Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I will definitely go back and read the first two books of this series. How the story is set up is pretty neat. It’s a story within a story. Gary and Deb have a weird/great relationship. I will be reading more from this author.
Tink by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read. Tink is the president of her all female MC and she does a lot for her club, her family, and their businesses. Tink has been through a heartbreaking trauma when she was younger and is part of the reason she spends most of her time trying to break up sex trafficking rings. This story pulled me in and got more intense as I read on. This book has some triggers for people who are sensitive to abuse and sexual assault. The characters in this story have been through so much and try to work through it and be there for each other. The author did an excellent job bringing me into the story and keeping captivated. This is a great start to this series. I can’t wait to read what’s next.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this book to be beautiful written. It felt peaceful, thoughtful and full of heartfelt wishes. This is a book that would be a beautiful gift to give at baby showers, or to any new parents. A book of wishes to share with your children. I think the wishes can be shared with all ages. We are raising our grandson and I think that those wishes will be beautiful to read with him at bedtime or at special times. I am in love with this book. Thank you for sharing it author. Beautiful and well-done.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nick and Julia have had enough, trying to get to the American Consulate to get home from the horrendous trip away, but unbeknownst to them Salvatore is hiding in the wings ready to get them transported back to Venice.
Salvatore is convinced that Nick has the lost knowledge to find the location of the manuscript, but can Nick get the information required before he is consumed with his past life. Julia must work to try and help her husband release his past life and take Salvatore down in the process.
Can Julia help her husband and bring him back from the past, you will need to find out?
Oh, my lord, I have come into this series with this book and although I did struggle with some of the back knowledge from the first book it did not distract me from the utterly mind shattering story. The story was captivating full of magic and mystery with a sprinkling of ancient Italy. The added complexity of past lives and twists and turns leaves you wanting more.
The story is fast paced and will draw you into worlds of treachery and mysteries of the past which will have you turning the pages to try and discover more. To be fair this would not be a book I would instantly be drawn too but was recommended by a friend and oh my I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author and this wonderful series.
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Raine is a Shadow Guardian hunting a known killer, Jor, when FBI Agent Will Decker appears. To prevent Will from being hurt by the demonic serpent, Raine intervenes by shooting Jor and being stabbed in the forearm. Jor was not mortally wounded and escaped. Will takes Raine to an emergency room for the stab wound, but the wound is gone. Since she had lost a lot of blood and passed out, Will takes her to a safe house. While he is asleep, Raine sneaks out of the house to see her mentor, Usha Bakshi. Less than a week later, Raine and Will are paired together as partners on an interagency case pursuing Jor.
Raine starts telling Will about the supernatural and nine realms when she notices that all of Jor’s victims are Vanir. Raine is puzzled when Will accepts her explanation of how she was able to heal herself. To complicate matters, Raine has begun to have feelings for Will. A man who never commits to any relationship, Will is confused by his need to gain Raine’s affection. Both of them do not show their feelings. They are complete opposites in how they solve cases as well. Raine has no issue with killing her opponent, whereas Will prefers to apprehend criminals. Will has a secret that he doesn’t reveal until the duo encounters Jor and nearly both nearly lose their lives. What is he hiding? Why is Jor targeting Vanir’s descendants?
Raine Downe is the first book in the Shadow Guardian series by C.B Samet. I found the story to be engaging and despite some of the supernatural elements, the dialogue is realistically depicted. The detail of the story is vivid, making it easy to envision every moment of the story. I definitely recommend this fantasy romance novel to anyone who likes an unpredictable story with strong lead characters. I plan on reading the rest of the series.
Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great prequel to the Mafia Elite Series. Getting to know the mafia princesses while they were younger was a real treat and especially getting to know Marissa. I’m so sad this series is finished but can’t wait to see them maybe show up in other places:-) or maybe a secret baby will show up. A girl can hope and dream can’t she? This author has easily become one of my all time favorites and will always be an automatic one click now.
Moments That Define Us by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Moments That Defined Us by Amy McKinley was a wonderful short story. This is the prequel to the Gray Ghosts series and I loved how much was squeezed into this book. You really got a feel for what the men had gone through in their younger days, how they ended up where they are, and there was even room for tragedy and pain which always helps make a great romantic suspense book. The backstory really helped me to understand these guys on a different level and I can’t wait to finish out the series. This book was an easy four-star read for me and this author never lets me down.
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This rom-com is a new to me author and I enjoyed this story alot. The main characters in this one were great! Emily and Ruby are best friends. Unfortunately Ruby gets left at the alter and Emily offers to go on her honeymoon for her. The friendship between these two is awesome! On the cruise Emily meets Max. It was very whirlwind with them and the relationship between them moved very quickly. I like their story, it was fun and and I am looking forward to more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
*¨*✶*¨* BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE *¨*✶*¨*
If I had a Magic Wand is a delightful and heart-warming collection of wishes for our babies and children. Follow the magic wand as it is handed from parent to parent and baby to baby. The beautiful illustrations and poetic tone make this book a perfect bedtime story for children of all ages. Told in rhyme, it shares delightful and inclusive messages for all parents, soon to be parents, or anyone who BELIEVES IN MAGIC!
Melissa Lavi is a published children’s book author, and pre-school teacher for the last 20 years. Working with children has given her the ability to address complex situations in a clear and simple way. Most of her stories are based on experiences she has encountered both as a mother and as a teacher, and they are all ‘tried and tested’ in her classroom each day.
Melissa lives in Hong Kong with her husband and three children.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn
Painter of the Damned is the second book in the Painted Souls Series and is a wonderfully written Historical Thriller that will grab your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I’d highly recommend reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already as it gives you a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better plus its just as amazing as this one. Nick and Julia are just trying to get home Venice and leave behind the nightmare of a vacation but before they make it to the American Consulate they are captured by Interpol and returned to Venice. Della Porta believes Nick knows the location of a book that will give him world changing powers. As the past seems to take over nick its completely up to Julia to take down Della Porta and save Nick. Holy Cow this book is packed full of action ,drama, suspense and so much more. I have recommend reading this nail biting thriller to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings us next.
Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second chance romance is usually always a win for me, and this story was no exception!
Ted gets put in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, taking the fall in place of the person loves most in this world. Ted was completely railroaded in the case against him. Ted and Robyn never stopped loving each other, even though she has seemingly moved on, but truth be told, she isn’t happy in her current relationship. This was an excellent start to a new series that I cannot wait to read more of!
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book Immensely and felt connected to the characters . The world the author created was vivid and bold. This was a science fiction story that was equally about the passion of science and life as well as about living your life as you choose and doing what you love.
Our main character exude confidence, intelligence, and a carefree spirit. Their modern day space voyage takes a turn as they experience some calculated issues. As they encounter the unexpected it becomes not just about them but the world as whole.
Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read.
I was pulled in and didn’t want to put it down. Debbie and Gary are staying together during the pandemic. As time goes on, Debbie’s mom ends up with COVID and she becomes very worried. Gary also has a past that he decides to share with Debbie. We learn some interesting and heartbreaking things. How will Debbie react to Gary’s secrets? Will his story help her keep her mind off her worries?
Overall this was a great read. The characters were great and they had a great connection. At first I wasn’t sure about Gary until he started sharing his story. The author does a great job with his writing. This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revenge Honeymoon
I was intrigued by this book from the moment I read the title and knew I had to read it when I read the synopsis and wasn’t disappointed.
The beginning doesn’t start off as happy, but that doesn’t last long. Emily’s an amazing best friend and will do anything for Ruby during this unexpected and unfortunate event. She had no idea what they were in for.
Emily broke my heart a few times with her insecurities over her body because I could relate to the feelings she felt when wearing certain clothes. I could also see a bit of my daughter Emily in her personality.
I got looks from my family while reading this book due to my laughing at times that didn’t match the room. Loved Ruby’s story about market in Cozumel, that may have been my favorite part of the book.
This is a new to me author and was happy I took a chance to read it. Hope to read more by her in the future.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic read. This book has it all, mystery, betrayal, love, hate, and passion. Want a book that is hard to put down and a great read? This is the book.
This book follows the story of Kate and Chase. Kate works for a consulting firm that just received a major project involving the medical field. For bounding and the owner of the company backing the project set up a week-long stay for them in a tropical paradise. He even reserved them all their own special rooms on specific floors.
Kate arrives early due to work waiting on no man. Although what happens when a mysterious man appears and helps her save the life of a man in a bar on her first night there? After that fateful night, she ends up spending more and more time with this adonis of a man. This man is named Chase. He loves to relax and enjoy the views of the island.
What happens when there is more to this adonis than meets the eye? Will Kate be able to maintain a relationship with him after discovering his secrets? What will her life off of the island look like? Read this magnificent book to find out.
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Snow in Love by Libby Kay is a short and entertaining contemporary sports romance set during the holidays. It is my first read by Libby Kay, so I was curious to see what I would find between the covers. It turned out to be a sweet and spicy story featuring a bad boy and a golden girl, Paralympians focused on their winning gold, never expecting to win something far more valuable. Well worth the read to find out how these two opposites attract and find love unexpectedly.
Christmas. Spice. Emotion. Sports. & plenty of Fun!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Libby Kay!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ooooooh revenge honeymoon was great! 2 best friends decide to go on the one friends honeymoons still, even though her soon to be husband left her at the altar. Emily wanted ruby to still have the time of her life even though her heart is broken. But what Emily doesn’t realize is that she will find true love on the cruise ship during this “fake” honeymoon. The 2 girls pretend to be married and it’s such a funny book! I love a good rom com! There’s drama, heartbreak! But there’s also a lot of love! Author writes the characters great and you fall in love with them instantly! I love reading a story about 2 best friends and seeing how good they are to one another. You have to have at least ONE great friend in your life! Amazing book!!
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Raine Down: An Urban Fantasy Adventure
The Shadow Guardians Book 1
By: CB Samet
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
I cannot wait to grab on to Storm Surge, CB Samet’s second book in this series! This book, Raine Down, was so much fun to read and it got my heart pumping! I am completely hooked on Raine and Will’s story and the demons they have to face! Jor gives me the creeps! I absolutely love the use of Norse mythology (especially in the curses)! Samet has such a unique way of writing and detail I could actually feel myself getting pulled into her story. With phrases like “split skin like butter” which gave me actual chills to “ A watery moon” her writing paints a beautiful picture of an engaging and magical world! With plenty of action, tension, mystery, and romance you should definitely join me in exploring this series! Highly recommend it!
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I had a little trouble at the beginning telling the characters apart with the third person POV, but it didn’t take long to straighten out for me. I enjoyed the story and the plot, I laughed along with the characters and was immersed in the story. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m excited to read more in the future!
I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Love You Today is book two in Julie Navickas’ Trading Heartbeats trilogy. I was looking forward to reading this because I loved Austin and really felt for him. I recommend reading book one first (even if it may cause some annoyance at how he’s treated.) After getting his heart broken, Austin decides he needs to get as far away as possible for a while. Though it was hard, Austin found a way to get over Mavis, well he hopes he did. Casey is unsure of Austin’s true feelings and if he really is over her best friend. I honestly loved this story better than the first. This was so emotional and the characters we very well written. I really felt Austin deserved this kind of love because Mavis used him for his kindness and it painted her in a very weird light. I am looking forward to book three and seeing how the end of the series is wrapped up!
Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a new author to me and when I read the synopsis I decided to dive into this book and I am so glad I did!! Wow…this story, while having 3 different parts to it and then how the story intertwines the characters at the end….fabulous. While the years of when the stories take place are around 1920’s and 1930’s, this is not my normal range to read as far the timelines…..I was so pleasantly pleased and I devoured this book and could not put it down. Turning each page to see what happens to Francie, Rose and Beau.
Francie Roubideaux is a young 17 year old girl living in hardship with her mother and younger brother as her father is in jail. When an opportunity comes along to Francie’s mother to give Francie a life that she deserved by Madam Claire, Francie’s mother does so. Francie befriends a girl named Lula and they are both joining Madam Claire to be proper women….but when tides turn and her Francie’s life is turned upside down….can Francie survive once she ends up at the
Mansfield Supper Club?
Rose Donovan has dreams of leaving her small town for big city dream with her best friend, May. When Rico Valentino enters the Fenders Shake Shoppe..he is already has his eyes set on Rose. The more time Rico and Rose spend together, the more Rose falls for Rico leaving her best friend behind. Nothing is what it seems behind closed doors between Rico and Rose once they are married and set to live in Hollywood. Rico has his eyes set on fame for Rose at the Mansfield Supper Club as a singer.
Beau Hartwell is an up and coming lawyer in Atlanta with a beautiful socialite wife at his side. When Beau’s childhood best friend, Poke, sends his sister Annie to Beau in need of help after being accused of a crime he did not commit…will Beau be able to defend Poke especially after the injustice being ensued by both the judge and officers that are only out for blood?
All 3 character stories really tug at me for different reasons. There are some parts not easy to read for sure…murder, intrigue, abuse, injustice, heartbreak for all….but Beau, Rose and Francie all end up together at the Mansfield Supper Club for one reason or another…..
I cannot wait to get my hands and eyes on book 2!! I need to know what happens next…….
The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this was such a sweet, romantic, and exciting story. Rilla was such a well written character and she was definitely feisty and not afraid to stand up to a dragon. Vidar the dragon was such a sweetheart, it was heartbreaking to learn his backstory and they he had been trapped in his dragon form. Rilla is supposed to be some sort of sacrifice for him, but instead they begin to form a bond and relationship. I thought it was adorable how they worked together to learn more about the evil dragon and grow together. I loved the ending and I am so excited to read the next book in the series!
Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love most books by this author, but we didn’t love Super Enemies. I read it to my 7 year old, and my 13 year old listened in. Both said the ending didn’t make sense, and I have to agree. The story presents us two siblings who fight constantly, never agreeing on things, like many brother and sisters. They seem to fight just for the sake of fighting, which is understandable, my kids do the same. But once they got to the beach, Mira is, in the words of my 7 years old “being so rude.” Carl is doing his own thing, building a sandcastle, and Mira comes over and destroys it. When Carl stands up to her, she taunts him and runs off. It bugged me that their dad sat there and did nothing- there was no show of intervention. Carl rebuilds his castle, just to have Mira ruin it. The process repeats over and over. The dad, and now other beach visitors are shown watching the children cause a scene. There is one image that the dad is shown shaking a finger at Mira, but I feel like the story should have shown dialogue of the dad scolding or coaching Mira on her behavior. At the end, dad says its time to go, and the family walks away with smiles asking to do it again tomorrow. I feel like it ending so abruptly, and didn’t really address the rivalry and fighting. There is no moral to the story- like even though you may fight, your siblings can be your best friends. Or maybe that Mira was acting that way because she felt left out, and should use her words to ask to join. Or perhaps working together to build an even better castle. The story just seemed to end… without any reason to the story. It caught us all off guard and didn’t really make sense. I do love the illustrations- the faces are very expressive and the scenes are bright and colorful. I enjoy most of the authors books, but not this one…
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am obsessed with dragons so I had to read this book! The way it started, I was a bit confused but it quickly explained things and I absolutely fell in love with it. I loved how the bond between Rilla and Vidar developed, although I was hoping she would have admitted that she loved him. I thought she was a very determined and intelligent main character. I wish they would have explained why she started turning gold, but maybe that will be in book two. This author may very well end up being one who gets permanent real-estate on my bookshelf.
Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A story about two people reuniting after humiliation, heartbreak, and vindictive behavior broke them apart. Reckless Heart is a second chance romance. The author takes a while to actually get to the root of the back story. Majority of this story is written over a day, with a lot of flashbacks.
Mary and Brad secretly had a thing for one another when they were growing up. That is till Mary crushed his heart by humiliating him by going for his best friend in front of all of their friends. Yet 10 years later he still feels protective of her. He fights a battle within himself while they spend a day together. Mary, freshly single, still feels an attraction to Brad, but feels she doesn’t deserve him after what she did. How these two navigated the day they spent together was sweet.
Does Brad forgive her?
Does Mary want to be with him?
The author put together a story that had all its working parts. It felt a little lost at times in the beginning, but that was cleaned up as the book went on. I liked the story that was presented. It makes one dwell on their own past and memories.
Excellent psychological read! A story of a true mother’s love. This one had me at the edge of my seat and other times getting up to walk away. Lots of twist and turns, which I just love in a great book. Love the approach this author takes with their readers, looking at all the scenarios and even more options that comes along. You feel like you’re walking this path with this mother who is just looking for answers and closure.
And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent psychological read! A story of a true mother’s love. This one had me at the edge of my seat and other times getting up to walk away. Lots of twist and turns, which I just love in a great book. Love the approach this author takes with their readers, looking at all the scenarios and even more options that comes along. You feel like you’re walking this path with this mother who is just looking for answers and closure.
Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mira and Carl are sworn enemies. They also are siblings. Sibling rivalry for everything until one day at the beach. Carl makes sand castles. Mira makes it her mission to destroy Carl’s sand castles. I think this is a very realistic situation. Also a good child book. Especially if the child has siblings.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Knight in the Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book) by Alice Bienia was a fun, fast paced mystery that was full of surprises. When private investigator Jorja Knight is asked by her old friend to look into the death of his old colleague, what initially seems like an open and shut suicide is quickly determined to be a lot more than it seemed. The more she digs into the mystery the more questions it brings up and the more dangerous the investigation becomes. This is a well written and enjoyable mystery with a cast of likable characters. This is the first book I have read in this series, but I will be going back and reading the other books by this author.
The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emma is the next in line for the Thorn Ranch. After graduating college she is at a pivotal point in her life and questioning what steps she will take next. Taking her horse out she rides into an area she is not as familiar with and ends up rescued by someone from a group calling themselves The People. Held captive in a cave with none of the common comforts she is used to. Emma asks if she can return home, the reluctance from The People to let her go is compounded with being discovered. Will Emma be able to return home or will she be lost forever?
There is much more to the story, Emma’s mother Josie is a huge part of the story as well as Kai who is a member of The People. The story reminded me a bit of some of the western family sagas I have read in the past. Captivating story, I was surprised by the way the story unfolded and was kept guessing as to where Emma’s life would lead.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book makes me think of reincarnation. Also if déjà vu. Having multiple lives and still have memories of the past life. What amazes me is that Angelo takes over Nick body. Though Nick is trying to take back over. It was a good big I couldn’t get enough of flipping pages to find out what was next.