No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh the ways to search for a flea. This poor dog. Very good read, kept my kid entertained. Great illustrations and will keep your child engaged for a little while.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by Hunter Snow so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The synopsis sounded promising so I gave it a shot. Overall, Rock Crush and Roll was okay. There was a lot of reference to Canadian culture that I didn’t really get, but the music connections made for a fun and interesting read. The characters fell a little flat for me, lacking genuine personality, but Tyler’s close relationship with her family was so heartwarming. The book started off very slowly and finished almost too abruptly, like there was a word count the author didn’t want to exceed. It seemed like a lot of time was spent working through Tyler’s insecurities, only for most of them to end up being unfounded. Tyler and Cary’s relationship seemed rushed in places, yet stilted in others. Although this was not my favorite read, I would like to read more by Hunter Snow, as I feel like there is definite potential for an amazing book.
Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the London Detective Agency series and it can totally be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book in this series and I absolutely loved this book. There is some cross-over as the main characters from book one are also in this book.
Tessa goes to James at closing time on a Friday night to hire the agency to help her discover who is leaving her notes and taking pictures of her.
James and his partner in the agency are on the case. Can the find the person terrorizing Tessa?
Wonderful storyline with very likeable characters. I will definitely be reading the others in this series.
Alchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alchemy of Glass is truly a tantalizing take on many genre forms, including sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, love, and adventure. The way the story is woven together across different periods is remarkable and engaging, ensuring the reader doesn’t have a moment of boredom. The whiplash while reading was rewarding and enthralls the reader from the get-go. This is the second book, however reading it as a stand-alone didn’t hinder me one bit.
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun and entertaining read. This story pulled me right in with great characters, laughter, music, talent, steamy moments and more. There was chemistry between Jesse and Lucy the first time they met and neither one forgot that even though there is quite some time before they run into each other again. Lucy is a huge fan of Falling Down, the band that Jesse is the lead singer of. She has had a major crush on Jesse for as long as she can remember. Lucy has amazing talent as a singer but she has been acting because that is what her mom has wanted her to do and for a long time she thought that’s what she wanted as well. I don’t want to give anything away. If you want to find out what happens between these two and find out if Lucy makes a career change, then you will want to dive right into this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book.
Hooked: The Merciless Few by S Courtney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a gut wrenching story…Hooked is part of The Merciless Few series and I was excited to read Fiend’s story. While this book could be read as a stand-alone, I really highly recommend reading
Wrecked first, as you meet the characters and also this book intertwines the story-line from Wrecked. I love getting to know the characters and I can say Fiend, aka Jett…his story is just raw. The roller-coaster of emotional toll that this story took me on is like no other with drama, secrets, and turmoil. Fiend struggles came on early in life from being his family’s everything to feeling like a total disappointment. One fateful decision takes him on a downward spiral personally while trying to put up a front with his MC Family along with the woman who wants to be his all….Poppy. Will Fiend be able to overcome his personal out of control spiral….definitely read and find out.
This is a great book and I am really hoping to see more from The Merciless Few crew!!
Wildfire Knockout by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beth Martin doesn’t have faith in herself, her past has shaped her and when she steps in the ring she feels strong. With Scott Franks helping her to achieve her goals and push through the walls she has erected around herself.
Scott had one night with Beth and he wants more, but Beth is holding secrets close and he only sees one way to help her, will it ruin everything they are building instead?
This one had some heartbreaking moments. I felt for Beth, she is a bit of an enigma at first but you begin to understand everything as the story unfolds. I really liked Scott with Beth, he is polar opposite and grapples a bit with not knowing how to not just rely on his charm to get close to Beth. Another wonderful read in the series.
Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was a fan of the first book in this series, and looked forward to book two’s release for months. I’m so glad the author decided to give James his own story. Love the English lingo, the mystery/suspense, and romance in these books. They both kept me wanting to read til the last page.
Be My Little Baby is James and Tessa’s story. She comes to James and his PI business with his brother for help with some worrying letters and photos she’d been receiving when the police turned her away. James and Tessa immediately have chemistry but James won’t date a client to keep thing professional. When Tessa’s stalker becomes more threatening, can James figure out who it is and put a stop to it in time? Will he give into his feelings for her?
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. It had cute illustrations and Rhymes, and a really cool Gramma. You never know what she was getting up to next, but it was always an adventure. Would definitely recommend this one for your grandkids or in general
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book shows our kids that their pets need yearly checkups just like they do. It shows them how interesting it can be and rewarding. These are perfect short stories that can teach a good lesson.
Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wild King (King Brothers Series) by K.M. Scott . This is a great romantic series and this is Kellen’s story. I feel like Kellen is a little misunderstood because when he gets scared he gets mean. He’s got two very different personalities. He has always been a ladies man but a love them and leave them kind of guy. When the latest love interest blows up he decides to take a vacation to get away from it all. Salem is on her own vacation and on the last couple of days she meets Kellen but they swear to keep it to a fun filled few days and no names. They have an amazing time but Kellen gets a call from work to come back home and handle the mess he’s made with his last fling. Kellen’s company hires a PR “Fixer, that fixer happens to be Salem. Salem sees she has her work cut out for her because Kellen has done nothing to help his image but he promises to clean himself up and change. He also would like Salem to be more than a one night stand. Will he be able to change completely and will Salem fix his image and more importantly let him into her world? Read this fun, fast paced romance to find out!
Word Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s Joe’s first day of school and he’s so excited to learn to read. He spells his name in his morning cereal before heading out for what’s bound to be an exciting day. He gets to school and his teacher starts telling them all about where to put their things. They have a lesson on colors. They go out to recess. Joe’s wondering when he’ll get to learn to read! He goes on an adventure and meets a kind woman named Bea…not Bee…who teaches him a lesson.
Great story and one that kids will love, just as long as they don’t become Joe on their first day of school! The illustrations in this book are also very well done.
No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No one could see the Flea is an incredibly cute book, but it also teaches a lesson on how we can’t just assume that we know what’s what, in a kid friendly way. Does Shank have a Flea, or doesn’t he? Maybe he’s just itchy. Give this book a read to find out what happens.
Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story. Well written and full of twists. I was surprised by some of the characters in it. It was a Paranormal fantasy romance. It had vampyrs, demons, humans, and Greek Gods. There is mention of ghosts and werewolves being in the world but they dont make an appearance into the story. I’ll definitely read the next book.
Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Gothic New Orleans. I loved the overall feeling this book had. A.D Brazeau has a way with words and this book does not disappoint. The book is full of darkness, but also small bits of romance, paranormal aspects, as well as greek mythological characters and the fact that it is based on a historical situation, makes it all that better. (the author obviously took creative liberties with the history)
One of the main characters, Greer, is such a strong-willed, and brave young woman. She was not like the other “casket girls”, she did not want to be sent oversea to marry a stranger, she was taken by force. Given no other choice, Greer has decided to make a deal with Hades to help her and her friends, as well as Theron. Does Greer succeed in saving those who are close to her?
Even though there are creative liberties with what is the “truth” about the casket girls, I very much enjoyed this book and the mix of historical information, greek mythology, and the paranormal aspects that have surrounded the casket girls’ stories. I have seen a good bit of New Orleans, including the Old Ursuline Convent, and so it was very easy for me to imagine everything said in the book, which I loved. I absolutely will be reading book 2 and recommend this book to anyone who loves historical, paranormal romance.
Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wild King (King Brothers Book 2)
Of all of the King brothers I felt that Kellen was the least understood of them. He’s smart, hard working and dedicated most of the time. But after Theo he went in the complete opposite direction and turned into a jerk we was catch a glimpse of very early in the book.
He ends up having life blow up in his face while he is away on a long weekend and with a woman he meets that intrigues him, which I think scared him.
Salem had no plans to see her mystery island man again once they leave. Life has a funny way of making the unexpected happen.
Kellen takes on a Jekyll and Hyde personality to everyone especially his family, he is the most angry about things in the aftermath. Though angry you could tell there was more there, but I really wanted to smack him a time or twenty.
Marius is the one I’m really looking forward to, he is the most complex of the Kings and I can’t wait.
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luciana “Lucy” Russo and Serafina “Sera” Manzini were fans of the rock music band Falling Down. At 17, Lucy and Sera were in a Chicago airport waiting for a flight when Sera spotted Jesse. She drags Lucy over to the rock star. Jesse spends time with the two girls. When he takes a personal picture with Lucy, their flight is called. Jesse and Lucy look into each other’s eyes and feel something between them spark. Parting ways, Lucy and Sera start their lives with memories of their encounter.
Six years later, Lucy was a successful and famous actress. Lucy and Sera have agreed to do a music video job that Cage Nichols was directing. After both girls were ready for filming, both went to the staging area. Seeing the band’s equipment, the girls borrow some of the equipment. Not paying attention to their surroundings, the girls don’t realize that the members of Falling Down and Cage have arrived. Everyone is impressed by their amazing talent. Jesse remembers both girls and introduces them to the remaining band members.
The first day of filming has finished. Lucy and Sera were relaxing in the dressing room when the band entered. Jesse tells Lucy that he intends on having sex with her by the time they are done with filming. That evening, the girls go to a club to blow off steam. Lucy sees Jesse, and they start dancing together. When other people begin taking their pictures and filming the intimate way they are dancing, Lucy’s bodyguard interrupts them. Paparazzi were en route to the club.
Sera and Lucy have been collaborating about forming their own band. They had both dreamed of being musicians. When they approach Cage about the idea, Jesse and Xander overhear the conversation. Taking a break from being a movie actress, Lucy expects backlash from her mother, Regina. She is not shocked when Regina claims she is throwing away her fame and profitable career.
Lucy had always wanted to spend a night with Jesse, believing he wanted a fling as well. Jesse’s reputation as a playboy is well known. Agreeing to go to dinner with Jesse, Lucy is surprised by his devoted attention. Dinner turns into something more intimate at Jesse’s house. What Lucy doesn’t know is that the spark from six years ago threatens to consume them.
Falling Down is the first book in the Rockstar series by Anne Mercier. The best way to describe the plot is by comparing it to a spark building into an inferno. Lots of steamy scenes for the romance fans while still having a story of personal growth for Lucy and Jesse. The Chicago mafia ties to the girls lingering around the edges. The character development for each person was beyond exceptional. The clear changes in perspective between Jesse and Lucy are easy to follow. The vivid details make it easy to envision each scene clearly. Mercier didn’t make Lucy, Sera, and the group of Falling Down infallible. This made it easy to find their actions and thoughts relatable, a trait that I admired. I have nothing negative to say about this amazing story and look forward to continuing the series.
Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series. I honestly can not express how much I love these books. The author takes my two favourite things mysteries and my love for Ancient Egypt and brings them together in an incredible series.
I am always amazing with the authors attention to detail and how much research is done to recreate and really bring this time to life. I completely get lost in the lives of the characters and I love experiencing life as it would have been in the Ancient World.
In this story we are back with Hani and his family. When Hani’s brother Pipi gets dragged into a scheme that promises him more riches on his investment, things seems like a dream until Pipi realises that it’s all a lie and the punishment for not paying or for trying to leave the investment could cost him his life.
When one of Pipi’s friends is murdered for trying to leave Hani’s daughter Neferet knows she has to uncover who is behind this scheme before anymore lives are lost.
This could be the most dangerous mystery she has tried to solve and when dealing with dangerous people what will happen if a target appears on her back?
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Falling Down is the first book in the Rockstar series by Anne Mercier. The story starts when teenage Lucy bumps into her ultimate crush rockstar Jesse in the airport, the two instantly connect but then get on their flights separately. Fast forward a few years and Lucy is a successful, if a bit unhappy, Hollywood star. When she takes on a job as a dancer for a music video she didn’t know that it would change the course of her career, and life in general. Jesse is shocked when he sees the girl from his past rocking out using his guitar and the whole band decide to take the girls under their wing. The story that follows is like a fairy tale with the heroes reaching for their dreams and finding their true loves. I liked this book, it was a nice read but the characters were not the easiest to relate to. I would recommend to romance fans.
Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wheel of Evil is the third book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series. The story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series. Neferet and Bener-ib are back with their group of teenage detectives out to solve more crime in Ancient Egypt. The series is a branch off of the Lord Hani series and is geared towards young adult and older who enjoy historical fiction and/or cozy mysteries. Uncle Pipi has gotten himself into a bad business deal that was too good to be true when his niece, Neferet steps in to help him. I enjoyed the story and characters. The author brings a lot of interesting details about Egypt into the story which helps bring the reader into the story more. I’ve enjoyed seeing Neferet get her own series of stories and watching her grow in her detecting skills. Her and Bener-ib are a good team with their friends trying to make the world a better place. I look forward to reading more of her stories and getting more insight into the ancient world.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was rock and roll good. It’s a very cute love story. Tyler works in the music business and she refuses to date anymore musicians. Cary is your classic musician. Once he see Tyler he knows what he wants and won’t stop until he gets her.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great read. Tyler is such a strong, feisty woman working in the music industry. This book was full of great characters, some that the reader will love and some that the reader will not. Following Tyler and Cary’s story is fun and engaging and takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions as they navigate a complicated journey. As a big music fan myself, I really appreciate the behind-the-scenes look into the music industry from a managing/touring aspect. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good rocker romance but this story exceeded my expectations. You can’t help but to fall in love with these characters right from the start. I was hooked by the end of chapter one. I could not put it down until the end. I devoured this book and it only took me a few hours to finish this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
Tyler Robertson loves her job. She is a very well known music manager. Tyler has it all except a love life. She always falls for the wrong guys and now she is staying away from all the rock stars. Tyler is told they have a new Star for her to look at and it is no other than the very hot Cary Kingston. She thought she would never see him again but now they have to work together. Tyler starts to know Cary and sparks start to fly but she doesn’t want to get hurt once again. Will Tyler finally get a love life or will the past be too painful to get over?
review by @heatherbass
Word Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This a cute story! I would have read this with my son when he was little as it targeted for smaller children. The story is engaging and so are the illustrations. I would probably recommend this for 4 as some of the passages are for longer attention spans than some toddlers have. Overall, cute book.
Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Blood and Ravens is the first book in The Casket Girls series by A.D. Brazeau. A absolutely amazing dark, paranormal romance. This was my introduction to this author and I truly adored the attention to such intricate minute details, beautifully written characters, and just overall an incredible start to a series. I fell in love with this book and absolutely could not put it down, I just had to know where the story went. Highly recommend this book and author, and can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Blood and Ravens, is a dark paranormal romance, set in New Orleans, 1728.
This is the first book in The Casket Girls series.
It is the tale of forbidden love and a battle against a darkness that will consume them all.
A.D Brazeau is an award-winning author, that writes fantastic dark romances with fairy-tale worlds.
We are introduced to Greer, who is an orphan and has dreams about a dark knight. She wakes up on a ship, not knowing how she got there. Her last memory is standing on the corner of a street, and everything’s goes dark, until she wakes up on a ship surrounded by 40 other women.
Theron, once a prince in the underworld, until something or someone gets him banished. Having made land, he must continue with the next phrase of his plans.
Greer, will also risk everything for him and her friends.
This is a beautifully written story with a paranormal and historical setting, set in the mysterious New Orleans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would most definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys History and the paranormal, that has twists and turns throughout.
Cannot wait to read book two!
Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery: A scientific method book by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, teaching children science in a fun and approachable way. The story was engaging with lovely illustrations to accompany it. Highly recommended for parents and children to enjoy!
The Rebirth: Part One by Crystal Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Crystal Dawn’s “The Rebirth Part 1” introduces readers to an intriguing new/old world of Atlantis. This is the first book of the Planet Amazon series. The book kicks off with a fresh and captivating premise involving an isolated society of strong. This is a new author for me but I enjoyed this book a lot. With well-developed characters, action, Romance, drama,and with the just right amount of steam scenes just had to know more of what happens in the rest of the books i cant wait to finish reading them 🥰
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first time Lucy meets her childhood crush (you know…the one we all had growing up) at the airport, she isn’t sure what do or say. Fast forward, Lucy is grown up now and she and her sister are going do a music video with Falling Down…and her longtime crush, Jesse Kingston. Jesse feels the spark roar to life when Lucy is in the room. He wants just one weekend with her…but will that be enough?
What ensues is a story of following your dream…and your heart. It is a reminder of what you can accomplish when you have the support of everyone around you. I loved the characters and found myself unable to put it down. It was funny, romantic, and H-O-T hot! Anne Mercier is an author I have read in the past and they have blown me away again with this story! Can’t wait to see what happens next.
The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is not my usual read, but I thought I’d try something different since the book description sounded intriguing. A lot of people skip the prologues of stories, but I started there, and I was hooked. Honestly, I can’t tell you what exactly grabbed me, but I was sucked into story and lost several hours watching it play out like a movie in my head.
I enjoyed the switches in time periods, getting glimpses of Gaelan’s past as he’s also navigating the present. It takes talent to be able to switch between past and present and not make it feel jarring to the reader.
The worldbuilding is excellent without being excessive, and the characters were interesting.
This story is a mix of Gaslamp fiction, mythology, alchemy, and science, and would be a good read for people who love that type of blended fantasy.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
