What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fun and interesting book. My 8 year old loved it and it kept her attention the whole time. It was also educational in a fun way. I love these kind of books that give you a little information but in a fun and interesting way.
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed getting to know a little more on Cole and Riley and the suspenseful conclusion (at least for now I hope) .
I highly suggest reading the first 2 books before this, the prequel and book 1, as it’s all needed to understand the dynamic and what’s going on in this story.
This like the previous brought the drama, the chemistry and the unexpected. I will not be giving many details as it’s best to read for yourself and I will not be responsible for giving even a tiny spoiler even by accident.
I cannot wait to read about the rest of this bunch (I hope they all get a story) as I would love to see things from others perspective but also how their stories go.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again! My kiddos and I love her books, and we get so excited anytime she releases a new one. Bugs are especially popular in my house, so this was such a huge hit from the get-go! Both of my kids relate to Loretta as neither one ever wants to hurt insects. I think this was a great way to teach others how to problem solve without doing it the way it’s always been done. The illustrations are also so beautiful and really add to the story. Somehow we always walk away with valuable lessons as well as a great story time book. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the kiddos in your life!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful story. Lillian and Tristan are drawn together but fight so hard against the pull. They are a perfect complement to each other in so many ways. Can Tristan get her to let down her walls before it is too late? Can she out run those who would want to take her power for their own?
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rene’s twin sister was killed and he made a promise to avenge her by finding the murderer. When another body appears the same way his sister’s body was, he knows the killer is back. He’s trying his hardest to keep it together while working different angles. Rene thinks he is losing his mind. At night he keeps having sensual dreams about a beautiful woman so when he starts seeing her in the daytime as well, he knows it’s only a matter of time before he has a mental breakdown.
Belladonna is half pixie, half necromancer. When she sees Rene at the latest crime scene, she knows that he is going to be hers. She loves playing with him, making him crazy. They are kindred spirits. He lost his sister and she lost her whole family. She makes a deal with him, whether he agrees with it or not it’s happening. Belladonna will help him avenge his sister if Rene helps to kill her enemies.
I absolutely love this author! Their writing is so unique and interesting.Very fast paced and always has multiple elements. The author has a way with imagery, even though this was only a novella, it was packed full with detail. Magic, pixies, witches, necromancy, with the killer being a twist, you are in for an exciting ride with this read!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom. I have loved every book in this series and so has my 5 year old nephew. In this book Loretta’s Grandma brings them an orange tree all the way from Florida. Loretta finds aphids on the tree which will kill it if they aren’t removed. Only problem is Loretta can’t see to kill them. When Loretta hears a strange sound coming from the tree her grandma tells her its “katydids” saying “katydids. She learns that Katydids eat aphids so the answer to her problem is here. These books are so informational even I have learned things from them. They also make great gifts!
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again! Another classic fairytale with a scientific twist! This is a fun retelling of the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations are very well done and are wonderfully brilliant! This is a great bedtime story or really, an anytime story!!
I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good book! I’ve really enjoyed reading the books in this trilogy, and I’m a little sad for them to be over. I’m not sure which book I enjoyed the most, they were all very enjoyable and great in their own way. This was an emotional, second chance romance that I thought was a really good ending to this trilogy. I enjoyed getting the chance to enjoy this series and I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!
This is the final book of this trilogy. The world of magic is still in danger and the only one that can save it is Wilf. We continue to follow Wilf through this series to find out if he is able to be a normal teenager instead of being a wizard. His sister Myra and his girlfriend, Katrina are also still a part of his journey. Will they be able to overcome the tough battles ahead and save the Magic Realm? If you chose to read this series, I do recommend starting with the first book: The Virus of Beauty and continuing the series. This way you are following Wilf’s journey all the way through.
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the final book of this trilogy. The world of magic is still in danger and the only one that can save it is Wilf. We continue to follow Wilf through this series to find out if he is able to be a normal teenager instead of being a wizard. His sister Myra and his girlfriend, Katrina are also still a part of his journey. Will they be able to overcome the tough battles ahead and save the Magic Realm? If you chose to read this series, I do recommend starting with the first book: The Virus of Beauty and continuing the series. This way you are following Wilf’s journey all the way through.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl. This book was so good and it had just enough of a different story line to set it apart. I truly enjoyed it and hope there are more to come. Its the story of Lillian who has returned to Cleveland because her sister, Hannah has become very ill. Lillian who now goes by Zoey because she is in hiding due to the natures of her powers. The organization that is hot on her tail is the one that killed her mother and she’s not about to let them use her or her powers. Zoey tries her powers on her sister but its not enough so they end up in the hospital and she meets Tristan who she knows can put his powers with hers and maybe save Hannah. In return Zoey agrees to go as Tristan’s date to a event. While they spend more and more time together feelings evolve and they want to see each other more. When Tristan decides to look into Zoey’s past will he find things he can’t live with? Read this fast paced paranormal, romance to find out!
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the very first book that I have read from the author and I was so intrigued by it. I was able to imagine myself as the characters in the book as I was reading. This book was well written and I know anyone else who reads this book won’t be disappointed.
As a private detective, Riley Scott has witnessed her fair share of the ugly side of relationships. She guards her heart like a fortress, but a pair of sizzling blue eyes threatens to take down all of her barriers. He came to her rescue through a blazing fire. Now, she could only hope he would not incinerate her heart.
Tristan Cain hasn’t been able to let go of his red-headed angel, or his promise to get justice. Fate throws them together again when he once thought it would be impossible, and when a daring rescue turns out to be the least of their worries. He vows to keep her safe. He’s not letting Riley out of his sight again.
I look forward to reading more of this author’s book in the near future.
Noah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the best book that I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with the book from the very first page and did not set the book down until I had read the last page or the last chapter. This book is for everyone, and not just the younger generation.
Noah Reagan has always dreamed of making it big for science.
A place in The Summer with Supers Youth Program would provide him with just that. Popularity, respect, and maybe even a bully-free semester.
But when Lincoln City’s mutant infestation leaves Noah’s dreams crushed beneath a pile of rubble, he’s forced to spend the summer working for his dad’s failing Mega-Maintenance company, cleaning up after the very creatures that have stolen his freedom.
With the real heroes battling back the incoming hordes, Noah begins his investigation into the madness fueling the monsters, hoping to end the mega-meltdowns before his last chances of a super summer are swept into the dustbin.
Though, with the mastermind holding the keys to Noah’s dreams, interfering may doom him to an off-brand existence, and a future of atomic wedgies, forever.
I’m excited to read more of this authors books in the near future.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I’ve read from this author and I was not disappointed. I immediately fell in move with this book from the very first chapter. I was not able to put the book down until I had finished it all in one sitting.
I was twelve the first time I killed a man.
After the war, I was driven to the human world by a vengeful leader. My only chance at survival? Run.
With the help of a genderfluid shifter, I learned to hide in plain sight and harness the powers within, but my luck soon ran out.
This time, she captured my sister and sent an assassin after me. Running is no longer an option.
If I want to live, I have to fight.
If you are interested in LGBTQ representation, expansive magic worlds, and enemies-to-lovers romances you’ll love this book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brilliant murder mystery story that kicks off with a bang and keeps you hooked with a storyline full of twists and turns. This is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect from his work when I started reading but I instantly fell in love with his writing style. I was pulled into the book straight away and loved that he knew how to capture my attention.
I really enjoyed the main character. Her detective work to get to the truth was brilliant and I really connected with her throughout the story. As an introduction to this author I can already tell I am going to be a fan. I am really looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enjoyable short story that really packs a lot into its pages. This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading book 1 first so you get a full understanding of what is going. This is a great story and I enjoyed the unique take on shifters. It isn’t often an author can be original with this trope and it is even more rare for them to do it so well.
I thought the characters fit really well with the book. They were interesting and all had their part to play. This really is a great book and definitely worth your time.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great short paranormal romance. This author has an amazing way of creating new and unique stories in a way that captivates a reader and doesn’t let go. This story was great with a murder mystery to solve, magical beings, and a romance that I didn’t see coming.
Belladonna is a pixie of the deadly kind. She has live a secluded life away from people and the risk of hunters. When Rene comes on her radar she sees her opportunity to use him to get her revenge on the hunters that hunt her and other paranormal beings.
Rene is suffering from deep grief over the loss of his twin sister. He still doesn’t know who murdered her but when another body turns up exactly the same he know he needs to get to the bottom of this. This is when he meets his angel. However Belladonna is a lot of things but an angel she is not.
What evolves is a story full of danger, secrets being reveled, and twists that I didn’t see coming. The end also leaves an opening for other books in the series which I really hope the author creates.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. It is a fantasy story that follows healer Maren whose life is turned upside down when viscous creatures attack her village. As they have done in the past, the community locks themselves in nearby caverns to wait until it is safe. But Maren doesn’t make it to the caverns in time, and is now cut off from her community in a hostile world.
This is an exciting book, in a vivid fantasy world. As Maren leaves the village she knows so well, we join her in exploring the amazing and often dangerous world beyond! I enjoy the dynamic between Maren and Kane, particularly with Maren’s refusal to accept Kane’s claims that she is fae, keeping her wary of him. I also enjoy the focus on herbs and plants, essential to Maren’s healing work and her hopes to save her sister Thea.
This book gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy, particularly those interested in healing magic and fae.
I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This trilogy should be read in order to properly understand the backstory. Mitch and Lauren are a married couple that are clearly still in love with each other but they are trying to figure out what has begun to pull them apart. Mitch thinks that Lauren has allowed her restaurant Pier 39 to consume her life and leaves no room for him. While they are on a trip to celebrate the engagement of a friend, Lauren gets a devastating call that her restaurant has burned down. Although Vegas worked its magic for this couple, will this new life stress tear them apart once again? I feel like the synopsis gives away a lot of the plot to this story. However, I really enjoy how the things that Mitch and Lauren are going through are actually relatable to real life. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. I find the characters loveable and real.
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Izzy is a reporter bent on writing articles for sale about the local Mafia in Las Vegas. Lorenzo is the Consigliere for that same Mafia and wants nothing more than to stop her in her tracks. When they collide, sparks fly but can they trust each other?
Opinion
If Via Mari writes it, I read it. Mari is my go to author for when I am in the mood for a Mafia romance. The way she is able to convey a dangerous world but make the women feel so protected in it amazes me. This book is no different. With this book, Mari is able to show her skills in bringing together people who shouldn’t make sense. A journalist and someone who routinely breaks the law should not get along but they do. I loved this book from start to finish and look forward to more.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing, it was so well written, the worlds and the characters were all so well written it felt like you could be right there in the story. I really liked the way the author did a mix of hybrid fantasy characters; I enjoy reading other people’s take on how vampires and werewolves are perceived. This story was very fast paced and packed with action with the battles that you will not want to put this book down till you are done. I however didn’t read the first book, but it was still easy to follow and know what was going on, but I can tell you I will be going back and reading the first one. I do believe I would understand a lot more if I started with book one, but it was still an amazing read and easy to follow and wasn’t that confusing. This book was very enjoyable, and I am happy I picked it up and can’t wait to know if there will be more from this author. Highly recommend this amazing book.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Immortality, hybrids and adventure
This paranormal urban fantasy is the second book in The Silver Blood Knight series. I really enjoyed the characters, storyline and world building. Book 1 is definitely the place to start, as it provides a foundation for this book. There is so much between the pages from wizards and magic to vampires and shifter hybrids with action and mystery interwoven throughout. A great read. Recommend.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this mystery. Darcy is a cool chick with a rockin’ record store that ends up with a hell of a mystery. The musician is quite the character. The suspects make quite the lineup. Everytime I thought I figured it out, twist ahead. I love mysteries like this. It’s cool, contemporary and a quite entertaining read. I found the story is one that I just dove right in. This was my first one from this author so, of course, I had to go buy the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read more in the Darcy series. If you want a fun, quick read, you must give go with this one.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Concert Hall Hit is a fun small-town cosy mystery cleverly woven together by J.C. Kenney. It is the second book in the A Darcy Gaughan Mystery books. The vivid image that his words inspire makes it easy to imagine the town that is front and centre, Marysburg, Indiana.
I have not read anything by JC before and I really enjoyed it. I mean who doesn’t love a gumshoe detective tale and a charming small town full of entertaining characters.
With a murder, a music legend, a super sleuth and lots of twists and turns you can’t go wrong.
Darcy love music and moves to the beat of her own drum. Having a music legend meet and greet at her record store is more than she thought it would be. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, Darcy needs to get on the trail of a murderer to prove she is not the killer.
I am off to see what other work JC has to offer.
Reviewed by @jennadb
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122838218-a-curse-of-ash-and-iron” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Curse of Ash and Iron” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677260675l/122838218._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122838218-a-curse-of-ash-and-iron”>A Curse of Ash and Iron</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33465.Christine_Norris”>Christine Norris</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5543707555″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If you enjoyed the story of Cinderella you will also enjoy this retelling set in the 1800s. Our main character, Eleanor Banneker, has been under a spell for the better part of a decade that was cast by her stepmother. She has been desperately wishing for someone to help her, but all seemed helpless until her childhood friend Benjamin Grimm rekindles their friendship. He seems to be the only one immune to the curse as even her own father has been unable to recognize her all these years. Ben has come just in time it seems, but time is almost out. They have until midnight to break the curse or Eleanor and her father will be bound to their current roles for the rest of their lives. Will they be at to break the curse in time? I enjoyed this take on the retelling of a classic tale. I’m unsure if the author purposely did so, but I’d like to think that perhaps the last name of the character Benjamin is a nod to the brothers Grimm? Whether that is the case or not this was still an enjoyable book and I do hope to read more books by this author.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been anxiously awaiting this next book in the Hidden Valley Elite Book Series, and Isla Vaughn has definitely made it worth the wait! Riley and Cole are at each other’s throats right from the beginning, they picked up right where they left off in the last book. It’s like it when you’re watching an amazing movie and they end right in the middle of a good part, cliffhanger!!! Well let me tell you, do not wait to jump back in because the fireworks are going to continue to go off with Cole and Riley! Cole has decided to pass off his feelings for Riley by convincing himself he’s not interested in her, but we all know that’s not true at all, now is it…Riley overhears the incriminating conversation and decides it’s game on! Who will win the battle of love and hate, Cole or Riley? Will Cole figure out who Riley and her Mom are and what they’re up to or will Riley be able to distract him from finding anything out? I am so excited to read the next book and see who will be the focus, will we continue with Cole and Riley or move on to one of the other characters? Read on my friends to find out, I know I couldn’t put my book down the second I started it, I have a hunch you’ll be the same. Happy reading everyone!
@Brandy Rymer
05/2023
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
C. R. Alam has done it once again! True to her nature she has written another steamy, romance novel that follows in The Echo Series. Not only was I excitedly awaiting this newest tale in the series to come out I was so ecstatic to find out it was finally going to find a love interest for the fun-loving Chris Sullens, hotel mogel extraordinaire. I have loved his character since he was introduced in the first Echo Series book when he helped to bring our original love birds together. You will love the fire that burns between Chris Sullens and Rowan Kelly as they fight their obvious attraction to one another, and try not to make a bigger mess out of Rowan’s crumbling inn. Of course, when Rowan has Christ step in to play the role of her loving fiance will the fireworks go off, or will the two kill each other first? Read on to see what ensues…
@Brandy Rymer
05/2023
Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Punk is the sixth book in the Popov Bratva series by Leslie Georgeson. As I have mentioned before, I really love this series, which just seems to get better and better with every new instalment. This is a stellar Bratva romance with an age gap OWYM, tension, chemistry, suspense, dramatic developments, family, secrets, sizzle, emotion, and much more.
I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, as I’m not always a fan of reverse age gaps as I am often left feeling disappointed- but having said that, Ms. Georgeson doesn’t disappoint here crafting wonderful characters who were interesting and endearing. I really loved Efrem and Miranda- they drew me into their story and had me invested right from the get-go. I loved the secret identity element as it added tension and intrigue to the whole story. Add in danger, dramatic developments, twists and turns, action, sizzle, and all the other clever touches- and it becomes a riveting read.
This could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous books before starting on this instalment, as the previous books introduce us to recurring characters, and other interesting and pertinent information- as well as being fantastic stories in their own rights. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on meeting any of the Popov Boys!
The series consists of:
-Freak (Book One) ….. Zeke and Mia’s story
-Snitch (Book Two) ….. Sacha and Willow’s story
-Thug (Book Three) ….. Lev and Siena’s story
-Thief (Book Four) ….. Dom and Leah’s story (Dom is Lev’s twin brother)
-Beast (Book Five) ….. Adrik and Annika’s story
-Punk (Book Six) ….. Efrem and Miranda’s story
I really hope this isn’t the end of the Popov Boys series as I’m not ready to leave their ‘world’ yet. Excited to see what Ms. Georgeson has in store for us next.
Highly recommended!
Happy reading…
Thank you, Leslie Georgeson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author,and after the way this one ended, I definitely need the second one. The author sucks you right in with Maren and Kane’s story, and it’s so packed with adventure and tenacity, that I couldn’t help but root for Maren every step of the way. It’s a great start to a new fantasy series, and I’ll be on pins and needles until I get to read the next one. I’m so excited to see where First Queen takes Maren and Kane’s story. Highly Recommend!!!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did was a cute, yet educational book. I read it with my seven year old, and he was able to read most of it himself. I enjoy this author, and her choice of illustrators. The book is very colorful and fun. After we finished the book, we looked up the words we learned. We looked up what aphids and katydid are, and what they look like. We watched a video to listen to what they sounded like (we don’t agree the katydid/katydidnt sound the author used). We discussed how it sounded like a cricket but looks like a grasshopper, and which family they fit in. I like that the book is educational, but fun.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1)
I’m in love with this book, these characters and knowing there will more books coming so I can visit my friends. I found myself reading when I should have been working, sleeping and cooking and would lose myself in the story
Elle is a remarkable and strong woman which everyone but she sees. She finds her way home after way too long, she felt like a stranger at first but then remembers the joys of living in the small town she grew up in and is able to renew old friendships and even develop new ones.
She rebuilds her life and several other things after several years of neglect and it’s inspiring. Her story isn’t an unfamiliar one, but it can never be told too much.
As important as Blake is to the story I feel like I need to focus on Elle. She definitely deserves the spotlight. Looking forward to catching up with her soon.
