Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very enjoyable read! The tension between the characters could be felt off the pages and the steam factor was present! It was any easy read and fun to get lost in! It was my first read by this author and I would definitely read more!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book four in the Forerunner series. The Preface chapter gives you the background information from the other books up until this point in the series. There are maps of Eire (Ireland) and The North Way (Norway) at the beginning to help orient the reader to place. Woven into the story are real figures and places from Viking-era history even though this is a fantasy novel. This was a daunting read for myself due to not reading any of the previous books in the series or fantasy writing, however, Bautista writes with excellent vivid imagery in each scene. He uses details consistent with the time period and weaves Viking culture and mythology throughout. This makes the story believable and real to the reader. If you like Norse mythology, Viking history, with an unpredictable adventure, this is the story to read!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
View all my reviews
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hester is the daughter of a poor farmer. She becomes intertwined with a boy named Aaron, and Sabrina the River Goddess. Very fascinating story. I was immediately engulfed in this tale. I loved every second of it.
Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love dystopian and apocalypse stories and this collection did not disappoint! There are so many different types of stories in this collection; there is a tale for everyone! The stories were original and intense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Many of the adventures were so well-written and frighteningly realistic that I got chills. I loved that the stories were not connected so they could be read in any order (and reread whenever I want). The thing that stuck out about all of the stories in this collection was the sense of connection and mutual support between the characters. The teamwork between characters helped keep them going. This is definitely a must read collection for fans of apocalyptic, dystopian stories! Overall, I was very impressed and will be looking for many of these authors in the future.
Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Aloha Series box set is three books that all happen at the same time. Book 2 was definitely my favorite but they were all good. They all overlap at some point, all happening in the year 1968. The author did a good job with these. As I read each book I feel like any issues that were in the book prior were corrected in the next. Showing the authors growth in their writing style through all 3.
Book 1
Try Easy was alright. I struggle a little getting into it. As I pushed through I was more sucked in by the story that was being told. Keoni, a Hawaiian local goes against his better judgement to show Mary Lou and her friend Penny around Oahu. He doesn’t like tourists, and though he’s physically attracted to Lou she’s not an exception. His dislike for tourists is one of the many skeletons he’s keeping hidden in the closet.
Lou, on a much needed vacation. Gets to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii first hand as well as through her camera lens. She never expected that meeting Keoni would turn her life upside down. She has a boyfriend and they have a plan. Keoni can’t happen.
Can they resist the attraction?
Book 2
Try Me was my favorite. I even thought the writing was better. Bringing together two broken souls that needed one another. This book had its obstacles for the main characters but the author navigated them beautifully.
Declan, top professional surfer in his field, has been tasked to the biggest competition he’s ever been in. Two problems. One it means he has to go home to Hawaii, and two it’s at the beach Eddie died. Faced with guilt and indecision it’s meeting Pearl that causes him to take that leap. He wants to help break into a man’s sport because she’s the best. And he can’t do that without agreeing to go.
Pearl doesn’t realize Declan is the ticket to making her dreams come true. She knows he’s the best but doesn’t fully understand the consequences of signing her contract. She likes Declan, so why is signing a contract that includes her being his pretend girlfriend a problem?
Can they get past Declan’s hang up with the fake girlfriend contract?
What happens at the competition?
Book 3
Try Right was different. I didn’t like it as much as book 2 but it was better than book 1. And again you can see the improvement in the author’s writing skills. Try Right is a second chance romance, or is it?
Claudia, has been black balled in Hollywood, gets the opportunity to take a job in Hawaii to help her career. It also gives her a chance to go after and look up Keoni. He was the one who got away. She was the tourist he fell in love with. What she didn’t expect was Henry. Henry is an unexpected breath of fresh air that can completely upend everything she’s chasing.
Henry, a Hollywood stuntman, who has the life he wants. The home with the view he wants. But does he get the girl he wants? On a whim Henry met Claudia but didn’t know that was her name and they had the time of their lives. Little did he know they would be working on the same TV production. As he gets to know her he can’t let go. Unfortunately there’s two things standing in his way. Keoni and a bet he wanted no parts of originally.
Does he tell Claudia about the bet?
What happens when she sees Keoni again?
Every book has a few questions with each description. I would say the ones that come to everyone’s minds while reading this series. I’ll close by saying this, don’t let the struggle that I had reading book one keep you away from this series. It’s worth it. If it be altogether or each as a standalone.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn. I really enjoyed this Historical Thriller. The writing is so vivid and real I felt like I was really in Venice! Its the story of Nick and Julia and Nick are on their way to Venice to hopefully book Julia a Art Gallery Showing. Right before they left Nick was involved in a hockey accident giving him a head injury. When they are in a gallery Nick is taken with a particular painting and swears the lady in it is talking to him. He truly believes its his soul mate from the 16th century. Once Julia finally believes Nick she works with him to try to figure out just what is really going on. What they don’t plan on is attracting the attention of a secret Venetian Order that wants them out of the way and to quit digging. This is a fast paced thriller that will have you believing you are in Venice present and past. I can’t wait for the next book in the awesome series!
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler
Destiny’s Daughter is a beautifully written inspirational/ memoir of her lifes journey and the ups and downs that come along with it. I’m a huge fan of this author and her ability to bring out all the emotions. Her storytelling is very raw yet inspirational. Each book gets me in feels and makes me think about her words long after I’ve finished. This one I was pulled in and I found myself lost in the pages and everything around me faded to the background. There were times I felt her words deep in my heart and had teary eyes throughout. Her journey is one of determination, inspiration and all the raw emotions in one. I highly recommend have tissues near by as her journey will have your emotions all over the place. Im very grateful for you and sharing your story. I can’t wait to read more from this Author . If you like inspirational memoirs then I highly recommend reading this book.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I REALLY wanted to like this but sadly I could not. The idea of the story was a good one but nothing was ever done with it. No movement on the reality tv show at all. Then the way the story read was almost like a teenager wrote it. There is a lot of childish antics between the two main characters as well as a lot of name calling. I honestly felt like I was read an episode of the Kardashians. The male lead is mid thirties and I just can not see someone of that age who runs a ranch and has a lot of responsibility acting like this character did.
I am sorry to the author. I have read other stories by her and they were likable. I wish this would have expanded on the main storyline and not been so focused on the two main characters.
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Weston left his hometown, he left behind his best friend, Marissa, who he had been dating. Now, five years later he has returned to help his mom with a business proposal. Marissa has moved on and has another boyfriend and does not want to see him. Weston wants to rekindle old feelings. When they end up locked in a room together, feelings can’t be denied.
Opinion
This is a great best friends, rekindling book. I loved that Weston came to rescue his mom and the town. The story has a few cliche parts (like being locked in a room together) but it flows nicely and has a great appeal. This book is perfect for those looking for a getaway on a budget. Reading about the tropical area put me in a happy mood.
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These are such cute stories for kids! They are very easy to read so young children will be able to learn how to read them quickly and they will love them. The pictures are adorable, even on the Kindle format, which is very nice. The stories are about 2 dinosaur friends working together to solve 2 very different issues. In the first story, we have a volcano about to blow and Spike wants to give the volcano a necklace, while the other Conifer wants to run away! In the second story, there is a forest fire, but Conifer, has laid 3 eggs, and she only has 2 hands. Her friend Spike comes to help her, but he walks on 4 legs. They have to work together if they want to make it out safe!
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Present for the Volcano
I thought this was a great children’s book. It was short and to the point with just enough repetition to help those that are just getting acquainted with reading. Even in just a few pages it showed being mindful and kind even with a big, angry, scary volcano!
Saving Conifer’s Eggs
Spike and Conifer are at it again in another short and to the point book about problem solving and friendship. I had a lot
of fun reading this short adventure with my 6 year old. Added bonus, we love the illustrations.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jules is a talent scout for a reality tv show producer. She has been sent to this small town to start finding local talent for the show. Jules and her assistant slash best friend meet some interesting locals. Jules finds the area more and more appealing until she meets the local hunk, the one person in town that wants nothing to do with her or her show.
Mitchel is a quiet rancher. He is aware that the reality tv scout is in town because his aunt, who raised him, talks of nothing else. When Mitchel runs into the scout, he falls instantly for this woman that is way out of his class, but can’t seem to keep his foot out of his mouth around her. Why can’t she understand that he wants nothing to do with her show? Why can’t she and the rest of the world just let him be a rancher, that is all he wants.
The chemistry between Jules and Mitchel is explosive and palpable. As they try to navigate this insta-love/hate spark into something more, Mitchel’s past comes back to haunt him. The author keeps the emotions high when it comes to this unlikely pair. A steamy short read!
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this enemies to lover romance. It is a very short quick read but that doesn’t change the enjoyment and the story doesn’t feel like it’s unfinished with it being so short. The characters were really engaging. Their dynamic is interesting to witness and even though their interactions point to them hating each other as a reader you can see through that to the burning attraction underneath.
Jules is a talent scout who turns up to San Sity to find new people for their reality TV show. As soon as she sets eyes on Mitchel she knows she wants him. Not just on the show but in her life.
Mitchel, however wants nothing to do with her or so he says. And he proves this in his interactions with her. Every conversation turns into an argument. Mitchel has had his heart broken in the past and the walls he’s built up are impenetrable. That is until he meets Jules.
Together they know there is an attraction there however both are too stubborn to make a move and so they end up fighting constantly. What they dont realise until its too late, is that all their fighting has only stoked the fire of their desire making this couple a very explosive parts
~ Super Cute Re-Telling of Traditional Fairy Stories~
This is a super adorable modern day telling of Cinderella. Absolutely love the YA feel, and and character interactions. Ashley is a super adorable kick-ass heroine. She has to deal with haters, a dysfunctional family, and at times self-doubt. When a celebrity lands in her lap she is at least to say thrown off course, or perhaps may choose a new one.
Ashley takes fate into her own hands, and develops her own story taking us along the ride with her. This unlikely tale is riveting, unique, and full of “good-feels.” I like that Harry has a mind of his own, and we get to see what his side of the classic Cinderella story might have looked like. Either way, this modern re-telling allows us such a fun way to experience the tale. Harkins throws us into such a fun spin you definitely won’t be disappointed.
The audio book version is extra fun, Michelle does an unbelievably good job of bringing the characters to life, and keeping you captivated the whole way. You certainly don’t want to miss out on the audio version as you get an additional spark of life with Ashley and Harry’s romance.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another smash hit from Stacy-Deanne!! I love enemies to lover books and this one was such a fun lighthearted read that made it near impossible to put down. It is about a girl names Jules who is a talent scout for an upcoming reality dating show. She is a spit fire with a strong personality who does not take no for an answer. When she spots Mitchel, she is completely mesmerized and is insistent that he be a part of the show. Their chemistry is undeniable and scorches the pages of the book. I absolutely loved this book and their love story and well as their backstories showing why they are the way they are. I cannot wait to read more from this author!!
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very engaging short story of how a woman tries to find love in a dead, cold world. It is very apparent that she is alone in the world and that she wants someone to be with her, so she decides to go on dates. The situations that she is going through mirror what people deal with in real life while dating, finding out people aren’t who they say they are. As she comes across someone who is not alive, she had to think fast to avoid becoming an undead person as well. This is one of my favorite reads thus far as the gothic nature of this story captivated me and her story was not conventional. I cannot wait to read more books from this author as I read this in one sitting and was COMPLETELY CAPTIVATED and wanted to learn more about the cat and the owner at the end of the story.
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two books in one with Spike and Conifer, two dinosaurs who have formed a friendship helping one another. The first book is about a volcano ready to erupt and how Spike and Conifer come up with a solution to temper the situation. The second book is about Conifer’s eggs that need saving and coming up with a solution that not only saves the eggs but helps Spike too. Both books are fun to read with great problem solving skills that are easy to engage the young readers into helping figure out what will happen next.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Talent scout Jules arrives in San Sity, Florida to find talent for a reality dating show. She finds she is given a lot of input by the locals who have their ideas who should be on the show. One of those is Mitchel Scott a local rancher who makes his opinion known. The only problem is that Jules is not giving up and each interaction with one another has them both falling for each other, can their pride stand in the way though?
This was a fun romance. You are thrown in right away with Jules and the characters. Enjoyed quite a few of the side characters, they brought humor to the story. Good chemistry, entertaining read.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A reality TV dating show is heading to a country town! And we all love a cowboy right? Even a city girl can’t contain herself. Mitchel may have the good looks but he’s moody and grumpy. So he wants you to think. Really he can’t keep the talent scout, Jules, off of his mind! but mitchel has been through some things and it’s hard for him to open up! he also isn’t into the whole famous/TV gig, so he wants no part of it! But Jules INSISTS him being apart of the show! Does he cave in? 🤷🏽♀️ does Jules and Mitchel finally get along? Can they put their pride aside for eachother? Super quick read! And the spice was my favorite part of the book! 🥵 Great characters and I loved the plot.
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
From Brick & Darkness is a wonderfully written YA / Fantasy that once you start reading there’s no putting it down until you’ve finished. To be honest I wasn’t real sure to expect going in but man I’m glad I decided to give this book a shot. For being this authors debut novel the bar has been set very high and I look forward to reading many more books by this author in the future. This is a fast paced story that is packed with action, adventure, magic, mystery, suspense and so much more. Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure with Dax and remember things aren’t always as they seem Be careful what you wish for because you may get more than one bargained for. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. There is a couple of twists that I absolutely didn’t see coming. If you’re a fan of YA and fantasy then this is a book for you .
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A modern day twist on the Cinderella story. Something different and a little left field. Definitely worth a read if you have some spare time!
My daughter loved reading it too – I love it when she finds a book that appeals to her.
Who knew that the modern day Cinderella worked in a mortuary?
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sucked me in immediately. The need to know what happened between the Duchess and Josh was overwhelming. I guessed the reason she left and I guessed why Austin seemed to have odd behavior. However, after everything was revealed about was still shocked at Austin’s behavior. I also felt like Josh forgave everyone unrealistically fast. I’m not even sure how he forgave any of the parties involved in hurting him. But he did and it made him a better man, he still wound up with the love of his life and by the end of the book everyone was happy. The book was written well, it gave me all the feels and emotions I look for in a good romance story. It ended on a good cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read book #2.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Azreya, Aztec Priestess” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658502599l/61654037._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess”>Azreya, Aztec Priestess</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland”>Tricia Copeland</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4979849154″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a book for YAs aged 12+. It combines paranormal/fantasy, historical fiction, legend, and mythology. The main character Azreya is born marked by a demon. At the age of three, she is placed in the care of a shaman who promises to protect her. When the Spanish come to Azreya’s land, she sees two paths– one of saving her people and another that leads to their end. Can Azreya control her inner beast and convince her people to break from age-old patterns, or will the Aztecs be vanquished by the enemy?<br /><br />I love love love this author’s work. I can always tell that she just loves writing and this illustrated book is no different! The world-building is amazing, the characters are interesting and relatable, and the illustrations are an added bonus!<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes a more mature approach to fantasy. The writing is easy to follow and the story is multilayered as the adventure unfolds. Unexpected twists left me wanting more and eagerly turning the pages. The characters develop right along with the story and as Hester discovers more about what she wants, Aaron has to come to terms with his past. Hester is an easy to relate to character, her need to stay true to herself is endearing. If you are looking for a fantasy adventure with strong characters and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new author I haven’t read before. I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel about this book because usually the cover grabs me. This one didn’t but it was a romance book So I gave it a shot.
I’m glad I read this book because it was a very good read. The pages flowed, I loved the chemistry and the fighting between two of the main characters.
San Sity is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Mitchel Scott is a farmer who was raised by his dad and his aunt. His wife cheated on him multiple times and he always took her back. He didn’t like
Anyone talking bad about her until one day when something snaps and he decides he’s done with her.
Mitchel and Jules don’t get off on the right foot but quickly become closer and then Katie shows up again trying to get Mitchel to take her back again!
I thought this was a great read, loved the characters.
review by @xchellex
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great. This was well written. I really enjoyed that the book took place somewhere other than the cafe. I am excited for the romance between Detective Dare and Ellie. I liked who won the competitions in the rescue show. I am happy for Ellie’s best friend.
Reviewed by: @purplesky25276
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was well written and easy to read. The story was wonderful and great. The story was great at being descriptive. I enjoyed how different this story is from other cozy mysteries. I loved how much interaction there was with the cats. I enjoyed how life-like the cats were.
Reviewed by: @purplesky25276
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne is a contemporary western romance with an opposites attract/enemies to lovers element, cowboys, drama, BWWM/interracial romance, chemistry, steam, finding love unexpectedly, challenges, humour, banter, and a small town setting.
What do you get when you mix a Hollywood talent scout, a down-to-earth rancher, a small country town, and a reality television dating show? Well firstly, you get plenty of sparks, that’s for sure….
This is a very short story, which made for a very quick and easy read. I would have liked this story to have been longer as I think I would have enjoyed even more detail, depth, and development and allowed me to really sink my teeth into the story. As it is, this makes for a fun read….
Happy reading!
Thank you, Stacy-Deanne!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
River Witch by Cheryl Burman is the first book that I have read by this author so I was curious to find out what she could do with a story- and I was not disappointed.
This is a wonderful historical fantasy with magical realism, folklore, challenges, drama, plant-lore, herbalism, ‘witches’, suspense, interesting developments, vivid world building, angst, and more.
I was hooked by this story, it cast its spell on me and lured me further and further into all the fascinating details until I lost all sense of time and place, and ended up reading it all in one sitting. I so love it when a story captures me so completely…
Looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Burman’s work in the near future…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Cheryl Burman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a good one. I spent my Friday afternoon reading it and I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read this author before and I have only read a few cozy mysteries before this one. But I am glad I took the time to read this one. It was a fun cozy mystery, with a cat café, murder, and adventure. The main characters were great and I enjoyed all of the funny bits throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author because I didn’t want to put this one down.
Happy Reading!
