The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was great! It’s about a forbidden romance. Billie Jean fights for her people. She has to go against the town to fight for black rights. She has an instant connection with Fisher Hines. Their love is put to the test. Fisher must fight for what he wants versus everything his family has worked for.
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book combines romance and suspense. It follows the story of a young woman who gets caught up in a dangerous world of Russian mafia and royal intrigue. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of navigating dangerous relationships. Lev and Daphne are essentially enemies to lovers – and honestly, those are the best stories! These two are total opposites. You know what they say about opposites attract!
A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Rainbow Like You follows Adrian ‘Jazzer’ Johnson, lead guitarist of famous band Size of a Scandal, on tour. He meets Hastings Sinclair, a thirteen year old with synesthesia who needs a ride to New Orleans and offers to help Adrian with his songwriting. I felt like the book was a bit problematic at times but overall it’s a lovely, heartwarming, original story. Adrian and Hastings develop an unlikely but beautiful bond, and the story explores themes of grief, heartbreak, but also love, friendship, and family. My favourite character was Hastings and my least favourite character was Jillian. I recommend this book because Adrian is a very complex character and A Rainbow Like You is a very original, unpredictable story. You can even listen to one of Adrian’s songs, which I think shows real commitment to writing from Andréa Fehsenfeld. “My father used to say, if you’re ever going to fail at something, Mackenzie, fail beautifully. It wasn’t the first time I told him he was full of it. How could failure be beautiful? It was ugly, wrong. You know what he said to that? He said it isn’t in the success we find out who we really are; it’s in the failures. If you consider all of this a failure, then so be it. Just remember you’ve failed beautifully.”
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It honestly took me a long time to get into this story. I did continue to read it though. I guess because I caught on quickly on what was going on and who was behind it. It is a sweet love story. The idea behind coming back into your first loves life and them loving you the same is great. I wish the story wasn’t so drawn out so that there was more to the ending but overall I believe that it is a good read.
Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are nosey like me you’ll keep reading this book regardless of how much you aren’t sure about how it is told. The story line was real quick. It does feel like there is a lack of detail but it is a good story. A lot of twists and turns that are unexpected but they hit you all at once. It was worth reading to the end and learning what happened at Murder Creek.
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom is a great little children’s chapter book. This is a little different from most of Ms. Wickstrom’s other works in that it doesn’t contain any illustrations, and is a much longer story. It is a charming fantasy story with plenty of emotion, sci-fi elements, some basic politics, Spanish language terms, family drama, and more.
Xenia Navarro’s world is turned upside down when her Mexican mother is arrested and threatened with deportation back to Mexico. Xenia is very worried, because if that happens, what will become of her family? What happens makes for a charming read.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Wickstrom has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Royally Complicated. I was drawn to this book because I love 1 of the 2 authors. I’m not overly familiar with the other, but that means I just have someone else’s work to look into. Any back to the book at hand. It was a great start to a new potential series. A story that involves a middle class American woman, who has been living her life safe and the crowned prince of Lovolia who feels he’s living in a gilded cage.
What would these ever have in common, let alone what would bring them together?
Bridget, a jilted bride, away on holiday(her honeymoon) with her best friend. Coasting through it miserably and unable to get out of her depressed funk, has some truths thrown at her she doesn’t want to hear. Causing her to run, but not without grabbing a bottle of cheap tequila to take with her. Not realizing her life is about to get turned upside down.
Fynix is royally bogged down. He hates the constant parading of potential brides his parents keep bringing to him. The most recent one being the worst. He has to escape, what he never expected that escaped would be life altering.
These authors present a strenuous, steamy, complicated, and wonderful story. The development of the main characters over time was wonderful, though I think they nailed the growth of some of the supporting characters beautifully.
So now I ask you, is it worth the read?
Well if you’re going by what I’d have to say, I’m going with absolutely. It’s not perfect but it was wonderful.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great story of Ian and Jarryd full of twists and turns. This one kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next as Ian and Jarryd port in Maldarehm. Maldarehm is a port city that is full of people, colors, and so much to see. Jarryd is in awe of the city but Ian is wary and can feel that something is wrong so he decides to take the long way into town. Krillos told Jarryd and Ian about the gambling house named Providence, the riches, the pirates, and his good fortune. They both get drawn into the games and the unknown magic that is happening. There is a lot of action, betrayal, fighting, a lot of memories, and so much more. I like some of the new characters added into this story like Abi, the pirate captain who befriends Jarryd and Bergen, the guard who seems to help Jarryd when he is able. The history and magic of the Shinree is so interesting and I love learning more with every book.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not very familiar with Tarot cards, but I found this book to be an interesting guide to learning more about tarot cards and finding the magic in the ordinary. I appreciated getting her thoughts on how she came to study the tarot and the role it plays in her life. I read her previous novel and felt this was a really nice follow up to that everyday magic and allowing yourself to open up to it. She had a tarot deck that she goes through and gives an interpretation of what the card means and what it means to her. If you are new to the tarot or have a firmer understanding, this is a great book for you.
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
Narrated by Cat Treadgold
Five Stars
The Guardsman is the second book in the Olympic Peninsula series and the second book I have listened to by this author. Both books are standalone but you will have a better understanding of the characters if you listen in order. This book features Theresa and Liam and their trials and tribulations. This was an intriguing book that had me guessing at what would happen next. I can’t wait for the third book to come out. Cat Treadgold’s narration was very easy to listen to and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Review by @sunbarn
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Guardsman is book 2 in a thrilling series. Though book 1 isnt required to read it, will definitely help you understand the main characters, this book focuses more on Liam.
Liam, whos been presumed dead for over three years (after an explosion at the end of Book on is found by a private investigator. Ali, His sister has never given up on him still being alive. Theresa, who is Joes sister (Alis Husband) brings Liam home to Ali. Theresa is instantly attracted to Liam, however hes quite resistant. Theresa is rich and appears on the surface to be a society princess: everything Liam hates. deep down he cant help but admit hes feeling the attraction even if he wants to deny it. Shes independent and spirited and the banter between them keeps him enthralled.
After coming home to live with his sister and her new husband (joe) but struggles to settle into “home”. When Theresa starts become more and more “accident prone” and increasing strange events happen Liams heckles raise and his protection instinct kicks in.
What is going on with Theresa? Will her independent streak crumble to allow Liam to help her? Are these all accidents and coincidences? Will Liam and Theresa get past all the things they think they didnt like or couldnt have and accept one another?
This is a romantic suspense, with the audio reading by the author which I feel gave it extra flair. I felt the characters emotions and the story kept me turning page after page.
Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm
Deadly Vengeance is the second book in The Vaccaro Empire Series and is a Dark Romance that is packed with, suspense, drama, revenge, secrets, heartache, lies, family drama and so much more. I love a good Mafia Romance that grabs you from the beginning and has you turning the pages till the end. This is a author that I never hesitate picking up anything she writes. I’m a huge fan and each book is better and hotter, intense and raw than the last one. This one definitely checks all those boxes. There may be a few areas that may be a trigger warning for some but if you can push through them, I promise it’ll be worth it. Luca sets out on a quest to get revenge but it turns out to be way more than he ever expected. Valenzia pretty much has lived a sheltered life not knowing or understanding exactly what the family business is but has heard some things others have said. Luca and Valenzia are not friends at first that’s for sure. There’s some pretty tense moments that had me holding my breath. Can these two heal the past? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story about how Ameleigha meets a new friend from Ukraine. Her teacher leads her class to become pen pals with other kids her age from Ukraine. Her and her classmates learn about Ukraine all while writing back and forth with their new pen pals, until Russia goes to war with Ukraine. Now she is waiting to hopefully hear back from her pen pal that they are alright. I loved this book as I had a pen pal when I was a kid and could relate. It’s neat to learn about others around the world and become lifelong friends. I highly recommend this book!!!
“Cat siblings, Oscar and Emmy, love their nightly visits from their friend Shadow. A stray, feral cat that lives in their neighborhood and comes over for food. Over time, Oscar and Emmy and their family notice a change in Shadow. When her health quickly declines, they rely on their vet for guidance.
A book for children about important topics:
Compassion
Loss
Death of a pet
Stray and feral animals
Rescue pets
Crossing the rainbow bridge
End of life
Euthanasia
Saying goodbye
Ultimately, the family must make an importance decision about Shadow. How will the children understand what’s best for the cat?”.
I liked this book , I liked that it gave step by step explanation why and how on everything in the story.
Saying goodbye to pet or human being is hard, but the way differences and pets and human being passes is a little different. I’ve had a cat pass before and had to explain to my son what happened believe he was around 5, and understood. The only con is I read from my phone and had to zoom on every page to see the words of the story. I am not sure if on other devices if it like that, but great story nonetheless. I give this book 4 stars.
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is yet another great book by this author. I really love paranormal romances and this is one of my favorite authors. I really like how that the characters have such electric chemistry and that there is a great mix of adventure and romance. I was on the edge of my seat and could not put this book down. I love how there was an undertone of forbidden that just really added to the story. I really love how this author is able to bring the characters to life and grip the reader and hold on for the full journey. The ever growing fireworks between the main characters as the adventure goes forward brings the wanting to see the outcome grow just adds to the drama. I so look forward to reading more from this author as well as this series.
Review by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a read that was filled with different emotions, drama, past hurt, loss but also friendship that Adrian and Hastings have is to me that means just so much. Mixing up a rock star with teenage hitchhiker….the characters really bring to life true connection while they battle their issues.
Adrian is famous for being lead singer in the band, but after taking a year off, heading out on the road has not been easy. Mentally and emotionally struggling…never expecting to find out he has a stowaway on his tour bus. Hastings is a teenager who believes that Adrian and his tour bus can take her home in route back to New Orleans. Adrian is hesitant at first, but when Hastings and Adrian get to know each more, their friends comes in full circle…
This is a great book, the characters were fantastic as well as the author’s storytelling.
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to this second instalment, and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story but the characters do crossover, as Liam is Ali’s brother, who is missing and presumed dead in book one. Liam and his twin sister had a tough childhood in the foster care system where Liam helped keep them both safe, so when he was blown up in a terroirs attack whilst abroad, Ali was determined to prove that he was still alive. Then three years after he went missing an investigator locates him in Jerusalem working as a security guard. Liam is scarred mentally and physically and so agrees to join Ali and her new husband Joe at their home, on a large estate in Port Townsend, Washington. At the same time Joe’s sister Teresa, who is fleeing a broken engagement and wanting to get away from her controlling mother, is also staying with them. His first impression of Teresa is that she’s the kind of rich society princess that he avoids, however, he finds it hard to stay away from her. When she needs a protector, having become suspiciously accident prone, Liam steps in. I was kept happily turning the pages by this heartwarming romantic suspense novel. The characters and the setting are brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I liked ‘catching up’ with Ali and Joe, as well as having the new relationship between Liam and Teresa develop throughout the story. An enjoyable and engaging read.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book; I know nothing of tarot cards so reading about them put a different perspective for me in tarot reading. There was so much you can learn from this book that I almost want to get some myself. The poetry was so well written that it was lovely and then matched with the cards was so informative. This book went into so much depth and learning from showing how to read the cards but also how she herself reads the cards and how they can help and guide you. It teaches the different cards and decks, and they all have different meanings and symbolism to each. This was a short easy, very informative book, such an amazing book for someone who is interested in tarot reading or wants to get started.
Love, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m just loving the cover !!!! ❣️📚
Pardon the pun and apologies if I offend anyone but Stout “ boldly went where no woman has gone before “ for that I lift my hat off to you madam you were not scared to go where some wouldn’t as it may be seen as taboo 😉
Rebecca has a bedroom problem and while she’s down it feel like the universe is conspiring against her because everything seems to be going wrong her boss doesn’t seem to be happy with her work or attitude , her roommate moves out to live her life I would just lie in a heap and feel sorry for myself but not Rebecca she’s ready to take on the challenges head on and hello who’s the yummy speciMAN that’s just moved in , her inspiration I hope 🔥😉
Rebecca made it feel like I was hanging with a girlfriend because I went through all the motions , I felt sorry for her , I got annoyed with her , I got irritated with her and at times I just wanted to climb in the book and come to her defence ! Thank you for the trip to New York 😉
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m not usually a huge fan of billionaire romances, but I really enjoyed reading this one by K.M. Scott. The story moved pretty quickly, and the characters were very well-developed.
Ava has grown up on the King estate, and she and the King brothers have been in each others’ lives as long as she can remember. She is closest with Theo, in fact, he is her best friend. The two have been there for each other as they have suffered unimaginable losses at such young ages. As close as she is to Theo, the opposite is true of Matthias, the oldest king boy. If he isn’t ignoring her, he treats her as if she is something disgusting stuck on the bottom of his shoe. She has grown accustomed to that and does what she can to just avoid him. All that changes one day during a blizzard that traps these two together for a couple of days. Ava realizes Matthias’s feelings for her weren’t at all what she expected them to be. It was pure bliss until it wasn’t.
Fast forward five years, and Ava and Matthias’s relationship is still complex, complicated, and full of animosity, and now factor in Theo’s feelings for Ava. What Scott has given her readers is a book full of angst and emotions which kept me flipping through the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended for these characters.
To say Matthias was a complicated and complex character would be the understatement of the year!!!! There were times that I wanted to throttle this man!!!! I could understand why he was the way that he was, but I wanted to tell him to go get some therapy or finally ask Ava the questions he wanted to ask her before he pushed the one person away who actually saw who he was deep down in his soul! Never fear, readers, he does finally get his act together and finds a path to happiness for him.
For the most part, I liked Ava. She was a strong individual and my goodness did she have patience. I was glad she finally confronted Matthias and demanded to know what she had done to him to be treated in the way that she was. She pushed his buttons, but yet, she saw a side to him that no one else did. However, she wasn’t perfect. Her feelings for Matthias and Theo were confusing for her. She seemed to be able to easily fall for Theo despite her time with Matthias. I did try to see it from her point of view. Matthias ran so hot and cold, and she really had loved Theo her entire life, but she had to determine whether that was the years of her friendship or romantic love. Like Matthias, she did finally discover her path to happiness.
This was a very heartfelt book that struck a good combination of spice and many emotional moments. There were also twists I didn’t see coming that really tugged at my heartstrings. Matthias has several other brothers, so I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series. I would definitely read more about the King Boys.
Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just love me some of these Hawke men 😍🫣🔥😉🤪
Allie and Jude share a special bond and they have since they were children and she gets him better than most people but something is up with the both of them ….
Allie takes Jude his coffee every morning and it really irks Angelina and sometimes she feels Jude monopolises Allie’s time but there’s so much she needs to learn and again I’m reminded not to assume anything in life and communication really is key 😉
Jude has a dark and very sad history and he’s a fiercely private man and some may call him aloof but once you know his story you just want to envelope him and hold on to him and never let go and he’s always held a flame for Angelina , she’s owned his heart since the first time their eyes met and nobody knows not even Angelina herself and it’s got nothing to do with the big age gap between them ….
Allie’s strange behaviour brings Jude and Angelina together to figure out what’s going on and try to help her but there’s also the looming threat of “ The Grind” so there’s alot going on and throw in the tension brewing between Angelina and Jude and you’re in for the best 420 pages ❣️📚
I love that Byron and Luca bought Jude a building where he could have a bookstore under and live above the store where he could write and study but with him not using it there’s the possibility of it being part gallery for Jack and I think the pressure is on because Jude has been dragging his feet with his dark secret 🥲
Nana stole my heart and man she’s a gem 💎 but I’ll be honest I cried buckets and what my people have been through but every storm cloud has a silver lining right !?
Something that will stay with me as it really hit my heart “ Family isn’t just blood , Al . It’s our love for each other . It’s what we’re willing to do for each other that makes us family ….”
I’ll be honest I was still left with a few unanswered questions regarding Allie and the looming threats against the Hawkes …..
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Balefire Series. Even though it can be read as a standalone I do recommend reading them in order so you get a deeper understanding of all the characters and their personalities. This is a rock star romance which I love. The main characters in this book are so well written and just how you would imagine a romance with a rock star to be. Ashleigh lives a quiet life. She loves her work and lives for her garden. She knows who Blu is and is a fan of Balefire but she also knows about Blus reputation and she isn’t silly enough to fall into his trap and get her heart broken.
Blu is the lead singer of Balefire. His voice mesmerises and has women falling on their knees in front of him all the time. Because of this Blu has a reputation of a playboy. He has different women all the time and never pays attention to who they are. It’s part of his life style and if women are prepared to drop their knickers for him when ever he asks then of courses he’s going to enjoy the perk.
Women are putty in his hands. Until he meets Ashleigh. She doesn’t fall or go doe eyed in his presence. In fact she comes across like she hates the ground he walks on.
To Blu this is a breath of fresh air and makes her more appealing to him. As their attraction grows he realises he needs her in his life to be more than just a conquest but will Ashleigh see past the reputation and the playboy image and open her heart to him?
This is a rollercoaster ride of a read. Blu messes up countless times as he learns to navigate the situation he finds himself in. This is a slow burn romance and what I love about it is that Ashleigh is strong enough to put Blu in his place. Their relationship isn’t plain sailing but the journey is beautiful to watch.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I did personally read this series in order but in my opinion, each can be read as a stand-alone. This book is emotional, immersive, and addictive. I could not put it down! Please read this book and experience this amazing duo.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book and its approach to explaining anxiety for children. So much of this made sense to me as someone with severe anxiety. It makes me wish I had this book as a child.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This really important book is about two children across the world from each other learning about each other lives. One in America and one in the Ukraine experiencing the war firsthand. It is written so compassionately in a way that children will understand. Please read this book to your children.
Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oathbreakers Anonymous
By: Scott Warren
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Hands down one of the best books I have read in a while! Amazing! I absolutely loved this laugh out loud fantasy adventure! I could not put this book down for a second! I felt like I was transported into the coolest game of D and D ever with a twist! This was the first book by Scott Warren I have read but it will definitely not be my last! I really enjoyed his style and imagination. I love his characters, like Marluck, and I cherished his humor and heart. Oathbreakers Anonymous is fun, unexpected, and unique. Any lover of the fantasy genre would be remiss if they didn’t give this wonderful book a read.
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love a fairy-tale romance that gives me sugar and spice and everything very nice with a bit of drama, forbidden romance, some spicy scenes, and a little bit of twist I did not see coming. this was a fantastic read that I loved every moment and I cannot wait to dive into the next book.
Every little girl dreams on marrying her own Prince Charming….little did Bridget know while on a girls vacation that she would meet her own prince without really knowing he was a true prince. Bridget is reeling on a past relationship that left her feeling unworthy as her ex-fiancee has other plans of being a cheater. Bridget ends up on a secluded part of the beach where she is vacationing and meets Fyn. Their instant connection ends up being the fun she needed…..
Fyn meets Bridget at the Royal Family private beach area, but after talking to her, he realizes that she does not know his true identity. The easy conversation between them turns into more…not to say when the guards come for him, Bridget finding out who he truly is. Fyn is drawn to Bridget for who she is and the spark they have that is truly undeniable.
When Fyn and Bridget try and make a go of their forbidden relationship, things turn bumpy for them along with violence that is happening in the county that Fyn loves dearly. With political scrutiny that his family is facing will Fyn be able to balance between his duty to his people and his love for Bridget?
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the series. I didn’t read book one but this book does well as a stand alone novel. Fortune’s Favorite is filled with action, mystery, magic, and adventure. Each chapter is from the point of view of Ian or Jarryd and helps move the story page after page!
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Changes. This series has found its way deep into my soul as I truly cannot get enough of this amazing series. Please note that this is the third installment in the Protector Wolf Shifter series, and it is not a standalone book. Told through Tamaska and Kodiak’s perspectives once more as their story continues to evolve.
Tamaska has accepted the darkness in the world. Once thought only to be fairy tales in books and movies to scare children, are anything but fairy tales. Darkness fills her city and the darkest of them want her. Kodiak won the battle and finally taken his place as the Alpha of the Shadow pack. His first task is to change the rule that made him and Tamaska’s relationship viewed as a crime, making it so that he can officially make her his mate. So many questions, mystery and hurtles lie before them to continue the hunt for the Blood Opal and why the vampires want Tamaska. While Kodiak wants Tamaska to become a shifter not only so she can truly be his mate but to protect her from the vampires he questions if she could survive the transformation itself. So much loss has happened and Tamaska feels the guilt weighing on her that she can’t protect herself much less anyone else that risk their lives to keep her safe. A simple task, running to her apartment to get some of her personal belongings, changes everything. Kodiak has been taken by the vampires in hopes of luring Tamaska out.
Will Tamaska find someone to change her in time? How can she save Kodiak without giving herself up? Once again, the author’s incredible talent shines as the story continues to evolve and which new levels of suspense. I can never stay off the edge of my seat as I devour each page in hopes of finding out the mysteries that surround the Blood Opal and why the vampires want Tamaska so much. Needless to say, I will eagerly await the next installment Cursed Wolf. In the meantime, I may dive into the authors other series Witch Moon.
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG OMG OMG! I would like to see this as a movie! I think that this is extremely well-written! I absolutely love the character development and the way Rusty becomes a stronger, happier, and more confident boy because of his adventures. I absolutely want my second grader to read this book because I am truly thrilled about the message of the story!
@jowright
