Book Review: Cristina (Jake D. Parent)

Cristina

by: Jake D. Parent

Genres: Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Driven by a desperate need to escape her past, Cristina Rodriguez moves into a picturesque hilltop home with an ocean view. The same place where, four years earlier, a young girl was kidnapped and murdered.


At first, both the house and the scenic California beach town seem perfect. Fresh air. Fresh faces. And the ocean is just ten minutes away. But as Cristina and her daughter set about rebuilding their lives, they soon discover that the past is not about to let go so easily.


A gripping psychological suspense mystery by a #1 bestselling author, Cristina will grab you from the first page and keep you guessing until the very end.

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

I'm not going to lie; I was a little worried about this one. As I've said MANY times, we accept books based SOLELY on the information that is provided (by either the author, publicist, and/or publisher)....and although I could clearly see that the potential was there, I was scared that Cristina wasn't going to stand out.

There was a chance that it was going to be like the masses.....a simple mean to pass some time.....something that I would forget as soon as I finished the final page.

Boy do I love when I'm proven wrong! Cristina delivered. Jake D. Parent had me sitting on the edge of my seat, and piqued my interest until the very end. You know when you're reading a book and it's so good that you're tempted to skin over the "filler" content to find the good stuff?? This is one of those books! It will have you drawing conclusions, gasping in horror, and literally screaming "WHAT?!?!?".

The blurb simply says it best: "Cristina will grab you from the first page and keep you guessing until the very end." I couldn't agree more, and I can confidently say that anyone (regardless of your choice genre), who picks this one up, won't be disappointed.

As always, you can find all of the necessary links below.

Until tomorrow,

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Book Review: Confidence Your Secret Weapon (Ashley McLean)

Confidence Your Secret Weapon

by: Ashley McLean

Genres: Self-help, Motivation

Confidence Your Secret Weapon is a personal development guide that provides readers with the tools they need to improve confidence, develop high self-esteem, and set goals to achieve their dreams. Ashley Korin McLean shares the concepts, skills and techniques that helped transform her from a timid and shy teenager, to a successful entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker.

Confidence Your Secret Weapon delivers basic exercises designed to help instigate confidence building tactics and methodologies that can be utilized in everyday life. Confidence Your Secret Weapon will help readers form a healthy and self-assured thought process, and to recognize that confidence is a never ending journey, where there is always room for growth and improvement.

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

This book has been sitting in our TBR list for a very long time. In fact, it was one of the very first books that we agreed to review. Being new, to the blogging world, resulted in our making our fair share of mistakes...one of which was expecting part-time reviewers to share our passionate for reading. Life happened, reviewers left, and our TBR list continued to grow. Needless to say, there were times that we became overwhelmed with the requests/support that CommonBookSense was getting and we had a hard time prioritizing. Our authors, fans, publishers, and even our critics are important to us. We made a commitment and, regardless of how behind we've fallen, we intend to keep our word!

Confidence your Secret Weapon is one of those motivational/self-help books that make you take notice. I literally highlighted five key points within the first few pages. Ashley McLean's "former" self is one that I can relate to. I was her in high school. I can very vividly remember the dreadful days of having to read aloud in class. There were times I felt physically ill....wondering if I was the only person who dreaded speaking in front of others. THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR THAT GIRL. It was written in a way that promotes self reflection, while being extremely relatable.

I am certain that I will revisit this book again. It will be my secret "refresher course," anytime I feel like my confidence is wavering. I feel like this would be the perfect book for a high school English to start a new school year with. I know it is definitely one that my daughter will be reading!

As always, all the good links can be found below.

Until next time,

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Book Review: Player (M L Sparrow)

Player

by: M L Sparrow

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Let the game begin…

After a tragic accident which leaves her tormented by guilt, Chloe Newman accepts a scholarship to study a St. Joseph’s University. Traveling from England to Texas, the last thing she expects is to meet the schools charming quarterback on her first night. However, Parker Mitchell is a player both on and off the field.  

Parker is immediately fascinated by Chloe and, after a rocky start, they manage to find a way to make their relationship work despite interference from others on campus, including Parker's jealous ex, and the ghosts that haunt Chloe’s conscience. But, the real test comes when they visit Parker’s family over Christmas break and he finds himself being pulled back into their lifestyle...  

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

M L  Sparrow easily ranks in our “Top 5 Authors to Review” list, so writing this review is going to be more difficult than I would like.  Don’t go jumping to conclusions just yet…..let me do a little explaining.

Player was a fast-paced read, which made it virtually impossible to put this book down.  The characters were relatable and the storyline was believable, but it’s one that has been beaten to death. Bad boy (player) meets emotionally scarred girl needing rescue, resulting in a little bit of drama…then bad boy reforms into the perfect boyfriend; thus, healing traumatized damsel in distress in the process.  I’d like to say that there was potential for Player to be great, but I don’t really believe that. The book was good, so I guess some could say that it met its potential, but me being a (self-proclaimed) expert in M L  Sparrow’s books calls bullshit.  Bullshit.  This story lacked uniqueness, and because of that I am disappointed.  Now, would I be disappointed if this was my first M L book? Nope, but it isn’t... and so I am.

My advice, to those of you wondering if this is the book for you, is to read it.  It isn’t a book that you’ll regret reading.  You also won’t be left searching for a shank, to gouge your eyeballs out, while you ask yourself wtf you just read.  Just don’t expect it to be something that will change your life, touch your soul, or leave you wanting more.

As you can see, we're back and I can promise that 2017 will be an amazing year for CommonBookSense!

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Book Review: Demons From My Past (J.L. Leslie)

Demons From My Past

by: J.L. Leslie

Genre: Romance

Everyone has a past. Kingsley Huxton is trying to move on from hers and repair her estranged relationship with her father. When her mother helps her get a job at her father’s hotel business, she knows she finally has a shot. She can make him see she’s changed. Earn his love and trust again. Easier said than done. Especially when she meets her sexy new co-worker, Paxton Rowe, and realizes he’s the man who just kissed her senseless! Completely senseless. In fact, she’s thought of his lips for days. When she walks into her father’s office and finds out he’s the CFO, it throws her for a loop. How can she focus on fixing things with her father when she can’t get Paxton off her mind? Then Paxton seems to run hot and cold…playing mind games with her. They definitely have chemistry, but he’s holding back. Kingsley realizes he has a few demons of his own. She must determine if he’s worth the fight. Then when tragedy strikes, Kingsley has to battle the demons from her past and find out if she’s strong enough win!

**WE RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

J.L. Leslie did it again.

Demons From My Past was everything that I was hoping it'd be. Kingsley, Paxton, and the rest of the characters were the complete package. Sometimes authors put so much emphasis on the story line that they neglect to ensure that the characters are fully developed, so it's refreshing when an author gifts us with characters which are as developed as these.

This ended up being another one of those books that I purposely put down...in order to prolong the inevitable.

Demons From My Past is yet another example of J.L. Leslie's amazing talent as a writer. I haven't a doubt that what ever she writes will go above and beyond your expectations.

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Book Review: Filthy Beautiful Lies

Filthy Beautiful Lies

by Kendall Ryan

Genres: Romance, Erotica

 I have no idea why she auctioned off her virginity for a cool mill. Regardless, I'm now the proud new owner of a perfectly intact hymen. A lot of good that will do me. I have certain tastes, certain sexual proclivities. My cock is a bit more discriminatory than most. And training a virgin takes finesse and patience - both of which I lack.

Sophie Evans has been backed into a corner. With her sister's life hanging in the balance, the only choice is to claw her way out, even if that means selling her virginity to the highest bidder at an exclusive erotic club. When Colton Drake takes her home, she quickly learns nothing is as it seems with this beautifully troubled man. Being with him poses challenges she never expected, and pushes her to want things she never anticipated.

A sinfully seductive erotic romance where everything has a price and the cost of love is the highest of all from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Kendall Ryan.

When I picked up this book, it was originally because I just wanted to read something different. Something that was just simple and easy -- thoughtless. When I opened Filthy Beautiful Lies I never thought I would care about the characters, or wonder where they'll end up. Walking into this, I never imagined that I would be leaving with another amazing story to add to the countless others I hope to encounter.

If you're looking for an erotica book that doesn't drop off as soon as the sex happens, if you're looking for an erotica book that has a decent plot, intriguing characters, and makes you wonder why all books aren't written like that, here you go. 

As always, links can be located below.

Purchase this book through

Amazon, 

Barnes&Noble,

Her Site (you could get a signed copy!),

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Book Review: Beneath Claire's House (Corey J. Popp)

Beneath Claire's House 

by: Corey J. Popp

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Thriller, Young Adult

Sixteen-year-old Claire Young is tormented by a recurring, prophetic nightmare and visitations from gruesome, mutilated ghosts. She's convinced the apparitions intend to harm her widowed father, but there's little she can do locked away in Saint Thomas Psychiatric Hospital. Her situation is hopeless until a mysterious priest delivers the name of a man who may be the only one willing to help. Claire launches a daring scheme that leads her and her best friend to a former paranormal investigator.

But the matter is complicated by Claire's own father. Convinced his daughter is schizophrenic, he'll send Claire back to Saint Thomas permanently if he discovers she’s still clinging to her delusions. Claire and her friends must tread lightly to complete the investigation, but amid bizarre twists and chilling encounters, she’ll discover her home's basement is hiding something far more sinister than just ghosts.

 

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW** 

Claire has been through more than most of us could ever imagine....and she's only sixteen years old.  After the death of her mother, she began being terrorized by ghosts....the scary kind of ghosts that would make anyone experiencing them question their sanity.  She's convinced that they are trying to harm her father, but vocalizing that to him lands her in a psychiatric hospital.  How in the world is she going to be able to save her dad when she's locked away?!?!?!?  That in itself would have made an awesome plot, but believe me when I say that the twists and turns in this book are unlike anything you've read before.   

Beneath Claire's House definitely didn't lack in the suspense department.  It's the kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat up until the very end.  I must admit that I did quite a bit of speculation as to what Claire's ghosts wanted from her, but boy was I way off!

 Corey J. Popp is a very talented writer and has left me wanting to read more of his work. 

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Book Review: Death by Diploma (Kelley Kaye)

Death by Diploma

by: Kelley Kaye

Genres: Mystery (Cozy)

Emma Lovett leaves her philandering husband and crosses the country to begin her teaching career at a high school in Pinewood, Colorado.There, she meets Leslie Parker, a fellow teacher given to quoting Shakespeare to fit all situations, and the two become fast friends.

Arriving at work early one morning, Emma discovers the body of the school custodian, a man who reminds her of her late father. When the police struggle to find the killer, the ladies decide to help solve the murder. Their efforts lead them to a myriad of suspects: the schizophrenic librarian, the crude football coach, the mysterious social studies teacher, and even Emma’s new love interest.As Emma Lovett discovers the perils of teaching high school, she and Leslie learn more than they ever wanted to know about the reasons people kill.

**WE RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

Death by Diploma is classified as a "cozy mystery," which is a term that I had to investigate.  It turns out that "cozies" are books that downplay/put a humorist twist on sex and/or violence.....this book definitely fits the category.  

This one starts out really slow, which means that I almost gave up on it several times.  Emma and Leslie are awesome main characters, but Emma's sometimes HORRIBLE southern dialect drove me insane.  **Note to non-southern authors:  you can't "write" an accent.....it doesn't work.....it isn't close to accurate......and it leaves readers with a bad taste in their mouth (especially those of us who grew up in the south).** 

Once the plot got really interesting (about halfway through the book) I was hooked.  The dedication that the teachers had, to solve the murder of the school custodian, was admirable.  This is the kind of mystery book that didn't give things away until the most perfect moment.  So, although things started out slow, this "cozy" novel was worth the read!

As always, all of the good stuff is listed below.

Until next time.......

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Book Review: What Does It Mean To Be White In America (Gabrielle David)

What Does It Mean To Be White In America?

by: Gabrielle David

Genres: Non-fiction, Narrative

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? BREAKING THE WHITE CODE OF SILENCE, A COLLECTION OF PERSONAL NARRATIVES, is a collection that asks just that. While the literature on whiteness has long been dominated by an academic point of view, editors Gabrielle David and Sean Frederick Forbes came to the realization that there was an unmet need for an anthology of personal narratives about race and culture from the perspective of white Americans. In this conception process, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? was born. The first of its kind, this collection of 82 personal narratives reflects a vibrant range of stories from white Americans who speak frankly and openly about race, not only as it applies to people of color, but as it applies to themselves. In answering the question, some may offer viewpoints one may not necessarily agree with, but nevertheless, it is clear that each contributor is committed to answering it as honestly as possible. With an introduction by racial justice educator and writer, Debby Irving, and an afterword by award-winning poet, author and scholar, Tara Betts, the purpose of WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? is to, as Irving points out in her introduction, break the code of silence so that we can engage in frank conversations about race. An invaluable starting point that includes a glossary and a bibliography of suggested reading, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? is highly recommended for students, teachers and anyone else interested in seeking a deeper and richer understanding of race in America. 

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

I'm not going to lie, my initial thought was that I wouldn't be touching this one with a ten-foot pole. After all, I am a white female who wants nothing to do with the race war currently consuming the country. I grew up in the bible belt, even better a small town in Alabama (that is probably still considered one of the most racist places in the country), and I knew reviewing What Does It Mean To Be White In America? would mean that I'd need to share some of my personal feelings, which I honestly wasn't sure that I wanted to do on CommonBookSense. Then I thought about it....like really thought about it, and realized how absurd that sounded.

What Does It Mean To Be White In America? is a book that every (that's right EVERY) person in this country, regardless of race, should be required to read. PERIOD. It's comprised of 82 stories that were written by white Americans from all over the country. The need for political correctness was waived....and a brilliant collection of much needed thoughts, opinions, and personal reflection was created.

As always you can find all the related links below.

Until next time......

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Blackwell's

Chapters-Indigo

Angus & Robertson

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Book Review: Tease Me (J.L. Leslie)

Tease Me

by: J.L. Leslie

Genre: Romance, Adult

**contains explicit sexual content**

Lennon Zane has never been one to shy away from men. A fact that her two older brothers despise. But ever since her tragic childhood spent in a foster home was exposed to the media, she’s sworn off dating for a while. Until she meets him… 

Swift Cole is not the type of man Lennon normally dates. He doesn’t wear a suit and tie. He’s not clean-cut. He’s a construction worker with tattoos and he plays the drums in a band. But she can’t deny she’s attracted to him… 

Lennon is under scrutiny from everyone. Her brothers. Her company. The media. She wants something just for her. Better yet, someone just for her. No one needs to know. And she knows who she wants… 

But will Swift agree to her rules or will he want more than she’s willing to offer? Can she abide by her own rules? Or will she break them? 

Find out in Tease Me. The final installment in the Zane Series. 

**WE RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

Tease Me, the third book in the Zane Series, was worth the wait. As you can read, in my review of Tame Me (found here), romance novels are one of my many weaknesses.

Lennon Zane was introduced within the first couple pages, of book number one, and I instantly knew that reading her story would be added to my "must do" list. I obviously had no idea if J.L. Leslie planned on allowing us to explore the life of the willful, elusive Lennon, but a girl can dream, right?

Lennon's past was tragic, and as her story unfolded my my heart broke for the little girl who she once was. She was written is such a way that I could honestly feel her pain as I flipped the pages.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'm simply going to end this review by saying that if a man and women are truly made for each other, Lennon Zane and Swift Cole could be the poster couple for soulmates. I was happy to get all of my questions answered, but I was sorry to see this story end.

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