Review of Hollywood Bear by Zoe Chant

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Review of --

Hollywood Bear: BBW Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (Hollywood Shifters Book 1) by Zoe Chant 

Overall star rating --- 5 

About the book:

A BBW stuntwoman + a movie director bear shifter + Hollywood hijinks = one blockbuster romance!

Curvy stuntwoman Shelley loves showbiz but hates the roles she usually gets, that use her body as the butt of a joke. Then she's hired to show off her real skills as a stunt rider, playing an Evil Goth Biker Chick in a new movie by hot director Mick Volkov.

Bear shifter and famous director Mick Volkov knows all too well that money can't buy you love, and fame is no consolation for a broken heart. Burned by one bad relationship too many, he's sworn off love... Until he sees Shelley.

A whirlwind of motorcycle rides, hot loving in a forest cabin, and fancy Hollywood parties lights a bonfire of passion between them, but they're both afraid of getting their hearts broken once again. Will they run from destiny, or will they find their very own Hollywood happy ending?

This is a sizzling hot, standalone BBW bear shifter romance. No cliffhangers!

Book creation ratings:

Overall total -- 30 out of a possible 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

Awesome 5 star paranormal romance book. This was a book that I got on a free promo, and read when I was taking a wee break from my read and review list. Wow, am I glad I did. It's a great book. All the characters rock, and the action is great. The ending is absolutely, hands down, awesome! You'll love it. Yes, there are sex scenes, but there is also a great story there as well. I heartily recommend this book and this author.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- paranormal romance

Age recommendations -- 18 plus

Sex content rating -- spicy

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Bear-Shifter-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B01066T4ZO

Author's Amazon page

http://www.amazon.com/Zoe-Chant/e/B00V7LIX8C/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/zoechantbooks

Author's website

http://www.zoechant.com/

Review of The Mistletoe Melody by Jennifer Snow

Reviewed by -- Shannan Williams

** Note - this review is by a member the review team this blog used to have. Even though the team has been retired, I still have some reviews of theirs to share. ** 

Book Review of --

The Mistletoe Melody by Jennifer Snow        

Overall star rating --- 5    

   

About the book:

Tis the season of forgiveness…but can she ever forget?

Brad Monroe was truly unbelievable. Blowing back into Brookhollow for three days to film a Christmas special—three years after the accident that killed his best friend…her husband—and expecting Melody to be civil? Please. He'd been the only one who'd survived the tragedy, hightailing it to Nashville and hijacking her dream…Patrick's dream. She'd spent that time grieving, working three jobs, struggling to raise her boys and keep a roof over their heads. Now she was losing ground on all fronts, and not about to forgive and forget. Or give him the one thing that could save them all…"        

Book creation ratings -- Max. total of 30 possible --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        

-- Story & characters -- 10        

-- Cover & title -- 10        

-- Editing & formatting -- 10        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

This was the first book I have read by this author and I can tell you, it won’t be the last. This book has it all … love, tragedy, strength, passion, loss, learning to love again, etc. Once I started reading this book, it was nearly impossible for me to put it down. I just loved it to pieces! The characters are so well developed … I just felt as if I was right there with them cheering them on. I fell in love with Brad and Melody and their story. I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly despite everything that had happened prior. I can’t wait to read more by this author. She has me hooked … I am a new devoted fan for life! I highly recommend this book.                

Reader Recommendations:

Genre -- romance        

Age recommendations -- 18        

Sex content rating -- very mild        

Violence rating -- very mild        

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mistletoe-Melody-Brookhollow-Story-ebook/dp/B00K9ZZA0Q/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/jennifersnowbooks

Author's website

http://www.jennifersnowauthor.com/

Christmas review - A Very Jaguar Christmas by Terry Spear

Welcome to the first of my Christmas theme 

book reviews for this year.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

A Very Jaguar Christmas (Heart of the Jaguar Book 5) by Terry Spear

Overall star rating --- 5 

About the book:

There are all kinds of surprises under the mistletoe!

As a protector of all jaguar-kind, Guardian agent Demetria MacFarlane isn't surprised to get a call near Christmas-but when she's sent to protect a cub whose species she didn't even know existed, her holiday season gets complicated. And it doesn't help that her partner is a distraction of the hottest kind.

Hotshot JAG agent Everett Anderson can handle dangerous poachers and wildlife traffickers, no problem...but kids? Everett fears he'll be stuck cub-sitting under the Christmas tree, but working with one sexy Guardian she-cat may be the best present he's ever gotten.

Book creation ratings -- Max. total of 30 possible --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 7 

** Tells how Christmassy it was, scale runs from 1-7 trees. **

The review --

I loved it. It was very Christmassy and a very good story. Good characters, great writing. Yes, it had sex scenes, but there weren't a lot of them, they were very well written, and didn't dominate the story.

This was a wonderful book to start off my Christmas reviews with. As you can see above, I've added a new rating to my Christmas book reviews, The Christmas Quotient, which rates how Christmassy. Not only did this book get 5 stars (I would have given it 6 if I could), but it got 7 Christmas trees too.

This was a very fun Christmas paranormal romance to read. It had all the bells and whistles that you could want. It does start off with a sad moment in the prologue of the book, but it quickly moves away from that; but that will be a key part of the plot of the book.

It's a great paranormal romance Christmas read for fans of this genre.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- paranormal romance, Christmas

Age recommendations -- 18 plus

Sex content rating -- mild to moderate

Violence rating -- mild to moderate

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Very-Jaguar-Christmas-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B01HN3X3CS/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/Terry-Spear/e/B001JS03TU/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics/

Author's website

https://terrylspear.wordpress.com/about/

Review of Steel & Bone

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- Steel & Bone: Nine Steampunk Adventures by Katherine Cowley (Author), Scott E. Tarbet (Author), TC Phillips (Author), C. R. Simper (Author), Danielle E. Shipley  (Author), Sarah E. Seeley  (Author), Kin Law (Author), John M. Olsen  (Author), Gail B. Williams (Author), James Ng (Foreword)

Overall star rating --- 5 

About the book:

Shovel the coal and stoke the boilers as nine Steampunk authors explore islands of mystery and adventure across the seven seas.

The Clockwork Seer by Katherine Cowley: On an island of oddities, a young clairvoyant struggles for normalcy, but deadly automatons have other plans.

Sindisiwe by Scott E. Tarbet: A slave girl in Zanzibar escapes a beating when a stranger in the marketplace proves her past is more than just a fairy tale.

Stand and Deliver by TC Phillips: Neither shackles, slave labor, nor the island’s deadliest inhabitants will prevent these brothers from meting out justice to their father’s murderers.

Island Walker by C. R. Simper: Kit digs her treasures out of trash heaps, but the theft of her invention leads to discoveries money can’t buy.

A Mind Prone to Wander by Danielle E. Shipley: Beyond a locked door lies Rowan Charles’ death or his sanity, and the survival or extinction of his people.

Curio Cay by Sarah E. Seeley: The future of humanity rests in the hands of three time-traveling scientists battling biomechanical creatures in the Jurassic past.

The Mysterious Island of Chester Morrison by Kin Law: Dodging her chaperone, a debutante stumbles into adventure and romance at the World’s Fair.

Revolutionary by John M. Olsen: A dirigible captain goes down with his ship, and wakes to find himself a captive of a sky-dwelling civilization.

The Steel Inside by Gail B. Williams: Darkness lurks in Sarah’s forgotten past, kept hidden by those who claim to be her devoted husband and loyal servants.

Book creation ratings:

Overall total -- 30 out of a possible 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

I got this book, and enjoyed it very much, even though I'm not well versed in the genre. It's a steampunk anthology, and if you like this genre, then you'll want this book. There's not a dud in the whole book. I loved each and every story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. 

I highly recommend it to fans of the steampunk genre, as there's some really great stories here in this volume. Who knows, you might find your next favorite author here. I think I'm becoming very much a fan of this genre myself. And to those who haven't explored this genre yet, then this box set is a great place to start.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- science fiction, steampunk

Age recommendations -- 18 plus

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- moderate

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

Amazon Kindle USA: http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Bone-Nine-Steampunk-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00YQRAIIC

Amazon Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steel-Bone-Nine-Steampunk-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00YQRAIIC

Review of Funk Toast and the Pan-Galactic Prom Show by Craig Nybo

Reviewed by -- Lake        

Book Review of --

Funk Toast and the Pan-Galactic Prom Show by Craig Nybo

Overall star rating --- 5   

    

About the book:

Death, Resurrection, and Rock and RollBook 2 in the Pan-Galactic Prom Show duology. Hundreds of alien creatures gather at the Collundrome, an asteroid party venue, for the Pan-Galactic Prom Show, the biggest bash in the known universe. Funk Toast, an Earth band, is slated to headline the event. But Knolar Jex, intergalactic pirate and terrorist, has his own nefarious plans for this year's extravaganza.Meanwhile...Twana Burch and a few friends bring a cloned version of Bieber--the assassinated intergalactic pop idol--to the party with the intention of putting him on stage before the Prom Show audience. With enough media attention, Twana hopes to resurrect Bieber's career and rekindle the hearts of millions of teenage fans.Meanwhile...A special detachment of Ice Beetle soldiers from planet Hull also have their eyes on the Pan-Galactic Prom Show stage. Having left their planet at war and fearing the extinction of their species, they hope to solicit aid to their planet by delivering news of their ominous plight in the form of a rock and roll show.

Book creation ratings

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        

-- Story & characters -- 10        

-- Cover & title -- 10        

-- Editing & formatting --10        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

Mr. Nybo does it again. In this sequel he throws in a third story, making it 3 stories colliding to form one great novel. At first I didn't really care for The Funk Toast band. But, like I've said previously, Mr. Nybo has a way of making one be able to relate and possibly fall in love with his characters. He is able to add life to all of his characters. In this book it takes you for an exciting spin which I didn't expect in a million years! Also the band breaks out of imprisonment using neck-ties. One doesn't read about that kind of thing everyday. I love his notes and extra material in the audio version.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Sci-Fi/ Rock and Roll Fiction        

Age recommendations -- 14        

Sex content rating -- none        

Violence rating -- For Sure!        

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PIA2P3C/                

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/Craig-Nybo/e/B002BLL4OC/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/CraigNyboAuthor/

Website

http://craignybo.com/

Review of Evaluations of the Tribe by Raphyel M. Jordan

Reviewed by -- Maegan Schaefer        

Book Review of --

Evaluations of the Tribe: A Coming of Age Space Opera (Prossia Book 0) by Raphyel M. Jordan        

Overall star rating --- 5     

  

About the book:

"You Learn. You Work. You Fight."

These are the mandates young, alien best friends, Aly and Catty, must follow in order to be of any worth to their tribe on Planet Gooliun. Most people in their village have an entire childhood to perfect such traits. However, time is of the essence when a dangerous rite of passage meant to test these qualities is boosted years ahead of schedule.

As the Evaluations near, a strong bond is challenged and a bitter rivalry is born when playful harassment leads to violent bullying. This doesn’t take away from a real danger approaching the tribe, however. One has yet to be seen, and another is right underneath their noses.

Book creation ratings

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        

-- Story & characters -- 10        

-- Cover & title -- 10        

-- Editing & formatting --10        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

The book grabs the reader and draws them into the different world of putting the tribe first. It never let you go til the last page really. There is wonderful moral that show the reader that one might think someone else has it easier but that is not always the case. The author has a beautiful way of describing the village and the school. It makes it seems like it is really out there somewhere.        

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Scifi        

Age recommendations -- 12 and up girls would probably like it more        

Sex content rating -- None        

Violence rating -- Moderate because the main characters learn to defend the tribe        

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Evaluations-Tribe-Raphyel-M-Jordan/dp/1497455324/

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/Raphyel-M.-Jordan/e/B00G5R6WUY/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/RaphyelMJordanPage

Website

http://www.raphyelmjordan.com/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/RaphyelMJordan

Review - Rising Empire by C.S. Woolley

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker        

Book Review of --

Rising Empire: Part 2 (The Chronicles of Celadmore) by C.S. Woolley

Check out our review of part 1 ** here **

Overall star rating --- 4.5    

About the book:

The nine kingdoms of Celadmore are at war. The people suffer under tyrants that strive to gain land and power in the struggle for superiority.

Kasnata, Queen of the Order and Queen of Nosfa leads her armies against the people of Delma. A war she did not want to fight, but her husband, the King of Nosfa, Mercia Nosfa VI has forced her hand.

Leinad, the heir to the throne of Nosfa and son of Kasnata, is held hostage in the city of Grashindorph where revolution is beginning. Hermia, mother of Mercia and former Queen of Nosfa leads the revolution against her son, a revolution to end the wars and tyranny that their people suffer under. Kasna and Kia are safe from their father in the Oasis of Tulna, but Duke Kelmar DeLacey, Regent of Delma, still hunts for them.

Kasnata's empire is growing and her legacy is being forged through war, not diplomacy, a mantle her people will carry down the ages.

But there is more at work than any mortal knows, their lives, though fleeting, will form the realm and the consequences of their actions will be felt for centuries to come.

Book creation ratings

Overall total, out of 30 -- 27                                

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 7

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

The war continues and tension increases as the writer moves the reader through the middle of this exciting trilogy. Good guys fall as the battle intensifies between the King and Warrior Queen.

There are a few editing misses midway though the book that are noticeable, but in no way distracts the reader.

The characters are so well developed that I found myself dreading several situations but I'll not go into them here. There is a surprising twist in the story that I found shocking but nice too."        "The story is moving toward an exciting climax and I hope the good guys win. You need to read Part Two asap. The talent of the author is seen on every page as images of the action move through your mind's eye. It reminds me of an old fashion slide projector. It takes a gifted writer to get my mind to that place.

I won't go into the ending but get this book and read it. It's an enjoyable, action-packed adventure.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Fantasy War Adventure.        

Age recommendations -- 11 and older.        

Sex content rating -- Very Mild.        

Violence rating -- Moderate but not graphic.

                                                        

** The author's links **

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Empire-Part-Chronicles-Celadmore-ebook/dp/B0111BRGBW/

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/C.S.-Woolley/e/B006E5414Q/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.S.Woolley/

Website

http://mightierthanthesworduk.com/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/thecswoolley