Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This quick novella is a short read and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Full of love between a husband and wife while they take a vacation. There is action and suspense in this story. It is a short story and yet it is packed with lots of action. If you need a quick lunch break read this will work for you.
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yet another tale about Oscar and Emmy. Two adorable felines that have found a loving home. This time the family is taking the kitties to the vet for a check up, This series is so educational and helpful for first time young pet owners. The amazing illustrations and the short story help children to focus on the topic at hand. I love the extra guides at the end of the story to help educate kids even more.
Offsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good sports romance and this one is no exception. Chessly has always wanted to work with athletes but is hesitant on dating them. She especially isn’t interested in Finn when she sees what kind of women he entertains. The more time they spend together the more they realize they have in common. Could that be their jumping off point and start a relationship? Finn wants to show Chessly that he’s a one woman man and she is the woman he wants. Will she give him the opportunity? I’m not sure which book in this series I have enjoyed the most as they are all great. The characters had good development and the story didn’t feel rushed, nor did it drag on. So far each book can stand on its own so you won’t feel lost if you haven’t read any of the others.
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was absolutely blown away! It is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series and what a way to begin. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up ignoring quite a few chores to finish this because it was so captivating. It’s a great YA fantasy that will surprise you at every corner. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author threw another curveball at me. There are a great number of details to help build the Dragonborn world, but it never felt like the plot was weighed down with unnecessary details. Gillian is an intriguing character with determination and will of steel. To say that I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series is an understatement. I will be waiting as patiently as humanly possible, but three months seems like a lifetime when it’s all I want! To all YA fantasy lovers, don’t pass this one up or you will regret it!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t believe we are almost at the end of this series. It has been a wild ride! Master Bistrita meets his fated mate, Chara, in the bar owned by the vampires. She has been working there for years so it is a mystery how the two of them never met. If I had to guess it was because Bistrita didn’t visit the bar regularly or he wasn’t destined to find his mate until now. All it took was a pack of rogue wolves trying to harm everyone in the bar. She is a woman that marches to the beat of her own drum and breaks the rules rather than follows them. He on the other hand is the one that makes the rules and needs to have control at all times. How can two people who are so different be perfect for each other? All of these books have been fast paced but they are all good. Each book is about a different Master and each can be read on their own. I however do suggest reading them in order due recurring characters and the inevitable buildup to the end of this ongoing war.
Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in Prospect is the next book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. You don’t have to read them all, or in order, but they do have a continuing timeline and overlapping characters. Bob’s uncle died and he asked Eve to accompany him back home, partly for support and partly due to her uncanny ability to investigate. The perks of having a friend who is a journalism major. They start meeting people close to Bob’s uncle and uncover more about the recent history before and after his death. Trouble is always close behind when Eve is investigating, and before long there is a break in and another death. Can these 2 college students stay alive long enough to solve the murder mystery?
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Stars in the City series, and it was just as incredible as the first one, if not more so! Even though this is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a standalone without a problem. You will likely circle back for the first though just for the sheer fact that the author writes a very intriguing and captivating YA romance. It took me a little bit to find my reading groove, but once I did I couldn’t put it down! It’s refreshing to come across a clean romance that has a great plot and well-developed characters that you root for the whole way through. They feel relatable and the author has you invested in them pretty quickly. Paige is a wonderful character with an amazing group of friends. They tell it like it is without sugar coating everything to protect her. If you enjoy slow-burn, clean YA romances, this one is definitely for you! I am excited to see what the next book in the series will bring.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
G is for Gossamer is the bougee ABC book. It is easily the fanciest letter learning book I’ve ever seen. I missed the part that the definitions were included (at the end) and found myself googling the word to learn what it meant. The cover gave me a Charlotte’s Web feel and I picked it for that alone. The illustrations within are breathtaking. Not a word I would normally use to describe a toddler picture book, but more than fitting. I did learn a few new words and my son learned probably close to half of these.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While on vacation Nicole meets Callum while on vacation, they spend a few steamy days and nights together believing they will never see each other again. Callum is shocked when Nicole shows up in his class where he teaches, he wants her to withdraw from class but Nicole is insistent that they can maintain a professor/teacher professionalism. It isn’t long before the spark between them ignites but it is a secret to everyone else they know. Someone knows though and they are intent to make sure they break apart but who is behind it and what do they really want?
Sizzling chemistry, really liked this one. Callum is a bit selfish I thought, but he is a Titan and used to having what he wanted and not really having to veer off of what he wants to do. Really liked Nicole and was loving how she pushed back on Callum. Every book I have read by this talented author has been remarkable, can’t wait for more.
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this clean romance novel about Claire, her sister Alexis, and Dr. David Clark. Who knew an orthodontist appointment could lead to a whirlwind romance amidst the losses that have been recently faced! Enjoy seeing these two souls, along with a young girl, grow up and learn more about life and love in the process.
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nicole has always been a good girl. Being the daughter of a Titan she has an image to uphold. While in Costa Rica she decides to let loose and be rebellious before school starts. She meets Callum and they have an incredible night together, never thinking they would see each other again. When she walks into class on the first day she finds that her one night stand is her new professor. Callum himself is a Titan and he always gets what he wants. He wants Nicole and he will stop at nothing to have her. However there is someone else that has his eye on Nicole and that could ruin everything. I have enjoyed both books in this series so far. You don’t need to read these in order but it does help in getting to know characters that were in the first book and those that may be in future stories.If you enjoyed this book and haven’t checked out her other series, Titans of New York, I highly suggest checking them out.
Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Paige has caught the gig of a lifetime working on a soap opera. Her longterm boyfriend is trying to get discovered for his singing and songwriting. When she is relegated to a reoccurring role and then breaks up with her boyfriend, her parents pressure her into going to school to become a journalist. While looking online she came across an article that featured her ex-boyfriend that mentioned his contract and his first album being about their relationship. Talk about a kick in the gut finding out he made it big and your relationship was the inspiration. Seeing that he made his dreams come true it has her re-evaluating her acting career. While still trying to make it as a journalist she interns for a sports station where she meets a college hockey player named Viktor. The more time they spend together the more their feelings develope. When she finally feels that she is in a good place and moving forward with her life and a new relationship, her ex Walker shows up back in town. Will she and Viktor make a go of it despite their varying differences or will Walker’s sudden appearance thwart their budding relationship?
Hooked: The Merciless Few by S Courtney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was extremely excited to pick this book up as it is the second in The Merciless Few series. I absolutely loved the first book, but this one is somehow even better! I sat down to read a couple of chapters in my afternoon and ended up devouring the entire thing in a matter of hours. You could probably read this one as a standalone without much of an issue, but you will be missing some important details so I highly recommend reading them in order. We get to know Fiend/Jett in this book and when I tell you that you will need some tissues on hand, I’m serious! This emotional rollercoaster twisted and turned into heartache and danger. The range of emotions covered the whole spectrum as I cried, laughed, and possibly yelled at some things that occurred. If you are looking for a steamy, challenging MC romance to get lost in for the day, this should be the book you pick up. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for the series because I cannot get enough!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Alchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Barbara Barnett continues the story of immortal apothecary, Gaelan Erceldoune, first introduced in The Apothecary’s Curse. I felt like this could be read as a standalone, but reading the first book was beneficial in understanding the characters. Alchemy of Glass explores the connections between magic and science, myths and reality, past and present. Written in the same dual time period style as before, Barnett’s writing draws you in and doesn’t let go! Alchemy of Glass has just as much world-building detail as The Apothecary’s Curse and the same oddly lovable, realistic characters. There were so many things happening in this book, from the apparent delirium of Gaelan following his attempt at ending his immortality to the time travel to the medical interventions requested of Anne, but all were somehow connected and none overpowered another. Overall, another great historical fantasy by Barbara Barnett.
Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Made to Love Her was a short read, but let me tell you, Michele Sims packed every page full of suspense and thrills! I could not put the book down from the very first page, it starts right out with what seems to be a normal day for a happy couple, but boy were they wrong. This makes me fear elevators more than ever, oh my goodness it was scary hearing their tale. I have not read any of the Moore Family Saga books, but after reading this suspense novella, I want more of Cade and Lecia’s story! I am a huge fan after reading this book, the situations are so real and thrilling to read. If you want a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, with a little bit of spicy romance between husband and wife, then this is a great book to delve into. Happy reading everyone, until next time!
@Brandy Rymer
09/2024
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claire’s world has been turned upside down. Her mother soddenly passes away and now she must take care of her teenage sister and all her mother’s affair’s. Returning home after so long just to pack up and leave in less than three months is just scary but necessary. She can’t afford to stay so they must move to her apartment back in LA. While tying up loose ends in her hometown she meets David. Alexis’ orthodontist’s doctor. He’s smart and caring and they hit it off right off the bat! BUT she is leaving in three months! What can they do? Hang out for three months and go their separate ways, or hand out for three months and enjoy the time they have together while they can? They choose the latter, but after some ups and down’s they’re both scared into thinking it’s not worth the heart ache when Claire leaves town. Both are in torment. Hurting for one another from a distance. Alexis has to come back for two appointments to adjust her braces before getting them off though, so they have to deal with each other. David has been hurt from an ex-wife and Claire is dealing with the death of a mother and stepping into being a parent to her sister. Can these two get passed all their hurt and anger to learn that they are both worthy of second chances and forgiveness? All seems lost as they fight and don’t’ speak for weeks. This is such a great book!! If you love so burn romance books this one is for you!! It’s super cute. I can see it as a movie even!! I can’t wait to read more from this author!! You will be routing for this couple from day one! so good!!
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Places We Call Home is another delightful children’s picture book tale by Kim Ann. Kim teaches through fun and rhyming what a home is. Whether it be a person, a house, a town, a city and even what animals call home such as the sea, the bush or wherever. Everyone and everything have that special place that is home to them and that is what Kim instils with this tale. This little tale has big meaning, and it is to teach us all that it doesn’t matter if you move all the time or not, home is where the heart is.
This fun and colourful picture book with beautiful illustrations by Nejla ShoJaie will help imaginative little minds learn about their home and heart.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s been a while since I have read a book in this intriguing series. Michele once again weaves a wonderful suspenseful tale in the Moore Family Saga series. This series has been centred around the Moore Family and the trials and tribulations they have endured. I suggest reading the other books before this one, so you have a full understanding of all the characters involved and their back stories. Michele’s writing flows nicely and there are twists that grip you through out. She really puts the characters through their paces in this one.
Made to Love Her is a story that takes us on a dark and intriguing journey of a musical star and his love to beautiful Greece, but it explores the dark underbelly of the place. Right from the start we are thrown into the fray, the action, the suspense.
Cade and Lecia decide that a romantic setting is just what they need but turns out to be anything but. Nightmares do come true. Their happiness is shadowed by lies, deceit, betrayal, secrets, danger, murder, suspicions, obstacles, and forces are lurking about that wish to tear them apart. But it is not all doom and gloom there is humour woven through out as well.
One click and you can read it too. You will not be disappointed!
Reviewed by @jennadb
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Rhineheart Cowgirl” is an interesting story set in the world of rodeos, featuring Trinity, a rodeo queen, who is at the peak of her career but is willing to leave it all behind to pursue what she feels she has missed out on. Shooter, who never achieved his dreams, now has an opportunity to win back his ex-girlfriend.
This heartwarming contemporary romance portrays characters longing for what they have been missing and facing opposition as they reunite. The story is rich with emotions and the possibility of second chances. The characters, crafted by the author Brooke, are realistic and relatable, drawing readers into their lives.
Follow Trinity and Shooter’s journey to see what unfolds. You won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Release is the fifth anthology in the Rewind series, featuring a collection of short stories and serving as the culmination of the series. The anthology comes with a caution as it addresses biphobia, suicidal ideations, and depression. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it’s highly recommended to read the previous four books in the series before diving into this one. The finale brings together all our favourite characters from the earlier books.
As always, Rowan excels in crafting beautifully written scenes and fully realized, authentic characters. This instalment turns up the spice and heat, making it a great choice for fans of racy storytelling.
It’s important to remember that love is beautiful, and love is love, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or identity, as exemplified in this wonderful collection by Rowan.
I’m eagerly anticipating what Rowan has in store for us next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Secret Aftermath: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
“The Secret Humankind” is the sequel to the engaging first book, “The Secret Aftermath”. This urban fantasy tale follows Julia, who finds herself in grave danger as someone seeks to eradicate her and all of humankind. Julia refuses to stand idly by and watch as her life and the lives of those she cares for are threatened. But who wants her gone, and why?
“The Secret Aftermath” is a thrilling and intricate book filled with action, featuring alien beings, supernatural entities, humans, and magic. The fast-paced plot is full of uncovered secrets and yet-to-be-revealed mysteries, as well as frustration, fear, desperation, lies, mayhem, suspense, tension, and danger.
If you’re looking for a captivating read that offers something a little different, then this book is for you.
I’m eagerly anticipating more from this series.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gillian is on a mission to find a remedy to save her brother. It requires her to go through the Shadowlands and trade her life for his and she is more than willing to do so. What she didn’t count on was becoming a captive of the Great Dragon’s son. It seems that everything she has been taught is only part of the truth. There is a lot more to the stories and she must choose which path she will take. Does she choose the path of loyalty and family? Or the forbidden path that involves a future that stems from all of her newfound information?
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As always, this book in the series was perfect. My son and I absolutely love this series. We especially enjoyed all the recipes to make our very own pup treats one day. Def recommend this book to parents with small kids that have or want a dog.
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde. This is a unique series full of stories about Bella who has recently split from her husband of several years. Each book takes us along for the ride with Bella and a new man in each one. Being cheated on by her ex husband leaves Bella with some trust issues but she is determined to just have fun and live her life the way she wants to. Along the way Bella learns to love herself and enjoy relationships the way she wants to and if she doesn’t she can leave! We meet a barkeep who likes Bella and tries to coach her along the way. She does meet one guy “Mr. Near Perfect” but finds out he is married so they continue to stay in the same circle but not date. She meets a “heartless, a “Rockstar”, a “sexyman” and a “Kinky. They all teach her things about what she wants and what she doesn’t want. This is a fun romp with a newly divorced woman learning that life is worth living if you just put yourself out there!
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved it and I’m not a huge romance fan but this was just so good. Its the story of Claire who has moved to LA from Pismo Beach and has a successful life there. When her mom passes away she has to return to Pismo to sell the house and get her 14 year old sister Alexis. Claire has no intention to stay in Pismo so when she takes Alexis to the Orthodontist she has no intention of being even remotely interested in the Dr. David the orthodontist is still getting over a very bad relationship so he is not interested in the slightest in dating anyone but something about Claire just won’t leave him. They soon decide to go on a date and find out they truly like each other. David knows Claire is leaving so he can’t get hurt right? Claire is no way going to stay in Pismo Beach right? This book is so full of emotions with David getting over his relationship and Claire and Alexis grieving their mom. Get ready to read this book with a box of tissues! Such a great romance!
Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This is a young adult sports romance. Its the story of Paige and Walker who are boyfriend and girlfriend. Paige wants to be an actress and Walker is wanting to be a songwriter/singer. Her family finally convinces her to come home and go back to school to major in journalism. She breaks up with Walker and goes home with her tail between her legs. When she gets home she hears thru the grapevine that Walker has gotten a singer/songwriting contract making her feel even worse about herself. She starts interning at a TV station, sports department and meets Viktor a college hockey player. The more time she spends with Viktor the more she likes him but she’s afraid that they have nothing in common. When Walker comes back to town after changing some of his songs he wrote about her and how much he loved her to how much he hates her she is determined to prove to him she has moved on and that she is happier than ever. Will she and Viktor make a go of their relationship or will Walker coming back to town ruin their chances?
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute love story centered around unexpected turnouts and new beginnings. This is a clean, non-spicy type romance story. There are times where it is great seeing the chemistry building between the characters without getting lost in the intimate details. Claire was a young professional in LA when she learned of the sudden death of her mother. Taking her back home to deal with the passing, her assets also came along with the role of caretaker of her 14 year old sister, Alexis. With expenses coming up left and right, she had to make the swift decision of relocating her sister to PA from Pismo Beach. Being back at Pismo brought back so many memories of her childhood and her mother. Claire is trying to be strong and keep it together. As Claire is trying to keep Alexis’ routine, a chance meeting of her sister’s orthodontist who turns out to be very attractive and single, David. He has been divorced for a few years and struggling to get past it until he feels a glimmer of hope with Claire. Claire and David go back and forth as their feelings are obvious to them but their situation hinders moments to explore a future with one another. The author has each character POV of David and Claire, which helps better reflect the emotional and mental state they are both in as each day goes on. This book is a very quick and entertaining read!
This is the second book of the series. This is Fiend’s (Jett) story. Fiend was a troubled teen when he ran away from home because he didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. He met Lucifer (the Leader of Merciless Few MC) and his ol’ lady Sam, they took him in and he worked hard to become part of the brotherhood. Fiend is like a lot of the brotherhood when it comes to having an ol’ lady (they don’t want to settle down). You also meet Poppy, she is a bunny but she wants to be an ol’ lady. This a sad story of Jett’s childhood and his actual family. You will learn things from Jett’s and Poppy’s past that will have you in tears. There were moments where I didn’t want to continue reading because my heart hurt so much for both of them. This is one of those books that you will connect with no matter what, keep reading so that you can find peace yourself.
Hooked: The Merciless Few by S Courtney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book of the series. This is Fiend’s (Jett) story. Fiend was a troubled teen when he ran away from home because he didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. He met Lucifer (the Leader of Merciless Few MC) and his ol’ lady Sam, they took him in and he worked hard to become part of the brotherhood. Fiend is like a lot of the brotherhood when it comes to having an ol’ lady (they don’t want to settle down). You also meet Poppy, she is a bunny but she wants to be an ol’ lady. This a sad story of Jett’s childhood and his actual family. You will learn things from Jett’s and Poppy’s past that will have you in tears. There were moments where I didn’t want to continue reading because my heart hurt so much for both of them. This is one of those books that you will connect with no matter what, keep reading so that you can find peace yourself.
Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This book starts out slow but pulls you in the more you read. Paige is all over the map with her feelings and I attribute a lot of that to her not dealing with her friend’s death and her wanting to please her other people. Paige and Walker have been together for a long time so part of me understood her reluctance to let that relationship go completely. Paige and Viktor start hanging out and I was rooting for these two the entire time but there are definite issues that need to be worked out on both their parts for anything to work between them. This story has drama, angst, emotions, friendships, and great characters. The characters in this book are very relatable. I enjoyed reading this story. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am really loving this series. I have read most all of them from this author and I really am enjoying them. The characters are well written and there is a good balance of romance and drama. I really like how the books all tend to flow into one another. The author is able to really engage the reader and keep your focus on the book. The chemistry between the characters is unique and adds to the appeal of this series. I also like how there are multiple couples within the story line. This is one of my most favorite genres as well. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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