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Post by leeannv on Apr 4, 2012 1:58:02 GMT -5
Book Title: Forgotten Author: Doug Lucas Published By: Great Minds Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5+ Good men give their all. They are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. They do it for their country. They do it for their families. They do it because they are ‘The Few and The Proud’. They are Marines. What do good men do when their government sets them up as target practice in an unwanted peacekeeping mission? What do they do when they are kept from performing their trained duties? What do good Marines do when the political hands that bind cause the deaths of hundreds of their brothers? For a few American Marines, the covert mission is more than a simple act of getting even. The operation is an act of duty and honor to fallen men. As is the American way, even well kept secrets leak out. Politics rears its ugly head, denying any form of retribution or violent acts on a people who would just as soon see all of America destroyed. The Warriors know better. Their strike will be fast and deadly. Is it enough? Will America mourn once again? Author, Doug Lucas writes a masterpiece of military intrigue. His hypothesis on political control over military actions is astute and frightening. The story encompasses all facets of military strife. The characters capture your mind, daring you to walk a mile in their shoes and refusing nothing less than complete involvement in their cause. You willingly surrender your mind and live the life of those who protect us, those who will not be Forgotten. I admire an author who can write with such depth and emotion. I am one reader who will certainly never forget.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 27, 2012 22:25:58 GMT -5
Book Title: Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam Author: Imani True/Dreama Skye Published By: NCM Publishing Recommended Age: Adult (Erotic Tales) Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 4 Sensual and sweet. Hot and spicy. Whatever your erotic taste, you will find it within the pages of this collection. Strong, vibrant women take control and live life their way. Nothing inhibits the desire of consensual pleasure; at least not where the leading ladies in this novel are concerned. Fantasies, rekindled romances, strangers on the street – it’s a fun for all and all for fun. Pages will turn as the temperature rises.
Imani True and Dreama Skye pair nicely together in this collection of erotic stories. Their blending of lascivious tales mold and flow with artistic precision. The heat is more than enough for the average gal. In fact, the women are above average in every way. Brains and beauty combine in more ways than one. If you are squeamish about lesbian adventures, this is not the book for you. If you are curious and want to know more, I highly recommend picking yourself up a copy. Your thirst for knowledge will be aptly quenched.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 26, 2012 14:33:12 GMT -5
Book Title: A Little Sumthin Sumthin Author: Imani True Published By: NCM Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5 Fatimah Briggs - Wife. Mother. Lawyer. Victim. When one final hit drove her to leave, Fatimah found she was not the weak, stupid woman her husband, Malcolm, said she was each time he drove his fists into her body. Xiomara Valentine is a successful business owner. She is also a woman who knows what she wants and makes it happen. Xiomara wanted Fatimah. After a chance meeting in a coffee shop, Xiomara would do anything to have Fatimah in her life, even if it meant headhunting her away from her current job as a lawyer in a very successful firm. Together, Fatimah and Xiomara begin an inspirational journey, one which leads them down a path of new beginnings. As they find love and trust within each other, old wounds begin to heal. However, life together would not be an easy one. Malcolm’s bruised ego will not allow Fatimah to escape. All around her, people question Fatimah’s decision to leave Malcolm, but not as much as they question her decision to carry on with a woman. When Malcolm finally catches up with Fatimah, she fears her new life will be only a memory as the beating begins. Will she ever get the strength to rid herself of his sadistic mind? Author, Imani True writes a powerful, heartfelt, gritty novel. Her story explores the realities of life, the ones no one wants to talk about - spousal abuse and lesbianism. Ms. True takes these topics by the collar and yanks them headlong through the streets for all to see. Her heroine’s are strong and proud. You cheer them on every step of the way. Her villain is a man you have no trouble seeing get his own back when karma finally catches up. A solid storyline and intensely written characters with intriguing subplots makes this a great read in my opinion. I will be looking for a little more sumthin, sumthin from this author!
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Post by leeannv on Mar 22, 2012 12:21:03 GMT -5
Book Title: Her Dark Baron Author: Nadja Notariani Published By: Amazon Digital Services Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 3 Baron Gervase Daltrey, is a dark, mysterious and most feared man - a demonic Hound of Hell to all who know him. Her father dead, our heroine, Lady Mariel Hayes, falls prey to Baron Harold Flanders, a nobleman, who wishes to take over her land as well as her honor. Lady Mariel is rescued from the clutches of her unwanted suitor by none other than the Hound himself. Attaining Mariel as his wife, Baron Daltrey sets out to find the soul responsible for the beastly killings on his land. In doing so, he stumbles upon a plot to kill his new bride. Daltrey’s brother, Edmond and wife, Elizabeth, continue their frequent visits and offer aid against these attacks, yet the attempts on Lady Mariel continue. Baron Flanders is the obvious suspect. Baron Daltrey sets out to rid Flander’s heinous deeds from ever darkening the steps of Ayleshind again, only to find his assumptions were wrong. Has Gervase left the woman who has claimed his heart in mortal danger? I am not typically a reader of historical romance, although I do enjoy them from time to time. In reading Her Dark Baron, I came across a few inconsistencies such as the use of weaponry and mixing of classes, which would not be done in the timeline this author is writing in. As well, punctuation, grammar and point of view errors as sporadically mixed within its pages. Author, Nadja Notariani, writes a page turning tale. Despite the errors, the story remains riveting and action-filled. The emotion between her heroes is felt as their love and respect for each other blossoms. The book would have done better if its main characters were given the chance to develop further. The reader could bond with them in their actions if more background into the work of Baron Daltrey and the strength of Mariel’s character was given. Despite the lack of information, this remains a sensual read for those who like romance. I enjoyed the story premise and dialogue and would read more from this author.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 18, 2012 14:45:19 GMT -5
Book Title: The Spirit Archer Author: Mike Evers Published By: Great Minds Publishing Recommended Age: 15+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 4 Inside the hearts of us all, lives a spirit longing for justice. One which traverses the plains of unfairness without fear. Jaimie Wilson found his spirit. He just didn’t ever believe it would be located under a rock, deep within the forest. Nor did he believe it would turn out to be the rightful heir to the Earldom of Huntingdon, the infamous Robin Hood. Through months of listening to the fair rock “speak”, Jaimie questions his sanity as he learns more about the giver to the poor, as well as himself. Failing in his studies and about to lose his home, Jaimie finds out first hand just how unjust life can be. It is the greed of the few that leads to the suffering of the many. Will his hours of tutorage from the great Earl be enough to give Jaimie the courage he needs to change his future? Author, Mike Evers enlightens his readers with a fantastic tale of Robin Hood combined with modern day life. His characters are alive and warm, begging you to join them in their merry ride. As you read, you will find yourself deep within the Earl’s grasp as he takes you along on his adventures of yore. Don’t worry, he will bring you back to the safety of your chair in due time. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Evers.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 13, 2012 23:34:20 GMT -5
Book Title: The Man in the Mountain Author: Doug Lucas Published By: Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5+ Tough as nails, no nonsense FBI agent, Deanna Flores, takes crap from no one, especially a man. Marcy Zimmerman, the witness Deanna has been assigned to protect, is a high priced hooker with talents that go far beyond the bedroom. Together they are on the run from vicious drug lords who want them both dead. Along the way, they find out just how deep the corruption has moved through the departments who have sworn to protect the innocent and put the guilty behind bars. Children’s novelist and avid writer, Simon Jorge prides himself on his skilled effectiveness when it comes to his job as a hired assassin to a major drug lord, Aiden Salvaje. His assignment – find Deanna and Marcy and eliminate their ability to speak along with anyone else who has too much knowledge on the company and its’ dealings. A cold-blooded, emotionless killer, Jorge is a patient man and never makes mistakes. Pitted together, it is a fight to the death for each character, bar one. He is a calm, solitary man. He lives alone in the safety of his fortress. He is the key to the story. He is – the man in the mountain. Sublime. Simply the best book I’ve read in months. Author, Doug Lucas keeps getting better and better. The intricate story and character detail rivals that of Mr. Tom Clancy, himself. The odd idiosyncrasies of each personality sets up a love/hate relationship in some, and gives voice to a definite cheer for the heroes to win. Action and adventure entwine with the lives of all. The pages keep turning, each chapter brings another dilemma or revelation of the psyche. The characters are as varied as they are eccentric. Each has their own demons to settle. Each has battles to fight before the last page is turned. The meld and flow of the writing allows the many varied personas to fully develop. When the end arrives, you are sad to see your new friends go. I have no difficulty in stating you will absolutely love this book!
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Post by leeannv on Mar 11, 2012 13:30:39 GMT -5
Book Title: The Witch and the Squirrels Author: G.E. Stills Published By: Gypsy Shadow Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5 Chad the fireman. Jerry the womanizer. Not a typical friendship, at least not for Chad. When a stunningly beautiful, new woman moves into the old mansion on the corner, Chad discovers an awakening of feelings he has kept hidden for quite some time. Only, his disgusting “pal”, Jerry, gets to her first. The only good thing to come of this union is the thankful disappearance of Jerry. Months later, Chad, once again, finds his bewitching redhead minus his pal, Jerry. He takes hold of his second chance at happiness. Little does he know, the spell was already cast, and his life was about to change forever. Author, G.E. Stills writes a captivatingly, detailed short story with a spellbinding end. You are caught up in his characters and cannot stop yourself from turning each page. I love when I am able to visualize easily through an author’s words. This story definitely has you seeing, even perhaps believing in his witchy tale. A perfect seasonal story and one that captures you well past Hallow’s Eve.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 5, 2012 13:02:27 GMT -5
Book Title: If You Change The Words You Change The Meaning Author: Ellen Allen Published By: Your Time Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 3.5 It happens often in life. The addiction becomes too strong. Breaking away and recovering your life, your soul, flees farther from your grasp. Liz watched her best friend, her confident, her lover and husband become consumed by his drug demon. Her loving Able turning into deviant Cane before her eyes. What can a woman do when faced with the drama of watching her man self destruct? How can she save him without losing herself? Author, Ellen Allen takes us on a personal journey of tortured souls. Her writing speaks as if straight from life’s journal of sorrow and pain. Sharing is the first step to healing. Ellen’s story offers a way to rebuild through the eyes of experience. Although I found the heroine to be a bit repetitious in her views and thoughts, I do believe this was necessary in order to truly feel and understand the kind of power drug addiction has over a person’s soul. Ms. Allen’s novel tells the realities of substance abuse and how faith of self can bring you back from a life choice of destruction.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 3, 2012 22:39:37 GMT -5
Book Title: The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright Author: Jaimie Hope Published By: Kindle Direct Publishing (ebook); CreateSpace (paperback) Recommended Age: Children’s Picture Book Series Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 4 A child’s adventures in school abound when Baby Jaimie’s teacher tells the class they will be performing a play for their parents. Jaimie isn’t so sure she wants to participate, especially after her older sister teases her about forgetting her lines. And when she doesn’t get the part she wants, Jaimie decides to pretend to be sick instead of playing her role. The third book in the series, Author, Jaimie Hope writes about the lessons young children must learn in order to succeed. Although there are a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, the moral of the story is an important one. Young children will be pleased to learn about how to be a team player through the eyes of Baby Jaimie.
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Post by leeannv on Mar 2, 2012 14:34:00 GMT -5
Book Title: Shattered Author: Jezebel Jorge Published By: Jezebel Jorge at Smashwords Recommended Age: Young Adult/Teen Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5+ Sometimes our lives are mapped out in such a way, all you can do is ride the waves of discontent. Young Amalie lives such a life. She is known as the crazy candle witch’s daughter. The fat, ugly girl who got herself pregnant. Not even her mother wanted her. Luckily, Amalie had people who cared about her. Friends who helped her make it through some brutally ruthless times, and one little boy who gave her the strength to see beyond the savage cruelties of life, to its truer meaning. Author, Jezebel Jorge gives us raw and heartbreaking writing. Her characters are more than mere words on a page, they awaken your emotions, demanding to be heard, seen and reckoned with. This tale is a bitter battle between good and evil and one that will tear out your heart as you walk beside our heroine, Amalie. Open up this novel. Take her hand in yours. Let her know it will be okay.
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Post by leeannv on Feb 27, 2012 1:16:32 GMT -5
Book Title: Conversations With a Dead Man Author: Doug Lucas Published By: Great Minds Think Aloud Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5
The dead take the past with them to the grave, leaving the living with unanswered questions and a longing for more time. There is always a wish for one more day; another chance at goodbye.
A lifetime of knowledge and history come alive for a man who no longer props up his rifle. The graveside may not be the most comfortable place to have secrets revealed, but a young gentleman finds himself drawn to one particular marker. John Wesley Elder lived his life by one motto ‘help others when you can’. He shares his tales of truth and wisdom with the young visitor, ever hopeful the tragedies and lessons of his life will not be in vain as his tale is told. And, true to his word, Mr. Elder still helps out when he can.
Doug Lucas has again marvelled his readers. Author of The Good Servant, Mr. Lucas fascinates and intrigues with his first person narrative, Conversations With a Dead Man. The writing is enticing and fresh. The character speaks to you, drawing you in to his world of factful fiction. You are compelled to read on, unlocking secrets of the past, and perhaps learning a few things along the way. Another fantastic creation from Mr. Lucas!
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Post by leeannv on Feb 27, 2012 1:13:54 GMT -5
Book Title: Big Girls Bounce Author: Lulu Dean Published By: Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 4 A story can have the power to incite joy, happiness, and even laughter. When many of these stories are placed into a book, the reader has no choice but to give up whatever mundane task is pressed upon them the rest of the day, and join in the hilarity of the author.
Big Girls Bounce is collection of short stories about life, unemployment, friends, and the humor found within. Completely engaged in each tale, I found myself laughing out loud in public places. This book encompasses womanly truths wrapped in cakes and topped with attitude. If you are looking for a dose of amusement to your real life, Author, Lulu Dean has the book for you.
Although short enough to finish in a lunch hour, Lulu’s life stories will keep you laughing for weeks to come. The only downside I found to the stories, and this is minor considering the amount of comedy provided, was the choppy feel of some of the stories, which I felt could definitely benefit from more length. In this humble reader’s opinion, Lulu Dean has hit a bulls-eye with her collection of tales. I will be on the lookout for more from this author.
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Post by leeannv on Feb 27, 2012 1:11:30 GMT -5
Book Title: Finding Ava Author: Jennifer Loren Published By: DAB Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 3.5
Ava Kelley is a talented architect with a terrifying past. Sean Grant is Hollywood’s most sexy bachelor who is unable to attach himself to any one woman. A fated day connects them both and the realization of their attraction to each other forces each of them to confront their fears.
This novel reads almost in a diary format. Written in first person narrative, you delve deeper into the minds of the two main characters as well as the villain who is keeping them apart. My only complaint lies in the somewhat choppy coherence of the chapters, but this does not take away from the intensity of the romance nor the suspense. You are swept away by the sensuousness of the love scenes and on edge as soon as the villains name is mentioned. Author, Jennifer Loren produces a beautiful romance fraught with plenty of sexual tension and villainous action to keep the pages turning.
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Post by leeannv on Jan 3, 2012 15:00:39 GMT -5
Book Title: The Good Servant Author: Doug Lucas Published By: Gypsy Shadow Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5+ “A man is judged by his actions, not his words”. Eli knew his beloved Camels had a firm grip on his breath as well as the remaining days of his life. He was a man who had done more than his duty. A man who knew he was dying and wanted peace for his family. He was providing it the only way he knew how – by coming clean. Part of Alpha Company, the 1st squad of Weapons Platoon, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division when he was sent to Vietnam, Eli became quite familiar with the acronyms BOHICA and FUBAR, and knew he was now well beyond the latter. His family was about to get answers to their ageless questions. He only hoped God would grant him enough time to complete one last mission. He wanted time to explain what Hoa Cam Hue was and had meant to him when he was later assigned to a program that allowed him to really meet the people of South Vietnam. He tells his family about the JAC, CAC, CAP program in an effort to show why and how it affected the rest of his life. Seldom does one come across a novel of such lingual magnificence and caustic humour wrapped so effortlessly beneath a bow of divine sarcasm. The Good Servant is a story that will beseech your every emotion. Author, Doug Lucas pries off the emotional gates of his characters and places them in your hands. Your heart will ache. Your voice will be heard as you laugh out loud. The character of Eli will stay with you long after you read his last words. Mr. Lucas is a phenomenal storyteller. My words to you, Sir, are “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
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Post by leeannv on Dec 29, 2011 15:07:44 GMT -5
Book Title: Say A Little Prayer Author: Catherine Cavendish Published By: Gypsy Shadow Publishing Recommended Age: 18+ Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff Vinson Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Rating: 5 The famous do have thoughts and feelings; even the dead famous. Called upon, they watch as Jane prays to them each night. Jane’s husband has left her, she’s lost her job and must come up with a great deal of money in order to keep her home. It is up to those she loved the most to come to her rescue. Author, Catherine Cavendish gives a fresh and humorous look at the spirit world in this short story. Sexual innuendos are tossed about between Jim Morrison and Marilyn Monroe. Agatha Christie gets in on the problem solving with her ever-present notebook. An entertaining story, Say A Little Prayer can be read on a lunch-hour and will conjure up a smile as you follow the antics of this extraordinary medley of deceased celebrities who still retain their larger-than-life personas.
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