Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So cute! An adorable book! Some crazy twists and turns, but so fun to read. The characters are warm and relatable, and having a child in the book is so cute and entertaining.
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Many people can relate to the broken feeling, the need to feel loved. The main characters experience a wonderful one night stand, then end up wanting each other more than they ever thought possible. Romance, desire, and obstacles to get through to reach the love and happy ever after.
The Story That Ties Us by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very fun first book to read. Main characters are relatable and entertaining to read about and follow throughout the plot. Blakely and Jamie are both strong and independent, but they need each other and the people around them. Heart strings pulled and tons of feelings later, this book is very good and fun to read.
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A friend needs help, when a family member is viciously murdered. . Emma and Jeremy must juggle new family responsibilities and an undercover investigation. The situation becomes complicated quickly with more than one suspect desperately seeking money that the deceased may have been hiding. Is there money to be found? Murder and mayhem abound, and Emma and Jeremy will have to use all their skills to solve this case!
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.Goodreads – Word Play by Tricia Gardella
Bookbub -Word Play by Tricia Gardella
StoryGraph – Word Play by Tricia Gardella
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Word Play by Tricia Gardella
Tricia Gardella is an award-winning author whose picture book ideas are inspired by family, friends, traditions, and travel. Her diverse hobbies include canning, cooking, knitting, rug-making, and gardening, but writing remains her true passion. After a twenty-year hiatus, Tricia is thrilled to return to the literary world. In the 1990s, she published several books traditionally, before pausing her writing career to open an ice cream parlor. Tricia holds a BA in Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. She lives in Central California with her two self-centered cats and draws inspiration from her three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
• • BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE • • •
When Neferet’s uncle Pipi gets sucked into a get-rich-quick scheme at a chariot workshop that is too good to be true, she’s not surprised when investors start turning up dead. Can she and Bener-ib and their band of teen-aged detectives find out what’s really at stake and who is behind it before she herself becomes the next victim?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.
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•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••*•
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush
Karli Rush was born in the heart of the Cherokee Nation and lives in its capital. Her Native American heritage holds sway over her writing in many ways. She has the patience of a brain surgeon operating under fire in a war zone. You can chalk that up to her being the mother of an autistic kiddo. With the passion of a starving artist, she writes. The obsession to tell her tales has led her to write novels in the worlds of Dark Paranormal Romance, Dystopian, and Vampires. She walks in two worlds; one grounds her and the other frees her imagination.
➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ➹⁀✵‿➹⁀
What if the rock star you had a crush on in high school is into you? But it’s 15 years later and you’re over dating musicians. Or are you?
Tyler Robertson is a music manager. Cary Kingston is the biggest rock star in the world. She’s sworn off dating musicians. And he’s a confirmed bachelor.
But when their working relationship turns into something more, she wonders if she’s falling for the rock star or the person.
You can’t always get what you want… but sometimes you can.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
After (barely) surviving a career in the music industry, Hunter Snow now lives to tell its tales. She writes contemporary romances from her home in the Pacific Northwest. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
Barbara Barnett is the author of three books, including the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. She is an editor-at-large and former publisher and executive editor of Blogcritics (blogcritics.org), an Internet magazine of pop culture, politics, and more, for which she has also contributed nearly 1,000 essays, reviews, and interviews over the past decade. Always a pop-culture and sci-fi geek, Barbara was raised on a steady diet of TV (and TV dinners), but she always found her way to fiction’s tragic anti- heroes and misunderstood champions, whether on TV, in the movies, or in literature. (In other words, Spock, not Kirk; Han Solo, not Luke Skywalker!) Her first book, Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. (ECW Press), reflects her passion for these Byronic heroes, and it was inevitable that she would have to someday create one of her own in Gaelan Erceldoune, hero of both The Apothecary’s Curse and The Alchemy of Glass.
A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book out of the series , there being five so far. I was super excited to pick this book up. I love all things supernatural. This author’s writing was engaging, and her ability to blend the mundane with the magical made reading this all the better. She created a vivid supernatural world with some amazing and intriguing characters. She also had some twists in the story that I truly didn’t see coming, weaving them in so perfectly. I can not wait to go read the rest of the books of this series.i highly suggest reading this books you can also enjoy the crazy ride
The End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles for Good by Kristen Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an easy to read and relatable book. Carter writes in an easy to understand method and gets right to the why and how the reader can successfully get rid of unwanted pounds. Carter also gives the reader valuable insight and tools to reach goals. This is a short novel but can have a big impact on the reader’s life.
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From Darkness into Love: A Small-Town, Second-Chance Mystery Romance (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1)
I figured I was going to cry before I had even opened the book. What I didn’t expect was to cry as much as I did.
Jessie broke my heart, she went through so much at a young age and unfortunately that was just the beginning.
Jessie and Cameron were destined to be together but outside forces are trying their hardest to keep them apart and will go to almost unimaginable lengths to keep them apart.
I was not familiar with Ms. Bartow prior to reading this book and had no expectations going in, but hoped I would enjoy it which I did.
I’m a crier and will cry reading, watching TV or even getting too deep into my own head. I sat for a bit after finishing to process my thoughts and feelings, while I cried a few times I was happy with how it ended. Now to add the rest of this series to my TBR.
This Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Time Around
I was so excited to see Ms. Packard had released another book and then I read the synopsis and I was even more excited.
While I’m a few years older than Josie, I’m still a Gen Xer and could relate to so much and I found myself getting nostalgic as I read.
Josie ends up in a reverse 13 going on 30 situation by going back 30 years to right before her Senior year of high school which I know I wouldn’t be able to survive again, but at the same time there are definitely some things I would do differently. But I would still want the kids I ended up with even knowing what I know now.
There are so many little things from our past that have a huge impact on who we end up. Change just one of those things and it has a ripple effect.
Absolutely loved this book and read it instead of fully paying attention to the Olympics which I hope Ms. Packard realizes is a huge deal for me.
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t stop thinking about it whenever I had to put it down! The chemistry and flirting between the characters was perfect. It’s such a great story that blends love, loss, and music. The characters feel so real, and the writing is wonderful. Trust me, you’ll love it.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123203157-the-story-that-ties-us” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Story That Ties Us” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678235823l/123203157._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123203157-the-story-that-ties-us”>The Story That Ties Us</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19758996.Nicolette_Terry”>Nicolette Terry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6710694499″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Blakely and Jamie were happy and engaged at one time. Tragedy tore them apart. Jamie has been away serving in the Navy but he is back home trying to honor the wishes of his late friend. When he comes face to face with Blakely again she has a new boyfriend who happens to be the brother of the deceased. There is a lot of mystery surrounding what ended his relationship with Blakely and how his friend ended up passing. Of course any curious person is going to read this book from cover to cover to find out all the secrets that get uncovered. These characters are well rounded and relatable. The author did a great job in bringing these characters to life and giving us, the readers, a great story to immerse ourselves in. Blakely and Jaime’s pain is relatable to anyone that has either lost a friend or had their heart broken. Even though you may shed a tear or two this is definitely worth picking up.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Monkey Island Murder was a great addition to The Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series. This is Book three. The 1930’s, depression era is not a friendly place for a young girl so she’s got to do what she’s got to do. Our main character is one again the street smart, complex, amateur sleuth Sparky. Bookie, Sparky’s boss, is of course still a criminal, but Sparky is very certain that he’s not a murderer. I enjoyed this book. The banter, mayhem, mishaps, and colorful characters made this a delight to read. I look forward to more of Sparky’s shenanigans while sleuthing.
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a good read. As soon as I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I quickly became invested in the lives of Cadence and Damien. Both of these characters grow in so many ways during this story. The author made the characters relatable. The author did an awesome job keeping me interested and wondering if these two were going to find their way to each other. I wanted to yell at Cadence and tell her to leave her crappy fiancé. There were also some other really great characters in this story that helped Damien and Cadence get to where they ended up. I don’t want to give anything away here, but I will say that this is a must read. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Danny J. Bradbury is a first time author for me, but I really enjoy historical fiction. The Sins of Men, the first book in the Peter Smith Chronicles, was no exception. This story follows a young Peter Beale through his impoverished childhood, life of crime and subsequent prison sentence in 18th century England. He is forcefully conscripted into the British Navy and finds himself in the midst of even more horrific circumstances. His service takes him to America, where he escapes, is adopted into the Smith family, and begins a journey of self-discovery and growth. There are so many things going on in this book, but it is well-written with great world building and is easy to follow. Through reading, I was transported on board a naval man of war, I could smell the cannon and rifle smoke, and feel the anxiety of battle. The characters are realistic, believable, and lovable (even the ones I loved to hate). I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a re-release of a previously published title. I have not read anything by this author before but I’ve heard some great things about her, as well as a sports (ice skating and hockey) storyline drew me in. This story is a bit reminiscent of a movie I saw one time with a similar plot line, which caught me off guard a couple of times, but this story is still it’s own.
I was immediately drawn to both characters of Jessie and Cameron. I felt like I was their best friend looking in on their story. They really welcome you into the story from the beginning and don’t want you to leave in the end. This is a series I’ll be looking for when new releases come out!
If you enjoy a good romance with some mystery and suspense worked in, you’ll find this to be an enjoyable read!
This Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just reading the plot of this story made me very eager to give this selection a try. Just like a few familiar past books and movies, adult Josie has hit hard times. Her life in shambles after husband threatened to take away from her children in the midst a divorce and her hard work and time consuming work in jeopardy, this all launches into a panic attack and leads her to somewhere familiar unexpectedly. She is back in the past in her senior year of high school where many pivotal life changes occur but now with a second chance, Josie contemplates whether she should risk it all to end up changing the present. These stories where the character goes back in time and gets a second chance to make changes really makes you question your own circumstances to see if you would do the same. Great flashbacks moments in this read and reconnecting to the past!
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For those readers who are into sports romance, small town loves, romantic suspense and steamy love, this one is definitely a great pick for you to read! Story centers between Jessie and Cameron and how although tragic bring them together time and time again, the strong connection between them remains. Time and time again their love is questioned and faces the challenge of whether all the hurt and pain is worth fighting for their love to thrive. This story is the first book in the series and I very much look forward to seeing what happens in this small town!
This Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After a shocking notice from her ex, Josie has some kind of transition back to her senior year in high school. Not only that but she remembers everything from her “present” . This book takes me back to my own days in high school. Being of a similar age to Josie the nostalgia I experienced was awesome. But this book will definitely make you wonder what would you do if you had a chance to do things over again?
Really enjoyed this book. Wasn’t the ending I was hoping for but it is still a fantastic ending.
The Story That Ties Us by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The love connection in this story is so strong and definitely gives you the belief of hope in second chances. Jamie and Blakely fall in love as teenagers in the most uncommon circumstances. As the story takes the reader into flashbacks of their connection, you can feel how intertwined they are and how that vibe is still felt after all these years. Then Jamie leaves their hometown and Blake unexpectedly leaves them both completely devastated and heartbroken. As the years have passed, their strong emotions still linger and are now faced with tragedy. Both are learning to cope and eventually end up learning to cope together. Their connection makes you cheer for them as they learn to reconnect and seek comfort in one another.
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love how this book was written. This is a second chance romance that includes flash backs to the past so we know the backstory. This is an easy read that keeps you entertained while sending you on an emotional rollercoaster. There’s definitely chemistry between Jessie and Cameron, even when they’re first reunited, but the forces that pulled them apart when they were teens are trying to do it again! Will they make it through this time? Grab a copy and find out!
Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute 4 star read. I really enjoyed the characters and their story. Drew and Katie’s story was a quick read. I really enjoyed how these two met, I had several LOL moments. There is an attraction and they decide to see each other on the downlow which causes some drama for them. Will they grow together or separate and go their own ways? I really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author and series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211115651-the-music-that-ties-us” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712702149l/211115651._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211115651-the-music-that-ties-us”>The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19758996.Nicolette_Terry”>Nicolette Terry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6710514614″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cadence is stuck in what seems to be a loveless relationship. Her fiance is from a weathly family and as such she is expected to behave in a certain way. However she seeks to find excitement and gets the chance when her step sister invites her to a concert. It’s not really her scene but going to a rock concert couldn’t hurt, could it? Damien, the broody lead singer of Rebel Rebellion catches her eye. Or does she catch his? The attraction is instant and the sparks fly. Damien doesn’t have time for relationships no matter how fascinating the woman in question may be. Damien & Cadence are perfect for each other and I feel that the author made that come through the pages. The characters are relatable and likeable which makes you root for them to be together. It also makes for a page turner that you won’t want to put down.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Absurd” Said Bird is part of the Mouse Traveler series of kids books, but the only I have read. It is a cute and fun children’s book, with bright, colorful illustrations. There is a little bit of rhyming from each of the barnyard animal friends. Mouse has dreams to make it to the moon, and he need’s his friend’s help! They work together to build an airplane, gathering parts and pieces from a pile of trash. But, will that plane make it to the moon? Let’s see!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75425914-from-darkness-into-love” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor, #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672426733l/75425914._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75425914-from-darkness-into-love”>From Darkness into Love</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20139532.Sophie_Bartow”>Sophie Bartow</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6710448689″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cameron and Jessie were most inseparable after a tragedy. The only good things in her life, so she thought, were Cameron and her love for ice skating. But she even lost her passion for skating when she started being bullied. When she turned to the one person she felt most comfortable with she got quite a shock when an unknown female answered his phone. This causes her to move away which breaks Cameron’s heart. In all the years that Jessie was gone Cameron was able to pick up the pieces and move on. He has met someone new and things appear to be going well. Now that their good friends are getting married Jessie is back. Their feelings come roaring back as well. While they try to find their way back to one another there is someone who wants to keep them apart. I enjoyed this rollercoaster of a ride. This was a fairly fast paced book with lots of emotion and drama. It will keep you turning the pages and has a guaranteed happy ending.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder the Tey Way is the 2nd in the Golden Age of Mystery book club series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. There is some backstory of the characters- mainly Lexie and Brian’s history, as well as Lexie and Al. But, the author gives us enough details to be content if you skip book 1. Lexie finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. I think the author did a good job keeping the readers engaged and without revealing the murderer until the end. There is a lot going on, and new character Gayle is introduced- Lexie’s sister, who finds herself as a suspect. It is a good cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading- I’ve never read any of Josephine Tey’s books.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sparky is back and this time with a big personal adventure… going back to school. She is not happy about the decision but she knows it will be good for her in the long run. Instantly bullies make their appearance and call her names and push her around.
After her first day of school, Sparky goes to Bookie to see if he has any jobs for her. Instead he invites her to go to Monkey Island with him. Never been, Sparky is excited to go. What kind wouldn’t love to see hundreds of monkeys jumping around?! While there, Bookie talks to a man in all yellow. He looks uncomfortable so Sparky decides to keep an eye on him while also watching the monkeys. Next thing you know, the man in yellow is dead and Bookie is accused of murder. Sparky knows that he has been framed and no one is willing to help him. It is up to her to clear Bookies name and get him out of jail. She has a lot of obstacles in her way. The biggest one is school.
Sparky is like a whole different kid this time around. She actually thinks of others and has calmed down significantly. In the past, I found it hard to like her as the main character. This time, she is more caring and sweet. She no longer is homeless and it has made a huge difference mentally. This book has been my favourite so far in the series.