Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was hot an steamy! Storm, Marcus, and Barrington were friends since kids. Now they are grown an can they find it in their hearts for second chances? Especially when Storms job puts her in a bad situation and she needs her best friends to take care of her an to protect her.
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marcus and Barrington Laurier are two cousins from an extremely rich family, a family to whom appearances and reputation are king and anyone who they deem lower than them isn’t worth their time. Storm Canales is a childhood friend of the two cousins, coming from a different background, she is not rich, but her family have worked hard for what they have and from an early age, the three musketeers have had a deep connection and friendship until one night when everything changed.
At a black-tie event, Marcus and Barrington are decked out in their finest apparel and Storm is wearing a beautiful burgundy dress which every woman is jealous of, and every man wants, the same could be said for the two extremely handsome cousins who also turn every eye, especially when they decide to get some air in a secluded part of the balcony. When there, a decidedly heated interaction is on the verge of being both accepted and desired when an ill-timed interruption from another of the Laurier clan shows Storm exactly how she is seen by her best friend’s family, less than nothing and a gold digger to boot.
When Storm realises that her soon to be loves cannot stand up for her, she remains true to her name and leaves in a storm of disappointment and shame and without looking back, she heads out to a new start with the DEA and all that the position there can offer her. Marcus and Barrington are shocked and appalled by their family and do their best to make amends, even if Storm won’t accept them or communicate with them, they try to carry on with their lives.
Unfortunately for Storm, she becomes mixed up with a Colombian drug cartel and has to keep herself alive throughout an ordeal she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy, until she is brought home a changed woman. Meanwhile, the cousins are worried about Storm, so when they hear she is home, they are determined to right the wrongs of the past and regain Storm’s love and trust, however, just as they are making progress, the past returns and Storm is thrust back into danger, but this time, she has two very capable men to help her, but will that be enough?
This is a spicy romance with dark undertones where three people come together to hope, love and heal from the past so that they can try and have a future, however, where there is light, darkness follows, and this darkness could rip this tenuous bond apart at the seams when dangerous intentions mix with heartwarming scenes in this gripping read.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Betrayal is Book 2 of the Gemstone Massacre Series. If you have not read Book 1, you must read that first. This story picks up pretty much where Book 1 ended. Amy and Naru are fleeing and Amy is separated from Dusk and Garnet. Amy finds herself in a bind and must call on an ally but it goes haywire. This story is very engaging. Lots of events are happening and lots of characters. You really must focus. The plot is very detailed and the world-building continues to be fantastic. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There is great emotional payoff. This was a delightful book 2.
The Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic chapter book for your mid to upper elementary kiddos. I really love how Wickstrom creates a whimsical world filled with mystery that kept me turning the pages! My youngest (8F) and I took turns reading this to each other and we couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! We were definitely kept on our toes with these mysteries! I really liked the fact that we got 3 short stories in this book and that, as always, Wickstrom is able to weave learning and life lessons together seamlessly.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This enjoyable and entertaining romance can be read as a standalone story but is set in the Central Florida Stories/Club Nexus universe. It’s definitely for mature readers as it has explicit and erotic BDSM scenes as part of the story. Storm and her best friends, cousins Marcus and Barrington Laurier share one steamy night together lost in mutual desire. However, the wealthy Laurier family make it very clear that Storm does not belong in their world. Storm leaves to join the secretive DEA without saying goodbye. Five years later and Storm is left traumatised and scarred mentally and physically, after a mission to bring down a Colombian drug lord went horrifyingly wrong. Meanwhile, Doms Marcus and Barrington have cut family ties and built a life at Club Nexus. When they discover Storm is home they are determined to finally claim her and tell her they love her. This romantic suspense story had me hooked throughout, and both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative.
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While this is the 5th book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel as though I was missing out on any pertinent information not having read the series prior to this book. I enjoyed the premise of the plot line. I thought it was intriguing and I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to be developed. I enjoyed the characters…individually…for the most part. I thought they were well-rounded and developed. However, when everything was put together, I was disappointed. Everything felt forced and unnatural. There were parts when the characters were done really well; however, this typically happened when the characters were on their own. Again, I really liked the premise of the plot and the characters, but pretty much throughout the entire book everything felt forced. This is an 18+ read…it comes with trigger warnings so if you are someone who needs those, please read them.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
The Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a family, we picked up this book expecting to be entertained and, as usual, the author did not disappoint! For us, this book was definitely all about the characters. They were so vivid and full of life, they pulled us into the story with ease.
Their adventure was fun to read about. Both my kids found it funny that the carrots had gone missing and enjoyed watching as the Orange Forest Rabbit tried to solve his problem. This was a great story and another hit from this author.
The Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I saw a new book by Danielle Ackley-McPhail, I picked it up to read without hesitating. So it was a pleasant surprised to find this actually be a collection of steampunk themed books, all with a common theme of time. It was delightful to discover each new story, and new author for the most part, as I made my way through this book.
I thought this collection of stories all molded together really well. It is a more unusual genre to write about and yet each author added to it beautifully. Each of these stories was unique, interesting to read and thoroughly enjoyable. I had already added a few more authors to me “to be read” list.
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this book was really good. It is the 5th book of the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Everything made sense to me. Storm is best friends with the Laurier cousins. Their family has made it quite clear they don’t want her around. She leaves without telling either boy goodbye. For 5 years she is working her dream job, until one case goes terribly wrong. She ends up coming home. Marcus And Barrington are determined to make Storm theirs but are they also able to protect her?
Wow! I am sad that this series is over. Hoping that the author may find a lost sibling to pop up with. Edward and Lisette’s story was intriguing and my favorite adventure yet. I loved how everything was tied up. I do suggest you listen to these in order. It’s a fantastic romance story that will leave you feeling every emotion because you will find the story and characters very relatable. The author narrates the story. She does a nice job. I can get behind recommending this series.
5/5 stars
The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is filled with little mini stories that are a mystery. From blue blood to rainbows, science has a way of tricking us into not always seeing what is really happening behind the scenes of unusual events. Amanda takes us on this journey while she figures the mystery out.
I really enjoyed this one. For me this had some nostalgia in the illustrations for this book. I liked that it made you think and try to solve the problem and then gave you a brief rundown of the science behind it. I think kids and adults will really enjoy this one.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2L2TQNYMQZU3S/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6651958329
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3028959215
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Irresistible Bond is Book 5 in the Central Florida series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend that you read previous books in the series because there are overlapping characters and because the series is an amazing series. It is a romantic suspense full of drama, action, suspense, intrigue, danger, love, and passion. The story centers around the characters of Storm, Marcus, and Barrington, who grew up together and were inseparable. Their families do not feel that Storm is good enough and that she is beneath them, so she leaves to pursue a career as a DEA Agent. When she becomes hurt on the job, Marcus and Barrington vow to help her heal both emotionally and physically. Even though the trio have been separated by both time and distance, their friendship not only picks up where it left off but quickly develops into more.
The author has a writing style that will pull you into the book and fully immerse you into the lives of the characters. The characters are engaging, strong, and have a loving relationship between them like no other. The chemistry between them is amazing and they have a bond that nobody can break. This book is a gripping, intense, and fast-paced story of love and loss, second chances, friendship, trauma and healing, and hope. Warning contains adult material and elicit D/s/D dynamics.
Puzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This cover just sends chill down your spine ! It’s a little taste of what’s to come 😉
My heart just aches for Amanda and the loss of her son and grief does strange things to people , we all cope and deal differently….
We have Jeanette and John and their lost love , then there’s Ben our retired detective and I think they’re much like farmers , they never can retire or sit still,let’s not forget the one legged man
Each of these people’s lives are somehow woven together in a frightful tale that has hints of mythology , horror , gore , history and folklore
The Grumemonsters are frightful and a living nightmare and I’d like to avoid crossing their path and I’d like to forget that the puzzle man exists 🙈😵💫
Was I on edge ? Yes ! Was I scared ? Yes! Did I have the passage light on ? Yes !
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden is a great cost mystery series.
Although Bookie, Sparky’s boss, is a crook, he is not a killer! Sparky, a tenacious amateur supersleuth who is eleven years old, will stop at nothing to prove to the authorities that Bookie was set up for the murder at Monkey Island, a seedy tourist attraction in downtown Los Angeles in 1932. Sparky has to make it through returning to school on this, the worst day of her life. Sparky, who is often in trouble, is made to “volunteer” for Detective Bernie and Senior Officer Mug. While this is going on, Tootsie, a former silent cinema star, and her goblin-like sidekick Gilbert are getting ready for an audition that might help her go back into the spotlight at Sparky’s house, the Creepy House.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings mystery into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have read most of the series at this point and I absolutely love it.
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is yet another fantastic read from this very talented author. With an interesting storyline and intriguing characters you will be taken into the world of BDSM and D/s/D relationships all while being kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the past to come back and cause a lot more trouble for Marcus, Storm and Barrington. You will be turning page after page because like me you will just have to know what is going to happen next.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this story of Declan and Anne. This is an age gap romance as Declan is about 10 years older than Anne. Declan works at his father’s company and is told that he needs to stop being a player and settle down. Declan says his dad can choose a wife because he doesn’t believe in love, but he wants 10 years. Anne moved to the US from the UK after her dad died and her mom had a breakdown. She is guarded and doesn’t really trust many people, but is one of Declan’s sister’s friends and when their eyes meet during a ride home, they both feel it. They meet one more time at a party and he’s hoping to get her out of his system with a kiss. A few years later he still thinks about Anne often. She is finished with college and they decide to meet up. The book follows their relationships over many years. He is sometimes demanding and overprotective and she is naive but also independent. I struggled a bit with some missing background. Declan often refers to his brothers, but he isn’t talking about his actual brother Julian, it is a group of friends that have known each other and worked together for years. He’s definitely written as an alpha, almost like the mafia or a motorcycle club but he doesn’t ride.
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
While this is book 3 in the Shattered Embrace Series, this is the first book of the series that I have read myself. I am definitely going to have to go back and read the first two to get more of the beginning of this story but I did not feel as if I missed a whole lot. This book can totally be read as a stand-alone. The chemistry between Justine, Jordan, and Derek is palpable and it is crazy hot to read their scenes together. This story will have you turning pages and dreading having to put it down even for a minute. It will keep you on your toes throughout the whole read.
Puzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a personal fan of all things suspense, thriller, and puzzle related, this book hit the nails on the head! As the title suggests, this book has the mind of a maniac with the logic of a genius. The character analysis and the world building truly enamor the reader into feeling like they are witnessing the words on the page first hand. For fans of this genre, it’s a hit! For readers unsure of this genre, it’ll hook them in!
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although irresistible Bond is the Fifth book of the Central Florida stories It can be read as a Stand alone but if you’re like me you like to indulge in the author’s world for as long as possible and enjoy reading about the other characters from said world. Believe me I will definitely be going back to read the previous 4 books. This is my first time picking up a book by author Victoria Saccenti and this book has 100% piqued my interest. It’s a fast mfm read that follows Storm, Marcus and Barrington’s relationship. The chemistry in this book between the three of them was almost tangible how good it was. The author did a great job writing the passion between them and their BDSMish scenes. Like I said I will definitely be going back to read more of this world 🥰
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As always the author does a great job of transporting you back to the 1930’s and really making you feel like you are right there in the midst of the story with her vivid descriptions and well written story telling. Sparky is back, stirring up trouble as she works to prove her boss isn’t a murderer, all while trying to juggle, school, her guardian’s potential career revival, as well as having to volunteer with cop Mug and Detective Bernie. I am still loving that the station has a police bunny, just cracks me up. As always Sparky keeps finding herself in all sorts of mischief and trouble as she sleuths her way through the murder investigation. There are definitely plenty of twists and turns, as well as humor, in this cozy noir historical mystery. Looking forward to seeing more Sparky mysteries!
Puzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Broadstone is a first time author for me and I am hooked! Puzzleman is horrifically original, macabre, and full of so many twists, turns, and a crazy interconnectedness. Broadstone weaves such an intricately detailed story and delivers it in such a way that the reader can smell the pipe world, feel the heat of the puzzleman’s breath, and see the nauseating, deformed “bodies” of the grumemonsters. The characters are realistically flawed and believable. This book combines history, mythology, horror, mystery, and gore. There were a few places where the writing seemed a bit disjointed, but it did not detract from the story one bit. Overall, an amazing horror read by a great author. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Broadstone.
Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After getting to read book one, I was thrilled to be able to check out book 2 and continue to see how the story unfolds. The author continues to create an amazing story with non-stop action and continues to draw you into the story. It was great getting to see where all of the different characters are and to see the continued character development for them. Dusk is struggling with how he perceives Amy betraying him, while Amy is starting to see how she and Opal have some similar qualities. The conflicts, drama, suspense, magic, shifters, and gemstones to name a few, kept me enthralled. The author continues to paint a vivid picture that makes you feel like you are really in the story. I love that the author took a classic story and has put such a creative twist to it! I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and her books always exceed my expectations. This is the second book from the addictive series of Clumsy Little Hearts. This could be read as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited to read this book. I could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
Rachel Prescott has the worst luck in men. She always gets attached to them and then they leave. Rachel thought she had the right guy finally but all of sudden he leaves her as well. She meets a nice owner of a popular restaurant but she is very cautious of him. Rachel begins to have very strong feelings for Miuel but she is not ready to get her heart broken once again. Will Rachel finally get her happy ending or will the past ruin it all?
Review by @heatherbass
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so much fun to read. It had a little bit of everything I wanted in a good story. This book has mystery, action, danger, mafia, steamy moments, love, loyalty, family, great characters and more. I enjoy this author’s style of writing. I got sucked into the story from the beginning and I was kept entertained throughout. I had a hard time putting this down while I was reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Derek and Justine could be felt jumping off the pages but both of them like to keep people at arms length. Justine’s past has a lot to do with how she interacts now. Derek is always trying to protect the people he cares about. If you want to know what happens between these two then this is a must read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rockstar Energy Drink book! I just loved this story and all the feels that it brought to light for me. This is a page turner, with great characters throughout. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a fast-paced love story with an extra shot of spicy. I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. This one will not disappoint.
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very well written spicy contemporary romance. So good I read it in a day, I was that hooked.
Full of drama, tension, friendships, banter, chemistry and spicy slow burn romance. The characters are well written and developed over the story line, I felt like I could have been friends with them they were that relatable. Especially for me it was Cadence, for anyone who has ever felt lost in a relationship then this will give you hope that there is someone out there perfect for you.
The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)
This is the fifth and final book in this series and I think Ms. Treadgold did a good job wrapping everything up with all of the O’Connell family.
Edward the enigma of the family is home. After devoting most of his adult life to God and the church he leaves and comes home to his family. Never one to be too close with his siblings he tries to build those relationships and learn how to live in a secular world.
Lisette the owner of a cafe and the place Edward finds himself spending time. She has a past but not what everyone thought at first.
It was nice to follow this family through several years. A Second Generation wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Salt Love is a perfect summer romantic comedy that leaves you with a smile on your face!
Kenna’s life has definitely taken a turn for the worse. She discovers her husband is cheating with a co-worker who has now stolen her chance at a promotion. A call from the other side of the country changes her life. Her aunt has left her an inheritance. When she arrives in Florida from California, she discovers that Aunt Maeve has left her a home, a boating club, and a catch. She has to remain in Florida for a year and share ownership with her grumpy and sexy next-door neighbor, Dec.
As she spends more time in Sunshine Key, she realizes Dec is a sweet guy underneath that grumpy exterior. I enjoyed their friendship and the electric chemistry running underneath the surface. As the two grow closer, they must learn to trust each other. Dec hides a secret that could ruin any chance of the relationship he has been searching for.
Can I just say I love Kenna? She is the woman you want as your best friend. The longer she stays in Sunshine Key, the more she begins to discover the strong woman she once was. She also gets to know the aunt she never got the chance to know before she died and mends the fractured relationship with her mother.
There was a delightful cast of secondary characters, especially Dec’s father. The relationship between the two was so sweet. In addition, Aunt Maeve is a central character in the book, and the book is centered around her in a sense. She was like a fairy godmother to Kenna, rescuing her from an unhappy life and giving her a chance at the happiness she deserves. I always love a book in which a character who isn’t physically in the book directly impacts the story and the main characters.
I loved Ray’s descriptive writing. I could picture Sunshine Key clearly in my mind. I could smell the salt and feel the sand and sun on my skin!
Salt Love was a perfect summer read. It has just the right combination of humor, spice, and and sweetness and left me with a smile on my face. I highly recommend this book about self-discovery, second chances, and finding your happily ever after!
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a contemporary romance with suspense, danger and so much more. The author pulls you into the story from the very beginning and you won’t want to put it down. Great standalone book!
