Book Review: Girl with the Rose Tattoo by Larry Weiss

     After Tina was kicked out by her Catholic mother at 16 for refusing to cut off all contact with her sister, Jewel, she has two choices. Become Robert "Bugs" Crawley's old lady or live on the street. Seeing him as the lesser of two evils she spends the next three years with Bugs enduring everything he puts her through with one liberty. She is allowed to attend High School to get her diploma. On graduation night Tina is very proud of herself and her accomplishments. Bugs, however, feels his old lady having more of an education than him will tarnish his reputation in the motorcycle club. To get back he takes her to a secluded cabin in the woods and rapes her. Weeks later when she finds out she is pregnant Bugs demands she get an abortion. When she refuses he throws her out. At first, it seems her problems are solved when Jewel takes her in. Except a case worker wants her to sign over rights to her unborn baby and Bugs is going to want his property back and he'll go to extremes to get what he wants. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I started this book I was excited. I grew up in a biker club, The Sons of Silence, and know a lot of how they operate. When your dad is in the top five in the club and the resident tattoo artist you learn fast. However, there were so many differences between that life and the one depicted in these pages. I didn't realize until halfway through the book that this was set in the 80s. I suppose I should have guessed with words like 'rad' being used, but it just didn't click for me. 

    I really enjoyed this book, but some parts of it just seemed off base to me. I don't know if it was because things are different in Canada, but to my knowledge case workers don't get involved until after a baby is born and police would not assign 4 plainclothes to watch 2 basically nobody teenagers every day for weeks. Especially not for something as low-level as a group of five bikers who left the main club and branched off. On that. I don't know if things have changed since the 80s, but bikers are extremely territorial. If you leave the club to make your own and you plan to operate in their territory you have to petition the club leader. Without their approval that is basically issuing a challenge and you want trouble. 

    Like I said, I don't know how things were in the 80s. I wasn't alive back then and I haven't asked my dad about it. He was in the Sons back then as well, so he'd be able to tell me, but for the purpose of this review it's not overly important. I can't ask the leader, Animal, about it since he disbanded the group a few years back when he got sick and his sons are not fit for any kind of leadership. It was for the best, honestly. Uncle Animal can still inspire some fear and I know for a fact if I ever need anything help is just a phone call away. Before I realized this book was set in the 80s I was frequently wondering why she didn't just use a type of foundation that is easily purchased to cover her tattoos. I've used it on mine before. However, when I realized it was the 80s I don't suppose they had that option then. 

    Enough on that. Back to this book. The fact that she takes comfort in touching a tattoo is something I can completely understand as well as a lot of her actions. When you are hurt by someone you question everything, including your sexuality. I can see how it was a lot more difficult for her than it would be now considering times were much less same sex relationship friendly than they are now. Beyond that Bugs is someone that is easy enough to find in clubs. Long, dirty hair. Ugly as sin. Too rough on his old lady. It happens. And as long as said old lady isn't the daughter of one of the higher ups they others will leave you to your devices. So long as it doesn't draw too much unwanted attention from the police. 

    I feel that the author made relatable characters and did a great job of describing how a female at that point in time would have responded to the challenges faced with. Especially for a male author who cannot know first hand what it is like to give birth. Of course, everything else she experienced he could potentially have faced. Tina is a strong-willed girl and with the help of her new friend, Jenny, was able to achieve her full potential. Fighting back against her abuser and coming out of the other side. I won't say more than that as I don't want to give things away. 

    Just know that this book is relatable even 40 years after the time this book was written in. A heartfelt telling of a young woman struggling to make her way in a life that throws constant obstacles at her. I will say there were some typos in the copy of the book I received, but as most reviews I have read on this book state it was well written they may have been resolved in the time since. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Beginning by Nora Edington (Love and Betrayals Romance Series Book 1)

     Jenny planned to spend her summer studying for her medical school entrance exam, but when her only friend Leah begs her to come to Cedar Creek resort for the summer she is unable to say no. After all, she can study at the cabin and still take her exams. Everything is going great until Ray and his adopted brother Gary show up. Gary is a pain and instantly takes up with Leah while Ray is...intriguing. He makes Jenny feels things she has never felt before and is awakening a desire within her. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. 

    When I first started this book I was skeptical of Ray. He seemed a bit pushy, but as the story progressed I seen that he wasn't trying to get her to do anything she wasn't comfortable with and relaxed my opinion of him. Gary was much the same while Jenny was this innocent delicate little flower. It is hard to imagine anyone being so naïve, but she lived a sheltered life, so I am sure that is why. Then there is Leah. I genuinely didn't like her from the start and I have to say I still feel the same about this character. I'll let you find out why for yourself. 

    Outside of the characters was the story. A cute little summer get-away romance. While it took me a while to read I was interested from the start. It only took me so long because it was a pdf and I rarely have time to use my laptop between two kids, a husband, a full time job, and a house to keep in order. Same reason I haven't managed to read my physical books for a minute. Can't hold that against the book, however. There was plenty to keep you interested in this smutty little romance. And believe me there is a lot of sex in this book. Not that I am complaining. I love a good smut novel. However, even with as much sex as was in this book I find it hard to relegate it as anything other than a romance. 

    While this book doesn't tie up all the loose ends I feel it ends in a decent place. There is the option to continue the book into a series with how things left off between the couples without feeling like the reader was cheated out of information. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Betrayed (Love and Betrayals Romance Series Book 2)

Crossroads (Love and Betrayals Romance Series Book 3)

Book Review: Her Perfect Cup of Tea by Lavina Serrao

     She starts each day with the same cup of tea. Her perfect cup of tea. She enjoys it at her window just as the sun rises. She sticks to the same routine every day until she begins to be followed by a mysterious stranger. What will happen in her quest to understand this person? 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I accepted this book from the author because she was very sweet and I have a hard time telling people no. It is a short story and was all of 25 pages. I have since gotten better at telling people no when it comes to short stories, but reviews and acceptances has been a bit of a learning progress on what I will and will not take on. Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I don't normally accept short stories because it is hard to review them without giving away the entire story. However, I accepted it so I will do my best. 

    This story....leaves a lot to be desired. We don't know the main characters name. I checked. Other than being called sunshine at one point the main character is only referred to as she and her. She notices someone stalking her and her reaction is to strike up a conversation with this man and isn't at all bothered by any of the antics displayed. I know for a fact that I would not have responded in the same way she did. Let alone smile at what he did at the end. Seriously. Nah. 

    While this book wasn't my 'cup of tea' it wasn't bad. It was well written and there was something interesting going on. Until how she responded to it, but that is beside the point. At the end of the story the author states that this is her first one to have left her computer. So I am going to be keeping that in mind and not judge too harshly. I could see the author having good things in their future as long as they improve as they go along. Such as naming their characters. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Book Review: Hive by Jeremiah Ukponrefe (The Arcane Volumes Book 1)

     The world was ran by the Collective and enjoyed relative peace until an alien known as the Hive came, taking over humans. The humans under the Hive are alive, but trapped in their minds without control of their bodies until they finally die. Since this hostile takeover the world has split into factions. Collective, libertarians, amishmen, the Hive, and human Loyalists to the Hive. However when Alex of the Collective goes on his first mission as Commander most of his and Commander Green's squad were lost while attacking a Hive Hub. Now, Alex must get him and what remains of his team back to the Collective before it is too late. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I seem to be on an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic kick and I couldn't love it more. Sometimes you just need a good end of the world book to sink your teeth into and this one does not disappoint. You have characters to love and hate.

    If you are anything like me you start out my hating the main character. He seems like a complete asshat. Killing citizens and anyone that doesn't conform. Literally got his promotion as a result of killing a civilian in front of his young son for having a weapon. Something commonplace now was illegal in their world. Over the course of the story he slowly becomes more relatable and I hated him less and less. I thought he was a bit flakey. Once he was out of his precious collective he flopped back and forth on decisions and when it came to taking control of a situation someone else on his team would be the ones to get their hands dirty while he got the praise. This went on for a good portion of the book. 

    I'm glad that it changed over the course of the story and I feel the author did a good job developing this main character as well as the other characters in the story. Even the main antagonist in the story, the Hive, adds another level to the story. Like I said, even the characters in the story that you hate are ones that you love to hate. 

    This book ended in a way I didn't expect. Everything was tied up nicely. Wrapped in a bow and all. I expected nothing more from it. Then there was another chapter. In that chapter someone else was added which sets up the ability for this to be more than a standalone book. Now it has the option to continue into a series and I am excited to see where this leads. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Claire's Apocalypse by K. T. Rose

     When Claire is fired by the new general and ordered to destroy the project she has been working on for the last 9 years she just can't do it. So when another offers to buy her project for 3 million plus 3 tickets for she, her husband, and daughter to an underground bunker she jumps at the chance. After all it is better for her viral infection to be locked away somewhere then to be destroyed like it never existed. What is the worst that can happen? Or will she turn her back on this and do the right thing, destroying this thing that never should have existed and could end life as we know it. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am always one for an apocalyptic book or even post apocalyptic so I was very excited for this book. This is kind of a starting point book. 

    With most apocalyptic books it is after the catalyst, but this is what leads up to the apocalypse.  Unfortunately, this book isn't completely implausible. Too many people play with biochemistry and things that are best left alone. I would like to know what happens next. If there is a cure. What the survival rate is. All kinds of things. 

    Normally I try not to give things away, but since the title of the book includes that it is about an apocalypse I figure what I have disclosed is easy enough to guess. What the sickness does, how it is released, by who, and when is still a mystery. I hope that there is more to this story in the future as this only gives a snippet of what I want to know. It was a very intriguing story and I enjoyed reading it. 

    I have to say that I absolutely hated Claire's family. Her husband takes advantage of her. I can't really say I hate her daughter. She's nine. So her snapping and saying things to her mother after she lost her job is forgivable. The husband though. He plays in gigs in a band while she supports their family. While I agree she should have bit her tongue and destroyed it he isn't helping matters any. While it didn't come out and say it it was as if the fact he may have to grow up and be a real adult was the worst possible thing that could happen. Can't say I respect those qualities in either sex be it male or female. 

    This book is available on Amazon for free by clicking here. 

A Ghost Behind The Wall by LeAnn L. Morgan

     When Hazel received a sizeable amount of money she took it and moved to a cute little house with a dark history. Years ago a man came to stay with Edna, the previous owner of Hazel's house, and her sister Dolly, who owned the house across the street. After a heated argument it was rumored that Dolly murdered Edna and ran away with the man. Now, mysterious music is playing in the walls of her home at night and she fears it may be haunted. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. That being said there isn't a lot I can say about this book without giving everything away considering it is only 25 pages long. It was very short and to the point. While it was short all questions that started the book were resolved by the end. We knew where the noises came from, what caused them, and the mysteries resolution. The writing in the book wasn't bad and the story was intriguing. 

    This is why I don't normally read short stories and had I realized this was a short story at the start I wouldn't have agreed to read and review it. Only because there is nothing else that I am able to add to this review and not give things away. 

    I have read another book by LeAnn, August Raven, which I enjoyed immensely. It is likely why I agreed to this review without paying attention to the fact it's a short story. 

    If you would like to read a short ghost mystery it is available on Amazon for $1.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Books by this author: 

August Raven

Book Review: Ordered by the Mountain Man by Frankie Love (The Mountain Man Book 2)

 

  Delta just graduated from college and instead of using the money left for her by her grandparents decides to join her two best friends on an adventure. The adventure seems like something straight out of a book. Mail Order Brides. Only, she didn't account for how big Alaska is. Turns out she and her friends are a long ways away and she is here with the impossibly sexy and frustrating Boone. He has to have it his way or no way at all. But, Delta isn't willing to giving up her vegan lifestyle for his animal carcasses. Can they find middle ground or are their differences too many to bear? 

    I began reading this book on the Libby app and did not know until as I sit writing this review that it was book 2. It reads fine as a standalone. I don't feel like I am missing anything for not having read the first book. Since it was on Libby this was an audiobook. 

    I started this book with high hopes. Alaskan mountain man and city girl. Classic pairing. He's obviously going to be the stereotypical gruff guy while she is going to be a pain in the ass. These were my thoughts going into the book. The sex in this book was immediate. And I mean immediate. Within 10 minutes of seeing each other for the first time they were having sex. So this book is without a doubt smut. 

    Boone is, in fact, the stereotypical guy I expected him to be. Unwilling to bend to change anything in his life for his new bride. Controlling. Possessive. Carnivorous-in and out of the bedroom. And sexy to boot. I can't say that I loved his personality, but dominant guys just check something for me. Compromise is a mandate, though. I'm all for being bossed around, but what I have to say needs listened to. 

    Delta is a vegan hospitality major graduate. She gets sick at the sight of dead animals and thought it would be a wonderful idea to move to an Alaskan hunting lodge...seriously not kidding here. Vegan is an all well and good lifestyle choice, but if you are going to move to a remote location you might want to reconsider. Not the being vegan part. Some people can't handle meat. It's understandable. But remote locations tend to rely heavily on hunting and meat in order to self-sustain. 

    While they have their differences they aren't  in the bedroom. The amount of sex in this book could, and probably does, take up half the pages. I was mistrustful of Delta at the beginning of the book when it is mentioned that she once had sex with 11 guys at once. Then when she arrives there is Boone's brother Mason and I could just imagine this going towards a MMR, which I don't read. Thankfully Boone's possessive streak won out and that was not something I had to read. 

    This is a sexy story of finding compromises within their individual struggles. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

     After Cassio's wife dies, leaving him with a 2 year old and an 8 month old he needs someone to take care of his children while he is the underboss of Philadelphia. When his Cappo, Luca, approaches him at her funeral suggesting he marry his younger cousin, Giulia, she may be just what he needs. Even if she is barely legal and proves her age at every turn. Especially with those horrendous sunflowers she insists on wearing. However, with angst in the community and a young son that won't even talk to him this bright spot may become more than a glorified nanny that he sleeps with. 

    I got this book from the Libby app. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular and I have to admit the age gap threw me quite a bit. A 30 year old with an 18 year old just seems wrong. 12 years is a lot of time, but I get that is something that happens in some circles. My own grandparents on my mother's side were 15 year apart, so I suppose I can't say much. 

    Other than the age difference the book wasn't bad. They both had to deal with the aspects of that. Cassio had to deal with his trust issues as a result of his first wife's betrayal. Giulia also had to deal with the ramifications of this mistrust as well as a young child that was baring the weight of something his dead mother had said. 

    That being said I have questions about how much experience this author has with small children. A lot of the things these children did were either too advanced or too far behind. Like the baby's first word being dada at over a year old. Nah. There was also the 2 year old who remembered his mom years later. My son was 18 months old the last time his biological father had anything to do with him. He doesn't remember anything about him or that the man he considers his dad, whom he met when he was almost 3, is anything but is real dad.  

    I haven't read a lot of mafia books so it was definitely unique. I am always looking for new books and genres to read so stumbling upon this was a nice change. Especially arranged marriages. But, I enjoy mail order brides books, so I suppose this is along the same lines. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Book Review: Dark City by Anna Mocikat (Shadow City Book 2. - A. K. Mocikat)

 

    Since the Glitch, in the land that was once Hollywood, the only remaining safe-haven is a small town of a few hundred people. After the brutal attack against the town lead by public enemy number one, the vampire Eurydice, the local blood-bank was destroyed. Now the town must rebuild and to do so they need their local hero, Colton, to inspire the masses. When he donates things seem to be going well until Colton begins having seizures, Louise is under the thrall of Eurydice, and a massive flood pours from the sky for the first time in 12 years. Can Colton, Bombshell, Eric, Jean, and the others save the small town and those they hold dearest?     

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received the book a while ago and am just now getting to it. Anyone who has been reading my reviews for any length of time knows this has nothing to do with the author. I absolutely adore Anna and Shadow City (book 1) is what started our communications. Since then I have read and reviewed 4 other books for her, not including this one, and look forward to many more in the future. She is a very talented author and I am lucky to know her. 

    When I first started Dark City it had been almost 2 years since I had read Shadow City. However, the first few paragraphs reminded me so much of the first book I had to go back and open book 1 again and make sure I was reading the right copy. I was. Just like that I was back in the world of the Glitch in the dark city that was once Hollywood. Dark Ones abound. Vampires are entitled pricks for the most part or just savage, in Eurydice's case. Then there are the humans who are raiders, religious idiots, or just normal people. All are doing what they can to survive. I picked up where I had left off in book one without feeling the gap of the last two years and loved every second. 

    Yes, there were some errors within the book. However, Anna and I are working together to get those resolved now. There is nothing more than I wish to see than for her to succeed. As with book one the book is gripping and leaves you wondering if this little pocket of civilization can survive the overwhelming power of The Dark Ones. Unfortunately, this book ends on a cliffhanger and there are still many things unresolved. What happens to Eurydice, Vincent, Colton, and Louise? 

    I won't say what happens that I am singling them out. That is for you to learn as you delve within the pages. My only warning to you is this. Once you start you won't be able to stop and you need to be prepared for the fact that Anna has not yet written a third book. I do hope she will at some time in the future. I do, however, understand that Behind Blue Eyes and Cyber Squad are taking up a lot of her time currently. 

    I still find myself drawn to Eurydice just as I was in book one. You can read my review of book one by clicking here. She is so sure of herself, yet shows the humanity that was once a part of her being at times. I adore everything about her. Even when she makes stupid decisions. Update: I just spoke with Anna and she tells me that she will have book 3 out late this year or early 2023. I am beyond excited! 

    Don't hesitate to pick this book up as it is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Books by this author: 

Shadow City (Shadow City Book 1)

Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book 1)

Fallen Angels (Behind Blue Eyes Book 2)

War Games (Behind Blue Eyes Book 3)

Cyber Squad Level 1 (Cyber Squad Book 1)

Cyber Squad Level 2 (Cyber Squad Book 2)

Cyber Squad Level 3 (Cyber Squad Book 3)

Nephilim Volume 1

Nephilim Volume 2

Nephilim Volume 3

Space Punks

Book Review: Hush by Lee Ferrier

     After Jamie's mother covered the Jinx killer they moved to a small town outside of London to escape the threats. Now, years later a copycat has found their town of Little Ivywood and is targeting Jamie's friends and anyone who poses an issue to her. If this new killer, who calls themselves the Curse, follows the same MO as the Jinx then Jamie will be the final girl. Can she or the police find this terror before she and many more lose their lives? 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I love murder mystery books, shows, and movies so this book was enjoyable for me. 

    While I enjoyed the book I'm so used to American processes that the fact that a serial killer that is obviously mimicking a prior serial killer not resulting in FBI joining the investigation is foreign to me. I don't know if other countries have similar processes, but with as much as the author seemed to like the tv show criminal minds I am sure they are somewhat familiar with the concept. I can't imagine other countries wouldn't have something in place. A contingency plan of sorts. Especially since serial killers aren't isolated to just America. 

    The characters were fine in the book and while I guessed who was behind the murder's the author did a good job of trying to shuffle blame in other directions. While I'm always happy to be wrong on who I think did it there is a certain degree of satisfaction in getting it right. This book was a mix of young adult and murder mystery. The young adult aspect being the fact that the victims are teenagers. All 17 to 18.

    I don't have a favorite character in the book, but if any other books by this author are similar to this one I would be willing to read more. Definitely not an author I didn't enjoy the writings of, which does unfortunately happen from time to time. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here.

Book Review: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

 

    Pia was taught by her mom growing up to be prepared to ditch everything in her life and run at any time and, more importantly, never tell anyone her secret. As a half wyr she can't shift, but her mom always told her if she was she would be hunted for the rest of her life. She was always so careful until she trusted her dick of a boyfriend with a parlor trick she can do. Unlock any lock. Now he blackmailed her into stealing something with from the dragon cuelebre. She is on the run and Cuelebre has never been known to forgive. 

    I read this book on the Libby app and I enjoyed it for the most part. I can't say that I didn't bitch to my husband about it. I did. He actually has to listen to me complain about aspects of books quite frequently. He can't say much. He does the same to me about the books he reads. Perks of being married to a nerd. 

    Pros are, of course, the paranormal romance. Paranormal romances are one of my favorite book genres to read and I don't see that ever see that changing. The female doesn't give in at every turn and has a backbone. Which is something I like and a reason I don't enjoy period romances as much. Then there is the animals they shift into. What her mother was is something I have never heard of a shifter as. Always fun to run across a new type of shifter book. Then there is Cuelebre who is a dragon. Dragons are, by far, my favorite animals mythical or otherwise. 

    There are cons. As I mentioned earlier I complained at different points about the book to my husband. Vince had to listen to the fact that Dragos is a overly controlling male (which is expected in shifter books) that gives off serious stalker vibes. But even the fact that he has a lock of her hair braided around his wrist can be ignored in light of my biggest issue. The narrator pronounced wyr as we're instead of the normal pronunciation of where. It was very cringey.

    In total it is a sexy paranormal romance that doesn't end in a cliffhanger. There is the ability to move into other books in a series, but the issues in this book were resolved for once. It was a pleasant surprise. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $7.99 by clicking here.

Book Review: In the Beginning by Reed Alexander

     Joan is a private investigator tracking down the husband of her client in some seedy motel. She's got her pictures and is just about to relax when she sees a tweaker boy in the parking lot. When she goes out to confront him she notices he's bleeding and takes him under her wing. She doesn't know just how much this one decision can change her life. However, she soon finds out when the man going after Dustin is more than he seems when he takes a bullet to the head and comes back for more. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. There wasn't much to this book. Not entirely sure it is even a book. More like a prequel. A very short prequel. The pdf file I received was 141 pages long, but each page only has a quarter of the page filled. It is frustrating, to say the least, when you don't get as much of a story as you'd expect. 

    That being said this wasn't a bad little story. It is short and has a lot of action in it. Characters that won't stay dead, a creepy cult, and a woman just trying to do what she thinks is best. The promise was there and while it delivered I don't think it was as complete a thought as it could have been. I feel like there was more that it could have offered, but didn't. I don't know if that is because this was just a short story banging around in the author's head that he needed to get out and lost all interest when it was put to paper or if they're planning to make a series out of it. 

    I can't say that I had a particular favorite character in this book. I didn't particularly care one way or the other about Joan and I didn't like Dustin at all. Not because he was a druggie. People have struggles with that and while I have never done any kind of drugs I get that the struggle can be real for them. My friend and father both used to use and struggle with the threat of relapse whenever they have a stressor. I just didn't like his weak and pathetic attitude. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.35 by clicking here.

Books by this author: 

In the Shadow of the Mountain

The Unnatural Perpetrators