Posts

The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A New Adult novel that tackles a tough subject with heart.

Would recommend for upper teens as there is explicit sex scenes and internal monologue about it.

A bit of an enemies to lovers/opposites attract going on here. The main topic though is what will someone do to keep their secrets and encourage others to do so as well.

I enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. The gradual build up and the opposites attract. While I could see what was coming I enjoyed the ride to seeing them get together and the obstacles they faced to be and stay together, both within and external to their relationship.

This novel is about underage young adults, so I think the high school environment led to more tension but also showed the strain of keeping secrets from people you see almost every day and how that can wear on a person.

Loved the supporting cast of friends, Lucy (the goth who holds a spot in my heart now), Megan, Ryan, and Evan. And of course Holly’s dad and Nathan’s parents. Holly’s dad reminds me a bit of Charlie Swan from Twilight and I’m here for that.

Think many who read and enjoyed the After series will enjoy this one.

CW: attempted sexual assault, “locker room” talk about women, epilepsy, panic attacks, explicit sexual content, underage drinking, underage sex, prescription drug use

View all my reviews

Castor’s Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars Book 2) by Tai James – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Castor's Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars # 2)Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.25 rounded up.

I have to say alien romance was not a thing I thought I’d like but I’ve read a few recently where I was pleasantly surprised. Happy to have dipped my toe into this romance trope recently.

I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect of this book and the way the main characters fought their attraction to each other. As this is sci-fi based I did give the insta-connection a bit of leeway that I wouldn’t have normally enjoyed in a romance, but there were times I did think the connection overriding what the characters wanted and would normally do took it a little too far.

I did love the “trials” aspect that we see here. I thought the fighting was very well done. Not sure how realistic it was for a woman with a description of being around 5 foot to be beating all these preternaturally strong foes, but again, sci-fi; we do what we want.

I overall enjoyed the romance aspect. I didn’t think it was too over the top or that the intimacy was forced. I think both characters came with their own baggage about relationships and making connections, and despite their “soulmate” attraction to one another pushing them to be together they did it on their own terms.

Did not read book 1 and this book does mention quite a bit of stuff about the background of the main characters from book 1, so highly recommend reading it, but I thought the author did a good job sussing out the information here so as to make it enough of a standalone. Obviously easter eggs though as it gives away a lot of information, especially Castor (talkative bugger).

Recommend this for normal alien romance readers and newbies to the trope alike!

View all my reviews

Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story about fighting to be with the one you want and the strains that can pull you apart.

A dual-generational story. More New Adult than YA. Contemporary romance with real life influence from the COVID pandemic.

This novel lives up to the contemporary romance name with a large chunk of it having the characters face the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic and how their lives were impacted by the shut down in the United States. If you’re looking for a novel which will help you to escape this may not be the one for you, but while it does deal with very tense subjects the novel was very well done and kept me engaged, reading on to find out what happened with Krystina and Loukas. This novel is also very much a will they/won’t they romance.

I can’t say that I loved Krystina’s character, but I can empathize with her and the desire to protect herself from the hurt Loukas had previously caused. I did enjoy that Loukas was willing to go all in with Krystina and kept fighting to show her he cared, but I found some of the ways he mentally manipulated her to be juvenile and deceitful. Despite that feeling though I do think it was fairly realistic of the things people will do in life in order to get attention. I did like how Krystina also wanted to help those around her to be and stay happy, and was an amazing friend to non-familial side characters Egypt and Chynna. I do wish we got to see more of Loukas training and wanting to fight in the beginning of the book.

I rather enjoyed the flash back scenes to Kalliope and Panos’s courting, relationship, and their forced separation. This allowed for a more detailed depiction of the background of the grandparent’s and how that influenced Krystina and her siblings.

I had not read the other two books in the series but I found that I could follow along pretty well. The author was good about describing the impact of the things mentioned which seemed like it had occurred in the previous books. It’s also a way to get the reader on the hook and get them to want to go back and read the others.

CW: Prisoner of war description, war disfigurement, COVID forced quarantining and sickness, organized fighting and mixed martial arts (MMA).

View all my reviews

PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

Partially a novel about “who dun it” and partially a novel about “who is ___ really?” I have to say I was NOT expecting the outcome.

Enjoyed this semi-murder mystery novel. A highly addictive street drug is being fought against by pillars in the community, and when those pillars start showing symptoms of having taken the drug, or even dying because of it, the authorities have to wonder why and how. When the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and the FBI get involved they will get to the bottom of who is knocking those pillars down, sometimes to six feet under.

I had to demote my rating to 4 stars because the novel is written in third person and it was sometimes hard for me to follow who it was talking about when the internal thoughts or feeling arose.

I did like that we got to see a few “main characters” throughout the novel, such as Anne, Ashley, Josh, Grant, and more. Each character had their specialty which brought more information to the table to help figure out the who and why of the crimes.

The novel certainly lives up to its name, with the perpetrator meaning to hurt certain people for their own gain. Also lives up to it’s description of being a Christian suspense, with statements like “praise God” or “it’s God’s will” at times, and the book starting with two bible passages, but it’s not overwhelming so someone not of the Christian faith can also enjoy the book.

There is some explicitness in the novel, such as shootouts and descriptions of overdosing, as well as murder, but I found those scenes to be well done and didn’t find it overly graphic.

CW: murder, overdose, drug use, kidnapping, assault, gun use.

View all my reviews

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Only able to give a 4 because I feel like this book should have had more closure in the end, but I still thought the life lesson here about adoption is relevant and real.

I did think that the story was very believable for what adopted children will do and go through when hardships arise with their adopted family.
It’s easy for adopted children to think of “what if” and all the questions of “why” or “who.” when it comes to their birth parents. I did appreciate that Oliver’s adoptive parents confirmed that they loved him dearly and wanted him as their son. There was no question about that.

I thought the artwork was very well done. I loved the black and white scheme the illustrator used.

View all my reviews

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The next cute story of Jake and his friends, and learning about others who may be different than them. Here, Jake comes across some unknown tracks and his mind gets away from him thinking of the worst case scenarios of what made them. When Jake meets a new friend Tuck, he doesn’t think anything of it until he sees Tuck’s tracks.

This story includes messages of overcoming fears, accepting others for who they are and learning about their differences (or disabilities), sharing things and why that’s nice and a good thing to do, as well as overall why being kind is better for everyone. I have adored these little life lessons for little ones. Seeing someone else (even a fictional dog) act out these traits helps them to be able to see these lessons in action. I also happen to agree with the life lessons. As someone with a disability myself I make it a point to always answer kids when they wonder why I use a wheelchair but I make it so that the wheelchair is normal and something to help me, rather than something for them to be afraid of.

I also have to mention that the artwork in this series is outstanding. The colors and features are very well done and draw the eye to all to things going on.

View all my reviews

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A storybook teaching kids about small worries and how they can handle it.

The second installment in the very cute series which imparts great life lessons for little ones. Here we get to deal with stress and anxiety about doing something new and going somewhere without your family. There’s tips and tricks to help deal with the stress and anxiety, and we see Jake having so much fun by being able to try new things and make new friends.

The “lesson plans” at the back of the book are very helpful to go over the lessons with the kiddo(s) and how they might feel when they get stressed or anxious, and how they might be able to tell another or to deal with it on their own.

Highly recommend this book, and this series, because of the cute pictures and story it gives, while imparting helpful life lessons.

View all my reviews

Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is SUCH a cute story. Here we have Jake, who happens to growl while doing things. He doesn’t plan on doing it but things that make him happy cause his growl to come out; and others just don’t understand this.

I loved the life lessons of being open and willing to accept others for who they are because you take the time to learn about them. I liked the fact that the black squirrel encouraged others to get to know Jake despite his differences and the thought that he was growling to be mean.

I also thought the activity at the end of the book was very cute and set both children and adults up for more positivity in their life if they did it every now and then.

I highly recommend this book to be read for children before bed or during any storytime. The pictures are wonderful and the rhyming was easy to follow.

View all my reviews

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyday science experiments plus fantasy, love this series.

The next installment in the very cute Mermaid Science series. A great kids picture storybook. Includes some fantasy (imaginary friend, mermaid) plus everyday science.

I’m loving this series and the little science lessons and experiments which can occur with everyday items. I also enjoy that the characters (Maia, Fig, and Trezzie) look diverse in how they’re depicted and in their names.

Here, we get to see the effect that breath has on ice cubes, as well as external stimuli, such as warm air and cold water. A cool lesson for young ones that they can then replicate on their own (with supervision).

View all my reviews

Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another magical adventure from this writer/illustrator duo.

I love that we get to see Caspian again, and him getting magical items that allow him to go on a short adventure. Here, a hat is gifted to him which allows him to hear what people around him are thinking.

The storyline is very cute and wholesome, and leads to a few little lessons.

The illustrations are well done and this whole series would be perfect for a kid’s storytime.

View all my reviews

The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 rounded up.

This was a very interesting chapter book read. Perfect for children starting out in reading chapter books, and those looking for an adventurous read.

This novel takes us on a fun adventure of a secret intergalactic agent masquerading as a librarian, and the journey she and two students go through to save their school, and the planet, from alien invaders.

I loved the “out of this world-ness” of this book. It’s bizarre yet fun, and enjoyable to read. Certainly would be a hit for young readers looking for an adventure book.

There are some illustrations along the way that allow a better picture of the characters and what’s going on in the story.

Just beware that this story may cause kids to not want to eat hotdogs with ketchup (if you know, you know).

View all my reviews

Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 6 in the series. Technically each story is a standalone novel but the stories are intertwined so it’s recommended to read the series in order.

This right here is how you write a suspenseful romance without the romance aspect overtaking your story. I have to say that this one has been my favorite of the series so far. The tension you feel between Hailey and Trey is palpable.

I really enjoyed Hailey’s character: her strength, her tenacity, and her ability to go after what she wants. I loved the push and pull that happens between her and Trey.

Trey is the smart one of the LaRosa mafia family; he’s the Family doctor. He also has his own connections and strives to help the family in other ways, but he’s protecting his heart after the last woman he wanted died due to his Family life. He doesn’t want to let anyone in, but can’t stop feeling the connection to Hailey once they’ve been reconnected.

I absolutely loved the banter that occurs between Hailey and Trey. They’re both strong headed and doing things for what they view is the right reasons, and between that and the desire that spark between them, the tension is oh so enjoyable.

TW: kidnapping, attempted murder, mafia brutality

View all my reviews

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great YA fantasy read with adventure and trials while trying to save a dying fairy realm.

This is the first book in a new spin off series from the author’s other series, Court of Bitter Thorn. While I had not yet read the other series I didn’t find it difficult to follow along as the author did a good job of summarizing the relevant points to make us understand why it was mentioned in this novel. I will be picking up those books later on though to fully understand Chloe and Quintus’ back story.

I would classify this novel as upper young adult to new adult. The FMC is a little bit older than your average young adult heroine but unlike most New Adult I’ve read there isn’t a lot of sexual tension or sexual activity in this one.

Heads up that this novel does seem to be set more within a regency time period, so women end up in arranged marriages. I enjoyed Chloe’s character and her desire to be independent and providing for herself (at least until she can find an appropriate husband). I enjoyed hearing more about her being the town’s apothecarian despite the taboo of a female working alone, especially in that field.

I wish we got to read about some of the events from Quintus’ view as we only get to see him through Chloe’s POV and I would have loved to know what he was thinking and feeling.

I enjoyed the storyline overall and can’t wait to see what comes next. I will say some of the twists and turns at the end of the novel I absolutely was not expecting.

Highly recommend for the mystical and magical qualities, and for a young woman looking to figure out her place in society (or realm).

View all my reviews

The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance, #3)The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5/5 stars.

A wonderful conclusion to a gripping and erotic trilogy. These books should be read in order as they build upon one another.

As with the other two books in the series there is graphic details of MM intimacy, as well as threesome scenes. The passion between the characters was well done without being over the top, excessive, or unbelievable (except for one scene where I can get the positioning right in my head and it’s making me go “how?!”). Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

I enjoyed revisiting Gage and how he is doing. We see him coming to the rescue for Ten, a paramedic trainee, and Juliet, a nurse. We see Gage opening himself to his feelings and finally finding his HEA, while Juliet and Ten are able to explore their feelings for one another after years of tension from being best friends.

I enjoyed reading about Juliet, who despite being down on her luck, isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and fight for the things she wants. She’s also a helper, so we get to see more outside people than we did in the other books.

I think i liked this novel the best of the three because there are more twists and turns. The ending subplot blew my mind, and was oh so satisfying. I also liked getting that last glimpse of the friendship between Gage, Knox, and Locke, and the lovely people in their life.

TW: human trafficking, explicit descriptions of illegal fighting, mafia world undertones, death

View all my reviews

The Traitor (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 2) by India Kells – Review by

/0 Comments/in /by

The TraitorThe Traitor by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great second installment in the series. FMM romance lovers rejoice.

4.5/5 stars rounded up.

The second book, of three, in a series. I wouldn’t recommend reading these books out of order because they’re on a continuous timeline and this book refers to the book before which could spoil major things.

This novel does have frequent talk and scenes of male bisexuality and FMM romance so if you enjoy that or want to get a taste of it this book/series is for you! Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 (and believable too!)

I have a love dislike relationship with Knox. I loved many aspects about him but I disliked some of the decision he made and how he seemed to make his life harder, not better, at times. I understood the decisions but I was happy to see his character growth by the end. And let’s face it, the author wrote him well to give us the drama to keep us engaged and reading until the conclusion.

I liked a lot about Josie but I found her stubbornness to be both endearing (I do love a strong independent woman) and frustrating as she was being strong about certain things for all the wrong reasons. I was glad when she came to this realization herself. I loved that she found her passion in cooking and baking and got to share that with Knox and Gage.

Here, we see Gage a year after the events of book 1 and we can already see him having grown from that experience. Sometimes it’s hard not to fall back on bad habits though.

Despite not always enjoying the personality traits or the character’s decisions at the time I thoroughly enjoyed the story and cannot wait to read book 3. Please do read and enjoy this series if you enjoy FMM romance, darker romances, and characters who grow and learn from their mistakes.

TW: talk of past human trafficking involvement, fighting, murder, domestic abuse, self-neglect

View all my reviews

The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 1) by India Kells – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance)The Debt Collector by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful start to a FMM romance series. Darker romance vibes from this one.

4.5 Stars rounded up.

The first book in a set of three about three men who are trying to overcome their pasts and happen to find love along the way.

The stories in this series do include scenes of MMF romance with tons of heat, so if you like that then this series is for you!

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 (and believable too!)

I really liked Tessa as a FMC. She’s a headstrong woman who has put herself through medical school and cares about helping others. The tension between her and Locke was there from the beginning and continued to build. I also love Gage, and his propensity to bring some lightness, laughter, and heat, to the page.

I also liked getting Locke, Gage, and Knox’s overall backstory and knowing how they became the men they are today.

The main storyline aside from the romance is Locke, Gage and Tessa working behind the scenes to bring down a human trafficking kingpin and save others. I enjoyed how well the author wrote this aspect, giving enough details to get the point across without taking away from the characters growth and personal relationship.

The writing was very well done and the storyline was fast paced. Highly recommend.

TW: kidnapping, human trafficking, violence, false imprisonment, fighting, and abuse

View all my reviews

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun retelling on Apollo from Greek Mythology. A bit of enemies to lovers, beat the bad guys, coming of age, New Adult story.

Overall, I loved this book, with its jaded MMC, the guy with the weight of the world on his shoulders, a M/M relationship, and of course the strong feminists who wouldn’t be cast into the societal roles.

This novel is told from three different perspectives, Apollo, Hyacinth, and Epiphany (This makes me thing Epiphany will have a larger role going forward). Luckily, even with the narrator switches I didn’t feel like I lost out on information between chapters, which is hard to do.

I enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect which occurred between Apollo and Prince Hyacinth. Apollo doesn’t like being told what to do and wants to protect anyone who might incur the wrath of his father, Zeus. Hyacinth has been put in charge of the kingdom while his father is away and suddenly is also told to “mentor” Apollo in what makes a good follower and leader (re: future god). I thought the tension between the two in the beginning was very well done and realistic, and I enjoyed seeing each of them start to understand the other about more and opening themself up.

I absolutely adored Temi and her strength. Love me a strong female who can kick a guy’s butt and take names. Also, her knife throwing is so good. She’s a big influence on Epiphany coming into herself as well.

Can’t wait to read more of this series!

View all my reviews

Unabridged (Lovestruck Series Book 2) by Melinda De Ross – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Unabridged (Smart & Sassy in the City, #2)Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun contemporary romance with twists and turns to keep you reading through the night

I really enjoyed this novel and the unexpected twists and turns it took me on. At first I thought this was simply a second chance romance novel with a bit of lovers-to enemies-to lovers trope, but it is so much more than that. The author takes you on a journey with Angie and Blade finding their way back to one another and fighting against the forces that wish to keep them apart.

I enjoyed the writers aspect, with Angie being a journalist (and doodler) who is pitching new ideas to her new boss. I also loved the fan-mail addition (those stories will keep you hooting in laughter). We get to see Blade acting as the new editor in chief for the magazine from the sidelines too. the journalism aspect of the book allowed some insight into an occupation I haven’t had much chance to read about in romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I absolutely adored the supportive cast of Angie’s mom, Belle, and Rat. Their addition tended to bring some levity and more realness to the story.

I highly recommend this book for those looking for a fairly quick, romantic buildup, twisty read.

View all my reviews

Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5 of the series. Highly recommend reading the other books first as the overall storyline continues from book to book and some things would be spoiled by reading out of order.

This installation focuses on the relationship between Luc and Summer. Their relationship hits many of the romance tropes: (obviously) mafia romance, workplace romance, mistaken identity, one night stand to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more (which I won’t state because I don’t want to spoil anything). I enjoyed Summer’s strength of character and her ability to stand on her own two feet despite what life throws at her. I also enjoyed Luc’s character arc and seeing him grow from self-made businessman into a mafia heir who has a family and is one of five families who run the Chicago mob scene. I did enjoy the slow build up in their relationship despite their sexual tension, and their desire to wait to be together again until they knew one another more.

I wasn’t as big of a fan of this novel compared to the others in the series but I couldn’t tell you exactly why that was. I think it’s common to have favorite books in a series and ones that just don’t call out to you the same, especially when each book focuses on a different couple. I did enjoy both the romance and non-romance storylines overall, as well as how this novel fit in the continuing storyline of the series.

Sadly, no Katya in this one. I will hold out hope of her being a FMC in the future, though it does seem like the Bratva connection has ended for now as it was only mentioned in passing and this novel focused on some new New York based Mafia families. Can’t wait to see where everything goes in the future books!

Cw: murder, violence against women

View all my reviews

The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Know-It-All PencilThe Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful fantastical scavenger hunt style kids book.

First off, I haven’t read the other books in the series so I am very curious as to what exactly an UnBirthday is!

To the actual review part: I really enjoyed this short kids book. There’s instances of magic and fantasy with a pencil that knows it all and is writing out clues for Caspian, the main character. Caspian is encouraged to go on a type of scavenger hunt by following the clues the Pencil gives him and along the way he learns skills, lessons, and the value of “paying it forward.”

I loved that we get characters of diversity (age, ability, gender, skin color, and even animals) in this book and we see them all treated with the same respect.

Would recommend this for children 4+ and as a read along for those on the younger side. The pictures are very well illustrated and are great at grabbing your attention.

View all my reviews

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack, #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A shorter read (few hours). Seemed contemporary but I don’t remember any technology so I could be wrong about that. Paranormal alternate reality where there are shifters, here wolves, who create their own packs. The Alpha of the pack head up the royalty line, and they keep lower level shifters (Omegas) and humans as servants. Lily is a human servant who has had a rough time at the hands of Royal Guards and just making it through in a life where she’s the bottom of the Totem-pole. Jason is the Prince of the pack and is expected to be the next Alpha, but he’s harboring secrets that threaten his status and security.

I really enjoyed learning more about Jason’s character and who he is outside of being the Prince and next Alpha. I thought him and Lily worked well together as a couple and I can’t wait to see them grow together. There’s not much on screen romance here, with book 1 acting like the introduction to the world and characters .

I loved the strength we see from Lily at times, but I wish we got to see her backbone in other moments. I hope she starts to trust in herself more and stops sacrificing herself for others, no matter her good intentions. I loved her relationship with her friend and fellow slave Amara.

Warning, book 1 ends on a cliffy (cliffhanger).

CW: off screen sexual assault, sexual intimidation, slave scenario, domestic violence, abuse against women

View all my reviews

Unchecked: A Steamy Love Triangle Love Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Unchecked (MetroGen Downtown Kiss and Tell, #1)Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fairly quick read. Warning, this one ends in a cliffy, but it’s worth the journey.

I enjoyed the overall storyline, and to see Stella’s growth, from alcoholic , to renowned doctor (who loves a little loving on the side) who has a penchant for making bad decisions, to someone who’s willing to put in the time and effort into a serious relationship. I feel like there could have been less drama had people just talked to one another, but where’s the fun in that in a novel, right?

This one sort of threw me because the title description is misleading, this is not a love triangle, but rather Stella has three potential suitors. All Doctors. While the author touches on the hospital’s fraternization policy, I’d hate to be in their HR department because it seems like people are hooking up with colleagues left and right.

I enjoyed that each of the potential partners got a decent chunk of the book and that for the most part the friendship and work relationship prevailed over everything else.

As the author states in the description, this isn’t your average romance. It will have you hating the characters at times, rooting for them in others, and all around pulling your hair out trying to figure out what’s going to happen next. It’s kind of like a telenovela re Jane the Virgin. Enjoy!

View all my reviews

Mermaid and the Rainbow: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

the mermaid and the rainbowthe mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Science, fantasy, and diversity! Loved it!

A very cute young kids book. It talks about science and the cool things you can do with it. It doesn’t read like the baby books and such that I remember being read (Eric Carlyle, etc.) so I think this would be good for those 4+. Great introduction to science and “experiments.” Enjoyed the additional fantastical aspect of the mermaid being able to come ashore and speak with the two human kids. Loved the diversity and representation depicted as well.

View all my reviews

Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alpha fated mates romance, with a smart FMC and swoon worthy single dad

4.5 rounded up

Book 2 in a (currently) set of 3, but each can be read as a standalone. There’s some easter eggs and hints as to what occurs in the other books but as they seem to run simultaneously in time there’s not many big spoilers if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

I absolutely love the pairing of Mason and Riley. This book also kind of gives us two books in one as we also see the fated mate pairing of Alexa and Miles occur at the same time (and do I want to read that book to know what they’re thinking and feeling!).

An insta connection is formed due to the Mason and Riley being fated mates, but the journey of them being together isn’t forced and feels organic outside of that connection. I loved that Riley is so taken with Archer, Mason’s son, and is a supportive role model right away. I also really enjoyed that Riley isn’t your average pretty FMC, she’s an outdoorsy scientist type who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. I found Mason’s love and devotion to his son to be swoon-worthy and made the character more well rounded than just being the pack alpha.

Also, I abhor Thea as a character and the tension she’s adding on the building relationships in the books so far, but I also want her to find her person and see her get her just deserts in having to fight for that relationship.

CW: Workplace sexual harassment.

View all my reviews

It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3)It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A shifter based paranormal romance. Includes military, fake identity, accidental pregnancy romance.

Right off the bat I have to say that I really enjoyed the levity that Goose the Goat and little hellion Miranda brings to this mostly serious book. This one is also a fairly quick read of only a few hours, but it kept me thoroughly engaged and rooting for Macy and Brandon to make it work.

Macy is the daughter of the alpha of a rival pack, and is expected to wed another when she meets her fated mate Brandon, a soldier, out at a club. After one passionate night they’re lost to one another for five aching years. When Brandon stumbles into Macy again the connection is still there, but is the desire to be together?

I enjoyed the military aspect of this novel, and the fact that Brandon’s unit was a covert one which utilized their shifter abilities. I also enjoyed seeing a bit of Macy’s strength, for ex her struggle of finding her own feet while being a single parent to baby and young child Miranda. I enjoyed the pairing of Macy and Brandon and hope to read more about them in snippets in the future books (hopefully there will be more as I am really enjoying this series).

I also enjoyed the little catch ups we got to see of the main couples from books 1 and 2 (and more), though they’re more easter eggs to get you to want to read those rather than straight out spoilers of what occurred in those books.

CW: PTSD, military action, murder.

View all my reviews

A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second chance paranormal shifter romance. An emotional wringer.

4.5 rounded up.

A fairly short read (a few hours), this is the first book in a series. This novel is not a straight forward romance and will put your emotions through the wringer! Heads up that this book has easter eggs as to things that happen in the other books as they read as if they are happening simultaneously for the most part.

This book follows Annabelle and Derek, and their journey back to one another.

I enjoyed the slight murder mystery that occurs in this book alongside the journey Annabelle and Derek must go through to be back together. There’s hesitancy on both their parts, which is understandable after being apart, and thinking the other didn’t care in the same way, for eight years.

In this series the men are the shifters (werewolves) but it’s not the kind we’re used to reading about, where they’re larger than normal wolves but basically the same; here, the werewolves are some hybrid animal that takes over control of the body only on the full moon and sometimes when emotions get too extreme.

I really enjoyed the additional input of side characters, some of whom we see more of in the future books in this series.

CW: murder, degenerative disease, heartache

View all my reviews

So Right (Love Grows Series Book 5) by Renee Regent – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance (Love Grows Series Book 5)So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute and fun reverse age gap, forced proximity, fake fiancé, undercover assignment, workplace romance.

I really enjoyed the character reveal of both the Amara and Petro. We get to know each person little by little, but it doesn’t leave you needing to know ALL the details about each of them right away. In fact, I think the reveal of the past of each of them was very well done without being overplayed (our pasts make up who we are today so those experiences influence how and what we do). This book is told from both her and his POVs so we get an insight into what each of them are thinking and feeling.

I loved the tension between them in the beginning. It wasn’t overdone. I do think it moved a little fast from her not really liking him to looking at him with more intent, but I can appreciate how his opening up to her was enough to soften her resolve against him without it feeling like “instalust”. I did also enjoy that they didn’t just jump into bed together once they realized the other was also attracted but thought out their feelings and the potential consequences (sort of).

I enjoyed the undercover work and the details that came from that. The author did a wonderful job giving enough details of Amara and Petro scouting the Inn to keep you engaged without bogging you down with the nuances of the rolls the characters played.

I also really loved the supporting characters, John (the boss), and the family members of both Petro and Amara. They are (almost) all so supportive of their respective character and bring some added oomph to the story. We also get a quick look at/update on Audrey, who was the FMC in book 3, Not So Far, in this series.

While this is the first book in this series, and of this author, that I’m reading, I’m certainly putting more on my TBR list!

View all my reviews

Road Rage (Outlaw Series Book 4) by Katrina Kantas – Review by Alexandria Richard

/0 Comments/in /by

Road Rage (OUTLAW, #4)Road Rage by Karina Kantas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was hard for me to rate, so my review will reflect that. I am a fan of dark romance and other dark readings, so that is also reflected here.

3.75 rounded up.

The good:
I did enjoyed the overall story of this book, and reading about Gem’s evolution into Rage (the Motorcycle Club) and the glimpses of her backstory and how she came to be when she met Shep. Gem does get her HEA with her man, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her building that relationship and allowing it to thrive. I also really enjoyed the street racing aspect and the adrenaline that came from reading those scenes.

The so-so:
I feel like some of the flashbacks would have in fact been better placed sooner in the books, especially some of Gem’s flashbacks to her time with the Hawks. (That transition in the book seemed to be thrust on us out of nowhere.) I felt like there wasn’t enough time to recover from her trauma in the flashbacks to then jumping into the contemporary trauma she was experiencing. Normally when I read a dark series I like to read about characters who, despite their trauma, are strong and willing to fight back, and while Gem does, it’s done in a way that leaves me left wanting. I found the romance aspect of this book lacking as well as there was almost no actual sex scenes that occurred, were just told there was sex between the characters, or that it was good or the best sex of Gem’s life, and then the only real description of a sex scene is traumatic for the character.

Disclaimer: I have not read the other books in the series, and by this book I don’t think I will. This book is not the first I’ve read by this author, so when I saw it and the synopsis I was excited; however it fell flat for me. This book was originally published in 2013, making it 9 years old at the time of this review, and the author’s writing has come a long way since. I just couldn’t get behind the writing here. It’s definitely a case of telling, not showing. I also felt that it wasn’t the smoothest in its transitions from one situation to the next.

Cw: drug use, violence against women, domestic violence, detailed description of fist fighting, sexual and nonsexual assault, active rape, motor cycle club culture.

View all my reviews