Review: SADIE’S SPIRIT by CB Samet

A person can only die once.

Sadie hadn’t expected her own death to come so quickly. A ghost among the living, her only salvation is in the form of a long-lost love, whom she left heartbroken years ago. If she didn’t believe much in the supernatural, she believed now. Now, with Asher’s help, she must resolve her unfinished business and close the case on her murder.

Story was well-written, intriguing, and east-to-read with sprinkles of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements.

My rating: 4 stars

Review: THE GIRL IN THE RAIN by L.G. Davis

Paige was a teacher. For her, math was the only constant in her life when everything else was in chaos. Having to take care of her alcoholic brother, who lived miserably in a wheelchair, was more than she could bear. But what else could she do? After all, she felt guilty and responsible for him. Her friend has often told her that she had a right to her own freedom, but, still, her brother treated her like a prisoner.

Wheelchair-bound Ryan continued to abuse Paige with nasty comments, bitter retorts, and violent temper tantrums. “I didn’t see my brother at all—just an angry, bitter stranger.” (36)

She can’t get rid of him. He wants to make her pay for what she did. Paige was watching over Chucky—this demon child. He just tortures her for fun. The things he does to her. I would’ve so killed him.

“Reality is dark, painful, and filled with nightmares.” (163) Can a woman face her fear and try to get her life back?

Story was dark and gripping, although it lagged in certain areas. What was so surprising is that the story had its fill of “what happened” gaps, leaving the reader befuddled with several questions, many possibilities, and really no answers. What happened to her brother? What happened on her wedding night? I guess that was part of the whole mystery. The story just leaves a bunch of holes.

Overall, this was a well-written piece of work.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Review: THEN HE KISSED ME by Maria Geraci

Lauren is a single, divorced parent, who is grateful for everything she has. She owns a nice, little vintage clothing shop in FL and enjoys classical holiday films—namely It’s a Wonderful Life. She never asked for much, but her meddling mother thought she should have more—like a man. So she sets her up on a blind date with a successful entrepreneur, who was as arrogant as they come. Lauren didn’t need a man to complete her; she could complete herself. You go, girl!

On the blind date, she sees a public proposal go sour. Turns out the guy was someone she used to know back in high school. He was the likable nerd, like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Lauren then realizes that Nate dodged a bullet when the girl turned him down.

I thought the character was witty and relatable, and Nate was such a nice guy—quiet, quirky, and so smart. I thought they would have a nice romance. Story started off good, but then it slows down dramatically. It kind of made me wonder when exactly does he kiss her. It’s still a decent read though.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Review: CONFESSIONS OF AN ABANDONED WIFE by Michal Hartstein

A woman is a proclaimed adulteress.

“I have a husband, but he’s never around.” (3)

I thought this would be an interesting read of indecent proposal, but it was nothing but the whiny confessions of a lonely and cheating wife. It made for some blasé reading.

My rating: 2 stars

Review: HORSESHOES AND HAND GRENADES by S.M. Stevens

Shelby was just re-entering the dating scene and starting a new job. Astrid was a co-worker of Shelby’s. Right away, there seems to be some work tension between them. But can you blame them? Women are competition, after all.

Story starts off fairly slow as the girls navigate through the business structure of their industry, but it soon gravitates to the taboo side. For instance, Astrid has had a crush on her boss for a while, so she doesn’t seem to mind when he flirts with her or occasionally brushes up against her in a way.

“You have to keep your wits about you to succeed in the business world. Men are not potential husbands. They are stepping-stones on your path to success.” (18)

Readers follow the taxing lives of two women, who are just trying to make it in this world. It’s honest and impactful. Story keeps a steady rhythm and various characters nearly crowd the story. It didn’t quite grab me as much as I thought it would, but it’s still a decent read nonetheless.

My rating: 3 stars