Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I can say is wow. This epic tale had it all, a hero, space travel, and an epic battle. I could not put this book down. I so enjoyed going on the journey with Anthony Brand as he always strived to do the right thing in an increasingly volatile world. Ty Drago is definitely an author to follow and I fully expect more outstanding novels in the future. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Tally and the Angel : Book One India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tally and the Angel is a cute story geared for 7-12-year-old children. Eleanor Dixon did an amazing job writing this story. The level of detail allows readers to really visualize the story. The plotline has the elements of fantasy, mystery, adventure, and bravery. The characters are enchanted. This is the story of Tally and her very own Angel. Tally received a pendant after the saddest day (her mom’s death), it has the Angel Jophiel living inside it. One would think that having an angel with you would be awesome, but Tally learns that it is not always the best gift. The adventure that you take with Tally and Angel Jophiel has some twists and turns, ups and downs, and some scary stuff they get into. Will Tally and Angel Jophiel be able to enjoy the adventure? Can Tally and Angel Jophiel stay focused on the positive side of things or will there be some bad things that they cannot overcome? I highly recommend this book as I found it an interesting story.
Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an inspiring collection of experiences, thoughts, feelings and emotions centred around life with a special needs child. It is a life of struggle, hardship, ups and downs but overall rewards as you see them flourish despite their many challenges they face. Marcia Nathai-Balkisson talks about all these things and more, as she explores life before and after the birth of her second child Emma in Trinidad and Tobago, where she lives with her husband, Emma and her first born some Brian. She talks about the challenges she has faced and how she has overcome some and is working on overcoming the rest, as each chapter focuses on a different subject, it is a compendium of information, hints, tips, experiences, and advice, with a checklist at the end of the important things to be taken away from that particular chapter, but it is not just for those in the same situation as she is, there are things within this book that anyone can take on board and use in their own lives.
The book starts with the story of Emma’s birth and the defects they found which led to the need for open heart surgery as she grew and the complications which arose because of it, leaving her brain damaged, her mobility and motility reduced, as well as experiencing pain, spasms and a high sensitivity to touch. The book progresses through Emma’s life, explaining her challenges between that age and the age of nine when the book was written. It then moves on to explain how important it is to acknowledge what happened, acknowledge how it made you feel at the time and acknowledge what changes have had to be made and what needs to be done now. The next talks about coping with the situation and the need to take it day by day, task by task and finding what the single most important thing to achieve on that day is, how important self care is to staying healthy in order to be able to support your family and yourself, how to relieve stress and how essential it is to start the day in the right way, it also explains how these things can impact on the child and their stress levels if not done properly. There is also a section on planning for the future, both immediate and in the years ahead, this includes financially, personally and familially, some of which is expanded on further into the book.
One key thing is on how to recognise isolation and loneliness, how to recognise the signs of it and how to reduce it, it talks about relationships with family and friends, how they can grow and diminish, as well and what it takes to maintain them, how to deal with your feelings and how important connections can be, even if they are only on the internet and especially within support groups, as well as the importance of sharing your story with them. It also looks at how to create your vision for the future, how to connect it with your emotions and then the importance of looking back on it and updating it on a yearly basis to see just how far you have come, even if you don’t realise it at the time. The next section focuses on spirituality and how this can support you in your darkest times, as well as the need for research into what interventions can be done at home to improve the development of your child, as well as finding the right medical professionals and therapists who you can fully work with knowing they see things from your perspective, trusting your intuition and being your own advocate when you go to speak with them. Learn all you can about other children with the same medical and developmental issues, but don’t forget about any other children in the family and ensure that you still take time to show them you love them in the way best suited to them, keep looking at their development and help them as much as your special needs child and prepare for their future just as much as the other child too.
Another important thing is to keep your own and your families health at optimum levels and take the same care that you would with your child, look at nutrition, sleep and emotional resilience, as well as financial security and how to keep a balance between work, play, caring duties and your own physical and mental health, make shared decisions and compromise where you need to, do not neglect yourself or your partner and celebrate what you have achieved regularly. Make sure that the little milestones are recorded and acknowledged, celebrate how far you have come, this will help in the future when the challenging times rear their heads, which will happen.
All in all this book is full of useful information and experiences, but it does not replace medical or legal advice.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manda Mellett did it again with Being Lost: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1! I ate this book up and left no crumbs. As soon as i submit my review I’m starting the next book in the series.
I have to be honest- anytime i read books with older main characters- older meaning could have grown children! I have a toddler so I’m not there just yet (; – i put the book down. I just can’t make myself read it (same with high school age characters!) What I’m trying to say is that this book had me break my habits and I’m glad for it!
Anyway! The characters, the mains being Lost and Patsy, were incredibly relatable. The storyline was believable and sucked me in. I’ve been a fan of MC books for awhile now and she’s easily becoming my favorite MC author. On to the next one ya’ll!
Beneath the Surface by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first audio book and I am very much in love. My new favorite author, Amy McKinley, is not only great at romance, but also suspense. Beneath the Surface is what I would call a great romantic suspense read. As in her other books, her writing puts you right into the action of the story. The story involves a Russian girl, Hannah, who is orphaned that has to survive a “school” that trains her to be a sleeper agent. She is one of the best, due to her harder personality, but does not always let on to that. She’s been “sleeping” for 9 years, in the US, where she works for the US government. In her life, she meets a man, by the name of Jack; her feelings for him scares her away for awhile till he comes to her “rescue”. The ups and downs of where her allegiance to countries lie and love for Jack keeps any reader completely engaged and makes you not want to put the book down. Hannah is a badass character that you can’t help fall in love with.
Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andy Brand is an eighteen year old boy who is kidnapped and ripped away from his family and friends and wakes up in a twelve by twelve room, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and the ugliest white shoes he has ever seen, there is nothing in there but a cot bed, a sink and a toilet, there isn’t even a window, but there is a vent where the fresh air is circulated through. At first he feels like it is a dream, however, when reality dawns on him, he is trapped, but as he looks more closely at his surroundings, he realises that they are a new kind of technology he has only read about and that everything in the room is made of this material, but the thing that scares and weirded him out the most is the Voice which answers some of his questions and asks some questions of him. When a piece of paper is dropped through a gap in the ceiling and the Voice asks him to burn it, he knows suddenly what they want him for, but he cannot tell them anything, he has to stick to his family’s motto, Conceal and Protect, this applies to all his life lessons and it is something he refuses to back down on and instead he pleads ignorance.
Andy is not sure how long he has been in this room, however, when the voice states quite clearly that he will not be fed unless he complies with their request, Andy goes hungry, he refuses to give in to their demands and over the next day, he only drinks the tap water and answers nature call until they eventually give in and put some food into his room. Once the Voice realises that he will not cave in to their demands, they pretty much leave him alone, this is when he hears a voice calling out to him from the vent in the corner, she introduces herself as Miranda and they soon strike up a friendship as the talk over the next few days. At some point they are both taken separately for tests, but from talking to her, it seems that Miranda is having a completely different experience to him, but he still tries not to give his captors what they want, that is until Miranda is threatened.
It is at this point that Andy shows his true colours and lets his blazing personality out to play, however, this causes some consternation and he is drawn into a world that he didn’t expect and a plan which he cannot escape from, he is told that he is needed to help a group of people, however, even though it appears that he is not trusted, he does begin to connect with a few people around him, however nothing is quite as it seems, will Andy be able to carry out his part of the plan and still live to tell the tale, or will the truth behind his unease come to the fore and play out in front of his eyes? This is a sci-fi novel which will keep you trying to work out who is telling the truth and who is lying as the unpredictability of the people around Andy ramp up the tension around him as they try to bend him to their will, but the only way to see whether they succeed is to read to the end and find out.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Tangled Roots by Denise D. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal fantasy story. This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life on each page. They are relatable and made the story engaging. This is a faster paced story about Cassie and a spell she casted forty-five years ago which by the way is the last thing she remembers. Nick is the only other witch in this small town Cassie finds herself in. The problem comes in that when they are together passion flares and it could be their undoing. Will they find the coven? What will fate have in store for them? There is alot going on in this shorter story but it keeps you turning pages and it certainly is entertaining. They have great chemistry and just made great characters. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy McKinley has created an amazing series! Bound By Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 2) made my emotions go crazy! There was a little of everything: romance, action, even twists and turns that keep you guessing. I laughed a little, cried a little, and stopped breathing a time or two. There is history between Kayla and Jaxon, and their reunion in her time of need is not without some complications. They had to find ways to get to know one another again and Amy McKinley made it so lifelike. I love books like this one that are so easy to read and so hard to put down! I can not wait to read Book 3!
Reviewed by @nrl0522
Shield & Shade by Misty Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this fantasy story. This is a well written story about having a past and finding out the truth that could just shatter your world. The characters are fun, entertaining and relatable. The author’s use of attention to details gave the story a realistic feel and gave it life. They really made the story for me. Fifteen years ago Zoey wandered away from her home or so she has heard but now she is not sure what happened during those years. Her life goes on and she is on track until one Thanksgiving Day when Gabriel shows up on her doorstep with the truth. Is she prepared for what she is about to hear? Perception is a big thing and hers may just be shattered by truth. This made a great afternoon read and I highly recommend it. I am happy that I picked it up and you will too.
Review by @bjwagner
Terrifying Love: A Halloween Anthology by Serena Nova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This anthology is a collection of romances with dark elements throughout, there are seven short stories and a poem at the beginning of each, it is a collection which ranges from love which has been twisted by the eye of the beholder to a tale of true love and a curse.
The first story is about a girl who escapes who escapes from her kidnappers and runs into Willow and Evan who come to her rescue and agree to take her home, but what information they manage to get from her shows them that they may be in over their heads, especially when it looks like the kidnappers are possibly following them. Are the three in over their heads, or will they figure out the who and why before they get to the where and when?
The second story is one in which a dancer, Binx has an audition for a top dance company at the local theatre, but when she goes to get her normal order for breakfast she runs into a man, she thinks nothing of it until she sees him again as she leaves, she gets a bit of a creepy vibe. The next day as she heads to work, she finds out that someone she knows has been killed just outside, as she waits to hear about her audition, more unusual things start to happen, but are they going to lead to something good or bad?
In story number three a Queen is left by her King as he wages war on those around their homeland so he can expand their borders, however, she feels saddened and abandoned every time he leaves, when she asks advice from her maid, she is shocked, but considers it, but will she risk everything her mother worked to achieve, just to find love outside a loveless marriage, or will the consequences of such a decision be worse than she could ever imagine?
In story number four, a popular urban legend is explored in a new way as a woman is taken from the life she knows and detests into one where she finds the place she belongs, however, when that peace is destroyed she enacts a vengeful curse on those who have taken her loves, her life and her child’s life away, but how far will this curse reach and is there any way to break it?
In the fifth story Kayla is a Huntress and one who is feared by all other supernatural creatures or Myres all because of one fateful Halloween night when she was turned into a Vampire and now she is hunting someone in particular on this Halloween night, she is looking for a Witch, anyone will do but time is running out and she has to make promises she wouldn’t normally keep in order to get the information she needs to find one. Will she find her Witch and be able to fulfill her mission in time, or will fate intervene again on Halloween and ruin all her best laid plans?
The sixth story is set in a bank where Anna works and works hard, however, just as things are starting to look up in her life, it all comes crashing down around her when a colleague passed away unexpectedly, the only thing keeping her going is the cute female security guard she has a crush on and who is the only thing now keeping her there, but will she be able to change anything around her and give in to this possibility of romance, or will she end up crashing and burning?
In the final story, Rebecca is being interviewed about a shocking experience she just had involving a spade and a patio, she is shaken to the core and nervous to speak about how she saw the light and tried to escape the darkness around her, but what happened to make her into the scared woman she is during the interview and was it orchestrated by the light or the dark?
This collection keeps you on your toes while you explore the light and dark sides of love.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this young adult sweet romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her yet. This is a well written story about a young adult teen who moves to a new town and finds herself falling for the boyfriend of her dreams. What will happen when she finds out that her boyfriend once had a crush on her friend? This is where the drama starts in full force. What happens next you will want to find out. Hadley is a great character even with her insecurity. She and the others are connectable and gave the story life. You don’t want to miss what happens with Hadley and the drama that is created by insecurities. This is a great young adult story that I would highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Terrifying Love: A Halloween Anthology by Serena Nova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Terrifying Love: A Halloween Anthology where 8 authors have come together to share their stories that will instil a fear that will leave you with chills as they are creepy and twisted with lots of thrills, mystery, and suspense.
This collection includes:
Bringing Home by Serena Nova
His Dancer by Isobella Dunn
La Siguanaba by Everly Taylor
Reflections of the Past by Melody Calder
Runes and Fangs by Victoria Larque
Bloody Money by Annelie Janssen
The Patio and The Spade by Ada Rossi
Poems by Helle Gade
Not one story is the same, there are different genres that has something for everyone from paranormal and fantasy, horror, and romance, to so much more. It is one of those collections where you need to read in the light or you will be checking under the bed, behind the curtains and looking to see what is lurking in the shadows.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is an emotional read. Marcia shares her heart and soul and a life of having a special needs child. She tells of the fear, the unknown, the pain and loss and not having the support and advice and trying to navigate the new situation she found herself in. She has written this book t be able to share her experiences, dreams and hopes that it will help someone else on their journey to a new reality and strange new world.
The gift Marcia has given to share her heartbreaking story is immeasurable.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Her Blackened Rose by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This third book in the series brings with it familiar characters and new developments. It opens with Lady Isra surviving her “death” at the end of book 2, and shows the changes that this experience has wrought on her. Astrid goes on a journey to determine whether Isra is still immortal, or if she is now susceptible to malevolent attack. An important question, as Isra has a new enemy in Kane’s little brother.
I appreciated some of the descriptions of people and scenes… they were illustrative and created a vision of what was being described. Descriptions of Ronald’s thinking were particularly illuminative. I found myself sometimes confused by the writing, as there seemed to be words used improperly fairly frequently. It made reading mildly irritating. Once I got used to it, the story unfolded well, and it was a good addition to this series.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Jeremy Full of Grace by Greta Cribbs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was definitely a bit different from my normal reads and I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I was surprisingly intrigued by it. This story had my attention within the first few pages and I found it very hard to put down. This book was not only interesting with the religious twist but it was so entertaining and I simply could not wait to hear about what happened next. After reading this book I can say that I am interested in diving into more books from this author.
Shield & Shade by Misty Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shield and Shade: Ascended Guardians series by Misty Hayes is a brilliant YA book that really does appeal to all ages. As soon as I read the blurb for this book I knew it was going to be one I had to read as I already wanted to know what had happened in the woods all those years ago.
Once I got into the book I found it to be such an interesting story. The author has gone a great job of creating a book that is distinctly YA and yet has a scope to it that would attract readers of all ages.
I thought the whole book was well paced and a really strong start to a new series. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The Divine Devils by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Divine Devils: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller: Book 1 by R. Weir is a fantastic book that gripped my attention from the moment I started reading. Everything about this book screamed intrigue and I just had to read it to see what was going to happen.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I thought it was so well written. The whole book felt exciting and fast paced and yet had a depth to it that I wasn’t expecting. The author didn’t hesitate to pull you deep into the heart of the story.
This is one book that I also have to mention the cover on. It is so eye catching. From the second I saw it I knew this would be a book I just had to read. This is a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.
0 My first book of the series this is the 2nd book however. Had great descriptive detail. Its an 18 + listened due to some of the context nevertheless this adds to the story.
Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dragons was a very fun and interesting read. A YA science fiction book, it held my attention from page one. There is plenty of drama, espionage, secrets and Draco finds that he is not there for the reason he thinks he is. Miranda is just playing him. There are twists and turns at every corner. One of the best science fiction books I have read in the last two years.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows (Blackwater Magic Book 2) by Leslie Scott
5 Stars
I just found another author to add to my favourites list. This book was amazing! I had a hard time putting it down. The cover caught my attention and I picked it up not realizing that it was part two in a series. I started reading and the characters referred to things that had already happened. It didn’t hinder the story. You can read it as a stand-alone but I personally don’t like reading series out of order. I will therefore go back and read part one. This book pulled me in from the get go. It’s full of magic, witches, demons and lots of action. The main character has some confidence issues which make her relatable. She gains confidence throughout the story. The addition of the carnival with demons dressed as clowns definitely added a creep factor. Who isn’t scared of clowns? Sometimes a series starts great but then book two doesn’t meet up to the standard that was set. Without even reading the first part, this book definitely keeps up the pace. I loved it and will be looking for more books by this author.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Wild Vamp
Jaded Vamp
Book 2
AUDIO BOOK
By L.D. Wosar
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length Vampire Romance. Get ready for getting hooked on this series. No Spoilers! Not recommended for those under 18, due to adult content. Warning….. Please read book 1 first, as this is the continued saga.
Kaysee, one you would do best not to mess with. As a Vampire she is mean as the day is long, if you challenge her. Having Dominic kidnapped did not slow her down. She wants revenge, her husband and her family back. Will she save the night, or will this be the fight that brings her down? Will she put a stop to the Hybrid Pandemic? Welcome to the world for the Vampire.
L.D. Wosar is a new author for me. While I don’t normally read Vampire Romance, I am Pleased I took a chance on this author. The story is fast paced and easy to follow. Kaysee is truly an independent woman who needs nobody to rescue her or her family. She stands for what she believes, and gets what she wants. But not without the fight. Well Done L.D. Wosar! Well Done! !
Her Blackened Soul by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great dark fantasy book. Lady Isra is a witch who follows the darks arts she no longer wants love and believes it is pointless. Her path is to learn more magic, she hates humans because they are weak. There is so many twists and turns i could not put it down.
Her Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Who doesn’t love a story about villainous witches. Book 2 picks up right from the end of book one. If anything i enjoyed this one more than the first. Lady Isra is still in her tower with her lover cloaked with her dark magic away from humans and her enemies, but someone or something manages to get through the enchantment and Isra knows exactly how to manipulate and weave her way out of danger with her sneaky tricks.
Her Blackened Rose by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is definitely my favourite book in the series so far. I have been drawn into Lady Isra story from the start. I love how it is a change from the good guy/hero books and that the main character is a Villian. I really enjoy the chemistry between Isra and Astrid and you find out whether she is really evil like she believes. There is adventure, revenge and magic you will not be disappointed.
Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Really great YA book with enough science to fill the hearts of nerds like me. Andy finds himself in a situation outside of his control, taken against his will, and kept away from the world he once knew. The story is filled with deception, half-truths, doubt, and action mixed in with a bit of humor and sorrow. The story keeps you guessing, but the ride is enjoyable from start to finish. Andy as a character is very relatable, and I loved his snark throughout the story. I was constantly re-evaluating the characters and opinions on various characters changed many times. It was difficult to know who to trust! The writing flowed nicely, making it so that I was completely immersed. I enjoyed seeing the few artwork pieces as well.
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vibrant Illustrations with a Big Message!
Amazing book for children to learn about extinction on their level! I loved the illustrations and the songs used throughout. It was a short read (perfect for its target audience) filled with a big message. My young son was enthralled by the vibrant illustrations on each page and it made conversation easy on a harsh subject. This would be the perfect addition to a curriculum on extinction in the classroom. The book does an excellent job of showing that even the littlest creatures can make the biggest differences!
Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story is a combination of past and present merging together. It is full of rich history and ghost stories. While it’s not a story I favor by this author I am sure others would enjoy it. The characters are good and I did love that first scene of them (Gianna and Sergio) by the water fountain. It is very romantically hot.
Overall it’s a nice story but too enveloped in the past and history for me. This does have a little mystery in here though tha adds to the goodness.
Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As someone who reads a lot of fantasy and sci fi, this was right up my alley. There was plenty of action and adventure to keep me on my toes. The storyline definitely wasn’t what I expected and there were lots of surprising twists throughout, although not to the point that they didn’t make sense. This was a pretty long book, but it was so entertaining that it never felt long. I would definitely call it a page turner, considering I finished it in one night! I thought the main character, Andy, was well-rounded and likable, and I enjoyed many of the side-characters as well. The only thing I didn’t love about “Dragons” was that towards the end, it felt a tiny bit repetitive near the resolution, but that could just be because I was so excited to reach the conclusion. Overall it is definitely a book that I would recommend, and is one that I will probably be reading again!
Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wraith is the VP of the Satan’s Devils. Sophie was crippled by a madman and is in a wheelchair. She thinks no one could want her, but she is so wrong. Wraith fell in love at first sight. For him that’s all it took. Turning Wheels is the first book in the Satan’s Devils MC series. Manda Mellett has what it takes to write a compelling MC novel. She keeps her readers attention from the begging of the novel to the end. I definitely recommend this author and novel to anyone who likes reading MC novels.
Hell In A Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hell in a Handbasket is the third novel in the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. In this novel it’s Teivel and Oren’s story. Valkyrie knows how to write paranormal novels that hook you from the beginning. This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but after reading it, you’ll want to read the first two. I recommend this novel for anyone interested in reading.
