Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Southern Bastards, Vol. 1: Here Was a Man by Jason Aaron, Jason Latour (Illustrations)

22358444Earl Tubb has returned to Craw County, Alabama, home of the state champions, the Runnin' Rebs football team [very stereotypical right there, small southern town with nothing to take pride in but their football team].

Anyway, Tubb is back to pack up his old home, except that he has come to find that in the time he has been gone, the town has gone to shit and the football team moonlights as criminal enforcers for Coach Boss. Surprise, surprise, Coach Boss is the guy that like 50 years ago used to get his ass kicked by the football team back in high school.

Tubb takes a stand against all this and in the end it almost looks like he gets killed, though we are not really sure because it just ends there and then we get a "Sequel Coming Soon" note.

The story was alright, the drawings sort of make it seem like the south is a horrible, horrible place, but it's still good in a weird, wrong way. I would definitely read and follow up on this series.

Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Field by Simon Roy

The novel starts won't a man in a wheat field (in horror movies, he'd be about to die) in nothing but his white undies (seriously, at his age he doesn't have any boxers) getting chased by a madman in a car. We later learn this madman is named Christian and he is not really trying to kill him more like protect him. 

It turns out some failed time travel experiment (yeah, those always work out) this man, who we later learned was/is a scientist named Grant is the "Source", as long as he's alive the same day will keep repeating itself (because everyone wants to relive someshitty day) over and over again.

For the most part some people have figured it out and they take this as a do whatever the F$#* you want type of situation, of course there is always some unknown corporate entity wanting to exploit this, I'm pretty sure we'll learn more about them in the future, that is if tomorrow ever comes (see that there, little time joke, feel free to laugh).

The story was descent, it's starts off with a descent premise with lots of potential. It's a little gritty in dialogue and art, so it won't be to everyone's taste, but then again, nothing ever is.

Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book

Grimm Fairy Tales: Robyn Hood Legend by Larry Watts

Robyn Hood is back in Nottingham to overthrow the former Sheriff now calling himself Cal King. The adventure gets crazy as old foes team up to take down villains and help the people of Nottingham or as Robyn calls it the "Lord of the Rings" land. 

There is sadness, ends, new beginnings and a whole lot of moving on. The graphics are great, the story is good and most importantly girls kicking major ass. Hell yeah for GIRL POWER.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Friday, November 21, 2014

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Echoes by Nathan Edmondson and Marc Laming

This novel was fun and exciting and it had everything we love about Splinter Cell. We have Sam a retired special operative getting back in the game to stop a terrorist attack and kill a bunch of bad people.

The illustrations were cool and action packed, plus I don't know why but explosions always look cool in drawings, they have such intricate detail. Definitely worth checking out and that ending all but guarantees we will be seeing Sam kicking some major terrorist ass.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book


Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night Anthony by Del Col and Conor McCreery

A twist on Shakespeare with all the gore the Middle Ages and Pirates can bring to a story.

I was so sad when Cesario died, I wanted him and Viola to sail off together as he wanted to. But revenge is all the more dramatic when it's done for love, at least that's how it's in all the classics.

If you're into the dramatic, old English read, you'll enjoy this book. The illustrations are good and in the steps of Shakespeare all love ends tragically.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book





Thursday, November 20, 2014

Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1) by Marion Lennox

23367727Giving an old man one last perfect Christmas, that is what Sarah Carlton has returned to Waratah Bay for. Years ago when she was abandoned by her father after he ran out with Harold's gold digging wife; Sarah just rolled with the punches, but Harold took her in and bonded with her like the daughter he never had. He continued to correspond with her even after she was shipped back to America.

Now a famous model, she runs back to Waratah Bay when Harold stop answering her phone calls she knows things are bad.

Max Ramsey bought most of Harold's farm after he had to sell most of it to provide for his adoptive step daughters; and befriended the man. When Max sees Sarah he believes she is one of his gold digging adoptive daughters come to ensure they get every last crumb.

Soon Max, the scrooge gets roped into Sarah's plans for the perfect Christmas and along the way learns that family isn't as bad as he's always thought it to be.

The story is sweet, endearing and full of holiday spirit. Harold gets the perfect Christmas he's always wanted; Sarah gets to give the man she loves like a father the best thing holiday ever and Max gets to find love.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

Christmas Around the World Series
Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1) by Marion Lennox
A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2) by Kate Hewitt
Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World, #3) by Scarlet Wilson
Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World Series Book, #4) by Joanne Walsh

His Island Bride by Maxine Sullivan

23211947The story follows Jason "Jace" Jardine and Brooke Martin; Jace was Brooke's teenage love, who broke her heart beyond repair.

When Jace needs a wife to help save the family's wedding resort and who better to ask than Brooke, after all she works there as the wedding planner. Brooke does not want to marry Jace, but she also knows that the resort is one of the biggest providers for the island, so she bites the bullet; she just hopes she can keep the secret she's been carrying since Jace walked away from her a decade ago.

They both decide that this marriage of convenience will in no way turn romantic, however, they both come to realized that they are still have feeling for each other.

Jace at first comes across as a bit of an ass, but he eventually grows on you; Brooke is a really heartbreaking character, her childhood is tragic and her past with Jace is sad and yet somehow she always manages to keep a very friendly and happy attitude.

The story is enjoyable and I hope down the line we see books for Jace's brothers', after all, the wedding was their idea.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

How to Draw Batman, Superman, and Other DC Super Heroes and Villains by Aaron Sautter

This book was fun, it gives you a step by step of how to draw all your favorite DC superheroes. The book is easy to follow and understand. Even though my attempted drawings won't be ending up on the fridge anytime soon, I still had fun with this one.

The book doesn't just cover heroes, it also cover drawing villains, the Fortress of Solitude, the Batmobile and the Batplane [favorite right here]. Aside from drawing the heroes, there are also small bios on the heroes and villains.

This book is great for kids, it gives them something fun and creative to do and with very little mess, so parents will love that.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

The Fuse Volume 1: The Russia Shift by Antony Johnston, Justin Greenwood

22129920This new series follows Earth detective Ralph Dietrich and his arrival on the FUSE (what we learn is the name of an energy space station orbiting the Earth). On his first day up in space he unknowingly insults his superior and partner Klem Ristovych who loves to shout "I call bullshit". 

Klem was by far my favorite character, she was what they called an FGU (first guys up); they make a lot of references in the book that they take forever to explain.

The story takes place around a conspiracy involving cablers, which is the FUSE's version of homeless people and then ends with a bit of a set up that lets you know more conspiracies are on the way. Ralph was a decent character, a little slow on the uptake, but it's expected as it's like going to a new country when you go from Earth to the FUSE, however Klem, I cannot stress enough how badass she is, she's like at retirement age but she still kicks ass. The storyline in this volume was not all that impressive but I feel that the introduction and set up for subsequent issues makes it a series worth checking out.

Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Delicious (Big Sky Pie #2) by Adrianne Lee

17899698Nick Taziano and Jane Wilson used to be step-siblings, the happiest day of their lives was when their parents finally divorced and they would never have to see each other again. Or so they thought [**gasp**].

Ten years later, Jane is the new pastry chef at Big Sky Pie and is loving her life, minus her mom’s crazy love-life; lady is a serial bride. So when her mother calls with news that she has a new fiancé all Jane can think is not again. But, if Jane thought her mom getting herself a new man was the bad part, imagine her shock when she finds out the new man is actually an old one. Yes, you guessed it; it's Nick's dad and these two ex-step-siblings are about to become step-siblings again.

Nick gets to share a kiss with some girl at his dad welcome home party and imagine his shock when he discovers the girl he can't get out of his head is Jane.

Jane can't believe she's kissed Nick and worse, because Nick is best friends with Quint McCoy son of Molly McCoy the owner of Big Sky Pie Jane is going to be seeing a whole lot more of Nick now that Molly has hired him to drum up the advertising for her new pie shop.

Nick and Jane come together to break-up their parents, but along the way they find that they shouldn't mess with love and that they should spend a little more time working on their attraction and a lot less time messing with their parents. 

The story is sweet and amusing, these two go from hating each other to finding love. It's a nice quick read with a fun surprise at the end.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Monday, November 17, 2014

Sing Me Back Home by Eve Gaddy

The story follows Maya Parrish and Jack Gallagher former high school sweethearts, who after graduation went their separate ways to pursue their dreams.

Almost 20 years later, Maya is a divorcee with a 15 year old daughter and Jack is a widower with a daughter of the same age. When Maya moves back to Marietta, she does not want to run into Jack, the first time around, things ended less than amicably. Jack has almost heard from every single person that Maya is back in Marietta.

After a chance encounter these two find that the old spark is still there and that they are both about to get a second chance at love. With a few ups and downs, mainly Jack being a very clueless, hardheaded guy these two find their way to a happily ever after. I absolutely loved the proposal, I'll give you a hint, the title says a lot. Enjoy.


Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book


Friday, November 14, 2014

Holiday at Magnolia Bay by Tracy Solheim

Andrew "Drew" Lanham is a Navy SEAL in desperate need of a vacation and what better place to go to than his godmother's home in Magnolia Bay.


Jenna Huntley is a Marine biologist with a love for sea turtles and Miss Evie (Drew's godmother). Her first meeting with Drew is less than stellar, the second is even worse, especially when Miss Evie starts playing matchmaker.

These two eventually form a relationship that quickly develops into love, granted a Navy SEAL with a lot of issues is bound to mess things up. Don't worry nothing a little reflection can't fix and to boot, he'll give Jenna the best Christmas ever. It's a very lighthearted read to curl up with these cold winter nights.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Snowbound in Montana by C.J. Carmichael

If you've read Close To Her Heart or Good Together, you've heard the name Eliza Bramble, she's a cousin of the Carrigans from their mother's side. This book follows her Christmas romance.

Eliza needs to get away for the holidays so she signs up for a ski trip that goes horribly wrong and right at the same time.


Marshall McKenzie is in charge of this little trip from hell, the guest are horrible, with the exception of Eliza; the blizzard pretty much puts a damper on everything. In trying to keep everything going as smooth as possible Marshall begins to bond with Eliza, who until the very end of the book is still carrying a torch for her ex.

The story was sweet, Marshall is like the ultimate good-guy that gets friendzoned a lot, Eliza was okay, but I did not really like her that much. They don't come together until the end of the book and Eliza spends to much time pushing Marshall away. I will say though that we get a few hints at the end as to what is coming next for the Carrigan sisters, so yes, you get to look forward to another book.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Riding Steele: Aftershock (Riding Steel #6) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Aftershock (Riding Steele, #6)This is the final book in the series and after all the drama things finally tidy up nicely. 

Laurie, Steele and the rest of the gang are in the clear; the cops know all about Donovan and Laurie is finally free. Laurie and Steele must now decide where they go from here; but what book gives you the simple answer.

Steele decides it's in Laurie's best interest if he walks away, but Laurie will have none of his stupidity and her plan to get Steele back will have you going "say what?"

The whole story was engaging and entertaining and the endings in each book will have you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for your next read, well look no further, these books really deliver for their genre. 

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Riding Steele Series
Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1) by Opal Carew 
Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steel #2) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steel #3) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steel #4) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Crossroads (Riding Steel #5) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Aftershock (Riding Steel #6) by Opal Carew




Riding Steele: Crossroads (Riding Steel #5) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Crossroads (Riding Steele, #5)Where as before Laurie was 50/50 on how bad her captors where, now she really knows she's in trouble. Just when things are looking up Donovan throws another wrench in her life. 

Steele and the gang arrive in the nick of time to rescue Laurie, but because we have one more book to go, there has to be a major twist. 

The story takes a shocking turn at the end and like the previous title, the gang is on the run again.

The books are so good, you will want read them all in one day; I did.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Riding Steele Series
Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1) by Opal Carew 
Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steel #2) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steel #3) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steel #4) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Crossroads (Riding Steel #5) by Opal Carew

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steel #4) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steele, #4)The ending in book three was crazy and book four just gets crazier. Laurie gets intimately involved with the gang and Steele begins to get really possessive of Laurie. 

Worse Donovan offers a deal with a deadline, there is just one problem. The man with the diamonds is nowhere to be found.

Just when things looked normalish, a new twist and an ending that has you going "Are you kidding me???? Like, come on."; Ms. Carew really knows how to get you running to the next book. There is no way you'll be able to rest until you know what happens next in the misadventures of Laurie and Steele.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Riding Steele Series
Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1) by Opal Carew 
Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steel #2) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steel #3) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steel #4) by Opal Carew



Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steel #3) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steele, #3)The story keeps getting better, in book three, Laurie is still trying to escape and things don't go so well. She finally gets to tear into her brother for his hair brained idea and to top things off, there is new development with Donovan [you know, the douche bag, abusive ex-boyfriend].

Just when you think some things are starting to make sense for Laurie, things get even crazier. By the end of this book you will be running to see what new twists and turns you'll get in book four.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book 

Riding Steele Series
Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1) by Opal Carew 
Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steel #2) by Opal Carew
Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steel #3) by Opal Carew




Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steel #2) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steele, #2)In part two of this six part serial, we learn the groups dynamics and who is involved with whom. Some of the scenes are very caliente, so don't leave this book in reach of the little ones, because that will be an awkward conversation.

Laurie is still trying to figure out how to escape her captors and things are getting very interesting [so want to give a spoiler, but I can't, I won't].

The story keeps getting better, so what are you waiting for, go enjoy these books. 

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Riding Steele Series

Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1) by Opal Carew

Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1)This series plays out in six short novellas that comprise the entire book. In part one we meet the main characters, Laurie and Steele, as well as the rest of the motorcycle gang.

Laurie is in a abusive relationship with her boyfriend Donovan, her brother has always disliked the guy and while drunk he ask's his friends to kidnap her. Now the story begins, the book ends in a cliff hanger that will have you running to the next book in a heartbeat.

The story is engaging and entertaining and the characters are seem so badass; if you're looking for your next read, well look no further, these books really deliver for their genre. 

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Mercenary Sea Volume 1 by Kel Symons, Mathew Reynolds

The story takes place in the high seas during the time of World War II in the mist of all this Captain Jack Harper and his vessel the Venture. He sails with his crew in search for Koji Ra, a mysterious island, like the King Kong island, cool right. Because no story in the high seas can lack misadventures this crew sees a lot of action.

Jack is a very James Bond like character, has the ladies swooning left and right, but more importantly he has people that want his head on a silver platter. Very important that the hero is wanted dead or dead, brings more action to the story.

This series is great, the crew is likable and the hole mysterious island angle is awesome. If you're looking for a new series to get your hooks on this will be it.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Last Temptation by Neil Gaiman, Alice Cooper, Michael Zulli, Dave McKean

22807615An eccentric showman with an offer so few can refuse; to live forever and forsake your talent to outrun fear by becoming fear.

Steven a young boy goes about to prove he is not a wimp and is goaded into entering "The Theater of the Real" where a live show will show you your future despair and in the end offer you a deal.

The story is dark and ends with the message that even when defeating your fears, inner reflection can summon the darkness again, because darkness is older than you will ever hope to be.

The book is an anniversary edition, the original published 20 years ago and is still just as strong and reflective now as it was then. The illustration are dark and still they draw you in. The story is engaging and captivating, you'll have a hard time putting it down.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

The Billion Dollar Player (Billionaire's Club #2) by Mandy Baxter

The Billion Dollar Player (Billionaire's Club, #2)This is the second book in the series, and like the first book it's a lust at first sight turned to love.

Jason "Jase" Blackwell the protagonist in this book is Ryder Blackwell's brother from book 1. Jase is a football player, that despite his talent he feels very insecure because everyone only see's him as a privileged rich boy.

Avery Lockhart is waitress going to cooking school and living paycheck to paycheck. She was no intention of getting involved with a football player.

Eventually these two form a weird friendship / romance that comes under threat but they are able to save it. The story is short and entertaining, it's a light weekend read that will keep you turning the pages.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

The Book of Memory Gaps by Cecilia Ruiz

22571688The book is a collection of pictures and short stories accompanying each picture. All of the pictures are sad, they tell of people with memory problems and the despair that surrounds them.

It's a short, quick read that is nice and sad and enjoyable all at once. The pictures are beautiful and convey the sadness each character endures.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Just in Time for Christmas by Kim Boykin

23367806Logan Mauldin has been in love with Miranda Hamilton since he was a little kid, unfortunately he's a guy and as he so aptly puts it in the book "his stupid guy logic is well, stupid" and he manages to screw up his chance with Miranda. 

Now in his 30's he wants a chance to show Miranda he really loves her and he'll do it by any means necessary, even giving her her Christmas miracle; a white Christmas.

Miranda likes Logan, too bad she doesn't want to; they've had a love-hate thing going on forever and it seems to work fine; but hey, it's Christmas and next to Valentine's day, it's the second most romantic holiday.

The story is light and sweet and enjoyable holiday read. The characters are likeable and amusing and there is even a little drama thrown in there for good measure, so you will really enjoy the story.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The Trouble with Christmas by Kaira Rouda

23367778Lily Edmonds just got dumped by her fiance right before Christmas and to make things worse on Christmas day the jerk is marrying someone else. Come in best friend Avery with a solution; Avery takes Lily to her family's home on Indigo Island to try and cheer her up.

Cole Stanton is the new guy on Indigo Island; having left behind an unfulfilling life, he is trying to make a go at it as a restaurant owner. When Cole and Lily meet is like love at first sight, Lily is of course more guarded granted that she was just recently crying her eyes out over her broken engagement.

The story is sweet, there is no drama or conflict between Cole and Lily, the story is about both of them coming together over shared interest and bonding. This is the perfect, optimistic, cheery holiday read everyone that will leave you wanting cookies and sprinkles.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Man Trap (A Boston unCommons Mystery, #2) by Arlene Kay

Eja Kane and Deming Swann are investigating murder again. When Deming's aunt Persus Cantor as for their help proving that her grandson Dario Peters was murdered, these two will run around town tracking down suspects and clues.

Dario Peters was a horrible man, abusive to his wife Paloma Peters and swindling investors left and right. While the police rule his death as an accident all the signs point to murder. But who did it?

Paloma the battered wife; Meeka Kyle the mistress; Merlot the psychic or the disgruntled business partners. With so many enemies and so many motives it's a guessing game of who done it.

The story was great, it keeps you engaged to the very end, I will point out however that I did not like Paloma's fate at the end or that Dario went from the scum of the earth to saint in a matter of seconds. I did like however, that in this book, Deming wasn't as big a jerk as in the previous book, he was only annoyingly over protective, which given the previous book, it's forgivable.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

Monday, November 3, 2014

24 Underground by Ed Brisson and Michael Gaydos

The story picks up some time after the original series finale, but before 24: Live Another Day. It basically follows what Jack was up to while on the run. The story was okay, but it wasn't great we get introduced to these character Jack for a relationship with while living his new life but we don't know enough about them to care and there isn't any real point to what little action we do see.

It could have been better, but overall it is Jack Bauer so it's still pretty awesome, because again it's Jack.

Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book




E.G.O.s Volume 1 by Stuart Moore and Gus Storms

It was okay for an opening series, needed more character development which I'm hoping we'll see in upcoming issues. As it stands now Deuce is a douche and Miri seemed like such a pushover. I am curious about this son that is narrating the story.

The art is alright, I just for some reason can never understand why the future always looks so trashy. The three new recruits in the team seem interesting, I'll have a better formed opinion is the next few issues, as of now it's alright, not great, but alright.

Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book