I love books. Ever since I was a kid I remember flipping the pages of anything and everything I could read. Picture books, historical tomes, encyclopaedias, novels, fiction and non-fiction books—I have read them all. I was lucky enough to have had the chance to indulge in my passion for reading, thanks to loving parents who encouraged my love for the written word.
This blog is my way of sharing with you my passion for reading and my love for a newly discovered world of books, written by indie authors.
As my way of thanking these wonderful authors, I will be posting my reviews of the books that I have read. It is my hope that, by sharing my thoughts, others may get to love the written word, just as much as I do.
AYA
Operation Alpha is the fan fiction world for Susan Stoker’s SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds.
The books of Operation Alpha have at least one of Susan’s characters in them. The authors have created worlds where Wolf, Ghost, Dax, and all the other characters interact.
Sergeant Leisl Craig spent her life fighting for everything she’d earned, alone. Then came cancer.
She meets Sergeant Major Jason Lee Gordon aka Doc, an easy-going Green Beret medic in a tight-knit special operations group.
Doc takes an interest in Leisl when he hears her pouring her heart out to a stray dog but Leisl is unimpressed. Doc takes it upon himself to convince her of his intentions, proving to her, time and again, that he will never leave her side.
This was, for me, a heartbreaking story reminiscent of Susan Stoker’s Truck and Mary. Like Mary, Leisl was strong, doing her best to cope with the shitty circumstances that life had given her. Thank goodness she had Doc and his family to show her that she need not feel so alone, that people were willing to carry her in her time of need.
Through Loving Leisl, Michele E. Gwynn reminds us, her readers, that there will always be “light at the end of the tunnel,” and that we should always have faith even when we are seemingly faced with obstacles after obstacle.
She reminds us to be strong like Leisl. I thank the author for this reminder, and she will definitely on my list of authors to follow.
I have always been in awe of Susan Stoker’s stories. The way she tackles topic after topic—be it kidnapping, terrorism, abuse—her books have had me hooked from the start. The fact that she portrays her women as strong enough to overcome the odds, well, it made me a fan.
And I so admire the fact that Susan Stoker touched on a subject that still a problem today, trafficking. It is not an easy subject to write, and should not be written lightly.
Some might say Gray and Allye’s story was a bit over the top—Allye was a victim of trafficking, and yet they had a relationship borne out of their need for each other, and of course, they had sex. So, which is it?
Allye was a victim, yes, but she, with the help of Gray, kept her head, managing to survive a madman’s need to add her to his collection of conquests. Gray, despite his fear of losing her, was able to see her as a strong woman, but one who needs her man to stand by her side.
For me, the fact that Allye overcame her fears to see Gray and give him a chance, is Ms. Stoker’s way of telling the reader that although victims do react differently in dire situations, women should be strong enough to eventually face their fears head-on. All they need to do is to find that inner strength—to reach out and accept the fact that they need help, and to understand that there will always be a lifeline for them to hold on to, no matter what.
If you are squeamish about the reality of trafficking, I would either suggest that you pull your big-girl panties, or go read something frou-frou, because this one is unapologetic. I could suggest, please go ahead and read Allye’s story because the topic is real and should not be hidden behind closed doors.
And if you say Allye’s reaction of keeping her cool is unrealistic in such a plot—who is to say that we women should not learn how to face situations as she did?
Shelter for Penelope is the 15th and final book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. And even though I feel sad that this particular series has ended, I am glad that Susan Stoker, bless her heart, has given Penelope the closure she dearly deserves.
Throughout the Badge of Honor Series, readers came across Penelope—the spitfire firefighter who stood equal to the men in her unit, the soldier who never backed down from a fight. Until she was kidnapped.
Her story is both haunting and sad. It is heart-wrenching, for both her and Moose, the firefighter who fought to stay by her side teen when Penelope thought she would never get over the traumatic events of her kidnapping.
Most of all, Penelope’s story gives us an insight into how we can overcome even the worst of situations—if we but reach out and accept the fact that we need help.
“True bravery is being scared out of your mind, but doing what needs to be done anyway.”
–Susan Stoker, Shelter for Penelope
I love Susan Stoker for reminding us, through Penelope’s eyes that being scared is not a sign of weakness—that it, in fact, allows us to assess ourselves enough to know how we should approach whatever life throws our way.
“It’s not what happens to you that shapes your life—it’s how you deal with it.”
— Susan Stoker, Shelter for Penelope
It is knowing when to quit and letting others fight our battles for us.
Penelope took a step forward and rested her forehead in the middle of Ghost’s chest. “I’m tired, Ghost, so damn tired.” “Then stop trying to do everything by your damn self,” he retorted.
It is knowing that, no matter what happens, it is okay to fight like a girl in a world filled with giants.
“Ass****,” White muttered. “If anyone dares to look at you cross-eyed, Black, you let me or Sarg know and we’ll kick their asses for you.” He turned to Penelope. “Fight like a girl, right, Sarg? You kicked that first-sergeant’s ass and showed him exactly how girls fight.”
Erin Mallon did a fantastic job narrating not just Shelter for Penelope but the whole series, and I am looking forward to hearing her again in other books penned by Susan Stoker!
Macie met Colonel Colt Robinson at Truck’s wedding when he took it upon himself to help her through her anxiety attack. He became her anchor, the only person she felt who could help her overcome her fears, especially when she was dealing with her ex who was hell-bent on causing her trouble.
In this story featuring Macie Laughlin, Truck’s (Rescuing Mary) estranged sister, Susan Stoker brings focus to anxiety disorder, an illness often misdiagnosed or not given importance.
According to doctors, “anxiety attack” is not a formal, clinical term. Instead, it is used by many people to describe a wide array of feelings, from feeling worried about an upcoming event to intense feelings of terror or fear “that would meet the diagnostic criteria for a panic attack.”
Most often, those suffering from anxiety disorder feel as if they are not being taken seriously. They hear words like “it’s all in your head,” “you’re just acting out,” etc. Sometimes they are told that their fears are insignificant and that there are bigger problems than theirs. Words that, in effect, only help to pull them into a downward spiral of insecurity, self-doubt, and yes, despair.
I cannot believe the courage of this author for doing her very best to shine a light on topics most often shunned by many. Yes, her work is fiction, but the issues she writes about—this time, on anxiety—are most definitely not.
I hope, dear reader, that you see what she wants you to see beyond the pages of her books. That you, dear reader, are important, that you matter, and that you, yes, you, are allowed to reach out, that there are lifelines everywhere, and all you need to do is ask.
As to Stella Bloom, Susan Stoker’s wonderful narrator—words are not enough for me to say that you, my dear, have a lifelong fan in me.
Ruth Cardello hit the New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers Lists for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.
She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she’s not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.
Oh, Ian!
“Be kind to each other—no matter where this goes. That’s all I ask.” Ian’s eyes riveted to Claire’s again. Kind. No, he hadn’t always been that with her. “Is that the secret to making it work?”
Without missing a beat, his father replied, “It’s the secret to being able to look yourself in the mirror and not hate the person looking back. Relationships aren’t easy. Even at their best, they’re messy, gut-wrenching, all-consuming. Nothing will ever cut as deeply as a look of disappointment in the eyes of the person you love.”
–Dale Barrington, Never Goodbye
I have always wondered how Ian Barrington’s story would come about, and
I am happy to say that I was not disappointed at all!
Ian was the eldest, the fixer. The one who carried the most guilt when his brother, Kade, was separated from his family. To compensate for what he believed was his shortcoming, he compensated by leading a double life, one who provides results for situations otherwise thought to be hopeless. In doing so, he became ruthless and suspicious of anything and anyone he comes in contact with, especially when it deals with his family.
Claire Wendell put her career on the line when she decided to help Ian’s
long-lost brother, Kade, and his wife, Annie–Claire’s best friend, reintegrate
into the Barrington family. Ian’s
parents decide to visit her in Australia. Ian follows them to see what she was
up to, only to end up falling for Claire.
This was exactly how I pictured Ian’s story to end, with him being put in his place by a woman who turned out to be his equal. I love that in the end, Ruth Cardello managed to bring closure to the Barringtons.
I also appreciate the lesson Ruth Cardello imparted to us, her readers–that no matter the situation, trust, and faith, must always be present in everything that we do. Trust and faith in others, and most importantly, in ourselves. Otherwise, everything we live for will be for naught.
A person either adapted or imploded. People thought they wanted fame until every move they made was dissected—and fed to the masses often harshly and inaccurately. Demon or saint, the media chose how to portray someone, and many people fell into the trap of defining themselves in terms of how the public saw them.
–Ruth Cardello, Never Goodbye
Trusting and putting our faith in other’s hands does not mean relinquishing control of our destiny. It does not mean that we are weak. It means, simply, that we are willing to grow.
“Focus on what is within your control to affect and not on the noise of what you cannot.”
–Ruth Cardello, Never Goodbye
It is accepting that whatever life throws our way, be it a happy occurrence or sad, there will always be someone out there who is experiencing the opposite, and that’s okay.
“We are more than what happens to us. Don’t give anyone the power to change who you are, Ian.”
FBI Agent Conner Perigo is tasked to bring in Adrienne Jeffries, who has an uncanny ability to get inside the minds of San Francisco’s most dangerous criminals. Reluctant, Adrienne agrees, and together they race against time to catch Simon Says, a serial killer who seems to be one step ahead of the FBI, kidnapping and killing his victims.
Unfortunately, Conner, through no fault of his own, seems to be blocking Adrienne’s gift, which becomes deadly when the killer gets a hold of Adrienne.
Having read the e-book a year ago, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Janie Crouch also had an audiobook version, of Primal Instinct. I loved the story then, and I love it all the more now that I listened to the narration of Barbara Creel Benjamin, because she gave life—and justice—to an already awesome read!
After Cade Larrabee’s ex walks out on him and their two children, Cade decides to focus on two things: his kids, and his bike shop.
Realizing that he needed help, he goes in search of a nanny.
Petal Davies was abandoned by her Mom when she was just twelve years old, and although she never lacked the love of her Dad, she carried the pain of her mother’s abandonment to her adulthood.
Cade meets Petal, who proves to be not just the perfect nanny to his kids, she also becomes the perfect friend. Not only does she put up with his cranky attitude, but she gives it right back to him.
This is the story of two souls brought together by fate, and their love for children.
This story is poignant, for whoever would want to be abandoned by one of the very people who brought them to life? I can understand losing a parent through illness–after a time we learn to accept that our parents are not immortal and that they are only here to guide us through life up to a point. To be abandoned and not knowing why is different. It can play havoc on a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. That is why children, especially those born in this age of social media, should always have a strong support system that can teach them to become positive members of society.
I love the fact that A Girl Worth Fighting For is surprisingly light compared to other books penned by KL Donn. It shows to me that she is one I can come back to time and again and not be disappointed or bored every time.
I fell in love with Cade and Petal, and I hope that you fall in love with them too. And yes, I am looking forward to falling in love with Calla and Jace’s story!
Trust KL Donn to come up with another story that will surely keep you turning the pages in one sitting, not because it’s a short story, but because you will be hard-pressed to put down such a compelling plot!
Foster Halsey, Task Force 779’s bomb expert, and Everett Gaines, the estranged daughter of a CIA official who was kidnapped while on vacation in Mexico, are the central characters in this story. We also see Foster’s other Task Force 779 teammates plus two more that, hopefully, we will get to meet soon, because, take it from me, once you take a bite of a KL Donn story, you won’t let go!
Why? This author, like a few that I have fallen in love with, takes on real-world situations that most often are shunned by society. Yes, some of you might say that her stories are a bit over-the-top, but that is an author’s prerogative, right? For me, for as long as an author I follow can lead me to the meaning behind his or her stories, then I don’t mind if a little bit of liberty is taken in certain situations.
Take Everett’s case. Who is to say the situation she found herself in, is not real? The trauma, how she responded? The way that KL Donn treated her heroine, to me, felt like she was being careful this time, compared to Ryder and Codie’s story in Missing in Action (Task Force 779, Book 1). Nonetheless, Everett’s story is no less compelling.
Now let’s talk about Foster. Burned by a cheating ex—ahem, I love KL’s word for her, Cheatasaurus Rex—Foster is focused only on his teammates and saving lives. Until, of course, he meets Everett. I am glad that KL Donn gave this alpha hero a more human character, one who can make mistakes and own up to them.
And yes, if I can hogtie Foster to the bed and claim him as mine, I would!
Seldom do I come across a book that grips me from the very first page.
This one was highly anticipated because I met Ryder Morrison in One Choice, the story of Levi and Hayes, Ryder’s sister. Getting to know KL Donn through her words, I knew, without a doubt, that this one would be epic, but, my gosh… wow.
Dear readers, let me tell you, I made a mistake starting MIA at work. The first few pages, KL Donn’s introduction, and then the prologue… I had to put the book down because I realized that I would be doing a disservice to an author whose writing has come to mean so much to me.
I. AM. AWED.
To summarize, MIA is the story of Ryder, an elite soldier left for dead when he was captured and tortured in enemy territory. Rescued by his team after a year in captivity, he settles in Charleston where he spent several more years getting back on his feet. There, he meets Codie Ray.
Codie is battling demons brought on by the death of her son and the rejection of everyone around her. Blaming herself for her son’s death and believing herself unworthy of forgiveness, she has retreated from the outside world.
Ryder found in Codie his reason for surviving the atrocities he suffered in captivity. Codie found in Ryder her reason to live, to overcome her demons, and to forgive herself.
And I, who love everything this author writes, finally find myself smiling, for she is right—trauma, no matter the cause, may take a long time to heal, but it will.
We only have to dig deep within ourselves to find the courage to reach out and admit, in our hearts, that we need help. And if in reaching out, we are greeted with silence…it does not mean that we are alone in our struggle. It only means that we must listen hard for that tiny voice inside that is shouting “it’s okay to be alive, to go on, to live.
— Boom. Crash. Bang. When will this nightmare end?
— One, two, three seconds was all it took for my world to end.
I was lucky enough to have learned about KL Donn through another author, and have been pre-ordering and one-clicking her books since then.
James and Gigi’s story – James, who Gigi felt was like the Grinch for always showing her his bad side, was hiding the fact that he had feelings for his partner’s sister. Gigi, who always felt unwanted because of ADHD. It took a snowstorm for them to learn that not all was as it seemed and that they had a chance at happiness.
Lucky Christmas was a sweet, short amusing read for me, and I will be looking forward to the rest of KL Donn’s work.
Bitch N Books 