Saint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well this wasn’t what I expected HOWEVER I was not disappointed! My first read from this author but this novella is super catching! The description had me thinking specifically mystery and thriller. But the romance is this was written so well!
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone
I start most of my reviews for this series off the same way so bear with me please. If you have not read the previous books in this series I highly suggest you go back and start from the beginning.
This author has spent alot of time building these relationships and overall stories throughout the first 7 Novels it’s crazy to see everything formally coming full circle, I could read 12 more books in this series and still not have enough. I’m not sure I’d have to look into but I believe this is the beginning of the end of this series, which sounds a bit weird, but this is the final character for us to really explore.
This book is about Shaneeee, and it is some intense drama, every book we get a bit more and I cannot wait to see where this all goes for him and Winter, their chemistry is so spicy, so far I think their dynamic and relationship/not relationship is my favorite. The back and forth between them, the angst the sizzling betrayal and everything in between them makes my toes curl.
I will say that Winters personality at first felt a little forced on me, but she’s grown on me, now she just needs to grow on shane.
This book starts out 100 an hour an keeps that pace basically through the entire book. I’m so excited to read the next part to their story.
Definitely 100000% recommend this series, if you’re looking for a “universe” to get stuck in, this one I highly suggest.
Wicked Games, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, October 2023
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dylan is excited for his new Youth Sleuth kit to come in the mail so that he can become a detective like the Youth Sleuths on his favorite program. When his kit arrives, he and his sister Emily and their dog Theodore set out to help their neighbor figure out what has happened to her missing mail. Their neighbor usually has another neighbor pick up her mail, but doesn’t this time, and suddenly her mail has gone missing. As the kids set out to uncover clues and try to solve the mystery, they learn to ask questions, research and interpret clues together. This is a great book for young kids; rather it is read to them by a parent or as a newer independent reader.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Logan must help solve a murder that is tied to many years ago during Prohibition. Logan’s life is in danger. I enjoyed this dual timeline book. Such a great addition to this series.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the story of a girl and the big, red monster that lives under her bed. Her brother doesn’t believe that there’s a monster under her bed, but there is! She finally gains the courage to face the monster and she has to give his tasks in order for him not to eat her. She makes him do all of her chores and then when there’s nothing left for him to do; she stands up to the monster and sends him over to her brothers room. I really love the illustrations in this book…they are bright and funny. This is an adaptation of a Hindu teaching tale and I think that Wickstrom does a nice job. I always love how Wickstrom is able to weave lessons into her children’s books in ways that kids are going to be able to grasp and understand. This is a great addition to any bookshelf!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Joy Stewart is a woman who has just lost her grandmother, the last family member she has. As the funeral is wrapping up, a man claiming to be owed money by her grandmother makes her a proposition of forgiving her grandmother’s overinflated debts, if only she would agree to be his mistress. After Joy’s reputation is trashed and her job as a schoolteacher is ended due to the influence of the “business man” in question, who has local law enforcement, and judges in his pocket, Joy runs away from Memphis, the only home she’s ever known. At the same time, Marshall Jack Bolling is becoming the guardian of not only his 4-year-old twin niece and nephew, but also the caretaker of his mother, after his sister and her husband die in a fire. Both reach out through their pastor’s to a matchmaking service to try and solve their respective issues. What neither of them expects is to find a happily-ever-after. This is a good book, and I don’t even normally like historical fiction, but I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. This book does have a Christian basis to it, but it’s not so much a part of it that it feels “overdone”.
The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this addition to the Brass Ring series. Rusty wants to buy a Christmas present for his grandfather but does not have enough money. Rusty goes on some great adventures with the brass ring his grandpa gave him. Maybe Rusty will learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book of the series. It was great! Logan is a widowed teacher. Her and her daughter Amy discover a baby otter. After and horrific attack happens, Logan finds herself in the middle of another mystery. I cannot wait to read the next one!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195495481-joy-s-christmas-escape” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1″ src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1690901640l/195495481._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195495481-joy-s-christmas-escape”>Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17325755.P_Creeden”>P. Creeden</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5950129191″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Joy was taking care of her grandmother until she passed away. Joy thought she inherited the house and the property until the sheriff told her she had to leave. Her grandmother owed a lot of money and since Joy was the only surviving member it was up to Joy to come up with the expenses owed.<br />Joy is shipped off to Virginia City for an arranged marriage to Jack. Jack happens to have custody of his niece and nephew after their parents passed away. Joy and Jack have 2 weeks to get to know each other and get married. The commissioner comes back for Joy saying he belongs to her. Jack defends his bride to be, saying she belongs to no man. Jack has told Joy she can leave at anytime if she is uncomfortable. Jack has help with restoring an old jailhouse into an actual home for the four of them. Jack and joy are to get married on Christmas. And she gets the best presents of all.<br />This was such a cute read!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great paranormal book with a romance brewing between Lucifer and Mordecai. It’s a short read, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking at all.
The story is written well, told from two points of view and the storyline itself is both entertaining and unique. It flowed nicely and was an easy read, perfect for a cosy autumn evening.
The characters are fun and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. The characters are distinct and well developed, and you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them. I loved Lucifer the most – determined and ‘chaotic’, Lucifer was great fun!
I do wish the story was longer, so that I could be immersed in the world and characters for longer but it’s great as it is. Well worth a read. I’ve read other books from the author and have never been disappointed, but this one if my favourite by far!
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book in a day and a half (with a FT job.) I loved it so so much. This is a second chance at love story and written so incredibly well. It’s an easy read, a page turner and such a good story. The characters were both relatable, the friends in the story were great and supportive. There was struggle, triumph, acceptance, discomfort, comedy, and growth. I have read a few of Sylvie Stewarts books but this was my first time reading Marika Ray, but I will certainly be picking up books by her in the future. It’s a good read for vacation or just sitting on your couch cuddled under the covers. I would recommend to anyone who like a good romance with a little bit of spice.
Ross: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti. This is a wonderful romantic suspense that I read in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Its the story of Ross and Hadley. Ross had always had a thing for Hadley but when she left on the back of his brothers motorcycle years ago he was done. His heart was broken and that ruined him for all women. He wrote them off until he received a letter from Hadley asking him to come rescue her and her daughter. There are trigger warnings with what Hadley went thru at the hands of Ross’ brother and his MC gang. What happens next is Ross willing to do anything to save Hadley and her daughter even his reputation. The trauma that Hadley has gone thru and working thru those will be tough but Ross is determined to stick it out and be there for Hadley. But will his brother let Hadley go without a fight? Read this amazing fast paced romantic suspense to find out! While it can be read as a standalone I always enjoy them better reading them in order to get to know all the characters better.
Necrosis is the short story about a mother and daughter trying to stay alive during a zombie apocalypse. It is a fast-paced story that keeps the tension on survival. It shows how much any mother would do to help their children survive. The descriptions are perfect and help to build the world all the way to the last scene. C. L. Schneider is a master at creating intense combat and making you root for the characters.
The narrator Jess Jacob does a great job bringing the tension of the story to life. I can hear the anguish, despair, and desperation in her voice. I highly recommend Necrosis as the audio book due to how much the story came to life with these fantastic elements.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom. This is my favorite children’s author and she’s done it again with this cute read. Its the story a little girl who is afraid of the big red monster under her bed. Her brother thinks she’s dumb and doesn’t believe her. The monster tells her he won’t attack her if she will give him jobs to do and keep him busy. That is easy at first but becomes harder and harder. The morale of the story is becoming friends with people who are difficult to be friends with and to conquer your fears. Its such a great book I’m planning on getting a couple for Christmas gifts. Such a talented author!
Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such an amazing book and an incredible addition to the series! I have enjoyed each of the books I’ve read by this author, but this may be my favorite so far. While it started a little slower than the others, it more than makes up for it with the thrilling mysteries that follow. Logan is looking forward to meeting her half-sister and enjoying her life…until a murder intervenes. Will her half-sister be able to assist with investigating in the way we know Logan can, or will she stand in the way? I could not figure out what was happening as I was reading and just when I thought I had, the author threw another twist in the mix. I highly recommend picking this book up and getting lost in Logan’s world filled to the brim with lies, drama, murder, and more!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read from Angela Lam. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover and description didn’t really give me a whole lot but I figured I’d give it a shot. It wasn’t bad. The story itself was realistic and kept up a good pace. The fact that it was 2 povs and the time-line went back and forth for both of them, threw me off a bit. It was a little hard to follow. Over all it was a decent read and I would pick up something else from this author.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another cute book from Lois Wickstrom! This one is about a little girl who’s afraid of the monster under her bed and her brother doesn’t believe her. My granddaughter is 5 and loved the illustrations and thought it was a good idea to make the monster clean. The ending wasn’t my favorite but it works. My granddaughter is a huge fan of Lois Wickstrom and gets excited when I tell her we have another story to read!
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Egg Won’t Hatch is fun, interesting, and entertaining children’s tale by Lois with illustrations by Francie Mion. There is always something for young ones to learn in her tales.
This colourful tale takes young readers on an adventure, where Mama Warbler is waiting for her last egg to hatch.
The cute characters bring the story to life that any 4 – 8 year-old is sure to love. The use of fantasy teamed with science, engages both imagination and learning.
Grab a copy to see what Mama Warbler does to encourage her baby to come into the world.
Reviewed by @jennadb
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great kids book! I read this with my kiddos and they absolutely loved it! We read it about 4 times. They couldn’t get enough and honestly I couldn’t either. Loved the illustrations and the story all around. Highly encourage parents to read this with their kids! It’s fun.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved every book of this series that I’ve read so I wasn’t even worried about if I would like this one or not. I devoured this. Crime stories are some of my favorites because they always have me on my toes and needing to know what happens next, and that’s exactly what this read did! Secrets, murder..what else do you need? Highly encourage everyone to read this series!
The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a tale. With no one to trust and nowhere to turn Sparky a young street-smart girl is on the run. Sparky is set to clear her name and find a killer, but friends soon turn to foes in this fun, mystery filled tale.
The Cold Kid Case – A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery is set in the 1930’s. Even though the book is aimed at a younger audience, it was still enjoyable even at my age, if not a little crazy.
This book of filled with plenty of quirky characters and lots of crazy action as Sparky and her would be helpers that tend to hinder rather than help track down what happened to the Cold Kid.
It took me a while to get used to the way the story is told but overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read.
To find out what happens in this story full of mayhem and madness you will have to read it for yourself.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a heartwarming romance with a festive feel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Schoolteacher Joy Stewart is looking for a Christmas miracle following the death of her grandmother who raised her dies, leaving her with debts to pay. When the man she owes money to says he will take her as payment Joy needs to find another option, and then discovers that her Grandmother already had a plan. Meanwhile, Marshal Jack Bolling is left bringing up his four year old twin niece and nephew following the tragic death of their parents. He’s struggling to find a nanny especially on his Marshal’s salary, but then his friend Pastor North suggests that he look for a wife instead. With it being so near to Christmastime he could also do with a Christmas miracle to find a suitable wife and quickly. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline as both the characters and setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative. I look forward to reading the next book in this new series. This romantic story also had a lovely festive feel about it which has put me in the Christmas spirit!
My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stas is your typical high school teenager who is still trying to find herself. She thinks that the biggest issues she has are her weight, which she believes makes her incapable of dancing and be able to wear the clothes she wants. After the tragic murder of her mom the story becomes even more emotionally charged. To make matters worse the prime suspect is her father. Now she must find out who really did kill her mother. She is ultimately on a journey to find herself and to heal from the loss of her mom.
I enjoyed reading My Murder Year due to how much Stas changes from the start of the story till the end. There is a good amount of suspense and twists and turns to keep it interesting. It was realistic and at times heart breaking. It is worth the read of you love stories with suspense, romance, and lots of heart!
Sea of Demons by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sea of Demons is the fifth book in the Reverse Harem series Bood and Sand. I realised when I was about to start this book that there were four more books before this one and it looked like they all followed on from one another. So, I started at the beginning, and I am so glad that I did because they do indeed follow on. Make sure to start at the beginning of the series.
Warning: this book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering.
Angel and her men are back in this reverse harem mafia/gang dark romance suspense story. It is full of violence, danger and unexpected developments that had me on the edge of my seat at times.
With the stalker gone they now face a new nemesis and things can only get deadlier.
As with the rest of the series Sea of Demons is an action-packed tale and a few twisty turns. The intensity and the passion of the characters palpable. It is easy to be drawn into the darkness and the world that Heidi has created. This is the best book of the series.
No spoilers here.
If you are looking for something a little darker, a little spicier, a few sexy men then this is your book but check out the warning before you do.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ok so I absolutely LOVED this book! I was planning on just reading it to my kids as they fall asleep, but found myself reading long after they had started sleeping. My girls loved it (3 and 4) but I am also going to give it to my 12 year old to read and I think he would really enjoy it too.
The world building is incredible and so vivid. The storyline is so unique and the characters are wonderful. K. L. Small really brings the main characters to life and I just wanted to rescue poor Rus. No spoilers, but I felt so sorry for him and was so frustrated that the adults in his life didn’t seem to notice he was struggling. Happy endings for all, but does illustrate some real life struggles in a way that is easy to understand and empathize with.
Recommend this book for readers of all ages!
SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again, Valerie has done it again! I have not found a book by Valerie that I haven’t enjoyed…. especially when it comes to Logan McKenna and her adventures! All Logan wanted to do was enjoy a nice, peaceful and quiet family vacation on the Oregon coast with her boyfriend, daughter, son-in-law and grandson. Everything seemed to be going well with her family vacation and of course something always has to come along. Logan McKenna finds herself being drawn to solve another murder after a captain of an excursion is found murdered! There were so many suspects and then there was one unexpected one… Logan! Can Logan prove her innocence, can she prove that the killer hijacked her phone? This is not how Logan expected her family vacation to go, but then again, it seems like murder and Logan go hand in hand! Pick up a copy of this book and get lost reading about Logan McKenna and her murder solving adventure!
Mary Espinoza, November 2023
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My Big Red Monster(Giants and Monsters) is a children’s book by Lois Wockstrom. In this story, we follow a young lady who has a monster under her bed. She tells her brother but he doesn’t believe her so she must figure out what to do on her own. This story is great for teaching young children problem-solving, imagination, and how to overcome their fears. The illustrations are fun as well. This is also a very good story about taking back your power.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a nice children’s book and would definitely be good for children who believe there is a monster under their bed. The story was very fast paced and would be very easy for children to follow and it is accompanied by lovely bright, colourful illustrations that are sure to capture children’s interest.
Another great book from this wonderful children’s author and a great addition to any child’s bookshelf!
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Clever story about a monster under the bed and allowing it to drive your fear. Liked how the girl gathered the courage to confront the monster and drive away it’s power. Great illustrations and I liked the attention to details on the walls and rooms.
Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 6th story in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book can be read as a standalone however I do recommend reading them all so you get a complete understanding of the characters and can see their growth and development in each story.
This is a cosy paranormal mystery which I loved. It is fast paced and full of secrets that Karina has to discover and solve in order to figure out the case. There as so many twists and turns that the reader is kept guessing all the way through.
When Karina’s Aunt Vera goes missing there is a question over whether this was a genuine disappearance or just Aunt Vera wanting to disappear for a while. After Karina hears about her Aunts disappearance she has a feeling she’s in trouble. After all Karina seems to attract nothing but trouble recently. As she starts her search she gets some help from a unexpected being who holds some of the clues to her aunts disappearance. However it will take all of Karine’s sleuthing skills to be able to unravel the clues as they are twisted and distorted with lies and corruption. Can she solve this case in time? Is Aunt Vera really in danger or just hiding from something?
One things for sure with Karine’s strength and determined character she won’t let anyone stop her from getting to the bottom of this mystery.
