Euphoric Wonderland By Ryan M. Becker-Review by Caitlin Weiss

/0 Comments/in /by

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Euphoric Wonderland is a great collection of poems about the author’s personal life, the power of music and other things. I enjoyed the poems about his love for the Beatles, the one where music has helped his life, the one that talks about different guitars and the last poem in the collection. I love that he put “music’s finding the beat that only you can hear” in one of the poems. That is such a great powerful line about how music affects everyone in different ways. Ryan Becker has come up with unique verses about his struggles and his musical interests that help readers relate to everyday life. The pop culture references in the poems are great (crazy train, Yesterday etc). Euphoric Wonderland is for music lovers and people that love the Beatles.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries – Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma is back with another mystery to solve and it is coming up to Christmas time and Emma is busy with last minute deliveries for one job and putting more hours in at the family bakery to help out with the festive orders. The weather is turning and it is bitingly cold, especially when the snow starts to fall and this makes it a lot harder for Emma to go out on her bicycle.

One one of her office days, someone asks her for a favour, when they have reports that their relatives house is haunted and it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince people to stay there. Meanwhile, while making one delivery, Emma has a deadly encounter and Emma becomes embroiled in another more hazardous than ever before.

While all the action is happening, Emma and her family are trying to plan their own festivities, meals, treats as well as time for decorating the house, so this takes Emma’s mind of the things that she can’t control, but will they be able to solve these two mysteries before anyone else gets hurt? This is another thrilling chase through the streets of 1890’s Chicago by a female detective, as she unveils the clues and solves a mystery which Charles Dickens himself would be proud of.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear. I loved this series so much. Its full of drama, romance and mystery set in Hawaii in the late 1960’s about a dried up actress who is still struggling to let go of her old life. Try Right is the first book and it was good. Its about Claudia who is a older actress which the only part she can get is a bit part in a tv series set in Hawaii. She has ulterior motives for taking the part. Try Me is the second book in the series and its about Peggy, the older actress’s daughter. Pearl doesn’t want to be an actress she wants to be a professional surfer. Throw in some romance and you have a great read. Try Easy is the 3rd book in the series and it was my favorite. Try Right is a second chance romance story about Mary Lou Hunter who is a photographer. Hawaii is every photographers dream. Keoni Makai is a famous surfer and he and Mary Lou hit it off chemistry wise. He’s also a great subject to photograph. These 3 books throw you in the middle of Hawaii and they are about finding yourself, changing your identity and falling in love. Amazing box set.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jamie Truex

/0 Comments/in /by

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries series. It begins the series with Emma’s start as a young amateur sleuth. Her mother was tragically lost in the 1871 fire in Chicago, where she ran the family bakery. Her family continued to run it after they rebuilt. But Emma wants to do more exciting things with her life. This book has great character development. It was also a fun read. I loved having recipes that I can make at home. I can’t wait to read the next book!

View all my reviews

Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker. I was a little hesitant of this book because poetry is not my favorite but I ended up really enjoying it. It being a memoir of sorts, the author really left his heart and soul on the pages. Poetry is very thought, emotion and heart provoking and this collection was no different. Some will make you think, some will make you cry and other will make you question your own existence in this crazy world. This book is best read and may be even reread so that you can really delve into the meaning to these poems. Some may touch you and others you may not relate to at all but I highly recommend giving it a shot. You might just learn something.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins. l have loved this series and this book was no different. Its the continuing story of Emma who is well known for her skill in solving crimes. Evan has asked Emma if she will help solve the death of his father. He knows there is more to the story than what he’s being told. Now the timeline in this story is 1880’s Christmas in Chicago and with this author’s writing I felt like I was there, freezing and celebrating. This story is full of young Emma and her friends as they go to Haunted Houses and try to solve the death of Evan’s dad. Its a young adult quick read about friendship, crime, solving cases and maybe even murder. I do recommend reading the 1st books to get to know all the characters. I feel it makes the story so much more enjoyable.

View all my reviews

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Ana Evelyn

/0 Comments/in /by

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hot 🥵, spicy, sweet, steamy, action packed, suspenseful, and thrilling would be words to describe this one! From the first few sentences it grabbed my attention and I was hooked by the first chapter. Some very delightful twists and spin offs then your average romance / spicy novel. Will keep you coming back for more and wanting more! Great chemistry between all characters, and plot moves that keep you on your toes!

View all my reviews

Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Maria Colon

/0 Comments/in /by

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I give this book 3.5 stars. I loved the story but felt the end was rushed. The character development was great. The story lets you get an inside look at how mean kids can be to new kids, be possessive about things or people they think they have a claim to and how you can find friendship in the most uncommon people. I always enjoy a good enemies to lovers trope mixed with the stepbrother by marriage.

View all my reviews

Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Wendy Wary

/0 Comments/in /by

Destiny's Daughter: It was the best of times.Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First off, I commend the author for putting her innermost thoughts out into the world. I feel like the elderly are oftentimes overlooked in society and they have great wisdom and experiences to share and they’ve lived through bizarrely fast changes to the world around us. This author is no different in imparting her wisdom and lots of information about the world in which we live. I found her to be inspiring to love oneself and take care of one’s health, and I enjoyed reading about her insights to the life of an aging woman living an unconventional life.

The book is more of a stream of consciousness during her period of writing, and was easy to read. My only criticism, and the reason for less than 4 stars, is the repetition of information throughout the book – her need to keep referencing her other published books numerous times, her heart issue she was cured from, and her decision to leave her home on a nomadic journey with no destination in mind. After so many times reading about it, I kind of felt like, yeah, I get it. Although, again, because of the way it’s written and that these things are pretty fantastic and obviously big deals to the author, I can kind of empathize with her bringing it up so often.

View all my reviews

Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Each book in this series seems to get better and better. I found it so easy to slip straight back into this world, as if I had just carried on reading. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order as each book is a continuation and you would miss out on a lot of details.
I love the way the author is building up these stories over the course of the series. It feels like she is building toward something and I can’t wait to see what that could be. I enjoy these characters each time I read about them. I feel like, with each book, we get pulled more and more into their journey. This is another great addition to this series and I can’t wait to see what is next.

View all my reviews

The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good enemies to lovers romance, with two characters that have a great chemistry between them. This is quite a short book, making it pretty easy to read. It doesn’t take long to get into the story and it the steady flow carries you along. For me this book was all about the characters. They had a great chemistry right from the start and I found the two of them to be entertaining.
I think the story itself would have benefited from a bit more detail, however I still found it to be enjoyable. This is a great book for one of those lazy, reading afternoons.

View all my reviews

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Callie LaMarche

/0 Comments/in /by

Unearthly MagikUnearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes had a great premise and interesting characters. I truly wanted to love this book but I think it may be too trendy for me. Ava, the main character, is a kick ass magical detective with powers that remind me of poison ivy (earth magic and controls plants). There is the mix of magic with ordinaries going about their business like normal. The setup is great and Ava’s personality shines thru on every page with the little details sprinkled throughout. It is an enjoyable read and recommend to those who are in their teens or young adults.

Review by @callielamarche

View all my reviews

From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Anastasia Dodson

/0 Comments/in /by

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was such a good one! It was a dark and Suspenseful YA that pulled me in from page one. I didn’t want to put this one down. Such a good start as a debut novel and I will be looking for more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I Loved You Yesterday is a really sweet story about second chances. It’s full of guilt, drunken bad decisions, love and friendship. Josh is a total push over who should have more respect for himself… but he is also very loving and forgiving which was sweet. The reason Mavis left was not much of a shock, I saw it coming. However, I didn’t expect all the other stuff that came AFTER her leaving. The end of the epilogue, I also kind of expected and secretly hoped for… maybe Austin will take that position at the Chicago office after all. I want a story about Lauren and Mitch too, here’s to hoping! Although the book was much of what I expected, I still really enjoyed it. It is a sweet book, full of some shock, and I recommend it to those who enjoy romantic novels.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Karen Pearman

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a fan of the Notebook Mysteries series, I was very excited to have a Christmas book included to read. I highly enjoyed it. You can’t go wrong with a holiday book including a mystery in my opinion. As with all the previous stories in this series, the author did an amazing job pulling you into the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. I personally loved that this book was set in Chicago as that is one of my favorite US cities, and I could see the city in the 1800’s based on the awesome description of the city at that time. I would love to have another mystery set in this city at during the same time frame. Highly enjoyable and recommended.

View all my reviews

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Vanessa Estrada

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice, short read. It went by pretty quickly and there wasn’t really any conflict in the book. The romance was fast-paced as well. The main character cared way too much about what others think. The male main character fell in love so fast it was almost comical. I really loved the idea of the blind date restaurant, it was a very unique idea.

 

View all my reviews

River Witch by Cheryl Burman- Review by Michaela Massie

/0 Comments/in /by

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

River Witch is a beautiful tale of magic and intrigue with a more mature writing style than a lot of the fantasy books I’ve found. The story follows the life of a girl named Hester, who has always been different, as she has always heard the voices of the river goddess and the water nymphs. She was brought up hearing stories about her paternal great grandmother, who was a wise woman, and has always dreamed to follow in her footsteps, and be able to help the people around her and save the ill, much to her mother’s dismay.  By chance, she meets a man named Aaron, who was taught by a wise woman, and thus their story begins. From complete strangers, to teacher and student, to friends, and finally to lovers, this book is their story with all the twists and turns and magic you can dream of.

View all my reviews

Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Stephanie Nicole

/0 Comments/in /by

Destiny's Daughter: It was the best of times.Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was a great inspirational read. It was thought provoking, inspirational, and full of adventures, excitement and more. This is personally not a genre I normally enjoy but this one really blew me out of the water. While there were certain aspects that I struggled with I was inspired by all of our authors hard work to get to this point in her life. So whether you like memoirs or your looking to try one out, make sure to pick this one up today.

View all my reviews

A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Juls Dick

/0 Comments/in /by

A Love RestrainedA Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense thriller that is hard to put down. Jayson and Kylee should have been high school sweethearts but Jayson’s family situation stopped that from happening. Fast forward a few years and the pair apparently find themselves on opposite sides of the legal system but unable to stay away. When a threat tears them apart, it is a shock for both of them when they meet again and things are not the same as they were. This was a fast paced book, split into three distinct parts. I was a bit skeptical when I first started it but quickly found that I really liked the characters and the storyline was fast paced and an engaging read. I really enjoyed this story.

View all my reviews

Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by stephanie Nicole

/0 Comments/in /by

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I personally really loved this semi-sweet romance. However there were a few editing issues which kind of pulled me out of the story as I was reading. But all in all it was a great story, full of romance, family, intrigue, suspense and more that it kept me interested through the story. The characters were great and you definitely felt the high school dynamic through the story. While this book was on the longer side there is definitely enough to keep you interested through the story as a whole.

View all my reviews

Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Lorrene Huisman

/0 Comments/in /by

Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author for all they create and write, I have been reading books by them for quite some time now. This book installment in this specific series, was one I could not wait for! It was very much worth the wait!

I loved the first one with the paranormal aurora, the characters, and everything to do with the academy! This one I loved just as much. It was so awesome reading about MaKayla again and her friends, with studies and games to participate in, as well, as something less than kind is lurking in the academy walls. The book gave a lot of action, suspense, as well as intrigue. I couldn’t put this down, I was constantly wanting to know what would follow! I have always admired this author’s writing style, and how they bring the story to life. No confusion, everything makes sense and comes together well! Great installment to the series! Loved it!

Great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see what will happen next! This series as well as author, does not disappoint! Very much recommend this book, series, and author! Must read on all accounts!

View all my reviews

Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the Vigilant Series. I would highly recommend reading these books in order so you get the full understanding of the characters and the story. You definately need to read Unbreakable Darkness which is the book before this one and the start of Dex story.
After find out in the previous book that his whole life is a lie he now has to fight to find a way to escape the people who don’t want him free and to live life on his own terms.
Along the way he will face life changing dangers and discover some things he never knew. With friends old and new showing up it becomes hard for Dex to know who he can trust and who is going to be against him.
This story is full of mystery, danger and feelings of teenage angst that keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The way the author leaves the story sets it up perfectly for the next book and I can’t wait to read it.

View all my reviews

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

/0 Comments/in /by

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I gave this 3 stars because this reminded me of Cinderalla getting picked at by her evil stepmom and her step sisters. The only difference here is a girl named Ashley trying to live a normal at High School without drawing too much attention to herself who later ends up helping prince charming Harry, who has to go to this school to get his life straight but ends up needing help to hide who he is and from people telling what to do. Both Ashely and Harry change their whole life around, is love worth it for them, or do they have to be told what to do?
Other than that it has some twisted parts and an interesting point of view of how Ashley shows her strong side in life.

View all my reviews

I Loved You Yesterday, Trading Heartbeats Trilogy, Julie Navickas, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance by Michelle Troyer

/0 Comments/in /by

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joshua and Mavis had their whole life ahead of them. Joshua was heading to college, and now Mavis has a secret that she needs to keep hidden to protect Joshua. She confides in Austin, Joshua’s brother, and things start to get interesting. Ten years has passed and now Joshua needs to find Mavis, who is and always has been, the love of his life. When Joshua finds Mavis, the reason she left is revealed, but she has yet another secret to hide. Can Joshua and Mavis live happily ever after?

This is such a good book that I could not put it down. The story flows well together. There is love, excitement and secrets! I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

View all my reviews

Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Rayne East

/0 Comments/in /by

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Totally great!
Battling Beckett is a contemporary step-brother romance told that runs the high school ‘enemy to lover’ line. Beckett is an interesting character – one that I went through a lot of feelings over – he was not a very nice person. Greer was so strong and went through so much. This was an easy read but I feel that this would have been even better being told in first person and multiple POV allowing for a deeper connection and understanding of the motivations behind the characters. Light on steam and romance but still for mature readers.

View all my reviews

Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book #1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Angela Hayes

/0 Comments/in /by

Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga #1)Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett. I was excited to begin this adventure, as it ticked all the ingredients I love to find in a great sci-fi fantasy, but as it is the first book that I have read from this author I didn’t really know if she could deliver on the promise held in the synopsis. I needn’t have worried though, as she exceeded all my expectations, and then some.
This is a complex, multi-layered, and cleverly woven story set in the distant future in a dystopian world. The adventure takes us on an action-packed ride with plenty of twists and turns, superb world-building, violence, spice, magic, friendship, family, and much more.
We experience the story through several points of view, which really adds an extra element of interest to the whole storyline. I loved how original and unique this story is and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Bring on Book #2!!!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, A.E. Bennett!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Angela Hayes

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas is the latest instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. A fun holiday historical cozy mystery, with a Christmas backdrop, and plenty of interesting developments, danger, drama, friendship, clue gathering, crime & investigation, action, adventure, suspense, and some ghostly goings-on.
This can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything from the rest of the series… But having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous book/s before starting on this one, as knowing what happened in those books will definitely give you a better appreciation of everything.
With Christmas fast approaching, Emma is caught up in all the fun and preparations for the holidays. But crime doesn’t take time off- and Emma is soon thrust into another mystery that will test her investigative skills.
A fun read!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Brandy Vaughn

/0 Comments/in /by

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise is a love story that crosses space and time, combining art and history, and a refreshing unique plot. There are vivid descriptions of Venice that pull you into the story as if you were there. At the beginning I was thrown by the dual timeline, and play-by-play action scenes, but as the story progessed I found myself drawn to the mystery surrounding the characters and the painting. The plot builds as Nick and Julia uncover age old secrets. The end leaves you wanting to know more. I’m sure book two will be just as good!

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Lauren West

/0 Comments/in /by

The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet novella with a city girl and a hot cowboy! I love this author and the way she transports us into her world with her characters each book.
Jules and Mitchel were opposites attract in the best way. This book gave steamy chemistry, charm, humor, love, and the message of love where you least expect it. I liked the push and pull with Jules and Mitchel and watching them come together pushing down obstacles. Short but sweet and definitely a book to read again.

View all my review

Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5/5 stars
This book is my first read by the author and it was okay. The characters seemed older than they were, but that could be because they were wealthy. The storyline had a solid idea, I just don’t think it was executed well. The book was very predictable and I could tell what was going to happen next consistently. The parent’s reaction seemed unrealistic but it helped keep the main idea of the book flowing.

View all my reviews