The Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strong start to a new series
Absolutely love paranormal shifter stories and this one did not disappoint. Cheyenne and Lane are fated mountain lion mates and when the call comes they must act. Filled with drama, romance and of course family (the pride) this is a great first book for the series. Lookout forward to seeing what the rest of the series has to offer.
A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A story of what comes of three adults who suffered a childhood of abuse in many different forms, by their mother. Turns out their mother was not only torturing them and making their lives miserable. When the death of their mother brings the middle child Vic back to Grimsby more mysteries blossom through the town. Each of the children possess a special talent that makes them a force to be reckoned with. Will the death of their abusive, narcissistic mother bring the siblings back together?
I really enjoyed this book. I read it quickly and couldn’t put it down most of the time. There was always a mystery to be solved in it. Byrd Nash has a way of writing her characters and describing everything that has you picturing everything as you go. I do like how she kept you wondering what more could possibly happen and how deep did the corruption in this odd town go. Definitely glad I read it and I would read more by Byrd Nash!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery with a magical twist and witches to boot! There are so many things happening throughout this book that you will never be bored. It will keep you turning those pages.
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By using the rich fabric of her personal life, psychology degree, varied work experiences, and amazing characters she’s met, Manda is able to populate her books with believable in-depth characters and enjoys pitting them against situations which challenge them. Her books are full of suspense, twists and turns and the unexpected.
Manda lives in the beautiful countryside of Essex in the UK. As well as writing books and reading, Manda loves walking her dogs and keeping fit. She lives with her husband of over 30 years, who, along with her son, is her greatest fan and supporter.
Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whew, I loved this story! Its got a little bit of everything – wounded hero, a feisty heroine, and enough chemistry to blow you away! First of all, hard not to love Hud. I loved watching this relationship play out as well. I felt like characters were realistic and that the way romance unfolded was realistic. My first book by this author, but def won’t be my last. Thank you for bringing me a great read that I couldn’t put down!
Reviewed by @vegatina20
Caught in Midnight Shadows by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she continues to blow my mind. This is the fourth book in The Caught series. You can read this book as a stand alone but there are some previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited when I got this book I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. I was hooked on the first page and could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write about next.
Bryant Bellamy was told by his dying mother that he had to make things right. He sends his two kids to live with their mother so he can make things right. Bryant has no idea where this guy could be but he was told he moved to a small town in Oregon. He is only on a mission and then going home but he meets the beautiful Aubrey. Bryant is attracted to her but she tells him that she will be leaving town soon. They are both targets to a new stalker and they become close. Will they find out who it is or will it be too late?
review by @heatherbass
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Red’s Peril Part 1: The making of an MC Prez (Satan’s Devils MC Vegas Chapter) by Manda Mellett is a really good read! This is an MC romance, with mystery, danger, drama and more.
In this story, we follow Red, who is mentioned in previous books of the Satan’s Devils MC series.
Red, in search of warmer weather to ride his Harley year round, is on a mission of self discovery. He meets a waitress, at a café he’s stopped at and one thing leads to another and well, you know… things happen. He hasn’t always had it easy and climbed his way to the top to become the Prez of the Satan’s Devils Vegas Chapter.
But is there more? Is this all there is for him? The book did end in a cliffhanger and I’m excided to read Part 2 to see how things play out!
Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning.
You could feel the connection between the characters and the author does a great job with their story as well.
Both Elgin and Mary Beth have things they are trying to move forward from. There is something about Elgin that calls to Mary Beth and she has the need to help him. Can these two help each other move forward? Can they have a HEA?
Overall I really enjoyed this steamy read. My emotions were all over the place. I loved Mary Beth, she was feisty and she cared deeply about helping Elgin. Elgin tugged at my heart strings with the things from his past. If your looking for a great erotic romance I highly suggest this one. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the Pierce Brothers series, and we get to watch another brother fall hard. Belinda Williams knows her way around romantic comedy, and this book will definitely having you smiling, laughing, and cheering through to the end.
Nadia was unexpected. You truly feel for her and the emotional baggage she holds regarding her parents toxic marriage and messy divorce. She was very jaded about love and relationships with a determination to never let that sentimental 4 letter word break her. She was a hard character to love and connect with in a sense. However there were many times I adored her, wanted to yell at her, shake her, or just hug her with the way she had my emotions going lol. Eventually I warmed up to her character, and I was rooting for her. Luke was sweet, lovable, and a great father. He saw past Nadia’s cold exterior, and saw the beautiful and amazing woman she was.
When Nadia and Luke reconnect because her house is in dire need of a little TLC it becomes Luke’s chance to get his girl. Opposites truly attract as he pushes her outside her comfort zone and we are pulled into their many cheesy moments adorned with playful banter. Nadia is determined to keep her heart and distance from Luke even with the daily close encounters. The miscommunication and the tension runs high, but deep down they are both aware that the one night stand they had would never ben enough. Luke wants his next love story to be the works, and he wants it with Nadia. A dream home is not truly a house without a family, and this story really brings you home.
Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It just keeps getting better. The second book in series in the Pierce Brothers series; was just as good as the first. While I was a fan of Tom from Mr. Nice Guy, I’m even a bigger fan of Lucas. I enjoyed the chemistry between him and Nadia, how they both had to work on being vulnerable with each other. Spoilsport is fun, witty, charming, easy to read, lighthearted and humorous. I enjoy reading every minute of reading this novel, and I’m anticipating Book 3.
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading any of Manda Mellett’s books, and I was not disappointed. Red’s Peril Part 1 was not what I was expecting, honestly. I haven’t really read any MC books in the past so wasn’t sure what to expect but Manda Mellett’s description of the brotherhood surrounding this particular MC was very well written. I could feel the trust and connection the characters had with one another. And I couldn’t help but fall a little bit in love with Red. His realistic growth throughout the book, his haunted past, his sometimes uncertain future, and his can’t-miss-him hair draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. I can’t wait to read more about Red and the rest of the Satan’s Devils MC!
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Elements of the Crown is the first book in the Elements of Kamdaria by Kay L Moody and is a combination of four novellas: Ice Crown, Wind Crown, Dust Crown, and Flame Crown. It is a story about a girl named Talise who came from the farthest reaches of the Kamdaria where the criminals reside, the Storm. No one leaves the storm unless they can shape elements and become a Master Shaper. Ten years of training at an elite academy for a chance to compete before the Emperor for the title of Master Shaper. For a girl from nowhere she has more skills than anyone in her training until Aaden arrives at her academy to train for the last year with skills that rival her own. The story follows these two main characters who have both trained for this moment. Who will be the chosen by the Emperor? What fate does that really entail for them next?
The story was a page turner that kept me reading to find out what would happen next. Trying to figure out the motives and next moves for the different characters was a continuous cycle from start to end. It kept me hooked with all the plot twists. Her character and world building were great. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to continue reading with the next book.
A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
Vic has to return to Grimsby after her mother dies to meet with her siblings…but being back home brings back many memories of why she left to begin with. Her family is anything but normal…her mother was a witch, Vic is an empath, her sister can charm those around her, and her brother knows the history of any object he comes into contact with.
However, when the truth of what her mother was up to before her death comes out…Vic uses her powers to figure out what really happened. But, there is a price to pay for using her power. It doesn’t help that her ex-boyfriend, who now works for the FBI, is hanging around while another ex is also around as counsel to her brother. With so many secrets to keep while searching for the truth…Vic finds herself taking on all the feelings of others to her own detriment. Will they be able to find out the truth before it is too late?
I found this book to be quite interesting. It is different than other books that I have read and I found myself immersed into the story…wanting to see what was going to happen.
Snowflakes & Stockings by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Snowflakes & Stockings is another really cute book by Marianne Rice, in the Wilton Hills Christmas series. It can be read as a stand alone- it is the first book I read in this series and I loved it. I look forward to reading the others, as they are each about one of Liberty’s siblings. At first it had a Fifty Shades vibe to it- not the bondage, but the characters. Young innocent reporter interviewing gorgeous millionaire bachelor. The mystery surrounding he and his family… But, this book was clean and adorable. I loved the characters and their chemistry. Liberty has a really tightknit family and they are all loveable. I liked the added tidbit of how she and her siblings got their names, it really brought the family to life. I like that Sawyer was really sweet, and wish there was a little more detail about his childhood loss. I felt it was breezed over and he didn’t get as much background built as Liberty. I recommend this book as a quick cute romantic book to get you in the holiday spirit, and enjoy the happily ever after.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am notoriously guilty of finding something I’m interested in and then immediately overwhelming myself with so much information that I don’t know where to start. The practice of magic is something that has interested and entertained me for as much of my life as I can remember. Like most other things, any knowledge I gathered seemed overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start and not screw something up.
Maria DeBlassie does a phenomenal job of making the practice of magic be much more achievable in this book, and reading it has made me finally understand how I can do every day things with intent, and use my intentions as a way to bring a little magic into my life and the lives of those I love. There are no magical requirements listed in this book other than learning to accept and love parts of yourself you have been trained to let wither, and use them to strengthen your connection to your sense of self as well as understand your strengths and the kind of magic that is available to you when you do that. She does a wonderful job of sharing her own practices and what led her to them – as well as what parts of her life led her away from them before she started down the path she leads.
I’d label this book as self help more than a “witchy” book, but it is honestly the first book on paganism and a magic lifestyle that I have truly felt I connected to, and helps me provide a wonderful base to now start adding on to. The things I’ve read in the past were much more practice based, involving divinations, in depth knowledge already required, and this book made me feel seen – like someone knew where I needed to start. This book feels like Marie is talking directly to me, leading me to the beginning of the path to start daily practices for better self care, living with intent, and understanding what my goals are. I don’t think I was ever able to really visualize my witchy goals before this book, as it was more of a daydream of what I could do “when I had time”.
I loved this book and am very thankful I found it. I look forward to reading the other Practically Pagan books, as well as more by Marie DeBlassie.
Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Half dragon half human Dahlia Nite is my hero! So this book had me hooked on dragons….the magic of it all….the superb writing that pulled me in making this book hard to put down. That and then add in solving murders? C.L. Schneider makes fantasy even better than it already is!
A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book did not turn out to be what I was expecting, but I think I like it more than what I expected. Byrd Nash weaves a wonderful tale that has a dash of magic, as opposed to a magical fantasy land with mystical creatures. It is a much more contemporary read with talk of traumatic life events, murder, mystery, and a touch of romance.
Rachel Rowan used her magical talents to traumatize her neighbors, and used her kids as pawns to use their talents in her favor. When their mother dies, Phillipa, Victoria and Liam are left to fit together the pieces of the messes she made and the fallout her choices lead to.
It’s a little hard to put a genre that fits the whole of the book, but I was hooked and happily surprised my interpretation of what the book WOULD be turned out to be incorrect. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee is a sensual, sexy romance. This short read has great characters, an intriguing plot, and enough steam to keep a reader on the edge of their seats. Elgin is a strong alpha male with scars and a past full of secrets, but Mary Beth has secrets too. Can Elgin trust her enough to help with his scars? Can Mary Beth finally share her past with someone? But most importantly can they help each other heal? You’ll have to read Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee to find out for yourself.
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1)
By Kay L. Moody
This book exceeded my expectations. The author did an exceptional job building a world full of magic, friends, family, danger and more. I was drawn in from the start and with all the twists and turns I was kept entertained throughout the entire story. I could not put this book down until I reached the end and then I wanted more. There were times when I was rooting for Talise and other times I wanted to shake her ugh! I became invested in this story and the characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
Snowflakes & Stockings by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had no clue when I downloaded this book that there were three other books before Snowflakes and Stockings. But no the less I picked right up on the storyline. I felt like I was in the middle of a Hallmark movie scene the whole way through the book. Rice did a great job setting the tone while keeping the reader hooked.
Liberty is a driven, independent spitfire who comes from a big close family. While Sawyer is equally driven and independent, he is the co-owner of Maine’s big tech firm. While Liberty is trying to investigate the identity of Maine’s Secret Santa, which she hopes will help her to land a promotion at her job, she comes across Sawyer. Personally, the way Rice developed Sawyer’s character I found very relatable. He comes from a workaholic family background, who don’t spend too much time outside the office together. When Liberty invites Sawyer to Thanksgiving dinner, she has no idea that he would fit in so perfectly.
I truly fell in love with this book so much that I downloaded the three-book the preceded Snowflakes and Stockings. This series is a must-read series, especially with the holidays approaching.
Reviewed by @alape
Check In by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 of the series and it was really good. You meet Leann Bobbin in book 1 as she is Betsy’s sister. While attending Betsy and Nash’s engagement party, Leann meets Len, who work for the local police department. When Len calls Leann on their daily check in, Leann, who is working at her first full time job at a bank, lets Len know of a robbery that is taking place. As the robbery ends, I love how it brings Leann and Len closer. The story flowed so quickly in this book and I just wished it was a bit longer :).
Check Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very pleasantly surprised!! This story of Nash, whom is a Marine Veteran and Betsy, a local librarian. Nash is a protector and very caring and is hoping that Betsy can see past his eye patch. He is there to help Betsy especially when a situation arises with Betsy’s sister, Leann and a stalker she was dealing with at her college. Betsy only wants to help and protect her sister with Nash’s help. Will Nash be able to protect Betsy and Leann?
I found this story flowed so easily and it was very enjoyable. If you like a great story of intrigue, some mystery with spark between Nash and Betsy.. this is for you! Looking forward to reading book 2! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Honestly I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but I was intrigued. I love fantasy and I LOVE enemies to lovers books. But this one just seemed so perfectly sophisticated. To say the author has a way with words is an understatement honestly because she is AMAZING. The plot was brilliant and I really couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was greedy for what was yet to come. As the first book in this series I can truly say I cannot wait to read the others! Just so amazing.
A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I think I grabbed this book having high expectations with it, I read a lot of fantasy, magic, supernatural so I think maybe I was thinking it would be different then what it really was. Don’t get me wrong the book itself was very good, the plot line is just as good and really fits the characters the conflicts made me really think and wonder what was going to happen. I was intrigued by the characters in this novel. With a wonderful mix of personalities, how amazing of friends and family that they all seem to be. The characters in the book you can’t not enjoy, trying to fix issues that came up, problem solving, and how they all got along as good friends and family. The flow and the way you can easily read this book, it was a very short read for me. I really thought there was going to be more magic and supernatural not a book about black mail and murder. It was an enjoyable book on a low-key kind of way.
The Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cheyenne and Lane were fated mates and found each other unexpectedly. Both were stricken with less than desirable pasts, but driven by the strength to overcome. Unable to ignore the pull of the bond they come together to find the love they have been missing with plenty of drama, action, and romance along the way. The story truly displays the beauty of fated mates and the support of a strong pack.
This book captured my attention from the start! The first book in the Long Claw Pride series, and it makes you excited knowing that there is more. The story itself and the characters were well developed and original. You cannot help but fall in love and get excited when you find a good paranormal series, and this is definitely one.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Naomi Valkyrie has done and stole my heart once again with Fate, Frankincense & Funerals! This little gem might be a short read but man does it pack a punch! The world that Ms. Valkyrie has really become fully developed and just pops off the screen of your kindle as you read and that is hard to do with novellas, but also a really strong point of Valkyrie’s writing skills. She knows how to create these worlds so beautifully with vivid words that make you feel as if you can taste the air and smell it at the same time as you feel the ground you are walking on while you stand beside your character you are reading. I particularly loved the journey and the world we got to experience in Fate, Frankincense & Funerals. It was slightly dystopian and built on ancient laws that are heavily outdated. The shifter races are highly believable and I really loved the way they were described. I liked the way the romance was really prevalent in this one, something Naomi Valkyrie hasn’t played with quite as much in the past novels I have read of hers. I look forward to seeing what we will get next from her!
Review by @lizaileen
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Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Victoria Zak knocks it out of the park with Rock Me To The Top! I absolutely love Joe and Melody’s love story! Melody falls in love with a famous drummer from the rock band called Gracefalls not only is Joe the all star drummer but her childhood best friend. This story gave me Nicolas Sparks love story feels but had enough smutty romance to it. It was hard to put it down as you go through the twist and turns with Melody living on the tour bus as GraceFalls manager and falling in love with her childhood best friend Joe. I loved that both had rough past and both come out on top of the world at the end. I found myself crying in some parts because of how much Joe loved her. I really hope there is a second book to see what happens next.
A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Spell of Rowans was a very interesting read. It is about a woman named Victoria, Vic for short, whose mother died resulting in Vic going to her hometown to deal with it. As it turns out, it appears as if her mother, Rachel, has been murdered. At the time, Liam, the youngest sibling, gets arrested as a suspect in another murder of a woman named Patty who worked closely with the Rowan’s mother.
The book follows the family trying to get closure and move on from their abusive past while also trying to figure out who the murderer is. Things aren’t adding up. The Rowan’s all have special abilities that their mother hoarded over them when they were children. As a result, the siblings want to get all of this done and over with as fast as possible but that’s hard to do when you may be the next victim in mind.
A Spell of Rowans did not disappoint. You could tell that the author was writing from experience. The way Byrd Nash taps into the emotions of a broken adult due to childhood trauma is spot on. Not only that but the book was also filled with action, magic, mystery with a splash or romance. I would highly recommend this book!
Still Taking Chances by Roz Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a steamy sweet story of submission and healing. Elgin and Mary Beth have such a unique dynamic from the very first moment they meet. Although they both try to keep their distance as their domme/sub relationship develops, it doesn’t take long for both of them to start to develop feelings. I really enjoyed that this was written with a female domme instead of the typical male domme found in many books. This is also a very unique romance in that the sub was an alpha sub and not what typically comes to mind when you think of a sub male.
This book really delves into just how healing and fulfilling a domme/sub relationship can be for those who are drawn to this particular lifestyle. The surprise ending is so fitting and made me laugh and smile simultaneously, because it absolutely stayed true to their special brand of romance.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read about “The Rupture”. The sky ruptures and evil is unleashed on the land. The story is told in a fashion I have not read before. Each chapter or portion of the book is from the experience of the characters at that point and time. Although you are switching and reading the stories of varying people, the author keeps the basis of the story at the heart of the matter. It all really does come full circle. Some of the chapters are very gruesome and disturbing. This was a dark fantasy that makes you think of the evils of the world.