The Hive Book Reviews: Now Recruiting Members

The Hive Book Reviews: Now Recruiting Members

Are you addicted to Romance? Is Sci-Fi right up your alley? How about Mystery? Do you just love to read? If you get excited about books and want the world to know, then we want YOU!

The Hive Book Reviews offers new and existing indie authors the opportunity to get their work into the public forum. There is no monetary gain for us as reviewers, just the satisfaction of doing what we can to help authors become successful.

We are looking to add a few new readers/reviewers to our team, so if you’re serious about your love of books and desire to help out indie authors, please send us a brief email telling us why we should add you to our team. If you’re unable to review at least one book every three months, please don’t apply.

Candidates should have an active FB account that they can share posts on and a Twitter account to retweet our posts. Knowledge of Google Docs is also helpful, but not required.

We look forward to hearing from you,

The Hive

thehivebookreviews@gmail.com

Explanation of The Hive Rating System

Ratings:

1 Honey Pot: Hated it. (Book was extremely hard to get into, hard to understand, or was seriously lacking in plot and creativity. Not worth the time to read.)

2 Honey Pots: Wasn’t a total waste of time, but definitely not a page turner that kept you wanting to read more. There may be 1 or 2 good things about the book that will stick with you.

3 Honey Pots: It was okay, but not something that is worth a reread. The plot was decent, but there were some holes that were hard to get around.

4 Honey Pots: Definitely worth another look. The plot was great, and it was a page turner that you could see sitting on your shelf. You may just share it with others if you remember to mention it.

5 Honey Pots: Absolutely MUST read! This book is to die for and one that will remain with you for a very long time to come. You can’t wait to tell everyone you know to go out and buy it!

***Half Ratings: If the rating you would give the book falls between any of these ratings, then you should rate with a half rating. It’s a judgement call, but keep in mind that Goodreads and Amazon do not accept half ratings, so we must either bump it up or down to post on those sites and will need to know which.***

Liz's Review of To Catch a Falling Star by L. Duarte

Summary:

It’s been five years, but Melody still mourns the death of Tim, her soul mate and beloved husband who never had a chance to hold their daughter. Mel and her daughter have the love and support of Mel’s brother Will and sister-in-law Portia, the famous Oscar-winning actress-turned-mother. Mel works three jobs and mothers Ella, but she spends her mornings facing the demons of her grief. Her faith and her father, the pastor, helps Mel grapple with her grief.

Portia opens her home to her childhood friend Tarry Francis, a successful, womanizing rock star. He’s trying to beat his addictions. Again. He’s going through the motions, but needs his drugs and rowdy lifestyle to keep his childhood pain in check. Tarry’s privileged upbringing contrasted with his cruel parents, who starved him of affection. Who can fix that?

Mel is forced to counsel Tarry, but he’s so damaged and unwilling to try that she’s not sure anyone can help fix him. She gives him a special coin. Could this open their hearts to each other and fuel their love? Is this a step forward that will free them to catch the falling stars? Or will Mel remain faithful to her first love?

Rich in meaning, To Catch a Falling Star is about two lovers whose hearts struggle to open to find the magic of the journey of love. It’s a joyful and passionate story about overcoming challenges to lead us to love and the fulfillment of our dreams.

To Catch a Falling Star is the stunning follow-up novel to L. Duarte’s debut Chasing Stars about Portia and Will’s romance. A spiritual and playful read, L. Duarte has provided readers the chance to believe in healing a broken heart.

Liz’s Review:

To Catch a Falling Star by L. Duarte, is the second book in the Crossing Stars series. In the first novel, Chasing Stars, we met Portia and Will and watched as they worked through their individual troubles and fell in love.

Now we follow Melody, Will’s sister. For the last five years she has mourned the loss of her husband, closing herself off and creating a cocoon around herself and her daughter. Melody takes care of everyone but herself, never allowing anyone into her life...or her heart.

Tarry Francis is a drug addicted rock star who is spiralling out of control. When the death of his ‘girlfriend’ lands him in rehab, he has to learn how to live. After being ordered by a judge to get counseling, he moves in with his best friend, Portia, and her husband, Will.

Melody agrees to counsel Tarry, but finds herself attracted to another man for the first time since she met her husband. As she tries to distance herself, Tarry realizes that she is all he wants. With the help of faith and the promise of new love, they help each other heal and find their salvation in each other.

When I first started reading this book, I wondered how I would ever get through it. It isn’t the type of story that I typically choose. However, the more I read, the more absorbed I became. L. Duarte has a way of drawing you in and keeping you until the very end. As I read the final chapter, I found myself reaching for the tissues and sobbing like a baby. The love between these two characters is astounding and truly helps you to believe in the power of faith. Is it possible to have two soul-mates? Read and decide for yourself.

Rating: 

Author Bio:

I have found that there is only one thing better than reading, and that is writing. I am always torn between the two. I am also frequently torn between chocolate and coffee. However, I emphatically do not like the month of February, lies, and flies. For me, bravery is defined by the courage to do what we fear the most. This conviction is reflected in my debut work of romantic fiction, Chasing Stars. I live in Connecticut with my husband and two children. Drop a few lines. I would love to hear from you.

Available on:

Goodreads 

 Amazon

Cover Reveal: Body, Ink, and Soul by Jude Ouvrard

Book: Body, Ink, and Soul

Author: Jude Ouvrard

Date of the cover reveal: January 15th, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance / New Adult

Cover Designer: K23 Design.

Body, Ink, and Soul Summary:

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment.  For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect.

Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.

But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.

Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?

Excerpt:

''Can I get you anything?'' I asked him, while taking all the empty plastic glasses off the counter.

''A smile. Give me that and you’ll get the biggest tip tonight.'' The slow seductive tone rolling off his shapely lips told me he wasn’t just fooling around. His green eyes were staring at me like I was dessert. This guy was hot and he knew it. The way his tousled light brown hair went every which way, hanging down onto his forehead, told me right away he didn’t care about his looks. He didn’t have to.

He wanted a smile? I shook my head. ''You don’t want a drink? Just water, maybe?''

''No, just a smile. You're the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and it's just a smile I want.'' He brushed his hand through his hair, making it even more distressed.

I knew I was blushing and biting my lips in embarrassment. His eyes refused to stray from mine, pinning me in place. I smiled, but not because he asked. No, this was solely because this very random man had pulled one out of me on his own. I saw the humor in his eyes. He slid fifty bucks out of his pocket and onto the counter. ''Thank you, Princess. You just made my night.''

He got up and walked away. I could see the hint of tattoos peeking out of his neckline and rolled up sleeves, but I was too astonished to call after him or say anything. He was wearing simple black converse, washed out jeans and a black long sleeve henley. There was something about him - mysterious and inscrutable. If he wanted to get my attention, well - he got it.

Who the hell was that? I kept asking myself as he walked away. I knew he was the guy Tyler had been excited to see, but I had never seen him around here before. I knew I would have remembered that piece of man candy.

He didn't give me his name and I didn't give him mine. Not that he had to ask - I had a name tag with my name on it. It was the strangest thing that ever happened to me. My eyes remained trained on him until he opened the door of the club and left. I found myself still watching the door, even after it was closed, like I wanted to chase after him – which was insane. I shook my head, willing myself to move on.

I began wiping the counter, pausing to watch Val entertain her groupies at the station next to me. As I turned to grab more lemons, my eyes were drawn again to the door. Tristan walked in with few of his friends. I had never seen Tristan here before and even after our dinner date tonight, I still didn’t expect it. I couldn’t tell if I was excited by the surprise visit or nervous about it. I felt like he was parading a bunch of his buddies around my bedroom, looking through all my dirty laundry. This was my home away from home and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to let him in—yet. Not to mention I was still shaken up from Mr. Mysterious.

About the Author:

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, Isaac and has spent the last twelve years with her boyfriend, Cedric.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. She has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

Also by Jude:

      

●      Under the Sun          

●      Wonderland

To learn more about Jude Ouvrard, here are her links:

Website/blog: www.judeouvrard.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JudeOuvrard

Twitter: @JudeOuvrard @AuthorJude_O

Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks

Heather's review of Haunted by Eileen Maksym

Summary:

Tara Martin - exceptionally accomplished neurobiology major with a troubled past. Steven Trent - confident political science major with an irresistible attraction to Tara. Paul Stratton - history major who is able to hear spirits. Together, they make up the Society for Paranormal Researchers at their prestigious New England University. When they're not in class or writing papers, the three friends are chasing their passion....ghosts. When the group learns of a local retired couple trying to sell a house they claim is haunted, they decide to investigate. As the clues unfold, a familiar spirit interrupts their investigation and Tara finds her life in danger. Can her friends save her before it's too late?

Heather's Review:

  As someone who lives in a town that has a few haunted houses and a well known college professor, who has written and co-written many books about hauntings, I went in with an open mind.  I am someone who believes in the paranormal, so I can be very critical when reading a work of fiction set in that world.  The only downside to this story was that it felt a bit rushed and could have been longer.

    The characters are likeable, the story enjoyable, the science is very real yet completely understandable, and the dialogue has enough wit to keep this ghost story from being too dark but still spooky. I loved the strength and determination of the female lead, Tara Martin, to face the mystery head on.  Steven Trent and Paul Stratton are more than just secondary characters or sidekicks. They each have their own role in the group, but work perfectly as a team.  Not always something easy to do, but the author has pulled it off.

    I would very much love to read further investigations of the Society of Paranormal Researchers in the future.  Haunted is intriguingly dark and yet not overly horrific or gory.  Which makes this a very good reading selection for those that are interested in paranormal but can’t quite handle horror.

Rating:

 Author bio:

 Hi! I'm Eileen, and I'm a writer. I write in a variety of genres, but my favorites are paranormal, horror, science fiction, and urban fantasy. My first novel, Haunted, came out this past spring! I'm also a submissions editor for Apex Magazine.

I currently live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while my husband, an astrophysicist, does a post-doc at the University of Alabama. Before moving here, my sports love was baseball (GO RED SOX!) However, since football is the lingua franca around here, I started watching the team, and now I'm hooked. Roll Tide!!!

I have two children: Kolbe, who is nine, and Josie, who is six. They're wonderful and exasperating and surprise me every day!

When I'm not writing, I can often be found fangirling online about my current pop culture obsessions. Right now I'm a huge fan of Elementary, Sherlock and Doctor Who. I also love to read, sing (pretty well!) and play guitar (very badly).

Availability:

Goodreads        Amazon      

 

Renewing Hope by Jennyfer Browne

Renewing Hope

The Second Novel in the In Your World Series

by Jennyfer Browne

Summary: 

The journey for Kate Hill and Nathan Fisher continues…

Kate Hill hopes to leave her English past behind her in order to be accepted by the Amish of West Grove, and marry her love, Nathan Fisher. But as she struggles to win over her Amish neighbors, she discovers that the sordid past of the Bishop’s son has caused a rift in the small community. Shunned for living the English lifestyle, Benjamin Yoder finds a friend in Kate, and wonders if there is hope in returning to the Amish life he misses.

Nathan Fisher wants his old friend, Benjamin, back with the Amish for many reasons- by forgiving Benjamin his English transgressions; surely the community will accept his Kate. With the Bishop’s steadfast obstinacy towards the English blight on his flock, it will be up to Kate and Nathan to heal their community by bringing home the son of the Bishop and renewing hope in the Amish through forgiveness.

Excerpt:

     It was nearly a week before Nathan finally convinced me to walk with him in the waning afternoon. I had run out of excuses to avoid the side of the barn that had once offered us a pleasured moment of privacy. Stepping off the porch with him I held myself stiffly as we walked toward the shade of the barn, my eyes watching the dead stalks for any movement other than the fluttering afternoon breeze.

     It was when I jumped at Nathan’s hand on mine that he frowned and stopped just out of sight of the house.

     “What is wrong?” he asked, concern etching his features. “You look fearful.”

     I swallowed and glanced past his shoulder to the mocking wave of corn. He glanced behind him, still confused.

     “That’s where he took me,” I whispered. “I haven’t been able to get that out of my head. I have nightmares.”

     Nathan’s eyes widened and he pulled me toward the house again with care.

     “I did not know it frightened you,” he said and continued to hold my hand with a protective grip, even in view of the house. As if daring propriety further, he leaned in and kissed me on my temple.

     “I will fix this,” he said and sat me back on the swing, his arm wrapped around me.

     Although it should have been avoided for propriety’s sake, I took comfort in his embrace. It pushed away the tension and for the rest of the night, I felt as safe as I should have when I was with him. I made a promise to myself when I went to bed that night to stand up to my fear so that Nathan wouldn’t have to worry about me.

     I was surprised the next morning when I stepped outside with Emma to milk the cows and discovered Nathan already in the field closest to the barn, his horses rigged up to one of Jonah’s larger machines, and already the first row of corn by the barn had been cleared from the earth. Behind him in the large wagon stood a man I recognized and was surprised to see working amongst the Amish.

     Benjamin Yoder. I remembered him from the Gathering, seemingly months ago. Benjamin was the old friend of Nathan’s who had helped find me.

     The Bishop’s son.

     He was still dressed in English clothes, his dark hair grown out since the last time I had seen him and a wavy mess from the work. It was obvious he knew how to work the machinery. I wasn’t quite sure why he was here, but as Nathan looked up and spoke to him, I could tell the two had somehow resolved their differences. They smiled and called out to one another, working well as a team to complete the task at hand. Both were already soaked in sweat and Nathan’s concentration was such that he didn’t even notice Emma and me standing to watch him.

     I jumped when I heard Jonah beside me.

     “I woke up to find them hitching up the horses,” he said and looked toward the machine as it drew near. “Nathan is a good man to you.”

     I nodded and felt my eyes burning as I stood there.

     Nathan was clearing the field because it frightened me.

About the Author:

Jennyfer Browne has always been a sucker for a good love story- a complex recipe with a dash of dashing, a pinch of heroism, and a hefty dose of outside forces that test young lovers. Seasoned with tears and laughter, followed by a sprinkle of happy sighs fill out the perfect recipe. 

Jennyfer also enjoys pie.

Ms. Browne lives in California with her wonderful husband and adoring son, where she enjoys the beach and sailing off on further adventures. A member of the Romance Writers of America and blessed with an overactive imagination, she writes sweet and savory romances with a twist of tart that always come to a happy ending.

Author Links:

 Amazon     |     FACEBOOK     |     Twitter     |     Website

Lexi's Review for Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters

Quintessentially Q 

by Pepper Winters

Release Date: December 15th, 2013

Genre: New Adult Erotic Suspense Romance

Series Info: Book Two in the Monsters In The Dark Series

Summary:

“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right."

Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do.

He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster. 

Lexi's Review: 

In Quintessentially Q, written by Pepper Winters, we are reading the continuation of Tess's and Quincy's lives. In this sequel, we got to take a peek into Q's mind, because one chapter is dedicated to Tess's mind and the other to Q's.

Tess and Q couldn't be more happy together. They finally could let themselves go in their throes of passion, but how long will their happy routine will last? When will Q finally appreciate Tess the way she deserves and realize what he is about to lose?

When I said Tears of Tess was the darkest book I've ever read, it was totally true, but now after I've read Quintessentially Q, I have to change my statement. QQ is ten times darker and more angsty than Tears of Tess. On one hand I'm happy about this because it made me even more curious of how things would come out, but on the other hand my heart contracts whenever the characters suffer.

Tess calls Q her monster in the dark because of all his dark thoughts and pleasures, and at a certain point in QQ I think that Q can call Tess, his monster in the dark as well. Tess is going through a very hard time in Quintessentially Q, and now I really believe that Pepper Winters likes to torture her characters. At one point, I really thought that Tess would switch places with Q. Whilst in the first book Tess is the one suffering the most, in the sequel, I believe they both are tortured equally, if not Q a bit more...

Q definitely shows his influence and power over others in his mission to save Tess. I grew a special fondness for Q. My heart throbbed every time I read his thoughts and internal struggles. I think I started to love Q not only for his suffering, but for the power of his love and for his determination to find Tess. And even though Q would be too intense for me in real life, I found the softer side of Q a lot more bearable and I wish he'd remain this soft for the rest of his life…but I know I might be delusional regarding this fact.

I think that the amount of sex in this book is considerably less, but do not take it as a negative remark. Quite the opposite, really. If there was more smut, the level of angst and action of the book would be less and that would have been a real disappointment. I think that Pepper Winters manages to combine the two characteristics perfectly in order to keep the reader with his heart in his throat.

I wasn't a fan of stories full of angst and pain, but after reading Tears of Tess I fell in love with this genre, and I think that everyone could come to love the genre after reading these beautifully written books. Even if you don't come to love the genre, you will definitely appreciate the author’s writing that leaves me speechless every time. She describes every living emotion and view to the smallest detail. And don’t get me started on the very elegant and refined covers.

I recommend this awesome novel to anyone that likes full of angst books! I definitely enjoyed it. :)

Rating: 

About the Author: 

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex. 

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. 

Her debut book Tears of Tess will be followed with Quintessentially Q. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon. 

Author Links:

Website     |     Twitter     |     Facebook     |     Goodreads     |     Pinterest

Giveaways:

Signed paperback of QQ and signed swag pack!!     |     2 signed paperbacks!!