Fall for the Indie Book Challenge discussion
Official Challenge Entries
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L.J. Scar 15 books
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1) http://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Tokyo-...5 stars GENRE: New Adult Romance
Swimming to Tokyo is one of the best new adult romances I have read this year. The characters of Zosia and Finn are well developed, the dialogue between them excellent, and the events that transpire are engaging. The unfolding of the story as they go from acquaintances/friends who spend the summer as American tourists in Japan visiting their parents to a couple who forgoes their doubts/insecurities and other’s warnings is filled with page turning emotion and eventual explosive chemistry. This book with the right marketing, in my opinion, could be a best seller which is why I gave it 5 stars. I hardly ever give 5 stars.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman who are ready for the content of New Adult genre instead of Young Adult will love this one.
Mod
6) http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Cha...3 Stars GENRE: Romance
I was first introduced to Caisey Quinn (not to be confused with Cari Quinn) by her trilogy of Kylie Ryans. Twining the music industry, addiction and romance into those books she had me hooked.
With the Last Second Chance series (each a stand alone), although I enjoyed it this book was not as engaging for me. I wanted it to be - rock star in rehab, college graduate on her fist professional job - there was potential it just didn't grab me like her others had.
A tamer BDSM is how I would describe this book. Not my favorite but for fans of the genre they won't be disappointed.
7)http://www.amazon.com/Rest-Thy-Head-E...4 stars GENRE: Paranormal/Suspense Romance
A clean, easy paced, traditional romance. The setting is a serene B&B in the mountains-what is not to love about that!. The characters are two sisters hurt by the actions of a manipulating mother and disappointing men, two brothers - one visually damaged, the other a less major character, and a not so obvious ghost. Rest Thy Head to me was a modern day jaunt into the conservative romances of old with a bit of suspense, and a smidgeon of paranormal. I see this appealing to readers who are on the reserved side (there is no profanity, no sexual situations, nothing offensive). I would feel comfortable recommending this book to all ages.
8) http://www.amazon.com/Whisky-State-Mi...4 stars GENRE: Romance
The summary intrigued me. Every biker romance I had read thus far was not for me. Too much criminality and the lead guys usually disgusted me more than they interested me. NOT SO for Whisky State of Mind where you have Sky and Sawyer - childhood friends who are thrust back together after Sky's father puts Sawyer to the task of watching the daughter he abandoned. There was chemistry, there was an engaging plot, there was a happy ever after. I recommend it!
9) http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Cooki...4 stars GENRE: Romance
More Than Cookies was easy paced, filled with likeable characters, and entertaining. Take the mountains of Vermont, a gruff and sexy chainsaw artist caring for his father while trying to get custody of his daughter, throw in a feisty beauty who is a maple confection maker wanting some changes in her life – and you get a fun novel. This is the second in the Maple Leaf Series. They are stand alone but give you a good introduction to the characters in each individual story.
10) http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Girl-Rain-...4 stars GENRE: Romance
This book had me from the first chapter where Evan is reading his list of things he wanted to accomplish that he wrote when he was 12. One of those wishes was as innocent as Kiss a Girl in the Rain. From there we follow a disenchanted lawyer who chucks his career and old life aside to ride a motorcycle across the US only to get trapped in a small town in the first few days of the journey. After hitting a dog on his bike and meeting the town doc who he is instantly enamored with, a whole different plan unfolds. I really related to this book. I enjoyed it and think most romantics will too.
11) http://www.amazon.com/Love-Cursed-Gir...3 1/2 stars GENRE: Romance
First, I wish Amazon allowed for 1/2 stars because I would give this 3 1/2 stars. I hovered between liking it and just thinking it was okay. Why? The gym workouts with a trainer were not realistic, at least not from what I have experienced. Also, the gang backstory - didn't really work- needed some more research or just...something. Finally, I thought Ricki (the female) was more nosy than caringly inquisitive when she was probing information out of Dante. There is quite a bit of mentioning of the other characters to entice the reader towards the other L.A. Girls Romance Series if you want to read more.
12) http://www.amazon.com/The-Magic-Spark...4 stars GENRE: Romantic Comedy
This is a sweet, fantastical, quirky, CLEAN romantic comedy where the author’s British humor shines. What happens when a charmingly, irritating fairy godmother decides to play matchmaker with a castle owning Scotsman and a reluctantly regimented woman who has given up on love? Well, what you get is The Magic Spark. *Suitable for all ages.
13)http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boy-Bluebon...5 stars GENRE: Romantic Novella
Honestly, I've never read a Jessica Clare book I didn't like. I liked these characters particularly well. There was a good amount of chemistry, a good flow and a happy ending. Some might find some of the timeline rushed or not explored fully but it is a novella and you can only put so much story in that short of a book. I recommend this as I do all her books. I especially recommend it for those who have limited time and want a good, satisfying romantic read.
14) http://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-One-Lily...4 stars GENRE: New Adult Romance
Let Me Be The One was an engaging new adult novel. There was angst, drama, and turmoil along with the bittersweet romance. At times, I found myself frustrated with the character of Tom for not getting his head on straight but Darcy was a relatable, likeable counterpart. Told from both Tom and Darcy’s point of view was great. Though I wished for less of the author telling what the character’s had DONE and more of actually reading what they were DOING, I liked the book and would recommend it
15)http://www.amazon.com/Let-Love-Blue-L...4 stars GENRE: Contemporary Romance
This was my last book for the challenge. The cover said best selling author but apparently Kristen Miller is no longer with a publisher, so in my mind that makes her independent.
On to the book, short but sweet this was a quick, easy romance to read. The female lead, Lucy, was a bit annoying to me early on but by the end of the book I liked her character. The formula of quick to fall in love like most short romances was followed but it had a satisfying finish.
Will only post those I gave 4 stars or above and would truly recommend. I stumble upon most of my indie authors on Facebook so I won't post the book/author in advance of reading them. Since this challenge began in August, I am going to post all indie authors I have read from that point to now. I read fast & often so there will probably end up being more than 15 reviews- maybe. I forego the chance to win prizes because I LOVE TO READ and honestly if any of my own works get reviewed in the process, that is prize enough. :)