Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The characters investigate when things fall and make different noises. Then they go on their way to see the King. On their journey they get mislead but concur through. Then they go back on track in their journey. There the King decides what he is going to call the investigation.
How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a well written thorough easy to read guide. A guide for the most novice of writers. The organized chapters, were easy to flip back and forth through as needed. The tasks at the end of each chapter were really helpful, and gave the book an interactive feel. This is a great guide to first time authors or those testing their inner authors. TL Clark clearly put so much time and effort into this fantastic guide, giving new authors the chance to fly.
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruthless Hawke: A Second Chance Secret Baby Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Series)
Oh my goodness,I think I loved this book even more than the 1st generation and I loved them all! I read this in less than 24 hours and wasn’t able to put it down! GWYN MCNAMEE is on a roll and I can not wait for the the next book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“The sky is falling!”
Most of us are familiar with this popular saying by Chicken Little. This great little STEM focused book follows up on that saying with a physics lesson that also includes Turkey Lurky, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, and Goosey Loosey. Foxy Woxy will also make an appearance but we all know how sly those foxes can be!
The illustrations are great in this book as well. The words appear to be interactive on the page which makes this one even more fun!
Add this to the list to share with a youngster in your life!
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Really a darling retelling of the folk tale “Chicken Little.” Attractive illustrations, great use of onomatopoeia and clever twist to the original story.
Younger children will delight in “what happens next.” At the same time, older children could experiment with the gravity experiments and see, if they were king, what they would call the stuff falling from the sky.
Engaging tale all the way around.
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another book in the line of Hawke series, and one of my favorites so far! Isaac and Jack meet in the short story “Night Hawke” for the first time. Coming back together in this story, after thinking they’d lost each other forever, is amazing! And with some new surprises in tow! When the Hawke family is tasked with protecting the daughter of an old friend, Isaac comes in contact with the woman he’s been looking for for five years. And now she’s here, with a surprise! Isaac finds himself and his place in life while Jack finally gets a chance to pick how her life will go. Read this book if you love romance, action, and a great story! Definitely one of my favorite books so far!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My middle schooler and I read this together and enjoyed every page! Princess Zarina must have the perfect dress for her upcoming Royal Advancement ceremony. When she works with a special dressmaker, she soon realizes things are not what they seem! Though her dress is magical, it is nothing like what she wanted. When her land is attacked, it is up to her to take action! Will this spoiled princess be able to save herself and her kingdom? Will the magical dress help her or hurt her?
Princess Zarina’s journey is mystical, magical, and relatable. Her character is complex, and she grows as the story progresses. The story is fast-paced, full of action, adventure, and emotion. My daughter found ways to relate to the character, which really brought the story to life. I am so glad we were able to share this book together!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2R0RT7PG5071R/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have not read a book by this author before BUT this book was amazing. I loved everything about it. A Stranger in Disguise had so much twist and turns. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I plan on going back and reading them. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2774176339
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by the incredible Gwyn McNamee, the first being the prequel to this book, Night Hawke. While it is not necessary to read the prequel it gives a more in depth understanding to Isaac and Jack’s relationship, and what made there reentering each other’s life so intense. Ruthless Hawke picks up five years to the day from the events in Night Hawke, in that time both Isaac and Jack have continued to dream of that weekend, the connection they shared and the what ifs. Finally learning the truth of who Jack is also put into perspective her reservations on sharing any information in the prequel about her identity. In the matter of just a few weeks Jack’s life is yanked out from under her and flipped on its head.
Valentina Marconi, the Italian mob Donne in Chicago, Cutter Jackson, ruthless killer and her right-hand man, also loving married couple and parents to Giacomina “Jack” and grandparents to her daughter Viviana. Jack dreamed for years of finding her “Nolan” and telling him about their daughter but gave up when it seemed an impossible feat. Isaac scoured Chicago in the days after the perfect weekend trying to find any information about his mysterious perfect woman Jack. Valentina faced with an impossible decision, give her daughter over to Satriano, the most powerful Italian mob boss or turn him into an enemy. Her father whisks Jack and her daughter away to New Orleans, to his old military buddy Gabe, and his family to protect his girls. Isaac just finishing court receives a text from Gabe saying family emergency and rushes back to the office only to stop dead in his tracks. Fate, destiny, serendipity something was at work and after all this time had brought them back together. Jack overwhelmed by seeing the blue eyes that have haunted her all these years. Isaac overwhelmed by seeing the woman that stole his soul all those years ago in his father’s office he is rattled to his core. Little did he know the hits would keep on coming in the form of a beautiful little girl with the Hawke Caribbean blue eyes, his eyes staring back at him in his office. Anger, fury, desire, pain. All rush through him in an instant but one thing is for sure he will do anything and everything in his power to protect his girls from every threat.
Will Isaac succeed at keeping them safe? Can Jack let go of all of her fear and live in the feelings, let herself have something she wants? If they win, will Jack and Vivi return to Chicago or stay with Isaac? The world the author creates is realistic, with a touch of fated mates to it. The pain they both went through in the years since they met, brought them to the point they are in now. Makes them learn to appreciate every moment and to fight the fear for something deeper. I can’t wait to read book 2 in the 2nd Generation of the Hawke Family, Reticent Hawke, June 1st, 2023. The mystery of Jude will finally be revealed.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed this story and I loved the characters that the author created with a headstrong female lead that stands up for what is right, even if it may upset the rest of the town.
Christopher is pressured by his own father to marry Minnie, a woman whom comes from money. Even though Minnie does love Christopher, he does not feel the same toward her. When Christopher meets Greta Fay after helping her, he falls for Greta Fay.
Greta Fay is an activist, trying to fight what is right in Clear Creek County, that everyone is created equal. Her fight also upsets some townfolk and make threats for her to stop. When Greta Fay is attacked physically, Christopher saves Greta Fay…and there was something there between Christopher and Greta Fay.
I really enjoyed this story of love, drama and a few twists. I love Christopher’s support toward Greta Fay and he love how strong she is and I also loved Minnie’s character as well, even though Christopher did not have the same feelings toward her and she is also Minnie’s best friend, she never wavered and was so respectful and loving.
Very enjoyable story.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2IDFW08TG8Z25/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emissary was such a great book. The author didn’t disappoint me one bit. The characters were all amazing. The world building was great also. While reading this book, I could relate to it. It felt like the book was coming to life and that’s what I enjoy most about reading books. I loved learning about kai & Byon’s relationship and reading about how it grew more.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3284837195
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well one of our favorite authors has brought back our favorite family!!! What a great story!
There is a prequel, Night Hawke, to get the juices flowing and to remind the reader just how much we love the Hawkes, as if we forgot! You definitely want to read it first.
Ruthless Hawke is all about Jack and Nolan’s paths crossing again and in the most unexpected way. The time that they have been apart has not dimmed their feelings at all! Tension, angst and hotness oh my!
The alpha, protective, hard headed, stubborn, loving, family we love, steps up to protect those closest to them. The discovery of the newest Hawke ramps up the danger and the protection even more.
This story makes references to the original family but does not deter from the current story. If anything, it feels like a family reunion with all the joy, fun, danger, and love we have come to expect from the Hawke family. This story has everything and is completely worth the wait!
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Fast read and very entertaining characters. There are a couple of twists and turns and there’s quite a bit of those awkward funny moments. This book was a good read!
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
In a book about a business rivalry/romance… things heat up between Cash and Hollis, amazing family dynamics, fun business ventures, and even a skunk named Mango! Cute, sexy novel!
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in a new series and for me this seemed to be setting the scene of what is to come. The story is a slow build one, not overly fast paced but easy to enjoy. I liked reading about the characters for the most part however I found the female mc to be a bit too stubborn and difficult at times. However, she worked well with Kodiak and the connected the story quite well. I am looking forward to having some questions answered in the next books.
Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic addition to this series and was such a sweet and enjoyable read. I really loved reading about CeCe and Evan. They had a great connection and I thought it was lively the way we got to see that grow.
The author has nailed the overall vibe of this book. It is easy to read, fun and lighthearted. It really worked well with thr characters that we are reading about. I connected with the storyline straight away and thoroughly enjoyed it right until the end. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
Walt watches his sisters joy getting a chance to try out for a Food Network TV Show. It brings TV Producer Elyse around and Walt wants her and his feelings are reciprocated, but can the city girl and the small town boy find anything in common?
This was charming with great chemistry between the two. While Walt is a bit quiet he certainly turns into a charmer once he sets his mind on something. There was one part of the book that his character did something so sweet he just swept me away. This is a great series to pick up if you like romance.
T
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With a twist on the classic Chicken Little tale, Chicken Little Investigates introduces kids to the world of science and learning has never been as fun. It is a bright and colourful story with humour that makes you laugh.
Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey and Turkey Lurkey all make an appearance and try to outsmart the wily Foxy Woxy.
With lovely illustrations by Francie Mion you can’t go wrong as the story draws in readers and opens their little minds.
Is the sky falling? Well you will have to read it to find out.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadow Wolf is the first book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. Tamaska has hired wolf shifter Kodiak and his pack as security for an event she’s running. She’s unimpressed from the start, when Kodiak turns up as the event is about to start and refuses to follow her directions. She’s even less impressed when he fails to prevent the theft of the precious opal he’s been hired to protect.
Shadow Wolf introduces us to an intriguing world where vampires and wolf shifters live in a precarious truce alongside oblivious humans. They are powerful but not overpowered – see, for example, the wolf shifters needing to pick up work in security to be able to support themselves financially. Tamaska is oblivious to this world but has been thrown into it whether she likes it or not.
This book gets four stars from me. It would appeal to fans of paranormal romance, particularly werewolf/shifter romance. The next book in the series, which continues Tamaska and Kodiak’s story, is due out in a few months – I’m looking forward to seeing how their story develops!
Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series. At times it seems very slow moving. I did do some skimming periodically and did not miss any of the story. In here we see if Evan and corral CeCe into being more than his friend. I really did like both of these characters. Each one gets stuck on social norms which impedes their moving forward together.
My one issue is the complication with Eric. I do wish the author would have brought him into the story way earlier as it would have added another element for both main characters.
I do like the all the added time we get with characters that were introduced in book 1. Overall the pace of the story was slower but it still a good read.
Taming Brooklyn by Charlotte St. Pierre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always love a book with multiple point of views. I love being able to understand what each character is thinking. This author does a fabulous job of that. You truly get to know the characters and their backgrounds which helps to thicken the plot. I suppose one of the things I did not enjoy is that this novel is 90% erotica. Do not get me wrong, they are very well written scenes. I just wanted to skip through some of those parts because I wanted to know what happened next in Brooklyn’s life.
Overall the story was incredibly written and I cannot wait to dive into the second book. The only POV you do not get to read about until the very end is Lyle’s. I audibly yelled when I saw his name as I started the chapter. That is how much emotion I had devoted into this book. I just wish it had a few less sexual scenes; it is not necessarily my cup of tea. But, if you enjoy that, then this book is definitely for you. Also, there is warning given at every corner, but take note of the trigger warnings that it contains. I highly recommend this book. It would be five stars for me if it had less erotica, but do not let that stop you from reading this intoxicating story!
Review by @aware
View all my reviews
Taming Brooklyn was simply an amazing read. From the hotness you want, to the structure of the characters and a story line that draws you in. I could NOT put this book down and read it in a full afternoon.
From page one, I was attached and wanted to read more. Brooklyn and her past draw you into the story and then meeting the Four Kings simply make her shine. Aiden, Gideon, Jaxon, and Oliver truly bring so much to her, and each bring so much in different ways the table instantly that you know, why should she choose?
This is a new author for me but one I want to read more of. I liked the hot scenes, I liked getting to know about each character, and the buildup of a great story line!!
A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A foreign acting company has come to Rome to put on a play to raise funds for a crumbling old theatre when suddenly one of their actors winds up dead. Detective Scala ends up with the task of solving the murder which initially seems easy enough. The last person to see the victim becomes the prime suspect who just happens to have been caught on surveillance leaving the area at the same time as the murder. The disappearance of the prime suspect makes them look even more guilty until their body is also discovered. Detective Scala now figures that there must be more to the case than initially suspected and starts to dig farther. As he digs farther into the life of the victim he learns that she had her own deep, dark secrets. It is up to Detective Scala to figure out what the victim’s secrets were before more innocent lives are lost.
This murder mystery was brilliantly written, and I was in awe of the determination Detective Scala had to solve the case. He really sunk his teeth into the mystery and would not let go until the case was solved. The more Detective Scala looked into the murders the more layers of the proverbial onion he was able to peel back. The case turned out to be far more complex and involved than he originally thought but it only made Detective Scala work harder to uncover the truth. He was hyper focused, determined, hardworking, diligent, and smart. Detective Scala is the type of person you would want to have on your side. A great book full of action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, and a few twists and turns that will take you by surprise!
Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy has decided she needs a career change and to do that, she’s headed back to school. Like anything, that’s a bit hard to do when you need money to survive, so she’s planning on working as a nanny while she takes classes. A bright, happy optimist, Amy is always looking for the bright side of a situation.
Noah Pierce is NOT a bright, happy optimist. In fact, his dark, brooding and silent nature are a complete contrast to Amy. So when he unexpectedly becomes the caretaker for his best friends daughter, he needs help. He has no idea how to take care of someone else, let alone suddenly being a dad and no one knows who the father is so it’s up to him to care for her.
Noah hires Amy to help care for Amelia and she sees what Noah can’t: he can be a great dad. If he only chooses to see it. Can Amy help Noah recognize his family man potential without falling in love in the process? Can a relationship survive when the line is crossed? When I saw another Pierce Brothers novel, I squealed! I’ve loved all of the ones I’ve read so far and this one is no exception. Belinda Williams writes a man just like you want him! Tall, handsome, irresistible, slightly naughty, and a heart of gold.
I am so sad to see the Pierce Brothers storylines end because they are the perfect romance to me. I laugh, I cry, and I want more from all of them.
The characters are well-written, the story is heartbreaking but lighthearted enough that you don’t dwell on the pain too much.
If you struggle with stories about loss or COVID is a tough topic for you, this story may be one to avoid for now.
Sooo, the Pierce Brothers have friends, right? Can we get some of them next?
Creatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars
This was a fantastic read and I felt like it really had something for everyone. From romance to paranormal, to mythology, warriors, and lots of danger, you really embark on a journey throughout this read.
This author built an incredible fantasy world one that can really immerse you into the story and keep you flipping pages wanting to know more. More about the world, the characters, and what will happen. Her writing style really brought the world to life and made it believable; I think that was my favorite part.
Absolutely beautifully written and will definitely reread it in the future! Can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this cute and sometimes outrageous story about Chase and Hollis. The characters are well written, quirky, and fun. These business neighbors come up with some pretty good pranks on one another until one assumed prank ends up threatening the not-so-friendly bantering nature of their relationship and turning it into something more serious. As they try to work together on a common goal, things get a bit steamy; with all that heat between them as frenemies, it’s easy to see that translate into some bedroom tension. The question is whether or not the can both maintain their take on the world themselves attitude while simultaneously learning to trust and depend on each other. Such a fun read! I’m looking forward to reading some of the other books in this series.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cash and Hollis are neighboring business owners who communicate via pranks and sarcasm. Cash’s misconception of Hollis seems to be the reason for this strife but the reason for their initial tension was never clear so I’m still left wondering why they hated each other to begin with. I really wanted more reason for this than it being a man’s misconception on a strong, independent female. This concept never sits well with me and it led me to not enjoy Cash’s character for the majority of this book. Hollis was an incredible character with love, courage, grace and a down to earth nature that doesn’t fit into her family’s visions for her future. While Cash annoyed me, the storyline did evolve nicely and kept me engaged. Good read with a nice cast of supporting characters.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the story! I read it as an e-book and now I want a paperback copy so I can save it on the bookshelf for my daughter to read. I feel this is a very good book for middle schoolers starting to get into reading or venturing into the fantasy genre. There’s adventure, betrayal, and magic.
My only complaints are Auntie and the other stories. I wish the other stories were longer but considering this book is targeted for a younger crowed they make sense.
I was annoyed by Auntie because I was feeling more a childlike personality than someone who was forgetful on things.
I really loved Zarina’s character growth. She’s so spoiled and doesn’t try to hide it. I’m glad interacting with people throughout the town has helped her change her ways.
This book also has illustrations. I loved the map and thought the pictures of Zarina were perfect.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1I86YYNKVSEGI/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Creatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Creatures of the Night was a great read. I don’t find many fantasy books that I can really get into, but this one I really liked. Creatures of the Night was a mix of paranormal and mythology. You could really see that the author worked hard on writing this. This book was a page turner for me and I couldn’t put it down.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2805196886
A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the Inspector Scala Mystery series. Thankfully these books can be read as standalone books as i haven’t read the previous 3 books yet. This book was a gripping murder mystery, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing from beginning to end.
The story contains many secrets and lies and people who aren’t who they make themselves out to be. Add to this the curse of Macbeth and it all added to a story you won’t be able to put down.
We start with a theatre company hired to put on a show of Macbeth but when one of the members of the acting company turns up dead it is up to Inspector Scala to solve the case and find the killer. After initially thinking the last known person was the suspect the Inspector soon realises just how wrong that assumption is and as the victims life starts to become more clearer secrets start to emerge which I didn’t see coming.
If you love gripping murder Mystery with characters that are complex then this is definately a book for you.
