Self Made by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Self Made (Freshwater BOOK 2) by Belinda Williams was a fun book to read. I loved Jessica and Ant! Their chemistry was well balanced and their development well done. I enjoyed the plot, it felt really light and perfect for some escapism. I definitely enjoyed the read and loved the ending!
Her Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Heart (The Blackened Series Book 3) by Isra Sravenheart
3 Stars
This is a fantasy fairytale series. Isra must battle a mortal witch who is hell bent on revenge. Everilda blames Isra for everything that has gone wrong in her life and will stop at nothing until she destroys her. Read the book to find out how the battle ends.
The author introduces a few more characters in this novel. Each one is unique but unfortunately they are flat once again. The structure and wording of the sentences seem to be written as if English is not the first language of the author. If that’s the case, it’s forgivable. The author is once again repetitive and it’s frustrating reading back to back sentences describing the same thing. I will admit though that this book is better than the first part.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Love On The Ropes by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love on the Ropes: diverse, slow burn, frenemies to lovers, office rom com (Love in Action Book 1) by Aviva Vaughn is a delightful story. Aviva has done a great job with the characters. They will keep you entertained with their shenanigans and frenemies attitude towards one another. The characters feel real and blemished and Aviva could not have done a better job at bringing them to life. Watching them fight every step of the way is fun and enjoyable. Love on the Ropes is a wonderful start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what Aviva gives us next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Reign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was awesome! I have read a few books by this author and i have loved every one of them and this one is no different. The books just keep getting better and i am here for it! This is the 3rd book in the series and i would recommend reading this series in order to the best reading experience possible. This story was well written and the main characters made the story that much better. Giovanni and Serena were great. They made my heart hurt and soar. They had so many challenges and i loved watching them overcome everyone of them. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and i would recommend this to anyone that loves romance!
Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Review: Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic and Daily Conjurings
Author: Maria DeBlassie
FOUR STARS
A very different read for me. I am more of a story type person and this book was more of a self help type book. It is full of short quick reads to help you slow down and not overlook the small things in life. Maria DeBlassie is a new to me author and I did enjoy this as it is so totally different from my usual.
There are so many different things to take away from this book. You can pick it up and just skip around to whatever suits your needs at the time or you can read it cover to cover. You don’t have to worry about missing anything as each short section is different.
KLH
Reign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great read from this series! Action packed, suspense moments and the bedroom heat! I think is my favorite so far and that’s saying a lot with this authors books.
If you’re wanting a great mafia read, pick up this series you wont be disappointed .
Self Made by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that you won’t want to put down until you’re done. Belinda Williams writes amazing characters and Jessica and Ant do not disappoint.
Jessica loves fitness and has created an online empire that has made her quite popular. Ant is a comedian that does not share the same love of fitness that Jessica does. Jessica and Ant team up in a three-month transformation with all their fans watching. What ensues is a journey of not only body transformation but also self-discovery.
This book takes a couple of issues head-on…and they added more to the story. First, there is the mutual attraction between Jessica and Ant. Society doesn’t seem to like it when a fit woman falls for an unfit man (or vice versa). Jessica is scared of pursuing anything with Ant because she is also the owner of the company and she believes it would look bad to get involved with a client. Another issue that is faced is that sometimes what you think is helping a person can change them into someone else (and it isn’t always for the better). Ant begins to change as his body does and it may not be into a better person.
This is another good book by Belinda Williams that I enjoyed reading. I am looking forward to whatever she comes out with next!
Her Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Heart (Blackened Series Book 2) by Isra Sravenheartis is a dark fairy taleish fantasy paranormal story. Our villainess who is a very dark witch and the story has a bit of everything and the story line is original. Paranormal is my favourite genre so I am a fussy reader when it comes down to it. Did I like this book better than the first? Yeah. Would I recommend it to others? yes because like I said with the first book, just because it didn’t live up to my expectations, does not mean it will not for others.
3.5 stars
Reviewed by @jennadb
Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Based on the author, Christy Nicholas’s own parents love story and also Christy’s journey to find her father this fictionalised memoir was a touching and heartwarming read. Set in a changing America during the Summer of Love in 1969 this novel has a sixties feel about it and due to the authors wonderfully descriptive narrative the era is bought to life through the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of the time. The storyline centres around Julie Jensen’s escape from her “hide-bound world” and midwestern family as she embarks on her own adventure to find her independence whilst in the background America is full of cultural revolution and new freedoms. Following her dreams of art and travel Julie leaves the charming town in southern England and journeys into the decadent realm of Haight-Ashbury and then on to the exotic Barcelona coast. It is on the coast that Julie finds love but then a phone call one night has the opportunity to change her life forever as she has to make a choice between family duty and her own needs. Ultimately she must decide if the love she has found is worth all those she may loose. “Based on a true stories of love found and love lost, and one woman’s discovery of what matters to her”, this story is full of faith, free love and the freedoms of the 1960’s but also family drama and betrayal.
A wonderfully written novel with family and love at the heart of the storyline, the narrative flows well and the characters are likeable and relatable making this an easy read. I felt immersed in the settings described due to the detailed descriptions of time and place. I was fascinated to discover this was based on a true story and the authors personal investment in the novel does come across in the writing making this an engaging read. An enjoyable romantic love story which is all the more poignant for being based on a real couples romance.
Fall of the Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what I was going to be getting myself into when I picked up Fall of the Western Kings, the first book in the Tirumfall Trilogy from J Drew Brumbaugh. I just knew the cover had me hooked enough that I needed to know what was going on inside it. This book was quite the adventure and I really enjoyed all the detail and the action as well as the care put into the writing. This has just about everything you could want in the fantasy world with dragons, wizards, magic and demons just to name a few. We get to know Gant the main character that will take us on quite the ride. The supporting characters were fun to watch and follow as well. I look forward to seeing what we will get with the second installment, Child of Prophecy.
Review by @lizaileen
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Vanishing Day: Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book four in Davisson’s ‘Logan McKenna Mystery Series’ and having read the previous novels in the series I was looking forward to this one and was definitely not disappointed. Back with our fearless and extremely likeable independent heroine Logan McKenna and I felt as though I was back with an old friend. When Logan’s new young neighbour is viciously attacked by an unknown assailant and left for dead, Logan realises that her neighbours three year old daughter is the only witness to her mothers attack. The police investigation soon comes to a halt without any leads and so Logan decides to do what she does best and investigate herself. However Logan soon discovers that her neighbour is not who she said she was and her efforts to uncover the truth of what happened put Logan herself in extreme danger. Yet again I was hooked from page one with a Logan McKenna Mystery. This story kept me gripped from beginning to end as the storyline was action packed and fast paced and the mystery element of the plot kept me guessing. The characters are all well defined and interesting in their own right but Logan really does bring the story together for me. Although each story in the series can be read as a standalone novel I think the reader will have a better understanding of Logan’s backstory if the series is read in order. I look forward to future books in this enjoyable and engaging series.
Fall of the Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fall of the Western Kings (Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1)
by J. Drew Brumbaugh
This book drew me in from the beginning. I was kept entertained and the author did an exceptional job writing a book full of rich detail. This story is full of action, magic, danger, and great characters. In this story we follow Gant, who is on an adventure he never thought he would be on. Can him and his friends beat the evil that is trying to take over? I found this book to be refreshingly original and I had to start reading the second book in this series right away. I highly recommend this book.
Tidal Love by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harleigh is going through something very serious with Martin her husband who’s abusive. Harleigh is now on holiday and meets the Givona there. This is a real page turner and heartwarming story. Harleigh is a strong character and very engaging. I lovely read.
Love On The Ropes by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars
Love on the Ropes is the first book I have read by this author and I was not left disappointed.
I loved how Erin and Clint had sexual tension straight away and with their banter and frenemie style loathing for each other it made it a very humerous and addictive read, I could not put it down I read it in one night.
Clint thinks his life could not get anymore perfect until Erin, (who is still trying to discover who she is as a women) walks into the office and changes everything and all that they thought they knew and wanted comes to a hault. With some serious sexual chemistry and witty banter between the two you will be left wanting more and more.
The Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Patience Of Karma is the th5 book in the excellent Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. The Madeline Dawkins series is a collection of extremely well written detective stories that are captivating and you won’t want to put down.
In this 5th book, Madeline and Mike are now married and are happier than they have been in a long time but is one of their new cases about to cause a rift to their new marital bliss? Madeline and Mike have 3 new cases and have a lot on their plate.
I loved that their assistant Samir had a much bigger role in this book and hope we will continue to see more of him.
As with the previous books in this series, this book grips you straight way and keeps you gripped throughout. This book is very well written and the story is intricate and flows along well, keeping the reader highly engaged. I’m sure I’ve said in reviews of previous books in this series but I’m amazed at how well Cynthia Hamilton writes such intricate storylines and she’s done it again with The Patience Of Karma.
I’m a huge fan of this series and hope that Cynthia Hamilton keeps it going as I love reading about Madeline and Mike.
Reign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reign
The Larussio Legacy
Book 3
By Via Mari
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length Romantic Novel. Filled with suspense and some pretty steamy entertainment. Not for those under 18, due to adult content.
Welcome Giovanni and Serena! So guess who is after Serena? But let me tell you, she is a very strong independent woman. Even though Giovanni what’s to protect her and keep her safe, in the prison he calls home. Body guards everywhere and she still sneaks out, undetected. Read on to find out more. No Spoiler here!
Via Mari you never disappoint. This story takes off on page one, and continues to the End. I absolutely love how the women are always strong and independent. Your men are always learning to listen, even when they know best. The hot and steamy parts are just that Hot and Steamy. While this is a romantic story, there is so much more. The suspense raises your heart rate along with all your feelings. Job well done Via Mari! I’m looking forward to reading your next book!
Review@Cinful
Tidal Love by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of the best romance stories that I have read!!! There are so many ups and downs that my heart couldn’t keep up at times. This was a pretty fast read for me since I could not put it down from page one. This book will definitely pull at your heart and have you wanting to see Harleigh have something good in her life!!! I am looking forward to much more by this amazing author.
Love On The Ropes by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The started out slow and we are introduced to many characters. I loved the action at the camp between these two. It showed how sexy they could be together if they went that way. Clint seems VERY into her. I liked that. Once the story gets back to civilization it seemed to focus a lot on the jobs they both have and the romance seems to take a back seat.
Overall I enjoyed the story and read it fairly quickly. I really didn’t see any of the frenemies action or the cockiness from Clint that I was expecting. Clint seems very down to earth and kind. No showboating from him at all. I see the next in the series is about Patrick(who we haven’t met…only heard about). We will see where that takes us.
East Beach by W.F. Ranew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 3 in the Red Farlow series. Its a gripping murder mystery that has everything from police, crime reporters, drugs and arms deals.
When Red Farlow who is now a PI receives a worrying message from his friend Joe Trammell he goes to investigate. Finding his friend dying in a pool of his own blood Red realises that this is a murder. But who would want Joe dead.
Red starts investigating and goes on a journey that leads hims to drug catels and arms dealers.
Was Joe’s murder and professional hit? Was Joe involved or did he just know too much? Also there were 5 bullets found at the scene but only 4 hit Joe so where or who did the other one hit?
Red starts to unravel the case but keeps finding more questions than answers. Its a story that keeps you hooked to find out the truth.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rachel Huffmire grew up in the middle of a Utah wheat field where she found plenty of time to read and dream. Her mom paid her a dollar per classic novel she read so, in a quest to amass a small fortune, Rachel read over 200 classic novels in elementary school.
After dabbling with writing novels and stage plays, she ran to the BYU bookstore for her first job. Behind the register, she watched local authors hold book signings and began dreaming up plots of her own.
She currently lives in Southern California where she enjoys sand at its finest: the beach and the desert. She enjoys playing board games with her two little boys, snuggling her baby girl, and reading bedtime stories to her husband every night.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dr. Stu has always enjoyed spending time and conversing with souls desiring to make themselves known to him. He finds it quite normal to converse with them as he would a human. When writing with them he writes what they say verbatum or as close as possible to the desired meaning, he describes pictures they present and the emotions displayed. In his last book he wrote for the soul of Sarah Tarbell, a distant cousin of his describing the harrowing tale of her abduction at age fourteen and her growth to adulthood in a very different world. In this volume he writes for the soul Edouard who enlivened the body of John the Baptist. These works are subtitled, “As His/Her Soul
Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love this series and was really looking forward to reading something featuring Karina set somewhere outside Washington DC, and this absolutely lived up to my expectations! There’s plenty of action and danger as always, and when Karina makes mistakes and impulsive decisions, her friends are always there to help her pick up the pieces. I couldn’t put it down as usual and there are lots of details that add to the story. Can’t wait for the next book!
Accepted by Lisa Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is not my usual kind of book at all, but there’s definitely a lot of passion and drama. The characters were a bit difficult to relate to and it’s a bit slow at the beginning. The writing is good and flows naturally so it’s a pretty easy read. I’d recommend reading these books in order.
The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the first book so I was highly anticipating this one. There’s lots of action and magic in this one, and the world-building is complex and detailed. I love the mix of urban fantasy, cyberpunk and paranormal elements, as it adds a lot of tension and keeps you guessing.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting paranormal romance. The characters were well-written, although there were times when the plot was a little slow and it took me a little while to get into the flow of the book. There’s lots of humour and a pretty unique story.
True Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great book! There was plenty of action, chemistry between the characters, and lots of suspense. I really loved the danger and intrigue of this book. This was definitely a page-turner.
Reign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book of the series and can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other two first as there’s alot you may not understand and miss out on. Wow this story was just as good as the first two! I was pulled in and just lost amongst there world. I am a sucker for a romance with twist and turns, danger, suspense and so much more. I highly recommend this novel brilliant!!!
Fall of the Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book starts with Gant, a commoner and resident of a small village where he lives with his parents and helps his father as a blacksmith’s apprentice, where, on his way back home after his swordship training with his uncle, he comes across a friend of his being manhandled by a noble, whom he defends. The fact that he laid hand on a noble and he is only a commoner means he has to leave all that he has known behind, for the life of an outlaw. As he hurriedly packs some essential things and wishes his family and friends a hasty goodbye, he departs for the neighbouring kingdom and escapes from the ramifications of his crime.
As Gant is travelling, his thoughts turn to what he has done and how he may never be able to see his family and friends again, he doesn’t regret what he has done, just feels sadness that this is the result. Suddenly, he sees a figure running over a hill behind him and smiles as he is joined by his best friend and as much as Gant tries to get him to turn back, he refuses and insists on going with Gant. This lightens the load on Gant’s shoulders and he begins to smile and feel relieved that he won’t be on his own, at least for now.
As the two friends walk towards their next destination, they talk about what is going to happen back home and then onto current events within the kingdoms and how it might affect the one they have just left and talk of an upstart invading and taking control of another neighbouring kingdom. Later on in the evening, the noble finds Gant and his friend and threatens them, though his words perturb them and they discuss it after he leaves.
The next day, they arrive at their destination and begin their new lives and get into new routines of work and sparring training, this is until trouble find them and a new journey begins where they will find new friends, old enemies, evil and darkness, good and light and in every way, shape and form, their lives will be changed, but will all this change them as well?
This book is a fantastic work of fantasy and left me wanting to read more, as I hope it will for you.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks a five-star read that will bring sunshine to your life. I didn’t realise this was a debut novel until I sat down to write this review and I am so impressed, normally a debut shows the lack of writing experience usually with how they build the characters, but honestly this didn’t lack at all. Bear and Kara are just adorable and when you add some great secondary characters who bring something special to the story it sparkles with life. This was a great story and I know many will love it, I had my last summer many years ago, but this brought me back to that amazing time, new love and having your heart flutter and break in ways you cant imagine. If anyone needs a break from the harsh realities of life, needs a little brightness and joy in their lives then pick this story up as all of the characters will bring a ray of sunshine to you.
Review by @saraoxo
Reign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reign (The Larussio Legacy Book 3) by Via Mari
5 Stars
and..She did it again! When I tell you you need to pick up all of the series that are associated with these characters I’m not kidding. Too much history and characters tightly woven together to miss out on the whole of these stories.
I loved this one as much as I loved the rest, I picked it up planning to just get it started and then ended up not doing anything I had planned because I had to finish it. Again, I was on the edge of my seat because you truly didn’t know what was coming on the next page. There was a definite heat factor between Gio and Serena, but that wasn’t the main focus and I appreciated that. I loved Serena’s strength and her determination to be heard in this book. She was a definite handful and that made for some smiles mixed in with the drama and the danger that was surrounding her. I think my favorite part was the family aspect of this story, dysfunctional in many ways but in the end family, acceptance, and forgiveness prevailed. This happening was awesome to watch play out.
There are so many more stories you can see happening while reading this book and I can not wait to read every one of them. I am totally invested in this whole series and it is an absolute must read. This author has a way of weaving her words and these stories where they just grab a hold of you and hang on.
I LOVED it and can not wait for more, I’m a definite forever fan of this author!
