Off-Grid-Momma's Bookshelf
Grab a cup of tea and let me share with you my thoughts on the books that I have been reading. My reading shelves are often eclectic, so you may find just about any book reviewed here. Good or bad, I will be sharing with you my opinions on the books and trends...and who knows, there just might be a rant from time to time. What else would you expect from a person who has WTH moments on a regular basis? LOL
Friday, July 7, 2017
Fuel For Fire, by Julie Ann Walker
Advance copy provided by publisher for honest review.
Title: Fuel for Fire
Author: Julie Ann Walker
Publication Date: July 2017
Category: Romance
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4926-0878-3
Fuel For Fire is a must read! The story starts off with a bang and is covet to cover of nonstop action with a surprise around each corner.
Dagan and Chelsea's story is not an easy romance. Their love is hard fought while trying to stay ahead of the danger around them. I loved this story. It is filled with the snark and sass that we have come to expect in the Black Knights series. The action is gripping as the BK team fights to complete their mission and keep Chelsea safe. I was by turns laughing, then wondering how they were going to stay ahead of the dark forces working against them.
In the middle of it all, a haunting secret from the past is revealed that could destroy any chance of Dagan and Chelsea getting their happy ever after.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved it and look forward to future titles in the series.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Book Review: Sparking the Fire, by Kate Meader
Reading this story, I anticipated the same style of story that I found in the previous titles. I was happy to read more about each of the previous couples in this book as well.
Wyatt Fox and Molly Cade are a couple with a secret past history. Each have moved on from the past and found their happiness in their careers. Wyatt is a firefighter at Engine 6 station, along with his foster siblings in Chicago. Molly is an actress from LA.
Molly comes to Chicago to film a movie about a female firefighter. The movie has a story line that is loosely based upon the experiences of Wyatt's foster sister, Alex. Molly would love to get Alex's stamp of approval on the movie, but Wyatt is not wanting Alex to be involved. Wyatt, still recovering from an injury, is asked by the department to be the technical consultant for Molly. Wyatt wants nothing to do with the job at first. Unable to get out of that duty, he decides to do his best to get through it with minimal damage to his family.
Molly is a woman on a mission. Having gone through a horrible experience that threatens to ruin her career, she is placing the future of her career on making this movie. She is not only acting in the lead role, but is the producer of the movie as well. Meeting Wyatt on the set of the movie is a shock to Molly. As she works with Wyatt, they realize that the old feelings are still there. Both are reluctant to get into a relationship. They have each been burned badly by others in their pasts and will have to come to peace with their pasts before they have a chance at being with each other.
This story has lots of surprises. At times, there are so many things going on at once that I felt like I needed a chart to keep it all straight. It all works out though in the end. As with the other titles in the series, there is an HEA.
If you would like to read more reviews about Sparking the Fire, check out the list below of blogs with a review. Some are also taking part in a giveaway opportunity.
Happy reading and good luck!
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Monday, September 19, 2016
Review: Princess and the Beast, by Chance Carter
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Dark Carousel, by Christine Feehan
New York Times bestselling author, Christine Feehan, has done it again. Her newest installment in her highly acclaimed Carpathian series, Dark Carousel, was released in August, 2016.
Dark Carousel is the story of Tariq Asenguard and Charlotte Vintage. Tariq is an ancient Carpathian immortal who has given up on finding his lifemate, the light to his darkness. When Charlotte walks into his club, his life is forever changed.
Tariq shares with Charlotte an interest in old carousel horses. Charlotte restores the horses and uses this to help her as she follows her quest to find the killer of her brother and mentor.
Tariq is unaware of the danger that Charlotte puts herself into as she plans to be the bait to bring out the killer.
Will Tariq be able to protect and save his lifemate or will fate cause him to lose her after only just finding her?
Dark Carousel is the 30th book in the series. It brings with it all the action and romance that we have come to expect from this series.
Dark Carousel has hit the bestsellers list and in August was given the Book Cover of the Month award.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Author Spotlight: Maya Banks
Monday, June 13, 2016
Steve and Me by Terri Irwin
Last night I finished reading Steve and Me for the second time. I was always a huge admirer of the Irwins and their message of conservation. Reading the book was bittersweet. I loved reading stories shared by Terri about their life together. They packed more into their short time together than most will experience in a lifetime. The love for each other and their family shines brightly through the book. Steve had a deep love for Terri and the kids that could only be matched by his love for wildlife.
I was deeply touched by her words about how animal cruelty broke Steve"a heart. He literally felt it soul deep. The passion for conservation that he shared on camera was real. It wasn't hype for a camera. He was truly driven to bring his message home to those who watched the documentaries and the shows filmed for Animal Planet.
Steve was compassionate and took his role as a Wildlife Warrior seriously. He was driven to have an impact on making the world a better place. He knew that the way to touch the heart's of others was to present the wildlife in a way that made it personal. He often said that if you can give others the experience to know more about the so-called unlovable animals, such as his beloved crocodiles, the people would start caring about the animal's plight.
In the final chapters, I read about his heartbreak over the death of his Mom, Lyn Irwin, and the change it made in him. Through the pain of his grief, he found a deepened determination to do more to bring the conservation message to the forefront. Terri shared the story of how she learned of his untimely death and how she had to tell their kids. Her inner strength in the midst of her very world being turned upside down was humbling to read in those pages. Steve had always been her rock and now she would have to step into that role for their children.
Throughout the book, I laughed and I cried. As she described those painful days days following Steve's death, I felt the grief again that I had experienced when I first heard the news.
Seeing Terri, Bindi, and Robert today, you see a strong, living family unit that would have made Steve proud. As they continue the work Steve had started, along with Terri, his legacy lives strong.
Terri has my utmost respect for what she has accomplished as a single Mom. Though she openly admits that she still grieves for her beloved husband, she has not allowed the grief to overshadow her life. The love and devotion of her and the kids towards each other and for furthering the conservation message is a testament not only to Terri's strength but Steve's legacy.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Review: Devil and the Deep, by Julie Ann Walker
Devil and the Deep is the newest installment in Julie Ann Walker's Deep Six series. It is currently on pre-order status for it's July 5, 2016, release date.
On Ms. Walker's website, she offers the following description for Devil and the Deep.
Bran is a warrior through and through. He is as rock steady as they come when in the heat of battle. He has crack in his armour though - Maddy Powers. While he wants her, the secrets of his past press on him. His character is another fine example of why I love books by Julie Ann Walker. Her heroes are very strong and able to fight the battles they face without blinking an eye. Yet, she gives up glimpses of the man behind the warrior. We see their inner struggles presented in a way that doesn't take away from their strength. In fact, their very weakness is a huge part of why they are so strong.
If you are looking to add to your summer reading list, this book is a must-have. Though a part of a series, Ms. Walker writes her books in a way that they can be stand-alone. You never feel lost if you read the books out of order.