves you feeling as though the abuse is your fault and that you deserve it. I could go on and on with the numerous reasons one might stay with their abuser. Sadly, the reasons for staying are complex and not easily understood unless you have experienced something similar.

Jessica is a true survivor in every sense of the word. Even at her darkest moment she kept going and persevered. Thank you, Jessica Aiken-Hall, for your courage, your strength and for sharing your story. You are a true inspiration! I highly recommend this book! Please be advised that some scenes may be hard to read and may bring you to tears, so I recommend you have Kleenex on hand.

View all my reviews  @Tara Johnson Barnes

Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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grumbler-s-ride” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Grumbler's Ride (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #2)Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grumbler’s Ride is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC series by Manda Mellett. Grumbler is a rough and tough biker who feels as though he has no time in his life for anything other than his bike, his work, and his MC life. He has never been married and never had kids, nor has he had any desire to have either. His family is the Satan’s Devils and that is how he intends to keep it. His girlfriend, as his biker buddies refer to it, is his beloved motorcycle. Besides, even if he wanted an old lady in his life, he is too darn old at this point as he is nearing sixty.

Mary, a single mom, has been raising Alicia alone since Alicia was about 10 years old. Now at 17, Alicia and her mom butt heads constantly because, as teenagers often do, she knows everything. Mary has no desire to date or bring a man into her life because raising her head strong daughter not only keeps her busy but tends to be a turn off to men. Mary and Alicia bicker constantly as Mary tries to teach her daughter the dangers of the world. Alicia, feeling that her mom is being too overbearing and too protective, chooses to often ignore her mom’s advice. When Alicia is approached by a photographer who asks her to do some modelling for him Mary is nervous and reluctant to let Alicia do the photo shoot. However, against her better judgement, Mary allows her daughter to do the photo shoot, but only on the condition that she goes along to supervise.

As luck would have it, Grumbler has been approached by the same photographer and has been asked if his beloved bike can be used in a photo shoot. At the photo shoot Grumbler briefly meets Mary and gets a glimpse into the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship between Mary and her daughter Alicia. This chance encounter between Mary and Grumbler during the photo shoot changes all their lives forever in a way that non of them could have ever predicted.

This book was a great read and I fell in love with the characters of both Grumbler and Mary. I absolutely loved the fact that the main characters were both older and more mature. I also found it quite refreshing that Grumbler and Mary first became friends before deciding if it could be taken any farther. Grumbler is a man who oozes sex appeal and goes to show that even mature, older men that are considered rough around the edges can be sexy. Mary is someone who shows that older, more mature women, can also be attractive and desirable. This was a great read, but I must warn that there is some sensitive material in the book.

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Avenging Devil Part 1 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Avenging Devil Part 1: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 1: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil: Part 1 Satan’s Devils MC by Manda Mellet was a hard to put down book as I delved into the lives of Niran and Saffie. Niran, a biker, is nothing like what one would expect from a biker. He is kind, caring, nurturing and wants to help. When Niran finds Saffie she is an emotional train wreck and a shell of her former self. Despite this, Niran finds himself attracted to her quiet beauty and he finds himself wanting to help her. Saffie has been savagely assaulted by members of another biker’s club, so she is justifiably terrified of all bikers. Saffie trusts no one and prefers to be alone because she is terrified of getting close to anyone for fear of getting hurt again. Or worse, her ex, Duke, finding her and killing her because she left him.

Saffie refuses Niran’s help and continuously pushes him away, thwarting any efforts Niran makes to help her or try to keep her safe from her abusive ex, Duke. Regardless of how many times Saffie pushes Niran away he feels compelled to help her and does everything he can to show her that he only wants to see her safe and happy. You can feel Niran’s despair and helplessness as he reaches out to help Saffie and keeps getting pushed away. Saffie wants to accept help but is overcome with a paralyzing fear of being abused again. My heart ached for Saffie, and I found myself wanting to help her because after all that she had been through she should not be alone. Despite all the horrendous abuse and tragedy that has befallen poor Saffie she continued to persevere.

Avenging Devil: Part 1 Satan’s Devils MC San Diego was an intense emotional rollercoaster ride of emotions as you are drawn into the lives of both Saffie and Niran. You find yourself overcome with intense grief and anguish for Saffie while holding your breath waiting anxiously to see what, if anything, will become of her and Niran. This book will leave you wanting more! It is a must read!

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Being Lost: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1 by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Being Lost (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #1)Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being Lost: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1 by Manda Mellet was a book that I never thought that I would find myself reading. A book about bikers was never at the top of my reading list, however, I became so engrossed in the lives of the characters that I could not put this book down. I quickly became intrigued with Lost and the rest of the characters in the Satan’s Devils MC San Diego chapter of bikers.

Lost is a man, who really is lost. He lacks confidence in himself and always feels as though he is letting everyone down. Lost feels as though he is a complete failure and that he ruins everything he touches. When he is voted in as Prez for the Satan’s Devils MC San Diego he fears that the members of the chapter will see him for the loser that he is and that he will let everyone down.

Then Lost meets Patsy, a woman who needs protection from a powerful drug lord named Archer, a man who has vowed to kill Patsy at the first chance he gets. Lost is put in charge of protecting Patsy and this one task turns into something that neither Lost nor Patsy were ever expecting. Lost and Patsy are immediately not only attracted to each other physically but are drawn to each other on an emotional level. Neither of them expected to find love this late in life. Suddenly, both of their lives are forever changed as Lost vows to keep Patsy safe at all costs.

Being Lost: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1 was a powerful read that gave me a whole new insight into the lives of both male and female bikers. The characters were ones that you feel that you could get to know more personally, and you are drawn into their world. This book was full of action, suspense, violence, love, lust, anger, betrayal, and most of all the journey of self-discovery. This book is a must read!

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Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Wolf is Part 1 in The Shadow Chronicles by CR Robertson. In all honesty I never thought that I would enjoy a book about vampires, but I found that I was unable to book this book down. I was so enthralled by this book that I had it read from cover to cover within a 24-hour period. Not much else got accomplished until I was through reading this book.

Tasha, a Vampire, and Levi, a Lycan, are from two different worlds. The Lycans and the Vampires had been mortal enemies for hundreds of years and were ordered to kill one another upon sight. A chance encounter between Tasha and Levi leads to a tumultuous love affair that they must closely guard, or risk being put to death. Their love is one that can never be, but they vow to somehow make it work. When they are old enough to be sent to war, they are separated but vow that they will again be together. The bond that they forge is unbreakable and they go to great lengths to be together regardless of how many miles have separated them and how many years they have been apart. When they discover a common enemy that is killing both Vampires and Lycans their clans form an allegiance for each to save their clans. Tasha, and Levi are finally able to be together, however, their relationship is one that the Coven leader, is disgusted by and he wants both Levi and Tasha killed. The coven leader is a man that is so cruel you instantly loathe him and want to jump into the pages of the book to protect Tasha from his evil wrath.

Forbidden Wolf was very professionally written, and I found myself completely drawn into the lives of both Tasha and Levi. I found myself rooting for the characters to be together and kept reading to see if Tasha and Levi would get their happily ever after. Forbidden Wolf kept me hooked from the first page and I was not disappointed throughout. This book is a must read! I cannot wait to read the remaining books in this series!

@Tara Johnson Barnes

First, We Kill All the Lawyers (Donovan Trait Series) by Seelie Kay – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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First, We Kill All the LawyersFirst, We Kill All the Lawyers by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First We Kill All The Lawyers is Book One in The Donovan Trait Series by author Seelie Kay. Donovan Trait is a charismatic and drop-dead gorgeous lawyer that ladies fawn over and that everyone wants to be like. His charm and good looks, combined with his knowledge of the law has kept him winning cases in the court room for over three hundred years. A little seduction of judges and juries along the way has not hurt his court cases either and his appetite is insatiable both in and out of the courtroom.

Donovan Trait is unstoppable and untouchable, or so he thinks, until someone sets their sights on him and marks him for murder. Luckily for him, Vampires do not die. The problem is, after several hundred years he has finally met the love of his life who is a human. Shirley is a Judge that Donovan met during one of his cases who turns out to be a match for Donovan both in and out of the courtroom. She is beautiful, vivacious, and smart. However, she is merely mortal and marked for death. They now must battle for their lives as they are hunted like prey by an unknown killer whose motives are unbeknown to them. Donovan and his lady love must combine their skills and their knowledge to save their lives and catch the killer that has set their sights on them and marked them both for death.

First We Kill All The Lawyers had me on edge throughout as I became immersed in Donovan’s life. I felt his pain as he clung to life after several attempts on his life. I waited with bated breath to see if his lady love would survive the attempt on her life. I anxiously turned the pages to see if this man would find his happily ever after or if fate would intervene. I recommend this book and cannot wait to read more books in this series.

@TaraJohnsonBarnes

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart #1)Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sexy Drug is book 1 in the Losing My Heart Trilogy by Melody Calder. It is a powerful blend of love, deceit, crime, lust, and betrayal all beautifully woven together in a story that will keep you riveted. Callous, cold hearted bodyguard Ramone is ordered to be personal bodyguard for his boss’ spoiled, obnoxious daughter Katie. A girl that he has always despised and wanted nothing to do with. All that changes when he is assigned to be her personal bodyguard after she survives an attempt on her life by a sniper. As much as each tries to deny it, they forge a bond and find a growing attraction between them. Each must deny their attraction for the other or risk being killed by her overbearing, controlling father who is a powerful drug lord.

Sexy Drug was beautifully written and had a nice flow from chapter to chapter. It starts off strong and keeps you hooked from the first few pages and compels you to keep reading. Full of descriptive writing Melody Calder draws the reader into each scene making you feel as though you are there in that place and in that moment. The tension between characters intrigued me and compelled me to keep reading to see what would happen next. I found the book hard to put down as I was drawn into the world of Ramone and Katie. This is a book that I know I will want to read more than once, from cover to cover, with no interruptions. I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by@ TaraJohnsonBarnes

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