Book Review | How to Begin Again by Cindy Ray Hale

 

Title: How to Begin Again

Author: Cindy Ray Hale
Release Date: March 25th 2017

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

Hannah Miller is stuck in the past. Although she hasn’t told a soul, she can’t stop thinking about her ex-boyfriend, Colin, the guy who pulled her into a lot of trouble at her old school. She’s working hard to move on with a fresh start. Her parents sent her to a private school to reform her and she loves the new friends she made there, but that hasn’t stopped her from secretly looking up romantic pictures of her with Colin. Despite her best efforts, she can’t let go.

But all she has to do is look out her bedroom window, which looks straight into the bedroom of Evan Bellingham, the hottie who goes to her new school. But when he invites her over and surprises her with the song he’d written for her, she begins to wonder if he’s the key to helping her learn how to begin again.

Review: 

This was a quick read and my introduction to Cindy Ray Hale's story telling. I enjoyed Hannah's story a lot. It was a short and sweet read. It made me curious to read more about the character. To learn more about her and to dive into Cindy's other books. The writing was clean and engaging. I have to admit, with the mention of Evan's southern twang and his blue eyes and the fact that he played guitar and sang...yes, I thought of Elvis. It was hard not to. But I liked it for more than just that. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 quills.

Book Review | Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

 

Title: Kindred Spirits
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Release Date: February 26th 2016
Page Amount: 96 pages, mass market paperback

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

'Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.'
'Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?'
'Maybe.'

If you broke Elena's heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she's expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does. What she's not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels. Kindred Spirits is an engaging short story by Rainbow Rowell, author of the bestselling Eleanor & Park, Fangirl and Carry On, and is part of a handful of selected short reads specially produced for World Book Day.

Review: 

My sister and I decided to buddy read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. While she was getting the book I decided to pick up this short story by Rowell. I'm not a super obsessed Star Wars fan but I do like Str Wars. So it was fun to read about all of the Star Wars references in this story. I feel a little like Elena because I haven't seen the prequels...I'm still debating if I should.

Anyway, my favorite part may very well have been the Star Wars references but I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, as well. Elena and Gabe had an interesting dynamic. This story was short so I feel like I can't go into too much detail without giving things away. It isn't a super plot heavy story, it's more character driven, I think. I like character driven stories, though. I had fun reading this and liked the discussion thrown in about high school and cliques. I went to a pretty cliquey high school myself. If you love Star Wars I think you may enjoy this. I'd say about 3.5 quills.

Book Review | Off Duty with Private Presley

 

Title: Off Duty with Private Presley

Author: Memphis Recording Studio
Release Date: February 26 2010

GoodReads Link

Review:

In case you can't tell, I may be kind of in love with Elvis Presley. This book is filled with wonderfil pictures that I could look at again and again. It also has some information and anecdotes about Elvis when he was in the army. I really enjoyed reading this and it is displayed prominently on my bookshelf. And always will be. There is a C. D. in the back with recordings from when he was in the army that I really, really need to listen to!! A great addition to any Elvis fan's collection. 5 quills!!

Book Review | The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

 

Title: The Snow Queen

Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Release Date: November 5th 2002 (first published December 21st 1844)
Page Amount: 96 pages, Hardcover

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

Reprinted here for the first time since the 19th century, these color illustrations by T. Pym make the classic Andersen fairy tale even more magical. One of Andersen's best-beloved tales, The Snow Queen is a story about the strength and endurance of childhood friendship. Gerda's search for her playmate Kay–who was abducted by the Snow Queen and taken to her frozen palace–is brought to life in delicate and evocative illustrations.

Review:

The Snow Queen was mt very favorite fairy tale as a little girl. There was a movie version if it that I used to watch a lot but for the life of me I cannot remember which one it was...It was animated, I know that. 

Anyway, I was in love with this story as a little girl. The idea recently came to me that I wanted to do a retelling of it. So of course, I had to read the original story again. I actually listened to the audio of it. I loved the story just as much as when I was younger. It is still my favorite and I can bet it will remain my favorite fairy tale. I love the message behind it and the magical feel behind it. I know it's a fairy tale so of course it has a magical feel. But if you've read it, you probably know what I mean. Actually, a character in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe reminds me very much of The Snow Queen. The message is beautiful. To keep it short: I love it!! Five quills!!

Book Reviews | Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volumes 1 and 2

Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volumes 1 and 2
Authors: Naoko Takeuchi, William Flanagan (Translator)
Release Dates: Volume One: Published September 13th 2011 by Kodansha International

(first published December 28th 1991) Volume Two: Published November 15th 2011 by Kodansha Comics (first published September 22nd 2003)

Page Amounts: Volume One: 242 pages, paperback Volume Two: 235 pages, paperback

GoodReads Blurbs:

Volume One:

Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), and together, they fight the forces of evil!

This new edition of Sailor Moon will feature:
-An entirely new, incredibly accurate translation!
-Japanese-style, right-to-left reading!
-New cover art never before seen in the U.S.!
-The original Japanese character names!
-Detailed translation notes!

This version of Sailor Moon will be completely true to original. Join us as Sailor Moon returns to the U.S. for the first time in years!

Volume Two:
The mysterious Tuxedo Mask has revealed his identity, forcing Usagi to come to terms with her growing affections for the masked vigilante, all the while defending the people of Earth from renewed attacks by the sinister “enemy”. Everything threatens to overwhelm even Sailor Moon when suddenly a new Sailor Guardian appears. Could this new Guardian be the Moon Princess the Sailor Guardians are sworn to protect?

Review:

I LOVED Sailor Moon as a little girl. So when I got older I knew I wanted to read the original mangas. I was lucky to find the boxed set of the first six books at Barnes and Noble one day. Of course, I bought it. I loved seeing the way the original story line played out. There were also enough similarities to the anime I watched as a child that I got giddy reading it. I still love Sailor Moon. I couldn't stop reading and had to read the first two back to back. I really enjoy these mangas and would recommend them to someone who: loves manga or loved Sailor Moon when they were younger. I'm excited to finish the rest of the mangas that I have and then buy the rest. Maybe it's partly nostalgia but I give these 5 quills.

  

Book Review | Summer Touch by Shaye Evans

 

Title: Summer Touch

Author: Shaye Evans
Release Date: January 2015

Published By: Kiss and Tell Publishing

Page Amount: 14 pages, Kindle edition

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

When Ash and Dan met, the electricity between them was undeniable. A year later, their desire and lust is as powerful as it ever was. To celebrate their anniversary, they take a deep plunge into unexplored territory and experience new waves of erotic desire.

Intended for readers eighteen years and over due to the same sex, sexual nature of this book.

Review:

This was a quick read. I liked that it was M/M because there isn't a lot of that. Or at least, it's hard to come by. But for me, some of it was difficult to get into. I wished that some of the language drew me in to the story a bit more. I would give this one 3 quills but I'd still check out other works by this author.   

 

Book Tour | Just One Chance by C. A. Harms

JUST ONE CHANCE by CA Harms is LIVE!

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA

JUST ONE CHANCE by CA Harms

Oh Tequila #1, Standalone

Limitless Publishing
New Adult Romantic Comedy

Tequila, you failed me.

You left me in a terrible haze, and I can’t find my god damn wallet.

Or my left shoe.

How the hell does one lose their shoe?

I have no f*cking clue.

All I know is that my night started out with one thing in mind…to have a little fun.

The problem with that? I can’t remember a damn thing, except one.

Morgan’s soft and needy moans. It’s a sound I will never forget, just thinking about it makes my heart race and my pulse quicken. And I want to hear it over and over again…I craved it.

But Morgan’s a mystery. The harder I try the more she resists. There’s one thing she doesn’t know about me though…I’m not one to give up.

I’ll play her game, I’ll let her think she’s won. But in the end, I will have her.

Because all I need is Just One Chance to prove she’s meant for me…

GOODREADS:

http://bit.ly/JustOneChanceGR

PURCHASE:

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA

EXCERPT:

Before I could say anything, Xavier hooked me around the waist and stepped closer to Pete. “Hi, you must be Pete,” he said, thrusting his hand out toward the dumbfounded man. “I’m Xavier, Morgan’s boyfriend, and we’re here to meet Marcus.”

“Um, y-y-yeah.” I felt awful at Pete’s obvious stuttering. “L-l- let me show you both to your table.”

“You are awful.” I slapped at his arm as he slid his hand lower, cupping my ass. “What are you gonna do next, pee on my leg?”

I walked away from him but I could hear his laughter echoing behind me. Apparently Xavier Stone was on some type of high horse. As I approached the table I had a feeling that my best friend had some involvement in this fiasco.

C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.

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Book Review | What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley

 

Title: What Every Child Needs to Know About Elvis Presley

Author: R. Bradley Snyder, Robert Kempe, Marc Engelsgjerd
Release Date: March 18th 2014
Page Amount: 22 pages, board book

GoodReads Link 

GoodReads Blurb:

Elvis Presley was called “the King of Rock and Roll.” His life and music transformed society in ways that are still felt to this day. With honesty, integrity, simplicity, and humor, What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley explains this pop icon to young children, helping them to understand the modern world and, more importantly, the adults in their lives. Written by three dads – a child expert, a healthcare analyst, and a veteran of the children’s publishing world – What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley is the book all true music lovers will want for their young children.

 

Review:

Yes, this is a board book. Which means it's for little kids but it's about Elvis so of course I read it. I also loved that it was for little kids. It gave a good quick overview of Elvis. I love Elvis. I would definitely suggest this as something to read to your kids. Or nephews or nieces, et cetera. If I had children I would absolutely buy this for them and read it to them. I think it's essential for every music lover if they have children in their lives they want to start teaching about music. 4 quills.

Book Review | Zeke's Eden by K. Webster

 

Title: Zeke's Eden

Author: K. Webster
Release Date: June 21st 2016
Page Amount: 74 pages, Kindle edition

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

Following Daddy’s rules has always been easy.
Smile. Nod. Repeat.

Until I met Zeke.
Dark. Dirty. Sinner.
A hungry beast, released from his cage.
And I’m on the menu.

Tonight, I’m Zeke’s Eden.
His sugar.
His whore.

Daddy’s little girl is all grown up…

***Warning: This is an erotic novella.***

Review:

Like the blurb says, this is an erotic novella, so if you're not into that then this isn't for you. And I probably wouldn't even bother reading the review. That being said, if you're looking for something short and hot and sexy then I think that you've come to the right place. This is a quick, sexy, hot read. And it's well written. I'm interested to see what happens next. If you're looking for some good erotica then I'd definitely suggest picking this up. This was my first K. Webster book and I really enjoyed it. But it wasn't what started my obsession with her books. That review will come later. Anyway, 4 quills.

 

Book Blitz | The Wild by K. Webster

The Wild

by K. Webster  

Publication Date: August 7, 2017  

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Taboo 

 

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

I brought them to the wilderness because we couldn’t cope with our reality. The plan was to make a new life that didn’t include heartache. No people. No technology. No interference. Just us. A chance to piece together what was broken. But the wilderness is untamed and harsh. Brutal and unforgiving. It doesn’t give a damn about your feelings. Tragedy lives there too. No escaping the truths that won’t let you go. All you can do is survive where love, no matter how beastly, is the only thing you can truly count on. Confusing. Wrong. Twisted. Beautiful. Sick. Love is wild. And we’re going to set it free. 

Warning: The Wild is an extremely taboo story. Most will find that the themes in this book will make you incredibly uncomfortable. This book is only for the brave, the open-minded, and the ones who crave love in even the most dismal of situations. Extreme sexual themes and violence in certain scenes, which could trigger emotional distress, are found in this story. If you are sensitive to heavy taboo themes, then this story is not for you. 

About K. Webster

K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen. You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads! Website: www.authorkwebster.com Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bllgoP 

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Book Review | write words by Kristine Raymond

Title: write words
Author: Kristine Raymond
Release Date: September 1st 2015
Page Amount: 47 pages, Kindle edition

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

*** Introduction

This is not a HOW-TO book but rather a candid, and sometimes humorous, accounting of my experiences since becoming an indie author. No part of this book is directed toward any single person or persons, and any opinions expressed are strictly my own.

My adventure is totally mine; the lessons learned are unique to me. Each author will follow their own path on this journey, learning along the way the lessons that are pertinent to them. ***

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an indie author? Curious to know the story behind the stories?

Kristine Raymond takes you on a journey of her experiences, from the first time she sat down to write, to learning what goes into actually publishing a book, to the bond of friendships forged along the way.

Not a how-to book, but rather a why she did it – and keeps on doing it – ‘write words’ is filled with real-life events and the lessons learned in the process. 

Review:

I won a giveaway from Kristine Raymond a while ago where I got all of her published books, signed. Believe me, I was super excited. In addition to all of her books signed I got a bunch of swag, too.

This was the first of her books that I read. It was so cute and little I had to pick it up first. Plus, I felt I could really relate to the the content. Since I'm an indie author, as well. I really enjoyed the personal experiences, anecdotes and advice in this book. I have a feeling that I will reread more than once. It's a great addition to my bookshelf. I would recommend it to any indie or to someone who wants more insight into the world of an indie author. 5 quills.