Book Review: "Last Man She'd Love" by Summerita Rhayne

Last Man She'd Love by Summerita Rhayne

Blurb: When best laid plans fall apart... Lyna is all set to marry a movie mogul, when she finds his pregnant ex at her office, begging her to break the engagement and keep her name out of it. Forced to take her flirtatious boss Guy's help, she sets about to break the engagement. But now she's pulled into deeper involvement with Guy.  One trouble leads to another! She agrees to visit his palatial country house, posing as his fiancée and is drawn into the family and their antics. Sorting out who's who takes time. A stringent grandfather, an ambitious mother, a frustrated half brother are only the beginning! Attraction makes things complicated Propinquity with someone as charming and attractive as Guy doesn't help. But Guy himself is as much of a puzzle as ever. Is he the playboy she thinks him or is there someone else beneath the sardonic pose? Will she ever find out? Will she break her heart in the process? Amazon/Goodreads review: "Last Man She'd Love" was an entertaining read - one that was difficult to put down. Lyna is prim and proper and comes across as cool-mannered. She's engaged for a marriage of convenience. Guy is a total flirt, throwing innuendos left, right and center. He's also her boss. And the chemistry between them is undeniable and irresistible. One favour and one public stuff-up leads to one drama-filled rollercoaster of a ride while they're compelled to live a lie for both of their sakes. Until the lie starts to become too real.  I really enjoyed the entire storyline of "Last Man She'd Love". It was entertaining and captured my interest from the start. There was always something happening. I didn't feel like there were any filler scenes. I did, however, find it confusing at times, such as introducing characters (i.e. not establishing who his family members were in the scheme of things straight away) and timing (i.e. how much time has passed, skipping to the next day in the same paragraph...) and I feel that those parts could have been improved. It's details though! As a whole, this book was a great read. Recommendation: I would recommend "Last Man She'd Love" to anyone who is interested in boss-employee romances, mingled with impossible circumstances and incredible amounts of family drama. As I said in my review, parts of it can be confusing. But once you work out who's talking and whose perspective the scene is written from (note: it's not always just from the hero and heroine's perspectives!), it's a very entertaining read. You can purchase Last Man She Loved  by Summerita Rhayne through Amazon here and leave her a review of your own. Follow her on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.

Book Review: "Shrouded Secrets" by Jason Edmeyer

Shrouded Secrets by Jason Edmeyer

Blurb: HE IS A WOUNDED AMERICAN SPY STUCK IN A CHRONICALLY ANTI-AMERICAN NATION THAT IS HELLBENT ON CAPTURING HIM.  SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE EX-PRIME MINISTER AND FIANCEE OF THE VILLAINOUS HEAD OF SECURITY SERVICES AND SHE IS DETERMINED TO KEEP HIM SAFE AND HELP HIM ESCAPE... BUT HER ACTION IS CONSIDERED DISHONORABLE AND PUNISHABLE BY DEATH...                  HOMELAND MEETS ARGO/ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. When fate brought handsome Eric Gaines in contact with 18-year-old Mumtaz Al-Ghazi, not only was he in dire need of medical help, he was also a fugitive on foreign soil wanted dead or alive. Mumtaz, having witnessed a young couple's death despite her efforts to help them elope two years ago, vowed to save Eric to redeem herself. A nurse and an orphanage operator, Mumtaz hides Eric in the least expected place - in plain sight. Nursing Eric back to life and setting him free seemed simple enough until she falls deeply in love with him. When the country goes on lock down and the reward for his capture grabs the interest of several lethal bounty hunters, this only gives way for their explosive chemistry to intensify despite her engagement to the new head of the security services who is hell-bent on finding Eric to validate his position and bring honor back to his anti-American nation. Shrouded Secrets is packed with twists and plot turns you won't see coming! Well developed characters, with secrets of their own, that gives new light to motive, loyalty, survival and compassion at its very best. This is a taut thriller with heavy suspense, drama and action. You won't know when your pulse doubles and your hand flips the pages! It is VERY unique and reads super fast! Amazon/Goodreads review: Shrouded Secrets tells a story of compassion, love, and survival. When wounded CIA agent, Eric, and a caring nurse and orphanage owner, Mumtaz, have their paths cross, she does everything in her power to nurse him back to health and keep him safe from her anti-American nation. She risks everything for Eric - even when she is the daughter of the ex-prime minister and fiancee of the head of security.  The main thing I look for when I open up a book to read is the 'hook' factor. From page one of Shrouded Secrets, I was hooked. The story is quite fast-paced, which I enjoyed because it meant that I could get straight back into the story after having to put it down - perfect for a busy lifestyle. I never felt like the story was difficult to follow and I enjoyed every moment of it. Jason Edmeyer gives the story a cinematic effect that left me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to continue Mumtaz and Eric's story. Highly recommended! I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Recommendation: Shrouded Secrets is a very fast-paced, entertaining read that sucks you in from the very beginning. It gives you the feeling that you're on the adventure with the characters and does not disappoint. Unfortunately, it leaves us on a cliff-hanger, so we'll just have to wait for the next book to see what happens! Can't wait! You can purchase Shrouded Secrets by Jason Edmeyer through Amazon here and leave him a review of your own. Follow him on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.

Book Review: "The Last Valentine" by Felix Alexander

The Last Valentine by Felix Alexander

Blurb: When Olivia Villalobos finds a bloodstained love letter she endeavors to deliver it before Chief Inspector Sedeño finds it in her possession. A city along the southern coast of Puerto Rico emerges in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. Olivia, daughter of a drunkard police investigator who never knew the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, finds a bloodstained love letter in the hidden compartment of her father’s coat. Convinced it belonged to the man recently found dead she sets out to deliver it to the Labyrinth of Love Letters. A mysterious place believed to be an urban legend where the transients of forbidden love leave missives for one another. She enlists the help of Isaac Quintero to find the Labyrinth and they soon realize their quest has opened the door into Old Sienna’s darkest secrets—the perils, madness and depth of tragic love. Amazon/Goodreads review: Set in Puerto Rico in the year 1935, "The Last Valentine" tells a story of forbidden love and the search for the mythical (or so it was considered) Labyrinth of Love Letters. After the death of a mystery man, a bloodstained letter - the only clue to the man's identity - finds its way into Olivia Villalobos' possession. Instead of giving the letter back to the police, Olivia begins her search for the Labyrinth of Love Letters with her best friend, Isaac, to ensure that the intended recipient of the letter receives it. Little did they know that they walked into a Pandora's box of corruption and mystery.  I received an advanced review copy from the author for an honest opinion.  I found the storyline intriguing and interesting - I was hooked from the start, wanting to know how it would all pan out. Felix Alexander set very descriptive scenes in a way that only a poet could. His descriptions were able to successfully paint a picture in my mind of the scenes. Though, I feel there wasn't enough dialogue in the story - some of the descriptions could have been changed to dialogue (especially ones talking about the past) and it would have helped the story flow better. I was invested in the story, but I would have liked to connect more with the characters and see the blossoming romances some more. There was a lot of looking into the past (memories etc) that sometimes interrupted the flow of the story because it was difficult to tell when it was talking about the present again. But once I got used to the style of writing, it became easier to determine the difference. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romance story that would stand out. From the author: Felix Alexander (1976-Present) is a Mexican-born, American-raised novelist, and poet of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Acclaimed by readers for his poetic prose, his indie releases include: Dear Love: Diary of a Man's Desire, a collection of love letters and poems; The Romantic: A Love Story; and most recently an epic historical fantasy Shadows of Time: The Amulet of Alamin along with a mystery-thriller The Secret of Heaven. Being third-generation military, after a grandfather and uncle who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War, respectively, Alexander is proud of his service in the U.S. Army, and grateful for his experience. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he embarked on the long and arduous journey of a writer. Having made a name for himself during his tenure, serving his country, he vowed to himself and his fellow soldiers that he would answer his true calling. When not spending time with his children, a son and daughter, he journeys through the portals in his extensive, personal library. When he returns, he immerses himself in his writing, and pursues the scent of his muse. Recommendation: The Last Valentine is a unique romance story that differs to the usual romance. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for something a bit different and unique to read and to anyone who loves amazing scene-setting and descriptions. You can purchase The Last Valentine by Felix Alexander through Amazon here and leave him a review of your own. Follow him on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.

Book Review: "All Things I Can Do" by Lilly Rowe

All Things I Can Do by Lilly Rowe

Summary: "All Things I Can Do" is a children's poetry book that draws inspiration from Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV) - to encourage children to know that anything is achievable. The poems are accompanied by beautiful illustrations that reflect the poem it's associated with. Amazon/Goodreads review: "All Things I Can Do" is a superbly written children's poetry book, complete with rhymes and incredible illustrations. Kids can relate perfectly with each poem (e.g. baking with Grandma, riding a bike, being scared of monsters or thunder and lightning etc) and they are a perfect length for a nice, uplifting, short and sweet poem for your kids. The poems are simple and easy to read (perfect for early readers) and the rhymes flow nicely. The artwork is beautiful and interesting for young kids and adults alike. I laughed, I cried, I had a wonderful time reading it. I hope to see more beautiful children's books from this author in the future! Recommendation: I thoroughly enjoyed this children's book and I know that your child will enjoy it, too (mine did!). The illustrations are magnificently done and, although it has a Biblical inspiration, it's definitely not overbearing. So, regardless of your religious affiliation, you would likely enjoy reading this story. I highly recommend it. You can purchase "All Things I Can Do" by Lilly Rowe through Amazon here and leave her a review of your own. Follow her on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.

Book review: "Ghost Light" by LeeAnne Hansen

Ghost Light by LeeAnne Hansen

Blurb: Fiona Corrigan sometimes has difficulty discerning between the reality of stage and real life, especially when it comes to the attentions of her handsome co-star, the dark, brooding, Patrick Berenger. Before they can depart for Edinburgh for their next performance, Patrick and Fiona’s acting troupe are mysteriously summoned to a remote village in Scotland, in the dead of winter. Once there, although stranded by a massive storm, Fiona is happy that she will finally have the time alone with Patrick that she needs to seduce him. Unfortunately, Fiona couldn’t have anticipated Sean’s appearance, (Patrick’s equally handsome, drunken cad of an older brother) or his devastating effect on both her and Patrick. Nor could she have anticipated the true purpose of the strange summons by the eccentric landlord, the dark secrets he would reveal in twisted ways, or the identity of the phantom woman who haunted the stage each time the ghost light went dark. Set in 1920’s Scotland, Ghost Light is equal parts tingling romance and chilling ghost story. Amazon/Goodreads review: Much like her newer book, Yonder, LeeAnne has kept a nice balance between mystery, romance and paranormal elements. One thing that I love about Ghost Light is that LeeAnne puts a spin on the paranormal elements that makes it a decent read even for people who aren't usually fans of paranormals. This book is filled with suspense, mystery and romance that keeps the story moving at a very steady pace. The character's voices and feelings are believable and natural - I felt like I was going on the journey with them, feeling what they felt, and experiencing the same things they experienced. I found some parts of the story predictable to an extent, but the way in which those parts were revealed was still a surprise with new twists exposing themselves as you go. This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing more from LeeAnne Hansen! From the author: LeeAnne Hansen provided an excerpt of Ghost Light for this section.... Once in her room, she lit one more candle and placed the bread on the mantel above the fireplace. She stared at the flame as it bounced from side to side. She as reminded of her father again. Every night before she went to bed, he would lean over her candle and whisper, "It's goes out so fast, even though love burns slow. When the candle goes out, there is still evidence of a glow," before blowing it out. She leaned over to blow out the candle and made a wish- actually it was more of a prayer - to always remember her family, be with her friends and love, always love. Then she blew out the candle. Recommendation: Something that I love about LeeAnne Hansen's stories is that the paranormal aspects are quite subtle. I usually don't read stories with a paranormal influence, but I was drawn into Ghost Light by the romance, the mystery and the scandals. The paranormal parts were not overbearing and added to the story quite well. So, for LeeAnne Hansen's work, I am a convert. I highly recommend her stories! You can purchase Ghost Light by LeeAnne Hansen through Amazon here and leave her a review of your own. Follow her on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.

Book review: "Yonder" by LeeAnne Hansen

Yonder by LeeAnne Hansen

Blurb: Summoned by the news of her dying father, Isabel Delilah Jones escapes from New York City, broken hearted and disillusioned, back to her small Mississippi town. She is welcomed smack dab into a bizarre inheritance, a complex war for her affection between two former best friends, a dire haunting from an unknown child, and a deadly mystery that only she can solve.  Yonder is the perfect Southern treat for fans of tangled romance, spooky mysteries and down home cooking. Taking place in the 1940's on the cusp of World War II, Yonder promises a lovely glimpse of an era that was all too short. Amazon/Goodreads review: Set in the 1940's in Mississippi, "Yonder" tells a story that is intriguing, entertaining, romantic, mysterious and chilling when Isabel returns to her childhood home to find two of her old friends fighting for her affection and the mysterious appearances of a small child.  LeeAnne Hansen has found a perfect balance between descriptions, details, characters, and mystery. This story had me on the edge of my seat, eager to know what twist she was going to write next. I honestly couldn't put it down - very well written and a very good read. From the author: LeeAnne Hansen provided an excerpt of Yonder for this section.... He had half hoped that when he returned to the study Isabel would have fallen asleep across the sofa. Instead, he found her gazing over a bookshelf, softly touching the books. She pulled one out and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply. “The Secret Garden,” she smiled, holding it to her chest. “My mother used to read this to me at night. Little Mary and her secret garden. I spent hours out back looking for a secret garden as a child. How I wanted to find one.” She paged through the book, stopping at an illustration of Mary peering through the garden hedge. “There is nothing like the smell of old books. They smell like memories.” Recommendation: This book was a very entertaining read. There was rivalry, mystery, romance and plenty of twists. The paranormal aspect isn't overwhelming, so even people who don't usually read paranormals would enjoy this story. You can purchase Yonder by LeeAnne Hansen through Amazon here and leave her a review of your own. Follow her on Twitter! Note: All my book reviews published on this blog are honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book provided by the author or through BookTasters. This does not, in any way, influence my reviews.