Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book, and will be looking for more books from this author. I was captivated from the beginning, surprised and delighted! I also was able to have some tasty treats along the way! This was very well written and kept me wanting more, in a very good way throughout the book. I did not want the book to end!
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Brink of Denial by Cam Johns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brink Of Denial: A Dark Mafia Romance by Sonya Jesus & Cam Johns is the second book in the Sons of Sindicato series. I knew after reading book one that I absolutely had to read this book and I can 100% say it did not disappoint!!! I was pulled straight into this book and read the whole thing in one sitting. I loved the dynamic between the main characters and everything about their story.
This collaboration between authors is definitely one of my favourites. They writing just melds into one and they seem to effortlessly create a seamless story. The writing is strong and without fail seems to capture my attention. This is a fantastic book and I cannot wait to read more from these two.
The Eclipse Dancer by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Eclipse Dancer by Laura Koerber is a well written and realistic story. This book was nothing at all like I expected when I started reading. It was so much darker and intense that I had thought it would be, but that just made it much more compelling to read. Andy is such a relatable character – trying to come to terms with the death of her mother she takes us on a journey that has her looking back through her past.
This book is a brilliant mix of natural and supernatural. Everything was easy to imagine and it really was such an interesting read. I would definitely recommend reading this book and I would also recommend going into blind, just like I did, so you can be swept away on the journey even more.
Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Unexpected is a fun, contemporary romance from Marina Hanna. It was my first time reading this author’s work so was unsure what to expect but the blurb attracted me so I decided to give it a go. I’, really glad that I did as I really enjoyed this book and can add a new author to my list.
When a very handsome stranger kisses her in a bar, Jules can’t get him out of her mind but knows she’s unlikely to ever see him again. That is until she starts her new job on the Monday morning and finds that the very handsome Adam is her new boss. Only the company has a no fraternization policy. Is boss Adam going to break his own policy as he can’t get the gorgeous Jules out of his head?
I really enjoyed this story. The Monday morning meeting is awkward and funny. The writer has a way of pulling you into the story from the very start and keeps the momentum going.
It’s not a very long book and I devoured it in one sitting of a few hours. It’s a very entertaining read with I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend that others read. Go on, take a risk on an author you’ve not read before.
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The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Luella has been told all her life that she is from a place called Storey by her gramps but doesn’t know much else. When she asks how to get there she is just told to follow the birds.The time comes for her to go there and an adventure takes place. She meets many interesting people along the way and learns important lessons. The Way to Storey is a great kids fantasy story. Luella is a very unique character and relatable to those who have always felt weird or different.
Forbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. C.R. Robertson did an amazing job with this one. This book makes you feel like you are living their lives right along with them. Tasha was raised to be a soldier and nothing more, but her gifts allowed her to be different from the start. Levi stayed our of the spotlight and preferred a quiet background life. Their meeting changed everything for both of them – indefinitely. We have all read countless books about lycans and vampires being against each other, at war for centuries, battling and falling in love against all odds – but nothing like this. I was hooked from page one and I was sad when it ended. I swear I could have soaked in so much extra detail if it had been given. I look forward to every single page that continues this story.
THE DEVOTED FAN by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Devoted Fan
Book 5
21st Century Courtesan series
By Pamela DuMond
In this the last book of the series we get to find out what happens to Evie, as the story that started in book 1 is tied together and we see that she has her “happy ending”. I don’t think that any of us could predict what happened in this book. For that reason alone made the book series a must read for all. Author Pamela DuMond, had twists and turns in each book that kept us thralled in each story until the end. I highly recommend each book, and a must read in order to fully get the story line.
The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne was a very enjoyable middle-grade book aimed at readers 9-12. It is about a little girl named Luella who lives with her grandpa, or gramps as she calls him, on a swamp in Florida. She is a peculiar little girl who can do things most would not imagine. I found her to be interesting in the way she thought about the day-to-day activities she did with her gramps at home because she was homeschooled and did not attend school like other children.
The fantasy story tells about Luella’s adventure and journey to find a place called Storey, where her family is from. Her gramps has told her all about Storey and I really enjoyed how the author helped the reader to understand the importance of this place and why Luella needed to believe it was real.
When exploring one day Luella finds a mysterious light in her gramps dresser drawer and she sets off on a journey to find Storey and more like her kind. Along the way, she learns about friendship and that life is not the same outside of her family’s home along with learning the importance of trust and that not everyone is your friend.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Although it is aimed at readers ages 9-12, I did not feel that was the only age group who could read this book, and as an adult really enjoyed the character building and the story hidden within the story. I felt it was well written and perfect for the middle-grade age group.
Red Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Red Coat is a well written thriller that focuses on the lives of Sara, a former foster child turned social worker, and Rachael, a young girl currently stuck in the foster care system. After running away from an abusive foster family, Rachael’s case is assigned to Sara. Startling similarities exist between the 2 girls, and they quickly form an unbreakable bond. Happy for the first time in her young life, Rachael longs for a family and a home. But when Rachael runs again, she leads Sara back to the one town from her past she was set on forgetting. Colin-the local sheriff-was Sara’s friend from foster care so many years ago. Seeing him again opens up doors Sara thought were long shut.
This thriller has a little bit of everything for the reader–romance, thriller, psychological aspects, family, and friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a hard to put down story that tugs at the heart strings.
Her Blackened Rose by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Rose is the third book in The Blackened Series by Isra Sravenheart. As with the first two books, this is quite an original story with a dark fairytale feel to it. And as we have learned previously, this book/series stands apart from other ‘fairytale’ type stories in that it is all about the so-called ‘villain’. This is a great addition to the series- a fantasy full of magic, witches, revenge, prophecy, danger, spells, secrets, hidden agendas, and mystery. There is more to the story and situation than first meets the eye and I enjoyed following along to see how everything would play out.
Lady Isra, a powerful witch- with a bit of a black heart, and Astrid the raven/man, who is Isra’s loyal companion have a lot going on in this book. Isra disappears and its up to Astrid to discover what happened. That may prove to be more difficult than he anticipated, especially when spells are involved.
Thank you, Isra Sravenheart!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first time reading a book by this author. it was a novel that you can read thru very quickly. You knew you were in for a good read when the two main characters first laid their eyes on one another.
I quickly read into Cy’s and The Red Velvets Queens attaction. It wsant forced at all and felt very natural but in the sense that left you wanting more, as I read on those steamy moments with the rught amount of anticipation and desire was added to the mix, I honestly loved the good steamy moments. But there was so much to the bok than just that, the character development was defiently there and it truly helped as the truth of who they were and the feelings were put into play.
Cy to me well he was a piece of work but as always with me if theres a character I dont instantly like they always seem to change over the course of the book and Im always left really loving who they turn out as they progress. And this defiently happened with Cy for me
All in all, it was a wonderful read. Right amound of steamy moments with drama and the want to keep on reading. The kind of reading where you say one more chapter and still dont stop, the kind where you lose sleep and its perfectly ok, because you regret nothing!
Again this was my first novel to read by Phoebe Alexander. And it was a delicious treat to say the least. I look forward to reading the next and any other works they bring forward. This is a delight not to be missed 🙂
Mariekkela: From Finland, with Love by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
“This is the exact spot where my Kari fell when he was shot. I knelt over his body… we were both naked. We had just been together in the sauna when we heard the Russians coming. He ran to get his rifle that was leaning on the wall by the door and stepped outside to shoot back at them and was hit in the head. He fell right here. I started screaming, sobbing. His friends came outside to fight and were killed too. Then I remember them pulling me off Kari and dragging me by the hair inside the door.”
Mariekkela: From Finland, With Love by Stuart Ledwith is an interesting historical chronicle story that tells the life of a woman named Mariekkela after her husband dies in the 1939 Winter War at the hands of the Russian army. It is a story of love, loss, remembering, strength, survival, drama, and history.
Again, this is an original story, told in Mr. Ledwith’s unique style that has an almost documentary feel to it. It is a thought-provoking read that had me thinking of what life must have been like back then. But also portrays the timeless power of love.
Thank you, Stuart Ledwith!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Walker Pride by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While it has the romance, it also has suspense and mystery and found myself wanting to solve things along with them.
The character were great, each with their own distinct personality and way about them. I will be diving into the rest of this series!
Nightfall by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nightfall by TK Lawyer
4-stars
Nightfall is a truly entertaining and one of a kind read, it’s of the paranormal genre but it sort of felt more like a contemporary romance to me. I enjoyed how this author managed to create truly original characters with a unique storyline. I’ve read hundreds of paranormal books but nothing quite like this.
This story flowed seamlessly and had lots of detail, I enjoyed the banter between the main characters and was highly intrigued by them. Though this is my first book by this author I look forward to reading more in the future.
Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection #2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett
5-stars
Wow!! This is hands down my #1 read of 2021 so far, I am absolutely obsessed with this book!!
This author took me on such an emotional roller coaster ride with this beautiful, heart wrenching, touching, romantic and once in a lifetime story. I did not want this story to end but I also couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. I ended up reading this book in one sitting as I was completely captivated by Angel & Logan. This is a story that I won’t ever forget!
I cannot wait to read more from this phenomenal author and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next one of a kind read!!
Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Turning Wheels is my first book from author Manda Mellet. I have also never read an MC book previously so was definitely into new territory with this book. It was an interesting story about a woman named Sophie who must leave her home in England to seek protection, after trying to help her best friend from an abusive relationship. Sophie arrives in Arizona to discover her protection come in the form of a motorcycle club, where she in turn meets the VP, Wraith. This book tells the story of Sophie and Wraith, all while Sophie tries to grasp her place into this foreign territory.
I did enjoy the premise of the story and reading those sections of the story. I did have to come to terms with what an MC actually is and how members live their life. It was very out of scope with the settings I typically read. I’m not huge into the more graphic sex scenes, so mainly skimmed those parts to get to the actual storyline. I will also say, I wanted a bit more closure with her best friends story, but see that her story is part of another series from this author so at least I can have more closure with that plot hole in this book. Although it wasn’t something I would usually read, I will recommend as a good read with an intriguing story of one’s survival in an unlikely place.
Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor is the second instalment to the story we started in book one. I still picture an adult version of the Smurfs here – – – a paranormal romance with some sci-fi elements, fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, sizzle, danger, drama, an evil sorcerer, kidnapping, clever world-building, banter, friendship, and sacrifice.
After reading the first book, I was curious to find out what happens next. And Ms. Taylor definitely wove an interesting read. We discover more about the Zayed, and the evil sorcerer- adding an extra element of interest to the tale. A cute story.
This follows on from part one, so I really recommend reading it before starting on this book.
Thank you, Everly Taylor!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wild Vamp: Jaded Vamp Series Book 2 by L.D. Wosar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wild Vamp is the second book in the Jaded Vamp series by L.D. Wosar. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I didn’t realise going into the book that this was the second book in the series. I really wish I had realised that and read book on first. But having said that, it didn’t take too much for me to figure out what had, and was, going on. But I think having all the previous books info would definitely have enhanced my reading experience of this story- so I will definitely be going back to read book #1.
This is a bit of a gritty paranormal romance- with vampires, action, violence, angst, family, vengeance, sizzle, battles, and a bit of a dystopian feel.
From what I can gather, this book takes place decades after the events in book one. Kaysee Belluomo is a powerful vampire, who along with her coven, are on a mission to world of the Vycans (a vampire/lycan hybrid). So, get set for a violent, blood-soaked, action-packed adventure- as Kaysee not only has to deal with the Vycans and the ensuing battles, but also an enemy with a vendetta- as well as trying to find her missing husband and son. No rest for the wicked here!
Thank you, L.D. Wosar!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Cross of Ciaran is the first book in The Cross of Ciaran series by Andrea Matthews. It is a paranormal romance- with archaeology, mystery, magic, adventure, drama, some suspense, and history.
Caitlin O’Connell is an archaeologist who unearths the body of a pagan priest. The perfectly preserved body is over 1500 years old- so he is the find of her career. But somewhere along the line, the body disappears- and so this adventure begins.
What happens when the priest miraculously awakens? Why was he buried alive in the first place? What surprising developments will ensue? Maybe you should grab a copy and find out.
I really liked Ciaran, but found it difficult to connect with Caitlin. She came across quite prickly and rude. The story transitions from past to present and back again- building the backstory whilst driving the story forward. I wonder where the second book will lead?
Thank you, Andrea Matthews.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Julia Connor, “Jules”, is a lady that knows her own mind. She was raised as an only child, and she knows that if she wants something in life she has to be the one to go after it. After five years with Miller Advertising, she decides that their old-fashioned advertising and marketing plans are not for her. Then she lands a job with Foster Advertising and Marketing. The company’s open mind and creative structure are just what she’s looking for to continue to build on her career.
Adam Foster, CEO of Foster Advertising and Marketing, is America’s most eligible bachelor. He is from an upper-class family in New York and has worked tirelessly building Foster’s Advertising and Marketing which now has offices in England and France. He prides himself that he is a one-woman at a time, no-commitment kind of guy.
Jules and Adam meet before her first day on the job while she is spending quality time with friends. She’s ferocious when it comes to relationships. She won’t back down. So when she sees a hot, steamy American guy she is drawn to him. As this man leaves, he stops at her table and pulls her into a knee-buckling kiss. Little do they know that this is only their first encounter.
Love Unexpected is a perfect title for this steamy romance novel. Every woman is attracted to those hot, sexy man types. Jules finds Adam irresistible, and she respects him for where hard work has put him. Adam finds Jules memorizing and intelligent. Can Jules hold on to her heart? Will Adam keep his walls up? Or will the stars align and shine bright over them?
Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to read the second book in the series after the amazing first . It did not disappoint. It takes you back to the beautiful Honolulu where Jaxon and Kayla are wonderful together. Kayla was running from her present and ended up running smack into her past. Jaxon never stopped loving her and stepped up to help make things right between them. This story has everything you could want: action, romance, family and everything in between. I couldn’t recommend this more!!
The Eclipse Dancer by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a beautifully written book! Andy is a 52 year old woman back to care for her dying mom. She takes us for a stroll through her memories of her teen summer. Fairies, clans, “aunties”, and dysfunctional families all weave together to make a plot that transitions like a smooth river down the mountain side. The characters are very believable. Going home seemed to bring Andy some closure and clarity to that summer. I would love to see a sequel as to life in the North Woods. A must read for all.
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ouroboros is the third book in the Antipodes series by T.S Simons. It is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian story with some science fiction elements, romance, drama, discovery, friendship, trials, twists, tension, mystery, and adventure.
I thought this third addition to the series felt more “grown up” than the previous two, which makes it my favourite of the series so far. I have really enjoyed the series, but this book takes things up a few notches for me.
Quite a lot has happened since we started back in book one. But things aren’t about to get easier in this book. This will see friendships tested, discoveries made, and danger threatens.
I really think the Antipodes series would make a great television series too. I can see it coming to life on the small screen.
Another intriguing and thought-provoking read.
Thank you, T.S. Simons!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Brink of Denial by Cam Johns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the follow up to the previous book, and OMG was it great! I couldn’t put his book down! It was filled with even more mafia mystery, intrigue, and steamy romance. These two authors are amazing writers together as they pull you in from the very beginning. Their attention to detail makes the characters so relatable you feel like you have known them your entire life. As with the previous book, this one is packed with so much action and I found myself on the edge of my seat in anticipation. The main characters chemistry is off the chart. There were a bunch of surprises along the way that I wasn’t expecting. I highly recommend you pick up this book to read.
Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sleeping Angel is the second book in the Soul Connection Series by Nikki Lynn Barrett. It is a wonderful paranormal romance, with a bit of an enemies to lovers feel, ghosts, drama, grief, love, loss, heartache, revenge, family, friendship, mystery, and emotion.
I know I have said this before, but I really do enjoy Ms. Barrett’s work, her stories are always well written, cleverly constructed, and quite engrossing. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, especially after reading the first book and having loved it sooo much. This story is a little different from the first book- but still with Ms. Barrett’s clever little touches and attention to detail.
I loved meeting Logan and Angel and following along on their journey. I also loved that Scott and Zelda (and Andi) from Peaceful Slumber (Book #1) also played a part in this book. That gave this book an added element of interest and connection for me.
Bring on Book #3!
Thank you, Nikki Lynn Barrett!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes is the first book in the Kiss Me series by Danielle Jacks. This is my second read by Ms. Jacks and it has become my favourite of hers, so far. This is a bit of a steamy romance- with a fake relationship, misunderstandings, a tangled web, tension, drama, emotion, and a little angst.
Zoe’s seemingly perfect life crumbles around her, leaving her somewhat adrift. But will a spontaneous decision end in more heartache? You’ll have to read the story to find out!
A fun read!
Thank you, Danielle Jacks!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
5 Stars
I grabbed this book solely because I fell in love with the cover, I went in blind which is something I don’t normally do but because the cover was so inviting I decided to try something new. It took me just a couple kindle swipes to get into the flow and writing style of this author and then literally could not put it down! This story was so beautifully written and I completely fell in love with Sanaya and Leo. I felt like I was actually on their journey with them and their feelings were described so well I could actually feel every emotion. This whole story was different for me, it wasn’t your normal sappy love story (which dont get me wrong, I love sappy a whole lot) but there was a different feel to this. It’s listed as a rom com, and I see that but there was very subtle humor and most of it was the interaction between Sanaya and Leo, which makes sense because there was not a lot of other character involvement within the story.
There was one scene which literally tore my heart out and without realizing, I had tears running down my cheeks and my heart hurt. This was both my favorite scene and my least favorite in the story. If there is one downside to the book, it would have to be I wanted more, knowing what happened next would have been awesome, but my imagination handled the rest.
I can not wait to read more from this author, I loved this book and am so thankful judging it by its cover paid off in spades! I can’t recommend it highly enough.
No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a quick, cute, fun read that took me a day and was really funny. I loved the main H inner monologue. I also love the take on demons and witches in this book, gives you a completely different POV. I cant wait to read more of this series.
Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna is a captivating contemporary romance. that completely captivated me right from the very first page. I cannot wait to read other books by Marina. It is a quick read, but it has everything that makes it a wonderful story. The chemistry is smoking, and I love the sass and a little bit of angst.
An unexpected kiss with a stranger was the highlight of her night. What she did not expect was that he is her new boss. The sparks fly and the fun begins.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kissing scars by Jim Shomos is a quick, easy, and sweet read. It a Contemporary romance about finding love unexpectedly- written beautifully with emotion, humour, drama, angst, and obstacles to overcome.
Because this is such a short little read, I don’t want to give too much away- suffice to say that though this may be short, it packs the punch of a much bigger novel.
Sanaya is a computer games designer who has moved to Australia to better her career. She might have moved for her career, but Sanaya also dreams of one day starting a family. Then along comes Leo, who is two decades older than her, with three grown children of his own and no desire for anymore. But the heart wants what the heart wants- and so this story unfolds. What happens next makes for a emotive read.
Now that I have had a taste of what he can do I am looking forward to reading more of Mr Shomos’s work.
Thank you, Jim Shomos!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
