LINKED by Lisa Alden

LINKED
by Lisa Alden
4****

Andra is having a horrible 14th birthday. She receives a bracelet to help cheer her up, unaware of the true power of the bracelet. Shortly after putting the bracelet on her wrist, Andra finds herself in another world parallel to reality.
After meeting some of the people in this land, and realizing that one of them is a six year old girl missing from reality, Andra's real adventure begins.
I enjoyed this book. It is a sweet book for the teenage reader, and nice light reading for an adult like me. The story line flows easily, and the characters are well thought out. The book brings a few unexpected twists to keep you interested.
I would definitely read a sequel to the story, hopefully on how Andra and Mike help Joel get free from the Seven.

TEN BIG ONES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #10) by Janet Evanovich

 

TEN BIG ONES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #10)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Stephanie and Lulu witness a robbery. Somehow (we won't blame Lulu) the perps getaway bike is damaged, and then another one of Stephanie's cars catch fire. When Stephanie sees the robbers face, she gets tangled up with a gang called the Comstock Street Slayers. And becomes the target for a hired hitman named Junkman.

She must also try to get Carol Cantell to court. She was arrested for holding up a Frito Lay truck and stealing all the chips.

Sally Sweet is back. Along with Joe Morelli, Ranger, Connie, Grandma Mazur and the rest of the family. Plus a new family member.

TO THE NINES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #9) by Janet Evanovich

 

TO THE NINES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #9)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Vinnie writes a Visa Bond for Samuel Singh. He has 3 months and then must return to his own country. But Mr. Singh disappears and Stephanie must find out why and where. 

This one takes us out of Trenton - to Vegas. Along with Lulu and Connie, Stephanie tracks her fugitive and tears up Vegas, and Ranger's men. 

Stephanie also has to deal with a situation with Morelli and Terry Gilman (an ex-girlfriend of Joe's). And Joe's Grandma Bella prophesies of Stephanie's death. And find a missing dog.

So funny that I couldn't bear to put it down.

HARD EIGHT (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #8) by Janet Evanovich

HARD EIGHT (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #8)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

When a neighbor asks for Stephanie's help, she of course agrees. Once again only to get in way over her head. 

It's a simple case, find Evelyn Soder and her daughter, Annie. Not as easy as it seems. Stephanie has to deal with mobster, Eddie Abruzzi, who rents to Evelyn. Also Steven Soder, the father of Annie. And believe it or not, Stephanie is being chased by a giant bunny. 

She also has to avoid Joe and Ranger, who both want to lock her up to protect her from Abuzzi. 

Stephanie may not be very smart or good at the job, but she does get lucky. She also has a no quit attitude. She goes the long difficult route but somehow comes out on top.

SEVEN UP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #7) by Janet Evanovich

 

SEVEN UP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #7)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Our favorite bounty hunter is back.

At the end of Hot Six, Stephanie found a body in Eddie DeCooch's shed. Eddie is a semi retired mobster, elderly, crazy, and just happens to be dating Grandma Mazur. With a murder charge, Eddie goes FTA. Stephanie is charged with locating him and bringing him back for trial. With a marriage proposal from Joe and a sex involving deal with Ranger, Stephanie finds it hard to concentrate on the job.

Full of fun and excitement. so very entertaining.

HOT SIX (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #6) by Janet Evanovich

HOT SIX (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #6)

by Janet Evanovich

5 stars

This series is so much fun to read. I laughed out loud many times.

When Homer Ramos is killed and then the building set on fire, Ranger is caught on camera in the vicinity. He
is charged and then he disappeared. Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter extraordinaire, is set out to find him. With Joe Morelli and the rest of the crew, of course.

When grandma can't take the remarks of Stephanie's dad anymore, she moves into Stephanie's apartment. It's great as far as meals, but puts a damper on the rest of Stephanie's life.
While looking for Ranger, Stephanie gets too involved with the Ramos family. Joe can't handle her constantly putting herself in danger. Can their relationship last?

I so recommend these books to everyone who likes to smile.

HIGH FIVE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #5) by Janet Evanovich

HIGH FIVE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #5)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

 When Stephanie's Uncle Fred is missing, her mother recruits Steph to find him.

The usual ragtag bunch are all there to help. 

Finding Fred becomes a bit more complicated and dangerous than first expected. And the heat between Joe Morelli and Stephanie become more intense. So does the attraction to Ranger. Stephanie knows he's not a stable person to be in a relationship with, but her body continues to crave him.

See if Stehanie and the gang can find Uncle Fred and solve the case of his disappearance. And see if Stephanie gets her man,or even figure out which one she really wants.

I said it before I love this series. It is hilarious. The characters are all wonderfully created and well developed. The story and plot are executed perfectly.

FOUR TO SCORE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #4) by Janet Evanovich

 

FOUR TO SCORE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #4)

by Janet Evanovich

5 ****

Hide your cars, grandmas, and lock your apartment, Stephanie Plum is back in Four To Score.

On the hunt for Maxine Nowicki, a waitress who skipped out on bail over auto theft. Should be quick and easy to find her and take her in. But with Stephanie Plum and her crew of misfits, things are never easy.

Once again we are joined by Grandma Mazur, Lulu, Ranger, and Joe Morelli. And now add in a transvestite named Sally Sweet. 

People get their fingers cut off and the head partially scalped. This is much more than just a simple woman stealing her boyfriend's car because she is mad at him.

The story is interesting. I was totally engaged. And of course the hilarity ensues as only Ms. Evanovich can do.

THREE TO GET DEADLY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #3) by Janet Evanovich

 

THREE TO GET DEADLY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #3)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Book 3 of the Plum Series

Stephanie, Joe, Ranger, and Grandma are at it again. Along with Lula, an ex-hooker who wants to be a bounty hunter. This time hunting down an old man named Mo, who owns the neighborhood ice cream shop. No problem, right? Have you read a Stephanie Plum novel? There is always a problem.

Mo was simple charge with carrying a concealed weapon, but then it becomes so much more. Everyone in town is against Stephanie for messing with Mo. And Mo has more fight than would have been expected. Enter a few dead drug dealers and let the craziness begin.

TWO FOR THE DOUGH (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #2) by Janet Evanovich

 

TWO FOR THE DOUGH (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #2)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Book 2 of the Plum Series is not disappointing. We get the excitement, sexiness, and humor that we expect from Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum.

Stephanie is on the hunt for Kenny Mascuso. He just shot his best friend, skipped on bail, and happens to be Joe Morelli's cousin. Stephanie and Morelli have hard vibes that never seem to be able to deny or accept.

With help from Ranger (a superman style bounty hunter) and Grandma Mazur (who is addicted to funeral homes), Stephanie can't help but to find her prey. Then let him get away, again and again. 

Wonderful fun and super quick read.

ONE FOR THE MONEY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #1) by Janet Evanovich

 

ONE FOR THE MONEY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #1)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Enter Stephanie Plum and her hilarious family and friends. 

When Stephanie loses her job at the dept. store, she gets hired by her cousin to work bail bonds enforcement. She is the clumsiest but luckiest bounty hunter you will ever find.

Her mother, grandma, and father bring their own fun side of things. Along with a few friends that Stephanie meets.

In One For The Money, she must hunt down Joe Morelli, a Trenton cop accused of murder. He is a heartthrob who took her virginity when she was 16. And somehow has never left her mind. 

I absolutely loved this book. One big belly laugh after another.

DEPTH OF FOCUS: THE STANZAS AND A NOVEL by Kenya D Williamson

 

DEPTH OF FOCUS: THE STANZAS AND A NOVEL

by Kenya D Williamson

2 **

I received this book free for an honest review.

The story was good. A little slow but sort of interesting. 

After growing up in a hard family environment, Danni left home and tried to find herself and have a life of her own. She is very closed off emotionally, until Grace and Joe come into her life.

 

I wasn't a fan of the writing style. The book was 397 pages long, but the story was only 190 pages. It was written twice. Once as a poem and again as an actual story.

INSOMNIA by Stephen King

INSOMNIA

by Stephen King

5 stars

Insomnia is one of Stephen King's best novels. You are on the edge of your seat waiting for what is to come. I had a hard time putting it down. After Ralph's wife is diagnosed with cancer, he can't sleep the night through. He has what is called premature waking. Every morning he wakes up just a few minutes earlier than the night before. After a couple of months of this (and the death of his wife), he begins to see things. He thinks he is hallucinating. He sees auras and colors everywhere. And then strange little men. He has a mission to accomplish. Along with Lois, the lady down the street, he sets out on his mission. You will have to read the book yourself to find out what the mission is, and if they can do it. I will tell you to pay attention if you are a King fan. He references a few other books in his library. "It" and "The Dark Tower" often, and a mention of Gage from "Pet Sematary". Leave a comment if you notice any others.

Sorry! My life has become abit crazy

 I know it has been awhile since I placed a review. Sorry! My life has become abit crazy. 2 new grandchildren (a boy and a girl). A new puppy. And trying to find a new home. 

I have been reading and keeping a list of books I have read. So soon I will be adding all the reviews. There will be about 20 or 30 coming in the next few weeks.

HEARTS AFLAME (HAARDRAD FAMILY SERIES BOOK 2) by Johanna Lindsey

 

HEARTS AFLAME (HAARDRAD FAMILY SERIES BOOK 2) 

by Johanna Lindsey  

5 stars

She writes such enjoyable stories. You feel connected to her characters, and want to know what happens after the story has ended. (Luckily, most of her stories have more books in the series to update you.)

Kristen Haardrad, a beautiful Viking maiden, wants love, but not from anyone in her homeland. She wants adventure and romance like her mother, Brenna.

Royce of Wyndhurst lost his family and beloved in a Viking raid. So her hates so Vikings. Or does he? Kristen enters his life, and shortly thereafter also his soul.

WHEN LOVE AWAITS by Johanna Lindsey

 

WHEN LOVE AWAITS

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Great Tale. Another 5 star for Johanna. 

Lady Leonie is forced to marry her feared neighbor "The Black Wolf". 

Rolfe D'Ambert is plagued by his neighbor and her people. So he decides to marry to stop the harassment.

Neither of them can resist the pull they have between them.

LOVE ONLY ONCE (MALLORY FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1) by Johanna Lindsey

LOVE ONLY ONCE (MALLORY FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1)

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Regina Ashton is looking for a husband. But he must be accepted by her 4 domineering uncles.

When Nickolas Eden kidnaps her by mistake, she sees this as the answer to her problem.

The Mallory Family Series is one of my favorites (with 12 books). 

A HEART SO WILD (STRATON FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1) by Johanna Lindsey

     

 A HEART SO WILD (STRATON FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1)

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Courtney lives through an Indian attack, and is stranded in the town of Rockney with her stepmother. Believing her father dead, she is surprised to see a photo in a newspaper that looks like him.

Chandos is a gunfighter on a mission. But he has ties with Courtney that he just can't break.

SKELETON CREW: STORIES BY STEPHEN KING by Stephen King

SKELETON CREW: STORIES BY STEPHEN KING

by Stephen King

5 stars

 Stephen King outdid himself with this compilation of stories. The Mist, The Raft, and Mrs. Todd's Shortcut had me riveted. Word Processor of the Gods creates the type of power we all wish we could have at times. (added things to  life or deleted them from existence). Beach World and The Jaunt were probably my least favorite, but that doesn't mean they weren't good.

NAKED HEAT (NIKKI HEAT BOOK 2) by Richard Castle

NAKED HEAT (NIKKI HEAT BOOK 2)
by Richard Castle
4 stars

In collaboration with the ABC series "Castle".

When Jamison Rook, famous author, gets involved in a murder of a gossip columnist, he is once again teamed up with NYPD Detective Nikki Heat.
As the case progresses, so does the romance between these two past lovers.
Just when you think you know how the case will end and whodunit., the final twist is set.

Enjoyable, funny, and easy to read. Relaxing.

THE YEAR'S FINEST FANTASY 1978 by Various Authors

THE YEAR'S FINEST FANTASY 1978

by Various Authors

Edited by Terri Carr
3 stars

There are 10 stories in this book. Many are worth the couple of minutes they take to read. A few are disappointing. A couple are memorable and stick with you long after reading them.

My favorites are:
The Cat From Hell (Stephen King) - of course anything from King is memorable. I am a cat lover, so                                                           this was great. A cat gets revenge for wrongs done to his kind.
 
Jeffty Is Five (Harlan Ellison) - The story of a boy who refuses to grow up, literally. Interesting tale                                                     of the supernatural, mind over matter and time. Ended by stupidity of another.

Growing Boys (Robert Aickman) - 2 young mischievous boys? 2 boys without parental structure? 2                                                            monsters? You decide!!

My least favorites are:
Black As The Pit, From Pole To Pole (Steven Utley and Howard Waldrop) - Too long, didn't hold my                                                       interest. The senseless journey of Frankenstein's monster.

Manatee Gal Ain't You Coming Out Tonight (Auram Davidson) - Boring, uninteresting. I couldn't                                                   take the lousy Jamaican accent that was supposed to be portrayed.

I would be remise if I didn't mention Probability Storm by Julian Reed. The story of a disembodied gentleman in a bar. The tale is weird and confusing, but interesting and likable.

THE TALISMAN (THE TALISMAN SERIES BOOK 1) by Stephen King and Peter Straub

THE TALISMAN (THE TALISMAN SERIES BOOK 1)
by Stephen King and Peter Straub
4 STARS

Jack Sawyer is on a quest to save his mother's life. The journey will take him through two worlds, many dangers, and test his heart and grit to survive.
Jack will meet friends and enemies, old and new.
Is he destined to complete the task, or will his Uncle Morgan Sloat/Morgan of Orris along with Sunlight Gardner/Osmond end Jack's and his mother's lives.

Sometimes hard to follow, but worth every second.

PET SEMETARY by Stephen King

PET SEMETARY
by Stephen King
4 stars

The death and resurrection of the family cat leads to other deaths in the story of the supernatural.
Dr. Louis Creed and his family move into a new home, which is next to a road busy with semi truck traffic.
First his daughter's cat is run over and then his toddler son.
Once Louis is shown a way to bring back the cat, how can he resist resurrecting his son? Even though he realizes it really wasn't the cat the came back.

CHRISTINE By Stephen King

CHRISTINE
By Stephen King
4 stars



Lonely boy, picked on in high school, controlled by parents.

Arnie finds love, acceptance, and power with his new car. He is also protected by this cursed car.

I like the story, but it just didn't grab me the way it did years ago. It seemed to drag along for too long and was very repetitive for the first half of the book. But once Christine got rolling and the action really began, it was great.

SHADOWS 4 by Various Authors

SHADOWS 4

by Various Authors
Edited by Charles L. Grant
3 stars

Collection of 17 short stories. Most are less than 20 pages, one is 45 pages. Most of them are so short there is no time to grasp the meat of the tale, it is all set up.

I liked The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands, Hearing is Believing, and Need. I did not care for Threshold, Echoes From a Darkened Stone, or Waiting For a Knight.

DIFFERENT SEASONS by Stephen King

DIFFERENT SEASONS
by Stephen King
5 stars

There are 4 stories within these covers. All are within 100 - 200 pages, which gives you enough to sink your teeth into and enjoy the taste. None of these stories are horror driven, they are more suspenseful.
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption - Condemned for the murder of his wife and her lover, Andy Defresne is serving a life sentence in one of the country's hardest prisons. Day to day life now includes rape, helping guards and the warden cheat the system, and hope for freedom.
After 27 years, Andy gets his freedom. The how is as exciting and unexpected as the rest of the story.
Shawshank Redemption was made into a movie.

The Apt Pupil - When a 13 year old boy discovers a Nazi war criminal living in his neighborhood, he blackmails him into telling about the war, the camps, and all the horrible things he has done.
Partway through you begin to wonder who is worse, the Nazi or the young boy. Both begin to have nightmares over the stories.
The Apt Pupil was made into a movie.
The Body - 4 boys go on a trek to see and claim fame over a dead body. The journey is filled with more adventure than any of them expected.
The Body was made into a movie called Stand By Me.
The Breathing Method - An unwed mother is determined to have her baby, despite public opinion and other issues. There is a supernatural element to this one.

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF by Stephen King

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF
by Stephen King
4 stars

This is a very short story about 1 hr to read. Book is 127 pages with plenty of pictures, so maybe 50 reading pages.
Small town is terrified by a werewolf for 1 yr. Each month is it's own chapter with 2 to 4 pages. This is for a 10 to 13 year old just getting interested in this kind of thing. Hero may be surprising, villain isn't. By chapter 6 June, you should have figured it out.

STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja

 STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz
DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja
3 stars

This is a two story book. You read one then flip to read the other. Both are 127 pages and take about 2 hrs or less to read.

STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz

3 stars

Space & time travel, alternate universes, mutants, bodiless brains - everything a young boy likes. This obviously wasn't my thing. But it wasn't a horrible book if it is what you like.
Tohm awakes to find his body gone and replaced by a machine. He produces a new body for himself and goes in search of his love, Tarnilee. He finds adventure and love, just not where or how he imagined.

DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja

3 stars

The only reason I read this is because it came with the Koontz book. I never heard of Emil Petaja before.

Another book for young boys, but it was interesting and held my attention. Characters are well written and somewhat likable. Plot is simple.
Shalda was my main problem. She was a smart girl and trained fighter. Yet when she meets a stranger from the sky, it takes no prodding or time for her to tell everything there is about her planet, the people, and the situation there.

THE GUNSLINGER (THE DARK TOWER SERIES BOOK #1) by Stephen King

THE GUNSLINGER (THE DARK TOWER SERIES BOOK #1)
by Stephen King
4 stars


After a hard childhood being trained to be a gunslinger who feels nothing, Roland is on a quest to find the man in black and the Tower. He meets a young boy, and begins to feel for him. And remembers snippets of his past.
This story didn't seem to be my kind of thing at first. I'm not really into westerns. But it drew me in.
It's a mix between western, futuristic, and apocalyptic and fairy tale. Roland is an enigma whom we only see slightly into his mind and intentions. He is not a likable fellow for a hero, yet you begin to feel for him as the story unfolds.
This is book 1 of the series. Each book helps to understand Roland, his past, and his feelings (including regrets) and intentions.

CUJO by Stephen King

CUJO
by Stephen King
5 stars


Cujo, a 200 lb. Saint Bernard, is bitten by a bat and becomes rabid.
Although the story seems to be about a rabid dog causing terror and mayhem, it is really more about the family dynamic of the Trentons and the Cambers.
How will Vic Trenton deal with his wife's Infidelity? What about 4 year old Tad's fear of the monster in his closet?
How can Charity Camber help to direct her son Brett's life into a direction other than what his father has planned?
This is one of King's scariest books because it can happen. It isn't an imagined ghost or monster. At any time your own pet can contract rabies and turn on you.
This is more frightening to read about if you can place yourself into the situation.

FIRESTARTER by Stephen King

FIRESTARTER
by Stephen King
5 stars


This is one of my favorites. When Andy McGee decided to be part of a "Safe" experiment for $200 in college, He had no idea what his life would become.
Charlie McGee is a 7 year old girl with a power she can't control. This power has the potential to end the world or Charlie herself.
All characters are so well written that you either love or hate them with a passion. The plot is intriguing, and the story holds your interest the entire way through.
Charlie McGee is a character I would love to see again.

NIGHT SHIFT by Stephen King

NIGHT SHIFT
by Stephen King
4 stars

This is a compilation of short stories ranging from 6 to 34 pages. Jerusalem's Lot, Children of the Corn, and Sometimes They Come Back are the three longest. Many of these of been turned into full length movies.
I was not a fan of "I Am The Doorway", "The Boogeyman", or "The Mangler"
My favorites were "The Ledge", "Children of the Corn", and "The Man With Flowers".

THE STAND (THE COMPLETE AND UNCUT VERSION) by Stephen King 1990

THE STAND (THE COMPLETE AND UNCUT VERSION)
by Stephen King 1990
5 stars


Original written in 1978, King was asked to drastically edit the novel. The publisher felt 1100 pages was too intimidating to the readers. So it was released with about 820 pages (400 cut out).  I have read both versions of this book and find that the extra pages and little to the story. There is a new beginning which helps to set the stage, a few parts in the middle which do little for the book, and an extra chapter at the end to let the reader know where Fran and Stu have ended up.
In the first quarter of the novel, we are introduced to some of the main players. (Stu Redman, Harold Lauder, Fran Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, And Nick Andros) We are given a little feel for how their lives were before the flu hits the country.
Once the flu hits, we feel their worlds change. Many people die from the flu, some from after effects (such as the elderly or children with no one to care for them), and a few are immune. This is the ultimate story of good vs evil, God vs Devil.
Randall Flagg is the dark man, the walking dude, the devil himself. Mother Abigail is an angel on earth, the positive image of all good and holy. Many survivors travel to met one or the other of these figures after seeing both in their dreams.
This is a long book. It took me a month to read. But it is really worth it.

THE SHINING (BOOK #1) by Stephen King

THE 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

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 (WYOMING SERIES BOOK #1) by Johanna Lindsey

BRAVE THE WILD WIND (WYOMING SERIES BOOK #1)
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 PIRATE'S LOVE by Johanna Lindsey

A PIRATE'S 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

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 to switch authors

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

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

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

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

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.