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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had high hopes for this book as the first one was SO good, and it did not disappoint. I love stories where each book in the series follows a different set of characters but still intermingles in the other characters you have met in previous books throughout the story.
The author’s use of rich descriptions while also keeping a conversational tone to her writing makes this book very easy to read and before you know it, it’s coming to an end. I am very much looking forward to reading the next installment and am very curious as to who that story will follow and how the events will flow with those included in this book and the first!

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Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Caught in Midnight Shadows (Caught series, #4)Caught in Midnight Shadows by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will definitely need to read the first three to this series as I feel I am missing quite a back story but it was a fantastic book. The author did a great job at introducing the characters and using such rich description to set up the scene in the mind of the readers! Originally I chose to read this book because the synopsis caught my eye – I have family in Wyoming so I take in any story with characters from there or ranchers! – but then the mystery and thriller aspect of the book took over and made me so curious for what was going to happen next and how it was going to play out. I honestly can’t explain too much without it spoiling the story for those excited to read it but what I will say is 10/10 it hooked me and I will be finding the first three immediately to fill in the mental gaps I have. The author did a good job at trying to connect all dots in this book but I definitely encourage readers to start from book 1 for the full experience.

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection #3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection, #3)Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this series in less than a week, back to back, I couldn’t put it down!
So. Many. QUESTIONS! Of course, I loved it (can I note that I am not normally a huge paranormal fan, but Barrett has written this series in such a way that it doesn’t have me rolling my eyes for how unrealistic ghost stories tend to be… like, I can actually imagine this all happening to someone as it’s being told. COLOUR ME IMPRESSED!) but I am now impatient for the next installment as there was a teaser at the end and it did its job. It teased. I have been teased. Now I want the book!
This installment followed Scott and Zelda again as they went through their lives; their family fuller and happier thanks to the addition of lifelong friends, but of course something is missing. Tragedy strikes, and then it strikes again, and again. They really cannot seem to catch a break. Meanwhile the three-year old little princess is taking everything in stride and their friends are assisting in every way they can. Secrets are revealed, boundaries and relationships are tested, and characters are introduced.
Can’t wait for the next book and to see what literary 180 Barrett will take this time!

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two Words: SO. GOOD!
I had high hopes for the second book of the Crawford Mystery series as the first one was such an excellent read, and this one did not disappoint. It was succinct, with good flow and the character arcs hit exactly when they needed to. I especially love how Racine will lead the reader in one direction and then pull a 180 on them when it all comes together in a neat little bow. Half of the book I thought to myself “this is going to be what happens, just watch” and of course, nope there is a wonderful little twist that is just so satisfying.
Congratulation again Marissa, can’t wait to read the 3rd installment! I will be keeping an eye out for it!

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #2)Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just like Flockton’s first book of the series, Runaway to the Outback was a cute game of cat and mouse with Pandora and Jonas denying their attraction to each other and inwardly stating why their relationship would never work until the last second.

This one in particular calls to me as Pandora is very much a city girl finding all the joys in small town/country living.
The descriptions are great and I love the support that Jonas’ family provides each other throughout the books. Very realistic!

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #1)Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicole Flockton has created a fantastic game of cat and mouse within this story. I adore the chemistry that pretty much leaps off the page and slaps the reader in the face, while attempting to keep it from the characters. I’m just a sucker for stories that I wish my life was like, I guess!

The story is set up so great! Small town boy moves to the big city to get away from the people he thought hated him, and avoids anything that reminds him of his past. All the money and glamour can’t fix whats missing though. When an opportunity to make things right comes up, he – reluctantly – jumps at it and finds that he misses all the things he lost living in a small town… including his old best friend’s sister whom had grown into quite the woman since he last saw her. Sparks fly, a barrier is established and lines pushed…

I particularly love how Flockton establishes the antagonist, and how subtle it is.
Cannot wait to read more of her series!

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No Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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No Strings AttachedNo Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely ADORE these stories! Lara did such a great job of setting the scene and having Kayla & Tanner’s interactions so natural and fluid that I felt like I was reading a diary rather than a work of fiction. I could picture everything as it was taking place!
These stories are an absolute guilty pleasure of mine and I enjoy them to the fullest.
Boy meets girl, relationship is established, emotions are formed, hurdles are overcome, hurt ensues, someone apologizes to someone & either they walk away or they make it work! It’s a simple equation but it’s perfect when done correctly.
I can’t really say any more without giving away vital parts of the book so all I will say is, READ IT YOURSELF! Pinky-promise?

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a soft spot for murder mystery novels, and this one had everything I adore: a stereotypical crime, a number of possible suspects that keeps the reader guessing, a clueless hero/heroine, a sassy cop, & finally a great tied together ending that explains everything that the reader had been piecing together themselves. It was perfect, from the amount of detail included to the amount of foreshadowing left for the reader to imagine their own conclusions!

The character interactions between Detective Overstreet and Lauren were positively scrumptious. I kept hoping that there would be a romance side to the story and I wasn’t disappointed, it was subtle but it was there and I loved the undertones of the interactions as they unfolded.

This story was made all the better because I have family in Wyoming, where the book is based, and it all felt like I was home. The author’s descriptions were spot on, while also not focusing too overly much on detail. It made it feel all very natural!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bernadette Marie did a great job at creating her little world within this series. I have so far only read the first book but I absolutely adore books that follow character storylines from other perspectives.
“Something Lost” is a fantastic palette cleanser for someone who is in the need of a light hearted romance with a bit of a spin. The entire story has you thinking “what’s going to happen next?!”; each sentence is like a cliffhanger!
The minute detail that was included, simply to bring the scene together in the reader’s head was absolutely on point. 10/10 would recommend!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! From the amount of detail included about the characters to the foreshadowing and multiple twists, I was hooked from the beginning to the end! I was very impressed and intrigued by how involved the story was. I got really engrossed and had to make sure I read every word to understand the setting being made at that point in the story. Many times I thought, “wow, didn’t see that coming! Clever!’

If you like romance with a twist, then take the time to read this book! You won’t be disappointed!

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Return to Alpha by Wesley Britton – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Return To Alpha: A new saga beginsReturn To Alpha: A new saga begins by Wesley Britton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“Return to Alpha” is a dystopian novel set in the future, based off the events that are occurring today – with the pandemic being at the forefront of the “festivities”. I have read many books with a similar mindset, and while I do want to applaud the author for painting a scarily realistic picture of what could become – possibly minus the space travel, but who really knows! – it was a difficult book to immerse myself in.
The writing was factual and concise, and extremely descriptive – sometimes to the point that it look away from the book itself and I found myself wanting to skip forward to the next part.
There also are a lot of characters – each with extensive backgrounds and information. Again, this is a the show of a very talented author, it was just a bit much for myself.
Good work, Wesley Britton!

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Fight for It by Amy L Gale – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Fight for It (Sunset Cove)Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book because it was a simple, easy, wholesome read. It was the standard story – small town feel, boy moves back to town a hero/big shot, meets girl who boy has known all his life, boy and girl kindle a romance, girl or boy pushes the other away for seemingly unknown reasons, trouble arises, boy or girl overcomes reasons in order to be with the other, they all live happily ever after… BUT I loved how Amy puts in a second villain character!
The twist that is not really a twist, which becomes a twist again made the story that much more intriguing!

I do feel that the end hit a bit too abruptly and the bow was tied a little too neatly, but overall it was a fun read and I am planning on keeping it in my back pocket for when I need an easy book to make me smile.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had a rollercoasters amount of twist and turns! I am not fully sure if I understood what was real and what was illusion, and I am also not sure if that was the author’s intention but it made for an interesting story!
I would have liked a bit more of a conclusion on a few things though, as the story’s end does seem to come abruptly and not necessarily leaving a cliffhanger for a sequel. Despite this, the book was entrancing and it was difficult to tear away from! I almost managed to finish it in one sitting – which is difficult with multiple small children around!

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Stripped (Stripped Book 1) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Stripped (The Stripped Series Book 1)Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though the story did take a little bit to get into – as I hadn’t read the other books leading up to it – once I got going it was an intense and entralling book! It really sucks you in with the various characters and how they overlap and interact.
I am very interested in how this story progresses through the series. Despite being a bit difficult to get started, the book was engaging and the characters humorous while still being relatable. Time and time I kept finding myself thinking of how I would be reacting in that situation, which I find is the sign of a well written story!

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DATING THE INTERN by Natalina Reis – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Dating the InternDating the Intern by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute story! Natalina Reis did such a great job at making the characters engaging and relatable. With a little twist here and there, a story that may have started as predicable became original in a cheeky and lovable way! Descriptions were on point and the flow was perfection! Non-traditional protagonist/antagonist situations makes this story even more original and fun to read.

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Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

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Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this story. The storyline flowed so seamlessly and I forgot that I was reading a book for a while. I simply couldn’t put it down. The personalities and conflicts meshed together naturally, it was very enjoyable to read! When it was finished, I immediately started searching around for the second book!

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