The Secrets of Arkhaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Alison Risher

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills Book 2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B. E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another gripping installment in a fascinating series. The setting is a boarding school for students who possess extraordinary abilities. The main characters are a set of gifted twins from a family of both gifted and non gifted family members. The family is one of many who belong to a secret society. This has potential hallmarks of a being a set of stories about a cult-like organization. It is such an amazing read!

View all my reviews

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Alison Risher

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t get enough of this series! This starts off as a typical who-done-it, however it is anything but typical. The author weaves characters and motives throughout the tale with the deftness of a master weaver. I like the policeman who went the extra steps to make certain that justice was done rightly. I like the glimpses of the protagonist from the previous book in the series.

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Betsy Melano

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful and thoughtfully written story that can be hard for some to talk about. Although I have never needed to have a pet euthanize a family pet. This book makes it easier to have the conversation with children. The story is about a family with 2 cats, named Oscar and Emmy, that help a neighborhood stray cat who they soon discover is very sick. I would definitely consider reading this story to my children if we were to find our beloved pet is hurting, needing comfort, love, and affection as he or she takes their last breath.

View all my reviews

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tia Martel

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted isn’t like other schools. At West Hills, they take in students with special gifts above and beyond what the normal student can do. They have classes for telepathy, telekinesis, and more!

Franklin and Jonathan Reed are two students (and twins) at West Hills and this year is big! The school is taking part in a competition amongst houses and if they’re lucky, they get to participate.

Jon is struggling with being the only student with his gift, while Frank is worried that he’ll fall victim like the others with a similar gift. The boys must work together and try to save the school.

I found this book really hard to get into. It may be because I didn’t read book one or that it just wasn’t a book in my usual middle grade genre.

I felt there were missing parts (these may become clear when I go back and read book 1) throughout and several areas where more information could’ve been helpful in hammering out some storyline. I also struggled with the changes in perspective with this book. It goes from Frank to Jon to others in third person without much transition so I found it hard to know who I was reading as on several occasions and had to go back and find out.

It has a ton of potential and I loved the zodiac games and the suspense for the boys to figure out what was going on. I can’t wait to try again once I’ve read book one to see if that has helped me pick up on where I struggled with this one.

View all my reviews

Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shannon Fowler

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How can the second book in this series be even hotter than the first?!? By chapter 3 it was oh my!! Daphne and Lev are so sweet, so sexy, so aggravating, so complicated.

Refreshing and sexy and infuriating all at the same time. ~ Lev

This book continues where Royally Complicated left off, with Bridget and Fyn off on their honeymoon and everyone else going back to their daily lives. Lev is forced to take a vacation himself just to get over everything that happened in the first book. Lev takes everything personal, especially his job of protecting Fyn and the royal family. So taking a vacation to reassess events is not his idea of a good time. And Daphne isn’t ready to go back to the States…as she says, what is there for her now that Bridget is an actual Princess? Daphne needs some time away and decides to use Fyn’s secret and private beach house, Elysium. Can she find the answers she’s looking for there? Or is there more trouble waiting for her?

Daphne is a balls-to-the-wall type of person. While it seems like she doesn’t have a care in the world, she is breaking on the inside. I love her and her bumbling care-free ways.
Lev is stubborn and serious, the complete opposite of Daphne. And I love him too!

These authors have put together this Crowned Heart Series with characters you will love to read about. Hoping there is more to come from this series and these authors together.

View all my reviews

Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shannon Fowler

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First time reading from author Anderson, but what I do know is in great McNamee fashion, this story is hot AF and at only 20% in I was in love with these two characters already!

If it comes to that, blame the tequila. ALWAYS blame the tequila. That’s my new motto.
~Bridget
It’s like this character was already in my head.

Bridget and Fyn have an easy attraction and mutual connection. If only being together was as easy. This story is about forbidden love. A story about bucking the rules and living life. But also having to deal with the consequences of our choices and actions.

Sometimes, everything we thought we wanted has to fall apart, so everything we need can fall into place. And that is precisely how fate led me to my prince. ~Bridget

While most of the time I felt like Bridget was a bumbling, stereotypical female, I felt like there was more to her. She’s in promotions/marketing so she’s somewhat smart. Maybe it was just being all up in her feelings…first losing her fiancé then falling for Fyn and all he brings. Or maybe, just maybe it WAS all that tequila! I still loved her character and love how she gets her HEA!

Looking forward to being Russian and royally complicated!

View all my reviews

Atonement: McIntire series, by Winter Austin

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in the McIntire series, Atonement by Winter Austin, was amazing! Right from the first few pages, I was hooked. Her characters are relatable and strong, the story line was powerful. Trouble on more than one front, but not enough to be unrealistic. I was caught up the entire time and finished the book in one day, not able to put it down. Looking forward to picking up the next!

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannon Fowler

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After recently having to put my own cat, Simba, down due to cancer, this book was spot on. The vet we used was very compassionate as was the vet in this story. After reading this story and taking a moment to remember my own experience, I went back and enjoyed the pictures as well. This author uses words simply enough for young children to understand and encourages questions for better understanding.
Can’t say I enjoyed reading this story but when is death ever an enjoyable read. However, this story was nicely done.

View all my reviews

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Beverly Finnie

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mother’s Threat was interesting and the 4th book in this Millersville Series. I’ve read them all, and nothing beats the first one but this was a close 2nd. Each book is different, though based in the same town. They can be read in succession or as a standalone novel.
This book brings Violet and her mom head to head. Violet has booked her first client and she’s excited. When one starts a new business it’s sometimes hard to get off the ground. She’s contracted to protect Bettermed while they are having a nationwide conference. One problem: her mother and a bunch of other people who want to save the planet and go after corporate juggernauts are coming to protest and cause trouble. Second problem, the police chief and mayor don’t think it’s a threat. That all reports are false. Third problem: there’s 100s more than they expected and they are wreaking havoc on this coastal town.
What does Violet and her team do?
Will her mom be a problem that prevents Violet from seeing everything clearly?
Those questions and so many more as you navigate this novel. This author is a wonderful writer and keeps your mind going throughout. Edge of your seat type writing. It’s well worth it, so check not just this book out but all of them!!

@placexba
View all my reviews

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute story about kids making new friends and learning about the pen pal program. I myself learned about Ukraine so your child will also. It is an easy read. I loved having a pen pal as a kid so it definitely brought back memories.

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As usual, our household was so excited to get our hands on another Lous Wickstrom book. Especially this one given my son’s newfound fascination with rockets. We all got into the book so easily and found it to be entertaining and educational. The story asks the characters match each other perfectly.
We had already read this book multiple times and I am sure we will be reading if many times more.

View all my reviews

Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! This one had some really amazing spice. Lev and Daphne are not the biggest fans of each other but they become lovers in the story. There are so many things that happen in this book, you will not be able able to figure out what will happen next. This is the second book in the series, but it can be a stand alone.

View all my reviews

Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Kerry Baker

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This books is all about the characters, right from page 1. They are such and interesting group that you cannot help but find them entertaining. There is at least one character you will connect with although, if you are anything like me you will connect with more.

The story was well written and engaging. I thought the author for the pacing just right.it was easy to get into and it was easy to read quickly because it is so good. This is a book definitely worth your time.

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2023

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great children’s book that introduces them to what constellations are. I enjoyed the illustrations and the visit of the little alien to a school on Earth. It was interesting how he had different names for his constellations, based on what he/they thought they looked like as opposed to what we named them. The end of the book has a list and pictures of the constellations.

View all my reviews

A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jennifer Gordon

A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging YA contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. The heroine of the story Mina had grown up on “the proverbial wrong side of the tracks,” and sadly had few friends and was bullied at school. She spent her childhood thinking of creative ways to escape Palmer, Georgia where she lived, until the first day of fifth grade when a new boy, Wes appeared and gave her a reason to stay. Unfortunately, Wes then left two years later, just disappeared without a word, leaving the thirteen year old Mina with a broken heart. Then Mina’s life changes and she’s gone from a Palmer trailer park to an Atlanta mansion and from wearing secondhand clothes to straight off the runway fashions. The other big change is that those that bullied her now want to be her best friend, and Mina now reigns supreme at her new prestigious high school. However, she’s still counting down the days until graduation and then a new boy arrives at her school, Wes. He just walks back into Mina’s life, threatening her new life in the process and her heart once again. This is a heartwarming teenage romance and a coming of age novel, and the storyline had me hooked. Both the characters and setting come to life through the descriptive narrative, and it has a likeable and relatable character in Mina, who I felt engaged with throughout the story.

View all my reviews

Dead Sound (Things Unseen Book 1) by Anise Eden – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me guessing all the way around. Love the characters that Anise Eden builds in her stories. Her form of writing leaves you speechless and on your toes. When she brings in Neve as the victim in her own job as a therapist she needs to overcome that fear with the help of Doctor O’Brien.

Anise Eden brings the viewpoint of how the world can be and how people see the world as dark and evil lurking around. When she puts a Doctor and therapist in this world the viewpoint of history that lies beneath each patient especially when one of their patients went into a coma in a bizarre way they have to see what lies in his history back home.

View all my reviews

Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Barbara Bohls

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series. I would highly recommend reading these books in order as they will make more sense. I want to spill all the beans about this book but I don’t want to give away spoilers. The enemies to lovers forced proximity genre that this book has, gives a fresh take on it that makes it feel like you’re reading that troupe for the first time. Just like with the first book these authors writing together is seamless. It really feels like one author wrote the whole book. Not only do you have enemies to lovers, you also have secrets that are boiling to come out and tons of steam. The main characters have growth not only for themselves but there is growth together. I love a story where you can see the growth from all avenues. This book is written very, very well and will keep you turning pages to see what happens next, whether that is the amazing steam that seems to just come off the pages or the secrets that you know are coming. There is an air of secrecy in this book that leads the reader to know that she big things are going to be revealed in this book. I highly recommend this book and the first one to anyone who is looking for an escape from reality for a bit. You will find yourself caught up in what is going on that you won’t want to deal with anything other than turning the next page.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

View all my reviews

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am the biggest fan of thrillers and mystery. When I first saw this book I was like it won’t be that good but I was wrong. The author Anise Eden, did an amazing in building a world of mystery and thrill that kept me reading both the 1st book and the 2nd book.

O’Brien being the doctor tries to help his brother from a mysterious illness, with the help of his girlfriend Neve the therapist they come close to stopping something that can destroy people. But they uncover something far worse and it might cost their lives.
When Neve uses a unique skill to uncover O’Brien’s sister-in-law’s sleepwalking problem they find out the lies and the plan to murder. Neve and O’Brien got themselves in a pit of trouble that can hurt a lot of people including his brother.

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend, by Terri Sabol

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A Story About Euthanasia was a wonderful and heartbreaking read. It’s perfect for helping to explain loss and death of a family pet to children, or even a simple way to help young adults process the grief. The story explains enough without being too detailed on a delicate matter, while also being straightforward and not sugar coating things, as does tend to happen when explaining something so painful to children.

View all my reviews

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Rayne East

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Rockstar, second chance romance This book was full of angst. It’s the first book I have read […]

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Rymer

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love reading Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series, it is my favorite series I’ve read in a long time! The real-life situations that these characters get themselves into, and the way that they handle them just is phenomenal. This is the continuation of Phoenix and Aspen’s tale of an unexpected pregnancy resulting from a one-night together. It is so endearing to watch how their strong personalities continue to clash against each other, as they are both rather self-centered characters, each feeling that their situation is beyond what they can control or handle. Yet if they would both develop open communication, they would realize how much they need to depend on each other. This book was so hard to put down, it kept me reading all day today, I just couldn’t put it down from the second I opened it. I am so anxious to see what the outcome will be in the next book from the horrendous cliffhanger that we are left with! My heart aches to read the finale of Phoenix and Aspen’s tale. If you’ve read any of the books in this series, make sure that you go in order, because each book builds upon the next, and you do not want to miss out on anything! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested and loves reading enemy-to-lovers romances.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023

View all my reviews

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Sarah King

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third installment in this series. The story continues to develop, giving more detail into both the relationship of Kodiak and Tamaska as well as the overall storyline as well. I can’t wait to see what’s next and would recommend reading the series in order while waiting for the next installment.

View all my reviews

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Angela Hayes

When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romanceWhen We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

When We Fall Again by Julie Archer is a very angsty and emotional rockstar romance with second chances, chemistry, baggage, issues, drama, and much more. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Archer, so I really didn’t know what to expect going into this story. But, let me tell you, she certainly has a knack for building angsty tension, as well as injecting plenty of emotion into her writing.
Jordan and Lex have a complicated history between them, and now these two exes are thrown together again on a band tour. He’s the magnetic frontman for the band, and she’s the tour manager. But with their complicated past, self-destructive demons, and sizzling chemistry- these two have quite the journey ahead of them. What happens makes for a captivating read that strummed my emotions along the way.
Looking forward to more from Ms. Archer.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Julie Archer!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Angela Hayes

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

The Mother’s Threat is a tense standalone by Susan Specht Oram. This story weaves a tale of complex family dynamics, drama, tension, challenges, emotion, and more.
Violet Cleveland has a lot riding on the outcome of an important security contract that gets more challenging as the hours go by. She certainly never expected that her own mother would pose a threat to her safety and the success of her mission – and we get a front-row seat as it all goes down. When the tension mounts and agendas are revealed, the stakes get much higher.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was interesting! Friends turned lovers is always a go to for me and this book was a good pallette cleanser between the darker books I’ve been reading recently. It was a little slow in parts but Mitch & Mia had an interesting story that I didn’t want to put down and liked this authors writing style. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another fantastic book from this author…I loved this story right from the start. Fast paced, suspense, intrigue, secrets, crime drama that had me at the edge of my seat of what will happen next…

Violet Cleveland is owner and head of a security business that she is proud to start up. When Violet is approached to be security for a big corporation and their big meeting will take place right in their small town, but this meeting is also bringing out people whom oppose to this meeting. Talks about protests coming..but the Violet’s surprise the ring leader is her own mother, Daisy. Violet wants to not only protect her client but the town as well and lets the mayor and chief of police in on what may happen only to get ignored multiple times. Daisy brings mayhem at every corner and Violet desperately tries to stay ahead that no one is hurt. Will Violet be able to protect her client like she promise or will Daisy and her followers protests turn an ugly corner?

This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend. The characters are fantastic and I loved how strong Violet was even when her own mother took advantage of her….and the relationship they had.
Can I just say I also loved the bar owners in this story as well…….made me smile…..

View all my reviews

Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Atonement is book one in The McIntire County series. I was hooked from the start. Who doesn’t like a romantic thriller with a mystery to be solved? It was awesome to see a story where the PTSD of our veterans is part of the plot. I enjoyed the not-so-perfect characters with emotional issues and it helped move the plot along. Looking forward to read book two!

View all my reviews

Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Erin DeRoma

Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must read for any book sleuth! Don’t start until you have the time and space to read in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down, I was too invested. A very quick engaging read, right from the start. I was truly transported right into this book, it seemed almost interactive. If you love solving mysteries and coming up with your own theories while reading, this is certainly for you!

View all my reviews

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Kristin Boutelle

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading this book, I now understand more about nuclear weapons, the effects of nuclear weapons, and the political aspect of nuclear weapons than I did before. I love how the author explains to us readers who don’t know all the scientific terms into simpler terms that we can understand it. There are a lot of facts about the topic that I did not know. I like how the author incorporates all aspects of the nuclear weapons. All in all, it’s a very good read.

View all my reviews

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book #2) by Lee Wood – Review by Angela Hayes

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

“A Picasso in a junk shop
A murdered art dealer
A growing suspect list
Time is running out
All they need is one Lucky Break…”

Lucky Break is the second book in the Trentbridge Tales series by Lee Wood. This is a gritty mystery with crime and investigation, tension, murder, the ‘art’ world, dark secrets, danger, drama, and plenty of intrigue.
I enjoyed meeting Detective James Sheldon in the first instalment of this series, so I was excited to see what he would be getting up to here. Mr. Wood didn’t disappoint, and along with an engrossing story, he has crafted a cast of well-developed complex characters who really helped to bring this whole story to life. This intriguing cast and interesting situations that Mr. Wood had created (in his book/series) would definitely make a great movie or television series.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lee Wood!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews