Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such an amazing story. I got way more than I thought I was getting! It was such a beautifully written story. I loved every minute of it. I hope everyone reads this! It is worth it! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us! Pick it up today, you won’t be disappointed!
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing from start to finish. The characters are amazing and there is so much depth to them. Plus tackling a hard issue like mental health and for a man to handle it is almost unheard of and yet so realistic and beautifully portrayed.
Evan Adler thought he had it all until it all came crashing down. After medically retiring from the NHL to deal with his mental health issues he moves to his hometown and becomes a physical trainer for the girls gymnastics team. Now this is where Callie enters the picture, as the Universities star gymnast, she fatefully lands in the hands of Evan to tape her ankle. Callie’s fierce love and unending support are the rays of sunshine Evan has needed to clear out his black days. Together they can do anything, even build the future they both envisioned!
I really loved this story of love, heartbreak and challenges to overcome. It is refreshing to break the stigma of male mental health issues and one this author has tackled with superior grace. This is book 7 in the series but they can all be read as single books. I recommend reading them all but if you have to choose then choose this one it is unforgettable!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Checked the blurb out on this book, it reeled me in! So glad I gave this a chance, I FREAKING LOVED it, like legit LOVED it! It definitely is different from my normal reads. The author kept it very interesting, so the just one more chapter turned into 3 or 4 more until you realize dang you’ve read it all! LOL The chemistry between Sera & Cassius was fire 🔥 Author brought their story to life, I was invested until the very end! If you LOVE a dark, SPICY, romance then this is most certainly a must read for sure.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cassius Batista is a thirty-year-old billionaire who loves to seek adrenaline and thrills. He helps others whenever he can, so when his older brother calls asking for help with a business plan, Cassius is there with a checkbook. Christian takes his younger brother to a nightclub to help celebrate the new venture. While there, Cassius is enthralled with a dangerous and sexy woman named Sera. Sera is not what she seems to be, there are secrets she keeps hidden that are best left alone. Join this wild journey and see if Sera and Cassius end up a match made in heaven.
This book was captivating! The characters were new and exciting. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster filled with mystery, twists, romance, friendship, and betrayal. I was not ready for this book to end.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first picked up this novel. This was a new to me author and not a genre I read frequently. I was drawn in by the synopsis and I stayed for a fierce female main character. I can’t recall ever reading a book where the female lead was the assassin and the “role reversal” didn’t disappoint.
This book had a little bit of everything, action, suspense, spice but it also had a lot of depth not only within the storyline but the characters as well, especially Sera.
I would genuinely recommend this book. You’re in for a ride from start to finish.
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good book! I found the character’s really relatable. We all have things we hide from the world, and to watch Remi and Audri face their dark truths together was heartwarming. A great mix of steamy, romance and friendship. The overall plot was very interesting. I enjoyed every chapter!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cassius Bautista runs his family’s business in Wyoming. Sera owns several businesses and is a very skilled assassin and chemist. Sera has created the newest hottest drug to soon hit the markets called Devil’s Breath, however she has also been hired to make the hit on Cassius, by none other than his jealous brother. Sera and Cassius have met at her club 1 Oak and have some chemistry of their own going on. Will that create problems with the hit?
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love anything to do with the New Orleans witches and this series is no exception. These books are absolutely awesome, very well written. I love the characters. Desiree and Jaxon have phenomenal chemistry. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliantly Amazing… Heartfelt… Soulful
This is the first book I have read from this absolutely amazing and gifted author. She has a way of getting you deep into the soul of the characters. I had tears streaming down my face by her talent of creating such depth. I loved this book. Evan and Callie both struggle with issues that will unfold throughout the book. You will cheer these characters on and fall in love with them. The messages in this book were very poignant and spoke to me loudly. I needed to hear a lot of what the author was trying to get across. I am better emotionally for reading this book. I don’t usually read books twice but I believe with this one, I will do so when life is giving me lemons and I need to refocus. Thank you to the author who has opened my eyes.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evan a NHL star chooses to medically retire for his own mental health as he has severe anxiety and depression. He goes back to Bellevue to finish his degree and while there works as a sports trainer.
Enter Callie , a gymnast a fierce and determined woman. These two come together so flawlessly but have struggles to overcome together that will have you laughing and crying and wanting to just wrap your arms around these two and hold tight. The addressing of mental health in this story was powerful and realistic and I enjoyed reading it.
Even though this was Book 7 it can be read entirely as a stand alone!
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary sports romance, which was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last! I was completely hooked from page one and felt so immersed in the story that I carried on reading it late into the night. The storyline focuses on, Evan Adler who is medically retired from the NHL, and Bellevue’s star gymnast Callie Pearce. Evan feels he retired before he could live up to the ‘Adler Legacy’, but that he had to for the sake of his mental health. Having returned to his hometown, he gets a position at the University of Bellevue as the athletic trainer for the women’s gymnastics team. This is where he first meets Callie, and their connection is immediate from the moment Evan tapes Callie’s ankle.
Callie grew up with only her sister for support, which has made her be more caring to others, and so when she discovers that Evan is suffering, she’s even more determined to get to know him. The storyline flows well making this an easy read, but with plenty going on plot wise to keep me happily turning the pages. Evan and Callie are great main characters, realistic, relatable and likeable and I felt engaged with both of them. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the book, and I felt that Evan’s mental health problems were dealt with sensitively and realistically. Although this is part of a series, I happily read it as a standalone story, however, I am now keen to read the previous stories. An enjoyable and engaging read, and one which I definitely recommend.
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed it so much. I loved the different aspects in this book. They all worked so well together. It made it hard to put down at times. I found myself thinking of this book like a movie in my head while reading. I am a fan of this series and author now.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Evan has left the NHL to take care of his mental health which was such a strong and hard decision but he doesn’t feel strong. Callie is a gymnast, kind and generous woman who has also been through some tough stuff. There is chemistry right away between these two. I loved watching both of these characters grow stronger individually and together for each other. The author does a great job making you swoon and go through an array of emotions throughout the story. The other characters in this book help bring this story to life. Evan and Callie’s families play a part in their lives. This was a good read and I’m glad I chose to take a chance on an author I haven’t read before.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is cute, inspirational, raw and so relatable.
The two main characters are Callie and Evan. Callie is a champion gymnast and Evan used to be a pro hockey player until his mental health takes a turn for the worse and he searches out for a new career path back home in Tennessee.
Both of these main characters have a rough past and find solace in each others company, the relationship grows from crush, to friends and then so much more. The struggles in this book are so relatable and raw that is just captivates you and makes you fall in love with their story. So much so, that I lost sleep because I couldn’t put this book down.
If you are looking for a good sports romance book you will love this one! I highly recommend.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 7th book in the Bellevue Bullies series. I haven’t read the other books so this one can be read as a standalone however I feel that if the books were read in order then the relationships between the characters would be more defined and the reader would have a better connection with them. That being said it didn’t deter me enjoying this slow burning romance. The author does an amazing job with the characters. It was nice to see a male character that suffers with mental illness and not being afraid or ashamed to admit it.
In this story we follow Evan and Callie.
Evan has given up his dream job as a professional hockey player due to his struggles with mental illness. Now he’s got himself a job as an athletic trainer for the gymnastics team. Evan wants to focus on regaining and keeping his mental health on track and doesn’t expect to meet someone who truelly gets him. Being who he is Evan is surrounded by girls who want to be with him but no one actually wants to see and know the real him.
Callie has had a tough upbringing. Along with her sister they have had to fight to get to where they are today. Callie has always had a crush on Evan so when she realises he’s the new trainer she is overwhelmed. Could this be her chance to get him to notice her. But with every other girl throwing themselves at him will she even get a look in.
What follows is a slow building romance as Callie realises she needs to take a step back and understand Evan’s position and his problems so that they can move forward together and be stronger because of it.
This is a really emotional story about love, mental health and the impacts and how allowing just 1 person to see the real you can change your life for the better. It’s a beautifully written story which Will have readers hooked.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
4 Stars
This is a well written YA romance novel. The way the author portrayed the teenager’s emotions was spot on. It’s hard enough being a teenager in high school, add an illness to deal with and it’s almost impossible. Nathan’s way of coping is being a jerk and a bully. It’s not right but it’s the only way he knows how to keep the spotlight off of himself. The fated day when Holly found out his secret, he thought his life was over. Lies upon lies makes bad decisions. Nathan makes a choice which turns out to be the best that he ever made. Secrets don’t stayed buried forever. Can their hearts mend after the hurtful revelations?
I feel that this book also shows the need for self acceptance and to know what’s truly important in life. I think that the author did a fantastic job of explaining what life is like living with this illness. Though I think the book dragged a little here and there with all the overwhelming feelings of first love, this book is well worth the read.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little lost at first because I haven’t read the first book and it showed in parts of the story. I could tell I was missing details of past events. But once I got past that, I really liked it. The storyline was good and I really liked the characters.
This book was everything. It was personal and full of all the feels. Callie has overcome some pretty huge obstacles in her life and knows what she deserves and she won’t give it up. She is spunky and had her eyes set on Evan from the first time she saw him. She is a gymnast and has been most of her life. Now, Evan on the other hand seems so relatable for me he just took a big step and made the personal choice that caught a few people off guard. He is the sweet Adler twin and the complete opposite of Callie. Their story is one that will hook you in and you will just want more. Takes you into another element of life that isn’t your own but yet you could relate to. Another amazing book by the great author Toni Aleo.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a story! I think I have to say this is one of the best stories that I have read this year, I was completely swept up in what I was reading and found it so hard to put the book down when I needed to. The characters had such a raw emotion to them and they were so relatable, believable and realistic. The authors writing was just amazing, so easy to read – just an absolute pleasure to read from beginning to end. I adored Evan and Callie, they were just amazing characters to read about. I usually find I connect with the female characters more but on this occasion it was Evan who I found the instant connection with. The author did an amazing job with his character and the development of him over the story. Although this is 7th book I believe in this series I read it as a standalone and had no problems in doing so – I absolutely need to go and read the previous books in the series though now!
Saved by Love was a wonderful read and one I would 100% recommend to other readers.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Devil’s Breath
Lang Johnson
Whoa! I wasn’t sure about this book, but I thought I’d check it out. Boy am I glad I did!!MIND BLOWN! It wasn’t my typical I figure out what’s going to happen next before it happens, and I loved that! Definitely check this one out! I would love to have a 2nd book to see what happens next with Cassius, Sera, and Raine!
Truth or Kill by A.C. Kramer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sydney is lured on vacation with a classmate and ends up being bait. She finds love after being tested extremely. Her lover Kage has endured a horrific tragedy and has survived but it shaped him and his brothers. So Kage and his brother test Sydney’s loyalty while playing their games with the rich heirs. In ends in a happily ever after and can’t wait to continue series.
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As someone from a small town, this story resonates with me. I enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. If you like little drama, some romance, a bit of steam and a HEA then this book is for you. It is an easy read with a bent towards page turner. This author is new to me but I will be back for the next book in this series.
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the Casket Girls series. I would really recommend reading the first book before this one so you get an idea of the characters and their stories.
We are back with Desiree and the rest of the Casket Girls. Now living with Greer’s love Theron they are save from the life they had before.
After being used to feed vampires Desiree is determined to rid the world of the remaining vampire nest so with the help of Theron they embark to do just that.
During this time the meet with Jaxon. He was a vampire who was part of this nest but he comes to Theron and Desiree wanting to change and learn to live in a way without killing humans.
What Jaxon doesn’t expect is to suddenly experience intense feelings for Desiree. However with Desiree’s past experience and hatred for vampires will she be able to see past that and give into the attraction between them?
Add to this story the new threat that comes for them. Once the vampires are all gone the new threat is a witch. This witch has a connection to Jaxon and she won’t stop until she gets him back.
Will Theron, Jaxon and Desiree be able to find a way to defeat this new threat? Will Desiree realised her feelings for Jaxon or will it be too late? Will Jaxon sacrifice himself to save Desiree and her friends?
This story is gripping and captivating. You won’t be able to put it down until the end.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author, and let me tell ya, it’s amazing. It’s a GORGEOUS slow burn romance, and I love the emphasis and importance the author put on bring recognition to the mental health of men, and I especially love how Evan is actively trying to take steps to better himself, and how he’s learning to overcome his anxiety instead of succumbing to it. Callie is so witty and determined, she’s just a superstar. This book had me by the toes, and sucked me right in. Now to read the rest!
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the second book in the series, and it is just as good as the first. This story follows Desiree and Jaxon as they start to discover their true selves in New Orleans. Desiree, who refuses to let herself stay helpless, and Jaxon, a vampire being taught by Theron to not kill when he feeds. A wonderful love story, full of its own twists and turns. Can’t wait to see what the next one holds!
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A novella that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat wanting to know what happens next. Toss in some romance, a bit of action, a little adventure and suspense. Yarissa finds out that she is pretty badass while she’s doing a personal mission for the king. This is a funny, inspiring and endearing story. I loved the plot twists. I didn’t see that cliffhanger coming. I will eagerly be awaiting the next book.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nathan is a high school student that has to lie just to have an everyday life; then he meets Holly. The Lie That Binds is a realistic portrayal of high school life/students. This is a fantastic read. These are such well-written characters. You really connect to the characters and get pulled into the plot. My heart really went out to Nathan. A definite page-turner. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
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 Kinglsey is the touching account of losing Kinglsey to a cancer diagnosis. This is a tearjerker, especially for those of us who have lost our canine friends to a cancer diagnosis.
Kingsley came into Alli’s life at a time that was unplanned. He became her little pal, wanting to be with her whenever she was home. Too early, Kingsley was diagnosed with cancer and despite Alli’s research and best care, the time came to make the decision to let Kinglsey go. The hardest thing in life is to make that decision for our pups – if you’ve had to do it you understand.
This is a great read for dog owners who have gone through similar circumstances.
Truth or Kill by A.C. Kramer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had everything I would love from a dark and seductive romance. I could not put this one down. Every word I was hanging onto, and wondering where actions would lead to the next one. I was entranced and held put. I felt as if I would turn away, I would miss something rather captivating!
First off, loved the writing. The author knew very well how to keep the reader enticed and interested as they wrote the story. I was hooked, that is needless to say. The book was very twisted at times, and had its own sense of dark aurora. It made me love this book even more! Sydney was great by the way. She had the most amazing character growth I would say! What she started as , and what she became. There was many things to unravel in this book, and all of it was a pure joy. I loved this book with every beat of my heart!
Loved this book so much! So very much perfectly written. I could not let it go, and will be thinking of it for says most likely! Highly recommend this must read book! Seriously, do not pass it up what so ever!
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in Meraka series. The author tells past love stories with grandma while allowing us to connect with Kristina and Loukas story that unfolds through out the pages. I love the take the author incorporated bringing the current pandemic to the scene and allowing us to see how people worked though it. There are more stories to be told in future books of this series and I can’t wait to read more.
