House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal. I love when I’m on the edge and I never know what’s going to happen next. The way the author can have me envision everything has me in love. Amazing characters with a fantastic story line has me wanting to read more of the authors work. I can’t wait. I highly suggest you check this book out!
Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by T.Christensen. This is the third book in the Tessa and Jordan series. It is a stand alone book. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers stories. They always have so much more heat. Just my opinion. This one wasn’t much different. Tons of romance, tension, drama, frustration, and even adventure. A good start to reading T. Christensen’s stories.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an absolute amazing book to make me find another favorite author!!! I devoured this book and I couldn’t get enough. Full of suspense and it had me quickly flipping the pages. If you want a great psychological thriller, hurry and read this! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ceri has everything she has hoped for with her fiancé. However when she goes to get their marriage license she finds out she is already married to Alex a member of the band Brightside. She must go find Alex and ask for a divorce. When she shows up at the bar where the band plays when they are in the area she is in for more than she bargained for. Alex makes her a deal that if she comes on tour with them for three months and not fall back in love with him he will sign the divorce papers no problem. Will Ceri be able to not fall back in love with him or will she get the divorce that she has gone to him for?
Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Wolfbane series. I don’t normally enjoy love triangle books but picked this one up and wow. There were so many things I loved about this book (Blake!), and there were some things that frustrated me, but I think it’s a good sign that I was able to get so passionate about the characters and events taking place.
The premise was great, and while I wish some things had played out differently and more focus on some characters than others, I found it entertaining and engaging. It was well-written, flowing nicely and the descriptions conjured clear and vivid imagery of both the scenery and the characters.
I really enjoyed most characters, but my absolute favourite was Blake. I won’t allow anyone to say anything against him, he is precious and must be protected (not that he needs protection)! He’s so sweet and understanding of Jasmine’s beliefs and needs and I honestly wanted to stop reading at points where I felt he was not receiving the attention he deserved. He is perfection and no one will convince me otherwise. I also loved the effect he had on others for example, despite being the future alpha, he elicits a fun and more carefree side to Jasmine. He has such goodness in him, even with the darker parts and the terrible things he has experienced, that really show his true character and I can’t get enough of him.
Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the character development. Anyone who knows me know that I adore books with brilliant character development, and this one certainly provided me with plenty. Not only do we see the how and why characters start the way they did, we see the events and people which guide and shape them as the story progresses.
I enjoyed the refreshing take on the mate bond and chosen mates. The way the story played out in the end made me happy and the fact that there was no cliffhanger – bonus!
The bit I didn’t like was how drawn out the love triangles went on for and the way some characters were seemingly forgotten at times. I understood the need for it to play out that way to show the development of the characters and the events which unfolded but the amount of focus on it did cause me to take a break and come back to it. I also felt the development could have been even greater if some of the important/defining moments were given to alternative characters.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable read and I would happily reread. I can’t wait to fall back into the world with book 2!
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first children’s book I have read from this author. My 5 year old granddaughter loved the illustrations and thought the story was cute. She kept saying “That’s not a dog” and laughing. I thought the ending could have been better. I see she has another book and I look forward to reading it as well. The book is rated 0-8 years old but I think 0-5 is probably more accurate.
House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I had read by this author but it definitely will not be the last, as I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting fantasy romance and it had me hooked throughout. The independent and feisty Cahki was kidnapped in order to warm Emperor Min’s bed. However, this turns out to be the worse decision he made, after all inside her lives the strength and ferocity of a fjord dragon! Prince Sung-Jin is the sole heir to the throne of the Southern Kingdom, but his father believes in ruling by fear and that applies to his son as well who carries the scars. The Prince plans to free his people from his father’s cruelty and when he meets the white haired Cahki he believes she can help him, and in turn he can free her. Cahki agrees to marrying Sung-Jin even though he’s a stranger and her enemy if it means no longer being a slave. The couple set out to rescue the kingdom and it’s people who live in fear from a cruel Emperor with no morals and unsavoury appetites. Even though the court hates it’s ruler, the odds are against Prince Sung-Jin and Cahki, but they are both willing to try, and either win or die! The setting and characters were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters. This was a real page turner and it had me captivated from start to finish, I definitely recommend reading it.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love a good suspenseful read but this one just wasn’t for me. I do not do well with books that flip back and forth between past and present as I struggle to keep up with the story. The writing in this one to me was also a bit choppy. That’s not to say that someone else wouldn’t enjoy this one. This is the first book in quite awhile that I couldn’t finish.
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Critics have praised the book for its engaging and interactive format, which includes colorful illustrations, fun activities, and quizzes to test readers’ knowledge of dogs. The author’s passion for animals shines through in every page, and her dedication to educating children about the importance of responsible pet ownership is commendable. The book is suitable for readers of all ages who love dogs and want to learn more about these furry friends.
Overall, Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! is a delightful book that will leave readers smiling and feeling grateful for the unconditional love and loyalty of their own furry companions. It is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs and wants to inspire the next generation of animal lovers.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved being back in Buckeye Falls, the small town in Ohio and catching up with all the familiar characters from the previous books as well as being introduced to new ones. As usual the descriptive narrative brings Buckeye Falls vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline and I felt engaged with the likeable and relatable characters. Alice Snyder comes from the town’s First Family and as the Mayors sister has a reputation of not playing by the rules, and now that she’s back home after a decade away she just wants to relax. However, her well meaning but nosey neighbours think she needs to settle down and so are determined to find her a husband. When Alice meets artist James Gibson, who has runaway from New York for some peace and inspiration she gets an idea, if she ‘fake dates’ James that will stop all the matchmaking. Meanwhile James who was excited to start painting again is having artists block and has a collection of blank canvases, but then he meets Alice and she could be his muse. James is keen to spend more time with Alice and so agrees to the ‘fake dating’ plan especially as she seems to inspire him. However, after a few weeks of pretending to date, when they were going to move on, all the time they have spent together, their laughter and the stolen kisses, have made their relationship feel real. As the couple find it hard to be honest with each other about how they feel they will either find their HEA or breakup for real, no spoilers, I recommend picking up the book!
House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
House of Blood and Whispers is a fantasy romance full of action, drama, angst, violence, danger, and a tyrannical leader. The cover of this book is stunning and immediately drew me in which is why I picked it up to read. That, and the title really captured my attention. The story centers around the characters of Cahki and Prince Sung-jin who must team up to try to stop the tyrannical reign of Sung-jin’s father, Emperor Min. Sung-jin is tired of living under the reign of his father who rules the land with force and fear. Sung-jin is kind, tender, caring, and a fierce warrior. He hates how cruel and perverse his father is and wants to bring an end to his reign of terror. Emperor Min is cruel, has no morals, and does not care who he hurts to get ahead. Cahki was kidnapped and held captive by Emperor Min to be part of his harem of other kidnapped women. She is strong, feisty, brave, and a force to be reckoned with. Sung-jin and Cahki have a mutual enemy in Emperor Min and want to be free of his tyranny. When Prince Sung-jin offers her a chance at freedom by marrying him she reluctantly takes it. Together they must fight for freedom for themselves and for the kingdom. Danger lurks around every corner and the dynamic duo must fight for their own survival. This book has a captivating storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I highly recommend this book!
Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel Truths is Book Three in the Tessa and Jordan series. Although this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. It is an angsty, enemies to lovers’ contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Lindy and Cade. Lindy is an aspiring fashion designer who comes across a posting for a job at a fashion company as a personal assistant. She feels that this would be a good way to get into the world of fashion design and takes the position as Cade’s personal assistant. Cade is head of the fashion board for the company that Lindy wants to be on and has been a cold-hearted jerk to Lindy since they first met. Cade is pushy, rude, bossy, and domineering. Lindy has her family to think of, so she refuses to allow him to intimidate her. When a business deal comes up that requires them to act as a couple, she reluctantly agrees to be Cade’s fake girlfriend. With nerves of steel and a drive to succeed she refuses to allow her emotions to get the better of her while in close proximity to Cade. This proves to be anything but easy as the sexual tension between the two is intense. A great story full of ups and downs, highs and lows, drama, love, hate, angst, passion, and chemistry.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Faking the Fall is Book Four in the Buckeye Falls series. Although this can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading previous books in the series because there are recurring characters. Each book focuses on a new set of quirky, fun-loving characters and tells their story. Faking the Fall is a small town, fake romance, full of family, fun, and witty banter. It centers around the characters of Alice and James who decide to fake a romance with one another to prevent the town gossip and Nosey Nellies from trying to push either of them into unwanted relationships. Alice has been the center of gossip for awhile in the small town of Buckeye Falls and has a reputation for being a bit of a wild child. She is strong-willed, feisty, determined, and a bit of a rebel who refuses to be defined by the rules of society. Having recently moved back to town Alice just wants to focus on her life, her hopes, and her dreams but the Nosey Nellies constantly interfere and feel that she needs a husband. James has just moved to town after a bad divorce and just wants to focus on his painting. Unfortunately, he finds himself blocked creatively and unable to paint anything. When James and Alice cross paths it is as though fate has brought them together. Alice proposes that the two have a fake romance to keep the towns amateur cupids and gossips at bay. What starts out innocent soon turns into a slow-burning romance as Alice and James begin to have real feelings for one another. The ensuing story makes for a cute read full of angst, sexual tension, and a friends to lovers’ element.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a captivating and intriguing story that is complex and woven together so well. So much happens in the story and it is intricately pieced together. I thought the book was gripping from the moment you start reading. It is full of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I loved how the characters were right at the heart of this story. Everything centered around them which, for me, made it all the more engaging. I could never quite decide how I thought things would work out for them and I couldn’t wait to find out. This is a fantastic, suspenseful and gripping novel that I would highly recommend.
This book really played on my emotions, I was stuck between wanting to keep reading and needing a break to digest what I had just read.
Tang has weaved herself an interesting web between her real estate job, writing a book and her love life, she is a very busy woman. Layla loves her but is growing impatient with the book. Dee loves Layla but wants more commitment, wants to know that she will have a family there for her and wants that security.
This book definitely grabs your attention.
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was not my typical read but I still enjoyed it! This historical romance has everything from action to steamy romance. This is a fast paced read with strong characters especially Anna. I really enjoyed the world building and the author’s writing style. There is definitely a good balance between the overall plot and the romance. I will say there are some situations in the story that may be triggering to some who are SA survivors. I enjoyed the story but did struggle reading those parts but they are important to the storyline.
You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and I was thoroughly surprised how much I did since I am usually not a fan of multiple POV or going past to present but this was done SO SO well. I knew who was talking thanks to the name headers and without the rewind to the past we wouldn’t see how we got to the opening scene where we have so many questions!
Kate has been burned before in a relationship but when Ben comes along they just click and it’s off from there.
We also get to see her best friend Jenny and Bens best friend Josh along the way and I thought that that was super unique we get 2 stories.
A case of a big misunderstanding and past hurts brings Kate to question Ben.
Will they be able to talk things through and come to an understanding or will both be heartbroken?
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read Wondogfilled, Look a dog! with my 7 year old son. He read it to me, and we liked it. He liked all the different dogs that the author incorporated (or rather illustrator). The book shows us how Kingston is learning more about the world around him. Every animal is a dog, and he loooovvveees seeing them on his daily walks. My son thought it was silly and funny trying to sound out the baby talk. It is the first book we have read by this author, and we would read more. It was cute abut geared toward a younger audience. It is listed as baby-8 but I think closer to up to 5 or 6 max.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shirl and Eee-ahh are on another adventure. So much fun to see where these friends go. Today it is Eee-ahh’s favorite bakery. Zips are Eee-ahhm favorite snack, but will it be Shirl’s? Science is so important and the younger the better. This story is fun and will keep those little minds active. The author has once again brought science and fun to the readers. She has also introduced a new character to the mix. Having done that opens up more conversation as well as educating us on our differences. Way to keep your readers reading and our children interested. No spoilers here as there is so much to discover while reading this open ended book. I hope you enjoy it too.
Review@cinful
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Outside of my usual comfort zone, I enjoyed No Amends more than I thought, for the lovers triangle the book is focused on is usually not my cup of tea. I enjoyed it because the stories intertwine as well as the relationships the author describes really well, but not sexually explicit/spicy.
Dark novel at times, Amanda desperately tries to atone for the mistakes she made in the past, hoping for forgiveness that will set her free from the burden that has been weighing her down. She turns to drugs and alcohol as a means of distraction, but soon realizes that the only way out is to face her guilt and make amends with her past.
The book is thoughtfully written, with evocative language and a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Angela Lam’s writing style is crisp and engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles.
Overall, “No Amends” is a compelling and powerful novel that not only entertains but also provides deeper insights into the human condition and the power of redemption. It is a must-read for anyone who loves contemporary fiction that explores complex themes and provides a fresh perspective on life.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great suspenseful read. I was gripped from the first page and the twists and turns kept me guessing all the way through the book. It is a story of Forbidden romance, a life filled with lies and secrets, deception and games that ends up with someone’s life ending.
This is a F/F romance which was interesting. The emotions and confusion that went throughout this story was so well written that I felt every thing that the characters did.
Tang is a writer struggling to produce a book that will sell, her relationship with Layla is missing that spark and affection so is it any wonder when Tang meets Dee that she gets swept up in the attention and affection that Dee showers her with.
But Dee isn’t all she seems. She likes playing games. Her favourite thing to do is ensnare people and make them fall in love with her. But what happens when her game fails and she finds herself being the one left? What happens when Dee’s secrets start to unravel and Tang finally sees her for what she is? Tang finds herself in a mixture of guilt and confusion as all this is revealed and one night changes her life forever.
It was an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down.
Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick read for me. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers an thought it fit the genre. I always like when the male character knows instantly that the woman is meant to be his. I did feel like the broody sense between them was a little drawn out for me but it didn’t impact me too much. I enjoyed the writing by this author and would read other books of theirs.
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These books always touch my spirit because I love how the character’s energies and vibes mesh. In these I love how they always wind up together. But more importantly how they overcome so much in such a beautiful way. Great job to the author on making it all come together.
Cahki is a warrior of the Northern Islands, fierce, intelligent and full of passion for life as she knows it, until she is kidnapped by traffickers from the Southern Islands in order to be the Emperor’s concubine, which in no woman case is something to look forward to. When she escapes from the bad guys another man takes her liberty away once more.
Sung-jin is the prince of the Southern Islands and future heir of the Emperor, but he does have morals and wants to abide by the law, not like his titanic father. But in order to do so he must take the throne and establish a new order of things. Having Cahki as his wife may aid the cause, but how will he make this happen?
Since the very first line this book takes you to a world of magic, battle and wit, full of engaging dialogue and awning descriptions is a story to read and reread.
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a friends to lovers theme which held me captivated throughout. Brian Fox has a reputation for being a bachelor who guards his heart, however no one knows the heavy secret he has or why he has vowed to keep women at a distance. Then Amanda enters his life and her beauty and charm instantly get his attention. He thinks she could be the one, until he discovers that Amanda is his best friends sister, and so is off limits. Amanda returned to Boston with dreams of pursuing her business aspirations, and she’s as determined as she is romantic and so also dreams of an enduring love like her parents have.
When she first meets Brian they share an undeniable instant connection, but she then learns that he’s her brothers best friend and so they decide to remain just friends. However, as each year passes the couple struggle to fight their attraction and chemistry and the limits of their friendship gets tested. This took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this, and I felt completely immersed in the story. I loved the characters and I really felt for Amanda and Brian, who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. I look forward to reading the previous books in the series having thoroughly enjoyed this one.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what a way to start with a new author! Without giving too much away in this quick, explosive read – the opening finds us meeting Layla and Tang as Layla returns home from a trip to settle her mothers estate. It jumps quickly into mentioning a fatal single vehicle accident at Hangman’s Bend, and thus begins the puzzle of guilt, shame, romance, suspense, tension and more.
A very exciting read and I’ll follow this author to see what worlds she builds!
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just finished this book and let me tell you that I didn’t want to put it down! Of course I had to many, many times for normal life stuff, but every free chance I got, I grabbed it to read a little more. One chapter at a time I slowly finished it. Not because it was slow going, but because I was just crazy busy this week! If I had the time I’m sure I would have finished it within a day or two. Aubrianne (aka Anna) isn’t prepared for her marriage to Lord Roger of Stolweg. The fantasy of a loving home and husband is dashed away as soon as they arrive at the Keep. He’s so cruel to everyone when he’s home and frequently gone to unknown places otherwise. He’s hiding something and she and her new found friends (the servants that keep Stolweg running) fear him and his plans. She knows that her life will be coming to an end soon, just like his first wife. Roger only had two uses for her. Breeding horses and providing him with an heir. She starts a breeding program that flourishes, but providing an heir not so much. When the stable boy is tied to a post for lashes, Anna jumps in and takes his lashes for herself, not realizing that she fuels Roger’s sadist’s desires more. He becomes increasingly ugly and sadistic to her and she has the scares to prove it. Uncovering what he is up to and killing him before he kills her are her focus. When the Royal Guard show up unannounced to look into her husband and his dealings with forbidden realms, she fears she may have missed her chance. Larkin, one of the guards there to investigate Lord Roger, realizes that he knows Anna from years before. He caught her sneaking about court and he’s never been able to forget her since. Unfortunately for her, if her husband is punished for the treason they suspect, she could very well be implicated and put to death as well. Larkin’s gut tells him more is happening at the Keep, but how can he prove it? It’s a race to figure out what Roger is up to and stop him before it’s to late. Lord Roger or the King himself will be the end of Anna if she’s not careful. This book will have you on your toes! Trust me, it is that good! I was sad for Anna, but also wished the best for her and all the Keep’s people. Well, not Roger and some of his men, but the rest of them! I can not wait to read more of this series!! If you like epic fantasies, hot romances, murder, secret passages, love and war, and of course horses you will fall in love with this book too!
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you enjoy a suspense filled novel, this is for you! The author had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter! You follow the story of Dee and Tang. Both characters are very well developed. Tang is interesting because she is overcome with the affection she receives from Dee. Layla just did not provide the affection that Tang was looking for.
This book would be great for anyone interested in psychology. I imagine Tang would meet the DSM criteria for Reactive Attachment Disorder. The plot is also interesting to follow; very intense. I loved every second of this novel and I look forward to reading other books by this author! This novel is also LGBTQ+ friendly!
Review by @aware
View all my reviews
Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wolfbane by Celia Hart
Wolfbane by Celia Hart is about a pack of young wolves who have complicated relationships due to their way of life, and also about coming to power. This book is a romantic tale of how some people come to just simply be right for one another. Dive in to this modern story based in Vermont and succumb to your inner animal.
Jasmine is a young wolf who believes in her religion and what magical things the moon goddess provides for her way of life. She was just living her everyday routine as she always has until she meets a certain prince alpha that waltzed into her life, knowing that she wasn’t supposed to divulge into such temptations as she was supposed to wait for her true mate. What will she do?
This story has multiple character POVs between the 4 main characters. It is a magical tale where sometimes even if things are supposed to be right for you sometimes aren’t, and that’s okay. I loved this chaotic relationship status quo as it definitely flowed beautifully. This book was such a page turner, at first I wasn’t sure but I’m glad I didn’t put it down. Looking forward to book two. Overall 5 star book!
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book about Brian and Amanda. Brian owns Six-Pack the hottest nightclub in town and is loving his bachelorhood. He never looks for more than one night with someone and then he spots Amanda across the bar. He approaches her and has plans for a crazy night in his mind. His plans come crashing down when he finds out who she is. She’s the hot younger sister of his best friend and immediately shuts it down. Over the years, the chemistry between the two is electric and Brian fights it as hard as possible. Amanda would love for Brian to give in to temptation but his friendship with Nick is more important. Everything seems to go smooth until Amanda needs help finding a venue to host a launch even for a lingerie line she wants to sell in her store. Brian knows he cannot work that closely with her and still remain strong so he tells her that his club is booked. Brian also holds a big secret from all his friends which he can’t keep a secret for much longer.
Will Brian and Amanda be able to be just friends for will Brian ruin his relationship
With his best friend just for a chance with his little sister and then break her heart. Loved the book, grab some tissues as you will need them.
review by @xchellex
