Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A realistic story of a couple working through the ups and downs of marriage. The wife working toward resolution with her husband at times felt a little forced and repetitive but not so much I wasn’t able to enjoy the story. Once the secrets were finally revealed the couple was able to have their happily ever after.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t think I have ever seen so much packed into a short story before. This highly creative author manages to take her readers on such an emotional ride with characters who have so much more depth to them than you would first expect. Shamrock and Clover grab hold of your heart and they just don’t let go.
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story takes on the dark side of love. Heartfelt, heartbreaking, and heinous sides of love are shown in this tale. You will experience an emotional roller coaster as you watch what our characters endure and experience the light slowly start to dim within them. Kally and Clark tell a story of a love that was meant to be until it wasn’t. A future planned for their life together is ripped away when Kally is forced to marry Clark’s brother Colton. Her sacrifice becomes a life of horrific abuse from Colton who is more monster than man. As Kally becomes a shell of who she use to be its Clark who is planning in the shadows to get his girl back. The evil that has taken place, the hurt that cannot be undone, and the difficult fight for a forbidden love all come out within this book. You question if these 2 can ever find a HEA when they get their second chance, or was their love never meant to be.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet story about being willing to go on an adventure. Caspian received a special gift from his grandpa for his Unbirthday. The gift was a pad of paper and The Know-It-All pencil. Caspian had to take the chance and follow the Know-It-All pencil. His morning was filled with meeting new people and finding fun. Throughout his journey the Know-It-All pencil guided him. The beauty of the story comes in Caspian’s willingness to trust and believe in his grandpa and the Know-It-All pencil.
The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored Sam and Layla. The chemistry and connection despite the differences really brought the story to life for me. This author is new to me and this was a great first time read. The story itself kept me fully engaged and the characters were lovable and relatable.
The Vampire Navy SEAL and his Vampire Hunter are drawn together even though their families are enemies. Sam is meant to be Layla’s prey but they come together for a common good that turns to much more along the way. However when tough decisions must be made you are not sure where things will go.. Their story of angst, drama, and forbidden love will definitely keep you on your toes.
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a series opener!! Treachery, scheming, infighting, and deceit….and that is just with one family!! A kickass heroine that is only getting badder! I was so happy to see that Jason didn’t fight or deny the mate bond. I am enjoying the way that Lily is coming into herself, getting stronger, willing to be strong for others, and not willing to take crap from others especially the King. I can’t wait for the next books as there are so many promises that Jason has to keep, so many changes he wants to make!
This story is about learning your value and discovering the inner strength we all possess. The romance is just a bonus. Lily’s evolution, even Jason’s, is one from which we all can learn.
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Adorable tale of how sharing knowledge amongst your friends not only strengthens the friendship but is fun! Trezzie and her friends use items Trezzie has found in the sea to create a rainbow and other fun science experiments! It was fun watching the friends learn from each other and enjoying science while thinking it was tricks and magic!! Each friend learns something. Great for younger children!!
Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a way to open a series! Intrigue, friends, frenemies, enemies, lies, new lovers, old lovers, wannabe lovers, secrets and family. Strong women supporting each other is great to see.
So much going on and with questions left unanswered, it will be hard to wait for the next one.
When Deacon Saint comes home for a funeral he doesn’t want to attend, his old life slaps him in the face and makes him take notice of what is important. Between rekindling old friendships and finding out what happened to his best friend, Deacon must make a decision between his career and his loved ones. The right decisions never felt so wrong.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom is a fun children’s story that has a cute storyline, colourful illustrations, fun and adventure, educational elements, and a touch of magical whimsey in the form of the know-it-all pencil.
With interesting characters, this quirky story was engaging and fun, feeding both the imagination, as well as inspiring a little learning.
Happy reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
I know I may have said this before with some of K.M Lowe’s other books- but this is definitely my favourite read of hers, so far- even though she left me hanging on a cliffhanger lol.
Forbidden Love is the first book in the Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe. It is a bit of a dark romance, with triggers, tension, drama, suspense, and plenty of emotion. I was quickly absorbed by the story, finding myself completely invested in the characters and their story, reading it all in one sitting just so I wouldn’t miss a thing. A forbidden romance that held me in its grasp till the very last word and has left me needy for more. Can’t wait to get my hands on Reacquainted Love which will complete the duet- it’s set to be riveting.
Bring on Book #2!!! Can’t wait!!!
Thank you, K.M Lowe!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m torn. I love wolf shifters books. This one though I’m not sure how I feel. I don’t care for the abuse and rape aspect of it. I did enjoy the new found wolf experience.
I understand that a lot of times these books are always a mismatch when it comes to mates but Claiming My Mate pushes a lot of boundaries that could be triggers for some.
Lily, a kidnapped human, forced into becoming a servant for the royal family. Though she’s a servant she’s very defiant with a very strong personality.
Jason, the essential crowned prince of the pack, next in line for alpha. Little does he know his mate will be found under his own roof.
I do like how the author wrote Jason is very kind, sympathetic, strong everything you want in a future leader. His development throughout was a shining light on a book I was struggling with at times.
If you like servant/master romances check it out, you should enjoy it. If you’re like me and enjoy shifter romances, go into this book with an open mind before making a decision.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable! This was a very fun kid’s book. Adventures, mysterious all in one. Great fast read for children. Recommend for all ages.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful fantastical scavenger hunt style kids book.
First off, I haven’t read the other books in the series so I am very curious as to what exactly an UnBirthday is!
To the actual review part: I really enjoyed this short kids book. There’s instances of magic and fantasy with a pencil that knows it all and is writing out clues for Caspian, the main character. Caspian is encouraged to go on a type of scavenger hunt by following the clues the Pencil gives him and along the way he learns skills, lessons, and the value of “paying it forward.”
I loved that we get characters of diversity (age, ability, gender, skin color, and even animals) in this book and we see them all treated with the same respect.
Would recommend this for children 4+ and as a read along for those on the younger side. The pictures are very well illustrated and are great at grabbing your attention.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first mafia book so I don’t know what to expect but I can honestly say, I plan to read the rest in the series for sure!
It took me a bit to get into it and understand the families and characters but after a couple chapters, I was sucked in!
I have to say, it was better than I expected!
So much angst in the beginning but it quickly turned into chemistry and passion between Luc and Summer!
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Melody Street Players are ready to perform The Sound of Music, but murder puts a stop to the performances before they can even begin. Ruby decides to solve the murder of fellow cast member Diane. This was an enjoyable page turner and I am looking forward to the release of Book 2 in this series!
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was truly a book I could not put down!! Shamrock is the king of single men. He can have a one night stand with any woman he wants to but is beginning to wonder if there might be more to life than this. Clover is struggling with pain in her life and looking for more. This was such a fun read!! I plan to read more by this author.
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.75/5 stars
This book gave me the hallmark romance fix I needed! It’s a very cute, romance read that is written in a unique way. I loved Graham’s character and his interactions within the book matched him very well. I didn’t really enjoy Lara and couldn’t really connect with her. I think the reason for her being in Cupid’s Cove was a legit reason, I just don’t think the weight of how her mental health was impacted was written in a way that conveyed authentically what she was experiencing.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a cute quick little read. I can’t wait to read this to the kids I care for next week. They loved the last book by this author that I read to them. This book is about Caspian and his un-birthday gift of a know it all pencil. As with the previous book I’ve read by this author, the pictures are amazing.
review by @xchellex
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very cute story and great illustrations. Caspian is celebrating his birthday and a gift from grandfather, which is a pencil, turns out to be part of an adventure to school! I loved the overall message and any child or child at heart would love this story!
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Know-It-All Pencil is an original and imaginative tale for children between the ages of 6 to 8 years. It is a delightful, and fun fantasy story. It is the fifth book the “Invisible Magic Wand” series by this author. I read this book to my grandsons, and they were entertained and engaged and loved looking at the colourful illustrations.
If you want to know what the pencil knows then you need to grab a copy and a snuggle buddy or two and journey along with Caspian on his UnBirthday adventure.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book and wow I can’t believe someone would actually do this kind of thing to their children. Colton, Clark and Damien are brothers who grow up in the same house yet turn out to be totally different from eachother. Kally and Clark have always been close. They have feelings for eachother but at Kally’s 18th birthday party things change. Clark was waiting for Kally to turn 18 to act on his feelings and claim her as his but now he might be to late.
This book is so messed up on so many levels in a good way though haha! Colton has lost his mind. I can’t even imagine having to deal with someone like him.
Will Clark get his happy ending? Will Colton finish what he has started?
This book had lots of great characters. Love Caleb and his brothers. Definitely a lot of suspense in this one and wasn’t sure what was going to happen next!
review by @xchellex
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl. This is my first read by this author and its the first book in the Wolf Hollow Pack series. This isn’t my favorite genre but I truly enjoyed this book. Its a young adult, paranormal book with werewolves, shifters, and romance all in the middle of young adult problems. Its a quick read and once you start you won’t want to put it down. Its the story of Lily who serves the royal wolf pack family as a “slave”. Jason is a Prince and when he picks up Lily’s scent when she has cleaned his room he wants to find her. There is also a member of the Royal Guard who is interested in her and will have her one way or another. Jason is kind, helpful and everything you want a Prince to be but Lily is stuck between a rock and hard place as a slave because she really has no say. Lily would love to be with Jason but feels her place in life will never allow it. There are some hard scenes to read so be prepared!
The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vampire stories are my heart. This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last! Sam, a Navy SEAL, and Layla, a vampire hunter. Two people that should not be together, when tragedy arises, and they have to work together, can they resist their natural instincts? The intensity between the two and how well they work together is a must read! I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for these two next.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had it all. Boss romance, mafia romance and enemies to lovers romance which are some of my favorites. I loved Summer and Lucs story so much that I flew through this book, just like I did with all the other Mafia Elite books. It was filled with the right amount of action, romance and emotion. Highly recommend the whole series. I seriously can’t wait for Treys book!
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a cute story. I think that my second grade students would have a good time discussing what their “know it all pencil” would write. I had to read the story a few times because I felt like some of the plot was rushed and didn’t always make sense. I would be interested to see other writings by this author.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
Shamrock and Clover: Fields Apart is a sweet romance about love and luck. Clover should live a life filled with luck, but she has nothing but challenges. Shamrock lives a life of debauchery and has become complacent in life. What happens when Clover and Shamrock meet? Will they be lucky in love?
I always enjoy this author’s books, and this did not disappoint. There were some tears, laughs, and more as I read the story. This is a short but excellent read. I felt for Clover as she went through her challenges and could relate to her hurt and heartache. Shamrock was harder to embrace, but in the end, he won me over.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This dark and gripping story is simply amazing. While this is not my first book by this author this one was dark, emotional, gripping, and dramatic. Personally I can’t wait to read the second one in this series. While it may be full of pain, and heartache can Kally and Clark over come the obstacles in their path? Can they over come the greed and hatred from those that are supposed to love them more than anything? This story will keep you reading and I’m not sure how soon you’ll be able to read a book after this story…..Clark and Kally will stay with you even after you read your next book. So make sure you don’t miss this griping story.
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match is part of the Welcome to Cupid’s Cove series. The series is set in Cupid’s Cove, written by different authors. I grabbed this one because I have read many books from this author, and they never disappoint. Graham is new to town and has a great dating app connected to a bakery. Lara works in her mother’s bakery and does not like the new competition.
This is a sweet romance that I read quickly and left me in a great mood. I liked the characters and their will they/won’t they story. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emma Evans is a intelligent, independent young lady.. uncovering mysteries across the city of Chicago in the 1880’s. The author did a good job giving all the characters depth and a reason to be in the story. A most enjoyable view of the streets and society of that time. Alongside emerging women’s rights, cameras and user friendly bicycles, the Author and Emma take us on a wild ride looking deeper, finding the wrong doings in plain sight. Looking forward to #3 in the series!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 3 in this series delivers! Our heroine continues to evolve and find herself steeped in continuing intrigues. This installment sees Emma and Jeremy travelling to New York City and across the Atlantic to Paris. The travel and sights of the late 1880’s are captured wonderfully by the author. And still every step of the way adventure, danger and mystery combine with Emma’s determination to help people. Picking up right after Book 2 in the series, this is another great read in the Notebook Mystery Series.
