Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elle is an orphan until one day she discovers that she’s not. Elle is actually a princess. Throw in Locan, a spaceship and some aliens and you’ve got yourself an adventure. Great book, really enjoyed it.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Rivals is the seventh amazing book in the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. Again, another fantastic instalment in this stellar series- which I have said with every book that has released, but it’s true- the series just gets better and better with each new instalment, and now I am hard-pressed to choose a favourite from amongst them all because they are all so brilliant!
IAs with the rest of the series, this is a fantastic mafia romance- a romantic suspense, with an enemies to lovers element, plenty of action, danger, drama, intrigue, mafia politics, chemistry, passion, steam, tension, emotion, hidden agendas, dramatic developments, and so much more.
This is Mia and Nico’s story- and wow, you’d better buckle yourself in for this one. When Mia needs help, she turns to Nico for help… Nico is intrigued, but she’s the enemy. With far more than their hearts at stake, and you know what they say about ‘no good deed goes unpunished’- so what happens here makes for quite a riveting read.
You won’t want to miss this exciting story… but be prepared to develop a taste for Ms. McKinley’s stories. One book won’t be enough.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Amy McKinley!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From word one, I was stuck into this story, needing to know everything! Joel’s mental state and the protectiveness he felt from the very beginning to the other side of the coin in the more recent years of the story drew me in. I wanted to know the truth of what happened in 1932 and what happened to lead Joel to where he was in 1991 when Garrison first comes to him chasing answers. The alternating points of view and differing points in time that the story is told are fascinating, and it’s such an amazing way to share this story. If you enjoy mysteries with an emphasis on family secrets and the relationships those same secrets can change through existence, this is definitely the read for you!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic read! I literally couldn’t put it down, I read it in one sitting. I was in from the first page. I fell in love with the characters. Katie and Chase and Timmy. Beautifully written. Wished it was longer.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t want this to be the end….. Rivals was right up there with the rest of the mafia elite series, I loved them all! I guess now it’s time to start over. If you’ve read them, get this book right now and read it. If you have to go get book one and begin it now, I’ll see you again when you’re done book 6. lol This book, just like the rest, is well written with wonderful characters.
Now let’s start with the characters of book 7, Mia and Nico. Coming from rival families they aren’t exactly friends. Mia comes to Nico with a preposition Nico can’t refuse. Marriage and protection, in exchange Mia marriage and protection, but in exchange Mia will give up info to save women and be kidnapped in a trafficking production. That they will tear down and destroy
Will they let her sacrifice herself?
What about Nico and Mia, what will happen between them?
So many questions but reading this book I had all the answers.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jennifer Raines takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions in Taylor’s Law. The story follows Ella’s journey if loss, love, and grief as she tries to keep custody of her deceased sisters daughter. We see Ella’s passion and love for her niece, Tessa, throughout the story even as Ella’s head is turned by the handsome, pirate-ish lawyer Jake. The love story isn’t written by Hallmark but is still worth the read. The lies, secrets, and unspoken truths will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end! Enjoy!
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this seventh book in the series, Mia, a daughter from the New York mafia, escapes her father and seeks out Nico’s help. Nico, a member of the Chicago mafia, is enemies with Mia’s family and he suspects she is trying to infiltrate them. However, Mia is earnest and asks for a marriage to prove herself trustworthy. Mia’s father, however, is not happy with the marriage.
Opinion
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, if you like mafia romances, this series is a must. How Amy McKinley is able to come up with new plots for each subsequent book is beyond me. This book was straight out fabulous. Full of stubborn, strong characters, the clashes could almost be (fictional) comical if lives weren’t at stake. The twist at the end was shocking and satisfying.
The best part is that there is another book coming soon. This book will focus on the New York mafia that was tied to Mia.
Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an engaging and ultimately heartwarming story! I really enjoyed the authors development of the characters and story.
For me, the characters and setting made this story. The small town, hardworking community that bands together and help one another is heartwarming, even in the midst of tragedies, trials, and tribulations. I was expecting relationships and romance, but wasn’t expecting the twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to additional stories from this author!
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot get enough of this series!!! This book of Nico and Mia is fantastic fantastic fantastic!! I recommend reading this series in order as the “families” continue to be part of each book each character continues to evolve.
Mia…wow….she is tough as nails but what she endured…my heart truly broke in a million pieces between her father using her as a pawn and her step brother Ricco, whom I totally despised. When enough was enough, is bravely flees away from her family. Mia know how bad it is, especially her step brother Ricco. Mia has a purpose…take down her own family.
Nico is quiet, loyal and fierce. He will do everything to protect the “families” no matter what. When Mia seeks NIco out with a proposal….this is where it gets interesting. Mia wants protection from none other than NIco…but what is the cost? Family secrets, bartering..will Nico break down his own walls and protect Mia and help her?
This series of books is just fantastic and I cannot get enough. The characters, story line..all of it really grabbed me from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed Nico and Mia’s story that really captured me from page 1……intrigue, deceit, trust but the spark and sizzle that goes along with Nico and Mia was perfect!
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say about this book other than I’m sad the series is coming to a end but with a great final book. Nico thinks he is getting away where no one can find him, Mia has other plans. It is time to merge the Chicago and New York mafia families. The final book brings everything full circle as Nico, the final brother finds love in unexpected places. Mia learns what family is really like and that there those that she can trust. I love that this book brought the right amount of needed vindication and love. Another book in the series that will keep you guessing and wondering what will come next. Wonderful end to the series.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved every minute of reading this book! I was immediately hooked, and it kept me that way the entire time. So much happening! This author took me for a wild ride. I wish I had the opportunity to go back and read for the first time again! This is a definite re-read in the future. Don’t miss out on this one. READ IT!!!
Shake Down by Armand Rosamilia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love when an author can seamlessly weave different character’s viewpoints into a single storyline. This book did not disappoint!! Mystery, intrigue, thrills, suspense, and just enough information about the characters to keep you needing more. I was thrilled to see this is a series and I cannot wait to read more about Clayton, Jimmy, Neil, Xavier and the rest of the characters we have met so far. I also really enjoyed the pace of the book. I wanted to keep reading and was on the edge of my seat. Armand gets you started with enough details, but doesn’t get hung up on adding fluff. Very enjoyable!!
Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was cute and action packed. Literally a romantic comedy. Aimee is adorable yet fierce. Qadir is well a typical good looking guy sleeping around for fun until Aimee catches his eye. They both change each others lives for the better. Through a series of events their relationship is truly tested. By the end of the book I shed a tear or two.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This may be my favorite read of the year so far! What a well-written, researched, and gripping story!
The author developed a page-turner with their ability to create tension and the need to know what happens next in this mystery that spans across time. The characters are developed well throughout the entirety of the story and the reader finds themself rooting for and relating to them. The author also has a unique way of creating setting and bringing the reader inside the story and feel like you are really there. The details really bring this story to life.
The author tackles many challenging subjects within the context of the story and does so very well and with integrity.
Ultimately, I look forward to more by this author and encourage you to pick this one up for sure!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.7/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and I like the concept, but I felt more like I was reading about teens than adults. Katie & Chase are 28 and they’re both still affected by their high school breakup. Not saying that events that happen to us when we’re young don’t have any affects on us, but Katie doing what she did was not worthy of 10 years of anguish for either character in my opinion. It was a reasonable thing to do and actually very mature given her age. However, for it to seem like a fresh wound 10 years later was a bit much in my opinion. The writing is very solid and the book has a lot of potential. I just couldn’t get into the after effects of the breakup.
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an absolute amazing way to end this trilogy. I have read both of the previous installments in this book and when I saw this one I knew I had to read it right away. The one thing that i would say is if you are new to this series I would make sure to read these books in order. But with each book there is great character development, fantastic recipes, and of course a great plot. So if your looking for a great new book make sure you run and pick these ones up today. Trust me I’ll be watching for more great works from this author.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this quick romance! Its such a sweet story about coming back to a love you had before. Seeing if its possible to rekindle a romance that once was is exactly what Katie and Chase do. You never know if there’s to much pain that is still lingering from the past. I really enjoy the characters in the story and how you get to know their back stories as well. We don’t always make the best decisions but sometimes we get to go back to see if our mistakes can be forgiven.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rivals: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 7)
I fell in love with this series the moment I started reading the first book and I’m so much deeper in love now. I love each and every one of these couples, their adventures and how though they are Mafia and toe the line of legal they are pretty good people.
Nico is the last of the group to fall and boy did he fall hard and fast. Being the quietest of the group we really didn’t get a sense of his personality before now. The stong, sexy and deadly combination work very well for him
Like Nico, Mia was known to a point but she was an outsider. She found herself with dangerous knowledge and needed protection. Insert Nico and his family who such bad @$$es for back up.
I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. She has yet to disappoint.
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Do you believe in soul mates? Do you think you’d recognize your soulmate at first glance? This novel takes you on a journey of two soulmates, who’re struggling to find their way in life & to each other. Very heartwarming, deep, and up-lifting. Don’t let that fool you, there are still lots of plot twists and moments of confusion, and chaos. Overall a great charming and emotional read. It’s a book you find yourself reading till 1am.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Janel Bernotas
What a twisting and turning, fast paced novel! This one left me with my jaw hanging, mouth agape! Fans of historical mystery novels will definitely not be able to put this one down. Very well-written novel by Shanessa Gluhm. Five stars!!
Zoey Taylor is a 15 year old teenager who is already super smart and dedicated to get out of Texas. 10 years ago, she was told by her family that she disappeared from her home and was found by her brother Corinth. Ever since then, she always had nightmares. Now she comes to Thanksgiving with new friends, a billionaire showing up to her family door, and many secrets revealed. It gets a lot more fun to listen!
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best books that I’ve read all year!! I wasn’t sure how I would like the historical romance book, as this was my first read from that genre, however I absolutely LOVED it. It was SO MUCH more than just historical romance! There is mystery and suspense, the deepest family secrets, loyalty and love. The characters from both eras were enjoyable and the storyline flowed seamlessly. I seriously couldn’t get enough! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story.
When Garrison Stark (modern day) loses his parents in a tragic accident, Garrison’s grandma is suffering from dementia and has been saying some pretty crazy things. As Garrison investigates, he begins to unravel some pretty interesting family secrets.
One night, in 1932 Joel Fitchett wonders into a diner, bloody & bruised, carrying his unconscious younger brother, Clancy. The boys tell everyone they don’t recall what happened, however they have vowed to never speak the truth of that night. WWII, two brothers in love with the same girl & a young man seeking the truth about his grandfather, leaves author Shanessa Gluhm, doing a phenomenal job keeping the audience entranced between two timelines. Best book I’ve read this year. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Can not recommend enough!
Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is NOT what I thought it was going to be at all!! Reading the bio and the label of “girls from the street” my mind was wandering. This was shocking and surprising and I LOVED every second of this fast-paced, action-packed, keep me on the edge of my seat story!
Aimee is incredible! She has such a great disposition just about all the time! Her job as a courier is definitely interesting and I was WOWed how she used a skateboard instead of a bike. She is mentally strong, is kind to people and not afraid to take chances.
My only small issue with this is a couple different times (early and middle of the book) the POV or a time frame was displaced and/or not needed. It took me out of the flow of the story. Those parts could have still been used but put in at the appropriate time frame. This did not seem to be a problem later in the book.
Overall this is so much more than what I thought it would be. I would highly recommend it to those who love a suspenseful action filled story.
There is Something about Aimee.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good second chance romance ten years later. I really liked the story and the dynamic of the characters. Sometimes the grass is not always greener and we wonder what if? Fate has their own plans on what we need and this book was amazing on that for me. Really enjoyed.
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Bake Believe series. If you haven’t read the first two, go do that now. It was a great ending to the series. I really enjoyed all three books. It was very cool to have recipes so we can actually bake these things too. I believe this would really draw in the teenage group, especially those who like to bake and like magic. I think the morals being visited are easy to understand. Definitely recommend this story.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy McKinley has quickly become one of my favorite authors and her Mafia Elite series has also became one of my favorite series. She’s back again with the 7th book in the series. This is a standalone but I recommend reading the other 6 books so you can understand everything better. I was not able to put this book down. It had me hooked from the very first page of the book to the last page. The characters were wonderfully written and I loved the feeling the author had set for this book.
They call me the quiet brother—but I’m just as brutal, dark, and broken.
No woman has ever breached the walls of my heart, and I’m content with who I am. Until Mia Tucci seeks me out.
The New York Mafia princess is an enemy, a fantasy with midnight hair, violet eyes, and a body that promises hours of sin—and she needs my help. But helping her will cost me.
When she barters information that could take down her family’s operation, I’m too intrigued to turn her away. And as we get to know one another, my defenses fracture, tempting me to give her my trust.
But no one in the Mafia is innocent.
My only hope is that intertwining our futures to protect her from her family will not be at the price of mine.
I can’t wait to see what else she has in store in the coming future for her books
Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from Mrs. Courtney Davis and I immediately fell in love with this book. It immediately captured my attention within the first few pages of the book. I had to read the book from start to finish, not be able to put it down until I had finished it. She has a way with words that captures your attention and immediately pulls you in, transporting you into her world that she has created. Being able to see and feel everything the characters are feeling is rare. The way she has written the characters is amazing.
When Elle is presented with every orphan’s dream, finding out she’s actually a princess, she isn’t sure if she should join the hulking sexy man, Locan, on a spaceship ride, or run screaming from the room because he’s obviously nuts. If it weren’t for the strange things she’d recently encountered, like suddenly gaining star shaped birthmarks and a bracelet that once belonged to her mother lighting up with an eerie green light, she would be out of there already. She has enough questions she wants answered to stay and find out, taking his hand and embarking on a journey across the darkness of space. He says she needs to save their people from her evil uncle. She wants to know where she comes from, who her mother was, and why she never fit in on earth. The path to their home planet isn’t without its bumps. Saving aliens, and earthlings while evading her uncle’s men and dodging the pushy goddesses who want to tell them all what to do. Elle has to learn who she really wants to be and to help Locan become the warrior he was meant to be.
I hope that there’s a sequel to this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fast-paced and wicked read that was near impossible to put down. This book was a dual mystery flip that followed two very different but interconnecting storylines. An unpredictable and impressive story design that captivates readers from nearly the first sentence, and the twists and wines of the story hold their attention to the very last page.
Joel, Clancy, and Garrison are all easy-to-like characters with secrets of their own that the reader slowly uncovers with each turn of the page. The twists are hard coming in nearly impossible to see, especially as we flip between times characters and their secrets. This novel works to keep every reader at the edge of their seat, and truly is a work of art whether the mystery is a preferred genre or not.
Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book, so much so that if it was possible to give more than five stars I would in a heartbeat. The characters are fascinating, the plot woven flawlessly, it was like a hug that you never want to end. I was upset that it had to end though and will probably reread this one several times over.
Aimee is a strong female character with a tragic backstory that makes you love her even more. Life is going great for her just the way she likes it on the down low but fate has other plans. Those plans involve a super sexy billionaire whose life Aimee just so happens to save. Now with her crowding his mind his only thoughts are claiming her as his and giving her the life she deserves. However, Aimee is not so easily swayed by the promise of money, wealth, and security. Can Qadir convince Aimee to give their relationship a shot or are they doomed from the start? What happens when Aimee is in the crosshairs of a rival who is determined to make Qadir suffer? With the cards stacked against these two will they ever get their happily ever after?
This is a fast paced, adrenaline inducing, emotional rollercoaster of a book. It had me laughing one minute and crying the next. This is one author I will return to time and time again, the writing was beautifully done and keeps you engaged through the entirety of the book. I cannot wait to see if more come out in this series as I will be one of the first in line to read them. Definitely give this book a chance it may become your new favorite book like it has for me!
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a book! So much information is given in this book…. This is a book that you read and you feel like you are learning but you don’t know it because it is so enjoyable. The author does a tremendous job of describing Cam’s personal struggles and his inherent loyalty to his family. I also love that there are other characters lives that are drawn into the mix and their backstory is given.
This book hits you in all the feels! You’ll feel joy, sadness, and deep grief. But the human spirit of hope is never extinguished! Can’t wait for the next one!
