Keep No Secrets by Julie Compton

Title: Keep No Secrets
Author: Julie Compton
Genre: Drama/Romance (?!)
Publisher: Fresh Fork Publishing (March 10, 2013)
Available: $5.99 at Amazon
Rating: 3 stars
Rater: Dihanna



From the publisher:
After the ultimate betrayal, which is more important: trust or forgiveness?

In KEEP NO SECRETS, the controversial follow-up to Compton's debut legal thriller TELL NO LIES, a district attorney struggles to redeem himself after a one-night stand damaged his marriage and professional reputation.

After surviving the private and public fallout from a one-night stand four years before, St. Louis DA Jack Hilliard wants nothing more than to be trusted again by his wife, Claire, and to earn back the respect of the community he serves. Since the day Claire accepted him back into the family, he's vowed to be true to these goals, and so far he's succeeded.

But all of Jack's efforts begin to crumble when the woman involved in his earlier downfall, Jenny Dodson, returns to town claiming threats on her life and asking for his help, and resurrecting for Jack long-buried emotions and questions of her guilt for the murder of a client. Just when he thinks the pressure can't get any worse, his son's girlfriend, Celeste, accuses him of sexual assault, and he suddenly finds himself on the wrong end of a criminal case, battling for his freedom.

Can Jack trust his freedom to the legal system on which he built his career? Or will the ghost of his one-night stand four years before come back to haunt him, causing him to be convicted on the mistakes of his past? 



What I liked: The author is skilled, and has woven a complex story. I believed it, and reading this story stirred a lot of emotions.


What I didn’t like: These characters are horrible, horrible people, most especially including the protagonist. Before I was halfway through the book, I hated him, and I ended up hating him even more before the story ended. I hated him and his horrible girlfriend. Neither have any redeeming qualities, and in fact, their selfishness and irresponsibility and sociopathology destroyed their families’ lives. This story made me angry; I have met and heard about more than enough bad men, and bad women. I sure don’t want to read about them.

In sum: If you secretly root for the bad guys, this one’s for you.

Beyond Forever by M.W. Davis

Title: Beyond Forever
Author: M.W. Davis
Genre: Romance/Short Story
Publisher: Champagne Books (April 1, 2013)
Available: $.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna


From the publisher:
Hanna’s organized life has been fractured by one mistake, one incredible night with a stranger, and now her world has descended into unbearable solitude. Days burning sunlight in a mind numbing haze, nights staring into the black void enveloping her empty bed, until a peculiar man lost within his own shadows, offers a path to resolution. To purge the memories that hound her thoughts and block her return to a normal existence, she must circle back to where it all began.


What I liked: Sweet, well written, and satisfying are the three words I’d use to describe this short story. The plot flows, you’re pulled along, and you don’t want it to end. Not terribly trite either, which was refreshing.

What I didn’t like: Can’t think of a thing!

In sum: Here’s a good one for us romance junkies. Pick it up.

Paranormal Properties by Tracy Lane

Title: Paranormal Properties
Author: Tracy Lane
Genre: YA
Publisher: Pants on Fire Press (February 27, 2013)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Raters: Dihanna and Lauri


From the publisher:

The Weir family has just arrived in Dusk, North Carolina, one of the most haunted cities in America, to scope out some of the town’s 127 reported “paranormal properties,” which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake Weir doesn’t know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk’s oldest, most famous ghost: Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, “Barroom Eyes.”

Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access TV. Jake enlists the only friend he’s made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed “Tank,” to help him track down Frank’s killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank’s killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for the Halloween special?


What I liked: I thought the book was so wonderfully cute, and that I just loved all the characters in it. Frank, the ghost, is looking for his body and finds a friend in the only person who can see him - Jake. I love the compassion Frank shows for Jake, and how he helps his ghosthunter parents. Gotta say I dearly love Tank (though see my caveat below) and was glad Jake and his family took her in. Lots of good messages here. With the one exception noted below, I found the book well written and a joy to read.

What I didn’t like: I don’t like the “overweight” word, and I am especially unhappy at its employment in literature to stigmatize a person, especially – especially! – in children’s books. I strongly recommend that the author read up on how damaging stigmatizing fat people, especially children, is and how that stance damages, sometimes permanently, the self esteem of children, which causes problems ranging from eating-disordered behavior to suicide. (Besides, we should not be equating "fat" with "unhealth," and teaching that critical thinking begins in childhood.) I recommend the wealth of information at NAAFA and HAES to the author, and anyone who wonders at this topic.

In sum: A fun book for kids, but watch for the pitfalls listed above -- and talk to your kids about these issues in this and every book.

Khe by Alexes Razevich

Title: Khe
Author: Alexes Razevich
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Self (September 5, 2012)
Available: $3.99 at Amazon 
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Khe loves her life with her sisters on a farming commune. When she realizes her ability to accelerate crop growth is a death sentence, she makes the wrenching decision to leave the only home she's known.

Fleeing across the wilderness, she makes her way to the city of Chimbalay--in search of the scientists who can save her life.  But Chimbalay has its own dangers.  The Powers are there--the secret rulers who have chosen Khe to be the mother of a monstrous new race.

What I liked: I really enjoyed reading this book.  I loved the main character, and found her courage inspiring.  The way the author draws the characters together, especially the sisters, left me smiling to myself many times. This is, at heart, the story of a woman’s power, and it’s told through not only the main character, but through the sisters, and through the Lumani and Weast (read it to decode!). Bottom line in this book – and in life! - never underestimate the power of  a woman.

What I didn’t like:  Nothing.

In sum: Very well written with a very good story. Read it.

The Queen's Martian Rifles by M.E. Brines

Title: The Queen's Martian Rifles
Author: M.E. Brines
Genre: Sci fi/ Steampunk
Publisher: Self (November 5, 2011)
Available: $2.99 at Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Does the secret to the origin of Mankind lie within the Great Pyramid of Mars? In this alternate steampunk adventure, the technical genius, Nicola Tesla, invented an anti-gravity coil that made steam-powered spaceships possible in the last decades of the 19th century. But the British empire, and the other western colonial powers have powerful extraterrestrial enemies no one suspects even exist.

What I liked: This was my first steampunk novel, and I was a little reluctant to read it. What I found, however, was a completely original, eclectic story – including travel to Mars! – with a pleasantly twisting plot and characters I really got into. The story moves quickly, and doesn’t take too long to be told.

What I didn’t like:  There is some religious stuff that I could have done without. Doesn’t detract from the story, though.

In sum: This book convinced me that steampunk isn’t a genre to scared of. If you’re considering it, this is a good one to start with.

Fatropolis by Tracey L. Thompson

Title: Fatropolis
Author: Tracey L. Thompson
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Pearlsong Press (October 20, 2012)
Available: $4.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5+ stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Most of her life Jenny has felt she's not good enough, not attractive enough, because she's fat. Then one day she stumbles through a portal between a world that values thinnes and one that values roundness.

Sometimes falling can wake you up.

What I liked: What is beauty, and why don’t we ask that question more often? Sometimes we have to juxtapose norms to understand how arbitrary they are, and Ms. Thompson has done just that. I flat loved every page of this book because the journey it documents is one we should all take. I think people should learn to accept themselves no matter what size they are, and know all the way through that being fat doesn't diminish their intelligence or make them any less valuable. And besides the message, the writing is great. It’s not just a good read; it flowed very well and kept me captivated.

What I didn’t like:  I didn’t like that the story ended.

In sum: It isn’t often that a book comes along that can touch your soul. Every single high school should require that its students read this, and you should read it, too.


**caveat: one of this site’s reviewers has published books with the same publisher, though that is not the reviewer who wrote this review. This fact in no way influenced the review.

The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson

Title: Color of Greed
Author: Jack Thompson
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Crackerjack Publishing (July 29, 2012)
Available: $4.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

When the young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his yacht floating off the California coastline, his death is ruled an accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams, a wealthy Oxford-educated private investigator, who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice. When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead. 

What I liked: “Wow” is all I can say. The name of this book fits perfectly - it was a story about greed – greed – greed. I loved the characters. They came alive for me, most especially Raja and Vinny. Their struggles touched me. The story flowed easily – like water - and was so riveting that I was unable to put it down.  I read to escape, and this book was packed full of everything you would expect a mystery to be and then some more.  A great read and look forward to reading more.

What I didn’t like:  Nada.

In sum: I’m keeping this one.

The Rescue Team by Billi Tiner

Title: The Rescue Team
Author: Billi Tiner
Genre: YA/Animal Fiction
Publisher: Self (July 26, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5+ stars
Rater: Lauri

From the publisher:

Ellie is shocked and confused when her owners leave her at the animal shelter. Feeling abandoned and unloved, Ellie spends her days staring vacantly through the gate of her pen. Ellie’s life changes when she is finally adopted by a compassionate woman named Anne. Ellie and Anne form an unbreakable bond of love and friendship. A thunderstorm drives Toby, a young frightened kitten, to Anne’s porch. Anne and Ellie immediately welcome him into their family. One night, they hear an emergency broadcast announcement that a little girl is missing in the woods near their home. Anne, Ellie, and Toby join in the search to find her, and an incredible rescue team is formed. The team will be called upon again when a tornado tears through their town. Will they find any survivors?

What I liked: This is a book that should be on every child’s bookshelf. In it, a child can explore some tough and scary situations inside the safe medium of a story, and her parents can be certain the story tells her the right things. In these pages, a couple of abandoned animals find their way to Anne, whose heart is as big as the world. Sometimes things are hard, but this adoptive family learns to stick together, and their love truly saves the day. (And best of all, my son loves this story.)

What I didn’t like:  Not one thing.

In sum: Buy this for your kids - today. It’s a must-have. And if you read my reviews, you know I almost never say that.

Fire, Burn and Cauldron Bubble by HP Mallory

Title: Fire, Burn and Cauldron Bubble
Author: HP Mallory
Genre: Vampire Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self (July 2, 2010)
Available: FREE at Amazon (as of today’s date)
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead.

A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover.
A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes an appetite for witches.

The Underworld in a state of chaos.

Let the games begin.

Life isn’t bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn’t have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend.
Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she’s a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost’s demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life!

Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the Underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand.

What I liked: Amazing. Awesome. Could not put it down. Most of all, I loved the relationship between Jolie and Rand!  I love the tension, the almosts, and what felt like genuine affection. There’s a triangle here though, including a vampire named Sinjin, but his interest is more primal, and I could never bring myself to root for him. I loved this book so much that I read the series.  It flowed very nicely and like how the story carried itself without wondering where or why.

What I didn’t like: I can’t think of a thing.

In sum: If you love paranormal romance, this is your next book.

The Last King of Shambhala by Daniel Grant Newton

Title: The Last King of Shambhala
Author: Daniel Grant Newton
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Self (March 6, 2012)
Available: $5.15 at Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Asgard Kingdom, 10,000 years ago...

Odin is in search of a thief – Idun's apples are missing, and without them the gods are, well, no longer 'godly'.

Europe, 1942...

A gorgeous Russian spy, a British psychic spy wannabe, and an other-worldly mystery man must work together to find and destroy the Nazis' secret 'mind weapon' before it's too late.

Australia, Present Day...

A school kid with an attitude problem and a questionable attendance record, finds himself between two worlds. One moment he's getting into fights at school, the next he is in a strange world with a talking monkey, a Beserker with a much-too-healthy ego, and a strange girl that channels a Moon Demon – sorry, a Moon Djinn.

... Confused? So is Matt Damon, an amnesic man (named after the movie star), found close to death in the Himalaya Mountains by a Nepalese family. Yearning to remember his past, he is given a book that interweaves these three stories, with the promise they will all piece together to reveal his identity.

Embark on a new kind of journey of myth, fantasy, love and... well, peculiarity.

What I liked: Wow! This was so much like The Never Ending Story, and it, too, never ends. And so what else can I say except that I loved it. The characters are loveable, and real, and I just kept turning the pages, long after I should have gone to bed. The story rolls along, pulling you with it. And far too soon it’s over.

What I didn’t like: It was, at times, a little hard to follow, and that did detract from the story.

In sum: An absolute must-read. Must.

The Light Within Me by Carly Fall

Title: The Light Within Me
Author: Carly Fall
Genre: Sci Fi Romance
Publisher: Self (November 1, 2011)
Available: FREE at Amazon (as of today's date)
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

When Abby and Noah meet, there is an explosive attraction between them that neither can deny . . .

As a shy, awkward, social misfit, Abby has gone her whole life feeling as though she's different from everyone else and she simply doesn't fit in well with society as a whole. She longs to feel a real connection with someone, and she finally does when she meets Noah.

Unbeknownst to Abby, Noah is from another world and his sole purpose is to hunt down the evil of his people that was unleashed on Earth hundreds of years ago. He's certain he isn't going to be able to return to his home, and anger and the need for revenge are his constant companions. His focus has been eradicating the evil and making them pay for taking his life on his world away from him.

Noah tries desperately to fight his attraction to Abby so he can keep his focus on his mission. But when Abby gets dragged into the evil and mayhem from Noah's world, he realizes that maybe with Abby he can find a home here on Earth...if he can save her in time.

What I liked: This author weaves a good story, and does so with skill. Noah, who is 522 years old, comes to Earth to capture the criminal colonists who had escaped from their planet that they had been placed on.  Once there, he meets Abby. She strikes something in him, even though he is not quite familiar with relationships with Earth women. He fights it, of course, but they are just too good together. As the story progresses, they both learn important things about themselves, and about what they need to do. In sum, I do think this was well written. The author cast believable characters, and the story caught me. And I sure would not mind reading more about these characters.

What I didn’t like: Too much sex, and too much graphic sex. I’d like to see less sex and less relationship development reliant on it, and more other plotty stuff in any book, including this one.

In sum: This is a really good story, one for the sci fi - romance fans, but be advised that there is a lot of sex. For the erotica lovers, this is a 5-star book.

Friends for Life by Billi Tiner

Title: Friends for Life
Author: Billi Tiner
Genre: YA - Animal Fiction
Publisher: self (May 8, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Lauri

From the publisher:

Bo and Rico are two puppies who meet at a pet store. The puppies are dognapped from the pet store by two goons. Realizing they are in danger, Bo and Rico must work together to escape the dognappers. After their escape, Bo and Rico find themselves scared and alone on the mean city streets. They are rescued by a streetwise stray named Tank. Tank takes the puppies under his wing and teaches them how to survive on the streets. Bo and Rico embark on several adventures including avoiding the local Animal Control officer, Jimmy; several run-ins with a pack of dogs led by a stray named Mongrel; and rescuing a beautiful lost Poodle named Pearl. Through it all, Bo and Rico form an incredible friendship that will last a lifetime.

What I liked: My son (9) and I have read this twice. It’s a sweet, heartwarming story featuring dog protagonists, and stresses the courage it takes to overcome some scary obstacles. The adventures are fun, the characters are goodhearted, and there’s enough action to keep young readers interested. My son enjoyed it both times.

What I didn’t like: I am a huge, huge no-kill animal rescue advocate (I donate all proceeds from my own books' sales to no-kill rescue), and for two reasons I tend to stress the importance of never buying dogs from breeders: one: puppy mills, and even non-mills don’t generally treat mamas well at all; and two: thousands of unwanted pets die every day in shelters, so why in the world are we breeding more? The dogs in this story are from a breeder, as are most dogs in pet stores, and I would have given this book five giant stars if the dogs had been rescues, or from a shelter or rescue group. If you read this book to your kids, or let them read it, make sure you know this going in, and explain these issues to your kids in words that fit their learning and emotional levels.

In sum: My son and I liked this book, and I’d recommend it for elementary-aged kids, with the caveat I listed above.

A Hint of Frost by Hailey Edwards

Title: A Hint of Frost
Author: Hailey Edwards
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (April 17, 2012)
Available: $4.24 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

When her mother is murdered in her nest, Lourdes has one choice: she must marry before her own nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold. 

Rhys’s clan is starving, but their taste for the Araneaean flesh makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Yet Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart. When her sister is captured, they pursue their enemies, where she will discover if she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

What I liked: I sure wish I could have read this book before I read book two, A Feast of Souls (review below), which I adored. In any case, this book was worth reading on its own. Most of all, I loved the relationship between Mava and Rhys. I loved how it developed and how strong, and how completely possessive, he was. In fact, I think I want a man just like him!  Because it made for a fabulous contrast, I also loved the hate-love thing going on between Rhys and Vaughn. It made me shake my head, and smile, because no matter what, brotherly love does survive.

What I didn’t like: Nothing.

In sum: I loved this book. It is a good read for intrigue and suspense, and to remind you that love does indeed conquer all.

A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards

Title: A Feast of Souls

Author: Hailey Edwards

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 18, 2012)

Available: UPCOMING $4.40 at Amazon

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

The only way to save her is to bind their souls as one. 

Araneae Nation, Book 2 

Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver. 

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest. 

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t. 

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead. 

Warning: This book contains one fierce hero with a nose for danger, one stubborn heroine who smells like trouble, and one wolfish spirit who makes most relationships with the in-laws seem downright tame. Fur, fangs and some biting should be expected. But never fear, the hero has a sword, and he knows how to use it.

What I liked: I really, really liked this book. I sat down to look it over, to decide what order to put it in as I have so many to read, and I ended up reading it through. I literally could not put it down! I loved Mana and wanted to jump in and help her several times. The love relationship between Vaughn and Mana was sweet, and grew more precious as it proceeded. I loved that Vaughn's father, the ghostly vision of a canis, helped Mana get Vaughn to the place where he could rule, and he was relentless to the end.  I held my breath hoping Mana and Vaughn were going to be tied together.  Mana never would stop and refused to quit and in doing so, all fell into place, and she saved not only her own race but others also.  Yes – yes – yes! - a good read! 

What I didn’t like: Nothing.

In sum: It isn’t often a story will sweep you away. This one will.

The Sundered by Ruthanne Reid

Title: The Sundered
Author: Ruthanne Reid
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: 4th Floor Publication (May 10, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Harry Iskinder knows the rules: don't touch the water, or it will pull you under. Conserve food, because there's no arable land. Use Sundered slaves gently, or they die too quickly to be worthwhile. 

The problem is, the Sundered Ones are dying out, and humanity is running out of time.
With extinction on the horizon, Harry searches for a cure: the Hope of Humanity, the mysterious artifact that gave humans control over the Sundered centuries ago. According to legend, the Hope can fix the planet, removing the deadly water and giving back the land. 

But the Hope holds more secrets than Harry knows, and Harry has a choice to make. Either the Sundered survive and humanity ends, or humanity lives for a while, but the Sundered are wiped out. 

The time for sharing the Earth is done. Harry never wanted this choice. He still has to make it. In his broken, flooded world, Hope comes with a price.

What I liked: I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I just loved Aakesh and his surly attitude.  He was the sort of friend that I wish I had.   And who wouldn't love Gorish with his loving ways?  In fact, What I especially  liked about this book  was the devtotion that Gorish had for Harry - aka Harold Iskinder – who went looking for Hope and discovered secrets I never saw coming.   It was both a sad and happy book, much like life.  I feel the writer made it clear that the reader was to make a choice which side they would take. This is a 5 star book!

What I didn’t like: the story was too slow paced at first, and I thought it was a tad too long.

In sum: A must read for sci fi fans!

Dark Isle 2 by Shannon Mayer

Title: Dark Isle – Book 2
Author: Shannon Mayer
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: HiJinks Ink (July 8, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

When evil begets evil, a choice is forced on Quinn, the one person who can see the danger. Does she save the ones she loves, or does she save the world from Chaos? 

As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never looked so grim, or so damn impossible.

What I liked: Once I started reading this book I could not put it down.  It was easy reading with no slowdowns and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.  I was especially curious as to how Quinn would save her sister, Ashling, and of course the world.  I loved Luke's character as he was certainly someone I would have loved in my life.  The book made me think about how we have to see people and figure out who is a friend and who is really not.  Aednat the banshee is not someone I would care to meet but thought that the book brought up many good things for it made me look at myself and my personal  relationships.  I cried when Cora died as who could ever have had a more wonderful friend and protector.  I thought the book was very well written and easily give it 5 stars!

What I didn’t like: I can’t think of a thing.

In sum: I really enjoyed this book, and you will, too, if you read pararomance.

Heart of a Hero by Billi Tiner

Title: Heart of a Hero
Author: Billi Tiner
Genre: YA/Animal
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 28, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri

From the author:

Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, is leading a simple life on a farm in Ohio during the 1940’s. Lady’s biggest desire is to become an expert hunting dog like her mother. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she will find herself in the middle of incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. On several occasions, Lady will have to find the courage to risk her life in order to save someone she loves. The loyalty and bravery that Lady shows throughout her lifetime illustrate what it truly means to have the heart of a hero.

What I liked: Ms. Tiner’s second adventure story is just too cute. And the story really moves. This dog truly is the hero – she goes from situation to situation, and sometimes things are very sad. She carries on, keeps loving, and does her very best. It’s a story about some of the most important things that help makes us – dogs and people – good.

What I didn’t like: Neither my son nor I liked the dog’s name. It’s just too trite. Maybe Jenny, or Oya?

In sum: One for all animal-loving kids, and grown-ups who like this genre.

Welcome Home by Billi Tiner

Title: Welcome Home

Author: Billi Tiner

Genre: YA/Animal

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 24, 2011)

Available: $2.99 at Amazon 

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Lauri

From the author:

Welcome Home is the story of Jake, a black Labrador Retriever mix. For as long as Jake can remember, he has been having the same dream. In his dream, he lives with a wonderful man in a beautiful home. He has never seen the face of the man in the dream, but he knows his voice and is certain that they are meant to be together. When the day comes for Jake to be given away to his new home, he believes that he will finally get to meet the man from his dreams. However, when he is chosen, it is definitely not by the man from his dream! He is taken to a home where he is terribly mistreated. After suffering years of abuse, Jake finally escapes and is able to begin the search for the man he has been dreaming of his entire life. Along the way, Jake meets some interesting characters, survives amazing adventures, and forms life-long friendships. Join Jake on his incredible journey home.

What I liked: This is a sweet, sweet book, and I loved that the hero is a dog. My son, who is nine, loved this book, and really got into the story. It’s a gentle adventure, but delves deep enough to inspire warmth and teach a lesson or two.

What I didn’t like: Not one thing.

In sum: Well worth owning - for dog lovers of all ages.

Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

Title: Fit to Kill
Author: Kristine Cayne
Genre: Mystery/Romance
Publisher: Self-published (January 1, 2012)
Available: $0.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4.5 stars
Rater: Lauri

From the author:

When an Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer...
Movie star Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy's perfect life. But it's a part he plays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders. His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman who fulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he's always wanted--if she can forgive a horrible mistake from his past. 

A Hollywood dream...

Lauren James, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herself and her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man who stars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are on the verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic is instant--and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shoot that could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career. 

Becomes a Hollywood nightmare

But an ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threaten everything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what's happening, their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who'll stop at nothing--not even murder--to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls for Lauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition. 

And the competition must be eliminated.

What I liked: This is a great story. It rocks, it rolls, it hits highs and lows, and it pulls you along like a caboose. And truth told, I enjoyed the ride. In fact, I sat in my favorite chair and read most all of it in one day.

What I didn’t like: I would have liked to have seen more character development. Not with plot, or revelations of a tumultuous past, because this story has both, but of a very distinct voice for each of the characters. Sometimes the two mains sounded too much alike in dialogue.

In sum: A fun, fun read, and well worth picking up.

Fit to Kill by Donnie Whetstone

Title: Fit to Kill
Author: Donnie Whetstone
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Publisher: Self-published (March 3, 2012)
Available: $4.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the author:

How do you stop a personal trainer, who fantasizes about killing his clients, then carries out his gruesome desire on someone else? Making matters worse, how do you stop desires for your own trainer, jeopardizing your marriage, more troubling, do you want to? That’s what Detective Tara Tanner must solve in this crime thriller. 

La Flore is renowned for its elite personal trainers. This model city however, faces a crisis. Someone is on a killing binge. The killer is vicious and cunning. He harbors a profound irony for one of the nation’s fittest cities, and the way he selects his victims makes him untraceable, but this predator has a weakness.  

Tara Tanner is a wife, mother, and a crack detective whose record is blemished by a tragic case that leaves her feeling she has lost her edge. Tara has other demons. She dreads becoming like her mother, a temptress and philanderer, made worse by her uncontrollable attraction for her own trainer.  

Fit to Kill is a non-stop thriller of fantasy, temptation and redemption, a deadly game of chase, in which the line is marred between predator and prey, a game that reveals how far one will go to kill, and how far the other will go, to survive.

What I liked: I really enjoyed this book.  I think Tara Tanner was a great detective.  I think she had a few problems she had to work out but her husband Dale was always there emotionally which was very nice to see.  I liked the fact that she did not give up.  I think the story was very well written. The author created realistic, believable characters, and the plot moved very nicely without any hiccups at all.  I was impressed with the family values displayed in this story, and the message that a determined person can attain what they believe really resonated with me.

What I didn’t like: Nothing.

In sum: An excellent book, and well worth reading. I recommend it!