Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a great way to introduce kids into weather and specifically hurricanes. It teaches them where to go in an emergency an also how to prepare. I thought it was helpful to now how to pack for pets also.
Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Catherine (Cat) has been working as a night custodian at the Fairytale Forest amusement park for years. Her and her work bestie, Gloria make the best of it by amusing each other. Neither of them take the managers seriously so when one is found strangled to death, the duo are the top two suspects.
The amusement park employs cats to hunt for rodents. It is known to leave the cats alone so they do not become dependent on the humans. Catherine never bothered with the cats before but then Zoe, the leader of the cats, leads Catherine to the body. Turns out Catherine can understand and talk to the cat. Thus becomes a sleuthing partnership. Catherine must find out who the killer is to clear her name.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Cat was a carefree and fun adult who was middle aged which is rare for main characters in books. That is an automatic brownie point. I wasn’t a huge fan of the felines point of view. It was too stiff in my opinion. But then again, I could totally see one of my cats talking like that so who knows? The author could be spot on with how cats talk.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Inspiring children’s book that kindles the flame of imagination, fantasy, and adventure within the hearts of young readers. Vibrant illustrations enhance the magical experience!
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bad Enough is book number two in The Deadman’s Tribe. In Bad Enough the main characters could not be anymore different than an author who writes paranormal romances, but wants to get into more heavier novels like BDSM, and a alpha, military, bad boy who participates in kidnappings, interrogations, and making people disappear. Sylvan and TB had great chemistry. It was a spicy, unfiltered, well written romantic suspense novel, with characters that were super interesting, and a storyline that I couldn’t get enough of.
Double Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
April Love:
April Brooks just returned to her hometown to help her aunt after a health scare, and to recover from having her heart broken. April has decided that since her ex cheated on her, the issue in her relationship was that she was a virgin, and sets out to remedy that. When she happens across Will Sheppard in a bar, after her friend’s wedding, she intends for their relationship to be a onetime thing, but Will has other ideas. This book is steamy and a guaranteed HEA that I didn’t want to end.
Monica’s Manhunt:
Monica Landers wants to find happiness, after the failure of her first marriage. She, along with her friends, has started working on a manhunt to find her a husband from the eligible men in town. When she comes across Matt Sheppard, she knows he is less Mr. Right and more Mr. Right Now, but she can’t resist him, and he seems to feel the same. When all of the guys she goes out with are even more wrong that Matt, and she and Matt can’t seem to resist each other Monica gives up on her hunt for the time being and discover that the right one was right there all along. This book is steamy and a guaranteed HEA, with characters from April Love, and I didn’t want to leave their world by the end.
Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is part of the A Counting Collection series of books. I loved the illustrations in this book. It is intended primarily for young children, just learning how to count. However, my children liked it as well, because of the illustrations and their love of sea turtles and the beach. I would highly recommend this for parents of young children, but truly feel that anybody of any age can enjoy it. My suggested ages would be birth thru first or second grade, for educational purposes, but I am sure that older elementary school children would enjoy it as well.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book can relate to how children can use their imagination during recess. The illustrations are very colorful and can capture the reader’s attention. The story is very easy to comprehend, and shows how children can do the normal things during the day.
Opposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The illustrations of this book are very unique. Reading each page does make the reader think of the opposite (i.e. shut is open on opposite day). Opposite day does bring much joy to the characters in the book.
Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This children’s book is very colorful and will capture their attention. I love how the wording does rhyme on each page. Having the sea turtles on one page and the words on the other helps understand what’s going on. At the end there are some facts about sea turtles which make it more interesting
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the second in the series and a great follow up to the first. I enjoyed reading the first one but I think this one is even better. I connected more easily with the characters and found myself invested in them so much more. I loved watching their story unfold and I thought it matched the two of them perfectly.
The story was again such a well written one. This author really knows how to create an enjoyable story that draws you in from the start. I love her writing style. It has an easy flow and moves the stories on naturally. This is a great book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ted has been working on a ranch to deal with the grief of losing someone close to him. Stephanie has been working on the ranch over the summer, teaching yoga classes. Stephanie has a crush on Ted. She becomes quite nervous when he is around and can barely get more than a handful of words out. Even though Ted thinks that Stephanie is too young for him, he is attracted to her. He just can’t seem to figure out why she won’t same more than two words to him. When both of the main characters get a reminder of how fast things can change, will they be able to find out if there is something between them?
This was a quick read that I was able to enjoy over an afternoon. The characters were relatable and lovable…even if they were a little stubborn at times. However, the story flowed nicely and I found myself immersed into the Montana ranch life for a few hours. Although this is the second book in the series, you do not need to have read the first book to understand what is going on. The author has a beautiful way of storytelling which I enjoy.
Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the first in a new series and is a book all about the connection between the main characters. Each had a past that they needed to overcome so they could move forwards. They were obviously well suited even if they were clearly going to have to find a way to let everything go and it was great to watch them do it.
I though the book was well written. It was engaging and entertaining. The author managed to add a lot of emotion to the story which added another layer to it. I have read a few books by this author and they are always enjoyable books. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next.
Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee – Review by Sue Kemp
This is the first book I have read by VJ Lee, and I have to say that I enjoyed the book from start to finish. If you are some one who loves a thriller with romance chucked in to the mix, then I would highly suggest you read this book. This book has some good twists and turns that it will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Do not be fooled to think you have worked certain parts of the book all worked out, as the book will prove you wrong. This being my first book by VJ Lee, and I do not normally read thrillers I found the way the book was written held my attention from the second chapter until the end of the book. I do feel that Maya’s weight could have been dealt with once and then forgotten about. That is my only gripe about the book. I am looking forward to reading more of VJ Lee’s work in the future. I am giving this book a 4-star rating.
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rachel ahs always found the Mr Wrong and never Mr Right but while drowning her sorrows from the latest disaster of the dating game she runs into Miguel again and the sparks fly again like the first meeting of them. So when Miguel personnel prepares and cooks her meal the chemistry between them is off the charts.
Although Miguel sees Rachel and is instantly drawn to her, he himself has had horrors in the past and is not sure if he can commit his whole heart to her at the start, but as he gets to know her and the chemistry is sparking, can he trust her with his heart.
This is the second book in this series and although this is a series each book so far can be read as a stand alone story. Rachel and Miguel have chemistry jumping off the page but have both had heartbreak and failed relationship but can they put all that aside and trust each other. The story was compelling and gripping which draws you in and flows through these two beautiful characters.
The story is an uplifting one and offers an insight into the worlds of these two beautiful characters, also the secondary characters in the story add to the flow and will keep you reading to the end. I can’t wait to read the final book in this series.
The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Book of Fears is a series of eight short stories; each one focusing on a different person and a specific phobia someone might have. Because of focuses on individualized triggers, this book could even be borderline scary for some people, but easy to skip that story and go on to the next. The stories included are:
-Let’s Go Home Wolfie (Autophobia- the fear of abandonement)
-Not In My House (Katsaridaphobia- the fear of cockroaches)
-I’ll Float Away (Lepidopterophobia- the fear of flying insects/butterflies)
-Friday the 13th (Paraskevidekatriaphobia- the fear of Friday the 13th)
-Deep Thoughts (Taphephobia- the fear of being buried alive)
-It’s All Fun and Games (Thanatophobia- the fear of death)
-Happy Anniversary (Ophidiophobia- the fear of snakes)
-Have You Seen My Wallet (Trypanophobia- the fear of needles)
I really enjoyed the idea and concept of this book, and the stories were very entertaining as well. I do wish the stories were longer, or more detailed. I am a horror nut some of the stories felt lacking, but for the everyday casual reader, this is a very nice compilation. I hope the author does a series-based set with this concept and makes more stories for more fears! If I had to pick the best story, I would say the one based on being buried alive. The least favorite would have been the one with aliens incorporated, because that threw off the “this could be real” feeling for me. The writing style flowed nicely and the stories were never TOO heavy. Other than that, definitely a neat book to pick up and worth the read.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
View all my reviews
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great storytelling! Real strong characters and backgrounds. This is a page turner, that will keep you wanting more. This read is full of emotions, you thought were tucked away. Looking forward to more of this author work. Recommend to all readers!
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and in the series. I read it as a standalone. It captivated me from the beginning until the end. I’m eager to go back to the beginning of the series and start reading. Very good book!
Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Match Made In Montana series. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone as it focuses on a different couple.
This is another slow burn romance which a western feel. It is also full of drama and angst that makes the read interesting and keeps the reader captivated. Their is age gap in this story as well which was a bit of a sticking point for our lead male character.
Ted Stirling works at the ranch and after losing his wife it was just the distraction he needed. While working there he hires a young kindergarden teacher to teach yoga to the guests.
Stephanie is so full of life and happiness that he can’t help but he drawn to her however the age difference stops him from moving forward or approaching her in a romantic way.
Stephanie on the other hand has had a long time crush on a Ted. The problem is that when she is around him she finds herself unable to speak more than a couple of words.
When Ted’s sister turns up with Ted’s niece, Ted is way out of his depth caring for her so he asks Stephanie for help. The more time they spend together the closer they get but the age still makes Ted put on the breaks.
When something happens it has them both realising just how short and fleeting life can be. Will that be enough for them to take a chance on each other? Will Ted be able to work through his grief and heartache to then be able to open himself up to love again. And will Stephanie finally get a chance to be with the man she has wanted for so long.
This is a really sweet romance which isn’t without its challenges. Ted and Stephanie are definitely a couple you want to find their happy ever after.
Opposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Today is Opposite Day at school and Dinopotamus is all excited. That is until the teacher asks him to “bring me the big box”. Oh no! Does she mean don’t bring the box? Bring the small box? Or not a box, but another shape? This was a cute story that will entertain young readers.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I enjoy her writing style and her ability to bring her character’s to life. She pulls you into the story with ease and keeps you turning pages to the end. This book is no different. It is a well written story about healing, second chances and the past comes to the present, pulling you back in. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable, relatable and have great chemistry. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout which made the story easy to read and entertaining as well. A fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
“Sure, Sparky’s boss Bookie is a crook, but he’s no murderer! Eleven-year-old, plucky amateur super-sleuth Sparky stops at nothing to convince the police that Bookie was framed for the murder at Monkey Island, a ratty tourist trap in downtown Los Angeles, 1932. On this, the worst day of her life, Sparky must also survive going back to school. Forever in trouble, Sparky is forced to “volunteer” for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie. Will the station’s police bunny give Sparky an important clue? Meanwhile, at the Creepy House mansion, Sparky’s home, onetime silent movie star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, aka the goblin, are in a tizzy preparing for an audition that could revive Tootsie’s career. Will Sparky’s detecting antics disrupt her guardian’s big break? Sparky even considers gravedigging to find clues to help Bookie. . . . But if he’s freed from jail, with Prohibition on its way out, will Bookie need to figure out a new line of work? ”
This book 3 in the series, cannot wait to read the next one, series keeps your attention throughout the whole book, the characters and storyline is always great, and a quick read. This authors books will keep you turning pages. If you are also looking something for your teen to read this would be one of them :). I give this book 4 stars.
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I read the first book in this series I said that I was completely hooked and now I can safely say I am totally addicted to this authors talented writing, amazing characters and creative captivating storylines. I love me some sexy Navy SEALS, I mean how can we not! Sign me up now for more! Now just as I said with the first book I am not going to give much away when it comes to storyline because if I start raving about it I just know I’ll give something away that I shouldn’t, just know you will be captivated from start to finish by this truly wonderful romantic suspense story. Please Ms Craig can we have more ASAP!!!!
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
TB and the Tribe is back in book 2. This time, they are called in after several young women have gone missing from a local club. Kai wants his best friend protected, and it just so happens to be Sylvan. TB knows Sylvan from helping her research BDSM and dom/sub relationships for her next book, and they have both begun to develop feelings – but TB is unsure of what to do when his 2 worlds collide. As her stalker tightens his circle around her, they have to learn to trust one another to keep her safe.
In the midst of it all, the dialogue is so much fun to read, the relationships amongst the Tribe are a brotherhood, the chemistry between TB and Sylvan is incredible, and I’m rushing off to read the rest of the series! Great world building, great heat, great fun and great suspense.
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable and engaging story in this series and once again I was hooked throughout. Sylvan Jones is a romance novelist and a ‘good’ girl whilst information-specialist TB is definitely a ‘bad’ boy. When the two meet their chemistry sizzles off the page, leading to some steamy scenes. TB and the team are hired by a wealthy Silicon Valley tech mogul when his daughter goes missing. She’s the fifth girl to have been taken from a local club, and the team must investigate to find her. It becomes personal for TB when Sylvan becomes the abductor’s next victim. Both of them are keeping secrets and must decide what to do when these are discovered. I found TB and Sylvan to be likeable and relatable characters and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. This fast paced story had plenty of drama, suspense and of course romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. I felt invested in TB and Sylvan’s relationship and was hoping they would get their HEA.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Award-winning and bestselling author Victoria Saccenti writes the stories she loves to read: contemporary steamy romance, PNR/fantasy, MC romance, and 20th century romance. She explores the complicated twists and turns of human interaction and the many facets of love. Her characters are flawed, angsty, and searching for redemption. Since she’s an avowed optimist, expect to read happy endings. After thirty years of traveling the world, she’s settled in Central Florida, where she splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
~ ~ ~ ~ PREORDER ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series by Ashley Erin. This is an emotional second chance contemporary romance with a small-town setting, new beginnings, grumpy/sunshine factor, endearing characters, Duel POV, finding love unexpectedly, and the healing power of love.
As expected from Ashley Erin, this is well-written, and there was a lot to like about the story. Especially the characters. Also, weaving plenty of emotion with her words- which gave the story extra depth and believability.
Rebuilding your life after devastating heartbreak isn’t easy, and Adeline feels like she will never love again. She had her chance, till it was snatched away from her. But with her home desperately needing some repairs, will the grumpy contractor she hires fix more than either of them bargained for? Well worth the read to find out.
Happy reading…
Thank you, Ashley Erin!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m really loving Marika Ray’s writing, she’s becoming another favorite author of mine. This book was just the summer read I’d been looking for. Love the characters and banter. Dec helps Kenna heal from all the bad luck she’s been through, even in the beginning when she was grumpy and fighting him off. Kennas aunt seems like she was a fun character as well, and was wise to “tie them together” for a year.. As if she knew they’d grow to love each other. I couldn’t put this book down, and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was good. It had a good mix of medieval and today. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Heather was excited to go to medieval reenactment, but she found more than she bargained for. I really hope there is another book.
Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book of a series and the cover looks so cool and very ominous. It reminds me of a movie poster which is awesome. Like the Sushi theme book names are freaking brilliant lol totally unforgettable. Reading this I was pleased to see this was better than the last one. This was shorter than the first two, about 100 or so pages. So you know you could finish in one sitting, and you will definitely want to. This Dystopia world was filled with mystery, adventure, danger and oh did I mention evil food 😂. I’m telling you now I would never not read a book by this author, C A King’s imagination knows no bounds. I’m looking for to seeing what’s next 🥰
