Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was hooked from the very beginning. I love small town books. It reminds me of the place I grew up. The different twists and turns the author had, made it hard to put down. All the emotions the characters felt, I felt also. The author knows how to pull at your heart strings. I highly recommend this.
Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have never enjoyed historical fiction more than I have with this series. I am very sad to see it ending. Lord Hani is back on what could be his most difficult mission yet. And not one time was I disappointed. This book had my attention from the first pages through the very end. As it is the final book in the series, would HIGHLY recommend reading the previous ones.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An emotional young adult high school romance. The main characters of the story are well written so that you cannot help but connect to them. They highlight the different cliques from highschool while maintaining a reality to them. It is refreshing to see a more realistic view point on the teenage world of high school as opposed to it being drawn over the top to all extremes.
Nathan has gone to this school his whole life, but before freshman year something changed. Yet in order to protect himself he chooses to keep everyone at a distance and himself behind a wall of lies. Only those who must know and his family are aware of his deepest secret. That is until a new girl becomes a witness to it.
To what lengths will Nathan go to keep his secret from the school? What lies will he add to his wall of protection? Will Holly keep his secret or will she ruin him?
Pick up the book to find out! You will be sucked in to find out his secret, the dilemma with Holly, and everything else that happens along the way.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the realness the author brings to this book. The high school drama and bullies, we’ve all been there and how she incorporates all that into the book and it comes full circle is real life. Holly was relatable as in she was trying to just fit in, and then she accidently discovers the secret of a popular kid. I was rooting for Holly and Evan to make Nathan feel comfortable and they went above and beyond what I could have imagined. It was hard to put this book down once it sucked me in a few chapters in. I just wasn’t a fan of Nathan and that crowd at first and then I fell in love with the person he was becoming with Holly and because of Holly. I look forwarded to reading more from this author!
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I knew by about 20% in to this book that I was going to absolutely love it and that is exactly what happened. This book started off intense and had me on the edge of my seat in just the first chapter. I was immediately intrigued and wanting to know more. I absolutely adored Ellawyn and oh my does Beckett have my heart. He may now be one of my top book boyfriends. I loved that this book was dual POV because I am a sucker for the male perspective in these kinds of books. This book was so much more than a romance book thought, it had some very intense situations, and I felt all the emotions and even cried several times. The way I wanted Benji to be my own family member ugh I love him whole heartedly. I was honestly not sure how this was going to end with the plot twist and traumatic events that unfolded but I think this was done so well. I am now going to be on the look out for more books from this author cause this was just so beautifully done I want more!
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
High school years are tough! Everyone is jockeying for position whether it be with the nerds, jocks, preppies, stoners, etc. Imagine all that stress and being dealt a huge health blow right before your freshman year. Nathan’s life is crumbling but no one knows except his family and his teachers.
Holly and her dad just moved to the area. Holly’s dad is the new chief of police. No pressure for a new kid, eh? So many challenging things going through Holly’s head until she confronts this bully Nathan one day. The next few hours will have her questioning that confrontation.
I really enjoyed this book and wanted to give it 5 stars. However, being the mother of two teenagers, the language and the pretty descriptive “adult” scenes left me challenged. I know that this happens in reality but I would not encourage my children to read this book. The characters are loveable and understandable. Some of them I loved more than others, some of them I grew to love more as I read and learned more about them. The nicknames for the various characters did become a little bit difficult to keep up with at times, especially when interchanging the real names with the nick names. I found “GothGirl” and Ivan to be my favorite characters and I love to read a spin-off about them!!
Overall, an enjoyable book. It encompasses many difficult topics and I believe they are all represented very fairly. This book kept my attention and I read it in 2 sittings (only because my Kindle died and I had to recharge it!).
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was a good book. Ember is fairly new to the fore department and Sol was not only her mentor but her crush too. Once Sol was injured and could no longer do his job, he was on a downward spiral. Ember hated seeing him like that and kept trying to get him to see reason. I believe she got him to understand when they were trapped on an elevator together. I thought it was a really sweet story. Unfortunately, not all stories like this have the same ending. Definitely recommend this book to other readers.
review by @xchellex
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caring for Kingsley by Alli Eldridge
Caring for Kingsley is a heart-felt novel about a young couple finding their first baby, their dog Kingsley, has cancer. The novel follows their journey from the moment they welcomed Kingsley into their lives, up until cancer took its hold.
Caring for Kingsley can relate to any animal parent and/or animal lover. The emotions Alli and Dustin experience are very real and relatable. Their feelings were described in a matter that made it so that I could feel what they were feeling. I laughed, cried, and pondered along with them. The only downside I had towards Caring for Kingsley is that it opened old wounds from losing my childhood dog from cancer.
Overall, Caring for Kingsley is an exquisitely written book about the highs and lows of being a dog parent. It is a must read for lovers of animals, dog owners, those struggling to find answers to their own pet’s disease, or anyone who wants to read a relatively quick, heartfelt book.
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing Read! The was a great book full of mystery love and grace. I enjoyed every part of this story, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I would recommend to anyone who like mystery story and love stories as well. Be prepared to not want to put down until you have finished, because it will capture you.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story and review contains many trigger warnings and is only for those over 18 and is a heavy, but interesting read and deals with a lot of emotions and mental health related issues.
Sergeant JP Grimm is a marine, a veteran and he has a wonderful family, a wife, a son and two loving grandparents, but when he came back from war, something had changed, something was different and that something was about to tear him apart.
This story starts in a desert, a desert across the other side of the world from his home, this is where he trained, lived and laughed with his team, this is where they worked together on missions and spent their downtime together when no out on patrol, this team became like brothers to JP, but one day, while on a mission, they had almost completed their mission when a child comes out from behind a building, a child that looked so much like his own son, a child who he knew he should shoot on site, but how can you kill a child? How can you shoot down an innocent? All this went through JP’s mind and more in the instant before he saw the remote in the child’s hand and the instant before that child blew up his team members, the instant in which he didn’t pull the trigger and save them.
After recovering from the after affects of that trauma, JP returns home to his family, his son and his life, but as he tries to come to terms with everything that happens, he reacts as though he is still in that hell of a desert, surrounded by death and destruction. He tries to reconnect to that life before war, but he is struggling and so are those around him, everything reminds him of the past and he cannot shake the visions, thoughts and emotions which chase him when the sun sets until the sun rises again bringing another day of hope. However, it seems that the world is against him and is becoming embroiled in a fiery doom of its own, as the Earth’s magnetic field reduces and the sun flares increase and everything is surrounded by uncertainty.
As he spirals, JP pushes away everyone and everything he holds dear until he feels that he has nothing left, until he tastes his pistol and tastes the bourbon, but does every pistol taste the same, or are there other things that taste better? Can JP bring himself back from the brink and work through the nightmares which plague him? Will his family allow him space while giving him the support he needs, or will they leave him to fight this fight alone? As internal and external worlds spin out of control in this heavy read, you learn about PTSD and how it affects the mind and body, both increasing your knowledge, empathy and understanding, as well as being an interesting and engrossing read throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The third book in the Titan of Manhattan series, and wow: I found it almost impossible to put down.
The Titan we follow this time is Mason Steele, who owns and oversees nightclubs. Surrounded by beauty and women constantly, his rule is that he does not mix business and pleasure; he will not date or sleep with those he employs.
Rhyann is dreaming of making it big on the dance stage, securing a full scholarship to the college of her dreams. Moving out and leaving behind her small town and family she realises that studying and living needs money to survive. Alongside her roommate they audition at the Vault as dancers. A club that they frequented before and Rhyann had had a one night stand with a mysterious man.
Things get worse when her grades start to suffer and news spread that Rhyann is working at the club. Propositioned and attacked she returns to the safety of her family. Can Mason make things right for her.
Will Mason follow his wishes and bring Rhyann back home for their happy ever after. I really cannot wait to read more about this group of Alpha men and the women that they fall for.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy Smokes! What a crazy yet stunning story! I mean I loved it but DANG I really was not sure which way it was going to go until I flipped that last page! This really took me on such a ride! So SO many ups and downs and twists that sometimes I was not sure who to trust/believe or even like. Both main characters and a secondary or two are very interesting in how they conduct themselves. I was drawn into their individual lives, plight and but mostly I wanted everything to turn out where the winners win and the losers lose. But since this takes me right up to the edge before it lets go…I just never know who is going to fall.
I absolutely LOVED this dark and twisty tale! The story..the suspense..the characters..all of it is perfection! I highly recommend this one to anyone who can handle a little darkness in their stories. I look forward to more from this author!
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I did not think I could feel so much from reading a book. But with this one, I did just that! The book had a wonderful flow of pace I found, as well as the story line really brought you down a road that makes you think as well as wonder. Loved it!
This book very much showed its colors as I read. I felt so much and was very emotionally attached to the characters as I read! I enjoyed reading about the group of friends, and what their lives entail as well as bring to them. I really felt connected to the characters. Like it hit me, really hard. Especially with Melody, I related to her so much with her life choices and the position she was in. Reading her story really hit me deep within my heart, as I felt I once was in the exact position. I cannot say how important it was for me to read the story of Melody and her friends and how much they cared about her. I felt deep emotions, but as much as they were intense, they were beautiful as well! Loved the writing! Loved this book for so many reasons!
This is a book I am going to recommend to anyone and everyone. For sure one that should be read. And the first book in a series, so better yet! I cannot wait to continue reading this series and see where the next installments of books take me! Highly recommend this book! No doubt, it is a must read for sure!
Victoriously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow this is by far the most emotional read of the series, I have found myself following the highs and lows (and there are many), in this the steamiest of the Titans of Manhattan series.
Jonas Courtland developer of hotels and playboy of the Titans determined not to fall in love and has a continuous string of conquests.
We follow him revisiting the past where in High School his issues stem from, a past he never thought would have to deal with.
Makenzie the outsider, daughter of the local preacher is taken in by the words and actions of young Jonas, their relationship grows and then devastation when recordings of the pair are thrown out there for all to see.
Makenzie whilst dealing with her feelings is taken into hospital and treated for various mental health issues, a pregnancy and adoption. Working hard to find herself, get her career underway and her issues under control until she interviews for a position in a hotel running the restaurant and comes into contact with Mason.
Can both of these loveable but damaged people make a go of it this time round? They both deserve their happy ever after.
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh what an epic read this was !
I just loved every page it felt like I was teleported into a different era ❣️
Rosie may have been a difficult sort but when she’s in dire straits her companions take her under their wing and when things go from bad to worse when she’s under suspicion of murder they all jump in to protect her and prove her innocence …..
Although none of these girls were abused lets just say I must say I felt guilty of the freedoms I take for granted as a “ modern woman “ and it just reminded me afresh to be grateful each day as count my blessings 🙏
Matron and those in her care were a good sort of people and people I wouldn’t mi d learning from and being around ❣️🤗
Alyssa is not all she seems and she’s really clever and quite witty and a firm favourite with and good doc 😉
As for the killer, well that one took me a little by surprise to say the least ….
Will I be reading more ? Oh for sure ! Will I recommend this ? I wouldn’t hesitate !
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seventy years after the end of the first novel, Julia has lived in peace as her powers develop more. But the peaceful days come to an end when Valentino arrives to destroy the threat to his leadership. When fleeing fails, fighting is the only option.
It has been a long time since I read the first novel, however, I was able to keep up and enjoy this novel.
I still have a soft spot for vampire stories and the originality gives this a refreshing and engaging feel while reading.
I see there is a third novel. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a pretty intense, emotional ride. Three young friends in college end up on a scary adventure noone really wants to be on. Lance is sowing his oats. Imani is just trying to decide what she wants and her plan. She doesn’t even know that Trevor is in love with her. Melody, naive and believing in romantic fairy tales, is preyed upon by a controlling abusive boyfriend. Her friends are just trying to watch out for her. Who will she believe? This stuff breaks up friendships. Can they survive this. You have got to read this book. It’s one of the best fiction books I’ve read this year. This maybe a trigger for some. I could relate to all three, especially Melody, as I’ve had my share of those relationships in my younger years. This is one of those stories where you feel what they feel all the way to your soul. Melody is basing her view of romance off her parents marriage. Not naive, just not a realistic picture. She puts herself in danger and yet doesn’t listen when her friends are pointing out red flags. Imani and Lance are great friends who place themselves right there in dangers way when required. The plot was well-written with twists where needed. I found it to be very realistic but also inspiriting because her friends wouldn’t give up. The characters are very well-developed. It was nice to get a look into the families over the summer. Keeping the mystery of Kevin was a nice touch. The detective in me wants to know more about who he is. Great story, I’m looking forward to finishing the series.
Witch Inheritance by Sonia Parin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Witch Inheritance was my first book by Sonia Parin. Poor Lexie has been trying to stay away from the “family business” but when she is suddenly left with no choice, this book takes you on a journey through a cozy little mystery. This book has mystery, secrets, and some great humor. It’s a very light read that you can easily enjoy on a Sunday afternoon. The authors writing style is one I enjoyed and I look forward to seeing what else the series has to offer. I would’ve preferred a little more backstory on each of the characters since this is the first in the series but I’m hoping as we get into the next book will see that. If you enjoy humor and cozy mysteries you will love this.
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt real and relatable. I truly appreciate how this book talks about mental heath, especially men’s mental health because I genuinely feel like mental health in men is so often looked over. Men are considered strong and like nothing can break them, and while that may be partially true, men are human just the same and feel emotions and deal with things they don’t always discuss. I love how the relationship between these two evolved, they are both a little damaged. His was from injuries and losing the one thing that mattered most to him, until Ember. Hers was from the relationship with her mother. I wasn’t too sure I would be able to get into this book at the beginning, but it didn’t take long for the storyline to progress and make it easy to get into.
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great read from this author! I love her work and this book was just amazing. The cover is gorgeous and eye catching- and was what inspired me to read it. (I do often pick books based on covers.) It was beautifully written and the world the author created was fascinating to dive into. I’m a big fan of star crossed lovers and when you throw in a mermaid? Obsessed. There was so much going on- not only with the main characters but the side characters as well. It really was a hard book to put down. I can’t wait to read the rest in this series! If you’ve read books from her before, you will not be disappointed! And if you haven’t- check this one out!
The Mastermind : A Brother’s Best Friend Romance by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a lot of books this year and this is in my top 10 favorites for sure but I’m a sucker for an awesome billionaire boss story and this author writes a great one. The characters are complex and their story is one that hasn’t been over done In my opinion. I really enjoyed my time with their story. There’s enough twists to keep you on your toes and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next as fast as possible. I was completely hooked and I was sad to leave these characters at the end but I’m excited to see where the author goes from here. It’s well written and kept me completely captured definitely giving this one five stars! Highly recommended!
Oliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think this is a wonderful story for any child to read I read it with my niece who’s 8 years old and not adopted but she still learned the lesson being presented with the story. And I think it’s absolutely wonderful for those who are adopting to have something to show them that what they feel is totally fine. It’s short sweet and to the point and a very easy read for children. I highly recommend it for the age group intended and for adopted and non adopted children. Four big stars and highly recommended!
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You know that little feeling you get when you read the first few pages and just know you’re about to read an amazing story? That’s exactly what happened when I opened this one up. The characters instantly had me hooked. And this author had my emotions all over the place. Oh how I fell in love with Ellawyn her character spoke to me so much and I seriously wish we could read books for the first time more than once but I’ll make due adding it to my read again list. It’s a well written storyline and had everything I was looking for in a romantic suspense story. I can’t wait to see where this author takes readers next. I’d give this more stars if possible, but it’s definitely earned a five star rating!
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is like pulling a rusty knife out of your heart with the way it makes you bleed and your insides churn. PTSD is a heavy topic for any author to cover and even harder to read if you know someone who has battled this disease or if you are battling this disease.
It starts out with a pistol in his mouth and traveling down a dark road that is filled with despair and gut wrenching memories. SGT Grimm returns home with some unpleasant memories and a life filled with hatred at himself for feeling guilt over feeling responsible for his friend’s and service members deaths. This is a dangerous path and walking down this alone is often hard to come back from. As if that is not enough JP must also face the impending doomsday as the Earth’s magnetic field is weakened and the flaring sun. Can JP face his nightmares and reconnect with his wife and son before he loses the chance to? Or will the darkness consume his path and join his comrades in the afterlife?
This is a heartbreaking read that isn’t all dark as we do see some happier memories flow through that mix with the sad ones. This book gives insight into what families that face PTSD go through and the thought that no one is immune. This book is magnetizing and if you get the opportunity to pick it up definitely give it a read!
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderfully, delightful read. I was instantly pulled into the story and couldn’t put the book down until I was finished. The world building was great. The story moved along at the perfect pace. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a great read. JP is a Marine who has returned from the war in the Middle East. He has trouble coming back to his life with his wife and his son. As he struggles to adjust, everything he holds dear is threatened. PTSD is experienced by many men and women who serve. This book helps us see these struggles through the eyes of JD. Such an emotional and important read.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sergeant Grimm is faced with a horribly impossible split-second decision. A soldier on the war-front and now in his personal life. Dealing with PTSD, Grimm must find some way to re-enter his old life, which is now burdened with an entirely new problem. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I didn’t want it to end! The characters and their relationships with each other are intricate and endearing. You guys, this story is so good. It is realistic, haunting, action-packed, and not long enough for my taste. This book will suck you in and intrigue you all the way through. Highly recommend.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book definitely brought me into JP Grimms pain. JP is dealing with PTSD from the war and he also feels responsible for the death of his brothers in arms. Most of us know what PTSD is but reading such a detailed account of how it is affecting JP and his family is heartbreaking. The author did an exceptional job of opening my eyes to the degree of some people’s struggle. This story draws you in and to make matters worse there is also danger heading their way. This story was emotional, riveting, and hard to put down.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a fantastic portrayal of PTSD and fhr devastating effects it can have, not just on the individual but tydif immediate family too. The author does an incredible job of highlighting the struggles the main character goes through.
The Book had a slow and intense pace to it, really lending to the emotional aspect of the story. I couldn’t help but be drawn into it. This is an incredible boom and is one I think more people should read.
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book! From beginning to end I was completely hooked. I honestly could not believe that this was the authors debut novel! This makes me very excited to read future books from her – absolutely outstanding writing! I just loved every single minute of it. Remi and Audri – the tension between them was just amazing, I could feel it coming off the pages as I read. I do love a forbidden romance, and this one was definitely that! The storyline was complex but not so much that it was difficult to read, the author did an amazing job with making sure everything flowed really well.
I am definitely going to be waiting in anticipation for more from this author and I absolutely would recommend this book to other readers!
