Key West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake and Cody can’t even enjoy Key West in all it’s beauty without being roped into yet another murder investigation. This time it happens at a wedding!
I am loving this series and can’t wait to read more!! Cody is for sure my favorite to read about!!
Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deadly Weapon
By; Mark Nolan
Every once in a while an author creates a character that I find myself consistently wanting to read more of. Mark Nolan created this in the character is Jake Wolfe. I am so excited everytime I see that there is a new Jake Wolfe book for me to read. I know that it will be a book that sucks me in and sends me on a fast paced suspenseful ride. This story definitely ups the suspense factor as it seems so much more realistic than some of his past books. Not that any of the others were far fetched but I think it is really because the story hits so close to home for me. This is book 5 in the series, but each and every book so far would be able to be read as a standalone. But I definitely recommend you read each of the series as you will be entered into the world of Jake Wolfe.
Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake and Cody are inseparable and now they are facing a deadly virus that is threatening to wipe out humanity. All Jake wanted was to get some rest from recent events and take a relaxing fishing trip but here he is, finding himself in another intense situation.
Full of plot twists, drama, and action, this one is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. While it can be read as a stand alone, don’t cheat yourself out of the other amazing adventures of Jake and Cody.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As always Lois Wickstrom’s books are so beautifully illustrated and never what you expect. It’s Caspian’s unbirthday but when he asks grandpa for a bicycle, he’s told that’s an ordinary gift. Unbirthday presents are unexpected things so when he wakes up to find Baking Up Dust, he gets creative. Will he and grandpa succeed in baking the perfect bicycle? I have found that Lois Wickstrom’s books are quickly becoming my seven-year-old son’s favorites as it fuels his imagination giving it no limits to what he can dream up.
Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake loves a good ole game of cat and mouse. He and his dog Cody thrive on it. When Jake’s framed for the murder of a friend, it’s up to him to clear his name and put the real culprit behind bars.
If you’re a fan of plot twists, thrilling adventures, and have a soft spot for military war dogs, this book is for you!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark Moon Secrets is the first book I’ve read from Lilliana Rose and I definitely enjoyed it. I enjoyed it enough to pick up more in this series if the author decides to write and publish more. I did wish that there could have been more from Alaric and more of Tanjie and Alaric together but the chapters where they were together were pretty great. I just felt like some of the chapters where it was just concerning the witches, or just concerning the wolves were a bit childish as it seemed like the witches were treating Tanjie like she was a child, and wanted her to obey their every command without giving any information or answering her questions, and Rafe along with the other wolves were incredibly hard on Alaric and were really nasty whenever they spoke to him. All of that though could have much more meaning as the series continues, and I will definitely look forward to finding out.
Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie
By: Mark Nolan
This is a very well written story. The characters are completely well developed and interesting. I loved how Cody (the dog) was such a great part of the story. Jake is always in the wrong place and the wrong time and that really drives the story. That and his secret past. I found it interesting that he was engaged to someone he felt he had to record. This part of the story really felt somewhat relatable to me but it definitely also felt like it was the stuff that reality shows are made of. When he finally comes to his senses and moves out things get even more interesting. I truly loved how fast paced the story was and how there just seemed like so much depth to Jake and the whole plot. I definitely recommend this one as it was well written and fast paced.
Vigilante Assassin by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secrets abound in this next installment of the Jake Wolfe series. Jake and his retired military war dog Cody are doing everything they can to protect Lauren and her children. Sifting through secrets and becoming a target himself, Jake vows to make sure that Lauren can gain some closure.
This book can be read as a standalone but I promise you, you’ll want to read them all!
Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For the wealthy lawyers of the San Francisco area, beware! The Artist is coming after attorneys and Jake is going to do everything he can to save as many of them as possible. Can he do it without coming into harms way himself though?
What a great start to this series! I love that there is a military war dog involved in this series. I’m a bit of a pushover for these creatures! There is a lot of action, twists and turns, and some deceit thrown in to make this a very enjoyable read!
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mama Warbler is waiting for her nest full of eggs to hatch, but the first one who does, isn’t her own, it is the Cuckoo’s egg, but she still looks after it until all her eggs have hatched but one.
The last egg belongs to a very timid warbler, it also doesn’t help that the Cuckoo is whispering about how awful it is outside off the egg and to stay in her shell where it is safe.
What will the last warbler chick do, stay in the shell, or venture out into the big wide world? This is a charming story with a lovely message within about kindness and how it can affect others when it isn’t reciprocated.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sea of Demons is Book Three in the Blood and Sand Series. This would be the Fifth Book in the series because the Second Book in the series was previously sold separately under three different titles but has since been combined and released under one single title. Sea of Demons is a dark romance with drama, suspense, intrigue, action, danger, murder, mayhem, violence, passion, chemistry, and complicated family dynamics. As the first book that I have read in this series I wish that I had started with the previous books to gain a better understanding of the characters and their backstories. The storyline focuses on the character of Devon who is confronting her abusive father who sold her to pay off debts he had incurred. She was rescued by four brothers who would do anything for her and will go to great lengths to protect her. Each brother is deeply in love with Devon, and she is in a unique relationship with each of the four brothers. After exacting revenge on her father for his atrocities they decide to deal with the man that bought Devon. However, things do not go as planned and their lives are in danger at every turn. This book was action packed and full of twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end. The characters were intriguing, unique, and engaging. Each was smart, tough, brave, and not afraid to confront danger as it came at them. The reverse harem aspect with Devon and the four brothers was unique and it was interesting to read the dynamics between her and each of the brothers. Overall, a great read with some spicy scenes, tense moments, an intriguing storyline.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was so much more emotional and had more depth to it than I was expecting when I went into it. I loved the characters and how they forged their connection based on their own experiences. In such a romantic and couple heavy setting they really were on the outside and yet this seemed to make their relationship all the more special.
This author is still very new to me and this is only the second book that I have read by her. However, this book has definitely cemented the fact that I want to read more of her work. I engage so easily with the stories and the characters and I enjoy each and every book I read. This was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to more from this series.
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Egg Won’t Hatch is a kid’s book designed for children between the ages of four to eight years of age. It tells the story of a Mama Warbler who is waiting for the last egg to hatch in her nest. The first egg was too large and turned out to be a Cuckoo that was laid in her nest. Mama Warbler decide to accept the Baby Cuckoo as her own and treat it as she would if it were one of her own eggs. The last egg, Timid Chick, will not hatch because the baby is too scared to come out of her shell after being told by the Baby Cuckoo that she should stay in her egg because it is no fun inside. One day while Mama Warbler is off getting food to feed her babies the Baby Cuckoo kicks Timid Chick out of the nest. This gives her a whole new outlook on things. Mama Warbler is very patient as she tries to coax Timid Chick out of her shell. This was a beautiful story with cute characters that teach valuable lessons in patience, understanding, love, kindness, family, bullies, confidence, and overcoming fear. The illustrations are fun, bright, colorful, and really bring the story to life.
I won’t lie that starting this book without reading the previous ones was a bit hard. As you don’t know much about Devon or Angel and the other characters. I did find it hard to put down and thrilling. I was looking forward to reading the next one and will be reading the previous ones just so I can learn more about the characters before I finish the series. I definitely recommend to those who love the type of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and ready for more!
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First up I have to say that I messed up! This book is later in the series and while I did really enj0y this book, I do feel my reading experience was hampered a little by my silliness of not starting at the very beginning. I will definitely be going back to the very start to read the whole series. Don’t make my mistake!
Another reason for being sure to read all that you can of this Mafia dark romance series is the Amazing authors talented writing and ability to draw you into the lives of the people she has created. You will be completely captivated from start to finish! It is filled with action, danger, violence and plenty of twists and turns. Be very sure to read warnings before starting as some readers may be triggered by some content. This author is now on my must read list for sure!!
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautifully illustrated book about a mama waiting for her last egg to hatch. Lois Wickstrom does such a nice job of telling a story that teaches while still being entertaining and engaging for young children. It is a tale of how to not be afraid and how to overcome your fear told through the eyes of birds. A great one to read with a class or just one child as it will draw out discussion about birds and the world around them.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic dystopian story with a thrilling mysterious sci-fi adventure. In fact, it gave me a bit of a Blade Runner, High Castle, Mortal Engines vibes which I enjoyed.
The futuristic story follows Frankie who is desperate to get the big promotion at work. Up to that point she only received subtle hints of the possibility of a promotion. Yet when she finds her employer is desperate for someone to go undercover for a risky secret mission, she reluctantly agrees to visit the zone filled with the sick and poverty stricken citizens that never seem to make it back to the somewhat safer zones.
The moment she enters the Catford Zone, she immediately finds herself surrounded by a decomposing world in shambles, just like the withering population who have been long forgotten for those outside of the zone. Initially Frankie is paralyzed by the shock of her new surroundings. Then she decides to investigate and learn more about her housemates and how things work in her new surroundings. While she tries to do this and find something sufficiently interesting for her boss to allow her to return home she embarks on an incredible journey that she in no way could have dreamt of until now.
This was a good mind trip with an extremely well illustrated description of Frankie’s world. I enjoyed the eccentric and entertaining characters, flaws and all. I highly recommend this book.
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 5 of the Blood and Sand series. I wasn’t aware of this before I started reading so I was a little disappointed, however the author recaps quite well so the story still flows and is understandable. That being said i will be heading back to the beginning and reading the series from the start because I loved this story so much. This book had everything I love from a dark Mafia Romance. It had the hot, protective, dangerous men who will stop at nothing to protect the woman they love, danger around every corner and the constant fight to protect what is theirs.
Once thing I will just say which the author makes you aware of at the start of the story is there are some topics which may trigger some readers and also the fact that some steamy scenes and violence scenes are written in graphic detail. For me personally this wasn’t an issue and made me feel more like i was present at the time of these occurrences however for some reader they maybe too graphic or triggering.
This is a reverse harem story around Devon and her men and Angel and her men. With Devon’s father taken care of Devon hope she can move on with her life with the support of her men. However that isn’t going to be so easy. As they plan to take revenge against the man who brought Devon (full story in pervious books) things don’t go the plan and it puts her in more danger than she was before.
Angel and her guys feel they are finally free of the stalker that was a risk to Angel( previous book), but now with joining forced with Devon and her guys they have found themselves with a new enemy.
This story is full of Suspense, danger, emotion, intensity, love and passion. I couldn’t put this book down and i fell in love with every character. I can’t wait to head to the beginning of this series and get to know every character in a more complete way.
Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington. This is such a good cozy mystery and I can’t wait to read the next book. Its the story of Senior Citizens Sisters Birdie & Oda Dean and their crazy adventures. Birdie is somewhat of a collector, well in reality she is a hoarder. She loves to go to garage sales and look in dumpsters for treasures. While dumpster diving one day she finds the body of a young lady she is friends with. Devastated she decides she will solve the murder faster than the authorities. While trying to solve this murder she ends up with more bodies on her hand. Between keeping her sister in line, finding treasures and even showing some interest in the new man at church does Birdie have time to solve these murders before more occur? Such a fun mystery that will keep you flipping the pages until the end.
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom. Another amazing book by Lois Wickstrom! I love her books because they are always entertaining and informative. This one is no different. Its the story of a Mama Warbler who is in the process of watching her eggs hatch. One is way to big to be a warbler and ends up being a cuckoo. The last egg won’t hatch because they are scared. The cuckoo keeps telling him to stay in his shell because its a big, bad, scary world out here. Finally Mama Warbler kicks the cuckoo out so that the timid chick can hatch. This book will help kids with anxiety and letting them know that things usually end up working out with time and patience. Such a fun book. Would make a great gift as well.
Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read the next one. Its the story of Joy who has been pushed aside her whole life. Her dad died when she was really young and her mom left her with her grandmother so that she could run off and get married. When her grandmother dies she is worried because the loan shark is coming to collect. Joy finds out from her minster that her grandmother had planned for this all along and has set her up with a matchmaker in Denver. Jack has been dealt a crappy hand, his sister and brother in law in a horrible accident he comes into custody of his 4 year old twin niece and nephew. Knowing he needs help, he tries to hire a nanny but with no luck. He finally turns to a matchmaker and is matched with Joy. I loved this story and the holiday time line made it even sweeter.
Quick 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
I loved this book. I work with children in mental health and talk about the importance of positive affirmations with children of all ages. I think this book will make a great addition to my toolbox in working with younger elementary-age kids. The author did a wonderful job of positive affirmations with corresponding illustrations.
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sea of Demons (Blood and Sand Book 5) by Heidi Stark. This is the 5th book in the Blood and Sand Book series and I highly recommend reading them in order. I did not and I was a little bit confused. Its a reverse harem with Devon being the female who seems to be living the dream. Devon has a crazy stalker and she knows that he is gone for now but will be back soon. She decides that she will take him down before he gets to her. Will they be able to get to Tane before he gets to her. I enjoyed this book very much but will go back and read the others. Its a fast paced read that will make you not want to put it down. It does have some trigger storylines so beware. This is a mafia/gang story with rough sex, violence and danger.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a really lovely book that tells the love story of two people, Noah and Ebun.
Romance is hard. Love is difficult. What happens when you throw in a multiple cultures, threats, betrayal, death, suspense, and feelings of not being enough? You get a roller-coaster that is well worth the ride. This lovely story starts with the first chance meeting of Noah and Ebun in an airport, and their subsequent meetings after until they find love in each other’s hearts. While this was a little bit slower to read, it was absolutely beautiful and worth every minute!
Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Back during a time period where God centered lives, men carried guns, and women took care of families; life may have seemed simple and easy but for Joy, life had never been easy. Living her sheltered life in the city of Memphis, with her grandmother, didn’t do Joy any favors. After a series of unfortunate events, Joy must escape the city to Colorado. What she finds in the west is Marshall Jack. Jack is the lawman in town and he takes his job seriously. He loves his family and is trying his very best to make everyone happy. He realizes he needs help. Joy and Jack’s circumstances bring them together in a sweet love story. But like life the bad guy tries to ruin everything.
This story is a sweet western romance. A quick and easy read with a well written plot. Joy, Jack and the others are lovable characters. Looking forward to reading more of the Mail Order Bride Series.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been reading all her series in Hidden Valley Elite and each time is better. I love all the characters in all her books. How each one has their own story to be told and each one comes together nicely.
In this story, we have Shane an athlete, plus a bodyguard to protect a female and then he meets with Winter who is his past from elementary.
Winter a new student, changing her life and hiding from her past meets Shane in a weird way. But toward the end can the past be forgiven or forgotten? Will this truth be revealed of who Shane really is?
Love her book’s amazing touch on the stories and the plots. Love the Enemies to Lover series.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the cutest book on dog safety! Done as a rhyming story this book book goes over multiple interactions a child could face with both a known and unknown dog. Situations like using gentle touch, to respecting a dog’s boundaries by paying attention to their body laungage, to seeing and interacting with dogs out in public this book covers a ton! I absolutely loved the illustrations and the use of poetry form to help kids learn! This was very well written, organized and thought out!
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is gorgeous and teaches dog safety in a fun, child friendly way! The message is told in beautiful rhyme so doesn’t seem preachy but still gets the information across. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
Lottery of Secrets is a Psychological Suspense Thriller that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is a fast-paced story that is packed with drama, secrets, lies, betrayal and so much more. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This is a story about Lynn, she should be living the dream life especially after winning the lottery instead she’s living in a terrible nightmare where you don’t know who you can and can’t trust. There’s danger lurking around every corner and with a stalker who is sickly obsessed with her she’s fighting for her life. As I don’t want to give to much away. I highly recommend reading this pyschological thriller to find out what happens next. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the second book brings us.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book seven on the Invisible Wand series. Celebrating an unbirthday is something unique. It’s a cute idea to bake the parts needed to create a bicycle. The book stirs kids images imagination!
