Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute, quick read. I liked how the story flowed. I also felt the chemistry developed well with the characters. I did find myself thinking there was something
more I wanted from the story but it didn’t influence the overall feel. I would read others by this author.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For some reason, I had a disconnect from the main characters of Teddy and Summer from the very beginning of this read and it is odd for this authors work not to grab me. I had to begin the book several times just to get into it but all in all, the story was good. It had cute moments, brought back characters from the other books in the series and gave a wee bit of suspense. The author stuck true to the series format, which is a path full of road blocks to a happy ending with some steamy scenes in the mix. Good read I just never connected with the characters as I did in the preceding books.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lilly never goes anywhere without Hun Bun. One day she leaves Hun Bun at home and she gets the heebie jeebies. Lilly’s school counselor shows her how to manage them until she can get home to Hun Bun. A very cute read.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman was a good read, yet at times a hard read as seeing what happens when our younger generation must grow up too fast. Claire, really makes her mark on you in your heart and in you mind. From beginning to end, I wish I could get into the book and help her. This character truly became a part of my world as I read this book.
Claire is a senior in high school, who should be worried about love, grades, college, and prom but instead is helping her single mother care for her new baby brother. Her mother is showing signs more and more of postpartum depression and using Claires college fund for baby Harry’s daycare costs. The pressure is on them all when Uncle Pat says he will give the money back for college and help them but the baby has to be put up for adoption. Claire will stop at nothing to keep her, her mother, and the baby together.
The author of this book, is simply brilliant. The book pulls at your heart strings, makes you cry, gets you mad. This book is also filled with strong characters, love, drama, secrets, and everything that makes this an amazing read! HIGHLY recommend this amazing read!
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute book, it was pretty face paced and felt rushed, but still worth the read and sweet. Melinda and Derek are lovely together and it is so sweet watching them fall in love with each other. My heart breaks for Melinda because of some family issues she has to deal with, and Derek shows more support than I thought he would. They have some bumps along the way but in the end work through it all together and with their friends. I loved the little surprise at the end, I didn’t not expect it.
I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A story about inclusion
I Am An Outer Space Alien is such and engaging and fun read. The author cleverly weaves the educational message about inclusion, acceptance, and diversity through a cute fantasy adventure story. Aimed at early childhood ages, kids can easily connect to the concepts and illustrations. Another great addition to a home or school library. Recommend.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book to share with all kids
This brilliantly illustrated picture story book tackles anxiety in such a sensitive way. I really loved the easy to read language and how the ‘heebie-jeebies’ were illustrated. What Lilly goes through is very common and the solutions presented are realistic and practical. This would make a great resource for any classroom and home library and a great introduction to a social emotional regulation lesson. Highly recommend.
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really cute and informational story about not only being a responsible pet owner, but being a responsible animal lover. Abby and Charlie have 2 pet cats, Oscar and Emmy, who have made a new friend, Shadow. Shadow, however, is skittish and doesn’t like people, but Abby and Charlie (with their mom’s approval) feed Shadow (and her kittens) outside. Being a responsible animal lover, Abby & Charlie’s mom calls the vet and is advised to trap Shadow and her kittens so they can be fixed and then released in order to prevent overpopulation. Sabol does a fantastic job of presenting really important information in such a way so that children can understand and respect the importance of spaying and neutering your pets (and strays). Children can really connect with the characters and the illustrations are wonderful.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Master Campania has been tasked with finding the traitors who live within the world of the Wiccan and so when he finds four witches in his area he tries to get the information out if them, but there is one problem, he seems drawn to one of them and is fighting the attraction.
Willow and her sisters have left the Academy in search of there own beliefs, finding a safe place in the regions is hard but having settle comfortable they are under no illusion they are safe. One night they are discovered by Master Campania and Willow’s whole world is turned around, but when she starts having feelings for the old vampire she is thrown into turmoil and can she control her feelings and stay alive.
This is seventh book in the Masters of Consulate series and oh my god it does not disappoint, although i feel the books can be read as stand alone stories it is better to read them as a series to understand the underlying theme and arc running through them.
The writing as always is engaging and with the twists and turns in the story will have you staying up late to finish off the story. The characters in this series are rich and full of depth and even though as like me this is not a normal genre you read you will be blown away with the imagination and she draws you in with each story I read.
I believe this series is continuing and can’t wait to read the next book in the instalment.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant!
This standalone was really engaging. It’s a billionaire with a bit of bully romance. So many twists and turns that kept me on my toes. There’s family secrets, so much history, and drama. I found the characters easy to connect with and loved having each of their POV. The emotions throughout the book – I laughed, I sighed and I actually shed a tear or two. Definitely not one to miss. Highly recommend.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been a fan of this series from the start. This has been my favorite by far. The drama and action are there. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. They need to admit it it’s there. I had to laugh when they can say they are each other’s weaknesses. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop as they worked through issues. I always enjoy seeing faces from the previous books pop into the story. I find that keeps the continuity going. I love the characters. They were so relatable. I felt like I was right there among them. I love this author’s style of writing. It’s real and down to earth. Excellent read. You should read the whole series.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel king is a great book with lots of heart. I loved everything about this book. Matthias was such a cruel person to Ava as they were growing up. Treated her as the help. She was / is the daughter of the help but Mr King never treated anyone any different. He saw Ava as the daughter he never had.
Ava and Theo, ( one of the younger brothers of Matthias ) were best friends. Like so close and did everything together. Ava always had a crush on Matthias and Matthias always had a crush on Ava but he was warned away from her. Matthias, being the eldest King son, had certain rules to abide by. One day during a severe snow storm, Ava walks up to the main house while Mr King and all the sons except Matthias have driven into the city and they get stuck there for two days. During those two days, Matthias and Ava get very close and have an amazing 2 days together which soon comes to an end.
Ava is sent to
Spend time with her Aunt and never looks back. Matthias and Ava don’t see eachother or speak for 5 long years. In those 5 years, he ends up hating her for leaving him without a word. He treats her so bad when when they see eachother again at the King mansion.
This book was so good. So many feelings and lots of heart and heat. A great 5 star read
review by @xchellex
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melinda and Derek’s story just melt’s you. He’s a grumpy workaholic. She’s a member of the elite that is just wanting to do the right thing and is trying to care for her grandmother. She’s Derek’s new assistant and he treats her like dirt when he comes back and learns Sienna hired her for him. Oh, these two have issues to work through but they do. As they come into their own and they both grow and get through those growing pains, you smile like proud parents or friends. This book is so well-written. It’s a short read. I stayed up last night and finished it in one sitting. I wanted to read more. I kind of was left feeling like I wanted more of their life. I will settle for what I got. It’s a sweet romance. The characters are well-written. They feel like they could be friends, especially Melinda and her grandmother. It’s a definite read that I recommend for romance lovers out there.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very good book about a little girl who worries alot. I have a little boy who worries a lot and is learning to deal with it. He loves carrying around a stuffed dinosaur. He sat and listened to this story. He’s not a fan of breathing methods yet but I hope reading stories like this will help him. I liked the fact that Lilly was like a real child. She wasn’t instantly cured. Her worries came back throughout the day and she would work on dealing with them with the methods she was taught (since Hun Bun was at home). Even when she got home, she had to deal with Hun Bun needing a bath. A wonderful story that will be added to our home library.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jeff is living his best life, the one he was made for. Playing for a top baseball tam and not having to worry about anything. Although part of his job is coaching at the local community centre which always makes him happy especially the young kids who he can see the enjoyment in their eyes just as he had as a kid. While coaching one day, one of the kids Max who deep down is one of Jeff’s favourites drags him to meet his mom. When there eyes meet Jeff realises it’s the woman who got away all those years age.
Kia having just moved to be closer to her sister and her new job is happiest when making time for Max, picking him up from practice is the best he is always full of energy and constantly talking about his coach “Smitty”, but when they finally meet Kia is taken back to the time of there meeting and the inevitable news she needs to break to this man who has never really left her heart.
Can Kia and Jeff rekindle there lost love or will the secret she has been keeping for six years be enough to break them apart?
This is the third book in the Playing for keeps series and it just keeps getting better and better. Kia is a strong and sassy woman who against all odds has raised her son and the is her world. Jeff as a character is full of emotion and surprise when finding out he has a son but the way he embraces both of them s lovely to read.
The writing as always is engaging and flows with the story brilliantly and makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. The secondary characters are a great edition to the story and we definitely need Gonzo’s story and see who can tame that man. I can’t wait to read the next book and please, please don’t let us wait too long.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this story absolutely riveting. I was totally surprised at the turn in brothers. I was going for the other brother. The chemistry between Ava and Mattias was *BOOM* electric!! The dislike he had for her and her determination to find out why he hated her kept me glued to this story. Absolutely engaging and intriguing, one cannot put this story down because you must know what’s going on like the nosy town gossip. You can’t miss a minute. So well-written and well-done, I loved it all from the characters to the storyline. Eleanor, the housekeeper, is my favorite and her eyeraising brow when she catches those moments. This is an absolute must read.
Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis
Refrain is the third book in the Off the Record Series and is a LBGTQ Romance that I absolutely loved reading. Its not at all what I expecting but so much more. This is not your typical Rock Star Romance. There’s drama, heartache, chemistry, friendship, inner demons and so much more. I didn’t realize I was starting in the middle of the⁶ series until after I had started reading. I’m definitely going to check out the other two books in this series. This way I have the full background of what has happened. Spook is a guitarist that has spent many years hiding from his very traumatic past. Now that his secrets are no longer secret he doesn’t know what to do other than run away. Spook takes us on quite the journey where some parts are intense and will pull at your heart strings . Can Spook get the help he needs? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give away anything. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a unique collection of stories. I loved it! It’s all about people who care about each other, take care of each other, and are there for each other when it’s needed. Being an “everyday hero” is just about being a good friend, companion, and person. And that is what these stories are about. People’s love and care save the lives of their loved ones around them! Read this book if you love short romance stories, edgy plot twists, and excitement that makes you keep turning the pages!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber was hilarious. As a caregiver, I can feel a connection to how these elderly characters react to one another and I have experienced similar encounters (without violence) in my day-to-day life. This book had me intrigued right from the opening paragraph, I couldn’t wait to read about the outcome between these fantastic characters. They all just had the best dynamics, I didn’t want the short novel to end. The environment is so realistic, I felt attached to these characters like my own clients whom I have the privilege to care for on a regular basis. The stories I got to follow along with in this tale, were just so heartwarming, and the hilarity of how such small acts can cause such dramatic reactions, was one of my favorite parts. I look forward to reading more of Laura Koerber’s works because this was such a refreshing, enjoyment for me to read.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687288103l/80342799._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home”>Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3291840.Lauren_Fraser”>Lauren Fraser</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5752079785″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Jeff and Kia are in for a big surprise when they get introduced by Max, Kia’s son. Jeff is coaching Max’s t-ball team and the last thing he expected was running into a one night stand from six years ago. When she drops the bomb on him that Max was a a result of their unforgettable night together he is thrown for a loop. How could she not have sought him out to let him know? Their chemistry is still there, but Kia has reservations about being with Jeff due to his celebrity status as a baseball player. As with any relationship these two had their ups and downs. They both only want what’s best for their son, but will that include Jeff & Kia rekindling their romance? This book, like the others in the series, can be read as a stand alone. It can be read in one sitting and once you start you won’t want to put it down.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WOW!! Can I have me a Wyatt?? I think he is my new book husband. I get that he has some baggage and a few issues but he is working on them. 😉
Wyatt is a troubled elite goalie. He has been acting out for his mother’s attention for so long he is not even sure if he likes his own antics. He is trying to reclaim his job and be the #1 again, but for him to do that he has to face some harsh truths about himself.
Serena is the PR Director that has been in charge of spinning Wyatt’s wild ways for the last several years. When Wyatt got sent to the minor league team, Serena was able to breathe for a minute. Now Wyatt is back. To Serena’s surprise, Wyatt doesn’t honestly seem like the d-bag that his antics portray him to be. Maybe he has grown up, maybe he can change.
After Wyatt intervenes during a situation with Serena, they start spending time together as Wyatt cons Serena into being his date for a family wedding so that his mother doesn’t saddle him with a social-climbing, status-seeking debutante. A friendship grows. Feelings get real.
This book is funny with real characters. There were scenes where I just wanted to shake the character and say, “I can’t believe you just said that!” Totally hooks you. Read this book if you love hockey, hot guys, and second chances.
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 In The Sweet Valley series. This is Katlyn and Grants story. It is a well written western romance, with wonderful characters as with the first book which was also amazing. it’s got all the good stuff, healing, challenges, secrets, a little mystery, and love. Some good steamy parts. I definitely recommend this book. It can be a standalone, but I do think you should read the first book also.
When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author and she blew me away. I loved fairy tales as I was a kid and this brought me right back. I was so excited to read this that I started immediately after I got the book. I could not put this book down until the end and I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
A girl in New Mexico is very jealous of something that she can’t have so what she does is takes it for herself. A boy in the Rocky Mountains is watching a girl but what do they have in common, fairytales. The girl and boy downs realize it but they are both in their own fairy tale. Will they be able to get out of it or will they be stuck in it?
Review by @heatherbass
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do not consider myself a person who cries easily or who cries over fiction. But let me tell you, this book had me in tears from the beginning. I don’t know if it is the combination of wonderful writing and missing my momma or what but WOW. This book definitely had me pulled in from the start. I LOVE that Liz’s grandmother had a sordid past and what a past it was. Liz is definitely selfish and wants everything to revolve around her and this time things aren’t about her, she is fulfilling the wishes of her deceased grandmother and yes Liz is a bit of a brat about it at times. I love that her Bestie and new Boyfriend have put her in her place a time or two. I really enjoyed this book and read it from start to finish in one sitting.
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A new to me author, and upon reading her bio I discovered this is her debut novel. WOW. What a great start in writing. Even though I was able to kind of figure out who the person was terrorizing Keira, I was still surprised at the over all outcome and discovery of other information. This book will keep you turning pages and make you want to finish just to know who did it.
The romance part is well written and I LOVE Cade and Keira. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie shares her love of Tarot cards, giving us insights and a beginners guide to exploring the Tarot for ourselves.
She has woven together 78 poems, one for each card in the deck- along with witchy insights, musings, how to read the cards, stories and messages to inspire us to begin meditating on our own decks and adding a little Tarot wisdom to our lives.
Having read Ms. DeBlassie other books I can see how this build on what she has already shared/taught us about creating our own ‘magic’ in our lives, to inspire us to design richer, fulfilling, and more meaningful lives.
The author always produces an intriguing read that gives me plenty to ponder by sharing through her own experiences, providing lessons, messages, and interesting insights.
Well worth the read, especially if you are drawn to the Tarot, Wicca, Bruja, meditation, or new age/age-old spirituality.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Maria DeBlassie!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series by Toya Richardson. I love Ms. Richardson’s original take on the lore surrounding vampires and angels, and as the first book was fantastic, I had some high expectations for this book, but I am not surprised that Ms. Richardson doesn’t disappoint.
I think this just might be better than the first book- but really, they are both superb. It could be read as a standalone, even though it is ‘set’ before the events in “Captivated” (Book #1)- but in saying that I highly recommend reading the first book as well as this one, as otherwise not only would you be missing out on a great story, but there are also other relevant details to the series there that will enhance your reading experience.
It is a fated mates paranormal romance, with angel/vampire hybrids, demons, action, danger, magic, emotion, chemistry, sizzle, sweet & heartwarming moments, drama, angst, humour, tension, and an evil adversary.
If you love paranormal romance with a captivating story, chemistry, sizzle, and fated mates- then you will definitely want this book/series in your life!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Toya Richardson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story full of peculiar characters and their lives. Each of the characters has a story to tell. As we see the way their lives intertwine, we also get to see the problems with the HOA of the community. From garden spots to barking dogs this story has many things that will grab your attention. I enjoyed seeing the characters interact and all the problems with the HOA. It was fun to see the different personalities and how they deal with all that goes on in the community. I enjoyed getting to meet the characters living in this community and getting a glimpse into their lives.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series continues to deliver! This third installment is just as good as the first two and I loved Jeff and Kia’s story!
The story and characters were both well developed, something I’ve come to expect from this author. She thinks of everything and fills out the story well with all of the little details. I love how their child (of course unknown to Jeff) brings them back together, though not seamlessly. The tension, romance, and resilience between them keeps the reader engaged. Jeff may be one of my favorite characters from the entire series; I loved his patience and dedication to their relationship as well as with Max. If you’re looking for an entertaining, page-turner, this is it!
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intense. Oh wow. So, Mavery Ellscott is officially one of my top favorite new authors of the year. Before this book I hadn’t heard of this talented author but wow. Told from dual perspectives of Keira and Cade this book may be a slow-burn romance, but action, mystery and suspense start on page one.
Keira is a thirty-two-year-old PR rep that has had a rough couple of months mixed with a dream finally coming true. She has been invited by her bosses to become a partner with them, a dream fulfilled right. Wrong, she has worked too hard and won’t give up the chance easily even if that means keeping the lid closed on her past and now, she has a stalker. Cade is an ex-Navy SEAL that owns Shadow Defense Security, a private military contractor, with four of his fellow service brothers. From the first time they officially meet both are attracted to the other but have their own reservations. Cade notices instantly the stress when meeting Keira only made more concerning that evening when after a brief incident, she spills the truth to him. Saying the words out loud fills her with terror as she tries to keep up her appearance so that it doesn’t bother her. Her stalker is no longer content hiding behind their phone, all in one day he not only breaks into her car but her house. Cade’s seen and heard enough he’s not taking no for an answer he is going to help Keira.
Will Cade’s company be able to help Keira before it’s too late? Keira locked the door to her past but is it what’s haunting her now or is it someone else? Can Keira and Cade find a safe place in each other where the doors open up and the truth let out? The world the author creates is real, it happens every day to countless people, but unlike Keira they don’t all have an ex-Navy SEAL living next door whose next mission is to keep her safe. How the characters interact, and their internal monologues is very relatable not only in the funny or reminiscent moments but in the fearful ones where you forget how to think, and you just do. Keira and Cade could be your neighbors, friends, colleagues, seeing them not only figure out who and why she is being stalked but the comfort they bring each other keeps you rushing to finish the page just to see what will happen on the next one. I will be keeping an eye out for the next instalment in this new suspense series.
