Eve

Review copy provided via NetGallery in exchange for an honest review

Summary:

When a shipping container washes ashore on an island between our world and the next, John the Collector finds a young woman inside—broken, frozen, and barely alive. With the aid of Healers and Scholars, John oversees her recovery and soon discovers her genetic code connects her to every known human race. She is a girl of prophecy and no one can guess what her survival will mean...

No one but Eve, Mother of the Living, who calls her “daughter,” and invites her to witness the truth about her story—indeed, the truth about us all.

Eve is a bold, unprecedented exploration of the Creation narrative, true to the original texts and centuries of scholarship—yet with breathtaking discoveries that challenge traditional misconceptions about who we are and how we’re made. As The Shack awakened readers to a personal, non-religious understanding of God, Eve will free us from faulty interpretations that have corrupted human relationships since the Garden of Eden.

Eve opens a refreshing conversation about the equality of men and women within the context of our beginnings, helping us see each other as our Creator does—complete, unique, and not constrained to cultural rules or limitations.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely written, Eve is a masterpiece that will inspire readers for generations to come.

Review:

I couldn’t connect with this story.  I was bored and had to keep telling myself I requested to read this book as the summery makes it sound like a fun read.

I can say it was edited thoroughly as I found no grammatical or punctuation errors.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to friends? NO

Would I read other books written by this author? Unsure

Is this book priced correctly? I’d never pay 27 dollars for a hardcover of this book it’s way over priced for the length and the difficulties of connecting to story line.

Was it a full length Novel or a Novella? Short Novel

On the Hunt

On the Hunt
By Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jay

SUMMARY
Four of today's most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night...

On The Hunt by Alexandra Ivy

Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again...

Scorpius Rising by Rebecca Zanetti

With a deadly disease spreading like wildfire across the country, microbiologist Nora Medina needs to focus all her energy on stopping the pandemic. Playing with dynamite—in the form of her way-too-hot ex—is the last thing she should be doing. ​But forced to work with Deacan McDougall against unexpected enemies with the seconds ticking by, she knows the explosion is coming...

Phantom Embrace by Dianne Duvall

Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he's never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.

Stake Out by Hannah Jayne

Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who's responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple.

REVIEW

Received a copy from NetGalley for a honest review

These are not stand alone books!  I read them as such and felt lost in a couple of them. I did not read any of the books before them and my reviews reflect that!  I think my rating would be higher if I had read some of the books before.  I really liked the first three books.

On the Hunt

For a short story, the background and setting if the story was effectively set.  The hero and heroine were very sexy together and the plot was short and sweet.  It seemed rushed at the end and just needed a couple more pages to make it truly outstanding.  

Scorpion Rising

Wow I didn't think I would like this book....I was so wrong!  I was pulled into this book from the first paragraph.  All the science and stuff was a little overwhelming, but it added to the story making it real life possible.  Nora and Deacan were hot together and you really could feel how much they cared about each other!  Deacan almost takes the number one position on my list of sexy Scots!   The plot gets scary and could really happen the end had me shouting for MORE!  I would definitely read more!

Phantom Embrace 

Interesting storyline.  I have never read a story with ghosts.  I liked the book, but there were too many details to keep up with.  When the author was telling about all the people in the house it was like a run on sentence I couldn't keep up with.  The action was good and the relationships between characters were solid.  I felt like it needed to be longer or I needed more information on the others in the story.  I felt like I could put the puzzle together, but missing the pieces.

Stake Out

This was so not my cup of tea.  The snarkiness in the book had much humor.  I like the comments about afterlife insurance.  There was no romance or sexiness.  Just an uppity fashion designer who is a vampire trying to solve who was going to steal her limelight at her fashion show.  It just didn't thrill me.

Promises Kept

Review copy provided via NetGallery in exchange for an honest review

Summary: Promises Kept

Victoria Eastman grew up in a Texas saloon--an experience that made her tough, resourceful, and determined to forge a new life. So she places an ad in a gentleman's newspaper. . .and soon finds herself a suitable arrangement on a farm in Promise, Wyoming. Only problem is that her would-be husband turns up dead the day she arrives.

Rancher Colt McBride is known for his true grit and business smarts. Yet when it comes to his new neighbor, Victoria, he's stumped: Who is she, really? She's lovely to look at, of course, and has proven herself a gentle soul. She's even causing him to question his staunch bachelorhood. But any kind of future may be shattered when a stranger reveals a secret about Victoria's past--one that could destroy them both. Unless, together, they can take a leap of faith--right into each other's arms. . .

Review:

This book has it all, great plot, great characters.  This is one of those rear books you start reading, and you can’t put it down until it’s finished even if that’s at 2:30 am.  Not many books keep me reading way into the early mornings.  You see I live on a small ranch and have chores to do early morning, and I’m one of those people who needs 7 to 8 hours a sleep most days, but I just couldn’t seem to be able to walk away from this story. It had me laughing at parts and crying at others, and then just plan mad that Victoria could be so blind.

Reading this story was like watching a movie in my head as I read it. I could see it and feel everything that was going on. I didn’t find any grammatical or punctuation errors, which always makes the story that much better. The flow, as well as the development of the characters, and plot is spot on.

I fully understood why Victoria had lost her faith.  I’ve walked away from fear, which isn’t nearly as bad as feeling God isn’t answering your prays or watching over you. I could feel the pain of abandonment she felt from God. I know when you shut the door on him; it's hard to see what is right in front of your face. All the emotions within this story feel so real from each of the characters.  I don’t have a favorite one I loved each and everyone and, so look forward to reading more about them in the up-coming sequel.  

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to my friends? YES

Would I read other books from this author? YES and I plan to read each book in this series.

Is this a Novella or Novel? Novel

Is this book priced correctly? Yes the price listed for a paperback copy seems very fare.

  

Forbidden Surrender (Forever #1)

Forbidden Surrender (Forever #1)
By Priscilla West

SUMMARY
“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury.

I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

REVIEW

Received a copy from NetGalley for a honest review.

I don't really know how I felt about this book. I was disappointed. I really dislike that authors are writing "parts" of a whole story and telling the readers it is a full book and then there is a squeal. I feel robbed and that the author is just out to make money. Please nine chapters does not a book make. The story ended abruptly and the heroine's trauma in the past seems to be thrown in just because, it was like a side bar and didn't seem to effect her until she had a dream. So unbelievable. The characters were not truly developed. You can't do that with nine chapters. The story line was choppy. I will not be seeking out the rest of the series. This reader feels short changed and ripped off by the series and the author.

My brother's Crown

Review copy provided via NetGallery in exchange for an honest review

Summary:

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

From the authors of the Christy Award–winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery, standing for what she believes in, and finding love in unexpected places.

Review:

I loved every word of this story; it is well-written and thought out. The history was fascinating as well as intriguing. Sometimes when authors jump from one point in time to the other, it’s hard to follow and keep up, but not the case with this book.  You become Catherine as well as Renee. When you’re Catherine, you feel all of her tension, misgivings, as well as her irritations. With Renee, you feel her fear, intrigue, as well as her fascination with science, as well as her fascination with the pamphlet.  I was a little sad not to find out when and how the Talbot’s came to America, and for this reason, I can only give it a four-star rating, it felt like the story wasn’t complete.

I was very pleased not to find any grammatical errors or punctuations as when you find them; it ruins the whole story at least for me because I start looking to see if there are any other errors instead of just sitting back and enjoying the story. The flow and development is spot on.  I have to say I loved the discussion question at the end of the book it gives you food for thought as you go through them, it makes you think and learn what you took from the story.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to others? YES

Would I read other books from these authors? YES

Was this book a novel or novella? Novel

Was this book priced correctly? I received this copy free for my honest review, so I’m not sure. The listed price for a paperback is listed, and I would pay that price with no problems.

GODDESS By Julie Anne Lindsey

Review copy provided via NetGallery in exchange for an honest review

Summary: Goddess

Two weeks ago, Callie Ingram was just another high-school senior with her sights on a swimming scholarship. Now, she's the resurrected leader of the Vikings, balancing her classes with learning mythological history—and sparring sessions with her gorgeous demigod boyfriend, Liam Hale.

When Zeus returns to collect the favor, she owes him, Callie is tasked with uniting the warring Viking clans and leading them into battle against Gaia's frost giants. If she fails, everything she risked her life for will be destroyed…and her best friend will die. But one teenage girl rallying all of the vengeful clans won't be easy. And things only get more complicated when a new prophecy puts her future with Liam at risk. Now, Callie will not only have to win the battle, but she'll have to take the fate of her heart into her own hands.

Review:

I received an email from NetGallery that this book might be something I should request to review, since it fits in with my profile. I’m still new to the site and was shocked when I got approved, but I’m very glad I did. I’ve never read the first book in the series Prophecy, yet I found this story very intriguing, at first I was upset when they started talking about the Greek Gods and Goddess, but soon found out how they intertwine with the Norse Gods.

I didn’t develop a connection to just one character within the story, but a connection with the story line, itself. It was like watching a movie or play, unfolding right before my eyes. You feel all the emotions from each of the characters, which I really enjoyed. The plot is a complex one, and you can see that Julie Anne took her time in developing it as she also did with each of the characters. I didn’t see any grammatical or a punctuation error, which always makes reading more enjoyable. This tells me the team as a whole worked hard at publishing a finished product. The over-all  flow of the book was spot on.

The characters were and are very believable and felt real; Julie Anne kept me reading as I needed to find out if Callie could reunite all the Vikings. I just loved the scene in the book where Callie tells Bia’s, she loves Liam and cannot be with Justin, but they can still be a team and lead the Vikings to a win over the frost giants.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to others? YES

Was the book priced correctly? I got a free copy, but looking at what it will cost on Amazon when it’s released I feel it’s a little under value as it is a full-length novel and part of a series.

Would I read other books written by this author? YES, I’m going to buy and read the first book and most likely buy this one also and any other in this series. I most likely will check out her other books as well as she has a style, which flows nicely and makes it easy to enjoy as you read.

Exposure: Exposure Series Book One

Exposure: Exposure Series Book One
By Annie Jocoby

SUMMARY:

BOOK ONE OF A THREE BOOK TRILOGY 
BOOK TWO AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW! 

Photographer CJ Parker is a woman who has literally not gone outside for the past six months. She’s been hiding from the world, and from life, ever since an unimaginable tragedy forced her into seclusion.  

On the one day where she decides to finally venture outside, she meets the mysterious billionaire, Asher Sloane. Dark-headed, magnetic, and gorgeous, Asher drips sex and animal magnetism. He draws CJ out of her shell and into the world, while showing her things that she never knew existed.  

What CJ doesn’t know is that Asher has a dangerous past. Behind his beautiful blue eyes and confident demeanor lies dark secrets that, if they are brought to light, could mean the end of CJ and Asher’s relationship.  

Will the exposure of Asher’s past destroy them? 

Warning: This book has plenty of hot and steamy sex scenes featuring an alpha male who knows what he wants and knows exactly how to get it.

REVIEW:
I received  a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

I do not really know how I feel about this book. I thought the plot was interesting and pulled you in, but then it got unrealistic and the characters fell flat. The tragedy she experienced that forced her to break down is realistic, but the then the plot just goes haywire. This concept that he needs someone to get his "stalker" off his back is so far fetched. All of a sudden she has to move in with him? Why would he offer such a fragile person to go against his proclaimed "grownup mean girl?" She is so mentally ounstable that she tried to kill herself and you want put all kinds of pressure on her to help yourself? Every time a character in a book wants mind blowing sex without attachments is just a liar. He just tells her to lay down and put out and she goes with it. He isn't even sexy about it. I found myself skipping over the many sex scenes, because I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. Dirty talk is usually sexy, this was just plan yuk! The rehab she goes through to improve is developed well and seems realistic, but then she is out and she wants to know more about him. Then he sucks her in and decides tell her oh well we are done. You can't even feel for him because his character has no feelings. She "disappears" for awhile and when it is described that he is looking for her, it comes across as " oh well, I want her back", but no urgency to find her. He is supposedly a billionaire, you would think he could find her in a snap.

Then there is some editing errors. In chapter six It says they returned to her apartment after going out to eat, but the when they started having sex it was stated they were at his place and went to his bedroom. Then after the night it said he left her place? That is some major context editing errors.

I can't give it two stars because there was some good story writing and it was not a four star with the unrealistic plot and context errors. I have to settle with three and I am not really sure I want to venture on to the second book.