Author Archives: Kam Brook

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May 16, 2016 · 5:00 am

To Dance Again by Hebby Roman (Book Review)

 

They say a woman never forgets her first love, and Maricel Cardona hasn’t forgotten Ramón Morales. She remembers dancing all night in Ramón’s arms to the sensual beat of their homeland, Puerto Rico. When her family forced her to move to the States, she didn’t know she was carrying Ramón’s child.

A self-made multi-millionaire, Ramón hasn’t forgotten Maricel and the passion he felt, dancing with her. Now, at the pinnacle of his success, he’s withdrawn from the world to safeguard his own secret. A secret that, if revealed, would change his life forever.

Reunited after twenty-seven years, will the high school sweethearts get a second chance at love or will their secrets tear them apart?

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Lovers reunited after so many years apart should spell a true, over the top, romantic read. 


You know the type. The thin books you caught your mom or grandma reading. Pages turned so much the book looks older than it should and several pages have creases from being dog-eared. 
 
This could’ve been one of those stories if it weren’t for the fact I didn’t feel a true emotional connection between Maricel and Ramón. For me, I needed more than a brief glimpse to their past. 
 
I also didn’t like how late the revelation (you have a child) came about or the timing of it. It was as if the author couldn’t figure out when or how to divulge the info and just threw it out there. 
 
For me, this book felt disjointed. I’m sure others will love it. It does have its appeal: sweet union of father/daughter and a HEA. 


For me, I just found it lacking. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
 
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
All Romance eBooks
Wild Rose Publishing
 
 
 

Hebby Roman is the multi-published, Amazon best-selling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her first contemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was the launch title for Encanto, a print line featuring Latino romances. And her re-published e-book, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Her medieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for the Amazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction. 

Hebby is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and the past president of her local chapter, North Texas Romance Writers. She was selected for the Romantic Times “Texas Author” award, and she won a national Harlequin contest. Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles Times Book Festival selection.
Hebbyroman.com|Facebook
Catalina and the Winter Texan | SUMMER DREAMS | TEMPT FORTUNE

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May 14, 2016 · 5:00 am

Climb Up the Steel Mountain by Len Steiner (Book Review)

 
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Kay was still alive and he had to save her now, right away. That was his duty as a cardiologist. He had read about the latest surgical procedures and went over them in his mind, but he had never really done one. Dr. Louis Stafford accomplished his first heart transplant and he prayed to God that it would be completely successful and his patient would live to a ripe old age.
Purchase links: Paperback / Kindle
 
 
 
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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
While I can appreciate the journey Louie had to take to become a doctor, the anguish of all the losses he’s faced, and the mental and physical pain he’s had to endure, this book was dry – slow paced and had me yawning at times. That’s not a positive sign when I’m reading it while the sun is still high in the sky. 
 
I will say Len did a marvelous job with his medical research. However, other parts of the story were just as detailed and that’s where he lost me.
 
One section of the story, which I felt could’ve benefited from more details, was his time in Vietnam. This area was barely touched on. He was there and back home in a blink of an eye (or at least a few pages). It was a major part of his life downgraded to a blimp in time. 
 
Positive notes: I liked no matter how detached his mother, Emma, was during his childhood and adult years, he still rescued her — from Andy’s drunken tirades and from money woes. Also, I did like the history lesson regarding Pittsburgh and the medical jargon. You never know, it might come in handy if I ever make in on Jeopardy. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
Purchase links: Paperback / Kindle
 
 
 

Len Steiner has a dynamic background. He is not only a fiction writer but worked 13 years in Saudi Arabia for a major company and was Program Director of the Saudi AF Air Defense Program. He is author of 15 short stories in the Poe genre as well as his medical novel, “Climb Up the Steel Mountain.” He has written for military and civilian publications including lyrics for two musical comedies. He had a short story dramatized on BBC World Service Radio. He has also won awards for his volunteering efforts. He is from Pittsburgh, PA and lives in Madison, AL. He is a graduate of The University of Nebraska.

 
 

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May 12, 2016 · 5:00 am

Fleeing Beauty by Mark Love (Book Review)

 

Jamie Richmond used to live a nice, quiet life. But last fall she witnessed the shooting of a police officer and figured out who did it. Then this winter saw her best friend targeted by a stalker and kidnapped. Yep, Jamie solved that one and came to the rescue. Now it’s summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. All she wants to do is write her novels and spend free time with Malone, the guy who has been by her side since all this craziness began. But that’s not likely to happen.

 
Jamie’s father was a very successful sculptor who tragically died more than twenty years ago when she was just a child. What she remembers about him is little more than bits and pieces. A storeroom filled with crates of his work is discovered in an old converted factory. This potential fortune in artwork has been waiting all these years. 

Jamie recruits Malone and a few close friends to help her unpack the crates and bring her father’s gifts out to the light of day. News of this discovery leads to a robbery. Now Jamie is determined to figure out who is behind the crime.
 
 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Unlike Devious, I didn’t completely solve the mystery of who stole the sculpture,”Spring Dance”. I was only 1/2 correct due to a couple of surprise guests. Even the characters in the story were like — Who the %*#! are these guys? 
 
Talk about throwing us a curveball! 
 
I will say, before the story ends, Mark will explain almost everything. Jamie still needs to solve the puzzle box left to her by her deceased father, and we still don’t know Malone’s first name. 
 
I will say this, after their near death experience, he started to tell her and she stopped him. 
 
I could NOT believe it. Mark, you are such tease. 😉
 
This is one of those times I wish these weren’t fictional characters. If they weren’t, I would ask Malone to whisper it to me…. Nice and slow… *winks* 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
Kindle Purchase Link
Print Purchase Link
 
 
 
 

I am a Michigan native, who up until recently lived in the Metro Detroit area, where crime and corruption always seem to be at the top of everyone’s news. So there’s always the chance to find something that can trigger a story idea and enough interesting characters to jump start your imagination.
 
While I have worked in many industries and career paths over the years, one of my passions has always been writing. I was even able to parlay that passion for a while, working as a freelance reporter for a couple of newspapers in the Detroit area. Writing features and hard news helped me hone my talents. But while newspaper work was interesting and paid a few bills, it was a far cry from the fiction writing that I enjoy the most.
 
I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers, the kind of stories that have a fast pace, that keep you moving and keep you guessing as to what’s going to take place next. Mix those in with some elements of crime, perhaps a glimpse of the seedier side and you’ve got me. So it’s always been one of my goals to write stories like that.
 
While taking a creative writing course in college, the instructor suggested I might have more success getting short stories published first. So I focused on short stories. And he was right. I was able to publish a number of these in small press magazines. Seeing my name and stories in print was definitely a kick. I realized my short stories looked like episodes from “The Twilight Zone” or “Tales from the Crypt”, with a mix of humor and an unexpected twist at the end. Recently I packaged three of those together and published them on Amazon under the title “Three to Get Ready.”
 
A few years ago I discovered a new online publisher looking for novels. I submitted one, a mystery/romance story for consideration. They jumped at it. Then I submitted “Fade Away” a thriller with a little sci/fi twist. They wanted that one too. Two more years and two more books were published. But sadly, they folded their operations. Fortunately, all the rights reverted to me. So I decided to put two of my novels, “Fade Away” and “Desperate Measures” on Amazon’s Kindle Prime and see how things go.
 
I also have a series that could be considered Mystery/Romance that have been released by Secret Cravings. “Devious” and “Vanishing Act” were published in 2013 as part of the Jamie Richmond Mysteries. The third book “Fleeing Beauty” was released in October 2014.
 
I am pleased to add that “WHY 319?” was published by Black Rose Writing in September 2014. This is a police procedural mystery, where a serial killer is leaving their victims in room 319 of different motels around suburban Detroit. The killer leaves the message ‘Why 319?” written in the victim’s lipstick on the bathroom mirror.
 
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May 10, 2016 · 5:00 am

Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman (Book Review)

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Angelina Herrera flees from Cuba to Key West to start a new life and build her own business. But when her past catches up with her, she realizes the only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is to marry another … in name only.

Drawn to the fiercely independent beauty Angelina, Cuban revolutionary, Alejandro Estava marries her. Though outwardly he agrees to the platonic relationship because of his secret past, he cannot deny his powerful desire to possess her completely.

But tempestuous forces more powerful than the hurricane descending on their island home unleashes their mutual passion while threatening their yearning for a lifelong bond.

 
 


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 


Angelina/Alejandro and Destiny/Nathan’s relationships once again prove that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and thank goodness Hebby touched on the fact that good looks DO NOT make for good bedfellows. Case in point: Both women found themselves at the hands of two scoundrels who’s nefarious intentions almost cost them everything. Yet, in true romance fashion, love prevailed and we saw two HEA’s. 
 
That’s good, right? 
 
I thought so, too. 
 
My only complaint was the journey to the HEA’s. Nathan fell in love after one date/kiss. Probably at first glance. His sudden mad love for Destiny caused him to propose on their first date and a few times later too. Most women would find this behavior too much, too fast. I sure would. Women like to be wooed, courted, asked at on more than one date before they allow a man to put a ring on their finger. 
 
On the flip side, Alejandro and Angelina just couldn’t get their ducks in a row. Now their love story seemed a bit more realistic and relatable. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
 
 
 

Hebby Roman is the multi-published, Amazon best-selling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her first contemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was the launch title for Encanto, a print line featuring Latino romances. And her re-published e-book, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Her medieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for the Amazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction.
Hebby is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and the past president of her local chapter, North Texas Romance Writers. She was selected for the Romantic Times “Texas Author” award, and she won a national Harlequin contest. Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles Times Book Festival selection.
 

Hebbyroman.com|Facebook
Catalina and the Winter Texan | SUMMER DREAMS | TEMPT FORTUNE

 
 

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May 8, 2016 · 5:00 am

At This Stage by K. K. Weil (Book Review)

 

The attractive man sleeping on her couch was never like a father to her. That would’ve been much easier… Outspoken seventeen-year-old Kaitlyn Fowler loses her mother, gets taken in by a gorgeous family friend, and discovers her mysterious biological father has always known she existed. All within a few months. At twenty-three, Jackson Wall lives without a single obligation. That is, until the daughter of his late public relations manager and dear friend is threatened with foster care. Shocking even himself, the rising playwright volunteers to become her guardian. Eloquent and incredibly talented, Kaitlyn comes to mean more to Jackson than he ever imagined. Or wanted. Jackson struggles with their friendship as it develops into something much more complex. While Kaitlyn can’t deny her feelings, she knows what will happen if she pushes him too far. As they search for Kaitlyn’s unknown father, she wonders if Jackson will reject her, too, or if she can convince him that something wrong to begin with can become right over time.

 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Losing a parent at any age is painful. For a time, you simple go through the motions. On the positive, you might have family to lend you a shoulder to cry on. In this case, Kaitlyn didn’t have the luxury of any relatives. No, she had Jackson — friend of her mothers and, in a way, a friend to her as well. 
 
This friendship remained platonic until she was almost 18. They shared one kiss but he stopped it. He needed to keep her in the friend zone due to her age and their situation. I can respect that.  
 
Now, when she’s a bit older, their friendship blossoms into something more (for both parties). However, they don’t actually consummate the relationship until she’s twenty. 
 
I think it was wise – the waiting. 
 
She needed to grow up. 
 
He needed her to grow up.
 
People seem to forget sex IS a big deal. Heck, sex at any age is a big deal but sometimes more so in teen years. 
 
Plus, for me, I don’t think this story would’ve had such an impact if Jackson or K would’ve overlooked the age factor and let hormones take hold.
 
When Jackson does finally come clean regarding his love for her, the romantic gesture had a bigger effect on Kaitlyn than me. 1.) I saw it coming from a mile away. 2.) Am not one of K. K. fictional characters; therefore, she couldn’t write me as a weepy, shocked, and blissfully happy mess. Thank goodness, too, because I am an ugly crier. 
 
Also, there was no shock who was Kaitlyn’s father. With that in mind, I did love her backbone when she decided to confront him. 
 
Girl really had no fear. 🙂
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
GET YOUR COPY NOW AT AMAZON  
PAPERBACK  /  KINDLE
 
 
 
 
K.K. Weil grew up in Queens, but eventually moved to New York City, the inspiration for many of her stories. Weil, who attended SUNY Albany as an undergrad and NYU as a graduate student, is a former teacher. She now enjoys writing her own dramas and lives near the beach in New Jersey, where she is at work on her next novel.
 
Website: http://kkweil.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KKWeilAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KK_Weil
Blog: www.KKWeil.blogspot.com

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