A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved Laurent and Phoebe! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! There was a lot of back and forth between these two, and plenty of heat. They are definitely meant for each other.
Kiss Away Your Pain by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is Book 2 of the Wounded Hearts series and I did enjoy book 1………I LOVED this story book 2 of Enzo and Candi. This story gave me quite the emotions….slow burn romance, heartbreak, forgiveness, redemption, spicy moments and the connection between two people….Enzo and Candi….the connection!!!
Candi is a strong, independent and career driven women who stops at nothing to achieve her dreams as a photographer….a chance encounter at an event she meets Enzo. Candi is not looking for anything series, her heart has so many walls up….but Enzo give her the spark and need that she needed to feel…and break down the walls. When truths come out with Enzo’s past that pull Candi back into past pain…will both Enzo and Candi survive and find the love in each other that they both seek?
I highly recommended this series and reading the books in order…but this story….my heart!!!
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Underneath the Whiskey is an interesting read about a man struggling to balance his life. Benjamin struggles maintaining balance between his blossoming coffee shop business, his tumultuous relationship with his wife, and the sexuality he has worked very hard to repress. I found some aspects of the story very compelling, such as the use of reparative therapy along with shock therapy in order to convince Ben he isn’t gay. But overall, I felt the story was a little slow and drawn out. I often found myself thinking of other things while reading (which rarely happens). I just didn’t feel fully connected to this book like I thought I would be. While Underneath the Whiskey wasn’t quite my cup of tea story wise, I do feel like Chelsea Lauren still delivered authentic, believable and relatable characters that the reader could connect with.
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Talks Like Thunder is a strong 3 for me- I felt the beginning (where she is taken to live with her grandfather) and ending were both cut short (wanted to find out more), and the next book of the novella is about different characters, so we probably won’t.
I give it a strong 3 because of her strong character traits are exhibited throughout the book, and the Apache customs are interwoven throughout the story in logical ways instead of being a laundry list or forced upon you. I had to look up if Apache girls/woman could be warriors, and was glad to see this part of the novella rings true. I tend to not read summaries until after I read the book, so was surprised and pleased to see this is based on a true story, and one that needs to be told, and although the target age is YA/high school, felt it was worth reading.
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a must love small town romance book. You know the good lifetime feeling books? This is it. I really loved how realistic the story could be. Who didn’t make a pact as a kid with their best friend? I really enjoyed the imagery. The story is full of everything you’d want on a slow day when you want to escape into another life.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first novel by Anna Gomez and it won’t be my last. Fast read, perfect for summer around the college courses I am taking as well as work…. neither Simon nor Tessa got on my nerves the entire book, which usually what happens when I read romance-like books. I enjoyed the little snippets of different countries and cultures they visit together, and felt overall the story flowed well without being overally wordy or too long, just the right length.
My favorite part was when Simon is trying to figure out technology to stay connected with Tessa- very funny lines throughout that part of the story! Looking forward to reading her other two novels.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story starts slow and can be hard to get into. The name changes did nothing to keep you following but I did love the characters, the plots, and the Morrigan. The story has a lot going on between the adventure, romance, and history; It’s a decent read. If you have some time and want to read a paranormal story this one is the one for you.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The title fits this book to a T. Two girls that couldn’t be more different (Kenyan Neyah and Abby from the States) share a common dream. Parental warning- children deaths of malnutrition, cancer, and cholera are mentioned as well as physical and mental brutality. Yet, that is reality of kids around the world, and author Bleckwehl captures the eagerness of the teenagers to do something to help others.
I appreciated the closure of the book (you aren’t left hanging) as well as the banter between Neyah and her teacher, as well as Neyah and her father. Neyah’s relationships with her pen pal, family members, school peers, and people she meets at the watering hole are well developed and three dimensional, and I couldn’t wait to read what happened next.
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 stars
This was my first read by this author! I thought it would be a clean romance, but it wasn’t which took me off guard. It’s still well written beyond the language used!
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet read about all the things that make teachers special. This is a beautiful compilation of teachers’ feelings for their students and a reminder that teachers vary just as much as their students do! The pictures are vibrant and bring the pages to life! My kids loved reading this book. It is great for littles who may be apprehensive about school or a reminder to those nervous about returning. A beautiful story!
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tessa and Simon meet on an airplane and things seem to stay up in the air between them for quite some time. Both are fairly successful in their chosen professions. Simon wants more out of life than Tessa does it seems. But are things really as they seem?
One truth about this book: I loved it!!
This book has a few twists and turns. It was a bit predictable for me as well, up to chapter 34 anyway. Then things changed but not as much as I thought they might.
I couldn’t put this book down until I read it all the way through though. Overall, a very well written story!
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maria and Oz were wonderful characters with loads of heart who drew me straight into the story and kept me turning page after page. Oz has been through a lot and has so many personal responsibilities that even though he knows his band has what it takes to be a big thing he is reluctant to move forward with it all because he needs his 3 paycheques to make ends meet. With Maria she is newly divorced with no where to go and nothing planned. They meet just before Marias sisters wedding and the attraction is instant but the big question is what would giving in mean for both their futures especially because they have more than just themselves to think about?. I truly loved this story and this very talented author definitely has a fan in me! In fact I went and pre ordered the next book in the series as soon as I finished reading this one LOL.
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Laurent has not seen Phoebe in years. She was the girl who broke his heart and now she is back wanting his help. They made a pact years ago to marry at forty if both still single, Laurent though wants to marry for love and Phoebe did a runner before.
Phoebe has spent the years hopping from one place to another. She never thought she would reach out to Laurent but the chemistry is still there and they have an agreement that Laurent will pretend to be with her so she can get through a family event that is going to be difficult at best.
This was entertaining. It takes a bit to warm up to Phoebe but once you get to know why she did what she did you begin to understand her background. I liked Laurent from the very beginning and appreciated that he is honest with his feelings. The book definitely sets up for more books in the series.
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read from Nadija Mujagic. It will definitely not be my last either. Her writing for this story gripped me from page one and never let go. I was deeply sucked into the suspense of what was going to happen next. I read the book in a single night. The characters, the plot, and the twists keep you glued in. An absolutely wonderfully done thriller.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
House of Arsceneaux: A Vampire Paranormal Romance Novel is the first book in the Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures series. I was not sure what to expect, but I was intrigued by the title. Set in Louisiana, we meet Vampire Evariste Gage Arsceneaux, who is drawn to Caitlin DeDanann, sent to Louisiana as an investigator. Evariste knows Caitlin or recognizes her soul as his lost love. Will he be able to convince Caitlin that they are connected?
This has a great setting, interesting characters, and lots to enjoy. Though a bit convoluted at points, this is an overall entertaining read. Also, the author hits a lot of territory with this one book. There is paranormal, romance, vampires, historical fiction, suspense, and more. I enjoyed the characters though I had to jot notes of current versus past names for some of the characters to keep track of everyone. I look forward to seeing what the author does next with this series. I assume there is a lot of background here to help move the series forward. If you are interested in an interesting read with some twists and turns, I recommend checking out this book.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pursuit into Darkness is book two in the War of Destiny series. Set 70 years after Lost Soul, Julia has joined the vampires and the resistance is still ongoing. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed, and things feel like they pick up right where book one left off. Poor Julia has been SO long without her little daughter, and this round of the war brings many more losses and trials. As Valentino gets closer to the group, Julia starts making some very questionable decisions. Will she end up joining Valentino, or continue fighting alongside Samuel and Ka-Tet? I enjoyed the continuation from book one, with some familiar names and personalities. I will be glad to dive into book 3!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
View all my reviews
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lost Soul is the first book in the War of Destiny series and should come with some trigger warnings. The book is fast paced and the triggers start early. **Spoiler/Trigger warnings would include domestic abuse, violence, and death of a child** Julia is a wealthy girl in 16th century London and has grown up with a very privileged life. When she falls in love with her childhood friend, Adam (who happens to be a servant’s son) her father and brother shatter her dreams and force her into an arranged marriage. Her chosen husband, Greg, is an absolute monster without any form of sympathy or compassion and treats Julia very cruelly. Cruel is actually an understatement as he is emotionally and physically VERY abusive. After three long years of trying to keep peace and subdue the wrath of her husband, she is unable to produce a male heir. Then one night in one of his rages, the ultimate tragedy strikes and Julia needs out NOW. With no way out and options limited, Julia takes the offer of a stranger. With the promise of freedom, she has a price to pay. The cost? The stranger (Samuel) is a vampire. While he offers her safety, power, and freedom, she soon finds out it is not an “easy way out”. Julia has escaped the worst marriage and been thrown into a vampire resistance against Valentino, who will do absolutely everything to end Samuel and his group. Will Julia find herself in this new group? Will she learn to love again and come to terms with her past? Will they overcome Valentino? Give this one a chance! There was ALOT going on with this book, and it happened quickly. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would, and looking forward to book 2 (Pursuit into Darkness).
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adored this story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating an imaginative and well described world with complex and interesting characters. I absolutely adored Cressida and couldn’t wait to see how she would handle each situation that came up. She is definitely one of my favorite book characters! Seeing the progression of her relationship with Caravahl, despite all of the barriers was so sweet to follow. This book definitely had its share of twist and turns, but everything wrapped up well! I will be absolutely checking out the author’s other works and keeping an eye out for anything new!
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was absolutely blown away at how fantastic this book was. The author did an amazing job of creating unforgettable characters and descriptive backdrops for everything to play out in. I would absolutely love to visit Louisiana after reading this story. This was a fabulous book, it wasn’t a quick read, but definitely worth every page, I couldn’t put it down. Every time I thought that everything was resolved, the author threw in more plot twists that just kept making it better. Caitlin and Evariste or Gage, were just the perfect couple and the different obstacles they faced just made them even more incredible. Seeing the change and growth with both of them separately and together was wonderful. I loved all of the immortal creatures popping in and out of the story. This was an extremely well written vampire love story for the ages. I can’t wait to see what other stories the author will write.
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund
A Way Out is the second book in the Rock Star Series and is a Contemporary Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I read this entire book in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. This story is packed with drama, chemistry, secrets and so much more. Oz and Maria come from two different backgrounds, she’s newly divorced and no plan or place to go so she heads to sister’s house in L.A. but when she arrives she finds a strange man there instead. Oz is house sitting for Holly and Sam as they are in Missouri preparing for their secret wedding. Maria and Oz have unbelievable chemistry. These are surely meant to be as they both deserve someone that makes them happy. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I will say this can be read as a standalone as I didn’t realize this was the second in this series till after I had already started. I’m definitely going to check out the other books in this series before reading the next one.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for a paranormal romance so I was all in for this book. It had me hooked beginning to end, the idea of a love that transcends time appealed to me.
The author created incredible, well-structured characters who I adored. I especially loved Caitlin – she started so relatable with her work life balance and yet as things changed and we (and she) came to know the truth she kept that relatability. Of course, I also loved Evariste. His emotions really came through as he was determined to be reunited with his lost love. The two face many dangerous obstacles and I was emotionally invested, rooting for them every step of the way.
I loved this book, and although I’ve read others with a similar premise of a returned dead love, this book was still able to be unique and at times surprising.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but I will definitely be looking out for more!
Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sound book in the Ground Rule Series. I recommend reading the Walk Off first because there is a cross-over of characters and it will help you better understand these characters.
Zara is a highly independent woman that knows what she wants and goes for it. She is not afraid to admit that she loves sex and does not care much for relationships. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has to work harder and have a backbone of steel.
Noah Ashe is an MLB player and friends with one of the men that Zara works for. Noah is a private person and avoids the spotlight and tabloids as much as possible. He is intrigued by Zara because they have a history. He walked in on her naked in this apartment one day when she was waiting for someone else. From that day on he has wanted her. The confidence of this woman was like a beacon to him.
What happens when someone who sees you in a vulnerable state comes back into your life? Is the tension just sexual or is there more? Will he be able to melt her ice-cold heart or will she remain anti-relationships?
Read this book to find out if Noah gets the girl. You will also need water to help cool you off. There is a lot of spice and steamy scenes. Read in public at your own digression.
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m still reeling from the conclusion of this book! I am still shaking from the unexpected plot twists. This is a fantastic riveting thriller.
At the beginning of the book you are instantly brought into the events after a mysterious murder. Then you are introduced to the cocky main character who has an extremely inflated ego. The author’s placement of the post murder intro plus the introduction to Mr Ego makes you wonder if the two events are connected. Hold on to your hats because then the story reveals additional characters, more ego, lots of drama, mysterious circumstances and more to help create a mystery unlike any mystery.
I found myself hating the main character only to feel sorry for him a bit later and changing over and over again as intriguing pieces of information are shared about his background, and his current state of mind.
If you enjoy mystery, thrillers and impeccable storytelling, this book is for you!
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was an amazing read with a lot of heartfelt moments. Bree does an amazing job of bringing up real-world problems in this book.
Celia is a woman who is built a family in a town with her friends and her sister. When she was younger she made a major mistake and let someone go when she should have been honest. She lived eight years knowing that she lied to the one person who meant the world to her.
Kyle is a man with a job that now has a lot of press and gets him noticed everywhere he goes. When he accepts an invitation from a friend to come to an event he did not go expecting to see the woman who stole and broke his heart. He spent years trying to move on and forget her but who can forget the person that has their heart?
What happens when the truth comes out? Can you forgive someone for lying to you and using the most hateful words to get you to leave? Was it really love or was it just first love?
Read this book to find out what happens with Kyle and Celia. Will they be able to reconcile?
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An entertaining and enjoyable sports romance with plenty of drama and romance set at Tryst Falls. Single Mum of twin girls works as the pool manager, ensuring all the activities are safe and fun for the clubs children during the summer. Christy gets a shock when Ryan Harper joins the club, and she’s forced to come face to face with the man who broke her heart. Ryan can’t believe it when he turns up to his new club and sees Christy, the only women he’s ever loved, and he still feels guilty for leaving her. However, he gets more of a surprise when he meets her twin daughters and sees his own eyes staring back at him! This is a heartwarming second chance romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Both the setting and the characters are brought to life through the descriptive narrative and the storyline flowed well. Christy and Ryan’s chemistry came across in the story and I was hoping they would get their HEA. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone to watch over me was just amazing and beautifully written from the very beginning to the very end. I
Absolutely loved reading Lucia and Angelo’s story. They grew up together as best friends. He was a toddler when she was born. His mother and Lucia’s mom were best friends. Both Angelo and Lucia have been Inlove with eachother for the last 20 years but neither of them knew how the other one felt. Angelo refused to tell Lucia because he didn’t want to be her first love, but he wanted to be her last love. Just when they think, they can have the happily ever after, of course something happens ripping them apart again.
This book was really such a great read. It had a lot of emotional parts, some heat, lovable characters and a great storyline. Definitely highly recommend this book!
review by @xchellex
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderfully written heartwarming and inspirational YA novel which kept me captivated throughout.
When Neyah and Abby who live a continent apart become pen pals neither realised how important their friendship would become to them both. Neyah is shy and quiet living in a rural African village whilst bold and boisterous Abby lives a comfortable life in a modern American city. Whilst Abby spends her time planning her social calendar and waiting for her school day to be over, Neyah longs to spend more time in school, but has to spend most days fetching water for her family to survive, and even then it’s filthy water. Although they both live very differently they are keen to learn about each other’s lives and a friendship grows through their letters. We soon learn that Abby has her own challenges to face, and the girls inspire one another to find a purpose in their difficulties. The descriptive narrative brings the settings in which both girls live vividly to life, making me feel immersed in their world. The author teaches us about African customs and it’s culture, as well as the challenges young girls and women in particular face, whilst keeping it part of the storyline. This is an emotional and engaging read, and although it’s a YA novel I would recommend it to all ages!
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Angelo and Lucia have been best friends forever. Their families are always together for holidays and vacations. Lucia has been in love with Angelo for as long as she can remember, she wanted to have lots of firsts with him. However she feels as if she is only a little sister to him but little does she know he feels the same way about her. For Angelo thought the families expect him to be her protector. But will they ever be more than just friends or is it to late for that?
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you love a slow burn romance that has a push/pull effect between characters this is a definite read. This story of Nicco and Destiny gave me all the feels that I love with a romance story that starts with friendship and just beautifully blossoms.
Nicco and Destiny meet by chance by a mock photo-shoot that left me already rooting for them from the beginning. Nicco being intrigued by Destiny from the beginning…knowing that his persona is being a full fledged “playboy”. Destiny keeps Nicco at an arms distance at first….but when an agreement between them of Nicco getting his shot at something more in acting and Destiny getting more in a story fit for a next bestselling novel. As they navigate each other….will Nicco’s past demons continue to haunt him? Will Destiny be able to see a future with Nicco without getting her heart hurt int he end?
This is a beautiful story with truly beautiful characters. This is my first book from this author and I am already ready to read book 2 and continuing this Wounded Hearts series journey.
Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A classic tale of forbidden romance and close proximity. Catrina had no plans on her relationship with Nathan being anything more than professional. Nathan has other plans. The couple tries to keep their distance from each other, but the tension grows and grows until it threatens to burn everything down. This was an enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to the final installment of the Kings of Screen series.
