The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute short storybook for young children. Grandpa gives Caspian, a special pencil. When he takes the pencil out of the box, it starts trying to write something. Caspian thinks it’s a strange gift, but eventually, the pencil takes him on a STAR adventure. Caspian learns why it’s called the know-it-all pencil!
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really cute read and fantastic for getting young children interested and engaged in science. The story was fun to follow and was illustrated beautifully. It’s a very colourful and engaging story. I loved that the making of the rainbow was explained really well and children could recreate this at home with their parents/carers. A fun story that would be a great addition to any child’s library both home and school.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story follows Jeremy and Regan and is 402 pages in length. All Regan wants to do is get out of her town. Jeremy needs to show his dad that he can run the family business. What happens is they end up being a distraction to each other. Regan wants leave and Jeremy wants to run the business. Did Cupid just throw a wrench in their plans? I loved the different POV’s from the characters as it gives more insight into them.
A Tormented Man’s Soul by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 5 of the Grimm Wolves MC series. A culmination of the first 4 books but the main story is about Chains, Jackson and Winnie. Wow! It is intense, powerful,.steamy and twisted; but also, heartfelt and romantic. Chains is the enforcer for the gang. He is taken and secrets that he has kept hidden (or thought he kept hidden) for years are coming to light. He goes through some serious challenges. Can he get over his trust issues and let down the walls to let Jackson and Winnie all the way in? Can he let the brothers in? Again, the author pulls you into the story. She writes in such a way that you are totally engaged in the story. The POV, tone and plot are all just perfectly intertwined. I hated to put down my reader to take care of life. The book is so action packed. I didn’t see the twist at the end. She has me holding on at the cliffhanger until part 2 comes out in June 2022. That cliffhanger was POW!!! I loved it, didn’t see it coming. I recommend this book for those over 18 that like action, romance and MC clubs.
A Tormented Man’s Soul by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 5th book in this series and I love it. I always get hooked on a good MC series. This book was so raw and dark I could not put it down I needed to know what came next, it will have you hanging on the edge. Can’t wait for the next book.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new author for me, but I had some friends to recommend it, so I decided to give it a go. I was highly surprised by how steamy and descriptive this book was with the sexual scenes. Not that it was bad, but it’s just not my normal cup of tea. I thought the writer did an amazing job writing from the characters points of view in each chapter. That was a new idea to me, but I loved how it worked out. I thought it made for a unique telling of the storyline. I loved these characters. I feel like they could be friends of my own. Once I read a few chapters it was a quick paced story. If you like steamy, sizzling adult romance books then this is perfect for you.
An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vanessa is recovering from an abusive relationship and finds herself wildly attracted to Arkon. She is learning to trust herself and maybe just maybe she’s open for love. If not, at least the lovemaking is hot! Meanwhile the planet she is inhabiting is being overtaken by alien worms creating a nasty storm and trying to destroy those already living there. Thankfully our heroine has sisters and a wise and insightful grandmother to the magic and the ways of the cosmos. I thoroughly enjoy this world Calla Zae has created. It reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars with its own spice and yet entirely its own. I’ll be reading more of Soldiers of Saedo!
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t the first book of the series, but it’s the first one I have read. That being said I didn’t feel like I was starting in the middle of the story. Now that I have read this one and loved the story I will have to go back and read the first four. McKinley did a great job writing this story to where it could stand on its own. I want more of the Luc and Summer’s story so I am hoping that she will write more about them. I really liked how she worked all the characters into the story with a purpose. Evolving the women just as well as the men really added to the story. Can’t wait to read more by Amy McKinley.
Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first-time reading CJ Warrant, and it is a great way to start off a series. I don’t usually read books without a supernatural something in it, but this one was good. I was hooked to the well written characters in this book. It was hard for me to put down. This book is full of twists that I couldn’t wait to see where it was going to go. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next with Deacon and Olivia. This book does have triggers, but this author has a well written storyline. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment to this series.
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evil Sushi by C.A. King….Wow! This book was truly a page turner and you never knew what to expect on the next page!! There’s a storm brewing, and it’s not very pretty! The main characters Rod, Ned and Sally definitely have no idea what they are getting themselves into when they go on a typical fishing trip and it turns into an unexpected catch…to say the least! C.A. King definitely knew how to set the plot and how to make you feel like you were in the book right next to the characters. Evil Sushi is a mixture of horror/suspense/love story. Evil Sushi kept me on my toes with the plot twisting every couple of pages. I can’t wait to read Sashimi, book 2 in the series. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat!!
Mary Espinoza, April 2022
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is adorable! I loved the science aspect of the book (the tricks). Trezzie is a mermaid and Fig and Maia are her human friends. Trezzie has a treasure chest of things she finds in the lake. Trezzie grabs a glass to show her friends a rainbow but the sun isn’t out. So Maia decides to show some tricks that she knows. They are actually good tricks that I could show my own kids. I read this book with my 8 year old and he immediately wanted to try the tricks. How fun is that?! Also we really enjoyed the illustrations. I was very pleased with this book!
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must first start this off by saying if you are not a fan of clowns proceed with caution on this one.
While I want to jump right in with my review of the story I HAVE to say i LOVED the 80’s music choices in this book!
Ok to the book, I had no idea Abbey has a book before this and it did not take away anything in this book so it isnt needed to read and appreciate this story.
Whats worse than clowns, ghost clowns and now her friends are disappearing and they may be to blame.
Oh I forgot to mention, abbey can see and talk to ghosts!
I cant Just pinpoint one favorite thing of this book it needed each part to make it the great story it is. Highly recommend.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! Until There Was You is a faced paced and sizzling romance. I loved the characters of Regan and Jeremy. I especially loved their chemistry. I completely related to Regan and her feeling that her life was cursed. The plot flows nicely and doesn’t get bogged down in the details. An easy and compelling read. I look for to reading more books by G. Colgrove!
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great story of the underdogs finding their way survive and come up on top! I loved that aspect of this book. It was refreshing! What starts off as a whoopsie, ends up being one of the best decisions Summer & Luc make! It starts their angsty and steamy roller coaster of a ride. In the beginning there’s tons of mistrust and secrets, but with time they see the truth and gain trust. Many curveballs and surprising moments. In the end everything happens to a reason and everything plays out as it should. Summer is welcomed with the wives & family and clicks with them instantly like she meant for that life all along!
This is not my first audible by this author but it is one of my favorites. I loved listening to this book. This is a story where the narrator and the author’s writing skills bring the story to life with each word. I enjoyed being kept engaged by how the narrator read the story. This story is full of action and steamy bikers. A story that pulls you in and is hard to stop listening to. Dart meets Alex who is completely the opposite of what he likes but she needs his help. They are such great characters that made the story entertaining. You don’t want to miss this audio or the others in this series. I highly recommend this audible.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Captivating and delightful
A very entertaining and tantalising read. This is a contemporary romance with a real story line and well written characters. Jeremy has his charm and Regan has a backbone. These two together are so easy to fall in love with. It is a fast paced book and I was very quickly swept away within the pages. A worthy read.
Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fearing that emotions could lead her down the dark path of her cursed ancestors, Van hardens her heart and focuses on her destiny.
When I tell you this series gets better and better.
I was ready to skip to the end cause I was so excited to read the result.
This has me sitting on the edge of my bed all night reading and I can’t wait for the next book.
So much for a girl to carry on her shoulders but man is she strong enough to hold it?!
This is so well written that I had to read some pages again, it entangles you into the drama and adventure.
I feel as if I’m watching Van grow up, I love that the author takes me on this journey.
Amazing. Can’t wait for more.
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spring’s Showers (Romantically Seasonal Series) by C.A. King . This is the first book in the Romantically Seasonal Series and I can’t wait for the next after reading this book. Its a paranormal romance about a bet made between Eros and four other gods; Mother Nature, Neptune, the Grim Reaper, and Santa Claus. The other gods believe that Eros has the easiest job of them all so Eros bets them that they can’t do his job. Each god must make one love match. Mother Nature is up first and travels to a small town and finds a gardener named Spring. Spring has not had any luck at love and so Mother Nature aka Greta is determined to find her match. This is such a light hearted read that you will sail thru it and enjoy every minute of it. Will Eros win this bet or will one of the other god’s prevail? Read Spring’s Showers to find out!
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Until There Was You by G. Colgrove. This is my first book by this author but it most certainly won’t be my last. This is a fast paced, steamy, love story about Regan who is a South Boston resident who wants nothing more than to get out of there. The only person that is really there for her is her boss at the diner. Jeremy ends up coming in for lunch one day and she is not really attracted to him because the group he is with leaves a lousy tip. Jeremy is smitten with Regan and after some repeated attempts to ask her out she finally gives in. From their first date they are together constantly. Jeremy doesn’t really need the distraction but Regan is like a drug to him. Will Jeremy stay with Regan when he finds out about her family? Read Until there was you to find out!
Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi. This was such a fun Boxset. Its got 2 books included, The Wedding and Finding Melodie. Both were equally great, short reads that won’t let you put them down. In Finding Melodie we meet Melodie a pink haired musician who plays on street corners for money in London. She lives with her 2 gay best friends and they have the best time. One day she meets one of her regulars she calls “Office Guy” who she has a slight crush on and he asks her for help. He wants to propose to his girlfriend and he needs her help. She is a little broken hearted but decides to help him. They end up on a wild adventure together and The Wedding is a continuation of that friendship. In this book they are more than friends and the troubles and pleasures of that relationship are in play. This is a romantic fun boxset that you will love.
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For me this was a fun and exciting read! The characters were great and the story was interesting enough that you didn’t figure it out in the beginning and then felt like you had to continue reading! Ruby sure knows how to take the lead! I will note there is possibly a book before this one but it is not super important just would have been helpful!
Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Deacon (Saints vs Sinners Series #1) by CJ Warrant
This is the first book by the author that I’ve read. Warrant has a way of drawing in readers and keeping them. Deacon is an amazing read and you’ll love it. It is the first book in the Saints vs Sinners Series.
Deacon is back for a friend’s funeral and learns about his father’s friend’s passing. He wants to stick around town, but with his ex being there it’s hard. On top of his mom being sick he doesn’t know what to do. The quote I chose for Deacon is: “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s a little too strange for me to think that Falcon, who was so anal about his motorcycles, would race someone like Dog and not make sure his bike was safe. I don’t know the details of that day, but I can’t buy into the fact that his engine blew during the race. Something had to have caused it without catching Falcon’s attention.”
Olivia is attending a funeral once again. First her father and now a friend. Deacon is back in town and she isn’t sure how to feel about that. Now her boyfriend wants her to give all that up. The quote I chose for Olivia is: “Christopher, Deacon and the rest of the guys sitting at that table are like my brothers. I grew up with them. They hung around my daddy’s place. They have been a part of my life forever, and to ignore them—”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay- this was AMAZING. This was the first book I read in one sitting in a long while. If you are a fan of science fiction and the Syfy channel, this is the book for you! I loved how the author really immersed us into the time period and the current events. It was so descriptive and the storyline was fascinating! I love the characters and I am incredibly excited to continue the story! I really can’t put into words how much I enjoyed this book. I have the second one on my kindle and I am about to read it now!
Review by @jthomson14
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This was such a fun read! This book takes a different spin with some well known gods & goddesses. Eros has a bad boy complex that i loved. Mother Nature’s character is done well too! I do wish there was more of Alex & Spring but all in all, this is a good read.
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great, short and funny and packed full of drama and adventure. This cozy mystery certainly put me through the ringer emotion wise it had me on the edge of my seat, rolling on the floor laughing and it even had me in tears by the end. The characters were amazing, and as a drama geek I loved how original the title and the plot line were. So if your looking for a short fun read this weekend make sure you pick up this one today.
An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author and series is new to me and I have not read the previous books in this series. Jumping in at book 4 didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. Vanessa’s past experience being married was not healthy and she is determined to find peace in the new planet with her sisters were relocated to. The planet is different from Earth in ways and Vanessa is enjoying adding plants that are new to her to dishes she creates. When she meets Arkon, Vanessa finds that she’s attracted to him and has feelings for him in ways she didn’t expect after her marriage.
The author did a wonderful job describing the planet which helped set the scene well. The story has romance, some suspense, and overall kept my attention throughout the book. I’m looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series soon.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As always, I read this book in one sitting, this author has a way with storytelling that makes me what to read cover to cover. I love her mafia series and this story is no different. The characters, Summer and Luc can handle anything thrown their way. Which is exactly what brings them together. First by chance and then by another chance. This is a stranger to friends to lovers kind of story. And it is pretty perfect.
“We were at a precipice. The lives we lived were over, and our next adventure had only begun.” ~Summer
This is exactly how life moves. From one adventure to the next. Childhood to adulthood. Marriage to children to empty nest. What will be our next adventure be? What adventure will this author bring to Summer and Luc?
“It was awe, love, and pride, and somehow seeing it on his features and allowing myself to feel it, too, released those emotions from the padlocked box inside of me. It was time to stop hiding from him and from myself.” ~Summer
Looking forward to the next in this series and wondering where the author will take us next!
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If she fails, only the Creator knows if Van and her team will get out of this mess alive.
Go Van, go Van!
I think this was her biggest adventure and I was worried for her.
I really feel like this author wants a piece of my soul with every chapter.
If you haven’t read this trilogy please do!
During the darkest times we find growth in our MC.
This was really a journey I will miss these characters.
This author took me on a roller coaster…. This is gold and I’m giving it five stars.
I need more from this author she gives me everything I need, fantasy genre check, amazing character development check, more then 200 pages check, series check!
Such an amazing read.
Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deacon might just be one of my favorite male main characters so far this year. Right from page one I was completely hooked and knew I was in for a great read. Olivia is also an amazing character. Each one has been through so much and I loved their second Chance story. This book is filled with steam, tough but well written situations, mystery and drama. The friendships in this book are strong and will definitely grab your heart. It’s got everything you need in a second Chance type story! It’s definitely one that I’m going to remember. I’m excited to read what’s next from this author. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
