Saturday Feature: Review of "Malaika" by Van Heerling

Welcome to the L.O.V.E. Saturday Feature! I started this feature last week in order to share books that I have had a chance to read recently. A few things you should know - 1) Every book that I feature has been actually read by me. 2) I read books from most genres so you'll see a mixture of stories. 3) I do not get paid for my reviews, nor do I do them by solicitation. Most of these authors won't know about my posts until they are already live on the blog. Ready for another good read?

Click image to view on Amazon

"Malaika"

Author: Van Heerling 

(Visit his WEBSITE or follow Van on TWITTER)

Book Synopsis:

A middle-aged man with the crushing weight of his American past seeks peace and a simpler like in rural Kenya. Armed with only his smokes and coffee, he discovers a friendship with the most unlikely of friends - a lioness he rightfully names 'Malaika' ("Angel" in Swahili). But she is no ordinary lioness nor is he an ordinary man. Between them they share a gift, but not all embrace their bond and some seek to sever it. Discover this new world rich in human truth and sensibility.

MY REVIEW: Poignant Love Story of a Different Sort - 5 Stars

"Malaika" is a poignant, poetic love story of a different sort. Instead of the complexities of human relationships, the author explores the relationship between man and wild beast as illustrated through the story of Thomas, the American turned Kenyan transplant, and wild lioness Malaika who he encounters on the outskirts of the Serengeti. This place that Thomas has chosen for his retreat from a troubled life in America is well described and one can easily feel the heat of the day and breathe in the exotic smells of the things mentioned throughout the story. Overall, what appears to be a dangerous, even life-threatening meeting, turns into a friendship and spiritual connection between man and beast.

Though this story is on the shorter side in length, it has an infinite depth because of the heavy issues that it subtly introduces to the reader for contemplation. Prejudice, ignorance, social rejection, the need for acceptance... these are just a few of the points of contemplation that you can glean from "Malaika", a magnificent big cat who turns out to be a teacher for mankind. My only complaint is that I wish the story was longer because there was so much potential to expound on the complex issues of the book. However, there is a brilliance in the length as it leaves the reader to construct his own ideas and solutions rather than provide room for a detailed guide from the author.

"Malaika" is available on AMAZON for Kindle & in Paperback. Don't have a Kindle? Get the FREE Kindle app HERE and start enjoying ebooks for your phone, computer, etc..

Saturday Feature: Review of "Deadly Reunion" by Amy Manemann

Lately, I have been squeezing in time to read. That doesn't sound like much to most people, but ask anyone in my writer's circle and they will tell you that I have performed a minor miracle. I also like to thank the authors of the books that I read by writing reviews on the sites where their books are listed and I have been doing so for a while. Now, I'd like to take it to another level and feature books right here on the L.O.V.E. blog.

A few things you should know - 1) Every book that I feature has been actually read by me. 2) I read books from mostly all genres so you'll see a mixture of stories. 3) I do not get paid for my reviews, nor do I do them by solicitation. Most of these authors won't know about my posts until they are already live on the blog. So, with that being said, let's get into the first book!

 

Click to view on Amazon

"Deadly Reunion (The Taci Andrews Deadly Series)"

Author: Amy Manemann (Visit her WEBSITE or follow Amy on TWITTER)

Book Synopsis :
Smart mouthed Taci Andrews is an investigative reporter for the Riverdale Times with a lot on her plate. Between receiving a dreaded invitation to her fifteen year high school reunion, her best friend's divorce drama and her own solitary dating status her fun meter is pretty much pegged.

When Taci’s partner goes missing while covering a missing child feature she is suddenly thrown into the story of her career, which oddly enough delves into a past she would rather forget. She soon finds herself squaring off against a malicious class Barbie Doll, the High School Quarterback and a steamy Fireman from her past whose deep blue eyes are still enough to curl her toes.

Concerned about the disappearance of his friend's daughter, Firefighter Tony Parsons returns to his hometown of Riverdale to see what is being done with the case. Having a few connections with the police force he decides to pull in a few favors, running into former classmate Taci Andrews in the process. His last memory of Taci was back in high school when she'd given him a black eye for feeling up her shirt. He had to admit the grown up version of Taci was even better than the adolescent version and when he learns she's covering the story for the Times he decides to tag along.

Despite babysitting three hyped up children, having a disastrous date night, receiving an ominous warning and nearly getting blown up, the sparks that quickly ignite between Tony and Taci are hard to ignore, despite their best efforts. As they delve deeper to uncover the deadly truths surrounding the sleepy town of Riverdale, the old feud that rested between them for ages begins to give way to an unexpected passion.

But new feelings for one another or not they both have a job to do and a missing child to find. Can they put their feelings aside to solve the case or will they be next on the missing person’s list?

MY REVIEW : Sassy Mystery Laced with Wit and Hot Romance! 5 Stars

"Deadly Reunion" is a sassy, quick-paced mystery that had me laughing out loud from page one. Amy Manemann masterfully blends action, humor and smoldering romance throughout the entire book. The main character, investigative reporter Taci Andrews, is amazingly witty with just the right blend of snark and sarcasm to draw you back to the pages continuously to "hang out" with her. Her moody and ultra hot romantic interest, Tony the Firefighter, brings the sizzle to the story. Their cat and mouse flirtation is youthful enough for contemporary readers, yet strongly sensual enough so that readers will never mistake these two for anything but hot-blooded adults.

In the midst of the romantic heat, Taci finds herself in serious danger during her latest investigation into the disappearance of the daughter of former high school classmates. Of course, things are not what they seem at first glance, keeping this story true to it's mystery roots, and the twists, action, and triple surprise ending do not disappoint. At the end of the book, there is a teaser for the next installment of this series and, based on the excerpt, it promises to deliver a great read just as this first one did. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

"Deadly Reunion" is available on AMAZON for Kindle. Don't have a Kindle? Get the FREE Kindle App HERE and start enjoying ebooks for your phone, computer, etc..