The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I definitely was interested in the development of what happened that night. This psychological thriller really had some good points and brought interesting perspective to some hard topics like human trafficking. The dog was a great addition to the story. I definitely would read more by this author.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy how she uses her writing skills to make her stories and characters pop. This is one of my favorite yet of her books. This is a well written story about Mitchel and Jules. Their relationship is one that is tough in the beginning and turns into something neither one expected. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow throughout the story. They have great chemistry and are supportive of each other. I enjoyed how they pulled me into the story from the start. They made the story easy and entertaining to read. I enjoyed what they brought to the story. This is a great romance story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing style and her attention to details. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. This is a well written story about Hester and Aaron. She wants more out of her life than she has and he has a past that he must come to terms with. Is there a future for them? I enjoyed how their story had a realistic feel. The characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. They have great growth and are supportive of each other. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout that made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two and if they are able to find a future together. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is the fourth book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous books before this one to help your enhancement of this series and this author. This is a well written story about Thorfinn and Kara.and their adventures of kidnapping and battle. They are great characters who make the story easy and entertaining to read for me. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. A fast paced story that is not lacking for adventure and is hard to put down. They have great growth and great plot growth throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and had no problem picturing myself on their adventures. I highly recommend reading their story and finding out what happens with them this time around.
Review by @bjwagner
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading a book from this author and I’m so glad I took the chance! The author pens a story that is original, captivating, and addictive! I wish I had more time to read it all at once! Harlow is going through her own trauma from missing her parents, and refusing to follow in their footsteps. She decides to make her own way, which leads to her own level of trouble. This magic sword she steals chooses her and takes her captive, and then brings a world of hurt to her life. Harlow fights hard for her life and ends up on the run. With every turn of the page I was on the edge of my seat as this amazing a story developed! Now on to book 2!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. The author does an amazing job with creating the story. The author’s writing is captivating and very descriptive which makes the reader actually feel like that are part of the story. You can imagine the fields and river and see the river nymphs. Such beautiful writing. I also love our lead character Hester. Through the story we see her grow up and mature and become determined to follow the path of her dreams instead of the life her mother has planned for her.
Hester is a daughter of a farmer. Her grandmother used to create medicinal positions from herbs and flowers to help people. Back in her day her grandmother would have been considered a witch. This however is what Hester feels is her calling?
Is this the path the River godess Sabrina has planned for Hester?
Not according to Hesters mum. In her eyes Hester needs to stop dreaming and focus on finding a decent husband and becoming a wife.
Hester is determined that’s not going to happen so she leaves to find the mysterious man who keeps popping into her life.
Aaron is a mysterious man who has knowledge about the herbs and plants as well as the magic of the river. This is the knowledge that Hester wants. However when she finds him he turns her away.
What is holding Aaron back from sharing his knowledge? What’s happened in his past that is stopping it? And without Aaron’s help will Hester ever realised her dream and the river goddesses wish being able to heal using plants and herbs?
This story is full of twists and turns which will keep the reader guessing and it will also leave you asking questions about what you are reading as you go through Hesters journey of discover to find her purpose and realise her dream.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After just finishing book 1 of the charm collector series I dove right into Wicked Treasure as soon as I could help it! The author once again does not disappoint! This story is very entertaining from the start as the drama between Harlow and her friends really stirs up the controversy of the book giving it even more depth. As the story with the mysterious sword begins to build, Harlow embarks on what ends up being a failed vacation with Caspian, and is once again in trouble! It’s amazing what she goes through in this story. I’m thirsty for more from the author and will get into her other book series as well!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Hard Lover: A New Adult Romantic Suspense (Houston After Dark Book #2) by Deborah Garland
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Hard Lover had me hooked from the beginning and it was fantastic. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t put it down. This is the second book in the Houston After Dark Series.
Callie is a college student who decides to go out one night with her friends. What she doesn’t expect is to see her brother’s best friend there. Then she is attacked and is now being protected by Noah. What will happen between the two of them? The quote I chose for Callie is: “Have either of you heard of a place called The Stable?”
Noah has always liked Callie and hates that she is attacked. Claiming to be her husband so he can see her and now taking her to his family’s cabin to protect her. Things are getting too dangerous for him to continue on with her, but he’s not going to let her go. The quote I chose for Noah is: “I’m not asking as an investigator. I’m asking as… As me, Callie.”
Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that ends up making you smile. The chemistry between Jules and Mitchel is classic. I found myself laughing because they have it so bad. “I wanna have his baby.” is a classic line that Jules said. I am a fan of this author. Her writing is contemporary and fresh. The plot of casting a reality show in this small town is quite refreshing and full of quirky characters. The characters are off the charts. They would fit this insane town I live in. I love how the older people are coming out to audition to be on the dating show. This is one of the most refreshing romances I’ve read this year. I highly recommend you read this one.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am finding it difficult to review this book and definitely not for the reason you may first think! This book truly is so absolutely AMAZING that I am finding it difficult to put my feelings for it into simple words!!! The descriptive writing talent of this author is simply indescribable! Hester is such a relatable character that she immediately weaves her way into your heart and you truly want to see her succeed. No life path runs completely smooth and this is very true for Hester but you the reader will be pulling for her every step of the way. If there is ever a book you should not miss reading then this is IT!!!! A 5 star read from start to finish. honestly if I could give it more than 5 I would!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful fantasy! The descriptions are divine. They are so easy to picture in your head as you are reading. The whole narrative is written so well. I found it so easy to read and just delve into. I was going through some challenging times as I was reading and the story provided some good escape times. The characters are relatable and feel like you should get to know them. A book that I recommend jumping into to escape this crazy world.
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
This story was so fun and adventurous, my six year old simply adored it. There are two stories in this collection and both of them were full of bright and vibrant colors, a great story for children, and of course adventure. I originally picked these up because I thought they were cute, but lately my six year old has developed a love of dinosaurs so these were perfect for bedtime. So wether you just love dinosaurs or you need a new bedtime story for the kids make sure you pick up this wonderful collection today.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story is kind of like a Final Girl but she gets justice by helping to find the suspect. This was intriguing in so many ways and I absolutely loved the dog in this story, it made it so much better. I did find this a little cheesy and unrealistic at times but I was invested the entire time. Angie was a badass in the beginning and then shocked into silence and I was worried she’d never talk again but loved that Cody helped her through that. It was such a unique twist to have a dog be the rescuer in this. There were a few twists and things I absolutely did not see coming so that was fun and overall this was a good story. Just wish Angie didn’t come off so much as a helpless child and there wasn’t so much weird tension that I didn’t understand between Brenda and Jake.
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When the dating world irl mimics that of the zombie world of this story! This was a short read but very deep. Our main character is just trying to find love in a zombie world but each of her dates, despite clever disguises, can’t hide their hunger. It isn’t until the end that our girl finds the comfort she was looking for, and it was what she already had. Quick and good read!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland
Hard Lover is the second book in the Houston After Dark Series and man what wonderfully written Romance Suspense. This authors style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters that are relatable and fun make a epic Romance. There’s a few twists and turns that had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This is a fast paced story and once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. This is Noah and Callie’s story. These two have great chemistry there’s definitely mutual attraction. Sometimes our pasts try to crash our present life and we have to face things we don’t want to head on. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a unique collaboration by 19 authors, some of which were new to me. The stories were unique and yet complimented each other perfectly. There was something in this anthology for everyone including romance, second chances, danger, thrills, fantasy, mystery, heartache, hope, paranormal, drama and tension. It was a true rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. My favourites were After the Rein By J.A. Lafrance, Rock Star Lawyer (An Oliver Boys Rockstar Romance) By Rose Bak and Headliner (Sometimes #1) By A.L. Morrow.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first Mark Nolan book I have read and it will not be the last. This was a fast-paced, thriller, with an amazing plot and great character building. I would highly recommend this thriller and cannot wait to make my way through this authors back catalogue.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The main character, Ashley, gives off strong Veronica Mars vibes (the character, not the show).
I like the way that the narration flips between whomever is the subject of the chapter. It’s always nice to get an inside look into the workings of their minds.
I saw some of the twists coming, but they were still so enjoyable! The ones that I didn’t see coming were much darker and more sad than expected, but helped flesh out the story. Think Ever After’s (the Drew Barrymore movie) envisioning of Cinderella, but made for today’s audience in a darker, 10 Things I Hate About You sort of way. The story flowed nicely. All of the main characters endeared themselves to me. I am invested in all of their storylines and I *need* the next book in the series. Haha!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This young adult read has it all! There’s romance, drama and a few plot twist that I was not expecting at all! I really enjoyed the characters in this book especially Ashley and Laura. I definitely was not expecting to finish this book as fast as I did. I didn’t want to stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next and if Ashley would win. Her stepmother and step sisters definitely have it out for her and her trust. They will stop at nothing to get what they want. This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read more!
COMING SOON 
Murder and mayhem are old hat to Tam Paradiso. Time travel? That’s a new one.
On May 30, 1593, playwright and monster hunter Christopher Marlowe is destined to meet his demise amid a nest of spies and criminals. No one can change that, not even his love, Tam Paradiso, a homicide detective in present-day Philadelphia.
But something has gone wrong. The final days of Marlowe’s life have deviated from their destined course, corrupting the proper flow of time. Aided by visions from her sister, Isabelle, Tam travels back to 1593 to rescue Marlowe from the infamous Tower of London. She takes banished fae warrior Theo North, her former lover, as supernatural back-up.
To fix the timeline, they must plot Marlowe’s escape from the impenetrable White Tower, unravel the political conspiracy against him, and battle a vicious shifter with a role to play in his death. But even should they succeed, Tam will have no choice but to abandon Marlowe to his predestined tragic end, or risk destroying the future.
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.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is an award-winning author of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, thrillers and women’s fiction books featuring BWWM pairings. Her books have been bestsellers in stores worldwide including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. Her work has been praised and reviewed in USA Today numerously. She has a Bachelor’s of Art degree and is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award Nominee. She also is a winner of the Swirl Award (an award dedicated to authors of multicultural/interracial works).
Stacy is known for bringing versatile stories to her readers. With her, you never know what you’re gonna get, which separates Stacy’s work from the pack.
(㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ)
~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ (㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~
Hester, a farmer’s daughter, yearns for more than feeding lambs by the kitchen fire. She envies the freedom of the river nymphs and listens to Sabrina’s whispers: Be wise, be strong.
When Hester meets Aaron, a man powerful in herbal lore, she decides the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina seeks of her. But her mother scorns her ambitions as witchery and decrees her daughter must have a husband to settle her. Hester flees to Aaron, only to discover he too, insists she should marry and be ‘ordinary’ folk.
While a desperate Hester battles for her dream, Aaron must reconcile his past to accept the future. Will the river help, or hinder?
Cheryl Burman lives in the Forest of Dean, United Kingdom–a forest which inspired Tolkien and Rowling, among others. She’s the author of two novels for grownups, and a fantasy trilogy and its prequel for youngsters (although Mum, Dad and the grans love them too). Her flash fiction and short stories have won various awards and some of these are included in her collection, Dragon Gift. Cheryl is the chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61135201-hard-lover” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well hello ladies get yourself a tall glass of crushed ice because you’re going to need it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This one took me by surprise because what I thought was going to be hot and dirty , which it was , turned out to have so much more to the story and while I can’t really be blamed to only expect hot and dirty ( I mean hello that first visit to the club had me fanning myself and looking around to make sure nobody could “ see” what the school librarian is reading😂🥰🔥)
Grant and Callie are siblings and Noah is friend and colleague to Grant so he’s not new to Callie in fact she’s had a crush on him for the last 6 years and while Noah wants to he won’t go there as she’s his friend little sister and he’ll have Noah’s guts for garters …..
Callie wants to taste that forbidden fruit and I’ve warned that first visit to the the club is off the charts ….🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Noah’s past comes to haunt him and this is what brings thrills , chills and nail biting suspense to my hot and dirty and it just hits the spot and ticks all the boxes ! This is definitely one to shout from glass tops ❣️🔥😉
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well hello ladies get yourself a tall glass of crushed ice because you’re going to need it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This one took me by surprise because what I thought was going to be hot and dirty , which it was , turned out to have so much more to the story and while I can’t really be blamed to only expect hot and dirty ( I mean hello that first visit to the club had me fanning myself and looking around to make sure nobody could “ see” what the school librarian is reading😂🥰🔥)
Grant and Callie are siblings and Noah is friend and colleague to Grant so he’s not new to Callie in fact she’s had a crush on him for the last 6 years and while Noah wants to he won’t go there as she’s his friend little sister and he’ll have Noah’s guts for garters …..
Callie wants to taste that forbidden fruit and I’ve warned that first visit to the the club is off the charts ….🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Noah’s past comes to haunt him and this is what brings thrills , chills and nail biting suspense to my hot and dirty and it just hits the spot and ticks all the boxes ! This is definitely one to shout from glass tops ❣️🔥😉
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love poetry….and this collection was intriguing, interesting and really spoke to me. The poems come from emotion, feelings, music and current social issues. I loved as I turned each page and not only to read the poetic story that the author was telling me but the use of different colors..some light colors and some black and gray…and sometimes pictures were included as well.
My favorite poems were “Divided in Two” , “Water Replaced Displaced in Space” and “Imagine Dread, in Hell It’s Dead Without a Skull or Brain Instead”.
Very well done!!
This book was wonderful, more current of age fairytale story. Ashley Adams was more of an outcast at school…… being a high school senior and having to help work at her family business at a funeral home. When pop star Harry James has to attend the same high school as Ashley…all the girls are starstruck….except for Ashley at first. Harry must stay out of trouble due to his past and keep a clean nose….while his life is controlled…..Ashley is controlled by her evil stepmother and stepsisters….everyone is trying to keep Ashley and Harry apart ….and evil lurks and will stop at nothing from the couple to be together. Deceit, lies, mean girls, social media, danger around every corner. This story is wonderful….and a twist at the end I didn’t see coming! Looking forward to more to this series!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hard Lover is a spicy romance I couldn’t put down! A best friend’s little sister romance. A forbidden fruit romance. The author wrote a story about Noah and Callie Rose that has so many roller coasters you don’t want to get off one to get on the next. The dynamic and chemistry between the two characters is off the charts.
So what’s the problem?
What’s keeping them at arm’s length?
Someone’s out for revenge and unfortunately for Noah that person is closer than he realizes. He wants Callie Rose with every fiber of his being, but he’s holding back. And for good reason. He’s willing to take the blow back that would result from his best friend, Callie’s old brother, finding out unfortunately that’s not the real reason he’s holding back. It’s to protect her. If he gives in now he puts her in danger. But have their slips already done that?
Callie Rose has been crushing on Noah for a long time. Showing up at the sex club he works at intentionally. She wanted him to know. She wanted to prove a point. It worked but to what extent. Noah is still holding back and keeping her at a distance and she doesn’t understand why.
Will he tell her?
Does she find out before it’s too late?
Join me in line and we can ride on one of these many roller coasters together. I know I love the thrill, but do you?
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Wicked Treasure: An Urban Fantasy Mystery (The Charm Collector #2) by Melissa Erin Jackson
Another fantastic read by the author. Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector Series and hot dang. This book is amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
Kayda is Harlow’s best friend and is worried sick about her friend. She isn’t sure what Harlow has gotten herself into, but she’s not a rat. She won’t give her friend up even if it costs her everything. The quote I chose for Kayda is: “You want me to rat out my best friend and anyone she might know to … you?”
Harlow is still with her friend and still has the sword. Things are going to get interesting and she isn’t sure what to make of all of it. She isn’t sure what is going to happen to her and now she isn’t sure if she’ll see her loved ones again. The quote I chose for Harlow is: “Probably. But, honestly, Kay. I know it was shitty of me to ghost you. You’re my favorite person on the planet. I couldn’t let anything happen to you. And then … it sounds like trouble found you anyway. Someone broke into your apartment?”
Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading a book by Deborah Garland and can i say woooowza thriller love story with some extreme spiciness to it lol i love it. I know it’s weird to start on the second book but the sexy cowboy looking dude got me and pulled me right in. This story did not disappoint. Noah and Callies chemistry that it was almost tangible and also OMG eww Erik is a real psychopath. I cannot not wait til October 18th to get my next fill of this erotic series. Look at this cover, hot damn that beard.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think the thing that makes this book so frightening (but very good) is that it is extremely realistic. You can imagine this really happens with tourists in a packed spring break town. The author clearly knows his way around the landscape of the story. Each detail makes it seem like this could be a newspaper expose rather than a novel. The characters are well built and I learned some things too – particularly about the VSRT!
I love a story that has a strong woman lead – this has two. FBI Special Agent Brenda Reynolds is fierce, caring, and loyal to her ethical code. Angie, the sole survivor of an attack, is the other main lead and she has some very strong instincts as well. The even better character than these two is the Golden Retriever, Cody. I love animals and have had some amazingly smart dogs in my life. Seeing them as a focal point in a novel is the perfect security for the thrill ride of the murder mystery. The tension between Brenda and Jake is palpable too and I can’t wait to read more about their budding partnership in future installments!