The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Violet’s new company has been tasked with protecting a company in town with protestors heading their way. One big problem arises…Violet’s mother, Daisy, is one of the lead protesters. Enjoyable book that made me think about bye mother/daughter relationship.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Cruel Hate is the fifth book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a Enemies to Lover’s Romance New Adult Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is packed with drama, suspense, family drama, tension, enemies-to-lovers and plenty of angst. I highly recommend reading the prequel Cruel Start before diving into this book as this one picks up where the prequel left us. Each book in this series keeps getting better and hotter than the last one. This is Phoenix and Aspens Duet and holy smokes! These two had a one-night stand that brings a shocking surprise that neither one was truly prepared for. So, a plan is formed to keep both their parents off their backs. But will this fake relationship turn into more than that? These two don’t have a easy time but can they navigate through it all together or will it end in a disaster? I highly recommend reading this book. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out how it all ends. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When We Fell Again is a second chance rockstar romance tale by Julie Archer. I have not read anything by Julie before and was intrigued to see what she brings to the table.
It is a well written angsty story where the characters are well-developed and definitely full of flaws. It is a short tale of drugs sex and rock n roll undeniable chemistry. There is lots of drama, misunderstandings, jealousy and insecurities, tension and chemistry.
When We Fell Again is a good story with lots of ups and downs. There is a motley crew (pardon the pun) of supporting characters who make things very interesting. Julie takes us on a journey of rocky love and into the not so glamorous world of music and the pitfalls that many find in that area.
At times I wanted to knock some people in the head and others I wanted to give a big hug to.
Jordan could once again have it all. Everything he has ever wanted but his past returns to threaten it all to lead to a dark path.
Alexis has been offered a gig of a lifetime but that means seeing him again. Will she be able to save him this time or will his past be too much once again?
When it comes to love the heart wants what the heart wants.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first thoughts were this was a “must read” because I really enjoyed the first book of the Trentbridge series. I enjoyed how the new storyline and characters were introduced before reintroducing the main characters from the previous books, for example, James Sheldon. It hooked me right away to see where this story was heading. Like the initial book, this one was full of action, a plausible story line, and a resolution that was thought out (as opposed to “just ending” the book, which a lot of books within a series tend to do, in my opinion).
Right away, the cover art drew me in- I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the stylized eye (symbolizing the lucky break?) and the realistic city scene, portraying the newly introduced character Peter Winston-Moore.
Throughout this sequel, I appreciated how the character development of recurring characters, such as James, remain the same. At the same time, some of the new characters have some far-fetched schemes, but made for a great story!
I really enjoyed the recurring theme in this book, of each of the characters, new and old, getting, in their viewpoint, “lucky breaks,” it really helped with keeping the pacing of this book fast and fresh. This time, the action centers around not a lottery winner, but art forgery and selling art, with great world building as the characters visit fairs, antique stores, and auction houses.
I read a lot of mystery novels, but not much crime novels, so I appreciated the novel’s ending surprising me to some degree. As with the first book, the chapters are on the shorter side, and the writing style is simple and refreshing, not overly flowerly or elegant, which I think depicts the world of art forgery to a tee. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
The Mother’s Threat is another psychological drama from Susan. It is a standalone book so there is no need to worry about missing out from a previous storyline.
This story is about a woman that is trying to build her life and her ever dramatic relationship with her unstable mother is complex to say the least. The twisty tale is driven by the rocky road mother/daughter relationship.
There were many times throughout that I wanted to do away with the vile woman who was supposed to love and care for her daughter. So, to say I had a hard time connecting with this woman was an understatement.
Susan also includes contentious themes within the driving of the story.
This emotionally charged tale is full of pain, frustration, heartbreak, betrayal and a lot more as one woman is ignored whilst trying to stop an all-out war.
If you like a story that is a fast-paced quick read thriller with lots of action, protests, threats and some intense moments this book may just be for you.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up “The Mother’s Threat” because I have read other books from Susan Specht Oram and have enjoyed them. Like all of her books, the cover gives little away, which I appreciate, with simply a chain link fence, which makes me question- whom or what is being kept in? Or out?
We soon find out the main character, Violet, is a recurring character from the book Shore Lodge, whom has set up her own security service company she set up to try to right the wrongs done to her as well as fellow employees. All goes well until her mother comes to town as part of a huge environmental anti-government protest movement in the quaint town of Millersville. Throughout the book, I appreciated how both of the main characters learn to forgive and move on, as well as grow their mother/daughter relationship- to an extent. I thought the ending was highly predictable, but this book was still worth reading to discover how Violet solves her maternal issues.
The most memorable part of the book was the tension and atmosphere created by the author- I really felt like I was in the middle of a protest, at times. The vivid descriptions of the actions of the protestors, the police, and Violet’s company were highly realistic and fearful, as they were, what would happen next.
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Trentbridge Tales series. While this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading in order to get the backstory on the people involved.
This book is just as riveting as the first one, with twists and turns that no one would see coming. This book kept me engaged throughout and I was not expecting the culprit at the end. Lee Wood has a way of weaving a story together that will have you guessing and second guessing throughout. This is set “over the pond” so there is some terminology that I had to look up but it was not distracting to the overall read.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will grab you and won’t let up until the words “the end” come up!
Violet is setting up her own security company after years of working for others. She’s amassed a team that has experience covering all the major facets of security. When a prominent business owner approaches her for her services, she’s thinking that this will be a very easy first job. The contracts are signed and everything suddenly changes.
Violet finds herself in the midst of a battle to save not only her client, but the town in which she lives. Rioters find their way to town and just about do them in. Violet and her team are on the case, even if other officials are not.
This book has strong political undertones dealing with corruption in some of the highest local offices. It was almost impossible to put this down as the story just grew more complex with each chapter.
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was fantastic. I highly recommend it. Bridget is on vacation and wonder me over into the secluded part of the beach. That is where she meets Fyn. She doesn’t know that he is actually a prince. Fyn is pulled in different directions, when it comes to Bridget and his family. Will their love be able to handle all the pressure?
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla did it again. This is such a good series. This book is about Phoenix and Aspen. Phoenix wants to play NFL, but Aspen is pregnant. How will a baby fit in? The book ended on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. I cannot get enough of Isla’s books. It’s an easy and quick read. I can never put never put the book down. Always exciting and suspense filled. I highly recommend Isla’s books. She does not disappoint!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who can you trust if not family? This story takes place in a familiar small town on the West Coast where nothing much happens. New business owner Violet dreams of thriving in the private security world and even has her first job lined up…but soon finds her mother standing on the opposing side when a peaceful protest gets chaotic. The author always shows complex characters in her books and even more complex relationships between them. I love the fast pace of the book and the thrilling psychological aspect to the story! I’m looking forward to the next novel written by Susan Specht Oram!
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Recommend you go read this book, especially if you love a good vampire, wolf series!! The beginning story just keeps getting better & better! This is the 3rd book in it’s series… Series are a MUST read for me LOL …I always want the amazing world the author creates to continue && that is what most certainly happens here. Can be read as a standalone BUT I very highly recommend reading them in order, to know more about the unfolding story! LOVED the characters & their continued story! Go READ IT NOW!!
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
This was the sweetest childrens book. It explains to kids what happens to animals or pets when they become sick and/or dying. The author does an outstanding job at explaining every step of the way an process for the family, children an vet. Down to the sweet, caring details. Also love the rainbow bridge explanation at the end!
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my oh my… with Isla dead, the Master’s are now fighting to end the rogues from causing any more havoc.
Master Campania is on the hunt for witches to find the rogues. He finds Willow and forces her to tell him the truth of everything she knows. She lies at first and he goes on a wild goose chase until he catches up to her again and captures her friends. This changes Willow’s tune quite quickly and she helps because she will never put her fellow witches in harm’s way, especially her friends.
Master Campania is not a fan of the witches and he doesn’t hide it. Can Willow change his mind? Can she change her own?
This is a tense and bloody book with battles on both sides. It will keep you reading until you come to the end. You will be waiting with tense eagerness for the next book. I can’t wait.
What a wonderful story. The narration made you feel so part of the story, bringing out emotions. I got sweet tears in my eyes at one point.
Katie is working in the big city following her dreams. Working herself to the bone and eating TV dinners because she is just to exhausted.
Chase is now the father to little Timmy, his brother’s son. He is content and has found happiness and love again in the little guy.
When Katie had broken his heart he never once imagined he would ever get over her. They hadn’t spoken since the day she left to follow her career.
In this second chance book, you will follow the pain they once went through and the new hope that lies ahead.
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Eee-ahh and Shirl are back with a Rocketship Made of Stars. This book is fun, imaginative, educational and the illustrations were colorful and engaging. I really enjoyed this book and although this is for ages 4-8, I believe this story can be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart like me.
Eee-ahh is back on earth and is so happy that she goes to school with Shirl one day so she may hear stories. Eee-ahh meets new friends along the way and also learns all about stars and constellations. Shirl and her friends learn about where Eee-ahh and her stars.
This is a cute, fun story. Loving the learning aspect with all sorts of constellations and what each of them mean.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not wait to get my hands on this book and start reading. As soon as it hit my kindle I opened it immediately and did not put it down until I had finished. It just had to know how things would progress after the previous book. It took no effort to become engaged with this book. I love the characters. I would say they are some of my favourites but that would also apply to every single couple in this series so far.
This author has such a enigmatic and captivating writing style. I love each and every book. They are all completely different yet have the same feel about them. Not only is this one of my favourite series this year, it is only of my favourites overall. I cannot wait until the next book to see how things turn out.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is technically part of a series, but the rest of the series isn’t necessary to follow this book. The author has written another fantastic story! I could not put it down as I waited for what would happen next. It follows Violet Cleveland as she launches her own security company. Unfortunately for her, as she signs her first major client, trouble comes into town. No matter what the personal cost, she will make sure to protect her client. Protestors and vandals try to derail everything she has worked for, and her own mother is a part of the problem. Her mother treats her unbelievably unfair and quite terribly. Violet struggles with loving her mom while still having boundaries and not being ok with her mom’s actions. There is so much angst about loving her mom and not liking her at all. I believe this is something we all struggle in our lives with someone in our families. It is so relatable. Great book!
https://www.amazon.com/review/RGGGFWOOX2UR0/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3144086945
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5822094731
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a quick read for me. This book was ok for me. It moved a little slow for me and I was hoping for more action. I didn’t connect with the characters especially Mia who I found a little bothersome. Overall, the plot tied up nicely but the flow was a little stuck for me. I would read others by this author as I did enjoy the book overall.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author Maria DeBlassie has an amazing perspective with her Tarot cards that lead to her connection with a magical energy that most are not aware of.
Her words spoke to me but I could not connect to her emotions when she wrote about her passion and ways in her poems. For the fact that I am open-minded about a lot of things but for me, this is out of my reach due to I stay away from things that don’t belong to God.
The author has a lot of emotions in her love to have a relationship with her Tarot cards with all respect. Those who like to have a connection with Tarot cards especially my daughter will love this book because she is learning and interested to speak to her cards.
Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was not my first and it won’t be my last I really enjoy the writing of PJ Mann😉
I’ve never been to Italy but the writing style made me feel like I was there . I could smell the smells , feel the feels and form pictures in my minds eye ❣️📚
Detective Scala is at it again . This time , a young woman had gone missing , her car has been found and there are blood splatters on the seat ….
Simona Riboldi was on her way to her lover when she stopped for cigarettes and then she messaged him that she’s had a change of heart and then disappears !? Naturally her husband is a suspect as is the lover but there’s something more sinister going on especially when it comes to light there was another lover! Not only that but there’s another murders and the 2 seem to be linked and just for added drama let’s add a little mafia as well !
I mean girl you have your hands full! Where she found the time , stamina and energy is mind boggling 🤭🤫
I like Detective Scala and his love affair with coffee , the man had taste 😉☕️❣️and he’s going to need that caffeine to find a killer , protect a witness and keep himself out of harms way …
An enjoyable read especially with a coffee on hand 😉
Reticent Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Hawke Family Second Generation. I loved the first book in this series. I was so excited for this book though because we get to learn more about the elusive Jude. This story had me hooked from the start. This is not just a romance, it is the story of family, friendship, and love. It is overcoming your past and the obstacles thrown in your way. The characters in this story seem to take on a life of their own.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Mother’s Threat is a fast-paced, psychological thriller that will grip you from the first pages and keep you reading until the end. The story centers around the character of Violet who has just opened her own security business. She is an ex-covert-ops leader who is smart, strong, courageous, and tenacious. Violet is a woman who never backs down from a challenge and will instead tackle it head-on. Her first job with her security business, Outrigger Services, is to provide security for a company called Bettermed at an upcoming conference they are holding. When Violet discovers that her mother, Daisy, is planning to join a group of protestors at the conference she is shocked and horrified. She knows her hippie mom to be peace-loving, gentle, and kind so how could she be involved in a protest? Not only is Daisy involved in the protest, but she becomes the voice for the group. When the peaceful protest becomes heated looting, fires, and destruction occurs. Violet and Daisy’s mother-daughter relationship hangs precariously in the balance as they find themselves on opposing ends and Violet finds herself being forced to choose between her business and her mom.
This was yet another amazing book by this talented author. Her writing style is impeccable and draws the reader fully into the story. The relationship between Violet and Daisy became complex quickly when they found themselves on opposing sides of an issue involving big business and climate change. Both women are strong, smart, determined, and have strong beliefs and values. It was interesting to read and see how the conflict would play out between Violet and Daisy. This was a book full of action, drama, suspense, conflict, family dynamics, beliefs, morals, values, and the complex mother-daughter dynamic. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you reading until the end. I highly recommend this book!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good Thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It was a unique story for me and I loved how the author really did a thorough job on the relationship between Daisy and Violet. It really helped to bring the characters to life and I could really feel Violets turmoil as she struggled with protecting her client and her job over protecting her mother.
Violet has set up her own security company and they are taken on by a big company for protection. In their small town nothing much happens so it should be an easy job. Rumours start of activists arriving to protest against her client has her in edge for trouble. But with the police and even the town mayor not taking her worries seriously is she blowing things out of proportion?
As the activists arrive Violet is also deal another blow when she realises that one of the main activists is her own mother. Now she has to stand against her mother to do whats right by her clients and possible destroy the relationship she has with her mother in the process. What starts out as a peaceful protest soon gets out of hand and as things turn violent will Violet be able to keep control especially without support from the police or mayor?
I had mixed feelings about Violets and Daisy’s relationship. While i could understand Daisy standing up for her beliefs I couldn’t get over how she puts Violet in danger and makes her a target for the activist group. I also didn’t like the way Daisy broke into Violets house. Daisy comes across as a very self centred person, not caring who she hurts in her pursuit to make her views known. I felt for Violet being stuck between a rock and a hard place and I also felt her sense of betrayal and hurt but also admiration as she watches her mother stand up for what she believes in no matter the cost.
It was an enjoyable read that was fast paced and I couldn’t put down.
Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Astoria Royals Series. I have not read the first 2 books so this book can totally be read as a stand alone. The emotion and the storytelling in this book were outstanding. I was drawn into this book and the characters’ stories. The way the past and the present collide for Priscilla and Riordan is perfect and heart wrenching. I believe I will need to go back and read the first 2 books just to stay in this world a little longer.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an incredible book, it was filled with action, excitement, suspenseful, thriller, fast paced. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough. The twists and turns had me guessing and excited into what was going to happen next. The characters in this book were so well developed that they went very well with the story line. The details and story line were well written that it made me feel like I was right there with them. this book was very gripping, and I enjoyed every second of reading it.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This fast paced domestic thriller had me hooked from start to finish. Violet Cleveland is an ex-covert-ops leader who now runs her own security business and so is used to having her mind running on high alert. As well as a new business to worry about she also has to keep her unstable hippie mother in line, especially when there’s a conflict of interest between her ‘make or break’ protection detail and her mothers views. When she finds out that her job is involved with some emotionally charged protests Violet alerts the authorities only to be dismissed as a fear monger. Violet then goes undercover to try and track the source of the threats, only to discovers that her own mother has blown her cover to a potential lynch mob. This was a real page turner with an intriguing storyline and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The complex mother/daughter relationship between Violet and Daisy really came across in the narrative, and I felt engaged with them. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and the psychological drama kept me gripped throughout.
When We Fell Again by Julie Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When We Fell Again is an angsty, second chance, contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Jordan and Alexis. Jordan is lead singer with the band Idol Rev. His band is due to go on a comeback tour but after an alcohol induced moment of stupidity Jordan has dislocated his shoulder. He insists that he is still able to tour if he has super strength painkillers to take the edge off his pain. Alexis is a tour manager that usually manages smaller tours. When she is asked to fill in for Idol Rev’s regular tour manager, she is reluctant because it means that she will be on tour with her ex, Jordan.
Jordan and Alexis were together while in university and when he was an up-and-coming rock star. It was being his girlfriend that gave her the love of live music and led her into a career in tour management. Her new career was also what broke Jordan and Alexis up when she started to spend long periods of time away from home. Jordan became jealous, accused her of horrible things, and it inevitably caused the two to break up. Naturally, Alexis is not keen on seeing Jordan again but when she does old feelings begin to stir and she cannot deny her attraction to him. Jordan has managed to avoid Alexis for five years and is not keen on seeing her again but feels that he can maintain a professional attitude. That is, until he sees Alexis and old feelings come to the surface. His attraction to her is undeniable and he vows to change his ways and be a better man so he can win her back. Can old hurt and bitterness be put aside so that Jordan and Alexis can have a chance at a future together? Will Jordan settle back into his old ways of anger and jealousy?
This was a well written story with an intriguing storyline. It was interesting to read and see how Jordan and Alexis would handle being on tour together. Their attraction to one another was undeniable but would it be enough. I had to keep reading to see if Jordan really could change his ways and be the man that Alexis deserved. It was interesting to see how Alexis would handle the situation and if she could forgive Jordan and accept that he truly wanted to change. Would Jordan break her heart again? This book was an angsty, passion-filled, second chance romance that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was brilliant! I love Neve as a character! She is a psychotherapist stabbed at work and is nervous returning to work. Her patients keep telling her about the apocalypse and they’re not far wrong. She’s pulled into a plot with twists and turns, it really grips you until you can’t stop reading! I would highly recommend this if you like to be kept on the edge of your seat!
