Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Necrosis is a zombie world after an apocalyptic virus. Amy and her daughter, Lila, are trying their best to survive this new and terrifying world. Great characters, excellent story. C.L. Schneider pulls me in everytime.
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book from Lynda Filler and I absolutely love it. She pours her whole heart and soul onto every page. I guarantee I will be picking up not only other memoirs of hers, but also the fiction books she spoke about!
Lynda starts with a brief history of her life as a military brat and how it gave her a lifelong philosophy of starting over when things get tough. She touches on her work life and the serendipitous decision to retire. Lynda goes over the physical effects of her anxiety and other emotions which I think go overlooked more often than not. She is heart-wrenchingly honest about her endeavors and experiences. I feel like I know her so well after just one book!
I am not typically a fan of memoirs in general, but Lynda’s writing has a way of reeling you in and making you feel like family. Her positivity throughout is just contagious. I highly recommend this book!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ You’re New Favorite Horror ~
This author is one of my all time favorites, after picking up her Nite Fire series last year, I just absolutely love the story-telling, world building, and relationship dramas. Necrosis is no exception. I wasn’t expecting to find a horror, post-apocalyptic read, but when I saw the book suggestion come up I of course immediately picked it up. SO LOVED THIS!!!
The reader is immediately thrown into an emotional state, calling on relational ties. The bond between Amy and her daughter is made so real, it’s hard to not find yourself right there with them feeling empathy for their struggles to survive. So much happens so fast, I feel like I will want to go back and re-read this, as there is such a splendid amount of detail. My favorite part of this is that when mobs come up, the drama carries you through the thrills so fast, you almost feel like you are right there with them out of breath and emotionally charged.
There is a wealth of metaphors for a person’s own reality, which I greatly appreciated. All in all this is a separate genre I feel, from what I normally pick up from the author, and loved it. Which is so exciting. Thank you so much for this zombie horror story, it is super spook and gave me all the feels. My only question is, do we get more?!
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ava Ramos thinks she knows everything there is to her city of New York, until a rival shows up and turns everything she knows upside down. Twists and turns, and even a few curve balls here and there. This thrilling mystery has you thinking you have it figured out until another twist comes and throws you off center. This story was extremely well balanced, and the character development well paced. I enjoyed reading about Ava’s adventures with her crew and getting to know New York City through her eyes. I cant wait to see what book two brings to the table and what Ava’s crew goes through next!
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book for SURE takes me back to my Wattpad days. It’s a gorgeous enemies to lovers book, which is my favorite. It is a tad on the taboo side, but honestly so were 90% of the One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer fanfics that were running rampant all over the internet in the mid 2010s. I love it. I’m not a sports person, but such a sucker for the sporty dude and quiet girl romances. I wasn’t even half way through the book when I already knew I’d be obsessed with it. I definitely recommend!
View all my reviews
Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun quick read continuing the mysteries that Emma enjoys solving. Who doesn’t love a Christmas haunted house and the looming who done it. This mystery focused primarily on the one mystery that Ethan, Emma’s coworker at the law firm, brought to her. Was his dad murdered by a ghost, did he really commit, or was there something more sinister. Although this was just a shirt book, it continued to show Emma’s growth as she encounters her own demons.
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Though this isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author, I wasn’t too sure what I’d see when I first began to read Necrosis but I had high expectations. Of course, my expectations were met and quickly surpassed. As a person who adores the spooky aspect of fall, I feel like this gave a perfect start to the season! We’re brought into this apocalyptic world with a bang and follow mother Amy on a mission to keep her child safe in a world turned upside down. As with any zombie-outbreak story, there are tough decisions, devastating truths, and a minefield of terror threaded throughout. Even so, the love and bond that only a mother can know is strong and keeps the worst of the darkness at bay, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see what C.L. Schneider comes up with next!
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love when authors incorporate lots of different magical entities to their novels, and prove that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to the decision on who you’re going to write about and in which realm, ensuring that they don’t cross over. I do believe that this author did a wonderful job ensuring the reader knew what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses were, and that isn’t always easy to do. I did find it a little hard to get into at first, but perhaps the intentionally character development and the world building was at fault for this. I have been reading series, so it’s been a while since I have indulged in a ‘pilot’ novel.
I found myself heavily rooting for Ava, who is a fiercely independent woman who runs the Black Cauldron Detective Agency with her nearest and dearest, and is far more sure of herself than she lets on a lot of the time. It’s important to know who has your back when times get tough, and the connections Ava shares with the majority of the main characters in this wonderful start to the series is addictive. I really cannot wait to dive into the next installment, Scorching Magik, when it becomes available. Well done, definitely an author to watch(read!)
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Venice, a beautiful city and a trip that anyone would want to take. After a head injury, Nick and his wife, Julia still embark to the city that they have always wanted to visit. Things start to get a little weird after they see the painting “Paradise.” Nick swears he hears a voice in the painting, Julia thinks he is hallucinating. Nick believes that he is living another life right now and that his past life needs to be fixed. Will Nick be able to rescue his long lost love and return to life he knows now or will he lose his current love?
This book was action and romance all in one. What a wonderfully written book that draws you right in, pun intended. 😊
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kimberly does it again with Christmas and hauntings in her Notebook Mysteries YA, historical saga. Even though there is murder it is a fun Christmas tale bringing Emma and her band of super sleuths together once again. Make sure you read the books in order as they follow on from each other.
Haunted Christmas is a short novella but imagine all the trimmings of Christmas set in the 1880’s in Chicago.
Evan has asked Emma for help. He doesn’t believe the ruling the police have handed down. As they embark on this new adventure and come across danger, they finally reveal the real truth and lies.
Notebook Mysteries is a for those who love a good mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author and I look forward to exploring more of her Postscript Island series! The novel was well written and an immersive world where you feel you belong. This is a book you can pick up and lose yourself. I am all for slow romance lines, but a slow-stirring plot was a minor drawback for me. The story follows 2 first-time loves, Weston and Marissa, and how they are reintroduced to each other after several years of a part with a dramatic break. Of course, there are a lot of words unsaid between the two of them, and their hometown of Postscript is oblivious, even though it might have been Marissa’s doing. They come together to explore the intrigue surrounding the island’s citizens and their possessions. Then upon further investigation, things go from curious to downright dangerous, not just for our two main characters, but others as well! Along the way they have the ability to reconnect, but will Weston’s overprotective nature and the intrigue ruin it for Marissa’s strong independent nature and protective focus for Postscripts citizens stand in the way? Read the book and escape to Postscript Island!!
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Christmas time does not stop ghosts nor death. Emma decides to look into a death that has been ruled a suicide by the police. Emma’s own life may be in danger as more bodies begin to stack up. This fast paced novella was a great addition to the Notebook Mysteries series.
Blood Sector by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, it is not usually a book that I would read but I took a chance. I enjoyed the story and the characters, each character had so many layers and were so good together. the cover also made me want to read this book because the couple looked great but the backround intrigued me and made me want to open the book. Once I was in the book the story took over.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas is a short novella part of the Notebook Mysteries series. If you need a bit of Christmas mood but want a good mystery, this is the novella for you. Emma is back at it trying to help Evan answer questions about his father’s death and a bit of a haunting.
I have read several books in this series (not necessarily in order) and have enjoyed the characters and the stories. The snowy weather and historical references to A Christmas Carol are set in Chicago. Everything combined creates a fun read. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series.
Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Post apocalyptic adventure awaits in this page turner of a novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and simply couldn’t put it down. If you are like me and find yourself glued to stories and simply can’t turn off the lights and go to sleep I recommend not reading this on a school or work night. I literally didn’t sleep and went to work still thinking about this story. The characters development and the strength of the storyline really adds up to an amazing fantastical tale that has you wanting more. A brilliant read for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure!
Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gathering of the Four is a very diverse book. I’m here for the LgBTQ moments!
This story is set thousands of years from now in post apocalyptic America. The way the author writes has had me hypnotized and drawn into the book. The world building is phenomenal, and I love the little Easter eggs throughout the book.
There are some “fresh” scenes in the story, meaning spicy!
The use of magic and technology has me super geeked out! Obviously I have to read the next book!
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whew, this is Dex’s version of the paranormal mystery series of the Vigilants. This is one series that you want to read in order. Dex is in it deep in this one. With the help of some new and some old friends, he ends up on an adventure to find answers. Mystery, drama, and the paranormal make for one of the best YA paranormal series you’ll find out there. I picture it as a contemporary take on the battle for good and evil. Even as an adult, I eagerly wait for each new book this author puts out. Her writing is fresh, new and relevant. The characters all have personalities that are relatable. The athletes, though paranormal, sound like some of the jocks I knew in high school. Go ahead, you know you want to read this one. Click that button.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a big fan of the heroine of this story, Emma, the intrepid young detective, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this YA cozy mystery series. I was looking forward to this story which has a festive feel, as it’s set at Christmas time, and the storyline has more than one Charles Dickens reference in it. Emma is looking forward to the Christmas parties with her friends and family, the baking has been done and she’s about to decorate the tree, when a simple delivery reveals a deadly stranger. Emma’s Christmas plans change dramatically as she has another adventure to go on and a mystery to solve, using all her skills. However, when a friend of Emma’s asks for her help in investigating a reported haunted mansion, things become more complicated, and slightly spooky. Rattling chains, secret doors and possible spirits, all add to the Dickens feel to this fairly short but action packed story. Once again I was hooked by Emma’s adventures, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline, as though I was there alongside her as she investigated her latest mystery. I look forward to catching up with Emma and her friends again soon.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very good story. Our FMC finds herself in a mansion and new school where the MMC is less than pleased. What set this apart was that while there was catty girls it wasn’t OTT. While Beckekett was a jerk, he wasn’t impossibly so. He also didn’t “run the school” like other male leads have done in other books.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soooo I have step siblings. I don’t like to use the word “step” because to me they’re just my siblings. That being said I was very curious as to how this book would make me feel seeing as I could never look at one of my siblings as anything but my sibling…BUT…no lie it was a great story.
I liked that they were from different social groups. Beckett is rich, popular, good looking quarter back of the football team. Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him. Greer is not poor but doesn’t come from money, quiet, not popular, pretty but a “no one really sees her” kinda girl.
I enjoyed the tension between the 2 of them. They both had internal battles about their relationship. They don’t really like the other person but can’t help this magnetic pull towards each other.
There is also some drama/danger there that makes the story a little more interesting and helps bring the couple closer together.
I think there was some really good supporting characters in the story as well. I really enjoyed how the football team started to treat Greer like a little sister.
All in all I really enjoyed the story. I think it’s one of those stories that would make a great lifetime or hallmark movie.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderfully written story, inspired by the true story of a ‘wise woman’, skilled in healing who was accused of witchcraft in the early 20th century, in the Forest of Dean, where the author lives. This engaging story focuses on a farmer’s daughter, Hester, who dreams of more, as she envies the freedom of the river nymphs and hears Sabrina’s whispers of “Be wise, be strong”. Hester believes that the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina wants her to do, and this is reinforced when she meets a man powerful in herbal lore, Aaron. However her mother scorns her daughters dreams and ambitions as ‘witchery’, and orders Hester to find a husband and settle down.
Hester flees to Aaron but is surprised when he too insists that she should marry and be like ‘ordinary’ folk. Hester is a strong, independent and determined heroine and she fights for her dreams. Meanwhile, Aaron has to reconcile his past if he’s to accept the future, and the river will either help or hinder them both. This is a captivating story which had me hooked all the way through. The detailed descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me gripped, and I found myself reading late into the night, as I could not put this book down. The characters are so well defined, I felt like I was there alongside them, and I was left thinking about Hester, long after I had closed the book.
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
These are cute and very “interesting” stories for kids. They follow two dinosaurs, who get into highly dangerous situations, but use the power of friendship and their thinking caps to keep one another safe from harm. The stories are definitely unique but gave me a chuckle. 4/5 for me.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good story! It was fast paced and quick, and I enjoyed this as it was a very quick read. Enough mystery and suspense to hold you, while also being slightly light hearted because of the Christmas theme of the book. I enjoyed the aspect of A Christmas Carol that was used throughout, and I will admit that the end was fairly shocking and I was wrong about the suspects. I would also love to use the recipes that were included at the end of the book sometime!
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was hooked from the beginning. Action packed with a mystery story and captivating characters. From the moment I pick it up I couldn’t put it down.
Necrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am always fascinated by books like this. It was a quick read and had a lot of good action in it. I usually do not like zombies but I didn’t mind the idea of them in this read. The female lead was good and I found the story enjoyable.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I typically lean away from blind date books but this was so clever! A wonderful surprise! Jake is a genuine person who craves a partner. You fall in love with him. Meanwhile our heroine, is opposed to men with money. However, she doesn’t know if she wants to resist him. I wouldn’t either!
Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic book. This story pulls you in right from page one and doesn’t let go at all. the book is exciting and fast paced, taking you on a journey. A sci-fi book set in the future, the author does a great job of creating a post-apocalyptic world. It was easy to imagine and vivid in the description.
I loved the blend of characters used as well. They all worked in their context and created a book with depth. This is a fantastic story and I can’t wait for book 2.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is just another great book that is part of this series. I loved the fact that this one was set at Christmas time, I thought it had a real festive feel to it. The book was exciting and action packed, with so much going on for a novella.
Each book added to this series just strengthens it overall. I love the writing style and I find it so easy to engage with the characters time and again. This is a great book that is worth the read.
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Cozy mystery with a cat café? Sign me up!
Ellie Warren is the owner of Kitty Beret Café, a cat café with hopes of getting the kittens adopted.
When an older woman visits the café, sprouting how much she hates cats, Ellie is shocked. She is even more shocked when the same lady is found dead behind the shop. Could the cats have killed her?
It has been a while since I read a cozy mystery. For past few weeks haven’t been the best so being able to lose myself in a novel is a pleasure in life that doesn’t happen as much as it used to.
It has a predictable plot with a romance that I see a mile away. Which adds even more charm to it. It’s a fun read. Dressing up the cats in costumes was a bit annoying. Cute I’m sure, by annoying because of course cats aren’t much of a fan.
I wonder how many novels this will be. I look forward to the next Ellie adventure.
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ellie Warren returns for the second novel of the series.
She is still owner of the Kitty Beret Café where she still dresses up the cats in cute costumes to help them get adopted (I am not sure if that is helping or not).
When she is approached to host a cat show, Ellie is unsure. Because the show is for rescued cats, she agrees. What was suppose to be a fun performance, becomes more deadly when one of the judges is murdered.
With the help of her cat Templeton and Detective Dare, Ellie once again gets swept up in the investigation and wants to find the killer.
What I love about cozy mysteries is that there are so many different directions to go and various paths to setup the plot as well as the murder. I find this one to be very creative.
I enjoy the characters and the setting of a cat cafe (which I really need to go visit one). At Least this gives me a glimpse of what a cat cafe would be like.
I searched online to see if there was another book to look forward to but sadly I didn’t see anything. I really hope so.
