The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a first from this author and I was not at all disappointed. Over the road long distance truck driving can be hard on a person, but add in the responsibility of paying your child’s college tuition and your stresses are tripled. This book follows a couple of truck drivers and things have a weird way of working themselves out, no matter what the obstical or challenge.
The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are so many books about the speculation of Anastasia’s survival through the Bolshevic captain of the Romanov dynasty during the Russian Civil War. There have been plays, movies, etc., made about Anastasia, yet we very rarely hear anything about the other sisters, the other siblings, the rest of the Romanov Dynasty. This particular time period in history has always fascinated me, and I love reading books about it.
Reading a book about not only the oldest Romanov heir, but all of the sisters combined, was a phenomenal take on this piece of history. I loved the way everything was written, the mystery of it all, the way Olga tried so hard to do what was right through her family and through her loyalty to Russia.
I love this book. It captured me from the first page. The writing style is amazing. The story is utterly captivating and keeps you wanting more and more. I don’t think I’ve read any other books by this author, but I definitely want to. If you love history, historical fiction, and a touch of mystery, I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s a must read, and I’ll definitely be reading it again!
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a good five star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning.
Baz is a rogue who surrendered to Morrigan. When he finds out the truth he devises a plan. He also meets Delaney who throws him for a loop, he finally found his mate. Their connection was off the charts. Will Baz follow through on his plans? Will he get the HEA with his mate? I really enjoyed the characters, they were both very strong. The author does a great job with her writing.
We get multiple POV in this read, I really enjoy that so you can see what everyone’s thinking. We get action, adventure, magic and so much more in this read. If you’re looking for a great series to read, 1-click and get started on this one.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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This is the third and final tale in the saga of Ian Troy. Ian is burdened with magic and responsibility, both of which are difficult for him to bear. With his loyal band of friends in perpetual danger by association, Ian feels, now more than ever, a drive to distance himself and find a way to rid himself of the dangerous Crown of Stones, no matter the cost. This is a hard book to get into unless you’ve read the first two books, and unfortunately I haven’t read them. So I struggled to stay in a zone of reading with this book. I think I need to read the first two in order to really understand Ian Troy better.
This is the third and final tale in the saga of Ian Troy. Ian is burdened with magic and responsibility, both of which are difficult for him to bear. With his loyal band of friends in perpetual danger by association, Ian feels, now more than ever, a drive to distance himself and find a way to rid himself of the dangerous Crown of Stones, no matter the cost. This is a hard book to get into unless you’ve read the first two books, and unfortunately I haven’t read them. So I struggled to stay in a zone of reading with this book. I think I need to read the first two in order to really understand Ian Troy bette
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Riley and her mom are closer than most mothers and daughters. That comes with the territory when you spend your lives on the run from a psychotic and dangerous ex. They’ve made their lives about blending in, getting their mark and getting out before he can pin down their location again. Last time he caught up with them, her dad almost killed her mom. It makes it a lot harder when they return to a place from a year ago and especially when her mom gets a boyfriend and tells her to forget everything she taught her and enjoy her senior year of high school. MUCH easier said than done.
Cole is elite amongst the rich and elite of his peers. He is king of the high school, king of the football field, king of his fights…all the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. But he can’t get his mind off the girl who invaded his life a year ago and left him with an unbearably hot kiss. That kiss was from none other than Riley, when they were in the area a year ago. She looked different then, with her hair dyed dark and her emo garb – and he was drunk at a house party. But she never left his mind.
The first day Riley walks in to school, it starts. The harassment from the elite, Cole seeking her out and being threatening. When his dad, whom he hates, calls and tells him not to worry about the rental house showing movement because he is letting a friend crash there, Cole finds Riley there and immediately wonders how things will be explained.
Before long, they find that they are even less likely to be able to avoid one another at all. They both equally hate and lust for one another, pushing and pulling and stealing moments they can’t resist.
There are a lot of layers to these characters and they play very well off of one another. The story is like dangling a carrot, you can’t stop turning the pages to see what happens next. There is a prequal that shares the experience from a year before book 1, but it isn’t necessary to read to understand this book – it just adds some extra when you see they ways they are all trying to survive. Book 1 ends on a great cliffhanger, cannot wait for book 2!
Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
C.A. King has done it again! She never fails in writing a book that gets me hooked right away! In this book we are introduced to Dr. Frank Enstein and to Barbara. Unfortunately Dr Enstein has always had some tunnel vision when it comes to his life and what his goals are. Most of this comes from a traumatic event that happened to him when he was a child. Dr. Enstien is a plastic surgeon but his goal in life isn’t to took on boobs and butts, his goal is to help trauma patients, especially burn victims and when the opportunity finally arrives he jumps on it! Well little does he know that one night while out with his co-workers he runs into Barbara the bartender, and she is about to turn his world upside down! Unlucky for Dr. Enstein, his first meeting with Barbara did not go his way one bit. He comes off as rude and when the next encounter with her happens he starts to feel bad about how it went when they first met. Barbara has some issues that are putting a crimp into her everyday life, and she hopes that Frank can be the one to help her. But as time goes on Frank realizes while he cannot help Barbara with her issues, but maybe his old partner can. What he does realize is that he has fallen for Barbara and she is the woman that he has been wanting and waiting for.
I won’t say much more about the story line because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but I will say that is was a great read that wasn’t very long. Even though it is what is considered a short read, C.A. doesn’t leave you hanging and gets right to the point. This book reminds you that you shouldn’t judge based on appearances.
Mary Espinoza, April 2023
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one was a first for me, I am usually not big on romance but I will have to give this one a pass. Strong characters, and a great storyline. Fast read and intriguing. It keeps you interested to see what will happen in the end. Overall good writing style and I would read another from this author.
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Insomnia…A perfect title for this book, because that’s what you will have after reading all the wonderfully scary short stories. Keep the lights on or read them in the daytime. It would be hard to choose a favorite, because I really enjoyed them all. I absolutely love a good scary book, and this definitely does not disappoint. So, grab this book and get yourself comfy and be prepared for some sleepless nights. Kelly Covic did an amazing job.
Right In Front of You by Brooke May is the first book in the Morris Valley gang series, and let me say what a way to start. Brinley and Adrian are two strong characters that simply pull you into the story and make this book I had to binge read. The chemistry and connection they have makes this a remarkable book.
Brinley wants to go home, back to her friends and back to feeling at home. Sadly, she has a stalker that follows her and Adrian, now a rancher, wants and needs to protect her.
The author truly laid out a story that is believable and one that I want to read more and more about. From the main characters to the supporting that I truly hope we read about in the future. Morris Valley gang has me hooked and can not wait for more!
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am not going to lie, based off the beginning, I wasn’t sure I would be able to get past the first few chapters. I did not like Dan, and my dislike was enough that I almost stopped reading. But based on a few interactions with Jake, I was just curious enough to keep reading, and I am so glad I did. I’m still not sure I like Dan, but he at least grows as a person and learns from his experiences. Jake was fun, though I am not quite sure what attracted him to Dan. I absolutely adore Mimi!
This story is not really about Dan and Jake’s relationship, it is more about Dan facing his prejudices and learning to be a better person. In the end, I enjoyed this book.
Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Quick, easy, and enjoyable to read. Dr. Enstein is focused on one thing and one thing only and that is treating burn victims. That is until he meets Barbara at a local bar. The two quickly kick it off and are able to grow and develop as individuals and as a couple.
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this story there’s a lot to unfold. You have Dan, who is fighting to do what is right by his kid. He failed her and his ex-wife many years ago by always choosing the trucker life over them. The guilt he carries is heavy. He is trying to help her achieve her dreams.
This all comes when he is caught driving without a license. Then the real secret comes out as to why he has struggled passing the written test. Especially when it’s been proven and proved again that he is a heck of a trucker.
His boss pairs him up with a fellow driver Jake. Dan has made his own assumptions of Jake. However, this week long cross country trek proves to change minds, not just Dan’s but Jake’s as well. All while Dan is trying to make good on a promise to his kid.
The ending surprised me.
There is some MM relationship in this book and a lot of banter and “joking” about it from both characters and for some people that might be a bit uncomfortable. But if you look at the situation it’s something that if these were real people they’d likely be experiencing this exact thing.
“There are two truths in life. One road leaves to where you want to go… Two all roads circle back to oneself, even if that person in the mirror is not recognizable from when the journey began.”
Dan’s life is at the point that he doesn’t know which way is up and he feels like a failure. Dan is a truck driver that just got saddled with a partner, Jake who follows every rule to a “T” when it comes to driving. Can Dan stand the strict rules that Jake insist on following? Will there time on the road bring them closer together or drive them crazy?
This is not typically a book that I would read. I didn’t realize exactly how the story line would unfold in the relationship between Jake and Dan. I will admit that there were scenes that I skimmed more than read. Overall the book was a good read with challenges faced by both Jake and Dan. There was quiet a bit of road blocks and challenges, but together they were able to overcome them.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Return to Hoodoo is the first book I’ve read by Reggi Dupree but will not be my last! I really enjoyed this author’s writing and character building. I hope there are many more books coming to this series. I really connected with Gwen’s character. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Definitely worth the read!
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I actually enjoyed this one a lot more than I thought I would. It had a lot of depth and angst for a shirt book and I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all. MM books aren’t what I typically go to to read but I’m really glad I gave this one a chance! This is the first time I’ve read this author before and I wasn’t disappointed!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The last thing Gwen Carter wants to do is to go home to Hoodoo, Texas. Hoodoo, the place she once called home and had everything she wanted that is until they all turned on her and she vowed never to return again. Now she is back and plans to leave as fast as possible, but black magic is rampant in this town filled with creatures you only read about will Gwen be able to navigate through the shark infested waters or will this be the end of her?
What a fantastic beginning to new series. I listened too this on audiobook and was pulled in right away. The narrator did exceptionally well with reading this story and the characters. I loved Gwen, she is absolute hoot and there are so many things that you cant wait to find out about.. Excellent book.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Esprit de Corpse is a paranormal, steampunk story that grabbed my attention in the first few pages. Jacqueline and her sister Angélique encounter a malfunctioning automaton on the Paris-Orléans railway. Jacqueline is intrigued because the automaton is not powered by normal means. Can the sisters solve the mystery behind the automaton?
I enjoy historical fiction with a Victorian flair, which hits all the buttons. The characters are interesting and well-developed. Also, the story drew me in from the very beginning. This is the first book I have read by this author but hope to read more by them. I have always been fascinated by stories with automatons, and I was intrigued by the concepts used for this story. I hope to read more about Jacqueline and Angelique soon.
The Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the third book which I highly suggest reading the previous books as well. This will help with your enhancement of this series and the characters. Caro is a great character that is the only chance at freedom. This time around there will be no mercy and the monster is now coming. This is a great fantasy story that took me on an adventure. An action, vengeful story that is hard to put down. One where the characters make the story come to life. They are connectable and kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. There is great growth of the plot throughout the story as well. This is one of my favorites in this series and can’t wait to see what the next book holds for us. I really enjoyed the adventure that I was taken on. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. Her books are engaging and well written. I have enjoyed her books from the first one I picked up and this one is no different. This is a romance story about going home for safety but the danger comes with you. You meet a steamy rancher who comes to the rescue but will he rescue more than just you? This is a great story where the characters pull you into the story from the start. The author used details making their story realistic. I had no problems picturing myself in their world or even being friends with them. They are strong, supportive characters that I just fell for. I enjoyed watching their growth and chemistry throughout the story. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. This is one of my favorites by this author. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga by Rowan Rossler. This is a amazing love story. Its about Chavez who is a wonderful yet unpredictable professional tennis player. He is often in the papers for wins and his outburst. He has even just recently left in the middle of a tournament with no explanation. The public doesn’t know that he is having major family problems and if Chavez can help it they wont. Enter Flynn who was at one time a wonderful professional tennis player but she is now a motivational speaker. On the outside Flynn has it all together fame, athletic, a successful author but on the inside her world is falling apart. When she is at her therapist office she runs into Chavez and at the time Chavez is ready to make a comeback and he thinks with Flynn’s help he will be able to. What neither of them count on is the major attraction they have to one another. Will they both be able to let go of the past and work thru things to be able to have their relationship work out? Read this great emotional sports hot romance.
Right in Front of You Vol. 1 Brinley and Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a brilliant romance story and an amazing start to a new series. I loved the characters right from the start. They really grabbed my attention as they had such as strong chemistry. Their interactions were entertaining and you could easily see the connection between them.
The book is well written and is a great storyline. It fits the characters well and really sets the scene of what you can expect from this series. I think this is a brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed and I cannot wait for the rest.
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful story! It really does show that working together and a bit of kindness are wonderful things. Especially together. Just goes to show ya that Grandma’s know what they are talking about!
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an imaginative and well written historical steam punk novel that was so much more than I was expecting. This book is so detailed and well thought through that I found myself hooked when reading it. It has some many different elements to it and the author weaved them all together so well. this genre wouldn’t necessarily be my go to genre but after reading this book I would hesitate to read another piece of work from this author. This was a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love finding new authors and once again I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book and foudn myself unable to put it down. I quite enjoyed the world that the author has created. The characters are well written and I found the balance of romance and drama really good. I love how the chemistry between the main characters is.
The paranormal world of vampires is one of my favorites. I like how there was not a clear path to the pair getting together. I found the author really has a good way to keep the reader baited and wanting more. I will definitely be reading more from this author in future.
Review by @caraleeloonat
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Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Chase Care Series. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. This story is an amazing mix of medical emergency, danger, Romance and secrets from the past being revealed.
I loved both our leading character Peter Walter and Rowena Anderson.
Our character have history together, sparks flew and chemistry was so strong all those years ago when they were working together.
Fast forward and Peter is still risking his life to save people and Rowena returned home to work at the hospital. Neither expected to see each other again. Until a mission with casualties and a storm means they have to arrive at Rowena’s hospital for treatment.
When Peter and Rowena meet again the chemistry is back instantly but can they rekindle their spark from years before? And what happens when secrets from the past could change both their lives.
Add to the romance the danger of a kidnapping that went wrong and a very dangerous man on the loose it just adds an dangerous element to the story.
Can Peter and Rowena rekindle their love from all those years ago? Can they survive the impending storm both in reality and emotionally. When you take a vow to protect and care do you do that at the risk of your own life?
This story is rollercoaster of emotions giving you highs and lows and throwing in some danger to keep you on the edge of the seat. This author never fails to keep the reader engaged and captivated by the stories and the people that are created.
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. As the first book in this series, I can not wait for the next book to continue the story of Connor O’Brian and Niamh.
Niamh is the fae Princess next in line for the throne. Her father is gone and is supposed to return at her Naming Ceremony. Niamh is not one to stay in the Hill under the Mound and seeks into the human lands to sing a bar close by. Niamh has the voice of an angel and has become close friends with a few humans. She needs to keep herself glamoured so no one knows she is fae.
Connor O’Brian is a vampire with a wicked Master. He was able to gain his freedom but his Master is NOT accepting the idea. She will do anything to make his life miserable. When Connor walks into the bar his great grand nephews are singing at, he meets Niamh for the first time. He is taken into her thrall even before he hears her sing. He could feel an attachment to her for some unknown reason. This story continues with the growing friendship between Connor and Niamh. This was a great read.
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great story of family, friendship, and finding love in the most unsuspecting of places. This is a MM romance. It has a very Brokeback Mountain feel to it. I loved getting to know Dan and Jake and seeing their relationship develop. And Mimi, the dog, had my heart from the first time we meet her. This is a great read with a few *spicy* scenes and I would highly recommend. I can’t wait to see if McKibben is going to come out with a sequel.
Reviewed by @megan
Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Under my Care is the third book in the Chase Care Series. It follows the story of Peter Walter the Clinical Facility Director for Chase Care. This role is a bit different from past ones where he has been a physician assistant and a pararescue jumper for the Air Force, but it is far from keeping him out of danger. The book starts with a bang as Pete is on a mission to save a mother and daughter who have been kidnapped.
The mother is unable to be saved by the time Pete and his team arrive and only the young daughter, Linde is left behind. The building is on fire, so they rush to rescue her from the burning building, but Linde and Pete are now in need of urgent medical care. The team is forced to land their helicopter at the nearest hospital after a blizzard hits the area. The ER is busy as other local residents have sought shelter from the blizzard and need urgent medical care. One patient in need of urgent care just happens to be the young daughter of the bad guys.
When Pete arrives at the hospital, he comes face to face with the beautiful woman he has never forgotten. He has not seen her since an unforgettable mission in Afghanistan. A mission that left them both hurt and left their lives in turmoil. Dr. Rowena Anderson has moved herself and her two sons back to her family’s ranch in Montana to keep them safe. She is now working as an Emergency Room Doctor at Guardian Hospital. When Dr. Rowena sees Pete again, she realizes that secrets are hard to keep buried. Her and Pete must work together to decide what their future will be. Will they be able to survive the chaos and pursue the chemistry between them?
This book will grab your attention and suck you into the storyline from the beginning. It is fast paced with so much going on at once that it is almost impossible to catch your breath. The characters of Rowena and Pete were relatable, and you could feel the chemistry between them. It was interesting to see how their story would unfold. Both were strong, independent, and unafraid to look danger in the eye. This book had it all from the heart racing, nail biting action, suspense, danger, and intrigue to the romance, love, passion, and chemistry between characters. I am anxious to read book four in this series.
Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ian Troy is determined to save not only his own people, but the people of all the realms from the evil that is his own father. Jem Reth is determined to bend all of the people in all of the realms to his will, no matter how much death and destruction it takes to get there. Ian decides that to try and circumvent the future he has already seen, his best choice…and perhaps his only option…is to go into the distant past and try to fix what was broken so long ago. This is the final book of this series and will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Silent Road is the first book I’ve read from author S.N. McKibben. This story takes the reader on a journey with Dan, a divorced father and truck driver who cannot seem to catch a break in any aspect of his life. He feels like a failure of a husband because he loved the road as a truck driver more than he enjoyed time with his family. He feels like a failure of a father because of the turmoil of a somewhat absent father. Now he is having to be trained to drive a truck, although he has been doing it since he was a child. He is racing to get to Texas while apprenticing under a gay man named Jake so that he can help his daughter with moving into her dorm and to pay for her first semester of college. It is evident he feels passionately about being there for his baby girl, and might seek some redemption from the past. Dan has considered himself to be a “bigot” but still respectful enough to not wish harm upon anyone who is different or thinks differently from him. However, this trip with Jake seems to opening his eyes to thoughts and feelings he’s never thought or felt before.
This story was very well written and I loved seeing how this story grew and how Dan grew as a person as well. Sometimes it’s the things and situations we detest and refuse to accept, that we actually need to open ourselves up to to be okay with or even find our true happiness, whatever that may be. Overall, I do recommend giving this story a try if it sounds interesting to you!
