Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good read. It hit a lot of relatable content. I thought the characters were also relatable as well. I also thought the plot to moved well. I would read others by this author.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My god. What Lies Buried, by Leslie Kain. Where do I start? If I thought I connected to the first one, this one absolutely took the cake. Walking beside Gavin for the duration of his journey, was akin to my own. His struggle with complex PTSD, the lasting effects of mental abuse, and how his partner was affected by it had me sobbing practically the whole book. While this could most likely be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading Secrets of The Mirror first, because it’ll really help you understand Gavin and why he reacts how he does. Kain is phenomenal, and really does a powerful job of portraying mental illness without prejudice or a purposely negative light, and really does her research on each one. The plot line itself is beautifully crafted, and I refused to put this down for hours on end. Never skip over a Leslie Kain book, I know I won’t.
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain was such a suspenseful read. This book really hit in a raw place for me, as I could personally connect to the struggle of mental illnesses, and the challenges of dealing with a multigenerational, heavily dysfunctional family. Following Gavin and Devon’s journey from childhood to adulthood really gives you a clear understanding of the spiral of addiction, and how it affects your loved ones around you, and the drain caused by codependency. Kain did an amazing job helping these characters practically leap off the page, they were so refreshingly raw and engaging. This is the first book I’ve ever read involving twins, let alone mirror twins, and I think I’ve developed a new obsession! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and this author! Beautiful work!Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain was such a suspenseful read. This book really hit in a raw place for me, as I could personally connect to the struggle of mental illnesses, and the challenges of dealing with a multigenerational, heavily dysfunctional family. Following Gavin and Devon’s journey from childhood to adulthood really gives you a clear understanding of the spiral of addiction, and how it affects your loved ones around you, and the drain caused by codependency. Kain did an amazing job helping these characters practically leap off the page, they were so refreshingly raw and engaging. This is the first book I’ve ever read involving twins, let alone mirror twins, and I think I’ve developed a new obsession! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and this author! Beautiful work!
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evil Sushi is the first book in the extraordinarily unique Evil Sushi series, by C. A. King. A truly original concept, filled with a little bit of everything, perfectly blended into one. I adored the fact that King wasn’t afraid to use the effects of climate change, and write a phenomenal supernatural thriller to call attention to it and give you one of those “what if’s” you’ll be thinking about for years. This book will definitely make you stop for a second and think, before immediately diving right back in, only to repeat the process. As someone who adores sea food itself, I assure you it’s gonna take me a while to be able to eat it again after reading this! Definitely recommend and waiting for book 2!
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this historical story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how she was able to pull me into the character’s world from the start. I also enjoyed their attention to details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story about Lily and her determination to overthrow a British captain. Lily is a character that has overcome a lot during this time. She was held captive, joins a spy ring, all to help those that are struggling just to survive. I enjoyed Lily and what she brought to the story. She is a strong, determined character that brings inspiration to women of the story. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it easy to read. It is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is where it all began for Ian Troy and I am telling you now, you do not want to miss this fantastic prequel to what is truly an AMAZING trilogy. The storyline is so creative and the world created by this talented author draws you in and holds you captive until the very end. So do yourself a huge favour and get reading this today!! Then get cracking on the trilogy you WILL NOT regret it for a single second.
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arrow Holt is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it, since he enlisted and through his career as a Navy SEAL, he always had to have a strategy and this is still true in every aspect of his life, both business and personal and he has a lot of different business interests, as well as working on his passion project, the WaterFyre Rising game he is developing with his friends. Vivian Vo is a paediatric dentist who has a dark past, she loves her job, as well as the community work she does for those who don’t have insurance, however, she has a lot on her mind as well, she is looking for something, or someone to help her with the ties to her past which have encroached on her present.
Arrow and Vivian know each other through their friendship groups and ever since he laid eyes on her for the first time, he knew that she was the one for him, however, whenever he asks her on a date she always declines, but he is not put off that easily, meanwhile, Vivian knows that she is attracted to him, however, she doesn’t have the time or energy for a romance with everything on her mind, that is until one day he asks for a duel and she reluctantly accepts. This all comes to a head when they are snowed in and Vivian is on the warpath because she feels like despite everything Arrow is saying, it seems like she will just be a one and done, so she goes to give him a piece of mind which ends up firing up the attraction between and causing it to ignite into a passion neither of them can deny.
This leads to them discovering each others scars and deepest emotions, as well as the hidden aspects of their lives, so while they discover each other, they realise that their stories are intertwined in a way neither of them expected when the Triad raises its ugly head and creates problems nobody could forsee, but will their romance continue to burn brightly, or will their pasts extinguish what could be perfection? This is a dark romance with danger around every turn and a mystery which readers will have to unravel as light is brought into the darkness surrounding the characters throughout this enthralling story.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2VPD9SMVZ3HXX/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud was a great read. The author pulls you in from the very beginning to the end! The world building and characters was well thought of. This was a fast paced read for me. The story had a lot of emotions in it. I would say the book is for 10-12 year olds.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2647244155
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute characters, excellent banter, decent emotional swing. Wasn’t expecting all the good parts to be in the FTB, but overall a good read.
Libby has a jaded outlook on love and relationships. It is easy to see where she got it when you hear her story. After she moves into her recently deceased aunt’s home, either her luck changes or the universe is playing a joke on her. Libby attempts to make toast but the toaster bursts into flames and the fire department rushes in!
Zach never expected to meet the most amazing woman putting out a toaster fire. The woman standing in front of him in pajamas covered in Disney princesses is more than he bargained for. They each feel the immediate and intense chemistry between them. But Libby wants to keep Zach at arm’s length or as simply the best in her memories.
Zach isn’t having it. Zach consistently pushes Libby’s boundaries to get her to accept more and more of him. Until Zach wants labels and Libby won’t concede.
The heat between Zach and Libby is scorching. Wishing there was more of it on the page. Excellent way to start the series. Can’t wait to see if Cody can tame Cat!!
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a driving story that tackles the issue on mental health for those who have PTSD/C-PTSD. I appreciate the resources the author gave at the beginning of the book. The plot line keeps the reader questioning and guessing what happens next and who’s involved. The C-PTSD symptoms and events feel as though the writer researched on how it effects the person experiencing it, and those who are in the inner circle of the experiencer. As someone who has PTSD and CPTSD, I thought the story might be triggering and that was not the case. At the same time, the presentation of symptoms felt clinical in the text and I couldn’t connect with the main character. The novel was entertaining to read.
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 Stars
Fire Meets Fire is the second book in the Wretched Soulz MC Series by Manda Mellett. It is a contemporary MC romance with angsty drama, action, intrigue, dynamic characters, chemistry, steam, tense developments, adventure, Finding love unexpectedly, and more.
This is Chez, the president of the MC club’s story and what a tale he has to tell. In true Manda Mellett fashion, she has dialed the emotions, angst, and tension up to high here.
If you love a really well-written, riveting MC story- with complex, quirky, loveable characters, and an intriguing storyline- then this is definitely the author/book/series for you- so, limber up your one-click finger while she takes you on an emotional ride…
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thank you, Manda Mellett!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m such a fan of C.A. King and their lovely paranormal YA books. This particular book grabbed my attention with its adorable cover art. Who doesn’t adore a sweet little yellow floof!? I simply had to know how this shifter story would go, so I jumped right in and was not disappointed.
I really enjoyed Ducky’s character and sort of related to her with the anxiety struggle that initially she did not have a good sense of control over, leading to a number of embarrassing situations. Of course, bullying from others around her ensued.
One thing that I can say without hesitation is that the author clearly has a gift of keeping the reader enthralled with the different plot twists, characters and levels of paranormal figures. I could not put this book down. I found myself excited to see what was next and continuously telling myself that I needed to read just one more chapter before bed.
I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book because of the witty back and forth and even some of the character names that were quite clever. For instance, I almost fell over when I first read about the character calling himself, Drak Ula. Who would have guessed he was not a fan of garlic! Don’t worry, this isn’t something that will give any plot twists away.
I think fans of the paranormal, YA books, and great storytelling will really enjoy this book. It is quite interesting, a page turner and refreshing take on this genre. The fight between human and the supernatural, good vs what is perceived as evil, is always a good foundation for a fantastic story. This book did not disappoint.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210629914-under-jackson-bridge” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712015113l/210629914._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210629914-under-jackson-bridge”>Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15604934.Susan_Specht_Oram”>Susan Specht Oram</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6566846529″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Irena and several close friends, including her ex-husband Jack, go out on a shipboard celebration. Things seems to be going okay but her ex doesn’t want to follow directions and wear a lifejacket. A rouge wave hits and the two of them are swept overboard. Irena makes it back aboard but her ex doesn’t. No amount of searching has brought about any signs of Jack. She is determined to find her daughters father but she is finding more questions than answers. Will Jack turn up alive or did he perish in those choppy waters? I haven’t read anything by this author before so I was hesitant to try this out. This genre is also not something I would normally choose, but the synopsis drew me in. I’m glad I took the leap because I found a good book that kept me on the edge of the seat.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209761626-the-strategist” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1710235035l/209761626._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209761626-the-strategist”>The Strategist</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22312698.Nadia_Han”>Nadia Han</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6566819141″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Five book into this seven part series and the fire keeps on coming. They have more in common than they think. Both have a traumatic past and both are looking for a bad guy. Although Arrow tries several times to get Vivian to give him a chance she continuously shoots him down. She believes that he has given up and moved on, but danger comes knocking at her door. Arrow will do anything and everything in his power to keep her safe. All of these books have been great and can all be read on their own. Each book has a little something unique and will keep you reading to see what happens next. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series. I did not read the first, but I enjoyed this book enough that I plan on going back to read it. I think the reading experience would be be better but not necessary.
This book pulled me in from page one and I enjoyed the writing style. The MC is named Shayla and she is a single mom who catches feelings for her best friends business partner. His Name is Burke. And he is fantastic. He is my favorite part of this story. He treats her and her kids amazingly and the chemistry between Burke & Shayla is off the charts… HOTTT. I enjoyed them both and I was rooting for their HEA throughout the story, because they both deserved one.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hailey has accepted a four week booking at her Bed and Breakfast for a famous rockstar. Loch is the lead singer for the famous band, Oath. HIs manager, Alex, tells Hailey that Loch is there to heal from a traumatic event and requires extreme privacy. Hailey cuts her hand and has a panic attack from the sight of the blood. Loch finds her and helps her care for the wound. He finds Hailey attractive and feels an intense connection to her.
Hailey sets up a picnic and invites Loch to stargaze in the evening. She shares a trauma she has experienced and how she got through it. Loch opens up and confides in her, sharing his emotional pain from losing his sister. They spend several nights together comforting each other until they move into an intimate relationship. While Loch is open with his feelings, Hailey keeps her feelings hidden, believing he will leave soon.
Lacey Furr builds suspense with the inner turmoil both characters experience. They share devastating grief and guilt. Loch and Jonas are perfect gentlemen. Jonas, who is Hailey’s best friend’s fiance, threatens Loch’s like a big brother would. I found the moment humorous “F*ck with her and, well, surprises are better than threats, no?” after he expresses he likes Loch’s music. Hailey’s entire life revolves around her business that she does all the work alone.
The band members from Oath added to twists in the unpredictable plot and brought a lively dynamic to Loch and Hailey’s budding relationship. The flexibility of the band members and distinct personalities made them a vital part of the story.
I rate Finding Love a solid 5 stars and I look forward to reading the sequels that Lacey Furr creates for the members of Oath
Lily Thompson had had a traumatic life, after losing her parents and brothers due to the revolution in America against Britain. After training a little she thinks she will be able to make a difference joining the revelion, and has a second thought avenged the wrong to her family.
The Turners are a family touched by the war tragedy, full of hope for a better future, after their brother and mother died, they begin the journey to a place where revels gather in order to stop the English control. Along the way they will find Lily and an adventure like no other will commence.
A historic treat, full of heart warming patriotism.
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is heavily focused on some serious mental health issues. Kate and Lydia could be any random two friends in today’s society. They’ve known each other since elementary school. In their 20’s, they went on a whirlwind overseas tour of five different countries. Now in their fifties, both newly single (one by death, one by divorce) ladies decide to revive that tour after Kate has a bout in the mental ward of a hospital. Each country they visit brings about memories, both good and bad, as well as further develops their friendship bond.
This book is very emotional. High highs and low lows. I was sucked in from the first page! Both ladies are running from issues, not unlike many people today! On this journey they find themselves and learn more about each other, sometimes in the most unflattering of ways. The ending was not what I expected but I was not disappointed in it. This one is going to stick with me for a bit!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is probably my favorite from this author so far! This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read with many unexpected surprises along the way. The storyline picks up right away and keeps you turning the pages to the end. We find ourselves following longtime group of friends and a child with intertwined relationships on boat for a day trip when two go overboard and only one comes back—but the story that unfolds quickly becomes way more complicated!
I really enjoyed the pace and development of the story. The author developed the characters well and I found them to be mostly relatable—I really enjoyed the depth of the character of Irena in particular. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t realize when I first picked up this book, but I’ve read, and enjoyed books by N.D Jackson previously. Make Me Want To Love You was along the same vein as the others, really enjoyable! This was an incredibly cute, small town romance, involving a single mother with two kids from a previous marriage, and a rich, single, friend of a friend/business partner. Burke was an amazing MMC, caring, and selfless, while Shayna was jaded, but a great FMC, but I think Burke was my favorite character, and Dre, she reminded me a lot of myself. The characters had a ton of chemistry, fun banter between them, and it gets hot and heavy pretty quickly, but I didn’t think it was too graphic. As always I loved getting chapters from both characters point of view. If this sounds like your thing you should definitely give this book a try. I’ll be going back to read book one so I can catch up.
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read the previous books of this series and have been hooked ever since! The tantalizing suspense and mystery mixed with long time connected characters and romance keeps readers engaged and wanting to know more! This story focuses on Arrow, who is a former Navy Seal and now has ventured into the wine business. As many before him, his former life has left him with internal scars that are hard to heal and persist to haunt him. Sometimes having those scars and seeing more detrimental ones on others makes one more vulnerable and open to respond. As a result, he meets Vivian and with her hidden agenda ends up being a protector in Arrow. Characters grow on you and you can relate to their situations. Great read and cannot wait for the other ones to come out!
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bischoff fully immerses you and draws you in with her writing. I was taken to the 70s and escaped my own reality while reading this story. The writing was remarkable.
I plan on having my daughter read it this summer so we can have our own little book club night and talk about it. I truly enjoyed everything about this book and had a hard time not getting so emotional over it.
Great Summer reading option if your teen has the ability to choose their own book.
Teachers a great read to incorporate into summer reading.
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Starting off I wasn’t sure what I was going to think, but I was drawn in and couldn’t put it down. The whole premise of the story is unique and not something I would have imagined. The scary thing is some things in this story I could really see happening in our world, in this day and age. Some is definitely fantasy but I truly can’t wait to read more of this series and will be diving into book two next, I am truly looking forward to finding out what twists this author has in mind next.
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane was a great addition to the Oscar and Emmy Series, all of them have been great so far. This children’s book was super important, and so very informative. It stressed the importance of having an emergency box for each member of the house and making sure that when a storm is on its way you should get them out, updated, and ready. It also stressed the need to evacuate if told to do so. It had wonderful illustrations throughout, information about Hurricane Harvey, lots of fun, useful information, and resources told in a fun, easy to understand way.
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We have read many books by this author, but my kiddos still get excited each time I bring a new book home! The first thing that caught my attention was the simple yet fun illustrations. I love how they look like doodles created with crayons. The storyline is easy for everyone to follow as the author weaves in her life lesson again. The school children have a companion that tags along, but he’s a little different. He can do some of the things that they do, but not all of them which begins to worry him. We enjoyed this, and it sparked a great conversation between my 8- and 12-year-old. I highly recommend having this in your classroom, library, or at home to share with the young ones in your life.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read several books by this author over the past year, and I keep coming back to their books over and over again. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire story! I wasn’t a fan of one of the characters in the very beginning, but I believe they’re supposed to be unlikeable, so mission accomplished. The way this author subtly sucks you into their story is astonishing! I thought I would pick it up and read a few pages before bed, but the next thing I knew it was 4am. Completely hooked. The twists and turns of this puzzling thriller will have you doubting yourself and every single character within these pages. It was unbelievably easy to slip into each character’s mind with the multiple points of view. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, this should be the next book you pick up without hesitation!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really loved this book! The instant connection between the two lead characters was on point immediately and I loved the humor, the romance, the character baggage…so much to love! Zach and Libby were such lovable and relatable characters and I was rooting for them from the beginning. It was a great romance story, but without the super spicy element that could’ve been there, but didn’t need to be. I thought it was a great romantic story and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. This is book 1, and it got me excited for more!
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the WaterFyre Rising series, and I’ve got to say that this one is now my favorite! While I have enjoyed each installment of this series and each have their own lovely quirks, this one won me over. This author has such an incredible talent in expertly crafting a captivating storyline that unfolds naturally. There are no misplaced chapters that jolt you out of the story because the flow is just perfect! The character development is top-notch as we get to experience Arrow and Vivian’s relationship. The push and pull dynamic between them is addictive, and their chemistry is palpable. I lost a bit of sleep with this one as I couldn’t find it in myself to put the book down! The danger, secrets, chemistry, and drama will have you wanting more. I highly recommend picking up this entire series so you don’t miss out. I can’t wait to see what is next for WaterFyre Rising!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Productivity is Power 2 by Hillary Rettig is as validating as it is educational. I really enjoyed this book and felt better and less “lazy” about procrastination when I learned more about the act itself. I think what really makes this book so valuable is that the author not only explains things in a clear and concise manner but also let’s you grow your mindset with exercises and engagement throughout the text. This is a great asset to any self help library!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Under Jackson Bridge is the First Book in the Beyond the Bridge Series. It is a psychological thriller full of drama, action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, deception, secrets, and lies. The story centers around the complicated relationship between Irena, her ex-husband Jack, and her new boyfriend, Buzz. Even though they are divorced, Irena and Jack still talk pretty much everyday which irritates Buzz. When the trio is invited on a celebratory cruise with some close high school friends, things take an unexpected turn. A rogue wave tosses them overboard and Irena is rescued but Jack seems to have vanished without a trace. As the search ensues for Jack a tangled web of deception and lies start to unravel. This was another gripping read by this author that was full of twists and turns. The characters were intriguing and not always what they seemed to be on the surface. Irena is one tough cookie who is used to doing things on her own and not relying on others. Buzz comes across as a bit creepy as he eavesdrops on Irena’s conversations and his love for Irena seemed to a bit more of an obsession. Jack clearly has a past full of secrets that are probably best left undiscovered. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
