Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 270

Review: A HAUNTED MURDER by J.A. Whiting

Lin Coffin could see spirits ever since she was a child. The last time she saw one when she was nine. But then she stopped because she was tired of people looking at her like a freak.


Twenty years later, Lin is hoping for a fresh start in a New England town.


The whole thing was kinda slow for me. Not a good mystery or read.


My rating: 2 stars

Review: THE MURDER MOTIF by Roslyn Woods

Michelle Hodge needed a change in her life. She left her job and boyfriend, packed up her car, and headed straight for Austin, where she would work in an art gallery—a perfect place for an artist.


Meanwhile, Dean discovers that his mean, greedy, soon-to-be-ex-wife had been shot and killed.


For the first night in town, Michelle stays with her old college friend, Margie, who recommended her half-brother’s (Dean) sublet for rent. Neither had realized that Dean would be a prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. Michelle felt bad for the torment and anguish this murder was causing. If only she could help.


I liked how you just get into these flawed and relatable characters. I liked how this started, opening up to the case at hand; however, it had a consistent lag. I think there was too much time spent on getting Michelle settled into her new house and all the other everyday banalities of life. There wasn’t that much on the mystery itself.


This was an okay read, but not as riveting as I first thought.


My rating: 3 stars

Review: RING-A-DING DEAD by Claire Logan

A newlywed couple was at the commencement of their honeymoon. The last thing they anticipated was to find the clerk dead upon check-in.
The year was pegged to be in the 20’s or 30’s, so the era made the old fashioned language fitting; however, this had the making of a classic cozy mystery. I have to say that the story moved rather slow for me. It didn’t progress as well or as quickly as I wanted. I’m sure mystery buffs would find enjoyment in this, but I didn’t like it as much as I thought.
My rating: 2 stars

Review: RELATIVELY STRANGE by Marilyn Messik

“I was five when I flew for the first time, sixteen when I killed a man. Both events were unsettling in their own way.” (7)
I liked the ice-breaker. Killed a man? Who did you kill and how did you do it? That’s what readers would want to know. But then it sort’ve deviated to nonsensical banalities—such jibber-jabber that went nowhere. In that sense, I guess the title was appropriately fitting for the story—the whole thing was relatively strange. I have no problem with “strange” as long as there’s some kind of direction. This book had none of it. Needless to say, I couldn’t keep up with it.
My rating: 1 star

Blog Tour: I WAS MURDERED LAST NIGHT by A.J. Gallant

I Was Murdered Last Night Detective Olivia Brown Mysteries Book 1 by A.J. Gallant Genre: Paranormal Mystery Thriller 

Murder mystery thriller & suspense meets the paranormal.
Anita’s vacation in New York City ends tragically when she’s killed in Central Park, but instead of the end, it’s only the beginning. Her soul remains at the death scene trying hard to process what happened. And there are other ghosts here that don’t seem to be much help. And,of course, the new reality of being a ghost does not sit well with Anita.What is she supposed to do now?Why can’t she go into the light? She appears connected to Detective Olivia Brown, the detective assigned to solve her murder. Is she supposed to help her or is something else going on?Will the crime go unsolved? Does it even matter now that she’s dead? Or can Detective Olivia Brown get to the bottom of what happened that night in the park?
And can there be romance on the other side? 

Goodreads * Amazon


A. J. Gallant is the best selling author of several books, including Knights of the Dragon (of Knights and Wizards series) and Dracula Hearts series, the first book in the series is Dracula: Hearts of Stone.
Detective Olivia Brown Mysteries is also gaining in popularity. (Anita's vacation in New York City ends tragically when she's killed in Central Park, but instead of the end, it's only the beginning. Her soul remains at the scene trying hard to process what happened. There are other ghosts that don't seem to be much help. And,of course, the new reality of being a ghost does not sit well with Anita.What is she supposed to do now?)
The author has two cats that make him rise at 5 each morning to keep him on his toes. 

Website * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: THE EYE OF RA by Ben Gartner

The Eye of Raby Ben Gartner
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GENRE:   Middle Grade
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BLURB:
Exploring a mysterious cave in the mountains behind their house, John and his sister Sarah are shocked to discover they’ve time traveled to ancient Egypt!

Now they must work together to find a way back home from an ancient civilization of golden desert sand and a towering new pyramid, without parents to save them. The adventures abound—cobras, scorpions, a tomb robber, and more! The two kids have to trust each other, make friends who can help, and survive the challenges thrown at them . . . or be stuck in ancient Egypt forever.

For readers graduating from the Magic Treehouse series and ready for intense action, dive into this middle grade novel rich with meticulous historical detail.

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Excerpt One:
Up ahead, almost like an optical illusion in the rocks, a black oval dissolved into the mountain. It seemed to shimmer in the fading sunlight.
“What . . . is it?” John asked, taking a step back.
Sarah moved forward. “It—” She stepped closer, hunching to get a better look at the dark shape about the dimensions of the full-length mirror they had on the back of their bathroom door. “It looks like a cave. Cool!”
“Careful, Sarah. We shouldn’t go in there.”
“That’s a great idea,” Sarah said, standing upright and walking toward the mysterious black shape.
“No, wait, I said we shouldn’t go in there.” John turned to walk away. But he couldn’t leave his sister. “We should get Mom and Dad.”
“I’ll just peek in,” Sarah said, standing only an arm’s length from the entrance. “It definitely looks like a cave, or maybe an old mining tunnel or something. I don’t remember this from before.”
“Come on, Sarah.” John’s tone sounded more urgent now.
Sarah stepped closer, slowly, her lips parted and her eyes fixed on the cave.Without another word, Sarah stepped across the threshold, and her body disappeared into the black.

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My review: The end of 4thgrade and the beginning of summer. Normally, John would be excited, except that he was moving away in a week. How could he move to a place where he didn’t know anyone?  


On the other hand, Sarah, Ben’s older sister, couldn’t wait to move as it would be exciting and adventurous.


During a family hike, Sarah and Ben stumble upon an old cave. Sarah wanted to explore it, but Ben didn’t think it was a good idea. Inside, they found a wall with markings—some strange Egyptian hieroglyphics.  The next they knew, they were standing in front of a pyramid. What the…?


The kids soon meet a boy who had never seen a watch or heard of the United States. How could that be?  Somehow they had found themselves back in the days of Aladdin. ..and, somehow, they have to find their way back home.


Story was easy to read and fun. I so enjoy a good time-travel story. What an adventure!


My rating: 4 stars

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Ben Gartner is the author of adventure books for middle graders and thrillers for adults. His writing for both audiences shares an ability to grab readers by their neurons for a thrilling ride, maybe even teaching them something in the meantime. Ben can be found living and writing near the mountains with his wife and two boys.
WEBSITEhttps://bengartner.com/
SOCIALTwitter: http://twitter.com/bgartnerwritingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenGartnerAuthor/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86465769-ben-gartnerBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2710189959
EBOOKSAll available for pre-order except Amazon, which will be available on publication date.Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1491182528 Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eye-of-ra-ben-gartner/1135492294Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-eye-of-ra-2Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=The%20Eye%20of%20Ra%20by%20Ben%20Gartner&c=books&hl=en_USAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WS8H4C/
PRINT BOOKSWill be available February 1, 2020 via Amazon and IngramSpark distributors.
The book is only $2.99.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Ben Gartner will be awarding a $30 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: AUSTIN BY MORNING by Alexa Padgett

Graphic Image designed by Sandra Lopez

From the moment I see Kate Grace, I can't wait to find out if what they say about redheads is true... Not only are her wild ringlets entrancing, she's sweet and sassy, with slower, sexier curves than a Texas back road. 
Too bad she's also country music star Camden Grace's baby sister. Camden holds my chance at a comeback in his hands, and he doesn’t want me—or my bad attitude—anywhere near Kate. 
I don’t have time for all these thoughts about Kate, anyway. I must focus on my son’s future. I failed him once, but I'll do anything to prove how much I love him. Anything. 
Even if that means giving up my dreams of a music career and another chance to kiss Kate's soft, luscious lips. Ike comes first. I promised, and my word is my vow. I’ll never, ever break it. 
Yes, even if I have to give up a chance to work with the biggest names in the music industry, and even if I have to walk away from the only woman I’ll ever love…

Available on Amazon






My review: Kate was heading out to Austin by morning to help out her brother, a country music star on tour. The last thing she expected was to be captivated by his opening act—his Viking good looks and his sultry voice.

Rye needed this tour and album to go well, not just to help his staggering career but to help his son’s medical condition most of all. He did not need to be distracted by the lustrous beauty that was the star’s kid sister. One night, Rye saves Kate from a drunk, groping roadie.
I enjoyed the characters. They each have issues with family, and they both connect and share a love for his enthusiastic son. Rye is so sweet and caring to his son. But the characters take an emotional toll, each bearing the weight of their responsibilities and resentments. And all that culminates into a fiery physical chemistry between the two. Romance readers could definitely get into this story. The pace, however, was slow and steady, and the length made the story more of a saga.
Overall, this was a pretty good read.
My rating: 3 stars
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Excerpt: 



Dinner was fun, easy, one of the most enjoyable meals I’d ever had. The barbecue was delicious and tender—perfect, really. The ice-cold beer proved a great counterbalance. But I ate without much thought because our table was beset with a driving sexual tension I’d never experienced. The heady sensations made me want to draw out the moment. Our first official date. We finished our beers. Kate dabbed her paper napkin on her lips, her eyes warm pools I wanted to fall into.“You ready?” I asked.“Yes,” she breathed. I rose from my chair and reached for her. As I’d expected, many male heads turned toward us, their eyes appreciating each of Kate’s gorgeous features. My chest puffed as I held her hand and led her from the crowded establishment. I smirked back at one of the guys, who hung his head when he realized I’d caught him staring at Kate’s perky ass. I slipped my hand from hers and settled it on her hip. She glanced up at me in askance. My smirk turned to a smolder as the words I’d said to her earlier drifted around us. “You do collect quite the fan club,” I said as I held open the door for her.She chuckled. “I’m pretty sure those ladies were all lusting over you.” She patted my cheek. “You do rock the Viking look.”“Viking?” I asked.“Big, buff, just a little too wild.”I narrowed my eyes. “I’ll show you wild.”She licked her lower lip. My eyes followed the slick trail of moisture. “I’m planning on it,” she whispered, breathless.The ride back to Kate’s condo was filled with music and conversation. I’d never experienced this easy back-and-forth with anyone. I liked it. I was addicted to our banter. I turned off the ignition and leaned over the console. I covered her mouth with mine. She tasted of tangy barbecue sauce and beer but also that unique flavor that was all Kate. This kiss started slow, with soft licks and gentle pressure, a glide of lips over each other. Then, Kate moaned and pressed closer, and my composure began to crumble. Pull me close, I wanted to say. Take the chance on me. I’ll give you everything I have.

Review: TAKE ME FOR GRANTED by K.A. Linde

Aribel is a Princeton girl and dead-serious about her studies and goals. But her head-strong intellect may not be enough to resist the rock n’ roll singer, Grant.
Quite frankly, I thought Grant was cocky and disgusting. Kudos for her not falling for his so-called sexy charisma—at first. She eventually does fall for it.
The whole story is basically a sexy cat-and-mouse game from the start. He wants to get her into bed, and she does everything possible to fight him.
I didn’t like that Aribel went from bright, ambitious student to painted-up hussy in 60 seconds. And for what? Grant? The two were just obsessed with getting it on. Not that I have a problem with a few love scenes, but this was just too much, almost to the point that it became unbearable. 

My rating: 2 stars

Review: THROTTLED by Elizabeth Lee

Nora and Reid were former lovers as teenagers….until Reid decided to leave to pursue a career as a professional racer. Now he’s back in his old town and it’s like he’s never left.
Ever since Reid broke her heart, Nora’s held on to this anger and hasn’t been able to trust another man, even though she’s involved with someone. But not just anyone—it just so happens to be Reid’s old rival. Then Reid messes things up and confuses her with such intense feelings. It’s hard not to be attracted to someone when you clearly are. Nora clearly wants him, but can she trust him with her heart…again?
There’s no denying their unbelievable chemistry.
A wild ride of a love story!

My rating: 4 stars

Review: BURN FOR ME by Lea Coll

Two attorneys on opposite sides of the courtroom. Two attorneys always competing, always trying to win. Ashley and Logan had fire in the courtroom, but could that fire spark something between them?


For as long as Ashley could remember, she's had to prove her dedication, tenacity, and knowledge to get to where she's at. Not like Logan, who's had everything handed to him. Ever since her mother gave up her life to raise her and her sister, she vowed to study, work hard, and stabilize financial independence so as not to rely on any man to take care of her.


But when she and Logan are hired by the same firm and are forced to work together, things heat up. With such tension and competition between them, they just get under each other's skin. After the probationary period ends, who will stay? Well, the mean secretary in the office wasn't making it any easier for Ashley. Why was it that only her case files were conveniently "misplaced?" Was she that clueless...or was she trying to get her fired? Ashley would have to work harder for sure to battle the sexist, corporate politics.


I thought this was pretty good. I liked Ashley's strong, independent streak, which seems to be off-putting and intimidating to men (something I can relate to, btw.) But Logan wasn't afraid of her fire; in fact, he welcomed it. Ashley has had a crush on Logan from the first day she met him, but when she realized what he a charmer he was, she kept him at a distance. The two challenged each other. But once she actually took the time to get to know him, she realized what a nice guy he really was. Throughout this story, Ashley relives her past break-up, speculates on her emerging feelings for Logan, questions what she really wants in life, and wonders if she's made any false assumptions about others and herself.


A good read!


My rating: 4 stars