The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 stars
This is book one in this series and it set the tone. The world building is phenomenal and the characters have so much depth. The storyline is very solid and intriguing. There’s a lot of action in this book that keeps you interested!
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ayla Marie is a new author for me, and definitely one I will read again! The Blood Prince is the first of two books focused on Leo and his family. There is so much more emotion in this book than I was suspecting. Leo’s bond with his siblings is so pure and they are all so protective of one another; it’s amazing to feel through the pages of a book. The characters are so realistically flawed and believable that I couldn’t help but feel connected to them somehow. This young adult fantasy was not a quick read, but rather, one to curl up with and immerse yourself in. The world building of Ayla Marie is as fantastical as the content of the story! I found myself walking through the woods with the Hael family, wandering the filthy streets of Somereil, and exploring the wonder of the city of Wate. There were so many twists to this adventure that I was kept on my toes throughout the entirety of the book. I cannot wait to read the next book!
A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. And I do mean wow. This story did not leave anything out. Every detail is perfectly placed to bring you into the scenes. You’ll feel for Ava but then you’ll feel for Kingston but lord the heat will bring you to your knees. I can’t wait to read the second in this series. Will Ava be King’s or will her brother save her? What can she do to rid of herself of this life?
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this second installment in the series, we learn so much more about Kingston and his childhood. The contract is signed and Ava belongs to him now but will she be ruined? Or will she teach her modern day Beast to love? I enjoyed this story as much as the first. It is very sexual though so beware if you aren’t into stories like that.
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns was an amazing fantasy novel, the author is a genius when it comes to writing such words that the story just came to life as I read it. I loved the take on bringing the sovereigns from the 7 kingdoms together, so you get to see the different types of characters interacting with one another, even if they are normally considered mortal enemies when in their kingdoms. There was so much excitement, and intrigue in piecing together the clues about the characters and their agendas (especially those deeply hidden as gems in the story) that could be so easily missed if you weren’t paying attention. The author put a whole new spin on the fantasy world that has me hooked, I just saw that there is a mini prequel book that I am going to go back and read before moving on to book 2 in this series. If you are a huge fan of all types of fantasy creatures, then this is the perfect next book series for you to read! It gives you all of the excitement, and action, sprinkles in intrigue and romance, and you’ve got it all in this book.
@Brandy Rymer
1/2024
Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lost Property is the 6th book in the Tom Grant Series, but the first one I read. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the relationships… even after finishing, I am struggling to piece together how everyone is related. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the book. It was action packed with crime and suspense. The book is focused around a kidnapping and human trafficking ring, but it isn’t very disturbing. It more focuses on the process of tracking down the missing girls, and trying to figure out the bad guys along the way. I kind of wish the author put a little more recap into the story, as far as why Tom is recently retired. How Martha is related to him. Where he met Mischa and background on their relationship. Tom and James don’t get along, but I am not entirely sure why…. Guess I need to go back and read the first 5 books to get my answers. I enjoyed the writing style and will be adding this author to my read lists.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*three book series so this review covers all 3 books!*
Marcy was becoming successful, opening her own bakery. Finding the perfect employees and of course finding Brad. Finding her best friend Jill, life seems to be falling into place perfectly. However two years into her relationship eith Brad, Marcy starts to change and becomes angry first its small things but she starts to explode on her employees, her customers and Brad. Shes also having severe nightmares and doesnt know why.
Brad becomes legitimately concerned and they have a blow out fight where Marcy pushes Brad and he finally walks away ending their relationship. She goes to see Brad the next day and sees him with his secretary with her hands on his arm and she’s furious, so she heads home but needs gas on the way. Her heightened anger comes in handy when she finds herself held at gunpoint at a gas station. She manages to disarm the robber easily with her martial arts training, and she moves onto the next gas station to finally get what she needs. While there Tall dark and broody Liam approaches her for help and tells her a heartbreaking story of how his family was murdered and he’s seeking revenge. He wants her to help him on his mission to seek revenge for his family.
Once Marcy gets home from all the excitement from the gas station Brad apologizes and proposes to her! She accepts. Brad then has to go out of town and Liam reaches out to Marcy to help him with several groups of thugs and criminals thought to be connected to his families death and she readily agrees. Liam gives her a burner phone and she forgets her regular phone for several days. When she finally checks it finding Brad leaving more and more angry voice-mail because she isn’t answering, which ends in Marcy having a mental breakdown. Brad immediately ends their engagement.
Wanting to get away Marcy remembers Liam talking about a little cabin she might be able to decompress in so she calls Liam, they spend two weeks together where Marcy falls in love with Liam but she can’t deny she’s still in love with Brad.
Upon her return home she finds Brad has called everywhere and shown up all over desperate to find her. Marcy tells Brad about Liam and he asks her never to see Liam again if she wants to stay with Brad.
The suspense continues to intensify throughout this book, and what are these nightmares she’s having ? Do they mean something? Can her and her therapist break through? Which man will she ultimately choose?
Great suspense and Romance in one 3 book set!
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderfully enjoyable story! I loved the world and character building. The ran a bit slow at times since it is giving information from a variety of sources. Not a lot of action but lots of suspense. Thay necromancer…..such a troublemaker!! I enjoyed the fantasy theme and that each book will be about a different child and kingdom but filled mostly with characters we have already met. Very cool!
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 is a captivating journey through Bella’s post-divorce struggles and triumphs. B.L. Wilde skillfully crafts a series of novellas that are funny, spicy, and emotionally resonant. The four-book set, starting with Mr. Wimp, follows Bella’s re-entry into the dating scene after a painful divorce. The characters, especially Mr. Smooth (Liam) and Mr. Kinky (Jensen), add depth and charm. This compilation is a convenient way to enjoy the entertaining and relatable tales in one place. For fans of romance, this box set is a delightful exploration of love, self-discovery, and the unpredictable world of post-divorce dating.
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book of the series. This book was just as great as the first. Her brother leaves her to settle his debt. Now she belongs to Kingston. She wants to leave but she starts to crave him. He has feelings for but doesn’t want to admit to it. He has to keep her safe from the enemy. Can they put the fear aside and be together?
Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tom thought he was done with that part of his life. He and Isabelle are living in a quaint house with a big yard and an older neighbor that likes to bring Tom soup. Then he receives a call that threatens to drag him back into the black hole of sex trafficking and saving the lost. This is a suspenseful book that keeps you guessing who is double-crossing who. I wasn’t interested at first because I couldn’t keep track of the characters, but I stuck with it and ended up really liking the book.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAlllister
View all my reviews
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I have read from this author and I am very excited to get to read more of her works! This was a well written story that drew me in, right from the beginning. We jump almost right into the Games and as the story unfolds, the author does an amazing job of revealing more of the story and the characters. Lannahi was a wonderful heroine that you absolutely want to see succeed. As she gets older she sees how little she can trust those even closest to her and how hard she will need to work to find her place in this fantasy world. This fantasy story definitely kept me enthralled and I couldn’t stop reading until the end. The author takes you on all sorts of twists and turns, keeping you wondering how it will all end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, mystery, secrets, lies, romance, and magic. I definitely plan to check out the other books the author has written and I look forward to more of her works.
Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a little sad to see this amazing series come to an end!! I am so glad that I gave this series a chance. As previously mentioned in other reviews, I struggle with dual time line stories. This author made it so easy for me to follow the story and I almost felt like I was in the story myself at times!
It’s up to Julia and a few of her close friends to save Nick from this eternal purgatory that he’s found himself in. The Order is just not going to let him walk away from the deeds that he’s done, or that they think he’s done.
This book is just as full of action and adventure as the previous books. It’s vital that these be read in order to preserve the storyline and to have it make sense. If you love historical based reads, grab this one. If you like that this is also a bit of a thriller, it will only enhance your reading experience more. I will be adding this author on my list of those to watch out for because his writing is extremely enjoyable to me!!
Hope For A New World by Renee W Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in Gaia’s Voice Series. It is a sci fi story based on the end of our world as we know it and the creation of the next world. The authors attention to detail is what really brings this story to life for me. The description and images are painted so well that you could actually imagine these things occuring. What I also loved what how their was a spiritual connection to everything as well. Learning about other cultures as well as their thoughts and feelings on the spiritual connections between the earth and all living beings on it was a really interesting part of this book for me.
Maddison Bear’s Heart is an environmental lawyer. She is always fighting to protect the earth from the fate of being destroyed by human hands. When she is approached by 2 women from the Hopi people they inform her that the world is going to end and Maddison is the person to guide them to the next world.
When Maddison finally accepts the task she is informed that the Earth’s sister planet will welcome them so with the help of the Corporate Military they set off to find this new world.
However the Corporate Military have their own agenda and they aren’t helping Maddison and the environmental protesters out of the kindness of their hearts, this is the chance they have been waiting for to get rid of the protesters once and for all.
Will the group heading to the new planet even make it? What will happen to the people they have left behind? Will anyone survive when the world ends?
This is a brilliant thought provoking story that I really enjoyed. I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s very important to read these books in order to understand the context of what’s happening.
This book picks up right where Book 1 (The Prisoner of Paradise) left off. Nick and Julia are still trying to get back home when they are sent back to Venice. The Order is not about to let them get away with what they think is important information.
There is a lot of action and adventure in this story as well! There are a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. I really enjoy this author’s writing and look forward to reading more great stories of his!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nick is an avid hockey player. One wrong move though and he found himself sidelined with a head injury that he is in denial over. When an opportunity for the trip of a lifetime to Venice comes along, Nick and his wife Julia are excited. Julia is concerned that it might be too much for Nick though. Eventually, they make the journey where Julia has an opportunity to write for a prestigious publication but they are going to soak up as much as tourists can while on a working vacation. When they visit an art gallery and see Tintoretto’s Paradise, things start to get a little interesting for Nick. He soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery that is over 400 years old with a need to release trapped souls.
This book is one that I wasn’t sure I would enjoy but I wanted to give it a chance and I’m so glad that I did. Normally, I struggle with dual time-line stories but this one was written in a way that didn’t affect me like others have in the past. I was engrossed in this story from word one page one. I’m super excited about other stories in this series! I love the mystery, intrigue, and the historical aspects of this adventure.
Sweet Dreams by Claire by Nanette Littlestone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story isn’t set in a fast pace but slow and takes you through the motions. A wonderfully thought of story with tinges of magic, love, and adventure. Claire has never been adventurous after a childhood trauma but everything changes with a cake delivery. She gains new friends, a tall handsome stranger, pain, and even learns to overcome. A wonderful story of how life can go for anyone and the steps to overcome. Will Claire’s life turn around?
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A mystical and magical world. This is the first novel of this genre I have read that features a shapeshifting werewolf as a protagonist. I thought this was a little hokey at first, but I quickly became hooked! The title comes from the unification of many kingdoms into one. I can’t wait to read about some of the other portions of the kingdom.
The Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I did not read The Taste of Light that this novella has come stemmed from but, I was able to understand the character dynamic and the story easily enough. This story really had me drawn to Anne and Pedro and I will definitely be looking into the Winemakers series. The story of the family being cursed with the bridge is so interesting and I love how it all played into all the goings on at the estate. Pedro definitely has some demons and Anne seems like the brightest light to ever have conquered his darkness, but he is not very good at sharing his turmoil with is bride, he wants to keep her pure, innocent and away from all things bad. I love how he loves her and pushes aside some of his doubts regarding their future and speaks to Anne. Also very spicy!
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My favorite part of this book is the artwork of all the dogs and the water. I like that this points out that each dog, like each human is different and all have their different ideas of fun. There are many dog sports to learn about in this book and the at the end of the day spending quality time with your dog is always best. The end has a note to parents on how to teach children dog care, learning something new, empathy etc. I love that the author wants the parents to engage with the child and the dog as well.
A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great! I could not put it down. There are things in this book that some readers might be uncomfortable with. Ava’s parents died. Her brother, who wasn’t the greatest owes money to Kingston “The King.” King took Ava captive as payment for her brother’s debt. He didn’t know if he was going to keep her, sell her, or let her go. Ava at first can’t stand him and is giving him attitude left and right but after some time starts falling him, and craves his touch. The King on the other hand had no idea about his feelings even though he’s been obsessed with Ava for years. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read book 2.
Shifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These are short, exciting, heart racing stories. While they are short, they are complete as intended. Even though I would love to see more of each character. One story is very intense so it would not be for those under 18. The stories are well written, engaging and will keep you turning the pages..This is the type of book to take and read while waiting at the Dr’s office or soccer field. Those are the places I find myself with nothing to read, and a short amount of time sitting around waiting.This was a great time filler. I loved every story including the Hellhound! While this is a new author for me, I would love to read which story comes next.
Review@cinful
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a sweet children’s book that shows them how to entertain and have fun with their dog. Dogs can get bored quickly, just like kids so what better than to teach the kiddos different ways to keep the dogs busy and have fun. A great book for families with dogs or who think about getting a dog or puppy. The illustrations are wonderful and the sentences are fun. Overall a fun, interactive story that you can read with your kids or your dogs even!
Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story brings in the imagination but teaches the children morals and values as well. If you have read Lois Wickstrom before you probably have read her small picture books, this story is a chapter book and peaks towards a bit older of a child. Wickstrom always writes the best books that captivate and teach. Definitely recommend Nessie and the Living Stone.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime is a kid’s guide to a Happy Dog and is part of the Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series. This is another super cute story yet it’s a learning experience as well. It teaches kids different ways to train and interact with their pets ( furry friend) My son is almost six and he loved this book we have a little frenchie bulldogg and he was letting her him around I love that each one of these books have beautiful illustrations and are a fun way of teaching kids different lessons and they don’t even realize it. This is a super cute story about being different is ok. I highly recommend reading this book and we look forward to reading more from these authors.
Mission Improbable: Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book three of the series and the first book I’ve read by this author. You can read this book without feeling like you missed anything if you didn’t read book one or two. This book has a mystery plot that definitely pulls you in.
Blanche has an adventure in Vietnam while using her amateur sleuthing skills to find Jean’s mother. So many secrets and so much history woven through this story! You can tell the author either researched or has personal experience with Vietnam. It is so well written it’s like you are on the journey with Blanche!
It’s a good read and I may very well circle back and read the first two books in the series.
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had so much fun reading this book! It felt so nostalgic to me and I absolutely loved the author’s use of Metaphor. “His deep sand-papery tone” I absolutely loved that line, and how easy it was to actually hear the characters’ voices from the very first page! I would love to go to Bastion academy! I can’t wait to read R.C. Reigh’s second novel in this series Kingdom Of Seven Sovereigns: The Legacy Series: Dragons! She is a new author to me and her series grabbed and hooked me immediately! I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves the fantasy romance genre and all the intensity it contains!
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is book two of The Savage Duet. It picks up where book one left off so you definitely need to read book one first.
Kingston is a collector and Ava is no exception to that. The only difference is he begins to feel an attraction to her. Ava, after finding out her brother has abandoned her, struggles with her situation but eventually feels drawn to Kingston. She hates him and the situation he’s put her in but she can’t be without him either. Can these two have a normal relationship or will their circumstances be too difficult to overcome?
The chemistry between these characters is definitely off the charts. You want to hate Kingston like Ava does at first but as you read you understand him more. The characters and the story are very well written!
The Scent of Snow: A Winemakers Novella by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4- 4.5 Stars
The Scent of Snow (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi is a wonderful historical women’s fiction story – with Christmas wishes, a grumpy/sunshine factor, age gap, sweet & tender touches, spicy scenes, romance, emotion, quirky & complex characters, humour, mysteriousness, and enough drama, challenges, and angst to keep things interesting.
As this follows Anne and Pedro, adding to their story that we read in Book #2- “The Taste of Light” (Book #2 in the series), I highly recommend reading that book before starting on this one as the whole story foundation, character information, backstory, and other important details are found there. Having all that information on board will definitely enhance your reading experience of this story. The whole series is definitely worth reading.
Having met Anne and Pedro before and loving their story, I was excited to see what this novella would hold. Set in Portugal in 1874, we join Anne and Pedro during Christmas. With all the romantic touches I have come to expect from Ms. Siniscalchi, as well as a sprinkle of Christmas magic, and some mysteriousness- she had me flipping the pages to find out what happens. These two have a few ‘bumps’ to traverse- and will Anne get her Christmas wish? Well worth the read to find out.
This is the last book in The Winemakers Series- which would have been sad, except Ms. Siniscalchi has promised a spin-off series, which soothed the sting of this being the finale.
I can’t wait to see where we go from here, and what Ms. Siniscalchi has in store for us in the new series…. bring it on!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Giovanna Siniscalchi!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 is a 4-book box set which contains the first four books in The Human Mating Site series by B.L. Wilde. Mr Wimp (Book #1), Mr. Smooth (Book #2), Mr. Player (Book #3), and Mr. Kinky (Book #4)- are the first four books in this thirteen-book series which follows Bella as she plunges back into the dating pool after being married for twelve years. Her ‘adventures’ make for fun reading- sprinkled with all the sexy antics that come with dating, emotion, drama, interesting characters, and more.
Bella has been blindsided by a cheating husband (Mr. Wimp)- with twelve years of marriage down the drain. She’s ‘back on the market’ but feels quite lost – so she sets out on a journey to re-discover (find) the ‘woman’ she was before, who was lost and overlooked during her years of marriage. Things get a little messy, angsty, spicy, and fun- as we plunge into the dating pool alongside Bella as she enjoys a few Mr. Right(now).
I love Liam (Mr. Smooth) and also Jensen (Mr. Kinky)….. I am rooting for Liam at this point though. I would love to read longer versions of these stories as they remind me a little of ‘The Calendar Girl’ series by Audrey Carlan, and the ‘Rebel and a Saint’ series by Kitty Kendall.
These are all very short, novella-length stories, with a new instalment set to release every month as we follow Bella along on The Human Mating Game.
Mr. Heartless is next (Book #5) – can’t wait!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, B.L. Wilde!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
