Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a well developed vampire book.
Rowena has some life changing descions to make. She is thrown into a different world than she is use to. This is a story of survival, politics,high fantasy, Supernatural twists. You fall in love with these characters because of how well they are developed.
The Devil’s Day by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Megan Mackie is a go-to author for me and having read her previous books this book was a must-read. This is an action-packed, entertaining read that connects you instantly and has you believing you are alongside the characters. This author has a brilliant writing style that has lots of details and connects you to the read and leaves you wanting more! This is a series that I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series for you to really get a proper insight but each book will captivate you more than the last, this book has twists and turns that will have you wondering what will happen next! I highly recommend this read and this author, I can’t wait to read more!
Reviewed By @tillytillzz
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Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Scepter of Flint is the third book in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L Holmes. It is an historical cosy mystery set in ancient Egypt.
We team up with Hani, an Egyptian diplomat, once more as the mystery unfolds. With mysterious tomb robberies, the plague, politics, and troubling personal developments- Hani will have a lot to process if he is to figure it all out.
We are transported to ancient Egypt- which the author does a brilliant job of recreating and bringing to life. Her attention to detail definitely adds an extra element of interest to her stories. As with the first two book in the series, the author’s knowledge and passion for the period really shines through in her story-telling and writing adding wonderful depth and richness to the story/series.
I wonder what awaits Hani next?
Thank you, N.L Holmes!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
City Without A Sun by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
City Without A Sun is the second book in the Vampire State series by Alexander Charalambides. This series really does take vampire lore and shake it up a bit- giving an original and intriguing take on vampire stories. But it is so much more than just a vampire story, with plenty of drama, danger, action, adventure, mysteriousness, surprising developments, politics, agendas, social commentary, wonderful paranormal elements, and superb world-building. There is definitely a bit of a dark dystopian feel to the series, which I love. and more. It felt a little dystopian and dark at times. But that added to the whole atmosphere.
This was an interesting story- complex and dynamic. Though it was a little slow going at times- the story was intriguing enough to keep me invested in the outcome. Even though this book is set around a year after the events in books one, Vampire State, I would really recommend reading book one before starting on this one as having all that storyline and information will definitely give you a better appreciation of this book.
A lot has happened between the events in book one and now. Our characters have to navigate many changes- personal, social, as well as political. I really enjoyed following along to find out how everything played out. Definitely looking forward to more of this series.
Thank you, Alexander Charalambides!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The First Noel A Tale of Friendship by Clare Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
The First Noel A Tale of Friendship by Clare Johnson is a Christian children’s story about friendship, love, values, acceptance, lesson teaching, and more. It is told in the form of a poem, which also weaves the story of the birth of Jesus. The story begins when the daughter of a Wiseman meets a poor shepherd girl- before evolving into the Nativity story.
When I saw this book show up on my recommended book feed, and with Christmas approaching, I immediately though that this would be a great story to read to my 4 year old grandson- so I grabbed a copy and sat him down to read it.
While I did think the premise was quite clever and interesting, I felt that the story would probably be best enjoyed by older children, as it lacked the attention grabbing details that most young children need and enjoy having in their stories. My grandson loves story time, but only a page into the book and his attention was wandering, already asking for other books. We persevered, but he really wasn’t that interested in it. I do think that with just a little tweaking this story could be fabulous.
The pictures are quite well done, done in a computer graphics kind of style, but were not as whimsical and ‘child-friendly’ as I had hoped for.
The author explains that the story/poem was originally written as a dance production before becoming a picture book- so I would definitely be interested in seeing the stage production, as maybe the story better translates to dance.
Thank you, Clare Johnson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
City Without A Sun by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
City Without a Sun is the second book in the Vampire State series. I recommend reading the first one before you pick this one up.
The suspense and mystery of this book will have you engrossed in the story and make you feel like you are right there beside the characters. Rowena is an amazing character. You will likely find yourself riding an emotional roller coaster as you follow her journey in this story. There is a lot of action packed in these pages and you won’t be able to stop turning them until you get to the end…and then you will want to dive right into the next one.
Excellent reading adventure!
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think I have read every Satan’s Devil’s MC books and the stories continue to amaze me.
This is the 2nd book in the San Diego series and Grumbler has quickly become one of my favorite members. He has dedicated his life to the club and has been happy being the single guy with no children. So when someone asks to photograph his baby (his motorcycle), he finds himself in a situation that will change the course of his future.
Mary is a single mother of a teenager who does what teenagers do best…test the limits. When she accompanies her daughter to a photoshoot, she finds herself turning to a grumpy biker for help. How long can they fight their attraction before they give in or walk away? (You have to read to find out)
I found myself drawn to these characters. Maybe being a mother of a teenage girl is part of it. I can see how Grumbler got his name and for some reason that only made me like him more. Again, another great book in the series. Can’t wait to read whatever comes next!
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grumbler’s Ride
Satan’s Devils MC San Diego
Book 2
By Manda Mellett
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length novel in a series, I recommend you read book 1 first. Actually reading anything from Manda Mellett will make you familiar with her MC men in Satan’s Devils. You may find yourself in a dark place in this story. I recommend you hang on tight!
Grumbler, single, never gonna have an Ol Lady. It was just him and his ride. Never, Never, Never going to put anybody on the back of his ride. But when he is asked to allow pictures taken of his ride, with some other guy on his bike. Well he would not allow that. But he would consider letting someone stand next to her. Then trouble comes knocking, and that’s all you will get from me. No Spoilers! You have to read it to believe it.
Manda Mellett has done it again. This story is well written and promises to keep you reading. I was on page one and remained there until the last page was read. This is one of those books you are afraid to put down. At least I was. I love her characters! Grumbler and Mary are great together, when he comes to her rescue, and helps her teen get out of a mess. (Okay on a side note two of the women in the club have my first and middle name!) I am looking forward to reading more from Manda Mellett. Job well done Manda Mellett! You never disappoint!
Revew@Cinful
The Mummy of Monte Cristo by J. Trevor Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Mummy of Monte Cristo by J Trevor Robinson is a re-take of the ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, so I was very curious on how the plot will be played.
A group of men put Edmund Dantes behind prison because of vengeance and ambition. Dantes is dejected and heart broken when he finds out he is imprisoned indefinitely. He finds a friend and a well-wisher who reveals the hidden terrible power in the Island of Monte Cristo.
Besotted with revenge, Edmund escapes prison to go to the island and mummifies himself alive to seek the terrible power. Then he goes on his path of vengeance to destroy the lives of all the men who imprisoned him.
The horror and fantasy elements are very interesting indeed, I never expected the Kraken with it’s prying tentacles in this book. There are vampires, zombies and a dangerous mummy. Horror is usually not to my taste, but I did find myself reading this book, possibly because I grew up reading “The Count of Monte Cristo” and the classic is very dear to me.
I do not want to compare this book with the classic, but this book can stand on its own. The characters are developed and well-rounded to fit in the story.
If there is a qualm, it’s just that it’s a bit too lengthy. Could have been shorter. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book.
The Sanctuary Chronicles Box Set – Book 1-3 + Novella by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Sanctuary Chronicles Box Set – Book 1-3 + Novella
By India Kells
I absolutely loved this series, I am so glad that it’s in a box set. This would make a perfect gift for a lover of paranormal/fantasy or even for yourself. These books have everything you could want in a great set, it has magic, witches, werewolves, romance, and a wonderful group of characters. The author does such an exceptional job writing with such vivid detail that you become completely enthralled in the story. Each book just got better and better. I couldn’t put them down as soon as I started one. I had to read it until the end and then I couldn’t wait to read the next one. India Kells is a wonderful author, I have read many books by her and this series is one of my favorites. I highly recommend this set. This is a must read.
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Sergeant-At-Arms never needed a woman in his life because his bike was his baby. But when a mother and daughter stepped into his life nothing was the same. Grumbler’s Ride is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC San Diego series by Manda Mellett. Grumbler got his name honestly, he is one grumpy man but under all that, there is a man who loves with his whole heart. Mary and her daughter are just what Grumbler needs. This was a great story with likable characters and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for this San Diego chapter.
Reviewed by @jbruno26
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No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)by Naomi Valkyrie
5 out of 5 stars
This is my first read by Ms. Valkyrie and she has a new fan I simply loved this story that I finished the book in one day. The characters where amazing and written well I loved their little quirks and the way they came together. Her description of the scenery was amazing that I thought that I was at the lake with the characters.
Delilah Hawthorne is a burnt-out demon that owns a bar she is needs a break. One minute she is pouring drinks in the bar the next she is in her car driving out of the city with no specific destination.
She finds herself in Juniper Lake but Juniper Lake isn’t what it seems it holds its own secrets. Delilah thinks she found the perfect place to recharge no more killing or vengeance. Just the sweet relief of peace and quiet.
But the joke is on Delilah…. What does she find in this small town? Will she get the peace she needs? Will she find something that will change her life for the better? Can she have a happily ever after?
I just simply loved this book and cannot wait to read the next book in this series….
Tracy
@tracym
City Without A Sun by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Vampire State Series. Its a story that completely drags you and and keeps you gripped to the end. There is a paranormal element and also a romance story. There is also a story about prejudice between groups of people and how some people will fight to make everyone equal.
Rowena has accepted a job at a news station as her boyfriend advised. The plan is to keep getting across the message of equality for vampires and humans. But the vampires around her aren’t so happy with this change and they make their feelings known.
After her interview with a prince leads to her becoming famous and her views becoming more well known this is just the position she needs to be. But will this mean that humans will stay safe and free or will her co worker Titus turn everyone against her and against her views.
Add to the mix the connection she has with the Prince this causes a rift between Rowena and Vincent. Can they work through it and stay strong together or will their relationship fall apart to?
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett
4 Stars
Life is full of chance. I do t believe in coincidences. This book shows how fate has a hand in everything. Grumbler spent most of his life in the MC. He has never wanted a woman or kids. When a photographer wants to shoot his bike, Grumbler can’t wait to show off his pride and joy. A simple decision changes his path in life. Falling into a situation with dire consequences, Grumbler and the Satan’s Devils don’t hesitate to bring about justice. Life sometimes gives you things that you never knew that you wanted.
This is another winning book in the MC series. If you haven’t read this author’s books, I highly recommend them. Though they are all written as part of a series, they can be read as stand-alones. You’ll love it so much that you’ll definitely be reading the rest.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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The First Noel A Tale of Friendship by Clare Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
Wonderful book, with two very beautiful messages. I really love that in this story of Christ’s birth there is also the story of two girls, who are friends at first but then drift away because the wiseman’s daughter thought the shepherd’s daughter was beneath her because she was poor. This book shows that you should love everyone and even if you have friends that are less off than you, that is no reason to treat them differently than a true friend. I liked the style of the illustrations, really well done. Love this book for children, excellent lesson!
The Sanctuary Chronicles Box Set – Book 1-3 + Novella by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
This series is a definite must read. There is romance, drama, action, vampires, werewolves, witches and everything you could want in a book. Each book has its own set of trials for the couples to overcome and characters to fall in love with. My favorite couple is Sera and Ian from Blind Magic, I can’t get over how awesome of a woman Sera is and the love between her and Ian. I really enjoyed these books and how the story flowed, how the characters were written and the different dramas that befell each couple. I have loved every India Kells book I have read so far and look forward to see what she has in store next.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Hunting Party: A Novel
By Lucy Foley
5 out of 5 stars
Reading The Hunting Party: A Novel by Lucy Foley takes you on a thrilling ride that once you start you can’t put down until the final page. I found myself turning pages late into the night to find out the ending. The story centers around a group of friends that get together every year. It is a tradition that they use to unwind. This year they have chosen an estate that is remote and a perfect place for them to relax. What will happen when secrets are revealed? They begin to wonder if they really know each other at all. Now one of them is dead. Could the killer be one of them? Read this book to find out. This is a story that has a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere that is felt throughout the whole book. The remote location that the characters are staying at only adds to the suspense. As you are introduced and read about the different characters you get to see a side of them that they try to conceal. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Do these friends really know each other at all? This is an amazing story that I am glad I read. Highly recommended.
FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
FantasticLand: A Novel
By Mike Bockoven
5 out of 5 stars
The book FantasticLand: A Novel by Mike Bockoven is a story that will both shock and keep you reading until the final page. It is a book that is chilling and one I couldn’t put down. It is written in the form of interviews with those who survived after a hurricane ravages Florida. In the aftermath a group in the park FantasticLand tell a tale that is sure to unnerve anyone who reads it. It is a horror novel that tries to find answers to questions of what went wrong. They had enough food and water. They had a survival plan. Why the chaos? This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It kept me reading far into the night to finish it. The atmosphere runs the gambit from pure terror to relief and indifference when those who survived finally were rescued. The author does an amazing job of bringing the characters and the situations that they faced to life. I felt like I was right there watching everything that happened. Don’t miss out on a story that gives you a glimpse into the psyche of the survivors and the actions taken by those who were there when they were rescued.
The North Wind Descends by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The North Winds Descend by N.L. Holmes a fabulous four-star read. This is number four in the Lord Hani series, but you don’t need to have read them all, as they will keep you up to date, there are recurring characters and if you like a good mystery then you will be worth going back as they really are great. Once again Hani and brings his daughter into the fold, also into danger, you will be on the edge of your seat and leave you wondering. These mysteries just keep getting better and better, honestly you will just be kept guessing at every turn.
Review by @saraoxo
Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes a fantastic four-star read. This is number three in the Lord Hani series and brings us a great slice of drama, as always, don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two, it’s not necessary. Lord Hani and Maya will bring the drama to you, it will sweep you up and envelop you, having you feel like you are helping figure the tomb robbing out. There is lots going on in this and lots of action and drama, plague, tomb robberies and more twists that a game of twister will bring you in to the story.
Review by @saraoxo
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star
Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett
Grumbler’s Ride is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC of San Diego by Manda Mellett and by far my favorite yet. I’m a huge fan of not only this author but MC is one of my top genre’s. I mean what’s not to love about a biker. Ido recommend reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already it’ll give you a better idea of the characters and some back stories. I had a hard time putting this down. There was a couple spots I got a bit teary eyed. Get ready to be taken on quite the ride some parts will be like being on a emotional rollercoaster. Grumbler is an older biker who has always believed that he didn’t need a woman. When he’s approached by a photographer who wants to shoot some photos of his bike (he loves his bike). H e then meets Mary who is a widowed single mother of a teenage daughter. What happens when her daughter gets herself in a situation? Find out what happens next. I could go on and on but I don’t want to give anything away. This author and this entire series (All different chapters) are definitely worth reading. I simply can’t recommend this enough. Grab yourself a copy today and get lost in the world of bikers. I can’t wait to see what or I should say who this author brings us next.
~ ~ ~ ~ AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dakota Willink is an Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author. She loves writing about damaged heroes who fall in love with sassy and independent females. Her books are character driven, emotional, and sexy, yet written with a flare that keeps them real. With six published titles, a magazine publication, and the Leave Me BreathlessWorld under her belt, Dakota’s imagination is constantly spinning new ideas.
The Stone Series is Dakota’s first published book series. It has been recognized for various awards, including the Readers’ Favorite 2017 Gold Medal in Romance. The Cadence duet was a finalist in the HEAR Now Festival Independent Audiobook Awards. In addition, Dakota has written under the alternate pen name, Marie Christy. Under this name, she has written and published a children’s book for charity titled, And I Smile. Also writing as Marie Christy, she was a contributor to the Blunder Woman Productions project, Nevertheless We Persisted: Me Too, a 2019 Audie Award Finalist and Earphones Awards Winner. This project inspired Dakota to write The Sound of Silence, a dark romantic suspense novel.
Dakota often says she survived her first publishing with coffee and wine. She’s an unabashed Star Wars fanatic and still dreams of one day getting her letter from Hogwarts. She enjoys spending time with her super-supportive husband and two witty teenagers, her two Labrador Retrievers, and her spoiled rotten cat. During the summer months, she can often be found soaking up the sun on the Great Lakes with her family.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Growing up in a three bed/one bath house with nine siblings in Buffalo, New York it was a just the facts, assembly-line type of childhood. However, one day during my tumultuous teen years in the late seventies that all changed when my exhausted mom uncharacteristically asked several probing questions about how I was doing, what I wanted of life and how I was going to get there . . . totally confounding me. She was supposed to dish out commands and make declarative statements—take out the trash, don’t come home unless you’re bleeding, every time you masturbate it’s a hundred-years in purgatory. She wasn’t supposed ask articulate, inward looking questions. Self-examination and contemplation, was light years beyond my transactional existence.
Eventually, though, due to a certain amount of aimlessness and failure I did come to consider my mom’s questions and many more which led me to writing. Presently, I am the author of two novels Written In The Stars: The Book Of Molly (2016) and Leaving Jackson Wolf (2018) and now a book of essays, The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph.
Presently I live in West Seneca, New York with my wife and my son, who is taking his good ole time finishing his bachelor’s degree. I have a State University of New York background in English and I love trade paperbacks, quiet black mornings and The Ramones.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dakota Willink is an Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author. She loves writing about damaged heroes who fall in love with sassy and independent females. Her books are character driven, emotional, and sexy, yet written with a flare that keeps them real. With six published titles, a magazine publication, and the Leave Me BreathlessWorld under her belt, Dakota’s imagination is constantly spinning new ideas.
The Stone Series is Dakota’s first published book series. It has been recognized for various awards, including the Readers’ Favorite 2017 Gold Medal in Romance. The Cadence duet was a finalist in the HEAR Now Festival Independent Audiobook Awards. In addition, Dakota has written under the alternate pen name, Marie Christy. Under this name, she has written and published a children’s book for charity titled, And I Smile. Also writing as Marie Christy, she was a contributor to the Blunder Woman Productions project, Nevertheless We Persisted: Me Too, a 2019 Audie Award Finalist and Earphones Awards Winner. This project inspired Dakota to write The Sound of Silence, a dark romantic suspense novel.
Dakota often says she survived her first publishing with coffee and wine. She’s an unabashed Star Wars fanatic and still dreams of one day getting her letter from Hogwarts. She enjoys spending time with her super-supportive husband and two witty teenagers, her two Labrador Retrievers, and her spoiled rotten cat. During the summer months, she can often be found soaking up the sun on the Great Lakes with her family.
The Sanctuary Chronicles Box Set – Book 1-3 + Novella by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a box set that includes The Sanctuary Chronicles 1-3 & a awesome novella. I have read this author before and I really enjoyed how this set was brought together and it made me fall for the characters all over again. Each story is full of Action, Adventure, Romance & of course, a huge dose of Paranormal. Each book was fantastic and I loved that we got an extra Novella in there too. I highly recommend this set to anyone that loves books that pull you in & leave you wanting more!
Happy Reading!
Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scepter of Flint by NL Holmes is the third book in The Lord Hani Mysteries. I recommend reading this series in order because the characters have grown through the series. Lord Hani is back and mystery is afoot. There are tomb robberies and mysterious deaths for him to figure out. I really appreciate the time and research the author has put into this book and the others in the series. This is a fantastic story full of mystery and historical fiction. I have enjoyed this series and it keeps getting better. I look forward to reading more in this great series and seeing where the mysteries of Lord Hani go next. I will be grabbing more from this author in the near future.
Journeys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book got my attention pretty quickly! The descriptions of the scenes, the characters, and all the different universes are amazing. The author did an amazing job of introducing the reader to each character & universe. You definitely need to pay close attention to how the characters and worlds are connected – by that voice that they all hear at the same time. I really enjoyed leaning about each character and appreciate how the author shared them so we would connect and care about them. It helped a lot to have the guide at the beginning so I could reference it when needed.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Bonds that Beckon by Kelli Kimble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to say Bonds That Beckon (Daughters of Anubis Book 1) by Kelli Kimble has been quite a unique story for me. It seems quite a unique story line. It’s a mystery, it’s a romance, it’s a supernatural creature event. The characters are interesting and there is plenty of room for elaboration. This story is just a taste, with a big promise of great things to come. This is a story well worth the read.
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mellett is always a one click author for me. She never disappoints. And I never know how she is going to exceed my expectations and yet she always somehow does. This book – Grumbler – just wow. Dark, emotional, some very deep places – this book has a slower pace than other installments but it absolutely leaves you just a riveted and invested. I couldn’t walk away from this book before the last page was read. Amazing as always. Loved it.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews
Dreaming of Christmas by Joanne Dannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dreaming of Christmas by Joanne Dannon was a really good read! This is a short collection of five different short Christmas stories, each one connected in some way with the next. The storylines of each one was similar, but also different in their own way, if that makes sense, with all of them being very good to read. My only complaint, was some of the stories had timelines that didn’t make sense. Time wasn’t established well, and events happened that didn’t make much sense in a time frame point of view. But I enjoyed all the characters in the various stories. They were very well written, and while they are romance stories, they are not explicit at all. Very sweet stories to read at this time of year!
