Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yo is a prince and Ayo is an orphan. The two became best friends over time fell in love. Yi’s father doesn’t like Ayo because he know of his feelings for Yi. Ayo is accused of treason and stripped of his magic. Meanwhile, Yi and everyone else is put under a sleeping spell. Ayo is the only one that can save everyone. It is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecily in the City is Book Three in The Cecily Taylor Series. It is a beautifully written YA Romance story centering around Cecily Taylor who has been relentlessly pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. Cecily has finally landed a role in a daytime soap opera, is living in the city, and has a pop star boyfriend so life should be perfect. The only problem is that her life in the limelight comes with a price and a whole lot of drama. Will Cecily be able to cope with her new life being so out in the open for others to judge and gossip about?
This was a great read that gives you a bit of an eye-opener about what life can be like for someone who is in the spotlight. Life behind the scenes may not be all sunshine and lollipops, which Cecily quickly learned. The story flowed nicely, the storyline was intriguing, and the characters are lovable and relatable. Cecily is smart, determined, genuine and down-to-earth so she is easy to root for. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alex hears the balloon flowers in her yard popping. Deciding to investigate she invents a plant translator to figure out why.
I like these authors books, they always have a science angle and I can always learn something. I had never heard of balloon flowers so this was something I looked up after. I would definitely read this to my granddaughter and then plant some seeds for balloon flowers to see and hear what happens. Great book..
The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I did have the opportunity to read the crown of stones trilogy before this one. You could read this on its own without reading the trilogy the back story is detailed enough that you wouldn’t feel lost or confused but I think it was benefit reading the trilogy first for a better understanding, with that being said. This was an incredible book. It was a very action-packed fantasy, filled with adventure, magic, drama, worldbuilding, captivating, creative story and worlds. We see the two characters Jarrod and Ian tested in ways that make you wonder if they are going to either get out of it or figure it out. This book kept my ADHD attention till the very end, I couldn’t put it down till I found out what happened in the end and can’t wait to see when we will have more stories with Jarrod and Ian. Such an amazing read and very intriguing story.
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read. It is about a group of boys in a juvenile detention centre who are fed up with the way they are being treated so they come up with a plan to escape. But what will the price be for their freedom and is it worth all the trouble they go through?
The author’s writing was interesting as they have first hand knowledge of this environment which really brings the story to life and really educates the reader on what actually happens in these places.
There is definately a divide between the educators who believe these boys can be rehabilitated and do everything in their power to facilitate and help them to do that and the other side of the deputies who believe they are all lost causes and can’t be changed. Reading the verbal and physical abuse they endure really bring home how some children leave these places and go on to reoffend again.
This story is really well written and the detail that goes into the planning of the boys escape and what happens during and after really make this a gripping read that I just couldn’t put down.
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors
Aliens on Earth is a limited edition collection of romance short stories by various authors. Some I’m familiar with and many were new to me but I enjoyed them all just the same. Each short story is packed with, magic, drama, Romance and so much more. Each authors style of writing is different but they pull you into their world just the same. Naomi Valkyrie is one author I never hesitate picking up and this short story The Alien & The Crime the Boss is a prime example why. It’s a MM Alien Mafia Romance that will pull you in from the first page and doesn’t’ let go till the end. Its characters are developed strong and make the story come to life. I highly recommend reading this Anthology by these amazing authors there truly is something for everyone in it. Im definitely looking forward to checking out what other books many of these authors have written.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute and informative
This is a brilliant book for the budding scientist and inventors out there. I love this author’s books as they open a world of possibilities to children. This is a great picture story book for the classroom to introduce children to Inquiry. The text is easy to read and follow. There is so much to explore within each page and the creativity with illustrations is brilliant. Highly recommend.
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Historical romance
This is a captivating read. The author weaves a story immersed in the roaring 1920s with flappers, gangsters and romance. Bethany is a young girl trying to find her place as she comes unto her own. She has a battle on her hands as her aunt and uncle have a different idea for her future. I found myself caught up in the story right through until the end. The characterisation and imagery were well done. Recommend.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent mystery! The characters are from all walks of life. The storyline makes me wonder at some of my more questionable choices. After all, how often have I driven down a dark road with a mysterious reputation? What would I do if my job suddenly couldn’t pay me? What sorts of schemes might I fall for? Although the story wraps up neatly, there remains one portion of it still unsolved- perhaps for the next installment.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The sleuthing fun continues
Taylor Browning is back with her cats and investigating the mystery around the president of the Sante Fe Wine and Crime book club’s disappearance. With lots of twists and turns and a race against time, Taylor has more than she bargained for. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters, especially Oscar and Cheddar. This was a fun, ‘whodunnit’ that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Recommend.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75592436-brutal-days” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672933278l/75592436._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75592436-brutal-days”>Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5578974410″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Damon “Demon” Savage may have met his match in Sky. Her best friend Gia has her eyes on Damon, but Damon has his eyes set on Sky. She is willing to play match maker, but what happens when the mutual attraction is too much to resist? I enjoy the banter the characters have in these books. Damon doesn’t have time for distractions and Sky is his biggest one to date. I’m looking forward to the next book to see how this story ties up.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Hope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn
Hope and Lies is the first book in The Abredea Series and is a Dystopian Fantasy that will pull you into their world and makes it hard to put down. I did nothing for a day and a half but read this book. I had to know what was going to happen next. This is a new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. This authors style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a epic ride. Get ready for quite the ride that is emotional at times in this book about finding yourself and how far one will go to make new friends while looking for family. I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn
Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a Enemies to Lover’s Romance/New Adult/Bullying/ Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I literally read this in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. This story is packed with drama, lies, Romance, revenge and so much more. It’s senior year and Gia has a four step plan that will in turn make senior year an epic one. Sky and Gia are best friends and have been for a long time. Sky will do anything for Gia even if it means making a deal with a demon. Damon is a football player who can have any girl he wants. But there is only one he wants. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and if you haven’t already read the first two books in this series I highly recommend reading them as well. I wish it was June already as I need the next book in this series I need to know how everything ends. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I struggled when I first started reading Punk. I just couldn’t get interested. However despite that I pushed forward being I was told I should check this book out. Well it wasn’t bad, it just started slow. The author wrote an interesting journey between a vigilante and someone who is hunting vigilante. However the characters aren’t aware of their unforeseen connection. Yet both, Miranda and Efrem, are connected in a way where they can’t resist one another. Despite being boss and employee. Despite being neighbors.
Efrem can’t stop what he feels is his penance for the things he did in the past.
Miranda is looking to get justice for her brother Marcus.
What will Miranda do, when she finds out about Efrem’s biggest secret?
Will Efrem actually tell her?
There’s a lot going on, but not enough, that it takes away from what the author wrote. The different story lines are all connected; you just have to read to see how. It may actually fascinate you. I also haven’t read any of the books that came prior, which says this works wonderfully as a standalone vs just a series.
Would I recommend this book? Sure, just know if there’s any part that feels slow, just keep reading it will all work out. It did for me! Now it is time for me to check out the 5 books prior to this one.
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper was such a fun book to read. I have loved Cori Coopers other books that I’ve read, so I happily clicked a copy of this as soon as it released and dove right in. It is a light, sweet, fun, and fresh YA romantic comedy with humour, emotion, teen angst & drama, a slow-burn clean romance, self-discovery/self-acceptance, friendship, family, hopes, fears, entertaining developments, becoming more self-aware, and not judging a book by its cover.
This story certainly took me by surprise, in a great way and has just taken top place as my favourite of Ms. Cooper’s work. As expected, this is a cleverly woven story that proved to be a very fun way to spend a couple of hours.
I love Ms. Cooper’s ability to create wonderfully quirky and endearing characters- as they are so easy to connect with. I also enjoyed seeing Bailey grow/mature and develop over the course of the story. I though the list of ‘ways to improve Bailey’ was such a fun notion- and it certainly added to the entertainment. I loved that each chapter is headed by one of the suggested ways she could improve.
Looking forward to more from Ms. Cooper!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Cori Cooper!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was sold from the get go. When I read a book description or in this case a collection of stories description and the stories are RANKED BY SPICINESS…. Just take my money, my first born, what else do you want. I’ve read and read and they just get better and better. And insanely great collection with insanely good authors and stories that will make you BLUSH. I couldn’t have picked a favourite if I’d tried and I’m probably going to have to just read them over and over because my GOODNESS. For a sci-if romance set this one takes the cake!
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Trapping the Butterfly is the first book in the Butterflies Fly Free series by Debra Parmley. It is an historical romance- set in the 1920’s, it’s a fascinating coming of age story, with self-discovery, drama, angst, adventure, challenges, family dynamics, control, choices, and breaking free.
Bethany Robinson is just coming of age. Her life has been strictly controlled by her domineering Aunt and Uncle, but a visit to Hot Springs might just see her emerge from her cocoon and find her wings. This is a short story- so it made for a quick and easy read. I read it in one easy sitting.
Ms. Parmley has brought the 1920’s to life here, her historical details adding a very vivid and authentic feel to the story.
Looking forward to exploring Book #2- ‘Dancing Butterfly’, which is Suki’s story.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Debra Parmley!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was definitely way out of my norm but was an interesting and good read! I have never read a book by the author before so this was a showstopper situation. She writes quite a tale and the MC’s were divine! I adored them and really rooted for them through this very complex though seemingly possible scenario! The story flowed and had me biting my nails a time or too but I just really liked the dynamic and seeing the characters grow and the drama unfold! A great read for a lot of spice in your life!
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has been one of my favorite series this year, and Brutal Days has pushed it to the top of the list! The flow of this story follows the others well, so definitely pick up the previous books in the series. You’ll enjoy the storyline much more as Isla Vaughn exquisitely weaves everyone together. I really see no improvement for this book because the author did an amazing job creating these characters and the world itself. I was immersed in the teen angst, drama, and baffling lies that seemed to change my opinions of everyone involved. Prepare to be perplexed as each character reveals more secrets and twists the reality of their lives. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store because I can’t get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1619777269l/57899571._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say”>What Do the Plants Say?</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
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Alex is an inventor. She creates a way to talk to the balloon flowers in the garden. She gets the helium tank and a recorder and records her conversations with the balloon flowers, and a way to fly with the flowers without popping them. Such a cute book<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
I have read a lot of Lois Wickstrom’s books, and this is one of my least favorites. It is still a good story, but too fantasy in my opinion- I like the more realistic stories where it shows actual reality. The book still follows the scientific method, I just didn’t like the story as much as some others Lois has written.
My favorite part was when Alex used the recorder and had to experiment with her voice speed and volume t make it sound like the plants- I could just hear kids re-enacting this part!
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have taught Kinder-2nd grade students, and know the importance of teaching emotional regulation and self care. This book is perfect, especially for the younger crowd. Kids could relate to Hudson and identify what he did and what his caring family did to make him feel better. It made me, as, an adult, feel better as well after a rough day of work!
The illustrations add to the story, and I appreciated the simple yet poignant message. Well written, not too wordy but gets the story across, and would highly recommend.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought it was interesting the author changed Jack to Jacqueline (side note- I appreciated this, my late grandmother’s name!). So many fairy tales have young boys, so it was refreshing.
I loved Jacqueline’s smarts- for example, arguing with the old man giving her the beans that all plants touch the sky. (Allows for a science discussion or wondering!).
The vocabulary chosen might expand a child’s mind, like how the vines were intertwined. Overall, a comical and entertaining re-do of Jack (loved the part of Jacqueline washing off sweat in the dog’s water dish)!
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I am definitely going to be checking her other books out ASAP! The bond between Rose and Titan was dark and as the title suggested, twisted. Rose was an amazing heroine who was strong and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Titan was the tortured prince, keeping a deadly secret about his kingdom. The author wrote a vivid tale that pulled you right into the story. She weaved a magical and paranormal story that had witches, shifters, magic, curses, and romance. I loved that we had different POV’s so we could get a full picture of what was happening. The story was extremely well written and it was fantastic to see how the characters grew. The author did an amazing job of developing all of the characters and creating some very intense situations. If you love dark romance, enemies to lovers, with a paranormal, fantasy twist, this is a great book to read!
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first half of Obedience by Liza Snow was a little slow for me, just a lot of story building, but once you reach the second half you can not put it down. The events that lead up to the ending are mind bending. and have you begging for more, thankfully there is a second book that I can not wait to read.
You follow Cassandra Blackstone fulfilling one of her life long dreams of becoming a silk aerial artist. She has dreamed of this since she first saw Chandler Moreau preform. Cassandra gets a scholarship to The dreamers academy, where Chandler just so happens to get push into becoming a teacher because of his fathers forceful hand in his life. Always making him do things he feels obligated to do. The two have an undeniable attraction to each other, both of them very talented silk aerial artist, he becomes her teacher.
Cassandra comes with a horrible past, while chandler has a horrible family that just so happens to be intertwined. Within this book you find the twists and turns of both of them trying to solve part of their past and present that have put them both in danger.
reviewed by @Melancholyrose
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Obedience (Ties that Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow
4 Stars
This was so good! Cassandra and Chandler both grew up in the circus. Cassandra’s parents were magicians and she always idolized Chandler who is an aerialist. Wanting to become one herself, she finally made it to Dreamers Academy where she met Chandler and got to learn from him. Chandler always enjoyed her parent’s performances. Their lives were entwined before they even met. Once they did meet, they were enraptured with each other but teacher and student relationships are taboo. Aside from the obvious struggles, they also have secrets that come to light and endanger them both.
This book was refreshing. The author added the art of Shibari into the story of which I knew nothing about. Not only did I get to enjoy an original story but I learned something as well. The story was filled with romance, intrigue and suspense.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little bit of a Harry Potter feel to it has the reader diving into the story of Jon and Frank Reed. They are twins with some pretty cool special abilities. When they are sent away to school to refine these abilities, they come across some interesting people who are like them in some ways. The school has regular academic coursework, along with classes for each special gift.
Jon is a bit of an enigma as they’ve not seen his gift in many years. Could that gift become his downfall, his curse? He gets to have exposure to the Guardian of Whispers but then it does missing and everyone automatically blames him. Can Frank help him out in any way? Frank hears voices so maybe Jon can get a message to him before it’s too late.
This is a super fun middle school fantasy book. I look forward to reading about the next adventures of the Reed brothers!
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Obedience (Ties That Bind) is book 1 of the Ties That Bind series. The story is about Cassandra Blackstone. At 13 years old she loses her parents and the thing that she holds onto is the memory of the circus aerialist performance that she saw with her parents the day before they died. She becomes enthralled with the performer Chandler Monreau. Years later at age 25, she gets the chance to audition for Chandler’s family’s academy thus kicking off the attraction between the two.
I liked this book. The circus backdrop was awesome. This was the first story I have read with this sort of setting and it was a very fresh take on a romance. I’m not a fan of age-gap romance but I was comfortable with the way this one was portrayed. This was a nice slow-burn romance that really gave time for the characters’ chemistry to develop. There was also a nice little murder mystery, which is always a good thing. Although the pacing is a bit slow in the middle, the story has great romance and a bit of spice. I really enjoyed this story.
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trapping the Butterfly is Book one in the Butterflies Free Series. It is set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the year 1926, during what was known as the Roaring Twenties. Bethany is on the cusp of turning eighteen and looking forward to setting her plan in motion. Once she turns eighteen, she should be receiving her inheritance and looks forward to getting away from her overbearing aunt and uncle who monitor her every move. Bethany wants to be free to cut her hair short, learn the Charleston and wants to start dating. She is strictly forbidden from doing any of these while living with her aunt and uncle because they consider these behaviors to be unladylike and unacceptable. Ladies do not smoke, they do not drink, and they certainly do not cut their hair short. According to Bethany’s aunt, no good man will want to marry a woman who displays any of these horrendous and appalling behaviors. Every move Bethany makes is dictated by her severely strict aunt, right down to how much she is allowed to eat so that she does not become a “fatty”, as her aunt likes to remind her of often.
When Bethany gets a chance to go with her aunt and uncle to Hot Springs so that her aunt can see a doctor, she feels that it is the perfect opportunity to start freeing herself from them. While in Hot Springs, Bethany meets Detective Paul Tollick by accident and learns that the famous mobster Al Capone is staying at the same hotel as her and her aunt and uncle. Al Capone and his gang are on the fourth floor of the Arlington, and Paul tells her to stay away from him because he is bad news. Although Paul is several years her senior he is drawn to her innocent beauty and finds himself wanting to see her again. Bethany also finds herself attracted to Paul and looks forward to when she can speak with him again. When Paul learns that one of Al Capone’s gangsters has taken a liking to Bethany, he vows to protect her at all costs.
First of all, can we discuss that absolutely exquisite, eye-catching, cover and book title. Oh, my goodness, they were what compelled me to read the synopsis and ultimately read the book and I am so happy that I did. This was a beautifully written and engaging story with a refreshing storyline that hooked me from the first page. It was so different from the books that I have read, and it really captivated my attention. The attention to detail and historical background were superbly done. The characters were ones that you either loved immediately or hated, as in the case of Bethany’s aunt. Bethany was sweet, kind, gentle, and innocent. I felt myself rooting for Bethany to get out from under her aunt’s thumb and free herself from the abusive behaviors of her aunt and uncle. To some extent it could be understood why Bethany’s aunt and uncle were against women smoking, drinking, and displaying what they felt like was appalling behavior in a woman. It was a far different time and taking place when women were just learning to free themselves of the constraints and restrictions imposed by society. Bethany’s aunt was raised during a different time but that did not give her the right to abuse Bethany and not allow her to eat. My heart went out to Bethany, and I rooted for her to be free like a butterfly. I highly recommend this book and am anxious to read not only the rest of this series but more by this author.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This retelling of the famous beanstock has a different view of the story. One being it is Jacqueline who takes the cow to market. Yes she comes back with the 3 beans. But this is where the story changes. Jacqueline learned many lessons that day. As will the children that get to read / listen to this story. Again this author impressed me with her Open Ended story. Many lessons are taught within this book. Along with science, and providing food from our gardens. Great book to introduce children to at the beginning of Spring. I look forward to reading the next folktale by this author.
Review@cinful
