Marie Reviews An Ode for Orchids by James Fant

An Ode for Orchids by James Fant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Geneva Cole was well known for growing orchids, but her most prized orchids weren’t really flowers at all, at least not in the literal sense. Her most prized orchids were her four grand-daughters: Karen, Cicely, and twin sisters Brook and Dawn. And her main goal was to prepare them for life’s challenges.

"An Ode for Orchids" is a story about four young women and the challenges that they face, such as making bad choices in men, dealing with infidelity, struggling with promiscuity, and dealing with rejection. But perhaps the most daunting challenge is dealing with the animosity that one woman can have for another woman. Time will reveal whether or not each of them will be strong enough to face the challenges that life will offer them.

MY REVIEW:

An Ode for Orchids is a touching story about four young cousins, Brook and Dawn (twins), Cicely, and Karen, who come together every summer at their "old school" Grandmother's house. Karen's mother dies living a tragic life style and Karen lives with Ma Geneva full time. I was fully impacted by the power of the emotions in this book. Ma Geneva tries to keep the girls on the right path, and worries about the way they are being raised. She does what she can to impress good values upon them while they stay with her. Follow the story and see how bonds, and even grudges form that are carried into their adult years. These early forged feelings shape who they are, how they deal with life's struggles and crisis, and eventually break free from their fears and embrace who they are truly capable of being. The strength of the relationships, and the pains endured brought me to tears more than once. It is compelling, honest, emotional, and inspiring. A wonderful read.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie reviews The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson

The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When the young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his yacht floating off the California coastline, his death is ruled an accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams, a wealthy Oxford-educated private investigator, who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice. When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead.


 
 
 
MY REVIEW:


This story is about a private investigator from a wealthy Caribbean background, who believes in justice for all, and helps people in need without requesting monetary payment. He is hired by a wealthy woman, Clarice Hope, when her much younger husband turns up dead and the police rule it an accidental death. Clarice believes there is foul play and hires Raja to help her prove it. After meeting with Clarice Hope and doing some initial investigating, he also believes her husband was murdered. Raja and his computer hacker sidekick, Vinny, who is not only a genius, but also gorgeous enough to be a supermodel, by the way, set out to prove that Hope was murdered. The couple make a team worth cheering for. Their journey is action packed and believable, yet still has the ability to amaze you. The reader is lead through a labyrinth of political corruption, the sexual deviant underworld, and green energy fraud. The death count keeps climbing, plot twists and the way evidence is revealed keep you guessing and turning the page for more.
I strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of mystery suspense novels.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Comanche Moon by Virginia Brown

Comanche Moon by Virginia Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The Comanches did her a favor when they killed her loutish husband on her wedding night. But now this Southern belle is the possession of a fierce, blue-eyed warrior called Hawk . . . Zach Banning, known as Hawk among the Comanches, is caught between two races, two cultures, two lives. Deborah Hamilton is a Mississippi beauty who came to the Texas territory for an arranged marriage. Little did she know, her new husband’s people have earned the Comanches’ hatred. They enact their vengeance on her wedding night, kidnapping Deborah along with other women and also the settlement’s children.She expects the worst at the Comanches’ village, but instead finds kindness alongside the challenges. But when Hawk barters her away from her owner, intending to seduce and possess her, Deborah finds herself in a battle of wills laced with deep desire.Virginia Brown is the author of more than fifty novels, including the bestselling Dixie Divas mystery series. Look for many more of her classic historical romances, coming soon from Bell Bridge Books.

MY REVIEW:

Comanche Moon is Historical Romance well written. It tells a painful and heart warming story about Zack Banning, half Indian and half white. His mother was taken captive by Indians, and he was conceived as a result. His mother's husband initially accepted him because there was still a chance Zack was his son, but as Zack ages and his true heritage becomes more evident, it is impossible. Zack is forced to leave his mother after he is beaten with a whip by her husband. He deals with an ongoing struggle to find his true place, to figure out which world he belongs in. When living with his Comanche father, a raid party returns with women and children. Deborah is one of them. She was forced to marry in order to financially benefit her father and was captured on her wedding night. Her husband was shot dead during the raid before consummating their marriage. Zack, known as Hawk to the Comanche, sees her and is drawn to her. He barters for her and she lives among them for months. Despite herself, she falls in love with Hawk and is sad when he returns her to her people to keep his Comanche tribe from being hunted down by soldiers.

I was taken in by this story. It was interesting and told in a way that showed Zack's view point in both worlds and defined his struggle to overcome the way people treated him for things that were out of his control. His love for Deborah was passionate and all consuming. His willingness to sacrifice his total being for her was touching and inspiring. I would love to read other books by Virginia Brown.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp

Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiancé, and got laid off from her job.
Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Caribbean to help with some mysterious personal business.
While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby uncovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles an unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes.
Abby's world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own psycho drama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse?
Packing nothing but her suitcases and a sense of humor, Abby George travels down an unfamiliar road, but it's all she can do to hang on for the ride...
Or will she wake up with "Rum Punch Regrets?"

MY REVIEW:

This was an interesting story. I think Abby may be a tad more easy going than I am to just flow with all the things that happen to her in this book, like ending up on an air mattress in an alcove of a strange man's house, next to a stinky cat litter box. The characters were well written, not all likeable, but certainly entertaining. The description of island life on island time had me daydreaming, and I could picture it in my mind. The dynamic of Abby and Leigh's relationship was difficult, since I don't have those issues with my own sister. I felt bad for her, but was glad she finally stood up for herself and asserted what she wanted and stated her confidence in her abilities to get it done. The end of the book wasn't really an ending. It was left hanging for the next installment, I am sure. I wouldn't mind reading the next book to find out where her love interests end up because even though she is beginning a relationship with Andrew, the real heat is being put on by J.D. as the book winds down. Even if she doesn't end up with him, J.D. is certainly going to stir up some trouble for her and Andrew.
I would recommend this read. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Against His Will by Trish Jensen

Against His Will by Trish Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
They tried to resist each other, but it was impossible. Soon their passions were unleashed, and their self-control went to the dogs . . .FBI agent Jake Donnelly is not the kind of man who names a dog “Muffin.” Especially not a jowly bulldog. But now Jake’s Aunt Sophie has left him her beloved Muffin, along with a sizable inheritance that has some strings attached. Jake and Muffin have to attend a two-week therapy course designed to work out any bonding issues they may have.Enter Leanne Crosby, a pet shrink and owner of a luxury pet spa complete with private counseling sessions, a doggie dating service, and plenty of quirky advice on proper pet parenting.When the gorgeous and brilliant Dr. Crosby sets out to help Jake and Muffin become soulmates, it soon becomes obvious that she and Jake are falling in puppy love.

MY REVIEW:


FBI agent Jake Donnelly had a tough childhood, but he had a sanctuary with his Aunt Sophie. She was kind, patient, and loved him, and he grew to love her and his uncle very much. For years, at the end of her life, Aunt Sophie tried to fix him up with Leanne Crosby, pet shrink and owner of a dog spa where she would vacation with her bull dog, Muffin. When Aunt Sophie passes away, she leaves her entier estate to Muffin, to make sure he is well cared for during the rest of his natural life. Jake, of course, is awarded Muffin, and then eventually the estate upon Muffin's death, as long as he accepts the dog. Jake does not, under any circumstance, want the dog, and says so. Until he finds out that if he doesn't take the dog, Leanne Crosby, whom he thinks may be a quack and a rip off, will get Muffin and inherit the estate upon his death. He decides he will take the dog to keep his Aunt Sophie from being swindled after she is gone. He learns of a final provision. He must take Muffin for a mandatory spa vacation, 2 weeks a year.

This story had me laughing from the very first pages. I very much enjoyed the humor, and the way Muffin was given character and played a role in the plot. The sparks eventually fly when Jake and Leanne meet and they try to resist them, because they both have troubles trusting each other. It is a warm and touching story of how man falls in love with woman, and man falls in love with his dog. There is action and adventure around every corner, and don't forget the romance. When a book can make you laugh and touch your heart too, you know it is a winner.

I highly recommend reading this book. It is sure to please.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Perfect Bait by Michael Fowlkes

Perfect Bait by Michael Fowlkes

Book Description: A spellbinding thriller, as suspenseful as it is sensual. The richly-textured settings of Seattle's commercial waterfront, San Diego's topless beaches and the breathtaking waters off Cabo San Lucas create the backdrop for a riveting story of love, romance and betrayal, as a young couple find themselves in a fight for their lives having been set up by the FBI as perfect bait.
 


MY REVIEW:

I was drawn in by the description of this book. It sounded like a page turner. I started reading. I continued reading. I read almost 70% of the book before it got to the part resembling the description. The author took the long way around, telling Corey's entire life story beginning as a boy, his first love, childhood sweet heart, who he married after highschool. He then came home to find her in bed with his best friend. He walks away, just up and starts a new life with Jennifer, who he never tells he is married to someone else. They fall in love, they buy an old boat, with Jennifer's money. They restore the boat, chapter after chapter of details about their experience fixing up that old boat. They start a charter business, and immediately they lose a very powerful judge overboard when he tried to urinate over the side at night in an alcohol stupor. When they realize he is gone, it is a frantic and heroic rescue. At that point, I thought maybe it was going to start developing into the plot. Not yet.
The story is from the man's perspesctive, which is interesting in it's own way. The women, Jennifer and Jasmine, who are so completely loveable in this book, from a man's perspective, ask no questions, make no demands, just give of themselves. Jaz even willingly has threesomes in order to make her man, Travis happy, and keep him content. Whatever the men want. Even in the end, when Jennifer finds out Corey is married, no big deal, it's okay. That had me wondering.
I am still waiting for the suspense. Finally, it gets there, when Jennifer volunteers to fill in for the cook on another boat, who's daughter was hit by a car and he needed to be with her. The men who chartered the boat brought young women on with them and were not interested in fishing. They began under the pretense of using the boat as a floating brothel, but eventually murdered the crew in order to kidnap the women and sell them in slave trade. I had a hard time reading some of it. It is heavy handed with violence, torture, murder, and rape. Could have lived with less details in that. Even the poor dog gets violently murdered.
It seems a whole lot of this book could have been condensed or cut out and still it would have been a good story. If you are interested in or have knowledge of fishing and boats, you may enjoy it very much. The ending of the book was where the story became quick paced, and the adventure began. I did enjoy Jennifer as a strong female lead at the end, when standing up to and outsmarting the kidnappers until help arrived. I also was touched by Corey's devotion to Jennifer, sailing off to find and rescue her no matter what happened, refusing to give up.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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