Book Spotlight with Review: The Refugee by Kim Hopkinson

The Refugee
Kim Hopkinson

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

In a small rural town, Bernard's seemingly perfect life is shattered when Sally, his beautiful wife and Joshua, his young son, are murdered in cold blood. Nearby, in a local village a refugee, far from home, attempts to put his violent past behind him and escape the consequences of his monstrous deeds. Caught between his fractured reality and the lies he spins Ahmed travels from town to town. Ahmed's psyche begins to unravel. Will he be able to outrun his guilt or will the truth finally catch up with him. As the investigation unfolds it seems that there were quite a few people who might have had reason to kill Sally. Leading Inspector Lawrence to think that perhaps he should look for the perpetrator much closer to home. A chilling tale of betrayal, rage and the lengths one man will go to, to protect his reputation.

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My Review

I picked this e-book from the Kindle Unlimited program.

Wow! Great debut novel. I love books that make me think: Who is the murderer? Why? Psychological twists and turns!! Character-driven. Very well written.  

CAWFILE: 9.43

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!

Melissa 

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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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Q&A: How do I rate each review? Part 2

Part 1 is HERE. 

I did CAWPILE for awhile back in 2023 and stopped.  I am going to get back to it with my next review.

Information about this system is: CAWPILE system. CAWPILE was invented by G at Book Roast. G has a video on YouTube. Her video is Awesome. I recommend checking that video out.

Right below you see ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s at the end of my review, you will see my CAWFILE rating.

I am going to add what the link from the Book Riot site says about CAWPILE. I do not want to mess this up. This is not in my own words (all in ""). Go to the site about and her video for more details.

"CAWPILE is a rating system, an acronym for seven key tenets a reader can use to generate specific, targeted reviews in a consistent way. The letters stand for:

To fulfill the system, each parameter should be rated out of 10. Once this is done, the overall result should be divided by seven, which produces a sometimes decimal-pointed answer between 1 and 10.

This 1-10 scale is arguably too specific to be broadly adopted, so instead, we convert the number back into a 5-star rating as follows:

If the book score is:

0-1.1, there is no score.

If it scored 1.1-2.2, that’s one star.

2.3-4.5 is two stars.

4.6-6.9 is three stars.

7-8.9 is four stars.

9-10 is five stars.

Go to the Youtube video to download a copy to your Google sheets. G at Book Roast added so much more to the version I downloaded. It is 2025 v4.

I'm looking forward to using the CAWPILE. Again.

How do you review the books you read?

Happy Reading! Melissa

Excerpt Review: Brutal Intentions Vol. 1: A Forbidden Romance Comic

 For this review, I chose Brutal Intentions Vol. 1: A Forbidden Romance Comic.  Story by Lilith Vincent and Art by Debora Lancianese.

I received an ARC copy of the excerpt of the e-book for an honest review of this book.  This is based on seeing two chapters.

BLURB
 
He's dangerous, drop dead gorgeous, a grade-A asshole—and her new stepfather. Laz and Mia are the black sheep of their families and they discover a forbidden attraction to each other…but do they dare act on it? 
 
Based on the hit novel BRUTAL INTENTIONS by Lilith Vincent with over 200 uncensored 18+, full color pages. Art by Debora Lancianese. 
 
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212598931-brutal-intentions-comic-vol-1
 
 
Live for three weeks only!
 
KICKSTARTER LINK: https://bit.ly/4a5o4Zv


AUTHOR BIO
 
Lilith Vincent is a steamy mafia reverse harem writer who believes in living on the wild side! Why choose one when you could choose them all.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/lilithvincent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilithvincentauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/649473483113116

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Life like!!!! ;) I was very curious about a romance comic. I have never seen one before. Beautifully drawn!  Story grabbed your attention. I want to read the entire comic. Not just a short except of it-2 chapters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Reading Now: Hot Summer Mess by Melissa Foster

                                                            What are you reading now?

I am reading Hot Summer Mess by Melissa Foster. I requested ARC copy of the ebook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book I have read by Melissa Foster and this really surprised me.  I love stories focused around single moms and dads.  This one has 2 single divorced parents.  Both with not wanting to be hurt again by the opposite sex.  Can they put their past heartache aside so they can find happiness?  I can not wait to find out!!  Be sure to read the description below this beautiful currently reading photo and pre-order this book from your favorite book store.  Hot Summer Mess comes out October 17, 2023.

Happy Reading!
Melissa

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes a funny, sexy romantic comedy featuring a twice-divorced, stressed-out romance writer who finds out that sometimes true love can be a hot mess.

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

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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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Book Review: The Skull Keeper by Mariëtte Whitcomb

  For this review, I chose The Skull Keeper by Mariëtte Whitcomb.

I received an ARC copy of the e-book for an honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

Best friends on social media, Allysa and Morgan share a love of three things: thriller novels, true crime, and keeping secrets from each other.

As soon as Allysa asks Morgan to be her plus one at a funeral, Morgan jumps on the first available flight. Burying the dead might unearth the truth about what happened to Allysa’s brother twenty years earlier. She’s never believed he simply left town without saying goodbye.

Once they learn he’s the last known victim of a serial killer, Allysa and Morgan decide to do what the police couldn’t – bring him to justice.

When the hunters become the hunted, only one question remains – Do you know your friend well enough to save her life?

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This was a multi POV book.  Lots of twisty suspenseful psychological thriller!!  It had me guessing who was the killer the entire time I was reading it.  The chapters through The Skull Keeper (TSK) were creepy, graphic, and intense!

CAWPILE: 7.71

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Book Review: Royal Creed by T.K. Leigh

   For this review, I chose Royal Creed by T.K. Leigh.

I received an ARC copy of the eBook for an honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

His princess. Her secret. Their forbidden love.

All my life, every decision has been made for me. What to say. How to dress. And now, who I'm to marry. When you're second in line to the throne, it's just how things are. I've always gone along with it.

Until now.

I may not have a say in who I marry, but I refuse to let someone dictate who I give my v-card to.

So I offer it to the only man I trust not to go to the paparazzi.

Creed Lawson.
Body of an Adonis.
Strength of a warrior.
And my brother's best friend.

It was only supposed to be one night. To the outside world, I'm supposed to be in love with someone else. And Creed's about to be sworn in as a member of the Royal Guard.

That doesn't stop us from fantasizing about what could be. About ignoring our duty and following our hearts.

But when the consequences of our secret tryst become much more dangerous than either of us originally bargained for, can I find the courage to fight for what I want? Or will I always remain a pawn in the palace's deadly game?

Royal Creed is the first book in a forbidden bodyguard trilogy. Grab your copy today.

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This is book #1 in the Broken Crown series. Oh my! I love everything about this book!  I can not wait to read the first book in this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Book Review: Her Royal Fling by Jodie Larson

 For this review, I chose Her Royal Fling by Jodie Larson.

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

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

It was only supposed to be for a few days.

When Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy asks me to play tour guide to him and his friends for their bachelor getaway weekend, I’m helpless to resist. Then again, I’ve always been a sucker for an accent, piercing blue eyes, and a panty-melting grin.

Luke and I shared an immediate attraction. From the moment our eyes met, I was a goner. I would have done practically anything for a little more time with him.

Even wanting to be his three-day vacation fling.

Reckless? Maybe. Do I regret it? Not a chance – even if I can’t get him out of my head.

When a wedding invitation shows up at my door, it takes all of half a second to make up my mind to see the man I can’t stop thinking about.

Only I may be in over my head.

Royally. (less)

I love reading books about a woman meeting a prince on her or his vacation.  Normally lots of chaos happens because she isn't from his life and you can't forget the forces against them.  Will they survive? Or will those forces win? I can't wait to read the next book in this series. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

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 Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Review: Whisky Moments

For this review, I chose Whisky Moments by Emily Bowie. 

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

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:

What happens when the legend you love, becomes the man you hate?

Camilla:
Do I love Rhett Steele? Absolutely not.
Do I like Rhett Steele? Not even close.
Do I hate Rhett Steele? Yes.
This is the man who destroyed my world, shattering my dreams the very first time I met him. It’s like he purposely pushes buttons I don’t even realize exist. I wouldn’t live with him if he were the last man on earth. Then how did he end up being my newest most hated roommate?

Rhett:
My singing career is tanking, my fans are turning against me, and I’m told I need to clean up my image. I should have done it with America’s sweetheart on my arm. But what’s the fun in that? Instead, I turn to the woman who hates me more than anyone. I’ve already hit rock bottom, I can only go up from here, or so I thought. 

This is Book #4 in the Steele Family series.  I have read the first 3 books in the series.  Camilla and Rhett has this fire and ice type of relationship.  Their chemistry was combustible and how Camilla handled him was icy at times.  Great story about going after someone who changes your world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!

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 Boost: Fraud

SECRETS. SUSPENSE. SEXINESS. Readers love FRAUD by R.C. Stephens!!

GET YOUR COPY EXCLUSIVELY ON AMAZON: US → https://amzn.to/2EmGaKQ UK → https://amzn.to/2XiWiEL CA → https://amzn.to/2SRScVa AU → https://amzn.to/2BJdDxi

BLURB:

From best selling author R.C. Stephens comes a steamy, suspenseful new standalone romance about a British alpha hero and the one woman he can't seem to forget. Eleven years together and today I find out . . . I don’t know the first thing about the man I’m sleeping beside every night. My marriage is built on a bed of lies . . . Nothing is real. Each day I’m barely surviving, falling deeper into despair and loneliness. Meeting Hayes Taylor is not in my plan. Younger, beautiful and broken—just like me. I feel a connection with him I’ve never experienced before. But I am a married woman, and cheating isn’t in my DNA. I ignore the sexual tension between us and push him away. And like most women, I stay in my marriage for my kids. But my husband not only manipulates, he keeps secrets I’m not prepared for. Secrets that may destroy me . . . This is not only my fight song, this is my journey to discover love. Fraud is for a mature audience only. It is a full length standalone with a sexy alpha hero. There is no cheating and a guaranteed HEA that will leave you swooning.

About R.C. Stephens:

As far back as R.C. Stephens can remember she was a sucker for a good romance. Of course there had to be a prince charming even if he ultimately was a dark knight and there had to be a happy ending. She watched the movie Dirty Dancing way too many times growing up and Jean Claude Van Damme movies too. Go figure! After years of saying she would write a book one day, she finally put pen to paper and carved out the plot line for what would eventually become the best selling Twisted Series. Now R.C. is just finishing up her tenth book and can’t seem to stop the stories running through her mind. Visit R.C. on her Facebook page to find out what’s new in her life and what releases she has coming up.

Find R.C. Stephens Online! Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xDa9MK BookBub: http://bit.ly/2yiowDn Facebook: http://bit.ly/2yh01ch Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2i9lBZN Instagram: http://bit.ly/2UzDi2m Twitter: http://bit.ly/2ylUdNJ Website: http://www.rcstephens.com