July Review Flashback

Hello everyone! This is the last day of July, it is now drawing to a close. This month has been great for me, and I hope it has been for you as well! I've posted several reviews over the course of this month, from just randomly reading a great book and deciding to review it, to being asked personally by indie authors. Next month I have a bunch of reviews lined up for you guys so keep an eye open for those. Below are links to the reviews posted in the month of July that I hope you will find beneficial.
Happy reading! And keep rockin' out and reading it up! <3

Shine Not Burn Review
Just One Wish Review
Dairy Queen Review
A Family Affair Review
Significance Review
I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You
Capitol Hell
The Blood of Titans

Sorry

Hello everyone! 

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything lately. It was actually my birthday a few days ago and I've been busy since then. I now have the blogger app so I can post from there instead of waiting to get onto a computer ^.^

I also 2 reviews I am writing at the moment so you'll get some more awesome books you should check out!

There will also be some indie author posts coming soon where I give you some information and possible interviews  with them as well. So definitely keep a look out. :)

I'll post them up soon but until then

Later days 

the Blood of Titans Review

Book: The Blood of Titans
Author: C. Michael Forsyth

Book Synopsis (Goodreads): The Blood of Titans is a unique love story set in the Golden Age of Africa. It is the tale of Halima, a teenage princess who falls in love with a warrior king. Enormous obstacles lie in the way of their happiness. In the course of their adventures, Princess Halima learns about loss, duty, and the high price of romantic love -- and must make a choice that determines the future of kingdoms.



Book review:
I don't think I have ever a read a book quite like this one. It captivated me from the very beginning and I found myself many times unwilling to place it down until it was completed. It took me less than a day to finish this, and I have to say in honesty that I wish it had not ended, or that there would at least be a part two of some sort. Blood of Titans tells of a young princess forced to marry a king to help form an alliance in an upcoming war, but when ambushed on the way to her wedding her to be husband flees from battle.
I don't want to tell you anymore and spoil anything for anyone so I'm now gonna go into all the things i really enjoyed about this book and I have to tell you there are quite a few things.
One thing I really liked were the proverbs that can be found placed around the book in appropriate situations relating to them. I believe that they gave it a more believable feel. The maxims just helped in drilling into the readers mind the situation. The characters were lovable, with their strength in themselves and wisdom beyond their years. They have great loyalty in those they love. In this story love still prevails even if it's not in the way everyone expects it. This story teaches you many proverbs, lesson of strength and love, and that no matter what happens you have to continue on. No matter how many times you are knocked down, stand up and remember who you are, no matter how many times you are shackled you must break free. For no one can weigh you down for you hold in you the blood of Titans.


Favorite Quotes:
"'Why must life change?' 'Life is change'"

"For the first time she saw why some called nature 'mother', and felt safe in her bosom."

"All kingdoms last but a time, and then they become part of the past."

"Your children will know grandeur and they will know despair. They will walk as kings and they will walk i chains. But they will always have courage for in them is the blood of titans."


All In All:
Like I said before, this book is not like any other books I have read in the past and believe me when I tell you, I have read quite the collection. It's not hard to fall in love with such a unique story six ways from Sunday and back. I truly recommend grabbing a copy and seeing for yourself. 


Get Your Copy:

Paperback is available from

http://freedomshammer.com

Kindle Edition (as well as softcover) is available from

http://www.amazon.com/The-Blood-Titans-Michael-Forsyth/dp/0988478005

All other eBook formats, including Nook from

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312239

Softcover $15.00 ISBN.978-0-9884780-0-8 280 pages

Kindle $6.99 ISBN 978-0-9884780-1-5

Other eBook formats $2.99 ISBN 9781301308309

Capitol Hell Review

Book: Capitol Hell
Authors: Alicia Long, Jayne Jones
Genre: Women's Fiction

Book Synopsis:
When recent college graduate Allison Amundson, a small town girl from South Dakota, lands the highly sought after job of scheduler to the newly-elected and rising star of the United States Senate, Senator Anders McDermott III, she thinks she is on the fast track to success.

However, she quickly learns that crazy co-workers, a high maintenance boss, an over-the-top family and an unexpected Presidential bid make Capitol Hill seem even more dysfunctional than portrayed on TV. In fact, it is Capitol Hell.

The second Allison sets foot in the prestigious Senate Russell Building, things begin to go awry. Allison soon realizes her co-workers consist of a Chief of Staff who has little to no control over the antics in the office, a Press Secretary who is not only pompous, but who is constantly primping and preening, and worst of all the Senator himself, who cares more about his rise to fame than the people of Minnesota. 

As Allison struggles to juggle a new career, her blooming love interest in Cam (a quiet but loyal Legislative Assistant), and her ever-declining bank account, she is comforted only by her co-worker Janet, a fireplug who spends the majority of her time on-line dating, trying to land a Senator of her own. 

Just as Allison and Janet begin to figure out the ins and outs of Capitol Hill, their lives are turned upside down when Senator McDermott announces his bid for President of the United States. Soon, Allison and Janet find themselves at the center of one of the craziest campaigns in history, and hilarity ensues.

This off-beat, funny novel captures and shares what it is like to be a young staffer working on Capitol Hill.


Book Review:
    What's does working in the senate, and then jumping into a presidential campaign train head on make for? I'll tell you what, a hilarious adventure sure to get the driest souls laughing so hard they'll have tears streaming down their face. In Capitol Hell we join the lovely Allison and several of her companions as we make our way not only through the life of being an underpaid senate work, but being risen up to becoming an underpaid presidential campaign worker! Not only do you get to see the funny side of our government (I mean it is politics, who would have thought it was such a laugh riot when the root words are poli- which means many and tics referring to blood sucking creatures), but you can go through all the sweet little scandals and drama. From trying to get a fellow worker in the office to notice her to dealing with a hostile work environment complaint and who can forget the ever faithful CROTCH (when you find out what this is you will probably die laughing so don't go searching it until after you finish reading this please :p).
     The characters were a laugh riot, with wit and sass and some misplaced here and there. They really know how to spark up an office building, but the work doesn't stop after you leave. Oh no, it follows you everywhere (remind to never go to work in politics).
     I really don't know how to describe how much I enjoyed this book but I'm trying really hard here x3. From very literal blind dates to typos that can just about ruin anything, you've got yourself a book with laughter, lust, hard work that for the most part doesn't really seem to pay off (how could mom lie to me about that) and just so much thrown into the pages of a well written fast paced book that is sure to give everyone just what they want. In all honesty when I was first asked to review this book I was hesitant to read it, I mean when did politics suddenly become humorful. In fear of finding jokes that would make no sense to me I became pleasantly surprised that it was just the opposite.


Favorite Quotes:
"'I can't believe he's never been to a fast-food place' Janet said. 'I mean, come on, he can vote on legislation that will revamp our healthcare system. But he doesn't know where chicken nuggets come from?'"

"'How can a blind guy go jet skiing?' I asked. 'Trust me, I'll sail Jenkins boat any day! Anchors away!'"

All In All: 
All in all, you will be surprised to find how delightfully humourous this book was! It's got just the right amount of anything. So if you are into politics and are looking for a good laugh, you don't even have to be into politics to enjoy this book. I truly recommend it. 

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You - Ally Carter Review

Series: Gallagher Girls
Book: I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You
Author: Ally Carter
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mystery, Spy Thriller, Adventure

Book Synopsis:
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? 

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.


Book Review:
What is a little espionage among friends? Nothing but a strengthening among friends, and building new friendships and even making way for a new love. In book one in what is sure to be an amazing series, Ally Carter has outdone herself in creating a world of laughs, secrets, love, and young spies with forces to be reckoned with. Characters display their wit and humor on several occasions, possessing traits that makes you love them. No matter how hard you try to cover it up though, there is always someone who will be one step ahead of you.

Romance sprung up from the depths of a black van from a bottle of soda (just bear with me here), and even though it was based on lies it was some serious true love. You can learn from this book that love doesn't end up dying with the person, and everyone deserves a second chance and more credit than we end up giving them. In this fast paced story of love, humor and espionage, Ally Carter shows us that the collision of worlds isn't such a bad thing.

Favorite Quotes:
"Dad always said the most lethal thing about her was her cooking."

"If the Communists and Capitalists could fight together to take down the Nazis... I told myself. If Spike could fight alongside Buffy to rid the world of demons... If lemon could join forces with lime to create something as delicious and refreshing as Sprite, then surely I can work alongside Macey McHenry for the cause of true love!"

"Wars have been won and lost, assassinations have been thwarted, and women have avoided showing up at the same event in the same dress - all because of really good intel."

All In All:
Hope into the world of espionage, love and laughter in this fast paced novel that all started being formulated in the mind of one by the name of Ally Carter. I laughed, broke my heart, and smiled as I progressed through this book as I learned a little bit more about the spy world and that no matter how much training you have it won't help you in the world of love.

Significance (A Significance Novel) - Shelly Crane Review

Series: Significance
Book: Significance
Author: Shelly Crane
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy


Book Synopsis:
Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track, but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating - barely - and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has.
Then she saves the life of Caleb and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.
They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.
Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.

Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?


Book Review:
 I had heard so many good things about this book, but I had no idea that it would be so much better than anything I had imagined. Let's start with our lovely characters. Maggie was such a sweetheart, and even though when we first meet her she appears to be so detached it just makes you love her more. your heart goes out to her as she struggles to hold on to the little piece of her she has left, that didn't leave with her mother. Then your hart warms as you see her begin to show more emotion and love again, and fights to keep a hold of everything she loves. Caleb, is an absolute sweetheart with a heart of gold and sounds like a real piece of eye candy. He has a loving family with the biggest hearts, something Maggie doesn't but he opens that world up to her. You fall in love with those two, as they fall in love with one another. You can feel your own heart beat fast as you read about the passion and love that they share for one another (well, I know I did and I kind of hope other people did too because I mean I really can't be the only one this happened to). 

The action was great, for lack of a better was to phrase that. You had to be on your toes, and even I was kind of afraid to fall asleep after I finished reading this book in fear of awaking to find hand prints from malicious intent upon my body (I probably sound like a crazy person saying that but if you read the book I am sure you will understand why). Every second you could sense that something was coming over the horizon but you didn't want to, you wanted everything to be bright and cheery. The powers that are exhibited in this book, something other worldly, powerful and strong from love and completion. You will feel your heart cry out in parts of loss and pain, and feel it wipe those tears away at moments of restoration. What we have on our hands here is not just some silly little romance book that climbed its way to be a great book. It has so many elements people search for in a great novel, there is no doubting what makes this book spectacular. 

Favorite Quotes: 
"Dad, I've eaten honey buns almost every day since birth, along with thousands of other Americans. I'm sure they're not lethal."

"'Dad, he's different. He's not going to take advantage of me.' 'I hope not, because I'd hate to go to prison for murder.'"

"What? It's my job as your best friend to make sure he's not a serial killer. Or an English major, not sure which one's worse."


All In All: 
This book was just so amazing I am not sure where I should go with this. We had lovable character, love in general, family, struggle, action, pain, blah blah blah I think you are getting the point I am trying to make here which is that this book has it going on! So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

A Family Affair Review

Book: A Family Affair
Author: Jennifer Wenn
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance


Book Synopsis:
Lady Francesca Darling has been in love with Devlin Ross, the Duke of Hereford, since she was five years old. When they meet again at her debutante ball she finds her feelings remain the same, and to her joy he is mesmerized by her. To the gossipy matrons of the ton it’s the perfect match—the richest heiress and the most eligible bachelor.

But can their budding love survive her interfering family and the deep scars from his father’s abuse? Enchanted as he is with the delightful woman Fanny has become, Devlin intends never to repeat that abuse, vowing not to live with his wife and children.


Fanny is a determined young lady — she wants Devlin and a true marriage. Is her love strong enough to tear down all his walls?



Book Review: 
I had forgotten my love for historical romance before finding this book, and I am so pleased with it! What book would be complete without the strong headed female with enough fire and love inside of her that she could cover the entire Nile River and the some? There are so many things that I loved about this book I am not sure where I should begin, but I shall try anyway. The characters were so lovable, with their quick wit, humor, and over all charming personality. Well those, who had them anyway. Those who you knew right away you wouldn't like, well they just seemed to enjoy giving you more reasons to find them insufferable. The humor in this book had me laughing aloud (causing some looks from the people around me to be shot my way, as though they didn't think it possible for me to find enjoyment in a book.). Not only was the humor lovable, but so was the love (how terrible does that sound, meh >.<). You could feel the love, radiating and making your toes curl as you read of undeniable passion, and your heart to swell and beat faster with the characters. Of course, love has its ups and downs! I mean who wants to read a book where the biggest problem is who to court during the season, and not, oh I don't know, the abandonment of a wife and her soon to be born child. Schemes are thrown here and there, and love and will are tested as we embark on a journey to understand our characters better and yearn to know if it is possible to tear down the walls one has placed around themselves since the beginning of their existence  all because of the prospect of something as wonderful as love.


The Bad:
The one real problem that I had with this book was the ending. I felt as though were was just too many things left for me to wonder, and since I have heard nothing about a sequel of some sort I am quite upset by this (See my upset face -.-). I hate it when I am left with new questions and I would very much like for them to be answered! This is my only quarrel with this book. 


Favorite Quotes:

"'I will give you some advice,' Fanny said, giving him her most innocent smile. 'I is really hart to meet good friends when one is hiding in the shadows of the balcony'"

"Devlin couldn't hold back a chuckle. 'How can you be so sure that I love you?' 'How can you not?' she rolled her eyes"


All In All:
This was a fantastic book! The plot, the characters, the love, loss, pain, and just everything about life that we know is out there is blended into the pages almost seamlessly as though they were born there. I have no idea what more I can say about this book? Why are you still sitting here! Go and get it,you will not be disappointed!

Dairy Queen - Catherine Gilbert Murdock Review

Book Series: Dairy Queen
Book: Dairy Queen
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Genre: Young Adult, Sports and Games, Romance, Humor, Coming of Age


Book Synopsis:
When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D.J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.


Book Review: 

This book was different from what I thought it would be. I thought the characters wouldn't be all everyone said they would be but boy was I was wrong! This book was a great read, I couldn't put it down for the life of me until I finished it. The characters were enjoyable, changing from boring to characters you know you will fall in love with no matter how stupid they acted sometimes. The plot had twists, not a lot of them but when they did have them they blew me away. This book was just great. I feel like there could have been more in terms of character development but it was great none the less

Favorite Quotes: 
"Now, Mrs. Stolze is a very nice lady and a great teacher, but she knows about as much about football as the heifers do. Less, probably, because at least they've been watching me and Brian. It's a huge joke all her classes have with her, how much she doesn't know. 'Now what position are you playing' she asked all nicely. I had to cough so I wouldn't laugh, because I could have something like Exterior Flame-Thrower and she would have believed me."

“When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.”

All In All: 
This was a very refreshing coming of age story. The humor tickled me pink (yeah I don't even know I said that). It was nice to take some time away from the typical coming of age stories with prom and falling for the wrong guy, or worrying about money and social status. Status doesn't matter if you just do what you're supposed to, and breaking free doesn't make you any lower on the totem pole than anyone else. I truly enojoyed this book for that it is worth and I am sure many others will as well. So what are you waiting for, the apocalypse. Go and get the book, sit down and have an enlightening comical read on me.

Fairest (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale) - Chanda Hahn Review

Book Series: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale
Book: Fairest
Author: Chanda Hahn
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Retellings

Book Synopsis:
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall,
Who is the Fairest of them all?

In the sequel to UnEnchanted, Mina Grime discovers that all is not fair when it comes to the Fae and their tales, especially when they don’t all play by the rules. Barely surviving the Story’s first fairy tale quest, Mina still has hundreds to go before she can end the curse on her family. But a new player arises to challenge Mina while new rules revamp the game she has just barely begun to understand.
All the while, people are mysteriously disappearing, including Jared, whom Mina must finally determine to be friend or foe. And with the loss of her greatest weapon, Mina must try to outwit a deadly hunter. Can Mina survive the most difficult quest yet while protecting those she loves from falling victim to one of the lethal tales of all? Or will she become a pawn when she strikes a bargain with the Queen of Fae?

Book Review: 
You have to always be on alert, especially when you never know what part you end playing. This books holds itself up to the standards that were set by the first book in the series and I certainly hope that the next book does quite the same.
The characters were lovable all over again. I felt pain for Mina over the loss of love, felt her anger and jealously as she realized love was being taken away from her yet again, and relief over saving those she loved. Our two leading men were just as deliciously lovely as ever, as well as the two leading ladies being as lovable as ever no matter how sassy they got with one another. There was some lovely action, getting lost in the woods and the grim reaper himself! There was the right amount of loss, love, unspoken yearning, jealousy and a "happily ever after" in the loose sense of the words. The ending made me happy and quite upset at the same time. Everything was as it should be but the pain that I felt over the loss Mina was going through told me that maybe things should be different. But not everything is a happily ever after. 

Favorite Quotes: 
" There's no such tihng as fair when i comes to the Fae and their tales."
"Mina's room liked messy. Nan's looked like a bomb went off in it."
"I can't believe it took you so long to figure it out. The audio doesn't exactly work if I try to summon you from my end, if you may recall. But what can you expect when I try and mimic a Disney movie?"
"Tell your King and Queen to send their best becuase this tale is about to be rewritten:"

All In All: 
This book made me love the series all the more! It was a great fairy tale retelling, capturing elements that I enjoy into this book almost seamlessly. The author has truly outdone herself yet again. If you haven't read the first one what are you waiting for? And if you have and haven't read the second, I think you know what you should be reading right now? ;)

Just One Wish - Janette Rallison Review

Book: Just One Wish
Author: Janette Rallison
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Road trip, Humor

Book Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

Book Review: 

This book had the right amount of humor and romance to calm my taste buds for a great book. However, I feel like the plot may have been a little under developed. It was as though everything happened way faster than it should have, meaning things could have taken a little bit more time. For example, the romance came quicky while the road trip was dragged out. There could have been more balance with these aspects. I had the right amount of action in a loose sense of the word. I did feel for the younger brother very often, keeping up his hopes even when things seemed dark and when he stopped that just about broke me down. 


favorite Quotes: 

“Perhaps I wasn't going crazy after all. Perhaps I was just becoming a writer. ” 

"That's the thing about the internet. It's really good at giving you pointless facts like how many horses a star owns, but not important things like how to invade his trailer.” 

“I can't believe you just did that! Are you crazy?"
I gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Why do people keep asking me that?"
He turned to stare at me, his eyes worried. "Who else keeps asking you that? Are any of them doctors?” 

All in All: 
I really liked this book. It had action, romance and made me laugh quite a lot. What more could a person ask for. I give it a rating of 3 and a half guitar strings out of 5. ;)

Shine Not Burn - Elle Casey Review

Book: Shine Not Burn
Author: Elle Casey
Genre: New Adult

Book Synopsis: IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS. 

I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much. 

Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames.

Book Review: I don't even know where to begin when it comes to this book. So I shall begin by telling you this... Wow. Yup, that sums it up rather well. I fell in love with this book after reading the first few lines. Elle never disappoints in hooking her readers in with her snazzy word play, and this is no exception. The characters were so lovable, making you want to love them more and more as you continue to turn the pages. It was exciting, with the perfect hints of romance, pain, lust. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention the quite delicious cowboys? Well let me tell you, yummy yummy. Almost makes me want to run off to Vegas and pray I find a sexy rancher like our buddy Mac. I can tell you in all honesty this book will on no way shape or form disappoint you if you're looking for an exciting book with all the right elements. You better preorder right now! Or buy the book when it comes out I don't care but you had better buy the dang thing! 

Sam, over and out! :3

Favorite Quotes:    

"Nobody's got good wood like a guy who works with stiffs all day"

"Floor, if you will please swallow me now, I promise to dedicate myself to feeding the homeless for the rest of my miserable life"

"If by saying shoes you mean the Devil's torture devices down there, then no. I definitely don't want to put them on."

"Luceo non uro. Shine, not burn"

All In All: 

Are you still reading this? Oh wait, I would hope you would be. Anyway, you need to go and get this book like now! You know you wanna read it. I know you wanna read it. So why are you not reading it person! Go, Go, Go! I've told you many times Elle Casey does not disappoint and this time is no exception. Why are you still reading this? GOOOOOO!