No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shank is a dog and his owner Jack sees him scratching. So he looks and he doesn’t see the flea but he assumes it is there. Jack and his friends try all kinds of things to get rid of a flea they don’t even know if Shank has one.
Check out the book, I think you will enjoy it too.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This being a new to me author I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I was incredibly intrigued by the premise of the story. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. Now this story is short, but it most definitely packs a punch, pulls you in, and doesn’t let go until you’re finished. I went into it blind because I don’t have many sensitivities when it comes to reading, although I can see where someone who does would want to check into the trigger warnings beforehand as Ivy and Falcon definitely sent up some red flags. If twisted, revenge/murder plots, and dysfunctional relationships are your jam I think you won’t regret giving this book a go.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Super quick read, 4 chapters that tells a whole story in a very concise package. While short, there’s tons of detail packed into this story about love, marriage, revenge and regret. Ivy and Falcon are a married couple who keep being reborn because they just keep getting it terribly wrong and leading to each others deaths. Serin and Lantia are in cahoots to bring them down thanks to a plot for revenge that Lantia keeps reenacting to satisfy her anger.
Some nice descriptive writing of a very traumatizing and unhealthy relationship.
Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was not sure about this book but it sounded interesting so I decided to read it. I am so glad I did. I could not put it down!!! Moira goes to the town of Allenville to look for her twin sister, Claire, who has disappeared. The town seems like any ordinary town until Moira stumbles on some information at the local library. Could the town really be the home to aliens? This is such a good mystery book that had me loving the characters and the plot.
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 a helpful book with encouraging ideas to change your thinking about food and weight loss. A lifestyle change that is sustainable.
This author is well versed in fitness and educating those about fitness. This book is educational and easy to follow. Giving the reader a chance to reflect on their own choices and how to make changes that will last.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 ⭐️
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow was a cute and endearing romance story. I really like Cary and Tyler’s romance. They have a lot of similar characteristics although they come from different backgrounds.
Not going to lie the ending of the story made me emotional. I usually on cry during sad stories but this one was so beautiful and genuine that I couldn’t help but get misty eyed.
If you’re looking for a feel good story this one is for you.
Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Along with a great story, Frelick delivers well-developed characters. It’s easy to get lost in Moira’s search for her sister and curiosity as she learns more about the community in which she seemingly vanished. It is equally easy to feel Seth’s internal conflict as he decides how to handle the situation keeping Moira from seeing more than she should. Sci-Fi usually isn’t my cup of tea, but the characters and fast paced plot kept me interested and ready to read the entire series.
Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series of historical cozy mysteries set in Ancient Egypt, and featuring Hani’s (from a previous series of books) daughter Neferet. I’m a big fan of both Neferet and this series of books and was not disappointed by this latest novel. Once again I was transported back in time thanks to the wonderfully written and detailed descriptive narrative and the added historical details. The intriguing storyline had me hooked throughout and I enjoyed investigating alongside Neferet, Bener-ib and their band of teenage detectives. Neferet’s Uncle Pipi has got involved in a ‘get rich quick’ scheme at a chariot workshop. She starts to investigate when investors start turning up dead. The team must discover what’s going on and who’s behind it, but the investigation turns deadly when Neferet becomes the next victim. The storyline kept me gripped and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I’m now waiting ‘impatiently’ for book four in this enjoyable and engaging series!
The Queen’s Dance: A Sizzling Slow Burn Fantasy Romance by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Heart and Hand series and is a brilliant addition to the series. From the first book, I knew to expect strong characters and a unique story but this book really surprised me with just how true that was. I loved Lady Claire and the whole journey she goes through. So much seems to be stacked against her and to see her fight against it all was amazing.
The connection between her and Trian was so captivating. It was not a typical start for them and so much seemed to stand in their way. I couldn’t wait to see how everything – characters and story – would turn out in the end. I was not disappointed.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a brilliant dystopian fantasy that really caught my attention with ease. I was intrigued just from the description and knew I would have to read this book. The author has successfully created an imaginative and exciting story. It pulls you in and keeps you guessing as to what might happen. I never felt like I had a full grasp on the direction the story might take which made it so much more exciting to read.
I love the characters and their dynamic. They way they developed as the book progressed made the storyline even better. As this first book in what appears to be a new series, this is a strong start and I cannot wait to see what is to come.
The Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the first book and having been left on a cliff hanger, I knew I needed to read this book. I was not disappointed at all. Since this is the second part, I highly suggest reading the first one to understand what is going on because It does pick up right where the other left off. I was fully engrossed with this book and everything that was written on the pages. I didn’t and couldn’t put it down. I was so engaged in it, that everything else was put on hold in my life until this book was finished. The said, this book is a quick read. lol. It contains all the steam, angst, love, drama, plotting, scheming, suspense, and emotions, that you could ever want in a book. Even though this is the second book in the series I felt like it was even better than the first. Might be because it is the conclusion of the couple but I just felt like this one was a quicker read than the first. There is so much drama and scheming going on with people in this book that I was feeling all of the emotions and getting frustrated with people around me for no reason at all. They were just breathing but I couldn’t handle that and everything that was going on in the book. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this story about Rocky conquering his fear of the unknown to see his family. I related this so much as an adult with severe anxiety. This book is a great tool to discuss fears and insecurities in an age-appropriate way with beautiful illustrations.
Taste of Honey by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is 4 book in the taste of honey series. This contains 3 books which are romance stories around the Dom/submissive type of relationships. Each story is unique and they are all steamy reads.
The gift.
In this book we meet Penny and Victor. After Penny recieves some very saucy gifts from a secret person she goes to the hotel to find out who is actually behind them. Little does she know that this meeting will change her life in a huge way. When she discovers it’s Victor all her dreams and dark desires come true as he introduces her to the world of BDSM and the pleasure/pain involved in being a submissive. Will Penny submit and finally experience pleasure she could never imagine was possible or will Victors role as her master push her away?
The Commander’s Club
In this story we meet Courtney Fox. She is a journalist and when her young apprentice goes missing while looking into a slave ring she knows she has to find her and the only way to do that is to go undercover.
FBI Agent Ty Dragon is also undercover trying to bring down the slave ring. He is acting as a slave trainer however in his personal life he likes his women submissive to him. After so long alone he gives up meeting anyone to fit that role until he meets Courtney. When they are together sparks fly and the more he teaches Courtney about submission the more they realise they could actually be the perfect fit for each other.
Once In Love
In this story we meet Laura Brooks. She finds herself in a tricky situation when she is stranded in Paris with no money to her name. When she is approached to become a courtesan she isn’t exactly thrilled by the idea but needs must. When she is brought at auction by Nick Renault she learns so much more than she ever thought possible including the art and pleasure that can be achieved by being submissive.
All three of these reads are very steamy and certainly points definitely made me blush when I was reading them in public. All 3 stories are different and unique and very enjoyable.
The Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an awesome collection of short stories that all share a similar theme: time. For anyone who loves steampunk and the like will appreciate this anthology. Admittedly, I am not too familiar with the writings of H.P. Lovecraft or H.G. Wells, but I may be after reading this. I found this to be entertaining and definitely intriguing. I love the late 19th/early 20th century Industrial Revolution era when inventing and creating were so prevalent. Each story is engrossing, and I wanted to spend a great deal more pages intertwined in each of their worlds. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to spark their creative energy and travel across time and space.
Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder the Tey Way is Book Two in the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club Series. It is a cozy whodunit mystery full of action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, drama, suspense, tension, and secrets. The story centers around the FMC of Lexie Driscoll who is in the middle of a Golden Age of Mystery Book Club meeting when her sister, Gayle, suddenly arrives. Gayle is on edge, nervous, and appears to be running from something or someone. When a body is discovered in her backyard, and her sister has suddenly vanished, Lexie gets pulled into the middle of a murder mystery that she must solve. As she tries to unravel clues a rash of break-ins occur in the neighborhood and more deaths occur. Along the way Lexie discovers that everyone around her may not be as they seem and that everyone has secrets. A fascinating whodunit with an eclectic cast of characters and a multi-layered storyline full of twists and turns.
Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lost Hollow by Donna S. Frelick is my first read by this author, and I was thoroughly entertained. I’m not usually into sci-fi books, but Donna did a great job of writing an intriguing book. This story was filled with twists and turns, and quite honest a little bit of conspiracy was added in… which was a plus! We are introduced to Moira, who is on a chase to find her sister, the last time Moira heard from her was from Alienville but Moira has a feeling that not all is well. Moira has been working hard and is beginning to wonder if she is putting herself in danger by searching for her sister. Everywhere that Moira turns and thinks she is on the right path to finding her sister, her efforts turn into nothing but a blank lead.
Moria is introduced to Seth, the Chief of police along her path in the search for her sister Claire, but quickly finds that Seth may not be on the same mission that she is. Seth is trying his best to distract Moira to keep her safe, but he quickly finds that he has feelings growing for this woman, now he has some difficult choices to make.
Moira finds herself with some unfamiliar territory with her growing feelings towards Seth and feels like her efforts to finding her sister are going nowhere. What else will happen for Moira on her journey to finding her sister Claire, will she be successful in her search, will her and Seth grow into something more? The only way to find out is to pick up a copy and read for yourself! Donna, good job on writing such an entertaining book, I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the Alienville Series!
Mary Espinoza, July 2024
The Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Holy cow! This book did not disappoint! I was hooked through every page and could not put it down. Definitely recommend this.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214515517-the-veil” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Veil” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718122220l/214515517._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214515517-the-veil”>The Veil</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6425233.Karli_Rush”>Karli Rush</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6722444109″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I honestly don’t really know what to say about this book other than it was a great read. This book was not what I expected, although I don’t really know what I was expecting. I solely chose this book based on the cover without reading the synopsis. It started off innocent enough but before you know it things turn into chaos. I have been venturing away from romance more often so this genre and author are both new to me. This kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages to see what was going to happen. I look forward to book two coming out and seeing where this series is going to take us.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
GOODREADS – An Ember of Hope (War of Destiny Series) by Theresa Van Spankeren
The Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We pick up with Katie and Chamberlain’s story 4 years later. Katie is settled and living in Denver with her aunt and her aunt’s partner. Katie has just graduated college with a teaching degree but is currently working as a server in “gentleman’s club”. Katie finally gives in to her friend Beth about going out. Beth takes Katie to a fight that her boyfriend is promoting.
To Katie’s complete horror, Chamberlain is fighting that night. She sees him. He sees her. She can’t believe her luck. Of all the fighters in the world, why did it have to be him? Chamberlain can’t believe his luck. He has been searching for Katie for four long, torturous years. Now, she is there watching him, close to him, and from the look on her face angry with him. Chamberlain isn’t going to give up searching for her, especially since he knows where she is now. He is going to find her.
I was all about the reunion. With the way things went down, I was devastated that Katie got shipped off without being able to at least talk to Chamberlain and find out what really went down. If he felt anything for Gwen (which, of course, he did not because it was completely obvi that he was all in on Katie, but what do 19 year olds know?). I do think he should have had to grovel a little more, be sweet a little more, beg a little more. But Katie was also withholding a great big secret from him. So, I guess maybe he groveled enough?? I loved the way Chamberlain was all in from the moment he realized. There was no doubt in his mind.
I don’t want to give away the big stuff in this story so I will just say that I was super happy with the way it all went down. Chamberlain did it right (on sooooo many levels, on soooooo many things). Great read. Totally worth the time and emotional investment. I love Marissa. She is by far my favorite. Big 💙for her!
“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Cute book about a mouse who wants to build a plane so he can fly to the moon to get cheese for he and his barnyard friends. The other animals, except for bird, help him build the plane. Bird tells mouse over and over that his idea is absurd. After the failed flight to the moon bird tells us why he said the plan was absurd. I felt this book lacked an ending.
The Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun anthology of short stories! Ackley-McPhail has put together a fun and thought provoking anthology. Each author’s story is unique but all are told with a steampunk theme. The anthology delves into the chaos, horror, and power of time. I felt like even though all the stories were unique they flowed well together.
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marilyn Levinson’s “Murder the Tey Way” delivers a cozy mystery with a charming premise—a Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub, a puzzling murder, and an amateur sleuth determined to uncover the truth. The story centers on Professor Lexie Driscoll, who finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation after her sister Gayle arrives in a panic, claiming to have witnessed a murder and fearing for her own life.
The book starts off with a compelling setup, introducing a classic cozy mystery environment with a bookclub setting and a series of mysterious events. Levinson does well to incorporate elements of Golden Age mysteries, from the book discussions to the eccentric characters, offering a nostalgic nod to the genre’s traditional tropes.
Lexie, the protagonist, takes on the role of amateur sleuth with determination, and her involvement in the investigation drives the plot forward. The bookclub members, each with their own secrets and quirks, add to the intrigue and complexity of the story. However, while the characters are colorful, they sometimes lack depth, making it difficult to fully connect with their motivations and backgrounds.
The plot is layered with red herrings and twists that keep the reader guessing. However, the execution of these twists can feel a bit overwhelming at times, leading to moments where the storyline becomes confusing rather than captivating. The numerous secrets and revelations, while intended to add complexity, sometimes detract from the overall clarity of the mystery.
Pacing is another area where the book wavers. Certain sections drag as Lexie delves into the background of the bookclub members, while others rush through key developments. This uneven pacing affects the overall suspense and engagement with the story.
Despite these issues, “Murder the Tey Way” has its strengths. Levinson’s affection for classic detective fiction is evident, and the book offers a light, enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries. The references to Josephine Tey and the bookclub setting provide a nice touch for those who appreciate literary nods within their mysteries.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Tyler Robertson is a music manager trying to discover new talent and expand her career. Her life is always busy and although she has her loyal dog, she can’t deny that when rock star Cary Kingston comes back into her life that she is attracted to him. She has a rule though, no dating musicians.
Cary has a huge crush on Tyler and does his best to ask her out, it is awkward though and he can’t get a real read on her. Can Cary break through Tyler’s defenses and prove he is worth the chance?
This was a fun read. Had a ton of characters and I thought Tyler was a woman who knew what she wanted career wise and was confident, but with relationships had a vulnerability which I enjoyed reading about. Would check out more books from this author.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love reading Sinister Styx books, and this one was no exception. What a great short story that shows the perils of what happens when fate steps in. This book had drawn me in right from the start. I knew that there would be trouble in paradise between the two main characters, but I had no idea that it would go to such extremes so quickly. Think that you’ve got this story figured out as you read, think again as the author throws in a wicked twist at the end. I cannot read more from Sinister Styx; she has an amazing way to develop storylines that grab a hold and draw you in right from the start. If you like a twisted suspense, with a hint of adult content, then you won’t want to miss out on this quick read.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2024
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow was the perfect summer romance. Light and witty yet an absolute page turner. The characters were fun and likeable with good banter. The storytelling was unique, giving both main characters perspectives but not through their personal narration. I found this style of writing a wecomed change. I was attracted to this book originally by it’s bright, attractive cover art but really came to enjoy the author.
Blurring the Lines & Extras by Amy Kaybach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading from each character’s POV. It was an emotional rollercoaster that adds pretext into the characters from the series. This book was a page turner with good world building. Definitely an interesting read.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great introduction to a new world/series. It was filled with monsters and it’s action packed and chaotic but I enjoyed this book alot. I am looking forward to reading more of this series soon!
Happy reading!
The Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Predator: Part Two (The Predator Series Book 2)
If you haven’t read the first book in the series you need to stop what you’re doing and binge book one. Otherwise there will be gaps and events that don’t make sense. Then you can grab this one.
I fell in love with Chamberlain and Katie in book one. I fell deeper in love with them in book two.
Their story isn’t a short one, took over four years to find their way with obstacles along the way with the biggest being her family.
Their story is a sweet one, but definitely stressed me out at times. Thankfully Karma has the last word. The family they built wasn’t traditional, but it works for them in the best possible way.
I really had a hard time putting this book down, finished half of it in one evening with my family interrupting me. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
I think my favorite part was Vegas with the aquarium coming in a close second. Not going to give anything away, hope you love this as much as I did.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Selene’s life is that of a small-town girl, newly engaged. She owns and runs her family’s herbal store, until her life is abruptly thrown into chaos the day that a veil rips through the center of her town. She is stuck on one side while her fiancée is on the other. Terrified she is taken into another realm with other women from her town. As she learns more about her new surroundings and species of people, she begins to understand that to survive she is going to have to adapt quickly. When her fiancée is taken and he sees the changes in her, can he love her despite the changes? Can she still love him? Or will she choose to stay and explore this new life that she has found?
I can honestly say, I had no idea what was coming next in this book. It kept me guessing from chapter to chapter as the story progressed very quickly. The cover didn’t give anything away either. About the time that I felt comfortable with what I knew, it changed. I would have liked to have had more information but that is only because I like to have a full picture. However, I found that in the end, I didn’t really need more information. There was enough for me to figure out what was happening. All in all, I liked this book. It was not my normal type of read, but I enjoyed it!
