Hello, fellow readers.
Now that Christmas is over and we can all get back to our normal lives, I have been catching up on reading like crazy. I read more manga volumes in the last two months than I have in the last two years. Two complete series! (Yes, long series.)
Now I'm here again to show you guys the indie books that I wrapped up last year and in January of this year. I do not post reviews for any books I dnfed or any that I gave less than three stars to. Only showing off the good stories and there were many. Let's get started!
Dawn's Keeper
by Veronica Del Rosa
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Veronica
Del Rosa does it again! Not only were we introduced to two wonderful,
lovable, and dangerous characters, but we get deliciously steamy scenes
and a light but heartfelt romance. More of the Enforcers and Coterie
world is shown to us and the reader is left with more questions than
answers. Usually, that would annoy me, but with this series, it only has
me scrambling for the next book.
Oh, how I love this universe the author has created!
Storm Portal
by Michael R. Stern
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An interesting tale of time travel by a normal citizen. History buffs
will love the classroom lessons and historical locations that our hero,
Fritz, witnessed. I certainly enjoyed taking the trip and rooting for
Fritz to come back in one piece, and stay out of trouble with the White
House.
The 11th Percent
by T.H. Morris
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
is an interesting paranormal read. It doesn't really present any new
ideas, but it does give you a nice diverse cast of characters that you
get to know and relate to.
I did have a hard time relating to the
main character, Jonah. For a writer who claims to have a lot of
imagination, he has a pretty hard time wrapping his head around certain
truths in the book. Also, he isn't very bright since everything has to
be explained to him at least twice. I don't need a genius main character
but I do need one that I care about and Jonah isn't relatable to me.
I'm hoping he does more growing in future books, but right now my fave
character would have to be Reena.
The story drags in a few places
but the last few chapters are definitely worth the read. Take a dive
into this one and you may find it quite enjoyable. I liked it enough to
want to read the next in the series.
Valkyrie in the Demon Realm
by Lynne Murray
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Another
great Sybil read! I always enjoy these stories about Sybil, her own
personal demons, and their adventures together. I only wish this one was
longer! A great story.
Scandal With a Prince
by Nicole Burnham
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was well written and certainly entertaining. The main characters were
relatable, the sex scenes hot, and the plot pretty solid. An enjoyable
read.
That is all I have for you today. Hopefully my solid reading streak will continue and I will have more indie gems for you guys to discover and drool over as much as I did soon.
Happy reading, everyone!
Hello, all.
No, I didn't die, though I have been absent for quite a bit. Various things going on in my personal life have kept me busy and I honestly haven't been reading as much of late. So in this post, I will share the few indie books I have read since April.
Before I get to that, let me plug my newest release that hit the market in July. Tantalizing Tales of the Horrific and Fantastic is a collection of short stories that span various genres.
Here is the blurb and buy links:
Sink
your teeth into this book of fantastical short stories that will leave
you wanting more. This collection mixes fantasy, science fiction,
horror, and more into one big boiling pot of tastiness. Stories may
include princesses, talking birds, alien species, magical items,
terrifying creatures, cyborgs, or assassins. You’ll get your fill of
thrills and chills.
BUY LINKS: Universal link - Amazon - Goodreads - Books2Read
Now on to the indie books!
Valkyrie on Planet Fury
by Lynne Murray
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Lynne Murray knocks it out of the park again!
It
had been a while since I read the first book Gravitas: Valkyrie in the
Forbidden Zone. I had almost forgotten what an amazing storyteller this
author is but two pages in and it all came rushing back. Her memorable
characters. Her own sci-fi take on various mythologies. Her amazing
building of complex societies. Everything about this book makes it such a
pleasure to read.
Though there are some editing issues, the
storytelling shines through as we are whisked away on another
edge-of-your-seat adventure with Sybil, our favorite oddball from Planet
Valkyrie. Tension, romance, devious plots, and sexy fun are in store.
We even meet Medusa!
I highly recommend this one.
American Darkness
by Garrison Kelly
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
If you're looking for a
collection of short stories where everyone is pissed off all the time,
look no further. Each story certainly delves into the darkness of
humankind, showing how unreasonable and crazy some people can be. Though
most of the characters are over-the-top and violence is the word of the
day, there is usually a happy-ish ending in store. Be sure to listen to
some angry screamo while reading this one!
Once Upon a Fabulous Time
Various Authors
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Here
are a bunch of random fairy tale stories from various authors put
together nicely in one anthology. Though I still didn't see how each
story tied into the main story throughout, I enjoyed this book more than
expected. I have to say that both Aliya DalRae stories were my favorite
of the bunch. "Where Darkness Lies" by Joanna Van Leerdam was my next
favorite. Their stories were the strongest and best written.
Though
some of the other stories were okay, my least favorite was Mr. Wizardo.
There was confusing head-hopping as well as scene jumping that would
jolt me out of the story. To be honest, I skipped the rest of the story
after Chapter Two. The author's need to slap the reader in the face with
a Wizard of Oz reference in every single paragraph got really old
really fast, especially when most references didn't come across as
making any sense.
Overall, a nice collection with a few tales I wouldn't mind seeing fleshed out into novel length stories.
Ghostly Writes 2017
by Various Authors
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
An
entertaining collection of short stories. Only a few of the stories
were scary, though all contained some aspect of the supernatural. My
favorite stories were "A Grave Business" by Michael Lynes and "The Big
Escape" by Marjorie Hembroff.
Happy reading, all!
Hello, fellow readers!
Today we celebrate Indie Pride Day, a movement that supports independent authors around the world. Every year on July 1st, authors take selfies of themselves with their books and take to social media using the #IndiePrideDay and #IndieBooksBeSeen hashtags.
Why should readers care?
Ah, dear readers, but don't you see, independent authors are only the BEST for so many reasons!
The indie community is one of the friendliest, most helpful places to be when you are a newbie writer just getting started. There are various groups on Facebook, (My favorite being Authors-Professional Co-op) that are there to support each other by answering questions and giving feedback. We don't see other writers as competition; we recognize that we are all in this together.
Indie authors are also some of the best writers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting (Online. I wish I knew these people in real life!). Many avid readers are under the impression that indies, specifically self-published authors, "couldn't hack it" with big name publishers and were forced to publish their books themselves. This is not the case. Many authors choose to self-publish or go through a small publishing company because of the freedom they have when it comes to their story and the final product. Talent has nothing to do with it.
In fact, I have a few indies that I immediately purchase whenever they put out a new release because they are just that good. Seriously, their books are magic.
So, what can you do, dear reader, to help this wonderful movement? Share any of the posts you see with those special hashtags. Show indies love by buying their books, telling your friends, and leaving reviews. In return, we'll keep putting our hearts and souls into the stories that you love.
Happy Indie Pride Day, everyone!
All my love to you, fellow indies!
Hello, my fellow book enthusiasts.
I haven't posted reviews in a while so I thought I'd show you what I have been reading lately. Discover some new-to-you indie authors!
Miranda's Rights
by Lily Luchesi
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
Though
I knew exactly how this book was going to go when Miranda came back as a
vampire, it was still an entertaining ride. We find out more about
Angelica herself through flashbacks and it made her more real to me as a
character. Danny begins honing his own special gifts, though I would
have liked to see him struggle more with it as opposed to us being told
that he struggled.
I wasn't feeling Miranda as a character, though.
There was nothing likable about her, so I find it hard to believe that
Danny was ever engaged to her. Also, if he has always known she was
selfish and Angelica never trusted her, why would they trust her to help
them with a case now?
The only plot twist I didn't see coming was the very end, and that was a nice way to set up the next book in the series.
Jill
by Rose Montague
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A nice end to a trilogy!
The
three J'Amigos are back with non-stop action from page one. These
females are not only badass, but totally confident and eager to help
each other fight the forces of evil. We follow our heroines as they
traverse new worlds, encounter new dangers, and basically get splattered
with gore on multiple occasions. A perfect ending, and a perfect intro
to the Norma Jean's School of Witchery series.
Sunlight Girl
by K.L. Cottrell
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This
is a new favorite. Spencer and Emerson's story was equal parts dark and
enlightening. I honestly can't think of enough words to express what a
beautiful and touching story this was. It is certainly inspiring for
victims of abuse, whether it's the physical, mental, or emotional kind.
And though I can't agree completely with her view of suicide victims,
the story does an excellent job of revealing the other side of that coin
by showing the world through the eyes of a loved one.
Overall, amazing story that I could not put down.
The Truth Will Out
by Karen J Mossman
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was an interesting, fast-paced read. I could tell from the start that
Sarah was Kelly, so no twist there, but I certainly didn't see the main
protagonist coming. The action scenes were done quite well. I wouldn't
have minded a slightly more fleshed out romance, but overall, this was a
good read.
Overall, lots of goodies by female authors. (I didn't plan it that way, I swear!) I hope you check them out and find some you enjoy.
Happy reading!
Hello faithful readers and fellow book lovers!
I wanted to tell everyone about a new publishing company for independent authors. Hollow Hills, LLC. was co-founded by my friend Aurora Styles and myself as a place for authors whose works might be considered too "different" for traditional publishers. We don't believe in formula writing or writing by the numbers. We are looking for stories without all the usual tropes. We want original. We want unique. We want fantasy!
Though we do specialize in fantasy and all it's sub-genres, we will also consider horror, romance, mythology, and erotica. The most important thing to us is the story itself. Are the characters three-dimensional? Does the story reach down inside and pull out all those feels? Do the vivid setting details make you feel like you are really there? Does the story not fit neatly into one genre? Then we are interested!
For those indie authors who prefer self-publishing, we offer services that are vital to creating a sell-able product. As some of you may know, I have been a paid beta reader for a few years now and I am bringing my experience to Hollow Hills.
Aurora instructs Composition 101 and Freelance Writing. She also holds an MFA in Creative Writing. She has experience editing papers and manuscripts full-time. So if you need a beta reader or editor, we've got you covered.
Two other services we offer through our company are the sales of pre-made book covers, and extra promotional services for authors. We have a variety of choices for book covers and we guarantee that any sold will never be sold again. Hollow Hills understands that most authors work other jobs and may not have the time to promote their books. We offer affordable services that include daily posts on social media accounts and posts on blogs.
To start our company off with a bang, we have decided to publish an anthology later this year. This collection of short stories and/or poetry will give new authors a chance to shine. All royalties earned from the sales of the anthology will
go towards a charity. We are still in talks about which charity, but it
will be one that involves the theme of the stories.
This first anthology will be titled "Still Standing" and the stories will involve a protagonist who has undergone some kind of ill treatment from a person in power, whether they were abused, harassed, fired, dismissed, etc. The antagonist can be a boss, co-worker, evil overlord, whatever you would like. The story can be a revenge story, but the main theme is empowerment and the healing process. The victim came through and is standing on their own two (or more) feet. Again, though we specialize in fantasy, we would gladly consider horror or romance submissions.
For more information on the submission guidelines, please visit our blog on our website here: www.hollowhillsbooks.com
Be sure to stop by and see what our company can do for you, independent author!
Hello, everyone!
I'm a bit behind on my Goodreads reading goal this year, but I plan to make up for it next month. I have been busy starting a publishing company with my friend. That's right, we are officially licensed and up and running. But enough about that (I'll do a post later about the company) let's get back to the indies I read in February.
One Snowy Night
by Various Authors
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An entertaining book of short stories that certainly warmed the heart.
Unforeseen Circumstances -
Though
the premise of this story sounded like a bad soap opera, a woman
suffering from amnesia falls back in love with her ex, it was done in a
way that made it endearing. The characters were relatable and the story
sweet.
All the Things I Should Have Told You -
My second
favorite story in this collection. A heart wrenching story about
unrequited love and how true love means sacrifice and undying loyalty.
My favorite bit was these lines at the beginning: "Hell is not full of
screams or wails. It is full of rhythmic, mechanical breaths and the
beep of machines. It smells of disinfectant, and the cruelest trick it
plays is letting you know that everybody is doing everything they can,
but it might all flitter away in a moment."
One Snowy Day -
This
was my least favorite story. The story is sweet and certainly tugs at
the heartstrings, but there is far more dialogue than narrative. The
characters have too many info dump conversations and opportunities to
really get to know the characters on a more personal level are glossed
over.
Again, the story itself is not bad, but it could have been presented better.
Somewhere Between Falling -
My
favorite story of the bunch. Told from the two main charcter's point of
views, we meet two people who have had their lives turned upside down
and their hearts broken. Meeting again has old sparks flying and they
begin to wonder if their past disastrous relationships were as deep as
they had originally thought. Lovable characters and an intriguing plot
made this one hard to put down.
All in all, a nice collection for a cold winter day
First Fruits
by Amanda Carney
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This book hooked me from page one. It held a lot of the usual paranormal
romance ideas: quiet girl falls for a vampire, finds out she has unique
powers, bad guys come after them. What made this story unique was its
execution and characters.
The writing style was amusing and
detailed. The characters were flawed but lovable. The steamy sex scenes
had me fanning myself. The best part, however, was how we got in their
heads so completely. I was sucked right into their world.
The cliffhanger at the end had me checking for more pages! No! Why! Looks like I will have to pick up the next book ASAP.
And that's all I have for you this month! The rest of my reading was spent on indie children's books, which I review elsewhere. I hope everyone had an amazing Valentine's Day. Make sure you have a pint for me on St. Patrick's Day, too!
Happy reading!
Hello my faithful readers! Tis I, Marie, your reviewer of indie books, here to give you another list of interesting books I read in January. So without further ado, here are the indies I enjoyed last month.
Undressed
by Karina Kantas
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
book delivers on everything the blurb promises: introductions to a
couple novels that leave you wanting more, flash fiction, and poetry.
Well written and full of emotion, this was certainly an enjoyable read.
Pretty Guilty
by K.L. Cottrell
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
A perfectly beautiful story.
K.L.
Cottrell has such an amazing way with words. Her characters instantly
jump off the page and the story immediately draws you in. She makes it
so easy to fall in love with her characters, to feel their joy and
sadness as your own. This story is laden with life lessons and really
tugs at the heartstrings. 10 stars!
The Guardians
by Gina Moray
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Equal parts thriller and murder mystery, this book will take you to dark places. I was reminded of Needful Things
by Stephen King, with the way a demon drove into town and made deals,
for a price. In the end, the price was too steep. Corpses and fields
overflowing with blood were all that was left.
Gina Moray certainly puts you in the middle of all the action and horror. A creepy read that is not for weak stomachs!
Lunatic Justice
by Garrison Kelly
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This
collection of poetry and songs will keep you on your toes and leave you
shaking your head at the world at large. Garrison Kelly not only
exposes the sad truths of mankind but puts them on display. The results
are sometimes hard to swallow, or hard to read, but will elicit an
emotional reaction from you. Whether that emotion is fear, anger,
sadness, or disgust depends on the reader.
My favorites of the
collection were "I Apologize," "My Body," "Thank You," "Rise and Shine,"
"Shadow Hawk," "Coasting," "I Still Remember," "Screaming Into the
Abyss," and "STEM Sell."
All four and five star reviews last month! Woohoo, that's some entertaining reads! I hope you find a title from this list that sparks your interest. Always remember to tip your waitresses and review the indie products you enjoy.
Happy reading!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope 2017 treated you right. I didn't quite reach my reading goal for the year, but I did read 106 books. Considering there were a few months that I didn't read at all, that's not bad. I read some seriously amazing books last year, especially from indie authors, so I think my next post will have to be my top ten of the year. But for now, let's see what indie books I read in December!
Origins of the Never
by CJ Rutherford
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An interesting fantasy.
Though
this has all of the typical overdone high fantasy elements like elves,
magic, and good versus evil, it held my interest. The story was
well-written and drew me in, making me care about the characters in a
short time.
A good intro to a series.
Mutant Toe & the Risky Recruitment
by Edward Davies
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
To be Continued?
This
book is not to be taken seriously, as in, it is one goofy roller
coaster ride of laughs and crazy plot lines. If you grew up watching 80s
TV shows or cartoons, the one-liners will have you giggling and rolling
your eyes. Even the other characters can't take someone seriously when
they yell out "You won't get away with this!" and "You'll never escape!"
which makes it all the funnier.
This feels like it would be a good
comic book, but some of what he is trying to convey just isn't coming
out well on the written page. This is definitely a more visual story.
Also, being as long as it is, the story would have more appeal if it
were broken down into comic book issues.
All around, a decent story if you want a laugh. Perhaps a bit too over the top for my taste, but amusing nonetheless.
Blood Master
by Kirsten Campbell
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
An
interesting take on a dystopian world that drew me in from the first
chapter. The main characters are fleshed out so well that we follow
their exploits with great interest. The details we are given about their
lives, their thoughts, and their feelings make them real for the
reader, and that's exactly what I look for in a book.
The story
itself is complicated but intriguing, keeping me glued to the pages to
find out what happens next. I won't give anything away, but let's just
say that I am rooting for the albino! If Book Two is half as good as
this one, it will be a wonderful adventure indeed.
I'm excited to read more amazing indie books this year and tell you all about them. Happy reading!
* Books that I read but rated less than 3 stars are not included.
Hello, fellow book lovers!
I'm back with a book review blog. Hurray! Prepare for lots of indie fun because I did some serious reading in November.
Jon Archer
by JB Taylor
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A crazy, fun adventure that had me shaking my head and chuckling more than once.
The Distant Sound of Violence
by Jason Greensides
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I
don't often read coming of age stories, but I was glad I decided to
pick this one up. An excellent story about how every decision can affect
your future and how real friendship doesn't die over time.
I
enjoyed the struggles of the main characters and how we witnessed them
grow and learn from them. Equally heartbreaking and enlightening, this
is a book I would recommend for teens and adults alike.
Vulnerable
by April Wilson
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
is your typical steamy romance. It doesn't offer much new as far as
stereotypicsl characters and circumstances, but the style of writing
draws you in and gets you hooked. Though I had read these characters a
million times in other books, I still found myself caring about them and
wanting to read more.
This is impressive for an author's first
published work. If you are looking for sexy and heartwarming, this is
the book for you.
Necrograph
by Garrison Kelly
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I
have to give this book a solid 4 stars. The lyrics, though often angry,
are riddled with truths about modern society and our strange priorities
these days.
My favorites were "Chemicals," "The Meditation Song," "Micronism," and "Thou Shalt Not Steal."
A good read for anyone who lifts a middle finger to the world!
The Infinite: Witness for the Persecution #1
by Trevor Wooten
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
A
lot of background info is thrown at you in this first installment that
may have been better to show us slowly throughout. It makes for a
somewhat confusing, yet still interesting, story.
Sinsual Delights
by Cinnamon Sin
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Hot!
I enjoyed this short, sexy, erotic story. I need to read more of the steamy going-ons in this magical world. More please!
Catching Whitney
by Amy Hale
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was a fun, warm-and-fuzzy read that had me smiling. Though there was
the usual "misunderstanding" between the couple that seems so popular in
romance books (I mean really, just talk!) this story was sweet and the
characters real and amusing.
Carved Wooden Heart
by Elizabeth Horton-Newton & Starla Hartless
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Though
rather long and drawn out, this was a cute romance that left me
smiling. Cutting the excessive action details would have made it a
shorter and more concise read, though I wouldn't have minded hearing a
bit more about Jesse's life in those lost five years. Dani's character
was quite real and three dimensional. She made mistakes, grew a little,
made a few more mistakes, and still kept her head, and that had me
rooting for her.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
Full Exposure
by Amy Jo Cousins
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Fun, sexy, and surprisingly deep.
I
definitely enjoyed this sexy little story. It's always fun when a
regular Joe gets to see the real side of a celebrity, and have amazing
sex as well. Well written and naughty, a winner in my book!
Merry Chris Witch
by CK Dawn
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Ho, ho, ho, and away we go!
What
a fun and cute holiday story. I'm with Chris on the holidays: Halloween
is my favorite and Christmas is kind of, eh. Good to know he found a
reason to enjoy the holiday besides his birthday!
I highly recommend this one.
Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures
by Robyn Peterman
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Raunchy and hilarious!
If
you are looking for a quick read that will make you laugh, look no
further. Ridiculous, over the top humor and a silly story will keep you
entertained.
Only recommended for those with a twisted sense of humor.
Well folks, that's all I have for you this month. I hope I can reach my Goodreads reading challenge of 120 books this year. Perhaps not, since I am only at 102 right now, but hey, reading over 100 books in one year is enough for me.
I'll be back next year with more indie book reviews for you book worms out there. Have a wonderful holiday season, and happy reading!
Hello everyone.
No, I haven't died, though it does kind of feel like it. You haven't seen a book review post from me in some time because I took a long break from reading. I haven't read any new indie books in months, in fact.
Until now. This month I am trying to play catch-up and get through books that have been on my actual shelves or in my Kindle library for far too long. I have read two indie books so far, and hope to get through at least three more before the month is up.
I can do this!
Meanwhile, holidays are coming and if you need a warm read on a cold night, I have a few suggestions.
If you are looking for something a little dirty, try A Naughty New Year's Eve by yours truly. Hot sex between two vampires will be sure to melt the ice outside your window. Purchase links are in the sidebar.
If you are looking for something more wholesome for your holiday season, try Winter Wishes of the Heart by my alter ego, Ashley Uzzell. These four short stories are all kinds of sweet. Available November 30th, here are the pre-order links:
Amazon, Books2Read (includes B&N, iTunes, Kobo, etc.), and don't forget Goodreads.
Both books are only 99¢. Okay, now that I am done with my shameless self-promotions (If I don't do it, who will?) I can say Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
And as always, happy reading!
Hello, fellow readers. I hope your summer has been awesome. School might be back in, but the heat is still on, and I'm here to tell you about a hot event happening now.
I’m excited to announce that it’s that time of year again. The Summer Indie Book Awards are here!
Every year, Metamorph Publishing hosts this amazing event that focuses on indie books. Readers nominate their favorite books in a variety
of categories and at the end of the summer, it’s voting time. Voting for
the 2107 SIBA starts tomorrow,
September 1st and ends on September 11th. You can vote in each category
once a day.
This year, two of my books have been nominated in the Summer Indie Book Awards!
Under Anthologies, we have Reaching for the Light by myself and TL Katt. These two short stories talk about dealing with mental illness on a daily basis, with happy endings in store.
Under Horror, is Headstones and Dead Bodies. This collection contains two short stories that will chill you.
Please stop by and vote for our books! While you are there, check out
the other awesome indie books that have been nominated this
year. Vote for your favorites and discover some new-to-you authors.
For more information about the awards, and voting links, visit Metamorph Publishing's website or find the awards on Facebook.
Keep cool and have a great weekend!
Hello, all!
It has been a little while since I did a post about the indie books I have read and reviewed. Let's go ahead and do three months at once, shall we?
To Hate and to Hold
by Dakota Rebel
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Loved it.
Whoa,
this was a hot read from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into
this paranormal world that felt so natural and not over-explained. Every
scene left me wanting more.
Sexy and sweet!
Teddy Bear Revolution
by T. E. Hodden
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was a great story that kids and adults can both enjoy. I loved the
non-stop action and humor. The bears were adorable yet full of life and
personality. Each short story was well-written and full of intrigue and
suspense. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Gems of Strength
by The Sisterhood
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
A
wonderful collection of varying short stories by various indie authors.
Romance, action, science fiction, fantasy, and even a thriller, this
anthology has it all.
Though there were one or two stories that
didn't resonate with me, on the whole, I thought the stories were
brilliant and certainly kept with the theme of strong women characters.
Well edited and engaging, I highly recommend this one.
Ascension Within
by Julie Nicholls
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
wonderful conclusion to a sexy and action-packed trilogy. Mysteries,
steamy moments, and suspense kept me turning pages. The characters are
diverse and lovable and the happy ending was delicious. Another great
read from Julie Nicholls!
Clover
by Moxie Darling
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A quick, hot read!
Though
the sex may be taboo to some, Moxie Darling makes it feel perfectly
natural in this steamy short story. A nice mix of sexy and sweet.
Beyond the Reach of Judgement
by Jo Bissell
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
This
was a pretty decent vampire read. Though parts were drawn out and
Julien was kind of a whiney protagonist, the story itself was good. The
ending was heartbreaking and left me wondering, though it could have
come a hundred pages earlier.
Hannah: A Bride for Cowboy Warren
by Jenny Creek Tanner
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This was a sweet short story with a vivid setting and relatable characters. A quick read that leaves you with warm feelings.
Heart of the Gladiator
by Lydia Pax
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
An intriguing story.
This
was a great read that truly brought the entire world of the Roman
gladiator to life. The setting details, interesting characters, and
steamy romance made this hard to put down. I definitely recommend it!
Mark of the Beast
by Trevor L. Wooten
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A real page-turner!
Though
the sheer amount of characters was a bit confusing at times, the story
was fast-paced and exciting. The main characters had unique
personalities that made them easy to relate to and the villains were
intimidating but cheesy in ways even the protagonists could joke about.
All in all, an enjoyable story.
I read some good ones these past few months. That Goodreads Reading Challenge is pretty much in the bag. If you aren't reading books by these indie authors, you are missing out.
As usual, have a great week and happy reading!
