bchristian541's reviews
198 reviews

The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons

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adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In the next installment of Antipodes, Caitlin and Seraphine are sisters who were created to be immune to the deadly protozoa that has ravaged the earth. Now adults, they struggle to find a place where they feel like they belong. Between causing men to get into a fight over one of them and illegally travelling between communities, the sisters are on a downward spiral. When they reactivate the Nexus to explore other communities, their luck only gets worse. When they meant to land on August Island, they land on an unknown community. A community they later find to be hostile. The hostile community finds them, and they are captured. Will Caitlin and Seraphine be able to escape? Do they ever get back to their family? Pick up a copy of The 45th Parallel and follow the sisters through peril. 

            T.S. Simons does not disappoint. I loved this book just as much as the others. The characters and their feelings are relatable. You can feel right along with them and envision their struggles and journey. I highly suggest reading the other books in the series prior to reading this one, although you could probably get by with just reading this one. T.S. Simons does a good job at providing the reader with necessary information from previous installments, but you will be missing some of the backstory. 

            The Antipodes series has an amazing storyline, full of interesting events and relatable characters. The 45th Parallel is no different. If you are looking for a story full of twists, turns, mystery, thrill, and romance, pick up a copy of Antipodes today. 

Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Saving the Bellydancer is Book Three of The Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII series, but Debra Parmley gives enough information that they could be read separately. Navy SEAL Cutter is not one much for love. Two of his team are in serious relationships and he is still looking for fun, until one night he meets bellydancer Zarifah. Zarifah showed up to work one day with a bruise down her face. Her now ex-fiancé had struck her in a rage. She left him and tried to make her life return to normal. Cutter becomes enthralled by Zarifah and the thoughts of just having fun start to go away. With Zarifah’s ex-fiancé still free, will she be able to enter a healthy relationship with Cutter or does her ex get ahold of her once and for all? Find out in Saving the Bellydancer. 

            This book is full of relatable characters and feelings. It is a quick read, full of romance and thrill. I did not want to out this book down. 

            If you want a fast paced, sultry romance, look no further! 

Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Book One of The Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII series, follows Navy SEAL Diesel and Pippa. Pippa had narrowly escaped from her abusive ex-husband with her life and relocates. Her friend and coworker talks her into attending a party, where she meets Diesel. Not knowing each other’s names, they have a night to remember. Then, Pippa finds out she is pregnant. A couple of years go by, and she has still not run into Diesel. She thinks she has escaped her ex-husband for good, but he is determined to find her. Does Diesel ever get the chance to meet his son? Does Pippa’s ex-husband end up finding her? Find out in Finding Bryce. 

            Finding Bryce is full of relatable characters and feelings. It is a quick read with action, erotica, and romance. I did not want to put the book down. 

            If you are looking for a sultry romance with some darkness, look no further! 

Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
The Journeys Through Collection starts off with Journeys Through SpaceTime. In the first installment, five entirely different beings from five different universes are contacted by an unexpected guest. The beings are expected to use their abilities to thwart evil and work together. Will the five beings be able to save everyone from the evil that is coming or do their differences cause them to fail? In the second installment, Journeys Through TimeSpace, a new battle exists on Earth where three friends must prevail to save the planet, by using time travel. With the help of some friends, will they succeeded in learning how to time travel, or will evil win? In the final installment, Journeys Through AllCreation, Earth and other universes are in danger of being destroyed by a diabolical and powerful being who plans to destroy multiple universes that make up the MultiVerse. Twins from Atlantis must save the MultiVerse, but they cannot without the help of a queen with magical powers. Will the twins succeed, or will evil prevail? Find the answers to all of the questions in Journeys Through Collection. 

            All of the characters are relatable and the feelings are real. James Talisman does a fantastic job of making the reader feel like they are in the story. I was able to imagine the story the entire time. The Journeys Through Collection is full of different characters, universes, danger, thrill, time travel, and so much more. At first it is a little difficult navigating through the universes and keeping track of the characters, but it does not take long to get the hang of it. Each scene is portrayed beautifully and takes the reader to different worlds. 

            Overall, Journeys Through Collection is a fantastic read full of suspense, science fiction, fantasy, twists and turns, and so much more that I cannot possibly list in one review. I did not want to put the book down and kept wanting more. I am sad that it is over but I am so happy that I picked it up. If you are looking for a unique read, do not hesitate to pick this collection up! 

Straight For the Kill by Winter Austin

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adventurous dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Straight for the Kill is book number 3 in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. In this installment, Sheriff Benoit’s past comes back to haunt her when a body is found that shows strong similarities to previous murders. One previous murder was someone close to Benoit which motivates the sheriff even further. As more members of the community disappear, Deputy Dayne and Sheriff Benoit must use all of their abilities to find the killer. Then, Sheriff Benoit’s own sister goes missing. Can Benoit and Dayne find the killer in time to save Benoit’s sister, or does the killer get away? Find out in Straight for the Kill. 

            Just like the previous books, the characters are relatable with very realistic feelings. The reader can feel the emotions of the characters. This book is a gripping read full of twists and turns. I did not want to put the book down and it left me wanting more from Winter Austin. 

            The series just keeps getting better and better. Each book could be read as a standalone as Winter Austin does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader knows the important aspects in each backstory. It is a page turning, at the edge of your seat, police thriller. I highly suggest picking up a copy. 

Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
Book two in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series, Hush, My Darling can either be read by itself, or after the first book. Winter Austin does a fantastic job of filling the reader in with needed information from the first book. In this installment, Deputy Lila Dayne’s past comes to haunt her. She narrowly escaped from her prospective killer the first time, and now a new body turns up which makes Lila believe that her killer has found her in her new town. Her reaction to the find causes other members of the department to question her ability to continue being a deputy. Will Lila be able to prove that she is stable enough to continue with her job, or will the killer succeed in taking her down? Find out in Hush, My Darling. 

            Hush, My Darling is full of twists, turns, and relatable characters. The reader can feel right along with the characters. Lila’s fear is almost palpable through the pages. Winter Austin does an amazing job creating a visual of both the physical and emotional aspects of the story. This story is gripping and a page turner. 

            I absolutely loved every moment of this story. I did not want to put it down. It is full of mystery, tragedy, twists, and turns. If you do not pick up a copy, you are missing out. 

Underboss's Retaliation by Via Mari

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Dominic Larussio, new underboss of one of the most dangerous crime families, falls for a woman that should be his enemy. After the attack on his family, making his cousin Salvatore the new don, Dominic should not want anything to do with this enthralling young beauty. Book two follows Dominic’s experience with love. Does the rival’s daughter cause an end to the Larussio reign, or does she become Dominic’s love? Find out in Underboss’s Retaliation. 

            Again, all characters are lovable with realistic feelings. The emotions are palpable through the pages. I would not change a single thing. Full of romance, mystery, and suspense, I could not but Underboss’s Retaliation down. 

            The series can be a standalone, but I highly suggest reading Boss’s Vendetta first. It sets the stage for Underboss’s Retaliation. If you are looking for a dark romance series, be sure to check out Sicilian Gods. 

Boss's Vendetta by Via Mari

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

5.0

The Larussio family is one of the many Italian crime families that live around the Las Vegas strip. Tragedy befalls the family on a what was supposed to be joyous night. Employed by the Larussios as their doctor Adrianna takes to the task to care for those injured. Salvatore Larussio must act as don while his great-uncle recovers from his injuries. A man who does not look at any woman twice, falls head over heels over sexy Adrianna. However, Adrianna has her own secrets and plans. Does Adrianna become Salvatore’s savior or a means to his demise? Find out in Boss’s Vendetta. 

            Almost every character in Boss’s Vendetta is likeable, relatable, and have relatable feelings. Even though they are a crime family, it is hard to not fall in love with them. Full of twists and turns, Boss’s Vendetta will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. 

            If you are looking for a dark romance with some suspense and mystery mixed within, pick up a copy of Boss’s Vendetta. 

Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia

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adventurous mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Jorja Knight, a private investigator, is contacted by her cop friend, asking a favor from her. He asks her to contact the daughter of an ex-cop whose death was determined a suicide. The daughter believes otherwise. Jorja reaches out to the daughter and finds that not everything is what it seems. Between finding the real reason behind Howard’s death and her love life, Jorja finds herself into multiple sticky situations. Does she ever find out what truly happened to Howard and will she be able to make her relationship official, or does she die trying? Find out in Knight in the Museum. 

            The characters and the feelings involved in the story are very relatable. Alice Bienia drew me in with every word. She can make the reader feel right along with the characters. I enjoyed every aspect of Knight in the Museum.  

            If you are looking for suspense, mystery, and romance, look no further. Pick up a copy of Knight in the Museum today. 

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily

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adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

4.0

 Emma is the fifth-generation daughter and will be the fifth-generation woman to run the Thorn Ranch. Scared of being in control of so much land and activities that come with the ranch, she decides to take her horse on a trip across the ranch’s lands while her parents are away. Lands even she has not ventured to before. During her journey, she loses her horse tragically and must take refuge in a cave from a storm. Upon awakening, she finds she is not the only one in the cave system. The cave system on her ranch has been home to a group called The People for generations. The People believe that Emma was brought to them and refuse to let her leave. Emma tries to make the best of her capture and meets the chief’s son, Kai. Kai teaches her the way of the people, the land, their crops, and their animals. Does Emma ever get the chance to return home, or does she find that she is home with The People? Find out in The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch. 

            The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch is full of relatable characters, wonder, and relatable feelings. It is an interesting read with twists and turns. In some areas, the story fell a little flat and it was a little hard to get into at times. It held my attention relatively well. 

            If you are looking for a quick read that is full of mysteries and wonder, look no further. Overall, The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch is a good read.