My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is about the love story between Noah and Callie Rose . I love the story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. You have read the whole book to see what happens.
True Colors: Book Three by K. R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved this book series since book one. This one was certainly no different. I love the bond these characters have and all they face and over come together. Its beautiful and magical in its own way.
This book was a strong read all the way through. Of course the drama and stuff the characters face were heart wrenching as well as heart warming at the same time. A character faced something I would think we all dread. But the awesome people you have by your side really can make a difference. That is what this bond was. They stuck together and worked through stuff, it was powerful. A really good read. Loved it.
This author is a really powerful writer. I love this series with a passion. I am so happy I am able to indulge and enjoy these books and characters. For sure a must read and a high recommendation from myself!
Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fantastic collection of stories! I know I have mentioned before that short stories are not normally my cup of tea so to speak, so when I come across one that manages to captivate and more importantly satisfy my love of reading I just have to shout it to the roof tops! Well this collection absolutely did that and so much more. It truly is a wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotions from start to finish with something for everyone. It contains such a varied collection of stories from some extremely talented authors. Some of the authors I have read before, such as the very talented C.A. King ( Clara’s story is truly amazing and I need more!) while some are completely new to me, and lets face it who doesn’t love a good creative mix of new and old. If stories of survival inspire and excite you then this collection is definitely for you.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Growing up in two different lifestyles, Kylee in a loving and secure home and Jayson from an abusive home.
Never able to pursue the relationship he wanted to pursue in high school. Jayson thinks he can make it up to Kylee now, but can a criminal like him get a cop like her to fall in love with him?
There is a HUGE time lapse of 6 years in the middle of this story where I feel there was so much that was left out. I could see there being a whole other story with the main story. The author could have ended this book on a cliff hanger and written a book about the 6 years, then pick up but alas that is not what happened. I feel there is a lot we could have learned about Kylee and Jayson and how they have come to be who they are now.
Good story line if you can follow the dialogue. Sometimes the switch from First to third person and back can get confusing. But it does add a depth to the book that is unusual.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be looking into more. Very good story.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a feel good story that was sweet and romantic. Lauren and Jake had a cute love story proving to both be down to earth individuals with a lot to learn from each other. The way they meet and connect gives new meaning to chemistry. It’s a truly great story and I enjoyed reading it.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is incredible and so very well written. Wicked Treasure is the second novel in The Charm Collector Series. In it, Harlow is on the run from The Collective and trying to find more information about the origin of her sentient sword. This takes her and Blackthorn on several adventures, leading her to reunite with someone from her past and possibly wind up working with her enemy. We also get a lot from Kayda, Harlow’s best friend, in this installment. Kayda is at a loss, having essentially been ghosted by Harlow, and finds herself under the surveillance of werecats. She herself falls into adventure with our favorite cranky witch, Welsh, and her crush, Henri. Through their investigative work, what they uncover about the increase in ferals breaking through the veil leads to shock and a thrilling showdown.
I said it once and I’ll say it again, this is urban fantasy at its finest! This series has adventure, magic, secret plots, drakens, witches, sorcerers, elves, a whole plethora of fae like creatures, and a sentient, murder happy sword.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next novel in this series. I need to fall back into Harlow’s world and uncover all the twists and turns this author has in store.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not stop reading and I did not want it to be over! Fast paced, suspenseful, dramatic, mysterious, and a roller coaster ride that kept taking you to the top! The characters and plot were original and amazing. The author kept you guessing, and made it so good you didn’t want to be right. New author and definitely not going to be my last book of his.
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book easily exceeded my expectations. Like, move over Christian Grey, we have a new player in the arena. This is the book you’re reading anywhere and everywhere because you just can’t seem to stay away. Your face will be red, you will question whether anyone can tell what you’re reading and you will have zero shame. It was honestly so well written, the characters flowed together so well and were just so well thought out. The steam, goodness gracious, the steam was divine! You can’t help but be captured totally by the story and the characters and you certainly won’t want to miss this! Deborah Garland gave us a banger here!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I’m a huge fan of twists or retellings of different stories and on of my favorites is different takes on Cinderella so I was definitely excited for this one. And boy was I so right to hop right in. Ashley and Harry were characters that had me completely captured and forgetting I was in a story world. This author just knows how to keep readers so sucked in. I definitely can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. It’s a fun read that will keep you entertained for hours. Five big stars and highly recommended!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series, but I was able to pick it up and read it without having read the first book. This is a complete story, but the epilogue ends with a lead into the next book.
As much as I LOVE a steamy book, I feel like the steamy scenes in this one went on too long. I would have preferred a better balance of steam and story line. That being said, those steamy scenes will heat you up. -fans self-
Another thing I felt that could have been handled better was the idea that Noah felt that the activities he participated in at the club were somehow wrong or deviant. At one point he refers to what he does there as “sick s–t.” There’s a lot of stigma around kink communities and I feel like this was a missed opportunity to portray it in a positive light.
Aside from those two things, it was a good read. I enjoyed the suspense.
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There’s just something about the forbidden isn’t there. One of my favorite story types is the best friend’s sister and this author nailed it. I’m a fan of stories with steam but it also needs a storyline that has depth and I am happy to say this author does that well. Noah and Callie will forever have a piece of my heart. They had me so completely drawn in that I simply couldn’t put this book down. Their story is well written and the characters just click so well. I easily read it as a standalone which I appreciate. I’d give this book fives stars all the way and highly recommend it.
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 2 in 1 book is so cute. Both books are about 2 friends, Conifer and Spike. These 2 stories were both about how together friends can face difficult or scary things. I loved how in each book the one struggling was different, showing kids that sometimes we need to help our friends and sometimes we need to let them help us. My grandkids adore dinosaurs and I can’t wait to read this to them.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So, let me first say that I am very familiar with this author as I have read several of her books. This was a first for me to read of an illustrated book by her. It was fantastic! I thought she was able to keep my attention with her wonderfully written story and amazing characters. I personally could visualize everything I was reading without having the illustrations. However, the illustrations were so good that it was an added plus to see them amazing art. I am not a fan of mythology books typically. However, I do love reading about the Spanish culture. The way that she included both into this story made me interested in the mythology that was being explained. It may have me delving into more mythology in the future.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Colors of Love
By: K.R. Raye
5*
This is the second book in a trilogy. It is able to standalone if you have not read the first one. This book is just as good as the previous one. The characters of Melody, Imani and Lance have been even more developed. They are continuing to grow in their friendship and in their own lives. This is a great balance between a contemporary book that focuses on friendship and a romance. I truly enjoyed this book and I was rooting for the characters. I truly recommend this book as it is an easy quick read!
True Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
True Colors
By: K.R. Raye
5*
This is the third and final book in a trilogy. I absolutely loved this book and feel that some themes that were introduced in the earlier books were continued and ultimately resolved. My favorite part of this book is that it focuses on friendship. I feel that the friendships portrayed in this are by far and away very realistic. I found myself truly rooting for the friendships in the story. I could definitely relate to Imani who was facing her life being turned upside down. The struggle when she is realizing she is needing help from her friends was really something I could relate to. I also have to say that having read all three books, I enjoyed reading and seeing how they matured. I feel like they developed like my friends and I did. Although, perhaps with more dramatic moments than I’ve been through. I cannot recommend this book enough! I truly enjoyed it and am sad to see the trilogy end.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 out of 5 Stars
Be prepared to ignore life for a marathon reading session.
Mark Nolan knows how to start a book, no build up needed and right to the action. I was hooked immediately and I couldn’t put it down. I will be honest and say that when I read the first couple pages, I was internally thinking this book was going to fall flat before half way through because it jumped right into the excitement, but it honestly never lost my attention once. Throughout the entire book it played like a movie in my head, not one chapter was hard to picture/imagine.
I loved the characters, the banter between Brenda and Jake made for some laughs throughout heavy stuff. I appreciated that I truly couldn’t predict where the plot was going. I read it within 24 hours, sadly taking forced breaks for things like sleep and work, but if I could I would have read it straight through in one sitting. Mr. Nolan has made me a fan!
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lovely..lovely story! It swept me up into this world! I admit I love office tropes with the added benefit of a group of best friends. This one covers both very well. That the friends are all guys is even better. Their discussions, poker nights and even how they stand up for each other help make this a series I want more of. The two main characters are so different but the meet-cute levels the playing field. Watching them move forward is a delight to my senses.
This is a story I am glad I picked up. Watching the characters grow, change and come to acceptance made me happy. I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What happens when you let your friend’s pick a blind date for you? After all, finding your own dates hasn’t worked well because as soon as people know who you are or see your name they see dollar signs. Jake, a self made billionaire, is simply looking for love. He is tired of every woman he meets to only want him for his money and what his position can do for them. So when a deal turns serious Jake must let each of his friend’s pick a blind date for him. All first dates take place at a blind date restaurant where you cannot see the person you’re on a date with and you only get limited information at introduction.
Likewise, Lauren is just looking for a man who likes to live comfortably. Not the rich guys she is surrounded by working for her billionaire boss. Her friend Catherine pressures her into going on a blind date of Catherine’s choosing. When Lauren relents and allows Catherine her attempt at matchmaker, she is thrust into a blind date where you can’t see who you’re on a date with. What happens when you mix two people who are completely opposite of what they want or their normal type? What happens when the lights come on and you realize your blind date was a closer acquaintance than you realized?
While I did enjoy this book I thought Lauren was a bit whiny about the financial issue. While I understand she doesn’t want to be seen as a gold digger like her mom it got irritating at her questioning everything. Though if you get past that it was a good book that if you like romance novels with sexy billionaires you should definitely read it.
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
Dinosaur Friends 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs
By Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars
This is a fun two book series. They are adventurous stories full of colourful pages. In A Present for the Volcano, Spike wants to give an erupting volcano a present to make it happy. Although Conifer wasn’t sure it would help, she stuck by her friend and helped him. In Saving Conifer’s Eggs, the two put their heads together to save her eggs from the forest fire. Both books teach children that when you cooperate, you can accomplish a lot. Both stories have valuable lessons that young children should learn and honestly which child doesn’t love dinosaurs.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very fast-faced book that is nonstop action and full of mystery. It is the first in the Teagan Stone series and I can’t wait to see what other suspenseful situations the next book will get into.
Teagan wakes up in a cell with people that say they know her, but she has no recollection of them or her surroundings. Apparently, she is a spy and a darn good one at that. Teagan laughs at the thought of being some sort of secret agent since her life as a wife and mother are quite dull. Will things come into focus or is this a case of mistaken identity?
Even though this was a super quick read, I am looking forward to getting the next book in the series. The author accomplished so much in such a short span and I want to continue following Teagan’s story!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
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
Man I wish my children were younger cause I would definitely have them read this book. This is s sweet little book that will help children learn about friendship and has loveable dinosaur characters. The author has a very unique idea and brings her characters to life. This is just the right length for a great bed time story or two. I really would recommend this book to anyone with very small children.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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True Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the final one of the series and it is just as good as the others. I loved getting back into these characters. They have such strong and complex stories that it is always interesting to read about them.
Although I didn’t want the series to end I was glad to see how it all played out. It really feels like you have been on a journey with these 3 characters and it was nice to see that journey come to a conclusion. This book is every bit as enjoyable as I expected and this is a series that everyone should try!
Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a well written series with some great standalone books forming it. I had only read one of the books in this series when I got the boxed set so I was excited to read more of them. Each are as good as the others. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with, the stories all flow well and are great books to read.
Each book had the same feeling to them but they were all distinct from each other. The characters stood out and none of the storylines felt like there were iterations of another. I was impressed with the writing style and enjoyed each and every one of these books. This is a series I would recommend.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Angie Taylor was out with friends when a man kidnapped them. Angie escaped but her three friends were murdered. Angie is helped by an FBI agent and a dog handler and his dog as they try to rescue more women who were kidnapped by the same man. This thriller kept me hooked. I had to know how the situation would be resolved.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Drama, Action, Romance and Plot Twists!! This explosive novel plows out of the gate running full out! Action packed, great characters, unforgettable story line and adventure will keep you riveted from page one until the very last word! Since reading this book I heard that two of the characters were from a previous series by this author. I enjoyed his writing style so much I will be going on to read that series as well!
Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I read in this series and boy was that a mistake. I liked this story so much I am going back to read the first three and this one in order. I love paranormal romance, especially vampires and witches. When they clash using their own supernatural bent it becomes even better. If you enjoy supernatural books and enemies to lovers stories these books are for you.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t a book I would normally pick up, but I am extremely glad I did. I expected this to be geared more towards children but was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed it so much!
When Azreya is born, her family believes she is cursed by the demon Tepeyollotl. They enlist the help of a shaman, Nukpana, who allows her to live with him as he teaches her how to control the beast within. Everything is not always as it seems and Azreya uses her gifts to reveal the truth. She finds that she needs to leave to help save her people, living life on her own accord and trying to convince others to trust her. Will she be able to tame the emotional beast inside of her or will she turn into the demon everyone claims her to be?
The characters and world-building throughout are just amazing. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. The illustrations are wonderful and add even more depth to the story. I really loved this glimpse into Aztec culture and mythology.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! What an intense and entertaining book. First, what a great cause! 100% OF PROCEEDS GO TO THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS. Second, these are some intense stories that are original, unpredictable and weirdly realistic (only because I’ve never experienced a zombie apocalypse). The stories show courage, braveness, faith and fearlessness in some big times of trouble. My favorite story was ‘ Babysitter of the Apocalypse.’ She was used to being single and became mother to 2 and really busted her butt to keep those children safe and get to where they needed.The action was intriguing and kept me sucked in like a Hoover cleaning house. I had to know what was going to happen. These stories are better than watching THE WALKING DEAD. I can let my let my imagination loose picturing them. I love this book. It is one of the best zombie apocalypse books I’ve read ever. Get out there, support the cause and get some great reading to boot.
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
These two stories were so cute! I read them to my little boy and although he was probably a little young to understand everything he did sit and listen well. He enjoyed the colourful illustration that accompanied the stories. Again as in previous books by this author the science elements to the story are really great and would definitely intrigue older children scientific minds about Volcanos, what happens to them etc. I found them to be really easy reads that would definitely keep the attention of children probably in the 5-8 years bracket.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and it was a great introduction to a new author as well. I thought the storyline was good, it flowed well and had a great pace to it. I read the book in one sitting as I found it hard to put down. I really liked he characters Kylee and Jayson, both really different characters in terms of their present day life and their past/upbringing but the connection and chemistry they had was undeniable. I really liked the way the author brought them both to life.
This was a really good read and one that I would definitely recommend – I will certainly be looking for more to read from this author in the future.
