Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent story telling with beautiful illustrations. All three of my children thoroughly enjoyed this work. It is truly written in a way that captivates all ages. Beautiful.
Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a supernatural end of the world romance story. It has a group of people who have powers and were beat friends in high school. After over 20 years, the main character returns to her hometown where her friends she hasn’t seen or spoken to since leaving have lived their lives. They have a lot to overcome, including forgiveness for over the past. I liked the story and the characters. It’s pretty detailed, even detailing smells and tastes.
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in The Entian Curse series. I really enjoyed this story. It is a fantasy adventure with plenty of twists and turns. There is action, danger, magic, secrets and so much more mixed together to create a story that is reallt unique.
Whisper is our main character and very unique this character isn’t a person but a sentient curse. Whisper uses the people around them to see and interact with the world. However to do this they have to enter the hosts which to the outside world makes them looked cursed. And the price of being cursed is death.
Whisper doesn’t want to be responsible for people dying and they want to show the world how wrong it is to destroy a life, even to destroy the life of a curse.
Now with the help of the host Ethene Whisper goes on a journey to find a way to end death, all the way trying to protect herself and the hosts she encounters.
What I found beautiful about this story was the character growth of Whisper and the relationship with Ethene. They were like best friends through it all.
Together they work to understand the origin of Whisper. Who created it and why? Why do some people want Whisper to die? And what are the consequences of their being a curse that has the ability to think freely and feel and make their own decision.
This was a very unique fantasy adventure that I lost myself in from beginning to end.
Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
By day Adrian is the CEO of a major corporation but in his private life he likes it to be just that private, although he has secrets to his past and present, his BDSM world and club is a stable in his life. Although he doesn’t really love anyone, he develops a soft spot for Brynn and when she gets into trouble he tries and protects her the best way he can.
Brynn is trying to understand what happened to her sister, found dead in the San Francisco bay her investigations lead to Lotus a BDSM Club where her sister enjoyed the lifestyle but was this lifestyle attributed to her death. Once she infiltrates the club and sees inside the world can see shut off her feelings for Adrian and try to get to the bottom of her sister’s murder.
I love all of Anise Storm’s books and this is no different, the intrigue and twists makes this a must read story and you will fall in love with the main characters as everyone loves a flawed somewhat hottie. The book delves into the more sadistic side of BDSM and may have triggers for some people but the author writes with great care and only adds the details which enhances the story and the characters.
I loved the twists and turns and devoured the book in one sitting wishing it not to end but then looking forward to the next book within the series, the characters and story is well developed and flows along brilliantly which you would always expect from this author.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A simply fantastic book about raising an Indian child in an American society. How to go about interweaving the two cultures and still embracing the original heritage. Wonderfully educational even for adults. Simply beautiful illustrations and story.
Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Courage series just keeps getting better and this book is no exception to that. Beefy is learning how to deal with his emotions and rather than taking things out on others, his new friends invite him to help them.
The illustrations are great and the story is wonderful.
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the Fall River series and I honestly had no idea it was the 2nd book in the series. I really enjoyed watching Charlie and Joy overcome their differences and work together on this project that was Joy’s moms home/business. This book was one that I couldn’t put down.
Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meg was the chosen one to save the world while in her teenage years with the help of her four best friends. After 25 years she goes back to her hometown to potentially have to save the world again. I really like the premise of this book since it is different than just a bunch of young adults saving the world. Meg is without purpose after leaving her life in her hometown behind and has to deal with the consequences of being away for 25 years. She has been a free spirit traveling wherever the wind takes her. It was a bit hard to get through the first few chapters due to the amount of events that the reader has to get caught up on to become invested in the story. The story has strong female characters, paranormal, and homecoming.
Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Joy has returned the the small town she never really had any intention to return to. With her mother now gone she must settle her estate. The sooner she gets that done the sooner she can return to her life in the city. The home and shop her mother owned is old and starting to crumble in some places. She would love to just tear it down but it protected by historical structure laws. She can sell it however she would need to put time and money into it which gives her a headache. Charlie, a local and a contractor, gives her an idea of what she is looking at at tries to persuade her to put in the effort to restore the place. They butt heads constantly but as they are both strong willed neither is really willing to back down. These two also share a mutual attraction that they refuse to acknowledge but the more time the spend together the harder it is to ignore. Who will win this war of wills?
The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the series about the Hunniutt brothers. Noah has a tavern that he is trying to keep afloat as well as impress his father. Along with that he is trying to keep his gold digging ex at bay and get rid of a hookup that keeps hanging on hoping for more. Hailey is a health inspector that wishes to be a well known name in the surfing circuit but also wishes to open her own business one day. These two get thrown together when they have an accident that is unintentionally cause by Hailey when she swerved to miss a dog. Things start to heat up between the two but there are forces outside of their control trying to keep them apart before they even truly get started. This was an enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
London Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So far I have enjoyed what this author has offered so far in this series. I hope there are more to come. Each story has its own unique case that is being worked and there is a little love match happening in the background. We have a case of not only mistaken identity but mistaken luggage in book one. That luggage puts Evelyn in such a danger that the PI on the case, Patrick, feels obligated to keep her safe after grabbing her and then letting her go. In book two we meet Tessa and James. Tessa opens a bakery and things are going really well, but she starts to receive threatening pictures and letters. This prompts her to hire PI, James, to find out who is behind these threats and see if they can be stopped. These are fairly quick reads and will keep you turning the pages.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a wonderful book with lovely illustrations for children . It is about all the animals and insects and the activities which happen by the river and how the rivers and streams are vital in the life of these animals . It’s a great learning experience for children. I loved the book and would recommend it to all the kids , especially the younger ones .
Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do love a good Later-in-Life book, especially a romantic suspense one. As a woman in her own Later-in Life era it is so refreshing to be able to relate to the characters. Midnight Deception did not disappoint. So well written that you easily fall in love with the characters and luckily this is book one so more to come is a huge plus. Fast paced and full of all the good stuff, lies, suspense, secrets, tension and throw in some danger, it’s a little sexy and dark. Like I said it just has all the right stuff. Definitely don’t miss out on this one.
Cop-Off by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I really enjoy the enemies to lover reads. I always enjoy reading this authors stories, she pulls you right in with her writing. This is Cody and Cat’s story. These two have a connection that you can feel coming off of the pages. These two had me LOL at times with their bantering. Their story was so well written and I wanted to see them get a HEA.
THe pace was great and I didn’t want it to end. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Britney Humphreys
5 stars
This is the best book I’ve read with BDSM as a main part of the plot that actually rang kind of true. Of course, there are elements that are very unlikely in the real world BUT it did not make it seem like a BDSM relationship is inherently abusive, and I love that it shows that the submissive actually DOES have power in the relationship dynamic. I’ve read too many books that use BDSM as a way to make an abusive relationship seem normal and I take issue with that because it is not an accurate depiction of the lifestyle.
Adrian is chef’s kiss. I’d happily visit Lotus for him any time…and giving up control is not my favorite thing to do. I enjoyed the relationship arc between Adrian and Brynn, even though there are elements that made me think of 50 Shades (the ending for one). I’m also now very interested in Shibari-I need to do some research-kink unlocked. I’m excited to read more about them in the next book!
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There’s a reason that I’ve read numerous books by this author and keep coming back! They know exactly how to hook you and hold your attention from the very beginning to the last page. This is the second installment in the Fall River series, but you can read it as a standalone if you prefer. This story expertly weaves themes of love, loss, and the struggle between past and present. Joy and Charlie seem to be pretty opposite. I actually loved that the grumpy character was female for once while the sunshine was our male lead. The author skillfully develops both characters, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles. The dialogue crackles with wit an authenticity, letting you feel the chemistry that simmers beneath their conflicts. This is a heartfelt romance with high emotional stakes and plenty of sincerity. I highly recommend picking this up and getting lost for the weekend!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
London Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read Mistaken Identity (book one) and was hooked from the first chapter. I definitely wanted to continue this series to see where the story takes us. In the first book, Evelyn, from the US, embarks on her first trip out of the country to complete her Master’s thesis. Unfortunately her trip takes an unexpected turn and ends up being mistakenly identified as a girl with evidence to help destroy a corrupt crime boss. At the airport when all this is played out, she is saved by Patrick, a very attractive private investigator, who is working hard to bring down this crime boss. As the case has its ups and downs and trying to bring down so powerful and betrayal, Patrick and Evelyn rely on each other to get through it all. Love their romantic connection.
In the second book, James takes center stage and was introduced in the first book as Patrick’s friend and fellow private investigator. His assistance is required when a local struggling bakery owner, Tessa, is being stalked and trying to find answers. A spark ignites between James and Tessa in the midst of this investigation and it is not expected. The suspense and romance keeps you going and reading.
This series is best to read in order to better understand details into the second book. I felt it was great getting a deeper sense of the characters going into the stories to help understand their mindset and development. Great beach and weekend reads!
The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read multiple books by this author and for good reason. They have a brilliant way of crafting a story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. This is the first book in The Fall River series that is full of romance, drama, and adventure. I found myself rooting for both Hailey and Noah as soon as they were introduced. The chemistry between them sizzles and leaps off the pages. The story flows seamlessly, and it is more than your typical contemporary romance. Don’t let the page count put you off either because it sucks you in making it feel like a much shorter book. Pick this up if you’re looking to start a series with some spicy romance that will keep you on your toes!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m thrilled that my first experience with this author was such a pleasant surprise! This marks the beginning of The Hell Gate Chronicles, featuring Meg as our formidable protagonist with an unbeatable spirit. I instantly connected with her unique, unconventional nature. As a fan of the supernatural, I found the blend of intense action and captivating elements in this story completely addictive!
One aspect that really stood out to me was Meg’s age—she’s over 40, which is a refreshing change in a genre often dominated by younger characters. The narrative flows seamlessly, with events unfolding naturally. Character development is a highlight, adding depth to the plot and making it easy to invest in each character. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next installment!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun book!! First off, the illustrations in this book practically jump off the page!! They are very brilliant and vivid, very eye-catching and colorful. Next, I love the play on words for this character from the author’s last name!
Gadrella is a witch but she’s tired of the same old look. She doesn’t want a pointy hat or a black cat or all the typical things that a witch is “supposed to have”. She starts to make some changes and at the next meeting, her friends think she is a monster…that is until they try her new potion!
Kids will love this holiday themed book! It’s a great way to talk about differences and how it’s ok to break the mold sometimes.
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was a fan of Isla Vaughn when I discovered her Hidden Valley Elite series and was looking forward to this new series. As always, this book exceeded all my expectations.
Quarterback Keeper is the first book in the Fall Lake Ballers series, and this is Kylian and Gia’s story to share. Kylian seems to have all the good things life can offer, such as wealth and success on the football field, with dreams of making it to the NFL. Appearances can be deceiving. He is struggling with his mother’s illness and how he is going to continue paying for her treatments. In addition, his devious father, with political aspirations, is willing to do anything to get Kylian to give in to his demands.
Gia is on the run, fleeing her dangerous past, and has finally found a safe place to stay, an uninhabited boat. That safety is threatened when a stranger appears onboard one night. The stranger turns out to be the owner, none other than college football star Kylian Wilder. As the two spar through the night, Kylian comes up with an agreement that could help them both get what they want. For him, that is freedom from his demanding father; for her, it’s freedom and safety from her past. All she has to do is be his pretend girlfriend and then his fiancee. It shouldn’t be too hard, right?
As the two spend more time together, the sparks that flew that first night become hard to ignore. They move from constantly arguing to a friendship and then more. The secrets they are keeping threaten to ruin what could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Vaughn did a fantastic job of creating two complex characters. Kylian is such a caring man. He is definitely a heartthrob, but as the story continues, it’s his heart that shines. His devotion to his mother melted my heart. I loved the relationship he shared with his mother. I also loved the relationship Gia develops with his mother. The moments the two women shared were some of my favorite scenes.
I started this book, and I only stopped to do the necessary things like eat! It kept my attention that much. It was the perfect balance of romance, emotion, and suspense. If you like those things in addition to strong men and women, give this series a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
London Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mistaken Identity is the first book in the duo. I did something I didn’t think was possible, I read this book in one day, but once I got started reading I had a very hard time putting it down.
One minute Evelyn is running through the airport with her biggest concern being making her connecting flight out of London. Running into a total stranger changes everything and thankfully it’s not all negative.
Evelyn and Patrick are like oil and water. Then they were so much more. Throw in running from dangerous people only adds to the danger and intrigue of their situation.
Be My Little Baby is the second. James and Tessa have quite the interesting relationship. She starts as a client with a stalker and then it ends up so much more. Throw in some longtime friends on both sides and it ends up being entertaining.
I love trying to figure out who the villain of the story is since most have at least one. I went between two most of the way through, then it clicked with me just before we found out. Love that it kept my brain working and it wasn’t as obvious to me, but I’m sure others will figure it out sooner.
London Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 1 – Mistaken Identity
Fast paced and full of intrigue, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great world building and a total page turner. Evelyn Stevenson is a graduate student studying abroad and is ready for a wonderful adventure. When traveling through the airport, she bumps into a stranger that ends up mixing up their bags. Conveniently, a PI named Patrick and his partner James were already following Evelyn for her protection – although they were following her because they thought she was his witness.
When her bag is swapped, they discover that Evelyn is not the person Patrick thought she was – but she does need his protection in the course of his being on the trail of a big crime boss. They have unexpected chemistry and are on a dangerous path, which ramps up the emotion at all levels of the book. With such high stakes and a crime boss who considers himself above the law, how will things turn out between Patrick and Evelyn? Will they be able to stay focused enough to put all the clues together before they end up on the losing end of their race against time?
Book 2 – Be My Little Baby
Book 2 is based on James, the partner of Patrick from book 1. While you could read it as a wonderful standalone, I love the extra insight provided after reading book 1. James is a newly famous PI who takes on a stalker case for bakery owner Tessa. She had originally approached the police for help, but they didn’t help so she went to James. What neither of them expected was the immediate spark between them. Tessa’s stalker ups the stakes and you wonder how many much loved characters will be in the light of suspicion before the mystery is solved. Another great book by this author.
This book is represents the meaning of family, love, preserverance and friendship. A mother who’ll go to any links to protect her child and a child who’ll stand brave to protect her mother. A bond that’s as old as time. This book has it all! Love, intrigue, and betrayal. Strangers are friends and friends are strangers. Look out for the twist and turns
It’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a nice story about being kind! I like how they are excited to be kind. It’s supposed to be for 7-9 year old but my 6 year old granddaughter enjoyed it and I’m sure it would be good for even a preschool child. I liked the activity prompts at the end. Easy to do in a classroom or at home. I definitely recommend this book to read to your child.
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this second book of the series just as much as the first if not more! This wonderful author always creates such heartfelt relatable characters and fun storylines that I just can’t resist them. Charlie and Joy with their enemies to lovers storyline had me laughing as much as it did excitingly turning page after page to see what would happening next. I can’t wait for more fun in Fall River.
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Fixer (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady. I’m loving this series and ready to move to Fall River. In this story we get to know Joy who left Fall River a long time ago and moved to the city to become something and she has succeeded. When her mom leaves her a historical run down building she has no choice but to go back. She is back in town for one reason only, demolish this old building and go back to the city. She asks around for the best person for the job and everyone recommends Charlie. Charlie is amazing at his craft but he restores old buildings and brings them back to life, he doesn’t destroy them. He’s mad at the fact someone wants to do that. Charlie & Joy begin by butting heads and it doesn’t get better anytime soon. Charlie informs Joy that she can’t destroy it because it is a historical property and to sell it she will have to restore it. Joy finally allows Charlie to restore it but that leaves her in town a lot longer than she planned. While there she spends more and more time with Charlie and while they do butt heads there is a attraction bubbling up as well. Such a fun small town romance!
The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic start to what I know will be a great series! This very talented author has created a fantastic storyline and setting so that the readers are fully emersed and invested right from the very start. I know fell completely in love with all the wonderful characters not just the lead characters and I can’t wait to read more about them all. Noah and Hailey were so relatable and heart felt I was hoping for a happy ending right from the very first chapter. I’m off to read book 2 right now…I need more of Fall River.
Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reunion (The Hellgate Chronicles) by Jocelyn Lindsay. This book was amazing. I’m not a huge fan of supernatural but I fell in love with the book the first chapter. The main character Meg who has been out of school for 20+ years and helped close the Hellgate back then is back in action. Finding out from a friend who has been comatose for 20 years that someone new is trying to reopen the Hellgate, Meg knows she has to try and stop it again. She’s older and wiser so it should be easier right? Along with her friends, Meg may be witty and rough but she is smart and if she did it once when she was young and not that smart surely she can do it this time. Meg thought when she left home all those years ago that she wouldn’t have to go back but here she is and all the baggage along with home is here as well. Will Meg be able to stop the bad guys once again and will she be able to deal with all the unresolved issues that lead to her leaving town in the first place? Read this great book to find out!
