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Book Review; ‘The Crystal Alchemist’ (Non Fiction), by Karen Frazier- 5 Very Informative Stars!

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Thank you to NetGallery for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. This book was so good to look through, I pre-ordered a hard copy for my bookshelf. I’ve always loved crystals, gems and precious stones, I keep them around the home, car and my desk. What a great book! Let’s get into it

Description

 

 

Kim’s Review- 5 Very Informative Stars

What I loved about this book was the level of detail, from both a scientific and  spiritual  view point. The book covers what makes a stone a stone, a gem a gem and a crystal a crystal scientifically. Something I was not fully clear on. In addition, it then goes into detail about the kind of stones, crystals and gems that can be used  for certain things, and gives a lot of clarity. It also takes into consideration different cultural view points on things like colours of stones, their energies.

The book also is very detailed on things like the history of gems and crystals, how to use them, why you should use them etc.  I would sum it up as an encyclopedia of some sort,  ideal for someone with no knowledge, as well as those more advanced from their previous reading, or understanding.

Not everything in the book will be relevant, this is more like a resource book, you can dip in seek out what you need clarity on, or to learn about and dip out. The book also has a very detailed section on how to assess what kind of stones may benefit you, and how to select stones.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who has a fascination with crystals and stones, collects them or would like to learn a bit more about their benefits and uses. From a flick through, I found a few chapters I’d like to explore in detail, and would prefer a hard copy so I can use my highlighter! I can’t wait until it arrives in January. A cool book to have on the bookshelf. Five stars from me due to the level of detail and versatile use, scientific and spiritual view point on gems, stones and crystals to help benefit reader’s understanding on the subject matters.

Book Review; ‘Stone De La Bru’ by Peter Mack (Crime Fiction) 5 ‘need more’stars!

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Oh I just love crime fiction and thriller! Well, what do we have here? This is a short novella as an introduction to the full novel S’Murda At Sweetwater Manor. I found this book in a Facebook group, free on Kindle Unlimited, I very much enjoyed it and downloaded the full novel. Let’s get into it!

Peter Mack.jpgStone de la BRU Familia
Stone Sweetwater plans to marry the last virgin in Los Angeles and adopt his murdered friend’s daughter. When a tenant of an apartment unit he owns is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose his secrets. He offers a reward to the tenants of Sweetwater Manor to find the killer before an eager detective.

 

 

 

 

Kim’s Review- 5 ‘Need To Read More’ Stars

I have never read this author’s work, and like you all know I love this genre, the cover and blurb pulled me in. There’s a murder? We don’t know who done it? Okay I’m interested! Let’s get to the bottom of the mystery.  This is a seventy-two page beauty of an introduction, I instantly connected to the story. The blurb does not give much away, but here’s what I loved.

Story line- it seems like this may be one of those past paced, yet complex ‘who dun-it’ crime mystery/thrillers. From the seventy- two pages I read I was drawn in, it held my attention. The plot itself surrounds Stone, his new affiliation with Bru Familia and rise in the ranks, and also real life- he’s  about to get married and not sure if he should, he also now has the new responsibility of raising the small child of  his murdered friend. Overall, a very good taste of what could be in the full novel.

While all this is going on and we follow his investigations and new affiliation, another body shows up *face palm*.  Stone was close to this murdered female also. They are dropping like flies. But what’s the connection? Is how I felt as I read I need more!

Characters- I immediately liked Stone, because he came across as a very street smart young man,  with a lot of money, respect, powerful and on a mission. But not your typical mean ‘thug in the streets’ and stereotypical ‘gangster’ at all. He seemed level headed, and not someone who is after the wrong things in life with his status, he was humble. I like him. He also seems extremely respectful towards women. For me as a reader I’m not keen on  reading a man in crime, street lit, urban fiction etc who thinks all women are, are ‘bitches and hoes.’ it turns me off, I never got that from him.

The secondary characters  like Stone’s mother, sister and the other female characters all have their own ‘sass’, and were like-able to read and meet. The wife to be though, I’m not sure about her and her game.  I am interested to see how she develops in the full novel.

Overall, from just the seventy-two page novella I read in one sitting, it left me wanting to read the full novel. I found the story engaging, one that could potentially deliver more than expected and rather gripping. I do love a good ‘who dun-it-‘ and really look forward to more. I would recommend this book to all crime/thriller lovers, those who enjoy mafia involvement, links over seas with other nationalities involving organised crime, like the experience of the crime underworld, and want something different other than petty low level drug dealing and street crime in a crime fiction read! Great attention grabber five stars from me.

Book Review; ‘A Heart Not Easily Broken’ 5 WOW Stars, By M.J Kane (NA/Women’s Fiction) #amreading

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Every now and then you come across a book which shows you the meaning of, ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ and I would like to add, ‘just the blurb’ too. This novel from the first in the butterfly series for me is one of those. It delivered SO MUCH more than expected, and for a debut book it was wonderful!  I came across the book on Facebook in a group, and it’s free on Kindle Unlimited. I am so glad I found this series, I downloaded every one! Let’s get into it.

 

MJ KaneEbony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.

Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.

Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences… M.j. Kane has just found another fan.” — VINE VOICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A Wonderful Story of Love and Triumph.” — Hopeless Romantic, Amazon Reviewer

 

Kim’s Review- 5 heart warming and unexpected stars!

I’ve never read this author’s work, and I have never really been drawn to the New Adult genre I do to be honest, prefer my heroines a little closer to my age. Due to the realism of this story line, and relate-able characters I completely fell in love with everything about it. It’s well written, engaging and has an unforgettable story line, that touched me in so many ways, and it was not because it’s a romance!  There is a real unexpected twist. Here’s what I loved.

Story line- I have to start here, like I said this book’s actual  plot delivers over and beyond what is shown in the blurb.  I have a feeling the whole series will. We follow Ebony on her journey as she tries to carve out her life as a young woman, only to fall in love with a guy her family, and her herself would never really go for. That’s not all. There is a unexpected twist about fifty percent through, that had me turning pages quicker than I have in a long time. I read this book in two sittings and it’s a 300 plus page book! The story line moves down a very realistic, gripping and tear jerker path. Not the  typical ‘forbidden love’, something happens to Ebony involving a third character which I did not see coming, I don’t want to give spoilers!

Experiencing her POV and life as she navigates this path is something every woman could relate to, and trust  me it is not what you think!! It’s unexpected change. At times I did grow frustrated with how she handled the situation, but I could understand, I think being a little older than her I would have took things down a different route. But, I could understand her choices 100 percent. Bottom line, the unexpected plot twist is a very engaging one.

Characters- Oh God, let’s talk about Brian for a moment. This author has carved out the ideal ‘book boyfriend’, in my humble view. Even though he is younger than me, I liked him a lot. Just like Ebony as a woman who has never dated outside her race ( not because I disagree, the chance has just never presented itself), I would have the same reservations or nervous feelings she had, and just like her I would have fell for Brian still. He is yummy!! His character, confidence, approach to love, dating and sex, even him during the sex scenes  really resonated with me. I felt while reading he was really authentic in his POV, and his approach to dating a woman outside his race.

Ebony, is relate-able, like-able and never came across as a naive younger heroine. I appreciated that. Her girlfriends for me were a laugh a minute, especially Kaitlin from Texas LOL.

Then, there’s Javan, I hated him the moment he made an appearance. My guess is the author carved him out this way intentionally, due to the role he plays in the overall story. I don’t want to give spoilers. But let’s just say he was well written, given his role.

Writing style- Engaging! It’s written in first person POV, via chapters of each character. I really enjoyed this, it brought be closer to the feelings and experiences. Overall this book’s pace was perfect to me.

The heat– Now, this is not a ‘steamy romance’ at all, but I have to praise this author’s ability to show the heat, sexual tension, and love building between Brian and Ebony.  The author did not show it all via sex at all, for  me as I whipped though the pages  it was how Brian went after Ebony to claim her love and attention, and Ebony’s change of heart. It really made me smile watching the characters develop and grow towards each other.

Overall, I am giving A Heart Not Easily Broken five wonderful and heart felt stars for its strong plot that’s realistic, wonderful ending to the tale, great character line up, yummy main man, and well it’s just an unforgettable story in my experience. I found there is a story here that is very contemporary and will be relevant now, five years from now and even beyond. For a debut novel, it’s a great read!  Five stars from me, and I’m a new fan of this author and maybe even  the New Adult genre??

Free on Kindle Unlimited too!

Book Review: ‘The Penalty of Indulgence’ – Dark Romance 4.5 Enjoyable Stars! (By LaShasha Flame) #amreading

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Well, let me just say straight up I have never read a dark romance, and I have never read any of this author’s work. I picked up this book via Facebook, which is fast becoming my go to place for new reads. It’s free on Kindle Unlimited, I thought why not experience something new today. I had such a unique reading experience with this genre and author, let’s get into it!

Lasasha FlameOne Forbidden Encounter That Changes Everything!

This is a dark short series of a submissive’s first time attending a luxurious BDSM ball. Caroline is under strict orders not to play with anyone other than her Master, but when she notices a smoldering hot Derrick the attraction is instant and all-consuming. Can she make it through the night obedient to her Master or will she forever be changed from one forbidden encounter?

This Special Edition includes Chapters from Derricks Point of View that You Can’t Get anywhere else! Plus Bonus Content of Deleted Scenes and an Alt Endings

40k not including bonus content

 

Kim’s Review 4.5 Eye Opening and Enjoyable Stars!

 

Like I said, this is a new genre and author to me. I never really have known what to expect with the dark romance sub genre. I got introduced to a brand new world, take on romance, and what the BDSM world could potentially be like. This was a very interesting view point for me as a typical romance reader to experience.  Overall I was intrigued, I wanted to know how things would pan out. Here’s what  I liked

Characters> There are some nasty ones, some super freaky (sexually) ones, and some loveable ones. The author’s main man, I did swoon over in a ‘typical’ romance reader way. I loved who he is deep down, even though he is a dominate  in this crazy world of submissive and dominate relationships. I found the author was able to really show his POV well, and how he differs from the norm. The main female, I also felt rather sorry for, given her back story.  These two were really what really kept me reading. I just had to know what would become of them. The other characters also did surprise me, in a good way too.

Story line> Was very interesting  (to me as a reader), it had twists, turns, unexpected events even a murder! Whoooo, I must admit as soon as I opened it I was drawn in very quickly, and found it hard stop reading. The story line to me was rather unique on its take on romance. On one hand, I experienced a ‘forbidden love’ story, but this was all wrapped up in a very erotic,  and in some places twisted underworld too. Also, the story line of romance fell between two people who have a very non traditional relationship, a dom and sub.

Writing Style- I will always fall for a well written first person written story. I found that the story told in first person brought me closer to the feelings, what was happening and really helped me to want to keep going.

The Ending- was totally not what I expected,  I imagined with dark romance that  a HEA may not be something to expect possibly. I  liked how it ended.

Overall, I recommend this book to those who wish to experience a different take on the romance genre, or current dark romance lovers.  Those who are new to or love the more higher heat levels of romance, classified a ‘erotic’, over and above steamy. Note that if you are easily offended, some kind of prude, can’t take a little sexual liberation or same sex  sex scenes  skip it, and skip your one star review as well.  I felt very refreshed from this read. I enjoyed the different take on the romance genre and the fact that even though the story is set in a ‘sexual world’  and yes, there’s lots of it it was not ALL of it, or all this author showed readers. There is an underline soft love.  I would read dark romance again, and I would read this author’s work again I do feel intrigued by this sub genre, and the world the author showed me. Yeah… an enjoyable and eye opening 4.5 stars.

Free on Kindle Unlimited, go  grab a copy!

 

Help Me With A book Title?

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Morning all,

So I am making real steady progress  on the Romance In Paradise next mini novella, before I go back to the romantic  crime thriller for National Novel Writing Month. That said, I dunno how I feel about the book’s title for this one.

What name grabs you the most? This is for a steamy, suspenseful romance in an exotic location story, I have decided to head to Puerto Rico with this one. Both characters are Spanish if you know me you’ll know the kinda book boyfriends I like (smiles)>>>>> men with purpose in life! So, he is of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, an entrepreneur think of him as someone who will belong in a ‘billionaire’s club’ I’ve not drummed up a swoon worthy man of such wealth yet and I feel like it for the next novella, he is not wealthy when they meet but he will be by the time I am done with him. She is Spanish and from Barcelona in Spain and also a career woman herself. The two will ultimately meet on the island.  Pick from either one, from four options. There’s a Facebook poll and one on the blog, I’ll see what option wins. Please vote! Or Send me back to the drawing board. Thanks!
 
1. From Puerto Rico With Love
2. The Spanish Encounter
3. Island Love
4. None of these titles Kim get back to the drawing board- quickly!

Book Review; ‘The Spirit Of The Dragon’, 5 PLUS Amazing Stars. #TheSpiritOfTheDragon #NetGalley

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Aaayyyeee, it’s 2.58a.m my time and I finished this book about fifteen mins ago, I tried to go to sleep but I really could not. I can’t believe what I just read, so I may as well give my review. Thank you to NetGallery for my free copy in exchange for an honest review… Let’s get into it!

From the bestselling author of Daughters of the Dragon comes an epic novel of a 41DOLohQiYL._SY346_.jpgstar-crossed couple who must defy tradition, war, and prejudice to keep their love alive.

At the urging of a Los Angeles detective, international rights lawyer Anna Carlson assists in a murder investigation. It’s a personal request from Suk-bo Yi, a ninety-nine-year-old woman questioned in a mysterious death at a Koreatown nursing home. A stranger to Anna, Suk-bo has a tale to tell. For reasons of her own, she’s chosen Anna—only Anna—to hear it…

Suk-bo’s story begins in 1937, when the Japanese occupying Korea force her to marry one of their own, named Hisashi. In spite of their differences, they fall madly in love, pitting them against two violently opposing cultures. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and disappears, Suk-bo embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.

But Suk-bo’s unfolding history reveals more than Anna can imagine: an heirloom comb bearing an intricately carved two-headed dragon binding her to Suk-bo’s past. Soon Anna will discover her own legacy at the heart of Suk-bo’s epic love story.

 

Kim’s Review 5 PLUS Amazing Stars

Did you read the blurb? Read it again, this is what captured me on NetGallery after I saw the cover. I don’t even know where to start with this review, but maybe I should just let you know if you don’t believe me how good it is once I closed the book  I went to Amazon, to download the other two books ( I signed up to Kindle Unlimited last week and it’s free to read also if you have it). One of the books has over 1,000 reviews, and get this it’s still on five stars!! On the European Amazon. Here’s what I loved about this first one I read.

The plot and writing style> We follow a very strong female MC from a poor Korean girl, to a forced bride of a Japanese man,they fall in love, then all the ‘dirty scandle’ of what goes on in the household leads her to be split up from her son, (who they take away) and her husband. We follow her story up until she is a woman in her 90s and they are reunited in the USA, with of course some drama along the way. This is a brief outline with no real spoilers, however the plot is a genius itself.

It is written in a style I have just done and love, that classic ‘back to front’  style,  where readers start at the end of the story (where she is arrested for murder in the present day) and then we go back to the Japanese occupation of Korea, and come forward to the present day. The plot has turns, twists, and heartbreaking movements that moved me to the point of actual tears overflowing.  The ending also ties up nicely with Anna, I won’t give spoilers but it really did seal the 5 plus stars for me!!

Characters> They all moved me to some extent, really they did. However, Suk-bo herself, I felt as a reader was so authentic to read. All her experiences with her son, his downfall, her commitment to finding the Japanese man she was forbidden to love, how she experienced life when she landed in the USA, I could really dig. Especially her motherhood experiences. The characters are well developed and felt so real, I could relate.

The twists/tear jerks> Man, there were four main scenes/events that brought on the damp eyes. I won’t list them as they give too many spoilers, and I’m not really one to give away these and ruin your reading experience. But let me just say, it was an emotional read at times.

Overall for me as a reader I am giving The Spirit of The Dragon 5 plus stars, as I experienced a great love story and romance, that was executed to an outstanding standard as an avid reader of romance in my humble view.  I also experienced a bit of crime (is she innocent or not) in the present day,  interesting historical fiction with building on what already know about that Japanese takeover of Asia. But most of all I experienced how things like culture, race, bigotry, and small mindedness, also the government and their hidden agenda can tear up a community of people.

I put the book down, and like I said headed straight to Amazon for the other two, then for a moment I stood in my kitchen and really thought about what I just read, as the ending is outstanding!!! As well as the start and the middle!! When I tied it all up, and thought about how this author has used REAL historic events, and penned a fiction novel that covers a mash up of genres such as romance, historical,a bit of crime I said to myself (as I wiped a tear away) ‘God this  writer is so talented, look at me I am still thinking about the characters and I have tears at the corners of my eyes’. This is the best book I have read in 2019, I know we still have two more months to go, but honestly people this writer has serious talent. I think God that he writes in the women’s fiction genre, as I appreciate him!! His work moved me to tears, and reflection on life and history.

Five plus stars! I recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, has a fascination with Asia, anyone who has an interest in human rights, loves romance, and mystery!

It’s after 3.00am now I have said me piece about how yummy this book is, maybe I can get to sleep and whip open one of the other ones tomorrow.

Happy reading if you dive into this!

 

Book Review “Almost Paradise” by Trina Crooks 4 Lovely Stars! ( Romance).

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smart

Blurb

Sandy beaches.
Amazing blue water.
Rest and relaxation.

These were all of the things that Kenya Burrows was looking forward to when she arrived in Jamaica for her best friend Marley’s destination wedding. It was going to be a wonderful week in paradise…well almost. Except for the fact that Maurice, Marley’s brother and Kenya’s ex-boyfriend, was bound to be in attendance too and he was the last person she wanted to see on her tropical vacation.

Maurice Parrish couldn’t wait to get to Jamaica for one reason only—Kenya. It had been three years since she walked out on him and in that time, he had grown and matured; just as she wanted from him all along. And now that his sister had asked Kenya to be her maid of honor for this wedding in paradise, it was the perfect set up. He needed to be face to face with the one and only woman he ever truly loved so that he could get her back once and for all.

Kim’s Review 4 Lovely Stars!

Aww this was a lovely story to read, a really nice romance novella length tale of ‘when a man loves a woman’  I  would describe it as. I stumbled across the book on FB, and glad I bought a copy it’s just .99p, and worth a read.

What I really enjoyed about this story is the setting ( obviously), and being whisked away, but also the growth that the author managed to show readers in her storytelling, concerning the hero-Maurice. There is nothing worse than reading a romance ( for me as a reader), and you don’t see or feel the growth that the characters go through, or any kind of struggle before the happy ever after for at least one if not both. Especially  if the story is about one character trying to prove themselves worthy of the other character’s love. I never found this a problem I felt Maurice’s ‘ I am going to claim this lady’ actions.

The writing style for me was nice and easy to engage with quickly, I read at least 80% of the book in one go. I was drawn in by the story and how it is told right from the start.The characters are likeable, and as I said I really saw Maurice go all out for Kenya. A swoon worthy hero for sure. I also found the story to be extremely realistic, and likely to happen in real life. Without giving spoilers, the reason why Kenya left Maurice I can 100 percent understand.

What I would have loved, (and this is not a put down at all), as it did not make me enjoy the story or writing even less, but I would have loved more ‘drama’.  Especially on Kenya’s side… there is a love rival present, another lady with an interest in Maurice.  I would have loved to  see her character ramped up a bit, to cause Kenya some drama. Also, to see Kenya have some kind of ‘dilemma’ of some sort if not with this other lady. For example something to make her think  ‘I need to make a choice do I do this or not with Maurice’ or ‘ OMG  this has happened, yes I need this man in my life’.  Don’t get me wrong as I read it was clear that she was confused with her feelings for him and scared, but some additional drama to push her or challenge her would have been nice to read. But like I said even though it’s not a drama filled story with lots of unexpected twists for Kenya, it is still an adorable story, that’s very enjoyable and I would read more from this author for sure. I recommend this story for true romance lovers, who like nice stories, not too over sexed or steamy, that make you swoon over the happy ever after at the ending

So for me a lovely four stars for a realistic adorable story, great male lead, lovely location, great writing style and a beautiful ‘ohhh that’s so sweet’ happy ever after.  The story is really what romance is made of, I liked it a lot. I hope to read another one from Trina Crooks.

 

 

Throwback Thursday Who Remembers This One? It’s 1986??

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Who remembers this one, what a tune! And a voice. Monday morning I was about to settle down to some work,  I switched on London’s ‘Smooth FM’ station to play in the background, and this came on.  It set me up for a great day!  And reminded me of my mum she loves Anita Baker, and all the great soul diva’s of yester-year.  I must admit I do too.

Let’s step back to shoulder pads, bright eye shadow and  when music was more about lyrical content, not just the beat. I love me some Anita, clear your throat and sing along with me to ‘Sweet Love.’

 

New Season, New Wardrobe, I love Fall Do You?

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And by that I don’t mean just clothing! I found a fantastic cover designer on FB, she own’s the group Cover Girl,  she set me up nicely as we enter fall. I thought why not, let’s revamp all my covers so far,  here’s the job done. Very excited as they look so different and I just love A Stranger in France…he looks yummy, just like the main character himself. I love them all and really thrilled with her work.

As we enter fall what changes are you making for the new season? Let me know.

And what do you love about fall?

Me personally I love the way fashion changes and it’s time to wrap up boots, jackets, make-up ranges change it’s fun. As well as taking long walks in the park. I really enjoy it on a crisp autumn day, the leaves crunch under your feet, it’s a little chilly, but the sun is so bright you still need your sunglasses! London can be a great place to walk around in this weather, with the many parks and places to visit. I remember when I ran a book club, the highlight of my month would be jumping on the number twelve bus to central London, to meet all the girls at Waterstones Book Store ( I love that place too like five floors of books, my kind of heaven). On the bus  looking at all the iconic locations I’d pass in the pretty autumn sunshine was a nice experience. I miss that! And of course, this time of year all the best books are released in time for us book worms to snuggle up with, as it’s too cold to be outside. Happy fall Equinox people!