All posts by janisf2

Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino

Book Reviews

About this Book:

“To the Green-eyed Lovebird:

We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.
You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.
We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.
Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…
I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.
After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

M”

My Five Star Review:

This book was a sweet, sad, romantic and emotionally charged story that will pull at your heat.  Two young college kids met, became immediate friends and a lot more but the timing just wasn’t right.  Missed chances and missed opportunities changed the lives of these two amazingly well written characters.  I loved Grace and Matt from the start but I loved them even more 15 years later which is one of the factors in my I-couldn’t-put-the-book-down.  Get Before We Were Strangers today and take an emotional journey with Grace and Matt through NYU, the East Village, Jeff Buckley, Pearl Jam, cello playing, photography, a wedding, divorce, National Geographic and the J train that you won’t forget.

Find Renee Carlino here:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReneeCarlino?fref=ts

Amazon Link:

Timberwolf by Tom Julian

Book Reviews, ,

About this Book:

Timberwolf is an extremely well written, fast paced and highly entertaining military science fiction adventure set in the year 2265.

“Humanity has expanded beyond the borders of Earth into the far reaches of space. Human ingenuity has also expanded—as well as its theology.
On one side of an interplanetary war: a new religious order, dedicated to the expansion of human enlightenment. On another side, loosely connected to the order but hardly on the same page: the military, dedicated to the expansion of human influence.
And then there are the aliens. Worlds beyond understanding. Planets beyond comprehension. Forces which represent threats that cannot be calculated, and so must be eliminated.
Timberwolf is a soldier with too many voices in his head. Gray is a bishop with grander ambitions than his church. Highland is a planet run entirely by artificial intelligence—all of these factors point to the same conclusion: God has a story for everyone—or so the scripture of the day says.
This story is just beginning.”

My Four Star Review:

Science Fiction is not my normal go to read but I have to say I really enjoyed this story.  Tom pulls you into his amazing sci fi world within the first few chapters.  I immediately detested Bishop Emmanuel Gray, I wasn’t sure what Dr. Tier from the Department of Peace Enforcement was up to, I absolutely loved Salla Birdwing Vice Governor of the Outpost the minute I met her and  military man Timberwolf I just couldn’t help but love this guy.  He is the hero, man character and all around typical military man who wants to save the universe.

Tom introduces you to many alien species, many different planetary structures, as well as government, military and clergy personnel.  He paints a picture so vivid you actually see it forming in your mind.  I wondered a time or two if Tom has a little Arnock DNA in his blood.  War between humans and aliens has been going on for over 100 years.  Each group feels they were created in God’s image so of course war is imminent and aren’t most wars started because of Religion anyway.

This book is fast paced, action packed, a little bit violent in places but extremely well written.   There were times when I said, “What the heck is going on?”  But then by the next few chapters I was thinking, “Well there you go.”  Tom did a very nice job of telling a complete story but leaving you wanting more in the end.  There are many threads left in outer space and I’m truly hoping another book is on its way.  I will definitely read other books by this author.

Find Tom Julian Here:

https://www.facebook.com/Timberwolf?fref=ts

Amazon Link:

Summer Crush a Young Adult Anthology

Book Reviews, Books Coming Soon, Young Adult Books

About the Book:

Summer Crush: A wonderfully romantic boxed set of Upper Young Adult short stories by today’s hottest authors.  (14+ Young Adult)  Book Releases on 8/21/2015 

Summer is the time for lazy days at the beach, sun-kissed hair, flip-flops, and sizzling nights with a new crush. Those stolen glances and first kisses can quickly spark a flame. However, the road to love isn’t always a smooth ride.

Every Summer has a story, whether it’s a second chance on love, seeing a friend in a different light, or taking a step in a new direction with someone special. Love and long days create endless possibilities, but can a summer crush really last?

My Four Star Review:

Each story was a little different but all focused on a summer romance and maybe taught you a little lesson along the way.  I truly enjoyed each one of them.

Sutton Summer by Sasha Hibbs:

“After breaking Dylan’s heart last year, McKenzie returns to Sutton Lake for another summer. McKenzie realizes love was in front of her the entire time, but is it too late for Dylan to forgive her?”

This was a story to remind you it’s not what’s on the outside that matters but what’s on the inside that really counts.  It was a hard lesson for McKenzie to learn but with the help of her Aunt Jenny, it ended up being a summer McKenzie will never forget.

Exquisite Torture by S.D. Wasley:
“16 year old Ryan thinks he’s in for the summer from hell, stuck at his Gran’s farm in a remote town … until he meets the adorable Connie. But why is she so cagey about her past?”

There was a bit of a mystery with this story.  Ryan isn’t very excited about going to his Grandmother’s house but he ends up being very proud of everything he accomplishes.  He meets Connie and all is definitely not what it seems.  You’ll be wrinkling your forehead trying to figure out what’s really going on.

Forbidden by Melissa Frost:

“The new guy in town has a bad reputation and a bad boy demeanor to go with it. Even so, Olivia can’t help feeling drawn to Gavin. Can she convince her mother he’s not the delinquent everyone believes, or will his past tear them apart?”

You don’t always have to believe what you hear and it’s okay to come to a conclusion about someone or something all on your own.  Olivia was drawn to Gavin and I’m glad she took the time to really get to know him.

Taking the Plunge by Diana Stager:
“Overwhelmed and alone, Jessica is a teenage mother struggling to give her son the best possible life. Erik, a lifeguard at the local pool, never expected the girl of his dreams to have baby in tow. They have issues, but will it keep them from pursing the relationship, or are they willing to take the plunge?”

Jessica really impressed me with how she wanted to live her life and take care of her son.  She struggled along the way but she still wanted what was best for her and him and got them help she needed when she needed it.  It was nice to watch the love blooming between her and Erik.

Boarderline Love by Deanna Dee:
Nearly drowning wasn’t part of Dalya’s vacation plans. Neither was being rescued by a guy with a perfect six pack and a haunted look in his eyes. Mason reminds Dalya too much of her over-protective older brother, but when he offers to teach her to surf, she can’t say no. Can Dalya get past her frustration with her brother to realize how much Mason means to her?

This story made me smile, laugh and even cry.  It was a truly entertaining story and fun to watch young love bloom to life.

An Ocean of Their Own by Bridie Hall:
“Lola spends her days trawling the sand dunes in search of the perfect subject for her art. She finds it in a solitary, beautiful girl. Sarah doesn’t just fill the pages in her sketchbook, she enchants Lola’s heart too. But how can Lola tell her family about Sarah?”

Sometimes when you fall in love, you just fall.  This was a very cute story of two young woman finding love on a summer beach.  I hold a very special place in my heart for Lola’s parents.

If you have a young adult reader at home or you like a good YA book, I would highly recommend this one.

Amazon Link:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013OHDB0Q/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013OHDB0Q&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Too Hard to Handle (Black Nights Series Book 8) by Julie Ann Walker

Book Reviews, Series Books

About this Book:

This is the eighth book in Julie’s Black Nights Inc. Series.  It’s a Contemporary Romantic Suspense and intended for Adults 18+.  To get the full enjoyment out of this book, you really should read books 1-7 first.

“The Man” is back
“Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.

And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.”

My Five Star Review:

If you like an extremely well written book, a good kick ass suspense with a sexy former SEAL getting the bad guy and falling hard for a strong female, then this is the book for you.

From the very beginning Black Nights Dan “The Man” was a favorite character of mine.  He pulls you in from the first book and then his world is shattered.   In the next few books you watch Dan fall deeper and deeper into the black abyss and it breaks your heart.  In book 7, Full Throttle, he starts his climb out, he takes on a mission, with everyone watching ever move he makes, and he locks eyes on Agent Penni DePaul.  Dan’s world suddenly clears as he works the case with Agent DePaul.   Sparks fly between the two (sparks is such a kind word … it was more like and inferno) and healing begins. But at the end of the case, the pair goes their separate ways.

Book 8, Too Hard to Handle picks up the story 3 months later.   Dan’s been out on a mission the past 3 months with Black Nights Dagan Zoelner (who is another amazing character) and Penni resigns from the Secret Service.  She’s on a mission of her own to find Dan and have a “talk.” She ends up in the middle of his case with life and death action, and falling deeper and deeper in love with Dan.

Their journey is not an easy one, emotions run very high and you’re holding your breath just hoping everything will all work out in the end.

Julie’s writing is fun, witty, and it is a true joy to read.  Many former character make an appearance in this book and in true Julie fashion, she is mapping them out, setting them up, and sucking you in for the next book.

Go …. Read this series.  You will love them.  I leave you with a quote from the beginning of the book: “Now her silly heart decided to sprout wings and fly around outside her body.  She really was going to have to have a conversation with the organ later.”

Find Julie Ann Walker here:  https://www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor?fref=ts

Kindle Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Handle-Black-Knights-Inc-ebook/dp/B00X648S1A/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1437246666

Book Reading Order:

Hell on Wheels 

In Rides Trouble

Rev It Up

Thrill Ride

Born Wild

Hell for Leather

Full Throttle

Too Hard to Handle

Girl Code: An anthology by Cait Jarrod, DC Stone, Jessica Jayne and Lea Bronsen

Book Reviews, ,

 

girl code

Girl Code was the best anthology I have ever read!  Four Amazing stories, with strong determined women, a BFF bond strong as nails, and sexy men who just want to love them.  You can’t help but fall in love with these women and their stories.  (Adult 18+)

My Five Star Review:

You will find four absolutely amazing stories in this anthology.  What I loved most was how they all weaved together making this book/anthology one big story revolving around four amazing, strong, loving, and loyal friends.  From the very first story, you are introduced to these amazing women and see them from each other’s eyes.  The stories are filled with struggles, passion, love and of course a big dose of happily ever after.

In Hope we meet Joey a photographer and Talon an auto mechanic.  They meet, become fast friends and share their similar backgrounds with each other.  Talon wants more than friendship and he’s hoping Joey will give it to him but a stalker gets in the way causing Talon to jump into protector mode.  It was a joy to watch their friendship turn into something more.  The “steam” factor for these two was way above the boiling point.

In Live we meet Juls a recovering drug addict and Reef an ex-drunk/Recluse of the Boise Woods.  Their story touched me the most and Juls ended up being my favorite female character.  They each struggled with the beginning phase of their life but are at the point where they want to “Live.”  Together they formed an unbreakable bond that will take them into their future and together they will help each other fight the demons of their past.

In Faith we meet Selena a Criminal Investigator with the United States Air Force and Cullen a D.C. Detective.  A bit of a mystery brings them together in Pearl, Ohio.  Cullen hasn’t been able to stop thinking about the girl he met at the pond long ago who helped him deal with a tragedy in his life but can he forgive her for disappearing after that amazing night? Selena’s mom walked out on her and her General father when she was eight years old.  If it wasn’t for meeting her “sisters” Juls, Joey, Laydi, she may not have survived her pre-teen years.  Mystery, intrigue, love, and forgiveness bring these characters back to the pond and just maybe a brighter future.

In Persistence we meet Laydi a private investigator and Andrew her Boss/CEO of Off the Record Private Investigations. Let me first say, I fell completely in love with Andrew from the moment I met him and he turned out to be my favorite male character.  An urgent call from her father brings Laydi and her new husband Andrew home to Pearl, Ohio.   As Laydi is dealing with her father, the investigation she’s working on starts to heat up while her new husband tries to keep her from throwing him out of her life.  This story has everything I love.  A dominant male trying his hardest to protect his strong, independent and brilliant woman while an investigative case blows up around them. These two are so cute.  The chemistry between them is a joy to read and their “steam” factor hits a few boiling points especially in the Jet.

It’s not often you read an anthology and truly love every story in it but I really did.  These four authors are amazing women who I’m sure will continue to give us well written, heart warming, action packed, and steamy love stories for years to come.

Thank you, Jessica, Lea, Cait and DC.

More About Girl Code:

Four best friends struggle with decisions that affect their lives, their hearts, and their futures. As sisters, they embrace the Girl Code.

Introduction by Julie Ann Walker.

All proceeds from sales are going to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Hope by Jessica Jayne:
Josephine “Joey” Lockhart escapes her past, herself and her home town of Pearl, Ohio to Florida after high school. Years later, she meets a man that refuses to let her hide behind her camera lens and encourages her out of her shell. Will he be the one to push her to feel for the first time?

Live by Lea Bronsen:
After seven years in drug hell, detoxing Juliette “Juls” Carrington returns to her hometown Pearl to attend her grandmother’s burial. Once more rejected by her family, she has a swim in a pond nearby when a mysterious camper, an ex-drunk, coaxes her to come to his hut in the woods. Together they must fight their inner demons for a chance to love…and live.

Faith by Cait Jarrod:
Selena Bodine escaped into the United States Air Force to leave behind a painful past and the one man who she refused to let herself, love. Years later, an urgent call from her father brings her back to Pearl, Ohio and face to face with the man she still loves. But will the secret that Cullen is investigating her threaten their second chance?

Persistence by D.C. Stone:
Laydi Michaels has been running away from her past and bad memories for years. Finding herself wasn’t an easy task, but she’s managed to finally get to a point to where she wants to be. Only to wake up married to her boss….who fired her the night before. Wrapped in a case that puts her life in danger, and dealing with a grave situation back home in Pearl, Laydi figures out she wasn’t close to finding herself, and now, she’s risked everything.

Amazon Link:

Find Jessica here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jessica-Jayne/388268367912903?fref=ts

Find Lea here:

https://www.facebook.com/LeaBronsen?fref=ts

Find Cait here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cait-Jarrod-Author/500705936640529?fref=ts

Find DC here:

https://www.facebook.com/authorDCStone?fref=ts

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

******Coming Soon****** Girl Code: An Anthology

Books Coming Soon, Ramblings

Only 9 days and Girl Code: An Anthology is Here!!!  (Publish Date: July 31, 2015)
All proceeds from sales are going to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Way to go girls!!!

Four best friends struggle with decisions that affect their lives, their hearts, and their futures. As sisters, they embrace the Girl Code.

Introduction by Julie Ann Walker.

Hope by Jessica Jayne:
Josephine “Joey” Lockhart escapes her past, herself and her home town of Pearl, Ohio to Florida after high school. Years later, she meets a man that refuses to let her hide behind her camera lens and encourages her out of her shell. Will he be the one to push her to feel for the first time?

Live by Lea Bronsen:
After seven years in drug hell, detoxing Juliette “Juls” Carrington returns to her hometown Pearl to attend her grandmother’s burial. Once more rejected by her family, she has a swim in a pond nearby when a mysterious camper, an ex-drunk, coaxes her to come to his hut in the woods. Together they must fight their inner demons for a chance to love…and live.

Faith by Cait Jarrod:
Selena Bodine escaped into the United States Air Force to leave behind a painful past and the one man who she refused to let herself love. Years later, an urgent call from her father brings her back to Pearl, Ohio and face to face with the man she still loves. But will the secret that Cullen is investigating her threaten their second chance?

Persistence by D.C. Stone:
Laydi Michaels has been running away from her past and bad memories for years. Finding herself wasn’t an easy task, but she’s managed to finally get to a point to where she wants to be. Only to wake up married to her boss….who fired her the night before. Wrapped in a case that puts her life in danger, and dealing with a grave situation back home in Pearl, Laydi figures out she wasn’t close to finding herself, and now, she’s risked everything.