So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Best friends to lovers and enemies to lovers are my top 2 tropes I love and this book melded those 2 together in the most perfect way. I was on an emotional roller coaster through this with these 2. Dahlia and Levi took me for ride here with their story and was a great addition to this amazing series.
The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
‘The God’ is the second book of Hazel Storm’s Her Three Immortals series and a worthy sequel to ‘The Don’. It continues to follow the journey of beautician Vanessa Maan as she finds herself even more tangled in the politics of those who rule over Earth and falling deeper for the trio of handsome Gods from the last book. Unlike ‘The Don’, ‘The God’ largely shifts its focus away from the mortal world to the Underworld where the souls of the dead reside. This was a welcome change as it provided deeper insight into the intricate and vivid world that Storm has crafted. It was very interesting to learn more about how the Underworld functioned and how it shaped Grey, the overseer of the realm, into the man- or should I say God- he is today. Seeing him in his natural element allowed for greater development of his character with more and more facets of his past thrust into the light and the strengthening of his dynamic with Vanessa.
Speaking of Miss Maan, the change in setting also served her and her story well. Suddenly isolated from her family and friends and embroiled in the inner-workings of a realm run by the other-worldly, Vanessa is forced to fend for herself in circumstances virtually unknown and she comes out a much stronger character for it. Having a protagonist with little knowledge of the world around her provided a smooth vehicle for the audience to learn alongside her and thus does not make the book feel like it was bogged down by exposition. That’s not to say that Vanessa is completely alone however- she quickly befriends strange and mystical creatures such as Gorgonita, Medusa’s daughter eternally trapped as a mirror, and PK, a feather boa of a capitallar who’s hunger is seemingly insatiable. They serve as charming companions who bounce off of Vanessa nicely and are great additions to the cast as well as the lore binding the mystical realms.
The mark of a great sequel comes in the form of consequences- namely evidence that events of its predecessor has relevance in terms of its impacts on characters and the story of the sequel and that the themes and concepts of the former are continued to be explored in the latter. ‘The God’ does not disappoint in relation to this aspect- the plotlines and threads present in the first book are delved into more thoroughly and some discoveries even shine a different light on the events of ‘The Don’. Old characters are not suddenly cast aside, become obsolete or are forgotten- it’s clear that Storm did not put them into her first book willy-nilly and had done so with a greater purpose in mind.
Overall, ‘The God’ is a great continuation of ‘The Don.’ It doesn’t lose the heart of the first novel, nor its dark and steamy nature. If you’re interested in seeing the next step in Vanessa’s journey or in getting a more profound look into the mechanisms that push and pull at Storm’s manufactured realms, then this book will not disappoint.
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novella was so cute!
Willa and Brody are he most adorable, actually speaking their minds instead of playing ridiculous games like in most romance books. I wish this book would have been longer because I wanted to learn so much more about them but this novella was the perfect pick me up after some intense reading.
It was a light and happy read and of course happily ever after.
there was a good combination of OH NO moment and of course who doesnt like an ex-boyfriend villan and jealous assistant. It has all the making of a great movie.
Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dangerous Curves Boxed Set #1 (Dangerous Curves Books 1-3) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Barbara Stegall
This is my first time reading K.L Montgomery and all I can say is – where is by paycheck so I can get the other books! I love this Cosy Mystery set. The development of the characters over the three book set is awesome. Oh don’t forget the new character’s introduced – Puppy Love!! I sure hope Knox stays along for the ride. The first book surprised me with the items that went missing at the Gala. I was expecting one thing and was delited that I had not figured out that a second item would be taken. The second book got better loved following Sunshine being pulled in to the mysterious death of the marine life. I fell for the puppy – Puppy love for sure! To finish this box set (thank goodness it was a box set so I could binge! ) I’m loving the slow romance I see building between Sunshine and the Chief! If you have not read these yet I suggest you move these up on your TBR list right now! Great read – Fun read – So enjoyable – Characters grow as you read.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazingly beautiful. The way it handles a sensitive topic was great. The characters are written so great that it makes you fall in love with them. I felt a real connection to this book. I couldn’t put it down. This was one of the realest books I’ve read in a long time.
So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So Close: A Best Friends To Enemies to Lovers Romance (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent
Well, Ms. Regent has done it again. She wrote a book I throughly enjoyed and had a hard time putting down.
Dahlia bugged me at first but once I learned the full story, I think I fell in love just a little bit. She hasn’t had the easiest few years but she has done an amazing job moving on and giving her son Beckett the best possible life.
Oh Levi, where do I start. I’m a sucker for a Southern Gentleman and Levi is the epitome of that. He is a good guy period, but the way he is with Beckett is heart melting.
I’m looking forward to the next book and catching up with everyone.
Caine by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Caine (Men of Syn Book 2) by Anise Storm is one book I have wanted to get my hands on after reading the first book Hawke. Anise has written these perfectly imperfect alpha men to give us a sexy, titillating and thrilling read. He is on the run and headed to his friend who owns the BDSM club, SYN to hide out. She has gone from an entitled princess to broke overnight. What ensues is hot, steamy, explosive and downright dirty. Secrets from their past threaten them both and will it be too much and keep them apart? I really enjoyed these two and even in the midst of trouble they are fun and their witty banter will have you smiling.
I said it when I read the first book and it is true after I have read this book but I cannot wait for more Men of Syn.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly is a sweet love story that is well written and full of hope when you find what you didn’t know you were looking for. They are from two different worlds and if that isn’t enough people are trying to keep them apart. It is a short but captivating romance story with a whole lot of chemistry. The story is fast paced but it flows nicely. Tammy makes it easy to get lost in the world she has created with lovable characters and enough drama and suspense to give it that little bit more.
I look forward to what comes next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman is an adventure story for preteens / teens aged around 9 -12 years old. This is the second book in this series and follows Rocky life and navigating where he fits into his mother’s and her husband to be lives. The story is really fast paced and interesting. When strange things keep happening around him Rocky and Olive decide to do a bit of amateur sleuthing to find out if the evil step Dad is behind it or not. A little drama, a little mystery and a lot of unknowns.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Another Yesterday by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Angela Christina Archer piqued my interest and mystery solving skills with this book! By gradually building the story and keeping things hidden at first, she kept me guessing and wondering how it was all going to develop! I was hoping I was going to be wrong about some things but even the parts that made me want to look away for the sake of the characters were so well written! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book hooked me right from the start! What a different era meant for pregnant women who hadn’t met society’s rules! Even when it flashed forward to 1980, the world was still so different to today – smoking right outside a hospital room?!! Angela Christina Archer had me formulating theories and turning the pages to find out what would happen next and if my guesses were correct! Looking forward to reading more from this fabulous author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Her Dark Love by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Dark Love (Dark Spell Series Book 4) by Isra Sravenheart. This author has definitely found the way to keep me coming back for more. I find myself having a harder time getting into a more paranormal storyline lately but this author doesn’t have any problems get me hooked from page one. The characters each bring out the awesomeness of this story. They are complex and well developed. Each one brings something needed to make the story whole. While the storyline draws you in and keeps you captivated. It’s a well written book and I can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. Highly recommended four big stars!
Effacement by Hieronymus Hawkes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book reeled me in from word one. The main characters and their relationships were realistic. Cole’s conflict within himself as well as his personal honor system were so relatable. The idea of the extent to which society could be altered due to technology was frightening but also realistic. The only thing that has ever freaked me out like the idea of technology taking over the world more than it already has is reavers from Joss Whedon’s Firefly. It is just too realistic and I was captivated, needing to know what happened next.
Effacement by Hieronymus Hawkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping sci/fi thriller, this book is centered around Dr Cole Westbay , a gifted scientist who has developed the revolutionary neurochip, a kind of life log that the American population is required to have in order to get a job, open a bank account etc. Everyone in this society is dependent on this lifelog for their daily means and things seem to go smooth unless they don’t. Unless they find one fine day, there is breach, and there is a series of deaths. When Westbay begins to investigate, his work and life is put to danger and he must find out why and who is behind the cover up.
This was a very fast paced read, it showcases the downside of relying on technology too much, and for all we know our own society will be the same plight a few decades down the road. I enjoyed reading the book.
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The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Girl and the Gargoyle brings us back into the world of Lucy, half demon, half witch. Lucy once again has her hands full: dating Marcus, a gargoyle, dealing with her father and his high expectations, and trying to stay alive. Jude, her father, is making her life miserable, wanting her to focus on her demon training above all else.
The second in the Girl and the Raven series, this book is just as good, if not better, than the first one. Lucy is a likeable character who is growing as the story continues. Dylan is by far my favorite character. Reading the development of the relationships is great, and the story has several twists and turns along the way. This one was hard to put down!
So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Renee Regent is a great author. I stumbled upon one of her books a while ago and ever since, she has been a go-to author for me. This book definitely will not disappoint.
Dahlia has been promoted and within 24 hours her past comes barreling into her present. She has worked hard for this promotion and she won’t let anything get in the way.
Levi and Dahlia were best friends growing up. They both had feelings for eachother but their friendship meant so much to them and never let those feelings out.
When Dahlia see Levi at her job and realizes what he’s doing there, she doesn’t know what to do. She hasn’t seen or spoken to Levi in almost a decade. Now she has to work closely with him and be his point of contact for the next 6 weeks. Will she be able to remain mad at Levi or will he break down her walls and make her understand.
Such a great read. Today was a super emotional day for me and reading this made it worse lol.
review by @xchellex
Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book #1: Betrayal at the Beach
This was a breath for fresh air to read! Sunshine and her friends are wonderfully written Christian characters. The characters all had pluck, were realistic, and relatable. It was fun to try and guess who the real culprit of the theft was and in the end to be surprised! I look forward to book #2 and finding out who Sunshine’s admirer is. I have my suspicions…
Book #2 Mystery at the Marina
Oh man! I just LOVE Sunshine and her friends!! They make an amazing team of sleuths out to crack any mystery that comes up in Bryce Beach. My favorite part of these books, so far, is that these ladies are not afraid to branch out and try new things in order to solve a mystery. It’s like a grown up version of Nancy Drew with some prayer in there! I really thought Sunshine’s admirer would be revealed, but alas… there are 2 possibilities now!
I’m so glad there’s another book because I am really enjoying this series!
Book #3: Shooting at the Beach
Oh my heart… This book was a tad sad for me. I was sad to read who the victim was, but I was even more surprised to find out why! It took Sunshine and the whole team plus an unexpected addition to solve this one. What a mystery full of drama! We still don’t know who her admirer is, however, it is narrowed down to one! (Well, at least in my mind!) Since it isn’t apparent who it is, that must mean there will be more books!! Yay!!
These books are wholesome, witty and full of humor!
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this book, Kimberly Packard has you look at death in a unique way. She has pulled in me from the very first page until the last page. In this story, the dying goes to a travel agency that gives them one last adventure. The adventure frees the dying from feeling guilty because they are dying. We meet Charlotte Claybrooke. She is a life coach who assists people with their guilt. She sets out on a journey to find life among the dying. Then there is Jimmy Dire, He is the man who gives the terminally ill their last adventure. He is a shady man. He has a problem with lying and his bills were adding up. Something has happened to his last adventure. Will his last group of adventurers gets what they paid for or will they stay together or will they be ripped apart? How’s Charlotte’s journey and where does it lead to? I highly recommend this book for a great journey.
Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I was excited to get the 2nd book in the Masters of Consulate series. I think this may be my favorite so far in the series.
Christian is in love with Delilah. He was put in a tough predicament when she was left for dead. Not wanting to lose her, he made her immortal. Now he’s trying to keep that love stronger than ever. Delilah is a very strong and determined woman, she puts herself in danger when she decides to seek revenge. You can feel the love these two have coming off the pages.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. We get so much in this story, action, revenge, steaminess and so much more. There are several thrilling twists and turns. All of the characters added a great element to the story. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good dark vampire romance series, this author pulls you right in and you don’t want to stop reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Repair by Trish Williford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Repair (Rescue Me Book 1) by Trish Williford – Review by Krista Vaughan
Charlie has a “perfect” life. Nurse with a surgeon fiance. Her dream home and an upcoming wedding. Of course the chink in that plan is his pregnant mistress. Goodbye Denver, hello California! Back home to a new set of challenges and an old flame. Tank hurt her before, she won’t let it happen again. This is a wonderful return to first-love story filled with romance, angst, and the proof that true love and a little faith can get you through anything.
So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the Love Grow Series, but the first one I read. Can be read as a standalone. I did not feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous books. I do like her writing style and want to go back and read the others though. This is the story of Dahlia Perez and Levi Vance.
They grew up next door to each other, had crushes on each other, but the time never seemed right. They were never single at the same time. Dahlia has married and divorced. A strain on her and Levi’s relationship has made her avoid him for seven years. Now he is back and she can’t avoid him. Can her heart melt enough to let him back in? Can he say the right words to get her to forgive him? This was a great feel-good love story that showed that even though we make mistakes, sometimes we are lucky enough to fix them.
Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Turning wheels was the first book I’ve read from this author and let me tell you I was not disappointed. She had me wanting to go out and find a biker gang near me and find out how to join. I definitely felt for Sophie right from the start and love how she found hope and help from a most unexpected place. I enjoyed watching her character develop as the book went on. Mellett did well keeping readers on their toes, just when you thought things had settled down for Sophie something else was thrown her way. The only thing I could see as a negative for some is the language used in this book, but as she was trying to portray a biker gang I believe it fits the book well. Would definitely recommend this book.
Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal story. This is a shorter story but it certainly packs a lot of action. This is a well written story about a group of people in a small town that are under the watchful eye of Raven. She is not one to mess with as some are soon to find out. This is a great story that I had a hard time putting down. There are some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but they did keep me turning pages. I enjoyed how the characters are connectable and gave life to the story. They are unique and different and I really enjoyed them. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout the story which kept the story engaging. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Allyson Ware
As a psychology major in college, I was obviously immediately interested in reading this novel. Keeping in mind that it is a novel, it has enhanced my original thoughts on mental health: that it is greatly underestimated.
As Branson learns to cope with his intrusive thoughts, his mother believes she has to take matters into her own hands and fix him. She is not a perfect mom by any means, but that’s what makes this story that much more realistic. Dealing with something alone, let alone something that society doesn’t deem “normal” can be incredibly difficult, and Branson has an amazing support system to help him out of that void. Not everyone is so lucky. You won’t be able to put this book down once you learn more about Branson and Tara. I can assure you of that.
Reviewed by @aware
Return To Alpha: A new saga begins by Wesley Britton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this scientific adventure story. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to reading more from him in the future. This is a well written story that is full of action and adventure. There is a lot going on in this story from humans to aliens to even some romance. The author’s use of detail made the story understandable, engaging and easy to read. This is a fast paced story that was entertaining and kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed how the characters were unique and interesting. They are strong and brought the story to life on each page. They truly made the story for me. I really enjoyed the growth of this story and the growth of the characters. This is a great story that is worth picking up. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Unbreakable by Tee Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book one of the diamond series and I loved it. Will definitely be continuing the series. Loved the characters from the start and the chemistry between them. Two completely different people with opposite pasts drawn to eachother despite either of them wanting a relationship. This book had lots of up’s and downs to keep you interested, with a couple twists I definitely didn’t see coming! The writing was good and everything seemed to flow well. Can’t wait to read book 2!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this enemies to friends romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning by the characters. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. The author’s use of details gave the story not only a realistic feel but also made it come to life. I enjoyed how the characters are connectable and made the story engaging. This is a fast paced story that I had a hard time putting down. It is an easy, fun and entertaining story. There is a new neighbor in the neighborhood. He is hot, steamy but he is also full of attitude and rude. How hot will things get with these characters? Will someone get burned? I enjoyed the growth and chemistry throughout the story. I really enjoyed this story and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nymen is the second book in this series. We are back to following Rocky in his journey, this time navigating the world of stepfathers. Rocky seems to have been through so much, and still seems to be going through a lot. I thought this was reflecting in the story telling and how fast paced the book seemed to be. Something always seemed to be happening which really kept your interest.
This book is definitely aimed at a pre-teen age but it has enough depth that I can appeal to all audiences. This is a great book and a strong follow up to book one.
Effacement by Hieronymus Hawkes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Effacement by Hieronymus Hawkes is one of those books that you just cannot put down once you start. This book is so good because it is so close to reality, and so utterly believable, that it really makes you think. I was completely drawn into this story and the events unfolding. I could imagine it all happening as if were there with the characters. This is a completely new author to me and I was really impressed by everything I read. The book was interesting and a unique concept but based in a plausible setting. The characters were easy to engage with.
Everything combined made for a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would highly recommend this to everyone!
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well where to start with this book. This book has had me in tears of sadness and tears of joy. It is a moving story about a group of people who are brought together because they are dying and are living their one final wish. The characters range from old to young and they each have a story to tell.
One of the characters Charlotte isn’t dying at least not from a illness like the rest of them. Charlotte has an illness that is not talked about much and often goes unseen behind smiles and great acting. After losing the love of her life Charlotte has suffered with depression and has found no way to get herself out of its grips.
This story is really eye opening in the sense that although it is a story about people who are dying it is also a story about life and how you should live everyday like your last so when your time comes you have no regrets.
Every person including the man running the show Jimmy Dire, all have secrets that get reveled throughout this story. Its definately a book you won’t be able to put down as you take these journeys with each character.
