Opposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another cute story with Dinopotamus. What kid doesn’t love a story about a dinosaur? I love the art work in here by Lois Wickstrom. She always has fantastic illustrators. In this book, she was the illustrator! Today is opposite day and the kids in class must figure out what is the opposite of what the teacher says to do.
The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Book Of Fears by K.S. Gant is a dreadfully creepy collection of short stories. There are trigger warnings for each of the 8 stories, so make sure you check those before diving in! These short stories each correspond with a phobia at the start, to give you a hint on what to prepare for, so it was also educational for me because I was unfamiliar with a few of them! I loved how genuinely creeped out i got while reading these, K.S. knows exactly how to get in you head, and under your skin! I definitely recommend not only this collection, but the author as a whole! I think I’ve just found my new favorite horror author!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2VBIJJE52V9TA?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whiskey Throttle was my first book I read by this author and I was really surprised. I loved her writing style. This book was definitely a page turner for me. The author had my attention through the whole story. The detailing was good. The world building and character was well thought of.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4168831044
Puzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 – 3.5 Stars
“….The pained-man slept restlessly on his fetid sleeping bag, the heroin taking him deeper and deeper into the abyss of his dreams.
Soon he had gone so deep the void became heavy…then compressed like the space sucked into a black hole. It grew so dense it reversed itself, turning from nothing into something. It became solidified oblivion––consciousness––then finally the darkest part of existence and the source of all nightmares: the unified core of the human psyche. Within moments the pained-man was slithering his way through this collective mind, like a worm slithering through wet earth. It was the puzzleman who had taught him this little trick––how to make a dreamcall––and he had always used it as instructed: for the betterment and evolution of the pipes.
Well not tonight, big brother.
It was finally time to use the dreamcall against the puzzleman. The grinning freak loved to play games and he loved to barter for fresh flesh, so the pained-man was going to conduct a real bargain this time. There would be no facades or playful haggling for the fun of the trade. He was going to collect a stable of victims, not just one or two, and then lay down some rules of his own at the bargaining table. The puzzleman could either pay what he asked ––
My legs. My freedom.
–– or he would spend the rest of what remained of his miserable life draining the living blood out of every human he could sink his claws or jaws into.
The pained-man chomped his teeth.
Although the puzzleman jokingly called himself Conundrum, and was most certainly an eternal enigma, there was a glitch in his character as clear and indelible as a placard carved into his forehead: he didn’t like to lose. Anything. Ever. He would never be able to bear the agony of letting so much living flesh slip through his fingers. Especially not to someone who had escaped his glorious pipes, legs lost or not.
So you can pay up, Conundrum, or I won’t feed your fuckin’ sewer anymore. The pained-man pushed his arrogance one step further. I might even start my own bloody little cesspool.
Worming upwards, he butted his head against the hard skull of the collective mind. Fuck!
He slithered off and tried again and again.
Gotta find it, gotta find it, gotta find it…
There was a lucky soft spot ahead––he could almost smell it––a place where he could break through this dark world and into the singular subconscious of some fatigued, unsuspecting sleeper…..”
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone is a graphic and twisted horror/thriller with all kinds of disturbing details that made for a bit of an intense read. But that’s what you should expect from a well woven horror story, right.
Infused with plenty of tension, suspense, mystery, intrigue, supernatural elements, gore, macabre details, gruesome sadistic + gut-churning elements, and a touch of the bizarre- plus a very original premise, definitely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
As this is the first book of Mr. Broadstone’s that I have read, I really didn’t know what to expect from his storytelling- but after reading this there is now no doubt in my mind of what Mr. Broadstone’s mind is capable of.
I do love a good horror story though, which probably stems from my teenage years, growing up thorough the 80’s- where my friends and I would watch every scary horror movie we could get our hands on. And there were some great horror movies to come out during the 80’s- which I think this book gives off those ‘vibes’, in spades. In fact, I can see this making a great horror movie too.
I will mention that the transitions were a little abrupt – which gave the story a bit of a disjointed, and choppy feel. And the story was a little ‘wordy’ in parts- which interrupted the flow and pulled me out of the storyline. Which affected my overall rating of the book. I think with a little ‘tweaking’ though, this book could be more of a stellar read!
Be warned, Puzzleman and Mr. Broadstone’s pipeworld is hellish in the extreme! This is not a light and fluffy read- it is not ‘easy’ reading, it is graphic and disturbing – so if that is not your vibe, then this is probably not the book for you.
Otherwise, Happy Reading…
Thank you, Christopher Alan Broadstone!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Double Delight by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! I was not expecting the heat, the steam, the fire from the beginning. This author stepped on the gas from the beginning and did not let up. The characters are strong and loveable. The women have been burned by men and are cautious but are all in when they find their one. The teddy bear men can go Alpha when needed. I love the kink play and exploration.
If the entire series is this delightful and sinful, there is no reason not to read it. Just have a fan for you and your device because the heat is on!!!!
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Discovering Desire is the third book in the Shattered Embrace series by Alyndra Quinn. It is a steamy, contemporary romance, with red hot chemistry, BDSM club, light BDSM scenes, Dom/sub dynamics, Alpha type male/s, dramatic developments, an unhinged adversary, danger, angst, spicey encounters, emotion, and more.
This instalment gives us Derek’s story, ex-Navy SEAL – businessman – and DOM, whom we have met in the previous two books as he is Zachary’s brother and also Ashton’s best friend. But here, we get so much more of him- and let’s just say the temperature skyrockets and sparks fly.
I do wish I had read ‘Whispers in Wonderland’ (a Club Wonderland/Shattered Embrace novella) which is where Derek’s story started, as I think knowing what happened there would have made this book an even better reading experience. So, I will be going back to read it asap.
Happy Reading
Thank You, Alyndra Quinn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love when the two main characters are on opposite sides of the good and evil spectrum. Talk about a bad boy romance! Read this book if you like innocence, action, and romance you won’t soon forget!!
•°•☆•°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°•☆•°••°
~ AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Fallen Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold
Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.
Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.
Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.
Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.
She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.
For more information, go to www.CatTreadgold.com.
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•. 
COVER 8.5×8.5 (0.125bleed) paperback final
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
Terri Sabol is an accomplished children’s book author, renowned for her heartwarming and entertaining stories featuring the real-life adventures of her two beloved rescue kittens, Oscar and Emmy. Born and raised in Texas, Terri developed a love of writing and storytelling at a young age, and always dreamed of one day becoming an author. Thinking that was out of reach, she focused on her other dream… teaching.
After graduating from college with a Masters degree in education, Terri worked as an early childhood teacher, and it was during this time that her passion for picture books truly blossomed. She was inspired by the joy and wonder that children experienced when reading and listening to stories, and it was this love for inspiring young minds that led her to create her own series of children’s books.
Terri’s debut book, “Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued”, was published in 2016, and told the heartwarming story of how she came to adopt her two kittens from the animal shelter where she volunteered. The book was an instant hit with children and parents alike, and it quickly became clear that there was a demand for more stories featuring Oscar and Emmy and to help educate children on the importance being involved in pet care.
Over the years, Terri has continued to write new books in the series, each one capturing the unique personalities and quirks of her two adventurous cats. Her books not only entertain children, but also promote the values of compassion and kindness towards animals, as well as the importance of rescue and adoption.
In addition to her Oscar and Emmy series, Terri has also written several other books showing off her writing skills, including “Green With Envy” and “Kneading a Winning Idea”.
When she’s not writing, Terri can be found spending time with her two rescue kitties, Oscar and Emmy. She also loves travelling and exploring new places and visiting old favorites, all the while taking inspiration for her next book. Through her stories, Terri hopes to inspire children to explore the world around them, to embrace their imaginations, to never give up on their goals, and to always be kind and compassionate towards others, especially animals.
•*•
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••*•
Julia Goldhirsh was born and raised in Coconut Creek, Florida. They spent one year working in Japan as an ESL teacher and love traveling and teaching. They have been writing ever since they were in elementary school, and their favorite stories to read and write were always fantasy and mythology books.
They started out writing on writers cafe and all poetry. RPG writing became their favorite past time in high school. They won a short fiction award in high school from the Broward County Lit fair for their short story “Night Sprite.”
They love to talk about lesser-known mythological creatures. Their most recent obsession is with Nymphs, Enchantresses, and the Encantado. Known as wanderingteacher on their travel blog and adventuringwriter on their author blog, they also write about traveling, adjusting to different cultures, and the process of self-publishing.
•°•☆•°• AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°•☆•°••°
An unexpected guest turns up in Port Townsend for Thanksgiving dinner at the O’Connell Compound. Edward, the eldest brother, has cast aside his Roman collar and arranged for an extended stay in a hotel. In his youth, he sowed some impressive wild oats. Joining the priesthood meant turning his back not only on his checkered past but also his worldly family.
Edward becomes a regular at Café Lisette, owned by the alluring and lissome Lisette Manegold. Based on scant evidence, his brother-in-law believes Lisette is a man-eater and a former call girl. Though those labels are off the mark, she has in fact buried an identity that would shock any family, let alone one as wealthy and respectable as the O’Connells.
Edward rejoices in his own fresh start and is prepared to overlook any and all dark secrets. It is Lisette who can’t forgive herself and move on. This Christmas season, they hope to reimagine the holiday together. If only the ghosts of the past will let them.
~ AMAZON ~AUDIBLE ~
Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.
Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.
Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.
Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.
She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.
For more information, go to www.CatTreadgold.com.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206152205-bad-enough” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe #2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706544176l/206152205._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206152205-bad-enough”>Bad Enough</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46899544.Nicole_Craig”>Nicole Craig</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6614670633″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Just like a lot of romances today, TB and Sylvan met online. She was doing some research on a novel she was writing and found TB who helped her out. They kept in touch and over time feelings started to develop even though they had never met in person. Women have been going missing from a local club and the latest is the daughter of a tech mogul. TB and his team have been hired to find her. Although she never stated anything, TB feels that Sylvan is hiding something and may be the kidnappers next target. Being a master at interrogating people he plans to get all the facts. Will being forced to come together may make or break their relationship? This was an action packed and steamy book. I enjoyed the plot and the characters were likeable. I haven’t read the first book but I never felt lost. With that being said this can be read as a standalone. I do plan on reading book one in the series.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5/5 Stars
This book is an engaging tale of romance and adventure that keeps you turning pages. The characters are richly developed, and the plot is compelling, making it hard to put down. However, the language and certain triggers caught me off guard at times, which may not be for everyone. Despite these moments, the book’s emotional depth and thrilling storyline make it a solid read. A great pick for those who enjoy a mix of excitement and heartfelt moments.
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Truly loved this!
Loved how we knew the characters from book 1 so it was easy to follow, but still no cliff hangers. However, stuff that you know still needs to be tied up.
I love getting to know these tribe men & the origins of them but also their love interests 😊
Hoping she does a book for each of the tribe men but also gets deeper into the topics.
There are a few triggers that should be understood before reading also
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been eagerly awaiting this book as I loved the first in the series! I was so excited to pick it up and dive right in as soon as I got home. In this one, we get to learn about Sylvan and TB. It turns out that they are my new favorite people! I still love the entire Deadman’s Tribe team and their witty banter, but the protectiveness that TB shows for Sylvan is lovely and refreshing. Both of their pasts are heartbreaking and may be what keeps them apart…but what if it brings them together? I will reveal zero spoilers in this review because this was an absolutely phenomenal read! As always, mind the trigger warnings to inform yourself. I appreciate the author’s thoughtfulness to include that. I also loved that this book was slightly longer side as I couldn’t get enough! I highly recommend giving this book a read if you enjoy a good romantic suspense book with some wonderful spicy scenes. I bet you’ll find yourself lost in their world almost as quickly as I was! Bring on the next book!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this follow up story to The Misery House, Allison has been missing for awhile and everyone is starting to give up. That is, except for Kaia. Questions we’ve had burning in our minds are finally getting answered but they also lead to more questions, more mysteries, more missing people, and a whole lot of deep dark buried secrets.
This one is a bit chilling right from the get go. It is slow in some areas in the beginning but quickly picks up and then you won’t be able to put it down until you’re done. This one will stick with you for a bit while you digest all that’s happened and wonder if there will be a continuation to this story!
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up this book thinking it is a easy read but was surprised to see the richness of the setting and the twists and turns in it . Eleven year old Sparky is supposed to be at school but when her boss gets entrapped in a murder case , she simply cannot let things be . When she sets out to solve the mystery one thing leads to another , and there is mayhem everywhere . Set in the depression era , this historic cozy mystery in Los Angeles has vivid descriptions of the societal norms and practices prevalent in those times . The characters are quirky and storyline is complex. Overall a very enjoyable read .
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the description I knew I wanted to read Declan and Anne’s story. The author did a great job of pulling me into their world within just the first few pages. Declan is definitely a book boyfriend you won’t forget. And I instantly loved Anne’s character. Each of them definitely didn’t see the other coming and they go through the wringer but I love their story. The author does well with all the characters, I love when side characters pull me in just as much as the main ones. It’s got a nice pace and is well written. Five stars and highly recommended. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Double Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
April Love – April Brooks is twenty eight and still a virgin. She thought she had met the an of her dreams only to find he was a snake in the grass and now she is on the prowl. Returning home and seeing Will Shepard she finds a man who checks every box. Will is willing to teach her everything he knows but will it be for more than one night?
Monica’s Manhunt – Monica Landers has a list of requirements to find her future husband. She knows what she wants and having Matt Shepard help her navigate through the ones who live up to her list, she finds herself looking at Matt differently and perhaps he is what he list is missing.
Both books were pretty fun. I was laughing out loud at Monica, she was a complete hoot. Great chemistry in both books. Definitely a book to put a smile on your face.
The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I generally am not a fan of the scary/horror genre but I decided to give this selection a try. This book is compiled into eight separate stories focusing on specific fears, such as snakes, roaches, and abandonment. These realistic fears in these stories really captured my attention in thinking that these stories could happen to us or those around us and fed on our deepest fears. These types of fears are truly ones that make you think of what could happen. Most people have one of the same fears mentioned in this book. I know for myself the snake one was not an easy one to read through.
The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t even know where to begin, I loved this collection.
I will say READ THE TRIGGERS as you will feel something in most if not all of these short stories, they are meant to make you feel that phobia and the author does a great job… tho I do say I may never look at people the same way ever again… haha.
Very well done kept me hooked the entire time! Well worth a read!
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little story about a little girl who can fly. It was a good little story about friendship and acceptance of others. I think that children who have great imagination will enjoy this story. I have read other stories by this author and highly recommend them to parents who have kids that love to read
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bad Enough : The Deadman’s Tribe Book 2
As much as I loved the first book in this series I think this one is even better. The sparks between TB and Sylvin and Nemo’s antics made it an entertaining read.
I absolutely loved TB from the beginning even though I really shouldn’t have until much later. There was something about this giant man that drew me in, then throw is how he was way Sylvin and I was hooked.
Sylvin earned a special place too because of what she does and how amazing and creative she is.
This book had me laughing one minute, usually when Nemo was involved but also Sylvin and Kai made me laugh too. Then gasping or on the edge of my seat as everything went down. Each character from main to supporting is great and so well developed.
Each installment so far has their happy ending but I highly suggest you read Kai and Water’s story first. It will introduce you to the guys of Tribe.
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little story about surviving a hurricane. I really like this series about the cats Oscar and Emmy and think many kids would also love them. Each book includes helpful information on how to make sure your pets get what they need to live and be happy. I recommend this series to anyone with children who want to learn more about how to take care of their pets.
Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Murder By Moonlight” by K.L. Montgomery is a charming and suspenseful cozy mystery set in the whimsical Fairytale Forest theme park. When a disliked custodial manager is found strangled, night-shift custodian Catherine Lyon becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Cat embarks on a quest to find the real killer, with unexpected help from Zoe, a clever member of the park’s feral cat colony. Montgomery skillfully blends humor and intrigue, creating a delightful cast of characters, both human and feline, that drive the engaging plot. “Murder By Moonlight” is an entertaining whodunit that keeps readers guessing while celebrating the quirky charm of its unique setting. I highly recommend this as a fun, adorable, entertaining book!
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whiskey throttle is the final book in the Moto X Series. We finally get Parker’s story! Megan and Parker have been together for a few years now. Parker has tried changing his life for Megan and their daughter, Lindsey. But things haven’t been great between them and he just doesn’t see her and her needs. When Megan takes Lindsey to stay with her parents, Parker tumbles down to rock bottom. Ordered into AA after a drunken arrest, will he be able to accept the help of his new sponsor? Will he be able take responsibility for his actions and look toward the future? I enjoyed Parker’s story; his fall, his despair, his courage, and his eventual healing. The story flowed well for me and made this a quick read even with the heavy topic. I thought it portrayed how much you need a support system and a focus on mental health too. I think you’ll enjoy reading Parker’s story!
I highly recommend reading this series in order. So many story lines are mentioned in this book and I think it could confuse someone who hasn’t had the background of the first few books.
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell
Catch a Cowboy is the second book in the Match Made In Montana Series. This is a Contemporary Romance with a sweet,cozy, western feel that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is packed with drama love, loss, family, Cowboys and so much more. This is a fast paced story about opening your heart to the chance of love. It’s about seeing past the age difference and allowing things to happen. It’s about taking chances. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Flying at Recess we meet Soara, Zanie and Lulu. 3 friends who do everything together but recess. At recess Soara flys into the clouds and with the butterflies to a meadow to drink the nectar as the butterflies are. This is such a cute little book to read to little ones. The colorful illustrations are great. A fun, quick read before bedtime or naptime for children
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute story about how Soara goes exploring through the sky during her recess. She gets to see all kinds of animals. She learns that her friends miss her while she is gone an she cannot be late.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Flying at Recess we meet Soara, Zanie and Lulu. 3 friends who do everything together but recess. At recess Soara flys into the clouds and with the butterflies to a meadow to drink the nectar as the butterflies are. This is such a cute little book to read to little ones. The colorful illustrations are great. A fun, quick read before bedtime or naptime for children