Showing posts with label Book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book review. Show all posts

Friday, December 5, 2014

Anxiety: Knock Knock - Episode 1 Book Review


Synopsis

Anxiety: Knock Knock - Episode 1  - Amazon


Jake Preston is on borrowed time. If he doesn’t stumble upon a miracle and soon, he’ll end up dead. And even if he does, he still might end up dead with a clever killer hounding his heels. He believes that the one miracle and antidote to save him is in Margot Davenport’s house, across the country and miles away from Boston. Somewhere locked in her home is the key to reversing an experiment that is killing him with each breath he takes.

Margot doesn’t particularly care if she ends up dead. She’s lost everything she’s ever cared for. A divorce and the loss of her job as a corporate lawyer has left her with little faith in herself or in anyone else. Most importantly, she’s lost the one person on this earth she’s looked up to and cherished–her brother, Johnny. His death in a car accident has devastated her, and she can’t find the willpower to pull herself from the chasm she’s fallen into. Her only solace is at the bottom of a wineglass. Having moved back to the small town in northern Arizona where she was raised, she’s made a point of isolating herself both mentally and physically from everyone other than a few chosen friends. Little does she know that her life is going to explode into chaos.

My Review

I really enjoyed reading this novel written by H.D. Thomson (also the author of Shades of Holly included in Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories To Spice Up The Holidays - Review.) This book is well written and it really pulls you in!I don't want to give too much away but this book is left off on a huge cliffhanger, cannot wait to read H.D. Thomson's next book!

You can pick up your copy on Amazon for $0.99 on Kindle HERE

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

My Favorite Animal: Dogs - Children's Book Review

Learn all about dogs in this informational picture book. Kids ages 4-8 will enjoy learning about dogs through beautiful photos, engaging text and fun questions to test comprehension throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book well enough. The language is suited for a young audience and it does contain a good deal of information. I'm not, however convinced that a four year old could bear to sit through this book. The images of beautiful dogs, however may keep one interested.

I like that the book offers more than information but also interaction. There are pages where you are encouraged to answer questions about information on previous pages.



The book would be a great way to introduce your child to dogs before you bring one into your home. It offers information on understanding a dogs personality and body movements. It lets you know that a dog showing teeth is an angry dog while a dog with a wagging tail is happy, something young children may not understand.

Pick up your own informative copy from Amazon for $2.99 for a Kindle edition HERE.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Animal Family Portraits - Children's Book Review


Animal Family Portraits - Amazon
What happens when you mix a polar bear and a black bear? A panda bear, of course!

An explorer has recorded some strange animal families in this wacky illustrated photo album by Becky Lam.

While the family portraits may not be scientifically accurate, kids will love this playful and imaginative approach to families of all types.

I for one got multiple chuckles just from flipping through the digital pages of this book. There are many silly combinations to be seen! The kids are going to love this book and I cannot wait to share it! The illustrations in this short book are unbelievably cute and well done!

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Pick up your own silly copy from Amazon for $3.99 for a Kindle edition or $9.99 for a paperback HERE.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Killer Within Book Review


Synopsis

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Arnie Milhouse is a murderer. A millionaire with dozens of kills in his past and no one the wiser. But when his name surfaces in connection with the death of a D.C. call girl, Arnie knows it’s only a matter of time before the FBI puts the pieces together. As he makes plans to disappear and leave his life in Annapolis behind forever, he meets a beautiful, mysterious woman who takes an interest in him. The perfect final victim. He can’t believe his luck.

Only luck has nothing to do with it.

Allison McNeil has returned to Annapolis, a city that she promised herself she would never come back to, not while the cruel memories of her time at the United States Naval Academy still haunt her. But she’s willing to do just about anything to get close to Arnie, even if it means having to face down the demons of her past. Her plans work and soon she and Arnie find themselves locked in a dangerous dance of seduction and betrayal. But Arnie isn’t the only one who carries a secret and the dark truth about Allison McNeil makes a final confrontation between them inevitable. Neither of them know it, but they're on a collision course that only one of them will survive.

Killer Within is a thriller with a strong female protagonist set in my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. It has a James Patterson pace to it and has received great reviews so far. I originally self-published the title but it was recently purchased by publisher Thomas & Mercer and will be republished in a new form in February 2015. Killer Within will also be featured on Brilliance audio narrated by Joyce Bean and translated into German.

If serial killers, psychological suspense and a strong female protagonist is your cup of tea, then Killer Within might be a great fit!

My Review



As a fan of crime shows like Criminal Minds, this book fit right in in my life! After having seen countless episodes of it, reading this book became immensely intriguing since Arnie killed people and staged them in ways to trip the profilers. That was really thrilling. Arnie knew how the profilers think and try to solve a case, so he did everything to mislead them and thus always stayed under the radar, never been caught.

This book shows how the mind of a psychopath works. He is a maniac, killing for the sheer thrill of it. Even half way through the book, you wouldn’t understand why Allison is keen on being around Arnie, getting to know him. The author has written in such a way that there is not a single second you are relaxed. The whole time you will be on the edge of your seat!


The Killer Within is unquestionably gripping. The author does an amazing job of creating surprise right up to the very end of this novel. As a reader we get to know everything that is happening in the story and can make our own assumptions on what’s coming up – sometimes leading to shock and surprise. The characters of this story are the ones who are shocked by the outcome. The author's choice to withhold some small details from readers is effective and adds to the thrill of this thrilling novel. Several characters face difficult and life changing situations, but choose to react differently, therefore effecting their entire life experiences. I was reminded just how significant every decision we make truly is. 

You can pick up your copy on Amazon for $2.99 on Kindle or $11.99 in paperback, there's even an audio book available. All of these can be found HERE.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories To Spice Up The Holidays - Review

 Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories To Spice Up The Holidays - Amazon
If you're anything like me, you'll love reading these holiday romances. And you'll love the great deal you'll get when buying them! 10 Kindle books for $0.99? Count me in!

Not only is this box set so reasonably priced, the stories are well written - USA Today Best selling and Award-Winning Authors good - the stories included will stick with you. This set of novellas is something you will want to read each year to get into the holiday spirit.Each story is different and you are sure to find one that speaks to you.

This boxed set of 10 heartwarming romances includes Christmas romances from futuristic themes all the way to friends-into-lovers stories. The 10 stories included in this boxed set are shown below with a short description of the plot, without giving too much away!
  1. Broken Protocols 3.5 by Dale Mayer 
    • Dani and Charmin, her talking cat, were brought 200 years into the future to a world without Christmas. Nostalgic for holiday cheer, Dani yearns to celebrate, and Levi, her hunky future lover is just the guy to make it happen. How can he create Christmas in a world that no longer knows what a holiday is?
  2. Shades Series: Shades of Holly by H.D. Thomson
    •  Enter Zach Howard, a man who's finally managed to get his life on track this holiday season, until that is, he comes across a pair of otherworldly sunglasses. They reveal scenes of a terrifying future. Holly, the one woman he's never stopped loving, is in danger of a psychopath. Zach is determined to fight for Holly, even at the risk of his own life. Do Christmas miracles and angels still exist?
  3. A Season For Love by Chantel Rondeau
    •  The specter of death tempered by beautiful miracles is all in a day's work for head nurse Tess Riggs and pediatric specialist Dr. Dash Brisson. But discovering Christmas is the season for love could be their biggest challenge yet.
  4. Christmas Hope by Leslie Lynch
    •  Sam Bledsoe can barely keep food on the table, as well as his badly scarred face away from curious eyes. Free spirit Becca Sweet is pregnant--and down on her luck. With Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. Sam comes to Becca's rescue, but will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?
  5. A Christmas Miracle by Sandy Loyd
    • Megan Jenkins isn't looking forward to Christmas, a holiday that reminds her of what she had and lost, a husband who died right after Christmas, leaving her with a fatherless son to raise. On Christmas Eve, Megan experiences her own Christmas Miracle as she learns the true meaning of giving with the help of Kevin Murdock, a long-time friend who's always been there for her.
  6. Salty Carmel Christmas by Barbara Lohr
    •  Nothing ever changes for Rachel Morgan in Paris, Indiana. But when she returns home for Christmas, a kiss from a soft-spoken guy with killer blue eyes makes her take a second look. Sometimes life can be like a salty Christmas carmel--sweet but with a tang you remember. Sometimes the boy you leave behind is the man you want forever.
  7. Heating Up The Holidays by Marcia James 
    •  When Chris Spencer returns home with his daughter, he's not looking for a second chance with his first love. And the last thing Nicky Paxton needs at Christmas time is her high school heart-breaker. But thanks to a hairless dog and a lonely child, they might get their Christmas desires.
  8. Insanity Claus by Carolyn Hughey
    •  A widow of two years, Mallory Gardner is struggling to keep her business alive and her dysfunctional family together. Having two daughters, one who blames Mallory for her father's death is enough to test anyone's sanity. But when Arden J. Miller waltzes into town, he has other ideas--like capturing Mallory's heart. Will the holiday spirit sweep Mallory away and solve the unsolvable?
  9. A Family For Christmas by Tallulah Grace 
    •  Erin Matthews returns home to find closure, but she soon discovers truths that change her life forever. Luke Simmons never expected to meet a woman who sparks fire in his soul, even as his heart is breaking. Together, they find healing, and the true spirit of Christmas, in the love of a patchwork family.
  10. A Father For Christmas by Rachelle Ayala 
    •  Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

50 Things to Know About Getting Free Stuff to Review - EBook Review

50 Things to Know - Amazon
Are you looking for ways to get free stuff? Do you want to share your opinions with others? Are you a blogger like me looking for ways to add reviews to your blog? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this book is exactly what you need!

This book: 50 Things to Know About Getting Free Stuff To Review: Understanding What it Takes to Get Offers shares tips and tricks for reviewing products and getting products to review. Many people will tell you that all you that it is an easy way to get free products. Although there's nothing wrong with that, it does take some time and work to jump into that market.

Building relationships with companies is the most important piece of the process but that comes with work and time -- sometimes lots of time.


This book teaches you tips and tricks that can help you understand how to sell yourself to readers and companies. It will help you create a blog, find products to review, and write engaging content that can be shared over many social networks. By the time you finish this book, you will know what your niche market is and how to get products that fit inside that niche to review.

Having been a blogger for about five years now but a product reviewer for only about one, this book was somewhat helpful. If you're motivated enough to put some effort into finding sources of free products, this system will work.

The advice is to start a blog based on your interests and experience and build up a following. Having this following makes you a more attractive reviewer, since your reviews will be reaching a larger audience. Then it's a matter of finding companies with product lines that would appeal to your niche audience and asking to receive free products for review. I'm very happy that the author emphasizes that product reviewing is not a business but it does require commitment.

If this sounds like something you want to do, grab a copy today, you will be glad you did. Plus, it's only $0.99 on Amazon!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter Book Review


Do you have reluctant readers in your family? A reluctant reader is anyone who does not show interest in reading. There is a wide range within the category of reluctant readers. A reluctant reader may simply be a child who needs to be coaxed into reading texts. She may also be a child who vehemently refuses to read. While any child, young or old, male or female can be a reluctant reader the largest number of unenthusiastic readers are adolescent boys. Research shows that a good number of boys who were avid readers in the elementary grades become disinterested in reading during their middle school years.

Every parent and teacher wants their children to be avid readers. We know the benefits of reading and want our children to embrace it as we have. While many children do become excited and engaged in reading (especially in the primary grades), some are reluctant and disinterested. While a child may not show a natural interest in reading, this does not mean that he cannot become a skilled and even enthusiastic reader.

Sometimes young people, especially adolescents, become disengaged from reading because they lose interest in the content of the texts they are reading. Many traditional books assigned in schools as well as textbooks fail to capture the interest of today’s children because they are used to fast paced movies, video games and Internet sites. Parents and teachers can employ high-interest reading materials to help spark an interest in reading in these children. High-interest texts are usually fairly non-traditional. They often focus on “edgytopics or include a great deal of action.
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These books are just what your reluctant reader needs! Move over Harry Potter, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar. The story is a wonderful adventure of good vs. evil, with friends and enemies at each and every turn -- and there's a lot of turns. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling. As an adult reader, I loved this book too almost as much as when I read the Harry Potter books growing up!


This book is well written, and I read it in one sitting yesterday! I would recommend it to anyone who loves the imagination and magic of this genre. Jack Templar: Monster Hunter is written for young adults but don't let that stop you from reading it - from the very first paragraph the reader is pulled in. Be prepared to hunt monsters with Jack Templar and his friends. Jack Templar: Monster Hunter is book number one of what will eventually be a seven book series, book number four just came out in October 2014. I cannot wait to pass it on to someone who would enjoy it as well.

The book was written by a father to encourage his eleven-year-old to become excited about reading. It worked, and he's now an avid reader. He wrote about his experience with his son in a book for parents called Reaching Your Reluctant Reader. This small parenting book is available online with 100% of author proceeds benefiting Toys For Tots Literacy Program. The story of his journey with his son was featured on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1002658351.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom - Toni Robbins - Book Review

I received a free sampler of the book for the purpose of my review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Before this book, I hadn't heard of Toni Robbins but the video he posted "assured me" that he knew what he was talking about, being rich and all. He really built himself up in this first chapter (what I was provided to review this book) to be knowledgeable and a real "bring yourself up by the boot straps" kind of guy.

I'm usually not one for self-help books. I usually think they won't possibly me anything I couldn't figure out myself. I begin reading this book with some skepticism, but I tried to keep an open mind that maybe this book could help me or I might get something more out of it than its face value of self help.

All in all, this chapter left me unsatisfied and wondering if his seven steps could or would actually help me. I just wanted hims to tell me his advice. I understand building himself up as an "expert", though he doesn't have the formal education to back it up.  After reading the forward and the preface, I was left wondering how good his advice could be.

While the preface and first chapter did not offer me the opportunity to read about his seven steps to mastering the money game, it built up his credibility. His style of writing made his points easily understandable but as I was unable to read his whole book, there was not enough for a full, deep dive review. 

Because I only read the first chapter, I am unsure if the book would be worth buying. My advice for the author would have been to rework the organization of the book so that the first chapter would have been the start of his advice, giving me more of an opportunity to review.