T.B.Cooper
  • Home
  • Me, the Author
    • Published Books
    • Hollow Mists Series
    • Breeding Program
    • Tentaglian Empire: House of Tentagel
    • DFB
    • HipOrCriticalView
  • The Subatomic Witch's Blog
  • My Artwork
  • My Store
    • Othervanders Fine Wands and Goddess Necklaces
  • My Blogs
    • A Precariously Balanced Life
    • My Mommy (& Her Many Talents)
    • For all the Books I've Loved so far...
    • Video Library
  • Farm Pics
  • Contact Me!!
  • Favs/WhoISupport
  • FAQs
  • Reviews & Testimonials
  • Home
  • Me, the Author
    • Published Books
    • Hollow Mists Series
    • Breeding Program
    • Tentaglian Empire: House of Tentagel
    • DFB
    • HipOrCriticalView
  • The Subatomic Witch's Blog
  • My Artwork
  • My Store
    • Othervanders Fine Wands and Goddess Necklaces
  • My Blogs
    • A Precariously Balanced Life
    • My Mommy (& Her Many Talents)
    • For all the Books I've Loved so far...
    • Video Library
  • Farm Pics
  • Contact Me!!
  • Favs/WhoISupport
  • FAQs
  • Reviews & Testimonials
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

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. 

2/5/2021 0 Comments

Review for "The Lies of Bryn van Doren" by R.C. Martin

Picture
Click on pic to see this book on Amazon! (NOT an affiliate link)
The Lies of Bryn van DorenThe 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.

View all my reviews
Picture
0 Comments

5/17/2018 0 Comments

I wanted to say more, than just: "It's Release Day for Shari J. Ryan's newest novel, "Darkest Perception" available now for ONLY 99cents!", because for me, this isn't just another release day...

Picture
Click on Picture to view on Amazon, via UN-affiliated link
*which evidently, Darkest Perception released yesterday, but because I was out of the house ALL day visiting a wonderful friend... and when I got home my computer was updating...
yeah... I kinda missed that. Sorry.
Anywhoo... 

Let's get this part out of the way first. Shari J. Ryan, my FAVORITE author, has a new novel out and available.

It's called: 
Darkest Perception.

Synopsis
​

A DARK and MIND-BLOWING STEAMY ROMANCE
I was young, innocent, and looking to start my career in psychology. However, it turned out I was in the wrong class, with the wrong professor, at the wrong time. One decision to become an apprentice changed my entire life.

After being left with nothing, including my true identity, money, family, and friends, I was evicted from my apartment. I knew I'd have to run and hide while struggling with starvation, but then a shady job offer became an appealing option in the midst of my desperation.

I was fully aware of the risks involved, but I'm well versed in reading people and assuming their intentions. Therefore, I was confident I wouldn't end up being that woman who ran into a trap, decorated with luxurious accommodations and high-class amenities. I also wasn't the type to reach for bait disguised as a gorgeous man with lust pooling in his eyes.

As it turns out, though ... I was wrong about everything--almost everything.

I fell into the rabbit hole where nothing was as it seemed from the outside, and I had no clue I was the puppeteer of it all.
Here's my review:
Darkest PerceptionDarkest 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
Okay, now that that's outta the way...

Here's what I really wanted to get off of my chest...

If you haven't read anything from Shari J. Ryan, or... gasp! haven't HEARD of Shari J. Ryan... I'd like to say that you might want to consider changing that. Yes, I am becoming biased. Yes, I give her 5-star reviews, every time... every book...

BUT... she earns EVERY SINGLE STAR. Period.

Hence why she is my favorite. 

I'm kind of one of those people that lives and breathes an appreciation for others that exude perfection in their field. The ones who exhibit an admirable level of integrity in their work. I hold myself to an insane level of "It can be better", "What else can make this more?", etc. etc. etc. I do not fit into the "Perfectionist" mold, because I absolutely do accept many flaws in my life, with a grain of salty sarcasm, and pounds of patience. But... that's me, and this post is about Shari.

Moving on...

When I first came across Shari's writing in 2016, I was doing a review for another novella that was included in an Anthology, that Shari's Queen of the Throne, was a part of.... I think it was called, "Ex's & Hoes" by Danielle Jamie... Yup, that's the one...
And after I'd done that review, I thought to myself, that it would be great to read some of the other short stories in there and do reviews on them as well.

First up, was Queen of the Throne. You can see my review for that story, here. ​
Picture
Now, I can say two things about that story,

#1 I FREAKING LOVED IT!

#2 I love it even more, because if it wasn't for the spelling errors and oopsies it contained at the time, I would've NEVER had the nerve to contact her, and we would've never developed this sort of friendship that has grown since then.

Let me tell you about how it went when I DID contact her, after finding her via Facebook and sending her a Private Message to her FB Author Page... She GRACIOUSLY responded and appreciated the feedback. Here's a bit of backstory real quick about yours truly... I'd only JUST got on to Facebook, pretty much that year. I'd been a recluse dealing with family drama and just bullshit of all sorts, that the lack of give a f*@k was apparent in the extra weight I was carrying in bags that matched my eyes. I had contacted a few authors prior to sending her a note, but not a single one of them gave me the time of day let alone a thank you for my time, like she did. 

That was my first inclination that she was/is an awesome gal.

Then, as time progressed, I read more and more of her writings. Honestly, she writes the kind of stuff I would've NEVER picked up to read.
EVER.
I'm not a heavy reader of Romance Novels in general, let alaone: RomComs, or ChickLit, or Sappy shit that breaks your heart... In fact, if not for Shari, I would STILL not pick up ANY of those books, willingly. I hadn't EVEN HEARD of some of those terms until her. Now, If someone wanted me to read their book for a review, okay, sure, I would've prior to reading Shari. And I'd give it an honest review. Which, if you've read ANY of my reviews, you've seen I'm pretty fair and a lot of them have earned their 5s...

But, because of Shari's writing style, her imagination, her wit... her ability to weave audacity into a believable daily life with a comedic thread, is just... Remarkable.

I've had the pleasure of witnessing her evolution as a writer over the past 2 years. I've seen her strengths become super powers, her weaknesses disappear. Her confidence has grown, and her charm has become more infectious, as if that was even possible. As a human being she is amazingly kind. She's adorable in every interaction... Shari radiates from the depths of an eternal soul... meaning, someone who, in my opinion, is tapped into a genius level of writing and world creating  that harkens from the outer reaches of the reality we accept as our own, and is merely just writing what already exists and her mind is basically witnessing, on another plane of existence...

Okay, in lamens terms... Let me just tell you she is a Pantser... ya know, she doesn't plot before writing, she just writes. Actually she types, but, same thing as far as the level of greatness she has demonstrated to have. She was already great when I first ran across her work... in two years she is placed herself on an unstoppable roll of book after book, from all different areas of literary fiction.

I'm excited for where her career will lead her. 

Picture
If my own opinions are not enough to convince you, let me also point out that her book Last Words (see my review, here), has since been translated into Hebrew, and is also available on Audible. Yes, I understand that this does happen with authors, all the time, but... still... for me, this is incredible, and I feel honored to be privy to her accomplishments and advancements as she continues on her journey.

​I honestly cannot wait to see what she has in store, next!

A little about Shari, from her own pages...
Picture
​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! 
0 Comments

5/2/2018 0 Comments

Review for "Darkest Perception" Shari J Ryan's newest novel, available May 17th!

Picture
Darkest PerceptionDarkest 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
About the Author
Picture
​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
To see my other Reviews that I've done so far, for this AMAZING author, click any of the below titles:
Picture
Queen of the Throne
Picture
Raine's Haven
Picture
Man Flu
Picture
Man Handler
Picture
A Change of Heart
Picture
A Missing Heart
Picture
Last Words
Picture
White Midnight
0 Comments

10/10/2017 0 Comments

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

Picture
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.
Picture
~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 ​
Picture
...and Here's my 5-star Review~
Last WordsLast 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
Picture
​
​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

​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 ​
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!!)

Picture
Last WordsLast 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
About the Author
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.
Picture
Picture
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
<<Previous

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies

    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.

      ​If you would like me to review your book (Fiction or Nonfiction), I will be happy to consider it. Please fill in the information below, and give a brief description of what your book is about, and be sure to note how soon you desire a review. I will get back to you within 36 hours to let you know if it is something I can assist with. Thank you.

      If needed by a specific date, please indicate here.
    Submit
    Picture
    Just some of my babies...

    Categories

    All Adult Fiction Adult Fiction Comedy Alpha Male Romance Announcements Anthology Apocalyptic Fiction Astrology Audio Book BDSM Biblical Fiction Billionaire Romance Biography Bisexual Romance Books For Writing & Writing Tips Brutal Romance Buddhism Cartel Romance Chapter Reveal Chick Lit Clean New Adult Fiction Coming Of Age Coming-out Story Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cover Reveal Dark Fiction Dark Romance Dark Romantic Comedy Disaster Preparedness D.M. Pulley Do NOT Recommend Dystopian Fiction Dystopian Romance Erotic Romance Forbidden Romance Futuristic Space Fiction German Story Gothic Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Romance Holiday Romance Holocaust Fiction Horror Fiction Intermittent Fasting Jihad Law Of Attraction Lesbian Romance Limited Time Sales Event LOA Mafia Romance Magic Realism Fiction Marie Flanigan Mature YA Romance MC Romance Memoir Metaphysical Military Romance M/m Romance Mystery Mystery Romance New Adult Fiction New Adult Romance New-adult-romance New Book Release Nonfiction Book Reviews Paranormal Fiction Paranormal Romance Poems And Songs Police Procedural Pre Order Pre-order Rerelease Re Release Review Rockstar Romance Romance Romance-late-1800s Romantic Comedy Romantic Suspense Samantha Jacobey Science Fiction Selfish Selfpromotion Shamanism ShariJRyan Special-event Special Events Sports Romance Sports-romance Supernatural Thriller Suspense Suspense Thriller Syrian War Tarot Teacher-student-romance Urban Fantasy Romance Wendy Webb Winter Romance Witch & Wizard Mysteries Ya Fantasy Ya Fiction Ya Romance

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly