Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39197711-isabella-s-painting” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520913940l/39197711._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39197711-isabella-s-painting”>Isabella’s Painting</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377203.Ellen_Butler”>Ellen Butler</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015540690″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Karina Cardinal is a very successful lawyer and lobbyist on Capitol Hill. One day she had a long day and just wanted to relax with her boyfriend, Patrick Dunne. The couple is invited to his parents annual holiday bash even though Karina was tired and had achy feet. In hopes of finding a place to rest her weary feet she interrupts the host, Martin Dunne, and a guest and they appear to be hiding something. What was the object that they were being so secretive about? Her curiosity gets the better of her and she goes sleuthing on the internet once she returns home. She feels that she has found the item, a missing painting. She runs into an old friend who works for the FBI, Mike Finnigan. Can he help her? This was a fasr paced but enjoyable book. It was a good start to a series. I’m looking forward to book two.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Aranza

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
4 stars out of 5 stars

Another great story from this author. This was definitely the ending I was hoping for. Shane and Winter story was one of my favorites of the series. Highly recommend all the books in the series since the author definitely knows what she’s doing when writing. The best part is that this book just like the previous ones is short enough that you will never struggle if you don’t like long stories. This is a must read.

View all my reviews

The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I’m not even sure quite how to describe the experience of enjoying this story. The author puts together an intriguing and unique story told from the perspective of the 11yo Sparky. I honestly expected a more juvenile story with a writing style to match for this type of cozy mystery—instead what I got was a compelling story and witty dialogue. The author also did a wonderful job with character development and creating unique, but believable characters to help Cary the storyline. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the story and incorporation of the culture of the 1930s which helped transport me directly into the time and story—a proven talent of this author’s writing style. I honestly can’t say enough good things, just pick this one up and be prepared to be transported into the mystery and helping Sparky clear her name!

View all my reviews

Bad at Being Good (An MM Brother’s Best Friend Romance) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Sarah King

Bad at Being GoodBad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read other books by Morrow, I knew this book would draw me in almost from the beginning, which it did. The characters are well developed, making it easy to picture the different ways they are dealing with the terrible loss they all experienced and well as things in each’s personal life. I would recommend this book, but make sure to take the triggers mentioned by the author into account.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by M Policicchio

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I have said this before in my reviews of this series, but it is one of the best series I have ever read. The characters are realistic, diverse, likable, smart, funny and bad. One of the overriding themes throughout the series, especially between the boys is family. They would do anything for those they care about and as each finds their special one, the circle gets a little bigger.

In the conclusion of the series, Winter and Shane are each chasing ghosts. Winter remembers more of what happened to her sister and Shane is being haunted not only by his father but a fling that won’t let him go. Things get more complicated with an almost abduction of Winter. Shane faces more pressure from his father for money. Shane’s grandfather wants to help but his assistance comes at a price, sometimes too steep to pay.

When the truth is finally revealed about what happened to Winter and her sister on that horrible day, Shane and Winter are linked more than they ever knew. One thing is for sure, they will be forever linked.

The Bonus Epilogue nearly had me in tears. It was beautiful and amazing. It was a nearly perfect ending to the series. The only way it would have been more perfect would have been to set up the next generation. But that is just me being greedy because I don’t want to let these characters go. I felt such a loss at the end of this book that I had to blindly watch TV for the rest of the night. I wasn’t emotionally ready to say goodbye. I needed time before moving on.

To the author: Thank you for these characters. Thank you for these stories. I look forward to your next book, the next series, the next whatever you do because you have found a permanent spot on my TBR list and my shelf!!

View all my reviews

Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Gillian Fawell

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only does this beautiful book contain many inspiring affirmations for young children, it also links them to the alphabet which has multiple benefits! It helps children to learn the alphabet and alphabetical order but also helps children who already know the alphabet to better remember the affirmations as they can link them to the relevant letters. The affirmations are simple but beautiful and creative. Definitely a great book for the whole family!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

View all my reviews

Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Unclutter: A Survivor's Story (Inner Voice, #1)Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is about surviving sexual abuse and overcoming the trauma resulting from that abuse. It may be triggering to some readers. The author did a good job of developing the characters. The book was long enough for readers to get to know each of the main characters well. I felt dialogue was realistic and relevant to the story. I loved the main character, Tina. She is such an inspiration to fellow survivors in the story as well as to readers. Tina’s inner voice empowered her throughout the story, something we as readers can learn to tune into in our own lives. I enjoyed the details in this book, especially the descriptions of the many international food dishes and how they taste. It is obvious this author took time to develop this story before publication, and I appreciate that. I recommend this read for older teens and adults.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Beverly Finnie

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wicked Ends was the perfect ending to this essentially 10 book series. This was the final duet and probably the wildest. I love this author and everything I’ve read she’s written. This series is a slight guilty pleasure because it’s more garnered towards a younger generation, but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t enjoy it.
We pick up where we left off in Shane and Winter’s story.
Winter knows.
Winter has also been kidnapped.
Shane gets held as a suspect.
Shane thinks Winter may have done it on purpose.
Despite all that he decides to help her. He’s pulled to her and can’t imagine anything happening to her.
Someone’s after Winter the matter is can Shane keep her safe.
These two both come from some screwed up backgrounds. Shane’s life having more love and acknowledgment vs Winter’s family.
The roller coaster is coming to an end, but not without some sharp twists and turns before the finish.
It’s one of those books I read in one sitting. And I’m sad now since it’s all over. At some point I will go back and reread all of them in succession. All the duets slightly overlapped so one is revisiting previous stories at some point during book one of the next duet.
Time for you to dig in and finish this duet and series!

@placexba
View all my reviews

Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/RLZVBRMOXIY6K/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2106069322v

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6011165574

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2EWD9ZUCMRV4I/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015432978

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4096706612

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Pure Perfection!!! Wicked Ends is Book 8 of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I loved every book and not only wrapping up the story of Winter and Shane but also the series in itself. I cannot say enough that this is a must read series. While I am sad this series has completed, I am looking forward to what this author has in store in the future. The feels I get….the angst, romance, secrets, danger, connections I did not see coming with twists and turns……I loved it all.

Danger is lurking at every corner and you do not know who to trust……Winter is in danger and does not even know it. Shane wants to make her pay for a past that is hard for him to get over. When Winter is in trouble, Shane needs to be there for her at all costs. What Shane needs to do is overcome his past, be honest with the people he loves the most…Secrets are revealed with cold hard truths. Will Shane and Winter be able to overcome their pasts and how dark they were?

I do not want to give any spoilers away…I could talk about this book and series forever…. if you like dark, college bully romance…do yourself a favor and read this series in order…

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The more wicked the brighter the ending. It was such a bittersweet moment when I started page one. I have been in love with this series since the very beginning with Cruel Start and now it has come to an end. One of the best things about this entire series is that a guaranteed happily ever after at the end of each duet. As always, the phenomenal Isla Vaughn perfectly continues the story in one breath.
Winter is missing, Shane the one and only suspect. Only it’s not that black and white. Someone has framed Shane, but no one can figure out who or why. More importantly why are they targeting Winter and determined to label her a murderer. This semester was supposed to be good, to reconnect and remember the life she left behind when her sister died, and her mom went to jail but being back in the place where it all began started something she couldn’t imagine was hiding in her memories. We build walls in our minds for a reason and Winter’s walls crack and crumble with each new threat, the feeling of someone watching her even in her room asleep. The only person that makes her feel safe is also the person that got close to her with lies even if the only lie was his name. Shane confronts his pain and when Winter apologizes, he feels sincerity and worries for her when she comes asking for help in defending herself. Everything seems to be against him this year, first Phoenix’s accident, Joe coming back into his life, Luke Green and now Winter and the wickedness that he once thought was inside her.
Who has a target for Winter? Will Shane overcome the accusations? How will the truth affect their relationship? The author’s world has been my favorite place this past year and honestly, I already feel lost finishing this incredible series. Each couple in a way builds on the story of the next and the previous. Knowing they each found their way through the Savage, Brutal, Cruel, and Wicked truths to find their match and their safe place is beyond amazing. The greatest part the five-year jump at the very end and the love, and happiness that surrounded them all.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the start. They are full of romance and spicy characters. This is book eight of the series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series as they are just as great as this one. It will help your enhancement of this author’s writing skills that are great. Her attention to details makes her stories and characters pop off the pages. This book is no different. A fast paced, engaging story that had me turning pages fast to the end. The characters are connectable and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed what they added to the story and their growth is great. I enjoyed watching their chemistry grow which made the story easy to read. This is an entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and the rest of this series.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Bobbi Wagner

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first children;s book by this author. I look forward to seeing what is next for them. This is a positive story about culture and being proud of who you are. I enjoyed the story and the growth of the characters. It brings positivity to a difficult subject for some. A positive look at culture and it being okay to be different. I enjoyed the illustrations and how much they add to the story. I think that any child would enjoy reading this book and learning from it. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Cindy Rushin

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty good story. Tanjie and Alaric’s relationship journey had more than a few twists and turns after they met and explored it. The story had some really interesting elements and I found myself very vested in finding out what was going to happen and how everything would end, it made for a very good read. This story was just the first in a series and I look forward to reading the next one.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Runyon

<img src="Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wicked Games is the final book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. Featuring Winter and Shane, the book picks up from the time Winter was kidnapped and Shane was taken into an interrogation room. Winter wakes and finds the door to the room she is being held captive in was unlocked. She sees that she is at the place she dreads the most. McMillan Lake was the place where her sister, Summer, had been drowned, presumably by her mother. However, since her mind blocked so much of her memory, she had begun to think there was more to what had happened. Winter makes it to Estelle’s apartment. The elderly lady had known her family when she was younger. Meanwhile, Shane’s attorney has managed to get him released. Winter arrives at the police station after calling from Estelle’s apartment. She finds a note in her mailbox: “I hope you got the message. Next time, it won’t be so easy to break free.” When the police don’t seem to take her seriously, Winter goes to Shane to ask for his help and apologize for how she had bullied him as a child. Who and why was someone targeting her?

Isla Vaughn never disappoints and this entire series was amazing with its characters. Each book had steamy romance scenes while featuring the individual personalities that were unique to each one. Shane and Winter both progress and heal from past trauma. With the unpredictable plot, there is never a dull moment to be found. This book easily earned a 5 star rating. I look forward to reading more of Vaughn’s books.

View all my reviews” alt=”null” />

Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Katie Turner

Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hope for a New World, by Renee W Peek, is the first installment to The Hope Series, and is a beautiful blend of science-fiction and space, with a side of metaphysical and so much more. I enjoyed the distinctly different personality types among the main characters. I felt they were all very well-developed, interesting and I felt a connection with each of them in some way. The strength of these women uniting for a cause they all believe in was very inspiring! The descriptions and intriguing storyline made it very easy to submerge myself into this story, without feeling like anything was repetitive or long-winded. The author really brought to life what I believe to be a very strong first book to this series. All in all, I would definitely suggest to anyone who loves science-fiction, although it goes much further beyond the sci-fi genre. I look forward to the next installment!

View all my reviews

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Betsy Melano

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Latitude Series. I enjoyed reading this book which happens to continue stories from the Antipodes series which has really kept my interest. Gio and Caitlin are taking on a new role in Canada. This is where they chose to grow their family. But will some threat come their way? How will they continue?
I enjoyed reading many of the Antipodes series and this new series doesn’t disappoint. The characters and world building is on point and helps us readers connect more fully with the story.

View all my reviews

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alyssa McLean

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute book. My 4 year old liked it. He didnt mind that the pictures were black and white. He asked if a tornado could drop toys on our house. The science note at the end was interesting and a nice addition.

View all my reviews

Master Sardinia (Masters of the Consulate Book 8) by Sylvia Black – Review by Alyssa McLean

Master SardiniaMaster Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I havent read the other books in the series but the author does a good job of giving enough backstory for you to not be lost in all of the characters. I liked that the story picks up quickly. It keeps you guessing who’s loyal or not. Its great for anyone into the instalove trope and paranormal characters. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next book!

View all my reviews

Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Ashley Sugar

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let’s start off with the cover! It’s beautiful and what originally caught my attention. So when I started reading and fell in love with the story too? WIN! The angst and tension kept me intrigued and I was constantly flipping the pages. I really enjoyed this journey and my gosh, my heart. What an empowering read.

View all my reviews

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Elisha Johnson

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whispered Surrender: A Dark Mafia Romance (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari- 5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely love that there were two books in one because I was not ready to stop reading this authors work. Who doesn’t love to read about deliciously hot bodyguards, plural! From wild rides you never want to get off of to fast-paced, action-packed, mystery and intrigue, I loved ever page! This author did a great job keeping the storyline going and oh man she brought the heat! I recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Jade Brunton

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I have read many M/M love stories but this was one of my favorites. I have read books from this author before and I like how she integrated the coffee shop from the other book. The writing in this book made it a fast read, but it didn’t feel rushed. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cute and relatable Christmas love story.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shane and Winter have a lengthy history, and as they start to put the pieces together everything falls apart. Shane is willing to leave their storied history in the past, but it will take time to convince his family. Winter’s past will come back to haunt her yet again, which will subsequently haunt Shane and bring skeletons from his family closet. Winter and Shane will need each other, but they’ll have to learn to trust each other first. I have been hooked on the characters, suspense, and storylines from the very beginning of that series. No part of me wanted this series to end, but it was the perfect twisted and happily ever after ending I craved!

View all my reviews

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Paula R Sayers

Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Birdie is a widow who is having trouble letting go of her husband and useless items that she continues to collect from dumpsters, yard sales, etc. Birdie has lost a lot in her life and finds herself attached to a young woman whom she barely knows. When the young woman, Jenna, disappears, Birdie decides she must find her. What follows is a whole story that is unfortunately true to life. This book kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next.

View all my reviews

Doombringer by Marcel Liemant – Review by Elisha Johnson

Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy TaleDoombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant- 4 out of 5 stars

This author gave a creative twist to this dark fantasy with some greek god vibes. A beautiful story of what limits a father will go to in order to save his child. Strength and perseverance despite challenging circumstances along the way. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Elisha Johnson

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be True with Me: A small town steamy, second chance, interracial romance by CA Miconi- 4 out of 5 stars

This was a quick read with a great storyline. The book is as the title states, a second chance interracial romance. The author wrote the main characters extremely well. This book was an emotional roller coaster that you refuse to get off of until you see it to the end. Sometimes accidents happen for a reason. I recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wicked Ends is Book Eight in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is a dark college, enemies to lovers’ story full of loss, angst, passion, romance, revenge, dark secrets, toxic families, and uncertainty. This book wraps up Shane and Winter’s saga. Winter was at a dark place in her childhood, and it caused her to lash out at others. Shane was one of the unfortunate victims of Winter’s bullying during childhood. Her mistreatment of him caused him to consider ending his own life. When Winter resurfaces in Shane’s life years later all his hurt, anger, and resentment towards Winter resurfaces. He decides to exact revenge which puts them both on a path that simultaneously pulls them apart while also drawing them together. They do not trust each other but do not know who else to trust either. A complicated situation to say the least. Winter has changed her life around and is attempting to move forward. Shane is dealing with both past and current trauma. Both are trying to overcome their dark pasts and have a brighter future. Both have a hard time trusting. Both feel the attraction to the other, but can they put past hurts and resentments behind them? Can they have a future together? When Winter receives threatening notes and the danger to her life escalates Shane is the only one, she feels safe with. A tension filled ride full of twists and turns as secrets are revealed and we find out how entangled Shane and Winter’s lives have been through the years. Winter and Shane really developed and grew throughout this book, and we learn that deep down Shane is a nice guy with a heart of gold. Bittersweet to see this series ending and I am hoping the author has more books in store for us!

View all my reviews@tarab

The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very cute romantic Christmas story. A little different than the usual, as it takes place on a beach instead of a small town. However, it is still the cozy Christmas romance so many know and love. It is well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it!

View all my reviews

Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Elisha Johnson

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder- 5 out of 5 stars

This is such an emotional read. I felt as if I truly got to know Devorah through her own eyes. I connected to her more through the trauma and I wanted to hold her during the abusive relationship. That is when you know a book is written well. When you want to jump in and protect or defend your choice character. Bravo! I recommend this book.

View all my reviews