From Fame to Ruin by Jina S. Bazzar #BookReview @Jina_Bazzar

FromFameToRuin

Cover: From Fame to Ruin by Jina S. Bazzar

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

What if surviving a murder attempt, a heartbreak, and the loss of the family business wasn’t the hardest thing you ever faced?

Carol is the sole heir to a broken empire, Ricardo the newest celebrity in the rock world.
When they came together, their fire blazed. When their past caught up, they were left burned, scorched to the ground.

When a psychopath decides it’s payback time, Carol is faced with an impossible choice – save her son or sell her life.

Ricardo wants nothing to do with the woman who played him for a fool, but finds himself moored by circumstances, half truths, and memories of the past.
They say time can heal anything. So far, time’s brought nothing but complications.

This is a standalone romantic thriller told in alternating timelines and point of views. Warnings include character overdose and mentions of child abuse.

Genre(s): > Domestic Thrillers (Kindle Store)
> Clean & Wholesome Romance (Kindle Store)
> Clean & Wholesome Romance (Books)
Series: n.a.
Length: 443 pages
Release date: 2021-12-21

Teaser


Stan gave her an undecipherable look, flipped a few more pages. “Dona Carolina, I realize this might be something you don’t want to talk about, but it seems relevant to this case. Otto Moreira said that eighteen years ago, your mother was held for ransom. They asked for a sum of twenty-five million. Do you think this is a coincidence?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence. But I don’t want to assume these are the same people either. I believe someone got a hold of that case and this is a copycat.”


My Opinion

This book introduces you to Carol and Ricardo, meeting at an airport; seemingly destined for each other.

With “From Fame to Ruin”, Jina S. Bazzar presents us with a standalone romantic thriller. The story begins in the United Kingdom, alternates between the past there and four years later in Brazil; it is always clear where and when you and the characters are. The story is cleverly elaborated, comprises interesting turns, and has a  great flow. Jina S. Bazzar introduces each character with care, providing them with sufficient depth for their respective relevance; character traits are authentic, the feelings and struggles obvious. I was drawn into the story right away – as an invisible rather close ‘guest’ to the events. I could easily envision the characters and locations – the smells and sounds are woven into the story. I had a great time reading “From Fame to Ruin”. It is a story that gets to you, a story that makes you start analysing what you would have done or lets you put on your detective hat and solve the crime.

This is for you if you like thrillers with psychological- aspects, likeable characters, surprises, a moderate amount of romance, and excellent storytelling.

Highly recommended.

In brief:

Cover ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)
Writing ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Plot ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Mood Suspenseful
Pace Steady
POV Third-person – past tense
Language :mrgreen:  (some mild swearwords)
Violence 😳 – 😡   (there is violence, mentions of child abuse, overdose)
Sexual content :mrgreen: – 😳  (some mentions of passion)

About the author

Jina was born and raised in Brazil, where she had a joyful and fulfilling childhood. Soon after she graduated from high school, she was diagnosed with a chronic disease that caused gradual vision loss. She became blind at the age of twenty-three. She has since lived in the United States and Brazil, though currently resides in the Middle East.

Like most authors, Jina had always been an avid reader, a fan of the fantastic, but was denied the joy of books when she became blind. Once she discovered screen readers, she picked up the habit of reading again, but discovered that reading was no longer enough, so she started writing her own book.

Connect with the Author:

Website:  https://authorsinspirations.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Jina_Bazzar
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17738345.Jina_S_Bazzar
Amazon:  Jina S. Bazzar
Buy links:  https://books2read.com/u/mYyn5G


Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading.  Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you?  What did you think about “From Fame to Ruin”?  Or – if you did not yet read “From Fame to Ruin” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂


Link:  10 Statements – Jina S. Bazzar

Review:  The Curse

Review:  Heir of Ashes

Review:  Heir of Doom

Review:  Heir of Fury

Blood Mark (#1) by JP McLean #BookReview @jpmcleanauthor

BloodMark

Cover: Blood Mark (Series, #1) by JP McLean

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

What if your lifelong curse is the only thing keeping you alive? Abandoned at birth, life has always been a battle for Jane Walker. She and her best friend, Sadie, spent years fighting to survive Vancouver’s cutthroat underbelly. That would have been tough enough without Jane’s mysterious afflictions: an intricate pattern of blood-red birthmarks that snake around her body and vivid, heart-wrenching nightmares that feel so real she wakes up screaming.

After she meets the first man who isn’t repulsed by her birthmarks, Jane thinks she might finally have a chance at happiness. Her belief seems confirmed as the birthmarks she’s spent her life so ashamed of magically begin to disappear. Yet, the quicker her scarlet marks vanish, the more lucid and disturbing Jane’s nightmares become—until it’s impossible to discern her dreams from reality, and Jane comes to a horrifying realization:

The nightmares that have plagued her since childhood are actually visions of real people being stalked by a deadly killer. And all this time, her birthmarks have been the only things protecting her from becoming his next victim.

Blood Mark is the first in a brand-new paranormal thriller series by JP McLean, author of The Gift Legacy series and whose writing has been described as “. . . deftly crafted, impressively original, and inherently compelling from first page to last.”

Genre(s): > Ghost Suspense
> Women’s Fantasy Fiction
> Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
Series: [], #1
Length: 328 pages
Release date: 2021-10-19

Teaser


The next morning, Jane had difficulty shaking the dream. It felt like a hangover.

“You okay? Sadie asked, taking her coffee to the sofa. She plopped down beside Jane, who’d wrapped her arms around her knees. “Bad dream?”

“Yeah,” Jane said. “Ethan.”


My Opinion

This book introduces you to Jane Walker who is on a rescue mission, saving her drunk roommate from her ‘keen’ companion.

With “Blood Mark”, JP McLean has once again created a thrilling combination of mystery, paranormal, myth, and a touch of romance. Despite this intro which is admittedly similar to my Gift Legacy reviews, it is as different as Jane and Emelynn (Gift Legacy) are. It is a very compelling read centred on Jane, Sadie, and Rick, drawing you very close to Jane. JP McLean paints a clear picture of the main characters’ mindsets while the story evolves. In this first thrilling story of a new series, I felt immediately very close to Jane – like an invisible friend and ally; trying to find out the truth about her marks and her dreams. Jane is complex, the other characters are also skillfully elaborated and of sufficient depth, believable with their flaws and virtues. The story is a very nicely woven combination of several genres, has a wonderful flow; it was easy to get hooked. I had a great time reading “Blood Mark”. Reading the first book in this series was simply fantastic.

This is a book for you if you like excellent story-telling, mysteries with a touch of myth and romance, and believable characters, and some violent events.

The remarkable first book in JP McLean’s new series!

Highly recommended! A book to read again.

In brief:

Cover ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)
Writing ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Plot ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Mood Suspenseful
Pace Steady
POV Third person – past tense
Language :mrgreen:  (decent enough, some mild swearing)
Violence 😳 – 😡  (some medium fight scenes)
Sexual content 😳  (several sensual activities)

About the author

I’m very fortunate to live in a writer’s paradise on one of the small northern Gulf Islands off the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The rugged beaches and towering fir and arbutus trees that surround me often end up in my stories. When I’m not pouring my imagination into my computer, I’m futzing in gardens, making a mess of the kitchen or hiking local trails. I write stories that entice you to believe the impossible and escape the everyday for a while. Enjoy the read!

Connect with the author:


Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading.  Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you?  What did you think about Blood Mark”?  Or – if you did not yet read “Blood Mark” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂


Book review – Lover Betrayed (The Gift Legacy Companion, #1)

Book review – Secret Sky (The Gift Legacy, #1)

Book review – Hidden Enemy (The Gift Legacy, #2)

Book review – Burning Lies (The Gift Legacy, #3)

Book review – Lethal Waters (The Gift Legacy, #4)

Book review – Deadly Deception (The Gift Legacy, #5)

Book review – Wings of Prey (The Gift Legacy, #6)

>>> The links above show the new titles of “The Gift Legacy” series. <<<

10 Statements – J. P. McLean

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The Trouble with Belonging by Magdalena Stanhoff #BookReview

TheTroubleWithBelonging

Cover: The Trouble With Belonging by Magdalena Stanhoff

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review).

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

When those two first met as children, they brought light and hope into each other’s lives. Now they’ll have to find out if the bond between them can survive a catastrophe…and growing up.

New city, again. New language, new school, new people. Another place where he doesn’t belong. Chen Kehuan is a boy adrift: he has no mother, no friends, and no true homeland, and he doesn’t care much for anyone. Until one day that carefree street child appears on his path and turns his life upside down.
Little Niki roams around the city, making things out of nothing and talking to strangers on a whim. She’s stayed out of harm’s way so far, but how long will the good luck hold? And then that boy who doesn’t even speak her language enters her life and takes it upon himself to completely remake it.
Only, sometimes the best intentions can lead to a disaster. What will Kehuan do when Niki’s world is suddenly torn apart and she disappears without a trace?

Genre(s): > Coming of Age Fiction (Kindle Store)
> Contemporary Literary Fiction
> in Romance Literary Fiction
Series: n.a.
Length: 374 pages
Release date: 2021-11-18
   

Teaser


Niki in the meantime finished copying the character and was now drawing a cat next to it. It was a very simple drawing, as could be expected from a child of her age, and yet she managed to capture the features of the animal surprisingly well. When she finished, she turned around and poked Kehuan unceremoniously with the pencil.

Chen Xiao half-expected an angry reaction from the boy, or at least the usual scowl, but Kehuan turned round without protest and simply asked, “What word now?”

Niki thought for a moment and said a word in Polish, and Kehuan wrote the character for wolf.

“Why wolf?”, asked Chen Xiao with interest.

“We watched Princess Mononoke two days ago,” Kehuan said with a little smile, “and now she says I’m her wolf.”


My Opinion

This book introduces you to Kehuan, an eight-year-old lonely boy.

With “The Trouble with Belonging”, Magdalena Stanhoff has created an irresistible and unforgettable as well as intriguing story about a boy and a little girl. When Kehuan met Niki, he was not aware that his life was going to change. Most of the characters are complex, all are realistic with all virtues and flaws. The story comprises a variety of craftily elaborated characters with sufficient depth and interesting interactions until the last page. Magdalena Stanhoff introduces each character in a way that the reader automatically wants to read on – to get to know them better. I had a great time reading “The Trouble with Belonging” – it is a captivating read that warms you to Kehuan and Niki’s story. I was immediately drawn into the story, soon feeling very close to Kehuan and Niki. For me, “The Trouble with Belonging” is a surprising work of contemporary fiction (not one of my usual genres) – a story I will read again.

This is for you if you like contemporary fiction and/or coming-of-age fiction with a touch of romance, complex characters, and heart-warming stories.

Recommended.

In brief:

Cover ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Writing ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Plot ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Mood Hopeful
Pace Steady
POV Third person – past tense
Language :mrgreen:  (decent)
Violence :mrgreen: – 😳  (there is some violence, not too detailed)
Sexual content :mrgreen:  (decent enough)
   

About the author

I’ve always loved books, and I’ve always wanted to see the world. ​But while I read compulsively in my childhood and teenage years, traveling used to be just an unrealistic dream. Many years had to pass before I could pack my bag and set off on my first journey abroad, but it happened in the end. Since then, I’ve visited many countries and met many amazing people of different nationalities and cultures. We worked, and learned, and played together, and I’ve gained some wonderful friends this way. My life would’ve been so much duller and paler without them. 
​Books and travels have made me who I am. ​And my family, of course, but that goes without saying. 
​As for my books, I write what I like to read: stories about people overcoming various difficulties, sometimes fighting their inner demons, sometimes struggling to fit in or starting anew from the scratch, and finding love and happiness with a little help from their friends and family. Throw in the motif of clashing cultures and world views, and the mess and growth that can come out of it. And since I’m an incurable dreamer, also the obligatory HEA. ​

P.S. As you may have already guessed, Magdalena Stanhoff is a pen name. My real name wouldn’t fit on any book cover, and besides, ​most of you wouldn’t be able to pronounce it anyway.

 

Connect with the Author:


Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “The Trouble with Belonging”? Or – if you did not yet read “The Trouble with Belonging” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

 

 

Lydia’s #Gamble (Pride & Prejudice Variation Vignette) by Margaret Lynette Sharp #BookReview @MargaretLynett1

Lydias_Gamble

Cover: Lydia’s Gamble (A Pride & Prejudice Vignette) by Margaret Lynette Sharp

The author sent me an ARC of this book (HTML format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (4 stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

Elizabeth is astounded when she hears news from her closest friend, Charlotte Lucas – news concerning young Lydia Bennet and, indeed, the remainder of the Bennet girls. Whatever will Mr and Mrs Bennet say when the truth is finally revealed?

This is another captivating vignette by Australian author Margaret Lynette Sharp.

Genre(s): Fan Fiction
Kindle eBooks
> Literary Fiction
> Historical Romantic Novels
> in Romance
Series: Pride & Prejudice Variation Vignette
Length: 11 pages
Release date: 2021-09-01

Teaser


“Dearest Lizzy,” Charlotte began as soon as the pair were out of the earshot of those left behind, “I hardly know whether to tell you this. I know you are troubled, already, by Jane’s malaise.”
Elizabeth’s brow wrinkled. “Pray enlighten me, dear Charlotte. For I simply must know whatever it is that you have on your mind.”
”’Tis the strangest thing – I have never heard the likes of it before.” Charlotte drew a breath.


My Opinion

As this book is a work of fan fiction, it takes you back to the places and characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”.

With “Lydia’s Gamble”, Margaret Lynette Sharp has created another nice piece of fan fiction. If you have read Pride and Prejudice” or even watched the remarkable TV mini-series (1980), you recognize the world of Elizabeth Bennet. This vignette shows us a troubled Elizabeth; Elizabeth, whose warmth and intelligence made Pride and Prejudice” special, learns of Lydia’s latest act. It is a short read, taking you back to the home of the Bennets and their troublesome youngest daughter Lydia. Margaret Lynette Sharp again took up the hard challenge of writing fan fiction on a classic by Jane Austen, aptly enhancing the story without changing the characters’ ways. If you loved Pride and Prejudice, you will appreciate the additional stories this courageous author has to offer.

“Lydia’s Gamble” is a typical Bennet story, a lovely – and worthy – enhancement of Elizabeth and her family’s story.

This is a book for you if you like Pride and Prejudice”, fan fiction, classic reads, classic reads’ aptly written fan fiction, and short instalments.

In brief:

Cover ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (4 stars)
Writing ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (4 stars)
Plot ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (4 stars)
Characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (4 stars)
Mood Hopeful, nostalgic
Pace Steady
POV Third person – past tense
Language :mrgreen:  (decent, no swearwords)
Violence :mrgreen:  (none)
Sexual content :mrgreen:  (none)

About the author

My name is Margaret Lynette Sharp, and I’m the wife of the creator of the Grand Organ in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, Ronald Sharp B.E.M. I’m proud to say that I’ve won two literary awards – one each at the 2014 and 2015 Short Story Writing Competition held as part of the Hurstville (in suburban Sydney, Australia) Discovery Festival of Community Arts.
These stories have been published in prizewinners’ anthologies, ‘Write Out Loud’ and ‘The Art of Writing’.

My first venture into Jane Austen fan fiction resulted in the best-selling ‘Longbourn Revisited’.
Next came the well-reviewed title, ‘An Encounter at Longbourn’, followed by ‘A Party at Longbourn’, ‘And from Longbourn, A Wedding Comes,’ and ‘Much Ado at Longbourn’. Recently, these five stories were combined, forming the novel-length ‘From Longbourn, With Love’. To date, I have forty published eBooks, and some of these are also available as paperbacks.

I grew up in an inner city suburb of Sydney, moving to a pleasant, tree-filled outer suburb at the age of ten. Ron and I currently live in this same house, a small Federation brick and tile home.

I’m thankful that we live near a river that has a large, netted swimming baths. I love to swim, and I’ve been a member of the local swimming club for well over thirty years. Our little white rescue dog, Chicki, comes with me and waits patiently while I enjoy the water. Afterwards comes her reward – a walk beside the river, and a chance to play on a little, sandy beach. Who knows what doggy friends she’ll find there…

Connect with the author:

Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “Lydia’s Gamble? Or – if you did not yet read “Lydia’s Gamble” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

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I Am Mayhem (The Mayhem Series, #4) by Sue Coletta #RBRT #BookReview @SueColetta1

Mayhem_04

Cover: I Am Mayhem (The Mayhem Series, #4) by Sue Coletta

The author sent me an ARC of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

As bloody, severed body parts show up on her doorstep, Shawnee Daniels must stop the serial killer who wants her dead before she becomes the next victim.

But can she solve his cryptic clues before it’s too late? Or will she be the next to die a slow, agonizing death?

With crows stalking her every move, Shawnee can barely function. Things worsen when body parts show up on her doorstep. An unstoppable serial killer wants her dead. Mr. Mayhem threatens to murder everyone she loves, sending Shawnee a piece at a time.

As Mr. Mayhem sits in judgement, his cryptic clues must be solved before the final gavel drops. The game rules are simple—win the unwinnable or submit to a slow, agonizing death.

When Shawnee tries to fight back, she discovers her very existence is based on lies. But the full impact of the truth might become the headstone on Shawnee’s grave.

Genre(s): > Witch & Wizard Mysteries
> Women Sleuths (Kindle Store)
> Women Sleuths (Books)
Series: The Mayhem Series, #4
Length: 249 pages
Release date: 2021-04-20

Teaser


No wonder Poe didn’t deliver a photograph. The handless girl wasn’t his intended target. She was a means to an end, a ploy to get me to comply. It worked, too. Somewhere Mr. Mayhem left a clue. Bitterness coated my tongue as I slipped my fingers into black latex gloves. Gulped, and raised the severed hands to eye-level. Inked GPS coordinates marred the right palm. Across the left, block lettering read, “See you soon, Cautious Cat.”


My Opinion

This book re-introduces you to Shawnee Daniels, still her stubborn self – perhaps even more than before – not helpful with a serial killer close by.

With “I Am Mayhem”, Sue Coletta has outdone her previous work by creating an incredibly chilling thriller series finale with a stubborn young woman and a serial killer who wants revenge. It is a highly compelling read, inevitably drawing you in as the story proceeds. Sue Coletta paints a clear picture of the main characters’ mindsets – making the readers acquainted with them – while the story evolves. I was drawn rather close to Shawnee (despite her stubbornness), Levaughn, and even Mayhem; still could not warm up to Nadine, though. The main characters are very complex – three-dimensional, believable with their flaws and virtues; sometimes too believable and intense for comfort. The story is cleverly elaborated and has a great flow; I do not state this often – but this was an edge-of-your-seat experience for me. Sue Coletta’s thorough research shows; you find proof throughout the story.

This is a book for you if you like psychological suspense, thrillers with serial killers, stubborn characters, food for thought, and if you are a fan of excellently researched topics. If you liked the series so far – you will love this amazing finale.

Highly recommended – enjoy the thrill!

In brief:

Cover ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Writing ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Plot ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (five stars)
Mood Suspenseful
Pace Fast
POV First person – past tense
Language :mrgreen: – 😳  (some mild and few medium swearwords)
Violence 😳 – 😡  (several murders involving blood and more)
Sexual content :mrgreen: – 😳  (some mentions without details)

About the author

Member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Sue Coletta is the author of Wings of Mayhem (Crossroad Press), MARRED (Tirgearr Publishing), The Rendering, Crime Writer’s Research, and 60 Ways to Murder Your Characters.

A multi-published author in numerous anthologies, her forensics articles have appeared in InSinC Quarterly; her flash fiction in OOTG Flash Fiction Offensive, One Hundred Voices (Centum Publishing), and in the upcoming dark fiction anthology, RUN.

In addition to her popular crime resource blog, Sue’s the communications manager for the Serial Killer Project and Forensic Science, and founder of #ACrimeChat on Twitter.

You can learn more about Sue and her books at:  www.suecoletta.com

Connect with the author:


Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading.  Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you?  What did you think about “I Am Mayhem”?  Or – if you did not yet read “I Am Mayhem – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

Karen_RBRT

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