Tag: Melody Carson

Monthly Features – November 2024

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The Callista Alignment by Steve Gay

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: ‘No one remembers the moment they were born, but I do… the second time at least’.

Abducted and thrust into a bewildering alien world, Kali has no idea that she’s the only Earth-born ‘natural’ in a population of enslaved humans scattered across the stars. She’ll push the limits of her captivity, turn her owner’s life upside down, and challenge everything he believes about her species. Then, when the public spotlight suddenly turns to her, she’ll drag him into a revolution.

The Callista Alignment is the first instalment in a new science fiction series, an epic saga of prejudice, redemption, and human courage in all its forms. Join a new kind of heroine for an extraordinary adventure in an alien civilisation.

If you enjoyed reading ‘Divergent’ or ‘Silo’ you’ll be captured by The Callista Alignment and swept into a world you’ll never forget.

Meet the cast:

The Professor:
Yan Feyrsten is worried that he’s made a big mistake. The human he’s just bought is upending his quiet academic life. Kali won’t settle, won’t eat, won’t comply. She can’t even grasp that here on Antaris, she’s nothing more than an animal.

The Naturalist:
Henik Varkesen understands why. He’s imagined meeting an Earth-born ‘natural’ his entire professional life. But he realises the trouble Kali could bring, that she’s either a wonderous scientific discovery or the most dangerous human on the planet.

The Bounty Hunter:
Torsta Jai knows an opportunity when she sees one. Reduced to hunting feral humans in the Derelict Zone, the disgraced police chief is looking for a way to restore her position. She realises Yan’s human could give her the political leverage she needs, and will stop at nothing to possess her.

The Human:
Kali is just trying to get by in a baffling alien world. She’ll start with Yan, use her gift with language to confound his expectations, force him to reassess everything he believes. But when she is stolen away from him and thrust into the public spotlight, she’ll discover the truth, that a restive human population has been waiting for a sign, waiting for their moment. They’ve been waiting for her.

Summary: Overall, if you are a fan of science fiction that touches on philosophical and political topics surrounding prejudice, humanity, and what it means to be human, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Callista Alignment
Purchase here

 

Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Summary: Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Rescue Me Twice
Purchase here

 

Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Twelve years have passed since the events detailed in Ascending the Hourglass.

Persius remains restless and hopes to learn much more about the phenomenon he calls jumping. Jack and Banner are now young men, and they assist him in his research.

Al’s family continues to grow, and Pete develops a new love interest.

The moon that orbits the planet Royal has been an idyllic home for many years, but will it remain that way? And if not, is there any possible method by which Prisoner Number One’s family might return to Earth?

Discover what waits for them all Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon.

Summary: Overall, this was another excellent addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I continue to be impressed with where Dean takes this series in each book; I am excited to see where he takes it next! This book (and series) is for anyone interested in quirky and humorous science fiction.

See the full review here: Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon
Purchase here

 

Hustling the Mob by Don Spillane

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: What is the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?

Sara and Joshua are about to find out.

Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts.

An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In return for help from a middle Eastern spy chief, they’re tasked with disrupting an arms deal being negotiated by a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands. This same banker launders money for his main client, a New Jersey mafia boss.

A huge pot of money proves too big a temptation and, in this international, absorbing crime thriller, Sarah and Joshua must outsmart a growing list of bad guys.

Summary: Overall, this was quite a suspenseful story full of complex characters, a thrilling plot, and dangerous situations. I would recommend this to anyone interested in fictional espionage stories that involve organized crime, suspenseful thrillers, and action. 

See the full review here: Hustling the Mob
Purchase here

 

Light Locked by A.K. Chandler

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Humanity is about to unravel, and Clea Hart holds the final thread.

A light-wielding warrior known as a Veilin, she’s stolen the cursed Deadlock Medallion—an artifact of legend that could spell doom for mankind’s last three cities. Escaping from enemies she once called friends, Clea knows she has to destroy it, and that means returning home.

The forest of Shambelin is the only thing standing in her way, but it’s rife with traps, tricks, and beasts. She can’t survive it alone. In desperation, she accepts the help of a mysterious man named Ryson.

The forest is his domain, and Clea and Ryson are as different as the sun and moon that shape its illusions. Together, they face the wilderness, the medallion’s influence, and the woes of their declining world. These challenges unite them, but when Ryson’s secrets come to light, Clea realizes that the horrors of the forest are nothing but a playground to his past.

Their connection is undeniable, her mission is critical, but trusting him could be the last mistake she ever makes.

Summary: Full of emotional depth, thought provoking philosophy, fast-paced action, and unexpected plot twists, this book has it all for anyone who is interested in fantasy. I found this to be a refreshing take on some familiar fantasy themes and I am beyond excited to see what Chandler comes up with next. 

See the full review here: Light Locked
Purchase here

 

 

 

Review: Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Favorite Lines:

“As I sat there, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the unconditional love of my canine companion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the moment. The world was filled with chaos and challenges, but here it was just me, my dog, and nature.”

“Not my circus. Not my monkeys.”

“I love you more every day.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Clay, the heir to his family’s ranch that may lose it all if he doesn’t marry by the time he turns 30 thanks to a stipulation that his dad had put in his will. Unfortunately for him, his choice in a bride, Josie, isn’t working out too well and as he tries to escapes the pre-wedding madness, he is in a riding accident that causes him to lose his memories. Rescued by Caitlin and her pup Arro, a search and rescue power duo, Clay recovers at Caitlin’s cabin with hopes that his memory will slowly come back. 

At 225 pages on my Kindle, this is a short and sweet contemporary romance that I read in one sitting. Carson’s storytelling tone is one that is easy to follow and how she manages to create an engaging plot in such a limited amount of time is always beyond me.

If I had to pick one thing that I wasn’t a huge fan of, I think Carson went a bit too hard at Clay’s opinion of Josie. I found that my eyes were glazing over a bit with the constant bashing of her character and I found it to be over done and unnecessary. However, despite this, I still found this to be an entertaining read and a nice palate cleanser from some of the denser books that I have been reading.

Summary:

Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Rescue Me Twice here!

 

Monthly Features – October

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Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentlemen Ought To Be by Brandon Dragan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Finally, a novel that reveals the true Bingley! Heartily recommend to all Bingley-philes!” — Crispin Bonham-Carter, Mr. Bingley in the BBC Miniseries, Pride & Prejudice

For centuries Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been dearly loved he world over. However, few people know the hidden truth about Mr. Darcy’s closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley—who is much more than he appears on first impression.

Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire’s aristocracy. Bingley finds himself confronting an enterprise so nefarious, he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.

Follow Mr. Bingley down a rabbit hole of intrigue and corruption, as he fights to protect the country’s most vulnerable alongside friends old and new. Can he set things right before he loses Jane forever?

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a creative and unique twist to the familiar Pride and Prejudice world. I would recommend to anyone who is a P&P fan who wants a new take on a familiar character, and even those who are less familiar with P&P but love literature set in the 19th century that feature action, mystery, comradery, and a touch of romance.

See the full review here: Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentleman Ought To Be
Purchase here

 

Her Dark Promises by E.H. Raven

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Stuck in a dead-end job and unable to afford independence, Jamila’s dreams of success fade daily. Desperate, she agrees to an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, but it backfires, deepening her depression. 

She finds solace in horror movies about demonic possession, leading her to research real-life cases. Discovering some achieve success through dark means, she decides to summon her demon, hoping to change her fate. Possession grants Jamila immense confidence and success, but the dark alliance exacts a steep price.

The demon consumes her sanity, blurring reality and nightmare.

Can Jamila escape the darkness she unleashed?

Summary: Overall, while this was my first book from Raven, I am confident that it won’t be my last. This was the perfect blend of creepy, thrilling, and addicting and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of horror and psychological thrillers.

See the full review here: Her Dark Promises
Purchase here

 

The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search by Hazel Woods

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Step back in time for a classic experience with “The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search Large Print.” This nostalgic large-print word search book features amusing historical facts and timeless fashion trends, sure to bring back cherished childhood memories. Your Time Machine is Ready to Go!

Summary: Overall, this is a fun word search puzzle book full of nostalgic and interesting facts from the 1940s-1980s. While this would probably be more appreciated by the baby boomer generation, I think it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys word searches. 

See the full review here: The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search
Purchase here

 

Focused on Love by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Summary: Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Focused on Love
Purchase here

 

Lost Grove: Part One by Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: For fans of Twin Peaks and Stranger Things, Lost Grove is the first in a paranormal mystery duology that explores the twisted legends and mysteries in one small town.

In the eerie, enigmatic town of Lost Grove, where secrets whispered among the rustling pines are as thick as the fog rolling in from the sea, the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams’ lifeless body on the windswept beach is but the first note in a haunting symphony of mysteries.

Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town’s tenacious lawman, penetrates the cryptic and labyrinthine secrets veiled beneath the town’s cheerful facade. A connection to Sarah Elizabeth, one he could never have fathomed, begins to take shape, blurring the lines between his own existence and the mysteries that enshroud the town. Suspects multiply like whispers in a haunted forest, but each lead unravels, and the mysteries of the case deepen.

Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers embark on their own harrowing mission, driven by a relentless desire to answer the riddle of their friend’s vanished brother and expose the sinister secrets harbored by an affluent institute nestled in the heart of Lost Grove. Further complicating matters, one teen’s father left town the morning Sarah Elizabeth’s body was found. With ties to a similar case seven years prior, he has become a prime suspect in the case.

As Seth dives deeper into the abyss of darkness gripping Lost Grove, an unsettling discovery threatens to derail his investigation and shatter the illusions of safety the town has harbored for far too long. A chilling web of malevolence begins to tighten its grip, ensnaring them all in a nightmarish dance that will test the limits of their resolve.

Readers who love the eerie, unsettling mystery of Stephen King’s The Outsider and the monstrous legends of Brian McGreevy’s Hemlock Grove will enjoy this twisty, taut thriller.

Summary: Full of horror elements, suspense, the paranormal, mystery, and much more, Lost Grove leaves no rock unturned while taking readers on an addicting dark and thrilling journey that will have them turning page after page desperate answers. If you’re a fan of Twin Peaks, and want to read something similar with a bit more of the supernatural and paranormal, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Lost Grove: Part One
Purchase here

 

Cosmic American Rhapsody by Ray Sweatman

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as country-rock pioneer, Gram Parsons, struggles to survive, both physically and spiritually at the Lost Highway Motel. As his life flashes before him, several colorful characters try to help him find the meaning of life such as the ghosts of his parents, a strange policeman, a transcendentalist, and the animated animals from “Hee Haw.” With rich allusions to both popular and classical culture, it is at turns hilarious, poetic, tragic, and thought-provoking.

Summary: Overall. I can say this was an entirely unique biographical fiction and unlike anything I have read before. If you are interested in Gram Parsons, colorfully artistic writing, and/or biographical fictions, then this book could be for you. You can check out the book trailer here!

See the full review here: Cosmic American Rhapsody
Purchase here

 

We Meet Again: Book One by Brownell Landrum

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Separated by centuries… Reunited to change the world

Have you ever wondered if you met someone… before?
When she meets the Artist, his first words to her are, “We Meet Again.” Yet they hadn’t met before.
Or had they?

Brownell Landrum’s celebrated We Meet Again trilogy is an epic reincarnation mystery + love story about a famous couple from history reunited today to fulfill a prophecy that will change the world.
But is the world ready to change?
Follow the clues tracing back centuries, even millennia through this remarkable story of love, fate, and destiny against a backdrop of lifetimes from present day to 1930s Brazil, 1500s Renaissance Europe, the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece.

In Book One, meet Marielle and Dante, a modern-day couple navigating a new relationship while re-living a previous lifetime as a nun and a priest in 1930s Brazil protecting a valuable artifact from a nefarious organization still on the hunt today.

Summary: Overall, this was an interesting reincarnation love story full of history, romance, and adventure. Part one of a trilogy, I am excited to see where Landrum takes the rest of this series. If you like romance, especially historical romances, adventure, mystery, suspense, and metaphysical fiction, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: We Meet Again: Book One
Purchase here

 

Watercolors and Tears by José Orlando Castañeda

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

Summary: Overall, this was a very beautiful and elegant story about the complexities of life that tackled very real topics surrounding the realities of emigration in the pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Full of rich descriptions, love, loss, sacrifice, tenacity, and family, this book could be for anyone who is interested in the deeply honest portrayal of what it means to be human in this world.

See the full review here: Watercolors and Tears
Purchase here

 

The Clock and the Candles by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Roland, the Keeper of the Clock, and Gwen, the former crown princess of the Lands, are separated by 46 feet of stone. After seizing the throne from her father, King Adolphus had the Prison Maximus constructed around Gwen. She lives in a cell with no door that measures eight feet on every side, and which is centered in a structure that measures a hundred feet on every side.

One day in the seventh year of Gwen’s imprisonment, Roland returns home from his duties tending the Ebony Clock to find that someone has entered his cabin and left an unsigned letter on his table. The letter reads:

Dear Roland,

Consider five statements. Three of them are true. Two of them are lies.

1. You are the last of your kind.

2. King Adolphus is an immortal being.

3. The creatures who walk the Lands after sunset serve no master.

4. Gwen’s prison was not constructed according to specifications.

5. The Ebony Clock is not connected to anything at all.

Sort the truth from the lies, and you will be free.

With the help of allies that come to include an old friend, an elderly chemist, two disgruntled members of Adolphus’ guard, and an elf, Roland tries to make use of the new information in the beginning of a new epic from Anthony Dean, author of the Voided Man series.

Summary: Overall, this was a refreshing and original plot, as all of Dean’s seem to be. He took some classic fantasy themes and made them uniquely his own for this story which I really enjoyed. Only book one in this new series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where Dean takes it next. If you like fantasy, mystery, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Clock and the Candles
Purchase here

 

Review: Focused on Love by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Favorite Lines:

“Think again, asshat, ’cause that’s not going to happen.”

“You know you’re getting old when sleeping hurts.”

“I didn’t just fall in love with you that day. I fell in love with your spirit, your resilience…your heart. You’re the strongest woman I know, Zoey. And I admire and respect you more than anyone else in this world.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Zoey and Shane. Zoey is a photographer who is sent to Montana to take pictures at a rodeo but finds herself out of a job when her boss gets a bit too flirty for her tastes. When she confronts him about it, he fires her on the spot. Meanwhile, Shane is a rancher and bronco rider at the rodeo who is addicted to the thrill and wants to ride until he is physically no longer able. Shane has no interest in a city girl from LA being at the rodeo but when a girl goes missing, the unlikely pair team up to help solve the case.

This is a contemporary enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy that features cowboys; what is not to love? Like many of Carson’s other books, this is a short and sweet romance that features strong female characters and the men that fall for them. Carson’s writing style flows well and creates an easy to follow story that is easy to get addicted to. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself turning page after page until you’re staring at the end of the book all in one sitting.

Summary:

Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Focused on Love here!

 

Review: Too Much to Lose by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

DON’T MISS YOUR SECOND CHANCE.

It’s not often that we get to try again, cuz life very seldom deals a second chance.
Most people don’t even notice when they get one dropped in their lap like a miracle.
But I noticed.

I’ve lost Cassidy once, and come hell or high water, I won’t make the same mistake twice.
Turning a losing hand into a winner might take the whim of Lady Luck herself, but I’m up for the challenge.

However, fate is not always kind, and sometimes overcoming the evil in this world comes at a terrible price.

Cassidy has a monster to face down, but I’m not going anywhere. When it comes to the love between us, there’s simply too much to lose.

Favorite Lines:

“Must of used up all his brain cells in law school, ’cause he sounds like an idiot.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Wyatt and Cassidy who had a history in Montana before Cassidy went off to college in California. This history seems to have been forgotten because while she is away, she ends up getting engaged. They are reunited when she comes back to her hometown because she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Not knowing what to do next, she is hoping to lay low for awhile and collect her thoughts. Little does she know that Wyatt and his friends had made a bet that required Wyatt to ask out the next eligible woman to walk through the door and you guessed it… that woman was Cassidy. Now they are faced with what could have been and what could still be but they have to balance the fact that Madison’s ex-fiancé comes to town to try and take her back, and the little part where she is Wyatt’s best friend’s sister. Nothing too complicated…

I though this was a cute, second chance at love contemporary romance. I really enjoyed Carson’s writing style as I found it to be an easy to follow story that was especially easy to get addicted to. The conversations amongst the characters really shined through and I though that the plot had a perfect amount of suspense, action, intrigue, and romance. I do want to give a trigger warning that there are some mentions of domestic violence and abuse so this book may not be suitable for everyone.

Summary:

Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring second chances at love in a small town, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Too Much to Lose here!

Review: My Un-Handyman by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

IT NEVER HURTS TO HELP.
At least that was the motto I’d always gone by up until meeting Emily.

But then again, no good deed goes unpunished. There’s that one, too.
She needed a hand, and I had the time.
What was the harm in pretending to be a handyman if it helped my pretty ranch owner neighbor out?
Besides, how hard could it be?
But now I’m realizing that there are certain things even a billionaire like me can’t pull off. Like knowing how to rewire the lighting on an entire barn. Or even lay water pipe. (And who’s Allen, and why would I want his wrench?)

Worse yet, I’m starting to really like Emily and realize that she isn’t going to take this little ruse very well when I tell her the truth. That I’m not-so-handy after all.
But her legacy—and Emily—are in danger. And even if I could forget about the hottest kiss of my life, there’s no way I can back down from protecting the woman who gave it to me. Or the ranch that was rightfully hers.
Defending what and who I love is one of the things I’m good at, after all

Favorite Lines:

“Don’t really feel like getting murdered today.”

“Money was just paper. With Emily as my wife, I finally understood what it was to be a truly rich man.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is a small town romantic comedy featuring a case of mistaken identity and a secret billionaire. Jake and Emily are the main characters that we get duel PoVs from – which I love. Emily was left a ranch by her aunt who has passed away and when she moves into it, she realizes she may be a bit over her head with the amount of work that needs to be done to fix it up so she hires a handyman to help out but what she gets is Jake who is most definitely not the handyman and who finds that he likes to help Emily out so he doesn’t bother correcting her mistake.

This book is full of witty banter and sarcastic humor that had me chuckling throughout. I was also a huge fan of the golden retriever guy, black cat girl energy that Carson instilled in this book – I thought it made for an interesting and humorous dynamic. One thing to note about this book is that it was only 162 pages long on my Kindle so I would classify it as a pretty quick and easy read. If you are looking for a more drawn out romance story, you won’t find that here.

Summary:

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a quick and easy romantic comedy full of humorous banter, enemies-to-lovers, and secret billionaires who find that they enjoy handyman work. Happy reading!

Check out My Un-Handyman here!

 

Monthly Features – August

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Dissonance: Volume Zero: Revelation by Aaron Ryan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis:  One day, they silently drifted down through our skies. We thought they were angelic messengers. We were wrong.

They arrived by the hundreds of thousands on June 6th, 2026. The aliens silently drifted down from the sky, hovering fifty feet above us for three long, tense months at a geostationary orbit, taking up positions around the world. No one knew why they came…what they wanted…or why they wouldn’t just go away.

Then, the unthinkable happened. They suddenly came to life…and hunted us down. We ended up calling them gorgons – after the mythical creature Medusa – because if we locked eyes with them, it was all over, and they could telepathically paralyze us with just one look. Once immobilized, they could consume us at their leisure, leaving us to feel every excruciating bite. There was no escape, no hiding from their relentless pursuit. Our only defense was to run.

By the end of 2026, eighty-five percent of mankind had been killed off. The alien invasion turned Planet Earth into a ghost town, with the few survivors eking out an existence in the shadows. Andrew Shipley is one such survivor thrust into an extraordinary nightmare of post-apocalyptic proportions. As chaos erupts, hope dwindles for Andrew and his wife and three small children. Will they make it? Or will the gorgons get them too?

Summary: Overall, this was arguably my favorite so far in the series perhaps because of the light that it sheds on the events that take place in the rest of the series. I found myself laughing at some parts and with tears in my eyes at others. Ryan does an excellent job at evoking emotion and keeping readers engaged throughout this book. If you are a fan of science fiction, dystopian worlds, aliens, action, adventure, thrills, and reading about what it means to be human, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Dissonance: Volume Zero: Revelation
Purchase here

 

Post Traumatic Growth by Jesse Hewitt

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: This book is an account of the journey following encounters of trauma and taking steps towards personal growth. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 12 years, with 5 years serving as a Close Protection Operator undertaking multiple operations in high-conflict environments – both domestically and overseas. Having completed there missions, I witnessed first-hand the damages of war and having experienced the consequences of combat.

This is a tale of a torment and tribulation but is also the story of reparation and recovery. A story of surviving trauma and overcoming the wounds war inflicted upon my mind. Within this book, you will read about these traumas. Personal crises and living in a state of mind that is unwell will be shared. The approach to conquering my personal mental health struggles was multi-faceted, and details of this journey will be disclosed in order to hopefully empower others to take the first steps in their own recovery. Things such as various treatment styles, inter-personal connections and the accidental introduction to Equine Therapy were all supports to becoming a healthier me.

It is my hope that through sharing the intricacies of what I faced and how I committed to treatment to find meaning, purpose, and strength once again, will help others rediscover their own fortitude, resilience, and resolve as they endeavor into the emotional trenches of recovery and emerge healthier, happier, and having taken their own steps towards Post Traumatic Growth.

Summary: Overall, if you are interested in inspiring, real life stories about overcoming mental health challenges especially as it relates to PTSD, depression, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Post Traumatic Growth
Purchase here

 

The Voided Man by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: There are great deserts in space. Matter is not spread evenly. On average it balances out in all directions, but some regions are not average. For every dense cluster of galaxies in one place, there is a tremendous void somewhere else. There are no galaxies within the voids, no stars, no planets, and no moons. Scientists have theorized that anyone at the center of such an empty space would see only darkness in every direction. Even the brightest objects, they say, would be too far distant to be visible to the naked eye.

I got a chance to test that theory firsthand. I am the most distant exile in human history.

My name is Prisoner Number One. This is my story.

Summary: Overall, I went into this almost completely blind and was pleasantly surprised with this one. This is a great example of going outside of your comfort zone and managing to find some diamonds in the rough. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of quirky science fiction stories that feature romance and touch on what it means to be human. 

See the full review here: The Voided Man
Purchase here

 

The Gemini Project by Ian Moran

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Jan Ericson spends his days on the campus of the Corpo Academy participating in sports and playing games. The Academy has never formally taught Jan, or any of its 42 students, to read or write. Jan looks forward to moving to New London, where he will live with his father and start his career. That day will be his 18th birthday after a celebration known as the renaissance.

Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.

Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!

The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death

Summary: Overall, I found this to be an intriguing and thought provoking science fiction thriller set in a dystopian world and would recommend to anyone interested in sci-fi, dystopian worlds, thrillers, suspense, mystery, and philosophical dilemmas.

See the full review here: The Gemini Project
Purchase here

 

Claimed by a Cowboy by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: I HATE SURPRISES.
Even a surprise that comes with designer heels and killer curves.
What I needed at the end of a long day in the saddle was a cold brew – not a hot tempered reporter who was intent on getting on my last nerve.
Worse, Madison was asking too many questions and getting too close to the truth. Too close to me.

My real identity as heir to the billion dollar Rising Star Ranch was at stake, and I had to keep Madison at arms length.

Until that first unforgettable kiss.

Now, I’m wondering how I can, not only keep Madison at Rising Star Ranch, but also protect her and claim her as my own.

Summary: Overall, if you like cowboy romances full of enemies-to-lovers troupes, mystery, suspense, a bit of danger, and a cowboy saving the day, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: Claimed by a Cowboy
Purchase here

 

 

Review: Claimed by a Cowboy by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

I HATE SURPRISES.
Even a surprise that comes with designer heels and killer curves.
What I needed at the end of a long day in the saddle was a cold brew – not a hot tempered reporter who was intent on getting on my last nerve.
Worse, Madison was asking too many questions and getting too close to the truth. Too close to me.

My real identity as heir to the billion dollar Rising Star Ranch was at stake, and I had to keep Madison at arms length.

Until that first unforgettable kiss.

Now, I’m wondering how I can, not only keep Madison at Rising Star Ranch, but also protect her and claim her as my own.

Favorite Lines:

“She was on private property. That was her first crime. The second crime was the outfit. Who the hell wore hells and a skirt that short? A city girl, that’s who.“

“‘What’s your name?’ I persisted. He shook his head. ‘No thanks.’ ‘Clever name.'”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve been on a cowboy romance kick lately and this book fit right in. Coming in at 87 pages on my Kindle, this is a short and sweet contemporary romance that somehow manages to take on many of the popular themes/troupes that make me squeal including enemies-to-lovers, cowboy romances, and heroes saving the day all while being full of mystery and suspense. 

This story follows a duel point-of-view between the main characters Madison and Luke. Luke is hiding out as a ranch hand on his own ranch while he is trying to decide if he wants to even keep the ranch that was rightfully bestowed upon him in his father’s will and after his crazy twin brother, Logan, was disinherited. Madison is an investigative reporter from the city that caught wind of a missing heir and thought it would be a great story but the last thing that Luke needs is someone sniffing around to blow his cover. It’s a cowboy romance so of course they fall in love – no spoilers there.

I thought this was a very quick and easy read full of sarcastic and witty humor that had me aggressively exhaling from my nose (you know exactly the type of laugh I am talking about). I actually liked that this was like fast-forwarding a full length romance novel but will warn that if you are looking for a long, drawn out romance story full of angst, you won’t find it in these 87 pages. 

Summary:

Overall, if you like cowboy romances full of enemies-to-lovers troupes, mystery, suspense, a bit of danger, and a cowboy saving the day, then this book could be for you! Happy reading!

Check out Claimed by a Cowboy here!