Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful impactful children’s book is a fantastic book explaining environmental impact in a child-friendly way. This is a lovely story to be read to children or for older children to read and learn alone.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am so glad I read the prequel first, I loved the continuation of the story between Cole and Riley. Its definitely an addictive read and a book that cannot be put down. Who doesn’t love a dark brooding man and people you don’t know if you can rely on.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This prequal is enough to entice anyone into reading the rest of the series. This short book is full of angst and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I did love the bully romance troupe and the twist with the conwoman. I am really enjoying this series so far.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anise Storm’s first book in her Titans of Chicago is Deceptively Yours. Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake were soul mates planning to marry after graduating. Both of them had grown up together and fallen in love. One evening, Harper and Gabriel were eating dinner at Gabriel’s home when his parents came home. Mr. Blake asked Harper to meet him in his office for a minute. Harper’s parents were killed in a car accident. Devastated, Harper is shocked to learn her uncle was picking her up to live with him in Portland. Despite the Blake family offering to let Harper stay with them in Chicago, he refuses and takes Harper away.
Jayson, Harper’s cousin, tormented her two months later. Jayson rapes Harper and takes pictures of his acts. He sends them to her to prevent her from telling anyone. She felt as though she had unwillingly cheated on Gabriel. In a single phone call followed by pictures, Harper breaks Gabriel’s heart. She also stopped contact with everyone she knew in Chicago.
Nine and a half years later, Harper discovers Gabriel’s parents died in a mysterious plane crash. She knew she had an inheritance, and Mr. Blake had been trying to help her despite her uncle denying she had anything. Her friend, Jackson, had helped her look into Mr. Blake’s work, and they found something off. Just before the plane crashed, her uncle was making incremental payments to someone in Chicago. Now the same payments were being made. Harper fears that Gabriel is in danger and tries to warn him on the phone. He hangs up on her. Determined, Harper has to warn Gabriel of the danger. When White is flying to Chicago, a blizzard strikes the city. She finds Gabriel at a bachelor’s auction for a charity. When it is time to bid for the date, Harper uses over half her savings to pay for the date. However, Gabriel has other plans. Unprepared, Gabriel is angry but won’t turn Harper away since all the hotels are full. He takes her back to his penthouse.
Anise Storm’s Deceptively Yours covers several deep topics in a passionate romance story. The sixteen years Harper and Gabriel had before her parents’ deaths held onto hope. Even a decade after Harper foolishly ended the relationship, Gabriel and Harper never moved on to another real relationship. While they were apart, some of their dreams had come true, while others had fallen through due to unfortunate events that happened in real life. Despite the chemistry between them, the pain of betrayal is brought to light through Gabriel’s eyes. The alternating views are well-transitioned, and they keep the momentum of the story moving forward without being a repetitive rehashing of each detail. The personalities are well-developed, and the vivid depiction of their physical attributes adds to the appeal of this book. Readers who enjoy well-developed romantic suspense novels will find Deceptively Yours a great book for their personal library.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, so much to unpack in this brilliant book. There’s the mystery, the romance, the hidden histories and motivations of different characters. The second book in an amazing series, this one contains references to its predecessor but can also be read as a stand alone. Be warned though, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages and reading long into the night! 5 stars!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Delayed Redemption: DAG Team Series: Book 3 of 4 Special Ops Romantic Suspense by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mateo didn’t grow up with many choices. After his parents brought him to the US from Puerto Rico, he wound up living with his grandmother who was in poor health. When Mateo’s grandmother died, he didn’t have much choice and gave into the neighborhood gang. Mateo moved up fast. Mateo was willing to do almost anything. Only one person in his life thought he was worth anything. Janey was his best friend’s sister.
Janey didn’t have things easy either. After Janey’s mother died, her father became abusive and neglectful. Her brother, Scott, wasn’t much better. When Janey got the chance to get out of the neighborhood, she took it and never came back. The only person she missed was Mateo.
Mateo thought he saw a pregnant Janey one day in a prison visiting room. Mateo realized he wanted to be a better person. Mateo decided to take the opportunity presented to him to join the other side. He secretly joined DAG and learned to become an agent for them. Mateo was determined to take down the gang from the inside out. And his plan was working until he showed up at the gang bunker and found Janey.
Janey had been kidnapped because Scott took something that belonged to the gang leader, Saw. Saw wanted the item back. Mateo had to change his plan to get the information he needed to truly be free of the gang while managing to keep Janey safe. Janey just had to play her part without falling for Mateo again. That part was not going to be easy.
Neither Janey nor Mateo want to admit their feelings for the other. After all the truths are revealed, Janey and Mateo find another again.
There are still questions to be answered. They came thiiiiiiiiiisssss close to revealing the mole. Janey and Mateo’s story is a perfect place to start if you aren’t already reading this series. And, you should be reading this series.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mann!! I do love this series and I’m always super excited when I see a new one was released. This could be read as a standalone but let me tell you I highly suggest you going back to read all 8 of the previous books. Sylvia Black definitely has another hit on her hands. This book wass so good from start to finish. I could barely sit it down. I just had to know how it ended. How Botosoni and Catina got their HEA. It’s a fast past read with some steamy bits. It was also real action packed, with the war between them and rogues and shifters. This author is always so well written, with great characters and side characters.i love reading her works.I can not wait til April for the 10th Book 🙌😍
Ps 🤨 21 is getting to old then I must be a crypts keeper 🤣
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Magic Wanda is a colorful, magical and imaginative story that we follow Carrie once again and what her Grandma has in store with something new. Carrie must get ready for the party, but all Carrie wants to do is to know more about “Wandas”. Carrie learns that “Wandas” are magical and fun. What does Carrie learn about this magic….definitely read and find out.
This is a fun filled story more for ages 4-8 years but can also be enjoyed for the young at heart. The illustrations are colorful and engaging and who does not love a magical book..
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dirty Heartbreaker is Book 3 of the Hamilton Steelhawks series and a new author to me! This is a contemporary sports hockey romance and one of my favorite tropes. Romance on and off the ice, drama and angst, I loved this story. Although I have not read the first two books in the series, I did not feel lost, but I will be definitely circling back to start this series from the beginning. I was hooked from the first page and looking forward to more in this series.
Steelhawks hockey start, Colby Shelton, is hot both on and off the ice. He loves his team but also loves the ladies. There is one lady that is on his mind that he cannot let go…Gabby Abbandonato. As Gabby’s professional career ends, she is a talented designer in figure skating costumes…she does not want to be the type who falls for the hockey player….with sizzling moments with Colby…its hard not to fall. But heated moments lead to silence as Colby is not the committed type. When Colby’s hockey teammate and Gabby’s friend get married..whom is part of the wedding party..none other than Colby and Gabby. Can they work together for the sake of their friend’s upcoming wedding while sparks still are undeniable between them…or will the past and stubbornness be in the way to true happiness…
Definitely read and find out…I loved this story of Colby and Gabby <3.
Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hidden Valley Elite Book 2 (3 if you include the novella prequel) was my favorite of the series so far. The drama between Riley and Cole reaches an all new high and there were some chapters that had me at the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this one down! I enjoyed the previous books, but this one was much better. Isla Vaughn put together a great story here and all the twists and turns were well placed and took the book to a whole different level compared to book 1 and the prequel. I look forward to reading many more by Isla and reading more from this series.
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a quick and sexy read. On her last leg Selene finds herself taking a chance on a job that seems too good to be true. Soon she has more questions than answers. Will her curiosity cost her another job or will Selene finally find one that she is good at?
I liked the idea of this book but found the actual story missing something for me. I would have liked a bit more depth to the characters and their connection. Selene does not stand out for me and as much as I was interested in the plot I was not pulled in to the story. The male characters that we do get to meet are intriguing and it would have been nice to see more of their personalities. This is a quick adventure that gives readers a titillating story with a touch of the paranormal and mystery.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic is the second book in the Divine Vintage Series. It is a cozy mystery with paranormal elements, drama, suspense, mystery, intrigue, vintage clothing, and romance. I was so excited to read this book after having read book one, Divine Vintage, and I was not disappointed. This time around we follow the (mis)adventures of Marcy as she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand as a costumer to a local theatre group. Things start off on the wrong foot for her immediately with the Play Director, Mike, as she inadvertently seems to have gotten on his bad side without even trying. As if that is not bad enough, Marcy finds herself confronted with a glowing white orb in the loft of the theatre where the costumes are stored. She is unnerved and spooked by the white light but finds herself wanting to know more about it, so she enlists the help of her friend Tess. Although Marcy has become more in tune with her abilities to see a person’s aura, it is Tess that can connect with the spirit world through vintage clothing. Together, Marcy and Tess begin to unlock the secrets of a gruesome death that took place in the theatre in 1966. I loved the characters in this story, especially Marcy with her eclectic clothing style and easy-going attitude. Although she was fun-loving, she also had a firecracker spirit that she revealed when someone, such as Mike, pushed her buttons. I loved that Tess could sense spirits and see visions through the touch of vintage clothing and thought it was a unique and special gift to have. I cannot wait for the next book!
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beach Ball blunder is another delightful adventure if “cray on the bay”. Beautiful illustrations by Erica Leigh and delightfully written by G Pa Rhymes depicts the tale of why you should never lie. Lies hurt your friends and the truth is always better.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is a fantastic chapter in the “Hidden Valley Elite” series by Isla Vaughn. Savage lies although officially book one of the series it continues the sizzling heat between Cole and Riley that we got a glimpse of in the prequel book savage start. Cole starts a vindictive war against Riley wanting to drive her and her mum out of his life while fighting his undeniable attraction and lust for her. The chemistry between them is like fireworks and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series…
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This brief origin story was genuinely dark and mysterious.
We follow Xenobia in this story as she attempts to be smart and safe in a dangerous environment, especially if you were female. Xenobia preferred to be by herself so no one paid too much attention to her. Head down and continue moving was a great motto to live by. However one day a young lady named Urd arrives and although she tries not to get close to her, Xenobia soon finds that they have an instant connection. A new friendship blossoms and soon Xenobia finds herself wanting to protect Urd.
Upon learning that a horrific gentleman bought them both, they wonder what they can do to save themselves from this horrific ordeal.
Xenobia soon learns things about herself that she could not imagine. This story had twists and turns that you will not expect. I think it is a great origin story to help explain a number of things about the characters.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen is a beautiful and consuming YA love story. Mei Li and Marcus are well written and fully developed characters. Their story is complicated, heart breaking, and will make you feel all the emotions. The issues they are dealing with in the book are so real and raw and make it that much more complex and heartfelt. Definitely recommend this beautiful story. 5 out 5 Stars!
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young, This is such a fun paranormal, romance. Its the story of Marcy who is an artist who has just realized she can read people’s aura’s. She is also a expert in vintage clothing so when her friend is left in charge of the local production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” Marcy is in charge of the wardrobe. While working on this production Marcy begins to see a Aura around the theater and when Marcy finds out that this same play was put on in this very same theater 50 years ago and the lead actress died tragically during the production. Marcy is determined to solve this actresses death so that she can be free at last. Marcy is also attracted to both the director and an actor Will she be able to play the leading role without becoming an aura herself? Read this fun romance to find out!
I read this as a standalone but will definitely be going back and reading the 1st one!
I love a good mystery book but often times have it pretty figured out by the halfway point. Halfway through and I was still suspecting everyone and hadn’t really checked many off my list.
All of the characters are well written and hold their own mystery and interest. Personally, I love Milton & Pearl being so involved in anything that Christy does, from their jobs at the bookstore to being pushed around town in a stroller to going on walks in their harnesses, they are truly living their best kitten lives.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Hockey/enemies-to-lovers/sports romance is steamy in all the right places and there is enough tension between Colby and Gabby that it makes for a wonderful read. This is the 3rd book in the series but no worries, yes the main characters from the other 2 booms are included in this one, but you will be able to follow the story line with no problems. You do not have to be too familiar with Hockey or even ice skating to enjoy this book.
Wonderful story.
Mateo is the body guard of a top drug lord. He is desperately trying to leave this world behind. However He runs into an old female “friend”, named Janey. She is a little bit older than him but doesn’t know the dangers that surround him as well as she thinks she does. Can Mateo leave the gang life and be okay with working for a government agency? Can Janey look past Mateo’s old life that she knows all to well and be able to spend the rest of her life with him? These are questions that I am asking myself as I continue to read this book. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I am hoping that it won’t be my last.
Delayed Redemption: DAG Team Series: Book 3 of 4 Special Ops Romantic Suspense by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mateo is the body guard of a top drug lord. He is desperately trying to leave this world behind. However He runs into an old female “friend”, named Janey. She is a little bit older than him but doesn’t know the dangers that surround him as well as she thinks she does. Can Mateo leave the gang life and be okay with working for a government agency? Can Janey look past Mateo’s old life that she knows all to well and be able to spend the rest of her life with him? These are questions that I am asking myself as I continue to read this book. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I am hoping that it won’t be my last.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young is the second book in the Divine Vintage series. While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. In this book we follow Marcy Alexander who is Tess’s assistant from the first book. Marcy finds herself in a ghostly mystery when she sees an unattached aura while doing a costuming gig. Marcy is used to seeing the auras of the living but not of ghosts. Of course, Marcy is in for a ride when she finds herself in a ghostly mystery. We also meet Mike, the director of the play that Marcy is costuming. They find themselves a bit at odds but of course, that changes. I enjoyed this story. I loved the first book so much and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a change in the main character but Marcy was just as lovely as a main character as she was as a side character. The story was just as engaging as the first book. The chemistry between Mike and Marcy was great and the romance was sweet and just right. Ms Young writes ghost stories so well. I am always drawn into the world of her stories. I adore the characters. The writing is absolutely lovely. Please do yourself a favor and read this book and then go read Divine Vintage if you haven’t yet.
Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson
Portrait of Deception is the second book in the Southwest Suspense Series and is a Suspense Thriller that will have you turning the pages on the edge of your seat till the end. This is not my first book by this author and I like her style of writing and attention to detail. She packs her stories with action and suspense and plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing till the end. This story is fast paced and full of suspense, violence, betrayal, thugs and so much more. Margo finds herself in a situation in a dark and dangerous world hopefully she can stay alive. If you thought being a photographer wasn’t dangerous then I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m already looking forward to reading more from this Author .
Fade Into the Night by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Sadie and Noah’s story. This is a series that really needs to be read in order. Even though I started with book 5 and felt the story was exciting, thrilling and romantic. I now need to go back to book 1. Evil is in the air with this story. Noah is an FBI agent investigating the Beltway Romeo. That sends him back to Sadie, a forensic facial reconstructionist. Sadie had not seen Noah for years. Now here he is. But there are some things that are about to come out. Big Secrets! I will stop there! The author writes everything as clear as can be. She ramps up her story then like a rollercoaster she plummets into the thriller. This story has it all: Romance, and Suspense, my two favorite genres in one great story. This is a must read! Now I am off to read the others in this series.
Review@cinful
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Always such beautiful illustrations to accompany the never-ending imagination of Lois Wickstrom and Carrie. Grandma’s really do always have the most interesting stuff. This installment was about magical wandas and honestly my favorite part was the comparison of wands and flashlights. They only work on things outside themselves. How does that make Wanda’s different well you’ll have to read and find out.
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder She Meowed is a cosy mystery featuring cats, a bookshop and a bakery. What’s not to love! It’s the second in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries series and reads fine as a standalone, as long as you don’t mind spoilers for the previous book.
I love the cast of community characters. There are many casual connections, but as the story unfolds we learn more about people’s pasts and how they were connected with the murder victim. All kinds of people come into Christy’s bookshop, and she’s good at getting them to talk about themselves as well as the books they have come to buy! I particularly liked Lora, who needed to buy two copies of Christy’s latest book to avoid a fight between her daughters.
The cats are a fun addition to the story. In their cat stroller, they come almost everywhere Christy does and their reactions lead her to clues. They can also help people feel calm and open up!
This book gets four stars from me. If you’re looking for something to read while you are performing important duties as a comfortable seat for your cat, look no further!
Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little story. Cray and his friends have a good time looking out for their world. I love how they worked together to clean up the mess made by humans. They worked together to make a difference. I think many children will enjoy this book and learn about working together and making a difference. I recommend this book to everyone who has a child that likes to read.
Cutter: Devils’ Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading her books from the first one I picked up. I enjoy her writing style as well as her creativity to make her characters pop. Her stories are well written and hard to put down. This book is no different. It is a story about Emily and Cutter. He is the one who lands in jail for doing the right thing but the one who put him there has just walked back into his life. In order to bring down the MC, Emily has to go deep undercover. The attraction she feels is a problem. Will it bring her and the whole investigation down? What will he do when he realizes who she is? I enjoyed watching these two characters. They have great growth and chemistry throughout the story. They kept it engaging and had me coming back for more. This is an easy, fast paced story to read. I enjoyed reading this book and it is one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book
Review by @bjwagner
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, life lessons for kids in a fun and realistic way. Accidents are a part of life good and bad ones. This book in the series focuses on the importance of telling the truth. Gray Seal had an accident it wasn’t on purpose, but it hurt his friends’ feelings and led to some mean words being said amongst them until he faced his fear and told the truth. It’s okay to have accidents but remember to tell the truth, once he did, he and his friends were able to work together to fix everything that happened. I can’t forget once more the beautiful illustrations of Erica’s that help bring the Bay to life with her incredible talent.
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorite series. I enjoy her attention to details that make her stories come to life on every page. This is a well written story about what happens when the line between fact and fiction becomes blurry. When gunmen open fire on a club, Suki gets hurt. She is rescued by Frank a couple of times and ends up facing a choice. Frank is offering her a life line. Will the lines blur between them? Will she be able to handle what is about to happen? I enjoyed these two characters and what they added to the story. They are strong, relatable characters that had me turning pages fast. I wanted to know what was going to happen next with them. There is great growth throughout which makes the story easy to read. This is a fast paced, engaging story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cray teaches us how to take care of our environment in this story. Humans enjoy their day at the beach, but don’t pay attention to their trash and how it is impacting the creatures that find the beach and the ocean home. This story is written in rhyme and has great illustrations. It teaches us the value of working together to keep our environment clean and safe for all.
