A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a sweet illustrated books that emphasizes how all teachers have a big heart. Despite all the differences in personality and style, each teacher is a person that wants to help others. The artwork is adorable, this is a lovely book.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I will say this, there is one thing about this author i dislike, and it’s the freaking cliff hangers. But at the same time, I love the cliff hangers, because it makes the next book so much better! What a wild start into Phoenix and Aspen’s story! This book is a super short read, but it’s packed full of detail. I absolutely loved it, and I’ll be waiting for the next one on pins and needles!
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Caitlin DeDanann is a woman full of ambition. She loves her job but is looking forward to a good break from it. Her boss has other ideas that include adding on a week of work to her vacation. And as much as she hates to do it, she does. Little does she know that the past is about to catch up with her. When she is drawn to a strange chef, she finds out that they have a shared history. As it all start rushing back to her, they find out that there is a more to their past lives than they originally thought. Can they find a way to beat the curse that was laid on them centuries ago? Or are they doomed to be lost to each other again??
This is my first time reading this author and now I feel like I need to read more of their stories! The story drew me in very quickly with all the little hints as to what was going to happen. And just as I thought I had it figured out, there was MORE! It was a good read, quick paced and fun. I enjoyed the characters and how she wasn’t a damsel in distress that needed to be rescued. I look forward to more from this world that the author has written.
This is an adult book. 🙂
Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling Again is the third book in the Buckeye Falls series. Each story can be read as a standalone, focusing on a different couple, but the same characters are in all of the books so it’s good to read the series in order to see them develop and avoid spoilers!
Anthony and Nathalie really need to work on their relationship. With plenty of other urgent commitments and emergency situations coming from work, the kids, and their extended families, they’re struggling to make time for each other. Occasional romantic moments are undermined by a myriad of distractions and it’s clear to both of them, and seemingly half of the town, that something has to change.
This is an enjoyable and fun read! I like that this series focuses on different kinds of relationships – reinvigorating an old relationship can be just as romantic as starting a new one! The kids, Maddie and Otis, are great and add a lot of playfulness (and glitter!) to the story.
Although she’s not the focus of this story, CeCe and her amazing baked treats are back and feature prominently enough that I would recommend having some snacks available as you read this book! It gets five stars from me.
Serafina Giordano is a half English half Italian mafia princess, a girl who happens to know exactly the kind of future someone like her may have: a bargain chip to negotiate when the moment her father decides is appropiated.
Salvatore De Luca, born into a once great family, he had to earn his place in the family of his progenitor, this just so revenge can take place under the right circumstances and with the correct princess to use and discard.
A perfect enemies to lovers story that would have you wanting for more, the more you read.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This talented author is a new author for me and I am very happy to have found her. She weaved a fantastic storyline and gave us readers a great mix of characters to both love and hate. Evariste and Caitlin in particular were wonderfully written characters with amazing, undeniable chemistry who draw you in right from the start. I was captivated by this book and highly recommend you all give it a read! I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling Again by Libby Kay is available now in eBook and Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Libby Kay has won me over once again! Falling Again is the third installment of the Buckeye Falls Series but can easily be read as a standalone. Each novel revolves around a specific couple in Buckeye Falls. Previously we met CeCe and Ginny. This time we are introduced to their friend Natalie and her husband Anthony. Natalie and Anthony have hit hard times in their marriage. They have two young children and very demanding jobs. Natalie owns a business and Anthony is the mayor. With the demands of their everyday lives they have not been able to devote any time to their marriage and one another. When given the opportunity to spend the weekend at the family lake house they attempt to rekindle what is left.
There are many days that I struggle to balance my kids and my job and realize sometimes by the end of the day I am too tired to give my husband the attention he deserves. Despite this being a work of fiction, it reassured me that this happens more than people know. Marital struggles are real! Kay’s story line and characters are down to earth and relatable in so many ways. This installment was definitely spicier than any of the others but this couple deserved every moment of it. I consistently found myself rooting for Anthony and Natalie in hopes they could rekindle their love and have their second chance at love. I highly recommend not only this novel, but this series to all romance readers. These are an absolute must read!
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Isla Vaughn books. Such a great writer who keeps the story interesting all the way through. It’s also a very easy read. I never want to put the book down.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! Towards the end it seemed to lose my interest as I was easily distracted from it but it could be just my ADHD. I loved the flow of the story and attention to detail. This is an amazing love story with gods and ancient beings. There isn’t anything bad I have to say about it!
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could hardly tear myself away from this book to go to bed. This book is such an intense, dark story of mafia romance. It initially starts like a dark Romeo and Juliet story and slowly transforms into what reminds me of Jax and Tara’s romance in SOA. Roberts takes readers down a dark path of the criminal mafia world from a child’s perspective as she grows into a woman and slowly, but surely, begins to understand more and more of what surrounds her. The love, heartbreak, and hope that this woman feels was transferred into me as I read her story. There are a few erotic scenes in the story as well that I think are so well placed. I was 100% addicted to this book from the very beginning and could not leave it alone until there was no more left for me! This is the first of Roberts’ books of many that I intend to read!
@jowright
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was AMAZING. I made myself put it down because I needed sleep, but trust me when I say, I was diving back into as soon as I could. The world than Roberts has built for us to experience is one that I’ve always wanted to visit. I could have crawled into this book and lived forever. Salvatore and Serafina have the kind of life that most would consider unconventional, but it seems to work for them, (most of the time) mostly because, they really have no other choice. It wasn’t so much that they CHOOSE the life, as much as that the life they grew up in was chosen for them, and they just learned to survive and in both their own ways, they also learned to love the things they couldn’t change about each other. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I’m so hooked!
Review by: Manda Kelly 2023
The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
This book will invoke all kinds of emotions. I found myself all over the place and a couple of times I had to put it down for a brief moment to just breathe. This book is listed as a young adult book but does come with a warning that it’s not intended for anyone under eighteen due to the sensitive nature of the topics that are covered. This book will stick with me for awhile.
Logan (Lo) has a great life with a mom who loves him dearly. At the tender age of seven, he begins to learn that not everyone has life so great.
Victoria (Vic) lives with her step-dad. Her mom died recently and she’s stuck with Zach. He doesn’t seem to care much about her at all. He spends most of his time in a drunken stupor. Vic lives next door to Lo and one day invites him over to play.
This story is told from both perspectives of Vic and Lo, starting in the past and building up to the present. This story is very dark and deals with extremely difficult topics. The things that Vic especially, endures are horrific and terrifying. I just want to hug them both and let them know everything will be ok.
I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil anything. However, it’s only fair to warn readers that this book does contain very strong language and scenes/situations that are not appropriate for immature readers. I do look forward to learning more about Lizzie’s story and what’s going on with her.
Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hole in the Rock is a quick paced fun tale for children in middle school aged 8 – 12 years. It is a story with a message that will imprint on those who listen.
We follow along with Lizza’s adventures, her antics and plans that go awry. One where she soon learns that actions have consequences. What they mean not just to her but for her family.
Not everyone has to agree and everyone makes mistakes and learning from them helps us grow and that is one of the messages that will be taken away by those that read this.
This unique tale is full of action, family and friends and is learning tool for young minds to take in and ponder when making decisions for themselves.
A good book for kids for special occasions or just because.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the fourth in the series and I would highly suggest reading them in order to fully enjoy the experience. This is a fast paced fantasy story that is well imagined and interesting to read. It really feels like the characters go on a journey through this book. The author weaves in so many elements that is keeps the story fresh and intriguing.
This is an author I have recently started to read a bit more of and I have to say I have enjoyed everything so far. The books she creates are imaginative and original and easy to get in to. I am already looking forward to whatever is next.
Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another great addition to this series, and I think it is my favourite so far. I love a good enemies to lovers story and I really seemed to connect with this one. I loved the characters in the book and how their story progressed. After not having the best start they really build their connection but it is done in a way that I real and genuine.
I have enjoyed getting to know this authors writing style over the course of these books and it is one that I find engaging and easy to read. I easily get into her stories and look forward to the story she is going to tell. I am excited to read the next book in this story and see what else this author has to offer.
Twisted Oath by A. S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Twisted Oath
By: A.S. Roberts
This is the fantastic start to a brand new Mafia series. It contains the perfect elements of what will become an absolutely fantastic series. It contains an absolutely unstoppable alpha in Salvatore. Partner that with Serafina being the foil to her mafia family. She wants to undo all the damage done in the only way she can. She wants to be a doctor to heal. Their paths cross and that is where the best part of the story starts. This definitely contains the best mafia parts – secrets, revenge, love, violence, twists and turns, and everything else I’ve come to expect from a good mafia story. I definitely cannot wait to see where this series goes and if Salvatore and Serafina’s story continues in the other books.
The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dark emotional romance about 2 friends who fell in love and despite all the odds are determined to be together. This is the first book in the Berrycreek Heights series and I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
This is a dark story that deals with violence, abuse, danger, agendas, love and obsession.
Victoria has had a horrible childhood. Her mother passed leaving her with her mother’s boyfriend. He is a nasty piece of work and treats Victoria appallingly.
When Logan meets her there is an instant connection. Right from the start he feels a need to protect her and make sure no harm comes to her. As they grow together their friendship turns to romance and Logan realises that he will protect Victoria no matter what the cost or what he has to do to insure her safety.
When Victoria and her step-dad disappear this causes Logan to spiral down a dark hole as he tries everything to find her and when he eventually does hearing her story almost breaks him. It takes a lot of strength for him to keep control of his emotions and be there for the girl he loves.
This is a very emotional dark romance with some subjects that maybe triggering to some people. It is a story that will grip you and I couldn’t put it down until i reached the end. I can’t wait to see what the author produces next.
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so heartwarming! It has a melodic rhythm. There is a pleasing rhyme scheme. The illustrations go hand-in-hand with the words of the author. It makes my teacher- heart say, “Awwwww.”
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although this is fiction, the author realistically portrays the reality of marriage when life has intruded upon it. I love how the main characters are parents who struggle to communicate with one another. Their kindergarten daughter runs around with a swear jar, ready to collect money from any adult in her house who happens to cuss. I think that’s funny, because I, too, have a swear jar (my swear jar is a large baby bottle whose contents get donated to a local crisis pregnancy center on an annual basis- I tend to think of this as “charitable cursing”). Marriage is messy. Communication within a marriage can be messy- but the outcome can definitely be worth the struggle.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved Loved Loved this book. This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be reading more for sure. She has a way of writing that brings you right into the characters and keeps you there.
Fate can be a cruel beast at times and these characters prove it.
Everiste (Gage to his family and friends) is a man/vampire that will not sell his company to anyone, although they try their hardest to get him too. He’s a successful business man with a penchant for fishing and being away from people. He’s stubborn and very protective of those he loves.
Caitlin (Cate) (Cher) is planning on vacation when her boss strong arms her into a working holiday. She is to investigate Everiste’s company for new clients wanting to buy it. The one problem is that he will not meet with her and keeps disappearing until his sister gets involved.
There is so much going on behind the scenes that we learn as we read. I ended up reading this book in one day as I couldn’t put it down. The things that are revealed will keep you reading and excited and pained all at the same time.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is definitely a book geared toward middle-schoolers; however, it’s a very quick, heartfelt read that many adults will enjoy. We meet Neyah and Abby who are pen pals learning about each other’s lives through a school assignment. As the story progresses, the girls quickly realize that while their lives are vastly different, they both are facing very real and serious obstacles. I found this story to be very inspiring and Bleckwehl’s message of maintaining hope through adversity and having kindness and empathy for everyone to be something that we all need to remember and perhaps exhibit a little more in our daily lives. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from her.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/158129725-shalom-israel” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Shalom Israel: A place like no other” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684675951l/158129725._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/158129725-shalom-israel”>Shalom Israel: A place like no other</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19602225.Melissa_Lavi”>Melissa Lavi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5669748558″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Shalom Israel teaches what the word Shalom actually means. Your around the face paced cities, the beautiful sea. Different people, the praying wall. This was so cute and we actually learned things about another country.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Rise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I can say is what another incredible book. I enjoyed the other books just as much as I enjoyed this one. It’s a supernatural thriller and filled with everything you could imagine a supernatural book would be filled with, from magic, vampires, demons, witches, travel, mystery, suspense, action, twists and turns that I was not expecting. This book just like the other ones kept me on edge and wanting to know what was going to happen next, I couldn’t put it down or read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. The book continues its story right from the other books, so highly suggest reading the others first, you won’t be disappointed, you’ll be more disappointed that you didn’t. the story has multiple points of views and having back stories and different times always makes the story a very interesting and exciting read. the overall book was well written so much that it was almost made you feel like you were right there with the characters and in the story that you could feel and touch everything and experience everything in the same time. This story does focus more on the Tall Dark Man and he’s desire for vengeance but that didn’t take away from how amazing this series has been. Highly recommend.
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first in the Vine Valley series, A Toast for Laurent centers around Phoebe and Laurent. These two were college friends, in love and had a pact: if neither of them is married by the time they were 40, they would marry each other.
The thing is, Phoebe left, leaving Laurent heart-broken and alone. Then out of the blue, she returns to Laurent, to collect on their pact.
The premise of the story had me hooked! The characters and the story are well-written. I loved the attention to detail the author gave each character.
If you love second- chance romances, this is one for your reading list.
Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hole in the Rock is a book for kids between the ages of 10 to 14. Although intended for a younger audience I feel that it is a story that anyone could enjoy. The story centers around the character of Lizza, a twelve-year-old girl living in Moab, Utah. Lizza is smart, funny, fun-loving, and a huge lover of animals which can sometimes get her in trouble. She often rescues animals that are abandoned or injured and brings them home. Lizza even brought home a tarantula, much to her mother’s horror once it got loose in the house! When her dad decides to become a Taxidermist Lizza is horrified and determined to save the animals, so she sabotages his billboard that advertises his business. Then things get even worse for Lizza when her dad moves their family into a cave that is a tourist attraction and has strangers constantly wandering through her home. Lizza is determined to live in a real home again so she involves environmentalists and animal rights groups thinking that they can help. What Lizza did not expect is for matters to become worse for her family and for her actions to have unintended consequences. This was such a fun read as Lizza manages to get herself into one humorous situation after another. I highly recommend this book!
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hearts are a fickle thing; we think we really love someone only to realize the sparks just weren’t there. Annie realized this when Ted called off their wedding weeks before it came to fruition. After devastating loss, and unexpected change Annie packed up for a change of scenery.
Leaving all she knew taking her siblings with her she starting the adventure towards her dreams. All that’s missing was a little love well a lot of romance and tons of steamy romance.
Craig didn’t want romance he didn’t want love. He was a date em and leave em sort of guy. No time or desire to do the whole marriage thing. Loving his sibling / cousins fiercely he knew he wouldn’t miss their wedding for the world. Traveling to Marietta he sees Annie. A spicy brunette he doesn’t seem to be able to get his mind off.
Unable to keep their feelings of “lust” aside Craig and Annie give into their lust. But what does this mean? Are they only meant to be a one night stand? Read on to find out !
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the first of the series. It’s also the first book I’ve read by this author. It was a good read. If you love second chance romance, this is for you.
Phoebe and Laurent make a pact. If neither are married by the time they are 40, they marry each other. That was, of course, before Phoebe left and broke Laurent’s heart. Now she’s back wanting Laurent to hold up his end of the pact. As hesitant as he is, he agrees but there is a condition. Phoebe can’t fall in love with him. Laurent isn’t sure he could handle that a second time.
This was such a good read. The characters are so relatable in terms of letting fear influence choices and decisions. It was a well written story that pulls you in and you can’t wait to see how it unfolds! I highly recommend!
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades. This is such a fun, emotional second chance romance. Its the story of Christy and Ryan who were high school sweethearts. Ryan loves Christy but he loves football more and with that choice Christy leaves and doesn’t look back. When she does return to town with twin girls in tow she begins working as the Pool manager at the Club in her neighborhood. When Ryan shows up to join she is caught so off guard. Not seeing him for 5 years and living her life as a mom she has been happy and now he shows back up when she is starting to get over him. Seeing him brings all kinds of feelings up. Ryan has always loved Christy and would love nothing more than to get back with her. Will secrets they have kept from each other ruin their chances of getting back together? Read this second chance romance to find out!
Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good sports romance book especially when there are animals in it too. I really liked the chemistry between Heath and Grace. I thought the story was very sweet and Heath was persistent. Grace’s stubbornness to her feelings stood no chance. I enjoyed the overall story and it was a quick read. I also liked their bantering as well.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My Goodbye Girl
This is one of those books that hits you in the feels hard and leaves you quite emotional. I haven’t cried while reading in a while until this book. The tears were happy, sad and at times angry but I was not going to put the book down long enough to wipe them away.
Oh Tessa. What an incredibly strong and smart woman. She is understandably apprehensive on developing a relationship with anyone and Simon scared her for so many reasons, she didn’t know if she could ever unlock her heart but Simon found a way.
I was reluctant to read this because I had a feeling it was going to make me cry. I’m so glad I did and I fell in love with everything about their story.
Keep a box of kleenex close and be prepared to deal with all of your feelings. It’s 100% worth it.
