Book Reviews – Page 10 – Sassy Reviews

October 12, 2025

Rivera, the Cohiba Man

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Rivera, the Cohiba Man 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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Rivera, the Cohiba Man by Edo Cruz is a captivating and deeply engaging read. The story centers on Rivera, who fell in love with Rosa when they were just thirteen. Together, they moved to San Agustín, driven by the belief that Cuban soil could yield the most flavorful mangoes in the world. Their journey wasn’t easy—especially during the years when Rivera became consumed by his obsession with crafting the perfect cigar.

Rivera’s connection to tobacco began at the age of eleven under the guidance of his first mentor, El Chino. By sixteen, he had moved from the fields to the factory—a transition that proved to be a profound cultural shock. Through years of discipline and dedication, Rivera developed his own philosophy of cigar rolling. Eventually, he joined the La Corona factory, resolute in his ambition to become the finest twister in Cuba.

What makes this book truly remarkable is its portrayal of a man whose artistry stems from passion and perseverance—whose hands tell stories as eloquently as his heart. Edo Cruz’s writing is elegant yet powerful, drawing readers in with every page. The story is immersive and beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it—Cruz has crafted an exceptional piece of literature.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy book on Amazon

October 12, 2025

Smoking the Pleasure

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Smoking the Pleasure 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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Smoking the Pleasure by Edo Cruz takes readers on a journey with a true smoke adventurer who reveals how to choose the perfect cigar, light it without singeing your eyebrows, and impress others with your cigar knowledge.

In this book, the author shares the secrets, tricks, and tips gathered throughout his smoky adventures. Readers will discover Cuba’s deep and multifaceted connection with habanos and learn the art of making a flawless cigar cut. I especially wish I had known earlier the golden rules for lighting a cigar.

Cruz encourages readers to embrace life with a bit more pleasure and a bit less seriousness. The insights and experiences he shares make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. I particularly appreciated the engaging anecdotes woven throughout his narrative.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy book on Amazon

October 12, 2025

After Fifty: A Cigar

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: After Fifty: A Cigar 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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After Fifty: A Cigar by Edo Cruz is a captivating read. The story centers on Dantes Cruz, a fifty-four-year-old man who has been smoking since he was twenty. While living in France, he learned to appreciate the finer things in life — the best cigars and the finest rum. Although he left Cuba long ago, Cuba never truly left him.

Even his French wife, Isabelle, cannot fully grasp his deep connection with cigars. Dantes simply wishes to be remembered as a man who knew how to choose a good cigar.

The book brims with raw wisdom and life changing revelations. Its thought-provoking insights make it both meaningful and memorable.

Edo Cruz beautifully draws readers into the rich world of Cuban tobacco, offering glimpses into its culture and craftsmanship. I came away with a deeper appreciation for the cigar stories. Pick up this book without hesitation — it will make you ponder your choices, the life you lead, and how you want to be remembered.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book is available on Amazon

October 12, 2025

Montecristo: The Legend

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Montecristo: The Legend 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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Montecristo: The Legend by Edo Cruz is a truly distinctive read. The story opens in Paris, where Dantes Cruz and his friend Sandro share a bond built over fifteen years. Their friendship began in Geneva during the most prestigious Habanos auction of 2010. One day, they receive a mysterious invitation to a secret tasting event in Portland. Along with the invitation comes a small flask bearing the emblem of the Menéndez family—the original founders of Montecristo.

The event coincides with the equinox, marking the anniversary of the Montecristo brand’s founding. Sandro observes that whoever orchestrated this knows not only their shared love for Habanos and rum but also the intimate details of their past adventures. The Legend is more than just a habano—it is a key that unlocks long-forgotten doors. To discover where this mystery leads, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

It’s an engaging and well-paced story, and I particularly enjoyed the author’s world-building. The cover image is appealing, and the title fits perfectly. The book is concise enough to be read in a single sitting. I’m impressed by Edo Cruz’s thoughtful choice of title and theme. Readers who enjoy stories steeped in the world of cigars will find this one especially rewarding.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy Book on Amazon

October 8, 2025

Voices through Time

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Voices through Time 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Voices through Time by Kerry Edwards tells the poignant story of a young woman named Anya, who leaves her home in Ukraine and travels to Verona, Italy, seeking a fresh start. She believes she can find healing and transcendence through literature and poetry. Verona, a city rich in history and immortalized by Shakespeare’s tale of the “star-crossed lovers,” becomes the backdrop for her journey of rediscovery.

Upon arrival, Anya finds solace in a cathedral, where she meets Father Gregory, whose warmth and kindness deeply move her. Carrying only a few belongings—clothes, toiletries, and her cherished books—Anya is haunted by the loss of her love, Igor. Her family disapproved of him, fearing his ambitions would take her far from home. To make ends meet, Anya begins helping with cleaning and washing at the cathedral, and Father Gregory, in his generosity, arranges a cleaning position for her there while encouraging her to volunteer at La Casa Giulietta. His compassion becomes a guiding light in her path toward healing.

Will Anya ever find the peace she seeks? Voices Through Time is a heartfelt and hopeful story about letting go of past pain and embracing new beginnings. The book’s cover beautifully complements its tone, and the narrative reminds readers that peace is possible when we choose to heal. A truly engaging and uplifting read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 8, 2025

All Our Yesterdays

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: All Our Yesterdays 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“All Our Yesterdays” by Kerry Edwards is a captivating and deeply engaging read. Set in 1990s New York, it follows a twenty-three-year-old woman trying to find her footing in a new job, a new city, and a new country.

Living on a modest income in midtown Manhattan without family connections made life financially challenging. Her closest companion, a gay friend named Ali, encouraged her to embrace her true self. She also went on a date with a Frenchman named Giles, though she longed for the familiarity of native English speakers. Her boss, Susan, had a kind and intelligent husband, a beautiful home outside the city, and an art studio in Soho filled with her personal collection—an image of the stability the narrator quietly aspired to.

This beautifully written book reminds us of the importance of letting go of the past at the right time. It encourages readers to free themselves from the weight of hidden memories and unspoken secrets. The narrator’s journey shows how the past can shape—and sometimes haunt—our present. I truly enjoyed this book and found the title “All Our Yesterdays” perfectly fitting for its themes.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 5, 2025

At Least I’m Trying

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: At Least I’m Trying 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tara Hodgson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“At Least I’m Trying” by Tara Hodgson is a gripping and emotionally charged read. The story centers around Reese, who has been passionate about volleyball since she was ten. Her best friend is Willow, and Gabe has been in love with her. But after a devastating mistake during a game, Reese not only loses her confidence—she also sees her dreams crumble before her eyes.

Among her teammates is Cassie, who, despite being more focused on sexting than sports, manages to stay on the team because of her personal connections. As the story progresses, Reese meets Liam, and from that moment, her life begins to change. I could deeply relate to Reese when she overlooked the warning signs in her relationship with him. The question lingers—what dangers await her next?

This is an engaging and relatable story for teenagers, adults, and parents alike. It highlights how easily someone can be influenced when their bond with their parents is strained. Tara Hodgson’s book serves as an eye-opening reminder for parents to stay connected and aware of what’s happening in their children’s lives.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 5, 2025

The Night Girl

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Night Girl 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James Bow ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Night Girl by James Bow is a captivating read. The story follows Perpetua, who arrives in Toronto with just $500 in her pocket, determined to start a new life. On her first day in the city, she meets Fergus, a kind taxi driver who offers her a discounted (or even free) ride to help her get started.

Perpetua urgently needs to find a job—otherwise, she’ll have to return to her overbearing mother. Luckily, Fergus points her toward a potential opportunity that seems perfectly suited to her skills. But when she goes for the interview, she’s astonished to discover that her interviewer is a goblin and the position is far from ordinary. The agency she’s applying to specializes in job placements for goblins and trolls. What will happen when the veil between worlds begins to lift?

This is a refreshing story that kept me hooked throughout. The title fits perfectly, and the cover design complements the tone of the book beautifully. The pacing is excellent, and Perpetua’s character is thoughtfully developed. I especially enjoyed reading Fergus’s journal entries—they added warmth and depth to the narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend The Night Girl to fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 4, 2025

Citizen’s Awakening

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Citizen’s Awakening 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Canyon Holgate ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Citizen’s Awakening, written by Canyon Holgate, is the first installment in the Citizen’s Trilogy. The story centers around Kat Holt, an identical twin who is married to her best friend, Damon Holt. During a gender reveal party, Kat accidentally cuts her hand with a pair of scissors—but moments later, the wound mysteriously disappears, completely healed.

Kat later approaches Senator Rockford, seeking a waiver or some form of exemption from the mandatory genetic marker testing. She is adamant about not participating. However, the Senator insists the test is necessary, as officials are eager to understand how Kat is expecting triplets in a time when many women struggle with infertility.

As Kat hides her extraordinary ability to heal herself, the suspense builds—will anyone uncover her secret?

The storyline kept me on edge throughout, constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s a gripping, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down once I started. The author’s world-building is vivid, and the pacing adds to the book’s intensity. Overall, Citizen’s Awakening is an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 4, 2025

Once A King, Now A Prince

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Once A King, Now A Prince 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ira Blacker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Once A King, Now A Prince is a raw and powerful true story about family dysfunction, the mob, sex, drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It chronicles the life of the author, Ira, who endured and survived a deeply troubled childhood. From a young age, he suffered abuse from his father and emotional neglect, especially after his father brought his daughter from a previous marriage into their home.

Ira’s journey took a darker turn when he was admitted to the Psychiatric Ward at Kings County Hospital — an experience so terrifying that it affected him physically. Yet, it was in that place that Ira began learning hard-earned lessons about survival. Later, on the recommendation of psychiatrists, he was sent to Hawthorne to escape his abusive home environment. After spending more than three years in isolation at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, returning home felt like stepping back into a war zone.

This memoir is not just about trauma — it’s about resilience, recovery, and growth. Ira’s story spans from his tumultuous youth to his later ventures in business and investment, offering readers insight into his remarkable transformation.

I binge-read this book; it’s an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to human endurance. I deeply admire the author’s courage in sharing his story and his determination to rise above a painful past.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book not available yet, but more info on website https://onceakingnowaprince.com along with sample chapters.