Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good twisting and turning of all factors that include multiple tropes, a soulmate storyline, and a good world building that sets a tone. Living a tale between two worlds that leaves the reader envolver within the world. Overall a good read.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author. I have not read the prequel, but was able to get into this book easily.
Cole and Riley have been pushed together by their parents, but they are far than friendly with each other. Cole wants to hurt his dad for what happened to his mom and won’t accept Raelyn as a replacement.
This book was very interesting and kept me on my toes. Very good book. It ended on a cliff hanger so can’t wait to start the next book. Highly recommend this author!
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW. I jumped straight to this book from the prequel, Savage Start, because I couldn’t get enough! This one gets a bit darker than the prequel so be warned. Riley comes from a family of people with constant ulterior motives, so she’s no stranger to blackmail. What surprises her is the attraction to Cole, one of the elite football stars in the Academy. It turns out that Cole may have some deep, dark secrets as well, and he’s trying to burn Riley before she can do the same to him. What he doesn’t know is how scrappy Riley is, so she’s not going down without the fight of their lives. Will their hate burn them to the ground, or will they cave into the lust they have for each other? All’s fair in love and war, right? I cannot wait for the next book because it can’t arrive soon enough. Isla Vaughn has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend picking this one up if you enjoy the angst, lust, bully romance genre!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the official start of the college bully romance. We come back a year after the prequel and are once again met with Cole, his brother Damon, their elite gang of friends and Riley and what is left of her family. Now, if you did not read the prequel that is okay but it truly does give the background on why Cole hates and wants to take Riley down bit by bit. Truly a bully romance full of angst, hate, and just pure raw emotions, it left me wanting the next book, RIGHT NOW.
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is the full length book in Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series and being new to the whole bully to lover romance trope, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the prequel prior to Savage Lies and fell in love with Isla Vaughn’s writing style and was excited to see how a full length novel would progress. The storyline was dramatic with really complex characters and great character development, something I wasn’t really expecting but was so impressed with, despite a darker than anticipated nature. I was drawn into the storyline from the very first page and left hanging on every word by the end. I very much look forward to reading on in book two.
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It can be very difficult to get into the start of a series with a prequel, especially if it is a short one. Isla Vaughn has proved she can do that and more by drawing you in with the first page and never letting you go! I had not read anything from this author before so I was surprised by how quickly I was knocked off my feet. One of our main characters, Riley, shows you that her life is unattractive in the least and is not one you’d be jealous of. But she is made as strong as they come in no way because of her mother. Our other main character, Cole, doesn’t seem to have a lot of financial stress in his life, but still finds himself wanting more. When these two meet, the mix-and-match chemistry is bound to explode, right? I have already picked up the next book in the series and will be watching for more from this author very closely!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Start is Isla Vaughn’s prequel in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I’m sure the series would be read just fine without it but the book is incredibly short and was worth it to me to set the “scene.” Riley and Cole are likable characters and I really enjoyed that the female main character was the “trouble” while the male was the “elite rich kid”. The prequel kept my attention from the first to last page and left me craving more and ready to continue the series.
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the prequel to this author’s college bully romance. Within this quick but stunning prequel, we meet Riley. And Riley’s family has some things to unpack. Metaphorically and physically. We are also met with Cole and Damon and their elite rich family. Who also have a lot to unpack. This prequel is a quick novella to introduce and make you fully understand the angst and anger in the first official book in this series. And it all started with a kiss. Just one kiss. It was quick and grippy and makes you and let’s be honest me, want more.
Review by @michellerenee6590
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a paranormal fantasy novel with hints of mystery, intrigue, adventure and of course drama thrown in. This author really knows how to create an elaborate world narrative and bring her characters together. If you are looking for your next suspenseful supernatural escapade look no further. I will definitely be back for more when the next book drops!
Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Operation Escape is Landra Graf’s second book in the Space Force Rejects series. This edition features Sera Klain seeking help from Markus Engle. She needs a pilot to help her find her uncle, Dr. Garsett. She asks him to fly her to Earth to speak to an ex-commando who had last seen her uncle. Earth is where all Space Force prisoners serve their sentences. Everything goes off without a problem as they begin their descent onto Earth. Without a thought, Sera leaves Markus’s spaceship, disregarding safety. Unbeknownst to Sera, Markus has been struggling with a dilemma caused by one of Dr. Garsett’s old experiments. There is something stirring in him instinctively to protect Sera, even if it costs him his life.
Markus hears Sera scream and exits the spaceship to see two convicts trying to hold her captive. A fight ensues, and Markus falls critically injured. The two men attempt to fly the spacecraft but it blows them up when they miss the timing of the opening in the barrier. Now Sera and Markus are stuck on Earth, completely defenseless against the violent criminals and wildlife that roam the planet.
A story of passion and steamy scenes, Operation Escape is a science-fiction romance novel full of adventure. The witty comments and exceptional attention to detail could place me as the proverbial fly on the wall. Moments of danger, personal growth, and trust add depth to the story and send the characters heading straight for the sequel. I look forward to reading the following books in this series.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A snarky, incredible, remarkable and powerful leading lady. A great setting and one heck of an amazing storyline. What more could the reader ask for? This book was equal parts fantasy and mystery (and sass from our main character, Gwen). It gave the sense of slowly sucking you in until you were so enthralled you couldn’t put it down. This is definitely worth the read!
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ahhhhh! I love this series! I am not typically one to read bully romances, but this book has definitely changed my mind about them!
This is the first book in the series. But I highly recommend reading the prequel. It makes this book all that better!
I fell head of heels for Riley. She is an amazing character and super easy for me to relate to (even though I’m much older than her). Her dynamic with her mother pulled on my heart strings more than I thought it would! She has been through so much, but yet she is so resilient.
Cole, at first, I didn’t like him too much. He seemed super immature. While I understand his reasoning, I still thought it was just… eh. Like get the over yourself. Lol . But towards the end, he started to reel me in.
Now, the attraction and intense tension between Cole and Riley 🥵🥵🥵 wow. Someone needs to open the window because it was getting hoooottttt in here.
Definitely recommend to other readers, and I will be patiently waiting to read the rest of the series!
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Savage Lies is the first installment of the Hidden Valley Elite series. It follows the prequel, Savage Start. It is an enemy to lovers, dark, high school bully romance. Picking up where Savage Start left off, Riley and her mother are back in town and Riley’s mom is telling her to make herself comfortable as they will be staying for a while. However, Riley can’t quite figure out how to get comfortable when Cole gives her all the negative vibes. Determined to run Riley right out of town, is she and her mother truly safe?
Savage Lies is a teenage drama full of angst, emotion, and plenty of banter. The characters are realistic, lovable, and relatable. This is my second time reading a book by Isla Vaughn and I am absolutely hooked. Her writing reels you in from the very beginning leaving you begging for more. Savage Lies ends in a cliffhanger, which had me disappointed but once I put into perspective that meant I would get the pleasure of reading another Vaughn novel, I was stoked. I can’t wait to get my hands on Savage Truth.
The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was very very excited for this story! I LOvE this series and could not wait to dive into this one. Sadly I did not love it. Oh there are scenes that were excellent but for way too much of the book there were too many repeated inner thoughts of the two main characters. I actually ended up flipping pages and could go 3-4 before I started reading again so I could pass repeated info. The beginning was good, the chase was good and the ending was great. All the rest I could have done without and enjoyed a shorter more condensed, more exciting read.
With that being said there were parts I loved. All the angle references were extremely cute. The bantering leading to that first kiss!?! Soo Sexy! His sensual attack on her senses during the bet would be hard to pass up. The time spent with his friends and her friends and when he worked on the game among others. The characters were fun to watch and learn about as are the secrets.
Overall this is just above an okay story for me. I LOVED the first two in the series and was expecting the same here. It is a good story but I am just sad about it. I am hoping the next gets back up to snuff.
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are in the mood for a mystery/suspense/who-done-it/edge of your seat, keep you guessing book, you have found the perfect one. I started this book, and finished it within two days…around a 40 hour a week job, and homelife. I did not want to put this one down, and spent far more time awake at night flipping pages than was wise. This book kept me guessing, not quite until the end, because most of the lose ends were tied up before that, but it was definitely close to the end.
Sloane Hadfield is struggling with having to return to her hometown, which she’d fled many years before, to take care of her mother, who has had problems and been in and out of mental health facilities since shortly after her younger brother died when they were children. What’s worse for Sloane is that, although no body was ever found, her father was tried and convicted of the death because the father and son were alone together on a fishing trip at a nearby river. Sloane must now deal with all of the memories and pain caused by her childhood, while also wondering if what she thinks she knows is actually the truth…and just who she can really trust after all.
Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m a big fan of this series of mystery crime thrillers and so was excited to be back alongside main character, the likeable and relatable PI Madeline Dawkins. In this storyline Madeline is asked by two old friends to help them with delicate and personal matters that could have lasting consequences, involving embezzlement and gold digging. In one case Madeline and her team at MDPI have to search for a missing bookkeeper after her employer is being blamed for missing funds. The team are also asked to do a background check on the much younger fiancé of one of her old friends widowed father. Madeline soon discovers that the women is definitely not who she’s claiming to be, but then has to find out who she is. The longer the investigations go on, surprising connections begin to appear, leaving both Madeline and the reader following the trail of other people’s money. Another fast paced, gripping story with plenty of suspense and plot twists that leave you turning the pages quickly to find out what will happen next! An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book eight!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I made the mistake of not reading the earlier books first as initially I didn’t realise this was the fifth book in the series. Although I wish I had read the previous books first, I was still able to enjoy this instalment on its own. The important information was provided so that I didn’t feel like the key elements were lost on me which was great for me.
Emma and Jeremy have a few mysteries to solve so there is never a dull moment as they work to piece everything together, keeping you invested in their investigations and how the cases are affecting them. There are several twists and turns to keep you on your toes and if you love a good mystery, from this book alone I would recommend this series.
The author appears to have done research into the time period and uses that knowledge to paint a vivid picture of the scenes, bringing the setting and characters to life.
Emma is a strong character, her bravery and determination to solve cases despite the danger to help those in need is admirable. I think if I go back and read from book one I’ll get a deeper understanding of her development and liking her even more.
I look forward to going back and reading from book one!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gwen Carter is asked to return to Hoodoo Texas to claim her inheritance, however it involved more than signing papers during an overnight trip but rather her staying in the family house. It is bad enough that she can see ghosts and communicate with the dead especially at the most inopportune times, but now she has another gift that she must get accustomed to using. Hoodoo is not the typical friendly down home Texas town, Oh No! It is filled with paranormal creatures and witches that run the entire town. How can Gwen even think about returning to her hometown after being driven away for a crime she did not commit? Are the deaths that are currently taking place in town related to the crime in the past she was accused of? Will she learn more about her past and grow into her gifts or throw her hands up and walk away? Wonderful main character so full of sass and fire! I just adore Gwen as she moves headstrong into her inheritance and cannot wait for more! The story was easy to read and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. The excitement doesn’t give up from page one to the end and is such a fun read. It was so easy to visualize the characters and the town. A definite must read!
How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alex is a cool kid who’s looking to turn something old into something new and useful. When a refrigerator magnet breaks, he takes the magnet and tries various things to see if he can create something useful with what’s left.
There’s a key that fell down in the floor grate. Will his magnet pick that up? What about the desk drawer? What will he pick up there?
Alex learns about different properties of magnets during this science adventure.
I love that Lois Wickstrom writes book with a STEAM focus. These are great for ages 4-8 but I enjoyed it as someone that’s a grandma too! The illustrations are also very well done in these books and there is a guide at the end of the book for further learning.
Right in Front of You: Volume One Brinley and Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable storyline and filled with memorable characters. The story has ups and downs that kept me interested and turning pages. The characters are plentiful and fun. The rancher and the gunslinger are the two main characters who have a wonderful story and their chemistry is off the charts! They each come with a gaggle of friends who all have different personalities that make me excited for their stories.
Overall this is a wonderful new start to this series. It is exciting, romantic and suspenseful. I look forward to more!
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the really cute story of how friendship and understanding can pull everyone together. Lila thinks that her grandmother makes a mistake when she knits her a poncho with 3 neck holes, but she quickly realizes that she can share her poncho with her friend and not-so-much of a friend when the weather turns blustery and they have to hustle home. I really love Wickstrom’s stories and how she’s always able to weave life-lessons into them and the illustrations are wonderful. My youngest daughter always enjoys these stories.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 1st book in the Hidden Valley series and we pick up about a year after the prequel. While it’s not necessary to read the prequel, I definitely recommend it because it does provide key information that will help you understand what’s going on. Cole doesn’t remember Riley (but there’s just something about her), but she remembers Cole. I really loved how Isla Vaughn develops her characters and the plot line and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! This is an enemies-to-lovers, “bully” romance with some darker themes that may trigger some people. *Ends on a cliffhanger*
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my second read by Landra Graf and like Operation Pinpoint, this book did not disappoint. Operation Escape is the second book in the Space Force Rejects series, and just like Operation Pinpoint it is a unique and original sci-fi tale with a little bit of everything. I definitely suggest reading the first book in the series because I feel that you would be lost without doing so because quite a bit of the storyline and characters intertwine.
There are experiments, DNA altering, loyalties being tested, and so much more that you won’t know who can be trusted and who cannot.
To me, the characters of the crew have kind of a Guardian of the Galaxy feel, there’s the heroine that tries very hard, a science experiment, and some aliens. The variety of characters gives the book an interesting feel and makes it even more entertaining.
What started off as a simple mission ends up leaving Sera and Markus fighting for their lives on an unknown and hostile planet.
Believe me when I tell you that this new world is full of action, plenty of danger, and what’s good story without some adventure and romance. This is a book that should be given a chance because I promise you won’t be disappointed, like I said earlier….read the first book!
Mary Espinoza, April 2023
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! Very descriptive and imaginative. I love the new way to think of a magical race and everything that comes with it. Lots of action! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Your Trainer Says Hi! by Indie Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story features Nadine from the first book. Everything was going well for Nadine, until it didn’t. Her now ex-boyfriend who took everything that’s she worth leaving her penniless and heartbroken. But does she let that slow her down? No she doesn’t. She picks herself back and takes no punches. After getting herself back into the game of getting in better shape, she steals her ex’s trainer from him and she’s extremely happy about it. She doesn’t let her ex try and smchooze his way back in and tear her down. She becomes a force to be reckoned with. I loved reading her story and cheering her on the whole time. I’m glad she got her happily ever after that she deserved.
Right in Front of You Vol. 1 Brinley and Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance story. It is a very sweet small town romance which has an element of danger. It is the first in the Morris Valley Gang Series.I loved the characters and their development through the story. The author does an amazing job of making the characters likeable and relatable. The feelings and emotions of this story really come though and you can’t help be swept away along with Brinley and Adrian.
Brinley leaves her home town and her circle of friends behind as a kid when her parents move her to Texas. Since they she has worked hard and has become a successful shooter. Now however she feels its time to return home, back to her friends and the place she always felt safe in and hopefully away from a stalker. All she is hoping is to reunite with her friends and go back to a quiet life that is until Adrian walks into her life.
Adrian is a local rancher. Every since he got his heartbroken he keeps to himself working on his family ranch and not entertaining love until he meets Brinley.
As the connection grows what starts as a fling has the potential to become something more for them both, however danger is still lurking in the shadows and when Brinley’s stalker returns Brinley is in danger again.
Can Adrian protect Brinley from this danger? Will Brinley stay with him and her friends despite the danger or will she feel the need to run again and in doing so break Adrian’s heart.
The connection between Adrian and Brinley practically jumps off the page and their attraction is what captives the reader with the added danger this is definately a romance that you won’t be able to put down. I can’t wait to read more.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 1 in the Hidden Valley Elite and I have been WAITING for it! I read the prequel first and could not wait to get my hands on this one! You don’t have to read the prequel but it gives a good amount of nuance that this doesn’t go into. In this book Riley and her mom have moved, again but mom is determined to stay in this location. Her mom starts dating a new guy and it’s Cole’s dad. Cole and his brother a livid that their dad is dating already after the loss of their mom and while he is attracted to Riley (who he doesn’t remember meeting), he is not about to let her mom and his dad be together. All Riley wants is to live her life as normally as she can but that won’t happen if Cole has anything to do with it!
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this book! I felt that the chemistry between Rowan and Chris was good. The plot flowed nicely. Rowan’s spunk was really fun to watch and her attitude. I would definitely read others by this author.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319844-magic-price” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388415815l/20319844._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319844-magic-price”>Magic-Price</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7704723.C_L_Schneider”>C.L. Schneider</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5498594429″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I really enjoyed this book, I wasn’t sure I would as to begin with I found it rather heavy for my usual fantasy read, but once I was a few chapters in I was hooked.<br />The story follows Ian a Shinree (magic wielding) soldier as the lands fight over the right to control areas. Shinree are either slaves or healers, so in this Ian is an anomaly. <br />Both armies are killed when he releases his magic after the queen dies, and then he is a hired hand, <br />The Character development and world building is great and we meet many other magical and observant people as he finds his way, Malaq is another character that after a meeting becomes an integral part of the story.<br />Plot twists and storytelling keep you truly engaged with the author. I am away to read book 2 straight away as I need to know what happens.<br />If you like indepth stories this is the one for you. I now need to find a quiet place to dive into book 2<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123286422-unexpected-entanglement” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679395432l/123286422._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123286422-unexpected-entanglement”>Unexpected Entanglement</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18542723.C_R_Alam”>C.R. Alam</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5498498211″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wow I managed to go straight into book three of this series and I was not disappointed. <br />Again we find the characters from the previous 2 books all making appearances as Chris finds it is his time to have his story told. Rowan needs a knight to step up and be her partner in a fake relationship.<br />There is certainly chemistry, and the well written banter between the characters that I have come to enjoy from this author. The story is interwoven with the previous stories (as with His Forever Muse book 2 in the series).<br />The author continues to give us romance with a twist, angst and emotions. I feel that it can be read as part pf the series or as a stand alone. Personally in the series you get to see the bigger picture and get a full feel for how the author builds their worlds.
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