Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great mystery book. I love the strong feminine personality of the main character. This book draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you guessing until the end. The tension is palpable. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Moonlight Drive: A Novel
I wanted to love everything about this book. The characters in the timeliness while a little older than me I could relate with the time, the home issues and the amazing music we had in the 80’s and thought for sure it would make my Gen X heart happy.
While parts did do that there were other parts that would frustrate me to no end. Nick and Dani as kids are sweet and innocent to a point. Her home life isn’t great and his isn’t any better. But they find comfort and peace with one another.
Flash forward 6 years, Nick is now Nicki and in a famous band. The description of Nicki was quite easy to picture in my mind and totally got a Motley Crue/Nikki Sixx vibe which evidently what she wanted us to picture.
I did not like the 1986 forward version of Nick until the very end. There was too much push and pull for my liking but the very end of the book saved it for me.
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an overall engaging and easy read. Even with reading the synopsis and reviews, I wasn’t quite expecting what I got with this story. The writing style was surprisingly simple, making the story flow and easy to turn the pages. It was fast paced and unique. The setting was intriguing to me and helped setup the story. We find Ned, Rod, and Sally —our main three characters—in an east coast town during a time where people mostly think only of themselves and where food supply, especially fish, is depleted. In a town where fishing is a primary occupation, many are struggling due to the scarcity of resources. Then Rod and Ned make a discovery that will change their lives—little did they know just how it will change their lives as well as the world around them, placing them in the middle of a nightmare.
While the story was engaging and unique, I personally felt the overall story and characters were lacking some depth. Aside from that, the uniqueness really drew me in and I found the main characters to be likable. Ultimately, this was a fast read that I’d recommend!
Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the beginning , this is the perfect easygoing book for laying out by the water & soaking up sunshine . Such a gentle, sweet love story is as refreshing as cold lemonade along with all that sunshine . So many difficult things were handled beautifully & gracefully . There were a few things I didn’t love , like how Hailey 1st spoke about Makayla , but there was redemption for it . The healing & happiness flowing from the pages had me smiling to myself so many times lol there was a lot of foreshadowing & hinting at what the bad thing was going to be , which is very much appreciated … This was a lovely , soothing story to read , & I’m so happy to have enjoyed it !
Review by @lalilovely
Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Molly Stewart owns a cat grooming business with a mobile grooming van. Upon trying to return one of her feline clients to his owner, she finds his owner deceased. The deceased is in the garden and has died due to the use of a left handed gardening implement. Molly decides she needs to find out who has done this to one of her customers. This book is filled with great characters both human and feline. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!!
Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When someone threatens Evan and the pets, Molly decides an investigation is needed. A body is found in the darkroom of Molly’s friend Evan and that is when it all begins. Evan owns a photographer studio and Molly is the local mobile cat groomer. Together they make quite a team. Loved this second book in this series!!
Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow……how is my heart going to recover from this story….I am not sure. Finding Love is beautiful but yet tragic….love and loss. Two souls coming together in a chance encounter with different tragic circumstances. This story tug my heartstrings hard…but it was a wonderful story.
Loch Mackenzie is known for being the lead singer of The Oath. When his manager believes it is best for a break, especially reeling from the loss of his sister as it is getting to much to bare, Loch is booked into a B&B that is owned by Hailey Prescott. Loch comes in with a force that Hailey was not ready for….but as she gets to know Loch, her walls around her heart start to waiver. What Loch and Hailey did not realize is each of their loss of a love one can break your heart….but will they learn and find their way to healing and also love that they both deserve.
I highly recommend this story…wow….this story will stay with me for a long time.
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Libby moves to Woodvalley, Wyoming, she never expected to set her world on fire – literally. Zach, the firefighter, comes to her rescue and is immediately intrigued by the sexy Libby in her Disney pajamas. Spending time together has Libby and Zach both questioning their futures. Will Libby be able to share and overcome her past with Zach? I LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the Love Burns series. The banter between characters helps keep the book on the lighter side while still being able to explore their feelings. The side characters are well developed and I can’t wait to read more of their stories in the next book.
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read Reed’s previous Love Tools series and absolutely loved it! When I saw this new book in a new series, I definitely wanted to give it a try! This first one did not disappoint! It is love centered, entertaining as well as story driven. Libby is new to Woodvalley Pines and after a little mishap in the kitchen, a fire erupts. In a moment of embarrassment, she encountered firefighters help with the fire and one in particular, Zach becomes intrigued by Libby and is eager to learn more about her. Her stories are full of sweet, funny romantic moments and deep character development. As you read along and learn more about the scenery and characters, the readers are drawn into a relatable plot. I cannot wait till the next one comes out!
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We have enjoyed several of Oscar and Emmy’s adventures and this one has a little deeper meaning. I like that Terri has written a tale about animals and what it is to be prepared for them in an emergency situation. We are able to find many things in regard to preparation for humans but little for our furry friends.
This fun tale is aimed at children aged 3 – 9 years and is told through the POV of kittens and children. It shares the importance of what is happening, being safe and prepared, having loving friends around you in a scary time and helping others. Adults could learn a thing or two as well.
As always, the illustrations by Natalie Merheb are beautifully done and bring the story to life.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manda I am so glad you write!
It’s been a while since I have read one of Manda’s books and I was so glad to see this one was out and ready for me to get in my hot little hands. Let me tell you it met every one of my expectations. Fire Meets Fire is the second fantastic book in the Wretched Soulz MC and The Mayhem Makers Series, Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem.
Manda definitely knows how to weave a captivating and heartfelt tale. Alpha men in an MC, Chez who is the Prez who rules with a firm hand but will do anything to keep those he deems worthy safe. In his business weakness is not an option. A confirmed bachelor finally finding the one against all his protesting.
Helo who is really broken but will stand up to anyone, but has she gone too far this time?
Manda’s stories are engrossing, and her delightfully complex and dimensional characters come alive and feel real. She writes emotive tales of loyalty, brotherhood, drama, love, and deceit. But there is also action and steamy romance.
I can’t recommend Manda’s books enough. Make sure you start at the beginning of her MC worlds Satan’s Devils MC as the characters can overlap.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Irena goes on a boat to celebrate the promotion of one of their friends. Joined with her is ex-husband Jack, their daughter Kelly, and Irena’s new boyfriend Buzz. What started as a celebration quickly turned sour when things were tense between the whole lot of them. Jack was in a sour mood and refused to listen to the boat rules or appear to even care. The water turns choppy quickly and Jack refuses to join them in the cabin. Irena goes out to at least make him wear a life jacket and instead the duo go overboard. Irena makes it back to the boat but there is no sign of Jack anywhere.
Irena makes it her mission to find her ex dead or alive for the sake of their daughter and for closure. She searches the waters, his apartment and everywhere in between and does not come up empty handed. Unfortunately all clues are pointing at something more secretive than Irena imagined. She learns that not all is as it seems and everyone has secrets. She doesn’t know who to trust anymore. Even Buzz is starting to show red flags. Irena has to get to the bottom of Jack’s disappearance if she wants to get closure for her and her daughter whether it be good or bad.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The plot has potential but I couldn’t really get into it because it was very repetitive and the characters were dull in my opinion. None of the characters had much of a personality other than a glimpse here and there making it hard for me to connect to anyone. The story was written mostly in Irena’s POV but every so often you got another character’s POV to see their side of things more clearly.
Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve only read this second book from the series so there are certain that I’ve missed from not reading the first one but I was luckily able to jump into this story without feeling so lost. Shayna and Burke’s story is the main focus. Shayna is a hard working devoted single mom of 2 kids. After many years of taking care of others and dealing with the difficult divorce/separation, she is finally so drained and not able to see how she can find someone special to share a life with. Burke is the opposite, single and very attractive, appears to be a player type as he draws lots of attention from nearby women. Shayna is determined to make things work for her when it comes to balancing her job and kids then at a last minute notice, Burke helps take care of her kids. She is very hesitant at first leaving her kids with someone who is not a parent or seemed knowledgeable enough to be in charge but when work calls she gives in. Burke not only is up for the job but he starts falling for being around family life and attraction towards Shayna. He sees how beautiful she is for who she is and how devoted she is to her children. He begins to yearn for a life he wasn’t able to have. Just a beautiful development of attraction when you least expect it!
Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A quick magical story of Jorden and her life as an owner of a magic coffee shop. Jordan has been slighted by her fiancee by a magical charm placed in a drink. She figured she knew the effect it would have but instead it ended a 3 year relationship. She is heartbroken and having a hard time getting over the relationship because he and his new fiancee come into the coffee shop daily. Her friends keep telling her to ban them so she can heal. She keeps denying their prodding.
Life takes a turn when a customer and friend Cane asks Jorden to help with a spell. Is she ready for what the spell entails? Read this cute short story to find out.
This is book one of two. It starts off with an assassination of Michaela Manning’s grandfather and a poor 3 year-old Michaela wounded from it. She survived but her life was never the same after that fateful day. Maxwell Cole a former special forces operative was assigned to security on the day that Michaela got shot, in fact he was the one who carried her to waiting medical helicopter. Michaela had to go in to hiding after so she changed her name to Lea Milan. She moved to Paris to make a name for herself. However things have taken a dangerous turn with her father wanting to become POTUS (President of the United States). She is hoping that her new identity will keep her hidden but somehow her secret is revealed but by whom. No one knows but Max will find out who this person is and hopefully stop them from hurting Lea again.
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book one of two. It starts off with an assassination of Michaela Manning’s grandfather and a poor 3 year-old Michaela wounded from it. She survived but her life was never the same after that fateful day. Maxwell Cole a former special forces operative was assigned to security on the day that Michaela got shot, in fact he was the one who carried her to waiting medical helicopter. Michaela had to go in to hiding after so she changed her name to Lea Milan. She moved to Paris to make a name for herself. However things have taken a dangerous turn with her father wanting to become POTUS (President of the United States). She is hoping that her new identity will keep her hidden but somehow her secret is revealed but by whom. No one knows but Max will find out who this person is and hopefully stop them from hurting Lea again.
Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes all I need is a good novella, although at times I did wish the book would have gone on longer.. Jordan’s ex irritated me, why constantly show up at your ex girlfriend’s place of work, especially with your new fiancé? What was he trying to do here? Jordan is trying to get over her past and move forward and they just keep showing up! I love Cane, I love Cane and Jordan together even more! This story is so fun with the world they live in, and watching Cane and Jordan’s relationship build and progress made it more so. The steamy scenes were fantastic. I hope to see more of them in the future and look forward to reading about Perri!
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff is an emotional whirlwind of a story. You will be hooked from the very start. Trying to figure out what’s going on. This book will definitely make you cry. But the level of human kindness, perseverance, and community that you will experience is incredibly heartwarming. This book is exceptional. 5 out of 5 stars.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this small town psychological thriller which had me hooked from page one. Single Mum to a teenage daughter Irena Fishbone is owed ten years of child support by her ex-husband, Jack. Having built up a thriving business which she now runs along with repairing boat engines and her daughter she leads a hectic life. Both Irena, her new boyfriend and Jack are invited to a celebration onboard a ship with a group of their high school friends. Being his usual stubborn self Jack refuses to wear his life jacket infuriating Irena. When they are both swept overboard by a rogue wave and swept away only Irene returns to the boat. Whilst the Coast Guard scours the sea Irena organises her own search party. With Jack still missing Irena becomes suspicious when she discovers damning financial records, furtive friends and obscure messages along with a web of lies. This was a gripping page turner of a read with an intriguing storyline and lots of plot twists. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and I felt fully immersed in the story as the characters and the setting were brought to life through the descriptive narrative.
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mariella met Jack 9 years ago and they are embarking on moving from Rome to the United States. Rome is the only home she has known and her heart aches for the moment she leaves it all behind. Not just the place, but her friends and family too. Once in their new home in the States, she struggles to find where she belongs. But it does not take long before she starts making friends and finally feels at home. Now she must return, and she is not sure if she is strong enough to say goodbye to her previous home once again.
Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lacey Furr’s Finding Love follows Hailey, a healed woman running her own bed and breakfast, and Lock, famous musician and a broken man trying his best to heal. Hailey helps Loch in this process but she comes to realise he can help her just as much. At the beginning I thought it tells rather than shows a lot, and a lot happens quickly, there’s also a lot of information dumps towards the end but I was eager to know what was going to happen between the main characters and the information wasn’t really relevant. I loved Loch immediately, I loved the found family aspect, I loved how the intimate scenes were written, and I cried at the ending. My favourite character was Loch and my least favourite character was Alex. I recommend this book because he fell first AND harder, found family vibes, beautiful epilogue. Where is my Loch Mackenzie? “You are every love song ever written.” & ‘I was learning that it was these small moments in life that were meant to be remembered.’
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One Quarter Villain
By: Cori Cooper
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper Is a wonderful and magical fairytale romp for all ages to enjoy! This book was so fun and quirky. I really enjoyed reading it and will be looking for more books by Ms. Cooper in the future! Maddy was such a believable and relatable character, who is struggling with who she is and who she wants to be. I just love how Cooper tackled, both lighthearted and intense themes in this fantastical story!
“Not So Little Things” by Kyle Ann Robertson is a captivating audiobook that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the power of communication. The story follows Tina Edwards, a 33-year-old miniature room artist, who is still haunted by the memory of her father’s sudden death and her mother’s abandonment.
The author’s writing is engaging and well-paced, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth. The narrator’s performance is also excellent, bringing the characters to life with her clear and expressive voice.
One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is its exploration of the impact of miscommunications and misperceptions on family relationships. The story shows how these misunderstandings can lead to unwarranted pain and separation, and how confronting them can lead to healing and closure.
The audiobook is also full of vivid descriptions of the Victorian mansion and its intricate details, which will transport listeners to a different time and place.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Perfect picture of resilience in the face of adversity. This is book will grab you and will not let go till the end. Lots of twists and turns, with you in grossed with every page. I love how this author gives you different points of view into PTSD and how it effects every family member. I recommend this book who is into psychological suspense reads.
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love the Oscar and Emmy series. Sabol does such a great job of teaching pet responsibility in such a way that children, and adults alike, forget they are learning. This time Oscar and Emmy have to weather a hurricane and all of the scary things that come with that. Abby and Charlie quickly learn what it takes to not only keep themselves safe during severe weather but also their pets. Sabol does such a great job informing her readers with fantastic information from reliable sources.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isobel Reed’s “Toasted” is a delightful blend of humor, heat, and heart. From the very first page, readers are plunged into the quirky world of Woodvalley Pines, where kitchen mishaps and unexpected sparks collide.
Libby and Zach’s chemistry ignites instantly. Their banter crackles like flames, and readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair. But can their spark withstand the test of time? Will it fizzle out like a burnt slice of toast, or will it blaze into something more profound?
Isobel Reed has crafted a romance that’s as irresistible as a warm bagel fresh from the toaster. With witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a love story that smolders, “Toasted” earns a well-deserved five stars. So grab your favorite mug, brew a cup of coffee, and dive into this delightful read—you won’t be disappointed!
Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with a real Agatha Christie feel to it which kept me hooked throughout. Professor Lexie Driscoll is looking forward to hosting the first meeting of the ‘Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub’ in a swanky mansion belonging to her best friend, and sharing her love of Agatha Christie. Proceedings take a sinister turn when a friend is murdered and as more members of the new book club are killed, Lexie must use all the knowledge she has learnt from reading Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot solving mysteries into action. As she discovers many secrets she starts to believe she is in Christie’s novel, “And Then There Were None,” Lexie must reveal the killer and save her club. I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery and liked amateur sleuth Lexie as the main character and thought all the quirky characters added to the story. The intriguing storyline featuring a bookclub for lovers of the ‘Golden Age of Mystery’ had me happily turning the pages. Whilst the plot twists and red herrings kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I look forward to returning to the bookclub in book two soon and wish I could join the bookclub in ‘real life’!
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an action-packed book full of twists and turns you never see coming…and just when you think you’ve got it figured out…you don’t. This is the fifth book in the WaterFyre Rising series but it was the first one I read and while there were some plot holes (for me because I jumped in way late) I’m going to go back a read the others so that I can fill myself in. I loved the way Han developed her characters and drove her storyline. She grabs you and pulls you in before you even know what hits you. Her characters are just so so deep and you get so attached to them. I really enjoyed this read and I can’t wait to go catch myself up on everything I’ve missed. I really recommend this book (and if the series is anything like it, I’m going to recommend the series as well). Happy Reading!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books. Her books are engaging coupled with her writing skills that make her characters come to life. Her attention to details give her stories a realistic feel. This book is no different and it is one of my favorites by her. This is a well written story about what happens when you stand up to the Prez of the MC but have their own demons. The Prez is dealing with his own battles but what will he do with her? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They kept the story engaging and hard to put down. They are relatable and make the story easy to read. I enjoyed what they added to the story for sure. This is a fast paced story and one you don’t want to miss. This is a must read story for sure. I highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing what is next.
Review by @bjwagner
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I know we’ve all heard “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” but let’s be honest, the cover is the first thing that draws you in; and I feel that this one is lacking and might have pushed some people away.
I wasn’t expecting the book to be what it was, honestly, which I enjoyed. I know the blurb says not zombies, but I was expecting something similar at least. I think it’s cool and different how the author twisted this “breakout.” I liked the characters, I think Sally could use some work, I hope she has had some character growth in book two. I found Ned to be hilarious, he’s just your average, friendly, hillbilly but I like that he’s one of the main characters and that he’s going to be helping to end this thing. There’s humor, non-trusting government, a mysterious breakout, and an ending that leaves you wanting to read book two. This is such an entertaining and quick read that I believe sci-fi, dystopian, and maybe a little fantasy (magical realism) readers will enjoy.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really interesting read. I love historical stories and this authors attention to detail really brought this time and the Revolutionary war alive for me.
I love the lead character of Lilly. She is a young woman but she has had to deal with so much loss in her life. I love how determined she is and how she doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving the goals she sets out to achieve.
After losing her parents and her brother Lilly is determined to join the rebels and fight against the people who murdered her family.
The problem is she is a woman and at the time women weren’t seeing as beings who can fight. However Lilly is determined to prove them wrong, this is her journey as she overcomes obstacles, finds love, recovers from losses and fights to alongside men to win the war.
This is a very real story and is really eye-opening. The characters are written in a way that makes them feel real and you can actually imagine being there with them, fighting alongside them and facing all the odds and obscales against them.
This was one book that I couldn’t stop reading until the end.
