Gambling with Murder by Lida Sideris

April 7, 2022 By 11 Comments


Gambling with Murder by Lida Sideris
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

A late-night call is all it takes for rookie lawyer Corrie Locke to kiss her day job at the movie studio goodbye, and do what she does best: flex her sweet P.I. skills and go undercover to find a senior who’s missing from a posh retirement community. One small stumbling block: skirting past security to gain inside access to the exclusive Villa Sunset. Time to call in the heavy artillery. Besides former security guard turned legal assistant—now wannabe P.I.—Veera, Corrie relies on a secret weapon: her mother, a surprisingly eager addition to Corrie’s team. Armed with enough pepper spray to take down a band of Navy Seals, Mom impersonates a senior to infiltrate the Villa, Corrie, and Veera in tow. Turns out the job’s not as easy as they’d thought. These seniors have tricks tucked up their sleeves and aren’t afraid of using them.

The action gets dicey when the missing senior case turns into attempted murder by a criminal mind who’s always one step ahead. Corrie’s hot on the trail, but finds more than she bargained for…when her mother becomes a target.

This is actually the fifth book in this series and, no worries, it reads very well as a standalone. My only regret is that I didn’t get to know these characters earlier! I will definitely rectify that forthwith by buying the earlier books in the series. As with every series, I’m sure reading the books earlier in the series gives the reader a richer journey as they get to know the characters better with each book and see how their interactions make them grow.

That being said, I absolutely loved the characters – but my favorite, hands down, was the mom. She was a hoot. Corrie is so afraid her mom was going to be upset with Corrie following in her late father’s footsteps and turning more toward private investigations, but instead Mom jumps in feet first to help Corrie and Veera out with the case.

There are many twists and turns to this case. Although it started off with a plea to find a missing resident from a luxury retirement villa (just a note… I’m ready to move in from the descriptions.. wow!), it soons turns into a lot more. These seniors take things seriously.

I highly recommend this book… and now I’m on the way to pick up the earlier four in the series. Thanks, Ms. Sideris!

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BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey G. P. Bell

March 17, 2022 By 11 Comments


BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey G. P. Bell
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Thirteen-year-old Abby and her father have just moved from a leaky old sailboat in California to an inherited mansion in South Carolina, and Abby does not fit in. This is the story of the summer adventures she shares with new best friend, Hollis, and two boys from their class rescuing an injured heron. But when school begins, Abby is shocked to learn that Hollis is a bullied outcast…who, pushed to the limit, takes her own life—a phenomenon known as bullycide. BFF attempts to portray the loss felt by those left behind.

This book deals with suicide, which may be triggering for some readers.

This book is so touching and, unfortunately, so important and needful in this time. There is so much to love about it. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and the friendships portrayed reminded me of friendships I had when I was growing up.

While I wish we had found out more about Abby’s mom and, possibly, had a little closure there (I was left feeling incomplete with that), I am glad that Abby’s dad was there for her… all the time and in all the ways. And, it was a learning experience to find out about her grandparents. The small town south…especially during the time setting of the book… was probably pretty accurate in the descriptions of how a lot of people felt about differences. I also wish we had found out more about Hollis’ background and family. I was left with a lot of questions.

Even with that, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even with the tragic ending. I was completely drawn into the story and was returned to my own childhood. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I loved her voice.

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Secrets of a River Swimmer by S.S. Turner

March 2, 2022 By 4 Comments


Secrets of a River Swimmer by S.S. Turner
Publisher: The Story Plant
Genre: Contemporary, Literary Fiction
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

As Freddy gazes at the majestic river gushing past him in the depths of a Scottish winter, he’s ready to jump in and end his life. But what happens next is not what Freddy expects. From the moment he enters the river, Freddy starts a journey which is more beautiful, funny, and mysterious than he could have imagined. And through this journey Freddy’s story becomes interweaved with a cast of unforgettable characters who are equally lost and in search of answers. Eventually they all unite in their quest for an answer to the biggest question of them all: will the river take them where they want to go?

In the tradition of inspirational works of fiction like The Alchemist and Life of Pi, Secrets of a River Swimmer is at once a profound exploration into living with meaning and an affecting story of people on the cusp of change.

This is a beautifully written, almost lyrical, account of one man and how the river saved his life – quite literally. Freddy is tired of life – tired of modern living, tired of cell phones, tired of the rat race. He’s ready to give it all up and slips into a cold winter river – to let his life slip away.

And, in one sense, it does just that. It slips away and he is left with so much more at the end of the book than when he started. Between the beginning and the end, he learns about himself, about life, about death, and he makes friends along the way with a very wise fish who has wonderful comments and commentary on life.

This book not only held my attention throughout, wondering what would happen to Freddy next, but it also gave me things to wonder about and things to ponder. It’s magical at times, tragic at times, laugh out loud funny at times. It not only entertained me, it uplifted me. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first book.

Kudos, Mr. Turner. I will definitely be on the lookout for you in the future. 5 stars.

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The Pig Wars by M. K. Theodoratus

January 24, 2022 By 6 Comments

The Pig Wars by M. K. Theodoratus
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical(medieval) fantasy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

After inadvertently causing her father’s death with her magic in battle, Lady Rena avoids the political in-fighting among the Half-Elven of the Marches. She spends her days weaving and managing her lands, trying to heal from the trauma. But this fragile peace frays…

Renna’s neighbor, Lord Gorsfeld, has plans for the retiring young woman. As the richest man in the Marches, but one without magic, he decides to woo Renna to gain control of her magic and her lands, by setting himself up as a strong protector, who can save her from the marauders who harass her border villages. However his campaign goes awry when Black Tail, Renna’s pet pig, injures dumps him in the mud.

Gorsfeld intensifies his vandalism, hoping to scare Renna into his arms. Renna must fight to protect her people without angering the Lord High Commander of the Marches who expects his childhood friend to help him keep the peace. But she is caught off guard and is forced to ue forbidden elf-fire to protect her people.

Renna discovers she must fight for her life.

Author M.K. Theodoratus offers a stunning and captivating fantasy novel that will have audiences on the edge of their seats in “The Pig Wars”. This compelling and intriguing book is unique in its beautifully-crafted world, fascinating characters, and a fast-paced story line that is both fantastical and political. “The Pig Wars” is an absolute must-read that fantasy lovers won’t want to miss!

I absolutely loved this book, the characters, the world they lived in, the slight hint of a romance, and… of course…the pig!

This is the first book of a new series and, while I am excited to get in on the ground floor, I couldn’t help but feel there were backstories I didn’t know about. So, I did some research and, voila! There are other stories set in the same world that are available and so I grabbed them all up (it didn’t hurt that they are currently FREE on Amazon! You’re welcome.)

The characters were fully fleshed out and complete with all their good and bad parts on display. I loved Renna. She’s the kind of leader I love – one who gets down with her people and leads by example. It’s obvious how much they love her, and they would do anything for her.

The worldbuilding is amazing. I loved what I could see of it here and am looking forward to finding out more as I dip into the other books of the half-elven.

There are untied ends (not a cliffhanger) but elements that lead me to believe things are going on in the background that we will hear more about in book two. I’m so excited!

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Side Effects by LJ Greene

January 10, 2022 By 7 Comments


Side Effects by LJ Greene
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Who can you trust?

Ally Michels is fresh out of her MBA program at Cal and has landed her dream job at hot, up-and-coming video game developer, Jet Stream Studios, all thanks to her uncle, Jet’s largest venture capital investor. She’s feeling pretty good about her future until an inadvertent blurt in a company meeting brings down upon her the dangerous attention of Jet’s co-founder and chief developer, Marcus Abby.

Beautiful, brilliant, and vicious, Marcus is every bit the arrogant, deceitful founder her uncle warned her about. But in the power-fueled world of venture capital investing, things aren’t always what they seem. When Ally finds herself caught up in a play for corporate control, she must work with Marcus to save the company and an ideal she believes in, while navigating perilous family loyalties and fighting to hold onto her own integrity.

For Ally, there’s just one rule: never, ever trust Marcus Abby. Because the one man she needs to stop a high-stakes plot is the one man who has every reason to want her gone.

SIDE EFFECTS is an adult contemporary, twisty, underhanded, certainly unscrupulous . . . romance.

This book is part of a series, but it can definitely stand on its own. I’ve not read anything else by the author, but I had no trouble at all following this book.

The characters are strong and well-drawn. I have to admit, in the beginning of the book I really did not like Marcus at all. But, once I hit the chapters in his POV, my attitude really changed. There as a lot more to Marcus than meets the eye. And, while it is a romance, there is so much more to it. There is suspense. There is intrigue.

I really enjoyed the way the author put the story together and the way she clearly showed the characters’ emotion. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Greene.

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If the Light Escapes by Brenda Marie Smith

January 6, 2022 By 16 Comments

If the Light Escapes by Brenda Marie Smith
Publisher: SFK Press
Genre: post-apocalyptic science fiction
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

A solar electromagnetic pulse fried the U.S. grid. Now northern lights are in Texas—3,000 miles farther south than where they belong. The universe won’t stop screwing with 18-year-old Keno Simms. All that’s left for him and his broken family is farming their Austin subdivision, trying to eke out a living on poor soil in the scorching heat.

Keno’s one solace is his love for Alma, who has her own secret sorrows. When he gets her pregnant, he vows to keep her alive no matter what. Yet armed marauders and nature itself collude against him, forcing him to make choices that rip at his conscience. IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES is post-apocalyptic science fiction set in a near-future reality, a coming-of-age story told in the voice of a heroic teen who’s forced into manhood too soon.

This is the second book in the series, but I had not read the first book. I didn’t have any trouble following this book, but there was enough about book one that I have already ordered it so I can see what led up to this point. And, fair warning, book two ends on something of a cliffhanger. I don’t personally have an issue with that, but I know some readers do.

The characters in this book are phenomenal. They are multifaceted, with their good points and their bad points. The story is told in first person from the point of view of 18-year-old Keno…. a young man who has had to grow up way too fast. As we work alongside him, we know his thoughts, his fears, and his determination to protect his people at all cost.

The secondary characters are all just as richly drawn. Even the “bad guys” are trying to survive, which makes their actions understandable. Folks, in this book and in this time, we aren’t in Kansas anymore and tough times call for tough measures. And the question is begged… will people come together to help each other, or will it be every man for himself?

That’s one thing that makes this book so compelling. I could see something like this happening, and people showing what they are made of. The people of this community have to find that answer in themselves.

The book starts off with a bang and does not let up even a smidgen. I stayed up way too late a couple of nights because I just had to know what came next. I’m already anxiously waiting Book Three. Kudos, Ms. Smith.

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The Seekers’ Garden by Isa Pearl Ritchie

November 8, 2021 By 7 Comments

The Seekers’ Garden by Isa Pearl Ritchie
Publisher: Te Ra Aroha Press
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

If you stand still for long enough, the past catches up with you…

Leaving behind the fragments of her old life, Marcia Reed-Wilton crosses the world to return to her dilapidated childhood home and dig up the weeds of the past.

Next door, Mrs Everglade struggles to maintain her independence in spite of her increasing frailty.

Sixteen-year-old Lea escapes into her poetry to cope with depression until meeting Alex, a much more potent distraction.

Meanwhile, Iris leaves her career on a whim to embark on an adventure of an entirely different kind; moving to a sleepy seaside town to write a book.

On the other side of the world in opposite seasons, Zane, vocalist for a popular band is haunted by cryptic dreams that lead him home.

A few twists of fate and a buried secret leave these individuals deeply and unexpectedly connected.

The Seekers’ Garden is a lush and captivating exploration of loss, growth and spirituality, revealing the way connections form in unlikely places.

This book is a richly drawn tapestry of the lives of five characters and how they interconnect. I loved how the characters are each unique, with their own voices. The format the author used enables to reader to truly connect with each character on a deep level. They are all at different points in their lives, and the reader should easily be able to identify with one or more of the characters. Each character is drawn so differently, and their individual chapters reflects each of their voice and interest. Great job on that!

I was fascinated to work through the chapters and try to figure out how they were connected. That was almost as much fun as getting to know the characters themselves… no spoilers, though.

It is slower paced than a lot of the books I read, and it was a nice change to be able to just immerse myself in the lives of these characters and go along on their journeys. Very thought provoking. Great job! 4 stars

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The Wars Between Us by J.A. Boulet

September 30, 2021 By 6 Comments


The Wars Between Us by J.A. Boulet
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Historical Romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

An inner struggle of self destruction, a poignant love story and the terrifying Battle of the Atlantic.

Meet Zachary Olason. You’ll either love him or hate him.

Spanning the years from the Great Depression to WW2, this endearing summer release will capture your heart as Zack, a bad boy struggling on the brink of alcoholism, loses himself and spirals into nights of debauchery, riots and drunkenness. His twin brother, Adam, thinks lowly of him as his entire family struggles to help him.

But Zack is determined to make a mess of his life.

Until he meets a beautiful petite woman, half Cree and part British, who helps him to grow into a better version of himself.
Then just as he thinks life is getting better, he sinks to the bottom of hell. Will he survive from his own self-destruction?
The only way he sees out is to join the Canadian Navy.

The Battle of the Atlantic will either teach him or break him.

THE WARS BETWEEN US

With action packed adrenaline and steamy love scenes, The Wars Between Us will keep you gripped to your seat on a ride of addiction, unwavering love and the fight to stay alive during WWII.

This book is part of the Olason family saga, but it can definitely be read on its own. I loved catching up with this family and I especially loved reading about the relationship between Zach and his twin Adam. I am not huge on war stories, so I hesitated a little about reading this one, but I enjoyed the other books in the series, so I thought I would give it a chance. The wars in the title does deal with WWII and the Canadian Navy (fascinating, by the way), but also refers to the brothers who are very different. Although they love each other, there are definitely times when they don’t like each other very much, and I loved seeing their relationship grow and change.

Zach also wars with himself and the choices he makes. There were times I wanted to pick him up, slap him, and tell him to stop feeling so sorry for himself. But then there were other times when I wanted to comfort him and tell him that everything was going to be alright. When an author can make the reader feel that strongly about a character, that’s a good thing.

Ms. Boulet has, once again, crafted a tale that not only let me learn something, but also allowed me to become a part of this family vicariously. I have to admit, this is my favorite book of the series. I do hope she is planning on taking us into the next generation of the family. I’ll be on the lookout!

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Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis

September 8, 2021 By 4 Comments


Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship and team work when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event. Sophie wants to buy her mother something special for her birthday, but she’s short on cash. Her bestie, Chloe, comes up with the perfect solution. Build their own lemonade stand to raise money at Lemonade Day! The girls add friends Carly and Nathan, and Sophie’s little brother, Cole, to their team, and decide to donate some of their earnings to a local animal shelter to help save stray animals. Things are going great, until the family dog destroys their supplies. They get worse when Sophie tries to impress another boy in their class and upsets Nathan. Can they save their business in time for the event?

What a wonderful new addition to the Sophie Washington series. It’s great fun revisiting the characters from previous books and getting to see them in new adventures. This book featured lessons on learning to get along with each other as well as learning about working together for charity and to earn money for themselves.  This reader was also very interested in learning about Lemonade Day – I had not heard of it before and love the idea!

The book is written in such a way that kids of all ages would enjoy it. The characters come alive and there is enough action and tension from problems that occur to keep everyone’s interest!  It also shows kids how important it is to be careful about what you say and how to choose friends wisely.

Thanks for another great episode, Ms. Ellis!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , ,

One Jaded Rose by James Byron Books

September 1, 2021 By 4 Comments


One Jaded Rose by James Byron Books
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Genre: Contemporary
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

One Jaded Rose is a light-hearted caper, the first in the series written by James Byron Books. Rose needed a plus-one, but not for the usual wedding or party. She was going to a funeral and needed a quiet, unassuming type, but when Nic Thorn arrived, he was anything but a wallflower. Rose and her BFF, Sandy, have time on their hands, and soon find that Nic will fill the void. He coerces them into his madcap investigations of scams, frauds and misunderstandings. This modern-day adventure leads them from one lively caper to another, involving portrait provenance, invoice inaccuracy, and a recycler’s relapse, on their travels from Brisbane to Adelaide and across the South Australian border.

OMG…. I loved this book. There were several times when reading it I had to interrupt DH in his own reading so I could read parts of it aloud! There were references a time or two I didn’t quite understand, not being Australian, but I got the gist of it even then. And there are a LOT of funny moments and a lot of cultural references that some readers may not get. But, even with that, it did not take away from my enjoyment (though as much as I love music, I had trouble understanding how Rose was so very clueless in that regard. She did redeem herself in my eyes, though, with her love of British humor!

The characters are great fun… I could so see this as a TV show… kind of a wacky Mission Impossible or Leverage. I loved the repartee between Rose and Nic and can’t wait to see them together in future adventures. I do hope the chemistry between them continues to grow but not TOO fast! Love the slow burn.

The missions were fun as well, but I think a little more time could have been spent on those….part of my love of adventure shows is actually seeing how things are set up. And, I would love for Rose and Sandy to have some more active roles in future books.

All in all, this is definitely a series I’m going to follow. Great job!

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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