Tag Archives: book review

Book Review: ‘The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies’ (Literary Fiction/Anthology). 5 ‘Wow’ Stars #TheSecretLivesofChurchLadies #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy, in exchange for a honest review. I didn’t know what to expect, as the blurb doesn’t give away much. But wow! I really loved each and every story in this anthology. I read it in one day! I haven’t actually read ‘literary fiction’ for some time, but this really  struck a cord and memorable. The author has a very unique and frank way about her. Let’s get into the review.

Church ladies

Short stories about race and sexuality by a Pittsburgh author whose work on African American topics has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and McSweeney’s.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church’s double standards and their own needs and passions.

There is fourteen-year-old Jael, who has a crush on the preacher’s wife. At forty-two, Lyra realizes that her discomfort with her own body stands between her and a new love. As Y2K looms, Caroletta’s “same time next year” arrangement with her childhood best friend is tenuous. A serial mistress lays down the ground rules for her married lovers. In the dark shadows of a hospice parking lot, grieving strangers find comfort in each other.

With their secret longings, new love, and forbidden affairs, these church ladies are as seductive as they want to be, as vulnerable as they need to be, as unfaithful and unrepentant as they care to be, and as free as they deserve to be.

 

Kim’s review 5 ‘wow’ stars!

The reviews on Netgallery when I stumbled across this title, under the multicultural interest section made me wonder what I’d find inside the book. I don’t normally read reviews at all. If I want to read, I will regardless of who said what, but I do sometimes just look at star ratings from reviews, many seemed low when I picked up this title. I can’t understand it, as this is a gem of a book! I honestly think no matter your race  or gender anyone can really get into this literary fiction, even if the focus is on women of colour and their experiences.

In all honesty, the blurb does not give away the true beauty of this author’s work, I was pulled in by the blurb, cover etc, but after reading it I feel that this for me was one of those books that took me by surprise, in how good, raw, honest and frank, and engaging these stories are. There is no heavy ‘religious focus’ either, it’s used in context of experiences of women who really wanna break free of all that, or have been chained to it for whatever reason.  And it makes very insightful and thought  provoking reading.

I would say, if you are overly sensitive then pass this up, and save  your one star review for ‘bad language’. If you put the characters into context, time frame etc, you can totally understand the language the characters (not author) use, it makes sense.  In fact if you’re a very sensitive reader full stop, it may not be for you.

There are  more than a handful of stories here, I lost count I was just turning pages really quickly. I don’t have a favourite as I loved them all, but some really hit me and struck me as ‘wow’. There’s one about a young girl, and her mother is dating or ‘seeing’ a married pastor for a decade and what she went through. The ending and ‘moral’ of the story touched me when I reflected. The second one that was highly memorable for me, was the story about a young  girl who had a ‘thing’ for a lady at church, the ending was crazy! Lastly ‘How to  Make Love to a  Physicist’ was touch a beautiful, heart-warming story, showing a woman’s growth and her ability to love herself, and fall in love, and run away and fall in love again!  I loved it. All about two people connecting at a distance, then falling together as maybe ‘fate’ and growing. I could go on,  I loved them all.

Overall, this is a great literary fiction piece of art here, I enjoyed every page and would even read it a second time, later down the line. I felt each story had some kind of moral to it. The characters were just fantastic! Lively, bold, and  at times had me in chuckling. I would read more from this author, and I would love a copy for my book case not just e-book. I wish her so much luck when this drops for publication in September 2020.  5 ‘wow good read’ stars from me!

Book Review: Midnight Mom Devotional ( Non-Fiction) 5+ Outstanding Stars #MidnightMomDevotional #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. I read the introduction, the first three pages and ordered myself a copy!! I have received three devotionals, two I’ve bought and one I didn’t. Out of the three, this one is by far the best. I really enjoyed it, and will make  use of it weekly no doubt.

MNMD

A yearlong book of prayers to bring nightly hope and a sense of connection to mothers who feel alone, from the mother-daughter team behind the Midnight Mom Devotional Facebook page

There is something about a quiet house in the midnight hours that causes stress and anxious thoughts that have been ignored throughout the day to rise to the surface of a mother’s heart. When the world goes still around you, it’s good to know you’re not alone; there are so many other mommas just like you and a God who wants to meet you in the quiet.

What began as a small online prayer ministry to encourage moms in the middle of the night quickly grew into a worldwide prayer movement known as the Midnight Mom Devotional. Now this encouraging book of prayers connects you with a community of moms to strengthen your heart and give you support when you need it most.

Each night offers a different prayer for mommas in all circumstances of life, including

• being fearful and anxious
• needing a miracle
• caring for a sick child
• feeling as if there is nothing left to give
• welcoming a new baby
• experiencing sorrow
• getting ready for a new beginning

In the stillness and the night, take heart in knowing that women across the world are joining you in prayer and that God is listening and loving you right where you are.

Kim’s Review 5+ Outstanding Stars! A Must For All Mom’s Especially The ‘Non-Religious’

So while browsing the religion and spirituality section on Netgallery I came across this gem! The problem I’ve had with devotionals in the past, and from the three that I have received, is that they’re ALL too far leaned towards ‘religion and God’ in my personal taste. I am HIGHLY spiritual, at lot of you will know that from the ‘woo woo’ books I love to read. But I’m  in no way shape or form religious in the traditional sense. There is a  BIG difference to me, without offending anyone personally, I can’t conform to some of the ‘man made’ aspects of the Bible, and also I know the role that the Christian and Catholic religion played in the mistreatment of my own ancestors, and the transatlantic slave trade. So I won’t buy into it at all, for that alone, period. BUT I do believe in ‘higher powers’ and not one God. I found with this devotional to be just right in it’s approach with prayers, religion and God. In fact to me, there is not a heavy  emphasis  as I flicked through on ‘read this scripture in the Bible’ follow this up etc. It’s simple, plain, in non-religious language. Just one simple ‘prayer’ of well wishes and support for EVERY situation a mother and woman could face, no matter her life circumstances. There’s one for everyday of the year from January-December.

Like I said, I read the first week of prayers and well wishes for January and bought a copy, then I turned to my birthday and it was a lovely prayer for 14th February, and today’s date that I am reviewing this, also an equally beautiful prayer. I loved all these things about this devotional:

The prayers and well wishes- they are simply stunning, helpful, realistic and very uplifting and inspirational. They are short, sweet and even those like me who are non-religious would not be put off at all. I actually found a few very relevant to myself! Which was fantastic.

The community feel– this started off with one mother posting on her Facebook page  at  midnight simply ‘who is up and what are you worried about/going through?’ A flood of mothers responded and from then on, the devotional was written and every night women around the world follow along each night on the date relevant, with a ‘midnight prayer and well wishes’ for whatever subject or situation a mother could face in life, and interact on social media. I LOVE THIS It’s just beautiful and the thought of having an army mothers around the world supporting others with the ‘topic of the day’ makes me wanna cry! Lolz it’s so beautiful.

Overall, I think the idea behind this devotional is a fantastic one,  one that many women  could benefit from, it has been executed well into an actual book, worth the money and I love everything about it. I would recommend it for all mothers.  5+ outstanding stars for me, I can’t wait for my hard copy to arrive! Grab yours now on Amazon.

Book Review + Giveaway! ‘Bright Souls’ By Luca Favaro (Short Story Fiction) 4 Wonderful Stars!

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Bright Yellow Souls
by Luca Favaro
Genre: Fiction Short Stories
Kevin was only a teenager when he decided to escape from his past, studying as a nurse. He didn’t expect to discover that he would become a person able to give and receive so much love. These are stories of pain, sufferance, but also hope, optimism, joy for life and above all love. And between the lines, the silent presence of God, who through Kevin, takes care of the sick bodies of those wonderful people; and through them, He takes care of Kevin’s suffering soul.
Luca Favaro lives in Thousand Oaks, California. He’s an Italian writer and a Registered Nurse. In Italy he published four books; three short story anthologies, and the novel “Il tempo senza ore”. He won several literary prizes, and from his novel was made a theater show: “Il tempo senza ore show”. He moved from Venice to Thousand Oaks on 2019.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Kim’s Review! 4 Wonderful and Unique Stars!

Thank you to Silver Dagger Tours for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not really sure what to expect from this anthology, but it was a nice surprise. I must say the short stories even if they are fiction seemed very real. We follow young Kevin  an unruly teenager  who matures into a young man, then  qualifies as a nurse in Italy. The stories are about those he encounters in the care profession once he qualifies, and his experiences dealing with them as patients and life and death. Overall I found this anthology of short stories to be extremely touching, interesting and at times really left me pondering the meaning of life! And how it must be enjoyed. A lot of the stories feature a very sick or elderly person, some who ‘could not wait’ almost, to see their final days and reach the end of their lives. Overall, this was a very unique and touching read that I read quickly, and really enjoyed. If you’re after something different, deep, and touching give this a try! At the time of this review it is free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

 

Book Review: ‘What About Love’ by Bai Jaye 4 Lovely Stars! ( AA Romance) #amreading

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Bai JayneWow what a lovely little bite sized love story with a cute happy ever after! I really enjoyed reading this novella from just the first view pages. I would have liked more to this.   This author is new to me, I stumbled across the book on Facebook, and read it on one sitting! Let’s get into the review.

Blurb

Running out of the back of the bridal shop as her fiancé comes in looking for her Gabrielle Nowell literally runs into the man of her dreams on the street. When their bodies collide the magic of love fills the air. Both of them are instantly smitten, but Gabrielle knows it could never amount to anything with her wedding set for Valentines Day a little less than two months away.
DeSai Hardy is the latest hot R&B singer in the game. Signed to Golden Nowell records, he is engaged to Gabrielle Nowell, the princess of the company. However, true to his bad boy R&B image, DeSai continues to juggle multiple women at a time. DeSai has Gabby as his future wife, Sasha as his main chick and now has added another to his rotation.
Ace Prince wasn’t looking for love, but somehow cupid caught up with him anyway. Always focused on his daughter and his businesses he didn’t have much time for anything else. When he bumped into Gabrielle on the street, he couldn’t fight his attraction. Never has he set his sights on a woman that was spoken, but this time he’s losing the battle and fast. Will love win in the end or will hearts be fumbled?

Kim’s Review 4 Lovely Stars! More Please

I genuinely love it when I stumble across a book that’s short, but engaging and enjoyable a good example of an author that does not need to babble on to craft a good tale. What drew me into this story was the blurb, I remember thinking to myself, ‘wow these are two very contrasting men here, I wonder how this will turn out?’ Most importantly I hoped that the author would be able to build the contrast between DeSai and Ace…. boy did she! Here’s what I loved.

Characters-  The separation between the two main men’s mentality was clearly there. In fact I really disliked DeSai and I was meant to! He was not a nice guy  which made me lean towards Gabby and root for her. Gabby herself was a like-able character too. Ace, to me was  a great  ‘book boyfriend’. He was sweet, romantic and he fought for Gabby, literally (no spoilers) and emotionally.  In the end I felt like he was very deserving of her love, and that he was just the kind of man she needed after DeSai. The other female characters also were cool to read, even if  they were up to no good. Generally the characters were interesting to read.

Story line- This is a novella, and it moves quickly and it was engaging to read right from the start. I also liked the push and pull between DeSai and Gabby.  I really liked how Ace and Gabby’s  love developed. To me as a reader it was a classic example of ‘just knowing’ when you meet someone. Or some may call it ‘insta-love’ in romance, but it was realistic to me. Sometimes you do meet people and know that you could build something with them. I liked the fact that Ace was not even looking for love, but Gabby seemed to be the right woman to change his mind.

I found the set up of the story rather unique, this is an arranged marriage kind of between DeSai and Gabby. The circumstances being around DeSai’s fame and Gabby’s father’s values as a man struck me as unique to read.

Reality- I liked that part of this story shows Ace as a father, he has a little girl who he is responsible for. I liked that he was a good father, and that his relationship with the mother of his child was not typical ‘baby mama and baby daddy’ drama. I’m not really a fan of stories that play into these stereotypes within African American or urban romance. I loved that this author did not feel the need to hype up a dramatic woman, who would not allow the father of her child to move on. Or Gabby have ‘issues’ with the other woman.  I also liked that as I read I could feel the change of heart in Ace, and his view point over whether he wanted to settle in a relationship.

Overall, What About Love is a lovely romance story with good characters, an enjoyable story line, and a beautiful happy ending. The only thing I would have loved is to have more on the development with Ace and Gabby, once they finally got over their challenges I felt like I could have read more once it ended. That’s a good thing!   I recommend  this novella to all those who enjoy romance generally, that can be read in under two hours, those who like multicultural or African American romance and are looking for a genuine love story. I would read more from the author. It’s free to read on Kindle Unlimited too at the time of this review, with great reviews.

Book Review-‘His True Love’ By Lynn Chantale 4 Intriguing Stars!! + Giveaway (Mystery/Romance)

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Kim’s Review 4 ‘intriguing’ read more stars!

Thank you to Silver Dagger Book Tours for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. Well, damn what have I stumbled on here!! What a read. You know, I was drawn in from page one and I read this in one whole sitting. A wonderful bite sized mystery/crime/romance novella of just 100 pages. I would read the next one in the series for sure. Let’s get into the review.

Story-line/ plot – I was pulled in by the blurb and cover of this book. I honestly expected the romance and love element to be connected to the victims of the crime, but it’s not! Here we have three detectives two men and a woman, who are lovers! Yes!! This kinda shocked me and kept me turning pages, as they are a team of lovers fighting crime. This made some very steamy reading in some parts that I really enjoyed. But it’s not overly explicit at all, all tasteful sex scenes and there are not too many so that’s cool, there is more plot than sex, which I loved.

The plot is quick moving, I loved that the author put the reader right in the middle of the action, from page one. I found that I had to focus, pay attention and read closely to get to grips with the crime and who did what. In all honesty, I really enjoyed the pace, plot, and unexpected relationship with the detectives.

The crime is solved, and they find the ‘bad guy’ by working together. I’m not one for spoilers, I won’t say too much, but we follow the ‘bad guy’ and readers are aware of him. But the story plays out as us readers following the detectives trying to piece together the crime. I liked this.

Characters- I liked them all really, the three detectives, the woman captured and everyone.  They were all believable too. The female detective is full of balls and fearless, and the male ones very protective as her, as she is used as bait to solve the crime- no spoilers.

The only thing I would have loved is more  character development on the ‘bad guy.’ I would have loved to know more about him, and the relationship he had with his girlfriend, which caused him to do the things he did.  I would have also liked to know more about Heather,after the detectives found her, what happened to her? Now when a reader wants to know more this is never a bad thing! They are truly engaged in the story. With the character line up, I was. The characters are also very multi-cultural and diverse also, this I really loved.

Overall for me I felt as first time reader of this author’s work I feel that His True Love is a great start to a detective series. And it left me wanting to read the next one, the story ends with another case for the detectives to follow up, and when it’s released  I would love to read it. The story flows well, with interesting characters and for sure it’s an intriguing read, as you have the sub-plot of romance with the detectives. I really liked it, pages turned quickly for me.

I feel in all honesty, if the story was just padded out a tiny bit more with details on the ‘bad guy’, the lady who was captured- Heather and found that would have been ideal! But even without this, it’s a good read.  Four intriguing and engaging stars from me. I recommend it to those who like mystery an detective stories with a difference! This is not your average read, it’s truly different with the detective’s love affair. Great start to a series, let’s have more!

His True Love
True Detective Series
by Lynn Chantale
Genre: Mystery Menage Romance
In a small town, in a popular bar, beautiful women disappear. This could just be a coincidence, but private investigators, Carson, Matt and Nathalie don’t believe in them. So they go undercover.
However, when one of the missing women turns up dead, the trio is disturbed to learn the woman bore a striking resemblance to Nathalie; they increase their efforts. When Nathalie disappears from the same bar, Carson and Matt will do anything to find her.
*Contains explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, and descriptions of violence.*
Lynn Chantale resides in Southwest Florida and she is determined to enjoy all that life has to offer. She has a mad affinity for milk chocolate, preferably Dove chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled squares (Godiva is acceptable), and plays the bass guitar when the Muse begs for a bit of distraction.
She’s a multi-published author in ebooks and has recently stepped into the self-publishing world. So far both experiences have been rewarding.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

 

Authors Would You Like To Submit Your Book To A Book Club To Read? #amreading #bookclub #authors

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Book Club

Author friends you know how much I love to read, I’ve had the pleasure of reading some of your work.  For five years I ran a book club in London, I loved it so much. I crossed paths with a wonderful author on Facebook, she has a book group with 1,000  readers  and counting!  I put it to her that we could actually start a proper book club, she accepted and so now I’m reaching out to all authors who may wish to submit their book to the club, to be considered as part of the Miss Flames So Bookish Summer Book Club. I’m seeking books for our club to read for June- September.

Here’s how it works…

1.Submit your book details below. Book club organisers will check the details, then confirm if your book has been included within the Club.

2. Your book will be put to our readers in a two week poll, to pick which book(s) they’d like to read! Between 1st-15th June 2020. On the 16th June 2020 the winning books will be announced, readers notified, and authors also notified.

3. If your book is one of the books in the top four with the most votes, your book will be allocated a month ( June, July, August or September) as a read for our summer book club.

4. Book club members will purchase your book – those who wish to join in on your book’s reading. We’ll start reading from the 20th of each month, and on the 25th of the FOLLOWING month there will be live questions and discussion, in the group, about your book. We encourage you to join us for this and engage with readers!

Note: the Club’s organisers have the right to accept books at their discretion to put to its book club members. It’s advisable to have your book available in as may formats as possible. We have readers who like audio most, some print, some e-book etc. We aim to be inclusive of members who have disabilities and need certain formats such as audio. The more you have the better!

Sound good? Great, get involved and drop those book links below on the sign up form. We’ll get in contact asap. Feel free to share this shout out with fellow authors or reblog etc.

https://bit.ly/33Ml0kh

Book Review- ‘Crystal Basics’ by Nicholas Pearson (Metaphysical, Spiritual) 5 Informative Stars!

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CBThank you to NetGallery for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. This is the second metaphysical book on crystals I have received, and in all honesty while they are both excellent I think I’m in love with this one more!  I bought a hard copy for the book shelve. Let’s get into the review

Blurb

A full-color practical handbook of essential techniques with an in-depth directory of healing stones

• Offers guidance on selecting your crystals and gemstones and step-by-step instructions on how to cleanse, charge, activate, and program them

• Includes templates for crystal grids and healing layouts, recipes for crystal elixirs, and directions for crystal meditations and energy clearing with crystals

• The full-color directory includes 200 different rocks, minerals, gemstones, and crystal formations, organized alphabetically and featuring the physical, psychological, and spiritual healing qualities for every stone

In this in-depth yet easy-to-follow guide, crystal healing teacher Nicholas Pearson offers a full-color compendium of 200 crystals and gemstones as well as a hands-on practical handbook on crystal healing, perfect for those just beginning their crystal journey as well as long-time stone lovers seeking an all-in-one reference.

The handbook of crystal use opens with a thorough explanation of crystal energy, including its interactions with the human energy field, and teaches readers how to extrapolate what a crystal does based on its composition, crystal structure, formation process, and other properties. In the chapters on techniques, Pearson offers guidance on selecting your crystals and gemstones, then step-by-step instructions on how to cleanse, charge, activate, and program them. He explains how to make crystal grids and healing layouts, including templates for both, and also discusses the numerology and geometry of crystal grids. He explores the essentials of crystal elixirs, complete with elixir recipes, and details how to perform crystal meditations, clear the energy centers and the aura, and practice more advanced techniques, such as engaging with the crystal devas, creating sacred space, and practices for spiritual hygiene and protection.

The compendium includes 200 rocks, minerals, gemstones, and crystal formations, organized alphabetically and featuring full-color photographs. Each entry includes geological information and the physical, psychological, and spiritual healing qualities for every stone. Some stones, such as jasper and quartz, have multiple varieties, each given their own entries to provide a thorough reference guide for crystal healers and collectors.

This accessible yet comprehensive guide offers the essentials of crystal energy healing paired with a highly illustrated stone directory to give you everything you need to know about crystal basics in one handy volume.

Kim’s Review 5 very informative stars!

I’ve always been a big fan of the metaphysical world and crystals. This book is an excellent resource in my view for anyone who has an interest in crystals and gems, their uses, and how they can benefit you in life. What I really enjoyed about this book is the level of detail. First it really breaks down how and why crystals are formed, in the natural world. The differences between them, then it goes on to give informative information on building a collection, which stones are best for what, healing, cleansing and a wealth of other useful information! It also has a very in depth encyclopedia of 200 crystals and their uses.   The pictures are clear, bold, and very beautiful too. Therefore, if you are looking for a particular crystal for  your needs, or just need to clarify things it has a very detailed area to answer all your questions.

I would recommend this book for any and everyone who has an interest in the metaphysical world, crystals and how to use and apply their energies in your own life. I also found that this book is written in such clear, easy to understand and basic language. Making it wonderful for beginners and those who are already knowledgeable. It’s well worth investing in. Five stars from me, and worth the money!

Book Review- “Under The Mistletoe” by Siobhan Kinkade. (Short Story Romance), 5 Well Written Stars!

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UTM.jpgThank you to Mocha Memoirs Press for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review! Gosh am I glad I found this lovely little short story of just twenty pages.  Let’s get into the review, I just loved it.

About the short story

Military widow Rhea Blackmon is forced by her late husband’s best friend Sebastian to attend Fort Mitchell’s Christmas party, much against her will. All she wants is to go home and be alone but Sebastian has other plans. He has a present for her; one that she will not soon forget.

 

Kim’s Review 5 Well Written, Surprising & Heart Warming Stars!

I came across this publisher on Facebook, offering avid readers the chance to read some free books. I picked this book as the title drew me in,  I do like Christmas themed stories and I’ve never read a military one. The first thing I have to say is it’s just twenty pages, and therefore a short story. That said, it deserves five stars I feel from  my reading experience,  it’s length did not in my view as a reader take away anything at all. Yes, I did want more,  when a reader says that it’s never a bad thing, a compliment to the author! We loved your work. Here’s what I loved about this little romance story.

Development– Like I said, this story is just twenty pages, but I found as soon as I read the first few pages the author really did do a great job at showing how the main character felt, over the loss of her husband. In such a short story,  the feelings are developed well, I appreciated  the author’s ability to draw me right in, and  make me care about this lady’s story and her loss.

The writing style- clean, crisp, and a plot that moved along. I was very engaged. Read it in one sitting.

The surprise twist-  my five star experience as a reader really was here! There’s an unexpected twist that just touched my heart. I don’t like to give spoilers, let’s just say it’s everything a romance lover could expect. The twist in the plot made me go ‘ohhh wow” and giggle a bit.

Overall, five stars from me, a well crafted short story and a good example of how to write an engaging plot in such little words. Romance was there, love, loss and happiness. What more could you ask for? I’d read more from this author!

Also free on Kindle Unlimited to read.

 

 

 

 

Book Review-‘An Affair In Las Vegas’ Book #1, By Rachell Nichole (Romance) 4 ‘Adorable’ Stars! #amreading #romance

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AFILV.jpg

We have some rainy and stormy weather today, my son’s birthday party is called off as he is very ill and sleepy, what else is there to do but read? Recommended to me by Kindle Unlimited ‘An Affair in Las Vegas’ I stumbled across this romance series, and it was a good recommendation. I have never read this author’s work and to be honest it was very surprisingly different! Read in a few short hours also, I am for sure reading more. Let’s get into the review.

 

Blurb

Does what happens in Vegas truly stay in Vegas?

Dawn has only ever wanted one thing: to provide a life for her daughter in New York City, away from the small-town minds of her family and her upbringing. She has fought hard to become hotel manager, and one of her first duties is to attend a conference at the Marietta Las Vegas. But when she meets Barnaby, the man with the job she’s always wanted, there was one thing she didn’t count on. A sizzling attraction that won’t be denied.

Barnaby has always had one goal in life: to help people. He’s found his calling as manager of the Marietta Times Square, and since his past failed relationship, has focused all of his energy on being the best manager he can be. This year, that means helping to run the Marietta Hotels second annual Hoteliers’ Conference in Vegas. But as soon as he notices Dawn in the crowd, his focus instantly splits, his desires for her swift and fierce.

When he realizes the attraction is mutual, he doesn’t waste any time seducing her to his bed. But when he suspects she’s hiding something from him, he worries that maybe he’s just destined to attract two-timing women to his life.

Can what began as a fling in Vegas turn into something more once they’re home in New York? Or does what happen in Vegas truly stay in Vegas?

 

Kim’s Review 4 ‘so different and adorable’ stars

I really enjoyed and liked the first part of this series,  as a first time reader  I liked  how the story picked up quickly  it had good pacing for me. I also really enjoyed that the author decided to spin a rather different tale, featuring a single mother who goes on to find a man who is so good for her and her daughter.

Without giving too many spoilers both characters Dawn and Barnaby have their own ‘baggage’ from past relationships. However this does not come to surface until they need to depart the conference they meet at. The push and pull and tension was enjoyable and realistic to read.  Overall I feel that the issues both characters had from the past, and even relationships with their parents really helped to develop the story, and their reactions to events that happen in the story.

I also really enjoyed the character’s themselves, Barney is such an unassuming man…not to mention a bit of a freak in the sheets!! He is slightly older than Dawn and his sexual experience showed, I enjoyed the way the author played on this. He is also British so as a British reader I liked it!

Dawn is a like-able and very relate-able  younger female, her background, current place in life and attitude to survival felt realistic and enjoyable to read. 

The story also had a very good twist at the end to bring the two together, as they depart ‘leaving what happens in Vegas in Vegas’ , and they don’t part on good terms. But all ends up well with unexpected twists.

Overall, this was a very  steamy, different and adorable story line that ends well. It’s also rather steamy in places too which I did enjoy!  I will be reading the rest of the Las Vegas Series, but first ‘An Affair Across Times Square’s’ blurb at the back of this book looks good,  following a murder trial I’ll start here with this book.

Four really good, adorable and enjoyable stars from me.

Free on Kindle Unlimited too!

 

Book Review; ‘When Love Matters’ ( Non-Fiction), by Jessica Minasian – 3.5 stars

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This was a super quick read a few hours if that. Thank you to NetGallery for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I found this an interesting approach to love and relationships,  but unbalanced for the average reader. Let’s get into the review.

cover173412-medium.pngDescription

 

Kim’s Review 3.5 Interesting Stars

Well, after browsing the non fiction section the cover and title caught my eye for sure. The blurb also pulled me in, as well as the advance praise for the book. With my own interest in universal laws and esoteric subjects, I was so intrigued at how this could be connected to relationships, love and even the concept of ‘soul mates’.

Here’s what  I loved

  • The logic.
  • The alternative way of looking at relationships,  love and connecting with others.
  • The idea of a ‘practical’ informative book, using science.
  • This book is for everyone no matter your relationships status.

I  enjoyed the scientific aspect of this book to start with as I read, as it touches on astronomy, how the universe, planets and solar system work. Areas I naturally enjoy this made it very easy for me to follow the direction of the book. However, while it helped hold my interest personally,  it also hindered the book’s overall purpose and main direction – to help others and inspire them when it comes to love and relationships, regardless of  being married, single or looking for love. I felt the heavy delivery of science took the book in a different direction, almost a pure academic direction. Given the genre, I  feel more balance between science and ‘self-help’ ‘inspiration’ is needed.

I would imagine an average reader who does not have GREAT interest or even knowledge in astronomy, astrology or the science of the universe and its function might become turned off quickly.  In addition even if you love these things like me, this probably is not what you may expect, or even hope to read mostly about, based on the book’s blurb and gene.  Too much science  took away the beauty of ‘self help’ and ‘inspiration’ when it comes to the subject matter of relationships, love and soulmates. This was the main downfall for me as a reader.  Too much science, less practical every day language and content.

Overall, it is a very interesting read ( if you like science), and the concept is intriguing, but the approach to delivering the  message  could be better balanced, for general readers and just generally.  Sadly, the book does need a bit more formatting and editing for readability too. But if you love the subject matter of the universe and it’s function, how it impacts on life here on earth this could be for you.  Note that the ‘ inspiration’ or practical ‘self help’ may not be fully gained, due to the balance of the content. 3.5 stars from me. More balance could have easily increased my enjoyment and overall star rating!