Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Audrey Rose is passionate about forensic science. Her uncle has decided to let her apprentice because she has the mind for it. She has to go against her father's wishes since he's completely against it. In the midst of her studies, a career murderer starts murdering prostitutes in the area. She becomes determined to track down and catch the killer.

I really enjoyed this story. Yes, I'm aware that the author took some liberties with the facts in the story. She stated it in her Author's Note in the back of the book. Her owning up to it and explaining why is good enough for me. It's a fictional story. It's meant to be mostly fiction. The fact that some historical facts, people, and events are in it is pretty cool in itself.

I really adored Audrey Rose. She is fiery and fierce. She knows exactly what she wants to do and she's willing to risk everything to prove that she's good at it and that her gender doesn't change that. Thomas is a pretty amazing character too. He's witty. He reminds me of Adrian from Vampire Academy or Logan from Gilmore Girls. He's irritating but so adorable.

I've been wanting to read this book for an amazingly long time. It was ten times better than I thought it would be. I thought it would be amazing. I wasn't expecting it to be amazing AND thrilling. I wasn't expecting to grow an attachment to the characters. I definitely didn't expect to read the rest of the series. It's amazing!

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Review: Dark Poison

Dark Poison by Grace White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Celeste has found not one but three loves. She has also become part wolf and part vampire. The only thing left is to become part fae. Every day that passes brings more danger to her and her loved ones. She must close the veil and stop all the danger once and for all. The only problem is that it may end her time with her three loves forever.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the entire trilogy. It's beautiful. It's realistic. Well, as realistic as a paranormal book can be, but yeah. I really adored it. I was antsy on how it would be ended. I was worried for nothing. The ending was as beautiful as the entire trilogy was. I read the first two more than once. If that says anything.

I've gushed over the characters in the first two reviews. I will continue gushing over them here. Lucas is still my favorite and will always be. He's just so sweet and sassy. That's my favorite type of man. Celeste is amazing too. It's nice to see a main character who knows what she wants and what she's after. She's not afraid to acknowledge that she's afraid, but carries on with what she needs to do anyway. It's inspiring.

The narrator for this book is the same for the narrator in the first two books. Sarah Puckett. I can gush over this narrator for days and not get over it. She's just so talented. She gives even more life to the book than the authors already do. She is so passionate. She's an inspiration. I hope to be as good as her when I start narrating!

This was a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. I just wish it didn't have to end. I could have read about the characters in this world for years on end and not get tired of it. Especially where Lucas is involved. I wouldn't mind spin-off series for this book. Maybe even a prequel or a prequel trilogy involving Sierra. I would definitely read them all if they existed.

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Review: Moon Cursed

Moon Cursed by Grace White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Updated Review:
Celeste is a vessel. She's appointed regent of Devil's Gate. Her heart belongs to a vampire, a faerie, and a werewolf. To obtain peace between the species, she must become the ultimate hybrid. She must also keep her safe from the people who lurk in the shadows to take her down.

This is my second time reading this. I enjoyed it the first time. I enjoyed it this time as well. I reread it and the first book so that I could be prepared for the third book. Or I was just looking for an excuse to re-read them. I'll leave that open for interpretation. Either way, I adore it. I will have to say that this book ends on a cliff hanger. I would recommend having the third book handy before reading it.

While she can be a bit much at times, I really adore and relate to Celeste. I really wouldn't mind taking her place when it comes to her lovely men as well. I'm just saying. We have our lovely werewolf, Laken. Our fierce vampire, Gage. Then, there's my personal favorite, Lucas the faerie. He's so sassy and quirky. He's also so proper. He kind of reminds me of a tamer version of Logan from Gilmore Girls.

I stated in my original review that the narrator, Sarah Puckett, is one of my favorite narrators. I stand by that statement. She's just so talented. I mean the books are obviously very great. She finds a way to bring them to life even more than the author does. She sucks the reader in and makes them feel everything. I absolutely adore her!

I'm glad I read this book again. I can't lie and say I won't read it again. I'll probably read it quite a few more times. I wouldn't mind having physical copies of these books to have on my bookshelves. I'd love to meet the author and pick her brain as well! I haven't read the third book so I can't make this official, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be in my top ten favorite trilogies.

Original:
This book wrecked me. I had the biggest hangover ever due to this book. I just can't even begin to tell you about it. My heart!!! I don't even know! Don't take this review to mean you shouldn't read it. You SHOULD read it! I fully and strongly recommend it. Just prepare to be wrecked if you're very invested in the characters like I was.

The narrator was fantastic. She's one of my absolute favorite narrators of all time. I love her style. And she has this twang about her that's just so adorable. So I not only recommend this book (please read the first book first), I also recommend the narrator!

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Tybee Island H-Bomb Blog Tour

Discover a new voice in the realms of thrillers and suspense on the Tybee Island H-Bomb Blog Tour featuring Michael Houtchen! Suspense, thrills, mystery great characters, and even some humor awaits you!

In addition to being Michael’s debut novel, Tybee Island H-Bomb is the first of an exciting new series of thrillers!

Follow the blog tour running from November 20-27 with a variety of activities, from reviews, to guest posts, to top ten lists, to interviews!

Synopsis of Tybee Island H-Bomb: The government lost a hydrogen bomb around Tybee Island, Georgia, in 1958, or is that an old wives’ tale?

If it is only a tale, then why are three young men trying to find it, in hopes of selling it to make a dirty bomb?

Before the week is out, six friends from Kentucky will get caught up in kidnapping, murder, and treason, while trying to save one of their own and perhaps the citizens of Tybee Island and Savannah, Georgia.

___________________________

About Michael Houtchen:

Kentucky has always been my home. I was born in Owensboro and raised in Daviess County. Life was simple back then. I grew up with outhouses, hand-pumps, and coal stoves. If you wanted hot water, you heated it on the stove. Both of my parents have passed on. I have a half-brother, Danny, but most of our younger lives he lived with his father, so we didn’t get to see each other often. Looking back, sadly, it was like being an only child. My closest friends were the cows, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, geese, ducks, and horses my dad kept on our small farm. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Farm animals can be so jealous. Our grocery store – mason jars of mom’s canned vegetables and the occasional trip into town to the IGA.

My dad was a woodsman. You could give him a shotgun, a box of shells and a book of matches, and he could disappear into the forest for weeks. I used to hunt with him, but I was never the woodsman. I can’t tell you how many deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and ground hogs I’ve eaten.
My wife, Stephanie, and I have five kids (three boys and two girls) and eight grandchildren (five boys and three girls). All but one son live here in town. You should see Christmas day at our house.

I’ve had several jobs during my lifetime. When I was thirteen, I had a summer job. I was a soda-jerk at the Utica Junior High School playground. The school is now defunct. It is not my fault the school went defunct. As an adult, I started out as a janitor. Loved the work, but not the pay. Mapping came next. In other words, I was a draftsman who created maps from surveys. I did that for over twenty years. Mapping fulltime and going to Brescia College (It’s now a University) at night, I got a BS in Computer Science. Career change. I was a Computer Analyst for over twenty years.

There came a day when I realized I was the dinosaur of Computer Science. Technology had passed me by. So, I up and retired. That was in 2014, and I haven’t missed working a day. Truth be known, I do miss the people I worked with. Notice, I’ve said nothing about writing. I could tell you a pretty good story, but putting it on paper was another thing. Stephanie, my wife, asked, “And why not?” I had no answer.

I should keep this short, so, I will tease you with two important events that happened in my life; two events that I haven’t already discussed. When we meet each other, don’t hesitate to ask me about them.

Monday, September 6, 1965, was a Labor Day, and I was out of school. On that day, I came in contact with a high voltage powerline. Seven thousand two hundred volts entered my hand and exited my head and my feet.

That’s not a typo. It was seven thousand two hundred volts. I was given up for dead for three days. There is a “rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say. Ask me about it when we meet.

The second event: September 17, 2017, I was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. It keeps me busy these days. If you’re not sure what a Permanent Deacon does, Goggle “Permanent Deacon of the Catholic Church.”

There you have it. My life story summed up in 1000 words or less. It sounds like a writing contest doesn’t it. There’s so much I left out. I could tell you about riding the rails, or the time I hung myself. But, those will have to wait until we meet.


Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Houtchen-1425826841052699/


Tour Schedule and Activities

11/20   Infamous Scribbler     http://www.infamous-scribbler.com/            Author Interview

11/21   The Seventh Star Blog http://www.theseventhstarblog.com            Guest Post

11/22   Jazzy Book Reviews     https://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/          Guest Post

11/23   The Literary Underworld        http://www.literaryunderworld.com                   Guest Post

11/23   The Writing Process    http://kimsprocess.wordpress.com    Top Ten's List

11/24   Carol Preflatish, Mystery Author        http://CarolPre.blogspot.com            Author Interview

11/25   The Book Junkie Reads . . .      https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/2019/11/spotlight-tybee-island-h-bomb.html      Author Interview

11/26 Sheila's Guests and Reviews http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com Guest Post


Links for Tybee Island H-Bomb

Kindle Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Tybee-Island-H-Bomb-Michael-Houtchen-ebook/dp/B07V6T7BWC/

Amazon Print Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Tybee-Island-H-Bomb-Michael-Houtchen/dp/1948042789/

Barnes and Noble Link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tybee-island-h-bomb-michael-houtchen/1132868604?ean=9781948042789

Descendant Blog Tour

Welcome to a blog tour that will bring you thrills and chills in the heart of the holiday season with the Descendant Blog Tour featuring the Occult Detective himself, Bob Freeman!

A supernatural thriller that readers of horror will also love, Descendant includes several original illustrations from Bob Freeman! The novel is interrelated with Bob’s short story collection First Born: Tales of the Liber Monstrorum, but can be read on its own.

A great opportunity to explore fascinating subject matter with a true expert who is a highly-respected lecturer on paranormal & supernatural topics!

About the author: Bob Freemanis an author, artist, and paranormal adventurer whose previous works include Shadows Over Somerset, Keepers of the Dead, and First Born.

A lifelong student of mythology, folklore, magic, and religion, Freeman has written numerous short stories, articles, and reviews for various online and print publications and is a respected lecturer on the occult and paranormal phenomena.

He lives in rural Indiana with his wife Kim and son Connor.

Book Synopsis for Descendant:  Descendant is a supernatural thriller filled with daring action, adventure, and artifice set against the backdrop of a very familiar world – but it is a world in which preternatural entities, clandestine magical orders, ancient bloodlines, and unholy alliances converge within the shadowed recesses of our darkest imaginings.

Federal Agents Selina Wolfe and Martin Crowe are called in to investigate a series of bizarre deaths in a small rural community. What first seems to be a misadventure involving black magic and satanic ritual soon takes on even more deleterious overtones, as the agents become embroiled in a plot by a sinister cabal intent on unleashing Hell on Earth.

Author Links:

Twitter: @OccultDetective

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/authorbobfreeman/

Website:  www.occultdetective.com

Tour Schedule and Activities

11/18   Dark Bites        www.darkbites.ca       Guest Post

11/19   Armed with A Book     www.armedwithabook.com   Guest Post

11/19   Sheila’s Guests and Reviews   http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com       Guest Post

11/20   Sahara Foley    https://saharafoley.com/blog/           Author Interview

11/20   Honestly Austen          http://www.honestlyausten.com       Review

11/21   Jazzy Book Reviews     https://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/          Guest Post

11/22   The Book Junkie Reads           https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com    Author Interview

11/23   Sapphyria’s Books       https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/    Guest Post

11/24   The Seventh Star Blog http://www.theseventhstarblog.com            guest post

11/25   Carol Preflaish, Mystery Author          http://CarolPre.blogspot.com            Author Interview

11/25   I Smell Sheep   http://www.ISmellSheep.com            Top Ten’s List

Links for Descendant

Kindle Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Descendant-Novel-Monstrorum-Bob-Freeman-ebook/dp/B07XNSLQBW/

Amazon Print Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Descendant-Novel-Monstrorum-Bob-Freeman/dp/1948042878/

Barnes and Noble Link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/descendant-bob-freeman/1028498347?ean=2940160816678

Review: Blood Lust

Blood Lust by Grace White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Updated Review:

Celeste has been hiding her true identity so she can live life as a normal human. She also has a blood spell on her to disguise her appearance from the paranormals. The spell is only meant to last until her 18th birthday, but a tragedy keeps them from removing the spell and telling her the truth about herself. That is until she is approached while out and about one night by Gage.

This is my third time reading it and I was just as entranced by it as the first time around. I absolutely loved the story and the characters. I realize now that my previous review did no justice to this book at all. I'm thankful for the chance to redeem myself. I read the first two already, but I decided to reread them in honor of finally being able to read the third book.

Celeste is an amazing heroine. She's strong and independent, but she cares about the people around her. I really liked Gage too. He reminds me of Eric from the Sookie Stackhouse series (True Blood for those who have only watched the show). Laken is everything you would expect from a wolf shifter. He's fierce and loyal. My favorite would have to be Lucas the fairy. He's so witty and charming. I absolutely adore him.

I believe this is the very first book I ever heard by the narrator, Sarah Puckett. I absolutely fell in love with her voice. I've since listened to many other books that she has narrated. She's become one of my favorite narrators of all time. She's one of the best. I hope one day to become as amazing of a narrator as she is. I fully recommend anything that she does.

I so enjoyed this book. I know this is my third time reading this, but I have a feeling that it will not be my last time reading it. I also would love to get my hand on other books by this author. I can't think of anything to compare this book to, but it really stands well on its own. It's funny and dark and witty. I love it.

Original Review:

I took one look at this cover and just knew I would love it. I was not wrong. The characters are amazing. The story is amazing. I am glad that I chose to go with my gut reaction to this book. So far, it has not to lead me wrong. My best correlation I can give about this book is True Blood. Except the main character is a witch.

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Guardian The Choice Blog Tour (Late)

Hush Blog Tour

Welcome to my stop on the Hush by Leanna Sain blog tour! This is an exciting new suspense that you're going to want to get your hands on. Read on for a bit about the book, some sneak peeks and inside insight, and a giveaway. Be sure to stick around for the whole tour for more fun tidbits and daily chances at extra entries(there will be a new question on the form each day!). Don't forget to join the release event on Facebook here.

 

Available on Amazon Here

Lacey Campbell dreams murders before they happen. The night she dreams of a man strangling a young woman while crooning the lullaby “Hush, Little Baby,” she tries to convince herself it doesn’t mean anything. The next day she’s horrified to learn her dream was reality. Then she dreams the second murder…. Detective Ford Jamison is called in to help the local police, and he soon has a working theory about the murders. His belief that the killer is using the lullaby as a “blueprint” to target women who resemble Lacey, doesn’t slow the killings. Lacey is now afraid to fall asleep at night because the next face she sees in her dream might be her own. As a hurricane churns ever closer to the little coastal town, danger and suspicion spins out of control. Time is running out. Can they stop the killer before the last verse of the lullaby?  

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Leanna:

North Carolina native, Leanna Sain, earned her BA from the University of South Carolina, then moved back to her beloved mountains of western NC. Her Southern romantic suspense or “GRIT-lit,” showcases her plot-driven method of writing that successfully rolls the styles of best-selling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Nicholas Sparks, and Jan Karon into a delightfully hybrid form that is all her own. Her books have stacked up numerous awards, from Foreword Magazine’s Book-of-the-Year to the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. She loves leading discussion groups and book clubs. For more information or to contact her, visit: www.LeannaSain.com

 

Review: Claiming His Wife

Claiming His Wife by Golden Angel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alex is tired of living apart from his wife. He's tired of both of them taking different lovers. All he wants is her. He doesn't understand what made her run away from their marriage in the first place. Grace is heartbroken when she discovers her husband and father talking. He tells her father that one woman is as good as another. Unable to trust that he'd married her for love, she flees as soon as the honeymoon is over.

I enjoyed this book and the three books in the series far more than I really thought I would. I was told that this was a stand-alone series and that I could read them in any order I wished. I do not entirely agree with this assessment. While reading them in order isn't really a necessity, it would be for the best. There are references that just make a better sense of reading them in order. I really loved how she found a way to keep all couples involved in each and every book.

I really felt for Grace. It seemed she didn't really grow up with a loving and warm father. It doesn't really speculate on her relationship with her mother and her sisters. Either way, I fully understood her reaction to overhearing what Alex said to her father. She thought he was just like her father. I really adored how all the characters got a bit of a happy ending. It was like the author tied up the series with a nice little bow.

This Is officially the fourth book I've listened to involving S. Kitten. I've enjoyed her in every single one of them. She has this very proper voice that's very lovely to hear. I'd gladly listen to any other book she narrates. Especially if it's an audiobook in this time period. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she time-traveled to our time from that time!

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the series very much. I personally would recommend that the series be read from beginning to end. However, it doesn't exactly have to be read in order. Each book has it's own story pretty much. It does slightly tie in the characters from previous books, though. It's not a genre I'd of normally read, but I'm glad I did.

View all my reviews

SKYJUMP Blog Tour

Review: Punishing His Ward

Punishing His Ward by Golden Angel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wesley was requested to come home by his mother. His ward was extremely out of hand. If he didn't get her under control soon, she will ruin not only her name but his mother's as well. He must find a way to keep her in line and untainted. He must also resist the temptation of wanting her while he finds someone to marry her off to.

This isn't the best of the three, but I really enjoyed it all the same. I really love how the author takes adds new main characters to the story but maintains the ones from previous books as well. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I preferred to read them all in order. I may not have fully missed anything, but there are things I wouldn't have fully understood had I read them out of order.

While I can't say I identify with any of the characters in the book, I adore them. I connect well with them. Well, I connect more with the women than the men. It's really hard to explain. In some ways, I feel the men in the books are a little weird. Maybe that's how they were in that time period.

I really enjoyed the narrator. She narrated the first two books as well. S. Kitten narrated the book. It seems she narrated the whole series from what I'm understanding. She has a very perfect voice for the time period in which this book takes place. I can't really explain that either. She's just very proper and sophisticated. I'd definitely listen to other audiobooks by her.

I really don't care for this genre that much. Not that I have anything against it. It's just not really my thing. However, Golden Angel makes me want to read her books anyway. She's very talented. I've come out of my comfort zone so much listening to her books. I'm glad I did. It's amazing to see exceptions to the rule.

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Review: The Forgotten Garden

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassandra finds a shocking discovery in the middle of grieving over losing her grandmother. The discovery leads to a mystery. Cassandra decides to find a way to solve the mystery. She knows it's what her grandmother would have wanted. Especially after finding out about a house that her grandmother bought years ago that she left to her.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't at first. It's a really slow start. I was reading it for book club, so I stuck with it. It goes from slow to confusing, but if the reader sticks with it, it will get better. All the questions and threads get tied up in a very nice way. I'm not willing to say more than that. I don't want to ruin the book for those who are curious. I just hope they don't give up reading at the beginning.

I really adored Cassandra. Or I adored her as much as I could. There were times she comes off a bit robotic. My favorite character was Eliza. I connected with her so much. There were a lot of tragedies and hardships with many of the characters in this book, but I feel Eliza had the worst of it. I already said too much even saying her name. She makes the book worth reading this book.

This was a very beautiful story. It had a slow start, but it's worth sticking with it and continuing. There are so many moments that just shocked me and pulled me in. I can't explain it. I can't explain how many thrills I got with every twist. I'm curious to see what else this author has written.

View all my reviews

The Amulet Of Elements Blog Tour (Late)

You are invited on a fantastical adventure in the blog tour celebrating the debut novel from Rose Marie Machario, The Amulet of Elements! The first book in the Majick of the Chosen Ones Series, The Amulet of Elements will introduce to you a wonderful protagonist in Princess Ellyria Rose!

The blog tour will run from November 11-18 and feature reviews, guest posts, video, top tens lists, interviews, and more!

Synopsis of The Amulet of Elements:

Princess Ellyria Rose found her special places in the books she read. Imagining herself in far off lands, she would dream of the knight who might rescue her one day from her dull, everyday life of needlepoint and lessons on becoming a lady.

Princess Ellyria Rose yearned for adventure and on her sixteenth birthday she got her wish, being rescued by the man of her dreams. Little did she know that would prove to be an adventure she did not expect to have.

Betrayed by the very man whom Princess Ellyria trusted, and left at the mercy of her father’s enemy, she had to use her wits to escape; along with the help of the very man who led her astray in the beginning.

Danger unfolds time and again, revealing an ancient story about a princess and a prophecy.

About the author:

Rose Marie Machario is the creator and hostess of Dream Big. A show all about real people who are making their dreams come true.

When Rose is not inspiring others to follow their dreams, she is a nationally and internationally published pinup model, and a blossoming actress having worked in several featured, or principal roles. She has been seen in various television shows such as Ozark, The Originals, Nashville, Homicide Hunter, Killer Couples, Murder Chose Me, Murder Comes to Town, Snapped, #Murder, Justice by Any Means, Notorious, Fatal Attraction, Murder Mystery, Murder Decoded, and American Nightmare. Her movie credits include Tag, Super Fly, The Road Less Traveled, and The Last Movie Star.

Rose is also a published author of her debut fantasy novel, The Amulet of Elements. She also writes in the romance, and horror genres, and her column called Dream Big.

In her spare time she enjoys a daily routine of yoga, loves to cook, and cuddling up with her fur-babies while watching her favorite television shows, and movies.

Author Links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRoseMarieMachario/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/witchgypsyrose

Website: http://www.rosemariemachario.com

Tour Schedule and Activities

11/11   Sheila's Guests and Reviews   http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com        Guest Post

11/11   The Book Junkie Reads           https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/2019/11/spotlight-ya-fantasy-amulet-of-elements-debut.html   Top Ten's List

11/12   Sapphyria's Books       https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/     Guest Post

11/13   Sahara Foley Author    www.saharafoley.com            Author Interview

11/13   Midnight Review         http://jhbuchananblog.wordpress.com  Review

11/13   Jazzy Book Reviews     https://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/           VLOG (Video)

11/14   Jorie Loves A Story      www.jorielovesastory.com     Author Interview

11/14   Carol Preflatish, Mystery Author        http://CarolPre.blogspot.com             Author Interview

11/15   MyLifeMyBooksMyEscape      http://mylifemybooksmyescape.wordpress.com       Author Interview

11/16   Jorie Loves A Story      www.jorielovesastory.com     Review

11/17   The Writing Lobsters   http://www.kimsprocess.wordpress.com       Interview

11/18   She Leads he Reads    https://femledfantasy.home.blog/     Review

11/18   Armed with A Book     http://www.armedwithabook.com     Top Ten's List

Links for The Amulet of Elements Print and eBook Editions

Kindle Version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VJF9D6Y/

Amazon Print Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Amulet-Elements-Rose-Marie-Machario/dp/1948042797/

Barnes and Noble Link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-amulet-of-elements-rose-marie-machario/1133142058?ean=9781948042796

Review: Dealing With Discipline

Dealing With Discipline by Golden Angel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elanor finds herself going from an unwilling bride to a wife in love. She didn't want to fall in love because she felt that her husband didn't love her. She felt that he would discard her once she produced an heir and find solace with lovers. Meanwhile, her brother marries Irene. Irene is in love with another and only marries Hugh for family duty.

I read the first book of this and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. This book and the first are steamy but in a very elegant way. I'm quite impressed. I was expecting something entirely different. These books seem to be a stand-alone series, but I recommend reading them in order anyway. There are comments and references that are made that make more sense if read in order.

The previous book placed a lot of spotlight on Elanor and Edward. I was assuming that this book would place a lot of spotlight on Hugh and Irene. I was mistaken. It seemed to split the attention between both couples evenly. It also had a little sprinkling and references of Wesley as well. Of course, there are other characters that take part in the story. These are just the ones spotlighted.

S. Kitten did just as great of a job with this audiobook as she did the first one. I feel like she actually made me feel like I was part of the time era in which the story takes place. I felt like I was actually in the world and surrounded by the story and characters. It was exhilarating. I can't even explain it better than that.

I believed this book and the book before it to be out of my comfort zone. However, this author made the book interesting anyways. I still think I wouldn't be interested in the genre itself. I'll attempt anyways. I am still willing to read from this author anyways. I'll make an exception for her if you will. I'll be reading the last two in the series as soon as I read them.

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Review: The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson: An Occult Steampunk Thriller: Prequel to The Guild Chronicles

The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson: An Occult Steampunk Thriller: Prequel to The Guild Chronicles by J.M. Bannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dolly Williamson invites Rose to investigate a rather strange murder investigation despite others not wanting anything to do with her. Multiple men have been killed under strange circumstances. He feels that she will be a great asset to the investigation due to her skill in the paranormal.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite comical. I do feel that it could use a rewrite. A polish up if you will. There are times that it kind of jumps all over the place that I don't fully understand what's going on. There are also some minor grammatical errors. They are something that it's possible that I could be just being nit-picky about. I did take the time to highlight them off just in case. I also had problems figuring out what time era I was in sometimes.

The characters were good, but I didn't really feel a connection with them. I did really enjoy the humor of the characters. They had quite a bit of wit about them. That's as far as my connection with them went. I really don't have anything negative to say about the characters though. I just didn't really connect with them.

I really did enjoy the narrator though. Ana Clements is really good with accents. I was highly impressed. The only critique I had is that sometimes she didn't really change tones between characters, so it made me think I was still listening to the one character talking. Other than that, her performance was very much worth listening to.

I really did enjoy the story. I think it could use some improvements, but it has great potential. I did notice that this was the prequel to a series. I plan to read the series. I may not have been in love with the book, but it's definitely worth the read. It's a very quirky and easy read.

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Review: The Amber Spyglass

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lyra has been taken. Will has been summoned to join Lord Asriel to help him win the war. He agrees to, but only under the condition that Lyra is found first. He feels that her part in the story is too powerful to go forward without her.

I really enjoyed this book. It's sad to think it's the last book in the trilogy. I am consoled by the fact that there are novellas written in the same world. It also seems that Phillip Pullman has recently started another trilogy based in the world. The second book was just recently released. I'm excited to continue on reading about this world in that trilogy.

I really feel a special attachment to many of the characters in this story. Especially Lyra. Then again, who can not like Lyra? Everybody LOVES Lyra. She spends five minutes with somebody and they are willing to give their life for her. My favorite characters in the story were Lee Scoresby and Serafina Pekkala. Especially Serafina. I connect so much with her. She's worth admiring in my opinion.

This trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies of all time. I first read it in high school. I always wanted to go back and reread it. I had the best excuse when the show came out and my boyfriend decided we should read it together. I can honestly say that I will probably read it at least one more time in my lifetime.

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Review: Ripper

Ripper by Amy Cecil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jack the Ripper is credited for killing five victims in Whitechapel. This book follows one of the known victims. Marie's family disowned her after she married someone they forbid her to marry. She is forced to do what she must to survive after his sudden death.

I started this book and was excited and nervous because I was convinced it was going to be very creepy and very graphic. It wound up being more erotic than anything. I was still intrigued by the book. It was very intense. It had this pull that I just couldn't resist. Rest assured, the horror and gore are in the book. Stick with it.

I really am not sure how to go about stating my opinions on the characters. I wanted to like Marie. I connected with her. I admired her passion greatly. She was just very quick to judge and didn't really take the time to fully think things through. I adored Jax. I can see why anybody would become so smitten with him. I wish the rest of the characters in the story had more of a prominent part in the story.

This narrator. I can't even. I had chills down my spine as she did the creepy parts. She knows how to perform and execute a very creepy dialogue. I was terrified! Her name is Marina Barrett. I can't say whether or not I've listened to anything by her before, but I can tell you I'll try to make sure I find and listen to more.

This book was intense. It was full of passion and desire. It was also full of blood and gore. I never thought I'd find a book that mixed horror with sex. I never thought I'd enjoy such a book. But here we are. This is a nice and short read. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted.

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Review: Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**Note: This book covers heavy topics. While it doesn't get too graphic, it does cover topics that may make some uncomfortable.**

A child is bullied. Another child is wrongly blamed. A mother feels she has to compete with her ex for the attention of her teenage daughter. Another mother deals with domestic violence. What do they all have in common? All their children attend the same class.

I came into this book thinking that it would be very juvenile and full of angst. While my theories aren't entirely unfounded, they were a bit unjustified. It goes deeper than what I suspected. The story is full of different perspectives and different families and their troubles. I think the biggest message that can be pulled from this story is that nothing is as it seems. A rose may be beautiful, but some can have bruises on the inside.

The characters. Where do I begin? There's Madeline who is outspoken and sassy. There's Jane who's shy and would love nothing more than to fade into the background. There's Celeste, Renatta, Bonnie, Ed, Harper, Nathan, and so many more. I feel like I relate to both Madeline and Jane. I'm like a healthy combination of the two. I really connected with multiple characters. I wanted to shake some sense into others.

I sincerely enjoyed this book. What I thought would be a silly book full of angst was deep and full of meaning. I can't explain how well rounded every single character is in this book. Even the ones that it would seem are insane. This book is deep and pure. It provokes passion and deep thoughts. I've wanted to read this book for a long time. I'm glad I finally did.

**Personal Note: Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Bullying are nothing to be ashamed of. Our silence is the predator's greatest weapon. If you are a victim, please reach out to somebody and get help. Don't let anybody shame you or make you feel bad for coming forward. For those of you who suspect, reach out to the person. Pay attention and see what they aren't saying as well as what they are.**

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Review: The Game You Play

The Game You Play by L.A. Cotton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Senior year has finally come. Felicity has everything all planned out where her future is concerned. She decides to let loose and make a list of things she would normally never do. Everything is going smoothly until Jason happens. Jason chooses not to let anybody in. He sees having a relationship as a distraction that will get in the way of him going pro. He's all set to win state and to get into the college of his dreams when Felicity happens.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that this wasn't the stand-alone type series where the characters played their part in previous books and barely grace this one. The author found a way to tell the story but keep all the characters in the story and keep them as relevant as the first book. I was thrilled by that.

The characters of the book were pretty incredible and credible. You have the star player, Jason, who you just really can't stand regardless of his intentions. The darling Felicity who struggles between obligation and cutting loose. Can't forget the daring, bold, and mouthy Asher. I believe he'll be starring in the third book. I could list off all the characters, but that will be a book on its own. They were great. I'm not ashamed to admit that Asher is my favorite.

I get to talk about the narrators. I'll start off by saying that Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross are two of my absolute favorite narrators of all time. I have other favorites, but yeah. I will listen to any audiobooks that these two narrate. Even if the genre isn't in my comfort zone. Their voices are just so hypnotic and alluring. They are also quite relaxing as well. I can't get enough of them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I didn't think I'd enjoy it at first. I really couldn't stand Jason in the first book. Not even a little bit. So I was like UGH! Not him! Anybody but him! Come on! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'm really glad I gave it a chance. I fully recommend this book and the first.

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Review: Ford's Fate

Ford's Fate by Michelle Dare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ford struggles to get over Sienna after she writes and tells him that they will never be. She lost her mate and she feels her world shattered. She feels that letting herself love Ford would be a betrayal to Eli.

This is book two in Paranormals of Avynwood. I read and loved the first book, Wake's Claim. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next with these sassy and snarky paranormals. I am so attached!

It was nice to see more of Ford. I remember him well from the first book. It was also nice to see Solomon too. I'd of liked to see more of Wake and Paige, but I know it wasn't their story. I don't really remember Sienna from the first book. I'm not sure if it's because she wasn't fully in it or I overlooked her.

The narrators were fantastic. I love Sarah L. Colton. I've listened to a few audiobooks with her before. She has a very sassy voice that a girl could grow very accustomed to. She's become one of my favorites. I'm sure that I've listened to work by Troy Duran as well. Even if I didn't, he's very talented and I enjoyed his voice very much.

While I can't say I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, I really loved this book. There are things I would have wanted to have been drawn out a bit more. They were a bit rushed, but not really. It's hard to explain. I'm excited to continue reading this series.

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Review: Flight of the Sparrow

Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loosely based on a true story. Mary's world is turned upside down when her village is attacked and she and her children are taken hostage. She loses many loved ones during the attack. As she's held captive, she slowly realizes that things she believed to be true don't seem to be as they appeared. She begins to question her own beliefs and ways of life.

I really enjoyed this story. I adore history so reading things historical is a joy to me. Especially if it's based on a true event even just a little. I feel it encourages me to want to read and research about the event. Sadly, I seem to never be able to find the time. Maybe I'll make a list and slowly chip away at all the research I want to do. This was very well written. It does have a bit of a slow start, but I believe that was done on purpose.

Giving my opinions on characters in a book that's based on true stories and people seems weird to me. Especially if I do not know much about the people that the story is based on. So, I will stick my opinions to the characters in the story itself and leave it at that to the best of my ability. I really adored Mary. I feel like I would have been Mary in those days. I wish I had seen more of her children in the book. There were people that I just couldn't stand at all.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can't lie, I didn't think I would like the book at first. I was getting very annoyed with the characters and I was getting annoyed with the story itself. I do have to say that there are a few parts that get a bit too graphic and aren't for the faint-hearted. There were parts that made me cringe and I read pretty heavy and graphic stuff sometimes. It was still a wonderful and thought-provoking novel that I enjoyed very much.

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Review: Taming My Whiskey: The Whiskeys

Taming My Whiskey: The Whiskeys by Melissa Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stone is attempting to find the perfect woman to be the face of his company. He doesn't want just any model. He wants an authentic biker chick. He has a specific woman in mind but doesn't think she'll take on the project. When the one who does accept, breaks her leg, he discovers that his original lady has done a similar job in the past. He decides to try to talk her into it.

I really enjoyed this story. Had I known that it was a book 6, I'd of tracked down and bought the first 5 before listening to it. I was already too deep into the book before I discovered it, though. It's probably for the best. My book allowance is nonexistent these days. Considering how this story played out, it seems like the series is a stand-alone series that can be read out of order. It's just that I'm the type that reads series in order regardless of if they are stand-alone or not.

The characters were pretty amazing. It focuses the attention on Stone and Whiskey. For obvious reasons as they are the main part and point of the story. I just kind of wish that some of the background characters had a bit more of a highlighting role in the story. Sometimes I got a little confused with who was who and where they belonged. Not too often though. Thank goodness.

I really enjoyed the narrators. I am not sure if I've ever listened to anything from Devra Woodward before. I am willing to listen to other audiobooks by her though. I have listened to Aiden Snow before. He's a very delightful listen. I plan to listen to more of his in the future. He's got this really soothing voice.

I really enjoyed this story despite not being able to read the first 5 books that were before it. It was hilarious and glorious. I wound up giving it a 4 out of 5-star rating. I'd of given it full 5 stars, but I felt like some of the major points of the story were overlooked and rushed over. It didn't ruin the story, but it did leave some questions unanswered.

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Forlorn Series Blog Tour

Review: Kado: Lost Treasure of the Kadohadacho

Kado: Lost Treasure of the Kadohadacho by E. Russell Braziel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tom Murrell finds himself in the middle of an Indian war when he stops and protects Indians from a brutal attack. One of the Indians passes his gift to Tom and makes him promise to deliver a message to his tribe. While delivering the message, Tom finds himself heading for a great adventure.

This story was impressive. I really enjoyed reading about it. It made me want to go and surround myself with literature from that time period. This is a fictional account of events that actually took place. I suppose one could complain that the text is written more modern than historical. That doesn't really bother me. As long as the historical events remain pristine, I'm okay. If one of the settlers had pulled out an iPhone, then I'd have a problem. Just giving an example.

I really adored the characters. Especially Mattie. I feel like Mattie has the personality that I would have in those times. She's fierce and determined and doesn't let the fact that she is a woman get in the way of what she wants or her pursuit of learning. I really hope that her character was based on a real person from that time.

The narrator did too amazing of a job. I really felt like I was actually there. There were times he even made words sound like the sound he was going for. There were times where there were sounds of drums. I felt like he was actually depicting drums. His name is Eddie Garvar. I haven't heard of him until this book but I'll definitely seek other audiobooks by him because of this one.

This book has impressed me so much. I will probably find a way to get a physical copy of it to read multiple times. It has inspired me to do research on the people the story references. I'm not really shocked to learn that it took the author fourteen years to write this book. He definitely made sure that it was a book worth reading that didn't disappoint anybody. Is it possible to give a book 50 stars?

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Review: The Plus Ones

The Plus Ones by Kayley Loring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roxy and Keaton wind up kissing at their friends' wedding. They were both feeling lonely. For some reason, it goes wrong and they wind up having a very strained relationship afterward. Until they are forced to spend an entire week together at a couple's resort when one of the three couples is forced to back out at the last minute.

I thought this book would be so insanely cringeworthy that it wasn't even funny. What I didn't expect is that it was incredibly sassy and hilarious. Both Roxy and Keaton are just so adorable. I'm also very much in love with the cover if I may say so. Both of the cover models are very very attractive!

I think I have made it obvious that I really adore Keaton and Roxy. I can't say they are the best characters of all time. There were times that both of them grated on my nerves now and then. Especially Roxy. She kind of got a little snobbish sometimes. I do wish that there were more of the secondary characters in the book than there were. A little more interactions with them, if you will.

The narrators were great. I'm not sure if I've listened to anything by Mackenzie Cartwright or Teddy Hamilton before. To be fair, I do listen to a lot of audiobooks. I can say that even if I haven't, I will listen to more audiobooks by them in the future. Cartwright has this very sassy and alluring voice, and I'm pretty sure I have a voice crush on Hamilton. Is that a thing?

I read this book because I was recommended it. I'm glad that I did. It's not the cheesy love story type thing you think it would be. It's very witty and hilarious. It's realistic and down to earth. It also has quite a few nice and steamy parts. I gushed over it. I didn't realize there were other books set in this world. I'll be getting my hands on them soon!

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Review: The Plus Ones

The Plus Ones by Kayley Loring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roxy and Keaton wind up kissing at their friends' wedding. They were both feeling lonely. For some reason, it goes wrong and they wind up having a very strained relationship afterward. Until they are forced to spend an entire week together at a couple's resort when one of the three couples is forced to back out at the last minute.

I thought this book would be so insanely cringeworthy that it wasn't even funny. What I didn't expect is that it was incredibly sassy and hilarious. Both Roxy and Keaton are just so adorable. I'm also very much in love with the cover if I may say so. Both of the cover models are very very attractive!

The narrators were great. I'm not sure if I've listened to anything by Mackenzie Cartwright or Teddy Hamilton before. To be fair, I do listen to a lot of audiobooks. I can say that even if I haven't, I will listen to more audiobooks by them in the future. Cartwright has this very sassy and alluring voice, and I'm pretty sure I have a voice crush on Hamilton. Is that a thing?

I read this book because I was recommended it. I'm glad that I did. It's not the cheesy love story type thing you think it would be. It's very witty and hilarious. It's realistic and down to earth. It also has quite a few nice and steamy parts. I gushed over it. I didn't realize there were other books set in this world. I'll be getting my hands on them soon!

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Review: The Subtle Knife

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lyra finds herself meeting a boy who doesn't have a daemon in another world. It turns out that he is from another world as well. They go to his world to look for somebody who can provide answers for them. Lyra finds herself in a world similar to hers but without daemons. They work together to find answers and look for his father.

I really enjoyed re-reading this book. I know that presumably, it's a children's novel. I disagree with this assessment. I don't think anybody under 14 should read it really. I find that I'm enjoying and understanding the book a lot more now that I"m reading it as an adult rather than a teenager. I also feel like this book was more of a bridge between books one and three than a full part of the story. Well, I partially feel this way.

I don't think I need to say how much I adore the characters. It's amazing how important Lyra becomes to everybody. No questions asked. They meet her and spend any length of time with her and they are suddenly willing to give their life for her. I'm not saying this as a complaint. I'm just in awe of it. I feel like I identify with quite a few of the characters in this book.

I've read this entire trilogy before as a teenager. I loved it then. It stuck with me. I was so happy that they adapted it to the movie a couple years after I read it. I was disappointed by that, but that's another story. I've wanted to re-read the books after the movie came out, but never got around to it. The show they are putting out on November 4th has been the PERFECT excuse for that re-read!

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Review: Birching his Bride

Birching his Bride by Golden Angel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor has been spoiled and pampered by her mother for years. Her father puts a stop to this by making sure she is properly disciplined so she doesn't shame the family. He arranges her marriage immediately after her coming out party to somebody he knows will keep her in line as much as he did.

I'm surprised I enjoyed this story. Normally stories like this make me feel very uncomfortable. It's not that I am against it. It's just not really my cup of tea. Something told me this would be different. That this author was different. I was completely right. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.

I didn't really feel connected with the characters as much as I got connected with the story itself. I cared about them, but I didn't really feel what they felt. I honestly can't say I really cared for Eleanor that much either. She was a spoiled little brat who didn't care about anybody's feelings but her own. Not that she deserved to be treated like a child, but still.

S. Kitten was a terrific narrator for this story. I'm not sure if she narrates the rest of the series, but I sincerely hope she does. I enjoyed hearing her voice very much. it was very soothing. As weird as that sounds. She got some words mixed up here and there, but it still worked. Her performance was beautiful.

I stepped out of my comfort zone with this book. I'm glad I did. This book was definitely wonderful and sensual. It's not what I expected at all. Or maybe I should say that it was much more than I expected. Maybe it defeated all expectations and kept going.

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Review: A Gentleman in Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Count Alexander Rostov has shamed himself by writing a very controversial poem. As punishment, he is placed on house arrest in a hotel he is living at currently. If he leaves the hotel ever, he will be shot and killed for his actions.

I really enjoyed this book. I have been wanting to read it for a long time. So when it became a book club book, I was very excited. When I first started the book, I wasn't fully impressed. I found it a bit dry. I read the first three hundred pages before I decided to switch to an audiobook. I was so impressed with the narrator, that I started the book over again to hear it all.

The characters were so amazing. Especially our dear Count Rostov. I had a suspicion about something when the book first started with how he worded things. I was pleased to say I was correct. I was shocked to find I was the only one who picked up on it. I do wish there were some characters that had more of a role in the story, but I adored them all.

Nicholas Guy Smith is a very wonderful narrator. I really adored him. Once I had gotten past the beginning, I did start enjoying the story. It's a very slow start, but worth it if you keep going. Smith enhances the story even further. He has quite a sophisticated voice about him as well. I would definitely listen to other books he narrates as well.

I really did enjoy this book. I really didn't like the way it ended. Well, I didn't hate it either. I just preferred a different way to end it. That comes out bad as well. It's not that ending was bad. It just left more questions for me than I was comfortable for an ending of a book. This is not a happy go lucky story. It's not a heavy story either. It definitely warrants attention.

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The Call Of Death Trailer Reveal