The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This reminded me of some of Naomi’s other writings I have read. She has a very unique story telling that I really enjoy. She creates these characters and settings that are complex yet she is able to tell her stories in a novela type style. They are short stories but give so much information and character growth in the short amount of time. I really enjoy reading them.
The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of Naomi Valkyrie’s that I have read and it wasnt fantasy. This one is a romance. I haven’t read one in a bit but I really liked it. It was really cute and had a sweet ending. I recommend this if you enjoy m/m romances since it is about two married men who meet and are drawn to each other.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marika Ray’s Salt Love follows newly divorced Kenna as she moves to Sunshine Keys, Florida to handle her late aunt’s estate and meets her next-door neighbour with a big secret, Dec. Kenna starts off a bit judgemental and Dec seems like a sweetheart, then Dec seems a bit misogynistic and Kenna becomes really relatable, but eventually they start to sync and become much more likeable. The book was really well-written, including the ending, although I felt like the ending seemed too soon. My favourite character was Maeve, she seems like my kind of person. I recommend this book mainly because I found it inspiring. I feel like I really needed to read this at this point in my life. ‘An acknowledgement that the journey was better than the ending.’
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t know how the author manages to continuously write about big, gruff bikers that melt your heart. Chaz is just another example. He is a hard-nosed president of a 1% MC and all he does is make the ticker gooey.
Chaz has to be everything to everyone as president. So far, he believes he has been good at it. Chaz has led the Wretched Soulz MC Arizona Chapter for many prosperous years. Lately, the brothers are starting to settle down. StoryTeller has a pregnant Old Lady and a kid. Chaz has spent a little time thinking that maybe that is something he is interested in.
Helo is just trying to get by. She received a medical discharge from the military due to lingering PTSD episodes that make it so she can’t fly the helicopters she was born to fly. Now someone is after her, so she is living off the grid, barely making it by. Helo made a deal with an old man to help restore a motorcycle for room and board. To help the costs of the repairs, Helo has been quietly pilfering from the trash pile at the MC’s garage. She didn’t think they would notice.
One night while helping herself to some discarded parts, Helo gets caught. Chaz is instantly intrigued by this woman. He doesn’t know why. She almost bested him but didn’t. Then she escapes the confines he put her in for the night. Despite Helo’s disappearance, Chaz can’t stop thinking about her. When they find her again, he makes an interesting offer. When Helo takes him up on his offer, she manages to crack more than their security.
Helo explains that someone is after her. She wants to run. Chaz wants her to stay. When things get too hot at the MC, Chaz takes Helo and they run together. This puts Chaz in a really tough spot with the MC. The Soulz catch up with Chaz and Helo and decide to help Helo find out who is after her. Chaz hates the plans that are made. Chaz is finally able to tell Helo what he feels for her and that he wants her forever. Helo isn’t ready to hear these words until the shadow of bounty is off her head.
There is nothing like big, hard as nails, outlaw bikers. This author writes them too well. Cuz I am cheering for the biker to get his girl and so will you!! Break into this amazing series now! These bikers will ride away with your heart. Can’t love them enough. Can’t give it enough stars!!!!!!!!!
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a crazy book! Very exciting, and extremely edgy! He’s a older, in charge biker guy and she is a damaged, strong, special ops girl, and they challenge each other like there is no tomorrow! Talk about an enemies to romance novel!!! Loved it!!
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
2.5 – 3 Stars
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About is the first book in the Porter and Midge Series by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada. I have come into the series a little backwards, starting on Book #4 and working my way back. Luckily each book in the series can be read as a standalone, as each one contains its own ‘adventure’/lessons.
I could tell right away that this is the first book in the series as it is a lot ‘busier’, ‘wordier’, and a bit of an ‘information’ and image overload. There was so much going on in each illustration, with so many smaller more ‘intricate’ details- as well as the ‘wordier’ story printed over the illustrations- making for a bit of a ‘cluttered’, chaotic look and feel.
While the information contained in the story was interesting, and helpful for people wanting to train/socialize the new fur-members of their family (vet checks, vaccinations, socialization, training, instilling confidence, building resilience etc)- unfortunately most of that was lost amongst all the ‘clutter’. And while the illustrations were neat- they don’t have the same cute and engaging quality of the later books (Books #2 – #5- and although Book #5 isn’t out yet I had a look at the cover, and it has the same ‘cute’ illustrations that we love). The illustrations that do accompany this instalment, I feel, don’t help to reinforce the ‘lessons’ in the book, or really ‘engage’ the reader. They are well-drawn and somewhat colourful, but because there is so much going on in them, with so much ‘detailing’ it felt more like a ‘Where’s Waldo/Where’s Wally’ puzzle book than a children’s puppy adventure story. I hope I am making sense here….
This instalment also lacks the great ‘rhyming rhythm’ of the storytelling in the other books, which makes them so much more engaging and enjoyable than this one.
I Thought that it might just be my opinion, but when I tried reading the story to my grandchildren (aged between 3years and 8 years), which I have done with all the other books in the series (and they have loved)- they didn’t even make it to the second page before they lost interest with this one, and started talking over the story, wondering why Porter, Midge, CJ, and Lora didn’t ‘look’ the same as the other books. That’s all they seemed to focus on…
Looking forward to getting back to the ‘Porter and Midge’ style we love- with ‘Paws and Pastries’ (Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats – Book #5).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
Naomi Valkyrie, often called a Firebrand Provocateur, brings her unique Autistic perspectives and curiosities to life by weaving tales of deep connection, mystery, and romance. She is inspired by being able to spontaneously create a thought that takes on a life of its own, opening up new adventures for her readers.
The Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy realms are particular areas of interest for Naomi as they allow for the vast exploration of magic, adventure, and the impossible while creating diverse characters that her readers connect with on an emotional level.
When she isn’t attending to familial connections, Naomi loves a dark, comfy reading space surrounded by the symbolism of her spiritual archetypes and her daemon/familiars, while she sips her tea and immerses herself in imagination.
Double Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Double Delight: The Complete Series (Double Delight #3) by Julie Castle contains the two books in this contemporary romance series. With plenty of chemistry, spice, and sizzle- this box set will steam up your reading session.
April Love
April Brooks (28) is left reeling in the wake of her cheating ex. But running into her old high school crush, Will, is about to teach her more than she anticipated. Her life is about to get a spicy upgrade.
Monica’s Manhunt
Her we have the best man, Matt, and bridesmaid, Monica, (for Will and April’s wedding) – whose bubbling chemistry boils over in the lead up to the wedding. Get set for plenty of red-hot reading…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Julie Castle!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC
Ms. Mallet is one of a few special authors that I don’t bother with looking at the synopsis before reading, I just read and she has yet to disappoint me.
We have gotten to know Chaz casually through the Satan’s Devils, but now we get to know him. What a character!
Helo has been through so much in her life and come out on top. With all she has dealt with I wasn’t at all surprised by her reaction to Chaz. She is a bad @$$ and I love her for it.
I look forward to additional books Wretched Soulz and hope to see more from the Satan’s Devils in the future.
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy that had me smiling from start to finish. The author did a great job of building a believable world and creating characters that felt real and relatable. The story was well-paced and kept me engaged, making it a quick and satisfying read.
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a powerful story! I was initially pulled in by the beautiful cover, but upon reading the synopsis, I knew this would be an emotional journey. Little did I know just how emotional it would be! It’s a beautiful book about friendship and how crucial that bond is during times of loss and depression. I loved the travel destinations and the journey of finding themselves through it all. The characters were incredibly easy to relate to, and I felt like the flow of the story was smooth and unfolded naturally. There were some unexpected twists and turns that I won’t give away, but they definitely surprised me! I highly recommend picking this book up and letting yourself journey alongside Lydia and Kate. Maybe you’ll find kinship with them as well!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author is one of my favorites, so it was a no brainer to grab this book immediately! I dove right in as soon as I got home and never put it down once the entire time which may or may not have led to me bumping into doors and walls. Worth it! Chaz is the MC president who is in charge of a lot of things. Most men don’t dare stand up to him, but Helo isn’t most men. In fact, she isn’t a man at all, but has no problem going toe to toe with Chaz. I admire her tenacity and her demand for respect. Getting to experience the push and pull between these two was absolutely heart pounding, and I loved every second of it. If you’re looking for an incredible adventure of romance in an MC, you’d be hard-pressed to find another author that’s better than this one! I am off to find another book by this author to get lost in.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About is a great way for kids to learn about animal care and their welfare when out and about in the public or just learning basic needs in everyday life.
This fun and engaging story has beautiful illustrations that help kids see what is being narrated and gives them a better appreciation of the story.
Giselle and Jennie also provide a checklist to use if you so choose on things to do and where you can take you puppies to help them on the right track to being their best selves.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May. This is book 6 in the Moto X series and its the story of Lincoln and Rush. Rush has been hurt in his past and therefore does not want a relationship. He never wants for company but the thought of a serious relationship and feelings are not in his field of vision at all. Rush and Lincoln have been friends for a long time and when they start sleeping together things are pretty intense but its with the knowledge that “no strings attached”. So when Rush gets hurts in a Motorcycle wreck and Lincoln pretends to be his boyfriend to get in things change. Lincoln doesn’t really know how to be in a relationship either and it scares him too but feelings do get involved and Rush and Lincoln are both a little lost. Will they be able to get their heads on straight and try to be in a relationship that they both want but are too scared to admit? Read this M/M motocross read to find out!
Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was awesome, if I could give it more than 5 stars I definitely would!!! It has action, suspense, romance, and intrigue that will keep you guessing who the bad guys are and who are trying to help out the Tribe team and their friends. I am a huge fan of Nicole Craig and loved reading the first Deadman’s Tribe book, I was so excited to see her newest book in the series was available. This book is all about TB and Sylvan Jones, an author who TB is asked to help understand the interworking of things set for a mature audience, which will help her with the next book she is writing. Who better than a member of a BDSM club to help share details on the facts that she needs to allow her book to share realistic details she knows nothing about? As the two chat online, they become more and more friendly toward one another, yet never meet in person, until Sylvan decides she is ready to see what the club looks like in person, for more research purposes of course. As the story unfolds, you find that Sylvan has things in her past that she is just not comfortable sharing, with anyone, preferring to let the past stay where it is buried. Unfortunately, her past has caught up with her, and they want revenge. TB must do everything in his power, with the help of Tribe to help the woman that he is falling for. Who is Sylvan Jones, and what is she hiding from TB, that is for you to read the story and find out…do these two find their happily ever after of will they find that the truth will tear them apart?
@Brandy Rymer
06/2024
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a good book about the power of friendship. Kate has decided that life is no longer worth living. Her best friend Lydia is not going to let her give up. They embark on a trip around the world to relive some of their youthful adventures. Will Lydia be able to help Kate save herself?
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great story with so many layers. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, but relatable characters dealing with so many emotions and situations. Lydia and Kate are working on their friendships, while both have their own losses, grief, challenges, emotions, distractions, and more to work through…along with the added layers of mental health struggles for Kate. There could be some triggers, but overall, this is a well written story that was enjoyable to read.
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nevada and Chen have gone above and beyond AGAIN in this book to show what it takes to raise and train puppies. I cannot say enough about these two authors and how much research and time they put into their books to show not only kids but adults as well what is needed when deciding whether or not to get a pet. This installment focuses on the socialization aspect of pet ownership and the ups and downs of it and what you can do as a responsible pet owner. I love how thorough they are and the illustrations are phenomenal. They also do a fantastic job of weaving a story in as well.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a light-hearted murder mystery, then grab this book right now! This is your classic whodunit with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I adore the main character, Lexie, and her determination to figure out who murdered one of her dearest friends, Sylvia. Levinson does a great job paying homage to Agatha Christie throughout her novel and I can’t wait to pick up another one of her novels. I loved her characters and her plot line was well-thought-out and driven.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t get enough after reading Trusting Love, so I jumped straight into this book Finding Love. I don’t usually pay much attention to covers but the covers so far in this series have caught my eye & they fit with the stories well.
This is Rachel & Miguel’s story. Sometimes it feels like you go through a never-ending cycle of Mr Wrongs & a Mr Right will never turn up & that is certainly the case for Rachel. Miguel is everyone’s perfect book boyfriend.
There are characters we have met before & new ones to welcome into the fold. This RomCom is filled with many emotions, that will make you laugh, cause a sniffle or two & sometimes there is the outright sweetness & cringe factor with a little quirkiness thrown in.
Finding Love is filled with music, witty banter, families, heartache, & heartbreak but there has never been a romance that has been so sweet & a lot quirky.
Bring on the third book in the Trilogy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Purrfectly Framed is a great follow-up in this delightful series!
The book starts off with a bang right out of the gate! Cat groomer Molly finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery when her friend, Evan, finds the body of his old high school art teacher, Agnes, in his photography studio in the darkroom. Once the police get involved, Evan becomes their prime suspect when it is uncovered that she tried to ruin Evan’s aspirations of becoming a successful artist. However, he isn’t the only person who does not mourn Agnes’s death. It seems like no one liked her, and she had a reputation as a rotten human being who enjoyed spreading misery in everyone’s lives that she touched. Molly is determined to find the real killer before Evan goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
As with the first book, the mystery has many twists and turns. It was also sprinkled with Hartman’s wit and humor. And let’s not forget Molly’s cats, Percival and Jasper, who with their feline instincts, play a big role in solving the crime and protecting her. If you like cozy mysteries with a quirky cast of characters in a small town with a dash of romance, give this smart series a try!
Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the Trading Heartbeats trilogy & now Tess has her own Trilogy in Clumsy Litte Hearts. I was so excited when I saw this, so I clicked, & it became mine.
Julie has the knack to have found the perfect formula to a perfect love story. Anybody that has not read anything by Julie, I encourage you to do so. I know you won’t be disappointed because I have become addicted. There is much to learn in Julie’s language of love.
Trusting Love is a wonderfully passionate & steamy tale. The characters are beautifully written, & I have fallen in love again. This complex tale is woven together with broken hearts, broken trust, broken souls, love, sweat, passion, pain, tears, & humour. It is an emotive tale yet there are times that had me laughing as well.
I was so enamoured with this story that I read it in one go. I enjoyed it so much I am off to read the next book in the Trilogy, Finding Love.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
I have read just about all of MK’s books most I have absolutely loved others I have liked but felt they needed more.
Ashes is the first book in this Modern-Day Fairy tale series & this book Red is the second. So be sure to start at the first book as they share characters. With old & new characters Red continues on from it.
There is a lot going on in this short story which is a tale of loss, love, drama, angst & magical creatures as well as magic.
Want to know what the classic Little Red Riding Hood looks like with a modern-day twist well look no further here it is because I am not giving away anything.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder a la Christie is the first book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub series. When a member of Professor Lexie Driscoll’s book club dies suddenly under questionable circumstances, it sets off a chain of events. Lexie uses her extensive knowledge of Agatha Christie’s work to determine what is happening. If you enjoy cozy murder mystery stories and the great stories created by Christie, you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed seeing how the author took what many fans of earlier written mysteries and made it her own. The characters were interesting and helped guide the plot along. The story was fun and enjoyable, keeping me reading late into the night. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cole Silverthorne is a hardnosed detective and at times a pain in the ar$e, letting nothing stand in his way of finding the culprit and this is one killer he has been after for a very long time. A killer he is determined to bring to justice. But he is now stepping on his toes when it comes to Maya. She may just be his downfall.
This psychological and twisted thriller will have you sitting to attention with shivers down your spine and wracking your brain. The twists and turns are well done I worked it out earlyish on, well almost. But of course, I had to keep reading. VJ has you chasing tails all over the place.
Diamond Valley home of the rich has become a killer’s playground. A place for their art to be displayed.
Homicidal Innocence is a cleverly crafted and complex tale and one of those must reads where the intensity, the intrigue, the suspense, the chills may just be too much to bear. Are you brave enough?
Reviewed by @jennadb
Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story, these characters, this author. Hit me good with all the feels.
First: “External validation”
Then: “Children were a gift, forcing the grown-ups in their lives to snap out of their doldrums and look at the world with wonder.”
Absolutely love the sweet slow burn love that these characters develop. While both Ted and Stephanie are awkward around each other, which is so cute, they are strong and opinionated in their respective line of work, making them perfect for each other. I love the writing style of this author and the way she brings the characters together, even after a little turbulence.
This book is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone as each book focuses on a new couple. Looking forward to reading more about the Kincaid Ranch and family.
By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Sometimes, life’s most beautiful surprises come from the heart’s quietest desires.” I love this.
Small town romances are often the best stories with their quirky and nosy neighbours and that is the case with this book. I have only read one other book by Ashley Erin and really enjoyed it so was happy to snatch this one up.
By Your Side is a beautiful second chance contemporary romance will leave you swooning. It is well written and gives you all the feels even more so as it is told in dual POV’s. Ashley has a way of writing characters that will melt your heart.
She thought she had one great love and would never find another. At least that’s what her heart felt. Moving on had never been so hard.
One broken heart, one old house, one grumpy contractor, one small town betting against her.
I read it in one sitting as I was truly hooked.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Masterful! Just love this author’s work. Great story lines and characters with a touch of steamy romance. Fast read and page turning to the end. I love the flow of her writing and how she is able to make her stories come to life. I recommend reading any and all of her books, you will not be disappointed.Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Masterful! Just love this author’s work. Great story lines and characters with a touch of steamy romance. Fast read and page turning to the end. I love the flow of her writing and how she is able to make her stories come to life. I recommend reading any and all of her books, you will not be disappointed.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R36MMWBL58GK94/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Five Tries to Get It Right was an amazing book. Kathryn Dodson grabs your attention from the very beginning of the book. The story is very relatable. The detailing in the story is good. The world building and character building is great. This book was a page turner for me.
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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210594018