Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a nice enjoyable read. The story has a nice flow and the characters were very relatable. Morgan was so real mostly because the reality of her recovering from a major health issue a changed person felt true. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Vardoger Boy
The Forerunner series (Book 2)
By: Jay Veloso Batista
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 stars
The Agneson clan faces more challenges than ever in Book 2 of The Forerunner series. A blood feud forces Gurid and her children from their house across the lands to a safe haven. Cub trains on the battlefield for the war against King Alfred’s men. On the high seas Thorfinn the Forerunner faces many creatures of the Nine realms, including the were-beast who’s plotting his revenge, and Karl suspects his nephew might be more than what he seems.
I am going to find the rest of the series ASAP! I absolutely loved this book and felt like I was living through it with them! I started with book 2 in this series and found it pretty easy to be caught up on the plot and the characters which I thoroughly appreciated. The immersive action and lifelike battle sequences had me gripping the book in suspense! I felt emotionally connected to even the most minor characters from the very first line due to Batista’s vivid portrayal of them. This series is the perfect blend of historical, fantasy, and a beautiful mythology that will keep you entangled in the story. I highly recommend The Forerunner Series!
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Distant Heart Sounds (A Nurse Morgan Series #1) by Kate MacInnes
This is the first book by the author that I’ve read, but I will be on the lookout for others. MacInnes has done a phenomenal job with this.
Morgan, a nurse, is now able to see things she hasn’t been able to before. Thanks to a near-death experience she knows she has roommates. The quote I chose for Morgan is: “No, it’s actually good logic. Who’s to say? Maybe I need to do more research.”
Caleb, a new doctor in town, meets a fantastic nurse. He invites her out after having a chat with her. They have something in common. They can see auras. The quote I chose for Caleb is: “You won’t believe this, but it’s almost 5:30 p.m. Would you like to go to a local place and have an early dinner? We’ve eaten so much junk today, I genuinely need some solid food to balance all the bad. How does that sound?”
Highly recommended for paranormal romance lovers.
Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think this the first book I have read by this author, and I liked it. It was slow in some spots for me, but still a good read. This is not your average MC book, but I think most readers who like MC books should really give this one a try. It’s funny and suspenseful and the characters are perfect. Can’t wait for the next book.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The story that Kate MacInnis has created here is phenomenal! Morgan is a very likable, busy ER nurse, who is recovering from brain aneurysm surgery and now can see ghosts! When reading the synopsis, I fell hard for the line, “Just because you haven’t seen a ghost, it doesn’t mean they aren’t around. You can’t see germs either, but you know they exist everywhere,” because as a nurse I know it’s true! When I first started this book, it took me a minute to get over the fact that our main character, Morgan had brain aneurysm surgery and she was back working full time in a busy Emergency room. Once I got past my hang up, I really enjoyed the book and all the spooky things Morgan experienced. The characters, alive and dead are a hoot! And there is even a little romance thrown into the mix. I look forward to the next book for sure!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very well written romantic suspense. Both main characters, were written expertly, and wonderfully. Both are strong in their own right and still had their weaknesses that were relatable. Sera is an assassin, known as the Ice Queen rightfully so. She has a cold exterior that allows her to do her job efficiently and quickly. Cassius, is an outdoorsman with a good head on his shoulders and is tired of constantly bailing his brother out. Both worlds collide in the most fantastic way possible and I loved every single minute of it!
The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the third in a series. While this book could be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the whole series first. There is a lot of back story that would be confusing in this book. I really enjoyed this book and all of the series. I briefly wondered if people waking up alive in the modern world might get old in this series. But it definitely did not. I loved reading more of Ciaran and Caitlin’s story as well as more about his brother Aodhan. The author kept me captivated as I learned about the high priest Ruadhan and his need to avenge his goddess. This book is worth every single minute, and I loved it!
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This paranormal romance was the perfect combination of paranormal and romance. While I have never read anything from this author before I am definitely on the lookout for more. The characters were very well written and not only was there a good romance side, there was also moments that the characters made me laugh. I was originally drawn to this book by the beautiful cover, but I knew once I finished chapter one that I was hooked. I can’t wait to read more from this series and this author.
Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading Nicholas Harvey’s forward introducing us to Nora Sommer. I knew right away I was going to like this chick! The book starts off with action and suspense and has you going all the way through. I especially enjoyed the Florida and Grand Cayman descriptions that added to the intriguing story line. One of Nora’s hobbies to clear her mind, is diving which I thought was so cool since I also like to dive and got to read about the different Caribbean fish she came across on her dives. Nicholas Harvey’s writing was fast paced yet easy going and I look forward to the next book in the Caribbean Suspense Series and may need to go back and read the AJ Bailey Adventures as well!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my gosh, I cannot explain the magic of this book. Leona makes all these relationships form within days, she owns the bookstore where Sadie&Charlie meet. Because of Leona, Fiona the author of all the happily ever after books, falls in love with her ex husband all again. Everyone gets their happily ever after because of Leona.
Leona has an awakening of her life and what she wants, when her book store floods.
I read this book in 2 days, I could NOT put this book down at all!
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this was a great first novel for Shannon Nikole – it was entertaining, romantic, nostalgic, and tense! Hard to believe she wrote it in such a short period of time! The author did a great job of developing the scenarios the characters were in to make them relatable and realistic. I was particularly impressed with the details – down to who chose what to eat at the restaurants. It gave the book a unique immersion feel.
I absolutely love the setting of a small town and bookstore. The relationships the characters develop with each other are sweet and swift. Ellewyn is a character you can’t help but like immediately and I like that each character remains true to themself throughout. It was suspenseful, tragic and hopeful all at once.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings, the details are specific and graphic, resonating especially with those who’ve dealt with similar situations. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
Victoriously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I already enjoyed the other book in this series so it was a no-brainer when I chose to read this one. I was looking forward to seeing who the next ‘Titan’ would be. I was excited for it to be Jonas. I have to say he was a bit of an alphahole and not in a good way but I did enjoy watching him change as his story progressed with Kenzie. Kenzie…I loved her. But your girl had some baggage she had to let go of. I loved seeing her overcome things from that her past that were causing her problems in her life. I did enjoy this story the chemistry between Jonas and Kenzie was very delicious. I definitely recommend this for a quick read.
Reviewed by@awesomelyamber
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Morgan is an emergency room nurse who just came back to her job after having a brain surgery that was near death experience. After her recovery, she started having different things happening to her. She started seeing ghosts, spirits coming out right after death, and auras of all kinds. During this, she meets a new doctor who has an ability as well. He’s also handsome and her type! This is a great book! Can’t wait for what’s next.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Morgan is a nurse who works in the ER department of a hospital. Due to a near death experience, she is noticing some weird things. Morgan can all of a sudden see and hear those others cannot. Since she works in a hospital, there are many dead people around and for some odd reason Morgan can detect when someone is about to die or has just died. She also can communicate with said “ghosts”. On top of that she can now see auras.
A new doctor starts working at the hospital. He is a dreamy breathtaking man named Caleb. Morgan notices him straight away and he notices her just as fast. It seems as if he has some abilities as well and realized that Morgan might too. They seem to constantly run into each other and have a strong magnetic tension between them as well.
I really enjoyed this book for multiple reasons. The utmost reason is the main character’s age. A lot of books focus on younger characters. Characters just entering adulthood seem to be the most popular. Morgan is almost 40 and has been in her field of work for 20 years making it much more relatable as an adult.
I also loved the banter. There was humour, drama, romance. I loved the way the author wrote Morgan with different relationships with her co-workers.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bree is a teacher and basketball coach who needs a man in her life. She doesn’t want her type she usually goes for though. That would be Nate, who comes in with Chicken Fried Rice. He’s Latvian and handsome as ever. Her parents introduce her to Steven in the meantime who they all believe to be the perfect man. You’ll have to read how they all fit in this book. It’s so good!
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake loves his morning walks on the trail with Neet. One day they come across some new markings in the dirt and they become concerned. Who’s on their trail? Soon, they have friends to come over and they all end up making a new friend. Their new friend is a little different but they hardly notice because they are having so much fun!
This book focuses on acceptance of differences. There are a few activities in the back of the book to help the reader with how to deal with situations like these. The illustrations are fabulous and this is an excellent book for the young and not-so-young!
Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake is having to go to doggy daycare and he’s a bit scared. He’s never been away from his family before. With the help and support of his friend, Neet, Jake is able to overcome his fears and enjoy spending a couple of days making new friends and trying out new experiences.
This book focuses on the value of friendship, how to overcome fears and stress, and about loyalty. The illustrations in this book are very well done! The end of the book has some tips on how to deal with fearful/stressful situations. This book would be great for any child (or even adult!) that is going through or about to go through a difficult time.
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Starlight: A Small Town, Romantic Suspense (The Quimby Grove Series Book 1)
I was hooked from the beginning and I honestly don’t know what it was that got me. Was it Ellawyn and her back story? Was it Benji and how he made everyone feel like family earn they were at Starlight Books, especially Ellawyn? Was it Beckett droppibg everything tge moment his grandfather asked? Not sure, but I couldn’t get enough.
I wanted to hug Ellawyn the moment flipped to page two and it never ended. She’s an amazingly strong woman though she definitely doesn’t see the strength and continues to focus of what she thinks are weaknesses.
Beckett is every grandparents dream, the moment his grandfather Benji called he dropped everything in Boston and went home without a second thought.
I loved watching Ellawyn grow and come out of her self imposed shell as time passes. Benji had a lot to do with that, but it was so much more than that.
I was surprised to see this was the first book by this author. If this is what she gives us the first time, I’m really excited to read the next book.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Morgan is an experienced ER nurse, having over 20 years under her belt. Within the past three months, she’s had surgery to repair a brain aneurysm and things just haven’t been the same since. It starts out with a feeling, a tingling sensation, then progresses to much more. Is there someone in her house? She grabs the baseball bat and makes sure she’s alone…but is she really??
Trauma has a way of changing things in a person. Morgan’s been through a lot and her friend and co-worker Dr. Savannah thinks she’s come back to work too soon. The ER bustles with trauma and one day it smacks Morgan in the face when she realizes she is talking to someone who is dead! She can hear them, feel them, and sometimes see them. Is she going crazy?
Then Dr. Carter starts working at the hospital with her. Oh, he’s quite the hunk and all the girls are drooling over him. He sees things too. Maybe this isn’t as weird as it sounds….
This was a fun book to read! I am a former nurse who had to retire due to trauma. I’ve been in “haunted” hospital rooms so I could identify with some of the things that Morgan experienced. I’m still not fully certain that this isn’t all in my head but maybe one day we’ll know more! A very enjoyable book that had me longing to go back to the bedside!! I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Mermaid and ice cube Necklace is another book in the Mermaid Science series. It is a cute book for elementary school age children. The pictures all all very colorful. My son was thrown off by the names, as they are not common names, wondering who was who. I like the scientific explanations at the end. But I feel are a little more complex than the book… making it not as suitable for young ages. My 6 year old doesn’t understand what molecules are or comprehend density… but I do like how the book can be paired with an elementary lesson on solid/liquid/gas etc.
We tried the ice cube beads and it didn’t work, to my sons disappointment. Maybe his breath wasn’t hot enough. However it was a cute idea and I like how it explained the why/how behind it all. A little bit of learning and science while having fun and reading is always a win for me.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a truly fantastic series. Each book must daughter seems to enjoy even more than the last it is really is a pleasure to read them with her. They are engaging and imaginative and this book is everything we have come to expect. My daughter finds them so entertaining and makes it worth reading every time. I can’t wait to see what else is still to come.
Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is not much I can say about this book except WOW! I could not put this down from the moment I started reading. I was completely pulled I and I loved everything about it. This is an author that has really captivated me by her work and the variety of it. Every book is different and exciting and this one is easily one of my favourites. Everyone needs to read this book immediately because it is really that good.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was cute, spooky, and intriguing. My first book by this author, and I am already looking forward to the next. The story follows Morgan, and emergency center nurse who after a near death experience, has the ability to see ghosts. Couple that with a new doctor at the emergency center and you have a whirlwind of murder mystery, romance, spooky situations, and the comradery that comes with working in a high stress environment. So much was going on in the book that sometimes I had to double back. Parts were funny, parts were cute, and parts were spooky. In general, I did enjoy this book as a nice and relatively low stress read. Now on to the next!
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a new author for me but came as a recommendation from one of my best friends. We tend to like the same books so I had a feeling I would love it. My assumption was correct. This book grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed so hard throughout this book I cried. While it is a paranormal romance there are some also some spooky moments that you won’t expect. Don’t worry. You won’t be terrified, but you will be shocked because you never see it coming at you. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Do your friends a favor and recommend it to them. Better yet, purchase it as a gift for them. They will thank you later.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well I like finding new authors and new series. This is the first book by this author and the series that I have read and I found it a bit refreshing. The author has made characters that people just fall for. I like how there is a bit of a new lease on life. I like how the main character deals with her new situation.
The author has a unique plot and the characters really jump off of the page for me. I found that I didn’t want to put the book down and was very intrigued by the story line. I will definitely read more from this author in the future and hopefully this series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the War Of Destiny Series. I really enjoyed this book. I found it just as gripping and as much of a page turner as the first book. The author does an amazing job of building the scenes and character building. You feel like you are actually there and a part of this vampire family. With this being book 2 I would really recommend reading the first book so that you can follow the story and their characters and dive straight back into the story.
This story starts 70 years after the last book. Julia and Adam are settling into their vampire life and adjusting to being part of the resistance. Things seem to be going smoothly until Valentino returns to England aiming to destroy the threat to his power. That threat is Julia and Samuel.
Julia and Samuel know that at this time they aren’t strong enough to defeat him so they plan to avoid him, but when that plan doesn’t work they have to fight for their lives and the lives of the Resistance.
Will they be successful? Will the omens of death and loss at the beginning of the story come true for Julia?
This is a gripping paranormal read that you literally will not be able to put down. The twists and turns will keep you up reading to see how the story unfolds and who will come out of this the victory.
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
4 out of 5 stars
Romance Under Aquarius was a quick romance read that I was looking for! With 4 different view points throughout the book, romance and heartbreak Danielle kept you turning the page and never wanting to put the book down.
Follow Maris through her journey of love, finding herself and saving her “hometown”. Maris and her best friend Pasha, her fiancé Ryn and a new found friend Kasper, all take on an adventure together to save Kasper’s brother. Can they solve the mystery, without hurting each other, or keeping their heart safe?
While some of the actions of the main characters makes it hard for you as the reader to like them, overall you become very dedicated and protective over each one. I was a little skeptical of seeing a romance novel written about non-humans (mermaids) and a human, but Danielle did not disappoint. I also loved how each chapter stated qualities of an Aquarius, something that I did not know much about.
While there were many good qualities to the story, there were some flaws. The major one that stuck out to me was how quick things happened. For example (without giving out too many spoilers), another character hurt the main character. The main character would be hurt, but then a few paragraphs later she is over it. No explanation or process of how she was okay over something so big. There were also a few timing issues. As a reader you would have sworn a couple weeks passed, even the way things were described/written it seemed like a few weeks passed. Then all of a sudden, it was only a day, or a night. Which left me thinking, what did I miss?
Overall I really enjoyed reading my first mermaid book, and can’t wait to read other books by Danielle and the 11 stand alone books of this series.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow , was not expecting this from the title. I truly appreciated the level of realism that was in this book It made it very relatable to myself. Bree an African American young woman scorned from dating good looking athletes has sworn them off but finds an unusual friendship in Nate, a handsome Latvian athlete. Even through her resistance towards him in the beginning their relationship blossoms slowly but she is also testing the waters and dating other men which leaves her in a bit of a confusion. This book really shed some light on what it’s like to be single and dating as a young adult today. I also loved the tennis aspects of the book because I have always wanted to play tennis and after reading this I might just go sign up. I truly enjoyed this story, and I will be looking for more books from this author, it was a really refreshing read.
Reviewed by @nettybumbooks
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The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista . This is not my typical genre but I loved this book. Its a Historical fantasy that once you start reading you won’t want to put it down! Its the story of Cub, Agne and their father as they go to war against Alfred the Great, his brother Fin sails off with his Uncle Karl. The rest of the family is left at home to fight with another clan that is out for blood. This is set during Viking times and the author’s writing is so good that I felt like I was really there. Its the typical war time story where you don’t know who to trust and who is really your friend. there are traumatic life changing events and seeing loved ones killed and betrayed. These children being sent off to war and being sent away to save their lives are children, young children. That’s the time they lived in. Such a good Fantasy book. I will be reading more of this author’s work
Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oliver is a lizard-like creature who is sent to his room after being scolded by his adoptive parents. In his room, Oliver sulks and wishes he had a different life. He wonders how different things would be if he were with his “real parents”. Would they treat him differently? Would his “real parents” have scolded him? After Oliver has spent some time in his room his parents talk to him and explain to him that his feelings were normal and that all children feel like that at some point. After his parents share stories with him of their own childhood experiences with those same feelings Oliver decides to stay.
This book was written in simple language that was easy to understand and the illustrations really pull together the message being delivered. I feel that the use of language in reference to “real parents” is quite accurate in how an adopted child would feel, or any child for that matter, when feeling angry or upset after being scolded by their parents.
View all my reviews @TaraJohnson Barnes
