Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first book by Amanda Shelley. Its a sweet college romance. Sometimes what on paper doesn’t always mean you are compatible but off paper you can be not fitting into conforms. I enjoy Drew and Abby chemistry the ups and downs. At times it was slow for me but a good story nevertheless
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Willa’s ex Hayden is a total creep. To me it screams domestic violence. I love how she falls in love with Brody. They have such a innocent and pure relationship. No matter how they try to Saratoga their relationship it still blossoms.
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this was a really good book! I was completely invested in Abby and Drew. I loved how aligned they were and their chemistry. I feel that the story flowed nicely and provided the right amount of details to support the situations at hand. The ending was perfect and couldn’t have imagined it any other way! I definitely would read more by this author.
Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler is the fifth book in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series and the first one that I have read. Even though I was able to read this as a standalone I feel you would get a better understanding for the characters if the series was read in order.
This book is a book that love that grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. There are so many twists and turns in here that you can never predict what will happen next and I couldn’t put it down.
When Karina’s Saturday was disturbed by agents looking for her ex boyfriend she is shocked to discover he is wanted in connection of taking $1.2 million from his work. Now he’s gone missing.
Karina doesn’t believe it was him as its so out of character so she is now on a mission to find him before the agents do and unravel this case. Who is trying to set him up? Is he being set up or blackmailed? And what secrets and dangers will Karina find herself caught in trying to solve this case.
Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Raven Woman’s Tavern was a book that interested me in the story background. I wanted to find out more about this tavern and what was going on. The book gave some very interesting details in this dystopic near future, and was actually quite creepy! Some of the book was a bit harder to follow and by the end, I was not sure of what was happening next. Nice writing, but the end of the book did not leave me as interested as I had hoped.
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Family Secrets is the first book in the Whispering Pines series by Shawn McGuire. This is a cosy mystery following former police detective, Jane O’Shea as she gets drawn into a murder investigation in her hometown.
This is a crime and investigation story with plenty of suspense, interesting and quirky characters, and more- all woven into a clever little mystery.
Definitely looking forward to following the rest of the series!
Intriguing!
Thank you, Shawn McGuire!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The Boss Prince is the first book in It’s Raining Royals series by Alix Nichols. This is the first book I have read from Alix Nichols, so I really didn’t know what to expect going in- but the premise sounded fun, so I grabbed a copy and followed along.
This is a very light-hearted romantic comedy- with a just a drop of the paranormal- which made for a quick, easy, and fun read.
I did enjoyed the fact that Ms. Nichols created a whole unknown ‘country’ in vivid detail. Right down to royalty, customs, and lore- the story was well developed. The characters had also been well crafted- though there were some aspects I would have liked to explore further, but perhaps more detail will come in future books.
Looking forward to seeing what Sasha and Arnaud get up to in Book #2…
Thank you, Alix Nichols!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I actually thought this would be the arc typical kingdom trope book. So it great when it not I actually real enjoyed this book. That cliffhanger at the end you darn you when the next book out.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy McKinley is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors!
Liliana is a mafia princess. Her father mistreats her and is using her as a pawn to retain power. When she is issued a new bodyguard she will remind everyone that she is not a gentle flower that can’t handle herself. But, when she finds herself in quite the predicament…is her bodyguard trustworthy or is he just another one of her dad’s pawns?
Max is enlisted by Liliana’s grandfather to protect her while also having his own agenda to take care of. But, when he meets Lil…he finds himself attracted to the kick-ass princess. But, as it always is with the Chicago mafia…there are secrets, hidden agendas, violence, and mafia politics at play. Can he get Lil to trust him enough to see that he is there to help her? Or have years of suffering at her father’s hands hardened her to believing anyone is on her side?
I loved this story. I am a huge fan of McKinley…so add in a mafia element and I was in. But this story just blew me away. Liliana is a strong heroine that could go toe-to-toe with Max and hold her own. Another great book my Amy McKinley!
Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Deadly Words is the start of the brilliant new series ‘Born Bad’ by Meghan O’Flynn. It is a fantastic thriller full of intensity, gripping developments, secrets, twisted details, mystery, drama, layers, a skin crawling creepy vibe, and much more. The story definitely had me in its grip the whole way through, I couldn’t put it down until I had read every raw, gritty, and intriguing detail… There were times I was on the edge of my seat, just about ready to jump out of my skin, but I had to find out what lay over the next page, I just had to know what happened, loving every unpredictable moment of it…. It has Meghan O’Flynn’s signature unpredictable twists and clever touches stamped all over it and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next book.
Bring on Book #2!!!.
Thank you, Meghan O’Flynn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this sport romance. The author does a great job with her characters making them relatable and easy to fall in love with. This story is full of first love, memories and danger which all makes for a gripping read.
Ray is a champion boxer. He returns to his home town to retire after an injury to his eye could lead to him being blind. When he takes over the Kraken bar he enlisted the help of his old school friend Lys. Neither of them expected the old flames from their school days to reignite and catch fire but boy is the attraction hot.
However things aren’t all good for the couple with Lys ex husband Jared in the background he is out to destroy the couple and the life they are making together.
When Ray is given the opportunity for one last fight in Vegas he jumps at the chance not realising it is a set up to destroy him for good.
Can Lys make Ray see sense and call off the fight? Can Ray win the fight or will Ray lose his eyesight and the girl he loves chasing a dream thats over?
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
“Easy, little bird. You’ll wear yourself out before it’s time to play.”
Vulture is one of the Order of the Condor, a vampire and specially bred killer whose latest contract becomes a little more complicated than he first imagined. An ancient relic, a multimillion dollar bid, a sassy museum curator, fated mates, hidden agendas, prophecy, vampires, magic, danger, and sizzling chemistry brew into quite an intense situation. There is definitely more to the situation than he expected. He is the predator and Danielle just became his prey. Outbidding her at the auction was just the first step in his plan- abducting her his second step- now, if he can only get her to cooperate and divulge everything she knows about the relic.
Danielle was outbid at the auction, then abducted and thrown in a cage- held captive by the monster for hire. Her world changes in an instant when she realises that all the tales she’s heard aren’t fantasy, they are in fact real- monsters and the supernatural really do exist…… and the fate of the vampire world is at stake.
Code Name: Vulture is the first book in The Order of the Condor Series by Maya Daniels & Sylvia Black. It is a dark paranormal romance with vampires, the supernatural, suspense, action, violence, drama, chemistry, sizzle, danger, magic, bondage, dominance, abduction, captivity, agendas, and mystery.
There were some intense scenes that had me holding my breath, as well as some darkish themes. This is a fairly fast-paced story full of descriptive details- but, I felt like the story suffered a little, at times, due to the hectic pace. I also had a few issues where the wrong word/s were used, for example; esthetic instead of ecstatic- two similar words but with very different meanings…. they pulled me out of the story and had me rereading parts to try to make sense of what I had read.
Code Name: Falcon (Book #2) continues the story of the Order of the Condor- with Falcon and Cara’s story…
Thank you, Maya Daniels and Sylvia Black!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
First of all, I am soooo happy to find that this instalment isn’t the end of ‘Her Three Immortals’ series- as I was worried it might be after finishing at the previous book. I squealed with delight when I got to the end of ‘The Bow’ and realised there would be another addition to the series!!! I’m one happy book worm right now!!!
The Bow is the third addictive book in Her Three Immortals series by Hazel Storm. And as you have probably figured out- I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series- it is really fantastic and entirely addictive. Hazel Storm earned herself a spot on my favourite authors list and I will happily devour anything and everything she produces!!!
The Bow continues from where we left off at the end of Book #2- so if you haven’t read ‘The God’ yet, I highly recommend that you do so before starting on this story.
It is a brilliant paranormal romance- with more than one love interest- making this a delicious RH story that sizzles right off the pages. This fantasy is full of adventure, action, suspense, interesting and endearing characters (as well as some more detestable cast members), originality, imagination, wonderful world building, magic, drama, danger, Gods/Goddesses, mythology, fate/destiny, trust, emotion, and an intriguing prophecy.
In this instalment, we get to learn so much more about the characters, the Underworld, the Overworld, and the Upperworld. Vanessa has been assigned a task by the Queen of the Underworld- with her very soul at stake if she fails. The assignment sounds simple- but things definitely do not go according to plan- and Vanessa finds herself a prisoner in the Upperworld. So, how is she meant to complete her task if she can’t find a way to escape? With the clock ticking, she is running out of time! But she’s not the only one who needs help! What happens makes for another enthralling read!!
After reading the end of this story with the added tantalizing sneak peak of the next book, which looks set to be amazing by the way- I am excitedly awaiting the release of “The Box” (Book #4)- releasing in November 2021!!! Can. Not. Wait!!!
Thank you, Hazel Storm!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Fight for It (Sunset Cove) by Amy L. Gale
This is the first book by Gale that I’ve read. This short story will leave you wanting more. This was an amazing page-turner.
Alyssa is helping her crush and brother’s best friend with the marketing of an old restaurant. When her ex causes trouble things don’t go as planned. The quote I chose for Alyssa is: “What do you want from me, Ray? You want me to tell you this is great. You want me to watch you ruin everything you worked for since you got here? It’s not happening. I’m out.”
Ray is back in his hometown. Retiring from his boxing career he decides to open an old hang-out spot. He has a chance to do one more fight, but doesn’t when he finds that Alyssa is right. The quote I chose for Ray is: “I get it. You’re scared. But I’m not that asshole you married. You know me, Lys. You know more about me than any girl I’ve ever been with my whole life. You’ve seen me at my best, at my worst, and everywhere in between. And I’ve never been better than when I’m with you.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
Potager Plot: A witty cozy mystery with a hint of romance. by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Mystery #5)
By Vikki Walton
4-stars
Potager Plot is the 5th book in the Backyard Farming Mystery series, however, this is the first book I have read by this author and of the series. Even though I was able to enjoy this story I feel like I would have enjoyed it more had I been following from the beginning.
I enjoyed how this mystery read was still lighthearted and funny with a hint of drama and intrigue, perfect for a rainy day! Now that I have read this book I look forward to reading more from this author very soon.
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Drew (Perfectly Independent #1) by Amanda Shelley
5-stars
Drew was a phenomenal college romance read!! It completely exceeded my expectations in the best way possible. I ended up reading it in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough of the characters! Right from the get go I was able to really connect with the characters and felt very invested in their story.
I love how this story was sweet through and through, there wasn’t any crazy sort of unlikely scenario, it felt real, relatable and slightly inspirational! This was the first book I’ve read by this author but it will absolutely not be my last, I look forward to starting another book from this author asap!!
Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds #1)
by Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison
5- stars
Wow!! Okay where to start? I absolutely loved this storyline from start to finish, I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I was so captivated by the storyline and unfortunately for me the ending came much too quickly. I literally cannot wait for Book 2!!
This is one of those stories that sticks with you long after the last page, it’s beautifully detailed, intense, sweet, dramatic, witty and really just a true page turner. I was swept up into the storyline right from the get go and was held captive until the very end. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone looking for their next one of a kind read.
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Home to the Outback is the first in the Bunya Junction book series by Nicole Flockton. This was a sweet story of returning to your hometown and finding all that you actually needed in life was there for you. At first, Dr. Ryan Flanagan seems like he will be full of arrogance but the more we are given into his character, he becomes a very loving and caring individual. I like how he grew into who he became. Most often, plastic surgeons are portrayed as indulgent and snobbish, but this is not the case with Ryan. Sindy Carruthers is the nurse that steals Ryan’s heart and is overcoming her own demons that had her return to Bunya Junction 2 years prior to Ryan’s return and working alongside Ryan’s father figure in the local medical practice. I would absolutely recommend this read. It’s a very easy to get into and short enough that I found my afternoon swept away by the characters. I will be looking out for the next books in this series.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ever since returning home from finishing college, the freedom Liliana felt has quickly disappeared before her eyes. She might be a Mafia princess but inside her father’s home she is nothing more than another pawn in his ever growing quest towards power. When a series of attacks on the family’s warehouses causes her father to bring in a hitman from Sicily, her only hope is that maybe he’ll be different from dozens of guards around the house she can’t trust. When all she wants is a possible ally, Liliana might be in for more than she expected because Max has come with his own agenda and none of the Mafia bosses will be safe.
Idk what it is but I keep wanting to like mafia fiction, especially mafia romances, but they always seem to fall a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed the beginning where Max is assigned as Liliana’s bodyguard and the tension that builds from there. Liliana’s perspective was probably my favorite but honestly I think it might have been because her two friends were the characters I enjoyed reading about the most. The incorporation of arranged marriage was a trope I haven’t read from before and honestly I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I provided for a lot more variety in the story line and caused a number of fun twists. The steamy scenes were decent but kind of a let down for me. There was a point in the very beginning when Liliana held a knife to Max’s throat when they first met to make sure he knew she wasn’t helpless. When she did this, he made a comment about it being hot or kinking or something like that so it made me think cool, we have that kink going and I haven’t read that before so this could be really fun. Sadly, that wasn’t the case though the first couple of scenes were pretty good. I don’t see myself reading further in this series. I appreciated that there weren’t any miscommunication tropes in this book which is pretty common in a lot of romance and the big conflict had to do with the drama surrounding Mafia politics rather than the couple which I really appreciated. Not sure if I’ll read anything from this author in the future but I wouldn’t say I’d say turn something down that piqued my interest.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For anyone who likes this sort of genre with two very fast-paced short stories, this is a definite must to read. Two back-to-back stories that are completely unrelated. LM Mountford knows how to put a lot of sexy details in a short story and make the reader wish for more.
The first story: Tequila Sunset is about a girl’s best friend and her father. Cassandra has been told she is boring, she is feeling more than inadequate, and is spending some much-needed time in the pool with her best friend Stacey. Stacey’s father, David, is there and -after his divorce- has been noticing Cassandra the same way that she is noticing him. Cue fantasy.
The second story: Beneath the Sheets is a short, romantic story about two lifelong friends who have lost touch. Sarah reaches out to Alex after years apart and he jumps on the first flight to her – no questions asked. Their romance picks up right where it left off all those years ago and makes for a wonderfully sweet and exciting read.
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Code Name: Vulture, as advertised, is a dark vampire romance, but what wasn’t advertised was how it’s also an introduction to a different kind of vampire story. More than just a simple by-the-book romance, there’s a complexity to the relationship between Vulture and Danielle. What starts out as a physical attraction goes beyond the skin and with steamy scenes the deeper into the story we go. The authors deliver on a shiver-inducing tale about love, survival, and magic where nothing is as it seems. If you like a story with a little spice and darkness, you’ll love this book. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great one – – I personally enjoy the ‘enemies to lovers’ story line. In Slow Burn there was nice character development and they had relatable, real-world issues to work through. I think I read this in two short sittings, and it has enough steam and intrigue to keep the reader engaged but it’s not overly explicit. In the end you’re rooting for Adam and Maddie to end up together but the author makes you wait right up until the end to reveal if they will or not. I’d read more from A.K. MacBride!
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance and read the book in one sitting as I was hooked from start to finish. Professional boxer Ray “The Wrecker” Wilson has had to retire from the ring due to injury. Ray returns to his hometown of Sunset Cove to buy The Kraken Bar & Grill a former infamous hotspot. Real-estate agent Alyssa Higgins is trying to restart her life having divorced her abusive husband who unfortunately still lives in the town, the same town his family run. Ray and Alyssa meet when he needs her expertise to buy The Kraken, Ray can’t believe he’s face to face with the one girl who was always ‘off limits’ due to her being his best friends little sister. Alyssa is surprised to find the legendary heartthrob is back in town especially as he’s followed by reporters everywhere he goes.
Whilst Alyssa believes Ray just sees her as his best friends sister still, Ray is trying to resist their obvious chemistry especially as they are both grieving for Alyssa’s brother. Just as the couple grow closer Ray has an opportunity to go back in the ring but this decision may change everything. This is a heartwarming romance with a sporting theme, the storyline flows well and has plenty of drama and suspense in the plot to keep readers happily turning the pages. The characters are all well defined and I especially liked the main characters, Ray and Alyssa. The chemistry between the pair really came across in the writing and as they were both likeable and relatable I felt engaged with them and their story. A great short read which I recommend.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a delicious slow-burn. There is something to be said for going slow instead of quick and fast all the time. This one delivers it all in spades. We really get to know the characters and their wants and needs. Adam is quite the guy. At first I loved to dislike him but slowly..oh so slowly he turned a corner as I changed my opinion about him. He is a grump and kinda mean. By the end he is a hot dreamboat. There is one scene in here that I highlighted because I loved it so much. Sadly its near the end so I can’t say anything because I don’t want to give anything away. But let’s just say..my heartbeat picked up as I held my breath. Madison is wonderful. She has challenges that are different from Adam’s but I still enjoyed all her turmoil, tears and smiles.
Secondary characters are super. First off can a dog be a character? Sheldon has a smallish part but its a instrumental in the story. Frankie is a great character. Supportive and there for her bestie. I see her story is next and I am excited. There are parents, friends and family that all help these two try to get together.
Overall this is a wonderful read. The suspense of will they or won’t they drove me crazy! Heck even that first kiss! Yowza! I loved seeing the growth of these two and I look forward to more.
The title of this series (Breathing Hearts) fits perfectly.
Return To Alpha: A new saga begins by Wesley Britton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating! Britton is a new author to me and I found the concept behind this book to be very intriguing. The multiverse concept is one I am seeing more and more. I really enjoyed the author’s take on this theme. I found the characters fascinating and the storyline was original. True scifi lovers will enjoy this new world that Britton has created.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a quick read. I really enjoyed the story for the first half. The characters and their plight drew me in. I cared about them and wondered what would happen. A Fighter (after forced retirement) coming back to his hometown..reinvesting in the town. Great idea! Then meeting back up with his BF sister. Perfect! Then there is her story of divorce from an abusive ex and learning to stand on her own again. Nicely Done.
The second half was not so good. The story went all over the place. The characters really fell flat and things didnt fit in place. The Story/Characters should be like a puzzle where everything fits together. In here I feel like pieces got put in the wrong place. I think a longer, more in depth look at the characters and story would have been more beneficial. Maybe even a look inside Ray’s head. It just felt rushed at times and the story didn’t match up with the great first half.
Overall I liked the idea and premise of this story.
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I truly am unable to get enough of this author’s amazing series. I have been hooked since I was introduced to the amazing characters and story line in book one. Hazel Storm knows how to weave a tale with such interest and certain specialties as I call it that really draws the reader in! Loved this installment!
I loved Vanessa in this gripping novel. She has grown so much as a character since the first book, she really is a bad ass and she ha gone through, well a lot! She’s a fighter and even won over the darkest soul to love her. That took more that just a bit of work. When she is sent to the mission to meet his mother, I found great relation to that ordeal. I have been there too many times. I loved the fact the author put a strong relation many readers can think on that they have been where Vanessa is.
In this book practically, I loved the scenery and how the author described everything. The adventure to well what Vanessa had to complete, perhaps I say to gain the mothers acceptance, was less than ideal, but certainly made the story more powerful in many different attributes it brought! I could not put this one down, I thought the last installment was gripping, but this one really held on to me even more tightly! There’s so much happening, and all things are different perhaps in how they seem , just maybe? I could go on and on how much I loved this specific installment. To me, it was the best one yet! I anxiously am awaiting the next book installment for this series, it needs to come out, I am more than eager haha!
The author’s word play in the past books were good, but this one really took the cake. The author really took what her recognition has been with the past books and really made this one topping off the first two books. I am left with no words, to describe how remarkable this read was. l long for more, and I know this is one I will gladly cherish for a long time to come. I highly recommend this book, as well as this series, this one is the best yet in the series, in my opinion, and each book gets better and better for me in the series, the author is truly remarkable and talented! I LOVE their books, and this one was beyond amazing!
Caine by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whoa. Just whoa. Storm delivers another compelling story filled with just the right amount of intrigue, romance, and suspense. I was immediately pulled into quite the ride. The momentum never stopped and I couldn’t keep from reading as fast as I could. I just had to know what would happen. Really enjoyed this book and series. What a ride.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intense from page 1, the book grabbed me by hand and never let go. I found the action to be intriguing and breath defying. Amy is out for revenge. She’s trying to deal with an unspeakable action. You can watch her grow into a better person as the story goes along. Her work with DAG is impressive. The characters are all well-developed. The plot comes together and meshes well. It is a very good read and well worth the purchase. Highly recommend
My Soul to Give by Magali A. Fréchette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It started out slow but in time I couldn’t put it down. A complete page-turner that takes you from confused to intrigue to love to surprise is the best way I can describe My Soul to Give by M.A. Frechette. In the end I couldn’t put it down and I’m definitely going to read the next book.
Despite being king of the demons, I loved Mekaisto. He’s intriguing and elusive which kept me involved wanting to know more, and the author didn’t disappoint.
I can’t say the same for Celina. After witnessing the death of her husband and being shot herself, she has mere minutes to decide her fate, die or sell her soul to a demon for revenge.
It’s a wonderful adventure with an ending twist that was surprising but made me love the story even more. M.A. Frechette’s ability to create a world that only seemed realistic but was far from it was gothically beautiful.
If your looking for something different with a fantastic twist, check it out! I guarantee you’ll want to read more from this author when you’re done.
