Reading Fanatic Reviews
Books to Add to Your TBR list... or Not!Hey, ya’ll! I’m VERY behind getting my reviews up on the website! I’ve increased the reading and reviewing, leaving less of my leisure time available to update this website. I’ll do weekly posts with links to my reviews at Amazon; you can also check out my Amazon and Goodreads profiles.
By the way, I’m now a top 50 Amazon.com reviewer (#12 currently) and the top 8 US reviewer of all time on Goodreads (and top 9 in the world)… and the #6 US reviewer and #8 in the world in the past year. Cool stuff!
I hope to make updates to this site soon!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of April 12, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
I’ve just published my own book in support of the restaurant industry, Kitchen Open by Jamie Jack. It’s linked above. Check it out and spread the word to anyone you know who owns, manages, or operates a restaurant!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!
Historical Romance
- Conquered Heart by Kara Griffin
- A Portrait of Dawn by Samantha St. Claire (Idaho territory just on cusp of statehood)
- The Princess Spy by Elise Marion (not really historical as it takes place in a nonexistant country, but it seems European around the time of the start of the railroad)
- Capturing the Bride by Samantha Holt
- Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
- A Stolen Bride by Avery Maitland (poorly written story; I don’t like a story where the hero is unclear or the heroine gets abused during the entire book)
- Wed in Disgrace by Rose Pearson (very sympathetic heroine)
Contemporary Romance
- Whirlwind Kisses by Sienna Carr
Nonfiction
- Crossword by Smart Brains Publishing
- Cryptograms by Smart Brains Publishing
- The Leathercrafting, Wood Burning, and Whittling Starter Handbook by Stephen Fleming
- Ukelele for Beginners by Andrew Scott
- Emotional Intelligence in Business by R. Stevens (poorly written and edited)
- Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Joel E. Winston (almost the same as the above book down to the errors!)
- Masculine Emotional Intelligence by John Adams
- Shredded Secrets by Rex Bonds
- Wicca Herbal Magic by Wendy Crystal
- Wicca for Beginners by Wendy Crystal
- Catching Waves by Harvey McDaniel
- Mastering the Art of Writing a Book by Quadrant Mastery (too general, trying to cover both fiction and nonfiction
- Empath Evolved by Jessica Flowers
- The Habit Switch by Romney Nelson (a different take on healthy habits)
- Forever Young by Richard Robertson (not really about anti-aging so much as healthy living)
- DIY Homemade Medical Face Mask by Magda Hewlitt (making a mask part good; medical and scientific theory, not so much)
- How to Budget and Manage Your Money by Rachel Mercer (refreshing, positive look at budgeting)
Cookbooks
- Diet and Cookbook for Beginners by Jennifer Skyman (two books about dissimilar diets, keto and Mediterranean)
Children’s
- 1200+ Fun, Wacky, and Interesting Facts about Dinosaurs that Every Kid Should Know by Professor Smart (boring, actually)
- Know the Virus to Beat the Virus by Des O’Gorman (book not at Amazon, link to Goodreads)
- The Rock Squad by Des O’Gorman
- ABCs of Countries: USA by Des O’Gorman
- ABCs of Countries: Japan by Des O’Gorman
- Dot Makers Activity Book by Kawaii Activity
- Easter Gifts for Kids by POD Only Publishing
- Construction Vehicles Coloring Book for Kids by Elephant Publishing
- ABCs of Countries: Ireland by Des O’Gorman
- ABCs of Countries: Islands by Des O’Gorman
- Connecting Dots and Coloring Book for Kids by HAB Publishing
Speculative Fiction
- Goddess of Virtue by Laura Greenwood and L. A. Boruf (goddess of virtue with a missing memory who is a burlesque dancer)
- Spindles and Spells by Laura Greenwood
- Love Spell in London by Shereen Vedam
Mysteries
- A Witch Too Frozen by Paula Lester
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Weeks of March 29 and April 1, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here, especially now, as I have been working hard on trying to get my own book published on Amazon to help restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!
Historical Romance
- The Baron and the Enchantress by Paulette Golden
- Benjamin’s Bride by Kathleen Lawless
- When the West Was Wed by Margaret Brownley
Contemporary Romance
- Love on Beach Avenue by Jennifer Probst
- Michelle’s Miracle by C. B. Samet (fantastic paranormal twist!)
- Celia at 39 by Jason Pomerance (so well written, hard to put down)
- Defend Me by Kelly Collins
Nonfiction
- Future-Proof Leadership by Jonatan Slane
- Mental Models Revealed by Joseph Fowler
- In the Shadow of the Valley by Bobi Conn (memoir)
- Activity Book for Adults (100+ Puzzles) by Bryce Ross (includes word scrambles, 3 levels of sudoku, and word searches)
- 1000 Word Scrambles by Bryce Ross
- Guitar for Beginners by James Haywire (excellent book for the wannabe guitarist)
- Cupping Therapy by Michael L. Zhang
- Betta Fish by Walter James (more like a term paper)
- 50 Different Ways to Journal by Natalie Rhodes (too short, not enough examples)
- Waymarks for Authors by Chris Lewando
- Whittling for Beginners by Stephen Fleming
- Guitar Scales for Beginners by James Haywire (helps you understand why you should practice scales… and more creative things to do with them)
- How to Forget Your Ex by Carolyn King (terrible, skip it!)
- Word Scramble by Smart Brains Publishing
- Acoustic Guitar for Beginners by James Haywire
- Kakuro Cross Sums Puzzle Book by Smart Brains Publishing
- The Writer’s Guide to Microsoft Word by Kari Holloway (concise, with a few helpful tips just for writers or those who work with manuscripts)
- Word Search by Smart Brains Publishing
- Origami for Beginners by John Shafer (directions too hard to follow)
- The Un-Tapped Vagus Nerve by Richard Francis
- Stretching Matters by Richard Robertson
- Bonsai by Daichi Haruka
- Book Signing Party by Jason Moser
- Cricut for Beginners by Sophia Design
- 3000 Unique Questions about Me by Questions about Me
- Guitar Exercises by James Haywire
- Empath by Jessica Flowers (skip, oddly repetitive, unsatisfying book)
- Start a Creative Recycling Side Hustle by James Dillehay (make money from eco-art)
- 7X Strength Gains Even If… by Rex (odd mismash of nutrition and sleep advice with in-depth look at 6 core exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, squats, bridges)
- Activity Book for Adults (200+ Puzzles) by Bryce Ross (some errors; try another book)
- How to Navigate the Five Steps of Your Spiritual Journey by Cheryl Marlene (delightful book to help guide your spiritual journey; Amazon rejected review, so link is to Goodreads)
- Assertiveness for Men by John Adams (short, some odd, laughable parts; barely longer than a pamphlet)
- Body Language by Marvin Houston (peculiar, written like term paper)
- Are You Free by Tim Banks II (one man’s look at libertarianism)
- Lose Weight Fast, and Live Longer by Eric Garrett (11-page joke; Amazon rejected review, so link is to Goodreads)
- Pre- and Post-Natal Care for Both Baby and Mom by Haley Carr (another excellent parenting book by this author)
Children’s
- Connect the Dots Easter by Pamparam Kids Books
- Halloween Coloring Book for Kids by Activity Nest (“cute” Halloween)
- Easter Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 by Pamparam Kids Books (some color!)
- Crossword Puzzles for Kids by Big Bad Puzzles (puzzles aren’t complex or interesting)
- Would You Rather Book for Kids – Easter Edition by Mindsource Publishing
- My First Mazes for Kids 4-8 by Activity Nest
- Sudoku for 10 Year Old Kids by Pete Spencer (fun sudoku book for beginners and kids)
- The Great Big Book of Activities, Games, Recipes, and Projects for Kids by Kallie Johnson (not much detail, no illustrations, mostly compendium of ideas)
- Trace Letters of the Alphabet with Sight Words by Activity Nest (boring)
- A Day at the Beach by Maryanne J. Lawrence (creepy and weird)
- Horse Coloring Book by Angela Kidd
Thrillers
- What We Forget to Bury by Marin Montgomery
- Little White Secrets by Carol Mason
Speculative Fiction
- A Girl from Nowhere by James Maxwell
- The Jabberwocky Princess by CeCe Louise
Time Travel
- Discovering the Real Millie by Tessa Marie (fascinating time travel… familial!)
Mystery
- Murder in the Early Hours by Blythe Baker
- Sauvignon Secrets by (Amazon rejected my review, so link is to Goodreads)
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of March 22, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!
Historical Romance
- The Fisherman’s Heart by Courtney Willis (old West Oregon coast)
- In the Widow’s Bed by Heather Boyd (steamy Regency romp)
- The Lady’s Secret Love by Lucy Adams (Regency spy ring story)
- Kissed at Midnight by Samantha Holt
Contemporary Romance
- Someone to Watch Over Me by Teri Turcotte (has a paranormal twist, but not with the romance)
- Something More by Marianne Rice
Nonfiction
- Meditation for Now by Vince Taylor
- Work from Home & Make Six Figures by Michelle Kulp
- Build Your Tribe on Facebook as a Published Author (good advice for FB pages and groups whether you’re an author or not)
- Critical Thinking Unleashed by Christopher Hayes and Patrick Magano
- Mental Models Revealed by Joseph Fowler and Patrick Magano
- Psalms Coloring Book for Adults by Jacob Mason (good quotes, too many flowers!)
- Turquoise Boot Straps by Rebecca MacCeile
- People Skills Secrets by John Guzman
- Emotional Intelligence for Leadership by Jonatan Slane
Paranormal
- The Sacred Maiden by Cara Wyle (a paranormal adventure and suspense!)
Children’s
- T is for Tiger Shark by Dr. Mia Clarke
- Easter Activity Book for Kids by Jacob Mason (odd mistakes and quirks; better ones are out there)
- I Spy with My Little Eye – Animals by Pamparam Kids Books
- I Spy Easter by Pamparam Kids Books
- Zoo Animals Coloring Book for Kids Ages 4 to 8 by Coloring Visions
- Space Coloring Book for Kids Ages 4 to 8 by Coloring Visions
- The Mermaid Easter Adventure by Luna James
Family Drama
- No Home Like Nantucket by Grace Palmer
Speculative Fiction Romance
- Savanna by Shelly Ferguson (a mermaid shifter fantasy I found confusing)
- Once in a Black Moon by D. Lieber (complex time-travel, shifter, fae, magic fantasy love triangle)
Games for Adults
- 3D Mazes for Adults by Brain Trainer
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of March 15, 2019
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- A Duke’s Duty by G. L. Snodgrass (good characters to start but plot, grammar lack)
- The Bloom by Elizabeth A. Lance (the author needs to learn how to Google search…)
- A Gentleman’s Stipulation by Jean Wilde (ummm, just NO)
- In Search of Love by Rose Pearson (Regency)
- A Mystery for the Earl by Joyce Alec (excellent enemies-to-lovers and good suspense)
- Earl of Sunderland by Aubrey Wynne (delightful, strong characters who have vulnerabilities)
- Dressed in White by Sandra Sookoo (survival in the wilds of Cornwall after a bad carriage accident)
- Follow Your Star Home by the Bluestocking Belles (anthology of historical romances from Viking times to a modern time-travel romance, all connected by a star Viking ring)
- Treasured by the Earl by Sandra Sookoo (a paranormal, dragon-shifter Regency)
- Highland Honor by Tyranni Thomas (poorly written, more like erotica)
- Sweetwater Ridge by G. L. Snodgrass
- High Desert Cowboy by G. L. Snodgras
Contemporary Romance
- Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg (unusual contemporary romance and family drama)
- Welcome Home by Merri Maywether
- The Essence of Whiskey and Tea by Stacey Wilk
- Cornerstone of Love by Susan Carlisle (fun contemporary romance in a castle!)
- The Ultimate Clara Andrews Box Set by Lacey London (11 novellas that trace a contemporary British woman’s life through courtship, marriage, motherhood, and beyond)
- Determined Dreamer by Deborah King
Nonfiction
- 101 Things to Teach Your Kids This Year by Penelope Hoyt
- Birth Becomes Hers by Bree Moore (lovely, heartfelt book about freebirth including stories)
- Overcoming Autoimmune by Tirzah Hawkins (seems more general than about autoimmune)
- Brain Trainer by Brain Trainer (odd word-association game book)
- Mentally Strong Formula by Roger Steward
- Intermittent Fasting for Women by Silvia Pala (not about women; recipes terrible)
- Intermittent Fasting by Silvia Pala (terrible book of 10 recipes)
- Plant-Based Diet for Beginners by Silvia Pala (author confused about meaning of plant-based; bad recipes again)
- Alcohol Detox by Silvia Pala (9 pages of “book”; not about detox, more about general alcoholism)
- Job Launch by Romney Nelson (aimed at graduates, but good tips for all job seekers from someone who has been on the other side of the interview table)
- The PCOS Fertility and Diet Set by Jane Kennedy
- A Radical Theory on Women Endocrine Issues/Infertility (PCOS) & Depression (BPD/Dysthymia/Bipolar/Major) by RSH (draws connections between PCOS and depression)
- The Meaning of Madness by Dr. Neel Burton (interesting look at mental illness)
- Simple Crystal Magic by Cassandra Larsen
- How to Keep a Work-Life Balance by Anne Pelland (more about burnout and stress)
- Job Hunting Pro by Toby Tuckerman
- The Easy Dinner Cookbook by Chef Emery
- The Secret of Everything by Neel Burton
- How to Develop Alexa Skills by Roman Alexander (want to learn to program Alexa)
- How to Sell Products and Services with Mobile Apps by Maurice Ufituwe (outdated)
- Forever Marriage by Biff Adam
- Conquering Procrastination by Patrick Magana
- NLP for Entrepreneurs by Joel E. Winston
- From Your Baby Bump to Your Baby’s First Birthday by Haley Carr
- The Sober Journey: A Guide to Prayer and Meditation in Recovery by Dirk Foster
- An Introduction to Stoicism by Damien Alexander
Speculative Fiction Romance
- Date Monsters for Bad Boys by Lisa Daniels (shifter romance)
- Her Haunted Valentine by Tricia Schneider (sappy but sweet short ghost romance in Valentine’s collection)
- Quantum Entanglement by Liesel K. Hill (book 2 of sci-fi, somewhat magical romance)
Children’s
- Maze Book for Kids Ages 4-8 Volume 4 by POD Publishing Only
- You’re An Aries by Lynne North (great illustrations but poor writing)
- Hey, Kids! Let’s Visit Charleston, South Carolina by Teresa Mills (poorly written)
- Happy Easter! Coloring Book for Kids by Lia Manea
- Fun and Challenging Mazes (Ages 8-12) by Activity Wizo
- Animal Coloring Book for Kids by Activity Nest
- The Big Book of Sea Turtle Calming Art Pages by Dr. Mia Clarke (didn’t find them calming!)
- A is for Appaloosa by Dr. Mia Clarke
- Bible Verse Coloring Book for GIrls by Jacob Mason (flowers aren’t the only girly things, Mr. Mason!!)
Mysteries
- Sugar Skulls and Suspects by Paula Lester (offshoot of Sunnyside Retirement series)
- Murder at First Sight by Shelly West
Fantasy
- Sword in the Throne by Helen Savore (twist on Arthurian myth)
Urban Fantasy
- Fianna’s Rising by Ron C. Nieto (delightful blend of urban fantasy and Irish mythology)
Chick Lit
- Everything She Wants by D. A. Nelson
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of March 8, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- New Year’s Masquerade by Katherine Grant (uber short, nothing-to-it Regency novella)
- Christmas Charity by Beverley Oakley
- Finding the Artisan’s Future by Penny Fairbanks
- Saved by the Enemy by Cat Sierra (just so baaaadly written!)
- Swept by the Highlander by Rebecca Preston (Baltimore detective goes to medieval Scotland–cool concept but not well done)
- All You Need is a Duke by Bianca Blythe (Regency; sweet but strong heroine)
Contemporary Romance
- Anna-Jane’s Art of the Heart by Sophie Mays (too simple small-town romance; needs tension)
- The Marseille Millionaire by Kaya Quinsey Holt
Nonfiction
- Charisma Magnetism by Maynard McBride (confused compilation of popular concepts)
- Five Theories on the Fitz by Wendolyn Goerl (all about the infamous Edward Fitzgerald)
- A Life of Liberation by Ryuu Shinohara
- The Art of Thinking Big by Marvin McGee (not really about the topic at all)
- Everything You Need to Know about Salt by Anne Pelland
- Writing Prompts to Plan and Write a Business Book by Mary A. Cummings
- Top 10 Tips for Happiness by Ann Omasta
- Stop Doing This to Yourself by Sir. Constantine
- Intermittent Fasting for Women over 50 by Rebekah
- The Nerdy Survivalist by Penelope Hoyt
- Simple Marketing for Entrepreneurial Activities by James Stone
- Mexican American Cantina by Sarah Gilbert
- Unfrazzle by Stephanie Lam
- Save Your Life with Keto Diet by Dr. Lydia Elisabeth Myburgh
- Understanding the Power of Sleeping by Anne Pelland
- Artificial Intelligence by Mark Gates
- 51 Days Without a Smartphone by Vishal Bhoi
- Fluency Guide by Diana Volkaviciute
Speculative Fiction
- The Fire of the White Blade Knight – The Order #2 by Barbara Russell (alternative Victorian England, classic fight of good against evil)
- The Fifth Kingdom by Lisa M. James (all 4 novellas of current series, action/adventure fantasy)
Children’s
- Happy St. Patrick’s Day Coloring, Activity, and Learning Book for Kids by Sun and Moon
- Easter Egg Coloring Book for Kids Ages 4-8 by Jacob Mason
- How to Draw Easter Book for Children by Jacob Mason
- 3D Mazes for Kids by Activity Wizo
Mystery/Suspense
- Slashing Mona Lisa by D. M. Barr
- Angel in Demise by Leanne Leeds
- Game of Tarts by Wendy Meadows
Paranormal Romance
- Romancing the Spirit Series, Novella Collection 1-6
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of March 1, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- The Duke’s Stolen Heart by Carrie Lomax
- Unforgotten by Jane Castel (medieval Scottish romance)
- Stolen Moments by
Maren Smith (time-travel romance to Jack the Ripper’s Victorian England) - The Duke’s Widow by Summer Hanford (Regency)
- A Suitable Affair by
Erica Taylor (Regency, Book 2 of Macalister siblings series) - An Improper Encounter by
Erica Taylor (Regency, Book 3 of Macalister siblings series) - The Colonel and the Enchantress by
Paullett Golden (4th book of the Enchantress series) - The Archaeologist’s Daughter by Summer Hanford (
Regency, book before The Duke’s Widow) - An Enchanting Madness by
Erica Taylor (Regency, Book 4 of Macalister siblings)
Contemporary Romance
- Beautifully Broken Control by Catherine Cowles
- Lethal in a Kilt by Anna Durand (
hypersexualized ) - Maybe It’s You by Lydia Reeves (sweet, lovely small-town romance)
Nonfiction
- Blank Sheet Music Notebook by Guitar Nation
- Dominate the Clique by Vincent Kapoor (
surprisingly interesting read about communication) - Spanish Short Stories for Beginners and Intermediate Language Learners by Language Guru
- How to Buy Your Perfect First Home by Anthony S. Park (good intro info for new home buyers)
- Mediterranean Diet Snack Recipes by Winnie Bowman (avoid as the few recipes are not a good representation of the Mediterranean diet)
- Truth or Dare? The Game for Couples by S. W. Taylor (avoid unless you like online and offline humiliation)
- Start Making Your Bed by Roger Steward
- Diana, The Voice of Change by Stewart Pearce (metaphysical look at the People’s Princess)
- Everything You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease by Brenda M. White
- How Kind People Get Tough by Marlene Rose Shaw (how to be assertive and kind)
- The Ego is Your Enemy by Maynard McBride (confusing pop/pseudo psych mish-mash)
- Supernatural Myths and Legends of America Book One by Leo Hardy
- The Compound Effect Formula by Marvin McGee
- Room to Write by Bonnie Goldberg
Mystery/Suspense
- The Missing Sister by Elle Marr
- Murder Most English by Lilac Brooks
- Crystals and Criminals by Lily Webb (paranormal cozy)
- Script of All Dignity by Daisy Robyns (cozy mystery with handlettering as part of the backdrop)
- Honey Pot Mystery Box Set (Books 1-3) by Sarah Hualde
Family Drama
- The Other Family by Loretta Nyhan (a divorcing mom struggles with a child’s undiagnosed disease)
- The Last Bathing Beauty by Amy Sue Nathan (well-written story of could-have-beens and second chances, girlfriends and granddaughters)
Speculative Fiction
- Now, Then, and Everywhen by Rysa Walker (sci-fi time travel)
- Half-Blood Dragon by K. N. Lee (fantasy)
- Heir of Dragons: The Complete Series by Sean Fletcher
Children’s
- Dot to Dot Book for Kids Ages 8-12 by Activity Nest
- M is for Moth by Dr. Mia Clarke (bug-learning book with colorful illustrations)
- T is for Treasure by Dr. Mia Clarke
- St. Patrick’s Day Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 by Jacob Mason
- St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Book for Toddlers by Sunflower Zone Press
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of February 23, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- Enchanting the Duke by Patricia Grasso (Regency)
- A Marriage of Necessity by
Tarah Scott (Regency) - Following Faith by Jacqui Nelson (Old West Oregon)
- The Perfect Duchess by
Erica Taylor (Regency) - Lonesome
Valley Bride by G. L. Snodgrass (Old West Nevada) - Barron’s Bride by Kathleen Lawless (Old West Arizona)
- Redemption of a Marquess by
Tarah Scott (Regency)
Contemporary Romance
- Sweet Romance Novellas Collection I by Kimberly Grell
- Maple Sugar Crush by Beth
Labonte - Diana, A Spencer in Love by Deb Stratas (author calls it a novel, but it isn’t really)
- And I Love Her by Nina Lindsey
I Loved You When by Sarah Bloome
Nonfiction
- The Magic of Manifesting by
Ryuu Shinohara - 97 Speaks by Babette Hughes (memoir by 97-year-old woman)
- Pyrography for Beginners Handbook by Stephen Fleming
- Heaven and Hell by Dr. Neel Burton (about emotions, not theology!)
- Walking the 10 Paths of Self-Healing by Nadav Ben-Yehuda
Cookbooks
- Keto Diet Includes 3 Manuscripts by Amy Moore
- The Guide to Staying Healthy after 40 for Men the Keto Way by Richard Robinson
- The Complete Ketogenic Diet Cookbook and Weight Loss Plan for Beginners by Marsha Graham
- The Guide to Staying Healthy after 40 for Women the Keto Way by Richard Robinson
Mysteries
- Murder by Candlelight by Blythe Baker
- The Body in Bloomsbury by Camilla Blythe
- Honey, Hearts, & Homicide by Paula Lester & Lisa B. Thomas
- Mystic Guests by Leanne Leeds
Children’s
- Hand Shadow Animal Activity for Kids by Jacob Mason
- L is for Locomotive by Dr. Mia Clarke
- T is for T-Rex by Dr. Mia Clarke
Paranormal
- Hidden in Time by Barbara Longley
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of February 16, 2020
This is normally where I would have covers of some favorite books this week… but I had none. Some did make the naughty list, though. See below all the links!
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- The Duke’s Desire by G. L. Snodgrass
- A Lady’s Revenge by Edie Clay (a female Regency pugilist!)
- The Beaumont Betrothal by Leigh
D’Ansey (OTT and unbelievable) - The Runaways by Lily Milner (silly and childish)
- Married to the Earl by Samantha Holt
- Unsuitable Betrothal by Joyce Alec
- Widow’s Treasure by
Mary Lancaster - Trusting Lady Hemmingway by Lucy Adams
- The Valentine by Elizabeth
A. Lance - A Pineapple in a Pine Tree by Eve Pendle
Contemporary Romance
- Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems Books 1-3 by Anne Omasta
- Baby, I’m Yours by Carrie Elks
- What Happens in the Highlands by Kelsey McKnight
- Stand in the Sun by Elle Stephens
- A Neverland Inn Valentine by K. C. Grant
- 1-800-CUPID by Josie Riviera
- Forbidden Love Series Books 1-3 by Negeen Papehn
- An Orchid Falls by Julia O. Greene
Nonfiction
- Universal Basic Income by Mark Evans
- Fluent Spanish through Short Stories by Language Guru
- The Basics of Homemade Cleaning Supplies by David Nash
- Portuguese Short Stories for Beginners and Intermediate Learners by Language Guru
- Productivity Dynamo by Ryan Tiernan
- The Power of Small Habits by Sir. Constantine
- You and Your Baby Can Sleep through the Night by Harley Carr
- Declutter by Lilly Nolan
- Why Your Marketing is Killing Your Business by Minal Sampat
- Growing into Equality by Trish Allen
- How to Talk to Guys by Jack Fremont (AKA Helpful Short Reads)
- The Chakra Connection by Alexandra Rudowski
Time-Travel Romance
- Time After Time by Emma Kaye
Science Fiction
- Defying Destiny by K. A. Liddiard
Steampunk Romance
- The Golden Spider by Anne Renwick
- What are You Doing New Year’s Eve? by Catherine Stein
Children’s
- The Confusion Monster’s Adventure by Clara Muriel Ruano
- Hand Shadow Animal Activity for Kids by Jacob Mason
Paranormal Romance
- The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner
Historical Fiction
- Torn Asunder by Renny deGroot
Cookbooks
- DASH Diet Cookbook by Molly Goodwin
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
My Reviews at Amazon Week of February 9, 2020
Some Favorite Books This Week!
(See some not-so-favorite ones below the Amazon review links!)
I’ve been having a tough time keeping up with both the reading AND posting here. While I get it all sorted out, I thought I could at least post the reviews here to Amazon, so you can read them there!
Note: I am listing reviews as I do them each day. Sometimes, Amazon takes days or even a week or more to approve these reviews, so you will see a lag between when I list reviews and when a link is available. The longest I had to wait was 3.5 weeks!
Hope that life becomes a little more sane soon!.
Historical Romance
- Once a Fallen Lady by Eve Pendle (mid-Victorian commoner romance)
- Warrior’s Wrath by Jayne Castel (Pictish pre-Scotland romance; disappointing book by an author I normally love)
- The Laird’s Promise by Cassidy O’Connor (a disappointing medieval Scottish romance by an author who usually disappoints me; her last chance…. FAIL.)
- Beauty and the Earl by Patricia Grasso (OMG, one of the worst Regencies I’ve read!!)
- Eugenia by Bethany Swafford
- Freedom’s Price by Jenna Kernan
- Believe in Love by Amanda Mariel (So Bad, even though she usually writes good books)
- A Broken Betrothal by Rose Pearson (Another bad Regency. Not a good night for Regency!)
- The Hero and the Hellion by Ava Devlin (excellent Regency)
- Courting Doctor Clark by Patricia Smith Hall
- The Portrait by Cassandra Austen (not well done Georgian romance)
- Kremlins Complete Trilogy Box Set by K. L. Conger (richly detailed Russian historical romance set in the time of Ivan the Terrible)
- The Viscount’s Valentine by Chelli Larsen
- Mad About Dukes by various authors (8-novella box set)
- Fire & Frost by 5 authors (all based in the same Regency series with overlapping characters)
- Emerald Enchantment by Patricia Grasso (takes place in medieval Ireland)
- Desert Eden by Patricia Grasso (takes place in medieval Ottoman empire)
- Ice Angel by Elizabeth A. Lance
Contemporary Romance
- The After Wife by Melody Summers (a heartfelt book with unfortunate profanity)
- They Started with a Kiss by Cora Reed (better-than-usual take on the unplanned baby trope, but again, the swearing!!)
- Lovestruck: A Little Bit Cupid by January Bain (slightly magical, make-you-smile contemporary romance)
- Engaged by Christmas by Jen A. Durand
- Pride and the Billionaire by Laurie Gene
Cookbooks
- Keto Meal Prep Cookbook For Beginners by Kira Peterson
- 800 Instant Pot Recipes #2020 by Jamie Sutter
Nonfiction
- When the Gold Fish Dies. And It Will by L. D. B. (Lisa) Taylor
- On the Journey of Just Being by L. Gardenshire
- Perimenopause by Dr. Anna Garrett (amazing book every woman should read)
- Life Mapping by Monika Moss-Gransberry (a newly revised edition of the 2007 book)
- The Quill Method by Sylvester Quill
- The Leatherworking Starter Handbook by Stephen Fleming
- S.U.G.A.R. – The Supreme-Ultimate Guide to Assimilating Reality by Ion Blake
- Financial Freedom by Jordan Parker
- Let’s Get Digital by David Gaughran
- Vagus Nerve: Unlocked by Mark Evans
- Strength Training Nutrition Guide for Beginners by Taylor Cole (more of a general guide, but well done)
- The Invention of Religion by Alexander Drake
- The Invention of Christianity by Alexander Drake
- English Short Stories for Beginners and Intermediate Learners by Language Guru
- Keto Diet After 50 by Mark Evans (more general than for people over 50, also incorrectly categorized in the hope of garnering a #1 book, I suspect)
- Quiet, Please by Scott Douglas
- Magnetic Goals by Romney Nelson (some unique tools for goalsetting)
- The Decisions We Make by Travis Towns (poorly written)
- Creative Thinking by Jonathan Firth
- Emotional Intelligence by Judy Dyer
- How to Stop Overthinking by Raymond Henry
- Inner Calm by Judi Scalley
- The Definitive Guide to Investing Like a Millennial by Alexander Wolf
Mysteries
- Cursed Peaches by Wendy Meadows
- The Molly McGhie Sailing Mysteries Books 1-3 Box Set by Ellen Jacobson (very funny cozy mystery series)
- A Three-Broom Circus by Mara Webb
- Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery Series Box Set Two (Books 4-6) by Chelsea Thomas
- Boss Blues by Paula Lester
Fantasy/Supernatural
- Fires of Olympus: Books 10, 11, and 12 by Eliza Raine (excellent supernatural series, though you should read the other book sets first: The Skies of Olymput (first set), Tides of Olympus (second set), and Stoms of Olympus (third set) before this one!)
- Violet Spirit by Abbey MacMunn
- Forgotten Gods: The Complete Series by Laura Greenwood
Literary Fiction/Satire
- Becoming Someone by Anne (a collection of short stories)
- XYZ by William Knight
Paranormal
- A Scorching Dilemma by Shereen Vedam (magical shifter Regency!)
Children’s
- Once Upon a Unicorn by Isla Wynter
- Lulu and Lainey: A French Yarn by Lois Petren
- Dinosaur Coloring Book by Coloring Buddies
No-So-Favorite Books This Week!
A Drizzle of Murder by Constance Barker
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
A Drizzle of Murder*
A Good Start to a New Cozy Mystery Series
After romance, cozy mysteries are my favorite fiction genre to read. Even though I enjoy the more serious police shows on TV, when I read, I prefer a good cozy. This is the first book in a new series by an author I have not read before. This is a culinary mystery, and I always find these to be particularly fun. Luckily, this one was no exception. The murder takes place in a bakery; the man who helped the heroine move into her new bakery space is found dead. They had not gotten along so well during the move, so she is a likely suspect. Luckily, she has a variety of friends who try to help her figure out what actually happened.
I did enjoy the quirky world created by this author. A good cozy needs to be quirky for sure and perhaps even wacky. I think this book fulfilled both requirements. There is a surprisingly large cast of characters in this book, and the heroine has a lot of friends. I will admit this was a little confusing at first, as we are introduced to many characters one after the other. Their speech patterns were not distinct enough to really help characterize them, so sometimes it was a little hard to follow and know who was who. I absolutely adored the older friends of the heroine; we don’t see enough active, older characters in contemporary fiction. The friends actually do have a big role in this novel as they try to help the heroine sort everything out. There were some definite issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, enough to be distracting. Commas were problematic as were the hyphens needed for compound adjectives. The last may sound a little silly, but if they aren’t used properly, sometimes the meaning of a sentence is not clear, making you have to re-read to get the meaning.
All in all, though, I thought that this was a good start for a new cozy mystery series. At least when I read the next one, I will have a better sense of the large cast of characters, which will be a help. Now, if the author could just get it professionally edited, that would be a big help for me, too!
Jamie Brydone-Jack
Reader, Editor, Writer
I’m an avid reader, for both fun and work/business. I enjoy a wide variety of books, including literary fiction, romance, thrillers, cozy mysteries, and fantasy for fiction and history, contemporary issues, philosophy, music, medicine, and cookbooks for nonfiction. I’m a freelance copyeditor who also does beta and alpha reading. I have two websites that are all about romance and mystery. You can also follow my reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.