Jan 2, 2019

Review: Ripe Letters by Alan Semrow

Author Alan Semrow




**Thank you to Jazzy Book Reviews for letting me be a guest reviewer on their page.**

Rise Letters by Alan Semrow
written by Heidi Lynns Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Alan Semrow for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. I would also like to thank Jasmine Jordon for allowing me to be a guest reviewer on her blog Jazzy Book Reviews.

RIPE Letters by Alan Semrow was unlike any other LGBT book I had ever read before. Then again I love when authors go outside the box and do something different. Alan decided to write letters in this book but to me it felt more like a diary. There are about 45 letters total in this book.

I had a few favorites out of the 45 that caught my interest. Dear Peter Pan cracked me up immediately!! Come on who wouldn’t crack up laughing when the first line refers “the girls and I had been carrying around this blow-up doll with an erect penis.” The letter just gets better from there!! I have never read an author say “we fucked like volcanos.” That was a priceless line for me!! Well done Alan!!

How could you not like the letter that starts with Dear Ryan Gosling Lover LMAO!! That letter was beautifully written with detail about a special connection someone has with someone visually across the room. The physical and mental connection that Is off the charts but no action is taken.

Alan would like to thank Liz Phair, Frank Ocean, Sheryl Crow and Lana Del Rey for their music that has been ringing in his ears for so many years.

He would also like to thank Peggy Benton, Liz Morgan and Ben Monty for being the family he always wanted, but never thought he deserved. Unconditionally, he loves you. You have taught him so much.

Thank you for Madison LGBT community, in all its eccentricities for letting him in. You have made him feel at home.

Most of all he is thankful to all the men who informed these letters. You have left a mark on him.

Dec 30, 2018

Review: The Mustache Fairy by Christopher Holley

Author Christopher Holley



Book excerpt 




The Mustache Fairy by Christopher Holley
Reviewed by Heidi Lynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Christopher Holley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

The Mustache Fairy by Christopher Holley Is the best book I have read by him so far. It was the most creative and unique story I have ever read before. The illustrations were vibrant, colorful, detailed, and very fun to look at. It truly made the story come to life. I loved seeing all the different characters and the unique mustaches.

This book I would highly suggest for kids of all ages even the adults who are kids at hearts.
Christopher has a great lesson at the end of the book.

Dec 22, 2018

Review: Bully Brother by Craig M. Dial


Author Craig M. Dial 

Craig grew up in Marin County in the late 1960's and 1970's
Where he experienced the hippie love culture from a child perspective. He is married and now lives 
near Sacramento, CA. 




David Dial 

Dec 20, 2018

Review: Breathe In by Michelle Bellon

Author Michelle Bellon

B



Breathe In by Michelle Bellon
Review by HeidiLynn's BookReviews


First, I want to thank Michelle Bellon for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Michelle Bellon title Breathe In is the spot on representation for this book. This title was represented many of times throughout the book in many unique situations Tessa put herself into.  

This book is dedicated to all the woman of the world whom have survived abuse of any kind. You have faced a darkness and fear that most have not. Your heart and soul have overcome doubt, insecurity, and hopelessness. In the mist of it all, you dug deep and found your inner warrior. You screamed at the top of your lungs to let loose of your rage. Then, when you felt your power again, you fought and remained true to our will to survive.

This was an incredible story that captured my interest from the start of the book. I hate to admit it but in the beginning, I saw a little of me I Tessa. I could see myself in her relationship with Tom Hanging to the hope of getting a text from. Sadly, not getting one and holding on the hope that I meant something to him. Later did we find out he wanted to end things with her. She was crushed. Needless to say her self esteem was crushed. She was kind of obsessed with this guy. On the other hand you had Gerald who she was also seeing but she didn’t like him the same way as she liked Tom. That too was a confusing mess.

If that whole scenario was confusing enough Michelle puts in another huge twist that will test how strong of a person Tessa really is. The twist is something you would never see coming. 




Dec 18, 2018

Review: A Fool's Circle by Suzanne Seddon

#NetGalley




Author Suzanne Seddon

A Fool’s Circle
By Suzanne Seddon

Review written by HeidiLynn’s BookReviews


First, I want to thank Suzanne Seddon for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

If you are looking for a light read coming into Fool’s Circle you will not be getting that with this book. Suzanne Seddon takes you deep into a couple’s domestic violence relationship. This book may not be suited for everyone as it does contain triggers. It does contain very graphic language that ruins one self-esteem, domestic violence, and a rape scene. I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers but this one shook me to the core and then some!!


Dec 16, 2018

Review: The First Cut by Ellery Kane

Author Ellery Kane

 Amazon 

The First Cut by Ellery Kane

Review written by HeidiLynn’s BookReviews
#CandidBookReviews
First, I want to thank Ellery Kang for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

The First Cut by Ellery Kane is the best psychological thriller that I have ever read from her. She grasped my attention at the prologue like no other book of this genre has before. From then on out it just more intense.
Kudos goes out to Giovanni Auriemma for unforgettable covers. Plus, Mallory Rock for the amazing job she has done on artwork inside. She is incredibly talented as I known her to work with other authors I read and review for.

Dec 14, 2018

Review: Dreaming of Christmas by Joanne Dannon

Author Joanne Dannon

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Dreaming of Christmas
By Joanne Dannon

Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Joanne Dannon for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

Dreaming of Christmas by Award Winning Author Joanne Dannon’s cover was as beautiful as a Christmas Card. Only when you open it up you are blessed with not just one but four totally out of the box Christmas short stories. Stories filled with trips to historic places many people dream of going, men woman dream of meeting, experiences many never experience, etc. 

In Dreaming of Christmas, it is broken up into four short stories. A Magical Christmas in Jerusalem, Another Magical Christmas in Jerusalem, Christmas Kiss, New Year’s Wish, and Christmas Kiss in London. 

Even though I enjoyed them all my favorite would have to be A Magical Christmas in Jerusalem. I say that because this story was unlike any Christmas story that I had ever read. The characters in the book were so intriguing to read about! I could not get enough of Jaques character. Not just because he was described as handsome but because of his so many other qualities that overpowered that. Intellect, well cultured, a good heart, family orientated and a romantic man will get your attention every time. Not to mention he and his family ran the tour she and her Gran were going on. Kiera was visiting from Australia with her Gran for Christmas. They both had a very special Christmas tradition that they both did but this year was different Kiera’s Grampa passed. 

Joanne definitely has a way with words and storytelling. She has some extremely interesting stories about the characters past to share with the readers. Not only that but the breathtaking places she brings you to. She describes the places so vividly that I could see myself there with the characters. I had never thought of ever going there until I read about that experience. 

This story will definitely transport you away from your reality and into another place and time. It will also make you smile and believe in love in unexpected times in your life! It will also make you take chances. 

For me It made me miss my Gram and wish she were still here with us. I would have loved to gone on a trip like that with her. 

In July of 2014, Joanne Dannon was fortunate to be selected by a dynamic woman’s movement to travel to Israel. During that time she was there she too fell in love with the culture and the history of that amazing country. 

Some of her highlights of her trip she included in this book. Joanne did swim in the Dead Sea-float actually-after coating her skin and mineral mud. Yes, she had camel rides too. 

You can tell why this story and these characters are so very passionate to her. I could tell by reading this that this story was close to her heart. Many authors who write what they are passionate about come out with some amazing reads. Joanne is no exception to this rule. 

Joanne Is someone I would gladly read and review for again. 




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#ChickLit #romance Always Hope by @HeidiReneeMason
“Heartfelt and realistic. I could connect with Hope on a personal level and it even made me tear up at the end. A must read!” ~ Amazon Reviewer
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Dec 13, 2018

Review: Christmas Magic by Shea Balik




Christmas Magic
By Shea Balik

Review Written By HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Shae Balik for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Shea Balik got me in the Christmas spirit with her book Christmas Magic. Just by looking at the cover of gorges Nick and Tim I felt like I was unwrapping a Christmas gift of my own! Never had I read from this author let alone a MM Christmas story she pleasantly surprised me in fact. I would gladly read and review for her again.


Review: A Home for Noel by Rachel Lopez

Author Rachel Lopez

Book Trailer



A Home For Noel
By Rachel Lopez

Review Written By HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Rachel Lopez for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

A Home for Noel by Rachel Lopez is the perfect Christmas book that was written like it should be a manuscript for a Hallmark Channel Movie. In fact, this book has all the elements to be a Hallmark movie that I highly suggest that the author submit this to the station for consideration. This book made me smile and love in my heart from the beginning to the end.

Dec 7, 2018

Review: True Mercy by Idelle Kursman

Author Idelle Kursman


True Mercy 
by Idelle Kursman

Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Idelle Kursman for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

True Mercy by Idelle Kursman immediately got my attention by the fast paced, detailed in depth descriptions, and intense scenes in the prologue had you moved just in the prologue. Then the tone changed when you met Adam and Bruce. It was one of the most unique books I have ever read. So much packed into this short book as well.

I didn’t care for the Sergi or Igor characters at all!! Especially when I read they had been at sea for months raping woman and abusing the scared, drugged-up girls. They were bad men coming to America from Russia to do a job!

My heart went out to Bruce whom lost his wife and had to raise his adult autistic son Adam alone. They both missed her terribly. Adam had a hard time dealing with work and taking care of Adam. He made the best of it though.

I loved how Idelle created this character to raise awareness of autism. Having worked with and friended autism children and adults I know first hand how intelligent and incredibly sweet they are. They just need a little bit more attention. You can see that in the interaction between father and son. Adam also like all autistic children and adults want to be loved and accepted into society.

A smile came to my face when I saw that there was a character by the name of Heidi in the book. She was the nice lady that took care of Adam in the Fairmont Home. She was so good to him.

There was a very unique twist in this book that I really loved. Adam came across the situation accidentally and got rapped up in the situation with his good heart. However, It was bad news.



Review: Tis The Season to Be Single by Laura Ziepe

Author Laura Ziepe

#NetGalley


New Series

#completeseries #contemporaryromance #amykmcclung #HTPubs_INF #INFBlogPop
noun: devotion


1.    love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.

A series of stories about love, friendship, and making some of life’s most difficult choices.
Amy K. McClung’s The Southern Devotion series is now live and complete. Check it out today.




Review: Candleglow and Mistletoe by Josie Riviera

USA Best Selling Author
Josie Riviera
#NetGalley






Candleglow and Mistletoe 
by Josie Riviera

Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank USA’s Best-Selling Author Josie Rivera and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

USA’s Best-Selling Author Josie Riviera’s Candlelight and Mistletoe cover immediately caught my attention as it looked like a sweet Christmas card. Lately, all I have been wanting to read is Christmas books seeing it is this time of year. Candleglow and Mistletoe read like one of the amazing Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel that I love to curl up and watch. In fact, I think it would be great as a movie on that channel and highly suggest Josie Rivera submit her manuscript. They are seeking unsolicited writers as of February 2019. She would be an amazing addition to the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie lineup! I would watch it and I know her fellow readers would too.

Dec 6, 2018

Review: #MeToo Essays About How and Why This Happened, What It Means and How to Make Sure it Never Happensby Lori Perkins

Author Lori Perkins

#NetGalley

#ME TOO
Essays about How and Why This Happened, What it Means, and How to Make Sure it Never Happens Again
by Lori Perkins

Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews


First, I want to thank Perkins, Riverdale Avenue Books and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

#Me Too Essays about How and Why This Happens, What it means, and How to Make Sure it Never Happens Again edited by Lori Perkins cover of the book got my attention right away. It is incredibly powerful with three arms up different ethnicity showing that they stand together as one. This book is filled with incredible stories from incredible strong woman who are passionate about their fight in the #MeToo and #IBelieve Movement!! I stand beside them 10000%

I knew I had to read this book. I have read many memoirs on woman who were sexually abused this year. I commend those women for coming forward and sharing their stories. They are helping those who have been in similar situations seek help. I confess that I have had many #Me Too moments in my life. For me it makes me sad and angry the men that gets away with it.

#Me Too is dedicated to Anita Hill, Tarana Burke, Rose McGowan, all the woman that have bravely come forward, all those who won’t be silenced, and to the next generation who will not let this happen to them.

This book starts off with Lori Perkins reminiscing about how she had a totally out of place sexual behavior in the workplace. She was a publisher of the local newspaper in Upper Manhattan. Out of the blue a middle-aged local New York City politician asked if she would be his mistress!! Of course, she was shocked!! I would be too!

Lori put this book for everyone to tell their stories. She is hoping that this shows the beginning of this particular phase of this movement one that can be read and passed around as a reference when people look back on this time. These essays range from personal tales and reflection to cause for action and insider stories about abuse in Hollywood.

After #MeToo by A M Carley’s essay really spoke to me. AM brought up a great point in someone that sounded a lot like the famous Hugh. I never thought of him as a predator but now I do.
Wall Street Assets by Veronica Vera, D.H. S (Excerpt from her Memoir in progress) shouldn’t have shocked me seeing the subject matter. However, it did. Veronica’s first job was in 1969 in the back office. She worked with a short, loud-mouthed Napoleon that was the head trader for the company. He had a dirty mouth while he was on the phone. So, he asked her for her name in which she replied. Then he asked if she liked his material as he unzipped his fly!! There was a reason the called him “Crazy Sherman.”

This book is a must read for every female out there young and old!! This must be passed out in school libraries, counseling offices, workplaces, crisis centers, etc. Students need to be taught about this in health class in Middle or High School. This is a serious topic!! This is not going to go away anytime soon!! We need to come together and fight it!! #METOO #IBELIEVE 

Nov 29, 2018

Review A Christmas Forest By Rebecca Boxall


#NetGalley
Author Rebecca Boxall


The Christmas Forest
By Rebecca Boxall
Review Written By 
Heidi Lynn's Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Rebecca Boxall, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.

The Christmas Forest by Rebecca Boxall is one of the few Christmas books that I have read that will stick close to my heart. This Christmas story is unlike I have ever read before. I prefer reading stories that are creative where the author thinks outside of the box. She did just that. For this very reason I would gladly read and review for her again.

Rebecca Boxall’s main character is Enid suffers from Asperger’s. What makes this book so unique and unforgettable is you see the world through her eyes.   You will see the joy she gets spending time with children and speaking about her love of owls. How they are on the same level she is. Sadly, in this book you will see her in panic mode and emotional lows as well.

My ultimate favorite story line that Rebecca did and needs to be highly commended for was the budding friendship between Enid and Fred. I have read and 190 books this year. No two characters deserved to be together more. Nor have I read a sweeter yet old fashioned love story than this one. Fred looked past Enid’s Asperger’s and saw who she really was. He loved her for her. These two were meant to be together.

It was refreshing to see Enid and Fred write old school letters back and forth through the mail as form of communication. This day in age with texting and email that is lost on this generation.
Kudos to the graphic artist who designed the cover it is beautiful! It immediately caught my eye and needed to know what the book was about.

At the end of this book Rebecca does give some references to Asperger’s. Many are documentaries and some books.

This book would be great turned into a Hallmark Christmas Channel Movie. It has a lot of great elements to be a big hit. I would definitely watch it!!


Nov 28, 2018

Review:A Christmas Date By Camilla Isley


#NetGalley
The Christmas Date 
By Camilla Isley 
Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews


First, I want to thank Camilla Isley, Pink Bloom Press, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Thanksgiving is over now this time of year is for watching Hallmark Channel Christmas Movies, listening to Pop Christmas music on the radio, and curling up on the couch with a good cup of hot tea and Camilla Isley’s new Christmas Book a Christmas Date (A Festive Holidays Romantic Comedy) First Comes Love Series Book 3. I was craving to read a Christmas book and this had every element that I was searching for and more.

Review: The Bug Jar by Ava Black

Author Ava Black 
#NetGalley

The Bug Jar 
by Ava Black 
Review written by HeidiLynn's BookReviews

First, I want to thank Ava Black and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers but never have I read a prologue to a book that shocked me so much as this Ava Black’s The Bug Jar. Warning to readers you may want to skip this section of the book. With that being said dang what a way to start off the book!! You not only shocked the heck out of me you got my total and undivided attention. He was a sick and troubled kid and well it made for a good story!!

This book touches on a very important topic mental illness. Ava brings up stalking, bipolar disorder, depression, animal cruelty by the hands of his owner.

Sam quick wit sarcastic humor made me laugh out loud. Especially about Sam’s take on makeup and her customers buying her makeup products.

I loved how Sam wanted a better life than the one she had. However, having an affair with the soon to be Mayor and hoping he will leave his wife wont work. Sam was delusional and had mental issues that she saw a shrink for.

I could totally see this being an independent movie at the small movie theaters. I think it would do well actually.

Ava’s description, attention and ability to tell a story that is totally outside the box that has never been done before is incredible.

I absolutely loved the cover of the book. It captured the essence of not only the title but the feel of the book as well. Kudos to the graphic artist and the one who came up with the idea.

If you like books about cheating spouses, death of a child, unstable individuals, political campaigns, police investigations, troubled youth, stalkers, then this book might be for you.





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Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews (heidilynnsbookreviews@gmail.com) Published @ 2014 by Crossroad Reviews