For all the Books I've Loved so far...

My page just for Books... Book Reviews, Reveals, Release Blitzes etc.

Disclaimer: While I work hard to make sure that the language and innuendo
used in the Cover Reveals, Excerpts, etc. that I volunteer to share to help out
other authors, is toned down to PG-13 status, I might occasionally miss some
here and there. Reader Discretion is advised.

8/28/2020 0 Comments

Review for "Across the Winding River" by Aimie K. Runyan

Click picture to see "Across the Winding River" on Amazon. NOT an Affiliate Link

Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever since I read Shari J Ryan's "Last Words", I have been fairly obsessed with WWII era novels. Both of my parents were born during WWII and grew up feeling the after-effects of the war in China & Europe... Anyway, this was a bittersweet tale of lost & forbidden love- a US Jewish Dentist overseas as a field doctor, and he ends up meeting a German Resister and this turns into a love affair that can't be forgotten 60 some odd years later as the dentist, faces his own mortality.

Told from (the dentist) Max's POV during WWII, Johanna's POV in WWII (his love interest's sister), and Beth's (present-day/Max's daughter) POV, all using 1st person POV. It sounds like it could get confusing, but the author did a nice job of developing clear voices and traits for her three main characters.

Was there anything "special" about this novel that makes it "stand out"? No, sorry, but- no. I wasn't moved or invested, but I would read a novel about WWII over almost any other, any day. And this one was written well. I liked the story, but I REALLY liked the writing style-more. I guess for a historical novel, based in that time period, I expected more pain/suffering & the ultimate overcoming of adversity that's familiar to that type of novel; and I think the 3 storytellers actually detracted from what could have been an engrossing tale.

This was an interesting read and approach to telling the story of a character who's own voice you never really get to hear. For the artistry alone, I would recommend it, but stay till the end because it does have a lovely conclusion.

View all my reviews

0 Comments

4/5/2018 0 Comments

Book Review for Raine's Haven by Shari J. Ryan

Raine's Haven by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Raine’s Haven,” by Shari J. Ryan

I still cannot find a single reason to NOT continue reading ANYTHING this amazing author puts out. When I finally got around to having time to read this novel, I easily fell in love with these two damaged characters, with troubled pasts. Without spoilers, here’s my take on this 5-star story…

Plot: It is a given, that a LOVE STORY, no matter how painful the meat of the story is, will undoubtedly end up with the two mains being together, right? Well, there was definitely some crazy twists I didn’t see coming, that made my hopes of an HEA, shatter-completely. In other words, solid & believable plot.

Characters: The two characters, Raine & Haven, are about as messed up as they come. Between external influences from childhood, on, and the internal aftermath they both individually face… as well as together. I couldn’t help feeling their connection, wanting them to “heal” each other, knowing deep down that’s what would happen… then—BLINDSIGHTED, what the…? Aaah!!! What just happened?!?!

In fact, I (almost) gave up on them because (it), at one point, felt so helpless.

The Writing: Here’s where Shari’s amazing skills come in and made me happy to have continued to the end… Shari used the dual POV of both Raine & Haven, in beautiful cadence… And, having read quite a few of her books already, I knew I could trust her to not break my heart—completely.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There are a couple of not-so-graphic sex scenes, there is some language, but nothing in the story is over-the-top crude and unnecessary. Just as in life, this book is filled with bright and colorful words and vibrant characters.

Overall: Shari showed her darker side in this novel, meaning she was able to portray Raine & Haven in an honest & authentic light, that made them believable and even likable… even if at first in a reader’s maternal “oh, you poor baby,” kind of way. Mrs. Ryan truly has mastered the art of making her audience empathize with her characters. Excellent job, Shari! Sorry I took so long to finally read it, and even longer still, to get the review posted… since I DID read this months ago, and wrote, but never typed up this exact review, in FEBRUARY!!!

View all my reviews

International Bestselling Author, Shari J. Ryan, hails from Central Massachusetts where she lives with her husband and two lively little boys. Shari has always had an active imagination and enjoys losing herself in the fictional worlds she creates.

When Shari isn't writing or designing book covers, she can usually be found cleaning toys up off the floor.

Connect with Shari
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fnWuAB
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1VSrO8t
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1NzXSLp
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TwFt16
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2efHfqF
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2fxCTNt
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2fnURTg

Below is my Affiliate link, which means your purchase using said link may financially benefit me, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you could always click the Book's main image at the top of this post, if it makes a difference...
It's your preference!

To see this, as well as my other Amazon reviews, Click HERE.

0 Comments

10/10/2017 0 Comments

Last Words by Shari J Ryan is Available--NOW--and just 99cents for a Limited Time!!

Last Words: A Diary of Survival

~NOW LIVE and JUST 99cents!!~

Last Words, where Non-Fiction meets Fiction, and the lines in between are blurred by forbidden love.

~Blurb~

Amelia - 1942:
The inside of my closet held the last bit of my freedom before I was torn from my home and shoved onto a dark train.
Our destination was even darker. “Women and children to the right. Men to the left,” they shouted at us.
Everything was taken from me, leaving only the smoke filled air, piercing screams, and soul-burning cries.
I was slowly starved and weakened to the bone, but there was a man—a Nazi—who brought me extra food. He called himself a prisoner too, but he scared me, and I wondered if he was the enemy I should fear the most.

Emma - Current Day:
My grandmother hid her past in an old diary under her bed. The tattered, brown leather book sat there for years until she asked me to find it and read her unspoken words. Now, her stories and secrets are consuming every moment of my life.
She’s dying ... and asking for a man no one in our family has ever heard of.
I never imagined a hand-written book could change my entire life, but it has. It opened my eyes to a new beginning, and I learned that love is not the unsaid word my grandmother has refused to speak. It’s an action—it’s longevity, taboo and sometimes forbidden. Do we fight for what’s wrong, or do we spend our lives searching for what’s right?
Last words were never spoken because love doesn’t stop until a heart is no longer beating.

~What people are saying~

"Last Words by Shari Ryan is a gripping, emotional, spell-binding journey of bravery, redemption, and love. Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down, completely captivated by the story. I felt every emotion the characters went through, one minute my heart caught in my throat, the next overwhelmed with the love these characters shared. I urge everyone to read this book. Allow the story to consume you as it consumed me, and remember the lesson that has sadly been forgotten lately… Love is stronger than hate." -
USA Today Bestselling Author T.K. Leigh

"To the author that broke my soul. You Shari J Ryan have somehow crawled inside my soul with your words and cracked it. Thank you for that. [...] It takes a phenomenal artist with a natural craft to reach the heights that Mrs. Ryan did. Thank you for sharing your beautiful craft with the rest of the reader nation. I am a blessed reader because of you! 100 STARS if possible." - Shasta Hope, Early Reader

"The way it was written with the now and then's events made me sit on the edge of my seat waiting for what comes next. You can totally feel the heart and the soul of Shari being brought to us on a silver plate.
Amelia and Charlie's story will stay with me forever, that's for sure." - Lin, From Chika With Love Blog

Purchase Links:
Amazon U.S.: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsUs
Amazon Canada: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsCA
Amazon Australia: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsAU
Amazon U.K.: http://smarturl.it/SharilastwordsUK

...and Here's my 5-star Review~

Last Words by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Last Words,” by Shari J. Ryan

Disclaimer: I am Shari's BIGGEST fan. But I am also, as I've said before, above all-- honest; if I didn't like it, I wouldn't give it a five-star review just because, or say as much about it as I am about to say. Hope you're ready...

First, let me just say that I am not sure Mrs. Ryan is capable of writing ANYTHING LESS than a 5-star story. Granted, I haven't read ALL of her books and novellas (yet), but her writing style, no matter the genre/sub-genre, is nothing short of Poetic Genius. Time & again, she proves to me that I can LOVE a story outside of my normal type of story-type picks. How? Okay, my first guess is that she is some kind of Time/Space Magician, and is just writing down events EXACTLY as she witnesses them in a parallel universe, where words flow deliciously like melted butter and descriptions and characters are intensely real and vibrantly vivid, more-so than the normal 2D ones we see here on paper-- on Earth.

BUT, I've been known to have some outlandish theories before, so I'll posit my 2nd guess on how Shari thoroughly convinces me of her worth as a Master Storyteller and leaves my heart and mind aching with desire to read more... Um, I kind of touched on it earlier... It's her writing style. I honestly cannot get over how intoxicating (it) is. In the space of just a few hours, I devoured her latest gift to the Literary World, Last Words; a novel with clear and definitive dual storylines and POV, forbidden love, unexpected joys, gut-wrenching and unfortunately realistic tragedies, and the kind of serendipitous conclusions that only happen in real life, where life is stranger and better than fiction.

Without giving too much away, here is a breakdown of what I think about Last Words, and why I'd rate it 5+ stars if I could.

Plot: Okay, so, the book has dual plotlines, alternating easily via every chapter. One storyline follows Amelia's life after capture and subsequent imprisonment in a Nazi-run prison camp during WWII. This part of the story is told via a diary(that btw, reads like a current story/as-it-happens, instead of the typical “Dear Diary” format) that Amelia has kept secret for seventy-four years from her family, including her granddaughter, Emma, whose own present-day story unfolds, as she is asked by her grandmother to read and finally learn the pain she (Amelia) has been burdened by for so long, alone. The premise of confessing your secrets while believing to be on your deathbed, is a familiar occurrence, as is the effect that learning truths and keeping those family secrets—secret, have on the perspectives of the receiver of such precious knowledge. There are no plot holes, outrageous twists, nor unnecessary deus ex machinas used to move the story along, or lead to an HEA. This book reads just as a real-life account of love, hardship, extreme pain and loss, and misguided decisions of selflessness-- should read.

Characters: Hmm, I really DON'T want to give the story away, so let me try my best to say it simply-- Amelia and Emma are REAL PEOPLE(aren't they?), as are the other supporting characters and cast members. Fully fleshed-out, with distinct voices... their story(ies) pull you in and are not easily forgotten. These people come alive and it feels as if you're watching a documentary or live Reality TV. Real. Believable. That's the kind of characters you find in an SJR book.

The Writing: Yes, I know I've touched on this- quite a bit... BUT, let's go a step further... Mrs. Ryan's prose is spellbinding and bewitching. (It) is easy to read, while being far from basic. Her words are quotable and inspiring, and thought-provoking. From the very first pages, I was drawn in-- sucked in-- possessed.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is violence, somewhat graphically described, that was, sadly, “typical” of concentration camps during WWII/the Holocaust. There is no detailed or implied rape; mentions of it happening within the camp-yes, but none occurs within the story. I do not recall any foul language. Yes, there is sex in this novel, but in typical SJR fashion, it is tastefully described, not overly explained, and NOT the main part of the story, nor is it a recurring theme... We're talking 3 occasions that consist of maybe two paragraphs each...

Overall: Yes, I read this book prior to its release. No, I did not have to give a review unless I wanted to-- but of course, as usual, I wanted to! Overall, this story does not disappoint. Shari did her research, listened to her relatives and to her heart, and wrote a masterpiece that feels like it REALLY DID HAPPEN. A completely plausible war-love-story, that moves the reader (um, myself AND (MC)grand-daughter, Emma) to live more-- want more-- believe in more. Think of Bastian in The Neverending Story, or Harry Potter gazing into the Pensieve-- You will be pulled in and your heart will be forever changed.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome Amazon user: A. Reader aka Goodreads Reviewer: DeeArr1

View all my reviews

Also see this review on Amazon, along with other reviews I've done of
Shari's AMAZING BOOKS!!
or check them out, here:
A Missing Heart
Queen of the Throne
White Midnight
A Change of Heart

About the Author

Just so you know, the links BELOW are My OWN affiliate links, and I may be compensated if your click results in a purchase.

More Great Reads from Shari J. Ryan...

You'll find THESE and MANY MORE on Shari's Author Pages on both Amazon & Goodreads

0 Comments

9/30/2017 0 Comments

5-Star Review for Shari J. Ryan's "Last Words"-- Available October 9th!! (What a great reason to FINALLY get back to blogging!!)

About the Author

Connect with Shari
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fnWuAB
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1VSrO8t
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1NzXSLp
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TwFt16
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2efHfqF
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2fxCTNt
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2fnURTg

0 Comments

12/2/2016 0 Comments

Forbidden Kisses by Sha Renée is Available--NOW!!

Title: Forbidden Kisses

Author: Sha Renée

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 2, 2016 Available on Kindle Unlimited

Layla is an enlisted member of the US Navy. On a weekend trip, she meets and grows close to the perfect guy. Her world is turned upside down when she later discovers he’s a Navy lieutenant. Military regulations prohibit personal relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. Is Layla strong enough to walk away from the only man to hold her heart?

She’s everything Lieutenant Ethan Parker wants, and during his darkest moment, Layla was everything he needed. Learning that a relationship with her is forbidden catapults the decorated officer into a place darker than the one she helped pull him from. Ethan is forced to choose between the profession that means everything to him and the woman he’s waited his entire life for.

Can military regulations separate lovers destined to be together?

“This was my first read of Sha Renee and I really enjoyed it! Some steamy sexy time, and some drama this made for quick read, and I give it 4.5 stars.” - MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews

“What a sweet short read this is. Well written, fast paced, easy to follow, and quite enjoyable. I was invested in the characters and their dilemmas.” - Lovetiggis I Love My Authors

CLICK ME TO LISTEN ON GOOGLE PLAY

EXCERPT 1

I stood inside the small shack near the beginning of the flight line. Different colored vests hung on the walls along with over-the-head earmuffs, goggles and other safety equipment. Neat stacks of papers with Layla’s handwriting lay on the desk next to service manuals and a few extra pairs of ear protection.

I peered through the window onto the flight line and watched Layla with her students. The Airmen who trained here would eventually work as aircraft mechanics, electricians and a number of other positions in support of the Navy’s air fleet. Donned in earmuffs, protective eyewear and different colored vests they were going over aircraft launch procedures.

The brown vest Layla wore over her blue camouflage uniform designated her as the line member directing the plane - the one person the pilot focused on. One crew member manned the back of the aircraft. Two others stood on either side of the plane, next to the huge wheels. They waited for the signal to pull chocks. Once they received it, they’d retrieve the safety blocks surrounding the wheels so the plane could move forward.

Layla wore confidence and authority as if they were the latest fashion trends. She gave the signal pull chocks – both hands extended in front of her at waist level, facing upward; when she moved her hands outward, both linemen unsecured the wheels by removing the chocks. Every step was well coordinated and performed according to standard procedure. One of the reasons I loved the military – uniform procedures for every task. Everything ran smooth and efficiently, down to the last detail. It’s what made us the best, and ultimately, what saved lives.

Layla gave the all clear signal followed by the command to move forward and then slowly stepped backward. The plane advanced slowly according to Layla’s hand signals.

It only took a few seconds for me to realize something was seriously wrong. Fuck. The lineman on the starboard wing hadn’t moved away from the plane. Didn’t he know he needed to haul ass after he pulled chocks? My heart began to pump wildly as the realization of impending disaster set in. When the plane turned, the discharge of exhaust and fire would blast the lineman, potentially killing him.

Did Layla even see him? Why didn’t she say anything? Why didn’t she do anything to get him out of the way? I hastened toward the door, then back to the window. Even if I called out, no one would hear me over the roar of the engines. Shit. I needed to get out there. I had to save that kid’s life, save my team. Adrenaline shot through every muscle as I grabbed the earmuffs from the desk and raced outside. A slow trot increased to a sprint when I realized the plane was about to make it’s turn. Holy fuck. The kid stood there as if he was in a daze. What the fuck was he doing? I ran faster. My heart pounded fiercely. The plane began to rotate as Layla commanded. Shit. Shit. Shit. This kid was going to die on my watch.

EXCERPT 2

Ethan thanked the host and picked up the microphone. and a hush settled over the room and all eyes were on Ethan. I expected him to choose a song and start singing, but instead, he addressed the audience.

“I hope you’re all having a good time.”

The crowd applauded.

“You’re in for a treat this evening.” He looked directly at me and continued, “Visual as well as musical – as my girl, Layla takes the stage.” The crowd cheered instantly as Ethan extended a hand in my direction

“Come on up, Baby.”

In two gulps, I downed the remaining wine in my glass and joined Ethan on the stage. Although I loved music and enjoyed singing, I was nervous as hell.

“Ladies first.” Ethan whispered the words as he held the microphone out to me.

“You’ll pay for this.”

He flashed the sexiest, dimpled grin and at that exact moment, I knew I was in love with him.

“Get off my stage.”

“As you command, Beautiful.”

Within moments, my foot was tapping to the opening drum beat. My head bopped to the bass of the Pretenders’ Mystery Achievement. Hair swung about as I shimmied seductively and sang “On my mind, on my mind, on my mind.” My body came alive as the music surged through me. I rocked and wiggled and sang my heart out. Since I’d sung along with this song on numerous occasions, I knew every word and every stroke of the guitar. At the instrumental parts the audience participated by clapping along. By the end of the song, I was jumping up and down, making eye contact and connecting with the audience as I approached their tables and sang directly to them. At the final beat and the last fierce swing of my head, the audience roared.

“Holy, fuck! That was orgasmic.” Laughter accompanied the applause.

Ethan clapped the loudest and gave me a quick kiss. “I could get you a cigarette if you like.”

I gave him a playful push as I handed him the microphone.

From our table I watched Ethan’s performance. His eyes locked on mine as his song started. When he sang the first line in acapella, my heart laughed, danced and cried. The music started and the audience cheered. UB-40’s version of Can’t Help Falling In Love featured a slow reggae beat that everyone wanted to move to. I watched transfixed as he sang to me. Me. He was singing to me. Was he saying he was in love with me?

Ethan was beautiful and so darned sexy as his hips rocked to the reggae beat. He sang and danced like he could feel the music. As if it flowed through his body the way it did mine. His eyes, his movements and his words seduced me. As if he was making love to me, from right there on the stage. When he stepped off the stage and came close to our table, I swooned like a groupie. With a hand extended, he sang ‘take my hand’, and guided me to my feet. Like a professional performer, Ethan continued bellowing the smooth notes, rocking his hips while he held my hand. With a gentle hold, he pulled me close, guiding me to move to the sultry beat with him. When the music ended, everyone applauded.

“That was amazing!”

“Ready to go?” He didn’t wait for my answer. Instead, he pulled out his wallet, left a few bills on our table, and ushered me out the door.

“That was so much fun! Why are we leaving already?”

“I want to hear you sing... in private.”

EXCERPT 3

“What do you think?” Layla strutted and twirled like a runway model.

“Wow! You look amazing.”

The slinky black dress was simple but elegant. Cut just low enough in the front to allow her breasts to tease, and low enough in the back to draw my eyes to her perfect curves.

“I love it. This is the one.”

“I haven’t even tried the other one yet.”

“You can try it if you like, but this one gets my vote.” As Layla examined her reflection in the mirror, I placed my hand on her ass, sliding it up and down over the velvet fabric “If you do get this one, I won’t be able to keep my hands off you.”

Her luscious lips curved into a flirtatious smile. “Then maybe I will get it.” Her gaze flicked to the price tag. “Or maybe not. Ethan this dress is ridiculously expensive.”

“And you’re worth every penny.”

“I should at least give you half. Or we can go to a less expensive store.”

It was time to put my foot down. “Layla! I’m buying the dress. Now go try on the other one if you want to, but we’re leaving here with one of them.”

“Fine.”

“And when you’re done, pick out some shoes.”

She darted back to the fitting room.

“And lingerie,” I called after her. “Do you know they have panties that you can actually eat?”

While I waited for Layla to try on the second dress the sales clerk who’d helped us earlier showed me a necklace with matching earrings. “These will go nicely with whichever dress she chooses.”

I looked over my shoulder to see if Layla was ready to model the next dress. She hadn’t come out yet, but what I did see caused a knot to form in the pit of my stomach. What. The. Fuck.

My heart pounded, forcing panic through my veins with every beat. I stood paralyzed with fear as Commander Murphy strode right toward me. Where had he come from? What was he doing here? In a mall located several miles away from the base, I hadn’t considered the possibility of running into someone who knew us. What a stupid mistake.

“Parker! How’s it going?”

I shook his outstretched hand and prayed he didn’t notice the sweat on my palm.

“I’m good, Sir, how are you?”

“Not bad. What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

“Oh. I um... I’m picking up a gift. For a friend.” That not a lie... except Layla was much more than a friend. I tried to appear relaxed in spite of the alarming thoughts flooding my mind. Reduced pay, reduced rank, Captain’s Mast, dishonorable discharge, confinement.

I stole a glance toward the fitting room, hoping Layla would stay put for a while. Please let the zipper be stuck.

A squeaky door hinge set me on edge. Holy shit. This was it. The end of my career.

(CLICK HERE TO JOIN)

Sha Renée is a native New Yorker who left home at the age of 17 to join the US Navy. She now lives in New Jersey where she creates stories on the pages where duty, honor and passion unite.

When she's not writing, Sha enjoys listening to music while drinking either a cup of hot coffee or a glass of chilled wine. Some of life’s simple activities—such as walking through freshly fallen autumn leaves and watching bulldozers, diggers and other construction vehicles—entertain her. Sha also has a passion for photography, meeting people, and connecting with her readers.
Forbidden Kisses is Sha Renée’s first Military Romance. The story of Layla and Ethan continues in Off Base.

a Rafflecopter giveaway In the event the winner/winners are outside of the Untied States the prizes will be switched into an Amazon Gift Card

HOSTED BY:

0 Comments

<<Previous

Why do reviews?

Well, I own over 6000 books.
Most of them are non-fiction, since I have an obsession with knowledge.
But oh, how I love a good story.
I've decided to devote an entire Blog, just for books.

Here, you will find book reviews for Fiction, in almost every genre.
I'll also be sharing reviews for the too many to count
Nonfiction books I am constantly dumping into my head.
As well as Announcements etc. for New Releases
from fellow authors.

How do I decide what rating...

For Fiction books, it's either a 5, 4, or a 3-star. That's it. If it doesn't qualify for at least a 3-star rating, I will NOT post that kind of a review. I either REALLY loved/liked it and it was written well, regardless if it wasn't something "up my alley" so-to-speak, OR it was okay, but could have used some more details, or fix the plot holes, etc. I WILL NOT rate low for spelling and/or grammar, editing mistakes. If they are plentiful, I will send the author a polite email to let them know. Hopefully the author will listen and address the problems.

For Nonfiction, sorry, but here I have to be a bit more discerning. I will rate 1-5 stars, according to the layout of the information, the quality of the information, as well as any editing mistakes, etc. I personally feel that a Nonfiction book is there to provide information, and if it is not delivered in a clear and concise manner, too much confusion will ensue and cause potentially horrible embarrassments or even fatal mistakes.

Have a book that needs a Review?

***Important Notice-- I am currently behind on ALL of my book reviews. All books that I have set to review, I will get done as soon as possible. New requests will not be reviewed until ?????
Please take this into consideration before making a request. Thank you.

Submit

Just some of my babies...

YOUR CART