The Lies of Bryn van Doren by R.C. Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one surprised me. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I've had a lot going on lately so I stretched it out, savoring it; but easily could've read it in one sitting. This is a solid 4.5-star novel, maybe even a five if I was still into romance novels... and I only have one "tiny" complaint with the formatting...

Plot: So, it's been a while since I've read a romance novel, and even longer since one grabbed my emotions, even if I wasn't initially into the premise... The PREMISE being one of the "Pretty Woman" trope. But don't get it twisted... our character isn't a street worker, at all. Circumstances just evolve- as they do, that turns this story into THAT trope. Is the plot believable? The real-life aspects and relatability- absolutely. The accidental romance? Eh- I mean, sure? But, isn't that what a romance novel is all about, anyway? The happy accidents that lead us to love? Anywho, major points for the execution of the story are deserved in this area.

Characters: The two main characters, IMO, were fleshed out well enough to be believable within the confines of this type of book. The supporting characters also had distinct voices and a side note... I kinda love the MC's BFF, Stefano.

The Writing: The story itself read well, in 3rd person POV, BUT... there's this thing the author does every few chapters where we go back in time/ see a memory, which is GREAT, BUT- the whole thing is italicized and it for me, is hard on my eyes. That's it. That's my gripe.

In Case You Wanted to Know & Overall: There IS sex in this book and it's descriptive... but let me tell you... here's an area I'm gonna heap some praises on... There is a sexual tension build-up; the MCs don't just start banging right off the bat and ALSO, this book doesn't automatically turn into pages on end of gratuitous sex scenes once they DO. There's actually a story in there, and I APPRECIATE that on so many levels. And that story? Yeah, it made me cry; a couple of times. I ended up getting invested and for that, this book goes in the "Highly Recommended" pile for anyone wanting a beautiful, modern tale of love, in a big city.

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Darkest Perception by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Darkest Perception,” by Shari J. Ryan

Yet another win, for Shari Ryan! She went Dark… like, REALLY Dark, with her newest literary addition to her fictional world of characters. Without spoilers, here’s my take on this 5-star story…

Plot: Given the taglines and synopsis of the book, I still wasn’t prepared for what was in store as I began reading. I was definitely NOT disappointed, however, with the way the twists and turns played out. Shari has a special way of making the most audacious of scenarios appear almost commonplace, with her unique storytelling abilities.

Characters: Her characters have always been fully-fleshed, so I expected to fall in love with Harley and Axel, right away. But… I didn’t. Why? Because Shari quite nicely hooked me with more questions about motives and what the heck was going on, that the mystery surrounding these two, intrigued me past the point of distraction. There wasn’t time, in the beginning, to “love” the characters because the situations they find themselves in, and the way they handle (it), took up most of my time trying to find out why.

The Writing: There isn’t much more I can add to this particular section that I haven’t said before. Shari J. Ryan is an extremely gifted master of weaving stories. This one, a darker tale full of deception, just proves that point. She’s the Queen of the Hook.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is both violence and sex(not combined) in this novel. This isn’t for the faint of heart. If four lettered words bother you, this also isn’t for you. Do NOT read this book if you’re looking for a story that has been (until recently) typical of Shari, where there aren’t master assassin-type, bad guys lurking around and someone might die. This novel plays by a totally different set of rules.

Overall: I enjoyed reading a story about two individuals who each have mysterious paths that were destined to cross. It was easy to read, easy to follow… Seeing this “other side” of Shari as she explores her scope of writing abilities is truly exciting, and I can’t wait to read whatever she dishes out next!


View all my reviews

Darkest Perception by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Darkest Perception,” by Shari J. Ryan

Yet another win, for Shari Ryan! She went Dark… like, REALLY Dark, with her newest literary addition to her fictional world of characters. Without spoilers, here’s my take on this 5-star story…

Plot: Given the taglines and synopsis of the book, I still wasn’t prepared for what was in store as I began reading. I was definitely NOT disappointed, however, with the way the twists and turns played out. Shari has a special way of making the most audacious of scenarios appear almost commonplace, with her unique storytelling abilities.

Characters: Her characters have always been fully-fleshed, so I expected to fall in love with Harley and Axel, right away. But… I didn’t. Why? Because Shari quite nicely hooked me with more questions about motives and what the heck was going on, that the mystery surrounding these two, intrigued me past the point of distraction. There wasn’t time, in the beginning, to “love” the characters because the situations they find themselves in, and the way they handle (it), took up most of my time trying to find out why.

The Writing: There isn’t much more I can add to this particular section that I haven’t said before. Shari J. Ryan is an extremely gifted master of weaving stories. This one, a darker tale full of deception, just proves that point. She’s the Queen of the Hook.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is both violence and sex(not combined) in this novel. This isn’t for the faint of heart. If four lettered words bother you, this also isn’t for you. Do NOT read this book if you’re looking for a story that has been (until recently) typical of Shari, where there aren’t master assassin-type, bad guys lurking around and someone might die. This novel plays by a totally different set of rules.

Overall: I enjoyed reading a story about two individuals who each have mysterious paths that were destined to cross. It was easy to read, easy to follow… Seeing this “other side” of Shari as she explores her scope of writing abilities is truly exciting, and I can’t wait to read whatever she dishes out next!


View all my reviews

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

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