Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 stars
Like another review mentioned, this is a Hallmark movie in book format. It’s so sweet and clean. It gives all the holiday feels. Perfect for this time of year!
Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! It was witty and fun, with romance all mixed in. I was glued to every page. I really liked the world building and character development in this book. HIGHLY recommend.
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book about Remi and Audri was fantastic. I loved reading their story. Both of their backgrounds was heartbreaking. Each had something that was haunting them and that they deeply regretted. Remi I felt defiantly fell first for Audri. Their chemistry was explosive. Remi would do anything Audri asked him to do. The story was wonderfully written, and I loved the story plot. Meeting the supporting characters made me want to have their own books. Reading them talk about WaterFyre Rising, made me wish that the game a real. I definitely would’ve bought it and played it! Can’t wait to read book 2!
Loved it! This author is awesome knows how to tap into the child’s imagination. Strong characters and storytelling is great. I highly recommend this author of readers of all ages.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved it! This author is awesome knows how to tap into the child’s imagination. Strong characters and storytelling is great. I highly recommend this author of readers of all ages.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First off, I would like to say that I absolutely LOVE Naomi Valkyrie! Their writing is amazing. Although most of the author’s books seem to be on the short side, they are full of detail and emotion! Naomi’s writing is so unique that you will always be wondering what they are going to write next! There has not been a book I have read by this author that I have not liked, this one included!
Lucifer is a fiery being who toots to his own horn. Instead of waiting in line to the annual Halloween party the Eden Cove Manor hosts, he decides to break into the manor while it is empty to see what all the fuss is about. Rumors float all over the town about how the Manor is haunted and then men who live there are dangerous. Lucifer wants to see for himself if the rumors are true or if they are all hearsay. Little did he know that one stupid curious break and enter would change his life forever.
Mordecai, one of the men who reside in the Manor, is curious about Lucifer. He is reckless and sassy, for some odd reason, Mordecai likes it. Lucifer could be the one that they have been waiting for, to complete their group. The answer to all their problems. Hopefully he is as strong as he appears.
This book is a dual POV of both Lucifer and Mordecai, both men so different from each other, from completely different worlds yet can’t stay away from each other.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the use of vocabulary (hankering, ravenous) and the entertaining story… thought it was bizarre it was in black and white .
Overall, “Raining Fish and Frogs” is a delightful children’s book that combines adventure, mystery, and fantasy into a captivating story. With its imaginative concept, well-rounded characters, and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers. It encourages imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Meeting Royce in the first book with Remi and Audri was awesome. I was hoping that he would get his own book. Michelle is Audri’s best friend in book one. In book two she is on a trip when she meets Royce. They become fast friends, and they discover what they both have been missing when one takes the plunge. Royce meets Michelle’s monster head on and makes her felt loved. Michelle fills the void that he has in heart. But will their past’s come back and ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to forge? Nadia is an amazing story-teller and I have loved both books of hers so far! I can’t wait to read about the next friend!
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Secrets at the Cafe” by Susan Specht Oram is a captivating mystery with an intriguing plot centered around a missing journal. The story follows the main character, Karina, as she sets out on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind the journal’s disappearance.
From the very beginning, Oram grabs the reader’s attention with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Karina is a relatable and determined protagonist who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery. Her journey takes her to different places and introduces her to a variety of fascinating individuals who may hold the key to solving the puzzle.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Oram’s ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The cafe itself is described in such detail that readers will feel as if they are sitting at one of the tables, sipping a hot cup of coffee. The author’s attention to detail enhances the mystery, making it even more engrossing.
Throughout the book, the pacing remains steady, keeping readers engaged as they try to piece together the clues alongside Karina. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. Oram skillfully manages to maintain suspense and build tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
Additionally, Oram’s writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly. The dialogue is realistic and adds depth to the characters, making them feel like real people. The author also does an excellent job of intertwining the present-day narrative with flashbacks and snippets from the missing journal, providing insight into the story’s secrets and adding layers of intrigue.
However, one slight drawback of the novel is the resolution felt somewhat rushed. After an intense buildup, the conclusion comes together quite swiftly, leaving readers craving more closure. While this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book, it could have been more satisfying with a slower-paced resolution.
In conclusion, “Secrets at the Cafe” is a captivating mystery with a well-crafted plot, unforgettable characters, and a beautifully depicted setting. Susan Specht Oram weaves a tale filled with secrets, twists, and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Despite a slightly rushed conclusion, this novel is a gripping read that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a feel-good book that reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie and is full of loveable characters and romance, then grab this book!
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler follows America Greene as she travels to Christmas Cove to write a story. The only issue is that the town has lost its Christmas cheer! Good thing America gets some help (and romance ) from mayor Leo.
This novel is a must-read if you love a good holiday romance. The characters are lovable, well-rounded, and bring such joy to the story. The chemistry between America and Leo is palpable, fun, and flirty. This was such a joy to read.
Grab some hot chocolate, pull out your twinkle lights, jingle bells, and mistletoe so you can get cozy with this book.
Happy Reading!
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the first lines in a whole paragraph of things said about this story is the one that stands out the most and applies to this Novel are captivating tale and opulent backdrop. I thought it had both. I think the author really did her research about the subject matter in this book and she sounded very knowledgeable. I really love a deep, humorous, steamy, heart squeezing romance full of banter between the main characters, and there was all of that. Plus we get to hear from both of the main characters which is my favorite way to read romances so we know what they are both thinking. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy the female main character because at first she seemed very prudish, and a little shallow. I was a bit confused who was actually speaking at first, but I’m glad that impression was not the overall feel throughout. I started with this, book three, but I think I’m going back to read the rest of the series.
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This series was definitely interesting, and you can tell the author put a lot of thought into writing the book. However, I feel it fell flat in a few areas, and at times was hard to follow the storyline. The book does have a very slow start, but I did enjoy it, as you really were able to connect and get a good feel for the characters. This story is focuses deeply on perseverance even though the characters had a LOT of hardships and challenges. My favorite aspect of this story was that it was set in dark fantasy world – that alone captivated my attention. As the story came to a climax, it definitely made your breathing almost stop. Would Oden end up ending this war…or would he die first? The relationship between Oden and his daughter was absolutely beautiful, and explained as well as showed exactly how far a father will go for their child. Even though, I believe this was written as a stand-alone, the author did leave room if they wanted to write another book that followed the ending or just was another story in this dark fantasy world. I do recommend reading this book, as the messages throughout the book were absolutely beautiful and thought out. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was adorable. There was the obvious kids working as detectives, but it also had so much more. You siblings working together, interaction with thier community, thinking outside the traditional and others. I also really appreciated the interactive section that was included for teachers to use with thier students I thought that was a really nice touch!
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full of twists and mysteries and I loved the entire thing. From the first till the last page, I was sucked right in. The characters were great! I absolutely loved Karina! She’s amazing and very determined! The title and cover is what drew me in from the start and the story didn’t disappoint me at all! Enjoyable read.
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a reverse harem book featuring Devon and her men, Angel and her men. Devon’s come to terms with what her father has done, her boyfriends have her back in every way but they are also concerned on how she will handle him being gone. Now the plan is to exact revenge on the man who bought her. Everything does not go according to plans though and they are in more danger than ever.
This story vacillates from the different POV of many of the characters. This is number five in the series and I had not read the previous books. The relationships for Devon and Angel are established already but I felt like there was enough of a recap to get a full idea of what happened before with the two main characters. Dark romance that pulled me in, I will definitely be going back to read the other stories.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping novel about family and friendship which kept me hooked throughout. Having rushed to her dying grandmother’s bedside, Karina Walker agrees to move home and take over the old café. The grieving Karina also promises to read a journal but is shocked when the red book disappears. She teams up with her cousin to make a list of suspects, fearing that someone overheard her mention a hidden stash of money. Karina is determined to track down her inheritance but the town is full of rumours, and when she discovers a buried secret it could change things forever. Karina wants to build a new future for herself but must confront her family’s past first. This was a real page turner and I literally could not put the book down. The intriguing storyline and unpredictable plot twists kept me guessing until the last page, whilst the suspense definitely built chapter by chapter. I loved the main character Karina as she was a very independent and determined heroine. This was an entertaining and engaging read and one which I definitely recommend.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so addicted to this series, but these cliff hanger endings are killing me! Wicked Games picks up right where Cruel Love left off. We get to know Winter and see a new side of Shane. I can’t wait for the next one so I can see what happens next for them, both individually and possibly together. I hope the author releases a box set or the whole collection together so I can re read all in order. Now not so patiently waiting for November 30 so I can read Wicked Ends. But I don’t want it to end. I love these characters and am so invested.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful journal! I love the prompts and affirmations, as well as the illustrations. I like how everything varies from page to page and gets you to reflect and engage. The journal is very interactive and is sure to keep you focused on the prompt. I haven’t used a lot of self-help journals, but I’m glad to have this one on hand!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery which kept me captivated throughout. In this second book in the series Genie Darling and her ‘not so very departed great-great-aunt’ Adriana travel to Italy. Adriana relies on her old belongings for her spectral life force and a dress has come up for auction. However, once in Tuscany the auction house goes up in flames taking Adriana’s Chanel evening gown with it, and then a dead body is found. Amateur sleuth Genie and her ghostly sidekick decide to investigate when the wrong man is suspected of the arson and manslaughter. This is a fun cozy mystery with a ghostly twist which had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the quirky characters, Genie and the ghost of Aunt Adriana are a great double act and I enjoyed sleuthing with them. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is book #9!!! It’s the last one in the series….maybe I really don’t know. What I do know is the Logan McKenna has been in some dangerous places and I feel like this one might be one of the ones that keeps you wanting to read until the end. I literally spent an afternoon reading this book. Logan McKenna reminds me of myself when I was really young and wanting to work in the police department. In this book, Captain Craig Peterson is washed away by waves during a storm. But no one is sure what really happened and how he was swept away. Can Logan help find out if his death was an accident or was it something sinister that took him away from his family.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging holiday romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Travel editor America Greene arrives in the idyllic Christmas Cove and is surprised to find it – ‘Christmasless’. She teams up with Leo, the towns mayor, who also happens to be very attractive and eligible, in order to bring Christmas back to the town. The plan is to light up Main Street, which will also give America a story which is her chance at being a writer. Meanwhile Leo and America’s chemistry sizzles off the page and as they work together to save Christmas their relationship develops. However, when a nearby city threatens the town’s future both America’s heart and career hang in the balance. This is a heartwarming romance with likeable and relatable main characters in Leo and America. Their chemistry came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I loved the small town feel of Christmas Cove and was hoping for a HEA, no spoilers as I recommend picking up this book! It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author has produced another well written and interesting cozy mystery story that I have enjoyed from start to finish. I loved the character in this book. she was strong, determined and a pleasure to read. It was lovely to see her develop as the book progressed.
The story was entertaining. I wanted to figure out the mystery of the missing notebook and loved watching how it all unfolded. The author has a wonderful writing style that pulls readers in with ease. I would highly recommend this book and her work overall.
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is that time of year when Ben enters the annual bake off, every year he enters the same recipe, but never wins, this year, he is determined to, so what can he do to win?
This is a story about facing fear and failure, but also about not giving up, persevering with your dreams and the importance to keeping trying, all set in the world of a bake off which everyone can understand.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Olivia hasn’t given much thought to her ex’s love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter’s life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate – or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children – Olivia and Roman’s worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I’ve read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I’m definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!
Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great psychological thriller that pulls you in from the moment you start reading. The book is intriguing to read and is full of twists and turns. It certainly kept you guessing and I really wasn’t sure how things would eventually play out.
This book is the first in the series and it is clearly setting up the rest of the series. I was a little taken aback at home abruptly the story seemed to end, but it has definitely served to make me want to read the next book. This author is one that I have definitely come to enjoy and I am excited to see where they will take this series.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What do you do when you fancy trout for breakfast? You go down to Lake Fish-Or-Cut-Bait and see if you can catch something, some days you can, but some days nothing bites, even the mosquitoes who live there.
On one particular day, the wind started howling and sucked up all of the fish, frogs and eels which live in the lake, when it had sucked them all up, it set off to town where it rattled the swings, buffeted the trees and sucked up the balls from the playground, but what happens to them once they are all up in the air?
It has to rain, but this is no ordinary rain, it is raining fish and frogs! What is the phenomenon called when the wind sucks things up and rains them down again? This is an enchanting and informative book talking about the natural world in a fun filled and easy to understand way.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lucifer is a young man who enjoys life to the fullest, be that with family, friends or work, especially when his mother asked him to live and embrace whatever opportunities life throws at you, so on halloween night, he decides to go to a legendary party and try to find one of the hotties who are throwing it, but they also happen to live up at the mysterious Eden Cove Manor. This plan doesn’t pan out, but he decides to take a visit to the Manor instead seeing as its residents are out partying the night away, so against his better judgement and the warnings given to him by his best friend, he decides to go and investigate the rumours himself.
Mordecai is one of the men who live at Eden Cove Manor, he is also one of the halloween party hosts, however, when he is notified that someone breaks into the manor, he rushes home to see what damage has been done and who has done it, however, he isn’t alone and this is where the games begin as he follows the intruder home and leaves him a note, as well as return a personal belonging. When Lucifer wakes the next morning and after his adventure, he finds the note and item and is completely thrown and highly curious about what it all means, so when his work meeting is disrupted, he is annoyed, but also a bit hot under the collar and this is where he meets Mordecai.
As much as he is warned away from the house and its inhabitants, he can’t seem to forget about them, even when he should, so when he has the chance for answers, he takes it, meanwhile, Mordecai is also drawn to the chaos which is Lucifer and he soon realises that he may have found the one person he has been looking for, for a long time, but is he willing to take the risk again, or will time run out and the choice made for him? This is a paranormal romance where first impressions aren’t always true and decisions made can be deadly, or delicious, but which ones are made, you will have to read along to find out.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn
Wicked Games is the seventh book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a wonderfully written College Romance/New Adult Romance/ enemies to lovers Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. I’m addicted to this series and I swear each book gets better and better. I’ve been patiently waiting for Shane’s story and holy heck she didn’t let me down. Listen folks if you haven’t already started this series do it now. There are characters that overlap with each book plus you get everyone’s backstory and get to know the characters better. This is Shane’s and Winter’s story we are taken back to where it all started. He’s out for revenge and she’s looking for answers . She doesn’t remember him but he remembers her. These two definitely had sparks. She is living in a nightmare that never ends and he’s dealing with his own personal nightmare as well. You guys this is a must read if you want to know what happens next. Bring on Wicked Ends I can’t hardly wait. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite vampire romance authors. I have really enjoyed reading this series and this was yet another great book from this author. I am a huge paranormal romance reader and I especially love vampire romances and the author brings a refreshing storyline and series. I always find myself not wanting to put the books down. The characters have fantastic chemistry and the story flows really well from one book to the next in the series. The plot is complex and keeps the reader’s attention. Along with the explosive chemistry and the nice mix of adventure, drama and romance what is not to love. I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series. It is definitely on my top ten.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genie Darling is a young woman with her own business, but she also has a dearly, but not so departed relative who insists on hanging around and that is her great-great Aunt Adrianna, a glamorous young woman who died at a young age and still keeps the old hollywood glamour even after. The most unusual thing is that in order to keep her non-corporeal form, she needs to have objects she once owned nearby so that she can gain energy from them, but a lot of them have been moved away from home.
Knowing that retrieving Adrianna’s belongings is important to her, Genie uses her ability to work from wherever she happens to be to her advantage, so that when some items come up for auction in Italy, the two women come up with a plan of how to retrieve them, which means a working holiday. Genie is excited, but also apprehensive about travelling with Adrianna, knowing how she needs to be close to her objects, however, it is smooth sailing all the way, so now they can relax before heading to the small town where the auction is going to be held.
When they get there, they are able to get into the auction house early so that they can see the items and work out a bidding strategy, as well as scoping out the competition, which happens to be fierce, especially for a little, black, Chanel dress, but things do not go to plan when the auction house goes up in flames and when the fire is put out, a body is found within. This devastates the duo until Adrianna works out that her dress hasn’t burnt along with the items.
This means that that have to put on their sleuthing hats and investigate what, who and when and hopefully exonerate an innocent suspect, but with they be able to detect their way to the beloved garment, or will their clues also go up in flames? This is a cozy paranormal mystery set in the beautiful backdrop of modern-day Tuscany, with plenty of shenanigans and sleuthing to keep you reading until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
