Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
I enjoyed reading this book. It was definitely thought provoking and left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This is a great read for a quiet weekend or on a rainy day.
The Girls Across The Bay by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The pacing for this book was a bit meh. Similar aspects of detective/police/journalism seemed rushed in one part and nit picked at others. It could be one of those things where the formatting is deliberate and only becomes apparent on a second read. Some of the plot was confusing and I couldn’t really nail down a timeline but it didn’t really confuse me too much. Hopefully the next book will answer some of my questions and resolve a cliffhanger or two.
All in all, this was a very nice read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series
Undercover by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Undercover by Via Mari is the second book in the Billionaire Bodyguards series. This book is a great follow up to the first in the series. This author really knows how to create lasting characters. I love how all of her series have that slight crossover. It really helps to connect even more with the characters she has created.
The story was fast paced and exciting. It grabs your attention right from the start. With the mystery surround Marenah it was easy to become invested in the story.
This is a great book and a series you should definitely try!
The Season Finale by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book. A great series. A great author.
Silvio has created such a fun masterpiece in these pages and continues her wild ride with the Paranormal Talent Agency in a wonderful conclusion. I hate to see this series end but it is done with great detail, page turning suspense, a thrill ride to romance, just absolutely loved it. The characters are fun and quirky and relatable. The pace of the story keeps you engaged and enthralled. This quick read has a little bit of everything and certainly kept me guessing as to what might happen next. Throw in the backdrop of Vegas and you’ve got yourself a sure fire winner. You need to read this!
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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The Girls Across The Bay by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I give The Girls Across the Bay (The Knox and Sheppard Mysteries Book 1) by Emerald O’Brien, 5 stars.
Madigan and Grace met in foster care when they were young and have been sisters ever since. Madigan is a reporter but is frustrated with her job. Grace is a cop who has ended up in a small town since an incident in the city. The two are struggling, but are stronger together. When a murder happens in their small town, the two try to figure out just what happens. But the more they find out, the more it looks like things from their past may be lurking. Will they get to the bottom of it? At what cost?
I really enjoyed this book. Both women have struggled in life, they’re very complicated characters. This makes this book so much more interesting. The other characters just round a good whodunit even more. The story itself is quite interesting too. There are so many twists and turns, which always makes for a great murder mystery. Not to mention all the possible suspects, but you will never know just what happened until the end. I cannot wait to read more of this series.
If you enjoy suspense murder mysteries with strong female main characters, this book is for you.
Review by @erinwolf79
The Girls Across The Bay by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Girls Across the Bay is the first of the instalment of the Knox and Sheppard series. It’s a mystery/thriller that follows the lives of two foster sisters, their careers and how they are merged together under some tragic circumstances. This was a detailed read and I loved how much we were thrown into the characters and their world. Although a longer read, I found I couldn’t put this down and finished it in one Sunday-afternoon sitting. If you love a good mystery and strong family ties, this is definitely the book for you!
This is one of those books that had me hooked from the moment I read the blurb. Not only was it creepy, it also mentioned two of my favourite careers to read about: detective and journalist. Don’t ask me why, but I just love characters in these lines of work; I find them so interesting and fun to read! With Grace and Madigan also being family, I knew this was going to be a book I would enjoy. And the story did not disappoint. While it took me a while to get my head around the logistics and connections of the plot, I can’t deny that I was hooked on the story from the very beginning. The elusiveness of Grace and Madigan’s past is enough to keep you interested but throw in a murder, some romance and colleague rivalry, and you have the makings for a really entertaining read. Seeing Grace and Madigan battle with their colleagues was one of my favourite parts of this book, even if it was a little frustrating at times!
The murder of a local women is the heart of the story and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? The investigation of the crime was actually really well paced and well written. It didn’t drag on for too long, nor did it feel rushed and unnatural, which can often be the case with mysteries when they are too romance heavy. I liked the twist of having Madigan’s journalist career involved in the investigation, too, as this offered a different perspective to things.
If you can’t already tell, I really enjoyed this book. After being in a bit of a reading slump, this has definitely peaked my interests and got me back into a reading mood, especially for mysteries. This was a fab start to a new series and I know I will be buying the rest of the books. Thanks to the author for such a great read!
Review by @ashleighw
September Breeze by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
SEPTEMBER BREEZE is a story set in. Cinnamon Bay. Small town romance is totally in my wheel house and books with soundtracks are even better.
This town is filled with quirkiness (most especially in the form of three amazing women who want the best for their town. The characters are relatable and easy to read. There are sweet moments and nose sniffling sad moments.
I am a huge fan of this author and look forward to finding other stories set in Cinnamon Bay.
Review by @mauraharper
Unchained Memory by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unchained Memory is the first book in Donna S. Frelick’s Interstellar Rescue Series. It is a gripping story, following Asia as she unravels the mystery of the night she lost three hours, as well as her family and home.
Dr Ethan Roberts is dedicated to helping people who are relying on delusions of alien encounters to cope with trauma. When Asia comes to him with vivid dreams that tell of an extra-terrestrial life as a slave known as 1408, he begins to question whether she could really be delusional, leading him to reconsider some of his past patients.
Unchained Memory intermingles scenes from Asia’s dreams (or memories?) with her current life as she works through therapy to try and make sense of that night. The narrative in the present switches between Asia’s first-person perspective and a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective of Ethan. There were a few points where I found this confusing but mostly it was clear.
There’s plenty of suspense in both the past and present timelines – how will 1408 escape from her slavery? Will Ethan be able to help Asia? Who is the man in the white Impala and what does he want? Will Asia and Ethan be able to resist each other for the sake of their doctor-patient relationship?
For me, this is a five star book. It’s different, interesting and entertaining. I’d recommend it to fans of sci-fi and romance who are interested in alien abductions and love big, intertwining mysteries.
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star
17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore is a wonderfully written story that I found myself lost in the pages and couldn’t stop read till I finished. I felt as if I was part of the story and the twist and turns that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. Prudence Penderhaus is for a lack of better terms.the girl everyone loved to hate was bullied through school and was struggling to find her place in this world. Find out what happens when she gets a death sentence. That’s the day she began to live. I can’t say enough about this story. I don’t want to give to mych away.i highly recommend reading this book. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley
5 Stars
This is an automatic go to author for me..I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her and will always read anything she comes out with. In saying all of that, this one was a bit different then Im used to and borders outside of what I normally choose to read, which is why this one will not be my favorite by this author.
It was still beautifully written as I’ve become used to and if I read more fantasy I would probably be doing back flips about this book, but I don’t, so not being able to connect to this story or these characters was simply a personal choice and in no way reflects on this author and her talent with writing, which is why I still rate this 5 stars,.
It was a fast moving story and had some suspense and twists which I did enjoy and I can’t wait for her next book as no matter what I will have it 🙂
Definitely recommend for those fantasy readers out there.
Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
4 Stars
This is a whole new level of reading for me, more of a self guided tour of one’s own mind and self reflection of your own musings and wandering of the mind. I found myself thinking a lot about everyday perspective and how this book would actually as some points be actually what your were thinking.
A brilliant guide into the depth of self joy to both writer and reader.
Unchained Memory by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unchained Memory: Interstellar Rescue Series Book 1 By Donna S. Frelick. From page one I knew I’d really like this book immediately I was drawn into the storyline. This isn’t necessarily my usual reading but I was pleasantly surprised by the story. The characters are complex and relatable, written well. The storyline is well paced and had me completely hooked. Each character brings something different and unique to the story. The author just has a way of drawing readers in and painting a picture with words. I’m excited to see where readers are taken next. Five stars and highly recommended!
My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My One Love is the 2nd book in the Brother of Camelot series by Necie Navone. It should be read after reading the My Life Series, but I think you could possibly skip Happily Ever After. However, you shouldn’t, because these books are amazing and you should read them all! I seriously want a movie series made about these books. I have gotten so connected to the characters and love them all. This book continues the story of Grayson and Lexy (aka Aless). Lexy and Grayson met as teenagers, and 8 years later they reunite and instantly have that same spark they felt so long ago. Its almost like it was love at first sight, but they quickly learn love might not be enough. Relationships take work and sacrifices, and compromises. But both are so strong willed and stubborn, will they be able to make it work out? Read this story to see what happens between Lexy and Grayson, and get a deeper introduction to the other characters. I hope Navone writes Hawkins story next! Until next time…
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
17 Marigold Lane was a great 5 star read and book one in the Prudence Penderhaus series.
My heart was squeezed and I got teary eyed fairly quickly after I started this book. My heart went out to Prudence. Not only has she received some very heartbreaking news, but she endures bullying while on her way to school. This is something that has been an everyday thing for her.
She decides she has nothing to lose and goes up to the supposed haunted house that everyone is afraid to go to. There are rumors of a coffin in the living room along with other spooky things. When she knocks on the door an unexpected person comes to the door, someone she never expected to meet, a boy her age.
Cassius has never been out in the world. As he gets to know Prudence she convinces him to go outside with her. When Cassius starts to do inappropriate things Prudence feels responsible for him. There are several more unexpected twists and we find out some secrets that were thought long buried away.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Prudence is a very strong young lady, that has gone through a lot. Cassius tugged at my heart strings and he had a great connection with Prudence. These two made my heart smile. I will warn that you may need kleenex, my heart broke for the things that Cassius went through. R.M. Gilmore pulled me right in, I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My One Love by Necie Navone
Five Stars
My One Love is the second book in the Brothers of Camelot series by Necie Navone. This book is action pack from beginning to end. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend that you read the books in this universe before you read this book. It will give you insight to the characters you will meet in this book. This is Lexy and Grayson’s story and they will have your emotions run ragged by the end. I love the hot sex scenes and the action and adventure is nonstop. Lexy is a complex person who knows how to take care of herself and those she loves. This is one of my favorite summer reads of the year. I highly recommend this book, series and author.
Review by @sunbarn
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Happily Ever After – Brothers of Camelot Style by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This should be read after book 1 as it is a continuation of the story.
This is a fast read set in a shorter time than some of the other stories. There is a bit of jumping around, but I was able to stay focused and stay present in the story.
I absolutely rexommend this author and this series.
review by @mauraharper
Proper Impulse
By: Zeia Jameson
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Proper Impulse (Jaded Lily Book 4) by Zeia Jameson was an interesting, fun, read that had me hooked.
With every book I read from this series I just fall more and more in love with it. This one was probably my fav so far, as it has that element of polar-opposites, that have it out for one another, but can’t help fight the attraction. The writing had an easy flow, the detail was on point, and the pace was steady and swift moving.
I loved the MC’s, and the way they played off one another, their growth and their passion. It felt natural, and I just loved every minute of the romance. The plot wasn’t anything overly original, but it was fun, and I did very much enjoy it. It was nicely woven and it added something popping to the romance and the wicket dynamic of the MC’s. It’s not very often I like the MC’s over plot, so bravo to the author for that.
Overall this book is a fun quick read that will have you flipping the pages. It has a little bit of everything and it delivers what it promised. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval that you will fly through this yin yang read.
Happy Reading
-Review by @eawalsh
My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My One Love (The Brothers of Camelot #2) by Necie Navone is the 2nd book in the Brothers of Camelot series. I definitely recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. It’s been a long time since I read book one so I was a little lost but was able to catch up. Overall, I liked the book and have no real complaints. I think it’s a great book to just get lost in. I would rate 4 stars!
IRRESISTIBLE HEROES by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This box set was a great read. All of the stories were quite enjoyable. One of my favorites were Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes by Tamara Ferguson which was an all around great story to read. The characters were very likable. What were the odds of Samantha Coldwell and Ben Nash crossing paths again. The chemistry between them was off the charts. Once it is know that Sam Coldwell is a wanted woman, how will Nash react? Will he care? Will he want to save her? Great read! Looking forward to more from many of the authors in this set especially Tamara Ferguson.
Review by @xchellex
Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie is a collection of Essays that were created on a blog. I have never read any of her blog posts before but I enjoyed this book and would definitely read any other thoughts she decided to write down. It’s different then reading a book for sure but it was still quite fun and entertaining. It is a very descriptive look at the author’s life. I would rate 4 stars!
Orion’s Kiss by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had not read any other books by this author, but I am always looking for my next fix when it comes to my next reading adventure. When reading the synopsis of the book, it sounded interesting especially since I have always had an interest in mythology from a very young age. The book did not disappointment me. The story was interesting and kept attention from the beginning to the end. The story of Merope and Orion is one that you will not be able to put down. It is an enjoyable read.
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore is the first book in the Prudence Penderhaus series. Prudence is a high school senior who has been dealt a terrible medical diagnosis. People think she is an odd girl and so she has only a few friends. Despite the obstacles, she is a sweet and caring girl who decides to go to the local “spook house”. There she meets an odd boy. What else will her curiosity bring to her life?
I really enjoyed the story and especially the characters. Prudence is an independent spirit who does not have to be at the front of the crowd. She is confident, sweet, and smart. I did not put this down until I had finished and I look forward to more in this series.
Review by @sherimichelle1
Undercover by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
UNDERCOVER by Via Mari is the second book in the Billionaire Bodyguards series and this is Matt and Marenah’s story. I have been waiting for this story since The Torzial Affair series; where I first was introduced to Matt and couldn’t wait for him to find his other half. I have to say the chemistry between Matt and Marenah was off the charts. Who would have guessed that a Billionaire Bodyguard and the granddaughter of the Bratva could fall in love?
Via Mari, all I have to say is that every one of your books just keeps getting better and better. Your writing has a way of pulling me in and loving every word. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next book in the highly recommended series of books.
Reviewed by @jbruno26
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My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My One Love is the second book in Necie Navone’s Brothers of Camelot series BUT I need to tell you that you should read her My Life prequel trilogy before you start on this one as that trilogy sets the scene to Aless and Grayson’s story! You are lucky that you can read them all in one go as there are so many storylines!
I love Necie’s stories! They are steamy and adventurous and they also give us the dream of decent, loyal, hot alpha guys who make it worth the pain! I love her Brothers of Camelot universe and as there are quite a few of them then we know that there will be so much more pleasurable reading in our future!
Aless and Grayson, they are both grown up now and Aless aka Lexy has finally made her move and is ready to move on with her ‘ordinary’ life. There are secrets and there is mystery and there is forgiveness and there are so many other great characters that enter the Brothers of Camelot universe and I hope that we will see more of them in the future books (or at least get an update on them!).
I know that you might have heard that you can read the books as standalones but I sincerely recommend reading them in the order as there are references to previous stories/couples and you want to understand them!
Proper Impulse by Zeia Jameson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Proper Impulse is the fourth book in Zeia Jameson’s Jaded Lily series. I have read the previous two and yes, you could read it as a standalone, do yourself a favour and read them in order as they are linked to each other through the characters.
Proper Impulse is a sweet story that made me laugh out loud at times as Juniper and Milo are as different as two people can be! Juniper is a free spirited non-conformist with a heart as big as … and she is willing to bend the rules if she feels it serves a higher good. Milo is a straight laced police officer who sees everything black and white and always, always plays by the rules. Their worlds collide (nothing tragic so don’t worry) and it seems as if faith keeps throwing them together … I loved how the story was told from each of their POVs so it gave such a cool perspective on how clueless Milo was and how he struggled with entering the world that is not black and white …
I cannot wait to see what will come next in the series!
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore
5-Stars
17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore was amazing. I mean holy cow amazing. This was a wonderful well thought out novel featuring two amazing main characters. Cassius and Pru both had layers upon layers of character that was slowly revealed from page one. Cassius has Asperger’s and Pru is diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. These two alone made for a complex and compelling storyline thought easily kept my attention. It was interesting to see how the two became fast friends and seemed to help the other make sense of the world. I absolutely loved it. This is also the first book I have read by this author. I highly recommend it!
Proper Impulse by Zeia Jameson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great read about differences. Juni is a woman who doesn’t follow the rules but follows her heart instead. One day, she is caught by a police officer while getting clothes from a charity collection bin. She is let go but a few days later meets him again when someone accuses her of stealing coffee. As feelings grow between them, can they reoslve their differences of opinion for the sake of love?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Juni full of attitude but caring underneath or Milo stubborn but kinder underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the supportive Drew or sweet Mom or the friendly Smithy.
I loved the visual detsil throughout the novel like the sunset in the alley or the moon after the party full of serene colour for a sense of the clam before the storm. Or the scenes at the party full of life and people and colourful dresses wonderfully written. Or the bakery full of its cakes and customers with scents and sounds so vivid it’s as if you’re actually there.
The switch of perspectives worked well to display both sides of the story and was easy to follow with names in chapter titles. The only issue I would raise is that it felt like Milo was being melodramatic about Juni’s actions and was never fully explained why. Of this was resolved and the anger reduced, it would be more relatable. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a couple of books from this author and she continues to blow my mind. This is the second book of the Brothers of Camelot. You have to read these books in order. I was so excited to read Lexy and Grayson’s book. You got to meet them when they were young and now the are very strong adults. I stopped everything and started to read this book right away. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a couple of days to devour this incredible book.
We met Lexy and Grayson when they were young and now they are adults. Lexy is still hiding from her family and she is waiting for the right time to come back into Grayson’s life. She is so excited but also scared that he might be taken already. Lexy is finally ready to see her Grayson. She makes a grand entrance that’s for sure. When they meet again their feelings are still immediate. Lexy is so happy that her man still feels the same as she does. She is so excited to have Grayson back into her life but she has a secret that she has been meaning to tell him. Lexy doesn’t want things to change between them because she loves him. Will Lexy be able to tell Grayson who she really is or will she keep her real self hidden?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, mystery, and forgiveness. You will fall in love with these characters all over again. Lexy is a very strong and independent woman that knows what she wants. She has always loved the same man. Lexy is afraid to show her true self due to her past. Grayson has been trying to find the girl that stole his heart. He was in shock when she came back to him. The way he treats her will make you swoon. These characters have some steamy scenes that will make your temperature rise. This talented author will have you on the edge of your seat until the end. I can’t wait to see what will happen next to these unforgettable characters.
Review by @heatherbass
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IRRESISTIBLE HEROES by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Irresistible Heroes Anthology by Tamara Ferguson, Natalie Ann, Suzanne Jenkins, Cynthia Cooke, Alicia Street, Alyssa Bailey, Stephanie Queen, Patrice Wilton is an anthology of fabulous romance stories by these 8 authors. I found myself getting lost in the various heros and their women from firefighter to cops, military and doctors and each will leave a lasting impression and steal your heart.
One such story is Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes by Tamara Ferguson is one of these stories and it is another amazing story in the Wounded Warrior Romance series and her characters are written to be loved.
Samantha has served her country and is now coming to terms and peace with the injury she endured to the point she is ready for more but what she didn’t know was that a certain Captain Ben Nash would be part of that more.
Ben is undercover and waiting for the full details to come to light but in the process he finds the one person he has been looking for and will stop at nothing to her protector.
With 8 wonderful stories to be had grab a copy and get stuck in.
Reviewed by @jennadb
17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore is a YA coming of age story. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop reading. It is well written with well developed characters. It is a story where the plot is dark and the subject is intriguing and enthralling, and emotions run high. This somber story is as mysterious as it is at times funny but it is also a little sad and will make your heart break it is also interesting and different that you need to know what is going to happen.
Pru is different and has no friends that is until she decides to face her fear and confront 17 Marigold Lane head on. What is finds is nothing compared to what she finds out later and the poor soul who has lived a life of torture.
A must read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
