Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an inspiring story. I absolutely LOVED the main character. It was a humorous, light hearted read the kept me engaged. I love a story of a strong woman who was knocked down by life but not kept down. The story flowed really well and I will definitely be interested in reading more of this authors work
Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book, and not only the spice and the characters, but the way the author brought everything and everyone to life. It flowed nicely, and everything constantly matched perfectly! Could not put it down!
Needless to say this was a book that was impossible not to devour. I loved how it starts and you get a good feel for the characters, and then the story takes off from there. Forbidden love especially in the work place and guy who gets everything he wants. But what if something he wants, and he got a taste of it, but realized this is something he wants more than anything? The book had great spice, and not just a one time thing, was literally all the way through. Thank you to the author for that! The character development was spot on, and realistic. I was deep into this novel and its characters. Seriously Devlin and Eve were making my kindle melt, and they weren’t even ripping their clothes off, just talking being near, you could not deny their chemistry! Again, amazing writing by a talented author and I could not put this one down! Loved it!
I highly recommend this book and author! That goes without saying! A great ride of a roller coaster all the way through. The book and author is a must read! Definitely a great read to fill those sleepless nights!
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cozy Mystery? Paranormal filled town? Check on both! This was a new author for me and needless to say I finished it rather quickly. Eccentric characters and a book that was impossible not to love!
Loved the town personally and all the characters that helped make it up. The cozy mystery at large, with a missing gnome and poor Bob. The mystery was laugh out funny, and full of mishaps, but in a funny and light hearted way. I could not get enough or ask for more. I enjoyed the authors witting skulls and how they created the story! Looking forward to the next installment! Truly loved this book and author!
I was feeling so happy as I read this, could not put it down. Light and funny. Perfect read for a day of no sun and sipping my hot chocolate. Highly recommend this must read book and author!
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was by far a must read for me. I could not put this down. The story was full of intrigue, as well as the characters that really shaped how the story would go! A great read!
Personally loved Elinor. She was devoted in her search for the truth. She knew there would be danger in her quest, but she stayed persistent. The book was great! Ghosts, unanswered secrets, and a path that proved more to be found than what it seemed. I devoured this book! The characters were great, and some you loved, and others not so much! I cannot wait to read the continuation I very much enjoyed this book!
Great read full of intrigue and suspense. I highly recommend it. I think that everyone would enjoy this read. Especially around this time of year! For a spooky read that holds your interest, check out this must read!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A feisty dark romance! Also warning this one has some dark triggers scenes. I love that Evelyn is courageous, bad, feisty, and stubborn! Damian is calculated, mysterious, and misunderstood. They experience a traumatic moment as kids, but years later reunite and sparks and chaos fly. Lots of ups and downs. With everything from the past and new threats coming to light can they make it work? Or will they again fall for the lies and manipulations from people around them?Whirlwind of a roller coaster novel that you won’t regret!
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jasper Andrews has a special gift one which finds her on the wrong side of the law. A gift she has no control over. She is strong of will, sassy, quick to temper and she is extremely unpredictable. She is also a protagonist and lashes out at those around her. Jasper is having a week from hell. After being accused of blowing things up at school, having her parents decide it is safer to send her away to strangers, to starting a fire that causes her to lose everything and everyone she loves and holds dear, she is one the run. When she stumbles across a stranger who seems to know her but she doesn’t know him, she is forcefully taken off the streets but are they friend or foe? Is her gift really a gift or is it a curse? Is she really in danger, from herself, from something unknown or from those who seek to help?
Jasper finds herself amongst the Order of Vespers, people similar liker her who are trying to maintain the balance of good and evil, light and dark and peace. This has been their task since the beginning of time. Jasper must learn to master her gift to become all she can be, become more than they all know. But time is running out and what was once a safe haven is no more. Those that she now holds dear are at risk from those who seek to destroy.
Who is this group who are after her and other like her? Is Jasper all they thought she is and is she the answer to all their needs? Is she the balance between good and evil, light and dark?
Will they destroy her to become something more? How far will they go to take what they want? Who can she trust?
Jaspers world definitely has many twists and turns and everything is not what it seems. She often had me laughing with her humour and sarcasm but sad for all she had to endure. I enjoyed this book and know you will too. The cliffhanger leaves it open for the next instalment, I hope.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This box set was so much fun I devoured the whole thing before I knew it. The story lines were amazing, the characters were well developed, and of course the musical/theatre aspect if it was amazing. This whole series follows Ruby and her theatrical friends, but Ruby seems to find bodies in the most unusual places. Trust me when I say that you will have a ball following her and her friends on the journey to uncover the mystery. After reading these three I sure hope there is more because I can’t wait to see what Ruby and her friends get into next.
The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this the fourth instalment in The Freemasons series The Protector takes on this role to watch over Renee which we learnt all about in the third book. This has become one of my fav series. I love the characters that Nicole has brought to life flaws, rawness and all. I have fallen in love with each and every one of them. Given that we learned in the previous book I suggest reading the books in order as you get to see more of who they truly are and have more understanding of what happened in readiness for this book.
The Protector is a brother’s best friend romance that will leave you wanting more. Declan makes you want to swoon with his tenderness towards the broken Renee and his desire to keep her in his life in any way he can. BUT watch out when she is threatened.
This delicious romance tale is a slow burn with love and caring. There is also some danger, secrets, lies, fear, hope, angst, age old secrets.
I look forward to more from Nicole.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3)
by Nicole Flockton
5*
This was such a wonderful book. Jude’s sister has been missing. Jude has stopped his life and made it his mission to find her. In order to save her he is going to have to use the girl that he wants to be with. This means risking her for the life of his sister.
Sienna is former military. She is adept at being a chameleon in any situation. She has a strong desire to help Jude and save his sister.
During the mission, things go awry. Sienna’s life is in more danger than they first thought. Jude will use everything he knows to keep her alive.
This is the third book in the Freemasons series. I did not read the first two but I definitely will now. This book was able to stand alone and I was not confused as to what is going on. I loved the development of the characters and their relationships. As usual Nicole Flockton has written an amazing book that I definitely hope everyone enjoys!
Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid is as entertaining as it is fun. Relating to the main character Olivia was a breeze. She is really well written with complexities yet she is simplistic and just wants to find happiness again. There is just a way about this character that made the story come to life.
Cari does romance, wit and mayhem so well that it is hard to put the book down because it is so enjoyable.
With her friend, Taylor at her side Olivia picks herself up, pulls her big girl panties up and starts out fresh. At times I really wanted to strangle her ex-husband and mother but got over it.
If you need a fun pick me up and even if you don’t make sure you grab a copy of Cooked today. I promise you will love it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Operation Blackbird is another intense historical thriller by bestselling author Ellen Butler. It is a companion novel to The Brass Compass which is a great read both of which are steeped with historical facts. Ellen writes strong female characters in deadly and dangerous situations trying to right wrongs. This one takes place in the Cold War. A terrible time when the KGB were prevalent. A time when a lot of horrors were witnessed and a time when one does not want to find themselves caught behind the Iron Curtain.
In this book we follow we follow Mirriam who works for the CIA her task is to help a scientist defect from a communist Russia. But things go awry and to save her life another is put at risk.
I found myself totally immersed in this tale where life and death are at the whim of others. Lost in a journey that is dangerous and the tension pops of the page.
If you love fictional stories about the Cold War then this is a story that I recommend reading.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by
By: K.L. Montgomery
5*
This is such a fun box set. I love Ruby Ecco, she is such an amazing character. However, craziness and murder seem to follow her and her whole cast of musical actors and actresses.
In book 1, Ruby is reeling from the recent events. She recently was involved in a murder. However, she was not the murderer or the murdered. She was the understudy of the girl who was murdered. This made her take over the new role. She has been given a back up role for the new musical. Everyone seems to be extra worried about her right now. It doesn’t take long for her to be embroiled in another murder. Another cast member turns up dead and Ruby is called to help solve the mystery.
In book 2, Ruby and her Musical Company are now in Florida. This is awesome because Ruby is near her only family, her grandparents. However, once again where Ruby goes murder follows. Someone in the retirement community has died and no one is willing to look more indepth into the murder. Ruby wants to help solve the case, but her grandparents aren’t so sure.
In book 3, Ruby is back in her hometown. Its nice to be back home, however, she is handed a long weekend off. She is invited to attend a wedding for her boss’s nephew. However, this isn’t as innocent as it sounds. Her boss is not sure about the woman her nephew is marrying. So she is sending Ruby and her detective skills to look more into the situation.
As a musical lover, I loved these stories. I truly enjoyed reading about Ruby. She was the most relatable and lovable character I have read recently. I found myself relating to her on so many levels. Her inner dialogue reminded me of myself. I cannot recommend this boxed set, and series, to anyone! They are so fun!
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ghost Talker is the first book in this historical six-book series Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries. It is a Gaslamp ghostly fantasy tale. Byrd writes strong sassy female characters in her stories and this one is no different. The story is told in the first person POV. This slow burn mystery romance is a quick, and intriguing read with humour.
Medium Elinor Chalamet finds herself going up against a ghost in the Beyond whilst trying to catch a killer. However, a certain someone keeps getting in her way making things harder than they need to be in more than one way.
It will be interesting to see where Byrd takes the story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Madame Chalamet is what is known as a Ghost Talker. When she is asked to speak to a dead body found in the river, she doesn’t hesitate especially since the Duke de Archambeau has taken an interest in this particular body.
Once at the morgue, Madame Chalamet calls upon the ghost and has time to ask it only three questions: who are you, describe the last hour of your life and who is the last person you saw?
Turns out Giles, the dead person, was an illicit relation to royalty. The Duke thinks that Madame has heard too much and takes her to stay at his home until some royal business is concluded. At the same time The Duke and Madame try to solve the mystery of the dead body and missing items.
There were some moments between the two that I got some minor will they/won’t they feelings. The main story of this particular novella concluded nicely but the author left room to continue in this world.
Personally, I had some difficulty following some of the lingo and titles which made it so I was not 100% immersed in the book like I would want to be.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so glad I found this book I’ve been wanting something a little different for the spooky season and this book definitely delivered that. I have never read anything by this author before but I found their writing to be wonderful, and the story was simply amazing. The characters were very descriptive, and the perfect mix of historical atmosphere and paranormal genres was just out of this world. This os said to be the beginning of a series and trust me I will be looking for more.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a fun cozy mystery. I have personally never read anything from this author before but after reading this one I can’t wait for book two. The characters are amazing, the plot was original and has a little bit of everything for everyone, and the paranormal aspect was just perfect. While it was a cozy mystery that didn’t stop me from flipping the pages as fast as could to solve the mystery with Bob. So if you’re looking for a great new mystery don’t look any further.
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I will admit, throughout this entire book they had me on my toes. I had no idea what was going to be said or what was going to happen, Between the connection of Adrianna and Salvatore to their messy backgrounds to how they came to be together I was on the edge of my seat I had no idea what the next page would bring and the surprises kept coming throughout the entire story. Adrianna who we meet and believe to be a bit of a stick in the mud and Salvatore the man we believe to be the devil incarnate. Two people who in almost every way shouldn’t work together but turns out to be one of my new favorite love stories!! The openness and honesty that they have with each other is absolutely beautiful and I loved every page of it.
The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Declan has loved Renee since they were children. Renee felt the same way…but that was before she was kidnapped and sold into sex slavery. Renee was taken away from her family and friends for nearly three years. During those long years, she never lost hope that she’d be rescued somehow, even through all of the Once Renee is rescued and returns home, she sets off to start trying to reclaim her life even though she is constantly afraid, at first, of doing that very thing. With Declan by her side, she eventually gains more confidence and begins to feel like she can manage not just her life, but possibly even a physical relationship with Declan. After everything she’s been through, Renee and Declan deserve the happily ever after that they are finally able to find.
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is easily my favourite in the series so far. I loved the connection between the main characters, their chemistry was just so real and could be felt in every interaction. You could see their story unfolding as the book developed and I loved watching every minute of it.
I thought the story was well written and flowed really well. I was caught up in the story and wanted to see how things would work out in the end. Each book in this series had had got better and added so much to it. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brilliant example of a fantasy book that would appeal to readers of all genres. The author has created a story that is clearly fantasy but it is done in a subtle and creative way. I loved the main character to the book. She was feisty and interesting in a way that makes you sit up and pay attention to her.
This is an author that I have become familiar with over the last couple of years and I am yet to find a book of hers that I don’t enjoy. She doesn’t’ seem afraid to try new things and to push the expectations of the reader. This was a brilliant book and a great start to a new series.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great short read! I so wish this book was longer, I could have used more of Diesel, Pippa and little Bryce. I loved the way in which Diesel finds out about Bryce, from this father. And the way Bryce’s father discovers it, it’s all such a big coincidence. Pippa’s ex husband is something, and I would have loved to see him ruined further! Again, great read, I look forward to more.
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Order of Vespers
Matilda Reyes
☆☆☆☆☆
Great young adult paranormal fantasy scifi novel. With a coming of age theme.
Jasper Andrews a protagonist, is a teen girl that has lost everything including her twin brother. Her life is so confusing for her. The bombs going off at school and her family home being blown up. There are too many questions she does not understand. Now she has woke up in a strange place, and still there are no answers. Her job is to learn what she must, to find a balance in her powers and her mind. She must find balance.
II Separatio, the Entity of Neutrality, is trying to restore peace through its children, the Order of Vespers. They are trying to maintain balance between light and dark. They think Jasper is what they need to find that balance. But they must teach her how to use her powers for good. This will become quit the test of their wits. Can they teach Jasper what she needs to know in order to find a balance between light and dark?
This author has written this book with teens in mind. She blends split personalities with puberty. Teen girls and boys will relate with the struggles viewed in this story. While this is just fantasy, the struggles will be real. The story is fantastic as well as fun to read. Scary at times but such a page turner. The author keeps it real in her book, real enough teens and young adults can relate. Job well done! Looking forward to reading more of your books.
Review@cinful
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent read! At first I thought the book was going to be about a young Pakistani/American man looking for work and love, but I was very mistaken. It is true, Hassan is looking for a job and love, but when he meets Yasmine his world is turned upside dow and he is thrust into a crazy adventure in a different realm. Everything was laid out so nicely, and just had the perfect flow. I liked the way the other realm was worked in and how Hassan first comes into contact with the people from Hollow-Maid. The many different movie and music references were fun to watch out for. The ending was good, in that Hassan is finally getting his life where he wants it BUT, I really really hope there is another book continuing in Hollow- Maid and I am hopeful Hassan and Yasmine will meet again.
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Order of Vespers by Elyse Reyes is a Young Adult story that will take you into a world of the unknown for this character. This author has created a character that will take you on an emotional ride of twists and turns and sitting on the edge of your seat. This story will pull you in from the first chapter forward. You will sincerely enjoy how this character has a personality that will make you wonder what is up in one moment and in the next ohhh, how sweet in the next. Find out how these characters are good and bad throughout the story and how they just really make the story flow.
Jasper Andrews is a protagonist, that is unpredictable, strong willed and sassy. She has been accused of blowing things up and starting a fire that killed her family. She seems to have a special gift. What will happen when she is taken by a group that is trying to teach her how to use her gift? She thinks she is in danger, but is she? Who is this group? What do they really want with her?
The Order of Vespers are trying to restore the order of peace through intervention. They are tasked with maintaining the balance between light and dark to make sure no faction becomes to powerful. Is Jasper the answer to their journey? Will she be able to help maintain the balance they are seeking? How far are they willing to go to maintain this balance?
Jasper is a strong character that tries real hard to make you think that she is just this bad girl. I think that in reality, she is really smart and has no idea how to control her special gift. She has some issues and some scars that will leave you questioning trust. You will find yourself relating to her and realizing sometimes she really does make sense. You will enjoy seeing how her character develops throughout the story and how stronger she becomes.
This is my first story by Elyse Reyes and I really enjoyed the journey she took me on with this story and I can’t wait to read something else from her. Elyse believes in life experiences that make great stories. She enjoys the different genes and her influences are diverse. She loves chatting with her readers. She has created a story that is a fast paced story that will have you reading until the last page. You will find that you will lose yourself in this story and the need to find out what happens around the next corner. I highly suggest this story as I know you will want to take the ride to another world with the unexpected as much as I did.
Review by @bjwagner
Bycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! This was such a ride. It took a minute for me to get into the story, but once I did I was lost. I hate how much hate there was and still is for different races, I know the times were different back during the Vietnam war, but we still see it today. I could feel through the story that Rex had regrets from him time in the war, and the things he did, especially when it concerns Dung. Meeting each other again years later in Biloxi but never speaking to each other, I just know they left many things unsaid between them. If Rex maybe had been a more attentive father, Jake and Pigeon may not have ended up the way they did. My mind was blown at finding out what they do, and then also in the end when Jake is being chased. I can’t say I feel bad for how him and Pigeon end up, karma sucks, and that’s what you get and all that. Dung did not deserve anything that happened to him, and his family didn’t deserve the months of grieving trying to figure out how he passed. Excellent read!
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Order of Vespers by Elyse Reyes is a very unique book. The story was original and something I haven’t heard before, so I was definitely into it.
Jasper Andrews is the main character, and she can’t seem to catch a break. The poor girl deals with one crisis after another, due to the special powers she has. She has this special ability with fire and at first, I think she’s a little off but, because of her powers she has a “friend” that talks to her. Jasper is told she is going to be sent away from her family. Once separated from her family she is on the run from the police for a few days, as she kind of blew up the police station where she was being held as a suspected murderer.
While on the run she is caught by people who claim they can help her, and they are just like her. There she finds out she is part of an organization called Order of Vespers and they she will be the one responsible to save humankind.
Jasper tries to adapt to the turn her life has taken and makes a group of people that she can finally call friends in her hectic lonely life. Mikael is the one she is closest to because he has the same power as her and Jordy, who shows her defensive moves and how to control her anger so her power isn’t released unnecessarily.
Soon it feels like everyone is conspiring against Jasper in a weird turn of events that gets her almost killed. She comes to find out their compound is under attack and she realizes it is now up to her to save everyone she has come to care about.
This book is very fantastic with the characters and their special powers, and the storyline. I was drawn in instantly and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I hope there will be another installment by this author, and I give this book 5 stars! This book seems geared more toward YA readers but as an adult I fell for this book!
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to Jude’s story, and I was not disappointed. Set within the Freemasons world, each book is about a different member, and so can be read as a standalone story, however, I would personally recommend reading them in order to get a better understanding of each characters backstory. Jude is a former SAS operative who has dedicated his time to finding his sister, Renee who went missing. That included putting his dating life on hold, even though the chemistry between him and Sienna is undeniable. When Jude and his friends finally get a lead on Renee, it means using Sienna as bait. Sienna Townsend perfected the art of changing both her appearance and personality whilst in the military.
She now needs to use all her skills to save Renee and help Jude, who she’s also falling for. When those who were fooled by Sienna attempt to get revenge and put her life in danger, it’s time for Jude to use his warrior instincts to keep her safe. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages late into the night, as I couldn’t put the book down. I was yet again immersed in the Freemasons world though the descriptive narrative, which brought both the setting and characters to life. The chemistry between Jude and Sienna sizzled off the page and I was hoping they would get their HEA. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book four.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was very entertaining. I could not put it down once I started. The author kept me wanting more and more with each page turn. The characters were developed beautifully. All the elements that were in this book made it unforgettable. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Now, I’m not one to usually enjoy mystery and intrigue style stories, but this one caught me with the first sentence:
“Dead bodies interrupted my dessert course.”
The one who uttered that sentence is the star of this book; a scintillating and headstrong woman by the name of Elinor. Her job as a Medium gets her in some interesting situations, and this time, she’s dealing with matters with the royalty.
I’m excited to continue reading these books, and see where Elinor Chalamet goes!
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent Book! Great characters and story line which made for an entertaining read. This is a fast read and you will be invested from the start. Great start to a new series, looking forward to reading more. Recommend for those who like thriller and mystery stories.
