The Enforcer: A Review (This Will Contain Minor Spoilers)

Warning: Some Spoilers Revealed

Overall:★★☆☆☆ 

 I wanted to like this story. It was about an ATF agent who was on assignment in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia and a beautiful doctor who suffered from PTSD. I have a soft spot for soldiers, so I was already primed to love it. But between the reactionary political agenda and the complete lack of editing and poor formatting, I just found myself wishing that the book was over. I don't know if a good edit would save it (an actual editor is listed on Amazon) or if it is not salvageable. But I am sad to say, this is my first negative review.


Originality: ★★★★☆

The plot was definitely original. But not in a way that left me feeling comfortable. Dylan is a reactionary with PTSD, which in my mind is a very serious and not at all appropriate character to have. Having family members who have been through WWII, Vietnam, and have either come back with PTSD of some form, or not come back at all, I found it so be unrealistic. The way she describes the illness, the use of a camp to bring all those with some sort of combat wear together. It is unsettling. I can't connect with a character that I feel is a danger to society, especially because she is not exactly therapy or med compliant. I applaud her trying to tackle such a difficult (and often ignored or trivialized subject) but I can't help but feel like it wasn't given the depth that it deserves. 

Character Development: ★☆☆☆☆

I hated the tropes that were used to communicate between the characters. Tobias was reduced to shirt sayings. It wasn't really that funny, it didn't communicate anything amazing to the plot and it just seemed like a cheap gimmick. It rubbed me the wrong way, every time. And that was a lot of the time, because it seemed like at least twice a chapter he wore some cliche on his chest.

I have already outlined the poor character development of Dylan, the heroine of the story, so I won't go into much more detail. But I will say that from what I saw of her behavior, it is hard to suspend disbelief enough to actually buy that she is a doctor who is allowed to work. 

Editing: ☆☆☆☆☆

This fell apart for me in so many ways. The .mobi file was horrendous. I don't know how anyone could read that straight through. Almostevery other sentencelooked justlikethis. There were no spaces between chapters, no page breaks. If you have an editor and if you are being published by a "press" (that I couldn't find online, by the way. James-York Press was not on the first page of results when googled). The you need to make sure to look at your .epubs and .mobis before you give them out. Especially when I'm not using some downloadable software to view it on my computer, I'm using my Kindle. 

There were several themes and tropes that needed to be avoided and a good editor could have steered this author in the right direction and turned something that was too reactionary and too upsetting into a controversial yet beautiful and artistic piece. 

The Sex: ★★☆☆☆

Dull. Boring, even. The lack of actual tension between the two individuals and the fighting that didn't really translate into sexual energy, at least not for me, made it supremely difficult to get into the sex. 

Veronica Hardy is a professional editor and author who enjoys writing reviews in her spare time, for fun. She is not compensated by authors, publishers or online retail markets for her opinions. If you are interested in a book review or editing services please email her at Veronica.R.Hardy@gmail.com.

Sorry Everyone: Unexpected Down Time

Apparently internet is unavailable where I was helping a family member relocate (I know, it is in the Mid-Atlanta too, go figure). So I have been out of commission for a while. But I have been reading!

Expect a review of:

Coming Soon!

Lady Hathaway's Indecent Proposal Is Indecently Tantalizing

Overall:★★★★★ (4.5 with Rounding)

When I sat down to read Lady Hathaway's Indecent Proposal I was excited because it seemed like the kind of romantic/erotic book that I would actually read. I love historical fiction, especially from the Regency Period in England until the Edwardian Era. I was also surprised when I researched the book, at only .99 cents, if it was as good as I hoped, it would be a steal. And it is. Suzanna Medeiros writes well, has a good grasp of the history and really pulls the reader in with this one.

Originality: ★★★★☆
Medeiros writes about a period that has been done over and over again. But she does so in such a way that is refreshing and enlightening. She looks at a period of time through the eyes of a widow and what she wants. And Miranda wants Andrew. He is sexy, he is her age and he has everything she wants in a man. Even if she can only have it for a little while.

Character Development: ★★★★★ 
Miranda is complex and detailed. She has lived the life a noble woman usually did, back in those days. Unable to marry for love, forced into a situation of convenience by those around her, she had the prospect to be well off. But fate/luck reared its ugly head and she was left with the plight of a woman in the time period. Add real life concerns and an undying love for a man she wished she could have married and there you go. A perfect story.

Andrew is just as interesting. Handsome, rough and tumble, and never married. Once wonders about his back story. About that time between pairings with Miranda. But his development is so good and his complex range of emotions so real, it becomes more of an afterthought.

Editing: ★★★★★
Obviously professionally done.

The Sex: ★★★★★
When we read these stories, we want the steam. We want the romance. We want to imagine would it would be like to be in Andrew's (or Miranda's) arms. The author does that well, and her descriptions are really sexy. I loved reading these scenes and found them to be very well done.


I think .99 is way too low for such a good work and cannot wait to see more from the Hathaway Heirs Series.

Veronica Hardy is a professional editor and author who enjoys writing reviews in her spare time, for fun. She is not compensated by authors, publishers or online retail markets for her opinions. If you are interested in a book review or editing services please email her at Veronica.R.Hardy@gmail.com.

Hang On Is Live and a 3rd Book Is In The Making

Hang On has been a major hit. It follows the story of Jensen and Holly. It is a longer work and took a labor of love but I am very happy with it and am excited to see it in stores everywhere! (Online of course)

These two are some of my favorite characters and I can't wait to find out where they will end up. They, after all, tell me, and not the other way around.

If you haven't already, I suggest checking out the series. It follows a beautiful plus size woman as she falls haplessly in love with a rough cowboy. If you like BBW Romance or Western Romance, this is the work for you.

I have received numerous emails asking when the third and final book in the Ain't Settlin' Series will be available. I am proud to say that work has begun on the book and you can expect it in the coming weeks.

Veronica Hardy is a professional editor and author who enjoys writing reviews in her spare time, for fun. She is not compensated by authors, publishers or online retail markets for her opinions. If you are interested in a book review or editing services please email her at Veronica.R.Hardy@gmail.com.

Ningaloo Nights is just short of a Knock Out

Overall: ★★★★☆

Tracy Cooper-Posey begins the book in the heat of Australia on the hottest month of the year. With the hottest man in Ningaloo, buck naked and baring it all. 

This tawdry tail follows the actions of a New York  Cop as she searches the outback for the body of her lost sister. But it is dangerous and she needs a guide. Only Mason Hayward can help. But what she isn't expecting is how handsome and sexy this rugged Aussie is. This is a good read if you want something quick and easy to get through with great sex, but it can be hard to suspend belief enough not to roll your eyes. 

Originality: ★★★★☆

I really like the idea of the story. I think it is smart, gutsy and empowered. The idea of a female cop coming to a distant country in order to find her lost or deceased sister is something that is fairly original. I like the premise and the idea of the story is very intriguing but the execution is lacking. Had the Author taken a little more time and drawn out the motivations of each character the premise could be more believable. 

Character Development ★★☆☆☆

This is probably the biggest flaw in the entire piece. Both characters seem too forced, not developed enough. Sherry is a good example. She speaks in a neutral tone and then suddenly flips back and forth into a New York tone, but it isn't realistic and neither is her bravado. It seems forced. The way she talks about guns and a "tough" exterior isn't an accurate portrayal of a New York City cop. Certainly not one who walks a "beat" it is my biggest issue with the whole book and creates holes for me. 

Mason knows too many things, too easily. It is a bit of a thin veil for the author pushing either character development or plot along. Potential is there for a really complex relationship but it is just too rushed. 

Editing:★★★★★

Very well done, I only noticed a few comma issues.

The Sex:★★★★☆

Some things are a bit unrealistic (I won't divulge because I don't want to spoil) but the rest of it was really well written. The attention to detail is magnificent. I love the way she talks about body parts, the heat of the moment and the actual action. It drew me in and provided the desired effect. I highly regard her writing for these scenes and it makes this a worth while read, even with the flaws.

Purchase Ningaloo Nights for the sex, the well written detailed scenes and the excitement.


Veronica Hardy is a professional editor and author who enjoys writing reviews in her spare time, for fun. She is not compensated by authors, publishers or online retail markets for her opinions. If you are interested in a book review or editing services please email her at Veronica.R.Hardy@gmail.com.