Book Review: Secrets of the Elusive Lover, Book 1 by Mike Wells

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Secrets of the Elusive Lover, Book 1

Subtitle: The Personal Journal of a Playboy

Author: Mike Wells

Genre: Roman1ce/Suspense

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11445097-secrets-of-the-elusive-lover-book-1

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Adam, a player. He has made mystique his field of play and uses it to lure in the ladies. Indeed, not just one but Adam has several ladies on the go at one time. Usually about 3 and this means he needs to lead a rather organised life. As soon as one becomes too demanding, he lines up a replacement and moves on.

What I liked about the book:

This book was humorous in places and it appears he falls for Bethany.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Where Adam was slightly out of control and at risk of losing all he aimed for.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was fun to read and over too quickly.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This book is the first in a series. The author has written several other book series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

In comparison to his other books, this series is different. There is not as much suspense present but it’s fun and fast-paced.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

If you like romance, intrigue and a little suspense this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Every woman knows an Adam. He's a "player," the type who professes true love, but with eyes that never stop wandering. He always has the perfect excuse when you find that long strand of blonde hair stuck to his collar, and fidgets whenever you get near his computer. Adam can't fool Bethany, who, despite her better judgment, falls head over heels him. Bethany is far more intelligent and strong-willed than Adam bargains for, and he finds himself smitten, too. Hilarious at times and poignant at others, Secrets of the Elusive Lover explores the age old challenge of obtaining the unattainable man, and the paradoxical issues surrounding monogamous relationships. As you turn the pages faster and faster to see if Adam and Bethany will ultimately get together, you will find this book another truly 'unputdownable' Mike Wells read.

Excerpts from various reader reviews:

5 STARS! Bethany is a sweet character and honestly I think she deserves better than Adam but I’m not sure. I liked the ending!!! Very original writing, I must say.

5 STARS! I have met a guy just like this Adam and it was nice to see the man get what was coming! Yum-yum. This book was good, really! I would highly recommend this one if you like messy relationship stories about guys and gals.

5 STARS! Read this in one long sitting. Awesome! I would love to read a sequel to this—please write one, Mike! I want more Adam and Bethany.

About the Author:

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

Book Review: The Drive-by Wife book 1 by Mike Wells

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Drive-By Wife

Subtitle: (The Drive-By Wife #1)

Author: Mike Wells

Genre: Crime/Suspense

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21432174-the-drive-by-wife

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

In this book, Mike Wells explores what happens when a boring middle-class man realises his wife is having an affair and follows her on her way to meet her lover. When his wife then is attacked and he kills the attacker while fighting him off her, things get out of hand.

What I liked about the book:

The story was interesting although this one is not really his best work.

What I didn’t like about the book:

This book lingered a little in certain areas.

My favourite bits in the book:

The fact the husband loved his wife sufficiently to save her from her attacker after her betrayal.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The fights between husband and wife about how to deal with the situation.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in a series of 4. The author has written several other series of books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

In comparison with the other books this author has written, this was not the best of his work.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	No
Adult	Yes

If you like Crime, intrigue and mystery this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

In this explosive psychological thriller, Allen and Cynthia Hunt are an upper middle-class San Francisco couple who make one small but serious mistake. This momentary lapse in judgement plunges them into an endless nightmare that threatens to destroy not only their marriage, but their very lives.

About the Author:

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

Book Review: Passion, Power & Sin - Book 1 by Mike Wells

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Passion, Power & Sin - Book 1

Subtitle: (Passion, Power & Sin #1)

Author: Mike Wells

Genre: Crime/Mystery/Thriller

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17932579-passion-power-sin---book-1

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Heather, a young woman who gets a chance to go up the ladder at work and is asked to supervise a camera shoot for a company. The guy she shouts at to do his job turns out to be the son of the company director. When love comes knocking, she is intent to make enough money to save her family home and allow her mum to stay there. A mysterious benefactor leads her into a life of gambling.

What I liked about the book:

The book was exciting and made me want to keep reading. Which will exactly be the reason for the first book in the series to be free.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book finished too early making me wish I could go and buy the next in the series immediately.

My favourite bits in the book:

The scene where Heather told David off for not doing his modelling job only to find out later he was the son of the company boss.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The end of the book which came too soon. What happens next???

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

Yes, this is the first in a 5-book series. I’m afraid I’ll have to get the others in the series someday too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book could be compared to any of the other books by this author. They contain suspense, love and intrigue.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Perhaps
Adult	Yes

If you like Mystery, crime and passion this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

One spectacular financial scheme. One woman alone against the world. Young, beautiful, and yearning for love, Heather Bancroft meets the "perfect" man...and is lured into a game in which she begins to make more money than she ever imagined. Betrayed by her own innocence, she loses all that is dear to her and discovers that she has been mercilessly used. Defeated and broken, but surviving with sheer persistence and ingenuity, Heather emerges from her trying ordeal, determined to punish the ruthless man who destroyed her life. Her thirst for revenge takes her halfway around the globe, to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, where her nemesis secludes himself in obscene wealth that he's gained from the financial ruin of others. Heather is playing for the highest stakes in a lethal game. Only one man loves her - he's handsome, confident, and just as determined as she is. Only one man can stop her - a criminal mastermind who is intent on her destruction.

About the Author:

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

Book Review: Delusion: Kiss me when I'm dead by Wayne Clark

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Delusion: Kiss me when I'm dead

Subtitle:

Author: Wayne Clark

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47407233-delusion

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Anthony, a young man who is convinced Laura belongs to him. Even when she rejects him at a party and finds a boyfriend is in place, he refuses to give up. And he doesn’t let that stop him. First, Laura’s best friend disappears, then her boyfriend is run over. Eventually, following a time in prison, Anthony turns his life around but for how long?

What I liked about the book:

The story was interesting.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The story didn’t have any real realism in it.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Anthony turns his life around and everything appears to fall into place.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The story felt a little forced.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

There are a few other books by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

No books I’ve read so far are like this one. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

If you like psychological thrillers this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

YOU CAN'T RUN FROM ME

Meet Anthony Stone. He considers himself a lover. A killer. His trade is killing. Anthony Stone is drawn closer to a woman called Laura, a woman he doesn't even know. Anthony fell in love at first sight but is soon rejected the first time. He is convinced he can win her heart. Anthony digs deeper into her life when he discovers another man involved. After stalking her round the clock, he slowly learns the truth about her and pays a high price. His sick obsession with Laura gets way out of control, he will do what it takes to be with her and that includes killing anyone that steps in his way.

About the Author:

Short update on what I've been up to.

Well, I've been busy with work lately and not been around for a bit due to that. Today I have finally managed writing ten book reviews. There are still 27 waiting to be written. Often I've had time to read the books but no time to actually write the review. Now I will need to find some time again to write the other 27 too.
In the meantime, I've also worked on my other books. Book 6 in the 'Friends, family and love' series is still in progress. Another few chapters still need completing.
'Diary of a Female GP' still needs the last few chapters editing before it can be formatted properly and handed over to the beta-readers.
And, of course, I've also participated in NaNoWriMo again this year. Despite being very busy at work, I still managed to write about 59000 words in November. Not bad going if I say so myself.
Yesterday I finished the last chapter and the first draft of 'Wake-up Call' has therefore been finished. It will need some more work and editing. Certain things became clearer as the story progressed and need adapting in earlier chapters.

And here is the cover for the book, some of this may still need changing. After all, 69000 words is hardly a short story any longer. The book turned out more substantial than I thought it would. And it's not finished yet either.

Hopefully, I will have some time over Christmas to work on my works in progress. I still need to continue with the current International Writing Programme Course. Still working on the second part and wish to complete that in the not too distant future too.

Joni.

Book Review: View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale by Elizabeth Horton-Newton

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale

Subtitle:

Author: Elizabeth Horton-Newton

Genre: Mystery/Romantic Thriller

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28250328-view-from-the-sixth-floor

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book offers an alternative look at the JF Kennedy assassination. Imagine the alleged killer was not killed himself but instead became part of a witness protection plan. And imagine he was your neighbour without you knowing. The main character gets obsessed with what might have happened when conspiracy theories surface close to the 50^th anniversary of the assassination. She wants to find out what happened and convinces her neighbour to come with her to Dallas to do just that. However, she gets more than she bargained for. Some romance included.

What I liked about the book:

I liked the entire book, it was enthralling and the story kept me interested the entire time, not wanting to put the book down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I liked the fact the main character gave her neighbour the benefit of the doubt. The emerging love story was also nice to read.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When the main character needed to leave her neighbour behind for both his and her safety. Would they ever see each other again?

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This book stands on its own. However, the author has written other books and stories.

What books could this be compared to and why?

How to compare this book to others? It was a good book which kept the reader interested the entire time.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

This romantic thriller takes a fictional "what if" look at the JFK assassination. Suppose accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had lived to defend himself. Imagine if 50 years after the assassination someone stepped forward to reveal the truth of what happened that day. What if the assassination was a conspiracy and the impact of those revelations reached into the 21st century? This is the story of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. You'll never look at your neighbors the same way.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Horton-Newton has been called the Seductress of Suspense because she draws readers into her stories, builds the suspense, and just when the solution seems to be obvious, she pulls the rabbit out of the hat and reveals a dark truth. Her lifelong interest in the Kennedy assassination conspiracy resulted in her first novel, "View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale". With the release of her second book, "Riddle", she once again tackles a social issue; the illegal adoption of First Nations babies separated from their families. Small town prejudices against people of color and "outsiders" result in a unique friendship between two young people. Weaving a romantic thriller around the issues, she creates rich characters in all her writing, drawing the reader into their lives. With her education in Criminal Psychology, Sociology, and Media Communications she offers a unique insight into how criminals think and how society responds to their crimes. Volunteering in local Domestic Violence groups in her hometown, she likes to confront social problems in her stories. Elizabeth currently lives in a 100-year old haunted house with her husband, writer Neil Douglas Newton, and her dog, Scout (named for a character in "To Kill a Mockingbird"). Not limited to a single genre, she has written erotic romance, "Carved Wooden Heart" (with the mysterious Starla Hartless), and the suspenseful "Stolen Gypsy", as well as novelettes through Electric Eclectic Books. She is currently working on a new novel, "Blood on Murder Highway", loosely based on the murders and disappearances of indigenous women in the Pacific Northwest. Her new crime noir novella will be available winter 2019. When she isn't writing she is usually traveling or taking photographs and often both simultaneously. For more information, check out her website at bit.ly/homeEHN or read her blog, Between the Beats, at elizabethnnewton.com/

Book Review: Cupid F*cks Up by Paula Houseman

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Cupid F*cks Up

Subtitle: (Ruth Roth #2)

Author: Paula Houseman

Genre: Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Possibly

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41061209-cupid-f-cks-up

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Ruth. She has divorced her husband and lives with her two children. Her cousin Ralph is also her best friend and supports her where he can. Ralph is not a real cousin, having been adopted by her aunt and uncle. Although both are in love with each other, Ruth has difficulty in accepting this. A judgmental mother and neighbour don’t make life any easier either. A book full of heartache and humour.

What I liked about the book:

The continuous underlying humour made the book a pleasure to read while still touching on some highly emotional and controversial subjects.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the book in its entirety.

My favourite bits in the book:

Where Ruth and Ralph finally seem to get things together.

My least favourite bits in the book:

Where Ruth allows her mum’s voice to interfere in her life.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This book is the second in the series. I have not read the others but was easily able to follow the story despite having missed the first one.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’m not sure what book to compare this one to.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

If you like a love story with humour and controversy this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Ruth Roth is a straight shooter. Pity Cupid’s not.

Smart-mouth Ruth is an inspirational humour columnist for a popular women’s magazine. Recently divorced, she has found the love of her life. Without any help, mind you, from the little fat love god. Ruth has decided she herself is her one and only.

And she’s in a comfy place. Why wouldn’t she be? No need to yell ‘Put the bloody toilet seat down!’ No need to hoover toe-nail clippings off the carpet.

But then a silver-tongued Prince Charming fronts up in his shiny Merc and tickles her discarded, little-girl fantasies. He tells her their love is written in the stars.

It must be a misprint.

A romance with this particular PC is not so PC! Still …

Ruth’s life plays out more like ancient myth than fairytale. And what hot-blooded woman can resist forbidden fruit?

There's a problem, though. Ruth does not have a hot-blooded mum. Ruth has a pain-in-the-arse mum whose squawking disapproval cranks the taboo up a notch.

All the more reason to take up with the stud! But it means taking on the harpy.

Tensions mount, and even Ruth’s man can’t protect her from the trash-talking voices in her head. It looks like he can’t muzzle his own either. When an earth-shattering revelation causes him to give her grief, it makes her feel like she’s dating her mother.

Taking the kind of advice she doles out to her readers is not so easy, and Ruth wonders if this love can survive. More to the point, is it worth the trouble?

About the Author:

I thought my life was, well ... meh. Until I started fiction writing. Memories flooded back and I realised my existence had not been mundane at all; it had been bloody ridiculous!

And little wonder. I’m controlled by the butt-ugly, potty-mouthed goddess of obscenity. Nothing I say is my fault. NOTHING. She has always had the whip hand in my psyche and used to get me into a lot of shit when I was a kid. I rediscovered her while I was researching my university Honours thesis—fossicking around in ancient mythology, home to the archetypes of our modern-day reality.

I might have shut her out for a long time, but by God I love her! She, who embodies a holy kind of dirty, shows me the absurdity of the human condition, reminds me about the value of laughter, and is responsible for the bawdiness in my books: Amazon #1 bestseller (British satire and humour category) and Readers' Favorite Award winner, coming-of-age chick lit, 'Odyssey in a Teacup', and Books 2 & 3 in the Ruth Roth Series, romantic comedies, 2019 New Apple eBook Awards 'Humor' Official Selection, Cupid F*cks Up' (formerly known as 'Apoca[hot]lips'), and 'My Troyboy is a Twat'.

Book Review: Before Love Had a Name by Joyce DeBacco

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Before Love Had a Name: Book 1

Subtitle:

Author: Joyce DeBacco

Genre: Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34839642-before-love-had-a-name

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Nina, a young woman who was acquitted of the murder of her abusive husband. She seeks to distance herself from the people who knew her and her husband and moves to an island. While trying to decide which steps to take next she stays at a beach side resort and advises the owner on possible improvements. Soon, the two fall in love although Nina tries to fight this. She falls in love with the owner’s daughter too. All seems to be going well when the estranged wife of the owner returns to play happy families.

What I liked about the book:

This was an engaging story of love and hardship and I was sorry to see the book end.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Where Nina stood up for herself.

My least favourite bits in the book:

Where Lee struggled to support Nina.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

Yes, this is the first in a series of 4 books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

It is difficult to compare this book to any others.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably not
Adult	Yes

If you like romance stories this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A romantic entanglement is the last thing Nina wants after she’s acquitted of murdering her abusive husband. Anxious to heal her broken spirit, she flees south where she meets and falls in love with Lee and his daughter, Robbie. Tasked with raising his daughter alone after her mother takes off, Lee also struggles to keep the small beachside cottages he inherited solvent. Nina suggests improvements, and the two work together to make it happen. Soon she becomes a treasured helpmate to him and a surrogate mother to Robbie—at least until the little girl’s wayward mom shows up.

Disclaimer: Before Love Had a Name is presented in serial format with the story in each book continuing into the next one. Series is complete at four books.

About the Author:

Book Review: Eye of the Fire by Adam C. Mitchell

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Eye Of The Fire

Subtitle: (Coffee Cup Pulps Book 1)

Author: Adam C. Mitchell

Genre: Adventure

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40204765-eye-of-the-fire

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

An explorer, his wife and colleagues set out to explore an island. There has been talk of ape-men living and ruling in the area and they are keen to find out what’s true and what isn’t. The exploration takes an unexpected turn when they fall victim to a warrior tribe.

What I liked about the book:

The story was enjoyable.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Although the author has done a lot to combat and conquer his dyslexia, the formatting and grammar distracted somewhat from the story.

My favourite bits in the book:

When one of the group became an unexpected hero.

My least favourite bits in the book:

Unfortunately, that is the same as mentioned above. The book was lovely as was the story but quite difficult to read at times due to duplication of words and sentences occasionally stopping where they should not have yet. Professional editing would benefit this author as his ideas and stories are very good.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The author has written several books already and can be proud of all he has achieved under difficult circumstances.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book has a Indiana Jones feel to it.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like adventure stories this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

They expected adventure. The island didn't disappoint.

When seasoned treasure hunter, Mike Gordon, and his party of unconventional adventurers travel to a breathtaking island hoping to discover a primitive tribe, their journey couldn't have gone any smoother.

But the day after landing their seaplane, they are overrun by violent savages whose god is in need of a fresh sacrifice.

Can Mike's team escape the treacherous island unharmed, or will this trip be their last adventure together?

If you're a fan of Wilbur Smith, Clive Cussler, and rip-roaring adventure novels, then one-click this riveting book today!

About the Author:

Adam is the writer of The Lost Angel, Central City Tales & Chloe’s Justice. He is also a contributor to several Independent Anthologies, all of which are available on Amazon Adam has been a fan of golden age Pulp and crime from the 1930’s and 1940’s era. It's because of his love of this genre, his novels follow the exploits of Jack Malone Private Investigator

In 2015 Adam overcame a crippling case of Dyslexia as he was writing his first novel. He now uses it as a platform to bring awareness about this learning disability. His aim is to deliver the message that it can be overcome, and it doesn't have to become an obstacle. He has proven that if you set yourself a goal, and you want it bad enough, you can overcome and succeed