Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon Final Update

     I really enjoyed the past couple of weeks and realize that I need to make extra effort in the future to fit more reading into my days. This may require starting up a petition to add at least 4 extra hours to each and every day so I can find some spare time. Please sign it if it comes across your desk! While I didn't finish all of my intended list of books to tackle, I am happy to say that I did, in fact, reach both of my goals for this read-a-thon! Not only did I catch up on my 2015 reading challenge I am FIVE books ahead now! *happy dance* My second goal was for my "read" shelf to exceed my "to-read" shelf, which it does! Even if only by one book, that still counts. Without further ado my final review for the read-a-thon...

Day 12 of the Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon

     Sadly, real life is intervening again and I haven't had much time for reading. I did manage to finish Historical Mysteries, a nonfiction account of real life mysteries which turned out to be a bit dry.

Historical Mysteries by Andrew Lang
311pp
I give it 2 stars.

Not what I expected. The mysteries may be historical and are well researched, but hardly important or much of interest.

View all my reviews

Total Books Finished: 15
Total Pages Read: 2921

Day 11 of the Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon

     Today I'm going to cover not only my update for the day but my findings for today's challenge: A Scavenger hunt! Fun, fun! Princessica of Books posted this challenge. Here are my findings for it...

Day 10 of the Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon

     I finished two books and reached one of my goals! Woot! YAY ME! I am now back on track for my 2015 reading challenge. Now to stay that way :-s

Day 9 of the Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon

Waiting For Nick by Nora Roberts
Book 5 in The Stanislaskis: Those Wild Ukrainians series
251pp
I give it 4 stars!

It was cute, plenty of laugh out loud humor and very little garbage drama usually found in romances.

View all my reviews

Total Books Finished: 11
Total Pages Read: 1949

Happy Holidays!

     First off, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. I would also like to thank those who have stuck with me over this past year while I have been virtually absent from my blog posts.

     I have suspected for quite some time that I was burnt out, but this morning I realized that it goes beyond just being burnt out. I have been reading the Maze Runner series, and when I finished The Scorch Trials just moments ago, my first thought was that I'm so tired of reaching the last page of a book and finding no conclusion. Once again I was faced with a storyline that was leading into the next book instead of concluding the current book. Instead of that sense of accomplishment that I completed a book, I felt - well, annoyed. It is early Christmas morning and I won't be able to get my hands on the next book in the series for several days most likely. I'm just going to be stuck in limbo waiting until I can read the next book - IF that book even gives a conclusion and not just a lead in for the next book. It is all so very frustrating.

Night Terror by Jeff Gunhus - Book Review

Night Terror by Jeff Gunhus Book 2 Night Chill Series Genres: Thriller, Horror, Paranormal

     It is ten years later and the local newspaper marks the anniversary with a memorial article of those lost in what the town views as a simple cave in. Not only are emotions and memories stirred up within the family of those lost and affected by what really happened in the underground caves, but we find that an evil paranormal entity has just been waiting for Sarah to grow stronger and is now stirring as well.

Killer Within by Jeff Gunhus - Featured Author Book Review

Killer Within by Jeff Gunhus Genres: Suspense, Thriller

     Arnie Milhouse is a wimp. Brow beaten by his wife and resigned to a dead end job, Arnie has accepted his mediocre role in life with little resistance. Until one day when Arnie has a life changing experience, which wasn't necessarily a change for the better.

The Big Wide Calm - Fun Read Friday Book Review

The Big Wide Calm by Rich Marcello Genre: Drama

     The big wide calm can mean different things to different people. Basically it is that place in life where you are completely relaxed and happy with where you are in life. As with most things in life, it isn't always about the destination but with the journey to get there. Singer/songwriter, Paige Plant is working on her first album. She believes she is destined to be famous. But not just famous, she is striving to be one of those artists that cross generations and whose music is cherished for years to come. Her songs are based on her definition of the big wide calm and what she feels is required to reach it.

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus - Featured Author Book Review

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus Book 1 in Night Chill series Genres: Horror, Paranormal,    Suspense, Fantasy

     I see a lot of book synopses that claim works by lesser known authors are King-like or that their writing style is similar to Koontz. I always take these with a grain of salt. But in this case, it is very true. The plot was so deeply layered and well thought out I was half expecting a scene where someone spots Pennywise while driving through Derry, or of someone eating a bologna and Bermuda onion sandwich (has anyone else noticed King's character's obsession with this sandwich?), or that Jack was committed to Juniper Hill Asylum because this book does have that amazing degree of creepiness that Stephen King has perfected. Then again, there IS a yellow lab, which reminds me of the golden retriever which Koontz often has traipsing through his plots.

The Consecration of Jacob Jordaens - Book Review

The Consecration of Jacob Jordaens by Michael Brown Genres: Paranormal, Thriller

     Jake Jordaens moves from New Orleans to Providence, Rhode Island with his adoptive mother Lexis. At the tender age of 19 Jake is struggling with paranormal visions, college admissions, and his own identity - due to being adopted and also confusion as to his own sexual persuasion. Combine all this with falling into an underground ring of mafia run illegal activities primarily consisting of child pornography marketing both videos and children to pedophiles, and poor Jake has quite a lot on his plate.

Vic: Never Give up - Serial Sunday Review

Vic: Never Give Up by Jerry Gill Book 3 Vic Challenger Series Genres: Action Adventure, Romance,    Historical Romance, Fantasy

     Vic Challenger returns for another adventure in her quest to find Nu, the son of Nu. This time Vic and her friend Lin are headed to Scotland and London in search of an artist that Vic believes to be the reincarnation of Nu. Expecting a nice, quiet, fun vacation; the pair of adventurers stumble upon slave traders, strange beasts, and much more danger than they had anticipated. But never fear, for these super women are more than up to the challenge.

Keep Calm and Ask On by Michael Samuels - Book Review

Keep Calm and Ask On: A No-Nonsense Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams by Michael Samuels Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

     The author stresses how important it is that you define your goals and trust that everything will work out. Whether you are trusting the Universe, as Samuels phrases it, or God, fate, karma, destiny, Buddha, a higher power, etc. these principles can be applied - no matter what your beliefs or religion may be.

Unplugged by P.D. Quaver - Book Review

Unplugged by P.D. Quaver Genres: Young Adult, Thriller

     Unplugged is a thrilling tale aimed at young adults. A group of kids are sent to a new summer camp that claims to wean the children off of their dependence and addictions to electronics. But all is not as it appears as it turns out that this summer camp is merely a front for a kidnapping scheme. The kids are whisked away to a remote island and held hostage. Ironically, they DO learn to live and succeed without any electronic benefits. This is reminiscent of a modern day Lord of the Flies - almost, kinda, sorta. The classic book is mentioned in the story and may spark interest in your youngster, if they enjoy this tale, and I'm all for getting today's kids interested in reading classics.

Prodigal Nights - Fun Read Friday

Prodigal Nights by Lisa Buffaloe Genres: Romance, Christian

     This is another story where the main character is ticked off at God, but then sees the light and forgives Him for all the garbage that they have had to endure in life. I'm almost starting to wonder if these books find their way into my hands through fate or divine intervention in an attempt to get me back on speaking terms with God. But I digress ...

     Bethany has a wild past but is trying to mend her evil ways. Jason has also sown his share of wild oats and is attempting to plow under this crop and follow a good Christian path. When they meet, they both felt shame about their pasts and feared that the other would find fault.

     There really isn't much "He loves me, he loves me not" in this book, which is a relief. However there is an almost annoying amount of "can I trust him/her" and fear of getting hurt and/or whether or not they deserve someone so seemingly perfect in spite of their lurid past.

     That said, the story had many light hearted humorous bits that had me laughing out loud and the end was amazingly gripping. Regardless of my responsibilities and schedules, I did not manage to set this down until the end.

Midnight Guests and Other Weird Stories - Saturday Shorts Book Review

Midnight Guests and Other Weird Stories by Amy Michelle Mosier Genre: Horror

     This book is a collection of several short stories by author Amy Michelle Mosier. The tales are incredibly chilling with many downright creepy moments. This was my first reading of this author and I was very impressed. The plots were original, entertaining, and well thought out. I highly recommend this book as an excellent introduction to an unknown author. These short stories will be enjoyed by any readers who love horror that may be interested in finding their next favorite author.

I give it 5 stars!

Playmates by Jess C Scott - Fun Read Friday Review

Playmates Book 1 - Wilde Twins series by Jess C. Scott Genre: Psychological Thriller

     Author Scott produces a promising beginning to her Wilde Twins series where fraternal twins are a grisly brother sister team of serial killers. In this first book she begins by introducing us to them as children. We see how Tania goes from a normal 9 year old girl to a teen with little or no empathy, especially for those that seem to have a better life than she does.

     *SPOILER ALERT* nope not going to give away the conclusion of the story. I couldn't if I wanted to since there was no conclusion, just a cliff for me to dangle off of. For those readers who enjoy cliff hangers, you're going to love this one. Personally, I feel jipped. When I invest my time to read a book and don't get some closure, some sense that the book has ended, even if there is a sequel there should be some sense of a conclusion to this book before the next one begins. Ok, off my soap box about my biggest pet peeve and moving on...

     The characters are incredibly well developed. Their actions and reactions are realistic and gives insight to the reader as to how and why the twins develop exactly as they do psychologically and allows us to sympathize with Tania even if we do not condone her actions.

     This installation of the series definitely piques one's interest to follow the Wilde twins lives to see where fate takes them next.

I give it 4 stars!

Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs - Book Review

Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal

     Nathan is not your average eight year old boy. He is a victim. Abused by his father, terrorized by bullies at school, and misunderstood by his teachers and principal, Nathan has had enough. He fantasizes about a monster that comes to his rescue, wrecking havoc and violent deaths to all who mistreat the boy. The more Nathan imagines his monster the more realistic it becomes - both in added details to the beast and in substance. It isn't long before the impossible becomes possible - Nathan's imaginary friend becomes real and Nathan finds that he cannot control his creation's murderous tendencies.

     A very interesting premise put forth by author Troy McCombs. While I could feel sorry for the little boy because of the abuse he suffered, I had a hard time really liking the character. His whole hearted rage, constant denial of any complicity, self righteous attitude, and lack of remorse once the killing spree began made the boy seem a tad bit creepy to me.

     Entertaining story that is well worth the time and effort that it takes to read it. I would recommend this book to those who love stories about fantasy creatures come to life or underdogs who come out on top.

I give it 4 stars!

Wraithsong by EJ Squires - Book Review

Wraithsong by EJ Squires Desirable Creatures Series Book I Genre:Paranormal, Fantasy,    Young Adult, Romance

     17yo Sonia has always known that she was different but it isn't until her senior year of high school that she learns exactly how much. Her mother has the uncanny ability to control people and Sonia has inherited this ability, but with it takes a lot of responsibility and consequences when used unwisely.

Destiny: Illusions by Daniel Rafferty - Book review

Destiny: Illusions - The Crime Of Our Ancestors by Daniel Rafferty Book 1 in series Genres: Science Fiction, Action Adventure

     Is there intelligent life on other planets? If so, how would those of us on earth react to such knowledge? Would we panic and assume they were hostile and become hostile ourselves? Would the aliens just become yet another culture subject to racial hate by the close minded people who already have such attitudes? Could we learn to live in harmony and trust without fear of differences? These questions make some wonderful food for thought. Author Daniel Raffety provides us with a scenario where aliens have come forth in peace and a friendly alliance is made. Both races benefit from shared technology and a seemingly strong bond is formed between the two planets. But when Earth falls victim to an attack from space will our underlying tendencies to distrust outsiders lead to a full scale intergalactic war?