Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was well written and a great precursor for what this series will hold! The characters were well thought out and held a great deal of heat! I found the story interesting and easy to follow. I have read many mafia romances but this one just had something a little extra. Great first read from this author!
Rainbow’s Red Poetry Book by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A lot of words about survival and rising out of the ashes like the Phoenix. Reflective poetry that make you contemplate your own stories of strength and how far you’ve come. Metaphorical language that engages the reader to continue to turn the page. Poetry tells a story and this book does just that! I look forward to more work from Lily Lawson.
Brandy Vaughn, October 2022
Review by @bilberrysweet
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just recently got into mafia stories. So when I saw The Boss’s vendetta I jumped on the chance to read this book, and I’m glad that I did. Via Mari had me from the beginning. This book has amazing main and secondary characters, personal revenge, danger,passion ect. She is a truly great writer. Definitely a must read. I’m looking forward to more in this Sicilian Gods series.
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so touching! Peggy had me laughing but still asking myself will I share her same feelings one day? I need more of this story! Part 2?
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the moment you open the book and start reading you are hooked! I was able to read this book from start to finish without putting it down and left wanting the next one right away! There cannot be enough good things said about it.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the humor and chemistry throughout this book! I did not realize it was the 7th in the series, but I wasn’t lost at all reading it with no background. I am definitely picking up the rest though because there is just too much to love!
Wednesday and Ryker are best friends, and you can feel that permeated through the entire book. They have both seemingly friend-zoned each other, but after a one-time escapade into the ‘benefits’ of being besties Wednesday may want more. They both think the other deserves more and takes a bit of intervention to help them see the truth.
I love the paranormal side of Friends with Benies as much as the romance! Like I said, I didn’t feel lost reading this as a standalone, but I recommend picking up the rest of the series because you will want more of T.B. Bond’s writing!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wednesday and Ryker have been best friends since they were 6 years old. At 18 years of age, they decided to take each other’s V card before they went off to college and they have been secretly in love with each other ever since. Ryker is a panda shifter while Wednesday is a mage so they know they cannot be together. They come from different worlds. The couple decide to be friends with benefits until one of them meet their intended mate.
The chemistry between them is intense. No one can compare to the other’s best friend. Ryker knows that Wednesday is the one for him but she thinks he has a mate somewhere out in the world so she is refusing to give into her feelings.
The book was steamy from start to finish. I loved both characters separately and together. They evened each other out nicely. I was cheering for them from the very beginning.
This book is book 7 in the ‘Paris in Springtime’ series but can be read as a stand alone.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance (Paris in Springtime #7) by T.B. Bond
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Friends with Benies is an amazing book. It was a short, but sweet story. I’ll definitely be looking for more by the author.
Wednesday is a techno-mage and loves working with her magic. She and her best friend start up a company and haven’t really been apart since. She is in love with her bestie, but doesn’t think it’s possible. The quote I chose for Wednesday is: “Way to look, observe, and gather evidence. You, boar, are buying me a new door. Now eat. You know how you get when you panic shift. You can take in my safe scent and calm yourself down.”
Ryker doesn’t think going on this cruise is going to work out very well. He then runs into someone and finds that his mate has been under his nose the entire time. Now all he has to do is convince her of it. The quote I chose for Ryker is: “That’s fine. I need the protein and electrolytes to etch tonight into memory.”
Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.
The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Protector by Nicole Flockton is book four in the Freemasons series. Throughout all three of the other books, we’ve gotten a glimpse of what happened to Renee. In this story, we get to see how she takes back her life. Declan has always stayed away although Renee has always been in his mind. But now he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to protect her, to love her. This book was definitely a little hard to read, just in the sense of topics. I do think it was handled well and written well. The story between Renee and Declan was much more relaxed due to the nature of what she went through. Renee believes she’s not loveable after the horrible things that happened and Declan doesn’t want to push her but also has a hard time. I really loved this whole series and seeing each of the men get their girl.
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton is book three in the Freemasons series. Former military man, Jude has had a rough time accepting his sisters kidnapping. He is ready and willing to do anything to save her. What he doesn’t expect is to begin falling for someone. Sienna is so used to blending in that when she begins to stand out to one man, she almost blows her cover. I loved this story so much. The attraction between the characters was so well written. The book itself had so many twists and turns that I truly couldn’t predict how it would go. The perfect mixture of danger and steam. I’d probably have to pick them as my favorite couple, although I’m a sucker for a military story. Looking forward to book four and our last man standing!
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really fun story. Watching Ryker and Wednesday find their way from best friends to soulmates was fun. I like how they had each other’s backs. The story had a good rhythm and kept me interested in finding out what happened next. I have not read about a panda shifter before so I did find that interesting as well. I recommend this author and will look forward to seeing more from them.
Bycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rex Thompson is a man that just can’t seem to make good choices and stick with them. He is a soldier that can’t seem to get behind the war he is fighting in, and so takes an opportunity that is presented to steal money. He’s caught by a Vietnamese officer that is conflicted in how he should handle the situation. When it isn’t reported, Rex thinks he gets away with it. Fast forward years later and he’s now a fisherman hoping to do right by his two sons. However, as his bad choices catch up with him, he can’t seem to find his way out of the bottom of a bottle long enough to teach his sons how to live life the right way. When he loses his boat, he disappears for 8 months. His sons try to make sense of their purpose of life without the boat they’ve basically grown-up working. When Rex shows back up in town a changed, sober man, he finds out that his old boat was scuttled, and a man was killed on it because of it. That man is none other than the Vietnamese Officer that didn’t report him all those years ago. As the murder investigation progresses, his family comes forward with past information that could show motive for the murder. Can Rex come to terms with his past offense and how it affected the officer? Can his family forgive Rex for his past? Will his sons be able to make better choices than their father?
This was such an enthralling book to read. I have read about the Vietnam war in history, but this gave a whole other insight as to how it was over there. What caught my attention was their struggle in getting here and starting over. The story was well written, and the characters were down to earth and believable.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590974-the-serpent-awakens” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Serpent Awakens” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663174991l/62590974._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590974-the-serpent-awakens”>The Serpent Awakens</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14551692.Luna_Saint_Claire”>Luna Saint Claire</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5072385597″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story is a unique read in how it chooses to take an antagonist from the previous book in the series (the sleeping serpent) and giving him his ‘redeeming’ arc. In this book it is clearly conveyed the struggles that Nico has had, and how they made him who he is and why he makes the choices that he does. What makes this story even better is the spiritual aspects, and how important the journey of doing , as the age old adage goes, “talking the talk, and walking the walk.” I feel like this fits Nico as well because he really is all talk at the beginning of the story, but through out the reader really gets to see the growth and humility he gains.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/44107748-emily”>View all my reviews</a>
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wednesday Family is a witch, she is sassy, stubborn and best friends with a panda shifter called Ryker, they have been inseparable since the day they first met and spend pretty much the entirety of their time together.
Unfortunately for Wednesday, they also have some benefits attached to their friendship and this is where the main problem lies, Wednesday is addicted to those certain benefits.
She finds him adorkable, sweet and caring, but the thing she is most addicted to is his body and what he can do with it and now he has ruined her because nobody else compares and believe me, she has tried.
The only problem is that he has a mate out there somewhere just waiting for him to find her so they can make cute panda babies and she can be the awesome auntie, so she has to quit Ryker cold turkey so that he can find her, but can she do it and be the best friend without the benies? This is a cute, but spicy paranormal romance which will keep you hooked on the antics, both inside the bedroom and out of it as you speed through because you cannot wait to see how it ends.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is only for those over the age of 18 due to its adult themes.
Salvatore Larussio is a man who leads a double life, by day he spends time with the high rollers at his families casino, spending time with the big wigs, the high up and the social climbers, but begins closed doors, he is a ruthless heir to a mafia throne. Adrianna is a doctor with a past she would rather forget, but now she is working at the Larussio resort and is in charge of the urgent care there, but as well as the usual emergencies she has to deal with, add into that the responsibility of sewing the family up as well, she has a lot on her plate.
The two first butt heads over the treatment of a family member and when she doesn’t back down when faced with the devil himself, he is more shocked than anything, but when a family gathering which is supposed to be a happy one turns into a bloodbath, things take a turn for the unexpected for Adrianna. In the midst of triaging the casualties, a decision is made to whisk her away with them so that she can continue their care, but just what that means is something Adrianna is completely opposed to, but seemingly has no choice in the matter.
As they are being kept in close confines, things that Salvatore finds intriguing about this ice queen from the emergency room are the things he finds attract him to her the most, but when Adrianna is confronted with the realisation that she is attracted to those same things, she decides to tell Salvatore the truth of why she is there. Will the secrets she has been hiding make or break the tenuous bond she has is building with the family, or will it be her undoing? This is a Mafia suspense with plenty of action throughout, as this darkly romantic story pulls you into the the underworld and keeps you there, while you follow along this spicy story of retaliation and retribution.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divided Lives is a Historical Fiction story by K. R. Mullins. I am a big fan of the author’s Notebook Mysteries series and was very happy to see that the protagonist of this story is Emma’s niece, Lottie. Lottie seems to be influenced by her Aunt Emma. She takes risks at a time when women are not allowed and she is definitely her own person. Lottie is a lawyer who finds herself being blackmailed while being involved in a very high-profile case. I really loved the character of Lottie. She navigates her way through her troubles and comes out on the other side living her life the way she chooses to. This is a wonderfully written book full of suspense. The story is a must-read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction and mysteries.
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Boss’s Vendetta
by Via Mari
5*
This is an amazing mafia romance. It contains moments of my favorite features in books. It has action, steamy scenes, and enemies to lovers.
The main character is Salvatore and he has just become the head of the family business (aka mafia). With this he becomes the head of an incredibly hostile war between feuding family. When Salvatore meets Natasha the tension is thick. But the downside is that Natasha who is working for his family has been placed there to help fulfill a vendetta. This makes a romance with him even more complex. Sal’s focus should be his territory and his family but Natasha definitely threatens to disrupt that focus.
I loved this story so much. I love that this definitely delivers in the steam department. I also truly love knowing that this series will focus on all of Salvatore’s family. I cannot wait to see how the family continues to develop and how much steam will be brought.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the companion book to the Brass Compass and is just as good. It is set in the Cold War and really seems to capture the feel of that era, the challenges and the extremes. I thought the characters were brilliant. They are strong and interesting, really contributing to the overall storyline.
The author has developed the story well. She takes the reader on a journey, keeping you in touch with the characters every step of the way. I really felt like I become involved in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to see if more is to come.
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods #1) by Via Mari
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Boss’s Vendetta is the first book in the Sicilian Gods Series. The book was so well written that I finished it in about an hour. I loved the characters and the plot.
Salvatore is the next in line for the boss of his family’s mafia. He meets the urgent care doctor in the resort and finds that he can’t get her off his mind. He meets her through his cousin when his wife was harmed. The quote I chose for Salvatore is: “Anything and anyone remotely connected to the family or our organization is my business. Running the urgent care and being the only physician on call for the entire casino and resort— it’s too much for one person.”
Adrianna is the doctor at the resort where Salvatore and his family reside. Cousins, Uncles, brothers, and whatever else you want to call them. She mouths off the first time she meets him and now she finds that she can’t stop thinking of him. The quote I chose for Adrianna is: “Whatever does the dark prince want after pulling me from a much-needed night of sleep?”
Highly recommended for Mafia Romantic Suspense lovers.
Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a lover of nature and natural science, I very much appreciate this book for my little one. Not only is it educational, but also has a great message for little ones (and adults) to hear. This story reminds us that sometimes seeing things from another’s perspective is necessary to understand where they are coming from. This book explains how cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, but also teaches us the reasoning behind it and relates it to the real world. Cuckoos are not typically stars of the show, so this was a nice change. My daughter wanted it read to her over and over, and she loved the illustrations! We both highly recommend this one.
Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really like finding new authors. This book was just up my alley. I really enjoy a supernatural romance. The characters really had an explosive chemistry and the author really does a good job balancing the drama and romance. I liked how this book flowed it was really gripping and I could not put it down. I like the variable realms as well. I really thought that the characters were well written. I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series. I cannot wait for the next one!
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 out of 5 stars
Lottie is a bisexual lawyer in the times of police corruption and Suffragette riots. She frequently visits “The Tea Room” a meeting place for supporters of Women’s Rights, where she meets Rose, a polygamist lover who is more than meets the eye, as Lottie falls for Rose, strange occurrences start taking place! As Lottie is handed the biggest case of her life, she is also hit with her own form of blackmail…but who is really to blame? Excellent period drama with sexual confusion, family love, and betrayal.
Master Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Can I just start off by saying that this series as absolutely amazing!! This book is number 5 out of the series and it’s about Catteneo and Alessia, Catteneo is a strait laced follow the book kind of guy- should I say vamp? He follows everything by the book the only thing he doesn’t want or care for is love, especially with humans. He just doesn’t think it’ll ever happen for him and he’s content with that. Enter Alessia, a Psychic who has a love for the vamps and their blight and wants nothing more than to help. She’s loved vampires since she was little because her gramma told her so many stories, when they meet; Despite their attraction to each other they get on each other’s nerves and they call the other insufferable and a pain in the butt but they don’t want to be anywhere else than with each other, When situations amp up because of the factions being revved up and ready to call for an all-out war things might get worse before they get better and everything hangs in the balance, can they walk the tightrope on their feelings for each other and get over their insecurities and keep from the end of the world or will they fall and break apart upon landing?
Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t even know where to start except to say WOW!!! This book took me completely by surprise. I was not expecting all the twists. In so many ways this book had it all, secret love children, unexpected pregnancy, miscommunication, mistaken identity, hidden lovers, and so much more. If you need another reason to read, just know the steam level is high.
Devlin loves to tease his work partner, Eve. They throw barbs back and forth on a regular basis. Devlin has managed to keep his hands to himself for six years, for many reasons but the biggest being Eve was in a relationship. Now that is over. Eve is single. Devlin tells himself he can help her get over him, just this once. If they both know what it is going in, they can still maintain their work relationship. What Devlin doesn’t expect is falling deeper for Eve. Now he can’t imagine being with anyone with her.
There are so many hiccups, roadblocks, and power outages in their way! Will Devlin and Eve find away? Or will Devlin earn his nickname of Devil?
Find time in your week for this book. It is worth it!!
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author has greatly touched my soul! The writing was beautiful and moved beautifully like the waves on a beach greatly glazing the sand, to say hello and goes back to see where this life leads next!
I do love poetry. This collection really touched me and held me in a way of comfort. Realistic and heart felt. The ability to relate and feel was certainly strong! The author had a way with words and writing. I very much enjoyed these and the way I reflected after reading each one. I know this is a collection of poems that can be enjoyed by the world, and I think everyone, would find at least one poem that appeals to them. For me, there were certainly many that spoke and touched me. Truly loved this book of poems with all I am!
I can not say enough good things about this wonderful author and the poems that resided within this book! You must experience it for yourself. Defiantly a high recommendation for this must read book/author!
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J. R. P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fascinating science fiction read. Bashr and Nialla are traveling through space. They are on adventures to places that I can’t even spell. The travels are full of drama, odd bugs and other items, annoying family and government that want your plans and other items. They don’t let any of this get to them. They won’t give up their freedom. They are kind of a perfect pair. I like how they work together as a team. It’s an odd book but a really good read. It isn’t my usual book genre but I’m glad I read it. Written well with fun characters that are strong, independent and determined. They are doing things that I’m not sure I could so I’ll enjoy it vicariously through them. A fascinating read that you should tr
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author really brought a beautiful story to life. I felt so much as I read, the want to change our current living, but finding the path to do so, was the true challenge. Moving and inspirational read!
Peggy was such a great character and I was able not only to relate to her, but feel for her as well. She had grief, and I mean a lot within her time, and now her kids had gotten their own wings, she wanted to find hers. Doing so, took ambition, blood , sweat, and tears. Peggy had a lot of guilt as I said, its more than just that. The fears and issues she had to work through is something we all as we get older, may undergo one way or another. Not having someone (kids went off to college) a big one for me, not being enough. I found the book very light hearted and inspiring. Peggy and surrounding charters made the story very realistic, and beautiful i many ways. I truly felt for this story and Peggy, and loved the story with all my soul!
Absolutely loved this wonderful author. And the way they did their writing as well. I was very happy and impressed with this story! Loved it! Highly recommend this must read book and author!
Love this! I was hooked because I could totally relate to Peggy’s struggles. She is one tough mama that hung in there and kicked butt. She gained friends, lost weight, and showed her kids that she is amazing. Another new author to me, I love writing that involves strong women overcoming challenges. Peggy is still going to have more to work on but the story showed us that it is possible for over 40 women to do this. Amazing writing that had the story flowing well. Terrific characters, even spoiled Grace. I loved it and hope to see more.
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful poetry that celebrates love and life’s challenges. ‘Game Over’ is the one that most resonated with me. Many of these may speak to you. Some are profound. Some are deep. Most make you think. I am not a fan of poetry but I found myself reading everyone of these and finding them beautiful and thoughtful. The rhythm flows nicely. I recommend this book to everybody. Even if you have runed the other way to poetry, give this a try. This isn’t your normal poetry. Contemporary poetry that will have you thinking about life. Well-done author.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great book! I love the mix between the time-period piece and the supernatural! Elinor is a wonderful character that uses not only her supernatural skill set but also her investigative skills to help those who are grieving. And then add to it some mythical creatures and you really have a story. I hope to follow Madame Chalamet on her future adventures and hopefully see the romance between her and the duke Archembeau blossom (or maybe I’m reading too far into their interactions).
