What were the main themes of the book? Murder, mystery and connections. You know how in a small village, everybody knows everybody … that's the feeling I got from this book. The author writes like she is talking to you so it was more than a good read. Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I couldn't really connect with her on a personal level. Our ages are different and the era is completely different but this in no way meant she wasn't a good character.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion. I liked the way she ties everything up at the end and you realise you actually missed several key pointers along the way.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Key to Love
What were the main themes of the book? It's a cross between love and passion. Yes, these are two different elements in my book. The reader becomes so engrossed in this book emotionally, you feel like you are catching up with a good friend. Were you able to connect with the main character and why? It was easy to connect with the main characters. If you have ever been in love before, you will definitely connect with Meg Mims' characters.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion. Our book club had a short discussion about this book. Did the author show or tell? Most of us went with 'show'. And readers were able to think and figure things out for themselves instead of having everything spelt out for them.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
No Foolin'
What were the main themes of the book? I'm going to go for self-discovery. Kate thinks that material things will be able to complete her and T-Rex seems to think he is far and above everyone else. One misunderstanding after another, they realise they are as imperfect as each other.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? As there were two main characters, I could relate to each of them in many different ways. The longing feeling to be accepted and loved is a connection we can all make with each other.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? I absolutely loved the build up to the conclusion. It was like watching a romantic comedy.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book and other books written by Lisa Scott.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Silver Sphere
What were the main themes of the book? How well did the author execute these themes?
Morality and immorality. This is easily to picked out from reading the description. These were well explained throughout the book and I did feel there were more descriptions on immorality. With immorality trying to take over everything and keeping the reader guessing, the book was definitely worth reading.
Describe 2 different settings or locations.
Zach and Throg fighting a wishpoosh. The author provided a wonderful picture; however before I saw the picture I imagined something similar to a mongoose, beaver, and sea otter.
I love how Shelby is the resourceful one during this scene. “We need something to illuminate out paths. Caves are dark.” She wrapped the material around the top of the stick, then took some twine from her backpack and used it to hold the cloth in place. This shows she is strong no matter what is happening.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why?
I connect easily with Shelby. She is someone who has a rough childhood. No mother, an almost absent alcoholic father, she is just looking to be needed. She finds some of this need/want/love at the library from Mr. Dempsey but not everything she needs.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion?
I should read the book again before I can honestly answer this question. The introduction provides readers with an out of this world experience while the conclusion allows readers to return home. Okay, I pick both. They equally appealed to me.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book?
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys young adult books, especially teens. This book was great reading. It is very hard to find wonderful books like this for teenagers. So nice to know Dadich, did not add vulgar scenes and language.
What were the main themes of the book? The characters have come a long way from Book 1. Kai and Cassie become important to the Wicked Series although I'm not entirely sure about Cassie. We discussed this in our book club. She doesn't really seem 'all there' and yet has an important role in the story. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "He experienced himself as a huge whale in pursuit of a receptive female, rocketing to the surface, bursting out of the water, and slapping his tail with a thunderous clap, in competition with other males. He butted a challenger with his head and smacked him with his tail fluke with such force that a trail of blood seeped out into the water. The fight for the female continued in a frenzy of competition ..." Loved the way she worded it.
Two - "Maybe it had to happen that way. Maybe I did what had to be done. I did it and now I have to live with it.
Can you live with it? I mean, do you still love me?" More searching, more questions as with the other two books.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? In some ways, yes. While there were paranormal bits, a lof of the situations and emotions expressed were realistic and I really liked this book the best of all three.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion. There seemed to be more resolution than in the other 2 books.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend this book and the other books in the series but these are not stand alone books so readers will need to read the complete series.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Wicked Beginning: Book II in the Wicked Series
What were the main themes of the book? Self-discovery and being comfortable with what is discovered. Passion (and I mean passion, not romance) takes on a whole new look in this author's books. Each of her characters are in the midst of finding themselves and once they do, can they be happy or is there something beyond personal fulfillment? Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - Cam trying to open up to James about why he is afraid to get involved again. I think Cam's helplessness were well described and you could almost feel what he was feeling.
Two - “This is my dream, goddamn it.” Anger started to build in his belly. It felt like a furnace, warming him from the inside out. The more he whirled and saw only stark white, the madder he got until he was enraged. The more enraged he got, the hotter he felt. This was good, right?" More confusion from Cam . It is truly fascinating how the author ties up these loose ends.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Not really. I wanted to connect with Cam but there were bits of him that were too dramatic for my liking. And sometimes, he came across as indecisive instead of searching.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? A little of both. Having read the first book, I wanted to see how this would start, progress and end. Of course, there's already a hook for Book 3.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend this book and the other books in the series but these are not stand alone books so readers will need to read the complete series.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
She
How realistic was the characterization? Loved the forest scene. Was dark and eerie. Felt like you were right there in the car with them.What are some of the book's themes? How important were they? The forest, her apartment, all the different doctors, she had to see. All played an important role in conveying, what she went thru.
Cover – I liked the cover
What I didn't like – The friends abandoning her
I received this book as part of Orangeberry Book Tours
Tapped (Pipe Woman Chronicles, #3)
What were the main themes of the book? Dealing with issues instead of running away from them. I can't help but think that if Naomi had faced the things that were bothering her, her dreams may not have been that twisted. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - The dream sequence with the wolf. This was so vivid I felt like I was almost there.
Two - Loki's conversation with Joseph on the bioweapon. I would have loved to have had a few more technicalities at this section just to beef it up and make it an interesting read.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I wasn't really able to connect with Naomi. She seemed so frazzled at some points, it was like a dog chasing its tail. I really liked Shannon though.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The ending, it was almost expected and yet had it's share of surprises.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book provided readers are aware that they need to read the other books in the series.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Perfect
What were the main themes of the book? Self-esteem and acceptance. Mel is convinced that she is not good enough and there are times when this does get irritating but given everything that she has been through, I assume this might be a normal reaction. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "I knew it was too good to be true. He was just too good looking to like me. Somebody must have put him up to this… paid him on a bet! It wouldn't be the first time that had happened to me! I recalled a time in middle school that a high school guy bet another that he wouldn't ask me out. It infuriated me! That was the day I decided love could wait."
Two - "I didn't know at what point daydreams became realistic." The different perspectives from each character made this book different (in a good way) and lots of fun to read.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I was able to connect with Mel. That awkwardness in school grounds is something every teenager goes through.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? I found the ending more appealing. The story twists and turns, the ending is definitely worth the wait.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book just for the twisted romance.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Fishers of Paradise
What were the main themes of the book? In the introduction, the author says the book is about choices. As I finished reading the book, I think this book is about relationships around us and how much we allow these relationships to define us. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - When Laura gets into the car with her father. There are so many different emotions in these few pages that makes you wonder about their relationship.
Two - "How do you think people end up in prison? Through doing good deeds and paying their bills, playing with their children?” ... Ray is so easily seen as the villain and yet you do start to connect with his desperation at some points.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Not all the time. I don't know why but it was either the dialogue or just certain pages that made it difficult to relate and connect with any of the characters, let alone the main character.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? Definitely the conclusion. The whole story is built up and then exposed in a very twisted manner. I liked this very much.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book because it was entertaining and it captured my attention for the most part.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sound of a Voice That is Still [Oberon Series Book 3]
What were the main themes of the book? Moving on. The characters were faced with conflicts that seem to anchor them in a 'bad' place and they had to make a choice about how to move on. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - “If I’d been home that weekend, Tim would have called me when the girls wanted to go out on the boat. Just like he always did. And I would’ve gone with
them. And then probably nothing would have happened. They’d still be alive and—” Siobhan's recollections are painful and you are able to connect with her.
Two - When Lucy gets her Valentine's day present from Dan. Once again, there's so much conflict she almost can't enjoy the moment.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? In most ways, her emotions are the same should we be faced similar situations in real life.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? I liked the beginning more than the ending even though the ending seemed fitting. The build up seemed more prominent in the earlier chapters.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. This author is a born storyteller.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Wicked Awakening: Book I of The Wicked Series
What were the main themes of the book? I would think it's resilience and learning to accept change. Cheerio (Cherie) longs to be perfect but needs to deal with the fact that she is different and it is fine to be this way. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - When she butts her head with Cam, it was almost funny but at the same was a perfect example of her dilemma.
Two - At one point in the story (I can't say which) she says, "Let the epic adventure begin." Has she really come to terms with who she is or does more danger await her?
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? In some ways, yes. Cheerio seeks normalcy like so many of us do and yet is such a special soul that shouldn't worry about what others have to say.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? It's so hard to pick but I think definitely the conclusion, because now I get to read book 2 and I know I'm going to love it.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to those who like this genre. It is well-written and it is a fun read!
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Consoling Angel
What were the main themes of the book? Romance and learning to move on. Mira sees very little hope in her present life but seeks comfort from her memories with her father. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "Laughter erupted between us as I covered my face. He then cupped my face, kissed my forehead. “Are you sure you’re not an angel?" This scene was so touching, I almost wanted it to be real.
Two - "“Maybe we have met.” Hearing his voice with the warmth of his hand upon mine, I nearly dissolved, feeling nothing around me." Does Mira find love again and is she able to overcome her loss? You'll have to read it to find out.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Definitely. Death is something we all have to deal with and sometimes we don't deal with it so well and need some kind of external help.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The introduction. It reminded me of my own childhood.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It's touching, romantic and well-written.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Book of Paul
What were the main themes of the book? It's really hard to give only two main themes like I usually do because this book offers a fascinating adventure between passion, drama, thriller, love, lust, horror and even BDSM.
Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "In the creation of the most powerful ritual objects, the Master molds his intent, with the guidance and participation of the angels." I think this is more than a religious aspect and speaks of an individual's mindset or a person's determination.
Two - "...this chapter will remain forever as we have written. As I have written. There is always more to say. Always another story." Again, this is the truth about our own lives.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? There isn't really one main character. I think if anything, I was able to connect with William whose voice runs in the background sharing incidences with the reader.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion. Because now I can't wait to read the next book.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to those are able to digest such themes. It can be a heavy read for some and an adventure for others.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Burning Embers
What were the main themes of the book? Romance and learning to accept someone else's faults as well as your own. Coral and Rafe are absolutely fascinating characters I enjoyed reading about. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "He wanted to look at her, drink in the beloved features, but the pain was unbearable." This is only an example about how the author explains everything so passionately.
Two - "...lay the white-washed cabin, glistening like a solid mass of pearl under the silver light of a full moon. Coral sucked in her breath. “Oh, Rafe, how did you discover such a jewel?” she whispered" When they finally overcome their differences and find each other, it is predictable but still beautiful.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I think any woman can connect with Coral's insecurities as I did.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? Hmmm, tough one and I haven't really decided. The ending was predictable and you can see it coming even from the middle of the book. The beginning was character development and an introduction to the characters' circumstances.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It's NOT just another love story.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rise of the Retics (Rosehaven the Hidden City, #1)
What were the main themes of the book? Death, corruption and kindness. Tyranna Wolfskin goes from privileged to hunted and she soon finds out what the "retics" feel like. This reader really liked the play on emotions, it almost made the retics human. Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "Jaxon paused a moment for more emphasis and then said with a proud flourish, “I’m a demon.” ... Tyranna makes one discovery after another in this book and she learns a lot about what is actually happening around her and about herself.
Two - "He had found her when she was a puppy - beaten, starved, and left to die in one of the city’s back alleys. He had spent weeks nursing her back to health." Kindness to others was a strong theme in this book and this reader liked how the author worked it into the story.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Definitely. Tyranna's discoveries allowed the reader to share her experiences.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? Definitely the ending. All the smaller sections and the build up of each character falls into place very nicely at the ending.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend this book. It's a YA read that I enjoyed and the characters were extremely entertaining.
Disclosure - I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.