Rose Wallin

My name is Rose, and with my hubby Ken, we run Desert Rose Reviews, Tours & Literary Services.

As a book obsessed 20-something housewife, I enjoy spending my time reading and reviewing books for authors, organizing tours and creativity celebrations, and will edit/Beta read upon request.

I also spend my time writing, esp lyrics for my band, and making music with my hubby. I am writing several books at the moment, and hope to have at least one of them published in 2014.

You can find me (and my reviews) on:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/butterscotchbubbles

Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/butterscotchbubbles

I'm also on Facebook, Twitter, and post my reviews on my blog. Followers, likes, friends and re-tweets always welcome and appreciated! :D

Read more of this interview.

Twitter: @rosebubbles4drr
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://www.desertrosereviews.blogspot.com/

• Into the Night on April 12, 2013
  
  I LOVE this book! I received this as part of a Read 4 Review opportunity, and I'm so glad I did, because I probably wouldn't have come across it otherwise. I love the story in this book, it's so original and new. It's all very realistic, and very refreshing. I love all these characters, and the surprises and twists throughout the book kept me on my toes (so to speak) all the way til the end, and I adore the last few lines!! They certainly left me wanting to read so much more about this story, and see what happens with everyone. I'd certainly recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA or paranormal stories.
  
• What Will Be... on July 09, 2013
  
  Not my favorite book...wasn't atrocious, but certainly isn't one I'd read again, and my recommendation would come with hesitancy...
  
• Shredded on Aug. 07, 2013
  
  From the synopsis, this book sounded like a fantastic read. Having spent most of my time as a kid either reading or on my bike, skate-board, or roller blades, a book about a BMX girl definitely sounded interesting. The plot in this book is fantastic, and exactly what I was hoping for. Thankfully lacking the teen angst and emotional yo-yos that often accompany YA books, this story has realism and depth, while being a wonderful inspiration. We get to follow Josie on her summer adventure and watch her grow, facing decisions and challenges that ultimately help shape her as a person. The moral of this story, and the lessons presented, are all timeless and wonderful, and are mixed perfectly with the life of a teenage BMX athlete. The characters are all fantastic, and all easy to relate to. Complete with quirky parents, an irritating brother, old friends that seem to slip away, new friends who become family, and acquaintances you still can't figure out. The side characters are all interesting- they all contribute to creating a full little community, and add a great sense of realism and depth to the story. The BMX stunts are all simply awesome, and fill the book with amazing, adrenaline-filled action scenes. The synopsis (or blurb) really does a great job at describing this book- it's right on the nose, and the book is as good as it sounds. I love the ending, and the life lessons in this story are all very touching. The writing is simply marvelous- with wonderfully researched descriptions of stunts and events, the author pulls you in and effectively shows you the world of BMX. The themes of feminism and sexism are most definitely apparent, and while I'm not exactly a feminist myself, those ideas are a very important part of this story, and I'm sure make the main female characters very relatable. I gave it 4 stars simply because that fits the best- while it wasn't in the "loved it" category, it's a really good story, and a book I would definitely recommend. *I was given an ebook copy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
  
• Wampus Springs - Mark of the Wolf on Sep. 16, 2013
  
  The synopsis on Goodreads had me pretty intrigued, as well as the cover- red eyes always peak my interest. I was excited for the chance to read this book in exchange for a review, and I'm glad I did, because it was an exciting ride! The plot was as good as the synopsis sounds. Lots of danger, adventure, personal drama, and murderous stalking wolves. While she'd been safe for several years after the wolf attack, Lori always feared her attacker would return to finish her off. When her whole world shifts as dramatically as her changing body, she's quickly thrown into a living nightmare. Forced to stand against her worst fears, Lori's story takes us on a roller-coaster adventure. When the story started, we met a traumatized teenager, scared of everything, and understandably so. Watching her personal growth throughout the story was inspirational. One of the best parts of the book, is the fact that she's not the only character who grows, and who we get to see deal with personal issues. Several of the characters become addicting throughout the book, and keep you just as interested in their stories as you are in Lori's. Each character faced a wide range of emotions and adventure, keeping this gripping book flowing quickly til the last page. While Lori is the main character of this story, the author wrote from several different points-of-view. When done well, shifting points-of-view make for some of the best stories, and add layers of depth to the story that can rarely be achieved otherwise. Luckily this book was very well written, and while there were some editorial mistakes, the overall writing was captivating, keeping the reader hooked on a thrilling story. Overall, I liked this book. I took off a star due to some intense vulgarity, some mature content and language, but other than that, I enjoyed this story. I'd recommend this to any fan of YA/NA wolf stories. *I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
  
• Shattered on Dec. 28, 2013
  
  The first thing that attracted me to this book, was honestly the cover. It's eye-catching and unique, and mixed with a synopsis that promises a good mystery, it seemed like something worth reading. While it is listed as a "short story," I think I would probably categorize it as a novella. There are several characters the story follows, and it definitely has some intense and suspense-filled situations. The mystery of who killed the twin is awesome, and was very well done. I had no clue who it was until the last chapter, which left me biting my nails and had my stomach in knots. I enjoyed Sandra Madera's writing style. It was quick, and she described the characters and surroundings very well. My only complaint, was the fact that in some places, especially in the high-suspense scenes, the author took the time to detail and describe things that I didn't really need to know, and it pulled me out of the intensity that scene was supposed to have. Some readers may enjoy knowing the color of the couch at the climax of the story, but I'm more of a "get to the action" reader, which is the reason for the four stars, instead of five. For a stand-alone mystery though, it was very good, and is one I would certainly recommend.
  
• Scapemaker on Dec. 30, 2013
  
  Dreams are things most of us deal with. We wake up grasping at wisps of images, and usually shake them out of our heads with our morning shower. Scapemaker poses a different kind of scenario: what if dreams aren't just in our heads? What if there's a dream world, and it's real? The idea for this story is as fascinating as it is exciting. Matthew is thrown into a surreal world where dreams are real, even more real than the waking world, all while trying to save his innocent father from a lifetime in the dream-world prison. Battling night-terrors, extraordinary creatures, and his own past full of secrets, Matthew finds himself in a fantastic adventure against evil and darkness. While he tries to win the heart of his dream girl, he learns to use his new-found powers, and with the help of his new friends, he will help protect the future of dreams. Mr. Cypert created an awesome story with this book. His attention to detail was wonderful, creating a well-rounded and complete alternate reality. I look forward to the sequel, and would certainly recommend this book to any fan of paranormal/supernatural adventure stories. *I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review. ~Rose @Desert Rose Reviews
  
• Snobbity Snowman on Dec. 06, 2017
  
  If you love Frosty, you'll love his cousin, Snobbity! A good children's books are meant to be entertaining, and at the same time, teach an important lesson. This one does that quite well, with wonderful illustrations following Snobbity as he learns how to be caring and humble. Perfect for the Christmas season, this cute book would be a perfect way to show a simple example of being caring toward others, and humility is the best way to feel truly happy in life. This is definitely a book I would share with any friends who have young children, and would recommend to any parents or caretakers. There isn't a whole lot to say about it, because it is a short illustrated book, but really, there isn't anything I'd change about it. Pick it up today - you won't be disappointed! *I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review. ~Rose @Desert Rose Reviews