One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This contemporary romance has to be one of the best romances I have read this year. While I have not read the other books in this series trust me when I say that I will be reading them and hoping that they are as good as Nick and Skylars story. Full of fantastic characters, a great story, romance and more you wont want to put this story down.
KISS A THIEF by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I get excited when I see this author has another book out.
Kiss A Thief is another wonderful steamy standalone contemporary romance by Marina. I am always completely captivated by her stories. It is a quick read, but it has everything that makes your heart flutter. With her loveable characters, sizzling chemistry, a little sass and lots of angst, a few intense moments, a touch of suspense and you can’t put this book down. I also love her wicked sense of humour which she entwines effortlessly.
Liar – Con Artist – Swindler – but watch the sparks fly and the fun begins.
Marina knows just what to give her readers and sticks with what works and trust me it works.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love how the protagonist isn’t what you would typically think of as a main character.
A ghost as the main is just brilliant! Without getting into spoilers, I love that she started out with a selfish (albeit worthwhile) mission. But she ends up understanding the real reason to complete it and doesn’t really care about the outcome for herself. The secondary main is such a sad character at the start, but she really grows as a character. I’m excited to see how the author continues this series with a ghost as the main.
Ballet School Rumours by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally read this thinking that it was the second in the series, but I’m still happy to have read it. The author, as always, does an amazing job describing the technical bits of ballet. I can picture the scenes in my head without any effort. I love that Grace and Lauren continued to be joint protagonists. The added element of Nyree was just amazingly sweet. Now I need to go back and read the second entry to get to know the boys who have joined this world.
Murder Creek is a story of a journalism student working on a story of a disappearance that took place 20 years ago at Murder Creek. Lacey disappeared leaving only a bloody scarf behind. Eve is drawn to the case and believes there are dark secrets to be uncovered and not everything is as it seems in this town. The more she investigates, the more danger she is in, as not everyone wants secrets revealed and they will do everything they can to prevent her from digging them up.
I have to say I really enjoyed this story. It has a great plot, full of mystery and danger. I would definitely recommend you buy the book, BUT NOT THE AUDIO VERSION. I really struggled listening to this reader. It was like she was trying too hard to act throughout the whole reading, to the point of distracting from the story. She would be reading a suspenseful or scary part but would talk super soft like you would talk to a small child. Her tone did not fit what was happening in the story at all and for me, it made it hard to listen to and to keep my attention on what would normally be a book that I couldn’t put down. I would have preferred a robot voice. Justice was not done to this great story, in the audio version, but I would definitely recommend you read it yourself or use the text-to-speech option.
In her mid-30s, Rosalie Giordano is in the prime of her life. Long saved from the manipulative hands of her mother, she’s been married to her fairy tale hero for ten blissful years. Vincent is sweet and strong, and stunning as hell—and completely enamored of her.
Just as they begin to plan for a family, Rosalie is diagnosed with a mysterious virus that renders her temporarily paralyzed. As days stretch to weeks, then months, she learns not only is her condition chronic, but the love of her life is having an affair.
As her health improves, a slow burn of vengeance simmers in her heart. With the help of her homecare nurse, she regains full mobility. While hiding the truth from her husband, she uncovers the extent of his betrayal…and learns he is not at all who he seems. Their planned anniversary trip overseas gives her the perfect occasion for revenge.
But at the fancy Sicilian resort, Rosalie is not the only one with a score to settle with Vincent. And in the end, she’s not the only one with blood on her hands…
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Secret Cure: A Gripping Psychological Thriller with a Twist by JD Spero
Johannah Davies (JD) Spero’s writing career took off when her first release, Catcher’s Keeper, was a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. Her small town mystery series has won similar acclaim. Boy on Hold won 2020 IPPY Gold for Best Mystery/Thriller ebook and Boy Released was a 2021 Indies Today Finalist. Check out her newest revenge thriller, The Secret Cure. Her YA fantasy series, Forte, is also a multiple award winner, and is the topic of classroom visits in schools across the country. Having lived in various cities from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Boston, she now lives with her family in the Adirondack Mountains, where she was born and raised.
Reece had a thirst for the adrenaline rush that came with taking risks. He’d avoided paying the price for most of his push of the envelope until he met one person that used his lust for fast cars, wicked weapons, ditching school, and beautiful girls to trap him in the most seductive ways. Someone he least expected put her life in danger to save him from himself, and he wouldn’t waste her sacrifice. Reece would use the anger fueled by the strikes to an innocent to start the beginning of the turn of justice that would change the course of his life. He hoped his family could forgive him for the deal that put a target on their heads.
Read other books in the Vigilant series: Insatiable Darkness, Caged Fire, Unbreakable Darkness, Scepter of Fire, Break the Darkness.
L.M. Preston, a native of Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. She is an author, an engineer, a professor, a mother and a wife. Her passion for writing and helping others to see their potential through her stories and encouragement has been her life’s greatest adventures. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book kept me turning the pages! Evan Adler has recently medically retired from the NHL and recently became and athletic trainer for a women’s gymnastics team. His whole family has been involved in hockey on one form or another and he feels as though he let them all down. Callie Pearce knows a thing or two about hockey, but her heart lies in gymnastics. When she sees Evan running by with the hockey team one day she calls dibs and decides to take her shot. Will they find love and happiness together? I feel it was admirable of Eva though, even of he is a fictional character, to step away from what he loved for his mental health. It is a serious subject that doesn’t get as much attention as it should, but has been coming to light more often. The author did a great job and now I need to go find the rest of the books in the series.
Let It Be Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Let It Be Love is the fifth book in the Mustang Prairie series by N.D Jackson. It is a wonderfully sweet and captivating small town contemporary romance. What can I say except that I love this series and it only seems to get better with each new release. I love that we get to know all the characters, I feel like we’re part of the community of Mustang Prairie. I love that even though each new book focuses on one particular couple, we still get to interact and catch up with the other recurring characters in the series. They each play a part in making this series so great. I also love how they develop and grow over the course of the story/series too.
This is Eric and Kiki’s story…. And what a sweet story it is. That’s not to say that everything was smooth sailing, because it wasn’t. These two definitely had to work through some issues, some of which are not exactly ‘normal’. As Kiki is a well-known pop-star she brings her own pressures to the relationship. Things that a normal relationship may not have to overcome- like dealing with fame, agents, intrusive paparazzi, or the gossip mill… as well as anxiety and insecurities. These two will have to navigate their way through some serious issues if they have any chance of finding happiness and a future together.
I look forward to seeing what this talented author produces next.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, N.D. Jackson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better! Julia’s story continues and so do her hardships. This third book is just as fast paced and amazing as the first two. Julia grows a lot in this book and you learn more about why Samuel felt so much power in her. Once you think you have things figured out there’s a plot twist. I so enjoy reading Julia’s story and the trials she has to go through. All of the added abilities and ways of the vampires in this series has been a very interesting story. I will be reading more from this author as I love her ideas and writing style. I am absolutely loving this series and am looking forward to book 4!
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second book in the series picks up with Julia telling more of her back story. I’m really loving this series! Its a fast paced story that kept me reading and not wanting to stop. I I really enjoy the authors writing style and their storytelling style. You read from Julia’s perspective mostly and want nothing but for her to be happy. There is so much emotional scarring but is it to much to overcome? With the suspense building and another twist this one is hard to put down.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OH MY GOD! Absolutely great book. Leo is a well written character, awesome powers, and his relationship with his brother reminds me of the one I have with my own. Could not put this book down. Excellent read!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh My Goodness! I loved this book. I could not put it down, I devoured it in about a day. It was so easy to read and allow me to forget about everything around me (something I really needed). I don’t know if it’s accurate based on history but that didn’t matter to me. This author did a wonderful job creating great characters and an excellent world to get lost in! I highly recommend everyone read this!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My kids absolutely love this series!!!! It is one of their favorites, and they get so happy and excited when I say there is a new one ready to read! The best part is getting to try the experiments with them. They have the best time with it, and we get to learn something at the same time. My favorite?! They don’t even realize they are learning something. It’s just fun! I can’t wait to see what else this author has for my kids (and maybe me) to learn!
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Unexpected Gift (Band of Sisters)
I really enjoyed this book, my favorite person being Gabriella but I also really liked Nick and Skylar and two places near and dear to me were mentioned. Virginia is where I was born and raised and Austin which is home now.
Some of my favorite parts of the book involve spoilers I can’t go too much into it, but watching the relationship between Skylar and Nick grow and change as each challenge is thrown their way was very heartwarming to me.
I always get a little too invested when it’s a group of friends that I really like and that is what has happened. I love these girls and their friendship and love for one another. I’m lucky enough to have a similar relationship two friends, but we aren’t a trio.
I really hope these ladies pop up again in a different series mostly because I’m nosey and want to know what happens next.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Living in a military community and being a military ex-wife this book I could relate to and understand since I am now a single mother of 4. Sky is an incredibly independent woman and just wants to do what’s best for her baby. Nick is a generous man who still has a childish streak but don’t we all, it’s what keeps us young. I loved reading this book not only because I could relate to the characters but because Sky’s family wasn’t blood, they were her sisters and I admire that! I loved the communication and honesty no matter how hard it was between her and nick. All the passion as well and how they were instantly drawn to one another and I could just visualize them and no, they did not match the cover of the book. The ending took me for a turn though when he was surprised and with his condition, I thought the book was going to take a turn. I would love to read a sequel of this or the ones around it.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The story follows Cora in her last year of school. She finds out about Nicolas Tesla and is intrigued by him and his projects. Her good friend Marshall and Harrison, Cora tries to figure out the mysteries in the lab. It’s set in the 1800’s and bring you into the time era wonderfully! It unfurled like a movie in my brain as I was reading it. This book had me guessing up until the very end it was written so well! I can’t wait so see what other books this author has written. This book will definitely be one of my favorites to read over and over again!
I absoluetly loved every second of listening to this book! The story was well written with the details pulling the listener in and needing to know what was going to happen next! The narrator made it fun to listen to and kept you listening with small voice ques! Definitely recommend this for a listen!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An English aristocrat, the Russian Mafia and a former Navy SEAL- a varied group of characters woven into a well-written, well-developed storyline that keeps you invested in their stories and wondering what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this clean, wholesome romance. I became very attached to all of the characters- Bella/Beccy, Levi, Amos, Elijiah and “Squirt”. This is the first of three books about the triplet brothers of Creekside Ranch and I can’t wait to read the other two as they are released.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Toni Aleo is one of the reigning queens of hockey romance, and she lives up to all of the hype and wonderful reviews she gets from her readers. I’m so glad I discovered her several years ago.
Now, it’s Evan and Callie’s turn to share their story with us, and what a beautiful story it is. Evan has come home to Nashville after retiring from the NHL. He is taking the time to focus on his mental health. Now, he finds himself surrounded by women gymnasts instead of hockey players. He has just begun his job as the athletic trainer for the gymnastics team. Callie and Evan’s paths have crossed before, as Callie’s sister is married to a hockey player, but they have never really had the opportunity to get to know each other.
When Callie sees him jogging one day with the hockey team, she decides she is going to take her chance with him. Her lust soon turns to something deeper when she discovers that he is struggling with feelings of worthlessness and being a failure. Both of them are soon on the path to finding out what true love really is and how it can truly save you…hence the perfect title of this book, Saved by Love!
I admired both Callie and Evan. I could totally relate to both of them. Evan feels like a failure for leaving the NHL because of his family’s legacy in the sport. He feels as if he is letting them down, especially his father. Who hasn’t felt at times that we have disappointed those we love? I know I have felt that way myself, even though I may not have. It was the same for Evan. I admired his tenacity and his focus on his mental health and his commitment to ridding himself of those feelings of worthlessness and failure.
While Cassie wants to make everyone she is around to feel the love and support that she has from her sister and brother-in-law, she still struggles with trust because of her family’s past issues. She hasn’t been able to let someone in to share those deep feelings of uncertainty and fear. Somehow, Evan is able to do just that!
While I loved the characters, both the main characters and secondary ones, I loved the story even more. Aleo always dives deeply underneath the surface and tackles important issues which make both the characters and story more realistic and relatable. Aleo never disappoints and that is what puts her on top of my list of favorite writers.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book really blew me away, full of great word building, an interesting storyline, and of course intelgent writing this book was phenomenal. While this is the first book that I have read from this author, I just simply couldn’t put it down. The character development was amazing, by specifically wanting Leo grow was just mesmerizing as I furiously flipped the pages for more. So if you need a new read make sure you pick this one up today.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series)
By Lois Wickstrom
This is a cute short book that I think would be good for younger kids who like trying out different experiments with stuff you can find around the home. I like how Trezzie, Maia, and Fig all work well together, teaching kids about team work.
Tale of a Body Thief by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Absolutely loved this book! Perfect beginning book for a new series! I wish the next book was out already.. I can’t wait to know what happens next. The slow burn in this book had me DYINGGG!!! Rovena and Lakyn have great banter and this story made me feel like I was right there with them. The ending is set up perfectly to go into a second book and I will be HERE FOR IT!
Reviewed by @darianamee21
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
EXCELLENT!!
When you lose confidence in yourself due to others, everyday will take on a life of its own. We struggle daily to achieve our best and succeed. The characters in this book are doing exactly that. Two different worlds, two different struggles. The way the author wrote this book, I felt like it was her telling her own story. There is so much passion and conviction in her words.
The story revolves around Nicco and Destiny. The attraction is sizzling hot from the very first day they meet. Their deal brings them closer and closer. With a jealous model thrown in for good measure. If I were to have a fantasy man, then Nicco would be it.
This is the first book by Debbie Cromack I have read and I just found myself an author I will enjoy reading for a long time. Enjoy this excellent read. Yo won’t be disappointed.
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first read by this author and it was a delightful read, it has everything. From danger, suspense, and love. The characters are well written and I loved the way they played of each other. The plot was good also.
Bella Orstwell English aristocrat and she thought helping get her abusive Russian mafia boyfriend arrested would be the end her troubles. But it isn’t. Because even though she’s been whisked off to parts unknown to hide out until the trial, she now has to pretend to be the housekeeper to the Delaney Brothers and nanny to their kid sister.
Levi doesn’t have time for spoiled rich girls with helping to raise his orphaned kid sister and running the ranch with his brothers keeps him busy. But an ex-Navy SEAL never turns down a call from an old friend—which is how he found himself in charge of keeping the annoyingly Bella safe. He gave his word that he’d keep her safe and that’s exactly what he plans to do. One small problem, the more she fights him, the more he finds her getting under his skin.
Will Dimitri find Bella? Can Levi Keep Bella Safe? Can they both make it out of this safe? Can they overcome their demons and have a happily ever after?
Tracy
@tracy
Truth or Kill by A.C. Kramer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is quite the story! It has a few dark elements but what I loved the most is the idea of this story. It really threw me for a loop through the building suspense. I have pages of notes on these characters if that gives any indication of the twists, turns and drama this book is filled with. It is a lengthy story and I actually read it in 2 days….maybe 36 hours. That should tell you how addictive it is! I slowed down on all my responsibilities for that time frame (even read in the middle of the night) just to keep going and find out what happens next.
This author has a brilliantly sick and twisted mind and can out it all down on paper. I see it is part of the Twisted Legends collection. I did not read any others in the collection as this is a stand alone. I look forward to more dark and depravity stories from this author.
Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Undeniable is book two in Victoria Saccenti’s Central Florida Stories. To be honest, I was initially drawn to this book because of the simple fact that I, too, live in central Florida. But I was quickly and pleasantly surprised at the way it held my interest. The book absolutely touches on topics that will not be suitable to all readers, mainly dom/sub relationships. But it is well written and has a lot of twists and turns throughout. You definitely can’t get too comfortable in this book, something is bound to happen. Arley and Kurt have known one another for years. As many people do, they lost touch after Kurt graduated and led incredibly different lives. The story felt a little rushed at times, in the sense that there was so much back story and necessary explanation that for it to play out it needed to be fast. It also seemed as though there may have been too much going on as it didn’t feel realistic but that is completely personal Not for the faint of heart or closed minded. Super steamy little thriller! I would be interested in going back to the first book for sure and looking forward to others!
Eve Sawyer is a journalism college student. She had her report done already, but felt there was another mystery to solve in Murder Creek with a disappearance long ago. In this town, she meets many people, pulls out clues from interesting sources, and you wouldn’t believe the result! Absolutely a great read!
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Jessica Stone
I have not read the first book in this series but I definitely will be going back now and reading it.
Morgan, our hilarious main character is just a girl with an unusual gift trying to navigate life as a full time nurse and ghost whisperer. No but really, this girl has her hands full at all times, a house full of ghosts that “share” her space, a hospital full of hectic ghosts and an evil seductress ghost with her sights set on Morgan’s… kinda boyfriends? Can this girl ever catch a break?
This story was a delightful little book to read, I laughed, I cried, I definitely became emotionally invested in not only Morgan and Dr Hunky’s relationship, but Morgan and her ghostly friends as well.
Written well and completely, it was easy to fall in love with this author’s writing style, very quirky and fun with a splash of supernatural mystery. If you are looking for a quick fun read this book is for you. I would suggest reading the book prior to this one to have a better understanding of how the relationships in the book were formed but I don’t believe that it’s a must to enjoy this tale. Can’t wait to see what’s next for our girl Morgan!
Distant Memories, Nurse Morgan Series, Kate MacInnis, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Paranormal, Romance, July 2022, Jessica Stone
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Colors of Friendship Book 1 by K.R. Raye
Great read—especially for young adults! Ms. Raye did a magnificent job captivating the audience and making them feel that they were also in the circle of friendship! Excited for book 2 in the series—very enjoyable and I love how she portrayed how you never really know what is going on behind closed doors in relationships. A beautifully written story that continually draws the reader in!
This story follows the lives of three best friends as they navigate family, relationships, the ups & down of friendship, and falling in love….& the struggles they face because of their differences. The author does a marvelous job outlining abuse and how it not only affects the person being abused, but also affects those who love the victim of abuse. The twist at the end is something you don’t see coming! Fabulous read! Looking forward to the remainder of the books in this trilogy.