Tag Archives: military

August 16, 2016 · 5:00 am

Lady Gallant by Gini Rifkin (Book Review)

 

Disowned by her father and still mourning the death of her fiancé, Josephine Posey joins Florence Nightingale’s brigade of nurses bound for the Black Sea. Thousands of British soldiers desperately await these angels of mercy and a new life awaits Josie. Amidst the chaos of death and despair, she finds a spark of hope, lighting the flame once more inside her soul.

In search of the truth, Garrick Allen, one of Britain’s first war correspondents also journeys to the Crimean Peninsula. To him the soldiers seem all but abandoned by Queen and country, and as he smokes his cheroots and makes friends with a bottle, he writes his bold but honest dispatches for The Times. Not wanting anything more than to finish his job and go home, Garrick is blindsided by a nurse with attitude who offers him a new slant on life and a reason to love.

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)  
 
With any war, we are well aware of the horrors the brave men and women face on the battlefield. However, we sometimes overlook or take for granted the doctors and nurses who treat the fallen soldiers. They, too, feel the pain of combat. They get attached to their charges, lose friends, and push on to “fight” another day. 
 
In Lady Gallant, Posie fought to heal the soldiers while attempting to keep their spirits high. A prime example was the Christmas tree she procured for them. She didn’t have to but it was in her nature to go the extra mile. 
 
Mose (her invaluable helper) was equally dedicated to his job, too. It was a shocking and sad moment when Cholera took hold of his body. The love bestowed upon him while in his sick bed was extremely touching and showed his worth in the eyes of his friends. 
 
Garrick: He started off gruff but it didn’t take long before he showed us his romantic side. He could easily be described as a  knight in shining armor because he literally rescued Posie on more than one occasion. 
 
The last time solidified their relationship which ended with……. you guessed it, a happily ever after. 
 
Now if I had to change one thing about this story is would be to add more moments with Posie’s best friend, Gemma. 
 
Their interactions added a bit of lightness to a rather (at times) intense story. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gini Rifkin writes adventurous romance, past present, and into the future. Her settings include the American West, Medieval England, Victorian England, and contemporary fantasy. When not reading or writing, she has the privilege of caring for a menagerie of abandoned animals including ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, donkeys, and cats. She was born and raised in Illinois where she went to school to become a registered nurse. When struck by wanderlust, she moved to Colorado and met her husband Gary. They shared the journey for 30 years, spending vacations canoeing, doing Mountain Man reenacting, and traveling around this great country. Although Gary has passed on, he left her with the skills to soldier on alone, and a little bit of him lives on in every hero she creates. Her writing keeps her hungry to keep learning new things, and she considers family and friends her most treasured of gifts.

 
 

9 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , ,

July 2, 2016 · 5:00 am

Bringer of Chaos: The Origin of Pietas by Kayelle Allen (Book Review)

  • Print Length: 189 pages
 
Two enemy warriors: one human, one immortal. 
Different in belief, alike in spirit, marooned together on an alien world.
 
  • Imprisoned and in isolation over a year without food or water, the immortal Pietas survives. Though broken in body, his intellect and will are intact, thanks to Six, the special ops warrior who captured him, but kept him sane. The warrior had no hand in his deprivation and, like Pietas, was betrayed by his own kind. When Pietas is abandoned on an alien world with nothing but his honor–and Six–he must find and rejoin other immortal exiles. After centuries of war, Pietas detests humans and kills them on sight, but he is too damaged to continue on his own. Though he despises needing help, he allows Six to nurture and restore him to full strength, and then accompany him. As they cross the planet together on foot, the immortal begins to wonder if he has found his first human friend, or if Six is loyal only because Pietas could keep the others from tearing him to shreds. This human will either be his closest living friend, or the one whose betrayal will trigger all-out vengeance by the most powerful immortal ever born.
  •  
  • Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
 
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

As a fan of science fiction and fantasy, I was eager to dive into Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas. Based off the book summary, my expectations were set high. Certain aspects of the story caught my interest, but then, several sections dragged on and didn’t reach their full potential. 
 
High points: Kayelle invented the Ultras. Whose abilities would astound anyone. They heal quickly, diseases don’t affect them, can survive any wound, and can be “reborn”. Only two ways ensured their death was permanent. 1) Immolate, freeze and then shatter the Ultra. 2) Put the Ultra through a bone shredder. 
 
During Pietas captivity, he never met his true death. Actually, he was reborn 1000 times over and, according to him, that’s almost worse than dying. Imagine your body wasting away, perishing, coming alive again, & repeat. I can see why Pietas had no love for humans — Until he met Six (not his real name). 
 
Six started off his adversary but things changed in the year it took them to reach Sempervia. Once they landed, Six became the hunter, caregiver, protector, comrade and, most importantly, a friend to Pietas (or as Six dubbed him, Pi). 
 
There on Sempervia, I felt Kayelle could’ve done so much more for the readers. She could’ve added more scifi elements to this science fiction tale. I expected more trouble with the elements. Heck, give me a battle with unknown creatures on the island. Something. Anything. 
 
We did see a storm, numerous birds, and cats but that’s it. But basically, there was nothing really holding my interest. 
 
I, once again, had such high hope things would pick up when Pi finally reconnected with the other Ultras in chapter 24 but nope, nothing. In chapter 26, they discussed creating a plan to secure food, shelter, and a way home. 
 
That’s where the story ended. 
 
No closure but a set-up for book 2,  Bringer of Chaos: Harvest of Blood. 
 
Heart Rating System 
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kayelle Allen is a best selling American author. Her unstoppable heroes and heroines include contemporary every day folk, role-playing immortal gamers, futuristic covert agents, and warriors who purr.
 

www.twitter.com/kayelleallen  

www.facebook.com/kayelleallen.author

Marketing for Romance Writers www.bit.ly/mfrwgroup  

The Author’s Secret www.theauthorssecret.com

10 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , ,

June 14, 2016 · 5:00 am

Deadly Reboot by CJ Matthew (Book Review) (CONTEST INCLUDED!!)

In honor of FLAG DAY, June 14, and all the veterans who served under OLD GLORY, CJ Matthew and I are offering a star spangled contest featuring Deadly Reboot, Paladin Group book 1. 
 
But before we dive into the rules to enter, first we’d like to introduce one of the prizes — Deadly Reboot. 
 
 

 

Still risking their lives…The Paladin Group. Ginger Odom has sworn to become self-reliant… Until she is arrested in a small town and framed for the murder of a police officer. Seems everyone in the community wants her behind bars, regardless of the truth, so her aunt enlists the help of the Paladin Group. A team of wounded former military men and woman, now civilian lawyers and investigators, they rescue people in serious trouble. Hale Peters is determined to ignore his knee injury… The former Air Force Pararescueman, wounded during a rocket attack on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, accepts his first reboot for Paladin. His mission—keep Ginger safe until he can prove her innocence—becomes a bigger challenge than expected when he and Ginger clash over who’s in charge. The Devil Dogs just want to help… The group of older veterans steps up to assist, but when Ginger’s life is threatened by the real killer, Hale and Ginger need to work together if they hope to stay alive.

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
 
Despite the lack of “Who done it” in this mystery novel, I actually really enjoyed it. Why? Because of the cast…… plain and simple. 


CJ didn’t have a group of young, buff, 6-pack sporting, Dwayne Johnson look-alike, guys handling the case of “Who really shot Officer Ivey?” 
 
Nope, she had military veterans, men/women injured in battle working the case. Heck, the youngest man from the Devil Dog crew was 64. Heck, they even had a beagle (Grunt) getting into the thick of things. 

 
Favorite Devil Dog –> Hale, lead investigator. He walked with a cane and used it as a weapon, too. Oh yes, he’s still pretty badass!! 
 
Seriously, you couldn’t find a more diverse cast of characters. 
 
With that said, there is something I would change about Deadly Reboot(small gripe). I wasn’t a fan of the county and town’s name being so closely related. Erinville and Erin County. I thought a bit more imagination could’ve been used here, but really as Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name?”
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
ORDER YOUR KINDLE OR PRINT COPY TODAY!! 



 

 

Now that we’ve gotten the review out of the way, I wanna know WHO IS READY TO WIN?
 
Ladies and Gents, CJ is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a spectacular
prize package. 
 
In it, the winner will receive the following items: One Paladin Group coffee mug, a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of Deadly Reboot, a DR book mark, a fancy DR key chain. In addition to these wonderful prizes, CJ will also be tossing in a few Flag Day extras in celebration of the national holiday.
 

 

And guess what? This amazing contest is open to anyone; no matter
where you call home!! 
 
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below answering one of these questions.


A.) What I love about my country?
  B.) Tell us about the special veteran in your life?
C.) What branch of service (and country) do you serve or did serve?
 
You’ll have until Wednesday (midnight, central time) to enter. THURSDAY morning, I will post the winner’s name and attempt to message you. Please
follow the comment thread or check back on THURSDAY to see if you are the lucky recipient of this amazing prize package. 
 
 
Good
luck!!!
 



CJ Matthew is the author of paranormal romance suspense series Dolphin Shore Shifters. Her debut novel, Blood Tide, features a pod of dolphins posing as humans that work through their oceanic conservation corporation Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California, to protect the oceans at any cost.
CJ grew up in an Air Force family that travelled all over the U.S. and around the world. She spent her high school and university years living in California, which inspired her love of marine life and the Pacific Ocean.

A member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) Romance Writers of America, CJ lives and writes near a lake in the woods northeast of Atlanta. When she isn’t writing or reading romances, CJ likes to travel and to spend time with her two grown children, a brilliant grandson and a feisty cat named Max.

Website Link
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon author page
Goodreads author page

29 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , ,

June 6, 2016 · 5:00 am

Dear Dad by John Hazen (Book Review)

 

 

John Foster is a product of the ‘60s. The question is: which ‘60s? Leading a sheltered, cozy life growing up in the small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, John is plucked from his secure cocoon in 1969 and dropped into the maelstrom of the Vietnam War. As he witnesses and participates in the horrors of war, John literally feels his very soul, as well his will to live, eroding away. His redemption only comes after he is seriously injured and awakens to find himself in 1862 Tennessee where he joins General Grant’s troops in the days leading up to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. As his father, a decorated World War II veteran, had always told him, he discovers that it is possible to be part of something larger than himself. His humanity is ultimate restored after he embarks on a dangerous mission to make right a brutal wrong from his past.

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you like movies such as Platoon, Hamburger Hill, or are a wartime history buff in general, then this is the book for you. Dear Dad has not one but two wars featured in a tale that took on a Twilight Zone feel around mid-point. The plot twist happened again around the 215 page mark, when another blast sent him home (literally and figuratively). 
 
The story didn’t end there. Ghosts from John’s past came back for a visit and it was not a happy reunion. I won’t say anymore (read the book).
 
BTW: this book does end with a HEA and a WTF moment. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 
 

Connect with John via his website or on Twitter.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , ,

May 26, 2016 · 5:00 am

Journey of an American Soldier by John Hazen (Book Review)

  

In 1920, the chance to travel to India on a business trip is a great boon for a smart and talented young man. Until he wakes up in a Calcutta jail, framed for murder. Benjamin Albert is a brilliant rising star at his firm, a war hero and a loving husband and father. But when his own government turns its back on him and leaves him to rot in prison 8,000 miles from home, his wife Catherine must take matters into her own hands and battle a ruthless and unscrupulous corporation abetted by a corrupt colonial government. Timeless issues like racism, anti-Semitism, nationalism and women’s rights are exposed during Catherine’s race to save Benjamin.

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
First thing I liked about Journey of an American Son was the multiple strong roles (male and female) created by John . Hirsch (Harry) traveled to America with his family for the opportunity of a better life. Starting over is hard but starting over in a foreign land, that’s takes guts and determination. Traits also found in his wife (Molly), son (Ben), Catherine (Ben’s wife), and Sergeant Jones. 
 
As a matter of fact, this whole tale kept showcasing their strengths in some form or fashion. The four mentioned above had their share of joys and their share of losses. John wrote a book that didn’t just touch of the bright moments of a person(s) life. So if you are looking for a upbeat story, then I’d pass on this. However, if you want to “live” through their struggles right alongside them, then I suggest going for the ride. It sure as hell is a bumpy one, but one I think you’ll like. 
 
John is, if nothing else, a very detailed writer. Case in point, the trench scene. The action practically exploded off the pages. 
 
One last thing I’d like to remark about: I’m a fast reader but Ben’s capacity to fly through the pages was astonishing. 550 pages in 45 min and can retain all the info/recite it verbatim…. Seriously, that is quite a feat. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
PURCHASE LINKS:  Paperback / Kindle
 
 
 
Don’t let the gray hair fool you; writing keeps me forever young! Author of four acclaimed suspense novels and working on more!
 
Connect with John via his website or on Twitter.

6 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,