The Mating Haze by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great follow up to The Mating Call! I definitely did not see Laramie and Trigger’s story become so intertwined. Love the character development. Can’t wait for ‘25 to have more of the story!
The Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful book! I love the original take on shifters and how they find their mates. Wonderful characters and just enough mystery to keep you on your toes. I can’t wait for more on Long Claw!
Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this pre-qual to The Talisman Series, Tam DeRudder Jackson is such a thorough writer when it comes to creating a story full of details and leaving nothing out, she is a downright genius. Your imagination gets the biggest treat when you read her books. From the smallest of details to the surroundings of the characters, you can practically taste the smells around the characters, as they experience them. It is such a magical world that I feel like I could climb right into the story as a bystander. It was so easy for my imagination to follow along with the story being viewed in my mind. This is the kind of book that grabs my attention and keeps me reading straight through to the end, they are so amazing! This is the first book I’ve ever read in this series, and it will not be the last. I am so excited to continue on this journey and see where this series leads. I have to say I want to read more of Riley and Lynnette’s romance in order to learn more of Lynnette’s Talisman skills and see how they are able to benefit Riley’s Warrior skills. I am a huge fan of the paranormal especially when romance is a huge aspect of the book. This is a must-read series for me, and I cannot wait to continue on to the other books in this series and see where my imagination takes me.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2024
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alicia Street really outdid herself this time with this 3rd book in the North Fork Series! Melt My Heart most certainly lived up to its name, because when I was done reading this book, my heart not only melted, but I wanted to go out and adopt a cute little puppy (not that I could, my Siamese cat would not be pleased). This romance all starts by chance with Caleb Westfall, a rich playboy who is joint CEO of the Westfall Yachtworld with his big brother Tyler, who runs into a gorgeous woman (Wynter) leaning under a car trying to lure out a stray dog. This little guy is such an integral part of bringing these two strangers together to give love a chance, despite both of them having bad past relationship experiences. Wynter not only works at the restaurant that Caleb frequents on a regular basis with either his big brother, Tyler, or dates that never seem to last a day or two, but she also helps her cousin run an animal rescue. Caleb has never noticed Wynter before, usually getting the blonde, bustier waitress, but one night Tyler and Caleb get moved to Wynter’s tables to the surprise of both Caleb and Wynter. There is definitely obvious heat between these two, and Tyler enjoys joining in and antagonizing Wynter, trying to get Caleb to admit he’s attracted to their stunning waitress. The stray puppy is Caleb’s in on working his way into getting to know Wynter better, especially since he’s the only person that the stray puppy seems to connect with. Will this puppy be able to bring Wynter and Caleb together, or will they be a lost cause? You won’t want to read this newest book in this series, I was so excited to find a sneak peek into Tyler’s story at the end of this book, where we get to read about his own trial of seeking love, taking us back a bit in time before he married his wife. Don’t skip over the bonus, you will regret not reading how Tyler came about meeting Caroline.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This romance had me up all night as I read the entire story from cover to cover in the span of one night, it is that good! I was invested in Olivia, our main character, the divorced mom of two suffering from perimenopause, who just got invited to her ex-husband’s wedding to a much younger, gorgeous woman, on an island of all places! Olivia does not want to be caught dead at this wedding, let alone without a date. Unfortunately, her college-aged daughter has other plans for her mother, and works together with her best friend at college, and roommate, to set up her single dad with her friend’s single mom. Roman is a pro hockey player, close to retirement age, who has spent his life missing out on most of his daughter’s life activities due to all of the traveling a pro hockey player must do. Of course, he agreed to the plan of going on vacation with his daughter, even as her friend’s mom’s plus one, if that was what it took to spend quality time with his distanced college-aged daughter. What better combination than putting together a woman who is always experiencing hot flashes, with a pro hockey player who is used to working in the cold ice rink where he is constantly working up a sweat. Olivia needs fans around the clock in order to sleep, and Roman needs extra blankets to keep warm enough so he doesn’t freeze in the night. What happens when you put these two in a hotel room together for the weekend, with one bed?
This book was so well written, and the characters’ personalities were so opposite, it was awesome getting to read the story from each of the two main characters’ points of view as they struggled to survive the weekend together. I could feel the heat as these two kept admiring one another without the other being aware of the attraction between the two. It was quite hilarious knowing that each felt intimidated that the other was way above their game when in reality they were both very much single and interested in the other. I loved the setting in which this story takes place, showing how each character comes from such a different world, yet it goes to show that opposites most definitely attract. I am so excited to see the next book in the Hot Flashes series come out in 2024, if it’s anywhere close to this book, then it’s going to be a winner in my book!
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marlyn Love’s book Beyond Friendship had me in tears throughout the entire book. There were times that I wondered if Brian was ever going to catch a break. The poor guy had been dealt a hard hand to deal with not only from losing his father but then to be dealing with a lifelong illness that he was not willing to share the burden of with even his closest friends. Only his mom knew what he was living with, the same disease that had taken his father from them. Brian lived his life as a playboy with no strings attached, which was how he liked it, no chance of getting hurt or of allowing anyone to get hurt by losing him. Until he met Amanda, the goddess of his dreams, and his best friend Nick’s little sister. No matter how much Brian tried to move past his feelings for Amanda, he just couldn’t get over the fact that they had a strong pull of desire and attraction between them. Can Brian keep Amanda in the friend zone, and keep his illness a secret from his closest friends, or will fate have a different plan in store for him?
This book was so informative as well as so realistic, there were times when I would get so frustrated with the characters for the choices they were making, and other times when I wanted to jump for joy that they were finally being true to themselves and their feelings. All in all, I was invested in this book wholeheartedly, to the point that it literally had me in tears as I was reading, wiping my eyes just to see the words in front of me. This is such an inspiring love story, that left me feeling as if I’d just finished running a marathon right alongside the characters. This book has it all, you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a good read with a happily ever after.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love love love this book! All the characters and the plot twists, it’s wonderfully written, and the relationships. I have a lot of questions but I love this book series and I would absolutely love this made into a movie or TV show.
Liar, Liar: The McIntire County Series: #4 by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The McIntire County Series is an amazing book series that continues from the first book to the fourth book, with each book building upon the characters who each have a new case to solve. I love a good suspenseful story, and this one did not disappoint me in any way at all. I loved that we finally read about the Sheriff, Shane Hamilton, and understand why he acts the way he does throughout this series. You get this feeling that something is weighing on his mind and body, but it never even hints at what could possibly be on his mind. I loved that Liza Bartholomew gets to rejoin the story line, not only as an FBI agent, but also as a love interest for Shane, who has kept his heart locked up ever since the horrible tragedy that struck his life many years prior. What an amazing read this was, it holds you captivated throughout the entire story, with never a dull moment. You see so many unexpected twists and turns and fear for the safety of your favorite characters. Winter Austin is one of my favorite authors for writing thrilling suspense series, I even got my teenage son hooked on her books. I cannot wait to see what else she has available to read, as well as looking forward to more books yet to come. You will not want to miss reading this hit book series.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No Amends was a hauntingly tragic book about a mysterious car accident that left so many people wondering what happened to Dee. Tang a writer who is suffering from writer’s block, is keeping secrets from her girlfriend Layla. What connections does Tang have to Dee, will they come out, and if so, how will Layla react to the uncertainty about their relationship? Angela Lam did a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged and constantly connecting the pieces of this romantic suspense story. The characters are so in-depth that you feel connected to them. You question what is going on in their minds, and what they are thinking when it comes out who had passed from the fatal car accident that happens in the first chapter of the book. What a great way to get a story started, to keep the reader guessing and compiling clues from the get-go. I love a good suspense romance story and was quite impressed with this strong storyline. I look forward to reading more from this author.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Sins of the Father: The McIntire County Series: #3 by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Winter Austin did it again with another amazing, suspenseful romance book! I love reading The McIntire County Series, it grabs your attention and keeps you guessing throughout the book as to whether the missing girls will be found, whether is Xavier a killer, and who is taking the girls. Will Jolie be able to clear Xavier, or will she find out the man she is falling for is the murderer? I love that all of the characters that we have met in the other books in the series continue to make appearances in this series and that we get to continue to watch them grow in their families. I love that we not only get to see inside the mind of another retired marine but also the workings of a small-town police force and how they all work together to keep their county safe.
This story is all about Jolie, the sister of Ian, one of our bad guys from Book #2, who is now performing her deputy duties as well as learning how to step up to do some investigative work as well. We also get to know more about the mysterious Xavier and why he has been laying low, keeping his business all to himself, until he’s thrown into the spotlight when he’s suspected of killing the missing girl’s father. Xavier blacked out, and doesn’t remember anything, but will he be able to work through whatever is ailing him to help clear himself of this guilty sentence, or did he commit the crime? I am so excited to start reading Book #4 and see who our next main characters will be so that we will get a deeper understanding of their lives and tackle another mystery.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is definitely a different kind of kids book. I like that it is from the perspective of the child. I found it odd how it ends so I gave it 3 stars.
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a perfect addition to the winemakers. Possibly even the best. I love the history integrated in as well as the depth of detail in everything. Henrique and Isabel’s story is timeless.
Killer Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The thrills are even better in this second book in the Killer Series, by Allan Evans. I thought that Killer Blondes was good, but this really excelled even beyond the great read the first book was. Not only is our Detective Cade Dawkins back but he’s got far more to handle on his plate than ever before. He successfully defeated the Blonde Killer in the first book in this series, and now he’s got to take on a group of serial killers who have all started working together online. They share ideas, tips, and even information as well as challenge each other, what a scary group to have to take on for our hero detective. Turns out two of these serial killers have decided to meet up and work together, giving Detective Dawkins, a lot more to manage in his city than he’d ever bargained for. Will he be able to take on this intimidating challenge or will the group be able to win their challenge and defeat the detective that was able to stop the Blonde Killer in their tracks? This is another amazing read by Allan Evans, you do not want to pass up this excellent book series, especially if you love reading psychological thrillers!
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan McKenna is at it again, in this thrilling new adventure in Forest Park, Book 2 of The Logan McKenna Series. This poor woman is just getting her life back together, two years after the tragic accident that claimed her husband’s life. She’s moved on to a new job, a new relationship in the making, and is even taking time to vacation in Portland, Oregon. This poor woman must face tragedy once again as a murder takes place while on her vacation. Will Logan be able to clear the name of her new friend, and make it out of this alive, or is the killer after her once again? There are so many pieces to put together to solve this ongoing mystery while enjoying the thrill of the chase to beat the clock. What an amazing read this was, Valerie Davisson just keeps outdoing herself as this series progresses, and so does the intensity of the cases Logan is in dire need of solving. I am officially hooked on this series and am so excited to continue solving these murder mysteries along with our heroine. Will Logan ever get a break, and get to enjoy life, or is she doomed to continuously be put into life-threatening situations?
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
Devil’s Claw: Logan Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Devil’s Claw is the third book in The Logan Series by Valerie Davisson and is one of my favorites so far in this series! This book is so full of thrills, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book! It was so exciting I read the whole book in one sitting; I just couldn’t put it down! I had to know what happened to Logan’s daughter Amy, and the adorable sea otter cub. If you love a good mystery series that is full of thrills and chills, then this series should be on your next-to-read list. The action that goes on is so mind-numbing, it’s like you are right there experiencing everything through Logan’s eyes, her fears are real! I am so excited to start on the next book in this series because if it’s anything like the first three books in this series, it is going to continue to offer a thrill ride I can’t wait to get started on.
@Brandy Rymer
10/20203
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street was the first book I’d read in the North Fork Series, and I was quite impressed! I will be going back to read the first book in this series before the 3rd book comes out! The characters are so realistic, and beautifully portrayed in their roles of a perfect romance. Blake is a Harvard-educated woman who has recently divorced and lost her college professor position. Morgan is a single father who recently moved across the US with his daughter to escape her mother. Fawn is a deadbeat parent who’s never wanted anything to do with her daughter until it appears to be a boost to her career, now she’s determined to take custody of her daughter in order to benefit her own selfish purposes. Harper, Blake’s big brother, who’s a friend of Morgan’s has a great idea to bring together Blake and Morgan so that Blake can move in to be a nanny for Morgan’s daughter as Blake is looking for a new teaching position. He may just have another thought behind this scheme and not just getting his sister a steady job, but will his wishes come to fruition? Blake turns out to be an amazing nanny, but also a wonderful woman who catches the attention of Morgan upon their first meeting. As the story progresses will Blake and Morgan be able to work around their attraction to one another, or will they put their feelings aside for the best interest of the child? I loved reading this romance novel, it kept me cheering for our characters throughout the story, hoping that true love could conquer all odds that come at our main characters.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023
