Rhonda Bowen's "Man Enough For Me"

Title: Not My Cup Of Tea
Man Enough For Me by Rhonda Bowen

Reviewed by: T's Blogging
2017

Good morning family, friends, and page watchers. I have to share this one with you. Before I go spilling the beans, can I please come clean about something? Okay, here I go. I sent my cousin, who shall remain nameless, to the library to get a few books, and I specifically told her, "Please do not bring me back any baby momma drama novels," which I am ashamed to admit I used to associate with books from the African American genre. Now, before you go bashing me, I can admit when I'm wrong. And I can even admit that my stereotypical views needed major reprogramming. However, I refuse to lie, it was hard for me to even attempt to read this book until it somehow found it's way in my lap. So what changed? Let me tell you.
     Rhonda Bowen's main character, Jules Jackson is a single, well-put-together woman that is an over-thinker and as one of the most overbearing, up in your business, always has something negative to say mother. And while Jules' mother makes it very clear how disappointed she is about Jules' life and career choice, Jules also struggles with daddy issues. Unknowingly, Jules upbringing plays a big role in her focusing on work and staying as far as she can from any man that rings any warning/proceed with caution alarms. However, there's always that one guy that can slip right between the walls that a woman barricades her heart inside. And in this story that man's name is Germaine Williams.
     To refrain from giving you all the details let me just say, Germaine catches Jules' eye and before you know it, the wall around Jules' heart is down and she is intoxicated by like, lust, and maybe even love. But, in every relationship, or so it seems, something happens and destroys the bliss. Now, the questions that kept nudging me to read more were: will Jules' past issues with trust resurface, causing her to create an issue between her and Germaine? Or is the smooth talking guy really a wolf in sheep's clothing? And guess what? The answers to these questions are awaiting book lovers in this Christian base novel, that is enriched with wholesome and religious metaphors that's good for the soul.
     Although this book taught me that I cannot judge a book by the genre, I have to admit the story does lack in the character and reader connection. I can definitely relate to Jules' issues with trust. However, at times her emotions read forced. For example, if Jules were a real person, and we were friends, I would view her as fake--someone that can turn on and off her emotions at any given time. It is as if the main character's emotions were only surface. Perhaps my feeling stem from the fast pace of the novel, but that may be a stretch.
     Nonetheless, I enjoyed this read. And honestly, I would read more books written by Author Rhonda Bowen.

I give this read 3.75 stars

Until next week.

T's Blogging    

Kim Cormack's "Let There Be Dragons"

Title: Unleashed

“Let There Be Dragons” by Kim Cormack

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

3/21/16

11:14 a.m.

Readers, if you have not read the Ankh Series take note, “Go out and purchase books one and two before reading author Kim Cormack’s third novel, Let There Be Dragons.” This recently released YA read, picks up exactly where book two leaves off, throwing avid readers right back into Kayne’s world. But here is the kicker, Kayne, the female protagonist, has morphed into one bad ass, untamed, power hungry Conduit that goes psychotic throughout this entire read. Talk about unleashing the dragon.

After Kayne is killed by her best friend, she and her sister finally become one. And to watch her evolve into this new creature, especially after the hell she trampled through…is absolutely page turning interesting. The world of this character is undoubtedly established which makes it absolutely fan following.  

As Kayne and the other Ankh members adjust to their new powers, the author takes her time answering the most important question: What is going to happen between Kayne and Kevin and her and Frost? Rest reassured, the answers to many other questions are tucked between the pages of this read, as well as a few knew bread crumbs leading into book four. However, there were a few hung ups that could turn first time book readers in the wrong direction.

On occasion, situations were too drawn out and repetitive. However, staying true to her stand-up sense of humor, the author gives us some jaw dropping and bashful scenes that make up for the repetition and grammatical errors. There is so much intensity within this read that it is easy to become consumed with the story. And just when the second to the last page is turned another OMG moment happens. And in true Kim fashion, you are waiting for the next book.

I give “Let There Be Dragons” 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

T’s Blogging

Rowanna Green's Fox Among Wolves

Title: Which one is the fox?

Rowanna Green's “Fox Among Wolves” 

Reviewed by S. Davis

01/06/2015

9:00 p.m.

It is not often that I come across a book where I am unsure where exactly I stand on it at the end, but Rowanna Green’s novel, “Fox Among Wolves” has managed to do it. This novel was probably one of the most action-packed books that I have ever read, but I am still unsure if that is a good or a bad thing. It seems as though Green’s main focus was on creating amazing and explosive scenes, instead of character and plot development.

The plots and subplots themselves are enough to keep the reader on his or her toes, so I was never bored while reading through the chapters themselves. However, the novel was a little confusing to follow at times and hard to get into. There are so many characters with different names and nicknames to keep track of and the reader is left in the dark for so long about what the plot is actually about. Due to the lack of character development, I found some of the characters – particularly Ginny – hard to believe. And while I understand that the author’s intentions was to keep the reader just as confused as Ginny, when strange men show up at her door, I wish  I had been given more information than the characters had access to.

Aside from a few technical errors, “Fox Among Wolves” was a fairly enjoyable read. Once I was able to keep track of who each character was, I found myself turning through the pages, wondering what would happen next.

I give “Fox Among Wolves” three out of five stars.

Cheers!

S. Davis

Review: R.L. Kiser's "Crystal Fire"

Title: Creative? Yes, but...

R.L. Kiser’s “Crystal Fire”

Reviewed by T

2014

Battles and long-lost love rekindled; along with witches, underworld creatures, magic, and warriors. R. L. Kiser’s Crystal Fire, possesses so much creativity. Kiser takes an interesting route by telling the expedition of several Crystal Warriors as they willing journey to war against an evil force. Each of the warriors experienced great adventures that were magically fascinating, but I found myself wondering, "What's missing?"

I enjoyed each of the characters, but found myself wanting to read and learn so much more about Naomi and Tarina. At times while reading the novel, the transitions from one place to another was confusing and made it difficult to finish. However, the battle scenes, the imaginative creatures, and the humor kept my interest. Kiser did an excellent job in describing and bringing to life the warrior’s battles and their abilities, but the story reads rushed.

Despite some of my issues with this book there was a sentence that I absolutely fell in love with, “I taught you all you know, I didn’t teach you all I know!” ~R. L. Kiser

***I give Crystal Fire 3 out of 5 stars

Happy reading!

T's Blogging 

Review: "Rain Check" by Gypsy Rae

Title: Chick Flick in Words

Gypsy Rae’s Rain Check

Reviewed by T's Blogging

2014

Who doesn’t love watching a Chick Flick? Curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and some popcorn in hopes of being buried into a story that will help you forget all about the things happening in your life. Well…that’s what Gypsy Rae’s, Rain Check, offers. This novel is similar to watching a great chick flick that will have you giggling, your eyes glossing with saddening tears, and your heart yearning for love along with a glimpse of hot sex.

Gypsy Rae doesn't waste any time telling Avery’s story, and at times she tells oppose to showing. While some readers may view this as a flaw, truth is, it does not take away from this novel.

Immediately you will fall in love with Jonah’s artsy, full of life personality; and of course you will be praying for a happy ending for Avery, and the author doesn't disappoint.  As Avery wars with confronting a hidden secret, she finds herself in love with someone who may not be in love with her. Plagued by her past, uncertain of exposing a secret, and in a relationship in which she is merely a rebound you cannot help but to read every page in order to divulge what will happen next!

Like all chick flicks there is a message entangled in the plot, and Rain Check offers an important message that sums up this entire story. There was a line in the book that really caught my attention.... It read: “You don’t need luck, remember? It’s all just part of the journey….” And that is what this book is all about…A JOURNEY! 

I give Rain Check 4 out of 5 stars!

Happy reading!

T's Blogging