The Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham

The Falling of Love is only $2.99 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Summary:

You will never forget your first date, your first kiss, or your first love. You will also never forget how it felt when it was torn apart. 

Seventeen-year old Grace Hathaway does not give much thought to falling in love, until the day that Ian Taylor, rebel and misfit walks into her math class. From their first conversation, Grace is mesmerized by Ian's charisma and rock star façade. 

Ian Taylor, a seventeen-year old kid from the wrong side of the tracks tries to ignore the feelings he has for Grace, but is captured by her caring, non-judgmental personality from the moment they meet. Grace becomes Ian's everything and there is nothing he will not do for her. Hurting her was never part of his plan. 

“The Falling of Love” will take you on a sweet, emotional journey of two young adults falling in love for the first time, and then tear your heart apart when that love is threatened by dishonesty and betrayal. 

Brandi's Review:

I won a copy of this book during a giveaway. I got in the mood for what I thought was going to just be a sweet love story so I picked it up.. Quick and easy....right? I got so much more! Quick? Yes, I couldn't put it down. I told myself that I was just going to read for 30 minutes before bed last night and the next thing I know, I am finished with The Falling of Love and hungering for more!  Easy? No! Now, I am not saying it was hard to read or the style is poor...not at all. I am saying that at times Marisa rips your heart from your chest, this was not your cookie cutter romance. I may have an inside view to the music world with a musician for a husband in real life. I have seen what fame can do to people. That may have attached me to this story even more. I can fully relate to being 17 and in love....deep crazy love...with a musician. I remember us always talking about him making it and I remember when local fame started knocking at our door. Fast forward nearly 13 years later and we survived the odds, but what about Grace and Ian? Is his love for her enough for him to pick up the pieces as fame swallows him up? Is her love for him enough to save him? This book follows a real life feeling and situation to me. I loved it so much. I loved, laughed, cried, and picked up pieces with Grace. 

I gave it 5 stars!

Haven by Stevie Kopas (Breadwinner Trilogy #2)(Brandi's Review)

One click Haven HERE!

Summary:

The end of the world is not glamorous. The survivors of The Breadwinner have barely escaped the clutches of the undead and are headed into the unknown, continuing their never ending search for solace in the post-apocalyptic landscape they were suddenly thrust into. The city of Haven, once a paradise for the living, but now crawling with the flesh hungry creatures they try so hard to elude, could be their only chance. Resume your post-apocalyptic survival adventure with Veronica, Samson and Ben as they struggle with hope and loss, and as they battle the futility of existence. Take on a new experience as you find yourself once more at the beginning, thrown into the depths of the end of the world with new survivors. Join Michelle and Lulu, ordinary women faced with extraordinary obstacles on their devastating journey and the pursuit of sanctuary in a world collapsed. 

Haven continues the story of The Breadwinner with the addition of new territory, new characters, and new complications. The second book in The Breadwinner Trilogy will leave you stunned and bloodthirsty for the conclusion of the series. Who you once were still does not determine who you will become in the face of catastrophe, especially in Haven.

Brandi's Review:

The end of the world as we know it has come. A sickness has swept over and claimed nearly everyone, turning them into eaters. Samson, Veronica, Ben, and the rest of their group seems to have escaped the madness....or did they? When they awake the next morning drifting on the boat they escaped on, a chance encounter with a lone survivor in a resort off the shore gives them a new safe haven. When they all form a plan to scout a nearby strip mall for supplies and survivors, new encounters change everything. Will these new survivors they meet provide safety and comfort in numbers, or are they just as dangerous as the world outside? 

I have enjoyed both of the books that are currently available in this trilogy. We get to see how extreme situations affect and change people. Who are truly good and evil at heart. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know exactly what was going on. What was going to happen next?! We are left with a shocker of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see how the group reacts to it in the final book. If you haven't already, pick up The Breadwinner so you can get absorbed in it and move on in to Haven!

I gave 4 stars!

We are not alone By Angela Fattig (Stefani's Review)

BUY WE ARE NOT ALONE HERE!

Summary:

‘The world in 2044, filled with hate and corruption, finds that the ‘God’ of the Bible is not what He appears to be or is ‘He’. 

Dr. Jay Winder, a man with a secret unknown to even him, alongside Dr. Mandi Stevens must work with a government he disagrees with in order to save the human race from extinction. 

Faced with said extinction, he finds love in a burning world filled with rubble, ash, death, and betrayal. 

Does he have the strength, and can he find the will to overcome his past and vanquish the enemy in time? Or will he allow his secret and the betrayal to cause their demise?



My Review:


I received this book in return for an honest review.

The world is coming to an end in the worst possible way imaginable and it seems that the world is helpless to fight against it. Dr. Jay Winder, however, seems to be the only one with a plan. Having researched theories for years on end, he and a team of colleagues have to race against the clock to change the fate of the human race. There are twists and surprises that you never see coming. Even when you think you have it figured out, things are NOT what they seem to be.

This book isn't your normal run of the mill mainstream genre material. Angela Fattig takes this futuristic US and carefully lays out the plan for it's fate. Even though it was not my normal type of read, it was very interesting to see the path that Angela was unraveling before our very eyes. Being Book One (1) of Three (3), I am looking forward to the next one in this series.



My Rating:   4 stars 

Welcome to Luna's Review Blog!

We are so happy that you ventured across our blog. 

We are Brandi and Stefani, two sisters (in-law) reviewing books like crazy! 

Join us as we review ALL genres of books so that you can better decide which ones to put on your TBR (To Be Read, in case you're a newbie) list. 

We also welcome authors who are looking for reviewers as well. Feel free to email us with requests, suggestions, and overall feedback.

The Places I Never Meant to Go By Shay Lynam (Stefani's Review)

BUY PLACES I NEVER MEANT TO GO HERE!

Summary:

Tyler works a dead end, 9-5 job by day and drinks himself stupid by night. When the girl he has been talking to online for several months is suddenly on the 6 o' clock news, Tyler finds himself driving across the country in hopes of finding her. In search of the only thing he's ever really cared about, he will learn what it means to fight for something in his life that actually matters instead of letting life pass him by.




My Review:

....I received a copy for an honest review...

Tyler is lost and alone in this world. The problem is that he thinks he is doing just fine. Drinking and women and a dead end job, his contentment is just barely getting him by day to day. His friend Paul wants to see him be a better man, but the first step to getting better is to admit that you have a problem and Tyler is nobody's fool. When his only 'emotional attachment' is becomes unreachable, he has to go find her. No matter where it takes him. A long road trip and a lot of soul searching bring to the realization of many things he never wanted to know.

This story is sad and heart-wrenching. You see thing through the eyes if this neglected boy (now a young man) who is struggling to find out what life is all about. Hurt and searching for the one thing that he never thought he had, love. I had to stop and think after the end of the story. I got to the song list and listened to the songs that Shay chose, and found them all saying what I felt at different points in the story. Well done, Shay, well done.

My Rating:  5 stars

The Breadwinner by Stevie Kopas (The Breadwinner Trilogy #1) (Brandi's Review)

The Breadwinner is only .99! Get it HERE!

Summary:

The end of the world is not glamorous. In a matter of days the human race was reduced to nothing more than vicious, flesh hungry creatures. This three part story takes you into the world of the survivors, coming from different generations and different sides of the tracks, they all share one thing in common: who you once were can no longer determine who you will be in the face of catastrophe. 

Samson, a once wealthy and powerful criminal defense attorney struggles to keep his family safe and keep his sanity intact when the world comes apart at the seams. Veronica, the high school track star races to get her brother out of the city and into the safety of Franklin Woods. Along the way we come across the struggles of finding solace, finding out who you really are, and making decisions in a post apocalyptic world. The Breadwinner is a three part story and the first book in a planned series that will leave you craving more.

Brandi's Review:

Have you ever wondered if everyone you knew suddenly started getting "sick" how you would react? If the world around you suddenly went into panic mode because of this sickness, would you panic also? While everyone else seems to be eating each other, we meet a group of fighters. Sam was a lawyer before everyone went mad. He relied on his smooth talking to provide a lavish life for his wife and 2 children. Now, Sam has to become street smart or be eaten. Veronica was a normal high school girl who lived with her Dad and brother. Luckily, she was also on the track team which is a big advantage as she tries to stay alive. We watch as the world around them goes to hell. They both only know one thing to do.....survive. In a chance encounter, Sam and Veronica find each other and make a plan to get away from the area, hopefully to a place that is safe. Along the way, we meet Ben, Andrew, Clyde, and Jasmine. They all end up coming together to form the final group. A group that under normal circumstances would never have come together. The greatest question of all is who will survive and who will be eaten! 

I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though it is a trilogy, I do believe it would also work as a stand alone without taking away from the story, which is refreshing because so many series leave on such a dramatic cliffhanger that you don't have much choice. I love that Stevie allows you to connect with the characters and decide for yourself if you want to find out what happens next. 

I gave 4 stars!

The Fault in Our Stars (Stefani's Review)

BUY THE FAULT IN OUR STARS HERE!

Summary:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.



My Review:


Well, be still my breaking heart(again)...

Life is real, Cancer is real, and Death is real. How can you fight what you cannot touch? You do the best you can while holding on to hope again all hopes that this time the doctors can get it right. While you wait, do you just mull over the truth of it all or live life to the fullest. Hazel and Gus have a chance meeting at a support group for past and present cancer patients. As Hazel watches one by one members of her group succumbing to the disease, she figures her number is going to be up soon. But, in life you never know what the road ahead holds for you, you just have to remember to stop and contemplate the stars.


My Rating:

 5 Stars

Burning Embers by Evi Asher (Brandi's Review)

Click HERE to get Burning Embers!

Summary:

Born a pyro destined to die in her own flames, but raised a human, Scarlet is unwittingly thrust into the world of the Eternals, where she hurtles toward her ultimate fate. 

A vision of a woman dying in flame has haunted Archer from his childhood, so when he learns about the rare pyro, he appoints himself her protector. How do you protect someone when everyone is out to kill or capture her, and how do you protect her when the greatest chance of dying runs in her own veins?

Brandi's Review:

I received a copy in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story. It is a quick and easy read that I completed within a day. When we first enter the story, we meet Archer and find out about an eternal being that is very rare. We follow Archer as he searches for Scarlet, the pyro. I also loved the reaction that Archer's inner beast has to Scarlet. What started as simple "bounty hunting" just gave us a new twist.

While we are following Archer, we get to see things from Scarlet's point of view as she is realizing that she has these powers, but she is also in fight or flight mode. She has always had to fend for herself, and these new abilities puts her into ultimate self preservation mode.

We are left with a cliffhanger. I have a love/hate relationship with series. In some cases, I do believe it is needed and a series is the right choice so readers don't become overwhelmed by the sheer size of the story. Sometimes, I feel like the book could have gone on further and possibly cut out the series to have a stand alone. That is what I do wonder about Burning Ember. I believe it will do just fine as a series, but wonder if a stand alone would have been a better choice. That alone does not detour from the fact that it is worth reading and enjoyable. It is a little bit different than the normal paranormal take and that is a good thing!

I gave it 4 stars!

The Regent's Gamble by A. Payne & N.D. Taylor

Buy The Regent's Gamble HERE!

Summary:

Something evil festers in the heart of Manhattan...

Months have passed since Addison Rhydderch's epic battle in Central Park. After awakening to discover that he's the new Regent, he's tasked with protecting the fragile balance between the mundane and the supernatural. It's a job that's easier said than done, even with the aid of a sultry half-dryad who possesses unique talents of her own.

The attraction between them is immediate, powerful, and forbidden, but dark events have plagued Saraia's nature spirit kin. To make matters worse, the fae are on the verge of war with the Magi, and there's a murderer stalking the streets. It's up to Addison to get to the bottom of the mystery, and they must work together to overcome the forces of evil that seek to overtake their world.

Can Addison and Saraia unite Manhattan against this new magical threat... or will the corruption claim everything that they hold dear?

Brandi's Review:

This book is beautifully written. Whereas its size does seem a bit daunting to begin with since it comes in at 600 pages, it is more than worth the time put in to it. Well developed story line and characters that you find yourself attached to. If you love a fantasy or paranormal genre, this book is just for you with Fae, dwarves, nymphs and so much more.  Follow Addison, Saraia, and all the others on this wonderful journey.

I gave it 5 stars!

Room by Emma Donoghue (Brandi's Review)

Get Room HERE!

Summary:

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

Brandi's Review:

Have you ever read a book that changes the way you look at the world and your surroundings? Would you say that we are a product of our environment and believe things to be "normal" based upon that? Truthfully, I had never thought about it much before reading Room. As I follow along with Jack during his normal days, I realize that many of us never realize there is life beyond our walls. Jack was perfectly content in Room with Ma. He was safe, happy, loved, and loving.  Ma had a different idea of normal. A life outside of Room like she had before. She thought of all the things the great big world could offer Jack and herself which, in her mind, would be better for the both of them. After all those years held captive in Room, her chance to escape with Jack presents itself. What will lie on the outside when they get there? How will Jack react to all the differences and changes. For that matter, how will Ma adjust? See the world through Jack's eyes and find out. This story is one that is sure to haunt your mind for years to come.

I gave Room 5 stars!

Do you need the Kindle app? If you don't have it, you can get it for FREE and it can be used on many different devices. 

Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices

The Woman in Black (Brandi's review)

Buy The Woman in Black HERE!

Summary:

The classic ghost story by Susan Hill: a chilling tale about a menacing spectre haunting a small English town.

Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford—a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway—to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow’s house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind its sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images—a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child’s scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed all in black. Psychologically terrifying and deliciously eerie, The Woman in Black is a remarkable thriller of the first rate.

Brandi's Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I must admit, I expected more because of the hype of the movie. Then I saw many poor reviews on the site after I bought my book, which was shorter than expected also. I decided to give it a try anyway. I am glad I did. Even though it was not this super scary story, it did intrigue me. It felt like I was reading a letter from a diary. Overall,  it is an intriguing book that gave just enough to keep me wondering what was going to come next.

I gave it 3.5 stars ~Brandi

Below are the links to both the book and the movie.

I do highly recommend the movie for a gothic horror type of night. Perfect for rainy weather!

How do you feed your reading addiction?

In my excursions as a reviewer, I have noticed many different people prefer a variety of formats. My question to you is, which do you prefer? I personally have a vast collection of paperback, hardback, and e-books. 

To me, there is nothing like the smell of a good paperback book. I am the one who loves going to the library and bookstores for not only the ambiance, but the smell! 

It feels so comforting to me. I just want to curl up and spend the day. Last year, I actually made it a goal to fill my den with books. That way I could  have my own mini-library. I loved sitting in there in my comfy chair and coffee. Peaceful, so peaceful. I had books everywhere! It was WONDERFUL!

 (This is NOT my library, but wouldn't it be nice!)

As much as I love having paper books, my Kindle app has become my favorite. I have a crazy amount of books that I am salivating to get to! I need a month long stay-cation...or vacation... where I can just read! I have the Kindle app on my Ipad, phone, and just bought a new computer that has the app as well! Talk about book lovers heaven! If you have yet to get this app, or didn't know it was so diverse, click on the link below and get started. Feed the addiction! ~Brandi

Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices

Dauntless Indies Anthology~ From the Ashes

Get From the Ashes HERE!! Only .99 at time of review!

Summary:

Since the 18th century, New Orleans has embraced their own extravagant twist on Mardi Gras celebrations. Set apart from the common revelry, the Louisiana elite host krewes, displaying wealth and power through the production of lavish balls, and stunning parades. One such group, the Krewe of Magus, has extended invites for their ultra-exclusive fete in the Garden District. Run by the influential Deschanel family, access to From the Ashes is highly sought after, and rarely granted. Powerful alliances are formed, and deals are made. And behind the veil of silk and gold, debauchery abounds. Slip behind the gilded curtain, and disappear into the five unique tales that make up From the Ashes…

Brandi's Review:

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy of this Anthology from these wonderful ladies. I had already read books from more than one of them, so I was ready to dig into the Anthology. In From the Ashes, one fateful night in New Orleans is covered from 5 totally different points of view, none of which merge, in 3 different short stories. Each author uses her characters to put a special spin on the evening as they all attend the same Krewe Ball hosted by the Deschanel family during the grand event that is Mardi Gras. We are given a taste of everything from an obsessed MC with an interesting secret to budding romances. Overall, I really enjoyed this light and easy read. I was able enjoy it all in one sitting, actually doing so during an acoustic music show one evening.  So now it is your turn! Sit back and watch as the night unfolds for our different characters from these loved authors in  A Cult of Personalities by Michele Breaux-Rowley;  Fire and Ice by Sarah M. Cradit; A Fool's Errand by Michelle Graves; Labor of Love by Brandy L. Rivers; and Heated Hearts by Felicia Tatum.

Are you interested in other works by these authors? Check the links below! You may even find some that are FREE on your Kindle!