From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was such a good one! It was a dark and Suspenseful YA that pulled me in from page one. I didn’t want to put this one down. Such a good start as a debut novel and I will be looking for more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I Loved You Yesterday is a really sweet story about second chances. It’s full of guilt, drunken bad decisions, love and friendship. Josh is a total push over who should have more respect for himself… but he is also very loving and forgiving which was sweet. The reason Mavis left was not much of a shock, I saw it coming. However, I didn’t expect all the other stuff that came AFTER her leaving. The end of the epilogue, I also kind of expected and secretly hoped for… maybe Austin will take that position at the Chicago office after all. I want a story about Lauren and Mitch too, here’s to hoping! Although the book was much of what I expected, I still really enjoyed it. It is a sweet book, full of some shock, and I recommend it to those who enjoy romantic novels.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being a fan of the Notebook Mysteries series, I was very excited to have a Christmas book included to read. I highly enjoyed it. You can’t go wrong with a holiday book including a mystery in my opinion. As with all the previous stories in this series, the author did an amazing job pulling you into the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. I personally loved that this book was set in Chicago as that is one of my favorite US cities, and I could see the city in the 1800’s based on the awesome description of the city at that time. I would love to have another mystery set in this city at during the same time frame. Highly enjoyable and recommended.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a nice, short read. It went by pretty quickly and there wasn’t really any conflict in the book. The romance was fast-paced as well. The main character cared way too much about what others think. The male main character fell in love so fast it was almost comical. I really loved the idea of the blind date restaurant, it was a very unique idea.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch is a beautiful tale of magic and intrigue with a more mature writing style than a lot of the fantasy books I’ve found. The story follows the life of a girl named Hester, who has always been different, as she has always heard the voices of the river goddess and the water nymphs. She was brought up hearing stories about her paternal great grandmother, who was a wise woman, and has always dreamed to follow in her footsteps, and be able to help the people around her and save the ill, much to her mother’s dismay. By chance, she meets a man named Aaron, who was taught by a wise woman, and thus their story begins. From complete strangers, to teacher and student, to friends, and finally to lovers, this book is their story with all the twists and turns and magic you can dream of.
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was a great inspirational read. It was thought provoking, inspirational, and full of adventures, excitement and more. This is personally not a genre I normally enjoy but this one really blew me out of the water. While there were certain aspects that I struggled with I was inspired by all of our authors hard work to get to this point in her life. So whether you like memoirs or your looking to try one out, make sure to pick this one up today.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense thriller that is hard to put down. Jayson and Kylee should have been high school sweethearts but Jayson’s family situation stopped that from happening. Fast forward a few years and the pair apparently find themselves on opposite sides of the legal system but unable to stay away. When a threat tears them apart, it is a shock for both of them when they meet again and things are not the same as they were. This was a fast paced book, split into three distinct parts. I was a bit skeptical when I first started it but quickly found that I really liked the characters and the storyline was fast paced and an engaging read. I really enjoyed this story.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I personally really loved this semi-sweet romance. However there were a few editing issues which kind of pulled me out of the story as I was reading. But all in all it was a great story, full of romance, family, intrigue, suspense and more that it kept me interested through the story. The characters were great and you definitely felt the high school dynamic through the story. While this book was on the longer side there is definitely enough to keep you interested through the story as a whole.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this author for all they create and write, I have been reading books by them for quite some time now. This book installment in this specific series, was one I could not wait for! It was very much worth the wait!
I loved the first one with the paranormal aurora, the characters, and everything to do with the academy! This one I loved just as much. It was so awesome reading about MaKayla again and her friends, with studies and games to participate in, as well, as something less than kind is lurking in the academy walls. The book gave a lot of action, suspense, as well as intrigue. I couldn’t put this down, I was constantly wanting to know what would follow! I have always admired this author’s writing style, and how they bring the story to life. No confusion, everything makes sense and comes together well! Great installment to the series! Loved it!
Great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see what will happen next! This series as well as author, does not disappoint! Very much recommend this book, series, and author! Must read on all accounts!
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the Vigilant Series. I would highly recommend reading these books in order so you get the full understanding of the characters and the story. You definately need to read Unbreakable Darkness which is the book before this one and the start of Dex story.
After find out in the previous book that his whole life is a lie he now has to fight to find a way to escape the people who don’t want him free and to live life on his own terms.
Along the way he will face life changing dangers and discover some things he never knew. With friends old and new showing up it becomes hard for Dex to know who he can trust and who is going to be against him.
This story is full of mystery, danger and feelings of teenage angst that keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The way the author leaves the story sets it up perfectly for the next book and I can’t wait to read it.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I gave this 3 stars because this reminded me of Cinderalla getting picked at by her evil stepmom and her step sisters. The only difference here is a girl named Ashley trying to live a normal at High School without drawing too much attention to herself who later ends up helping prince charming Harry, who has to go to this school to get his life straight but ends up needing help to hide who he is and from people telling what to do. Both Ashely and Harry change their whole life around, is love worth it for them, or do they have to be told what to do?
Other than that it has some twisted parts and an interesting point of view of how Ashley shows her strong side in life.
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Joshua and Mavis had their whole life ahead of them. Joshua was heading to college, and now Mavis has a secret that she needs to keep hidden to protect Joshua. She confides in Austin, Joshua’s brother, and things start to get interesting. Ten years has passed and now Joshua needs to find Mavis, who is and always has been, the love of his life. When Joshua finds Mavis, the reason she left is revealed, but she has yet another secret to hide. Can Joshua and Mavis live happily ever after?
This is such a good book that I could not put it down. The story flows well together. There is love, excitement and secrets! I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Totally great!
Battling Beckett is a contemporary step-brother romance told that runs the high school ‘enemy to lover’ line. Beckett is an interesting character – one that I went through a lot of feelings over – he was not a very nice person. Greer was so strong and went through so much. This was an easy read but I feel that this would have been even better being told in first person and multiple POV allowing for a deeper connection and understanding of the motivations behind the characters. Light on steam and romance but still for mature readers.
•*•
•*••°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••*••*••°•
Gravediggers actually do the digging. Grave Diggers, however, keep buried bodies where they belong—six feet under.
It’s Makayla’s second year in the paranormal academy system, and she isn’t returning alone. No one made the honour roll last semester, and the coveted transfer position was withheld. It’s a good thing, too—GDA needs participants for the inter-academy face off. A win could bring back prestige and funding the institution so desperately needs. A loss, however, would close its doors forever.
This year’s students are about to learn there’s more to their Academy than meets the eye. Something isn’t right about the competition. It smells of the rot and decay only a freshly unearthed corpse could cause. Lucky for them, death is right up their alley.
About C.A. King
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn’t open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn’t need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don’t ever let anyone tell you different.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes—I want them to know they are making a difference.
Fast forward to today…
C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author has over 60 books available across multiple fantasy sub-genres.
Awards include:
Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers’ Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards – Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards – Best New Adult
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction – New Adult genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult – Fantasy – Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Cambridge Times Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021
Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett. I was excited to begin this adventure, as it ticked all the ingredients I love to find in a great sci-fi fantasy, but as it is the first book that I have read from this author I didn’t really know if she could deliver on the promise held in the synopsis. I needn’t have worried though, as she exceeded all my expectations, and then some.
This is a complex, multi-layered, and cleverly woven story set in the distant future in a dystopian world. The adventure takes us on an action-packed ride with plenty of twists and turns, superb world-building, violence, spice, magic, friendship, family, and much more.
We experience the story through several points of view, which really adds an extra element of interest to the whole storyline. I loved how original and unique this story is and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Bring on Book #2!!!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, A.E. Bennett!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas is the latest instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. A fun holiday historical cozy mystery, with a Christmas backdrop, and plenty of interesting developments, danger, drama, friendship, clue gathering, crime & investigation, action, adventure, suspense, and some ghostly goings-on.
This can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything from the rest of the series… But having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous book/s before starting on this one, as knowing what happened in those books will definitely give you a better appreciation of everything.
With Christmas fast approaching, Emma is caught up in all the fun and preparations for the holidays. But crime doesn’t take time off- and Emma is soon thrust into another mystery that will test her investigative skills.
A fun read!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise is a love story that crosses space and time, combining art and history, and a refreshing unique plot. There are vivid descriptions of Venice that pull you into the story as if you were there. At the beginning I was thrown by the dual timeline, and play-by-play action scenes, but as the story progessed I found myself drawn to the mystery surrounding the characters and the painting. The plot builds as Nick and Julia uncover age old secrets. The end leaves you wanting to know more. I’m sure book two will be just as good!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet novella with a city girl and a hot cowboy! I love this author and the way she transports us into her world with her characters each book.
Jules and Mitchel were opposites attract in the best way. This book gave steamy chemistry, charm, humor, love, and the message of love where you least expect it. I liked the push and pull with Jules and Mitchel and watching them come together pushing down obstacles. Short but sweet and definitely a book to read again.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5/5 stars
This book is my first read by the author and it was okay. The characters seemed older than they were, but that could be because they were wealthy. The storyline had a solid idea, I just don’t think it was executed well. The book was very predictable and I could tell what was going to happen next consistently. The parent’s reaction seemed unrealistic but it helped keep the main idea of the book flowing.
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Necrosis is a zombie world after an apocalyptic virus. Amy and her daughter, Lila, are trying their best to survive this new and terrifying world. Great characters, excellent story. C.L. Schneider pulls me in everytime.
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book from Lynda Filler and I absolutely love it. She pours her whole heart and soul onto every page. I guarantee I will be picking up not only other memoirs of hers, but also the fiction books she spoke about!
Lynda starts with a brief history of her life as a military brat and how it gave her a lifelong philosophy of starting over when things get tough. She touches on her work life and the serendipitous decision to retire. Lynda goes over the physical effects of her anxiety and other emotions which I think go overlooked more often than not. She is heart-wrenchingly honest about her endeavors and experiences. I feel like I know her so well after just one book!
I am not typically a fan of memoirs in general, but Lynda’s writing has a way of reeling you in and making you feel like family. Her positivity throughout is just contagious. I highly recommend this book!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ You’re New Favorite Horror ~
This author is one of my all time favorites, after picking up her Nite Fire series last year, I just absolutely love the story-telling, world building, and relationship dramas. Necrosis is no exception. I wasn’t expecting to find a horror, post-apocalyptic read, but when I saw the book suggestion come up I of course immediately picked it up. SO LOVED THIS!!!
The reader is immediately thrown into an emotional state, calling on relational ties. The bond between Amy and her daughter is made so real, it’s hard to not find yourself right there with them feeling empathy for their struggles to survive. So much happens so fast, I feel like I will want to go back and re-read this, as there is such a splendid amount of detail. My favorite part of this is that when mobs come up, the drama carries you through the thrills so fast, you almost feel like you are right there with them out of breath and emotionally charged.
There is a wealth of metaphors for a person’s own reality, which I greatly appreciated. All in all this is a separate genre I feel, from what I normally pick up from the author, and loved it. Which is so exciting. Thank you so much for this zombie horror story, it is super spook and gave me all the feels. My only question is, do we get more?!
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ava Ramos thinks she knows everything there is to her city of New York, until a rival shows up and turns everything she knows upside down. Twists and turns, and even a few curve balls here and there. This thrilling mystery has you thinking you have it figured out until another twist comes and throws you off center. This story was extremely well balanced, and the character development well paced. I enjoyed reading about Ava’s adventures with her crew and getting to know New York City through her eyes. I cant wait to see what book two brings to the table and what Ava’s crew goes through next!
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book for SURE takes me back to my Wattpad days. It’s a gorgeous enemies to lovers book, which is my favorite. It is a tad on the taboo side, but honestly so were 90% of the One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer fanfics that were running rampant all over the internet in the mid 2010s. I love it. I’m not a sports person, but such a sucker for the sporty dude and quiet girl romances. I wasn’t even half way through the book when I already knew I’d be obsessed with it. I definitely recommend!
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Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun quick read continuing the mysteries that Emma enjoys solving. Who doesn’t love a Christmas haunted house and the looming who done it. This mystery focused primarily on the one mystery that Ethan, Emma’s coworker at the law firm, brought to her. Was his dad murdered by a ghost, did he really commit, or was there something more sinister. Although this was just a shirt book, it continued to show Emma’s growth as she encounters her own demons.
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Though this isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author, I wasn’t too sure what I’d see when I first began to read Necrosis but I had high expectations. Of course, my expectations were met and quickly surpassed. As a person who adores the spooky aspect of fall, I feel like this gave a perfect start to the season! We’re brought into this apocalyptic world with a bang and follow mother Amy on a mission to keep her child safe in a world turned upside down. As with any zombie-outbreak story, there are tough decisions, devastating truths, and a minefield of terror threaded throughout. Even so, the love and bond that only a mother can know is strong and keeps the worst of the darkness at bay, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see what C.L. Schneider comes up with next!
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love when authors incorporate lots of different magical entities to their novels, and prove that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to the decision on who you’re going to write about and in which realm, ensuring that they don’t cross over. I do believe that this author did a wonderful job ensuring the reader knew what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses were, and that isn’t always easy to do. I did find it a little hard to get into at first, but perhaps the intentionally character development and the world building was at fault for this. I have been reading series, so it’s been a while since I have indulged in a ‘pilot’ novel.
I found myself heavily rooting for Ava, who is a fiercely independent woman who runs the Black Cauldron Detective Agency with her nearest and dearest, and is far more sure of herself than she lets on a lot of the time. It’s important to know who has your back when times get tough, and the connections Ava shares with the majority of the main characters in this wonderful start to the series is addictive. I really cannot wait to dive into the next installment, Scorching Magik, when it becomes available. Well done, definitely an author to watch(read!)
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Venice, a beautiful city and a trip that anyone would want to take. After a head injury, Nick and his wife, Julia still embark to the city that they have always wanted to visit. Things start to get a little weird after they see the painting “Paradise.” Nick swears he hears a voice in the painting, Julia thinks he is hallucinating. Nick believes that he is living another life right now and that his past life needs to be fixed. Will Nick be able to rescue his long lost love and return to life he knows now or will he lose his current love?
This book was action and romance all in one. What a wonderfully written book that draws you right in, pun intended. 😊
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kimberly does it again with Christmas and hauntings in her Notebook Mysteries YA, historical saga. Even though there is murder it is a fun Christmas tale bringing Emma and her band of super sleuths together once again. Make sure you read the books in order as they follow on from each other.
Haunted Christmas is a short novella but imagine all the trimmings of Christmas set in the 1880’s in Chicago.
Evan has asked Emma for help. He doesn’t believe the ruling the police have handed down. As they embark on this new adventure and come across danger, they finally reveal the real truth and lies.
Notebook Mysteries is a for those who love a good mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author and I look forward to exploring more of her Postscript Island series! The novel was well written and an immersive world where you feel you belong. This is a book you can pick up and lose yourself. I am all for slow romance lines, but a slow-stirring plot was a minor drawback for me. The story follows 2 first-time loves, Weston and Marissa, and how they are reintroduced to each other after several years of a part with a dramatic break. Of course, there are a lot of words unsaid between the two of them, and their hometown of Postscript is oblivious, even though it might have been Marissa’s doing. They come together to explore the intrigue surrounding the island’s citizens and their possessions. Then upon further investigation, things go from curious to downright dangerous, not just for our two main characters, but others as well! Along the way they have the ability to reconnect, but will Weston’s overprotective nature and the intrigue ruin it for Marissa’s strong independent nature and protective focus for Postscripts citizens stand in the way? Read the book and escape to Postscript Island!!