The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a genuine surprise and I’m happy I took the time to read it. Had me hooked on the character chemistry, surprising turns and you’ll be happy you read this book. Great read!
Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nate and Abby been friends since they were children and now their 40. Abby wants to be a mom and is single. She ends up getting pregnant. They are getting close during pregnancy. They have some breakups. Will they make it work or will their relationship and friendship come to an end.
His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Calliope, or Callie as her friends call her, has know Brandon since she was six years old. As her brother’s best friend Callie and Brandon used to spend a lot of time together. Growing up they enjoyed sneaking out at night to talk and gaze at the stars. As they grew older time and distance separated them and Callie and Brandon pursued their own lives. Brandon pursued his interest in art and formed a rock band. Callie has moved to Paris and pursued a career as an art gallerist.
Then one day in Morocco Callie runs into Brandon who has grown into a feast for the eyes. This is not the man she remembers and she is unable to deny the attraction she feels towards him. Brandon is in Morocco seeking inspiration for his art because he has hit a brick wall and has been struggling to come up with ideas. When the girl that got away re-enters his life Brandon feels inspired and will do anything to keep Callie from getting away again.
Callie has not had an easy life in Paris and has struggled to overcome a dark past. She has worked hard to get her life back together and overcome the trauma she suffered. Only those closest to Callie know her deep dark secrets and she is reluctant to let Brandon know. She is afraid of having that close connection with him but even more afraid that once she reveals her secrets that he will not want anything to do with her. When something sinister resurfaces from Callie’s past she has no choice but to reveal her past to Brandon. Rather than run away Brandon is determined to protect Callie at all costs. Can they truly have a future with Callie’s dark past coming into their present?
This book lured me into the storyline from the very beginning. The descriptions of buildings, characters, and landscapes were vivid and drew me into each scene as though I was standing there. The characters were wonderful, and I loved how the story came together between them. Brandon was not the typical good-looking, macho, full-of- himself Rockstar that one would expect. He had a soft side and his life focused on creativity and expression through his art, his music, and his tattoos. When he hit a brick wall he faltered and needed to find his inspiration again. That inspiration came in the form of a girl from his past that he had never forgotten. Callie was multi-faceted and had the weight of the world being carried on her shoulders with all the dark secrets that she was hiding. Suffering from the trauma of a painful past she has worked hard to overcome the demons and find the courage to move forward. Her strength is to be admired and it was easy to feel and experience the complex emotions she was struggling with. A beautiful read with romance, love, music, passion, mystery, intrigue, suspense, danger, friendship, trauma, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Traveler: Book 3 is the third book in The Traveler series by Deborah Dugan. We continue our adventures with Harry as he wakes up from stasis in a new configuration and must make his way back to Tristan. Harry must once again go through his journey as he finds himself in danger. This book is even better than the first two. All the thought-provoking events and the complex, emotional plot that you come to know from this series. I absolutely love this series and was so excited to once again see Harry and Tristan.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has it all. It has comedic banter, romance, spice, a big sexy strong male character with a heart of gold, and a witty independent fun female character that you wish was your BFF. I can’t think of anything critical to even say about this book. I’ve always enjoyed this authors writing and I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to dive into the sequel to revisit some of the characters touched upon in this book. I can’t wait.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is totally keeping me on the edge of my seat. You know when you are getting close to the end of the book and you realize there is no way everything can be wrapped up in the amount of book left, yep that happened. The tension between Riley and Cole is so thick. They hate each other, but they can’t seem to get past the attraction. Who will be able to discover the truth first about what is really going on?
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62874994-his-forever-muse” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”His Forever Muse (Book 2 of The Echo Series)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664891025l/62874994._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62874994-his-forever-muse”>His Forever Muse</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18542723.C_R_Alam”>C.R. Alam</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5455326208″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Okay first- go read book 1.<br />Callie and Brandon have this crazy romance. They are the perfect couple. I love how from book one to book two, they are able to work through some difficult things in their relationship. That bad boy is finally settling down, I feel like I’m best friends with both of them. I’m really hoping for another book, there’s so much to keep going!<br />
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such an emotional friends to lovers romance. This is the second book in The Echo Series however it can be read as a standalone and still be enjoyed.
I love this author’s writing. There are sensitive issues such as domestic violence in this story and the author handles it in a way that isn’t too graphic but gives the reader just enough information to get a feel of what it is like to be in a relationship like that.
Brandon Rossi is a talented musician and artist but just recently he’s lost his mojo. There is something missing from his life but he doesn’t know what that is until he meets Calliope.
Calliope is a art gallerist. After the trauma from her past relationship which left her a broken person she had managed to rebuild herself and her life. She puts on a front of being a happy complete person but that isn’t the case. She is still broken inside and feels she will never be complete until her path crosses with Brandon again.
Their connection hasn’t go away even after all these years and this could be their chance to finally give their love a chance.
But things aren’t that simple and when Calliope’s abusive ex returns it could mean the end of their budding romance.
This is a heartbreaking and moving story about second chance love and overcoming all odds to find their happy ever after but would is Brandon strong enough to protect her and safe her from her past and the demons that still lurk?
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This was a super quick read that was full of so very much. Riley was used to change, so moving to a new town right before her junior year was just what she had come to expect from her life. Things didn’t seem normal though in this new place. Then she met Cole. She knew that she would not be here long enough to get to know him but a girl could dream. Would this time be different and she would actually be able to stay? Would her or Cole’s life ever be the same after this summer?
His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ok so I thought that the first book in this series was great, but the 2nd book is amazing. Brandon and Callie’s story was so wonderful. This is the best kind of friends to lovers/2nd chance type romance. The twists and turns of the story kept the pages turning and the characters kept me completely engrossed in this story. I am definitely a fan at this point. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series!
This is my first audio book by this author which I enjoyed listening to. I found it interesting and engaging. I enjoyed how the narrator brought the story to life with the different tones throughout the story. I was pulled into the story by the narrator and characters. They are engaging and keep me coming back for more. A mystical story that will take you on an adventure of legacy and how others take advantage of artifacts made from a special power. I enjoyed listening to this audio book and I highly recommend it.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so incredibly well written that once you start the book it will feel like within a bind of an eye it was done. This book is fast paced and keeps you turning pages as quickly as you can. I almost felt like I was skimming the pages with how fast I was devouring the words. The banter between characters adds to the charm this book has. Yes, I said charm; because even though this is a bully romance it does has a warm feeling of charm to it. The push pull dynamic between the characters is spot on and hit all my feels. There is a prequel to this book but you don’t have to read it in order to pick this one up. I would recommend reading it because it does give some background information that you won’t feel is missing if you don’t know about it but would help if you do know about it. This book does leave you wanting more not only because of how amazing it was but because you actually want to know more and what happens. This book read like a dream and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fast paced, jammed packed, bully romance; that can be finished in a few hours. Seriously, you will read it that quickly because you wont be able to put it down.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
View all my reviews
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rebecca Bischoff’s book “Streets of Shadow” was an amazing historical work of fiction that kept me guessing who was trustworthy and who was the story’s villain. The characters are all well-developed, you will fall in love with Kenna, our heroine, and all of her new friends that we meet along her journey. You will also despise those working against her, but not everyone is who we think! Did Kenna’s brother-in-law Oliver really poison his wife Cinaed, or was there foul play from someone else, who is this Cecilia, is she Oliver’s mistress as Kenna suspects? You will cheer on Kenna as she fights to survive the horrible fate that has befallen her and will scream in anguish at all of the wrongful deeds that she is put through and the mistreatment that she must endure. This was one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read, and I highly recommend it.
@Brandy Rymer 3/2023
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A lovely story following Loretta as she learns about insects with her grandma. The illustrations and storyline were engaging and perfect for children.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A lovely story aimed at children explaining how gravity works through fun little experiments the animals do. I loved the story and illustrations.
Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book had every bit the sweet Romantic hometown/ best friends to lovers feel. I loved it all from start to finish and my heart had many swoon worthy moments.
Abby was sweet and relatable. You wanted her happy ending. Nate brought the steam and touch of jealousy all the while being handsome and sweet. When he offers to help with her baby dreams they find that once was not enough and maybe there could be more. Question is will they find their way before it’s too late!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful and fun read that has great lessons for those young readers. Magic, fantasy, action, descriptive, fast paced, and page turning book! Highly recommend!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Julia is in 16th century London. She is the daughter of a wealthy family. She has grown up with servants and has wanted for nothing. When she starts to fall in love with Adam, a servant’s son her father and older brother shatter her heart. They arrange a marriage and force her into it. Her husband is cruel. He’s not kind in any way. He’s a monster with no mercy. Julia tries to keep the people she cares about safe from his wrath, but it’s becomes harder and harder throughout their 3 years of marriage. Her husband finally does the unthinkable. He lands a blow to Julia that devastates her and she can’t see a way out. When a stranger shows up and offers her a way out she takes it. With nothing else to live for she agrees to a deal that will change her life and destiny forever. Said agreement will grant her freedom, but there is ALWAYS a catch! Accepting this deal will put her into a vampire resistance against a strong vampire king who refuses to step down and he’ll destroy anyone who is against him. Will Julia accept? Will she choose freedom and another enemy just to be rid of her husband? What will her husband think and do? Will Julia end up dead no matter the path she chooses? And will her love ever forgive her for all she has kept from him? What an interesting book! It took me a little to get into because the author was building the story and slowly sucking me in, but man oh man was it good! I can’t wait to read the others in the set! If you haven’t given this one a chance do it!! Read half of it at least! If you aren’t sucked in by then I would be really really really really surprised! Give it a chance! You won’t regret it!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Zarina is one of Thirteen children. She is by far the most selfish and strong willed of those thirteen too. As Zarina’s Royal Advancement Ceremony approaches she’s super excited and wants a special dress for her big day. As the ceremony approaches, so does some danger to the kingdom so everyone is warned about going outside of the castle especially without escorts’. But nothing will stop the Princess from getting her special dress made by the one of a kind dressmaker, according to courtyard gossip, who lives out past the forest and who’s gifted hands use magic like fabric in her master pieces. Wanting to waste no time they leave straight away and the princess strikes a deal with the dressmaker. Mydori will make a special dress in the color of her own choosing that will be unforgettable. In a rush the princess won’t take the time to size the dress or take any instruction from the dressmaker. Rushing the dress maker to have the dress ready as soon as possible she leaves in rush with plans to pay the dressmaker with cheaper things than agreed. Rushing home she is caught by her older brother and scolded for going out when raiders are afoot. Not being detoured she leaves again to the cottage past the woods to collect her dress and try to swindle the dressmaker. Mydori puts the dress on the princess and then takes her payment and leaves the Princess on the road alone. Now the princess is stuck miles from the castle, alone, in a dress that is to tight, a color she doesn’t like at all, and to top it off she’s unable to take the dress off!! Traveling back home is going to be long journey. Will she get caught by raiders? Will she get the blasted dress off? Will she learn her lesson? What about the magic of the dress? And what will she do about her dress for the ceremony?? She doesn’t have time to have someone else make her one now!! Plus the sticks said someone would perish?!! What a mess for a dress! This book was super cute! I got it for my almost 11 year old, but I think that my 8 year old would enjoy it as well. It teaches kids a few lessons but it’s also entertaining so it keeps their interest. I’d love to see this turned into a small short film for children!! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
•°•
•°• AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••°•
Cast out of heaven at the hands of Hera and raised beneath the sea, this is the epic story of Hephaestus, god of fire. In the palace of Zeus, a son is born to the greatest goddess, Hera. Withered and ugly, the newborn Hephaestus is hurled from the heavens by his repulsed mother. The unforgiving sea offers no soft landing, and the broken godlet sinks to the depths, where his little flame falters. But as darkness looms, he is saved by the sea witch, Thetis, who raises the outcast as her own.
The only Olympian whose injuries never heal, the god of fire endures eternal pain from his wounded leg, making him perhaps the most human member of the pantheon. As if his physical pain were not enough, Zeus punishes Hephaestus further by sentencing him to life with Aphrodite. Unhappily married to the adulterous goddess of love, he is fated to repeat his childhood pattern of rejection, stoically shouldering emotional agony as part of his everlasting burden.
With his foster-mother’s help, Hephaestus lays claim to his legacy and finds his saving grace: the ability to harness fire and create magical metal artefacts. Of course, the other gods waste no time taking advantage of his inventions. A silver mouse for Apollo. A girdle for Aphrodite. Armour for Athena. A bow and arrow for Eros. Winged sandals for Hermes. A throne for Hera. A golden mastiff for Zeus. But the god of fire is nobody’s fool. The magic of Hephaestus has a shadow side, as gods and mortals learn to their cost when Zeus orders him to create Pandora and her infamous receptacle…
This retelling of the Greek myths is recommended for fans of Circe, Mythos and Pandora’s Jar.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman
Dr Helen Steadman is a historical novelist. She is currently finishing her fifth book, Solstice, the final part of The Widdershins Trilogy. The trilogy was inspired by several witch trials in the north east of England, including the Newcastle witch trials of 21 August, 1650 where fifteen women and one man were hanged as witches.
Despite the Newcastle witch trials being one of the largest mass executions of witches on a single day in England, they are not widely known about. Helen is particularly interested in revealing hidden histories and she is a thorough researcher who goes to great lengths in pursuit of historical accuracy. To get under the skin of the various cunning women in The Widdershins Trilogy, Helen trained in herbalism and learned how to identify, grow and harvest plants and then made herbal medicines from bark, seeds, flowers and berries.
The Running Wolf tells the tale of a group of master swordmakers who defected from Solingen, Germany and moved to Shotley Bridge, England in 1687. As well as carrying out in-depth archive research and visiting forges in Solingen to bring her story to life, Helen also undertook blacksmith training, which culminated in making her own sword. During her archive research, she uncovered some new evidence and published her findings in the Northern History journal.
