Recommendations and Reviews

Halfway Hunted – My Review!!

Halfway Hunted is the third book in Terry Maggert’s Halfway Witchy series. I read the first two books (and gave them both 5 star reviews), so I had to continue the series. I wasn’t disappointed!

Synopsis (from the author):

Welcome to Halfway; where the waffles are golden, the moon is silver, and magic is just around every corner.
A century old curse is broken, releasing Exit Wainwright, an innocent man trapped alone in time.
Lost and in danger, he enlists Carlie, Gran, and their magic to find the warlock who sentenced him to a hundred years of darkness. The hunter becomes the hunted when Carlie’s spells awaken a cold-blooded killer intent on adding another pelt to their gruesome collection: hers.

But the killer has never been to Halfway before, where there are three unbreakable rules:
1. Don’t complain about the diner’s waffles.
2. Don’t break the laws of magic.
3. Never threaten a witch on her home turf.
Can Carlie solve an ancient crime, defeat a ruthless killer and save the love of her life from a vampire’s curse without burning the waffles?
Come hunt with Carlie, and answer the call of the wild.

What I liked:

As with the first two books, Carlie, her Gran, and the other characters are familiar and compelling. I liked the new addition Exit Wainwright. He’s a man out of time (he was asleep for 100 years), yet he fits right in with the eccentricities of Halfway. Add to the mix a couple of bounty hunters on the trail of shapeshifters and Carlie’s longshot plan for getting her boyfriend back and you have all the elements for a great story.

What I didn’t like:

The book had a disjointed feel to me. Despite everything fitting together, the story of Exit and his wife didn’t have the same feel as other Carlie missions.

Overall impression:

In spite of the issue above, enjoyed Halfway Hunted and I hope Terry Maggert will continue the series. Well-written with a fun take on witchcraft, interesting and likeable characters, and a cool plot line, Halfway Hunted is a good addition to the Halfway Witchy series.

My rating:

4.5 Stars (round to 5)

Connect with the author:

If you’ve read Halfway Hunted by Terry Maggert (or any of the Halfway Witchy series or Terry Maggert’s other books), please consider leaving him a review. He would appreciate it! And, connect with Terry on his Amazon Author Page or his website to discover more about him and his books.

Connect with me:

Want to tell me your thoughts on this review? Leave me a comment. Want to connect on the socials? I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads or send me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com.

The Guardian’s Angel – My Review!

Recently, a friend challenged me to read outside my normal favorite genres. Having read a couple of Lorrie Farrelly’s books, I accepted the challenge and picked up The Guardian’s Angel. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

When nobody knows what to do with a troubled, damaged kid, it’s time to call Elizabeth Driscoll. A wary, vulnerable, unusually intuitive young woman, Libby has a knack for helping children that others have given up on.

Certainly nobody knows what to do with Tommy Madden, least of all his fiercely devoted guardian, Seattle Police Detective J.D. McCammon. McCammon believes the autistic little boy witnessed a double murder: his mother and his father, the city’s District Attorney. J.D. is determined to help and protect Tommy at all costs, and somehow, find a way to communicate with him.

When Tommy’s life is threatened by the corrupt organization that killed his parents, J.D. and Libby take him on a desperate and dangerous flight to safety. They must place their trust in one another to escape a relentless evil that threatens not only their lives, but that of the child they’ve both come to love.

On the run, Libby and J.D. are tested to the limits of their courage and resolve. They discover an intimate and mystifying bond that will either drive them apart, or become their greatest source of strength and passion.

What I liked:

The Guardian’s Angel drew me in from the start. Libby’s trauma from an attack and the unexpected mental interaction between her and JD sets the tone for the story. With Tommy’s safety at risk, Libby and JD embark on a dangerous mission to save him. But enough, no spoilers from me. The ending is satisfying and the sacrifices made by all tie the tale together nicely. This book has romance, intrigue, suspense, and enough action to keep the pages turning.

What I didn’t like:

About my only criticism of the book is the constant indecision of both Libby and JD to accept their feelings about each other. It frustrated me a reader for the characters to vacillate as long as they did.

Overall Impression:

The Guardian’s Angel is well written, full of compelling characters with plenty of angst, suspense, intrigue, and sacrifice to go around. I recommend this book to romance and chick-lit aficionados. I also recommend it to anyone who simply likes a good read!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read The Guardian’s Angel? What about any of Lorrie Farrelly’s books? If so, please consider leaving a review. Reviews mean the world to authors as it lets them know what readers like or dislike about their work! Want to know more about Lorrie and her work, find them on her Amazon Author Page or her website.

Speaking of like (or dislike), please consider leaving a comment about this review. It’s always nice to know whether I helped someone find something new to read.

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Acts Beyond Redemption – My review!!

I admit I love a good thriller, so when I read the blurb for Acts Beyond Redemption by Suzanne Burke, I wanted to give it a try. And I must say, it was a good choice!

Synopsis (from the author):

Acts Beyond Redemption takes you on a twisted, deadly, journey.

Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killers responsible for 18 brutal murders.

The team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Their nightmares are stripping them to the bone.

Nothing has prepared them for this.
Someone on the inside is deflecting their weary eyes away from an incomprehensible and shattering truth.

Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive?

What I liked:

This was a twisty story. The brutal killings, the burned-out FBI agents, and the prime suspect all make the story work. I liked the character development, and the story allowed me to use my imagination to try to identify the killer. All told, Acts Beyond Redemption was a harrowing tale of murder, political cover-up, and Sheila (the prime suspect) is a wonderfully evil operative. But, no more from me as I won’t spoil anything!

What I didn’t like:

Only a couple of complaints from me. First, there were times when British/Australian terminology sneaked into the story (calling cookies biscuits, for example) and jarred me out of the story. Secondly, the use of coarse language was, in my opinion, excessive. I understand the need for it at times, but it seemed a bit gratuitous.

Overall impression:

Good characters, a twisty plot, and a good ending make Acts Beyond Redemption an excellent thriller. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an action packed thriller!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Acts Beyond Redemption? If so, please consider leaving a review. It’s always great to know what readers think! If you want to know more about Suzanne Burke and her work, you can find her on her Amazon Author page!

Connect with me:

If you liked (or disliked) my review, feel free to leave me a comment. We can also connect on the socials! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, so say hi. If you want to make sure you don’t miss a post, subscribe to the blog!

Crystal Rebellion – My Review!!

This book is the fourth installment of the Crystal Series by Doug J Cooper. I read the first three and thoroughly enjoyed them. When Mr. Cooper released Crystal Rebellion, it went on my TBR. Since I’ve been reading books outside my normal fantasy genre, this was an opportunity to continue my efforts. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Ruga, leader of the Mars ruling council, is building a secret facility to produce four-gen crystals, each a sentient AI with the cognitive ability of a thousand humans. Criss, the only four-gen now in existence, discovers Ruga’s plan and alerts Sid, Cheryl, and Juice, his human leadership team. The stakes skyrocket when the full scope of Ruga’s nefarious plans are revealed: the production of four-gens without the attribute that requires them to follow leadership, the same hard-wired feature that compels Criss to follow his.

Unfettered by human guidance, the four-gens will lay siege to Earth and its resources. When they do, will they view humans as a nuisance to be eliminated? The only option is to stop crystal production before it starts. After an anxious journey to Mars, Criss and the team arrive to find events spinning beyond their control. While they’d started with the goal of saving humanity, Sid, Cheryl, and Juice find themselves in a desperate struggle for their own survival. And as the battle with Ruga grows to intergalactic proportions, Criss must make impossible decisions about who lives and who dies…including himself.

What I liked:

Mr. Cooper’s characters return in Crystal Rebellion. The twist here is how Criss (our 4-gen AI) is really the focus of the story. Criss has to separate from his human counterparts when Ruga (one of the Kardish crystals) tries to transform to a 4-Gen and devastate Earth. I won’t spoil anything, though, so I will stop there. With subplots revolving around Juice and an old boyfriend, Sid and Cheryl working undercover, and the friction among the three Kardish crystals ruling Mars, the story moves along nicely. As always, I like the characters, and especially appreciate Criss’ growth. Well done, Mr. Cooper!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint is some of the minor characters (such as the other Kardish crystals and the rebellious underground) could have been developed more and played a bigger role.

Overall impression:

Crystal Rebellion by Doug J. Cooper is an excellent sci-fi read. Full of the familiar characters of Criss, Sid, Cheryl, and Juice, plus Juice’s new love interest, a nicely paced story, and enough twists to keep it interesting, I completely enjoyed the book. I recommend it to all sci-fi fans!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Connect with Doug J Cooper and find out more about Crystal Rebellion and the rest of the Crystal Series on his Amazon Author page or his website. If you read one of the books, please consider leaving a review. I know Doug Cooper will appreciate it!

Connect with me:

If you enjoyed my review (of even if you didn’t), leave me a comment and let me know. I like to know what you think. If you want to connect with me on the socials, I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you won’t miss a post!

Protector (Anniversary of the Veil Book 1) – My Review!!

Protector (Anniversary of the Veil Book 1) by Vanna Smythe showed up in my Goodreads recommendations. Finding myself with an open spot on the TBR list, I followed Goodreads advice and read it. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Kae has trained his entire life to become an elite Protector of the Realm. When he finally achieves this honor he finds himself protecting something far greater: the Veil separating two worlds. On one side of the Veil lie unlimited stores of magic. On the Realm’s side, magic is all but obliterated, and Kae is one of the few who can use it. The priests who secretly rule the Realm will do everything they can to control his growing magical abilities. Kae’s willing to pay the price, even though it separates him from Issa, the girl he loves.

But the Veil has weakened over the last thousand years and powers on both sides will stop at nothing to keep it intact. Strangers from the other side have kidnapped Issa to take her across the Veil and sacrifice her to strengthen it. Kae is the only one who can find her. Going to her rescue means forsaking his oaths and duty, and leaving behind the future he always wanted. But if he chooses duty over love, Issa will die.

What I liked about Protector:

Protector (Anniversary of the Veil Book 1) had about everything one could ask for in a fantasy novel. Palace intrigue, conflict between the king and the priests, a love story, destiny and fate, and the looming possibility of chaos to be unleashed by the Anniversary of the Veil.

Set against this backdrop is the story of Issa and Kae. Kae is a good character and grows into his role as a Protector. Issa is a bit of a spoiled princess, but not in the stereotypical way. Vanna Smythe weaves their stories into a compelling tale. I also liked the way the other side of the Veil interjects itself into Kae and Issa’s world, with Issa aunt coming to kidnap her and take her to the other side of the Veil. Good stuff!!

What I didn’t like about Protector:

While I enjoyed the characters, they were a bit one-dimensional. I hope in the rest of the series, the characters will grow and provide us more insights into their personalities. I also would have liked fewer characters, as it was a bit difficult to keep them straight.

Overall impression of Protector:

Good story, good plot, and good pace kept my interest and attention. This is a solid start to the series and I look forward to the next installment. I recommend Protector (Anniversary of the Veil Book 1) to fantasy fans everywhere!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Want to know more about Protector (Anniversary of the Veil Book 1) or any of Vanna Smythe’s books? Find out more on her Amazon Author page or her website. If you’ve read Protector or any of Vanna Smythe’s other books, please consider leaving a review! I know Vanna would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Want to tell me your thoughts on my review? Leave me a comment, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, or connect with me on the socials. I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest!

Take the Body and Run – My review!

Have you heard about the Kindle Scout Program? The program encourages authors to submit new books and have the books voted on by readers. Kindle Press publishes the book that garners the most votes. Jada Ryker, whom I have read before, submitted her book Take the Body and Run and won! Because of my previous experiences with her books, I had to read it!

Synopsis (from the author):

Macey’s first day in the college employee relations department ends with a knife at her throat.

Macey is certain things can’t get any worse. She’s wrong. An angry employee vows to put her on an online hit list. When he turns up dead, she’s a suspect–and on the hit list.

To keep her secrets and her life, Macey partners with two unexpected allies who cause her pulse to race with steamy attraction–and exasperating annoyance. Vince, a handsome, driven lawman, digs up more than just clues to the brutal murder. Brett, a fun-loving pathologist with a deadly sense of humor, drives everyone crazy with his fart machine-will travel. Macey’s supersized black cat Wikket, possessing courage, curiosity, and crankiness in equal portions, assists in his own grumpy, feline fashion, golden eyes open and claws extended.

What I liked:

As with the other Jada Ryker books I’ve read, connecting with the characters is easy. Macey, with her secret past, Brett, with his goofy personality, and Vince, as the no-nonsense lawman, all blend into the story nicely. Macey’s cat provides side entertainment, and Macey’s office staff is an excellent cast of characters. Because of Jada Ryker’s writing, the story itself moves along and, despite having a chick-lit feel, kept me turning the pages. The quirky villains also deserve a mention. Overall, Take the Body and Run is an excellent read!

What I didn’t like:

About my only criticism of the book is some of the minor characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. Despite how much I enjoyed the book, those characters could have added a lot to the story.

Overall impression:

Filled with fun characters, romance, and a good story, Take the Body and Run is a book to turn to when you need a fun and entertaining read!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Take the Body and Run or any of Jada Ryker’s other books? If so, what did you think? And, did you consider leaving a review? If not, why not go back and leave one!

If you want to know more about Jada and her books, find her on her Amazon Author Page or her website. Stop in and say hi!

Connect with me:

Like my review? Leave a comment and let me know. I look forward to your thoughts. If you want to connect on the socials, find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!