The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! It was face paced and kept me turning the pages wanting more. Melody, Imani and Lance were awesome characters. I loved going with them on their journey through friendship and everything in between. I can’t wait to read the next one!
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Melody, Imani, and Lance are back and their friendship is seemingly stronger than ever. That is, until they are faced with more hardships and tragedies that test them each individually and as a group. The Colors of Love is Lance’s story, but Imani shares the spotlight most of the time.
There is a lot going on throughout The Colors of Love and so many characters with issues of their own to meet. Emotions run high from page one and never let up. In this book you get love, sadness, deceit, betrayal, heartache, grief, and jealousy. There is a lot to take in, including possible triggers: suicide, racism, domestic violence, and kidnapping.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Once again I was a tad disappointed. I started off thinking that Lance was gonna be the star of this book but it didn’t really feel that way, it seemed to be more about his escapades than him protecting his girls. Imani was very annoying to me in this book, the mixed signals, how she handles the issues with melody, she was just too all over the place.
I will say that unwavering friendship is a wonderful thing and I think it’s beautiful in these books. It’s always good to have a couple of good people on your corner.
True Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a great ending to this series. Our core group of friends, Melody, Lance and Imani are faced with new life challenges, and must sort out their relationships in order to be able to save their friendships. When the spouse of one of them unexpectedly passes away, the three musketeers must pull together to help one of their own. Their relationships as well as their individual relationships to other college friends, and even their own family members are all affected, examined, and changed. This book will make you realize just how important relationships are in life, and help you to appreciate those who are always there for you, no matter what.
True Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book three of the Colors trilogy, this one knocked my socks right off. So much going on with Lance, Melody and Imani. It’s good to see that they still stick together. I felt every emotion through this story: happiness, pain, joy and sadness, all of it. The author has tied up the storyline so well that everything comes together. It is a happy ending with some pain along the way. The characters are familar faces that we have come to know and love. They are still so easy to relate to. If you haven’t tried this story or this series, I recommed you do. This is series that is better read in order.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I believe that this author is trying to break me. After the horrible relationship in the first book, one would think that Melody would get a break. Nope. Then throw in Marco and Imani, Imani and Lance, Lance and Heather, graduation and so much more. I don’t know if I can take book three but I know I will read it.
If I wasn’t already attached to these characters from the first book, my attachment grew deeper with the second book. I have a feeling that I am going to be shattered after the third book. There was soooooo much that happened in this book. This story picks up immediately after the tragedy that ended the first. Melody is recovering. Imani and Lance, each facing their own guilt and recovery, protect and shield Melody from everything. Imani finds an unexpected love. Melody faces heartbreak, again, and again. Lance discovers a family secret that leads to a positive outcome. Everyone graduates. Lance gets drafted. Lance gets injured. Lance marries Heather. Melody needs a guardian angel. Imani marries Marco. Imani gets a premonition.
The rollercoaster of emotions doesn’t end. The bounds of this friendship are tested time and time again, but they prove to be strong and elastic. I can’t wait to dive into the third book. This series is phenomenal.
True Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
This is the third and last book in the Colors Trilogy. True Colors is 1 – 2 years on from the others and the once strong bond between the 3 friends, Melody, Imani, and Lance is not what it was but they once again find that they need to lean on each other when tragedy strikes. But is their past and the divide too great to bring them fully back together and to trust each other? I strongly suggest you read these books in order or you are missing out on too much back story.
This contemporary New Adult story has secrets and lies, pain and suffering, hopes and stubborn pride, ghosts and lost love, horrors and hardships that may just be too much.
The title of this book is apt as we see just what the true colours of the characters are now.
Reviewed by @jennadb
♡ 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ♡ ❥
Imani Cabrette, strong and proud, never asks for help. But when an accident changes her world forever, can she overcome her stubborn pride?
Sweet, dependable Melody Wilkins owes her life to Imani. Now that the tables are turned will she step up to the plate?
The last time Lance Dunn saw Imani, she chose another man over him. Can he forget their convoluted past and help her when she needs him the most?Through it all, life eventually shows your…True Colors.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book 3) by K.R. Raye
K. R. Raye lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. Throughout her diverse career working as a mechanical engineer, adjunct professor, and in sales, she continues to weave her love of marketing, computer information systems, and operations together with her passion for writing.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I am a fan. I was hooked from the very beginning. From the mix of characters to the amazing plot. I found myself emotional during some parts of this book, which I love. Very well written and entertaining. I will be reading the other books in this series.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author has done it again. This book is amazing. It makes you laugh and cry. It keeps you on your toes guessing what’s going to happen next. Be prepared to fall more in love with the characters and sometimes just want to knock some sense into them. Can’t wait for the next book.
Hollywood talent scout Jules ends up in the small, ranch town of San Sity, Florida to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed in the town. While the town’s quirky relatives all think they have what it takes to be a star, there’s one man who stands above all the rest: Mitchel Scott.
Mesmerized by the hunky cowboy at first glance, Jules sets off to convince Mitchel he’s the spark the show needs to become a hit, but the tough-talking, no-nonsense rancher wants nothing to do with Jules or her show and would be happy if he never heard from her again.
Or so he claims.
Jules and Mitchel fight each other at every turn, but neither of them is prepared when their growing animosity turns into love.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading Diabolical Sword, I was completely enthralled by this book. It fits perfectly, I’m so completely in love with this series already. Literally every supernatural creature that interests me is in this book. Kayda is feeling lonely because her best friend is on the run, Harlow is hiding to protect those he loves. Two separate stories intertwined.
After reading the first book, I was hoping to get more answers to my questions and see more character development. For Imani, I was not as attached as I was in the first book. In this one, she became a little annoying and somewhat overwhelming with her mixed signals and the consistent stress she portrayed throughout the book. It’s not that I did not like her storyline, but that I had hoped for a more mature, experience-driven arc for her instead of high maintenance and incredibly flighty with her emotions. Imani was a little too hot-cold for me which caused me some anxiety to continue reading about her. I would also like to have seen more of a story between Lance and Melody. I saw some with them individually, but I felt like Lance should have been given his time to learn how to focus on his “girls” and less on gratifying his other less appropriate natures. Overall I liked this book. It takes me back to senior year in high school when I watched the popular kids’ life unfold in front of me and shake my head at the bad decisions and toxic breakups and broken hearts(I was the outcast and nerd in my school). This gave me all the feelings of high school love and naive romance. The tragic loss of Melody hit me hard and had me set the book aside to calm my nerves. As ever the graphic scenes, the trigger warnings, and the intense emotions these characters experienced made me fall in love with them and become incredibly frustrating. So, though I yearn for a more developed storyline from the characters, I also cannot wait to read the next one. This book was that frustrating and that good. I definitely recommend it.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This books was such a fun read. Magic, drama, friendship, and adventure thrown into an exciting journey. A great storyline with the perfect amount of build up and unexpected twists. The author did a great job drawing you in and keeping you engrossed in the story. I am so eager for what’s next!
This book starts off with a focus on three friends. The three of them meet and instantly form an insta-love, insta-friendship. Melody is purely romantic at heart and believes in the whole “love at first sight” type of fairytale. This ironically takes up most of the book as she falls for Kevin. Lance is the Jock and wants to go Pro to the NFL, and Imani is loyal and friendly, and always quick with witty banter.
The Colors of Friendship is about friendship, and the journey to discovering themselves. There are some harsh themes, like abuse, and graphic erotic scenes. However, this did not deter me. Instead, though some of the language and storyline were harsh, it also added to the grit of the story and added to the character development. I am glad there is a 2nd and 3rd book because this book left me feeling as if the story of the 3 friends is not finished. Almost underdeveloped. I was intrigued and very convinced to keep reading. There were a few hangups for me, mainly because of how naive Melody could be, especially being in college. But somehow that just made the story better in some ways. definitely worth the read.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting as we followed two separate stories, Harlow’s and Kayda’s. Both stories had a lot of drama and adventure which made for an exciting read. Each story was complete unto itself yet they connected on a basic level. I loved both and I found this to be a really good series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to delve back into this story and these characters after reading this first book. This one definitely lives up to my expectations and is easily better than the first. It was jam packed full of exciting storylines and brilliant characters. It is one of those books I struggled to put down, even if it were 3am!
I thought the plot development in this book was even better than the first, pushing it into the next level for me. the author pieces together everything so well and it is such an enjoyable read. I would highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for what comes next.
Unbreakable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You definitely have to read these books in order. So, all these .5 in the book numbers and more than one prequel is doing my head in so let me try to get it straight.
Insatiable Darkness is Book 0.5 in the Vigilant series and the prequel to Caged Fire Book 1 both are EmVee’s story.
Unbreakable Darkness is Book 1.5 in the series, but actually takes place at the same time as the first two books. It is Dexter’s story and is actually the prequel to Scepter of Fire Book 2. I know there are other books but I will worry about them later. Hope this helps.
These books are YA paranormal supernatural stories mixed with fantasy and science fiction. There is adventure and suspense, betrayal and mystery, danger and sacrifice, paranormal beings/creatures and magic and much, much more in this fast-paced and action-packed tale.
Dexter finds himself staring Trouble in the face more than he likes but unfortunately it seems to find him where ever he goes. Now it’s time to face it head on he only hopes he survives to tell the tale.
It took me a while to get into the flow of these books but now I am intrigued.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what I was getting when I picked this book. I read the synopsis. Three college kids learn about life, love and the true value of friendship. Sure. When I started reading, I was sucked into their lives. Imani, the independent, wise-cracking, focused engineering student that despite turning down love is driven towards her goals of a degree and career, while trying to protect her friends. Especially Melody, a hopeful romantic that just wants what her parents found in college. Melody is a little too naive for her own good. And, Lance the big brother to all. Lance is a cad to everyone but his girls, Imani and Melody. Lance is focused on making the NFL, getting a degree, and protecting his friends.
Imani, Melody and Lance meet during freshman orientation and become inseparable. Imani and Melody are roomies and Lance spends as much time as he can there. Everything goes well until someone new poses a threat to the group.
The beautiful friendship that these three have developed is friendship goals. The way they are there for each other is heartwarming. I won’t lie there are times I was yelling at the characters for their choices, times I wanted to throw my device across the room because someone ignored another giant red flag….I am talking about you, Melody. I have moved up Book 2 on my reading list. I can’t wait. I also love some of the side characters. Big Tony stole my heart. This book is fantastic. It is a shame that I have a day job!
Unbreakable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am really enjoying each and every book in this series, this one included. They all seem to add to much to the series as a whole and yet stand out as a single book. I loved the main character in this particular story. He carried it for me and I really connected with him and his journey. The story was exciting and gripping from the moment you start reading. I struggled to put it down once I had started reading.
So much seems to happen in this book, I was swept away by it all and loved each and every moment. This is a really strong series I am thoroughly enjoying it all.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector series by Melissa Erin Jackson. This is an action-packed urban fantasy- with an engrossing and original storyline full of intriguing developments, imaginative touches, wonderful world-building, quirky/interesting characters, friendship, magic, witches, mystery, adventure, danger, drama, humour, the paranormal, fun, and excitement. Oh, and did I mention a sentient dragon sword- yes! so very intriguing!!!
A wonderful second addition to the series and I can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Melissa Erin Jackson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Unbreakable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Unbreakable Darkness is Book #1.5 in the Vigilant series by L.M Preston. It is actually set before the events in Book #1, Caged Fire. This story is from Dex’s point of view- but also adds to the growing ‘bigger picture’ of the series, so far. This book is also the prequel to Scepter of Fire (Book #2).
Dex’s life was turned upside down, and his big football dreams went up in smoke, when his father moved the family from New York to a much smaller city. He seems to be a magnet for trouble, soon finds himself in jail. Things just seem to slide downhill from there. But what a journey of discovery he is thrust into…
This continues the intriguing YA fantasy series with action, adventure, mystery, the supernatural/paranormal, drama, danger, family, emotion, discovery, love, and intensity.
Bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, L.M. Preston.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Wicked Treasure is an original Paranormal Urban Fantasy mystery story. Melissa’s story telling is fun, entertaining yet fraught with perils and danger. There is lots of action and intrigue, mystery, magic, lies and deceit and adventure. This book picks up where the first one ended so I do recommend reading these books in order.
The fantastic world building drew me in and had me totally engrossed. I love me a good supernatural paranormal story and this one is unique and a little thrilling that made for an exciting tale. I love the sassy Heroines Melissa writes.
Magic, witches, the Collective, swords, treasure and mythical creatures are what you can expect in this book. The characters are quirky and have unique personalities. As with the first book I especially loved that the sword was a character and had a fiery spirit all of its own. There is a lot going on in the story but the author has pulled it all together nicely.
Harlow’s story continues in this book along with the story of her best friend Kayda. Harlow is on the run wanting to find the mystery behind the dragon sword. Kayda has been left behind to deal with the Collective who is creating chaos and trying to close ranks and hope that their secrets are not revealed. Kayda is not happy and thus her story unfolds.
I am eager for more of this series!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Unbreakable Darkness by L.M. Preston
This is the third book I have read by LM Preston, and I still find myself transported to her world. Unbreakable Darkness is technically the third book in the vigilant series. While the first two books Insatiable Darkness and Caged Fire take place at the same time as this book, they are from the perspective of Dexter’s older sister EmVee.
While Unbreakable Darkness is like Insatiable Darkness, it is the prequel of Dexter’s story after the family moves to Newport Rhode Island. We first meet Dexter on his first day at a new school, back in New York his 6’4” frame was considered one of the largest students, the students male and female in Newport made him feel average sized. Dexter is the second oldest in his family after EmVee, with twin younger brother and sister Reese and Rei. The first day of school goes from bad to worse when his sister Rei texts him needing help that led to him getting pulled over and arrested by Detective Whalen. When his father Max arrives to pick him up the Detective offers to let him go with no charge if he will agree to being an informant at the high school for him. Students have been disappearing since the end of the previous school year and all through the summer, with no leads the police are concerned. The top athletic students continue to go missing without anyone filing police reports. Months go by and Dexter feels he is finally getting the chance to achieve his dreams. He is on the football team working towards being an elite, promised it would lead to a pro football career after high school. Falling head over heels for London, his mentor Grady’s little sister. Only now he is beginning to question everything about the town of Newport, his girlfriend is keeping secrets linked to the cuts and bruises that appear and disappear all over her body. He witnesses unimaginable events in the woods, vampire looking creatures, one of which he “kills”, giant hybrid spiders with female torsos and faces, told that if they survive making it out of the woods back to their cars they move on to the next stage. Numerous warnings begin making him think he is not crazy that he should be questioning things but his hunger to be a pro footballer is all he wants in the world, and he would do anything and everything he can to succeed in the initiation process.
I cannot wait to read the next book to learn the rest of Dexter’s journey in Scepter of Fire Book 2 of the Vigilant Series. LM Preston’s ability to build the story and characters is beyond amazing. Several characters overlap between the first two books of EmVee’s POV but this book builds on them, we learn more about them and how they are weaved into every one’s story.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book one, Diabolical Sword, felt like both introduction and teaser of the world where magic exists. Not only does magic itself thrive in a city, but there are supernatural forces – and beings – that have and use it. I fell in love with the series within the first few chapters of the first book, so when I had the opportunity to read this, the second of the Charm Collector series, I jumped on it. And I’m so glad that I did! Wicked Treasure is the continuation of Harlow’s story with the added mix of her best friend, Kayda’s, point of view. Harlow, her sword, and the illusive Caspian are on the run, attempting to solve the mystery of the origins of the sentient sword…one thing leads to another, and our heroine finds herself in yet another precarious situation.
Meanwhile, Kayda’s left in Luma to handle the fallout- and something she never expected to have to deal with. The concept behind the draken is so intriguing to me, so I’m thrilled that the author decided to expand on them just a bit in this book. Kayda struck me as a fierce-warrior in book one, but we get to see a little more complexity from her in the sequel. The characters, even the side characters, in these books feel so alive and well-written that the entire story practically weaves itself into your imagination. Now I’m trying to be patient and wait for the next book, but I have a feeling – just like with this one – that the third book will be worth the wait!
Unbreakable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 1.5 of the Vigilant Series. And just like the previous books in the series it is a great paranormal story that will keep the reader gripped.
In this book we follow Dexters story. Since moving with his family things seem to be going from bad to worse. Dex always seems to attract trouble and it seems moving to a new place hasn’t changed that. However things start to take a dangerous twist when he gets involved in things he doesn’t understand and starts to unravel secrets he shouldn’t know about.
Add to this a romance, a murder mystery where kids are going missing and a plot twist that involves something wrong with the football team and cheerleaders and a magical ring and this book becomes one read you can’t put down. This story is told through Dexter’s eyes and his reactions to the situations happening around him.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Charm Collectors series. I do recommend reading these books in order so that you can follow the story. This is a urban fantasy and the author does an amazing job of making the reader visualise and experience everything as if they were actually there. The characters are really well written as well and they are relatable.
This books picks up where the first one ended. Kayda and Harlow have always been friends. Partners in crime going through life together. That is until Harlow leaves. Going on the run with Caspain.
With Harlow gone the Collective turn their attention to Kayda. Now Kayda is in for something she never expected before and she has to face it without her friend.
Meanwhile Harlow and Caspian have left, hoping the dust will settle behind them. They are on the hunt for a magical sword. While searching they also uncover secrets about the Collective which makes them even more targets than they were before they left.
This book is full of adventure from start to finish and with loads of twists and turns and mythical dangers along the way it Will definately keep the reader wanting more.
Hollywood talent scout Jules ends up in the small, ranch town of San Sity, Florida to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed in the town. While the town’s quirky relatives all think they have what it takes to be a star, there’s one man who stands above all the rest: Mitchel Scott.
Mesmerized by the hunky cowboy at first glance, Jules sets off to convince Mitchel he’s the spark the show needs to become a hit, but the tough-talking, no-nonsense rancher wants nothing to do with Jules or her show and would be happy if he never heard from her again.
Or so he claims.
Jules and Mitchel fight each other at every turn, but neither of them is prepared when their growing animosity turns into love.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
If you are a fan of Percy Jackson then you need to read this series. You will need to start with the first book as Wicked Treasure picks up right where Diabolical Sword left off.
This book is from Kaydas perspective as we start off with her getting a courier bird from Harlow. They are still on the run. The collective are doing their best to paint themselves in a better light, doing what they can to recover from what happened in the first book.
In this book Harlow and Caspian are on the hunt for treasure. Special treasure that has sentient magic. On this adventure they face many mythical creatures mainly Trolls. But that is not the only danger they face.
This book is Urban Fantasy at it’s finest and I loved it from start to finish.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was struck hard with love with the prior book, and this one continued the fantasy story that I had very much fallen in love with. I loved this one I think actually, a bit more! The writing was perfectly done.
I loved this one as it still had those adventurous fantasy elements that intrigued me in the first novel, but this one went down a road that gave more and made your mind visualize more Also, loved seeing the characters from the first book again. I saw a lot of character growth in this one. I loved the more deeper we dove in this one, the more that came to light, the end is not near yet for our heros! Cant wait to see what happens next in this most amazing series! I love hoe the flow goes, the characters, and I love this book!
The series is amazing, and I very much enjoyed how the author did this installment! The author, book, sand series are must reads for sure! High recommendation for all of them from this love struck reader!