Book Review: Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener

Rating: 5 Stars

This is my first time reading a book by Michelle Diener and she certainly didn't disappoint. I was really hooked with this page-turner of a story from the very beginning. There really wasn't a dull moment in the story. It picked up right in the thick of the plot but there is enough retelling of the back story to ensure you understand the whole picture.

I found myself really rooting for Taya; her story is truly a joy to read and I was longing for the chapters to be longer. Taya is an ordinary girl having a strong inner resolve to stand up for what's right. Eventually, beyond anyone's expectation, she would rise above everyone and be the unlikely key to their freedom. This is one of those books where you truly are rooting for the good people, who also happen to be the underdogs, to triumph over evil.

Garek on the other hand is a man on a mission; someone willing to risk everything and willing to take down anyone who stands in his way to get to the girl he loves. Together with Taya, they form a formidable team. Ms Diener writes their romance very delicately, and you can really feel the chemistry and the connection between the two. Great job!

All in all, I truly enjoyed reading this. For those looking for a good read, this one is highly recommended.

About the Book

Series: Sky Raiders (Book 1)
Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi and Fantasy

When the people of Barit first saw the silver glint of sky craft, they felt awe. Then awe turned to fear. And they found a name for the mysterious newcomers. Sky raiders.

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

What Taya doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up on finding her. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.

Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

Book Review: Ghosts and Shadows by H. Max Hiller

Rating: 5 Stars

Be prepared for a thrilling ride. H. Max Hiller expertly weaves his way in storytelling, thrilling readers and immersing them in a complex web of mystery, then slowly uncovering each puzzle to set up a climactic ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, despite it being a lengthy book. There was never a dull moment. I like how the author starts off with a simple arson crime, but slowly reveals that a much bigger plot is in the cards, played by people in much more powerful positions. Just when you think the case couldn't get much bigger, the author reveals another revelation that builds up the story further. Simply great writing.

I gathered this is the third book involving Detective Cooter Holland, but I did not feel lost at all. All characters were introduced properly and it wasn't difficult picking up the character backgrounds and where they stand in the story.

As for the characters, I'm really impressed with the lead character, for which the author has displayed his full expertise in the field of crime and investigation. Truthfully, I wouldn't mind a little more romantic spin in the story, whether for the lead characters or for a secondary character, to deflect the seriousness of the story a little bit. But since the 4 main leads already have respective pairs from the very beginning, it is understandable not to focus on this.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, no-nonsense, action packed read. If you like police/detective investigation type of story, a complex plot and an explosive ending, get this one. You won't be disappointed for sure.

About the Book

Series: Detective "Cadillac" Holland Mystery Series (Book 3)
Genre: Mystery and Thriller

The oath Detective Cooter “Cadillac” Holland swore to defend his home against foreign and domestic enemies is put to the test when evil men from both sides of the border start a war on the eve of Mardi Gras, an election, and the first Super Bowl in Saints’ history. Detective Holland's cases tend to involve a number of unanticipated consequences and his latest case is certainly no exception. An arson investigation uncovers a shadowy operation that has resurrected the blueprints for the classified operation that nearly got Detective Holland killed in Iraq, and now threatens to expose the detective's darkest secrets. When Detective Holland’s friends and family are also put at risk, he is forced to call upon the skills and mind-set learned as a Special Forces and Intelligence operative to keep the peace between local heroin dealers and a violent Mexican drug cartel, outsmart a defense contractor, and take on a loose-cannon Federal official willing to create a bloodbath to cover the tracks of a deal gone bad when New Orleans can least afford it.

Book Review: Life II by Scott Spotson

I've encountered a number of time travel stories -- in books, tv, and movies -- but this to me is a completely different, yet totally creative spin on time travelling. And while ultimately this is still fiction, I found it to be a very well thought out story, one where the entire story connects and seems logical. Just that alone is enough for me to give this book 5 stars. But there's more.

The story focuses on Max, a regular middle aged guy who would think about the what-ifs in life -- what if he studied medicine instead of being a desk-bound accountant, what if his relationship with his family and friends progressed differently...things would have been much better now. And this wish would come true for Max -- he travels 26 years in time back to his high school years with the earnest hope that, armed with the knowledge of hindsight, he could help the people close to him have a much better life. But as he would find out, things aren't so simple, results don't go the way he would have wanted, and even his very life would be affected in ways he didn't expect.

I was a bit skeptical initially on how the story would pan out but once the story shifted and presented how time travel works, things start to pick up. I got really intrigued with how the story would unfold that it became a real page turner for me. I found a portion of the ending a bit bizarre though, but perhaps the author just wanted to point out the vast possibilities of how people would react knowing such a time travel device exists. Nevertheless I believe the book ended in a fitting manner.

The author's writing style, plus the way in which each chapter was structured made for a very easy read. Very entertaining and something I will definitely recommend to others.

A Final Word: How plausible is this spin of time travel from a realistic standpoint? To me, the main issue that probably prevents me from thinking this is realistic is how to bridge someone's mind/awareness from the present time with his past's physical body. Although this does eliminate the conflict of having 2 versions of the same person. In any case, I am not an expert in this field, but it did elicit some further thoughts on the topic.

About the Book

Series: Life II (Book 1)
Genre: New Adult, Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Upon discovering a 1958 book titled "Account of Time Travel on Earth Using Wave Theory," 42-year-old Max Thorning's life is thrown into chaos. Seeking answers to the book's cryptic clues, he discovers Dr. Time, a seemingly benign alien who has control of the Time Weaver, a remarkable device that can command any scene from the Earth's past. Dr. Time offers him a choice to go back into Time, to any point in his lifespan that he can vividly recall. The catch: he can only bring his memories, and can only live the future one day at a time. Follow Max's dilemma as he goes back to his 16-year-old self and tries to forge his destiny into a new one called Life II.

Review: Hiding by Katherine McDermott

A nice read sprinkled with great action!
Rating: 4 Stars
Available at: Amazon

I was drawn to this book from the blurb in anticipation of an action packed story, as depicted in the blurb. As it turned out, Hiding provides enough mystery, thrills and chase, balanced with traditional sweet romance in a nice, serene and romantic French backdrop. The story revolves around Teresa, opening with a look at what caused her to seek recluse in faraway Paris -- being physically abused by her boyfriend Alex. Starting a new life, she meets Serge, who slowly and patiently show her how to trust in guys and love again. But life is not so simple and Alex eventually tracks her down. The story culminates in a thrilling chase to stop Alex from killing Teresa. I like how the story builds up -- on the one hand, we get to see how deranged and delusional one can get in stalking someone. On the other hand, we get to witness how love can grow and blossom between two people, no matter how painful a person's past can be. And interspersed throughout the book are nice, refreshing details giving us a glimpse of how life in Paris could be like (not just the usual few days and places tourists normally visit). One aspect I believe could be improved on is on Alex's character development. For example, I am not sure what kind of background he has to be stalking Teresa to the point where he's willing to kill just to get her back. Sure, he felt he had been double crossed, but there has to be something more in his character to seek such kind of revenge. Overall, this one is very well suited for those looking for a nice and sweet romance with a touch of mystery. I look forward to reading more books from the author.

Review + Giveaway: Before She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson

Review

A Sweet Historical Romance Novel: Love Conquers All
Rating: 5 Stars

Before She Became A Lady is a sweet romance novel depicting how even during historical past, love still overcomes no matter what challenges lie in its path.

The story centers around Laurel Collingsworth, only 17 years of age but already set to marry Lord Robert Lanningham.  Reading the first few pages, I had this initial impression of her being immature and how she may not yet be primed for marriage. As the story developed, I started seeing a transformation within her, and by the very last page, she had become a totally different person, one definitely fit to be called a Lady.

Perhaps it is the different clashes, conflicts and challenges she faced all throughout the story that molded her character. It is not only the new environment that she found herself in, or the new faces that she had to live and contend with day-in day-out, but also having to adjust to married life and even to live with and love a "different" Robert.  Through all this, we see Laurel started portraying courage, a steely determination and a new level of maturity in her character to rise above all these odds.

The pace of the story is just right. Personally, I had hoped for a more intense resolution on the mystery aspects in the story. This would have added  a few thrilling moments.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the story as a whole, especially the historical nature of the story. Fans of historical romance will definitely love this.

Grab your copy of Before She Became a Lady!
Available at:

Blurb

Laurel Collingsworth, seventeen and deeply in love, expects to marry her hero and live in wedded bliss forever after. Instead, with the ink barely dry on the marriage lines, Lord Robert Laningham is called away to Spain and the war. With a heavy heart, she sends her husband off with a kiss and a prayer for his safe return.

Now alone in her new role of Lady Laningham, she faces a series of terrifying events, shadowy intruders, missing jewelry, and mysterious footfalls in the night. Added to her alarms, she must fight her hostile sister-in-law for the reigns of her husband’s establishment.

When Lord Robert Laningham returns, can she convince him danger stalks the halls of the ancient mansion? In his wounded state, will he listen or must she protect her child, her recovering husband, and her household by herself?

Giveaway

Join Before She Became a Lady giveaway contest!
Contest runs until November 9, 2016.
You could be one of three lucky winners of a $10 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Wareeze Woodson

I am a native of Texas and still live in this great state. I write period romance tangled with suspense. I married my high school sweetheart, years and years ago. We raised four children and have eight grandchildren, and grandchildren are Grand. At the moment, all my children and my grandchildren live within seventy miles of our home, lots of visits. My husband and I still love each other after all these years the stuff romance is made of, Happy Ever After!

Visit the official Website of Wareeze Woodson:
http://www.wareezewoodson.com

Connect with Wareeze Woodson on social media:
Facebook | Twitter

Before She Became a Lady on Tour

Get more tidbits and info on Before She Became a Lady from the sites below, and get more chances to win the giveaway contest!

October 27

Book Unleashed - Promo, Excerpt

October 28

Stormy Nights Reviewing and Bloggin' - Promo

What is That Book About - Excerpt

October 29

Books, Dreams, Life - Promo, Review, Excerpt

October 31

Cali Book Reviews - Review

November 1

Reading Alley - Excerpt

November 2

The Avid Book Collector - Promo, Excerpt

November 3

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Promo, Excerpt, Bonus Scene

November 4

The Romance Reviews - Review

Romancing the Books and More - Promo, Excerpt

November 5

Delish and Yummy Book Boyfriends - Guest Post

November 7

The Starred Review - Review, Character Profile

EskieMama Reads - Promo, Excerpt

November 8

Cranky The Book Curmudgeon - Review

Pick a Genre Already - Promo, Excerpt

November 9

SlingWords - Promo

Random Thoughts of a Book Nerd - Promo, Excerpt

---

In partnership with

Review: R.U.N. On The Folded Edge by J. Phillip Elwes

A Sweet Love Story
Rating: 4 Stars
Available at: Amazon, Reading Alley

What a cute, sweet love story of a man who's always lucked out on love finally finding "The One". It just proves that if you've kissed enough frogs, your prince is bound to come along. Chuck couldn't believe it when a super hunky guy hit on him when they were hanging upside-down on the roller coaster, and they had an unbelievable night. When morning rolls around, he expected Nick to be gone, and true enough he was, though Nick left his phone number. Chuck didn't believe a word of it, sure that it was the usual brush-off he'd experienced lots of times before. Yet, he found himself on the road to Nick's home, and what he found there was the beginning of something unbelievable. Chuck was a lovely man, though he suffered from self-esteem issues and was willing to settle for a low-end job and non-relationships with men who left him the morning after. It was when Nick entered his life that he started to believe in himself, that he believed he deserved better. It's great to see what the power of love and the belief of friends can do to lift one up. Still, Chuck had to want to believe it himself. There was growth and development to his character, and while Nick was the catalyst, there was that poignant and realistic moment when Chuck said that he believed in himself "a little more all the time". There were several loopholes in the story, and one of my complaints was that the story was too short. If it were longer, the characters could've been built up more. As it was, only Chuck had any discernible growth, while Nick served as cheerleader, support and kind of fairy godmother when he brought Chuck into "his world". If the story had more conflict, there could've been more tension to make the story a truly compelling read.

What a cute, sweet love story of a man who's always lucked out on love finally finding "The One". It just proves that if you've kissed enough frogs, your prince is bound to come along. Chuck couldn't believe it when a super hunky guy hit on him when they were hanging upside-down on the roller coaster, and they had an unbelievable night. When morning rolls around, he expected Nick to be gone, and true enough he was, though Nick left his phone number. Chuck didn't believe a word of it, sure that it was the usual brush-off he'd experienced lots of times before. Yet, he found himself on the road to Nick's home, and what he found there was the beginning of something unbelievable. Chuck was a lovely man, though he suffered from self-esteem issues and was willing to settle for a low-end job and non-relationships with men who left him the morning after. It was when Nick entered his life that he started to believe in himself, that he believed he deserved better. It's great to see what the power of love and the belief of friends can do to lift one up. Still, Chuck had to want to believe it himself. There was growth and development to his character, and while Nick was the catalyst, there was that poignant and realistic moment when Chuck said that he believed in himself "a little more all the time". There were several loopholes in the story, and one of my complaints was that the story was too short. If it were longer, the characters could've been built up more. As it was, only Chuck had any discernible growth, while Nick served as cheerleader, support and kind of fairy godmother when he brought Chuck into "his world". If the story had more conflict, there could've been more tension to make the story a truly compelling read.

Review Copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Romantic Road by Blair McDowel

An Interesting Plot
Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon, Reading Alley

A good mix of heart-pumping action, exciting chase scenes balanced off by slow, romantic moments, Romantic Road is a nice and intriguing weekend read.

Still reeling from the death of her husband Igor, Lacy was shocked when she was accosted and demanded to hand over some manuscripts that she has no knowledge of. Thus start a journey of realization that her husband is actually more than who she is led to believe, a journey that leads her to a “romantic road” to her husband’s mysterious past, and a journey that leads her to Max, someone who makes her feel trusted, cared for and loved once again. And just whet the appetites of readers, the story leads to a surprising revelation towards the end. I enjoy the mixture of fast-paced action with slow-paced moments that Ms. McDowell interspersed throughout the story. This has given Lacy and Max more time to relax and get to know each other before they are pursued once again. The story provides a good characterization of Lacy, being a normal and simple woman caught up in her late husband’s web of intricacies, and this shows in the wrong decisions she made. Yet for all that, she does her best to keep up and think fast on her feet in emergency situations. I remember when she dumps the beer over her assailant's face so she could get away. That was quick thinking! Part of the reason why I enjoy this book is also the great chemistry between Max and Lacy. Beyond that, the constant drop of small hints throughout the story will keep your mind thinking — could there be something more about Max than just someone who is interested in Lacy? Could he be more than who he portrays himself to be? Set predominantly along different parts of beautiful Europe, Ms. McDowell’s fine writing will give you a vivid picture of where Max and Lacy went throughout their adventure. In retrospect, perhaps the one thing I felt might be good to have is a further extension to the story, an epilogue of sorts, to cover some unanswered points. I am also intrigued to find out more about the mysterious manuscript of Igor. Nevertheless, I was totally entertained and find this an enjoyable read.

A good mix of heart-pumping action, exciting chase scenes balanced off by slow, romantic moments, Romantic Road is a nice and intriguing weekend read. Still reeling from the death of her husband Igor, Lacy was shocked when she was accosted and demanded to hand over some manuscripts that she has no knowledge of. Thus start a journey of realization that her husband is actually more than who she is led to believe, a journey that leads her to a “romantic road” to her husband’s mysterious past, and a journey that leads her to Max, someone who makes her feel trusted, cared for and loved once again. And just whet the appetites of readers, the story leads to a surprising revelation towards the end. I enjoy the mixture of fast-paced action with slow-paced moments that Ms. McDowell interspersed throughout the story. This has given Lacy and Max more time to relax and get to know each other before they are pursued once again. The story provides a good characterization of Lacy, being a normal and simple woman caught up in her late husband’s web of intricacies, and this shows in the wrong decisions she made. Yet for all that, she does her best to keep up and think fast on her feet in emergency situations. I remember when she dumps the beer over her assailant's face so she could get away. That was quick thinking! Part of the reason why I enjoy this book is also the great chemistry between Max and Lacy. Beyond that, the constant drop of small hints throughout the story will keep your mind thinking — could there be something more about Max than just someone who is interested in Lacy? Could he be more than who he portrays himself to be? Set predominantly along different parts of beautiful Europe, Ms. McDowell’s fine writing will give you a vivid picture of where Max and Lacy went throughout their adventure. In retrospect, perhaps the one thing I felt might be good to have is a further extension to the story, an epilogue of sorts, to cover some unanswered points. I am also intrigued to find out more about the mysterious manuscript of Igor. Nevertheless, I was totally entertained and find this an enjoyable read.

Review Copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Sword of Osman by Tim Symonds

A Treat for all Sherlock Holmes Fans!!
Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon, Reading Alley

I got fascinated with Sherlock Holmes after having been introduced to his adventures in the recent BBC series. The TV series came off as funny, witty and engaging for me, and I was eager to read what a book on Sherlock has in store. It has made me a greater fan of Sherlock more than ever! I enjoyed the story and the plot very much. It definitely has a lot of depth, and gives an insightful glimpse into the teamwork and camaraderie of Sherlock and Watson in solving mysteries. Sherlock and Watson are off to a case to uncover a plot to steal the Sword of Osman and prevent the destabilization of the Ottoman Empire. It is set in 1906, at a time where tensions in Europe are mounting, and any destabilization can cause far wider implications. The element of mystery is intriguing, worthy of any Sherlock Holmes mystery. Mr. Symonds has done a fine job fitting and weaving the plot inside a historical setting, slowly revealing bits and pieces of the puzzle, with plot twists and turns nicely injected as the story moves along. Furthermore, the narration is done from Watson’s point of view. This has given me an in-depth appreciation of Watson’s character and his thought process. But in my opinion, the beauty of this is that told from his point of view, it has magnified the mysterious vibe surrounding Sherlock’s character, in that even from a close comrades’ point of view, how Sherlock’s mind works is still surprising, astounding and downright admirable. The effect is that it leaves you in awe of his brilliance, oftentimes wondering how he managed to deduce a piece of the puzzle.
The research that Mr. Symonds has done is very extensive and detailed. The historical timeline, background, the characters, the people’s way of life, nothing has been left out of context. It has led to a very realistic feel and a feeling of being transported to that period in time. Frankly, it is not one of the easier books for me to read as oftentimes I would come across terminologies used that are unfamiliar, and upon further research were because they existed only during those times. This has simply added to the authenticity of the story. Overall, it has added to the immense quality of story writing Mr. Symonds has devoted on this book. There is a reason why Sherlock Homes is a character that stands the test of time in the literary world. I would highly recommend this to all Sherlock fans, old and new. For those who have been introduced to Sherlock from the TV series, as I have been, this is certainly a very interesting read and gives you a different yet perhaps more authentic look into a Sherlock Holmes classic. I am interested to read how old time fans of Sherlock would receive this story. In any case, I look forward to other Sherlock books by Mr. Symonds.

I got fascinated with Sherlock Holmes after having been introduced to his adventures in the recent BBC series. The TV series came off as funny, witty and engaging for me, and I was eager to read what a book on Sherlock has in store. It has made me a greater fan of Sherlock more than ever! I enjoyed the story and the plot very much. It definitely has a lot of depth, and gives an insightful glimpse into the teamwork and camaraderie of Sherlock and Watson in solving mysteries. Sherlock and Watson are off to a case to uncover a plot to steal the Sword of Osman and prevent the destabilization of the Ottoman Empire. It is set in 1906, at a time where tensions in Europe are mounting, and any destabilization can cause far wider implications. The element of mystery is intriguing, worthy of any Sherlock Holmes mystery. Mr. Symonds has done a fine job fitting and weaving the plot inside a historical setting, slowly revealing bits and pieces of the puzzle, with plot twists and turns nicely injected as the story moves along. Furthermore, the narration is done from Watson’s point of view. This has given me an in-depth appreciation of Watson’s character and his thought process. But in my opinion, the beauty of this is that told from his point of view, it has magnified the mysterious vibe surrounding Sherlock’s character, in that even from a close comrades’ point of view, how Sherlock’s mind works is still surprising, astounding and downright admirable. The effect is that it leaves you in awe of his brilliance, oftentimes wondering how he managed to deduce a piece of the puzzle. The research that Mr. Symonds has done is very extensive and detailed. The historical timeline, background, the characters, the people’s way of life, nothing has been left out of context. It has led to a very realistic feel and a feeling of being transported to that period in time. Frankly, it is not one of the easier books for me to read as oftentimes I would come across terminologies used that are unfamiliar, and upon further research were because they existed only during those times. This has simply added to the authenticity of the story. Overall, it has added to the immense quality of story writing Mr. Symonds has devoted on this book. There is a reason why Sherlock Homes is a character that stands the test of time in the literary world. I would highly recommend this to all Sherlock fans, old and new. For those who have been introduced to Sherlock from the TV series, as I have been, this is certainly a very interesting read and gives you a different yet perhaps more authentic look into a Sherlock Holmes classic. I am interested to read how old time fans of Sherlock would receive this story. In any case, I look forward to other Sherlock books by Mr. Symonds. Review Copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Iced Out: An Abby & Henry Caper by Melanie Harvey

Brilliant and Witty with Plenty of Twists!!
Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon, Reading Alley

With a witty storyline that has full of nice twists, Iced Out is a light, refreshing and delightful read from Melanie Harvey.

I truly enjoyed the story from start to finish. Something about plots that involve heists and thievery has always resonated well with me. As I read the first few pages, I suddenly had a recollection of similar themed plots, such as If Tomorrow Comes by Sydney Sheldon and the movie The Thomas Crown Affair, both of which I really like for the wit, the humorous portrayal of their escapades.  And I was not disappointed with Iced Out either. Beyond the actual heist, the story has more than its fair share of twist and turns sprinkled with witty conversations throughout the book. If this is what you are looking for in a story, I would highly recommend this book.

The characters though not your average hero and heroine, are both very likeable in their own ways.  Henry is not your usual hero. He does not come to me as an exceedingly confident person, but he has the right attitude and a sound conscience. What I like most about him is that despite a seemingly shady past, his character does not waver when it comes to integrity and loyalty to friends, something that is truly admirable even on his dealings with Abby.

And so, enter Abby, our heroine and the hottest person Henry has met. Being innocent to the plans that Henry and his friends are making, Henry tries to balance between pulling off the heist and growing his relationship with Abby. Little did he know that Abby is not really the person who he thinks she is! So together, Henry and Abby’s relationship develop to complement each other rather well.  In the end, both will worm their way into your heart — Henry being someone you love to have as a lead character, and Abby, being such a likeable person that you will end up rooting for her throughout the story.

The romantic element is sweet, and I liked the progression of how their relationship grew. It certainly is realistic. I liked the perspective of Henry throwing his love for Abby despite not being sure on whether it will be reciprocated. And Abby, for all the confidence that she has, has grown a sense of dependency on Henry. This is what makes the story sweet and romantic.

Combine all of the above with excellent story telling, witty conversations all throughout, and a vindictive ending, this has certainly made for an excellent read. I am not sure if the author will have a sequel involving Henry and Abby, but if there is, I will certainly not hesitate to pick it up.


Review Copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.