Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes is a spin on a classic, Cinderella. Ashley works in her step-mother’s mortuary, not because she wants to but you know how that goes. Then, the charming bad boy pop star, Harry James, stumbles into her high school. Awesome take on Cinderella. I adore the characters.
Fairly Royal by Grace Grahme
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Fair series I have read. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything so definitely could be a stand alone. Highly enjoyable book. Phillip is part of the peerage. He is the oldest so settling down and having kids needs to be on his to do list, but he has been burned before so he keeps to himself. Anne has been in love with Phillip, her brother’s best friend for the last 10 years. Will he ever see her as more than his friend’s little sister? Can they find a future together? Will their secrets tear them apart? I am now going to need to go read all the other books in this series!
Excellent! I believe everyone has a story and it needs to be told. I just love how the author put this all together. This story is full of struggle, sorrow and redemption. It was a fast read and it grip your heart with every page. Thank you for sharing this story with us all.
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent! I believe everyone has a story and it needs to be told. I just love how the author put this all together. This story is full of struggle, sorrow and redemption. It was a fast read and it grip your heart with every page. Thank you for sharing this story with us all.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Charm Collectors series. I do recommend reading these books in order so that you can follow the story. This is a urban fantasy and the author does an amazing job of making the reader visualise and experience everything as if they were actually there. The characters are really well written as well and they are relatable.
This books picks up where the first one ended. Kayda and Harlow have always been friends. Partners in crime going through life together. That is until Harlow leaves. Going on the run with Caspain.
With Harlow gone the Collective turn their attention to Kayda. Now Kayda is in for something she never expected before and she has to face it without her friend.
Meanwhile Harlow and Caspian have left, hoping the dust will settle behind them. They are on the hunt for a magical sword. While searching they also uncover secrets about the Collective which makes them even more targets than they were before they left.
This book is full of adventure from start to finish and with loads of twists and turns and mythical dangers along the way it Will definately keep the reader wanting more.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved the amazing books that this author creates for some time now, and this author never disappoints me in all that they write. They weave a story that grips you, and intrigues as you read, and leaves you wanting more! I was hooked completely as I read through! The book was amazing!
This author created such an astonishing thriller, and one that shakes your soul as you read. The characters were very connectable, and I was very much invested in them and the mystery and story that was a hand. What I loved about Logan and the mystery was that the build up was quite dire. When things were found, so were more things, and things kept building. Danger was everywhere. You needed eyes everywhere, I felt my heart beat fast quite a few times as I read. I felt I was alongside Logan as I read. The story was perfectly done and full of its ability to be realistic! This was a well worth reading! I cannot say enough good things!
Again, this author never disappoints me with the griping books that they create and bring to life. This one takes the cake though! Highly recommend this book, and the author as well! A must read all around!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista
Kara, Sheildmaiden of Eire is the fourth book in the Forerunner Series and I absolutely loved reading it. This is a wonderfully written Historical Fantasy that will take you on quite the adventure. From the first page I was eagerly waiting to see what adventure we were going to be taken on. I’ve enjoyed this whole series and its definitely on my re-read list. I highly recommend reading this series in order as it will give you a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better plus each book is just as good as the last . This story is packed with everything from Vikings, to warriors, time travel, magic and so much more. I love this authors attention to detail and his ability to make you feel as if you are a part of the story. The characters are simply amazing and each one is strong and willing to do what needs to be done Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure and be prepared to be on the edge of your seat at times. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first book I’ve read by Valerie Davisson. It is not the first in the Logan McKenna series, but you can read it as a standalone. Very well written murder mystery that was hard to put down. I will be adding this author to my list of favorites.
Ritual Obsession by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t too sure about this one when I decided it to add it to my collection to read. I am a little unsure on my review on this one.
Firstly it has a trigger warning – I somehow missed this fact when I read the blurb and I found it quite confronting on a personal level.
Secondly – when reading a series I always make sure I have the next book or two so that if there is unresolved business I can read on. Having said that the unresolved business may not even feature in the next book….
Having said that I absolutely loved this book. It’s the first that I have read by this author but I am definitely going to keep an eye open for the next one in this series.
It’s a good read!
Hollywood talent scout Jules ends up in the small, ranch town of San Sity, Florida to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed in the town. While the town’s quirky relatives all think they have what it takes to be a star, there’s one man who stands above all the rest: Mitchel Scott.
Mesmerized by the hunky cowboy at first glance, Jules sets off to convince Mitchel he’s the spark the show needs to become a hit, but the tough-talking, no-nonsense rancher wants nothing to do with Jules or her show and would be happy if he never heard from her again.
Or so he claims.
Jules and Mitchel fight each other at every turn, but neither of them is prepared when their growing animosity turns into love.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
In Plain Sight is the eighth book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series by Valerie Davisson. This is another intriguing crime and investigation story with mystery, murder, friendship, danger, drama, a wildlife rescue centre, raptors, tension, and a race against time.
As I have said previously, this series is definitely getting better the further into it I get. In this instalment we see Logan McKenna begin volunteering at a local wildlife rescue centre, but trouble seems to have a way of finding her and she soon finds herself investigating another mystery when a co-worker is murdered. Her investigation becomes a race against time in order to uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim….
Wonder what Logan McKenna gets up to next?
Thank you, Valerie Davisson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Newly married Logan McKenna is enjoying her life in her home on the Oregon Coast. She’s taken up volunteer work at the local wildlife rescue center and come to enjoy the her work there. When she finds her coworker dead on the floor she gets caught up the the mystery of trying to solve this case. Was is foul play or natural causes? She along with a couple friends start doing some digging to find the culprit and she comes into the killers crosshairs. Will she be able to get all the clues together to catch the person in time or become the next victim?
Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay- LOVED this one. I haven’t read the other books in this series but I REALLY liked this one. There is something yummy about the main characters- and the way they met! I’m a sucker for mafia romance and man was this one a treat! The chemistry between Dom and Leah was off the charts and I’m pretty sure I could physically feel the flames from the sizzle in this book! The secondary characters were nearly as interesting as the mains, probably because some of them have their own books and now I NEED to read those. This is definitely my favorite mafia read of the month and I am so excited to have more to read by this author.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Logan McKenna has settled into a quiet life in Oregon with a few friends and a new husband. By coincidence Logan finds out about the Cascades Raptor Center and decides to start volunteering there. When Logan finds the raptor vet she has been working closely with dead, Logan decides to investigate her murder. At first, no one is actually convince that it is murder. With the help of her coffee crew, Logan discovers the mystery behind the murder.
I love the twist as to who is the guilty party. I was ready to convict Jimmy. I didn’t see the real killer coming. This one will keep you guessing right until the end.
This was my first Logan McKenna mystery. It was a nice change of pace from some of my usual picks. I am glad I chose this out of all my options.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes was cute! Another twist on “Cinderella.” I’ve read this author before and I like what is done with the fairytale we are used to. The spin the author puts on it. I encourage everyone to check this author out. Now for a little back story.
Ashley, your girl next-door type. Unfortunately she has an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. Still a minor and left in her stepmother’s care whe. Her father passed, Ashley is just trying to get through her senior year. This way she gets her trust, leaves for college, and never has to return to the wretched funeral home run by her stepmother. Seems easy, right? Not so fast because stepmonster Veronica wants to get her hands on Ashley’s trust. Only for her to be successful at that is sabotage.
Harry, a fallen rockstar, who has been banished by the courts to finish high school in a secluded Washington State town to make up for crimes past. Never did he expect to meet the one person who would turn his life upside down. Ashley is a breath of fresh air, unfortunately nobody wants them together. It’s even been as far as to be court ordered as a stipulation of his probation.
Will Ashley and Harry survive?
Does Veronica succeed?
Like I said early on, this author does a nice job of putting twists on the everyday fairytale. This book as well as the others written are highly recommended!
Fairly Royal by Grace Grahme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I gotta say, the fake couple trope (I’m sure it has a real name but I’m not sure what it is 😅) is one of my absolute favorites. This royal romance sure packs a punch! It’s got some sweetness, some scandals, some steaminess, and a real connection between the main characters, Philip and Anna. Both of the main characters had so many moments that were relatable- and kept me more interested in finishing the book! It’s so fun to read a story and see the characters grow and develop. This was a wonderful romance that I am glad to have read.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashley doesn’t believe in love due to all she’s been through. She’s lost both of her parents before her high school career is even over. She is left with her stepmother and stepsisters who want nothing more than to take the last of what she has left, the inheritance her father left her. The fairies see this and decide they need to step in and turn things around so that Ashley can have her happily ever after. When superstar Harry James is ordered by the courts to either attend public school or spend time in jail he ends up at Ashley’s school. Of course every female in the school flocks to him like a moth to a flame, but Ashley keeps her distance. As the social outcast of the school how would she ever stand the chance of getting his attention? And how will the magic be cast without breaking and of the rules the Queen Godmother and those before her are sure to enforce?
This was the first book I have read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. A modern twist on a classic that we all know and love.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In Plain Sight is book 8 of the Logan McKenna Mystery Series, and full disclosure, I didn’t realize that upon grabbing the book. I don’t feel as if I missed anything but maybe I was, however I felt this book worked as a standalone and it was well worth the read! The author writes eloquently and immerses the reader in the story. It was a pleasure to read and I enjoyed the twists and turns so so much!
Fairly Royal by Grace Grahme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very charming, steamy romance story. I love reading books that are set in different places that I live, but places I’ve been to. That way I escape but know what the feeling of the place of the story is. I got that from this story, the feelings very much reminded me of Scotland. I don’t think you have to read the others in this series first. I had no problem following the story! Anna and Philip really make you invested in their relationship and I love those stories. The ones where you get really invested. I would definitely recommend!
Reviewed by: @heather26
Ritual Obsession by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So I am going to start this review with a few warnings:
Warning 1: There is a very detailed scene of Sexual Assault in this book. It happens to the character named Bobbi. It is very hard to read as she is raped.
Warning 2: This is a very good book, but it ends on a major cliffhanger and nothing has been resolved. We know who did it, but there is a great chance he could get away with it, Someone is in the hospital fighting for there life.
With those warnings in mind for future or almost readers. Truth is I could not put this book down, it was definitely a page turner.
Rose the veteran detective and Rose the new detective to the precinct get partnered together but that is not all. A string of murders of working girls gets the whole precinct involved including Detective Commander Marco, who is an old flame of Detective Rose.
Honestly, IMO this book plays out like an episode of Matlock. Where you have all the pieces as the reader or viewer but you are waiting for the detectives to put everything together. They do get there but by the time they do it seems a little to late.
Their is drama for our drama lovers as we have multiple office romances including, Marco & Rose, Bobbi & Max and Rose & Brian.
Like I said in my warning. This book does end on some major cliffhangers so if you want the conclusion to the story you will need to pick up book 2 and keep your fingers crossed.
Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was so interesting to read. I loved the odd pairing of an alpha mafia with the mysterious celebrity. That’s what kept drawing me in. I really enjoyed reading this book!
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book is set a couple years after the first book in the trilogy. Since it has been a year since I read the previous book, I was a little worried I would be lost but the way the author slipped in past events made it very easy to follow and remember what had happened.
After Troy was defeated, he was thrown into prison for 2 years. Constantly being drugged to suppress his magic. When he finally comes to, he is lost. Lost in more ways than one. He has no idea where he is, who he is, who he was, nothing.
As time goes on, Ian starts remembering, including names of people who have done him wrong. He tries to figure out who he once was and his ties to the crown. All while trying to put things back together before the reign of Draken of Langor.
I have been in love with this author since I read the first book in this trilogy last year. I really enjoy this author’s writing. They are very focused and show a lot of attention and care with everything they write. Each character comes to life and the writing style in all of their books makes you lose yourself in the fantasy world. This book was no different. I enjoyed this book a little more than the first as it was more dark and twisted. I would highly recommend this book and anything else this author writes!
Blood Sector by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was absolutely addicted to this book! I couldn’t put it down! The characters and plot had me hanging on every sentence. Between the chemistry and mystery well woven throughout this book had me hooked from the first page. Highly recommended!
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan is happily married and enjoys playing Bella. Because of her love of animals, she decides to become a volunteer at a wildlife refuge. Logan is learning a lot and enjoying her volunteer work when she walks in on the scene of a murder one day. Logan puts herself in danger when she decides to investigate this death.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This being the 7th book in the series I was very familiar with the writing style, characters and what to expect in this book and I was not disappointed at all. McKinley did a great job again of making me immediately like these characters. I’m not sure how anyone could read about Mia and not love and admire her. The first chapter was gripping and I was intrigued immediately. I have been very curious about Nico’s characters for several books now and seeing him get his happy ending felt very satisfying for me. Mia using him as a safety net to help protect her while she takes down her own family and the terrible things they have done was one the more interesting backstories i think from the series. It was equally tragic and angering to the point that you are just as upset as the characters and want to see an end to it and the people responsible. A complaint I have had with a few of the more recent books in this series is how fast they go and everything happens in just a few pages. These aren’t exactly instalove stories but they kind of feel that way in the sense that after 2 days of being with Nico she is thinking she loves him claiming she knew him long before because she would sneak into her fathers files and read about him and look at pictures of him. I did find that a little corny but as always the strong sense of family and loyalty these books always have was present here as well and it is easily one of my favorite parts of these books in this series. I do wish we had more girl time with the whole group of ladies because I especially love the way the girls rally together, shop together, cry together but also will kick ass together. Most bad-ass women I’ve ever read about are in these books. There were a few twists that I should have expected but certainly did not and I enjoyed the turn of events towards the end and the way this all played out and was a happy ending was lovely. The perfect balance between steamy romance and violence. I would still recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys mafia romances. I think McKinley does them very well.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise is a fast-paced historical thriller. This is the first time I have read anything written by Rob and I found myself immersed in the story. It is a tale that takes place between the present and the past, in 16th century Venice.
Rob cleverly pulls together intricate threads to weave a tale with fantasy and magical realism. His vivid narrative transports the reader in time and place as we explore not only the beauty and wonder of Venice with its colour architecture and picturing serenading gondola rides but also the lesser-known dark, secret and seedy side.
The story is compelling and the plot is clever and complex as the danger and suspense grows, I was unable to put it down.
There are secrets and lies, a powerful and secret Order that are dangerous due to their beliefs and actions. With a painting that is not what it seems, a voice from a very distant past, soulmates from another time and past lives; Rob has given the reader a tale that will have you intrigued and wanting more.
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
3 Stars
While on spring break, Angie and her three friends get kidnapped. Angie manages to escape but her friends are killed. She ends up in a psych ward framed for their murders. It’s a good plot but the book is a bit lacklustre. The story needed more depth. Everything is very surface. It’s a thriller but I never once felt an ounce of fear even when Angie was fighting off her attacker. Seeing as this happened at the beginning of the book, it should have gripped my attention but didn’t. I struggled to get into it. Once Jake and Cody entered the story, I found the book more interesting. I loved those two characters and they are what kept me reading.
The police didn’t even look at the evidence which clearly pointed to Angie being innocent. It didn’t make sense. There are multiple points of view which is fine but I found it made this story a bit all over the place. There was Angie, Jake, the killer, his boss (some prince), and a random slave on the boss’s island. It was a bit random. The author had some good ideas which could have been incredible had it been executed properly. It’s an interesting story if you want to pass the time but definitely not a gripping thriller.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Plain Sight is the eighth book in this wonderful series wow where has the time gone. The series started out a little rocky but I stuck with it and am glad that I did because it has gotten better over time.
Logan always finds herself embroiled in another tangled web. Davisson once again weaves a multi layered and complex plot that draws us in. The Logan McKenna Mystery series has become one of my favourites. I see Davisson’s name and can’t wait to grab a copy and get going. I am never disappointed. I have said it before, but I will say it again with each book Valerie’s stories get better and this one is my favourite so far.
It is filled with intrigue and drama, tension and suspense and danger, lies and deceit, secrets and murder.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping dual timeline, historical thriller, set in Venice, both in the present day and in the 16th century. I was hooked from page one by this novel and could not put the book down! Nick and Julia O’Connor are having a trip of a lifetime in Venice, when Nick hears a haunting voice coming from the world’s largest oil painting, ‘Tintoretto’s Paradise’. Nick believes the voice is that of his soul mate, a 16th century woman, from his previous life. Whilst Nick is adamant that the voice is real, Julia worries that her husband is suffering from a delusion. Nick’s infatuation with the past starts to effect his relationship with Julia, as he is determined to destroy the painting in order to liberate his soul mate. Nick discovers a religious order going back centuries who developed a way of extracting people’s souls, which they then imprison in Paradise.
The order have judged thousands of souls, sentencing then to eternal purgatory. In order for Nick to free his soul mate, he must destroy the painting. However, by freeing her he would also be allowing all the other souls to be reborn, and the order will never let that happen. This has a intriguing storyline which I thoroughly enjoyed, at the heart of this thriller is a love story which lasts for centuries. The descriptive narrative really brought the setting of Venice to life both in the present and in the past. The added historical details made me feel I had been transported to the 16th century, and the author has obviously done his research. The dual timeline element worked well, and I felt engaged with the main characters. The plot kept me happily turning the pages, and I definitely recommend this novel.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is definitely one of the better retelling of Cinderella that I have read. I was hesitant to give it a go at first but I am glad I did. The characters were brilliant, they really made the book for me. Their connection was instant and believable. I loved watching the connection grow as the story developed.
I thought the book was well written. Easy to read but caught my attention. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book literally roped me in right from the start I do always very much enjoy the writings and books by this wonderful author, but this one was a special read. I got a lot more than I expected, and I do not mean just romance, I mean story, plot, characters and all that jazz! This book was more than just a good time!
What I loved about this book, was that it really held its realistic notes right to the very end. I felt the characters were very connectable, and able to visualize without faults. I loved the whole forbidden romance, being Noah is Callie’s BFF and that means off limits. I didn’t expect the romance and building between these two to be as hot as it was! I loved their moments and the fire they had between them together. And Noah was great, everything you dream of having n a guy, plus great at those steamy moments sure were a bonus! I loved the dept of the characters, and how they grew within themselves as well around each other! Loved this book!
Once again this author has truly nailed it! I could not put this book down, and certainly did not want it to conclude! High recommendation from me for sure, do not pass up this must read book and author!