Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As with the first duet in the series, these books fit very well together. The main story lines are very similar but different. I feel as though the development of the relationships between the characters is a touch unrealistic. Overall really good books that go well together, would recommend!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a wonderful way to round out this duet series! The flow of the stories works very well, especially since, like in the first duet, the females are friends! These stories are the perfect way to round out this 3 duet series and I can’t wait to see more from Via Mari!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1448103.Nessie_and_the_Viking_Gold” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Nessie and the Viking Gold” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1183706701l/1448103._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1448103.Nessie_and_the_Viking_Gold”>Nessie and the Viking Gold</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2948111.Lois_June_Wickstrom”>Lois June Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6237392514″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Craig, Linda and their parents are back at the loch bnb for vacation. The kid’s mom tells them to stay away from the lake after last years incident. When they arrive there is another family at the bnb as well. Anna, who is Craig’s age, and her father. Anna wants to take Linda to Portia’s concert. But one the kids get on Mcduff’s boat because he wants to record Nessie’s voice.<br />As Portia and her band are practicing for the concert, the boat tips over. Linda is able to get down to the grotto and talk to Nessie about what’s happening to the Loch Ness. Now it’s up to Craig, Linda and Portia to save the Loch Ness before it all comes crashing and floods. This was such an amazing ending to the Nessie series!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining romance with a paranormal, mystery, and a bit of time-travel twist to it. Book 2 of the Divine Vintage series, Marcy helps her friend, Justine, with costume and has a wild time. You have to read this book to enjoy the adventures that happen in this tale. Jealous girlfriends to grumpy directors to auras and bright lights. I couldn’t put it down. Quite an adventure and a fun read.
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The characters in this book are lovable and relatable, making it easy for children to connect with the story and learn from Gray’s mistakes. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, adding to the overall appeal of the book. The rhyming text makes the story fun to read aloud, creating a playful and enjoyable reading experience for children.
Overall, Beach Ball Blunder is a fantastic book that teaches important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. It is a must-have for any child’s bookshelf and is sure to be a favorite for years to come. Highly recommended for parents, educators, and children alike.
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great teachable story about telling lies. Gray is playing with his ball on the beach and things get out of control. We see Gray take responsibility for his actions. I love the bright and colorful illustrations. They rhymes and rhythms of the story really make reading it such a neat adventure when you’re doing storytime with your grandchildren. Mine love it when I read this author’s books . Gray, Cray, Turtle Fay, Hay and the others are such a fun crew and teach at the same time. A must add to family libraries or the classroom library.
Shifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
T. K. Lawyer is a first-time author for me, so I was excited to read something new and unique! I really enjoyed the fact there were 6 very different short shifter stories; it wasn’t just normal shifter stories. I had never really read a book like this one and it was kind of refreshing to be introduced to a different kind of book. There are stories about a big cat, a gargoyle, a Hellhound, a dragon/vampire hybrid, a wolf, and a great white shifter. Every story was very different but at the same time kind of similar. The characters needed a little bit more developing, but that could just be because they were all pretty short stories. The world building was pretty well thought out, even with the shortened length. I was taken into many different worlds with the stories, you were transported into forests, cities, the ocean, and even the underworld itself all through the creativity of T. K. Lawyer. Some of these stories I would love to see as full-length stories and some of these stories were better left as the short stories. Overall, a quick, interesting read by an author I wouldn’t mind reading more stories from.
Mary Espinoza, January 2024
Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second installment in the Nessie series with Craig and Linda along for another adventure! I never hesitate to pick up one of Wickstrom’s books and I love her chapter books as much as I do her picture books. She’s always weaving lessons and learning together in such a way that kids don’t even know they are getting something out of it! This is a book that your older ones can read on their own or you can use this as a family read-aloud. I love the illustrations sprinkled throughout the book and I can’t wait to see what Nessie’s (and Craig and Linda’s) next adventure will be.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
View all my reviews
A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really cute story. My 7yo son and I enjoyed it. It’s about a bully who starts to lose friends because of always being mean. It is good for teaching about friendship, change and overcoming struggles. This is a great rhyming story with a great meaning. The illustrations are beautiful.
Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whispered Surrender by Via Maria is part one in the sinful duets series and is the combination of two interlinking novels Wayward and undercover about two beautiful twin Russian Princesses.
Wayward is the story of Jay the head of security and a born protector and dominant whom has never been one to become obsessed or needy when it comes to the many women in his life. There is just something about Sasha.
Undercover is the story of Matt and how he met Marenah whilst undercover. Matt is being held whilst undercover by Chicago Mafia’s goons. The head of whom is none other than the twins dad!! Clues that Marendah sends to Sasha via her friend is enough for Jay and his team to break them both free.
There is some pretty heavy sex scenes in both novels as well as a lot going on with the underlying Mafia storyline. I do believe that you need to read all of Via Maria’s previous novels to be able to truly follow along with the characters that are mentioned and referenced. As a lot of the time I think the background of these characters whom have been in previous novels would help to give you a better perspective on the background of what’s going on.
I will for sure be going back and reading to catch myself up.
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street is a great contemporary romance series with many tropes
Follow the brothers, sisters, and cousins of the Rocklyn family as they navigate life’s obstacles and discover love. Favorite hot clichés like opposites attract, second chances, hidden babies, separate worlds, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, secret identity, and forbidden love are all included in this packaged collection of the seven stories in The Rocklyns series.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The stories really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down. So glad it was a collection.
Sandra L. Young’s appreciation for vintage clothing inspired her to write a series of three cross-genre novels, heavy on the romance, historical mystery, and ghostly sizzle. Her debut, Divine Vintage, published in 2022, followed by Divinely Dramatic. She’s had a blast wearing pieces from her extensive vintage collection for signings, podcasts, and other presentations. For readers outside Northwest Indiana, she’d be happy to zoom in for book clubs. Just reach out through her web site at SandraYoungAuthor.com. And for the multitude of readers who have left reviews, she extends heartfelt thanks. The kind words inspire her to keep sharing her quirky genre-mix novels. Stay tuned for Justine’s story, The Ghostly Diva, to wrap the trilogy!
❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❥
Rejected by a teenage god.
Lies so dangerous our lives are at stake.
A game worth playing.
Cole Savage doesn’t hate anyone as much as he hates me… or the fact that he wants me just as much.
We all have issues, and the less he knows about me, the better. I just have to keep him unbalanced, which is harder than I thought it would be.
Yeah, he wants me.
But I want him just as much.
And that’s a secret I’ll kill over.
Until I overhear Cole saying “she’s not my type.”
Game on, pretty boy.
Because the kiss that seared me to my core told a different story.
Let’s see how tall and proud he walks when I put him in his place—which is hands-off of me.
~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~
Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee. You can find her at www.IslaVaughnAuthor.com
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.Bookbub – Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Gary Wakstein is known to young readers as G Pa Rhymes! After a lifetime in the restaurant industry, Gary discovered his true passion: writing children’s books that teach important life lessons through the magic of rhyme and reading. Partnering with the talented illustrator Erica Leigh, G Pa Rhymes created The Adventures of Cray book series, inspired by his own family’s adventures.
G Pa Rhymes captivates kids with his “rappin’ and rhymin'” stories and instills values like friendship, honesty, bravery, and environmental stewardship. Now a sought-after speaker, he travels to schools, museums, libraries, and anywhere else he can bring joy to children’s lives.
G Pa Rhymes tries to inspire young readers with every book he writes. He resides in Plymouth, MA, and spends his days with his children and grandchildren on Cape Cod, Asheville, NC, and Victor, Idaho.
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a treat this collection was! One of my favorite things is a series where you have characters re-emerging throughout the rest of the series in the lives of each other. This collection is focused on the Rocklyn family, from sons and daughters to cousins. They’re all pretty easy to enjoy their company, and reading this as more of a set made it feel even more like you know them. Each book could be read as a standalone, but why would you want to do that to yourself?
Lovers in Training focuses on personal trainer Shannon and the man who turns out to be her new client, Tate. Shannon has no interest in love, because it makes you vulnerable – but Tate is a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to do what he needs to to get it.
Maybe Lovers – Dr. Jeff is a helper, but it doesn’t always work in his favor. He frequents the bar where Carly works, and she took notice of him long ago. When their attraction gets them holed up in a hotel room and secrets and past traumas show themselves after some crazy passion, where will they end up?
Rainy Day Lovers – Raina has grown up as the fixer and peacekeeper, which led her to family law. Somewhere along the line, Raina realized that her dedication to fixing everyone else’s lives has left her alone. Roman is a plastic surgeon with tragedy in his past that left him alone when he was young. He’s a successful plastic surgeon with a woman he dreams of. Will they allow themselves to let the other in?
Encore Lovers – Matt Jr. lived his life as the crown prince of a small town, he has lived a lot of his life disconnected and unaware. In his fathers footsteps, he’s a wildly successful businessman who has everything he could dream of – but there’s a woman from his past who has never left his mind. Emerson’s father had a family business as well, but after she fled as a pregnant and brokenhearted teen, she hadn’t been back in a long time. Now that her father’s business is suffering and he needs her help to save the business and their home, she’s back. What will happen when everyone learns the secret she has kept all these years?
Never Lovers – Patrice is the Rocklyn in this story, and she is a runaway bride. Once she got an eyeful of herself in her wedding dress, she fled to the family ski house to try to figure out what she wants out of life. Monty is a rockstar from her past who never been able to forget her, or the tragedies he’s lived through. Will their paths converge together, or separate again?
Improbable Lovers – Grant is an ex Army Ranger who likes to keep everything tucked in tight. He doesn’t want recognition, he doesn’t want to talk to many people…he doesn’t want to share how damaged the things he has seen and experienced have really left him. Keisha is a wildly independent bad@$$ stunt double for a living who likes to live hard and fast. As such, when she sets eyes on Grant, she can’t imagine it will take that much effort to keep him company while she’s in town. When she loses her father, she can’t think of anyone more solid than Grant to help her survive her grief. Little does she know, Grant is giving her a chance to be his solid support, too. This is definitely an opposites attracts story.
Windswept Lovers – Tucker is the athletic, outdoorsy charmer of a pretty dynamic family of charmers. While he is much more easy going than his brothers, he does own businesses with bikes and paddle boards, a fitness training business, as well as a kayak tour business. Life is too short to sit in a stuffy old office every day, anyway. Max is a wallflower, which is exactly how she likes it. Life has been tough, so being virtually unseen makes it a bit easier to avoid trouble. Running the house of a successful woman is the perfect job for her – but Tucker REALLY makes her want to come out of her shell. Will she be able to win the prize of Tucker, or will she remain unseen forever?
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the prequel, I couldn’t wait to dive into book one in this explosive series. I had a pretty good read on Riley and Cole from the prequel and so it just made everything that much more interesting to read in this story. The author does a great job of continuing the character development of all of the characters and she writes them in a way that feels relatable. The story continues to have a mix of humor, romance, and mystery all wrapped into one story. Definitely had me hooked until the final page and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Definitely make sure to review the trigger warnings for the book!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179502219-curse-of-forbidden-island” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Curse of Forbidden Island” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687579078l/179502219._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179502219-curse-of-forbidden-island”>Curse of Forbidden Island</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6993053.C_A_King”>C.A. King</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6236352141″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Selene is down on her luck and finds herself homeless and jobless. She feels as though she has found the perfect job, but it may be too good to be true. Not only does it offer her a place to stay and pay, but it is also located on a tropical island. Could things get any better? There is one rule: masks must be worn at night. Will Selene adhear to these rules or will she end up fired once again? This book was a bit different from the other books I have read by this author. It did however keep me turning the pages and like many others I felt it ended too soon.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Cutter: Devils’ Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think there should be a trigger warning, some people will not be able to handle the kink. For me this was a good book and informative. I’m not new to submissive and dominant roles in kink. Though it taught me about little, middle, and daddy. I highly recommend this book if your open minded. If your not open minded don’t start something you can’t finish.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Master Botosoni is Book Nine in the Masters of the Consulate series and this series gets better and better and every book if fabulous, and just when you think it cannot be any better…….it is!! The story telling that this author gives to the readers like me….WOW. This story is fast paced, action, very intense moments, vampires, rogue shifters, fated mates, betrayal, lies and deceit.
Master Botosoni is seeking to know what may be in store to come especially with the stench of rogue shifters and a possibility of a war. The help that he seeks is from Catina, whom can foresee the future. Catina is cautious, knowing her family is out to sell her to the highest bidder for money, as she seeks to live her life. Botosoni receives some answers from Catina that leads into high intensity moments, as he and the other Master prepare for war…..but the attraction between Catina and Botosoni is also undeniable. When danger strikes at Catina…will Botosoni be there for her when she needs him the most or will his greed of revenge come first…..
Definitely read this series in order as you get to know each of the characters…you will not be disappointed! I am already anticipating Book 10!!
Check Out – Bobbins Sisters Series – Book 1 by Debra Parmley
Narrated by Talece Brown
Four Stars
This is the first book I have listened to by this author and narrator. I enjoyed the story about a war veteran and small town librarian. The sister with trouble following her makes it more interesting. I liked how the story flowed. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. The narrator did a good job bringing the characters to life.
Review by @sunbarn
A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great first book in this werewolf series. This isn’t a genre I usually read, but I am glad that I did because it was very good. I enjoyed this story and became connected to Derek and Annabelle right away. Their story and what caused them to be driven apart at a young age despite being fated mates was heart wrenching, but made it all the more significant as the story continued. Spence is hilarious and probably my favorite character in the whole book. I really had a blast reading this one and can’t wait to dive right into the rest of the series. Well done Brooke May. This is my first of hers, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Craig took something that did not belong to him. Now he is back and their is a new family who has a young girl who is quite boisterous. With a talented singer coming to perform a concert, Craig and Linda find that their is something afoot with Nessie. Can they stop the harm that is threatening Nessie and her family before it is too late?
Another good one in this series. I think the story delved into some of the emotional influences children can have at their ages. The illustrations are beautiful and just enhance the story.
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King
Curse of the Forbidden Island is a Supernatural Fantasy that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. It’s a short story that I only wish was a bit longer only because I wanted more. This author out does themselves every time with the covers. I could stare at them for hours, they are so wonderfully done. Selena has had not so good luck at keeping jobs of lately and ends up losing her latest job and in serious situation where she needed a job like yesterday or she’s gonna lose her place to live. She takes a job on an island and there are certain rules everyone must follow. It’s said there’s a curse on this island and she’s not so sure there is. People are not the same in the daylight as they are in the dark of night. What happens next you’ll have to read this book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read in this series, I had no trouble understanding what was going on without having read the previous books. I am definitely going to go back and read them. This book hooked me from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This story was full of action, vampires, shifters, witches, seers, loyalty, danger, romance and more. This is Master Botosoni and Catina’s story. He seeks her out hoping she can help him find his enemies he’s desperate to find. She is trying to earn as much money as she can while also trying not to disgrace her family. The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start. I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say that this book was so good that I read it in one sitting. I found it to be intriguing and entertaining and I can’t wait to read the next one. This is a must read.
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fashionably Fake is the 4th book in the Kings of Screen Series. They can all be read as a standalone and I really don’t think the reader misses anything reading them out of order. Morgana Bevan does an amazing job connecting the stories together and giving important information without making it seem like the reader has missed something. I have read another book in this series so I was really looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed. There is so much in this quick, fun, easy read; there is romance, intense chemistry, and tons of drama. The characters are fun, flirty, and sassy and fairly believable. There were a few instances throughout the book where Ros and Jackson seemed to be thinking in circles and it felt like the momentum of the story stalls briefly, but otherwise, the story had a nice flow and lots of good world building. I love the dual point of views through the eyes of both Ros and Jackson. It’s always nice to see things from another’s perspective. I look forward to reading more books by Morgana Bevan.
The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun book to read and get quite a few chuckles out of! This was my first book by this author, so I was pleasantly surprised to be pulled out of my reality and placed into a spooky bit of New Orleans. I was impressed by the detail of New Orleans and felt like I was experiencing the history, suspense, and humor as if I were there. If you are looking for a supernatural mystery combined with fun, mystery, and history, your search is over! I highly recommend getting lost in this book for the day. I can’t wait to pick up other books by this brilliant author!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am in awe of this book. I had not read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover caught my eye (pun intended) and the synopsis drew me in. I’m a pretty quick reader, but this book made me slow down and truly ponder these perspectives. It is quite emotional as well so I feel a bit of a book hangover in a good way! It is quite original, and I enjoyed the spiritual theme throughout. You will be hooked from the very first chapter just as I was because this author has such a way of crafting his story that pulls you in. I highly recommend this book even if it isn’t your typical go-to genre. I am eagerly awaiting to see what this author has in store next!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read several books by this author, and this is one of my favorites! Although all of their books are different, they are all simply amazing! I was hooked by this book from the very first chapter, and it was over far too soon. Selene is our main character who has gambled her way to the bottom. When she finds a job that seems too good to be true, does she find out it is? I won’t give anything away, but this book should absolutely be your next read. It’s quick enough to fit in at lunchtime and you’ll be hooked just as fast as I was! I would love to see this author expand on this book or even create a series from it. I highly recommend picking this up and any other you see from C.A. King!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short and Steamy! I blew through this book so fast. It’s a quick read that starts off a little slow but when it picks up it flies by. This story left me wishing there was more! It was equally steamy and interesting!
While I do wish that there was more character development of the other island owners I understand that it’s a short story. However I will be reading more from this author.
A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cray the crab is always pinching his friends. After an accident, Cray finds the true meaning of friendship. This book has a great message for kids and is beautifully illustrated. I love the rhyming rhythm of the book, very catchy for kids.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister