Favorite Authors and Books

The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am usually not a YA genre reader and have not been this caught up in a teen story since Twilight. In fact, I loved this book more than Twilight. Although the book does not have a cliffhanger, it was obvious from the ending that a sequel was coming, and I was really excited to recently read that it is underway.

Okay, now I've stressed how much I love this book, I will say why. Having spent a lot of time in New Orleans, I could tell right away that the author must be native, and must have lived in the area during Katrina. There are too many fine details about the city itself and that type of storm that only a native would know. And I love behind the scenes reality.

Also, the characters, all very New Orleans, each with their own distinct personalities. I could easily identify with Adele, a loner who was happy to return from a long evacuation to what she knows, even if a lot of what she knows is gone. There is an attraction Adele feels toward two young men brought to the city by the storms aftermath. This is very well executed between the super hot Niccole with his irresistible Italian looks, and the New Yorker who is just an average guy yet holds a huge magnetic pull with his complimenting personality.

I could go on with the accolades of this one, but there are so many intertwining plots in the book that I might accidentally give something away.

Having read many kindle books, I am happy to say this one is top quality. I could tell right away that it is professionally proofed and professionally edited. Either that, or the author is an English major! I highly recommend this book to anyone--both adult and teens.

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Warrior Series Boxed Set by Laura Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One clicked this military set, and am so glad I did. Each story is a tribute to how true love can overcome all obstacles--even distance, heartbreak, and loss. I've read books by this bestselling author before, and although it's hard to narrow down a favorite, the military set might be it. Anyone who has been a Military Brat can appreciate the reality woven into these stories.
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Slade by Victoria Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hotter than I usually read, but after seeing scorching promos such as "My name is Slade and I'm a fu-rea-kin' sex addict," I had to click it the moment it went live. I couldn't wait to have Slade between the sheets (I mean pages) and run my finger along (my kindle screen). From first sight, Slade and Aspen have nothing but contempt for one another. Aspen, because she sees Slade as another a$inine stripper as hung up on himself as he is hung. Slade, because Aspen is a woman--that simple. For every degree of hate, there is just that much heat between the two. When they decide to act on this attraction, the book becomes too sizzling to put down!


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Library of Dreams by Charlotte Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This anthology has a story for everyone. The collection is of varied genres by a group of talented authors. I carried it in my purse to read while waiting in the school carpool line and found myself reading and enjoying stories out of my normal interest zone. It is the perfect coffee table book. More than one guest has picked it up and thumbed through it. Even better, from what I understand, all sales go to a worthwhile charity.

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The Texas Cowboy by Katheryn Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! The Texas Cowboy is the perfect read to curl up to in a favorite chair while the men are watching football--at least that is what I did. The story begins when Vicky who is visiting her cousin, Laura, in Dallas, Texas becomes captivated by a cowboy across the street. So much so that she feels compelled to take his picture. The sexy cowboy catches her in the act and winks. Vicky's return wink, and her inner dialogue when doing so, is a glimpse of who our heroine is. Normally reserved Vicky cannot get the cowboy out of her head. After crossing the street to her and introducing himself as Jack, he had left a package behind, and it is this that leads to them meeting again. I love how Katheryn Lane is always able to make a sizzling first glance turn into a sweet meaningful romance throughout a book. The Texas Cowboy is a quick paced heartwarming read, long enough to keep you riveted all afternoon, and pick up again and finish at bedtime.

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Guns 'N' Tulips by Kristine Cayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not usually one for short stories, but having this author recommended to me, I decided to read this since it was free and see if I enjoyed the writing style. This is one of the best books I have read in awhile, and for the reason I don't like short stories, I was drawn in so much that I was sorry to see it end. The good news, I am halfway through one of Kristine Cayne's Six Alarm Sexy Series and finding it to be even better if that is possible! A new favorite author for me.

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Disconnected by L. Calell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to find this book in a free promo. It took a few chapters to draw me in, but when it did, wow! I connected with this story. Although I have not had the same experiences, L. Calell was able to bring these characters and their emotions to life. Cannot wait to read the sequel!

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Wild Waves: A Sunset Destiny Romance - Book Four by J.J. Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sunset Destiny series has quickly become one of my favorite series. The Mannon family has captured my heart for the fourth time now with Vanessa who I was not a fan of until this book. J J Ellis does a wonderful job of keeping the spoiled baby of the family personality intact while still winning the reader over now that we are inside her head. In this novel, Vanessa has to work for the love that she is usually showered with. The boy that she butted heads with in high school is seemingly just not that into her after coming back from a military tour. These two characters are only able to find their HEA after many trials and interference from others. The next book cannot come soon enough!



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Trail of 32: The True Story of a Youthful Spirit That Knew Not of Defeat by Paul Rega
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trail of 32 is a story about a group of 32 boyscouts that undertake a bicycle journey across several states. As well as seeing other parts of the US besides their home state of Florida, the boys learn valuable lessons along the way. Teamwork is balanced with staying true to oneself. Over the course of the chapters, the reader is privy to these boys mentally maturing into young men. The detail of boyscout badges and ways will be of special interest to any Eagle Scouts, or any man or woman, young or old that was ever in a troop. Paul Rega has written a feel good story similar to the movie Stand By Me which is based on a Stephen King novel.

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Wonderland by Jude Ouvrard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this quick read, Jude Ouvard manages to wring emotions from the reader that normally only come from being invested in the characters through an entire series. This is a powerful love between two characters locked into an inescapable fate. I could not stop thinking about this book for days. Wonderland is wonderful.

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Emotionally Compromised by A. Rosa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Agent Turner and Jeremy Hunt have a sizzling relationship. The sparks are always flying whether in anger or lust. Each has a very important opposite agenda in their careers. But when they should be thinking and looking out for themselves, they find themselves looking out for each other. Even so, they still cannot seem to throw aside outside interference and follow their heart. The turn of every page had me rooting for this couple’s HEA and just when I was losing hope, a climatic scene at last forces the two to realize what they mean to each other. If you are looking for the thrill of romance mixed with the thrill of danger, look no further than Emotionally Compromised by A. Rosa.



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Tears of Endurance by D.G. Torrens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tears of Endurance is a happenstance romance that blooms into love. D.G. Torrens has a skill for turning even the simplest scenes into meaningful emotional roots of the story. I loved this book and will be reading more from this author. A well crafted realistic romance.


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Moment By Moment by Laura Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read by Laura Taylor and just a couple of chapters into the book, I knew I would be reading more of her books. With every scene, I felt the character’s angst, so much so it was if I were looking through her eyes. With my daily distractions while reading, it is not normal for me to become so pulled into a story, but every time I picked this one up, I lived it. I especially love the heroine’s strong character and loyalty to what she feels. There are twists and turns in this romance keeping the reader riveted to the very end.


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Vegas or Bust: An Aggie Underhill Mystery by Michelle Ann Hollstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel reminds me of the first of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series. With its witty dialogue and crazy twists, this romantic thriller kept my brain turning, and a smile on my face. Somehow I think I began a book or so in this series, and I will be going back to read the others!

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No More Wasted Time by Beverly Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 HEARTS FOR THIS ONE

A unique love story that I could not put down. Tess reached me like no character has in a long while. What I loved about this book, the realism that is maintained in a fantasy situation and setting. I also loved that Tess is a grown woman with grown children, and at a crossroads in her life. She is ready to move on, but so afraid to let go. This is a story that any woman who has loved and lost, or with children about to leave the nest can relate to. This is not the end of the Matthews family, but the beginning. I have read book 2 and found it just as intriguing.

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Shayla's Story by Beverly Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this trip to Greece from the comfort of my favorite reading chair!

Shayla's story is as magical a love story as the destinations in the book. Beverly Preston takes us with Shayla from LA to Greece, Las Vegas, to the ski slopes of Colorado for the Christmas Holidays. I had trouble putting this book down. It is a must read!

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The Succubus in a Red Dress by Daniel Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has so many twists and turns a reader can get dizzy. Author Dan Garcia writes the story with the humor of some of the classics like Buffy & The Vampire Slayer. The characters are endearing. Delilah is the most delightful succubus to ever reside beneath a book cover. And who are the villains? Just when it seems obvious, another surprise awaits. Succubus in a red dress is a carefully plotted novel sized book. I would advice all who enjoy lighthearted but gripping otherworld stories to snatch this one up while it is still .99.

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Phantom Bigfoot & The Vampettes From Venus by Simon Okill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been a surprising series for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, but book one was a fun light read about Duane Dexter who is Phantom Bigfoot living in the forest of Big Beaver. As if book one was not filled with enough challenges for this superhero to deal with, book 2 is off to a crazy ride when a punk band invades. Duane figures out that this group of otherworldly women are not what they seem,and they have arrived for insidious reasons that will threaten Big Beaver. With the help of his best friend, MB, Duane sets out to thwart them in every way, and send them back to where they came from. A delightfully fun read!