Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Super enemies is a story of sibling rivalry. I enjoyed the story telling because of how realistic it depicts siblings and their reactions to each other. I would recommend this book to parents of young children as well as to young readers so they can understand that being a super enemy is not always a bad thing.
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The sneaky kitten is a quick charming story about a boy who seems to love adventures with his grandfather. In the story he meets a new friend and has fun playing with this friend while Grandpa watches excitedly. Their short story was a good read that I plan to enjoy again and again.
So this is book 3 of this series, you will get a little lost in the beginning if you don’t read the first two books like me. However, I do plan on going back and reading the first two later. Soraya is the main character who is forced to take on the lead role to help The Circle prevent the CEO of DNAgen Biolabs from launching a pill that can remove specific people from the world. I feel like I might have said too much and I encourage any and all of you to read this book and the other two books as well. This is Soraya’s time to share her story and I know that you will love this book just as much as I did.
Freedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So this is book 3 of this series, you will get a little lost in the beginning if you don’t read the first two books like me. However, I do plan on going back and reading the first two later. Soraya is the main character who is forced to take on the lead role to help The Circle prevent the CEO of DNAgen Biolabs from launching a pill that can remove specific people from the world. I feel like I might have said too much and I encourage any and all of you to read this book and the other two books as well. This is Soraya’s time to share her story and I know that you will love this book just as much as I did.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the trilogy and an excellent addition! The story follows Evan, who is Zeus child and his brothers and sisters from Alantis. He must face the Queen that has held them captive, Queen Antioche as well as stop the Dark Master (Kronos) from bringing about the Messiah. Not only is he the main character in saving the Gods, but he also now has completely forgotten who he is and his mission. Gods, adventure, betrayals, love, and so much more, what else could you ask for? I have really enjoyed this book. I think personally you could read this book without reading the others, as the author does a really nice job of catching the reader up on everything that has previously happened.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author keeps you guessing in this book. When a killing happens at the beginning of the book, you think the story is about that. However, further into the book it becomes about another killing that comes around and is part of the first killing that happened two years prior. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who did it.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Right after saving a life, Kate finds her own life in danger. Luckily, Chase is there to help keep her safe. However, when Monday rolls around, Kate finds out that Chase is her boss. She has definite feelings about dating her boss but he has stronger feelings about letting her go. Between keeping her safe and the job the two are doing, Chase and Kate have more than enough to fight about (and reason to make up.)
Opinion
I’m a big Via Mari fan and jumped at the chance to start reading a new series. While parts of this story seem old and familiar, Mari writes it so well that those parts fade into the background. I loved the instant attraction the two had and Chase’s drive to keep her safe, even with Kate trying to barter down to what she felt was reasonable. This series has promise and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, especially with the father she never knew.
Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story of two old acquintances really started off with a bang, quickly throwing us into the lives of Beckett Miller and Paige “Andie” Anderson. After Beckett’s lifestyle quickly goes down the drain pretty fast with one bad choice after another, Paige meets him in the midst of his crash. Together, they slowly begin to bond as friends while Paige’s husband acts like a huge piece of trash. In between the opposite lifestyles, endearing similarities, and huge events occurring between the two, it’s a great and fast read to a HEA with a HEA sneak peek.
Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read! I had read another of Amaleigha’s adventures recently and was so excited to see another. I loved how they incorporated a love of reading for this character. Made her very relatable. It was such an inspiring story as well. To make sure everyone has stories to read in their respective languages is amazing!! Would definitely recommend this to friends who have children!
Review by @heather26
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beast is a stunning mixture of mafia and beauty and the beast esque vibes. Leslie Georgeson creates a suspenseful story full of betrayal, slow burning love, friendship, family. Not to mention a chest full of the dark side of humanity to those different from the norm, and faith in the wrong people?! I loved the HEA with these two “weird” humans who found each other in the midst of their pain and sorrow, and the complicated journey they had along the way. All the piano scenes had my heart and soul trapped!
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is quite outside of my normal read, but still an experience nevertheless. It takes on a military sci-fi theme that goes deep into the technology and weapon information but stops short of character development and feels shallow in other areas as well.
Quick chapters and variable level of depth led me to struggle with this book. Good concepts stretched thin in some areas and loss of interest in others. Good concepts with shaking delivery.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A stunning conclusion to an epic trilogy filled with fast paced adventure in ancient Greece. I devoured this story as quickly as possible to discover what happens with Evan and his fellow companions who are in a race to save the gods. Again, a wonderfully researched story that makes you feel like you are right there in ancient Greece with the characters. The author did a fabulous job of blending history, mythology and fantasy into a stunning trilogy. The story continued to take you on different twists and turns, culminating into a surprising ending. I will definitely be checking out the author’s other series as her writing is stellar and kept my interest peaked throughout the entire trilogy.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Degrees of Innocence
Via Mari
This was such a good read. I loved the banter between the two main characters, Katarina and Chase. This book kept me reading until the very end. I loved the dichotomy of the alpha male and the strong female. I also loved how the title was in play throughout the book. It really had me looking at the various degrees of innocence that one possesses. Finally, this book left me hanging with several questions. Which I think was smart of the author to do as it definitely has me wanting to read book two in the series right now!
The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this to be a well-researched and written story about ancient Greece laced with history and mythology. This was a well-paced story that immediately hooks you into the story and I couldn’t put it down. As a lover of Greek Mythology, I found this to be a wonderful story. I jumped into book 2 without reading book 1, but the story was detailed enough I was able to follow along, but I will be reading book 1 so I can get the full effect. I thought the character development was fantastic and Evan is definitely a hero favorite of mine. I can’t wait to read book 3 to see how the journey continues and what adventures our heroes will find.
The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author has managed to pack so much into this one book and I enjoyed every moment of it. Every element of this book is my favourite kind of romance story and the mix of everything, for me, just made it even better. I found the characters to b well thought out. they had such different lifestyles and yet has instant chemistry and just seemed to click.
Although the author seems to have thrown loads at this book it is all managed so well. Everything ties in and adds to the story and I found it all really enjoyable. This is a great book and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Revenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was much more fast past than the first and picks up right where it left off. There is a lot going on and a lot of people involved throughout the book. The author continued to develop Tallie’s character as Tallie is discovering herself after learning the secrets that make up her life. Great ending to the series.
Secrets Never Die by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This wasn’t a fast read for me, but it was a GREAT read. The author did a great job giving a little more of the characters personality throughout the entire story. So many times I thought I knew what was going on and she hit me with another piece of the puzzle I didn’t see coming. Highly recommend this book.
The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Second book that I’ve read by this author and another unforgettable read. This book has adventure, drama, romance, and the most wonderful characters. You feel transported into the ranch and can’t help but fall in love with Emma Rosales the heiress to the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn.
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot get enough!! I have not read the other Bratva books, but I now definitely plan on going back and reading them! This novel stuck out to me because I absolutely love the Beauty and the Beast story, and this sounded comparable. I was not disappointed in the slightest. You will love everything about Annika and Adrik. The author did a fantastic job creating these characters and did the same with the plot.
This is definitely still a Mafia novel, so do not get that confused with the romance entwined within. I can guarantee you will still find it thrilling and mysterious. I definitely did. I highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down!
Review by @aware
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Return to Gallanvaig is the second book in the Beyond A Quirk of Destiny Series. This was a great read and I enjoyed it.
Calum is worried about everyone. The Genies are back and they’re trying to destroy everything. He and his friends try to find a solution for it. Can they save everyone? The quote I chose for Calum is: “It must be difficult. I mean, this is your home, you were born here and have lived your whole life here. It must be hard to just leave it all behind to settle somewhere else.”
Highly recommended for Dystopian lovers.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery #1) by I.M. Foster
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Murder on Oak Street is the first book in A South Shore Mystery Series. The book had me hooked from the beginning.
Daniel loved his job and had a good woman by his side. Or so he thought. She left him standing at the altar. So he moves on and the first case that he gets doesn’t sit right with him. Seeing that it falls back on his desk about the time another murder happens makes him wonder if they’re connected. The quote I chose for Daniel is: “Then I’d say my guardian angel was working overtime.”
Highly recommended for Historical Crime lovers.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays is a fun little read. I love holiday romances and this one was my favorite of the season.
Tenley or TJ on PAR as she’s known on her podcast. She doesn’t really believe in love. She is practical. So when she’s offered an all paid for trip to Hawaii she takes it. She wants the cash, but that doesn’t mean she’ll get it. The quote I chose for Tenley is: “Yeah, but when it does happen. They just readjust or put them back on. They don’t break to the point of being unwearable and now everyone is enjoying the let’s-look-at-Tenley’s-boobs show.”
Teagan or TJ Mack the Love Guru has challenged someone he’s never met to come to Hawaii with him. He doesn’t tell her they’ll be acting like a couple or sharing a room. Can he convince her that the idea of love isn’t a bad idea? The quote I chose for Teagan is: “Ohhhh. You wound me, Babe. But just keep in mind, I don’t fucking share, Tenley. Nobody puts their hands on my girl but me.”
Highly recommended for Holiday Romance lovers.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. If I had a Magic Wand is a fun little read. If you’re a new mom to be or a mom of several this will make you feel loved.
This book I couldn’t choose a quote from because the entire book would be the quote. This book made me and my little one smile. I remember thinking along the same lines as the author.
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
Freedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting book especially since I read this one without reading the first two books in the series so to say I was confused when it came to the backstories is an understatement. I still pushed through the book and tried my best to understand what was going on. The book itself was entertaining, but I still plan to go back and read the previous two books, and most likely read this one again just to make it all make sense!
From what I gathered from how the book was written, the book focuses on Soraya who is now in charge of leading The Circle. She finds herself in quite a bit of situations of having to go and save people, replace those that were lost, and strengthen the ones that she still has. There is a lot going on with magic, a good vs evil point of view, people being removed from the land due to the color of their skin, broken relationships, and so much more.
The characters are very well thought out and entertaining and you may find yourself relating to a character or two in this story. It’s hard to put down this book but, as I previously mentioned, it would be extremely beneficial to read the previous books before indulging yourself into this book!
Mary Espinoza, December 2022
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Jan Pratt
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Amaleigha and the Big Idea is a great little read for you and your family. Amaleigha reminded me of my daughter at that age.
Amaleigha is a five year old who likes being outside. She likes to be in nature. She runs around with no shoes because she likes it. She wants to share her special place. She gets her family to help her out and they build a Barefoot Park. I couldn’t choose a quote for Amaleigha because the entire book gives you exactly what you’d need.
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance. There is just the right mixture of hot steamy passion and danger to make this a great read.
The characters are really well written and I love the connection between them the constant flirting and teasing really adds to the story. I could understand both sides of the arguments when it came to certain areas. Kate is a strong and independent woman so when she meets Chase and he trys to take over and protect her I can understand her resistance but at the same time I also understand Chase’s need to protect her.
The twist in the story is one I did not see coming and I was very surprised at how it worked out.
Kate is tasked with working alongside Chase to build a new medical facility. She has always said she would never mix work with romance but when she falls for Chase she doesn’t even realise who he is. Now it is too late for her to walk away but little does she realise that just being with Chase puts her in danger but not for the reason you would think.
Overall, despite the push and pull there is no denying the love and passion between Chase and Kate and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for them next.
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this book was well written and captivating from the beginning. Lily aaa left. Hardware store when her estranged father passed away. She picked up the few items she had and left her family In London to travel to Montana and see if she could
Find out anything about her father. The first person she sees is Jake. A gorgeous, muscles cowboy who seems a bit arrogant. She’s immediately attracted to him but, dislikes him at the same time. Luckily for Lily it’s a small town and everyone is friendly and willing to help her out. Lily has daddy issues. Jake has mommy issues and well they can be a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster. Lily’s new best friend just happens to be Jake’s sister and she warns Jake to stay away from Lily. Jake finds it hard to stay away from her and can’t stop thinking of her. Can he be the man she needs or will she just be a passing fling for him? Sweet read that can and will capture your heart. Do good guys still exist out there or is Jake just acting like one?
Review by @xchellex
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the moment I started reading I was hooked! The characters are wonderful and have chemistry that just flows off the pages. The story line is well written and the hook catches you from the very beginning. I think this was my first book by this author but it will not be my last!
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Snow in Love was an enchanting read. It is a story about two paralympic skiers who find themselves during training and by finding themselves are able to find love. I enjoyed being transported to Aspen to revel in the glistening snow while reading the story of two mismatched people find themselves and one another despite the pain of their past and present.
