Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t for sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book. It’s different than what I usually read, but was good. It was an easy read and had a hard time putting it down.
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ducky is an outcast. Her whole town is filled with shifters. Wolf shifters, feline shifters, not to mention the vampire family that rules over the town. Meanwhile Ducky is a duckling shifter. One that can’t control her shifts either. She is ridiculed and made fun of all the time.
When word gets out that the Vampire Lord Kobreon is possibly looking for his potential bride, all the women line up to meet him. Even Ducky wants to meet him. She knows that it is impossible that she will be the one chosen but wants to at least catch a glimpse of the mystery man. Hiding in a bush she ends up pricking herself and making a sound, when a woman starts towards the bush, Ducky panics and transforms. The woman scoops her up and brings her into the castle out of harm’s way. Kobreon sees the duckling and instantly takes a liking to her wanting to keep her as a companion. She has to stay in the castle longer than intended under the guise of being just a duckling.
The treaty between humans and shifters is on the brink of shattering due to the human princess being poisoned. The humans are blaming the shifters and demand a culprit and a cure or else war will be imminent. It’s up to Kobreon to find a cure to make sure his people are safe. Especially Ducky.
I thought this was a cute story. At first I wasn’t sure about it because the premise of a duckling and a vampire kind of sounded weird to me. Who would have feelings for a duckling?! Instead you get a platonic relationship between the two for the most part. Ducky feels like a failure and needs to learn how to properly control herself. She has no confidence. She works to find herself outside of being just a ducky. Kobreon has the weight of the world on his shoulders but no one to share the weight with. Just having Ducky around has helped give him hope. They both have their problems and at the end of the day they can cuddle up and relax.
So far, I have read quite a few of C.A. King’s books and loved them! This also falls in that category. The author has a way of writing about something unique and out there making it so you never have a dull moment reading their books!
Loris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this. It’s about a child who is lost and unhappy and how the simple hand of friendship can make the world of difference to how a child is feeling. It’s about kids showing bravery and strength, it tells us how children should behave and will help children talk about how they are feeling. It’s aimed at young children but the message portrayed in it can be for anyone of any age to take note of.
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dinopotamus Goes to School is a part of the Dinopotamus Series by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a cute story about Dinopotamus. He watches the other children daily and does what they do. As they go to school he goes to school too. We get to see how fun it is for Dinopotamus to learn and he handles doing things even though he is different. This is such a great way to show children how fun learning is. It also teaches a great lesson on how to adapt to various situations. The illustrations are wonderful. They remind you of something you would be able to learn how to do yourself. This is another fun book by Lois Wickstrom.
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dinopotamus just wants to be one of the kids and do what they do – play, go to school, learn things. Unfortunately, Dinopotamus is half T-Rex and half hippopotamus, which means they are much bigger than the children and has difficulty even fitting in through the school door!
In this story, children learn about differences and the importance of finding solutions so everyone can join in, but in a cute, fun story.
I would say that children aged 4-8 would enjoy this story.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Irena Fishbone’s ex-husband Jack falls overboard on an outing and disappears she begins to wonder if she really knew him. For the sake of their daughter, Kelly, Irena decides that she needs to investigate his possible death. As the mystery develops lies from others begin to surface and Irena is not sure who she can trust. This book will keep you guessing!!
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how they brought the twist and turns to life. I also enjoyed their attention to details that made the characters come to life who pulled you into the story with ease. This is a well written story about Michaela. Her grandfather was assassinated in front of her and almost took her life as well. She has remained hidden for a long time. Now that she is back, she finds herself in the middle of a media mess. Maxwell was head of security back then and has been asked to do security presently. What will happen with the things that are lurking in the shadows? I enjoyed watching the growth from beginning to end of the characters and the plot. The twists and turns will have you coming back for more. This suspenseful story is one you don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Man oh man! Such a wonderful book! You get hooked in so fast with this one! The first chapter had me cracking up! You will fall in love with these characters so quick. You’ll be yelling at them, laughing at them, and so much more while you follow their story. In this book you meet Libby and Zach. Libby has been in Woodvally Pines all of one day and she’s already caught her kitchen on fire. With toast! Yes, you read that right. Toast!! LOL. Who knew that toasters could just spontaneously burst into flames? She sure didn’t!! So she’s in shock still when the firemen come to the recue. Zach is trying to look over Libby to make sure she is okay. She’s in pink Disney pajamas, ranting about people keeping toaster fires a secret, and boy is he trying his hardest not to laugh! The spark between the two of them is instant. Only problem is Libby doesn’t date. So begins the rollercoaster of Zach trying to change her mind. Will these to burn each other before everything falls apart or will the spark ignite and last forever? These two are so cute and funny. You will really enjoy this funny romance. Plus there are hunky firefighters! 🙂
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff is a great historical children book
Twelve-year-old musical prodigy Scoob hopes to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Louis Armstrong and become a jazz legend in the summer of 1976. She must, however, leave the streets first. Scoob believes her luck is going to change when she gets a lucrative gig; she gets to perform in front of a well-known band leader who has his own TV show. However, RC, Scoob’s elder brother, takes his younger sister along on an unwanted road trip. Scoob and RC are broke and unable to buy food, so they “borrow” gas along the route until they become stuck in the tiny Idaho town of Rexburg. Residents of the picturesque rural village are divided over the safety of a recently constructed dam, which is the subject of intense discussion.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig is a great self help book.
Anybody may increase their output with Power 2’s assistance in a sustainable, humane, and healthful manner. Purchase it for the writer, performer, artist, scholar, business owner, or community organizer in your life as well as for yourself.
Every page had new Information and I couldn’t wait to see what I could learn. The book really brings into their way of thinking. I couldn’t put the book down.
Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging fantasy romance which kept me happily turning the pages. This is a fairly quick read as it’s a novella and is set in a world where magical and non-magical people live in harmony. Jordan is a seer who owns a coffee shop where she serves coffee with a special twist, however she’s been in a rut since her boyfriend Nathan dumped her. She now has to watch him with his new fiancé in her coffee shop everyday and it’s suppressing her seer emotions. Then Cane who is grouchy with an awkward smile and curled horns makes her body come alive again. Cane offers her a deal, for her to perform a Wiccan vision quest for Nathan and his fiancé and in return she will have a steamy night wrapped in his muscled arms. I liked the chemistry between Jordan and Cane and also how their relationship developed throughout the story. I felt the magical setting was brought to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story.
Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another Wickstrom adventure you can’t help but help be drawn into. I mean, who doesn’t want a pet dragon?!? But, can she really be trained in one day?
Wickstrom’s book is well written with gorgeous illustrations that reminded my other children’s books from my childhood. My neice and nephew loved this book, and I would recommend it to others.
Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Magic and Heartache series. This is a short story at only 96 pages long but it was action packed and i loved every part of it.
This is a paranormal romance with a mixture of magical beings and a coffee shop with an added touch of something special in each drink.
One of the owners is Jordan. She loves her coffee shop and how it brings everybody together but there’s one thing she doesn’t like and that’s her ex and his new lover showing up at her work everyday.
As much as she hates to see them she can’t tell them to never return.
There is one person that brightens her day and that is Cane.
When Cane approaches her to help him with a spell to see the future for her ex and his new partner at first Jordan doesn’t want to help. However the more she learns of the ritual, and the opportunity to see more of Cane proves to be the thing that seals the deal.
What happens when they get a more intimate knowledge of each other? Will the spark between them explode into a fire or will it sizzle out? And is Jordan even ready to move on? Will she lose her chance at love again by still being hung up on her ex?
For a short story this packs so much into it and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story. I liked the suspense and drama that follow these two along. This pulls on the ol’heart strings for a couple reasons. None that I will mention because of spoilers but believe me they are there. I really kept tuned into these two main character’s, which are kids. I felt sorry for them and was very suspicious of RC more than once. This is told from Scoob’s point of view and while she is a twelve year old she seems much older at times. In the end it shows the strength, endurance and love can help some prosper. I loved all the Dad sayings and thoughts that ran through Scoob’s head on repeat.
Overall this is a wonderful story that kept me turning pages so I could figure RC out. The ending is good and had me feeling complete with a little wonder. Thanks for letting me come along on your trip.
Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruth J. Hartman’s “Brushed Up On Murder” is a delightful read.
The story follows Molly Stewart, a mobile cat groomer, who’s devastated when she finds the body of one of her clients, stabbed in his backyard. Things take a personal turn when her uncle Russ becomes the prime suspect in the murder, and Molly is determined to prove his innocence.
Hartman’s writing is engaging and witty, with a great sense of humor. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their lives. Molly’s passion for her work as a cat groomer shines through, and her interactions with her feline clients are adorable.
Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruth J. Hartman’s “Purrfectly Framed” is a delightful cat-themed mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows mobile cat groomer Molly Stewart, in an investigation that ensues is filled with twists and turns. M
Hartman’s writing is engaging and entertaining, with a dash of humor and wit. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their lives. The descriptions of the cats and their grooming process are equally delightful, providing a unique perspective on the world of cat care.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its ability to balance humor and suspense. Hartman expertly weaves together lighthearted moments with darker, more intense scenes, keeping the reader on their toes. The plot is well-paced, with plenty of surprises along the way to keep you guessing.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just devoured “One Quarter Villain” by Cori Cooper, and I’m still reeling from the delightful surprise that awaited me within its pages (early on the book, the. quote “Every good fairy tale needs a villain” hooked me).
Who says a villain can’t have a happy ending? Not Cori Cooper, that’s for sure! In this charming and lighthearted tale, Cooper challenges the traditional notion of villainy by crafting a relatable and lovable protagonist who just happens to be one-quarter villain.
Cooper’s writing is engaging and effortless, making it easy to become invested in Maddy’s journey. The author’s humor and wit are on full display, particularly in the character of Maddy’s best friend, Leo Romano, who is the perfect foil to Maddy’s straight-laced personality. Their banter and friendship are a highlight of the book.
One of the most impressive aspects of “One Quarter Villain” is its thoughtful exploration of identity and morality. Cooper asks important questions about what makes us good or evil, and whether our choices are shaped by our DNA or our environment. The book’s themes are timely and relevant, making it a great read for anyone looking for a story that will linger long after the final page is turned.
@bookworm1909One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by
Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shayna is just trying to live her life after divorce. With two kids that depend on her, she does not have time for romance or even the time to entertain the possibility. Burke shares a best friend with Shayna and cannot help but be intrigued by her. Having just been burned by an ex-fiancée, he is not sure he wants to dip his toes into the dating pool again. However, he sees what others gloss over when he looks at Shayna. Can they find their way to each other? Or will past baggage get in the way of their possible happily-ever-after?!
This was a fun book to read. I feel like the author did a wonderful job capturing single mom life, and dysfunctional family issues. I could not help but be drawn to Shayna and Burke’s story. While I cannot identify with all the aspects of this book, the human emotion captivated me. I did not pick up book one in this series and only realized about part way through that I must have missed it. It would have been nice to read the first one, but I do not feel like it was necessary as there was enough background information given throughout. If you are looking for a quick, fun, summer read, I would pick this up!
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little story about Dinopotamus who so desperately wanted to play and join in the fun of the children he saw. He joined all their fun including going to school. The story is about inclusion and the love of learning. It is an enjoyable story and I recommend it to anyone with children who love to read and explore new ideas.
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another gripping MC romance by an author who I love and who never disappoints! I was excited to be back in the ‘Wretched Soulz MC’s’ world once again and this time the storyline focuses on the Clubs Prez Chaz. As the Prez he is responsible for keeping money in the Clubs coffers, keeping his brothers out of jail and his enemies at bay. The MC have a reputation and so can’t show any weakness by ensuring men who cross them don’t live long. So Chaz is surprised to learn that someone is stealing from them, and even more shocked to discover the thief is a woman. Chaz is then torn about how to treat Helo, if she had been a man then he would have killed her for this crime but should he treat her like a man or not. To complicate things further Chaz is attracted to Helo and is actually impressed by how she stands up to him, challenges him and beats him fighting hand to hand. He soon learns that she’s not invincible and that she has her own demons, but with so many of his own battles Chaz doesn’t know if he wants to take on hers as well. As usual the characters and setting are brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative making me feel fully immersed in the world of the ‘Wretched Soulz MC’. The chemistry between Chaz and Helo sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The storyline is full of excitement, drama, suspense and of course romance which made this a real page turner. I will now wait impatiently for the next book in the series!
Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Greetings from Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is a heart capturing story about war, the strength of family and still having the room to love deeply after witnessing so much devastation. I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end! I loved Mariella, her family, Jack. The author put a lot of heart into telling this story and it shines through radiantly. Splendid writing and detail. The characters were all very realistic with personalities and interactions to match the setting.
Highly recommend to any lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a story that is so perfectly descriptive that you are experiencing and feeling everything with the characters- from their fears to sharing their beautiful heartfelt moments. Very well done! I’m very excited to start the next book.
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Italian American by Luigina Vecchione is a beautifully written sequel to Greetings from Asbury Park, where here the reader can experience Jack and Mariella settling into their new lives together in America. There is a lot of turmoil for Mariella leaving behind the life and everyone she knew to travel to an unfamiliar land where acceptance of immigrants is not so easily found. As things start to seemingly begin to calm, terrible news brings Mariella back to Rome and she wonders if she can really bring herself to leave again.
I really felt like this was a strong sequel to the first story. Sometimes with sequels, the storytelling is more rushed and loses its luster. However, the author really kept the momentum of this story rolling throughout. You could perhaps read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading both stories. This story was raw, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one book, and I loved feeling everything along with the characters. I was not disappointed at all. I look forward to more stories by this author in the future!
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book can be helpful for anyone who needs self-motivation! It is full of tips and tricks to get you out of your comfort zone and into more productivity. I have implemented some of the techniques in my personal life already but I’m looking forward to improving professionally through the advice and techniques here! Everyone can benefit from this book!
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is eye opening, I have always struggled with feeling lazy and not motivated. HIllary Retting, the author of this book has laid it all out for everyone to understand and help us overcome out obstacles. I am slowly implementing these ideas and practices into my everyday life and it is helping me actually get things done. Love this book!
Murder a la Christie by Marilyn LevinsonIf you’re a Christie fan you’re either going live this or hate this …. I LOVED it ! I’m a die hard Christie fan so I was a little nervous at first but despite not always liking Lexie I like the “tribute “ to her characters , if you read the book you’ll understand what I’m saying 😉
Chapter one already had me because I could just see the scene unfolding in my minds eye I could even hear Gerda’s German accent !
The Golden Age of Mystery Book as started up and Lexie was asked to lead it and it started with a little drama between the girls but all calms down and bookclub starts ❣️📚
Sylvia takes ill and everyone is worried but she reassures everyone she’s ok unti she’s not Lowell storms into the library , panicked and Sylvia is declared dead 🙈but she wasn’t the first to die and nor would she be the last ….
I must admit I loved the backround we get some of the details regarding Christie and others of that writing era I knew and some of it was new so that was a big tick for me ❣️📚
I loved the interaction between the characters and their quirky natures , an enjoyable easy , fun read ❣️📚
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading Ghost Talker, I could not wait to read Delicious Death. Byrd Nash did not disappoint with book 2. Delicious Death had all of the mystery and angst from book one, and even more romantic tension. Once again, we get to see Madame Chalamet help the Duke solve a mystery, while also helping spirits move to the other side. In this book, Chalamet must help the Duke solve the attempted murder of the king through poisoning. The characters are well developed, the story is fast paced and easy to read, and Madame Chalamet and the Duke work so well together. Once again, I am super excited to begin reading book 3, Spirit Guide, and I cannot wait to see where Chalamet and the Duke’s relationship goes.
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals is the first book in the Protect and Honor Series . This is a Romance Suspense that pulled me in from the beginning and had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This story is packed with drama, action, suspense , danger, secrets, lies, betrayal and so much more. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. Michaela Manning is a survivor of terrible tragedies from such a young age, at three years old she witnessed a terrible assassination of her grandfather the state senator and was shot in the process. She’s lived her life in hiding under a different name until her secret identity is leaked. She’s not safe but can Maxwell keep her protected this time? I don’t want to give away anything else. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The Book of Fears by K.S. Gantt is a collection of 8 short and disturbing stories that highlight some intriguing phobias. This is a creepy horror-esque fest full of tension, dramatic developments, twisty turns, and suspense. There are trigger warnings of violence, abuse, and more- so if you have any triggers, you will want to check out the TW’s before diving in.
This also appears to be Ms. Gantt’s debut novel, as when I had finished this I went looking for more of her work, but this is the only one that showed up…. So I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of her work in the future.
The stories in the collection are:
-Let’s Go Home Wolfie (Autophobia)
-Not In My House (Katsaridaphobia)
-I’ll Float Away (Lepidopterophobia)
-Friday the 13th (Paraskevidekatriaphobia)
-Deep Thoughts (Taphephobia)
-It’s All Fun and Games (Thanatophobia)
-Happy Anniversary (Ophidiophobia)
-Have You Seen My Wallet (Trypanophobia)
I loved that this collection was so different from what I have been reading of late, and reminded me that I haven’t had enough of this genre in my reading ‘diet’ of late…
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Gantt produces next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, K.S. Gantt!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
This is the first book in The Golden Age of Mystery Book club series. A great cozy fast paced mystery that had me hooked right away. If you like Agatha Christie books you are definitely in for a treat. The characters are very interesting and well written. Secrets, drama, politics and danger are just a few examples of what you have in store to keep you as hooked as it did me. Definitely give this mystery a try you won’t be disappointed.
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••*•
An accident brought them together, but life will tear them apart.
Everything changed for Dorian and Augustine the night an assassin made a terrible mistake. As the two men navigate the aftermath, they can’t deny their developing feelings, but a relationship isn’t in the cards. Broken-hearted, they both move on with their lives, believing they’ll never see each other again.
Then the unthinkable happens.
Three years later, their wives become friends and can’t wait to introduce each other to their husbands. What do you do when the one that got away is within reach, and you can’t acknowledge what they mean to you?
Dorian and Augustine are about to find out.
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.
