Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this author and this series. Full of action, love, friendship. I can never put these books down. They are an easy read and keeps you wanting more.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second chance romance
Book 4 of the WaterFyre Rising series is Forrest and Kiera’s story. I have enjoyed each book in this series and this was no exception. Forrest is the doctor of the WaterFyre group and takes the dominating protector role to whole new level especially with Kiera. The author knows how to deliver a highly engaging, suspenseful with a touch a spice storyline.each of the books in the series can be read as a stand alone but I feel to really know what WaterFyre really is – you must read them all. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my what an amazing first book! It’s so hard to be the bigger person when you’re going through menopause! This is the predicament Olivia finds herself in when she’s invited to her ex-husband’s wedding to his younger woman bride. But she is determined to be supportive of her children and the best for them so she goes. Of course taking a hockey player hottie as her date isn’t at all what anyone expected! The two actually connecting and supporting one another while falling for each other is just the present Olivia derserves from karma for all her rising above! This author combo team was amazing and I can’t wait to get the next book!!
Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a brilliant start to what looks like is going to be a phenomenal series !
So Logan and Jack were married and ran their their computer business . After he dies I. And accident she’s left settling debts and selling the business . She now needs a job and starts working at a school but it would seem that her job is under threat but she takes everything in her stride ….
She buys a small house at the beach in South Calafornia , she has friends there that partake I the annual otter festival and she’s going to help them at their stall and play her fiddle and wait for this she loves Edith Piaf ( like hello new best friend ) oh and she has a yummy Viking looking neighbour named Ben . He welcomes her to the neighbourhood with coffee , how sweet is this man !?
I enjoyed the way both the arts of knife making and glass blowing was explained and it really did intrigue me I even shared parts of the knife making with a friend of mine whose husband makes knives !!
I fell in with little Dimebox 🐾❣️ thank you Logan for giving the little fur ball another chance at life 🥰
Thomas and Lisa , married friends of Logan have their stall at the festival and she helps them , all things seems to be going well until a body is found at the glassblowers stall !
Thomas is a suspect and Logan isn’t having any of it and is determined to prove his innocence .
I’m keen to find out if things will develop between her and Ben but more I’d like to go for a drive with her in Lola , her ‘58 Corvette 😉
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes is the first book in the Hot Flash Hookups series by two wonderful authors. This is a RomCom that I absolutely loved reading. The characters are relatable, developed and creative and made the story super fun to read. The chemistry between Roman and Olivia is off the charts. Oliva gets invited to a wedding of her ex-husband and her children decide to set her up with a fake date named. Roman so she didn’t have to go alone. Roman is a Hockey player who so good with Olivia . He shows her that even later in live one can find what they thought they were missing. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this wonderful duo.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom is a wonderful story teller. She has a very vivid imagination and the stories are wonderful for children of all ages. The Big Red Monster is no exception to that. A great story along with fabulous illustrations brings the monster in this book to life. Brothers who don’t believe in monsters under the bed, Beware!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are needing a quick feel good read then this is it. There is nothing like a Christmas story at the holidays and this one does not disappoint. What could be better to escape the reality of your life going haywire than a trip to beautiful Australia for the holidays? Good story and a quick read.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is hands down the best book I have read this year. The fact that the male and female main characters were both over 40 with meddling young adult kids made this story even more realistic to me. Going through menopause myself at 49, I really connect with Olivia (Ollie). Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart have teamed up and written what I think is a fabulous story.
Wicked Games by Isla VaughnWicked Games by Isla Vaughn is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, a captivating tale that will keep you hooked from start to finish. From the moment the enigmatic hero walks into Thane University, the story takes you on a thrilling journey through memories and mysteries.
The enemies-to-lovers theme is expertly woven into the narrative, making for intense, electric chemistry between the characters. Their soulful connection transcends the pages, leaving you rooting for them, despite the warnings of danger. Isla Vaughn’s writing is so skillful that you can practically feel the sparks flying off the pages.
This is a new adult romance with a dash of bully dynamics that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mature content adds a layer of complexity, making the story even more compelling. And while it may end in a cliffhanger, fear not, as the promise of resolution and a satisfying HEA awaits in Wicked Ends.
Wicked Games is a must-read for anyone who craves a heart-pounding, passionate romance filled with angst and mystery. Isla Vaughn has delivered a page-turner that will stay with you long after you’ve devoured the last page. Don’t miss out on this addictive story; it’s a five-star read for sure! ⭐📚❤️
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What. The. Actual. $*%&?!?!
Y’all already know I’m first on the list whenever Isla releases a new book. Of course, I had to pick up this one after I saw the release finally came, and lemme just say: What. The. Eff.
FIRST OF ALL: Shane. Buddy. Amigo. How is it out of all the stupid crap the other three have done, Shane is the one who has to deal with the most whacked out crap?
And the ending! That cliffhanger! Bro. BRO. I need book 8 so bad right now.
As always, highly recommend. 10/10.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The way Davisson wove multi-generational trauma into the plot make this an interesting read. This book can stand alone, but is even more intriguing if you have read the previous novels in the series. The author did a good job of bringing the characters to life on the page. There are time jumps from the Great Depression era up to 2020, which creates two story arcs. This was done well in a way that glued the plot together. If you like crime and psychological thrillers, then you’d like this novel. These books would also make a great series to binge watch!
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Alice hasn’t found her place in Buckeye Falls or anyplace else in this world. She has wondered, she has learned, she has sought, she has adjusted, but she has never felt at home. Being labeled the “wild child” of the town due to her parents being the official first couple and her civic minded, straight-laced, do-good brother, Alice could never catch a break. Now she is back in town, living with her parents, until she either makes plans to get out of town or finds a way to fit in without losing herself.
James retreated when his world blew up. He divorce was public and savage. He has found a small slice of freedom and privacy in Buckeye Falls. The only problem is that he has lost his ability to create, which is kinda important since he is a painter. An perhaps fateful meeting of Alice and all of his creativity comes pouring back into him. James can’t understand the pull he feels towards Alice, the need to protect and defend her, but it tugs at him.
Alice and James get thrown together on the decorations committee for the Fall Festival. Once the rumors start, Alice devises a plan to convince James to fake date her to get the town gossips to get their noses out of her love life. It all seems to work out, except the fake dating feels real to both of them. When they both admit this, they start for reals dating. Outside forces still plot to break them apart. Will they survive?
James and Alice are an adorable couple. He finds her quirks and weirdness endearing and provocative. It doesn’t matter that she is a little on the disaster-prone side. James wants to be there to help clean up the messes. They are sweet. I love the way James handles Alice’s parents. It rocked. And Otis is super adorable. Madeline probably has a savings account that rivals Bill Gates!! Totally worth the read and attachment to the characters.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by authors Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart- 5 out of 5 stars
This book was so well written, I had a hard time putting it down. I adore the main characters, Roman and Olivia, their banter throughout the book had me losing it and they are both so relatable. Olivia deals with menopause like a boss. Roman is making an effort to make up for all of those times he wasn’t there for his daughter. One thing is for sure, the heat and chemistry from these two was on point! I highly recommend.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the series. Suspense and romance where could you go wrong. The Inquisitor is the next book in the WaterFyre Rising Series. So the basic back story is this group of friends is tasked to create a level in a video game they are trying to release based on their local WaterFyre festival. So in saying that each book focuses on one of the guys building the game. Do you need to read the previous books? No not really but doing so makes the series better. The author takes the reader on a suspenseful adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put it down. You will definitely want more.
Kiera and Forrest had a one off night that changed their dynamic as friends and their friend’s circle. Little do they know that they’re pinning for each other. Both ending up in Texas for work, they have a 2nd chance to discover what they missed out on. However that comes at a price, their lives seem to be in danger. Someone is out to get both of them and is clearly sending messages that shouldn’t be ignored. But what’s the reason? What enemy is after them? Forrest is doing everything he can to figure it out and keeps those he holds dear safe from harm.
I loved this book and If you have already I encourage you to start the series. It’s totally worth it!!
Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book for young adults and teens!! I am 27 years old and it was still highly enjoyable for me to read. I was intrigued at the very beginning. The characters are wonderful thought out and the magic elements are well written. You can tell the author did their research about Louisiana before writing, as all of the small details are spot on. There is a wonderful balance between murder, mystery, magic, and humor. The only thing that threw me off, was that the title included “the musical” which I do not understand as it isn’t a musical – but does deal with teens going to a drama camp.
The book starts out with a fun, light, summer camp vibe but then turns into the more dark, sinister, mystery. The story takes place in New Orleans, which adds a bit of mystery all on its own. The two main characters, CeCe and Portia, are very easily relatable, and I loved seeing them together, as well as their relationships with other characters. CeCe is a necromancer, who helps her dad, a police detective, solve murders. When CeCe goes off to camp, a sinister supernatural start to target CeCe making everything dangerous for everyone around her.
This is definitely different and unique than most stories in the same genre. There is a twist at the end that I truly hope leads to a sequel! Definitely recommend this book from young teens to young adults, and even adults who just want something light and super easily to read!
In a nutshell, this book is a wonderful paranormal teen mystery with necromancy, magic, crime investigating, danger, friendships, high school teens, family, and quirky characters.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 7 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, but the first book in the duet focusing on Shane and Winter. It is not necessary to read all of the previous books in order, but I do recommend you do so, as it will give you much needed background on Shane and some of the other elite characters.
This book will hit you with every single feeling you possibly could have while reading a book! Shane has always intrigued me from the very beginning of the series, just something about him constantly caught my attention. His personality is much more complex than the other three boys in his family. Shane is a mixture of anger, rage, and broodiness but at the same time is the type of boy you’d find yourself staying up late to talk to about absolutely everything, and it would come effortlessly. At the end of Cruel Love, we see that Shane is being arrested on involuntary manslaughter – and this book starts out exactly what happened to get to that point.
Winter – she is a brand-new character entering the series, which I thought was refreshing. She is returning after being gone for 8 years. Her father died, and her sister was then murdered by her mother, who was sentenced to 10 years. Jaxon’s family decided to take her in and showed her what a TRUE LOVING family was supposed to feel and look like.
Twist time—- Shane and Winter have a dark and messed up past together. Winter almost droves Shane to end his life in the fifth grade, and now seeing her back in town, he vows to make her pay for what she did to him. The worst part is…. Winter doesn’t even recognize Shane, so he ends up “pretending” to be a guy named Landon and begins to date Winter.
Such an amazing book but be warned it does end of a hefty cliffhanger! I cannot wait till the second part of the duet comes out!
Will Winter find out who Shane is? If she does, how does she find out? Is Shane in too deep with Winter? Will he know when he has gone too far? Will Winter’s om be granted parole at her next hearing?
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is great for young children who are just learning how to approach and be around dogs other than their own family pets. This book is written in rhyme, which makes it super fun for kids and adults alike. Porter and Midge are two dogs who meet up at the dog park with their humans. This duo are always happy to help other humans at the dog park to safely play with dog, rather it be their own pets or Porter and Midge. This book goes over things like not pulling on or hitting dogs, giving dogs their space, and even more topics like taking dogs for walks and approaching strange new dogs safely. This book could definitely be a good resource for young children who have either never had a pet, or have only ever been around their own family pets before they are around strange new dogs. I would recommend it for younger elementary school age kids, though really any child from toddlers up to late elementary would enjoy and learn from it.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shane and Winter are the plot twist I didn’t see coming. We are introduced to a side of Shane we have only seen a small glimpse of. Secrets from Hidden Valley come to light. Past comes back into the present… What will the future bring us.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wicked Games: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
4 out of 5
Another great story in the series. This one follows the story of Shane and Winter. I think it was my favorite book of the series so far but as always it hurts to be left on a cliffhanger. I definitely suggest reading the entire series since it is so good. I can’t wait for what’s next. Highly recommend.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh, my stars, this sure was funny! I can’t imagine having to attend my ex-husband’s wedding. But then again, my ex tied the knot the very day our divorce was final. I love how the main characters were both over forty. I mean, dating in your forties in nothing like dating in your twenties. Yup, it’s a veritable gold mine for book fodder.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This romance had me up all night as I read the entire story from cover to cover in the span of one night, it is that good! I was invested in Olivia, our main character, the divorced mom of two suffering from perimenopause, who just got invited to her ex-husband’s wedding to a much younger, gorgeous woman, on an island of all places! Olivia does not want to be caught dead at this wedding, let alone without a date. Unfortunately, her college-aged daughter has other plans for her mother, and works together with her best friend at college, and roommate, to set up her single dad with her friend’s single mom. Roman is a pro hockey player, close to retirement age, who has spent his life missing out on most of his daughter’s life activities due to all of the traveling a pro hockey player must do. Of course, he agreed to the plan of going on vacation with his daughter, even as her friend’s mom’s plus one, if that was what it took to spend quality time with his distanced college-aged daughter. What better combination than putting together a woman who is always experiencing hot flashes, with a pro hockey player who is used to working in the cold ice rink where he is constantly working up a sweat. Olivia needs fans around the clock in order to sleep, and Roman needs extra blankets to keep warm enough so he doesn’t freeze in the night. What happens when you put these two in a hotel room together for the weekend, with one bed?
This book was so well written, and the characters’ personalities were so opposite, it was awesome getting to read the story from each of the two main characters’ points of view as they struggled to survive the weekend together. I could feel the heat as these two kept admiring one another without the other being aware of the attraction between the two. It was quite hilarious knowing that each felt intimidated that the other was way above their game when in reality they were both very much single and interested in the other. I loved the setting in which this story takes place, showing how each character comes from such a different world, yet it goes to show that opposites most definitely attract. I am so excited to see the next book in the Hot Flashes series come out in 2024, if it’s anywhere close to this book, then it’s going to be a winner in my book!
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At first I wasn’t too sure about this book. It started a little slower than I would have liked. However, after a couple of chapters it got so much better. I like how the author goes from present to the past. The story does flow well together and with each era, you don’t feel too lost going from the past to the present. The characters are very well developed and each is relatable in some way.
Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I did not expect anything this book had to offer and that is everything to me. I absolutely loved the story. It had everything; paranormal, action, romance, and twists and turns.. I absolutely joined Debbie Hibbert’s mailing list on her website. I want all the details to all the books. This story is probably a ya book but I didn’t care. I loved watching Cece navigate her powers, her life, and her new found love.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoy suspenseful books and this one was something special. This was definitely a page turner and that made this read that much more enjoyable. The main character is a writer so I was intrigued to see how they developed their character arc.
I think the plot and development were well planned and written. Secrets, drama, thrilling suspense and mystery makes this a fun read.
I loved this book and hope to read more books by this author.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1)
by Marika Ray (Author), Sylvie Stewart (Author) is an amazing Hockey RomCom. Olivia and Roman are a hilarious duo and so relatable. This was my first book by either of these authors but it definitely wont be my last. If you like Fake Dating, Hockey Romance, Romantic Comedy, and Vacation Fling you will love this. But my favorite thing about this book was that the FMC was not a young girl. It was so refreshing to have an older and more relatable female lead. 5 Stars!
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she always blows my mind. This is the third book in the amazing North Fork series. It can be read as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited to read Caleb’s book that I stopped everything and started it right away. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
Wynter used to be all about the glitz and glamor until she got her heart broken. Now Wynter stays away from that crowd but then she meets the very handsome Caleb. She doesn’t trust him at first but there is something about him she can’t stop thinking about. Will Wynter find her Prince Charming or will he also be one of the frogs?
review @heatherbass
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a delightfully fun Rom-Com with humor, great characters, romance and spice, then please grab this book.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart follow fun loving Olivia and her fake date, the hunky Roman. They were thrown together because her kids knew she needed a date to her ex husband’s wedding!
I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope and this one sure did deliver. The chemistry between the two was palpable but it was how well rounded and fun they were that really drew me in. They are both going through a change that makes them realize that they arent getting any younger . The authors did an amazing job at helping them navigate this while still keeping the humor. I can’t wait to continue the series.
Happy Reading!
My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) is a children’s book by Lois Wickstrom and it was a good read. I was able to set my grandson on my lap and read it to him. We loved that the book taught a valuable lesson to the readers as things are not always what they appear. The monster truly is not that scary and together they were able to go on an adventure in the city.
Lois Wickstrom truly gave children a book that helps them learn about overcoming fear, building friendships, and makes it fun for children to read. The illustration in the book was also amazing and very well done! We loved the book and highly recommend.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am totally 100% hooked on this series and this EXTREMELY talented authors writing! She never ever disappoints with her creative and gripping storylines that will have you turning page after page. This book, as all her books do, has a mix of wonderful characters, some who you will love and some you will love to hate! lol Forrest and Kiera completely had my heart right from the start and they will both stay there for a very long time. I won’t go into the actual storyline as there is just too much that I could give away and I refuse to spoil it for anyone. Now this is book 4 of the series and I have to say that I highly recommend the reading entire series. I promise you will not regret a single second spent reading this wonderful authors work.
Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reckless Love was a good read for me. This is book 4 in the series and there are so many characters in the book we have known from other books. Becky Bennett’s career is taking off with her brand and now she is hoping to publish The Farmers Daughters Cookbook.
She’s the only daughter in the Bennett family and everywhere she looks she finds happy couples. With Christmas coming up and her family working close with Glen Kirby, she finds a way thanks to her dad to forgive Glen for everything that has happened previously. Glen and Becky end up getting close and hiding it from the brothers until it can’t be hidden anymore. Her brothers are not happy with what’s going on and think it’s a game he is playing. One particular thing happens and maybe it will help her brothers see what’s right in front of them. Will Becky be able to be happy or will her brothers ruin whatever she has been building with Glen?
review by @xchellex
