Review: The Rock Season

For this review, I chose The Rock Season by R.L. Merrill.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Stevie Wilson is about to welcome a new life into an unsure world. Estranged from the father of her unborn child, she turns to her love of attending concerts with her vivacious best friend to deal with the stress and uncertainty. As a teacher and blogger, she counts on the magic of the music to ease her troubled thoughts of what will come next. What she wasn’t counting on was meeting a “savior” with fathomless, dark brown eyes.

Aaron McShane gave up a lucrative Silicon Valley career to live the dream of owning an independent music store in downtown Hayward. His responsibilities have kept him from finding and settling down with the right person, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. With his bicultural, multigenerational family all under one roof and giving him grief, he takes on a second job doing security at his favorite venue so he can escape and be close to his first love: music. What better place, especially when one gets to rescue a pregnant damsel in distress with a gorgeous mane of fiery red hair?

These two music lovers are thrust together just when they each needed something to hold on to. Can their fledgling love withstand the pressures of family, grief, and violence? Music brought them together, will it help them heal together?


I loved the story line.  Stevie had it rough.  Her parents are not with her anymore.  She thought the boyfriend was the one, but he turned out to the worse kind.  Now Stevie was pregnant and the father wanted nothing to do with either her or their unborn baby.  How cruel!   Then, one night at a concert Stevie sees this cute man, who has eyes for her, too.  Will they be able to put things from their past aside or go through whatever they needed to do so they could be together?

Stevie and Aaron have one challenge after another.  Each one making them stronger together if only they saw that.  

This was a sweet romance that tugged at my heart.  It reminded me of all of the challenges my husband and I had during our marriage.  I know there will be plenty more challenges for us to over come.  We learned that we are stronger together over coming those challenges than apart working on them.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: 

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Lovers and Liars

For this review, I chose Lovers and Liars, which is the 6th book of the Hollywood Hearts Series. 

The rest of the series:
#.5- His Leading Man,
#1- If I Loved You
#2- Red Carpet Romance 
#3- Memories of Love
#4- Movie Lovers
#5-  Love's Last Chance

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Alone in the world, Erica Wheeler needed a job or face eviction. The aspiring actress harbored a lifelong dream of movie stardom. She knew she had the talent, all she needed was a chance. Her roommate, Amy, plotted revenge on her former boss, sexy, bad-boy producer, Gunther Quill, for firing her. Together she and Erica bent the truth like a pretzel to get her a job working for Quill. He surprised her. Was he the same meanie Amy described or was he simply a smart, ambitious man on his way to the top? 
One thing Gunther Quill hated was a liar. Tough, seductive and brilliant, he prided himself on being truthful. With his sharp, new assistant, Erica Wheeler, he’d soon be the most powerful producer of musicals in Hollywood and on Broadway. Nothing could get in his way, except maybe, falling in love. Can a liar become his lover?

Wow, I can not believe that I liked Gunther.  When Gunther made an appearance in the earlier books, I did not like him at all, but now I do.  I loved that Gunther was a sweatheart to Erica, but not to Amy.  

Erica is so sweet and caring.  She did not allow Gunther to get away with anything.  Plus she did not give into him.  Erica and Gunther had a great chemistry and a sweet romance.  Did Gunther get what Amy and Erica had planned to do or did he end up with Erica?  Read this book.  I know it is a stand a lone book, but I think for you to completely understand all of the other issues with Gunther, reading 1-5 would help that.  I keep thinking did we know the real Gunther in the other books.  Some of the times we would read about him after he hurt another female.  Maybe a jealous female, who did not get what she wanted or did he truly do something awful.  During this book, I saw Gunther in new eyes.  I do believe he did not find the perfect person to spend his life with until he met Erica.  They were perfectly matched.  

I loved this book so much.  I am not sure if I can pick a favorite book out of the Hollywood Hearts series.  Each one offered something different.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: The Rock Season by R.L. Merrill

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Thursday's Thought: What we can do

I want to do more than just review books.  I want us to talk about what we read.  If you have a favorite author, please tell me.  I am always looking for more to read.  

I am hoping that each Thursday I will post Thursday's Thought.  Each week in this post I will talk about something about reading, authors, books, etc.  This week I want to talk about what we can do as readers for our favorite authors.

What us readers can do for our favorite authors?
1.  Review their books
-It does not take long to review a book that you loved.  It does not have to be long.  Tell us why you like/loved/didn't like the book.  There are many sites to do this.  I review books on here (as you can tell), Goodreads, and Amazon.  

2.  Like their Facebook Pages.
-I did a post about My Top 5 Authors I follow.  I follow Jennifer Bernard because she does a Happy Firemen Friday post (OMG, must see posts here).  I am married to a volunteer fireman.

3.  Share their Facebook Posts.
-I think this is important especially when a new book comes out.  I know it helps me know when a book in a series I am reading comes out if it shows up on a friend's wall, but it also helps me know any book which that author wrote.  Maybe I did not know that she wrote that particular book.  Now I can put it on my TRL list on Goodreads and get it.

4. Like them on other sites, too.  Like Goodreads, Amazon, etc.

5.  Follow them on Twitter.
-Now I do follow some of the authors I follow, but I am not on Twitter that much.  I do hope to add some more authors to my Twitter so I can share what reviews I have done on there and use the proper Hashtag for them.  I am not sure how long I have been on Twitter, but I am still a newbie.

6.  Sign up for their newsletters.
-Again this does not take long.  You get information in an email about upcoming books.  I love series.  It is a favorite of my.  Having an author send me an email about an upcoming book helps me out a lot. 7.  Tell your friends about what you are reading.

8.  Send an email or a comment on Facebook saying how much you loved a particular book.  They would love to know that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.  I hope you liked it.
Happy Reading!
Melissa

Review: What We Found

For this review, I chose What We Found by Kris Bock.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
A summer afternoon
A stranger’s body
A life changed forever
And above, a hunter watches....

What We Found: 

When Audra stumbles on a murdered woman in the woods, more than one person isn't happy about her bringing the crime to light. She’ll have to stand up for herself in order to stand up for the murder victim. It’s a risk, and so is reaching out to the mysterious young man who works with deadly birds of prey. But with danger all around, some risks are worth taking.

In this book, you have
-Mystery
-Murder
-A little Sweet Romance
-Harassment

Audra is a college graduate.  She went back home to take a job at the Mountain Inn and Resort.  What would you do if you found a died body in the woods?  Run?  Scream?  Would go call the police?  Would you do nothing?

I feel bad for Audra because of the harassment from her boss and his son.  I think the son is hiding something.  I am not going to say what I think he is up to.

Audra's mother has a point of view on men that is something else.  I feel bad for her brother.  Audra is a good big sister, who wants to protect her brother from the verbal abuse from their mother.  

This book had me so curious.  You will see I say that a lot about a book with so much mystery in it.  Who killed the person?  I don't want to give away too many details.  It is better to read them yourself.   This book definitely had me wondering a lot of questions:
-Who?
-Where? (this has to be explained in details, but I won't get into it)
-Why?  (I think this is the big question to know)
-What?

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Lovers and Liars by Jean C. Joachim

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: The Election Connection

For this review, I chose  The Election Connection by Monica Tillery.  We met 2 other of the characters from this book in The Confection Connection.  We also met Lily during that book, too, but briefly.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Model Lily Ashton’s picture-perfect life isn’t as flawless as it seems. After losing her soldier husband six years ago, Lily’s carved a new life for herself by starting a nonprofit for war widows. There’s no room in her busy schedule, or her heart, for a new love—which makes her the perfect date at fundraisers and parties for her pal, Congressman Ford Richardson.

Ford is focused on winning his bid for re-election, and when his opponent pummels him in the polls because he’s not married, Ford’s advisors give him a choice: find a fiancée or prepare to lose the election. Lily agrees to play the part, and they both vow to separate the election from their emotions. As they work together to keep their secret safe, their not-quite engagement starts to feel much more real than either is ready to admit. 

With Lily’s help, Ford may win the election, but can he win her heart?


This book is such a sweet romance.  It tugs at your emotions so good.  Does everyone deserve a second chance after losing someone they loved so badly?  This book is about putting your past behind you and moving on with your life.  We see Lily trying to do that so badly, but her heart is still so in love with her husband, Nathan, who died while serving his country.  Today is Memorial Day.  We need to remember those who have lost their lives serving our country not just today, but every day.

I can not believe that people believed Ford's running mate about his values on marriage.  Just because he is not married does not mean he does not have a strong belief in marriage.  He just has not found The One.  Does this really happen in election times?

I absolutely love Monica Tillery and will be reading as many books as I can from her!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!  Happy Memorial Day!!

Melissa 

Review coming next: What We Found by Kris Bock

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: The Girl He Knows

For this review, I chose The Girl He Knows by Kristi Rose, which is my first book I read by this author.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Waking up naked next to a good looking man is not a bad way to start the day. Especially since Paisley missed all those opportunities in college, when she was too busy supporting her no good, thankfully now, ex-husband. The problem? This hottie is Hank, her best friend’s older brother, a guy she’s known her entire life.

Stopping after one night is the right thing to do. Being with him clearly breaks the best friend code, and from his career as a Naval officer to his Boy Scout reputation, everything about him screams monogamy and commitment. Two things Paisley has had enough of.

When Hank presents a “no strings attached” offer, it’s too good to be true. She can enjoy him while still embracing being single. But, poor choices force her to confront old fears of love and loss, and Paisley has to decide if Hank is worth the risk. The alternative is never experiencing the real deal. Or far worse, settling for less. 

This book brought out a lot of emotions in me.  Paisley and Hank have been friends forever.  She is the best friend of Hank's sister, Gigi.  Paisley has gone through a divorce and has lost a piece of herself on the way.  She is trying to find herself.  The old her before she got married.  This book is also about second chances.  Will Paisley and Hank be able to find their way to each other?

Paisley has in her head that she can not be with her best friend's brother because it is against so girl rule.  I think if my best friend found love with my brother, then it would be great if she would be my sister in law.  (that never happened in my life).  

Great book!  I will definitely be reading more from Kristi Rose.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: The Election Connection by Monica Tillery

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: First Match

For this review, I chose  First Match by Lynne Silver.  This is the first book of the Coded for Love Series (Book #0).

Coded for Love Series Order:

First Match

Heated Match

Conquered Match

False Match

Desire Unmatched

Desperate Match

I brought this ebook from Amazon when it was free.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Allison Macclesfield wants—no needs—to be a rock star, and what better decade to do it in than the ‘80s? Music is her passion. She’s got her future mapped out. Move to New York, find a job, audition to be lead singer in a band. 

Plans don’t include giving it all up for Peter Shepard, the sexiest guy she’s ever met. He’s nothing like the guys she’s known. Peter’s life is full of mystery, and though they believe they’re a perfect match, she can have him or her rock star dreams. But not both.

I really loved this story.  It was well written with great developed characters.  I fell in love with Peter and Allison.  Emotional packed love story!
This story had:
True Love
Dreams
Insecurities
Making sacrifices

 I can not wait to read the rest of this series.  I wished this book was longer than what it was.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: The Girl He Knows by Kristi Rose

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

New Ideas

I have been brainstorming some for new ideas for my book review blog.  I came up with 18 ideas, but some of my ideas have more than 1 idea in it.  I do know that I want to do a giveaway, but I am not sure for what book.  There are so many good books out there, but to pick one?  Mmmm, I need to think more on this one.  I was even throwing around the idea of changing my new of my blog, but I am not sure.  

I am hoping I can start this soon, but with the end of the school year here very soon and the reviews I have due, I am not sure when I can fit it in.  I will be working on the first few of my new ideas between now and the end of the school year.  

I am off to read (did you think I would be doing anything beside read?). 

Happy Reading!

Melissa

Review: Teachers Act 2

For this review, I chose Teachers Act 2 by R.L. Merrill.  This is the second book in the Hollywood Rock n' Romance Triology.  The first book is called Teacher, which I read and loved.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
In Teacher, Jesse Martin and Danny Black find a love that neither of them ever thought possible under the most unusual circumstances. Many obstacles stood in the way of their budding romance, including their student-teacher relationship, an unstable ex-wife, and the question of whether Danny’s voice would ever be rock-ready again. But when Danny’s 12 year-old daughter Jane removes the most important obstacle by giving them her blessing, it's time to celebrate. The Second Act finds these two lovers navigating a fresh relationship with new roles and expectations. Together they share new experiences that bring them closer, and really bring on the heat. Danny works at chipping away the wall Jesse has built to protect herself and she tries to keep him grounded as Blackened heads to the studio to record their masterpiece. Then life places new obstacles in the way of our adoring couple. Jesse’s health takes a turn for the worse, Danny scrambles to finish school, and a meddling mom sticks her nose in where it doesn’t belong making Jesse question, once again, whether or not she’ll ever fit into Danny’s world. A whirlwind turn of events brings them closer, then threatens to tear them apart. Will their new love survive the insanity that is Danny’s life? Will Jesse fight to keep her new family together? Will Cosmo accept that Sunday Shower Day is detrimental to his love life? These questions and more will be explored in Teacher: The Second Act.


THIS NOVEL IS MEANT FOR READERS 18+ DUE TO EVEN STEAMIER SEX, CRAZIER HIJINKS, AND ENOUGH FOUL LANGUAGE TO MAKE A ROCK STAR BLUSH. 

This book continues where book #1, Teacher, left off with a cliffhanger!! I love the story of Danny and Jesse.  How cute are they together?  Once again, the characters leap off of the pages.  This is in Jesse's POV and I love it, but I wish we could know Danny's POV.  

Now we see how they both handle being together and dealing with life challenges.  Danny's ex-wife decides she can not take care of their daughter, Jane, anymore so she gives Danny full custody.  How would you react if your boyfriend's daughter had to move in with him?  If you love him, then you would love her.  Right?  Well, we hope!

Jesse has this wall built around her.  She needs to start tearing it down so Danny and Jane can get to the other side of the wall.  Jesse has 2 issues with Danny's life.  One, he has money.  Jesse is used to scraping by.  Face it, they are polar opposite when it comes to money.  Two, Jesse does not want anyone to take care of her, which is what Danny wants to do.  She is used to doing everything on her own.  Now Jesse has Danny and his daughter, Jane, who is so cute.  I believe that Jesse not wanting to move in with Danny and his daughter is for a good reason.  She does not want to set a bad example for his daughter.  I can get this a lot.  Being raised Catholic, I was told a lot that you had to be married to a man before you lived with one.  Being a young girl, his daughter is impressible.   She may one day say to both Jesse and her dad "hey, you lived with Jesse before you both got married!"

Will Jesse accept Danny's support?  Will Jesse break down that wall?  I think they can work through this.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: First Match by Lynne Silver

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Elusive Echoes

For this review, I chose Elusive Echoes (The Echoes of Orson's Folly) by Kay Springsteen, which is my first book I have read by this author.  This is the second book in The Echoes of Orson's Folly.  Book #1 is called Lifeline Echoes.  Book #3 is called Abiding Echoes.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
They're two people caught between friendship and something more; they can't move forward, and they can't let go.

Drawn together from early childhood, Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell seemed destined for each other. But at age thirteen, Melanie was wrenched from the people she loved and forced onto a path she loathed. Sean was no stranger to people leaving, but losing Melanie devastated him. When she suddenly reappeared in Orson's Folly, Sean was overjoyed. The Melanie who came home, though, wasn't the same girl. She's got a harder edge and she's obviously hiding something, but Sean no longer knows how to reach her.

Returning to Orson's Folly as an adult, all Melanie wanted to do was forget the years she spent away. But she soon learned that going home didn't mean she could return to her old life or her childhood sweetheart, Sean. Even their mutual attraction to one another hasn't rebuilt the bond of trust and closeness they once shared. It's been seven years since she returned and now everything Melanie wants to forget has broadsided her. She must confront her demons and relive her past in an unexpected way or risk losing the only man she's ever loved. But even if she succeeds, Sean might be lost to her anyway.

I loved that this book was in a small town, Orson's Folly.  This book had a lot packed into it.  
Mystery (what her half brother is up to)
Secrets (have to read to find out what, who, etc)
Love 
Romance
Sadness
Humor
Hope
Love
Passion

I do not understand what took Sean and Mel so long to get together.  They love one another.  They were not talking about what was in their heads.  One or both of them was hiding something from the other (not going to tell you which one-read the book!).  

This book got to me.  I am not sure how to explain it.  The things Mel went through to get to where she was.  To be back in the town that she loves means a lot to her.  To be back with Sean.  This book reminded me that with hope, love, and passion you can do anything.

I could not put this book down.  I had to know the answers to all of my questions, which I am not going to put here because I would give too much away.

I want to read Book #1 and Book #3 (titles in the first paragraph).

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Teachers Act 2 by R.L. Merrill

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Salvation: The Italian Story

For this review, I chose Salvation: The Italian's Story by Reana Malori.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Arturo Sabatino was happy with his life as a bachelor and had no plans to settle down. However, from the day Sydney Clark walked through the front door of his restaurant, he knew his life would never be the same again. Arturo was a man who usually got what he wanted and from the moment he laid eyes on Sydney, he wanted her. Sydney may not be ready to accept what he had to offer, but Arturo had no doubt they belonged together. She was his and he was determined to prove it to her.

Sydney gets a new job as a hostess in a restaurant that is owned by 2 brothers, Arturo and Angelo.  Both Arturo and Sydney has this strong attraction to one another, but what could happen if she allows herself to feel?

Of course there is drama in the way of an crazy ex girlfriend, who I will not say much about because I want you to read to find out more about her.  Crazy she is!!  Insane maybe!!  What she tries to pull is not good for either Arturo or Sydney, but will they allow the ex girlfriend to win and tear them apart?

Great love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Elusive Echoes (The Echoes of Orson's Folly) by Kay Springsteen

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: The Dead Man's Treasure

For this review, I chose The Dead Man's Treasure by Kris Bock.  This book is a part of a series called Southwest Treasures.  Book #1 is called The Mad Monk's Treasure.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Rebecca Westin is shocked to learn the grandfather she never knew has left her a bona fide buried treasure – but only if she can decipher a complex series of clues leading to it. The hunt would be challenging enough without interference from her half-siblings, who are determined to find the treasure first and keep it for themselves. Good thing Rebecca has recruited some help, in the form of a green-eyed charmer determined to show her that a desert adventure can be sexy and fun. But there’s a treacherous wildcard in the mix, a man willing to do anything to get that treasure – and revenge. In a frantic race across New Mexico, Rebecca will have to ignore caution in a defiant bid for victory. If she fails, she could lose everything.

Action and romance combine in this lively Southwestern adventure, complete with riddles the reader is invited to solve to identify historical and cultural sites around New Mexico. See the DMT page of Kris Bock’s website for a printable list of the clues and recipes from the book.

The first book in the Southwest Treasure Hunters series is The Mad Monk’s Treasure. The Dead Man’s Treasure is book 2. Each novel stands alone and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with "closed door" romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico.


Once again, I could not put down this book!!  I loved it.  It had so much packed into it:
Action
Mystery
Adventure
Treasure Hunting
Romance

Danger
Sibling Rivalry

I have said this before, but I normally read romance books and at times I like to read books with a bit of action and mystery in it.  Once again this book definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat.  I loved that the background of these book and book #1 in this series are set in the Southwest.   I loved it.  It was nice to have this being different than what I normally read.  I think the setting was described so beautifully that you can see in your own mind.

I have to say this, but I love the title: A Dead Man's Treasure.  What a brilliant idea for a title and the whole plot of the book is behind it!

I love that Rebecca went to someone who she heard of for help.  Rebecca is a strong woman.  Rebecca is so sweet and opposite of her half siblings.  I do like Tiffany, but I kept thinking could she be trusted?  Don't get me started on Rick!  What an creep!!

I love that there are clues that Rebecca and her half siblings have to follow.  You find a clue to move on to the next clue.  There are 5 clues all together.  I loved how each clue was broken down to what they thought it meant.  Her grandfather loved puzzles.  

I will be reading more from Kris Bock!!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Salvation: The Italian Story by Reana Malori

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Stay with Me

For this review, I chose Stay With Me by Reana Malori.  I have read other books by this author.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Keisha Gaines has been in love with Greg Jordan for more than four years. Unfortunately for her, he has always seen her as only a friend. However, once Keisha decides to move on with her life, without Greg, he realizes what has been in front of him all these years. Greg will have to make sure he does everything in his power to keep Keisha by his side and prove his love for her.

Wow, what a sweet romance.  Once again, I loved this book by Reana!! Keisha finally decided to give up on Greg so she decided to move on with her life.  Why is it that man can be so unaware of things around them unless we are not playing attention to them? 

This books makes me realize (once again) that I am lucky that I have my husband, Shawn, in my life.  We have been through a lot, but we are stronger together than we are apart.  I hope one day our kids have the kind of love we have.  Shawn was a blind date.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I did not think he was The One on our first date.  We doubled with a girlfriend of my and her boyfriend, who is friends with Shawn.  But, a month later, I called Sandy to get another date organized.  I was wanting to go out with him again.

Before the book became, it had this quote that I love: 

"When you least expect it, something can trigger a memory ... a song, a smell, a sound ..."

How true this is.  Every time I smell a cherry tomato, I am transported back in time when I was a kid in my grandmother's garden helping her pick cherry tomatoes, green beans, corn, and anything else she wanted picked.  These memories warms my heart.  You see, I lost my grandma at the age of 100 in October, 2013.  Her garden was her proud and joy. 

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: The Dead Man's Treasure by Kris Bock

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Second Hand Stops

For this review, I chose Second Hand Stops: Book 1 Benefactor by Katie St. Claire, which is the first book I read by this author.   Book #2 is called Rewind.  Book #3 is called Fast Forward.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Julia Malone is abandoned on the door of an old English manor but she’s not alone for long. Five telepathic children soon arrive to form a paranormal family of makeshift misfits. Julia packs a humorous punch with her witty way of viewing an unpredictable world. In fact, it becomes her survival mechanism when life goes topsy turvy in the craziest way imaginable.

When the children come of age they drink an unknown substance supplied by a wealthy American benefactor from New York City. It slows the aging process but side effects become a game changer. The mysterious and charming Claude Van Buren arrives at their annual autumn party and unveils himself as the man behind the madness.

Julia becomes Van Buren Industry's vice president of product development, and cracks the code by finally stabilizing substance X, also known as the elixir. Claude Van Buren promises to revolutionize the world with a new line of skin care touted as the fountain of youth.

Nic and Julia are sent on a mysterious vacation and find themselves in the middle of the jungle discovering scientific anomalies the world would never believe.

This coming of age series is one girl’s journey into the puzzling realm of first loves, ethical dilemmas, and life that is stranger than fiction. 

This is not in my normal range of what I read, but I liked the description.  In high school, I read only mystery books.  When I went back to reading, I fell in love with Romance books, but I still love to read whatever I can.

This book started out with Julia being dropped off to the manor by a bald headed man.  I do not understand why.  We learned that each child in the manor has telepathic abilities.  I kept thinking who this this benefactor and what does he want with these children.

This story has me so curious to all those questions: What, Why, When, Where, Who, etc.  What is Rowan and his aunt up to?  Who are Julia's parents and why are they not with her anymore?  I could not stop reading this book.  I had to know more and I wanted all of my questions answered.  I will be reading book 2 and 3.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Stay with Me

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: The Lie

For this review, I chose The Lie by Bethany Mills and Carmen Love, which is the first book by these 2 authors.  This is part of the series called The Tell All.  Book #2 is called Betrayal and it came out in March, but I can not find it on Amazon.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Jeanette Jenkins loves the country life and everyone in her small town. She didn't plan on meeting anyone or dating, seeing as she's sworn off men, but that's all about to change when she goes to help out on a friend's ranch. Paul Matthews is on the crest of becoming the most prominent businessman in his father's company. There's only one problem: he has a secret. When he's encouraged to get the secret out of his system, he travels to a small-town ranch to work and meets the beautiful Jeanette, whom he wants in his bed instantly. Now he has to decide: tell her the truth about himself...or lie?



This was not what I was expecting, but I could not put this book down.  This is not the normal type of book I read, but the description sounded like it would be a good book.  I was curious to see what his secret is.  WOW!!  What a secret!  I think I would make him suffer awhile for keeping a secret from me.  I kept thinking if he did not have a password for his laptop!  Hello, get one if you don't.  Come on, with these days, you need to password everything.  Sorry, I am big into passwords.  I have one for my ipad, iphone, and my laptop.  No, not the same ones either.  They should not be a pet's name, birthday, anniversary, etc.  It needs to be uncommon of you.  All of my passwords are random. 

Enough about that, let's talk about this book.  I loved it.  I read it today.  When I started reading it, I was on a field trip coming back to my son's school.  Did I tell you he goes to a private school?  What a surprise when I was reading this on the bus!!  I can not remember how much I read before I had to stop.  I wanted to laugh at some of the things I was reading.  Then, when I started the second time, I was in my van while my husband drove and I could not read a lot since he was talking to me.  Third time was in a restaurant while my husband took the kids over to play some games after we ate.  Then, I finished it at home in 2 different places.

I love the characters of this book a lot.  Jeanette did not allow Paul to push her around.  She is definitely strong willed.  I am not too sure about Destiny.  I think we will find out more on this in Book #2 (Betrayal) and much more.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: Second Hand Stops

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: The Mad Monk's Treasure

For this review, I chose The Mad Monk's Treasure  by Kris Bock.  This is my first book by this author.  This book is a part of a series called Southwest Treasures.  Book #2 is called The Dead Man's Treasure.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
This book was originally published under the title Rattled. 

A legendary treasure hunt in the dramatic – and deadly – New Mexico desert.... 

The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends – a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. 

When Erin, a shy history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost treasure cave, she prepares for adventure. But when a hit and run driver nearly kills her, she realizes she’s not the only one after the treasure. And is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, really a hero, or one of the enemy? 

Erin isn’t sure she can trust Drew with her heart, but she’ll need his help to track down the treasure. She heads into the New Mexico wilderness with her brainy best friend Camie and a feisty orange cat. The wilderness holds its own dangers, from wild animals to sudden storms. Plus, the sinister men hunting Erin are determined to follow her all the way to the treasure, no matter where the twisted trail leads. Erin won’t give up an important historical find without a fight, but is she ready to risk her life—and her heart? 

Just how far will Erin go to find the treasure and discover what she’s really made of? 

“The story has it all—action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....” 

“The action never stopped .... It was adventure and romance at its best.” 

“I couldn’t put this book down. You’ll love it.” 

Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will enjoy these stories of love in the wild, from a New Mexico Book Award-winning author. 

The Mad Monk’s Treasure is the first book in the Southwest Treasure Hunters series, followed by The Dead Man’s Treasure. Each novel stands alone and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This contemporary romantic suspense series mixes action and adventure with one-two flames romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico.


I could not put down this book!!  I loved it.  It had so much packed into it:
Mystery
Action
Adventure
Treasure Hunting
A little Romance

I normally read romance books, but at times I like to read books with a bit of action and mystery in it.  This book definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat.  Normally the background of books I read are not set in the Southwest so this was a first for me and I loved it.  It was different.

Erin and Camie are great friends, who have each other's back no matter what.  That reminds me of my best friends.  A friend like that you must have.  Good friends are hard to find.

Add in a helicopter pilot!!  Yum!  Erin does not know if he is one of those bad men after her or if he is a good guy.  Not going to tell you which one.  Read this book!!  You will love the action and the mystery behind the treasure hunting.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

Review coming next: The Lie 

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.