Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I am not sure I have ever raced to buy a book so fast. I am not always a fan of novellas, but Amy packed this full of just enough description and details to pull you in immediately. Defiant Princess is incredibly well written and I am so excited to read the seven books in this series.
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful book for a range of ages, teen to older adult. It is an interesting read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The beginning of the book is a little slow, but once it gets going you won’t want to put it down. The setting is in New Orleans, a place I absolutely love, and the author did an excellent job of making it such a magical place, like it is in reality. One of my favorite things about this book is how diverse the characters are. There is a little bit of everything, from a sheltered young teen to a prostitute, and I love that the author includes LGTBQ as well! This book is modern day Salem Witch Trials mixed with teenage runaway and an added flair of girl power. Miranda, a 16-year-old, starts noticing that she has magical powers, and decides to run away to New Orleans from her conservative family. Not only is she running away from her family, but she is terrified of what is happening across the United States to other women showing magical abilities, even young women who used their abilities against vicious male attackers. She has spectacular character growth from a naive teen to a power and confident young woman. I highly recommend this book!
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great children’s book that teaches about pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey! A family goes to buy their turkey. The youngest daughter remembers that the president pardons a turkey at Thanksgiving. Will the turkey they find get pardoned?
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Again, I read this story with my youngest son. He says it’s a good story. He also said it teaches the important life lesson that you should always pay your employees… While I’m glad he got that point, I think the bigger one is to always try to treat any situation fairly. This story helps explain this to the tiny humans.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a cute book! The story of Gwendolyn and her “challenging” events is very entertaining! It will keep you reading just to finish out your giggle.
Definitely a really good adolescent read!
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book teaches a very good lesson. It really points out that you have to look at things from another’s point of view sometimes. Life isn’t always fair but if you can be fair you should. The Queen knew she wasn’t being fair and did what she could to right her wrong. Hats off to Lois for this one!
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute story. It held the attention of my youngest autistic son for the entire thing. We typically don’t eat turkey during the holidays either, but he wants us to do the same thing…
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute book! I liked the illustrations in the book and the sentiment of the story. It was cute, sweet and straight to the point. I think this is a cute book for the holidays and I would highly recommend it to read to your kids!
Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Petty’s Crime is the third book in the Satan’s Devils MC Las Vegas series. I really have enjoyed this series. This book does however touch on themes of domestic violence which may trigger some readers. The story follows Petty, who so far has been known for his brash nature in the MC. This book delves into his past as his (ex) wife Britney makes an unexpected return to his life. It also tells the story of RoseLyn, a Vegas singer who is being stalked by her abusive ex and needs the help of the MC. I loved how this story explores the theme of female against male DV, which is something that is rarely found especially in the masculine world of an MC. Highly recommend.
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and engaging YA novel, which has me hooked from start to finish. Sixteen year old Miranda Stone is looking forward to a nice, normal summer, but when her magical powers emerge, her summer is anything but normal. However, it’s not just Miranda who’s developing magical powers, it’s happening to women all around the world. Having felt she was in danger, Miranda runs away to New Orleans, where a job singing as the opener for a drag show, leads to new friendships and fun, until her friends start developing powers of their own.
As the world erupts, Miranda and the other supernaturally powerful women, must stay off the radar of the authorities, but this becomes increasingly difficult. When Miranda starts a romance with a young women this adds to her complications. I loved the main character, Miranda and enjoyed seeing how her character grew and developed throughout the story. The storyline kept me gripped and the descriptive narrative brought the world where magic was real, vividly to life. I felt immersed in the story and I liked the magical realism element of the novel. I look forward to continuing Miranda’s adventures with her in the next book in the series.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I binge read all three books this weekend! Absolutely amazing series! The family works through their struggles as a result of a horrible tragedy. Each learning to cope and move forward on their own while longing to eventually reunite.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This second book in the series starts right where the last one left off. Chloe and Quintus are trying to save Faerie from iron poisoning. Chloe starts out as just a mortal who freezes whenever she is scared and starts to learn how to deal with her feelings. Quintus is a fae who protects her and is now connected to her through their tattoos. The feelings between them are swirling! She can only do magic when she is touching Quintus and I love the addition of the dragon who she has a connection with and can control. Ludo and Mishti are also characters who are helping save the land from iron. Most of the book takes place in Crystal Thorn but the world building is so detailed and I learned so much about new lands. A fantastic read and I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightful book! This book is about relationship and judgement. Great characters and instructions on life lessons. I can’t say enough about this author and how she opens the minds of her readers. Strongly recommend to all.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lovely story of learning the meaning of a pardon. Great characters and story line. I love the illustration and the flow of the story. This author is great, and I love reading her books over and over again. Recommend to all sitters, teachers and parents of young children.
Dia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely loved Emery, Amy, and Dia’s stories. Can not even lie, as I was getting close to finishing this third book I was getting disappointed at myself for binge reading the series so fast. AND THEN find out Catherine has a fourth book in store for us. I highly recommend this shifter series, it has a little bit of everything. Steamy, RH, action, and mystery.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent! This book has it all adventure, drama, and fantasy. It is well written that give’s your imagination a good run. Strong characters and very descriptive story line. Fast and easy read that is perfect for young readers. Recommend for ages 7-12.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My 5yo son and I read this story together. He thought the turkey in the story was adorable. He loved that it had a happy ending. He was very happy that we eat ham for Thanksgiving. haha It was a good story with good characters. We loved the illustrations.
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every 10 years, the gods choose a being in purgatory to have a second chance, with stipulations of course. You have 3 days to find your mate. Quinnlan is the chosen one this time. He is dropped off in an abandoned motel in a small town with very little hopes to succeed his mission.
Quinnlan scopes out the town at night to find some potential mates when he spots a guy leaving town with wolf shifters trailing him. He decides to follow further to investigate and finds the guy beaten on the ground. He has a choice, continue his mission or save this random guy.
I absolutely love this author. Everything they write is so unique and different making it right up my alley. The author also has a lot of LGBTQ friendly stories, including this one which is an added bonus. This story was a little bit different from their others as they broke the 4th wall a few times which was amusing on its own. I give this book 5/5! Can’t wait for the next story!
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another illustrated book by this wonderful storytelling author that I had to pick up for the kids. This one did not disappoint me either. I loved how she threw in some of the Snow White fable yet managed to make it her own without a wicked queen. In fact, the queen in this story is completely opposite and wants to help the people of her kingdom. As with most of her books there are many lessons to learn. I also love how she included a few science experiments again, but this time using a mirror. Once again, the illustrations were fabulous, and the colors jump off the page. Another terrific book to pick up for your own children or to give as gifts.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This short story was very well written!
Ivy and Falcon have a certain lifestyle that is not normal, at least for me. Little do they know that there is something else in the mix.
I found this story to be very good and it definitely made me sit back and say “huh”.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A family arrives and purchases Albert the Turkey for their Thanksgiving feast. Albert tries his best to show he is worth having a pardon like he saw the President do to another turkey.
This is a fun story that incorporates voting into Thanksgiving turkey farms. A good lesson about even though their are traditions sometimes not everything has to be set in stone.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Bryce was not your normal military romance. I enjoyed it despite feeling it was a little rushed. The author still put a good story on the page. With a slightly dark theme of an abusive spouse, this book has a little of everything. Dark, fun, playful, and serious.
Pippa ran away from an abusive ex-husband to start her life over. Navigating life in fear is not what she envisioned for herself. However her ex could find her at any time.
Diesel is a Navy Seal who is currently stateside waiting to be called for his next mission. Him and his team decide to go to a Halloween masquerade, which is perfect anonymity being he just broke up with someone. He never imagined that this party would lead to the girl of his dreams.
Convinced by her new friend/co-worker Pippa decides this party would be the best way to have fun. No one could see her face so it’s the perfect disguise. It’s been a while so she just lays low and scans the room, till a Gladiator walks in she’s drawn too.
Does she go after him? Of course, but she never gives him her name nor takes his.
Will they ever come in contact again?
Does Pippa’ s ex-husband find her?
How well does Pippa deal with the unexpected?
I don’t feel Pippa had much character growth from beginning till end, maybe if it went longer who knows. Diesel did have some character development, that was nice to see.
Who’s Bryce you may ask? I was wondering the same thing at the beginning. You are just going to have to read to find out.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan is a Pakistani-American who has recently lost his job and is on the verge of being evicted from his apartment. This is something that he has not yet told his parents because they would not understand. Hassan is also unmarried, which is a no-no in his mother’s eyes because in their culture Hassan must be married with children to be considered successful. Hassan is feeling conflicted about pursuing his own dreams while also being true to his culture and making his parents happy. He is on several dating apps but has yet to find the right woman. Then while out at the bar he meets Yasmine, and he is instantly enthralled with her.
Yasmine, however, has secrets that she has been keeping about who she really is and where she comes from. She is forced to tell Hassan when her secret life puts his life in danger. As hard as it is to believe, Yasmine tells Hassan that she is from another realm and that new King of her realm will stop at nothing to take her back to their realm. With both of their lives in danger this New Year’s Eve might be their last.
This book was action packed from start to finish. The characters were magnificent, and the storyline was intriguing. It was hard not to feel how conflicted Hassan was about how his life was turning out. He obviously wanted to make his parents happy but at what cost to his own happiness? Yasmine was smart, courageous, and fierce. No matter what deadly enemy came her way she managed to never give up and fought courageously to protect those around her. Kassia was as smart as a whip and an interesting piece to the storyline that added an extra element. Vincent was clearly evil to the core and sought power at all costs. Then there’s Jack the Troll and the blue giant called The Tall One who are unique in their own ways. This book was full of action, suspense, magic, secret portals and every so often a sprinkle of witty wise cracks from a green troll. A must read for anyone who enjoys action, humor, and magic all rolled into one.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this sequel and I was definitely not disappointed. Carrying on from the end of the previous story, I would personally recommend reading these novels in order, especially as the storyline is rather intriguing and complex. Nick and Julia O’Connor have escaped Venice with their lives following their nightmare vacation, and are trying to return home. However, before they can reach the American consulate, they are captured by Interpol and then returned to Venice. While Nick is detained, it’s up to Julia to save her husband, but she doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially when it’s the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order, Salvatore della Porta, who’s behind Nick’s detainment.
Della Porta’s order are the ones who controls Paradise, “Tintoretto’s Renaissance masterpiece that’s also a purgatory for thousands of souls, including Nick’s soul mate from the 16th century”. Della Porta is after a mysterious manuscript which can either end his order or bring him world changing power, and he thinks Nick knows the location of this book. Meanwhile, Julia enlists the help of a young artist, Carlo Zuccaro, but is unaware that he is actually the order’s new Painter and warden of the damned. This is a gripping read, which had me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative brings both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. This was an entertaining and engaging read which I would definitely recommend.
Dia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dia’s Lure is book 3 in the Solstice Quartet series. Dia Lure is a Paranormal Romance, this book has magic and shapeshifting, romance it is a great read. I have not read the other 2 books in this series so i had to go back and read little of the other books i would recommend reading the other 2 books in the series first but dont let that stop you i was still able to read the book and enjoy Ember and other Charaters in this series. I honestly love the way this Author writes you can feel everything all these Characters go through. The way this Author Describes the places it takes place makes you feel like you are there. I look forward to reading more books by this Author and plan on going back and reading more. If you are into Paranormal Romance i would highly recommend you read this book. Thank you to This Author for writing a wonderful read.
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a cute quick read!! For being such a short book you don’t feel like you’re missing any backstory at all. Very witty and entertaining. I loved it!
Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this book we get Petty’s story. We have met Petty a few times before and he’s not the must pleasant of characters. On fact he’s a huge **** which is purely down to the amazing character writing of this author. I just knew that there would be so much more to Petty than previously met the eye.
Can I just say that Petty’s story tied me up in knots. I cried so much for him. My heart truly broke for him. I love that the author is so brave and handles so many difficult and contentious subjects that other authors would never go near. Not giving any spoiler but I’ll say that it will totally tug at the heartstrings.
I adored RoseLyn and she is just the perfect woman to give Petty his redemption and let us see the true Petty he’d managed to keep hidden for so long. She’s sassy but has a heart of gold and it’s filled with so much compassion.
You don’t get as much of the hot biker sex in this book but I didn’t miss it in the slightest as there was so much else going on that had me totally gripped.
Worth more than the 5 stars I’m allowed to give it.
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J. R. P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the series and it was an enjoyable read. The author does a great job with the world building and characters. I loved how the story contains elements of sci-fi such as worm holes and bugs that we could never imagine but there is also a seriousness to the story as Nialla and Bishr are fighting to do what they want when they want to do it without people trying to stop them. Its about fighting for what you want in life and not giving up.
This Sci-fi story was entertaining and engaging and I felt like I was actually there experiencing everything that they do. The author creativity and imagination really brings this story to life. I can’t wait to see what other adventures Bishr and Nialla take us on
