Review of Let it be Me by Barbara Speak

Reviewed by -- Lee'Anne

** Note - this blog used to have a review team, and this review is by one of those. **         

Book Review of --

Let it be Me by Barbara Speak

Overall star rating --- 5   

    

About the book:

Arianna Dubray is nothing like the girl she left in Baltimore. Once a Prada shoe wearing, Michael Kors bag carrying, on top of the world seventeen-year-old girl, Arianna knew that her life would never be the same when she got out of the car in middle-of-nowhere Montana.

Canyon Michaels is the keeper of his own dark secrets. Plagued by his family name, he's forced to prove the town wrong and make it on his own.

The last thing Arianna needs is a reason to stay, but with every passing day the decision to leave becomes harder. Once their paths cross nothing can tear them apart, other than the secrets that start to surface and the nightmares that soon become their reality.

Book creation ratings

Overall total, out of 30 -- 27        

-- Story & characters -- 9        

-- Cover & title -- 9        

-- Editing & formatting --9        

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

The review --

I LOVED this book, one of the best I’ve read this summer. Ari Dubray is 17 and her and her family have been forced to uproot their lives and move across the country to Montana. With an abusive step-father, a mother who has checked out from the world, and a little sister who looks up to her Ari has a lot to deal with in life. Ari’s step-father trades in her nice car for a crappy truck upon arriving in Montana and when Ari drives it to school she’s unable to get it started to leave. Ari knows her family won’t come save her so she begins walking home and has a run in with her neighbor Canyon. Trying to save Ari from her step-father Canyon gets Ari to work on his farm and their relationship begins to bloom. Ari is counting down the days until she turns 18 so that she can leave but after a few says with Ari Canyon realizes he can’t let her go and sets out to change her mind.

I really enjoyed the mystery during the whole story about Ari’s past, and when it finally comes out it’s a shocker for everyone. This book has a little bit of everything, it’s hot, romantic, funny, and real. I quite enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from this author!"                        

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Contemporary romance        

Age recommendations -- 16        

Sex content rating -- mild        

Violence rating -- moderate        

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514202301

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Speak/e/B00GVC9Y4O/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSpeak

Website

http://www.authorbarbaraspeak.com/

Christmas review - Christmas on My Mind by Janet Dailey

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers 📘

Book Review of --

Christmas on My Mind (A Cowboy Christmas) by Janet Dailey

Overall star rating --- 3.5 

About the book:

The future looks merry and bright…

The little town of Branding Iron, Texas, keeps an annual tradition that makes the holidays especially festive—the Cowboys’ Christmas Ball. But Sheriff Ben Marsden, busy with work, joint custody of his son, and caring for his aging mother, has no plans to attend.  Not until a pretty newcomer to his small town gets involved in the planning. Suddenly Ben finds himself wanting to keep a close eye on Jessica Ramsey, and not just because her relatives seem to be in jail more than out. He can tell the mysterious redhead has secrets in her past, but now that she’s bought a little fixer upper with her mom to start a bed and breakfast, the whole family’s turning over a new leaf. With the prospect of dancing and celebrating ahead, surely there’s time for everyone to unwind. Because this year, more than ever, Ben’s got Christmas—and loving—on his mind.

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

Overall total, out of 30 -- 22

-- Story & characters -- 7

-- Cover & title -- 8

-- Editing & formatting -- 7

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

The Christmas Quotient --- 4 

** How many Christmas trees a book gets tells how Christmassy it was. The scale runs from 1-7 trees. **

The review --

This was a good book, but not a great book. I got a little bored in a few places. The very beginning is good, and it really picks up towards the end. It doesn't have any sex scenes in it at all, which I was good with. Just has some good kissing scenes. The characters are strong, and the story is interesting.

Overall, it's a book I enjoyed and would gladly recommend. It has a wonderful ending and makes for a very nice Christmas read, especially for those who prefer books with no sex scenes in them.

This book has a good storyline, good characters, and very Christmassy too. Just an all around good book that makes for great Christmas reading.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- romance, christmas

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A4ANVLA/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/Janet-Dailey/e/B000API3SG/

Author's website

www.janetdailey.com

Christmas Review of A Different Christmas by KM Lowe

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

A Different Christmas by KM Lowe

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Two people. Two upbringings. One Christmas.

Sam was brought up to her happy family gathering at Christmas. Filled with many traditions that as an adult she thought were normal for everyone.

Getting ready to finish work for the holidays to go home to her family in Scotland, was her idea of fun and relaxation. Well, that was until her boss, Luke, told her he was dragging her to New York for work.

Much to Sam’s irritation, she has to go along and attend New York before flying home on Christmas Eve.

Luke grew up with parents that had a multimillionaire company and wanted for nothing. Apart from a family to celebrate Christmas with.

Luke grew up thinking he had what everyone had at Christmas, until he grew up and realized that Christmas is a family occasion.

Two characters that clash at the slightest thing is a recipe for disaster. Throw Sam and Luke into New York and it is either a make or break for their working relationship.

Would Christmas be different after this year?

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 

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

I totally loved this book. It was so very, very Christmassy; and had characters that I adored. Not a clunker in the bunch. The story is awesome! You'll love it. The ending rocks, and doesn't leave you wanting more, but gives you everything you want; wraps it all up in a neat bow.

This book is such a delicious present. When PA Sam is told to accompany her boss Luke, home for Christmas, well that's where the fun just starts. There are tons of great moments in this book. This is one Christmas book that I'll remember next year. Yes, it was that good.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- romance

Age recommendations -- 17 and up

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

Amazon .com - https://www.amazon.com/Different-Christmas-KM-Lowe-ebook/dp/B01KTSZ54I/

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Different-Christmas-KM-Lowe-ebook/dp/B01KTSZ54I/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/KM-Lowe/e/B00MMA4FPM/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/authorkmlowe/

Author's website

http://kmlowe86.wixsite.com/kmlowe

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