Tag: Amazon

Gnotret (The Accidental Heroes Chronicles #1) by S.E. Cyborski

Blurb

While he doesn’t like the sound of the experimental drug trial his girlfriend Amy Veksler found a flyer for on campus, George Ormond still lets himself be persuaded to join it. He, Amy, and three other students go to a warehouse where Doctor Adam Carnesby, the biology professor who’s running the study, has everything set up for the month long trial. Everything seems to be going well even though all five of the students become sick for a week after their first injections. At the start of the second week, they all recover, feeling better than ever. Then, they start to discover that there were more side effects to the drug than just a cold.

Review

    Attention to all of the super hero lovers in the world, this is the read for you! During this pandemic, I’ve tried to find books that can bring me to another location. This author does a great job of making the reader feel like the characters are all real people. Everyone has their clear traits, and friendships have been made. George is what a guy would call “whipped.” But I feel that he would do anything to keep his hot girlfriend. Amy is outgoing, but through no fault of her own, becomes annoying after the trials begin. Then, we have my favorite character, Billy, who is smart, quiet, and powerful in his own way. Sandra is ambitious, while Michael is the party boy. The plot is that kind of plot that is safe enough that you don’t need tissues, but unpredictable in the way that digging into a box of chocolates is. I did not see the end coming. I mean, I thought that this would be like most super hero books. But guys be warned, this book doesn’t follow all of the same plot lines as every other book. I think anyone looking for a fast pace read will enjoy it.

Gnotret (The Accidental Heroes Chronicles #1) by S.E. Cyborski KU

Blurb

While he doesn’t like the sound of the experimental drug trial his girlfriend Amy Veksler found a flyer for on campus, George Ormond still lets himself be persuaded to join it. He, Amy, and three other students go to a warehouse where Doctor Adam Carnesby, the biology professor who’s running the study, has everything set up for the month long trial. Everything seems to be going well even though all five of the students become sick for a week after their first injections. At the start of the second week, they all recover, feeling better than ever. Then, they start to discover that there were more side effects to the drug than just a cold.

Review

    Attention to all of the super hero lovers in the world, this is the read for you! During this pandemic, I’ve tried to find books that can bring me to another location. This author does a great job of making the reader feel like the characters are all real people. Everyone has their clear traits, and friendships have been made. George is what a guy would call “whipped.” But I feel that he would do anything to keep his hot girlfriend. Amy is outgoing, but through no fault of her own, becomes annoying after the trials begin. Then, we have my favorite character, Billy, who is smart, quiet, and powerful in his own way. Sandra is ambitious, while Michael is the party boy. The plot is that kind of plot that is safe enough that you don’t need tissues, but unpredictable in the way that digging into a box of chocolates is. I did not see the end coming. I mean, I thought that this would be like most super hero books. But guys be warned, this book doesn’t follow all of the same plot lines as every other book. I think anyone looking for a fast pace read will enjoy it.

Solving For X by Ellie Lieberman KU

Blurb

It’s been at least a decade since words like “outbreak” turned to “epidemic.” The suburban population has retreated to apartment complexes, where they created miniature societies. Garrett, Erik, and Jenna try to survive this world any way they can.

Will Garrett get stuck in the fear of the unknown like everyone else? Can Erik keep his world from crumbling? And, how much more can the epidemic and new world take from Jenna?

Review

Damn! Who knew that a book about zombies could actually connect with me emotionally? I had no idea how attached I would become to certain characters when I first began reading. I actually teared up a little during one part of the book. I’ve got to hand it to the author, this read was anything but predictable. This book is the first in a series. The narrative switches between the prospective of a couple, Erik and Jenna, and Garrett, a teenager that the couple looks out for. Jenna and Eric have knowledge of what life was like before the world was infected, but Garett, who’s younger, has little memory of a pre-zombie period. Jenna is an artist who paints designated areas of the compound. Eric has a dangerous job that Garrett covets. You know how teenagers are. They are always longing to grow up, even when they aren’t ready. Some parts of this book get’s kind of philosophical, which is how the title comes into play. I won’t spoil any more of this read. But I promise there is a council, like there is in every great dystopian novel. Of course the leaders make a bunch of decisions that I most definitely don’t agree with.

I would recommend this read to anyone who loves dystopian novels that focus on the emotional impact an outbreak can have on a society.

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman

Blurb

John Worthington is a man who knows his place in the world and keeps to it. That is, until a letter he writes is misdirected. A simple and thoughtful reply begins a correspondence that will turn that well-ordered life upside down.

Review

     Wow! I really didn’t expect that ending! And man, did it make me want to cry. Anyone that knows me will confirm that I love happy ever afters. But after reading this book, I’ve come to realize that the characters’ growth may matter more than an ending where the couple walking into the sunset hand in hand.

     This book also made me realize the power of words. A lot of the book consists of a compilation of correspondences between Jack and the pen pal that he accidentally acquired. The author did a great job of conveying personality through the letters. As a reader, I could understand why the couple fell for one another. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Jack and Emma. When the mystery was revealed, I wanted to smack myself for not reading between the lines of Emma’s letters. She was both honest and vague at the same time. It was also heartwarming to realize that Emma’s love made Jack a better person. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clean historical romance with sophisticating pros and a bittersweet ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman KU

Blurb

John Worthington is a man who knows his place in the world and keeps to it. That is, until a letter he writes is misdirected. A simple and thoughtful reply begins a correspondence that will turn that well-ordered life upside down.

Review

     Wow! I really didn’t expect that ending! And man, did it make me want to cry. Anyone that knows me will confirm that I love happy ever afters. But after reading this book, I’ve come to realize that the characters’ growth may matter more than an ending where the couple walking into the sunset hand in hand.

     This book also made me realize the power of words. A lot of the book consists of a compilation of correspondences between Jack and the pen pal that he accidentally acquired. The author did a great job of conveying personality through the letters. As a reader, I could understand why the couple fell for one another. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Jack and Emma. When the mystery was revealed, I wanted to smack myself for not reading between the lines of Emma’s letters. She was both honest and vague at the same time. It was also heartwarming to realize that Emma’s love made Jack a better person. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clean historical romance with sophisticating pros and a bittersweet ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

Phoenix of Fyre by Danizza Hymas KU

Blurb

Magic. Mystery. Adventure. A war waged centuries ago is reborn as an evil sorcerer from Taurent attempts to seize control of the three Ivory Kingdoms. Magic not seen in 500 years returns to Cicero in the form of a young girl named Phoenix. Daughter of a blacksmith, she is taught to sword fight; a talent she ends up utilizing for survival and success. During an attack on her village, she loses her family, but she finds that she possesses a unique skill set that grants her certain mystical abilities, particularly over the elements. Raised by gypsies, she befriends a mute named Monique. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to meet Ayden, an archer. He assists them in the realization of Phoenix’s destiny as the Lady Fyre, who is prophesied to be the only being powerful to defeat the sorcerer Daedalus. The trio fights to take back Cicero, as well as their very lives. The island nation of Isys also has a unique interest in Phoenix. They send a spy to seek her out, which results in an unlikely alliance, as well as an unexpected reunion. Will Phoenix and her entourage be able to defeat Daedalus and his Taurentian army?

Review

What an exciting read! Can I have more, please? This author knows how to weave a plot that includes magic, mystery, secrets, action, adventure, romance and a villain who has control over two nations. The story begins when Phoenix is a child, and concludes when she is in her mid-twenties. I love this aspect because I was able to understand how each event in her life shaped her. As she matures, her powers over the elements, and her skills with the sword become even greater. She also acquires friends that aid her on her quest to rebel against the occupation of her country. The novel has intriguing side characters that have their own pasts and secrets. What I like most is that these characters are no damsels that constantly need saving. They are useful and have varying personalities. I don’t agree with everything that the characters do. But their moves are realistic, since things aren’t always black and white. If you enjoy a long read filled with action, adventure, and a side of clean romance, this is the book for you.

The Strictly Business Proposal (Freshwater Bay # 1 bye Nell Grey KU

Blurb

Is Beth Barnes a beautiful con artist or the genuine friend of Evan Morgan, an elderly Welsh chef?

When Evan dies, he hands talented London chef Beth her big break. She has the chance to realise her dream and run her very own restaurant in a village on the wild Welsh Celtic coast. But there are strings attached. Can she comply and gain her inheritance, her dream? Accused of being a gold digger by the family, Beth’s welcome to Wales is not quite as warm as she’d hoped for.

Burned from a recent divorce, the last thing on architect Gareth Morgan’s mind is another wedding. If he wants to realize his development dreams, he must marry.

It’s a strictly business proposal. But can Beth and Gareth really stick to the terms?

Review

I loved this book. This was a great start to a Series. It was your typical marriage for gain romance with a couple that end up falling in love. The author did a wonderful job with displaying the sexual tension between the characters. At times I was wondering, will they or won’t they? Both of the main characters are not perfect. I loved reading about the baggage that each of the individuals brought in to their arrangement. This is a four book series, and I am on book three. Each book focuses on a different couple. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance that takes place on the sea.

In Between (Katie Parker Productions, 1) by Jenny B. Jones KU

https://books.apple.com/us/book/in-between/id1509805466

Blurb

Unlike most kids, teenage Katie Parker never got a fair shot at a normal life. With a mother in jail and a missing-in-action dad, she’s never known what it’s like to truly be loved. Low on options and family members, she’s soon shipped off to a foster home. Now in an unfamiliar town, Katie’s rebellious attitude is at odds with her new family, school, and classmates. And after falling in with all the wrong people at school, things go from bad to really bad after she takes the blame for vandalizing the local performing arts theater.

But in the midst of a dark situation, Katie finds light in the most unexpected places: through her new friendship with an eccentric senior, the commitment of her foster family, and a tragic secret that changed them forever. And as she inches closer to acceptance and forgiveness, she finds that God has been there all along.

Review

Dear Lifetime,

Can you please make this into a movie? It has all of the things that all of us sappy television viewers love, a lost foster kid, kind foster parents, an eccentric senior citizen, bullies, the nerdy best friend, and the sort of love interest. In all seriousness, this book is amazing! It isn’t overly preachy. In fact, Katie struggles with the idea of God through the entire novel. Katie is winy, but humorous. She makes a lot of bad decisions, and that’s okay.

I think that the drawback is that there isn’t more romance. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the series for you. But I will say that Katie does eventually fall in love. I just wished that it happened in this book because I’m a hopeless romantic. I loved seeing Katie find her way and enjoyed all of the comedy that was provided.