Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love this series, it has everything you could want! The chemistry between Damon and Sky was amazing and you could feel it jumping off the pages, I read way to late in a hurry to finish this book. It’s amazing and you won’t be disappointed in this book or the entire series. I can’t wait to see what else comes next!
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bound by the Hinterlands is a fantasy romance tale full of darkness, panic, tension, danger, and drama. At first, I struggled with the story as it is written in Early Modern English, and it took me a little longer to get into the storyline. After about midway, I was completely in love with the book. It is a tale of a woman whose father is very abusive and has arranged for her to be married off. The characters are very well thought out and it is easy to connect with them. Cressida and Caravahl’s story is full of discovery and danger. The mystery unfolding goes hand in hand with their feelings also becoming deeper. I was on the edge of my seat for the 2nd half of the book.
Will Cressida find what she has been looking for? Will she be seduced by the secretes in the dark forest? Will the arranged marriage be a complete disaster, or will Cressida fall for this stranger who is now her husband?
Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed reading books written in the same setting, but focus on different characters and plot lines. This is the third book in the Buckeye Falls series and it follows the town’s mayor, Anthony Snyder, and his wife Natalie. They have gotten really busy, he is the mayor of the town and she just started her own company. They also have two adorable kids, Maddie and Otis, who are 5 years old and younger. They have full time jobs, full lives, and have forgotten to take time for each other. They are both really worried that they have ruined their relationship and both really want to fix it. What they don’t have is time for each other and effective communication. Anthony’s parents want to send them to their summer lake house for a week to pack it up so they can put it on the market. Anthony and Natalie are both hoping to rekindle the flame during this week away from distractions, but they don’t know how. Anthony turns to those closest to him: his sister, Alice, and his friend Max, and his secretary, Trudy, to ask for help and ideas. Natalie has a hard time opening up, but finally talks to her two friends, Cece and Ginny (the main characters of the first two books). This book and the events were very realistic and I was rooting for them and yelling at them to just talk to each other. I laughed throughout this one and was excited to see another book in the series coming soon!
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novella is written from the viewpoint of a young Native American girl named Desert Flower on her coming-of-age journey to become Talks-Like-Thunder. There is plenty of fictionalized historical facts in this story that aid in keeping the reader turning the pages. However, I am unsure on the actual authoring of the story due to this novella coming together posthumous from a non-native writer. While this novella is inspired from Marjorie Carter’s writings, Randal Nerhus does a good job of creating a character the reader can fall in love with and empathize with the horrific things that happened to Talks-Like-Thunder.
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was absolutely a very dark and sexy read. I had not read anything from the author before and it looks like there are two other books in the series that I am definitely going to need to check out. This definitely had some darker tones to it and the author’s vivid description of the BDSM lifestyle is extremely sexy. The author created multifaceted characters that just suck you right into the story. This is a very sexy enemies to lovers story and seeing how Ethan and Sienna start out and the progression is just so well written. This is definitely a must read and I can’t wait to check out her other works.
The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this new age, it can be so very easy to doubt ourselves and the mediocre lives we are living. Social media has broadcasted this skewed image of how we should be living our lives, especially when children are involved. Feeling inadequate and overwhelmed are inevitable, due to comparing ourselves to others and trying to combat the increased amount of stressors and expectations all around us. I would highly recommend this memoir for anyone facing self-doubt. The author learns and teaches us that it is okay to not have all of the answers and just live in and enjoy each moment given to us. This was a wonderful and inspiring read that I will continue to recommend to others.
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this dark BDSM book you meet Ethan and Siena. Ethan almost mistakes Siena for Joyce, someone who had almost completely ruined his family. Thinking up a perfect plan to get his revenge, he tries to get Siena to submit to his wishes. He didn’t expect her to get under his skin and change his thinking. Siena is entirely too trusting and constantly sees the good in her brother and her cousin, even after it has been pointed out time and time again that they are not good people. Does she come to accept this and Ethan’s plan or does she try and keep on maintaining her rose-colored glasses?
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ways to Improve Bailey was so much better than I expected. I got invested right away and didn’t want to put it down, completing in two days and missing some sleep! It is not your every day rom-com. Bailey is funny and sarcastic, and has a love/hate relationship with her brother, Dayton. Her best friend Marnie is quirky but fun. Bailey gets conned into hanging out with Tanner, a daily repeating customer at her job. She thinks he’s a bit odd, but they start to hit it off and soon become good friends. Things take a twist, and the ending is not quite what I enjoyed, but it was perfect. The story takes place in Flagstaff Arizona, which I loved even more. I too, live in Arizona, and it was fun to read about all the places I have been to, and some I have not yet. It made it a little more realistic and me a tad more invested. I look forward to reading more by this author, because they are always great cozy reads I can cuddle on the couch with and get lost for hours.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book would make a great end-of-the-year gift for a teacher. It would also be a great book to read to a youngster about to start school. Teachers, for the most part, are really super great people! This book highlights some of the features of teachers to show their “human” side outside of the classroom.
The illustrations are very well done in this book as well!
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Underneath The Whiskey is gut wrenching, emotional, and heartbreaking in every way possible. It is not for the faint of heart as this story contains many difficult subjects, such as alcoholism, suicide, sexual assault, violence, and mental illness. The issues seem so real and the author, Chelsea Lauren, does a great job writing about all of the issues at hand.
Underneath The Whiskey tells the story of Benjamin, a closeted gay man, who is living a lie with his wife and children. He tried so hard to hide and cope with his pain, but can’t do it forever.
The characters are flawed, well-developed, and easy to hate because we witness all their struggles and demons. Once the characters find their truth they become lovable despite their flaws and harsh reality.
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twisted Bond has so much described imagery in just the first few paragraphs that you can feel and smell the same as described. The book is a bit slow to get into and takes a few chapters to catch on but well worth it. A story of betrayal and the fear of failure but is it really just love the whole time? A great fantasy book that will quickly become a page turner in a few hours.
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr is a great book based on true crime.
In this autobiography, Toby Dorr describes her experiences as a volunteer who ran a canine training program for inmates at the Lansing Correctional Center. She interacts with various prisoners, but just one really grabs her attention. John Manard, who escaped from prison with Toby’s assistance, is who he is. Before being apprehended, they were on the run for 12 days. Through her several court appearances, Toby had to develop her media savvy after becoming an overnight sensation. She served a few years in prison for her misdeeds, and in this book, she recounts her experience there.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this crazy prison world. I couldn’t put the book down.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cailtlin DeDanann is counting down the time until she can leave for her vacation. She is less than thrilled to have to add work to her vacation and it doesn’t help that Evariste Gage Arsceneaux is avoiding her at all costs. That is until Evariste gets a look at Caitlin and begins to wonder if Caitlin is his long dead wife reincarnated. With a threat surrounding them Caitlin wants answers, can she trust Evariste.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The story has some past present moments which gave clarity to Evariste’s past. I thought the chemistry between Caitlin and Evariste was full of charismatic banter, you are pulled in when these two are on the page with one another. I would read more from this author for sure.
Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sacrifice Bunt
By: Bree Kraemer
I am absolutely loving this series by Bree Kraemer. I love baseball so this series featuring Baseball Players is a no brainer for me to read. What I wasn’t expecting is that the plot would be so well written and would suck me in from the first word.
Zara is an incredibly strong, independent woman. She has a career she loves and she definitely prides herself on not getting attached. She never expected that the one person who would get under her skin would be a pro baseball player. Its important to note that Noah and Zara have history and not any kind of history but the kind of history where everyone hopes they never see each other again. But yet they do and boy do sparks fly.
I love the banter between Zara and Noah. It just seemed like it was inevitable that their chemistry would win, despite any personal feelings that they may have. However, when they have to be professional with one another their chemistry is undeniable. I definitely love this series and recommend that everyone read this.
Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And loved getting to see the group of friends we’ve met before make appearances in this one.
These 2 were great for each other once they each got through their own personal doubts and downfalls.
Im glad this author has strong female characters who stand up for themselves and know their worth but also can understand when someone else is putting in the effort.
I can’t wait for more from this group!
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My Goodbye Girl
By: Anna Gomez
This is the type of book that I expect in a summer read. It was well written, fast paced, and feel good. Reading it felt like I was sitting in the sunshine, while in reality I was in my bed. This book also in many ways is an opposites attract – where in no way should the characters click in real life but in the book it not only works but makes complete sense. I felt that their attraction for each other was palpable and they definitely had great banter that was enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend reading this book, especially as it makes a great beach read!
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ladies of the Links #2
By: Haley Rhodes
This book features a group of friends that are so well written. I picked up this book because it intrigued me but I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it because I don’t know anything about golf. However, now I want to find a golf league that I can join to hopefully find friends such as this group in the story. This book definitely features the trials and tribulations of the ladies. It features a second chance romance, but the truth is the real story is the friends and everything they get into. This is everything that a group of friends should be. I definitely recommend this book and I promise you I will be reading the other books to find out more!
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fetching Dreams
By: Mary Bleckwehl
This is such a fantastic chapter book. The quote in the description is what drew me to this book, it ultimately became the reason I absolutely could not put down. “It was just a school assignment until it became a lifesaving mission.” This is such a heartwarming story. Neyah and Abby are penpals who begin writing because of a school assignment. However they connect on a much deeper level. This becomes such a valuable friendship that definitely changes their lives and the lives of others. As a teacher, this instantly became a book that I know I will use as a read aloud with my students. I cannot wait to see the conversations that my students will have and see if they are as moved by this book as much as I am. This is absolutely such a heartwarming inspirational story that I think that everyone should read.
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Way Out
By: Tami Lund
This book features such a wonderful storyline and characters. Maria is a brand new divorcee with plenty of money, but nowhere to live, no job and really no clue what she is going to do now. She really hadn’t planned on being in this predicament. This leads her to the one place and person that she thinks might help. Her sister’s house. But her sister isn’t there and their is a gorgeous stranger standing at their door. Oz is this handsome man at the door. Oz has an incredibly caring nature and they decide to travel together to Louisana, which is where her sister is, and a wedding that they are both invited to is. Enter amazing banter between Oz and Maria, an undeniable attraction and then a proposal that just might complicate things.
This book is the second in a series. It functions as a standalone, but it most definitely wont be the last book in this series that I read. I want to go back and read the first one just because I enjoyed the writing and the storyline that much. I definitely suggest picking this one up, as it won’t disappoint.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2WZPS2QLKTIUZ/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author and Toby didn’t disappoint. The world building and characters was well thought out. This book was a page turner for me. The author grabbed my attention within the first few pages. Some parts of the book had you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I began this book and wasn’t sure I was gonna like it. The story kinda started slow for me and I wasn’t thrilled with the characters but then I got to Bailey’s date with Tanner and everything changed for me. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved it. Definitely recommend reading it and if it seems slow do not give up at all on it. It really was a great book.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone To Watch Over Me
By: Debbie Cromack
This is a best friend to lovers book. It features Angelo and Lucia. I absolutely love when this type is done well. When done well I feel like it gives characters with great depth, amazing development and, generally speaking, main characters with absolutely amazing banter between them. This book definitely delivers on all three of those aspects. I felt that Lucia was very heartfelt and that her emotions truly jumped off the page, starting with the initial rejection that she faces. From there, the readers are taken on a fantastic roller coaster of emotions that had me rooting for her to find the happiness and the love that I felt that she really deserved. This was just so very good! I definitely recommended it!
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really thought that this was such a sweet book. The author really has written a easy to read book for kids. This book brings a good lesson for kids to know. The author does a good job of showing every side a teacher can be and gives just a little perspective into what and how a teacher ticks. I really like that this is a very simple book as it will help children to get confidence in reading and also show how teachers can be. I would recommend this book to anyone with small children.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such an emotional and touching read from the start to the finish. Although it is a work in fiction, it is inspired by true events and well known historical ones. It is so hard to imagine people having to go through what this character did and yet the author did an amazing job of making it seem real and relatable.
The book is only short, as expected from a novella, but it is the kind of book I could have gone on reading. I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story of two young girls who strike up a bond despite living worlds apart. The connection they develop grows overtime as they slowly get to know each other. And, although on the face of it their lives are completely different, they soon find commonalities as their bond strengthens.
The author has done an incredible jobs at portraying both of these girls. They are engaging and interesting and I wanted to know more about them. The story is inspiring, watching two young girls forge a connection when everything says it shouldn’t work. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more like it.
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Easy, fun and sweet book dedicated to all kinds of teachers…regardless if they are young or old…teachers may all be different but truly there is one similarity….They all have a “Very Big Heart”.
I love that a young reader can see from the wonderful illustrations and words that teachers are truly awesome and want what is best for them to learn and grow.
Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This harrowing historical fiction follows the main female protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, as she is taken from her original tribe, and then taken again by the white man and placed on a reservation and forced to learn and accept white culture all the while her culture is disregarded. Carter and Nerhus did an amazing job of capturing the sorrow and fear and determination of the young protagonist and the situations she went through. I found myself staying up late saying, “Just one more chapter,” continuously until I had finished the novella. This is a very quick read, but don’t let that fool you. It will rip your heart out and infuriate you.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 1 was amazing leading to drama, secrets, mystery, and suspense. Seeing how the world of Alda was falling apart because the 55 seals were being broken now in the 2nd book leads us off to find out more about the secrets and how the world is being controlled and how the Black Gnarls are getting their strength.
Russell Archey did an amazing job on both books.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Russell Archey has got my mind in all these little stories about the world Alda that needs saving from this Sinster entity called Obscure Throne. Hearing that every magical creature is leaving Alda behind is sad. Reflecting on this world and Biblical stories evil also tries to dominate something that good has created for those who want to be part of it. But in stories like this one evil seems to be winning. If anyone likes fantasy stories this is a great book to seek the different sides of the story.
5 stars for creation and characters
4 stars for sadness
Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this dark fantasy you’ll see action, drama, mystery, and suspense. The story has great characters and will mold you into the dystopian feel. I recommend reading the first book in this series, ‘Ashes of Aldyr’ before reading Ghosts of Alda. A good story that will take you into a wild place.
