Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read from this author. I loved it. I was hooked from the very beginning. The way the author made everything flow together was enjoyable. Even without reading the previous books, I felt I understood what was going on in this book. I highly recommend it.
An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oo sci-fi romance is always a go to for me and this one was a good one to pass my free afternoon time with. Vanessa and Akron are our main characters and they were good ones. They were likeable and I enjoyed reading their story. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last!
Happy reading!
The Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was incredibly written and I could not put it down. The author absolutely hit this one out of the park!
The story’s main character, Josie Thompson is an intriguing character struggling to stay under the radar and away from her abusive and unhinged husband. Josie lives a low-key life in a beautiful cabin by the lake, while taking care of her two children, keeping a keen eye open for any evidence her ex may be lingering about and working as often as possible in a dead-end job as a waitress. She has eyes of a hawk and is constantly watching for unknown vehicles trailing behind her on her drive to and from home/work, strange destitute residents lingering outside the diner, or any evidence on Twitter that will pinpoint a possible location for her ex, so they can finalize their divorce.
Josie is stronger than most adults, especially with her history and upbringing, although I do not think she truly recognizes that strength until much later in the story. I enjoyed watching her relationship with her brother David go from almost non-existent and strained to something much improved by the book’s end.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this thriller and liked that it was not predictable. The author did a fabulous job creating the characters for this book and building on the intensity by adding in the pandemic into the storyline. Overall, this was a quick read since I did not want to put this book down. The suspense continued to push me to keep reading chapter after chapter into the wee hours of the night.
I think all mystery lovers will enjoy this book and the series. I cannot wait to read whatever comes next.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
A Tormented Man’s Soul by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chain’s story is heartbreaking. This installment of The Grimm Wolves MC had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was absolutely heart wrenching to read about all that Chains went through in the foster care system. He’s the enforcer and is supposed to be big and tough and he is but there’s a softer side of him too. He’s pushing away those he loves the most because he’s worried about what will happen if it all comes out. This book has so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and the end had me gasping out loud and dying to read the next part of this story!
The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is very rare for me to give a book a 5 star review and really wish I could have given it more! This book was by far one of my favorite reads so far for 2022! From the first chapter to the last page turn, I was so excited to keep reading! I devoured this book and kept wanting more! I can’t wait to read other works By this author. This thrilled has so many twists and turns I can not recommend it enough.
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a cute and short BWWM romance set in Georgia. 🥰 The headstrong attitude of Zenni is very respectable but we have to pick our battles! Zenni and Colton end up feuding over a plantation that Zenni’s ancestors were slaves to and it’s one underhanded blow after another. I have to admit, the lengths they went to was entertaining. The romance was well written but it happened too quick for it to be believable for me, but I could just be jaded.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read! I was fully immersed from the beginning and could hardly put it down. It was enthralling, sexy, steamy, emotional, heartbreaking and just about everything in between! This is the first novel that I’ve read from this author that I can recall and I absolutely was not disappointed. If you enjoy enthralling romance novels then this one is for you! I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Vanessa is trying to live her life for herself and leave her painful past behind her. Yet it seems the past does not want to leave. As Vanessa begins to settle into her new life a storm comes to both the planet and Vanessa herself. For Vanessa, Arkon is a bright spot in all the chaos. Can he be the one to banish the past for her?
Vanessa and Arkon’s story is an interesting read. The two work well together and make a nice couple. They each have their own demons to deal with and find that by working together love has a better chance. Their story is a fast paced one that revolves around emotions. While this book immerses the reader in a fantasy world, I felt that there was a lot of constant describing of the details that pulled me out of the story. The romance between the two is good but I did not feel connected to the characters. While this may not be a perfect book for me it does a good job of moving the story arc along and keeps the reader interested.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 5 of the series. Highly recommend reading the other books first as the overall storyline continues from book to book and some things would be spoiled by reading out of order.
This installation focuses on the relationship between Luc and Summer. Their relationship hits many of the romance tropes: (obviously) mafia romance, workplace romance, mistaken identity, one night stand to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more (which I won’t state because I don’t want to spoil anything). I enjoyed Summer’s strength of character and her ability to stand on her own two feet despite what life throws at her. I also enjoyed Luc’s character arc and seeing him grow from self-made businessman into a mafia heir who has a family and is one of five families who run the Chicago mob scene. I did enjoy the slow build up in their relationship despite their sexual tension, and their desire to wait to be together again until they knew one another more.
I wasn’t as big of a fan of this novel compared to the others in the series but I couldn’t tell you exactly why that was. I think it’s common to have favorite books in a series and ones that just don’t call out to you the same, especially when each book focuses on a different couple. I did enjoy both the romance and non-romance storylines overall, as well as how this novel fit in the continuing storyline of the series.
Sadly, no Katya in this one. I will hold out hope of her being a FMC in the future, though it does seem like the Bratva connection has ended for now as it was only mentioned in passing and this novel focused on some new New York based Mafia families. Can’t wait to see where everything goes in the future books!
Cw: murder, violence against women
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Until There Was You by G. Colgrove
Until There Was You by G. Colgrove is a Romance story that once I started reading I couldn’t stop. This is a fairly new author to me and I definitely plan on going to check out what other books they have written . This is about Reagan and Jeremy. These two are from completely opposite sides of the tracks. He’s working really hard to prove to his father he’s capable of running/taking over the family business and she’s very determined to better her life. These two first meet at the diner where Reagan works as a waitress. The chemistry is definitely there and they are both very attracted to one another . Can these two have a future together or will it end before it even gets started? I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens next . I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the mix of mythology with romance with this story. Eros aka Cupid makes a bet with other Gods whom has the hardest job….since the Gods believe that Eros has the easiest. The bet… each God tries and match true love between two people…and first up in this bet with Eros is none other than Mother Nature aka Greta. When Greta meets Spring …everything changes. Spring owns the local Garden Center…and Greta intends find Spring a match.
This story is enjoyable and made me smile throughout….I cannot wait to see what is in store with this series! Definitely recommended….
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! Just when I thought I couldn’t love a book more this one had me from the beginning! Ruthless Heir is the fifth book in the series and all of them leave you wanting more. In this book Luc and Summer take us on a journey that keeps your attention from start to finish! Just when you think you have figured out the story there is a turn and you can’t stop turning the pages! I do not often say that a book is a must read but this series is a MUST READ SERIES!!!
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great installment in this series! I enjoyed the dynamic of introducing new characters that don’t share the same origins as the ones I have grown to know and love in the other books. I would have liked more tension in the romance. It felt as though the romance when from uncertain to star crossed a little too quickly. Even so, the story was well written, and the mystery was intriguing. Though the backstories of the main characters in this series is different then I have seen in the other books, it is still heart wrenching. It helps make the characters fit seamlessly into the mafia families I have come to know and love. The found family aspects of the book were well down, and I LOVE strong women, which not only this book, but this whole series is full of. If you are knew to this series, I definitely recommend reading in order. Each book centers around different characters, but there are larger plot points and connections that you will miss if you do not start from the first book! Either way, if you are looking for a mafia romance with action, found family, fierce women, and protective men then definitely pick this series up!
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Easy to fall into and read from start to finish. Characters are ones that are (mostly) easy to love and feel invested in. Very fast read and so enjoyable.
Regan Doyle just graduated from high school…and no one in her family came to observe it. Oh well, she didn’t expect anything different, anyway. All she wants now is to save up the money to be able to flee South Boston – there’s nothing here for her beyond her job waiting tables and she is only keeping that until she can get out of town. Even if she wanted to stay, she won’t be able to afford any of it since it is all being gentrified.
One day she meets Jeremy Stone, a gorgeous businessman who is a part of the group leading the gentrification project. His goal has always been to take over the family business, by proving to his father he has what it takes. One day, he and several investors walk into a restaurant for lunch and he meets Regan.
Will they both meet their goals? Have their goals changed since meeting one another? Will they find a new happiness together, or will it be yanked away?
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have really grown to be a big fan of this author, or so I thought. It wasn’t until recently that I stumbled across this series. I was happy to learn that even though I picked up several books in, it was easy to follow along the storyline. It read well as a stand-alone. I would be curious to read more from this series and learn more backstory from supporting characters. I felt like the writing is really strong with a fast storyline. Of all things, Summer was my favorite part of this book. She is a strong, likable character. I would definitely recommend this book to others and I look forward to
starting this series from the beginning.
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book with my niece and nephew (kindergarten and first grade aged). They both both excited to see the different different experiments which they had to try. The youngest loved the pictures even adding to the story on her own in a way only little kids can. My nephew was a little harder sale. He loved doing the experiments and even like the story but he is in a question phase. He wanted to know how the kids knew about mermaids, how they became friends etc. Since this book is part of a series we will be checking out the first book next to hopefully answer his questions and find more experiments the kids enjoy. I struggled a little with who was who in the story it was not obvious in the beginning; even with that being said I would absolutely recommend this book. It was fun and engaging for the kids, the illustrations were colorful and well done.
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder, a frame job, and amateur detectives sounds intriguing, right? Out on a run, Ruby finds the body of a murdered cast mate. When suspection on her, she and another cast mate set out to solve the truth of who really did it.
This was a quick enjoyable read. While I was slightly confused in the beginning it, felt like I was missing some of the background information (found out this is a spin off series.) The story was unique and well written. The characters are well built. I loved how Ruby used her skill set to work on solving the mystery like the song she uses to remember the clues as they find them. I would suggest giving this book a read.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series. I’m envious of the bond the woman have as friendships. Also the women and men’s relationships their love is a very special bond. I also love the action. Love the storyline for each series. How everything happens for a reason. Summer acts different because she is mourning in her grief. Which causes her to collide with Luc. Only to find out he’s her boss. Through all the grievances they have with one another they cannot deny they already have a bond with each other. Ends happily ever after with them married honeymooning.
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I first took notice of this book when I saw the cover. Reading the blurb on the back I knew I needed to read it. Abbey can see ghosts and I will be the first to admit that I am addicted to the show “Ghost Whisperer”. Going to a circus with her family, she runs into some uneasiness with people but what follows is even worse. She is seeing ghost clowns at her new high school. Her friends are going missing. Can Abby help? Is she the reason? The 80’s nostalgic soundtrack is still playing in my head.
This is the second book in the Ghost Girls Series. I have not read the first one but did not feel like I was missing anything. I am curious to go back and read how it started but is a want not a need.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Until there was you
Ever have a book just suck you in at the very beginning and then refuse to let you go? That is what this book did to me and I couldn’t tell you what it was that did it.
Regan broke my heart from the start. Born and raised on the South side of Boston which is notoriously a tough place to grow up and even harder to leave. Her family wasn’t what she deserved but she didn’t let that stop her from accomplishing her goals.
Jeremy life is the exact opposite. Only child with very successful parents never wanted for anything. I know opposites tend to attract but they were polar opposites.
The passion between them was intense from the very beginning. And it really seemed to be enough until it wasn’t.
Bed time is my usual reading time and I may have stayed up a lot too late reading this book. I felt like I couldn’t get enough.
Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This former lovers to enemies finding their way back to love again story was very good. The HEA comes back into town after being gone for 10 years for a funeral and runs into his former girlfriend. Both he and she are mad at past situations and don’t want to forgive each other, but a will stipulations won’t let them walk away. There’s great character development and the story line is good. Will be on the lookout for the next in this series.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read. I was pulled in right away and kept on reading until I got to the end. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more. I enjoyed the writing style and I felt connected to the characters. I became completely invested in Jeremy and Regan’s relationship. Both of them don’t want or need any distractions because they are working toward their future but their chemistry is hard to deny. This book has romance, struggles, family, and emotion. I highly recommend this book, you don’t want to miss out.
The Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“The Last Cabin Girl” written by Tom Swyers is a psychological thriller taking place at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Josie is a single mother of two, trying to navigate the divorce with her abusive ex-husband. After bodies are found in the river surrounding her property, Josie is a suspected by the FBI to be a serial killer. She has to prove her innocence, but is unsure of who she can trust. Overall I found the story to be intriguing, with many secrets, twists, and turns.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story definitely drew me in and I had a hard time putting it down when life demanded. Jeremy and Regan both have goals they are after and no time for that pesky thing like attraction. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and it was a great time watching these two well developed characters navigate it all. It’s story had me hooked from start to finish and I really enjoyed my time in Regan and Jeremy’s world. This is a new to me author and I’m definitely looking forward to more. Four big stars and highly recommended!
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance was the first I’ve read by Stacy-Deanne. This short romance story was a quick afternoon read for me and I could not put it down. The chemistry buildup between the two main characters, billionaire Colton and florist Zenni, was hot and intense. They both feel attracted to one another instantly, but they are rivals on the matter of tearing down the Everwood plantation. Zenni feels that this plantation is all she has left of her family and wants to preserve its history. Colton wants to use his money to tear down the plantation and remove the physical reminder of the pain and suffering of the people who were enslaved there. Because of this, Zenni and Colton struggle to allow their love to prevail and blossom over this disagreement. Can they put their own feelings of the plantation’s future aside and see what is in front of them? Read and find out!
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“The Sound of Murder” written by K.L. Montgomery is the first book in the Musical Murder Mystery series. Chorus girl, Ruby, is on tour with a traveling theatre troupe when she finds the deceased body of a fellow cast mate. Ruby is determined to get to the bottom of the murder, and uses song as way to keep her thoughts organized. This book was unlike any other mystery that I’ve read! I loved the setting and the humor that you don’t typically see in this genre.
Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This special edition boxset contains two novels, featuring Melodie and ‘office guy’, (Isaac), and I was pleased to be able to ‘binge read’ them as the sequel picks up from the end of book one, so I didn’t have to wait to find out if the couple got their HEA. This opposites attract romance is an enjoyable and engaging read, with some really touching moments and then some laugh out loud ones. Set in London, the author has made the setting come alive through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The quirky characters and intriguing storyline had me gripped from start to finish. Melodie, is a pink haired artsy-hippie, who plays guitar and sings under The London Eye, she always notices a guy that she’s named ‘office guy’, who she catches staring at her whilst she’s playing.
One day he actually walks up to her and they meet, Issac is her exact opposite, he’s a good, clean cut guy who works in an office, and definitely does not have pink hair. However, the pair becomes friends and then they fall in love, in book one, and then in book two the couple, who really are perfect for one another, are getting married. Unfortunately when their parents meet things do not exactly go to plan, as it seems not everyone is as happy about the couple marrying as they are. I loved Melodie and Issac, their chemistry sizzles off the page and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the two novels, and I really enjoyed their interactions with each other. A real page turner and a great read for some escapism!
Sashimi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to start reading this book after I enjoyed the last one so much. And this one really lived up to my expectations. I was pulled straight into the story so effortlessly and was hooked straight away. I loved the characters in this book. They all seemed to have such a depth about them and it made them more relatable.
I thought the author did an amazing job with the story. It was well written, exciting and exactly what I have come to expect when reading on of her books. This is a brilliant book and I can’t wait for more.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First things first, if you aren’t into risque reads this book will not be for you. The story is so good though and not my normal read but I could not put it down once I started. I love how the author writes each chapter from either Regan or Jeremy. It kept the story flowing and you get both sides of their journey and history without getting lost in the details. I found myself wanting more once it was over. There are parts of this book that are relatable to many people, the relationship and family struggles. There is so much emotion in the writing that I found myself crying right along with Regan and being angry right along with her and Jeremy.
When Regan needed Jeremy the most he was there, even tho she didn’t know she needed him or wanted him there at that time. Their story captures your heart even with all the sex its a great story. One that pulls on your heartstrings because Regan is essentially a local going nowhere based on her last name and where she lives. No one expects more out of her. She even says at one point that fairytales don’t exist and love like theirs isn’t real.
This story really shows that true love can overcome the hardest of obstacles and family drama. I was so glad when Phillip told Jeremy about the real reason Regan left. He’s such a great friend to Regan and even Jeremy at the end. To risk his lifelong friendship to tell Jeremy the truth.
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful heartfelt book!
This book was great! I enjoyed the passion between Zenni and Colton! This was short lovely well written story. I enjoyed every page. This is great, quick, page flipping read!
Reviewed by: @purplesky25276
