A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dark contemporary romance. It was a page turner from the beginning. While a little predictable, this is exactly what readers are looking for. With great characters and good world building, I’m looking forward to reading the next story.
Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read one book by this author before that I really enjoyed, so I was excited to start this series! Something that really stood out to me was how realistic the characters felt. I was invested in them quite quickly and felt like I was experiencing the story instead of reading it. The drama was at a perfect level that keeps you engaged and interested in the outcome, but not so much that it overwhelmed the plot. This story kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the last page! I highly recommend picking this up and letting yourself get lost in Jake’s world. I am already into the next book in the series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent Read!
Very engaging read full of twists and turns. Fast paced, captivating story with great characters. This is series that could be read alone. Recommended for all readers.
Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Twists and turns is what I love in a book and this one didn’t disappoint one bit. Had me on my toes, quickly trying to get to the next page to see what happens next. Author has a incredible way of describing everything and it just flowed greatly. Loved this. I’m a huge thriller lover so I had to pick this up and I devoured it. Highly recommend.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Book 4 in this series, but can definitely be read as a standalone, though I doubt you would want to do so.
Lauren and her friends are preparing for their ballet exams, as well as school exams. When the ballet students decide to go into town and check out the rummage sale being held to raise money for the new community center that his being built where the old theater currently stands, Lauren and her ghostly friends, Grace and Rodney, meet a new ghost. Lillie haunts the old theater, and is attached to an item that is for sale at the rummage sale; Lauren purchases it to take back to Amberwood with her. Lillie tells them that she needs to escape the terrible triplets that cause mischief and mayhem at the theater, but when bad things begin to happen at Amberwood, Lauren gets suspicious and starts trying to figure out the truth about Lillie and the triplets, and quickly finds that nothing is as it seemed at first. With plenty of fun, mystery and friends, this book is great for young adults, and upper elementary age children.
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was not one that I enjoyed. However, please do not go off my review alone as there are many who appreciated this much more than I did.
In this story, Andrea is suffering with cancer and she decides that she is going to take fate into her own hands and die on her terms. She soon learns that she’s only “half-dead” though and, in her ghost form, meets a coyote who embodies antlers like a deer and can make and drink coffee. Together, they share several stories about life and death in general.
I had a hard time staying interested in this story and I’m not really sure why. I enjoy supernatural reads so it wasn’t that aspect of it. However, I can’t really put my finger on it.
Give this one a chance if you enjoy quirky supernatural reads!
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the fourth in the series but can be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading them in order just to get the full backstory but it can be enjoyed without this. Geared towards a younger audience, this book was a little harder to connect with but once I got into it I did enjoy it. I thought the characters were entertaining and matched the story being told really well.
The book is well written and suited to the audience it is intended for. This is the sort of book that I would love to share with my children when they are a bit older. It is engaging and easy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a unique, original sci-fi fantasy story set in a futuristic world. I was a little unsure going into this book if I would enjoy it but was intrigued enough to give it a go. The way the story is told is really interesting. The multiple points of view give it a depth and perspective that I wasn’t expecting but makes it even better to read.
Each of the characters played their own part in the overall story. I enjoyed getting to see things from more than one view and I think it helped me to connect more with the story. This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I give this lovely book a big 5 stars, if I could give it more I would. The author showed the lovely Amish community and how a romance can unfold. I fell in love with the characters and loved how they interacted with one another. It was a very easy read and enjoyable from start to finish. I can imagine what each of the characters looked like and the character traits are full of love and respect for each other.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being a romance author with writer’s block for six months is not easy. Even more so when romance writer Elijah no longer dreams up romance after the manipulation and abuse he went through with his ex. He never would have under any circumstance envisioned himself at Enchanted Juniper Resort. Following the negative reviews from his latest novel, he finds himself at a crossroads.
Austin had landed the job of his dreams as a head chef in a romantic heart. He loves the scenery he wakes up to, but his heart suffers from being single.
When a chance to be a fake boyfriend to Elijah arises, how could he say no? The fake relationship would hopefully spark inspiration for a novel. Will this help Elijah believe in love again?
Who would have imagined a chef and a romance writer as love interests? This drew me to the novel, as well as the cover and it being an MM romance. I don’t read a lot of these so when one catches my interest, I have to read it.
From the cover I was expecting a quick fun read, but this packed a lot more emotions from me than what I was expecting.
Seeing ‘A Lake Juniper Novel’ gives the impression that this will be part of a series. I hope there is.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy IV is part of the Grave Digger fantasy series. It’s aimed at teen and YA readers but will appeal to all who enjoy magic school stories. This book is best enjoyed as part of the series so that you watch the characters grow and develop and see how the story leads on from the previous book.
I love that this story gets us going with some mysteries straight away. Who is Jezabella Peacock and what does she have to do with Makayla? How has the school changed, and what impact will that have on her? There are plenty of twists, it’s a real page-turner! I’m looking forward to reading the fifth book when it comes out.
This book gets five stars from me! I’ve enjoyed other series by this author as well so knew I was in for a treat when I started the Grave Digger Academy series! It’s great for existing fans of the author, as well as being a great entry point.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Giselle Nevada & Jennie Chen- 5 out of 5 stars
I love the techniques that are shown throughout this book on different ways children bond with their pet. It really showcases that unbreakable bond that can be formed. A fun educational book and a great learning tool for first time pet owners. I found the illustrations to be very vibrant and beautifully colored as well. I highly recommend this book.
Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Continue to enjoy this series and this author. The story flows easily and the characters we find are engaging and relatable. This book can easily be read on its own but I am thankful I’ve read the series in total to enjoy the author’s universe in total.
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A charming holiday book that gave me “all the feels.” I appreciate the pacing and character development the author put together in these pages. It was a fun and quick read that definitely put me in the holiday spirit.
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series Book 4) by C.R. Alam. This is such a good series and I loved this book! Its the story of Lina who used to be Army intelligence but now works as Security for the rock band Canis Major. Curtis is the epitome of rock star, he loves money, women and a wild lifestyle. Lina is loving this easy job until she gets involved with Curtis. She has been trying to avoid him because she gets her emotions all involved. When Curtis sees something he shouldn’t he becomes a target of the Mob. Lina has to be around him now so that she can protect him from this threat. Lina isn’t strong enough to fight her attraction to Curtis but she has to for the sake of Curtis’ safety. Will she be able to keep Curtis safe along with fighting her attraction to him. Will Curtis ever settle down so that Lina won’t be heartbroken! I loved this book because of the mystery along with the romance!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Festive Fates” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging mix of 11 short stories by a diverse group of authors. The anthology delivers a delightful holiday escape, seamlessly blending genres and capturing the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The stories, ranging from dragons on Thanksgiving quests to Christmas battles with Santa’s army, offer a unique and enjoyable read.The two I liked best were: “Sunshine’s War” by Jill Wallace and “Retired, but not Forgotten” by Natalie Palma stealing the spotlight. Wallace’s heartfelt narrative about two individuals caught in the crossfire of war, unexpectedly meeting in a veggie patch, is a true gem that tugs at the heartstrings. On the other hand, Palma’s “Retired, but not Forgotten” adds a fun twist to the anthology, blending luck, work troubles, and a missing Christmas spirit into a lighthearted yet mysterious adventure. I didn’t much like the alien and paranormal stories -but this is a good winter weekend read.
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons. This is one of those series were you really need to read the previous books to fully understand what’s going on. Its a really great series but its got some depth. We are back with Caitlin & Gio as they figure out how to make it in life. They have gotten married and had to grow up and find their way. Caitlin has a ton on her shoulders. Motherhood, becoming a wife and an Ambassador are each one equally hard but all at the same time is a lot of pressure. When an old enemy comes back on the scene & tries to ruin everything they have built she has to ask Gio for help and she sure doesn’t like to do that. Will Caitlin be able to juggle all the tasks and will she and Gio’s relationship survive everything being thrown at them? This book will have you on the edge of your seat and reading until you are finished!
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu. This is such a sweet story about a Asian boy who is struggling with who he is. It has positive affirmations that little boys can resonate with. The little boys lists all the things he is good at and what he can do. Its geared toward Asian boys but can be reworded in a small way to include all kids. It talks about all the positive ways cultural difference can be great. This book is a great way for kids to get a head start on knowing their worth and not going down the rabbit hole of self doubt and no confidence! The pictures are really awesome too. This book would make a great gift for the young child in your life!
Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 7th book in the Jack Wolfe series. I have loved everyone of these books and I am amazed at how the author keeps creating stories that are different with different threats but still gripping, full of twists and turns and danger.
Jack is an amazing character and over the series I have really fallen for him and his ex- war dog Cody. Together they have faced some dangerous situations and this one is no different.
When a dangerous drug starts making its presents felt in the form of dead bodies, Jake is contact to put a stop to it. All he needs to do is eliminate the big boss, which will stop the supply and elimate the drug. Should be simple right.
However, that is never the case with Jake’s missions and as he tries to destroy this new enemy harming the American people he also puts himself in a position with a target on his back yet again.
This is a story of corruption, greed, danger, and a serial killer who is very deranged which leads to fast paced, action packed story where it is a race against time for Jake to destroy the enemy before the enemy destroys him.
This book is an edge of your seat read that you will not be able to put down. I actually read it in one sitting as I couldn’t stop turning pages.
I love this author’s work and am always left gasping for air at the end of the books and this one left me feeling exactly the same.
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Encounters With Old Coyote” by Laura Koerber is a delightful rollercoaster of 13 short stories that blend real-life moments with a dash of magic. Picture the ghost of a cool professor named Andrea chilling with a spirit named Coyote in the Nevada desert. They share tales ranging from stunning landscapes to childhood escapades and even telepathic cows. Andrea’s love for nature and animals is evident, and Coyote, not big on spirituality, adds a humorous touch. The book might be small, but it’s packed with quirky and heartwarming moments that linger in your thoughts. Koerber serves up a unique mix of the unusual and the touching that’s simply unforgettable.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book to buy your children if you are introducing a pet/dog into your family. This is a cute rhyming book that gives young children some ideas how to train and interact with their pup. And actually, the dog teaches the kids instead of the kids teaching the dogs. I enjoyed the poem format and how each dog teaches a different way to meet puppies needs. This includes a pups sensory needs, what kind of treats to use for training, and all about dog classes. The story is all inclusive of many different breeds and ends with the message about how all dogs are different.
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Christmas Cove is a feel-good holiday romance!!!!
America, who is an editor for a travel magazine, isn’t having quite the holiday season she was hoping for. Her parents have left for a trip to Italy, and she finds herself traveling to a town known for its holiday festivities. She resists the assignment at first because she is an editor, not a writer, or so she keeps telling herself.
When she arrives, imagine her surprise when she finds a town not at all depicted in the way she thought it would be. Not only are there zero decorations in sight but it’s almost abandoned. America likes a challenge so she teams up with the mayor, Leo, to bring some Christmas cheer back to the sad little town. However, what started as a way to save Christmas has now turned into saving the town as a whole. If she is lucky, she may just find that writer inside of her and find her true love!
This was such a sweet but very rapidly developed romance, but that is part of the magic of the book. It also has a great message for the season, Christmas isn’t in the gifts, the decorations, or a specific place, but it’s in our hearts! If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, this book is right up your alley. It’s a quick, magical holiday romance that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit!!!!
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Curtis is in one of the most successful Rock bands but nothing could have predicted the situation he and his friends found there selves in with witnessing what they did.
While waiting in steps the last person he thought would help him, Lina was a bodyguard on tour but with his attraction to her he always felt that he was not good enough for her. While they are in the confines of close protection can he keep control of the chemistry between them or will he just go for it.
Lina did not think she would be back in the world of Canis Major again so soon, but when Curtis becomes wrapped up the world of Mafia and people after him it is up to Lina to protect him as best she can, but there is only one problem can she keep her attraction in check in order to protect him or will chemistry between them become too much.
I have read all the books in this series so far and this is just as engaging as the last. Although this is the four book in this series with each books can be read as a stand alone, as always the characters are well developed and the chemistry between the main characters is off the charts.
The story offers twists and turns not only in the tension of the mafia chasing them around but the interaction between the main characters, with secondary characters adding an extra layer to the story. I always love a strong female character and Lina is this and more, her kick ass nature with the strong protective side just adds more to her character and with Curtis having to rely on Lina with all her knowledge its great to have a reverse scenario.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Bad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and sigh. Kellan and Milo are brothers. We only get to meet Kellan through his best friend, Benji’s eyes. And of course, through Milo’s eyes. See Kellan has passed away. And grief does terrible things. Guilt does terrible things. Death does terrible things.
Benji believes it is his fault that Kellan has died. Milo believes that isn’t the case. And when the two cross paths again a year later, boy, have things changed. The two used to be teenage boys but both have now grown into men. And the attraction is hard, very hard to deny.
Benji fights his attraction because Milo is still Kellan’s little brother. And those feelings just aren’t right. But when you’re “bad at being good” doesn’t anything really matter?
This story hits a lot of feels! It includes parents who are struggling, themselves, with the life after the death of their adult child. Parents who place blame on the kid “bad at being good”.
Highly recommend this book, especially if you like detailed MM action and sweet innocent love. Thankfully this author loves HEA.
Do you ever start a book, and by the end of the first chapter, you’re already so invested that you know it’s going to be a real quick read.
I am now going to read the rest of the series. They can be read as standalones but are all related and intertwined.
If you like a little danger in your romance, this is the one for you.
Ruby & Hayden, Hayden’s family, the small rural town, the Wyoming setting, it’s all fantastic.
I’m not going to give you spoilers, you’ll have to read it on your own. But whether you’re into mystery, thriller, action or romance, you’ll enjoy this book.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) is a really fun read by C.A. King. It has the feel of a romcom with a funny, sweet, feel-good, and engaging story about a jilted groom, a nonrefundable honeymoon, his best friend, and holiday hijinks. This is a novella-length book that can be easily devoured in one fun sitting. It is a very entertaining story, and although it may be short in pages it delivers the ‘reading experience’ of a much longer novel.
I have said this many times before and am likely to keep repeating it again many more times; I am a big fan of Ms. Kings work and have enjoyed all her stories immensely- so it was no great surprise that this book was a winning recipe for me as well. This definitely has all the ingredients you could want from an entertaining contemporary romantic comedy about love, loss, deception, con artists, cops, revelations, a touch of fate, finding that some things weren’t meant to be, and finding love unexpectedly.
Happy reading!
Thank you, C.A. King!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada is another fun addition to a great series. It’s a cute story about doggy adventures with their human companions. It’s an intriguing story with some educational touches, a journey of discovery, activities, sports, and more.
It is accompanied by charming, bright, colourful, and interesting illustrations which help to bring the whole thing to life.
This is a fun, quick, and easy read that has also has a great rhyming rhythm, a bit of a lyrical feel, that will help the readers to connect with the story and messages.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so happy, yet so sad that this series is over. I do have to say, the author tied the ending up in two perfect bows with the epilogues (yes, you read that correctly). In this novel, we finally figure out what happened with Shane and Tracey’s breakup. We also find out who kidnapped Winter and why. We ALSO find out the truth behind Winter’s sister drowning in the lake.
Like I said, this book tied up all of the loose ends and did not leave me with questions like most of the previous books in this series. However, one question I do have is: when is this author going to write more novels? Because I am absolutely obsessed and need more from this author!!
Review by @aware
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Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author hits a sweet spot for me every time I read one of their novels. Each one of the Echo Series books can be read as a stand alone because there is not much information that you need to catch on to the current book. That being said, I absolutely think it is worth it to go back and read the others if this is the first one you plan on reading!
I loved Curtis and Lina. They fit together like PB&J even though Lina tried her hardest to stay away from Curtis. I also love the tidbits of information about the Chinese culture. If you like a good romance intertwined with some suspense, this is the book for you. I cannot recommend this author enough.
Review by @aware
View all my reviews
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler
Festive Fates Anthology is a wonderfully written collection of elven Holiday theme inspired short stories that will surely get you in the Holiday Spirit. I love a good Anthology that has a variety of genres that brings you something different from time to time. There’s several authors that are new to me but there’s also a couple I’ve read other books by. Each story brings something a little different but one thing they have in common is Holiday Spirit/ Romance. The characters are relatable fully developed and bring the stories to life. Grab yourself a copy and prepare to be put in Holiday Spirit. I highly recommend reading this Anthology and I look forward checking out the new to me authors and what other books they have written.
