*Review* The Scrapyard Man by S.H. Richardson

Genre: Romance

Published: September 4, 2016

Pages: 182

Goodreads

Synopsis

Sebastian 
Dramatic. Hyper sensitive. Emotional. I know what they say about me. But I don’t give a shit. Buck taught me to never be ashamed of who I am, to never hide my true nature, and I will be respected for it. My kindness is often mistaken for weakness. I use that to my advantage. Mother and Aunt Enid rely on me to take care of them, even though they don’t see me as a capable man, one who can take care of himself. They are wrong. Buck was the one person who saw my true nature and harnessed it in order to maximize my strengths and hone my skills. He knew the real me, what I’m capable of. But he’s gone now, and I’m left searching for someone to believe in me. 

Ashley
What a difference a few months can make. My sister Clover found the love of her life in Range. I couldn’t be happier for them. The men who live at Buck’s Junkyard have become my second family, my brothers. But I want more from one of them. He’s sweet and kind, maybe too kind to give me what I need, but our bond of friendship is solid. I long for a savage beast that can take my body to heights unknown and never let me fall, not a shy worrywart that’s afraid to take what he wants. I want my hero to be more than just a sandwich, even if I have to force him to make the move we both want.

While helping Sebastian grieve the loss of the only father figure he’s ever known, Ashley catches the eye of a dangerous deviant hell-bent on having her for himself. With the lives of their women at stake, Sebastian and the other Junkyard Boys set aside their differences and fight together to save the women they love.

My husband looks like a creep in this photo.

Review

I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection with the book makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.

This is the second book in a series, but the first one that I've read. While it's very possible that I would have had a better understanding of some of the characters actions if I had read The Junkyard Boys first, I don't think doing so is absolutely necessary. I didn't feel completely lost at any point, or like there were inside jokes going over my head because I hadn't been introduced to them. So while it's probably advisable to read the series in order, I don't think it's necessary to enjoy this book. 

I do not really care for motorcycle club romances, and while the junkyard boys are not a motorcycle club, they act a lot like one, so I had a difficult time really enjoying this book because of that aspect.

I did enjoy the interactions between the characters. It was really obvious that they all care for each other and have each others backs. I particularly liked seeing Ashley ribbing Sebastian all the time. Their flirtation was cute. 

What I didn't enjoy in the story was the dominant alpha male attitudes, but that is what typically turns me off of MC romances too, so it's not surprising that I wouldn't enjoy it here. If you like dominant alpha males, you will very likely like these men. I just don't. 

Overall I give The Scrapyard Man 3 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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*Review* Entwined Souls by Michele Gantz

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: September 6, 2016

Pages: 100

Goodreads

Synopsis

Amia Grace has always escaped into the abandoned graveyard to write, no clue why she’s drawn here of all places. Lately, it’s the only place that the feeling of being watched doesn’t overwhelm her. Everything in her life on track, until she meets Gage McGavin. 

There’s something about him that creates a riot of emotions that Amia can’t quite place her finger on.  One moment she wants him, the next she wants to run scared. 

Gage only wants Amia for one reason. Her power. He knows that she’s more than just a writer. More than just a girl. She’s the future, and he plans on controlling that. 

Until his brother enters the picture. Hunter has a goal of his own.  Amia will be his. 

What do you do when your soul isn't completely your own?

Review

I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the book that I influenced were spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection with the book makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.

I felt like this book was a fresh take on the vampire romance sub-genre, although it was also reminiscent of The Vampire Diaries in a way. Gantt's vampire lore includes elements I've never encountered before, but they definitely make a certain amount of sense. 

I was intrigued by the story and wanted to keep reading, even after it was over. The story was gripping with just enough mystery to keep me guessing. The characters were well rounded and sufficiently flawed to seem real.

There were a couple aspects of the story that just did not make sense to me though, but they were fairly minor details and not really a big deal in the whole scheme of things.

Overall I give Entwined Souls 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was a very solid debut. - Katie 

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About the Author

In my time on this Earth, I have always been intrigued by the written word. As a child, I was always a strong reader. As I grew older, I found other hobbies, that was until I was introduced to Edward Cullen, yes, I was a Twihard! I loved the Twilight Saga very much and opened my eyes back to the Young Adult book world. I was ravenous again, reading any YA book I could get my hands on.

This eventually lead to the inevitable right? Fifty Shades of Grey entered my world, and while I, like many, enjoyed it. But I was left thinking, wow, the romance genre really has changed, and I like it!! I began paging through Amazon desperately searching for books. Then I discovered book blogs and my world was done.

I eventually became a reviewer for a blog, and couldn’t have been more thrilled. I discovered a love within myself for dark, dangerous antiheroes that could be found within the pages of books. This amazing indie book world introduced me to some of my now best friends, opened my eyes to amazing authors, and has turned into a career that I know love.

After reviewing for another blog and helping with blogging duties, I craved running my own blog, and with the help of some of the most amazing women, we created #Minxes Love Books. Silly name as it may seem, we had fallen in love with Jaimie Roberts writing, and we were known for creating funny hashtags in her street team. She began calling us her #Minxes, so we KNEW when we started a blog, that it just had to be that! We have grown a following and love what we do!!

Now, join me as I enter into the world of authorship. I honestly cannot wait to share this story as these characters have been screaming in my head for years for me to tell their story.

*Review* You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day

Genre: Memoir

Published: August 11, 2015

Pages: 260

Goodreads

Synopsis

From online entertainment mogul, actress, and “queen of the geeks” Felicia Day, a funny, quirky, and inspiring memoir about her unusual upbringing, her rise to Internet-stardom, and embracing her individuality to find success in Hollywood.

The Internet isn’t all cat videos. There’s also Felicia Day—violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world... or at least semi-influential in the world of Internet Geeks and Goodreads book clubs.

After growing up in the south where she was "home-schooled for hippie reasons", Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia’s misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an Internet star.

Felicia’s short-ish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia’s strange world is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism—just like her memoir.

Hilarious and inspirational, You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now—even for a digital misfit.

Review

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, it is narrated by the author, which was a major selling point for it for me.

So I don't really know who Felicia Day is, but became intrigued by the book when I wrote my Joood's Review on it, for Joood. I'm not normally interested in memoirs written by people I've never heard of, but the blurb for this book intrigued me. I was not disappointed, and actually want to watch The Guild now after listening to the memoir.

My amusement with the story started early on, and was due in large part to my Joood's Review. There's a section where Felicia Day talks about being bestie with a guy because they stood almost next to each other once, which is very similar to "Joood's" claim that she and Felicia are BFF's because they met once. (Joood even thought that I had read the book before writing her review because of that line.) 

Then there was the part of the book where I realized that I am Felicia's mom (not really because she's older than I am). However, my approach to homeschooling my children, up to this point, has been much like her mother's approach to homeschooling her. That shamed me, and I will be doing better (although Felicia turned out pretty awesome, it seems, so maybe it wasn't so bad after all.) 

I could honestly recommend this book to anyone who is mildly interested in gaming culture, particularly RPG's, or who are maybe just a bit on the introverted and awkward side. I laughed, a lot, and familiarity with Actress Felicia Day was not necessary for my amusement. Also, you should really spring for the audiobook. It's worth it. 

Overall I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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About the Author

Felicia Day is a professional actress who has appeared in numerous mainstream television shows and films, including a two-season arc on the SyFy series Eureka. She is currently recurring on The CW show Supernatural. However, Day is best known for her work in the web video world, behind and in front of the camera. She co-starred in Joss Whedon’s Emmy Award-winning Internet musical, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. She also created and starred in the hit web series The Guild, which ran for six seasons and is currently available for viewing on every major digital outlet, including Netflix.

In 2012, she launched a YouTube channel called Geek & Sundry. The network has garnered more than 1.3 million subscribers to date and more than 200 million views. In 2014, the company was purchased by Legendary Entertainment. Day continues to act as CCO and develop web content and television projects with Legendary as a producer, writer, and performer. She is also extremely active on social media, has over 2.3 million Twitter followers, and is the eighth most followed person on Goodreads, where she is also the founder of Vaginal Fantasy, a romance and fantasy book club with more than 13,000 members.

*Review* Locke & Key by Joe Hill

Genre: Horror (Audiobook)

Published: October 5, 2015

Length: 13 hours, 26 minutes

Goodreads

Synopsis

Based on the best-selling, award-winning graphic novel series Locke & Key - written by acclaimed suspense novelist Joe Hill (NOS4A2, Horns) and illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez - this multi-cast, fully dramatized audio production brings the images and words to life. 

A brutal and tragic event drives the Locke family from their home in California to the relative safety of their ancestral estate in Lovecraft, Massachusetts, an old house with powerful keys and fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. As siblings Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode Locke discover the secrets of the old house, they also find that it's home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all.... 

Featuring performances by Haley Joel Osment (Entourage, The Sixth Sense), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Kate Mulgrew (Orange Is the New Black, Star Trek: Voyager), Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez, and Stephen King (The Stand, 11-22-63), as well as a cast of more than 50 voice actors, this audio production preserves the heart-stopping impact of the graphic novel's astounding artwork through the use of richly imagined sound design and a powerful original score.

Review

I listened to the audiobook version of this book (because it was either that or read graphic novels, and I'm not fond of graphic novels.) 

As a proclaimed fan of Stephen King, I've had several people recommend Joe Hill to me as an author I need to read. I've been meaning to try him out for a while now because of that, so when I got the promotion to download this audiobook for free, I jumped on it.

Locke & Key does not have much narration, and most of the narration it does have is more like stage directions. So I really only got descriptions of things from the characters dialogue, and those descriptions were minimal. Based on reviews that I skimmed after I finished listening, the audiobook is better if you're already familiar with the graphic novels, because you will have seen the people and places that way. I didn't really feel like I was missing out on much though, and I haven't read the graphic novels, I just had a lot more leeway for the pictures in my head. It's possible that what I imagined is nothing like the graphic novels, but I had clear pictures in my head nonetheless. 

This book has a full cast for the voices, so they are all different and there are no caricatures (like I often complain about for single narrator audiobooks). There were two secondary characters that I had trouble keeping straight, but their roles in the story were fairly minor in the whole scheme of things (although I likely wouldn't have had that issue if I were familiar with the graphic novels). 

Overall I give Locke & Key 5 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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*Review* Riverkeep by Martin Stewart

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: July 26, 2016

Pages: 408

Goodreads

Synopsis

The Danék is a wild, treacherous river, and the Fobisher family has tended it for generations—clearing it of ice and weed, making sure boats can get through, and fishing corpses from its bleak depths. Wulliam’s father, the current Riverkeep, is proud of this work. Wull dreads it. And in one week, when he comes of age, he will have to take over.

Then the unthinkable happens. While recovering a drowned man, Wull’s father is pulled under—and when he emerges, he is no longer himself. A dark spirit possesses him, devouring him from the inside. In an instant, Wull is Riverkeep. And he must care for his father, too.

When he hears that a cure for his father lurks in the belly of a great sea-dwelling beast known as the mormorach, he embarks on an epic journey down the river that his family has so long protected—but never explored. Along the way, he faces death in any number of ways, meets people and creatures touched by magic and madness and alchemy, and finds courage he never knew he possessed.

I told my daughter this pic was being posted on my blog. She said, "Don't hashtag it." She's 5 y'all. 

Review

I received a copy of this book through Penguin's First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a bit weird and took a little while for me to get into. I'm still not sure I fully understand the job of the Riverkeep, although he wasn't really doing it for most of the book, so that is part of my lack of understanding. And yet, I feel like what he did do could be considered part of his job in the end, because he was ultimately protecting the river, I think.

I had a hard time relating to Wulliam, but that's partially because I can't see myself doing all the brave things he did for complete strangers. I'm just not that noble.

There was a lot of crazy stuff that happened, things almost beyond imagining, but it's fantasy so that is to be expected. I would definitely be interested in reading more books set in this world. I think Tillinghast could definitely be an interesting character to follow more closely.

Overall I give Riverkeep 4.5 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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*Review* His Dark Canvas by Alexandrea Weis

Genre: Erotica

Published: August 29, 2016

Pages: 252

Goodreads

Synopsis

Ella Winston is a talented chef with a problem--the slightest touch can reveal anyone’s darkest secrets. 

Hired to cook for the artist, Ren Plancharde, she struggles to keep her ability under wraps. 

After accidently uncovering Ren’s underground activities, the eccentric painter offers Ella a glimpse into his world of pleasure and pain. Intrigued, he decides to make Ella a part of his sinister Corde Noire Society, but his chef isn’t quite ready to commit. 

Absolute submission isn’t all Ren wants from the stubborn woman. He has big plans for her gift, too. The only question is … will Ella be willing to give in to his desires when the time comes?

The darkness within can hide a lifetime of secrets.

Review

I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection to it makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.

I have been with this series since the beginning and this was the story I was most interested in reading. Ren Planchard absolutely intrigued me in Dark Perception and Dark Attraction, and I wanted to know more about him. 

His Dark Canvas actually ended up disappointing me though, in a way, because it made me almost hate Ren, and I didn't think that was possible. He certainly turned out not to be the man I thought he was from our previous encounters. 

I think Ella may be my favorite Weis character to date though. She's a bit of a firecracker, but also a little timid under certain circumstances. 

Overall I give His Dark Canvas 4 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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About the Author

Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandrea-Weis/289566081083949
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexandreaweis
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1211671.Alexandrea_Weis
Website: http://www.alexandreaweis.com/

*Review* Outlaw Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 3, 2016

Pages: 320

Goodreads

Synopsis

Ever since his father’s accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he’d mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He’s a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life…or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.

Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.

Delia’s been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there’s nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn’t need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts…

Review

I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review. 

I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, I'm not a huge fan of the standard formula for romance in general, and when it doesn't come paired with either historical or paranormal elements, I find it a bit tedious. That was absolutely the case for me with Outlaw Cowboy in the beginning. There was a whole lot of "just tell each other what's going on and everything will be fine" going on and it annoyed me, a lot. 

Once one of the pair spilled their beans and laid their cards on the table (hello mixed metaphors!), things became a lot more intriguing and a lot less annoying. That was the point where I found myself finally enjoying the story and actually wanting to keep reading. There were a few times toward the end where I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation even, waiting and hoping for the ending I think we all expect from romance.

Overall I give Outlaw Cowboy 3.5 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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About the Author

Nicole Helm grew up with her nose in a book and a dream of becoming a writer. Luckily, after a few failed career choices, a husband, and two kids, she gets to pursue that dream. She writes down-to-earth contemporary romance.

Nicole lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She's slightly (okay, totally) addicted to Twitter (@nicolethelm), the St. Louis Cardinals, and someday owning a barn.

You can contact her via email: Nicole@nicolehelm.com or visit her website: www.nicolehelm.com

You can sign up for Nicole's monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/V973n