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Review – Deadly Revenge By Nancy Kay

March 19, 2013 by LastNerve Leave a Comment

Title: Deadly Revenge

Author: Nancy Kay

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Deadly Revenge Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Val

Blurb:

After Culinary Herb Gardener Ada Blaine loses the love of her life, she avoids men and spends years turning a beloved hobby into a thriving business. Former Marine Rich McConnell left behind a nasty divorce and traded a promising military career for a hardware store with no complications. He discovers he can’t keep his hands off the elusive gardener, and her determination to remain independent falters when the ever-charming Rich weakens the wall Ada’s built around her heart. Then just as late-in-life second-chance love seems possible, Ada is threatened by a sniper’s bullet, and Rich’s past comes back to haunt him.

Review:

What a refreshing read this was and for a variety of reasons. Most romance books that I read always include twenty something main characters. In Deadly Revenge, the main characters happen to be middle aged, which being close to middle aged myself, helps me to relate more to the characters and on a deeper level. It’s proof that being middle aged does not mean that your love life has to be desolate. Although Ada and Rich have known each other for quite some time, they can pin point just when their friendship turned into admiration. Not only is it enjoyable to read a love story about middle aged characters, but it’s also brought to the reader’s attention that these two characters are established in both their professional and personal lives. I personally find it exhilarating to know that Ada and Rich know exactly what they want out of life and love. They admit their strengths as well as their weaknesses.

I think Ada has to be my favorite character so far in this series. She’s stubborn to a fault but is also steadfast in knowing that no threat is going to make her live in fear. Rich is fiercely loyal to Ada and vows to protect her no matter what the cost. Being an ex-marine, he brings an element of badass to the table which just increases his hotness factor. I found Deadly Revenge to be laced with intrigue and humor with a steady progression that kept the story flowing sweetly. There was not a dull moment. The ending was surprising as well as action packed. I certainly didn’t see that twist in the story coming.

Deadly Revenge is book two in the Deadly Triad series. Book one is Deadly Reflection which involves Ada’s niece Cassie and Nick McGraw, a Philadelphia Detective. Book three in the Deadly Triad series is Deadly Encounter which is TJ and Lanie’s story. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. However, I can guarantee once you have read one, you will want to read them all. It’s no wonder that Nancy Kay is one of my favorite authors, each time I read a new book she’s written, I fall in love with her writing style all over again. So to Ms. Kay I say once again, you’ve written another stellar book and I look forward to reading the final book in the series. To all the readers I’d like to say hurry out and buy Deadly Revenge, it’s a must have for your book shelf.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Desert Breeze Publishing, Val, You Gotta Read

Review – Burned Into time By Mary M. Ricksen

February 15, 2013 by LastNerve 3 Comments

Title: Burned Into Time

Author: Mary M. Ricksen

Publisher: Wings ePress

Buy Link: Buy Burned Into Time Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Val

Blurb:

A horrific car accident, a Celtic ring and destiny, send a young woman on a journey to the past. In a desperate search for her lost sister, she follows the instructions left her in a bank vault from a hundred years ago.

Little did she know the ring would save her life and change it in ways she could never imagine. Does she have the strength to live through her nightmare and find her destiny?

Can she face her sister now that things have changed so drastically? Only time will tell…

Review:

Lacy finds herself in a fiery car crash that leads to a pivotal moment in her life. How can one moment change her entire being? From the way she looks at life to the way she responds to people, nothing in her life will ever be the same. Life as she knew it is over. Will she be able to deal with her new life?

As the book progresses, Lacy finds that there are many inner obstacles that she must confront and overcome. Her trust in men being one of them. Lacy’s trust is pushed to the limit. The reason of her fear in men is later revealed which helps the reader bond with Lacy’s character and the need to root her on especially through dire situations

Sean finds a woman who is badly burned, and in the snow of all places. How can this be? With questions coming from every direction, he takes it upon himself to take in this beautiful young woman and nurse her back to good health. Little does he realize how important this mystery woman will become to him.

A favorite character of mine was a secondary character who didn’t even have any speaking lines. That character’s name was King, the dog. I found it touching how loyal and lovable he was to Lacy and Sean. This degree of loyalty added another layer to the story which I thought was essential.

From the first action packed pages, I found myself gripped in the throes of the very engaging plot line. I couldn’t help but notice how well researched the customs and time period were. I even found myself learning about customs and some odd little facts that I was not aware of up until I read Burned Into Time. I know it may seem trivial to some but one of the little nuggets of knowledge I came away with was “the third eye” (google it). If you would like a condensed version of the meaning and how it relates to this story, I suggest you pick up a copy of this book.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a series (and epilogue) girl. I find it exciting that I can follow characters over a certain amount of time. Little did I know that Burned Into Time was the second book in the Time Can Heal Your Heart series. Book One is Keealyn’s story and is called Tripping Through Time. You can bet that I will be reading that one in the very near future. You certainly don’t need to read Tripping Through Time to understand what is going on in the second book, in fact I didn’t even know that Burned Into Time was a series book until I got a few chapters in.

Ms. Ricksen writes with the knowledge of a well seasoned writer. Just when you think you have the story figured out, another twist in the road is presented. With deeply evolved characters and a plot line you won’t soon forget, Burned Into Time will grip you by the heartstrings and not let you go until the final sentence of the book. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Pick up your copy of Burned Into Time, you’ll want to get the entire series. Yes, it’s THAT good! This is one book you want to add to your MUST READ book list.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Val, Wings ePress, You Gotta Read

Review – The Devereaux Legacy By Carolyn Hart

December 16, 2012 by LastNerve Leave a Comment

Title: The Devereaux Legacy

Author: Carolyn Hart

Publisher: Seventh Street Books

Buy Link: Buy The Devereaux Legacy Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Val

Blurb:

Leah Devereaux is a dead woman. At least, that’s what the folks now running the Devereaux plantation tell her: Leah has been presumed dead for nineteen years—since the day that both her parents died.

Leah, very much alive, has returned to South Carolina to uncover the untold story of her parents’ deaths. While some, like her cousin Merrick, welcome her, Cissy and John Edward tell her to stay away, tell her to stop meddling in secrets long kept.

When a ghost known only as the Whispering Lady appears once again at the Devereaux plantation after years of absence, the locals know it’s an omen of death. Merrick and Leah may be the next targets. . . .

Review:

Being a citizen of South Carolina myself, I was fascinated when I first saw The Devereaux Legacy since it was set on a South Carolina plantation. The imagery was spectacular and I could actually feel as though I were immersed in the plantation life. You couldn’t ask for a more fascinating mystery and when everyone finds out that Leah is no longer dead as originally thought, The Devereaux Legacy takes one turn after another. I found it difficult to put the book down at moments.

Having said that, I feel as though I would be doing the reader a disservice if I didn’t say that I did have issues with the characters in this book. I found it hard to swallow the fact that the two characters who fall in love just happen to be step brother and sister. In my opinion, this book would have been a slam dunk if the characters were maybe childhood friends.

I do recommend this book to all mystery lovers who like action in their fast paced reads, that is, if you can get past the relationship of the two main characters. The Devereaux Legacy is a reprint from author Carolyn Hart who went on to write many outstanding books. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Hart.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Seventh Street Books, Val, You Could Read

Review – Dark Moon by Maggie Tideswell

October 22, 2012 by LastNerve Leave a Comment

Title: Dark Moon

Author: Maggie Tideswell

Publisher: All Things That Matter Press

Buy Link: Buy Dark Moon Here!

Rating: You Need/Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Val

Blurb:

A spellbinding novel of love, murder, and the supernatural. Chance meetings can have far-reaching effects. Loved ones may not be who they seem. The line between comprehension and confusion is thin ~ particularly when one’s thoughts are being manipulated by another. In Dark Moon, the eternal triangle takes an innovative twist into the occult as dark magic fights against those who serve the Light. The prize? A woman’s soul.

Review:

Before I begin this review, I must say that being from South Africa myself, I enjoyed the small nuances throughout the book pertaining to South African culture. A word here or phrase there made this a must read book for me. I found this to be a refreshing change from any other author I have read.

Now let’s get on to the review shall we? Although I found the story a little bit confusing at first, there does come an “ah ha” moment. The moment when everything comes together to make up a thrilling read of suspense, murder, angst and love. With characters I loved to hate and one I even hated to love, I found Dark Moon to be a full-bodied novel of intrigue and passion.

Never before have I read anything by Maggie Tideswell and now that I have, I have another author to add to my “favorites” list. Even if you are not a fan of paranormal, you will find yourself sitting down with a page turner that is a pulse-pounding read. I strongly recommend Dark Moon.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: All Things That Matter Press, Val, You need to/gotta read

Review – A Marshal of Her Own By Linda LaRoque

June 3, 2012 by LastNerve 2 Comments

Title: A Marshal of Her Own

Author: Linda LaRoque

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Link: Buy A Marshal of Her Own Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Val

Blurb:

Despite rumors of ‘strange doings? at a cabin in Fredericksburg, investigative reporter Dessa Wade books the cottage from which lawyer Charity Dawson disappeared in 2008. Dessa is intent on solving the mystery. Instead, caught in the swirling mist that surrounds the cabin, she finds herself in 1890, in a shootout between the Faraday Gang and a US Marshal.

Marshal Cole Jeffers doesn’t believe Miss Wade is a time traveler. He admits she’s innocent of being an outlaw but thinks she knows more about the gang than she’s telling. When she’s kidnapped by Zeke Faraday, Cole is determined to rescue her. He’s longed for a woman of his own, and Dessa Wade just might be the one ‘if she’ll commit to the past.

Review:

From the beginning of this story, we find that Dessa Wade is a strong willed character who is about to find out things aren’t quite as they seem. Armed with ambition and a sassy attitude, Dessa finds herself in one very unexpected adventure. Enter the hunky, drop dead gorgeous Marshal Cole Jeffers, Cole cannot believe his eyes when Dessa appears out of nowhere. Instantly attracted to her, Cole finds himself questioning his bachelorhood.

The relationship between Cole and Dessa simply sizzled. The back and forth banter between the two had me giggling at moments and at others, mentally screaming “kiss her, hurry!” Cole was not your ordinary man, he was a man of strength and character, with a lot of humor and pure male hotness thrown in. Dessa was the quirky new woman in town who raised a few eyebrows with her actions. Cole’s main concern was trying to help this woman uphold her good reputation. He was a man who had his hands full.

Each time I read a Linda LaRoque book, I am swept away to a world of intrigue where the characters are enchanting and genuine. I have to admit that historical romances have not always been my favorite genre to read but there is something about the way Ms. Laroque presents the story. I never really thought about the expectations of the time period and the concessions one would have to make to live in the 19th century vs. the 21st century.

Ms. LaRoque brings her characters to life with vivid descriptions and effortlessly weaves humor with drama. This is one author who has definitely done her research on life in the 1890′s. Any book by Ms. LaRoque is one I automatically add to my to be read list because I KNOW it’s going to not only be a fun read but educational as well. Treat yourself to a the luxury you deserve and take a few hours to sit down and read this book. A Marshal of Her Own was a visually creative, touching and uplifting romance. I highly recommend this book.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: The Wild Rose Press, Val, You Gotta Read

Review – The Mishaps of Gumdrop Island by M.M.

November 19, 2011 by Admin 4 Comments

Title: The Mishaps of Gumdrop Island

Author: M.M.

Publisher: Self Published

Buy The Mishaps of Gumdrop Island here

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Val

Blurb:
Adventurer Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh to the rescue! After convincing a lost damsel she must leave No place In Particular and come away to his home on Gumdrop Island, she enters the world of Yuri’s confectionary plantation. When he realizes his newest arrival is cousin to Mort the Mothball Millionaire, Yuri sets sail to Moldy Corners. But why do those spooky vultures watch from the fence railing?

Review:
What a funny little book. Full of imagination, this book is definitely something that a child and their parent will remember and be reciting for a long time to come. The Mishaps of Gumdrop Island is a little bit different than your ordinary children’s storybooks. With big words that will stimulate a child’s mind, I can certainly picture them growing a larger vocabulary in a short amount of time. I think this is not only a fun but educational book. For parents, you will get a chuckle out of certain situations throughout this book. With quirky characters, a fun plot line and humor throughout, The Mishaps of Gumdrop island is not a book you want to miss. Taken one chapter at a time, children will beg for their bedtime story each night. One of my absolute favorite things about this book is each chapter summarizes the ones before in case this story is read one chapter at a time. Some of the humor in this book may go over a child’s head but the adult will catch it. Nothing out of the way of course but just a little bit of adult humor. The Mishaps of Gumdrop Island is written in the same vein as Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It has the same comfortable and exciting feel to it. The buy link to this book is for the e-book version but I highly recommend this book in the print version. It’s incredibly humorous and just an all around keeper on any children’s storybook shelf. Great job M.M. Pssst, parents there is also a Gum Drop Island website. Click here!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Self Published, Val, You Gotta Read

Review – Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke

October 31, 2011 by Admin Leave a Comment

Title: Embracing Your Second Calling

Author: Dale Hanson Bourke

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Buy Embrace Your Second Calling here

Reviewed by: Val

Rating: You Need to Read

Blurb:
Do you ever wonder if the best of life is in the past? Are you longing for more passion and purpose in the second half of your life? Take a deep breath and prepare for a great adventure as Dale Hanson Bourke resoundingly affirms that midlife is a time for reflection but also a time for action. In Embracing Your Second Calling, she challenges women to respond to God’s call specifically for this season of life and offers practical ideas for finding new meaning.

Review:
Although this book is geared toward middle-aged women, I felt as though I could relate to this book. I had children at a young age and now they are all but moved on with their lives. This moment in time is about me and what I can do to better myself and the lives of those around me. One of my favorite books of the Bible is Ruth, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that Ruth was used as an example throughout this book.

In each chapter you will find many tools to make you think. There are questions that make you think and activities to physically or mentally work toward. Each Chapter also includes quotes and personal stories. If you are looking for a Christ based self help book, this is the book for you. Yes, it is geared toward middle aged women but I believe women of any age will benefit from reading it. After all, isn’t the main goal getting closer to God? This is definitely a book to set you on your way!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: thomas nelson books, Val, You Need To Read

Review – Secrets and Lies by Jamie Hill

October 31, 2011 by Admin 1 Comment

Title: Secrets and Lies

Author: Jamie Hill

Publisher: Books We Love Publishing

Buy Secrets and Lies here

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Val

Blurb:
Natalie Jameson has a handsome husband, three wonderful children, and one very big secret. She’s managed to keep it under wraps for over twenty years, but recent events lead her to decide she has no choice but to reveal the terrible truth.

Alex Jameson has had one goal in life since the minute he met Natalie on their college campus. Do whatever it takes to make this woman happy. When circumstances threaten to unravel the web of secrets and lies they’ve built around themselves, will their love be strong enough to survive?

Review:
Natalie and Alex are the couple everyone strives to be. They adore each other and their children. Everything is perfect in their lives until one day when everything is changed. It makes me wonder how I would have reacted. The way that Natalie felt about having children made me laugh, I’ve been her. Poor Alex, I felt for him and had to laugh each time Natalie said “Honey, I want to have another baby.” Through their fights, laughs, and struggles with their own feelings, I found Natalie and Alex to be a perfectly imperfect couple. The daughter Gillian had me balling my fists in frustration from time to time and simply because I have daughters that would react as she did. I wish I could say more about this book but it would give away the story, so on that front, I’m zipping the lip.

Seldom does a short book deserve the highest rating from me, but Secrets and Lies moved me more than I expected. Since it is a short read, the excitement is in finding out what actually happened twenty years ago. I must say that this was a very touching story that at times made me want to cry. Yes, this is a very heavy topic but Ms. Hill has done an outstanding job of weaving her way through the story in a manner that does not bring the reader down. The characters throughout the story were so realistic and the topic is something that I am sure many people have faced in real life. Ms. Hill nailed the relationship between a husband and a wife. Yes, they fight but how they deal with their arguments is so like a normal couple that I couldn’t help but to draw from my past experiences. Relatable, memorable characters along with an amazing plot line make Secrets and Lies a story that you simply cannot miss.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Books We Love Publishing, Val, You Gotta Read

Review – My Life as a Dog by Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga

October 29, 2011 by Admin 1 Comment

Title: My Life As A Dog

Author: Cynthia and Mike Arsuaga

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Buy My Life As A Dog here

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Val

Blurb:
Drake Martin is a unique shape shifter. Instead of transforming into a ferocious animal, he morphs into an eight pound Yorkshire terrier. Six year old Kady Hartley rescued him from an animal shelter. As “Precious” he was her “bestest friend” for twelve years, leaving when she started college. Ten years later they cross paths.
He’s a PI; she’s FBI. Continuing to keep his abilities secret from her, he follows Kady as she pursues a case. Accompany them on an odyssey to New Orleans investigating human traffickers and watch the fur fly. To protect Kady, Drake remains in the shadows. For her sake he puts aside his loner life and accepts protection and assistance of the local shifter pack under its leader, the Sufi. The pack and Drake soon discover they have a common cause, leading to a bloody confrontation with the Russian human traffickers.

During the adventure, will Drake and Kady rekindle their loving friendship or will it become much more?

Review:
After reading the very last sentence on the very last page, my first reaction is WOW. I say this for a couple of reasons. First, I am not ordinarily a shifter reader and second, how in the world can a shifter who turns into a Yorkie be sexy? This is where the “wow” factor comes in. Never have I read a book that has thrown my preconceptions out the window as this book has. Very early in the book, the first shifter scene actually, it is evident how being able to turn into a cute little dog works to Drake’s advantage. His reaction to what he turns into was priceless and made me laugh out loud. A very important part of the book is the beginning. Although the pacing does seem a little slow at first, this is where the foundation lies for the rest of the book. No worries though, when the book does pick up, it is a very fast paced action packed book.

Drake Martin and Kady Harley have a relationship like none I’ve ever read before. It was fascinating how Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga have developed these two characters in such a tender way. They are able to bond in a way a normal couple never can. The loyalty that Drake shows toward Kady touched my heart and made me just want to say awwwww. As the book develops, so does the relationship between these two exciting and funny characters. The heat level between Drake and Kady soars and I’m more than surprised that my book didn’t spontaneously combust! I am a die hard romantic suspense reader who loves humor sprinkled throughout the pages of whatever it may be that I am reading. My Life as a Dog had me laughing out loud at moments and holding my breath at others. This is, hands down, a book that captured my attention and kept it there.

I would like to tell Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga BRAVO! It is not very often that I can say a book changed my opinion about an entire genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in paranormal romance. Please keep in mind that some scenes are very erotic and may offend those who aren’t interested in erotic. Otherwise, I suggest you run out and buy this book. Read at your leisure because you don’t want to miss one thing. I enjoyed my time spent reading My Life as a Dog and look forward to reading more from these authors.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Secret Cravings Publishing, Val, You Gotta Read

Review – Twist of Fate by Sandy James

October 26, 2011 by Admin 1 Comment

Title: Twist of Fate (Damaged Heroes 5)

Author: Sandy James

Publisher: Siren Bookstrand

Buy Twist of Fate here

Reviewed by: Val

Rating:You Gotta Read

Blurb:
What happens when happily ever after meets reality? Susan and James Williams are drifting apart. After a devastating loss, their lives are thrown into further turmoil when a mysterious stone at a museum hurtles them back to the Old West. Their supernatural experience only intensifies the chasm between them, and when James realizes where they are, in a moment of anger, he pronounces that they were never married.

They go their separate ways, unsure of what this new world holds in store. James settles into a job as bartender. Befriended by local rancher Daniel Miller, Susan soon develops feelings for him. She’s torn between starting a new life in a new time and healing her marriage and returning to the twenty-first century.

Will the miraculous journey back in time help Susan and James reconcile, or has destiny set new roads for them to travel that lead them away from each other?

Review:
Little House on the Prairie, watch out, you have competition! Nelly has nothing on Caroline (from Twist of Fate) and Daniel is the new Charles. Let’s start with James and Susan shall we? It’s obvious these two are head over heels in love with each other but over time have forgotten the qualities that once took each other’s breath away. The qualities that once endeared them to one another are now viewed as annoyances. The sensual tension between these two was electrifying. Abigail is the good daughter who wants the best for her father Daniel. Daniel, having lost his wife a couple of years earlier, had lost the spark in his life. That is, until he meets Susan. There are other quirky characters in the book but I have to say my favorite was Caroline. She was full of manipulation and games yet such a child, a fun character indeed.

On to the plot line. I love this particular story for several reasons. Not only is this not like the other books in the Damaged Heroes series because of the time travel aspect, it is also not your typical romance book. Normally, it’s the beautiful young heroine and the devastatingly handsome hero. In Twist of Fate, it’s about real people. People who have self-esteem issues, ego issues and control issues. It’s about making a decision that will affect the future of many people, not just those involved. It makes you think about the paradox. If you do something in an era gone by, would it affect the future? Who will Susan pick, the man who is everything she could possibly want? Or will she choose the one man that she has always loved that may not love her back?

Twist of Fate is certainly a book that will stay with me for a long time. In fact, when I am driving and every song I hear reminds me of the book, I know that book is going to be a winner. I wish each book had a soundtrack to it, because I heard some perfect songs for it on the way home. It must be said that I have loved every one of the Damaged Heroes books and all for different reasons. Each book can be read as a stand alone book. The one constant is the talent with which Ms. James writes. In my opinion, a talented writer is one who can evoke almost every emotion you possess and still leave you wanting more. Ms. James is most certainly one of the top authors on my list to highly recommend to others. To Ms. James, I would like to say “Job well done and I can’t wait to read more.” To the potential buyer of this book, BUY IT! You will not be disappointed. If you love Twist of Fate, here is a list of the other books in the series. They are all books you just GOTTA read!

Murphy’s Law (Damaged Heroes Book 1)

Free Falling (Damaged Heroes Book 2)

All the right Reasons (Damaged Heroes Book 3)

Faith of the Heart (Damaged Heroes Book 4)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Sandy James, Siren Bookstrand, Val, You Gotta Read