The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I fell in love with the characters more than the actual story surrounding it. That’s really odd for me to say but if you follow the flow of the way it unravels. So much of this book warms my heart in so many ways. It was almost like I was drawn to this book and it was well worth the read as it flowed easily, well written, and a whole experience!
Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had the opportunity to read the messages within the book, and it was great to see what it is like to work within the confinements of blindness and other impairments as well. It reminded me of some of the exercises done to settle anxiety and return to oneness! I think these exercises were quite calming, and the commentary throughout the book was insightful. I look forward to continuing these exercises regularly!
Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady is the second book in Satan’s Devil Vegas chapter books. Picking up from where part 1 left off the story follows club president Red while he tries to get his head around not only reuniting with the love of his life but also being a father. His child Zeke is a wonderful character and I really loved how this book respectfully introduced an LQBTQ character into a world that is predominantly not inclusive. The Satan’s Devils do take a while to get round to using the correct pronouns for Zeke but it is very well written. I have really enjoyed all the books in this world of bikers and their adventures. This is a testament to the author who not only has to keep track of a myriad of characters but also keep coming up with new ways to keep us readers hooked. I highly recommend.
Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read many books by this author and I was once again drawn into the book and lost within the world she has created. I found the characters to be likable and well written. I really like her story and the world she has created with shifters and other supernatural creatures. I love how there is an element of forbidden love.
My most favorite shifter is a dragon so I was in seventh heaven with this book. I like the whole lore that the author creates and how the story progresses. I just could not put this book down. I cannot wait to read more from this author in future.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Blindsided by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book lived up to its title. I was blindsided by the quality and the impression it left with me. Just reading the blurb had my heart rate elevated. I am one to avoid conflict but just crave it in my stories. This book had plenty of that. As well as betrayal, hurt, anger, discovery and forgiveness. This story was extremely angsty, with a lot of sweating and heart racing moments. The characters were very detailed and the reader got a very explicit look into the catty, sometimes malicious and very judgemental side of adolescence. I felt for these characters and what they went through. Stories like this leave you with thoughts that love really does beat all and if you are meant to be, then the fight to HEA is fought with determination, courage and complete stubbornness. An intricately written saga that will not be forgotten. 5 stars
Limbo by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Limbo was not what I expected when I read the summary of the book. I almost expected a story about Alyse just entering Limbo and having to discover why she was there. The real story was better! Alyse and her village had to learn together how to make the most of what happened to them. Although Alyse was the lead character, my favorite was TheNakedMan. He had to learn how to be accepted, but he did so with cows. I do wish the book went into more detail of each of the characters and their backstories. This was a good, quick read!
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very unique romance. Written as senior-year in high school, I was fascinated to see the topic of bullying come up in a contemporary romance. I found that the author did a very good job of intermingling it within the story. The whole quartet of characters: Brock, Kirsa, Victoria and Rylan; were such an intriguing and integral part of the story. Victoria was quite the snot. The love triangle was a beautiful plot twist. Such a beautiful story, you really should read this. There is a bit of spice in a couple of spots but the theme of the story is one that should be told.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has so much going for it. It has historical elements right along with suspense. It has love and family and friends, all of which make life better—both in reality and on the page. The characters were strong, well-written, and realistic. The story itself had some amazing twists that I didn’t expect but loved. With fantastic descriptions, this book kept me thick in the middle of things—I felt like I was there during all of it. There was a bit more exposition than I’m used to, but it didn’t drag the story down as it was easy to take in. All in all, the book was a great read that was easy to lose myself in.
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed from the first book that I picked up of hers. I enjoy her writing style as well as her attention to details. Her books pull me into the stories from the beginning. This book is no different. This is a well written story where the characters are engaging and kept me turning pages fast. This is a sports romance story that is full of romance and hard to put down. A young woman had a best friend, that is until he betrayed her. She is having a hard time getting over him until she meets Rylan and things start to change for her. Now she finds herself torn between the two. Who will she trust and will she find happiness with one of them? I enjoyed the characters’ growth throughout the plot as well as how connectable they were. They made the story entertaining to read which made it a great story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kapow! I fell in love with this book. You are reading along with the story of Ember and Austin. Boy falls in love and the story develops. You are thinking you know Ember’s secret but BAM, mic drop. Plot twist!!! Ember has a bigger secret. This has just moved up the list of my favorite book of the year. I will be looking forward to book 2 in the series because I have to know what happens next in the search for the sisters. Back to Austin and Ember. Descriptions of Ember are absolutely gorgeous and unique. You have to read the book to find out what I’m talking about. The author has such a beautiful way of writing it. Austin and Ember are both coming from childhoods of heartbreak. Can they get past this to make it work? They can but they are going to need to do some work to get through it. There is some steam scattered throughout. I do love some spice with my romance. It fits perfect in here. The characters are totally relatable. The struggles are real. This is truly a wonderful book. I will be eagerly awaiting more from this author and from the series. Get out there and grab this book. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Multi-layered and intriguing
This book had many elements that were presented in a way that kept my interest. The book is well written and keeps the multiple story lines in order. The elements of truth woven throughout the mystery adventure were well done and it stands out that the author has researched. A mix of history, drama, suspense, emotional turmoil and mystery makes this a very worthy read.
Blindsided by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kirsa not a girly and Brock are thick as thieves from a young age. Victoria is the third wheel or she feels in this trio. Dynamic if friendships and realtionships change as you get older as this is happens one of these of more this trio get hurt,.Someone has betrayed Kirsa and now the other hand two wont talk to her. Rylan enter the scence he a nice lad and doesn’t play to the tricks of Brock. This is a very interesting story about relationships. Give it a read.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What am introducing is a book filled with a difference. This is a different than normal read for me. Ann is a women with a loving family. I enjoyed the time hopping in the book. This book has a lot going for it history romance, secrets, danger. There alot of attention to detail. It’s can be graphic at times and very emotional.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Food, love, and culture all entwined in one! This author has spoken to my heart and I can’t wait for what’s more to come! Austin and Ember were perfect together and their journey to a HEA was beautiful. This fantasy weaves together a love of family, adventure, and getting out of your shell! The romantic paranormal twist made me love the story even more.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 3 in what is currently a 5 book series. This installment can technically be read on its own but the back information you would have from reading the other books was beneficial to me keeping the information and names straight. This book answers some questions that were left open from the previous books and seems to set up things for book 4. Note, by jumping to book 3 you also get spoiled on the former romances and a little bit on how they came about.
I really enjoyed the building relationship between Emiliana and Stefano. Stefano is the son of one of the five heads of family for the Chicago Italian Mafia, but he is fighting against his father’s tyrannical rule of his life. Emiliana is still recovering from her abduction and being sold into human trafficking. Both have yearned for the other since they were kids, but can they overcome their life situations to finally be together?
I loved that Stefano is able to help Em continue to build herself up after her ordeal, and doesn’t shy away from it or hold it against her. She’s healing but he’s willing to be there as a support system and friend for her. I also enjoyed seeing Stefano standing up for himself and dealing with the ramifications of his father’s actions.
As mentioned, some lingering questions from the other two books are answered here and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of that. We see more tension build up with the Bratva here and I can’t wait to see what comes of that in book 4.
Content warning: suicide, talk of human trafficking and arranged marriages, violence against women, gun violence, death, mafia violence, torture.
Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holiday Hope is differ because it’s a period romance, but I loved it. First time I’ve really enjoyed a period piece that wasn’t a movie that starred Kiera Knightley. Anyway back to why I loved Holiday Hope and why you should too!
Cora Lee is a sweet, independent, intelligent woman who has no living family left in the states. She decides her best course of action is to answer a mail order bride article that was in the paper. Now I knew during those times arranged marriages were a thing, but I never expected the mail order bride aspect. Unfortunately the whole reason for her to uproot her life to Holiday, Oregon was under false pretenses which leaves a decision for her to make. Stay with the lovely Coleman family and continue to fall in love with Jace, the twin brother of the man who rejected her, or move on.
Jace swore off women and marriage because he feels all women are like his mother, floozy and vindictive. He never wanted to risk happiness because of what happened to his father. Instead he fell in love with the railroad and trains. Then when he meets Cora who was brought here by his father to wed his twin Jude, aside from his slight attraction, he swears to himself he will nor let Jude destroy her.
Throughout the story Jace and Cora Lee’s character development apart and together is what makes this book work. The things they decide and overcome make this a sweet story in an idyllic setting of the gold rush during the Holidays in Oregon.
I was skeptical going in, but not so much that I wasn’t intrigued, and I glad I jumped in, because the author won over and made me toss all skeptics to the wayside.
@placxeba
Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In part 1 learned about how Red & Cheryl got together and then separated. Ultimately we learned how Red got into the Satin Devils and his experiences with the club. It was an awesome start to Red’s story.
Part 2 is even better! I love that after 15 years Red and Cher meet again, red finds out he has a son (who’s nonbinary) and accepts them as is. What a wonderful open minded father Red is and how he just wants to get to know them. Cher and Red both held onto the time they shared as young lovers and are just as effected by each other so many years later. Their journey this time has more at stake but they seem to navigate through it keeping everyone’s feelings in mind. Seeing Red step up and be the father he could be is so great to see. I highly recommend this book and love how the author finished Red’s story.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
I could not wait to read this, I fell in love with Emiliana and Stefano right from the start and read this book in one sitting. I was able to do that because I know that when I start a book by this author I never want to put it down so I made sure I chose a day I could just jump in and savor every word.
This was a perfect addition to this series. If you have not read these yet, you really must. This had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I found I couldn’t read fast enough because I had to know what was going to happen next! As usual the twists were placed perfectly and you never knew they were coming.
I love this author, she is among my favorites, and I’d read anything she writes. I can not wait for January when book 4 comes. I also can not wait to read all of these again back to back on a quiet rainy weekend!
Loved It!!
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a different and unique read that had my mouth watering most of the book! I wanted to try lots of new dishes by the time I was done with the novel which was something that was a fun new twist for me as well as Maori food is totally different for me and well now a new fav with a few things. We also discovered a local restaurant that will be getting new loyal customers so I have to say this book sparked some lovely new joys in my life! That aside the story was fab as well! I loved how this was lighthearted and fun to read and also full of paranormal and fantasy bits that had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would come next. I was constantly intrigued. I can’t wait to see what the next novel in the series will bring us!
Review by @lizaileen
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Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and In Others is a charming children’s story by Constance Mays. This wonderful story teaches about finding greatness in yourself and also in small things around you . Priscida is an alley cat , has a rough patch in her life, she is caught, then rescued by an animal shelter, lost and then found again. But through out this rough journey Priscida finds that love and kindness lead to great things and patience and perseverance are a key to the greater good. It is a wonderful book for children and I loved the illustrations. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After removing his Do Not Resuscitate Order, Will spends twelve days in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. Dr. Evans tells Tory that Will has chosen her to be his power of attorney for all healthcare decisions. When he recovers from the pneumonia, Will chooses to go through treatment. As the chemotherapy begins to make Will sick, he has a seizure and Tory has a decision to make. She agrees to allow the doctors to start dialysis, unsure if she made the right decision, as Will continues to be in pain. Three days after chemotherapy ends, Will receives his stem cell transplant. After several blood transfusions, he is finally released to go home as his cancer is in remission
All joy ends, as Will becomes severely anemic and cannot breathe overnight. Tory rushes him to the emergency room, and he is given another blood transfusion. Angry with the case manager, Tory becomes irate about the delay in service for Will. The following day, Will goes home and manages to do well until the day after Thanksgiving. Tory finds him clutching his stomach and violently vomiting. Rushing him to the emergency room, Will suffers from a panic attack and goes unconscious. Did the cancer return? Dr. Evans returns to give the diagnosis of graft versus host. This time, Will has to spend several weeks in the hospital until he is released to go home before Christmas.
During the entire course of Will’s treatments and multiple hospital trips, the love that the couple has continues to grow. The most endearing part of the love is the paper flowers Will makes for Tory every Tuesday. On Christmas, he gave her a heart necklace made with his birthstone. A true romantic at heart, I think any woman would have loved to be with Will.
Murder off Route 82 by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 3 of the Eve Sawyer Mystery series, but can be read as a standalone. This is a short and sweet mystery about Eve trying to solve the mystery of her missing friends. I enjoyed this story and it was well written. It keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Friends, loves, enemies – the path friendship can take when we are teens is twisted. In this book, a girl by the name of Kirsa is friends with the boy next door, Brock. They are inseparable, until one day the “third wheel” of a friend, Victoria, is caught in a compromising position with Brock. Teenage hormones got the best of those two and was the first factor towards ruining the friendship between Kirsa and Brock. A lack of communication snowballs into the two becoming enemies throughout all of high school. However, it wasn’t just being enemies, Brock vowed to make Kirsa’s life a living hell for all of high school and he didn’t disappoint. In the end, the truth always comes out, it just sucks that so many lives had to be cut down and ruined to get there.
Well, this book produced many different feelings for me in relation to my past and present. As a mother of a teen, there were parts of this book that were scary. No one person should have to go through what Kirsa had to deal with. My heart felt angry, hurt, and just wanted to reach out and hug her. However, thinking of Brock’s position, I remember being a teen and not knowing who was trustworthy, my real friend, wanted something from me, etc. All in all, I thought I enjoyed this book.
While the content hit close to home, it also was realistic and provided a lot of teaching moments: communication is key to any relationship – that means listening too; everyone needs a friend and is entitled to one; and there will always be someone who rises above the bullies and takes a stand. My most favorite lesson in this book, however, is you are stronger than you think. When things seem like they can’t get worse, if you keep going, believe that you are worth it, those thoughts can lead you to get through anything, and in return you might just come out on top.
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Thrill of the Chase series. This is a Contemporary Romance novel and is 418 pages in length. I must admit, I do love rock star romance novels. To read this series, you might as well grab a drink, prop your feet up, and get ready for the long haul because this will have your emotions reeling. The characters were well thought out and relatable. All Jared wanted to do was a keep a promise to his dad. Then he met her, and his life changed.
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow… this is so not your typical rockstar romance but it will literally blow your mind. I was crying and laughing and just all over the place emotionally as I read this book and it was a beautiful mess that I can’t wait to experience again someday soon. I love when a book is so good you want to dive right back in! This right here is one of those you will want to own and do just that with over and over again. I loved Jared. He makes you want to hug and hold him as he struggles to protect his father and his heart all at the same time. I am not going to tell you if he will get his happy ending or if he will make it through because I won’t ruin books for people but I will tell you DO NOT WAIT to buy this sucker and dive right in to find out for yourself. Get yourself something to drink and cozy up and prepare to be enamored with him as he traverses the hardest chapter of his life. We all go through this stage where we become the caretakers of our parents and that is never easy. This author has done a wonderful job of painting a realistic and beautiful picture of what that feels like and looks like and it shows in every word of this novel. Go grab your copy today!
Review by @lizaileen
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Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was everything I wanted it to be and much much more. I really have always been a believer of witches, or Strega as referenced in this novel, and the history of the power that women carry in families and this book really delves into that and runs with it in such a fun way that the reader gets really carried away. I loved every moment I got to spend with Annie. This story was written so vividly I felt transported right there with her and that was really needed in a dark time for me so I can’t thank the author enough for her wonderful world building skills. I would love to see more stories about the family in the future and even more of Annie.
Review by @lizaileen
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Kissing Darkness by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell Series #5) by Isra Sravenheart
This is another fantastic read by the author. Each of the Dark Spell Series is good, but this tops the charts. Kissing Darkness is an amazing read.
Isra is a good witch for now, but she’s close to being a witch of darkness. She is trying to be stopped, but can she be stopped? The quote I chose for Isra is: “Huh? You know about me, how interesting! That’s my dragon. His name is Franco.”
Astrid overhears a conversation he wasn’t supposed to. James won’t befriend Isra and Sam wants to stop her. He gets to Isra before they can. Can he bring her to the dark side? The quote I chose for Astrid is: “Actually, I’ve just come back from witnessing Isra give up her heart to darkness.”
Highly recommended for Witch lovers.
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The success of recipe always depends on the quality of your ingredients, and this small town snowy romance does not disappoint!! Well developed main characters, vibrant imaginings of small town somewhere and just enough background history to give the story realism. Sparks fly and develop into a steamy few scenes that add just enough spice to keep the reader interested! Handsome Italian chef Gio meets sassy pub owner Amber as Christmas gets into full swing, the hardest time of the year for Amber. If you’re looking for a couple to cheer for, look no further. I’ll be looking for more from this author!
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whoa! What a story! Really.. I was blown away! What I love about this is the look behind the rock star. Sure there are band moments but this really is about Jared and his life. I enjoyed how little moments became larger moments and really I just loved Jared and his devotion to Mr C.
The feelings displayed by the characters and also *felt* by the reader are immense. Many times I want to Hoot and Holler for Jared and other times I wanted to put my hand on his shoulder in commiseration. I really felt his joy even if they were happy tears. Cookie is a delight. Feisty, sassy and stands up for herself. I loved her interaction with Mr C. She is someone everyone would love to have on their staff.
I love and enjoy seeing all the guys in the band. They are truly brothers first and band members second. It shows over and over in this story. I love the joking and noodling. Even when Kade laid into one of the other characters…I was like..Yup don’t mess with him!
These stories are so much more that just rock star romance. There is depth behind each of them that makes the reader go through a hoard or emotions. I laughed, cried, felt empathy and was surprised while reading. I easily end up loving all the characters and could see myself rereading this one. I eagerly look forward to Lennox’ story.
Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others” by Constance Mays is a very sweet and interactive children’s book. I read this out loud to my 5 and 8 year old boys, and they both enjoyed pretending to be Priscida! They did impressions of her posture and actions. We enjoyed learning new vocabulary and now have an affirmation posted on our school board to recite daily: “I am great. Go be great today!”
