Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was excited to see more of Elsa and Anton. We first see them in the Conveniently Yours. I have to say I was extremely interested in seeing a book about the main characters as already together. This story spoke to me about the themes. I rooted for them through it all. Love conquers all. But will it be for them?
Reviewed by @awesomelyamber
Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony by J.C. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing. Even I feel that is an understatement. There was so much character growth and things hidden beneath the surface of this book and the author’s writing was enticed, shocked, and sucked in completely, body and soul! I could not get enough in any shape or form
What I loved most was reading and learning on who and what Beelzebub is. He was a demon yes but alone with his power this was much more to him. Learning of the other’s like him was very intriguing as well. Personally I loved Clara. I identify as a empath myself so it was nice having a character to read on that I could relate to on a personal level. The story takes off quick, and the darkness of Beelzebub really came to light. I was enticed all the way through. I had trouble setting this one down. it was so good. The writing and story line was beyond amazing. I cant wait to read about the other powerful demons!
Freaking good read that I very much enjoyed! I highly do recommend this book, it was a quick read for me, and I was amazed and mesmerized as I read through. Cant wait to read more by this author!
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book! It was thrilling and captivating from start to finish! I loved how things seemed more less normal at first glance, but once the suspense kicked in, it was a roller coaster. I loved how things did not seem always as they appeared at the first look! Wonderful writing! Really good book!
There was a lot going on. Sacrifice for a debit was a big thing. I really admired the bravery in Kally. She had to sacrifice her self for her family. Throwing away the love she held so dear. I know for a fact that would have not been easy for anyone. The story was gripping as I said. Needless to say I hated the evilness in Clark, to say he was a cruel and horrible person is a understatement. I loved the dark times that followed years into their well arranged marriage. Things got heavy and dark. And I got more sucked into this book. There was a lot of things that kept me on my seat\s edge. The writing was fantastic. The author knew exactly how to keep the reader enticed! Can not wait to read book 2!
Gripping and amazing writing. This is a must read for sure! I highly do recommend. This is book that is very hard to step away from for even a minute! It truly enticed and captivated me! Loved it!
Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good friends-to-lovers book. Even if there is a 20-year gap in the friendship. Caspian and Paisley are thrown together after 20 years, both with their own issues. One is an uncle who issues an ultimatum to marry for one year or lose everything that matters to him. The other is in debt up to their eyeballs with medical bills. They come up with a plan and watch it play out.
Reviewed by @awesomelyamber
The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another fantastic book by an author who has quickly cemented herself as one of my favourites. I loved the whole idea of this storyline and how exciting it felt. The writing had me hooked from the moment I started reading.
This is such a unique take on a zombie apocalypse. I loved how different it was and how fresh it all felt. Each book I read by this author is distinctive and original. It really makes it so exciting to read her stories. This is clearly the start of amother great series and I cannot wait to read the next one.
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have really loved this series and getting to know all of the characters so I was looking forward to reuniting with the characters in this book as well as finding out more about Yolanda. I have to admit I didn’t love it as much as the others but saying that it was still beautifully written with some really sad parts that definitely pulled on my heartstrings. I really did want to shout at Yolanda and Michael at some parts – so much heartache between them because of lack of communication! I really felt for Yolanda and what happened to her, I can feel how much it affected Michael too and how he didn’t want to speak up in. fear of upsetting her. Jayne was such a sweetie though! She was definitely the glue for them both!
It was lovely to see the progress in the lives of some of the other characters too! I have really loved this series and would definitely recommend this book and the others to other readers!
Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony by J.C. Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal romance story. This is a well written story that is not only full of action but romance as well. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters as they make the story come to life. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced story that kept me coming back for more. I enjoyed the growth of the plot that made the story easy and entertaining to read. Beelzebub is a demon who finds a human, Clara, interesting. She has a gift of empath but the problem is the more she helps people the weaker she becomes. Now these two are faced with saving her soul and with a war brewing they may just be in for a bigger fight than they realize. I enjoyed their chemistry and growth throughout. They made the story fun and interesting for me. I really enjoyed what they brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing read but I shouldn’t be surprised considering this author is the Queen of Mafia romance reads!! I loved Luc and Summer’s story and I am definitely going to say this is by far my favourite from this author – everything about it was just perfection! It was exciting to read, the characters grabbed my attention from the very beginning. There was passion and chemistry galore – it was just a phenomenal read – it really was. I was on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion and literally didn’t put the book down once I had started it. Absolutely fantastic read and I would highly recommend it to other readers!
Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this as a standalone, and life really got in the way of me engulfing this book like I really wanted to. Finished it in about a day and half, despite my objections to other obligations that kept me from reading it straight through. Seriously had a difficult time putting this one down.
Hope has a gift for connecting telepathically with people, usually for her to help them in some way, and since she doesn’t choose the connections, it’s not initially apparent why she’s connected with Russ. After a couple of months, she’s still struggling to figure it out while Russ starts to get annoyed with her ability to read his every thought and her questioning of things he’d rather leave in the past while revealing very little about about herself to him.
Along with the ability to connect telepathically, Hope is confused as to why she’s suddenly developed a new ability to see through Russ’s eyes. Add in her unclear premonitions and the stresses of a life lived in secrecy, and Hope becomes overwhelmed when her own safety is threatened. All she knows is her connection with Russ is different and she finds herself more invested in his life than she should be.
When life and death hang in the balance, the pair figure out that Russ might just be the answer to helping Hope leave her life of hiding behind once and for all, if she can learn to trust him with her secrets. Lots of ghosts and other paranormal activity, and close friendships, help the pair navigate through their lives as they face peril.
I was thoroughly engrossed in this novel and the original story line full of mystery and intrigue. Great writing, wonderful characters, and lots of drama. It’s taken me a couple of days to decompress from this one.
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lily has grown up as a servant in the castle of the Alpha of the Wolf Hollow Pack. Her days are spent keeping her head down, avoiding eye contact with any member of the royal family, and doing her chores. After an attack on her from one of the king’s guards, her life takes a turn that she never saw coming.
After an attack from rebels lands him in a hospital bed, Jason (the prince) is shocked when his wolf wants him to protect whoever else is in the infirmary with him. When he learns that it is one of the humans that works in the castle, he is confused. But, there is more to this human girl than it seems…it’s his mate.
Jason finds himself fighting to the death for a chance to claim his mate…despite his mate’s protests. But, there seems to be a lot more at play here than we know. Can Jason win the battle? Is there a bigger battle brewing?
This book was a relatively quick and easy read. Lily is definitely a lot stronger than she lets herself believe…and I am hoping more of that shines through in the next book. There are also enough secondary characters that could potentially have their own storylines in future books. Overall, a good introduction to a new series that I am looking forward to following in the future.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is about the journey of one unexpected couple in their search for love is chronicled in this lovely Romantic Comedy.
Three leaves make up a Shamrock. There is no limit to how many Clovers a Clover may have. Faith, hope, and love are all commonplace. Luck, on the other hand, is usually number four. When it comes to love, he’s a sinner; she’s a saint. They’re both on the lookout for the coveted fourth leaf, as well as some good fortune. They could just discover it and each other if they meet in the middle.
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
The Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this Thriller. The author does a fantastic job of gripping the reader from the beginning and not letting go. There are so many twists and turns to this story that you don’t know what to expect next. I also enjoyed how the author incorporates the Covid pandemic as well along side the story plot. This devastating event makes the whole story feel more real and more connectable. I really liked Josie’s character. She is a hard working, loving mum who will stop at nothing to protect her kids, she does seem a little paranoid in places but this is normally for a legitimate reason.
Josie lives in a cabin with her two kids, away from it all especially her abusive ex husband. There has always be stories through the years of dead bodies being found in the river surrounding Josie’s property and there are secrets her family wish would stay hidden. But when dead bodies start turning up and Josie is the number 1 suspect she needs to figure out who is behind these murders and why before she can clear her name.
Add to this the added drama of Covid and Josie having to face her fears that plague her today and in her past and this is a very entertaining read.
☆❥•*•
•*•❥☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆❥•*••*•❥☆
Marvel
I became a member of the Satan’s Devils MC to escape from my past.
I love this mismatched family that I’ve joined, would give my life for the club, but something always keeps me slightly apart.
I’ve watched as my brothers have found partners and settled down, seen them have kids and have played a sideline role in their upbringing, but never had any yearning to find someone for myself.
More than thirty years back, I learned women can’t be trusted. It’s a lesson I took to heart.
If I never fall in love again, I can’t be hurt and my world won’t be torn apart.
Virginia
I was betrayed in the worst of ways by the man I loved. Even now, it’s hard to put what he did into words.
But I don’t need to speak for myself, everyone knows. And everyone blames me. Me, who’d had no idea what was going on.
Traumatised, I try to hide from the world.
But even a reclusive woman has to emerge sometimes. I didn’t expect to get caught up in a major incident, nor to be forced into close proximity with a biker named Marvel.
I didn’t expect we’d have so much in common.
Can two broken souls come together to make a whole?
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.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
5 out of 5 Stars
While this was my first read from C.A. King, it certainly will not be my last. Although the story was short, (it was the only fault I found; was I was left wanting more) it was a very cute and engaging tale.
The characters emitted a noticeable chemistry from their very first encounter, which continued to sizzle with humor and sarcasm throughout the novel.
Shamrock has quite the playboy imagine he was intent on maintaining, however the last of his pals to settle down, Shamrock begins to feel some kind of way about how lonely and bored the single life was becoming and finds himself yearning for a more permanent fixture, instead of the multitude of one-night stands that he had grown accustomed throughout the years. Clover had always been a good girl, taking care of her grandma, looking for her happily ever after; never once thinking of dating someone who had such a promiscuous reputation as Shamrock did.
With a little bit of luck, these two find that true love can turn up where you least expect to find it.
The Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Last Cabin Girl is a tightly wound psychological thriller with a potentially unreliable narrator and dark twisty trail of clues. Josie is a single mom of two, desperately waiting for her divorce to become final so that she can escape her abusive ex-husband and the Podunk town she grew up in. While hiking one morning, she thinks she spots a body in the Mohawk River. However, with her terrible vision, past mental health troubles, and having cried wolf once before about dead bodies in this river, she is hesitant to report what she sees. Eventually a body is discovered, but the few clues as to the murderer seem to point to herself. Did she have something to do with harming the woman? Has she suffered a delirium (again) and acted on emotion? Or is something else at work here?
I really liked the portrayal of Josie, it felt interesting and nuanced. She is certainly a lot more fearful than many people, and it is difficult to work out if her concerns point to a dangerous mental disorder, or if she’s been a victim of gaslighting, or what the real story is. There is a lot that I definitely did not see coming in this book, and some very dark imaginings twisted into this plot, especially near the end. A great read I finished in one sitting.
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book one of the series and as a warning, it does end on a cliffhanger but that is noted in the blurb. This book brings us some steamy romance and a good heaping pile of drama.
Stella’s younger years were a bit wild but now she is sober and crushing it as a surgeon. Stella likes to keep things interesting with her love life and juggles three very eligible bachelors. Could one of them be the one she settles down with or are none of them the perfect fit? Stella thought she had time to figure it out but life doesn’t always go as planned.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice change of pace to see Stella know what she wants and not be afraid to play the field a bit. The characters were great.
Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony by J.C. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a book that I enjoyed a great deal as it was in the view of the demon, but he is not an ordinary demon. He is one of seven and they are all super powerful. He is to tempt the people with gluttony. I liked when it showed that he was tempting people and it also went into detail about their guardian angels working to not let them be tempted by him. He looks for people who have already been touched or tempted by the other of the seven deadly sins as this makes his job of tempting people that much easier. This was a book that surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what I would read next and see where this went. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
James Chambers’ The Black Box gives fans of science fiction, adventure, war and politics all wrapped into this one story. With a variety of characters and a close look into a world deeply impacted by alien invasion, everyone comes together to protect themselves within their own span of existence.
Author does an excellent job keeping his audience engaged with each passing moment of the story as different characters’ perspectives are brought to light. Each group of characters endure different aspects of this invasion’s consequences and must cope with their duties and integrity. Many of them deal with the many harsh realities that in essence we all must face within our lifetime, such as heartache, disappointment, betrayal, secrecy, etc. As the readers, we can relate with the many stories within as each of the characters endure their own personal battles. I enjoyed reading into the different stories to come with one’s own interpretation of the dealings of this amazing read!
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Clover, always looking for a four leaf clover to solidify her Luck.
Shamrock, Patrick always looking for fun and a one night stand until he realizes all his friends are settling down.
When Shamrock finds Clover looking around in a patch to find something, he is drawn to her. Who would have thought that Shamrock and Clover would be a perfect fit?
The lengths that Shamrock goes to, to make Clover his are too cute for words. This book was a cute quick read. While there are some sad moments and you really want to give Clover a hug, Shamrock is just what she needs.
Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a BWWM romance with an age gap and a “Nerdy” vibe to it. I absolutely love the plot, I love the character development and the fangirl approach to the story. The way the Male Main Character encourages the FMC to follow her dreams and that he would even help her. Her resolve to “make it on her own” and not ride his coat tails was pretty awesome and oh my their chemistry together is flamable. I adore them and was rooting for them the whole time. LOVE LOVE this story.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read by this author and I am unsure how to explain how I feel about it. It will have you turning pages and not wanting to ever put it down. The hangover you have at the end will leave you wanting to know more and more. Grace and Ian are both fighting battles and together they are bound to conquer the world.
Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was an interesting read. It was this authors debut novel and I can see good things in the future based off this book. It is slow to start but it picks up eventually. We dive into the world of comic cons and my inner geek was happy. This story was fun and I thought it was an interesting book to spend my evening reading. I’ll be looking for other reads like this in the future.
Happy Reading!
Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide is a fun story. My curiosity was immediately piqued at the thought of finding love through a Comic-Con. So, I grabbed a copy and set off to find out what happens.
Layla is excited to attend the Comic-Con and has gone to great lengths to come up with the perfect cosplay costume to wear – as her favourite comic book author will be there and she is beyond excited to meet him. Throw in a meet-cute, some humour, secrets, steam, insecurities, love, acceptance, finding yourself, nerdy fangirl girl meets famous writer, a little drama, and finding love unexpectedly- and we get an entertaining story.
The book was a little slow to get going, and did lag a little at times- but overall, I enjoyed the story and meeting Layla and Vic.
I am interested to see what Ms. Glide has in store for us next!
Happy reading!
Thank you, Quiana Glide!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Sarah scouted the shore for a place to land. The next nearest scrap of earth on Nellus lay 660 miles away across a world 98 percent covered by ocean. She banked the glider and eyed a sandy strip fringed by vine-draped trees and elephantine leaves. Cutting altitude until spray kicked up, she fired her braking thrusters then skimmed her glider’s belly across the surface to slow her approach. The glider lurched sideways. Sarah wrestled it on course, skipping from wave crest to wave crest. She nosed down, plunging the glider beneath the fluid’s skin. The sharp drop in speed pitched her forward, knocking her helmet against the cockpit glass. Caught by the undertow, her glider jerked sideways into shallow waters, then spun and skidded up the beach, furrowing sand until it stopped hard against a thick wall of entwined tree trunks.
The glider’s systems malfunctioned and winked out.
The echo of the crash rang in Sarah’s ears.
When the shock faded, she punched the cockpit release, lifted the glass, and spilled out onto the soft sand. Wrestling her feet under her, she stood, surveyed her landing, and found the glider’s frame crumpled beyond repair. (A Beach On Nellus)
The sight of the Black Box fulfilled one of Piotr Atwatunde’s lifelong desires.
No longer need he wonder if humanity alone occupied the universe, for here before his eyes floated an object singular in all of human history and proof of sentient life superior to that found on Earth. Seen firsthand, it defied Dr. Armitage’s description as a “black box.” Though its cubic dimensions suggested the shape, its skin appeared light-deflective rather than black. Seen in the close, direct glare of their helmet-mounted lamps, it displayed a dull, shimmering magenta hue. (The Black Box)
Vox Astra: The Black Box (Vox Astra Book #1) by James Chambers is a great little collection of short sci-fi stories. This original collection offers interesting, and sometimes, thought-provoking tales with a range of elements, from military, politics, hard choices, space travel, aliens, first contact, new worlds, warring factions, AI’s, invasion, drama, mysteriousness, and plenty more.
I really enjoyed exploring this collection- and particularly liked how original and intriguing this collection was. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Mr. Chambers does next.
Happy reading!
Thank you, James Chambers!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Weep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was simply amazing! Reading the first page, I was immediately drawn in. I love Mercy’s voice and the storytelling she does. I adore the reality in the relationships, and the way the story touches on all the ways that things were different then. I loved reading about Mercy’s dreams and her fighting spirit even as her dreams changed because reality struck. I just really truly love everything about it, I was absolutely enthralled from beginning to end.
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fairly quick read. Warning, this one ends in a cliffy, but it’s worth the journey.
I enjoyed the overall storyline, and to see Stella’s growth, from alcoholic , to renowned doctor (who loves a little loving on the side) who has a penchant for making bad decisions, to someone who’s willing to put in the time and effort into a serious relationship. I feel like there could have been less drama had people just talked to one another, but where’s the fun in that in a novel, right?
This one sort of threw me because the title description is misleading, this is not a love triangle, but rather Stella has three potential suitors. All Doctors. While the author touches on the hospital’s fraternization policy, I’d hate to be in their HR department because it seems like people are hooking up with colleagues left and right.
I enjoyed that each of the potential partners got a decent chunk of the book and that for the most part the friendship and work relationship prevailed over everything else.
As the author states in the description, this isn’t your average romance. It will have you hating the characters at times, rooting for them in others, and all around pulling your hair out trying to figure out what’s going to happen next. It’s kind of like a telenovela re Jane the Virgin. Enjoy!
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stella!! The self-awareness and strength that she possesses is amazing. This is a short, steamy tale of how Stella is finally taking control over her own life. After years of addiction, Stella is sober but still craves that feeling she used to get with alcohol. Stella has rededicated herself to her job as a doctor and finds time to partake in some stimulating parts of life. As Stella finds the guy she is willing to commit to, his own insecurities and her bad habits destroy what they had. There is so much riding on decisions Stella has to make regarding her future.
The author writes strong, smart, resilient women that rule their place in male-dominated worlds! Stella is just another example of that. She owns who she is and her decisions. She rocks and so does this book. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Return of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have never read a story like this. It is fantasy but also historical fiction as it mixes magic and mythology with the destruction of Pearl Harbor. I’m glad the author put a glossary in the beginning of the book because I needed to reference names and places as I read. The characters drew me in and I wanted to learn their stories. Alva didn’t grow up with her queen mother or sisters but comes back when trouble arises. She is a Huldra who uses the male life force to live. Alva went against the norm and did not kill her partner, but helped him win a war. Bernard, a resistance soldier, is grieving the loss of his family and is willing to do anything to bring them back. Bernard changes one event in history which alters the fate for all. He knows one small change can make a difference in the future so now he has to go back and fix it with the help of Alva. Something seems to be working against them and Bernard and Alva need to figure it out so they can change the past and put the timeline back right.
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
Return of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was surprisingly good. It was a story about Gods and elves but they seemed so real and approachable somehow. Reading Bernard’s story was intriguing and interesting. The story had some twists and turns that kept me interested as I tried to figure out how it would end. This is the first book in a series and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book almost had me screaming! Holy heck of a cliffhanger! I DEFINITELY have to read this sequel now! I have read Wildcat by this author before, and apparently this is a different series from that one, but with recurring characters kind of, so now I’m desperately wanting to go back and read that series. I thought this was a continuation of Wildcat (I apparently did not pay much attention at the end of that one) and alas, it is not. I did not quite enjoy this one as much as the previous book I’ve read from this author, it seemed harder for me to get into, but I really liked it more towards the end. It is steamy and definitely an 18+ novel. This was also a really quick read, so I enjoyed that as well. I can’t wait for the next installment of this one!