The Shining

TTHE SHINING (BOOK #1)
by Stephen King
5 stars

Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. He never fails to scare you.
The Shining is about a man, Jack Torrance, down on his luck. Mostly his own doing, he has anger and drinking problems. He needs a job to support his wife, Wendy; and son, Danny.
He accepts a position as caretaker of a hotel in the mountains during the off season. This hotel has had it's share of deaths over the years.
Jack and Danny have some kind of psychic abilities. They start to feel the evil in the hotel, then see ghosts.
Jack begins to lose his mind.
This is a super read. I actually have read this book 3 or 4 times over the years, and watched the movie and tv miniseries. If you have seen the movie, you should still read the book. It follows mostly but with a few differences that make it better (especially the ending).
Whether or not you believe in ghosts or that a place can hold onto people or events that have happened there, this story is still very suspenseful and disturbing. I can see Jack as a man who breaks under the pressure of his life and loses his mind. Then begins to imagine strange happenings within the hotel.
This is one of King's best novels (and possibly ne of the most talked about).

SALEM'S LOT
by Stephen King
5 stars

It's 1980 and I am 11 years old. I was always an avid reader since the age of 5. You would rarely see me without a book in hand. I went to the library, and for the first time was allowed to pick a book all by myself. Nobody restricting my choice.
My mother tried to dissuade me, "This is too grown-up for you. You won't be able to sleep. It will scare you!"
Well, she was right. I wasn't able to sleep, because I couldn't put the book down. It did scare the bejesus out of me, but I loved every second of it. I have been a King fan ever since. I buy and read everything he writes {most books more than once over the years}.
Salem's Lot is a quiet little town until two gentlemen, Straker and Barlow, move into the big scary house on the hill.
Ben Mears, a writer, returns to town hoping to get inspirationn for a new book. He gets alot more than that went people start dying and disappearing. Then return at night as vampires.
Vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, and a fear filled plot.

BRAVE THE WILD WIND
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

When Jessie's father dies, her estranged mother returns to the ranch to be her guardian. She brings with her a handsome stranger, Chase Summers.

Jessie's animosity towards her mom is carried over to Chase. Until Jessie realized that she is attracted to him. Chase can't keep away from Jessie either, even though as Rachel's daughter she should be off limits.
I really like this book. Even though they fight a lot, the two main characters don't deny their attraction to each other. And also there is a lot more going on in the story, not just the romance part.

CARRIE
by Stephen King
5 stars


How far is too far when pulling a prank? How much can one person take when she seems to always be the joke? And is the power that Carrie has a blessing or a curse?
Carrie White has the power to move things with her mind But her mamma is extremely religious, and raises Carrie to be an outcast with her classmates. When the tricks being played on her go too far, Carrie breaks. She uses her powers to retaliate to the extreme.
Stephen King's first novel will definitely set the path for the greatness to come from him. It is slightly terrifying, exciting, and a very powerful read. I thought I read this many years ago, but I realized while reading it that I had only seen the movie and never read the book itself. I'm glad I decided to read it.

A GENTLE FEUDING
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

When James MacKinnion sees the beauty in the secluded glen, he can't get her out of his mind.
Sheena Fergusson bearly escapes marriage to the feared Laird of the MacKinnion clan. Only to find herself kidnapped and placed within his reach.
Can the already smitten James convince Sheena to shed her fears and love him?
I read and loved this when I was younger, and did not find it lacking now.

HEART OF THUNDER (GLORIOUS ANGEL SERIES BOOK #2)
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

When Samantha Kingsley decides to use the dark, ruggedly handsome stranger on a stagecoach to make the man she loves jealous, she has no idea how dangerous he can be.
Hank Chavez falls for the beautiful Samantha quickly. So when he finds out she is using him, his hurt and anger cause him to go to the extreme to retaliate.
Hank wants his family lands back that were stolen during the war. His plan to force the new owner to sell puts Samantha back within reach and totally in his power.

I am so glad that Johanna gave Hank his own book. I was intrigued by him in Glorious Angel. And of course, she didn't disappoint me.

SO SPEAKS THE HEART
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars


Brigitte de Louroux is lady of her estate in France. But after the death of her father and brother, her evil aunt takes over and treats Brigitte like a servant
Rowland of Montville promises Quintin (the man who saved his life) that he will let Quintin's sister know he is still alive. After a mix-up, Brigitte is given to Rowland as a servant. He takes her back to Normandy with him.
Passions ignite instantly between the two, along with anger and resentment.
 Can these two get over all the wrongs done to them and find true love?
Another great Lindsey novel!!

GLORIOUS ANGEL (GLORIOUS ANGEL SERIES BOOK #1)
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars
Johanna does it again. I love this story.

11 year old farm girl, Angela Sherrington, falls in love with Bradford Maitland. The son of the gentleman who owns the land she lives on.
When Angela is 17, her father dies and Jacob Maitland brings her into his home to protect her and raise her. Angela and Brad meet again under less than perfect circumstances. He decides he must possess her.
This is one of the rare romance novels that people admit to their feelings, but of course there are obstacles and misunderstandings. This one is another great read.

FIRES OF WINTER (VIKING HAARDRAD SERIES BOOK 1)
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

Proud, Beautiful, and Stubborn-
Lady Brenna Carmarham is awaiting her unwanted Viking betrothed. When her estate is attacked, she finds herself to be a prisoner and slave to the one she thought to marry.
After being lied to, used and rejected by Morna. Garrick Haardrad is hardhearted, mistrusting, and hateful to women.
Will these two be able to overcome such obstacles to find love and happiness?
I love Joanna Lindsey. And this is one of her best.

PARADISE WILD
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

I love Johanna Lindsey. She always entertains.

When Jared comes to Boston to avenge his mother's death, he didn't plan on the firey, outspoken daughter of his target.
When Corrine went to Hawaii to get revenge on Jared, She didn't expect to fall in love with the island or the man.

Another awesome Lindsey novel.

A PIRATES LOVE
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

Bettina Verlaine leaves France to travel across the sea to her betrothed, whom she has never met.
On the voyage, her ship is overtaken by pirates. They steal her for their captain's pleasure.

Tristan is a man full of hate. His parents were murdered in front of him when he was young, and his only thought is to find the man who did it. Until Bettina that is!! She invades his senses.

This book of full of rape scenes. Tristan will not allow Bettina to deny him her body. He begins to awaken her desires.
Reading this one is a guilty pleasure.

CAPTIVE BRIDE
by Johanna Lindsey
5 stars

I have been reading Johanna Lindsey books for over 20 years. They are great fantasy stories and quick easy reads to just relax and enjoy. She is one of my favorite authors. I read this book when I was 14 yrs old, and wanted to revisit some of Johanna's older works.
When Phillip Caxton first meets Christina Wakefield, he must have her. She rejects his proposal of marriage, so he sets out to kidnap her.
Christina wants to resist and hate her captor, but her body responds to his every touch.
This book contains rape scenes and violence towards women.

Time For a Change!

Time to switch authors. We will return to Willow Rose another time. As I stated before, some authors will take me too long to read all books consecutively. So I must split them up to read other works.

Johanna Lindsey has always been one of my favorite authors. I own all of her books, but haven't read the last few yet. For the last 5-6 years I've been reading a lot of independent authors works.
Johanna was the first romance author I ever read (other than Harlequinn Romance). When I was 14 or 15 yrs old, I picked up one of her books and was captivated.

DON'T TELL (JACK RYDER BOOK #7)
by Willow Rose
3 stars

Jack Ryder and his family go on vacation to the mountains in North Carolina. Jack and his wife, Shannon, want their children to learn to ski and snowboard. Of course, Jack gets involved in a case while there.
First the Ryder family is witness to a car crash, then Austin is in the room when a murder happens, and then Shannon finds the body of a missing 17 yr old in the creek behind the cabin. Can we possible push Jack into working this case any more than this?
The murder mystery part of the story was good. There were a few surprises and twist. You kind of had an idea who murdered the boy and how the other crimes tied in (even though many suspects were given), but why Ben was killed was unexpected.
The family aspect of this series has always bothered me. Jack and Shannon seem smart and loving. Yet somehow they are clueless with the kids. Austin is pressured by Jack to do things Jack likes and the boy hates. Shannon sees it but won't speak up on behalf of the boy. Abigail is a wild child that Jack won't control, and Shannon is afraid to because it may upset Jack. They have had 3 children kidnapped, yet they are always leaving them alone. Which leads to Austin going through some terrible things in this book.
If Miss Rose would just stick to the mystery part of her books and cancel out the family aspect, I would appreciate this series more. I like book 6 with only Jack and Emily. I missed Emily in this book.

HER FINAL WORD (JACK RYDER BOOK #6)
by Willow Rose
4 stars

American Women are being murdered in the Bahamas,. Even though this has been happening for 10 years or so, the Bahamian Polce Department doesn't want to admit there is a serial killer. This would be bad for tourism.
Jack Ryder and Emily, his adopted daughter, go to the Bahamas to find Em's family. And help her with her anorexia by finding her roots or her place in the world. Of course Jack gets involved in a case. A young girl is murdered and the only suspect is possibly a relation to Emily.
Emily wants to help with the investigation. Partially because this may be her aunt, and partially to be with Jack. She is very intuitive and resourceful.
I liked this book. About time Emily got some real attention. The girl was so in pain and screaming this through the last 4 books. There is a nice twist at the end. Pay close attention to details.
I am looking forward to learning more about Emily and spending more time with her.
I did not miss Shannon and the pesky little ones throughout this story

GIRL NEXT DOOR (JACK RYDER BOOK #5)
by Willow Rose
4 stars


Another Jack Ryder Mystery, Folks! This one may be the best so far.The Monday Morning Killer is inspired by the true crime BTK Killer.
In the 1970's, a killer terrorized Cocoa Beach Florida. He would stalk a family and attack them on a Monday morning as they were getting ready for work and school. In the mid 1980's, he went underground. Now it is 2018, and the killings have started again.
Why did he disappear and what triggered him to kill again? Is it even the same guy or a copycat? Most of all, who is he? The end was a bit of a surprise, even with the flashbacks to help direct you and help you understand the mind of the killer.
The mystery part of the story kept me interested. It was the family drama in Jack's life that irritates me.
Jack works all the time. His wife Shannon, a big country star, is on the road. They are always leaving their 6 kids (2 adopted, 2 Jack's, 1 Shannon's, and 1 belongs to both) with his elderly parents, who are trying to run a business. Emily,Jack's 19 yr. old adopted daughter has an eating disorder and has been screaming for attention. But work is more important than family.
This book would have gotten 5 stars from me if not for the disfunctional family aspect, and the neglect shown to the children. Jack even states many times how he can't wait to get the kids to school and daycare, so he can surf or be alone.    

BLACK JACK ( JACK RYDER BOOK #4)
by Willow Rose
3 stars

Is Jack Ryder the most unobservant detective ever? I'm sorry but it's hard for me to believe anyone would have a child kidnapped 3 times? First Shannon loses Angela, then Jack loses Austin, now they lose Tyler together. After the first time, you would think you would be constantly in fear, and never turn your back on any of your children. Then there is Jack's blindness to Emily's illness.

As for the plot with Betsy Sue, it was really good. Adding in the possibility of ghost and haunted houses, a bit hokey but I am into that stuff so I liked it The family twist at the end was a bit of a bummer.

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT (JACK RYDER BOOK #3)
by Willow Rose
3 stars

We are once again thrown into the life of Det. Jack Ryder and his family. His fiancée is accused of murder, his daughter is anorexic, and Jack seems to be clueless.
Young boys are being kidnapped, held, tortured and killed. Jack's man suspect has a great alibi; he was in prison.
I somewhat enjoyed the book. I like Willow's writing style; it normally has a nice flow and is easy to read. This book had many editing issues. There were typos, spelling errors, and inconsistancies in the story.
For example, in Chapter 46 when Hector was trying to find his family in Cuba. First Hector and Raul are asking their way through a crowd for hours searching for them, then Hector is going back to the boat that Raul is guarding. When did they separate.
There are times like when Jack realizes that Austin's misspelling of his name ( using an e instead of an i) is a code, and then figures it's a phone number. Too farfetched and unbelievable.
I'm still going to read book 4 Black Jack. But I'm not a fan of the Jack Ryder series.

SLIP OUT THE BACK, JACK (JACK RYDER SERIES BOOK #2)
by Willow Rose
3 stars

This is book 2 of a series. Definitely not a stand alone book, since we jump right into the relationship and families of Jack and Shannon without a recap of what happened in book 1. So please read "Hit The Road Jack" first, or you will be a little lost.
The actual story line bored me. Following Jack and Shannon and their children was slow, dragging, and repetitive. The mass killings weren't very exciting to read about and kind of predictable. The plot line with Elizabeth ended predictably also. Although I liked and was surprised by how it was tied into the present day, and how it pertained to recent events.
There were a lot of typos and misuse of wording. This causes a stop in the flow so I can work out what the author is actually tying to say.
I'm gonna move on the book 3 to see what happens to Jack, Shannon, the kids, and the Monahan Sisters.
And when will somebody get Little Abigail under control? She seems like a little brat.

HIT THE ROAD JACK (JACK RYDER SERIES BOOK #1)
by Willow Rose
4 stars

Laura Bennett is murdered and dismembered. Her husband was asleep in the same room, drunk and drugged with Rohypnol. He says he didn't see or hear anything.
Det. Jack Ryder is called in. He worked homicide in Miami, now he lives in Cocoa Beach - hoping to see little or no action. He is raising 3 children alone after his wife ran off a couple of years ago.
The author blends the stories together nicely, past and present to help you get inside the killer's mind. But it also makes the ending predictable.
I enjoyed the book and am about to read book two of the series. Slip Out The Back Jack.
Ms. Rose has proclaimed herself the "Queen of Scream". This is the second series and the 6th book I have read of hers. I like her writing but haven't found anything scream worthy yet.


If you have read this book, I would love to hear any comments.

CAREFUL LITTLE EYES (7TH STREET CREW BOOK #4)
by Willow Rose
4 stars

Book 4 of the 7th Street Crew series. Although this is really a Mary Mills novel, since we don't see too much of the rest of the gang. Not the best of the series but better than book 3.

Mary and Joey go to New Orleans following a lead on Blake and Salter. Of course Mary stumbles on a murder in her hotel. Believing that once again Blake is involved and that she is the only one to prove this, Mary injects herself into the investigation.

The story of New Orleans "Axeman" is true. It happened in 1918. Willow does a nice job bringing it into present day.
The part about Robyn and Suzy was interesting. I didn't care for the blending of the two stories with the murders.

Does Mary finally get Blake? Does she find Salter? Will she ever let Joey in again? I guess you just have to read the book and find out.

YOU CAN'T HIDE ( 7TH STREET CREW BOOK #3)
by Willow Rose
4 stars


From the very beginning, the author has your attention. What would you do as a mother, if you noticed a stranger paying SPECIAL attention to your little girl? This is what Maria is faced with.
Someone is abducting single mothers and their teenage daughters in Cocoa Beach. Mary Mills is alerted to this when her friend Danny's daughter goes missing. Why do they want them and what are they doing to them.
We are back to the drama of the life of Mary Mills. Her ex-husband Joey has a new girlfriend, her son Salter is growing up and separating from her, and her friends all have problems of their own. Of course we cannot forget about Blake, Mary's fugitive brother. We know he wants to hurt Mary, but how does he plan to do it.
We meet Boxer in this book. He has issues with a addicted brother.
And also Danh, a Vietnamese refugee, and his voyage from a wartorn Vietnam. His brother, Bao, and his sister, Long, are with him.
The ending has a bit of a twist. I found this to be the most riveting plot of the series so far.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment.

YOU CAN RUN (7TH STREET CREW BOOK #2)
by Willow Rose
4 stars


We are back with Mary Mills and the crew. She is still on the hunt for her brother, and now she must prove one of her friends isn't a murderer.
We start with the horrific murder of a family. Then we get into the lives of Mary, her dad, her estranged husband Joey, and thier son Salter. Will they get back to being a family or not?
We get into the life and mind of Marcia, Mary's friend, who is mentally ill and addicted to alcohol.
Taken straight from the headlines, is the story of a doctor/professor helping a man with crebral palsy and getting pregnant to him.
Who killed this family and later a young teacher? Were the crimes related or is there more than one killer on the loose?
Speaking of killers, the author brings us back to Blake and what him and Olivia are up to.
If you haven't read the first book in the series, I suggest you do it before reading this one. The author doesn't remind us of the background too much for each character.
I'm going to start reading Book 3 in the series "You Can't Hide".

WHAT HURTS THE MOST (7TH STREET CREW BOOK #1)
by Willow Rose
4 stars

When Blake Mills is arrested for murder, his sister, Mary, comes home to rescue him and prove his innocence.. She has been gone for 20 years, and doesn't want the memories that come with returning.
Helping her with her investigation are all her old high school friends. We get the dynamics of her friendships, relationship with her estranged husband, and her issues with her dad and stepmom.
This is written like a young adult or teen novel. The story is good, the characters are mostly likable, and the end awesome. There are so many twist and interweaving of the past and present.
I am going right into the second book in the series.

Hi everyone,


Happy New Year!! A little late I know, sorry for the delay.

I have decided to read a bunch of books by Willow Rose the next couple of months.
This year I will be reading certain authors and trying to get through all their books. (May be a bit impossible with a few of them.)
Willow Rose will be first. Then I may read all of Dean Koontz. Many of his will be a second time. Same with Stephen King, James Patterson, Joanna Lindsey, and Anne Rice.
 I would like to read Michael Crichton, Nora Roberts, and Chris Carter. I have many of their books but never took the time to read them, so now is the time.

As I said I would like to read all the books from each author. But some of these folks have so so so many out there, it will take a year just for one author. My best course of action is 1 or 2 months for each writer, then come back to him or her at a later date. We will see how things go.

Please leave a comment if you have any advice or views of your own on any of my reviews. Or even just to let me know if you like any of the writers mentioned above. Who is your favorite author? Mine is Stephen King. He has given me the chills, ever since I was 10 years old hiding under the covers reading late into the night.

BETTER WATCH OUT
by Willow Rose
3 stars


This is my first taste of Willow Rose. I liked what I read.
Better watch out a short story about a young lady's fear of Santa. She explains a few events in her life which caused this fear and made her believe Santa to be a monster.
The writing style was good. The story was gripping, but too short. It was about 7 pages, taking maybe 10 minutes.
I will be reading more Willow Rose's books in the near future. Hopefully the full length books are not a disappointment.

A DANCE WITH DRAGONS (A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE BOOK 5)
by George R.R. Martin
4 stars

I love the series. But this book was slow moving and when nowhere. We were informed on the characters that were missing in the last book (Daenarys, Jon Snow, and Tyrion). I just didn't see much growth in the characters. This book just seemed to be alot of filler, no real meat to the story. We were introduced to a few new characters. Some with no real major role, some still remain to be seen what role they play small or large. There is no Targaryan battle for Westeros and no army of the dead invasion. It has been 8 years now, book 6 The Winds Of Winter still in waiting. I will be anticipating it's release. And hopefully we get a resolution to the fight for the throne and the fight of the century with the others and their white walkers.  If you have read this book, I would love to hear your opinion.