Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was a good read. I was biased about the character Blake because that name is very special to me. I loved that his character was working hard to better himself and I thought Elle was a good counterpart for him. I love books that are about people finding there way back home. I look forward to book 2.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Elle returns to Sweet Valley a bruised, yet willful woman. Blake has been living his life in a bottle since Elle left town and broke his heart. Elle, deciding to take over her Grandmother’s property, offers Blake a chance of redemption and healing by hiring him on. While these two reconnect, they both realize their attraction to the other never disappeared.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I appreciate the level of suspense the author was going for but it was a highly predictable ending. The characters were mostly great although my favorite character was a goat name Frankie. I like the simmering anger you felt Elle fighting throughout the story and her finding life after trauma. Although Blake was a tough character to enjoy early on, he does become more tolerable, although still not a likeable main character for me. Good read and looking forward to the next in this series.
Foxy Tails by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters’ interactions with each other. The worldbuilding was good. I liked the build up to the relationship between Huli and Xiao Ying. Ling Ling’s character was superb.
The story starts right in the middle of the action and keeps you reading with suspense and bit of mystery as the characters discover who they truly are.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. Maren is the underpaid, underappreciated healer for her small village. She spends long days creating tonics and potions to heal the villagers and receives little in return for her hard work. Maren has dreamed of leaving her little village but is unable to because she looks after her younger sister who is sick with a mystical disease and is unable to travel. Maren and her sister Thea live in a cold, damp, and dark basement with little money and little food. Everyday is a fight to survive and figure out where the next meal is coming from. When Thea arrives home late one night and tells Maren that the deputy is after her because she stole a loaf of bread it starts a ripple effect of events for Maren.
Maren tells Thea that she will take the blame for her and when the deputy comes, she takes Thea’s place. When the deputy carts Maren off to jail she is not concerned that he will hurt her because she knows his secret and that she is the only one who can create the tonic he needs. She is thrown into jail with several other prisoners and must do what she can to get through the night. When Maren is confronted by an angry prisoner her survival mode kicks in, and she is prepared to fight. As another prisoner steps in and tries to protect her, and things intensify in the jail cell between prisoners, the village bell goes off warning them that the village is under attack.
The villagers immediately run to the caverns to hide out while the village is under attack, but Maren does not make it in time. Maren and another prisoner, Zane, find themselves left outside with no way to protect themselves from the attack. Kane asks Maren if she will help him find something and offers to take her to where he knows there is a magical plant that will help heal her sister. Maren is reluctant to go with this stranger but loves her sister and wants to heal her. She sets off on an adventure with Zane and they must work together to get what they both want. Although chaos is raging all around them an attraction begins to slowly form between Maren and Zane. As their adventure continues secrets are revealed about Maren and she learns things about herself that cannot possibly be true. Can she trust Zane? Is there really a magical plant that can heal her sister? Can these secrets that she finds out about herself really be true?
Last King started out with a bang and immediately grabbed my attention. The storyline was enthralling, the setting was vividly described, and the characters were amazing. Maren is someone who puts up with a lot of from the villagers who often take advantage of her kindness and generosity. They expect miracles from her but do not want to pay her. Maren says nothing although it hurts her deeply and takes its toll on her mentally. The lack of money she makes from tonics and potions for the villagers makes it hard to provide the basics for her ailing sister. Maren loves her sister and will do anything for her, including believing a stranger’s claim that there is a magical plant that can cure her illness.
When Zane tells Maren about the magical plant, she heads off on an adventure with him even though he is a complete stranger and even though she is unsure that she can trust him. What ensues is a slow burning romance, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, and the revealing of secrets that could alter Maren’s entire world. This fantasy adventure has magic, monsters, kings, fae, and paranormal elements. This was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book.
The Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Serpent and the firefly was everything that I want in a fantasy novel. Honestly it would also make a fantastic movie or show.
Jade has always been into the dangerous life. She’s attracted to bad guys and trouble always seems to follow her. She has no family of her own and when her ex puts a hit out on her head she enters witness protection and starts over in a new town. Little did she know it was the start of life changing events for her.
Baal is the ultimate bad guy. Literally a demon. He seeks out Jades help but does he have ulterior motives? The prophecy speaks of a woman that could be his undoing. But will be risk it all for love?
This story was full of suspense, thrills, romance and a bit of action. I smiled and gasped while reading. I really hope there’s a follow up story maybe featuring one of the other associates of Baal? Who knows. But please give this story a chance and start reading!
The Vassal of Magic: The Virus of Beauty Book 3 by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) by C.B. Lyall. This has been such a wonderful series. This book was a great addition. Its the continuing story of Wilf who is trying to learn how to use his magic and control it. Wilf is conflicted because he doesn’t want to give up his life as a regular teenager but he also doesn’t want to miss out on using his powers. If he refuses to use his magic the world in which he exists will end and he has to do everything he can save his love Katryna. Will Wilf learn how to trust his friends and family and use the information and knowledge they give him to control his magic and save their world or will everything end. This final book is such a great ending to this series. I highly recommend reading the first 2 books to get a better overall view of the story. Such a good young adult paranormal series.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Raising Elle is a very fun and easy read. The author has done an amazing job in creating the story and the characters. All of the characters are very relatable from the minor characters to the main characters. The story does flow well from beginning to end. The character development was very well done.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the story about Elle Sullivan who returns back to her home town trying to put away a traumatic past behind her. She is relieved when her family welcomes her with open arms, but equally nervous to begin her life afresh. When she meets her childhood sweet heart Blake, who has still not gotten over her and is facing issues of his own, she offers to help. Together they try to erase each other’s demons.
However romantic the storyline might seem, this book is not for the faint hearted. The book does have a graphical version of domestic violence and the language is profane.
Once you are aware of the context, the book is an emotional rollercoaster and very inspirational, a story of second chances and healing. After all that’s what we look for is’nt it? A beautiful book.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a second chance romance and a very emotional one at that. This is not your standard second chance romance. This deals with some subjects that maybe a trigger for some people. As a survivor of domestic violence reading parts of this story was hard but the author deals with the topic in a way that is respectful but also paints a very realistic picture of what it is like to be in that position.
I love the main characters of Elle and Blake. Both characters have so much depth that it is hard not to feel invested in their stories. Blake has also had a hard time in his past and when he reunites with Elle you just want to make everything better for them so they don’t have to deal with anymore heartache.
This is a very moving emotional story about heartache and heartbreak, losing and forgiving and finally healing.
Can Elle and Blake heal each other from their past so that they have a future together?
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A composition of many stories, intriguing, mysterious, and romance. Some stories do contain triggers of abuse ( SA & PA). Stories containing such detail to elicit emotions from you; fear, intrigue, wonder. It’s all here.
Each story varying with its own telling keeps your captivated for days. Ready for a new one ? Keep scrolling. Determine your day by which book you’ll adventure through next
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Concert Hall Hit is the second book in the Darcy Gaughan Mystery series by J.C. Kenney. This is the first book that I have read by Mr. Kenney, so I was curious to see what he could do. I love a great cozy mystery, so I happily snapped up a copy and dove right in.
What I discovered was an intriguing whodunit with a murder mystery to solve. Full of suspense, tension, drama, sleuthing, crime & investigation, music metaphors, and interesting characters- this small-town cozy mystery held my attention right through till the end.
Darcy Gaughan owns a music store and is also a talented musician/drummer. When a legendary blues guitarist comes to town, only to be found murdered shortly after, Darcy finds herself falling under suspicion. She has no choice but to start her own investigation to find the real murderer so she can clear her name. What ensues makes for a fun read.
I enjoyed following along on Darcy’s adventure, uncovering clues, and looking at suspects. I like Mr. Kenney’s writing style, and the clever little touches he added to his story to add that extra element of interest. I will definitely be going back to explore more of his books now that I have had a taste of what he can do. Looking forward to a bit of a J.C. Kenney book binge- coming soon.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, J.C. Kenney!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author writes really cute stories for children. Every book includes some fun facts that teach children about the world around them. This series is about bugs and each one provides some knowledge and insight into whatever bug the book is about. I enjoyed finding out about katydids and how beneficial they are to plants. I recommend this book and author to any parent who has kids that love to read and learn.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fun and interesting book. My 8 year old loved it and it kept her attention the whole time. It was also educational in a fun way. I love these kind of books that give you a little information but in a fun and interesting way.
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed getting to know a little more on Cole and Riley and the suspenseful conclusion (at least for now I hope) .
I highly suggest reading the first 2 books before this, the prequel and book 1, as it’s all needed to understand the dynamic and what’s going on in this story.
This like the previous brought the drama, the chemistry and the unexpected. I will not be giving many details as it’s best to read for yourself and I will not be responsible for giving even a tiny spoiler even by accident.
I cannot wait to read about the rest of this bunch (I hope they all get a story) as I would love to see things from others perspective but also how their stories go.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again! My kiddos and I love her books, and we get so excited anytime she releases a new one. Bugs are especially popular in my house, so this was such a huge hit from the get-go! Both of my kids relate to Loretta as neither one ever wants to hurt insects. I think this was a great way to teach others how to problem solve without doing it the way it’s always been done. The illustrations are also so beautiful and really add to the story. Somehow we always walk away with valuable lessons as well as a great story time book. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the kiddos in your life!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful story. Lillian and Tristan are drawn together but fight so hard against the pull. They are a perfect complement to each other in so many ways. Can Tristan get her to let down her walls before it is too late? Can she out run those who would want to take her power for their own?
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rene’s twin sister was killed and he made a promise to avenge her by finding the murderer. When another body appears the same way his sister’s body was, he knows the killer is back. He’s trying his hardest to keep it together while working different angles. Rene thinks he is losing his mind. At night he keeps having sensual dreams about a beautiful woman so when he starts seeing her in the daytime as well, he knows it’s only a matter of time before he has a mental breakdown.
Belladonna is half pixie, half necromancer. When she sees Rene at the latest crime scene, she knows that he is going to be hers. She loves playing with him, making him crazy. They are kindred spirits. He lost his sister and she lost her whole family. She makes a deal with him, whether he agrees with it or not it’s happening. Belladonna will help him avenge his sister if Rene helps to kill her enemies.
I absolutely love this author! Their writing is so unique and interesting.Very fast paced and always has multiple elements. The author has a way with imagery, even though this was only a novella, it was packed full with detail. Magic, pixies, witches, necromancy, with the killer being a twist, you are in for an exciting ride with this read!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom. I have loved every book in this series and so has my 5 year old nephew. In this book Loretta’s Grandma brings them an orange tree all the way from Florida. Loretta finds aphids on the tree which will kill it if they aren’t removed. Only problem is Loretta can’t see to kill them. When Loretta hears a strange sound coming from the tree her grandma tells her its “katydids” saying “katydids. She learns that Katydids eat aphids so the answer to her problem is here. These books are so informational even I have learned things from them. They also make great gifts!
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again! Another classic fairytale with a scientific twist! This is a fun retelling of the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations are very well done and are wonderfully brilliant! This is a great bedtime story or really, an anytime story!!
I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good book! I’ve really enjoyed reading the books in this trilogy, and I’m a little sad for them to be over. I’m not sure which book I enjoyed the most, they were all very enjoyable and great in their own way. This was an emotional, second chance romance that I thought was a really good ending to this trilogy. I enjoyed getting the chance to enjoy this series and I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!
This is the final book of this trilogy. The world of magic is still in danger and the only one that can save it is Wilf. We continue to follow Wilf through this series to find out if he is able to be a normal teenager instead of being a wizard. His sister Myra and his girlfriend, Katrina are also still a part of his journey. Will they be able to overcome the tough battles ahead and save the Magic Realm? If you chose to read this series, I do recommend starting with the first book: The Virus of Beauty and continuing the series. This way you are following Wilf’s journey all the way through.
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the final book of this trilogy. The world of magic is still in danger and the only one that can save it is Wilf. We continue to follow Wilf through this series to find out if he is able to be a normal teenager instead of being a wizard. His sister Myra and his girlfriend, Katrina are also still a part of his journey. Will they be able to overcome the tough battles ahead and save the Magic Realm? If you chose to read this series, I do recommend starting with the first book: The Virus of Beauty and continuing the series. This way you are following Wilf’s journey all the way through.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl. This book was so good and it had just enough of a different story line to set it apart. I truly enjoyed it and hope there are more to come. Its the story of Lillian who has returned to Cleveland because her sister, Hannah has become very ill. Lillian who now goes by Zoey because she is in hiding due to the natures of her powers. The organization that is hot on her tail is the one that killed her mother and she’s not about to let them use her or her powers. Zoey tries her powers on her sister but its not enough so they end up in the hospital and she meets Tristan who she knows can put his powers with hers and maybe save Hannah. In return Zoey agrees to go as Tristan’s date to a event. While they spend more and more time together feelings evolve and they want to see each other more. When Tristan decides to look into Zoey’s past will he find things he can’t live with? Read this fast paced paranormal, romance to find out!
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the very first book that I have read from the author and I was so intrigued by it. I was able to imagine myself as the characters in the book as I was reading. This book was well written and I know anyone else who reads this book won’t be disappointed.
As a private detective, Riley Scott has witnessed her fair share of the ugly side of relationships. She guards her heart like a fortress, but a pair of sizzling blue eyes threatens to take down all of her barriers. He came to her rescue through a blazing fire. Now, she could only hope he would not incinerate her heart.
Tristan Cain hasn’t been able to let go of his red-headed angel, or his promise to get justice. Fate throws them together again when he once thought it would be impossible, and when a daring rescue turns out to be the least of their worries. He vows to keep her safe. He’s not letting Riley out of his sight again.
I look forward to reading more of this author’s book in the near future.
Noah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the best book that I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with the book from the very first page and did not set the book down until I had read the last page or the last chapter. This book is for everyone, and not just the younger generation.
Noah Reagan has always dreamed of making it big for science.
A place in The Summer with Supers Youth Program would provide him with just that. Popularity, respect, and maybe even a bully-free semester.
But when Lincoln City’s mutant infestation leaves Noah’s dreams crushed beneath a pile of rubble, he’s forced to spend the summer working for his dad’s failing Mega-Maintenance company, cleaning up after the very creatures that have stolen his freedom.
With the real heroes battling back the incoming hordes, Noah begins his investigation into the madness fueling the monsters, hoping to end the mega-meltdowns before his last chances of a super summer are swept into the dustbin.
Though, with the mastermind holding the keys to Noah’s dreams, interfering may doom him to an off-brand existence, and a future of atomic wedgies, forever.
I’m excited to read more of this authors books in the near future.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I’ve read from this author and I was not disappointed. I immediately fell in move with this book from the very first chapter. I was not able to put the book down until I had finished it all in one sitting.
I was twelve the first time I killed a man.
After the war, I was driven to the human world by a vengeful leader. My only chance at survival? Run.
With the help of a genderfluid shifter, I learned to hide in plain sight and harness the powers within, but my luck soon ran out.
This time, she captured my sister and sent an assassin after me. Running is no longer an option.
If I want to live, I have to fight.
If you are interested in LGBTQ representation, expansive magic worlds, and enemies-to-lovers romances you’ll love this book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brilliant murder mystery story that kicks off with a bang and keeps you hooked with a storyline full of twists and turns. This is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect from his work when I started reading but I instantly fell in love with his writing style. I was pulled into the book straight away and loved that he knew how to capture my attention.
I really enjoyed the main character. Her detective work to get to the truth was brilliant and I really connected with her throughout the story. As an introduction to this author I can already tell I am going to be a fan. I am really looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enjoyable short story that really packs a lot into its pages. This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading book 1 first so you get a full understanding of what is going. This is a great story and I enjoyed the unique take on shifters. It isn’t often an author can be original with this trope and it is even more rare for them to do it so well.
I thought the characters fit really well with the book. They were interesting and all had their part to play. This really is a great book and definitely worth your time.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great short paranormal romance. This author has an amazing way of creating new and unique stories in a way that captivates a reader and doesn’t let go. This story was great with a murder mystery to solve, magical beings, and a romance that I didn’t see coming.
Belladonna is a pixie of the deadly kind. She has live a secluded life away from people and the risk of hunters. When Rene comes on her radar she sees her opportunity to use him to get her revenge on the hunters that hunt her and other paranormal beings.
Rene is suffering from deep grief over the loss of his twin sister. He still doesn’t know who murdered her but when another body turns up exactly the same he know he needs to get to the bottom of this. This is when he meets his angel. However Belladonna is a lot of things but an angel she is not.
What evolves is a story full of danger, secrets being reveled, and twists that I didn’t see coming. The end also leaves an opening for other books in the series which I really hope the author creates.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. It is a fantasy story that follows healer Maren whose life is turned upside down when viscous creatures attack her village. As they have done in the past, the community locks themselves in nearby caverns to wait until it is safe. But Maren doesn’t make it to the caverns in time, and is now cut off from her community in a hostile world.
This is an exciting book, in a vivid fantasy world. As Maren leaves the village she knows so well, we join her in exploring the amazing and often dangerous world beyond! I enjoy the dynamic between Maren and Kane, particularly with Maren’s refusal to accept Kane’s claims that she is fae, keeping her wary of him. I also enjoy the focus on herbs and plants, essential to Maren’s healing work and her hopes to save her sister Thea.
This book gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy, particularly those interested in healing magic and fae.
I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This trilogy should be read in order to properly understand the backstory. Mitch and Lauren are a married couple that are clearly still in love with each other but they are trying to figure out what has begun to pull them apart. Mitch thinks that Lauren has allowed her restaurant Pier 39 to consume her life and leaves no room for him. While they are on a trip to celebrate the engagement of a friend, Lauren gets a devastating call that her restaurant has burned down. Although Vegas worked its magic for this couple, will this new life stress tear them apart once again? I feel like the synopsis gives away a lot of the plot to this story. However, I really enjoy how the things that Mitch and Lauren are going through are actually relatable to real life. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. I find the characters loveable and real.
