The Alpha's Search

3 Stars

I absolutely love reading books from across the pond. The differing language between American English and English is so fun. This book was very meh for me. While it had potential, I feel as if it went flat. It was great that she was FINALLY told her past, instead of "just trust me, I'll protect you." At least then, the reader understood the relationship and attraction. The fact that he gave up so much and was so in tune with her needs was sweet, if a bit annoying. I would love to know what happened to her, but am irritated that I have to get a whole other book just to get to that. The end just ended. Didn't leave you satisfied, just frustrated. It's a good shifter book, and great for the hopelessly romantic, but for me, meh.

Destiny's Wings by D. S. Schmeckpeper

4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was slow-paced, choosing to focus on depth of characters and their development, rather than on action-packed excitement. That doesn't mean there wasn't action, adventure, or excitement on the journey - quite the opposite. The characters faced incredible struggles, battles with ancients, demons, and dragons, but the focal point of everything wasn't the fighting. Throughout the journey, you are drawn into the characters - into their lives, their emotions, their thoughts in a way a fantasy adventure rarely achieves. The ending happened quickly, as most endings tend to do. I was left both satisfied and annoyed at how things turned out. I am, however, incredibly interested in seeing how Chika's life progresses.

2 Books by Woelf Dietrich

4 Stars

This was a well-written, strange book.
Sebastian wakes, bludgeoned and bloody, tied up, on his basement floor. You learn about his history in Ancient book collecting, and his health issues, and then wonder how he can take such a beating without dying. He appears docile and naive and proves to the demon that he's ignorant, up to the point where eh reader wonders how he's going to get himself out of his mess. The ending completely caught me off guard and left me with more questions than answers. Not sure if I actually liked it or not yet, but it's definitely a book that will stay with me for a while. So, kudos to Dietrich.

4 Stars

Interesting short story that was well-told. It drew me in, even if it wasn't a book I'd normally read. Having never really been bullied like that, I enjoyed learning of the kid's experiences. It's good to be confident and comfortable in your own skin and not let people push you around.

Vampire Shift by Tim O'Rourke

5 Stars

While I felt a little bereft at the end - there were questions I'd have loved to know the answer to, I thought this was an excellent book. The romance was tasteful without seeming forced or overpowering. The fighting was exciting with just enough gore to make you cringe uncomfortably. Kiera is a feisty main character and I hope she finds some of the answers she seeks in the next book. I'd definitely recommend this book to vampire fans.

The Broken by K. R. Jordan

5 Stars

Jordan captivates her readers with every story she tells. The Broken is no exception. You are thrust into a story of a woman who's seeking asylum from political upheaval in her country, only to be betrayed by those promised to help her. This is a heart-wrenching tale of death and revenge that leaves you mostly satisfied. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a little faith and a lot of anger.

The Rustler's Daughter Release Day Celebration!

Congratulations M. E. Franco! 

Kindle Edition

I'm rushing to grab my copy of The Rustler's Daughter right now - so should you! 

Not convinced yet? Well, here's a tasty little excerpt:

Hannah took a deep breath and wished she had waited in the store. The heat was already making her uncomfortable after only a few minutes in the sun.
"Well, well, aren't you a pretty thing?" slurred a voice.
The smell of whiskey and sweat was overpowering, and Hannah wrinkled her nose before turning to see who was talking. She hoped the words were not meant for her. No such luck.
The man on her left was dirty and smelled as if he lived in a saloon. He hadn't shaved in days or changed his clothes by the looks of them. He leered at Hannah looking her up and down, making her stomach turn. She hoped Mr. Carter would show up soon.
"Whassa matter girlie? Cat got yer tongue?" He reached out to grab Hannah, but she easily dodged him.
She looked over her shoulder nervously, expecting Mr. Carter to show up any second, but he wasn't there. Hannah decided it would be best if she ran back into the store for her own safety.
Before she could make her move, the man suddenly disappeared from her view and was flying backwards. He landed on his back in the street with a loud thump. His face was replaced by a handsome young man who was smiling broadly.
"Hi!" he said excitedly, tipping his hat. "I'm Lucas Scott. We haven't formally met yet."
Hannah returned his smile with a beauty of her own. She was both relieved and amused by his obvious appreciation of her. He was every bit as handsome as his brothers, but he still had some growing to do.
"Why Mr. Scott, I do believe your timing is impeccable." She giggled nervously, still shaken by the drunken man's advances.
"Hey!" The man yelled from his position in the street.
Lucas turned around. "Sorry Travis. Didn't see you there."
Before the man could respond, Matthew Scott came around her wagon and stepped right in the middle of the man's chest before feigning surprise.
"Travis? What are you doing in the street? I didn't even see you." Matthew winked at Hannah and smiled. "Miss Hannah."
He tipped his hat. She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Both brothers ignored Travis and started to load Hannah's supplies into her wagon.
Travis got up and fixed his angry gaze on Hannah. "You think that's funny?" he hissed, causing Lucas and Matthew to move in his direction.
"Enough." That one word sent chills down her spine. Even filled with anger, Jackson's voice made her heart race. He was standing right behind her, so close she could feel the heat from his body over the warmth of the sun.

***

"I believe you owe the lady an apology, Travis." Jackson was trying hard to keep his anger contained. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to tear Travis apart with his bare hands.
Seeing Travis leering and grabbing at Hannah had him seeing red. He was almost glad his brothers had reached the man first. Almost.
Travis looked at the Scott brothers with disgust. Even in his inebriated state, he knew he was outnumbered.
"Fine. I'm sorry," he spat out, bowing awkwardly in Hannah's direction before stumbling off down the street.
Hannah nodded gratefully to Matthew and Lucas who both smiled at her before loading the rest of her supplies.
She turned around to face Jackson. He fought the urge to touch her.
"Thank you. It seems I owe you and your brothers yet again." Jackson noticed the color heating her cheeks. They were standing closer than was proper, but neither made a move to back up.
"Are you okay?" Jackson asked, concern filling his eyes.
Hannah tried to focus. "Yes. I'm okay," she said softly. "I'm glad you showed up when you did though."
"One of us should go with you when you come to town next time." He said it in a way that didn't invite opposition.
"Are you offering to come yourself?" Hannah wasn't used to being so bold, but with Mr. Harding's proposal fresh in her mind, she wanted to know where Jackson stood.
Jackson looked at his brothers who seemed to be just as interested in his answer as Hannah was.
"I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." Jackson dodged the direct question. He knew he had hurt her, but better he let her down now than break her heart later.

And don't forget to check out what else M. E. Franco has to offer. Follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. 

The Rustler's Daughter

One of my favorite authors, M. E. Franco, has recently signed with Booktrope and is re-releasing her books. The Rustler's Daughter will be available 8-6-2015 and she's shared a peek of her amazing cover!

When Hannah Miller’s mother dies unexpectedly, she is forced to go live with her father, who she thought was dead. Hannah has high hopes that her father will be happy to finally meet her, but Roy Miller quickly puts Hannah in her place. She is a burden, just another mouth to feed, and an ugly reminder of the wife who left him.

Her father's act of desperation puts Hannah at the mercy of his enemies, the neighboring Scott family. Despite the bad blood between their families, Hannah is immediately attracted to Jackson Scott, but he has his own secrets and feels Hannah would be better off with someone else. When someone else does offer Hannah a way out of her predicament, will Jackson be able put aside his past and fight for the woman he loves?

To get more from M. E. Franco follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.

Pot Luck Reviews

5 Stars

Cape Seduction by Anne Carter
This was a very fun story. I liked the historical love story/triangle and how it mixed with and added suspense to the current time love story. The deviousness, cunning and manipulation of the two older women was fun to witness. The chemistry between Matt and Bec was adorable. I greatly enjoyed my little escape into Cape Seduction and may try to find out if that's a real movie or not. It sounded like it would be a cute, fun movie. There was one oopsie with a name, but not a big deal at all. I'd totally recommend this to someone who likes the 1940s - 50s era and romance.

5 Stars

Captivating. I'm not even sure how to classify this book. Apocalyptic - yes; SyFy - yes; Exciting - yes; Fast-packed-adventure - yes. It's an incredible twist on the end times without really being biblical or preachy. The times bible verses or passages were mentioned, I never felt as if I were being lectured - more like the villagers were discovering some lost history and figuring how to deal with it. It kinda reminded me of "The Time Machine" without actually having anything to do with that story. I highly recommend this book.

4 Stars

Fun, exciting, albiet mildly confusing futuristic spycraft. I'd have liked to have seen Mina and/or Miko's names be different as it was ridiculously confusing in the beginning, and during parts where they were doing a ton of stuff together. The story itself was highly enjoyable and fun though. It was exciting and leaves you wanting more - excited for the next adventure.

4 Stars

This was a fun book. The more I think of it after reading, I find things that I'm meh about, but the romance was fun between Ammy and Rob was sweet and at times super hot. As long as you remember it's a work of fiction, and don't look too closely at the financials and the freedoms people have with their uncanny survivalist tendencies - it's a great read. I love the setting and was greatly surprised they didn't run into more predators on the island or in the water. You definitely smile and root for the two lovers and hope that they end up happy and together in the end. I too, never wanted them to leave that island.