Book Review - BLACK HOLLOW: IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS by Robbie Cox

 

Title:  Black Hollow:  It's the Little Things
Author:  Robbie Cox
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Release Date:  April 18, 2019

About the Book:

A sister lost and a paranormal bank threatened with collapse. Kerry Underwood begged her sister not to take the job in Black Hollow. Now, her sister's missing, and Kerry must go to the community she can't even find on a map in search of her. However, Black Hollow is nothing like she expected, and she fears the truth of a real paranormal town put her sister in danger. To make matters worse, the rugged bank manager who lured her sister to Black Hollow keeps stonewalling Kerry, keeping the answers she desperately needs close to his powerful chest. Arden McCarthy, leprechaun and bank manager at The End of the Rainbow Savings & Trust, is in a desperate hunt to uncover the threat to his bank's funding. However, the private investigator he hired to ferret out the culprit has vanished along with any leads she uncovered. To complicate matters, the investigator's sister arrived in Black Hollow and keeps sticking her nose in his business. Frustrated with the mysterious leprechaun, Kerry resists her desire for Arden, while fearing he's weaving his way into her heart.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

It's the Little Things is Book 5 in the Black Hollow series, but definitely can be read as a stand-alone. This was such a fun book to read! Who better to run the End of the Rainbow Savings & Loan than a bunch of leprechauns? And ogre's for security guards! So creative!! Actually EVERY character in this book was creative and just plain awesome! Add in a bit of a mystery regarding the pots of gold and the missing private investigator, and you have a great storyline.

This was a quick read at only around 213 pages, but it allowed for a great break from reality as I delved into this awesome fantasy world!

My Rating:

About the Author:

For the latest news on Robbie's releases, upcoming events and appearances, and special giveaways, join his newsletter - http://bit.ly/23CFhQQ

Robbie started writing as a way to escape - escape his teachers, escape his fears, even to escape his insecurities and doubts. However, his stories of seduction and adventure, not only allowed him to hide in the lives of his characters, but also captivated those who wanted to escape with him. Now, he enjoys a full-time career as a storyteller and novelist, and invites readers to runaway with him- to escape, getting lost in the seduction of adventure.

When he is not writing, Robbie can be found on his back porch enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and a good story. He derives pleasure from his large family and his crazy group of friends who provide the inspiration for his blog The Mess that Is Me. 

He is the author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Warrior of the Way, along with the paranormal series, The Witches of Savannah. His Contemporary Romance series includes The Rutherford Series, The Harper Twins, and the Fangirls series. 

You can learn more about Robbie at his website - http://www.robbiecox.net

Special Note:  If you are anywhere near Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 26th, 2021, you can meet Author Robbie Cox in person at the Space Coast Book Lovers book signing at the Radison Resort, 8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The book signing is a free event on Saturday with over 70 fabulous authors - including ROBBIE COX! For more information, check out their website at:  https://www.spacecoastbooklovers.com/ 

Book/Audiobook Review - ELEMENTAL FAE ACADEMY, BOOK ONE by Lexi C. Foss and J.R. Thorn

  

Title:  Elemental Fae Academy, Book One
Author:  Lexi C. Foss and J.R. Thorn

Narrator: Sarah Puckett
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Release Date:  August 1, 2019 (Book) February 5, 2020 (Audio)
Listening Length: 8 hours and 38 minutes

About the Book

My one piece of advice: Never kiss a stranger.

See, I kind of kissed this sexy man at the bar on a dare once, and it turns out he’s a Royal Fae destined to be my mate. Now I’ve been dragged to the Elemental Fae Academy to control the powers I unlocked that night.

So kissing? Yeah, that won’t happen again. Nope.

Lesson learned.

Except, I kind of kissed Titus, too. And well, now, I’m in a world of trouble. I keep burning things down, flooding dorms, and I’ve attracted the campus mean girl brigade.

This Fae Realm is a nightmare come to life. Truly.

But there are dreams here, too.

Sexy ones.

And they’re in the form of five Elemental Fae mentors. They’re supposed to help me control my powers, but who’s going to keep the elements from controlling me?

Note: This is a medium burn "why choose" paranormal romance, and book one of the Elemental Fae Academy trilogy.

AMAZON / Goodreads 

My Review:

While getting ready to attend Space Coast Book Lovers Book Convention later this month, I wanted to read a few books written by some of the attending authors. This is the first book I have read by Lexi C. Foss, but it certainly won't be my last! And now I can't wait to meet her in person!

Elemental Fae Academy is a reverse harem book, something I didn't think I would like, but as it is written by this author, it is extremely well done and makes sense... in a paranormal, fantasy sort of way. This is not a book for the kiddies. Definitely "adult", but very well written. 

The book starts off with Claire's 21st birthday and while out with her friends celebrating, she accepts a dare to kiss a gorgeous guy at the bar who had been watching her. That's when it all begins! Wow! I couldn't stop listening to this book! Great world-building and great characters!

This was a fun book to read and even more fun to listen to on the audiobook version. The narrator was excellent! There are five books in this series. Although this first book came to somewhat of a conclusion, the epilogue left the reader with a real cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that made me immediately download Book 2!

My Rating: 

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author Lexi C. Foss loves to play in dark worlds, especially the ones that bite. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their furry children. When not writing, she's busy crossing items off her travel bucket list, or chasing eclipses around the globe. She's quirky, consumes way too much coffee, and loves to swim.

Visit her website at http://www.lexicfoss.com

USA Today Bestselling Author J.R. Thorn is a Reverse Harem Romance author. All her books are written in the same world except for co-write books, so be sure to check out the recommended reading order listed above or on the website! (She'll also admit to having an unhealthy obsession with magical tattoos and alpha males.)

Be sure to stop by J.R. Thorn's Website: www.AuthorJRThorn.com

Get a free book when you join the Newsletter!

 https://www.subscribepage.com/AuthorJRThorn

Here are some Book Reviews you were not expecting! INSPIRED INNER GENIUS

For those of you who check out my blog regularly, you know that I don't review Children's Books. That's because most of the books I review are... um... very adult. But I recently discovered a new series of books designed to keep the interest of young children and at the same time inspire and educate them. So I'm breaking my rules and telling you about these awesome little books that are perfect for the 5 to 10 year old munchkins in your life.  They are quick-read picture books that portray different famous people and how they overcame adversity and found the strength and determination to become people we can admire and be inspired by for their contributions to the world.

The book series I'm talking about is by Inspired Inner Genius and they are producing new books on a regular basis.  Here is what is available so far:

Albert Einstein (Inspired Inner Genius Book 1)

About Albert Einstein:

Today, Einstein is widely recognized as a genius and one of the greatest physicists in history, but things didn't start off that way. Einstein was slow at speech and spoke only from the age of 3. Despite his slow start, Einstein was always curious and imaginative. It was these qualities that eventually led to some of his craziest ideas and experiments. Some of his most famous inventions include the mass energy equivalence formula E = MC2, the theory of relativity and quantum theory.

Steve Jobs (Inspired Inner Genius Book 2) 

About Steve Jobs:
Crowned as one of the greatest innovators of this century, Steve Jobs was the man behind the Apple we all know today. Before he was globally renowned as the CEO of Apple, Steve's life wasn't the most smooth sailing and conventional one. Despite the initial hardships, Steve remained optimistic and explorative. This combined with his passion for technology pushed him to create a company of his own. This company was none other than the Apple we know today, which has since then established itself as one of the greatest tech companies in the world.

Amelia Earhart (Inspired Inner Genius Book 3)

About Amelia Earhart:
Nicknamed as the "Queen of Air", Amelia was an international celebrity who set multiple aviation records. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, raising the bar for all aviators alike. But she did not stop there. Amelia took it up a notch and set out to conquer the seemingly impossible challenge of flying around the world, until her unfortunate and mysterious disappearance. Nevertheless, Amelia left her mark as one of the most iconic women of her generation, inspiring millions of women around the world even to this very day.

Kobe Bryant (Inspired Inner Genius Book 4)

About Kobe Bryant:

Also known as The Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant was a legendary basketball player who inspired millions all over the world with his superb skill in basketball and unparalleled will to win. In addition to the numerous feats and achievements he accomplished on the court, Kobe also made his mark as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He passed away tragically along with one of his daughters (Gianna Bryant) in a helicopter accident in 2020. Yet, his legacy remains alive and burns brightly in the hearts of his fans to this day.

Ada Lovelace: (Inspired Inner Genius Book 5)

About Ada Lovelace:
Known as the “Enchantress of Numbers”, Ada Lovelace was a visionary mathematician who was a forerunner of modern day computing. Challenging the gender-norms of her time, Ada Lovelace was a well-rounded mathematician who not only pioneered women's involvement in technology, but also blazed a trail for the invention of computers a century before it was actually built! An unheralded pioneer in technology, Ada Lovelace and her accomplishments remain a huge inspiration to women and technophiles to this day.

About Inspired Inner Genius:

"Here at Inspired Inner Genius, we believe that every child is born a genius. We are a publishing house founded with the purpose to publish children's books that serve to inspire, educate and empower young minds across the globe from a tender age. We figured, what better way to do so than to help these kids meet their muse -- by publishing the biographies of those who came before us.

Hop in and immerse yourself in the real-life stories of these characters, whose legacies have lived on. Understand how these characters overcame the trials and tribulations in their lives in order to emerge as who they are known as today! To you, the young reader who has just kicked off your journey at the start line, do not fret. Awaken your inner genius, for we bring to you the valuable stories of the ones who have crossed the finish."

How It Got Started:

"Inspired Inner Genius is founded by two young co-founders, Tommy & Clement, who passionately believe in children's empowerment. The whole idea started as Tommy was looking through bookstores and libraries in search of meaningful books for his 2 beautiful daughters. He can't help but realize that majority of children's books doesn't fit his taste. Growing up, Tommy isn't a fan of fiction but was a fanatic lover of non-fiction & biographies. That's when the idea of children's biographies came to mind. When Clement was approached with this idea, he immediately fell in love with it. As a student-athlete and someone who has always been in charge of leadership responsibilities, he instantly saw the potential positive impact of this simple idea: Children's Biographies.

It's not as if it was a magical idea that was never thought of by anyone else. In fact, there were other major publishers of Children's Biographies in the marketplace. Nonetheless, this was fuel for these two young co-founders as they had to work harder on the copy and the artwork. Through countless iterations and relentless pursuit for excellence, they published the first genius in the Inspired Inner Genius series: Albert Einstein on 1st April 2021. Today, they are working hard along with the team to create the most outstanding books, featuring a diversity of incredible icons who've inspired the world with their greatness." 

Audiobook Review - THE BREAK-UP BOOK CLUB by Wendy Wax

 

Title:  The Break-Up Book Club
Author:  Wendy Wax

Narrators: Hillary Huber, Nicole Lewis, Renata Friedman, Cassandra Morris
Genre:  Women's Fiction
Release Date:  May 18, 2021
Listening Length: 12 hours and 12 minutes

About the Book

Named one of 2021’s Best Beach Reads by Bustle ∙ Country Living ∙ Cosmopolitan ∙ Augusta Chronicle ∙ E! Online ∙ SheReads ∙ and more!

Breakups, like book clubs, come in many shapes and sizes and can take us on unexpected journeys as four women discover in this funny and heartwarming exploration of friendship from the USA Today best-selling author of Ten Beach Road and My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding.

On paper, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara have little in common - they’re very different people leading very different lives. And yet at book club meetings in an historic carriage house turned bookstore, they bond over a shared love of reading (and more than a little wine) as well as the growing realization that their lives are not turning out like they expected. 

Former tennis star Jazmine is a top sports agent balancing a career and single motherhood. Judith is an empty nester questioning her marriage and the supporting role she chose. Erin’s high school sweetheart and fiancé develops a bad case of cold feet, and Sara’s husband takes a job out of town saddling Sara with a difficult mother-in-law who believes her son could have done better - not exactly the roommate most women dream of.

With the help of books, laughter, and the joy of ever evolving friendships, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara find the courage to navigate new and surprising chapters of their lives as they seek their own versions of happily-ever-after.

AMAZON / Goodreads / Barnes&Noble

My Review:

Wendy Wax once again knocks it out of the ballpark with characters you can't help but love. In The Break-Up Book Club she brings us four ladies, each with their own story that goes straight to your heart. Jazmine is a single mom who has put her love life on hold for far too long, Judith is dealing with trouble in her marriage and then a horrific loss, Erin's fiance drops her one week before their wedding, and Sara finds out shocking news about her husband. Add in Dorothy, Erin's troublesome mother-in-law, and Meena, Judith's best friend, along with several other interesting characters and you have an amazing collection of book club friends who take the time to support each other. 

I listened to the audio book and found the narrators to be extremely good. The story was heartbreaking at times and made me smile from ear to ear at other times. But no matter what was happening, this author kept me engaged in the story.

This is a feel-good book that awakens the reader to the fact that no matter what hurdles you have in life, with good friends and a bit of determination, you can go on to a better life. I highly recommend this book as a great summer read!

Additional note: Tears came to my eyes as I listened to the author's note and dedication at the beginning of this audiobook. Wendy Wax, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope and pray you have a support group of friends like those you write about. Friends who are there for you during this difficult time. 

My Rating: 

About the Author:

I write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.

I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.

It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.

Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.

I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible last thrill. 

After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons

Wendy loves to hear from her readers! You can reach her at wendy@authorwendywax.com.

Audiobook Review - BETWIXT: Betwixt & Between, Book One by Darynda Jones

 

Title:  Betwixt: Betwixt & Between Book One
Author:  Darynda Jones

Narrator: Traci Odom & 1 more
Genre:  Paranormal Fantasy
Release Date:  March 2, 2021

Listening Length:  6 hours and 45 minutes

About the Book:

Divorced, desperate, and destitute, former restaurateur Defiance Dayne finds out she has been bequeathed a house by a complete stranger. She is surprised, to say the least, and her curiosity gets the better of her. She leaves her beloved Phoenix and heads to one of the most infamous towns in America: Salem, Massachusetts.

She's only there to find out why a woman she's never met would leave her a house, a veritable castle that has seen better days. The lawyer assigned to the case practically begs her to take it off her hands, mostly because she's scared of it. The inanimate structure that, as far as Dephne can tell, has never hurt a fly.

Though it does come with some baggage. A pesky neighbor who wants her gone. A scruffy cat who's a bit of a jerk. And a handyman bathed in ink who could moonlight as a supermodel for GQ.

She decides to give it three days, and not because of the model. She feels at home in Salem. Safe. But even that comes to a screeching halt when people begin knocking on her door day and night, begging for her help to locate their lost objects.

Come to find out, they think she's a witch. And after a few mysterious mishaps, Dephne is beginning to wonder if they're right.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I knew the moment I saw this book that I was going to love it. Why? Because it was written by Darynda Jones. I listened to Betwixt while on a road trip and arrived at my destination not realizing how I got there. The time passed too quickly because I was so into this story! Great narration and so much humor!

Defiance (yes, that's her name) is recently divorced from a jerk who stole her restaurant from under her and left her with nothing. Then she discovers that a woman she has never met has died and left her a house in Salem, Massachusetts. And that house is named Percival and has it's own personality, one that makes the realtor afraid to step foot in the house. That's when the fun and mystery begins! And who is the hunky guy in her kitchen? I'm not giving you any spoilers. You really need to read this... or listen to it like I did. But I warn you  that you will not be able to stop at Book #1. You will want more!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. As soon as I finished it, I downloaded the next book in the series. Awesome characters! Great narration! Totally entertaining!

My Rating: 

About the Author:

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 18 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that legacy. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. 

Audio Book Review - THE TASTER by V.S. Alexander

   

Title:  The Taster
Author:  V.S. Alexander
Narrator:  Carol Monda

Genre: Historic Fiction
Publisher:  Blackstone Audio
Release Date:  January 30, 2018

Listening Length:  11 hours and 58 minutes

About the Book:

Amid the turbulence of World War II, a young German woman finds a precarious haven closer to the source of danger than she ever imagined - one that will propel her through the extremes of privilege and terror under Hitler's dictatorship.

In early 1943, Magda Ritter's parents send her to relatives in Bavaria, hoping to keep her safe from the Allied bombs strafing Berlin. Young German women are expected to do their duty - working for the Reich or marrying to produce strong, healthy children. After an interview with the civil service, Magda is assigned to the Berghof, Hitler's mountain retreat. Only after weeks of training does she learn her assignment: she will be one of several young women tasting the Führer's food, offering herself in sacrifice to keep him from being poisoned.

Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, the Berghof seems worlds away from the realities of battle. Though terrified at first, Magda gradually becomes used to her dangerous occupation - though she knows better than to voice her misgivings about the war. But her love for a conspirator within the SS and her growing awareness of the Reich's atrocities draw Magda into a plot that will test her wits and loyalty in a quest for safety, freedom, and, ultimately, vengeance.

Vividly written and ambitious in scope, The Taster examines the harrowing moral dilemmas of war in an emotional story filled with acts of extraordinary courage.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Listening to an audiobook about World War II from the perspective of the people of Germany made my heart ache. But I found this story to be totally fascinating. The narrator was excellent and managed to pull me in immediately and kept me hanging on. I could not stop listening until I finished. I believe the audio version is much better than the print version.

Although the storyline was captivating... imagine what a person experienced each time they tasted Hitler's food, thinking they could be poisoned at any time... but the romantic encounter between Magda and Karl was lacking in emotion. Aside from the romance, the realities of Nazi Germany were horrifying and the fact that so many of the German people had no idea of the atrocities occurring with the Jewish population. 

A word of caution for those who have difficulty with certain topics, there is a rape scene in this book involving German girls and Russian military men.

My Rating: 

About the Author:

V S Alexander is an ardent student of history with a strong interest in music and the visual arts. Some of V.S.’s writing influences include Shirley Jackson, Oscar Wilde, Daphne du Maurier, or any work by the exquisite Brontë sisters. V.S. lives in Florida and is at work on a third historical novel for Kensington.

Book Review - THE GIFT AT SUGAR SAND INN by Leigh Duncan

  

Title:  The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn (Sugar Sand Beach, Book 1)
Author:  Leigh Duncan
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
Publisher:  Hallmark Publishing
Release Date:  March 23, 2021

Print Length:  344 Pages

About the Book:

Escape to Sugar Sand Beach with Michelle Robinson and her best friends for a second chance at all life has to offer.

At forty-five, Michelle has a great life. A husband who loves her. Two children on the fast track to success. A beautiful home in the rolling hills of Virginia. And three of the best friends a girl could ever want.

But with the sudden death of Michelle’s husband of twenty-five years, her life turns upside down.

Forced to sell their forever home and at odds with her children, Michelle faces a bleak future. Until an unexpected inheritance starts her on a path paved with bright possibilities.

Join Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin as they journey to Sugar Sand Beach where fresh opportunities for life, love and happiness are as limitless as the blue Florida skies.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Oh my gosh! This is my new favorite series by Leigh Duncan! Written in her same style of charismatic characters and descriptions so vivid you think you're right there sitting in the sand with them!

Four friends, each with different lives, come together in the way that true girlfriends do. This book was warm and captivating and leaves the reader feeling that even in the worst of times, life can turn around for the better. I didn't want the book to end and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!

Thank you Leigh Duncan for making me smile!

*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Leigh Duncan is the award-winning author of more than two dozen novels, novellas and short stories. Her first full-length book, The Officer's Girl, was released by Harlequin American Romance in 2010. Leigh went on to write seven more books for Harlequin, including the highly acclaimed Glades County Cowboys series, before she began writing the more complex, heart-warming and emotional stories that have resonated with her readers. One of the lead authors for Hallmark Publishing, an Amazon best-selling author and a Readers' Choice Award winner, Leigh lives on Central Florida's East Coast where she writes women's fiction and sweet, contemporary romance with a dash of Southern sass.