An Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy historical romances and really loved the setting of this book. It just felt grand. I’m coming to enjoy the way the author puts together her tales and appreciate the way the stories come together. An easy read, this book was quick for me and one that romance lovers should enjoy.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Repair by Trish Williford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the story Repair, Rescue Me Book 1 by Trish Williford. The chapters go between the point of view of Charlie and Tank, destined to be together but too many obstacles interfere with their happily ever after. We begin with an early encounter between the two and jump years ahead to where the repair to their strife needs to occur. This is a sweet story of love and finding out who you are meant to be with. He characters were all relatable and fun to get to know. I was able to read this in a matter of hours and always appreciate a quick read with characters that you come to love. The end leaves us with a tease of the 2nd installment that I am definitely going to read.
Repair: An Everyday Heroes World Novel by Trish Williford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Repair (Rescue Me Book 1) by Trish Williford
4 out of 5 Stars
Trent “Tank” Easton has made a few questionable decisions in his life. What he said to Charlie, his best friend’s little sister, the day after his father’s funeral is one of those. What happened after that day, wasn’t.
Charlotte “Charlie” Hawkins has been in love with her brother’s best friend since she was 12 years old. Charlie never thought that Tank might share her feelings until the day of his father’s funeral. That night changed everything. Charlie stayed away from her hometown for 8 years because of what Tank said. Now she is back and plans to be friends with Tank. She can do that, right?
I fell in love with these characters for so many reasons. I thoroughly enjoy the sibling jousting between Charlie, Jude and Dane. My heart melted at Tank’s letter to Charlie. The small ways Tank shows his love for Charlie are endearing. Tank’s relationship with Shirley. Tank’s reaction to Justin’s relationship with Charlie. While you are in their world, you feel like you have grown up in their small town. I will be reading the next episode in this series!
Repair by Trish Williford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Repair Me! Gosh, I loved this love story. There’s always that one person you think about, or have, that you had and have built a long lasting friendship with, or better yet, relationship with, and this story fully dives into all the feelings, and problems that can come from such scenarios. Charlie and Tank have a long, and tumultuous history, filled with loss, and heartache, but don’t forget about the good things, the love they’ve shared, albeit within the confines of friendship, and the way they have supported each other, through thick and thin. Reading this novel tugged at my heartstrings, as you become so attached to Charlie, who is a kick-butt nurse, passionate about all those around her, and Tank, who has battled his own demons and come out stronger for it. I loved getting to know both their characters through the talents of Trish Williford, her writing coming across strong, and allowing you to visualize and connect with all those things, and people she introduces along the way. I am very excited to read the next installment and see how things turn out for Charlies brother, Jude! If you’re ready to fall deeper in love with your people, give this a read! It’ll have you appreciating all the small things in today’s crazy world. Thank you, Trish!
Pet Me by Angelique Jurd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pet Me: The Toye Shoppe by Angelique Jurd
Five Stars
Pet Me: The Toye Shoppe is the first book I have read by this author. I hope it is the beginning of a series. I enjoyed this short book and look forward to the rest of the guys’ stories. Bailey and Sam are a wonderful combination. They have great chemistry. The story flowed well, and my only complaint would be it was over too soon. I am really looking forward to adding more of Ms. Jurd’s books to my library.
Review by @sunbarn
The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this first book in this series so I couldn’t wait to start the second and I absolutely loved it! I wasn’t sure when I started this series whether I would like it not being a huge paranormal fan but I can honestly say I think this is one of my favourite series so far this year! The characters are great, it’s steamy, sexy and a whole lot more! I love the multiple POV’s in the story, makes it seem more rounded and I feel like I know all of the characters so much better. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it in a matter of hours – there is a slight cliff-hanger not enough to drive you mad but definitely enough to make you want the next book!
I am really excited to see where the author takes this series in the next book – I cannot wait!
Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I honestly just love this author so much; I’ve lost count of how many of her books I have ready and I’m sure each one just gets better and better. I am really enjoying this series and I think this may have been my favourite so far! Sam and Ellie – oh my – what a couple! I loved their story, Sam’s story honestly broke my heart sometimes, I just really wanted something positive for him in his life and I knew as soon as he made contact with Ellie, she would be the one to do it! Ellie had her past problems as well and I really felt for her, both of these characters had almost but given up until that fateful wrong number and from then on, I was rooting for them the whole way through!
There are some parts if this story that will trigger some readers but as always, the author deals with them sensitively whilst remaining true to life.
I cannot recommend this book enough – it really is an amazing, emotional and heart-breaking read at times and well worthy of the 5 stars I give it!
Sign Steal Deliver by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fun paranormal story. The story is engaging and easily kept my interest. So much that I read it in one setting. The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed Hermes but Kat stole the show. She has quite the interesting past plus she shifts into a house-cat. Yes I said house-cat! At first I thought humdrum but boy was I wrong! That is what helps elevate her! She surprised me and impressed me over and over. Delightfully refreshing from her name and occupation to her shifted character.
Secondary characters are fun. Yes we get to see a lot of the Gods and their personalities but my favorite is a guy named Peter. Really he is entertaining! Just read it to find out how great this character is. I chuckled at his antics more than once.
This author just surprises me with her wit and intuitiveness with all these characters.
I love reading her stories and can’t wait for more from her in this series and others.
Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was super excited to read this book by N D Jackson, I have read book by her previously so I couldn’t wait to get going and as I completely expected I wasn’t disappointed at all. She certainly knows how to command the attention of her readers; the pace and flow was excellent and the characters were wonderful to read about. I think what really shone through for me in this story was the connection the girls had – they were all so relatable and I just really wanted to be part of their group! I absolutely adored Athena, she was such a great character and I cannot wait for the rest of the series! I really loved the author attention to detail and how well she got across the feelings of these authors – I could honestly feel what they were feeling at times! This is definitely a one click recommendation from me! A fantastic 5 star read!
Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Laura Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance story. It has parts that make you laugh. The leading lady Elle is really relatable. She is a young business woman who is running her mother bakery. It’s not what she wants to do but she feels she owes it to her mother.
When Zane opens up another bakery right next door it makes Elle angry.
The anger from Elle to Zane intensifies when he makes her an offer for her business. It will give Elle the chance to do what she really wants which is create cakes so why does she see this as an insult. Elle’s firey temperament brings out her protectiveness towards her mothers business and she will stop at nothing to protect it.
Zane however can’t understand Elle’s reaction. All he wants is to spend time with her and get to know her but Elle fights him all the way. Until she gives in and things seem to be looking up.
Is this all a ploy by Elle to find out what Zane’s planning? What happens when pretending to have a connection to someone turns into a real passionate connection? Can Elle survive opening her heart to Zane?
Hold Me Forever by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hold Me Forever (Heron Harbor Book 3) by Lea Nolan is a contemporary romance that has all the feels. This wonderfully written heart-warming tale is engaging and enjoyable and takes us on an emotional ride right along with the characters. The story flows nicely and the descriptive narrative brings world Lea has imagined and the characters to life. There is lots of feelings in this book and has plenty of angst and drama to keep the pages turning. With lots of charm, wit and chemistry and romance. Unfortunately, it is the last book in the trio.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boy Released by J.D. Spero is the follow on from Boy on Hold and is a YA cozy mystery thriller. The story takes place ten years after the first book Boy on Hold and is also told in multiple POV’s which enriches the reading experience as you get a much more in depth look into the characters. It is raw, it is honest, and is more grown up than the first book. The tension and emotions throughout are palpable and is heart-felt. It deals with mental illness and is a great story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Singer and Her Song is a very different read and much easier read than The Lightning Horse. It is a story that brings to light the current plight of refugees needing to forge a new identity in a new land while overcoming the trauma of the past. I felt great empathy for all the characters and felt invested in their lives. N.L. Holmes does an excellent job of world-building and making the reader feel like they are in ancient Egypt without needing to spell it out for them. I recommend this book.
Review by Penelope Taylor August 2021
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K.L. Montgomery writes #bodypositive sweet romance, romcom and cozy mystery. A librarian in a former life, she now works as an editor and runs the 5000-member Indie Author Support group on Facebook in addition to publishing under two names.
Though she remains a Hoosier at heart, K.L. shares her coastal Delaware home with some furry creatures and her husband, who is on the furry side as well. She has an undying love for her three sons, Broadway musicals, the beach, Seinfeld, the color teal, IU basketball, paisleys, and dark chocolate.
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Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an award-winning romantic suspense author with a unique point of view. Her suspense novels take place in locales across Europe and the United States, reflecting her international upbringing and extensive time as a global traveler. In her duology, The Coin and The Book of Hours, her characters, Gabriela and Richard, walk the same paths as their creator, though her life was never in so much danger.
Her novels have received several awards, including the Bronze medal for The Coin at the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards; and her short story collection, The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories, was a twice Silver Medal winner–at the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards and at the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards. This short story collection takes the reader on a ride across all genres, including tragic tales of survival of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s (based on the author’s own experience of exile). NY Literary Magazine describes The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories as “a gracefully-written, varied collection of entertaining, touching, suspenseful and thought-provoking short stories.”
The author’s creepy short story, “Retribution Served”, is featured in the anthology Book Dreams: Volume 1, and is available through all retailers.
Ms. Alonso-Sierra’s writing career began circa age thirteen with a very juvenile science fiction short story, but the writing bug hit, and she has been writing, in one capacity or another, ever since. She has worked as a professional dancer, singer, journalist, and literature teacher in both the university and middle school levels (and not necessarily in that order) and holds a Masters in English literature. She loves to hear from readers and, when not writing, roams around to discover new places to set her novels.
Her detective novel, Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel, and its prequel short story, “Mirror, Mirror,” are currently available worldwide.
Ms. Alonso-Sierra, as always, is working on the next project. She lives in South Florida with her husband and her dog, Amber.
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Ruth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats and her nights spinning mysterious tales. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people’s recliners. Not that the cats couldn’t get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else’s.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling writer uses her sense of humor as she writes tales of lovable, klutzy women who seem to find trouble without even trying.
Ruth’s husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her despite her insistence all of her books have at least one cat in them. See updates about her cozy mysteries at Ruthjhartman.com.
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Trish Williford lives in a tiny town in West Virginia with her awesome husband and beautiful daughter. She enjoys writing about kick ass heroines and their dreamy book boyfriends. When she’s not busy being a hot mess mom, she loses herself in books, binge watches Supernatural and Grey’s Anatomy, rocks out to One Republic and chills out with a glass of wine.
Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ms Black you certainly do have a new fan! This is the first book that I have read from Sylvia Black and I will definitely be back for more as soon as possible.
Salvatore Descallia is Overlord of the consulate, it carries huge responsibility but it is a task he has done extremely well for many years….then along comes a complication in the form of a tough Vegas cop Lucianna Denaro.
Women start going missing in Vegas and Salvatore knows the vampire community are being set up to take the blame so with the help of Lucianna he must find the missing women and the nasty culprits who are abducting them, all while keeping Luci safe and fighting a growing, very intense attraction between them.
This book will keep you engaged from start to finish and you’ll be wanting more!!
Fury of Conviction by Coreene Callahan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series, and it was a very good read. Its a first for me by this author and I truly enjoyed it. Book 1 will be next for me.
Hamersveld and Natalie were such a cute and unexpected couple. Hamersveld was a warrior and a leader and when he came across Natalie he became torn between his duty and his need for her. Natalie is beautiful, strong and immensely determined and independent. Her will to survive is what has driven her even after being taken away to be a breeder. Together we watch as their uncertain future plays out from kidnapped, to rescued, to the next unknown. Its a very good and short read.
Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a huge fan of supernatural books, and am so glad I found this series. I absolutely loved the first three books and was very excited to read the fourth. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series. A.J. Renee does a great job at storytelling and really captivates her audience. The characters are also very relatable. I loved Renee’s writing style and her word choices. Cursed Touch was a very easy read and a wonderful story. Renee most definitely deserves 5 stars on this book and series!
The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon is a fantasy young adult book.
J. U. Menon’s The Dream Catchers is a fast-paced high fantasy journey through Indian myths and folklore set in the mysterious land of dreams. A remarkable story of bravery and self-discovery. Everyone claims that RADHIKA VARMA has an overactive imagination. But when she is picked to compete in a Challenge in Prestoria – the realm of nightmares – she will have to rely on every ounce of her crazy imagination to save her life. Radhika must construct her own armament against strong ancient creatures like the Vyalas and Rakshasas, and travel to the mystical gateway before dawn as one of eleven Dream Catchers equipped only with her mind.
If she fails to accomplish so, she will be compelled to remain in Prestoria for the rest of her life. Radhika learns there is more going on than meets the eye when she is accused of assaulting the other Dream Catchers. Will Radhika be able to clear her name, finish the Challenge, and return home before dawn, or will hunger for revenge force Prestoria to take her as its own?
I loved this story and the concept of it as well. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting.
Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON is a great romance fantasy. Fans of Charles de Lint will like this music-filled romantic urban fantasy with a Celtic touch.
A solitary blacksmith and a failing barista. Will they be able to evade the Irish Gods’ call? Saoirse understands that once a week at a small Dublin pub performing traditional music won’t earn her a job, but it’s all she’s got now that she’s been sacked from her barista job. When her father dies, though, her world is turned upside down, especially when an unknown grandma calls.
Smithy’s only source of delight that retains some of the charms he lost long ago is music. Making items in his forge in rural Cork serves as a constant reminder of what he’s lost and why he must reject the Tuatha De Danann’s demands. They urge him to join their fight against their greatest foe, a mighty deity who threatens the destruction of Eire, their homeland. However, fate and the gods conspire to lead Saoirse and Smithy down the road that they were intended to take. The gods must awaken and respond to the cry to save the land. However, answering that call might put your life in jeopardy.
I loved this story and the concept of it as well. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting.
Finding It All by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding It All (Finding Happiness In Harmony Book 1) by Stacey Komosinski is a western contemporary romance.
Chloe Larson, who is twenty-five years old, has never been in a relationship or had a true kiss. Chloe feels she is better off with only friends around her after a difficult childhood spent hiding a secret and being humiliated. That way, she won’t be harmed or mistreated. She spends her weekends with her best friends and roommates, Gaby and Jess, and her weekdays demonstrating her worth as a freshly promoted reporter. The problem is that she doesn’t have time for romance. However, she secretly yearns for that particular connection with someone.
Chris Sherman is tired of the egotistical ladies that seek him out. He isn’t seeking love after just ending a relationship. When he meets Chloe Larson, though, everything changes. She has an allure about her that thrills and interests him, and he is eager to learn more about her. Will they be able to get the bravery to allow each other in and share the pleasures and sorrows of love, life, and happiness in order to discover it all?
I loved this story and the concept of it as well. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is the first book that I have read from this author, I cant wait to read more.
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boy Released is the follow-up to J.D Spero’s Boy on Hold (and likely will not make sense if you didn’t read book 1). The story takes place 10 years later, when Tyler is released from psychiatric rehab. I had a hard time understanding the purpose of the book for the first half, then it all came together as to how it relates to the first book. Similar to the first book, I don’t feel like Hen acts his age- supposed to be 17 but is horrified by normal teen boy behavior. Perhaps what he went through as a child stunted his maturity… I’m not sure. But its not enough of an issue to withhold enjoyment in reading this story. While the book is told from the perspective of Marcella and Hen Trout, the story really is more of Tyler’s story. His actions and mental health are the reason for the story to be told. I loved the ending, and think it was perfect. If you enjoyed Boy on Hold, you should read Boy Released- it finishes the story and gives us, as the reader, resolution.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The beginning of this story was heartbreaking, but because of it I was emotionally invested from the get go. I wanted to see how Athena would live. For herself, for Charlie. The Green St. Girls were such a pleasure to get to know, and I loved the dynamic they had. Chosen family, or sisters of the soul.
Athena was independent, sassy but struggling with such a huge loss. Then there was Tru. The banter with Tru was my favorite, their chemistry and how he broke through her barriers to get to the wonderful heart beneath. I loved this book, and I can’t wait for the next!
Hawke by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a rollercoaster that was. I feel like I loved and hated Charlotte and Hawke both, but somehow in the most enjoyable way. Most of the time I wanted to throttle Charlotte because she just kept crawling back for more. But…. I loooooooved it! And stayed up much too late devouring this story. Hawke is dark, with scars so deep he thinks there is no hope for him. Charlotte is impulsive, and even though she drove me nuts at times, she did what Ryder told her. She fought for him, even when she probably shouldn’t have. This is steamy, and will make you hate and love and blush, a wicked convocation. Read it!
Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 1 of the Masters of the Consulate series, Master Descallia, truly captivated my interest in this new author. Her writing is beautifully done, with wonderful character development. It’s always impressive when you really get a feel for the unique personalities of multiple characters in such a short book (I want to read more about Embry!). The beginning wasn’t too drawn out and the action started immediately after a brief opening. Master Descallia is a strong and domineering character and I can certainly see why Luce is so drawn to him! Must read!
An Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson is a historical romance of how time away from the one you love can change how you feel. Rebecca and Rhys met and married in Latvia when Rhys was there as a British diplomat. Soon after the wedding, Rhys travelled back to London because his father was very ill. Rebecca’s mother happened to be sick and Rebecca stayed in Latvia with the plan to join Rhys in a month. Unfortunately, Rebecca was being held in Latvia and did not make it to England. About this time Rhys was notified that Rebecca and her mother had passed away. What a horrible situation for both of them. Four years later, Rebecca gets a chance to leave Latvia with the help of her maid’s brother. When she finally reaches England and shows up at the door, Rhys is shocked and acts as though he is unhappy Rebecca is alive. This becomes very apparent to Rebecca and she feels like all the pain and trouble she had to go through to get to England was a complete waste.
Although this historical romance wasn’t exactly what I usually expect from Ms. Woodson, I did get sucked into Rebecca’s experience in Latvia and her troubled travels to get away. I was sad about Rhys’ reaction but can also understand that he thought Rebecca was dead and had grieved for her already. I’m not sure How I would feel in his place.
Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dark Bastard is the fifth book in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells. I have read this series from the first book to this book, each one better than the one before it. The storyline deals with a dark subject. The characters are fully developed and complicated. One thing I love about India Kells is her attention to detail. She paints a vivid picture with her details. This book talks about the darkest secret of human emotions. Sam is struggling and has resolved what he feels he must do. He feels his mission is over on New Year’s Eve. He reached out to his brother, or so he thought it was going to be his brother. He, in fact, found someone else that he wants to help. He needs to deal with some darkness to be able to help Ellie. Will he be able to save Ellie and himself from the darkness? I highly recommend this book and the other book in this series.
An Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An Enduring Love is another wonderful book by Wareeze Woodson. Rebecca is so strong, courageous, and loves fiercely. Rhys is so broken when he believes Rebecca has died that he must lock all that love he felt for her away in order to survive. Will their love endure all they must go through to be together? This is definitely an author I will continue to read.
