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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a society where being invisible is your best asset, Xenobia excels and thrives under her tendencies to blend. That is, until she meets Urd, and the two become fast friends. Suddenly, survival becomes a two-person necessity and Xenobia can’t just look out for herself. Unfortunately, Urd captures the attention of a rather sadistic Master and Xenobia overhears the plans he has for her. Xenobia knows the struggle is futile, but how can you abandon someone you care for? A storm brews on the horizon, and Xenobia knows things will never be same. This was an emotional and powerful prequel that left me wanting to dive deeper into the rest of the story!

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hard-working Selene is a gambling addict who works hard but has a hard time keeping a job due to the vibe she gives off. Down on her luck, having just lost her most recent job and home, Selene gets a crazy streak of luck. A job where you get room and board on a tropical island and unlimited use of the amenities? What’s the catch? There’s a mask rule and rumors of a curse. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I quickly fell into the book and Selene’s situation and could not put the short book down! I am hoping this book becomes the start of a new series!

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride RomanceDeja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rough-around-the-edges male lead? Check. Runaway bride? Check. Throw in a few issues and the forced close-proximity and you have the perfect elements to a great story. This book was a lot of fun to read with lots of humor and banter to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. I deeply enjoyed the chemistry between Maisy and Miller, their relationship and interactions felt so natural. The main characters aside, I also fell in love with the side characters and their depth. Now I feel like I need to read the other two books since this one was so good.

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The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda J. Burson – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marcy is a successful business owner who seems to have it all – until she starts having nightmares and develops uncharacteristic anger issues. With her sudden turn in behavior, her closest friends and boyfriend become concerned, though Marcy brushes off her own reactions to others and certain situations. It’s not until she is confronted with her own actions and the threatened loss of her boyfriend, Brad, that Marcy realizes she has a problem and needs help. However, Marcy is soon confronted by another victim of rage, Liam, and the course of her recovery and life seems to become shaky. This was an interesting series to read, I enjoyed the love triangle and psychological tidbits thrown in that kept me engaged and reading from page one to the last.

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The Befallen (The Unsung and the Wolf Duology) By Cambria Williams – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sloane, the female main character, lived a simple life as an apprentice to her father’s leatherworking in a small village. When Market Day comes around, Sloane gets the opportunity to sell their wares alone, despite the trip being long – especially with her disability – and finds success in her small adventure. Soon after, while on her way back home, she discovers something horrible has happened…the curse of the Befallen has claimed the lives of those she once knew. On the other side of the coin, we learn about Tolvar, the male main character, and his life as a disgraced knight and the struggles of his own life. The paths of our two main characters cross and become intertwined as they try to solve and remedy the problem that is the Befallen. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Befallen is a dark fantasy with such a complex world and plot that it’s sure to hold your attention within the first few chapters and throughout the book.

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Seraphina (Heartstrings Series) by Brooke May – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Seraphina (Heartstrings Book 4)Seraphina by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you think of Cupid, what comes to mind automatically is love. This is the fourth book of the Heartstrings series following the case of Cupid Seraphina who is trying to help hockey star Seth find love…for the third time. Will the stars finally align for Seth or will this be another love-connection fail? I really enjoyed how this book gives depth to the characters while also giving the reader insight into the inner workings of Cupids and their own relationships! The story’s pacing was great and concise while also allowing the reader to fall into the plot and connect to the characters. You can easily read this as a standalone novel.

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Slay It With A Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book three of the Diamond District Mystery Series, this book focuses on the mystery of a supposedly cursed diamond. Mimi, the main character and sleuthing journalist, works with her diamond dealer father, and her fiancé cop to solve a murder left in the wake of the diamond. I started reading this series with this book, which can easily be read as a stand-alone, though I now have the first two books on my to-be-read list after reading this adventure. Though the beginning did start slower than I’d like typically, the approach did work for this book – especially seeing as this is the first of the series I’ve had the pleasure to read. I enjoyed the build-up of the story and the character interactions and dynamics the author showcased.

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful journal! I love the prompts and affirmations, as well as the illustrations. I like how everything varies from page to page and gets you to reflect and engage. The journal is very interactive and is sure to keep you focused on the prompt. I haven’t used a lot of self-help journals, but I’m glad to have this one on hand!

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray & Sylvie Stewart – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Olivia hasn’t given much thought to her ex’s love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter’s life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate – or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children – Olivia and Roman’s worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I’ve read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I’m definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jasmine lives in a world where werewolves have an unspoken rule in their beliefs: the Goddess grants you a mate, wait for them. This rule is something she’s followed and believes in…even when she’s tempted by her best friend’s boyfriend. Then along comes the future Alpha, Blake, and her outlook and control is really tested. I don’t want to spoil the book, but just know that this is a must-read for avid paranormal/shifter-romance lovers! This was a whole new take on werewolves and their culture! I was enthralled by how different the idea of mates was in this book and really enjoyed the added aspect of religion that played a role in their beliefs. Many of us paranormal readers are familiar with werewolves and fated mates, but this book shows a different side that I don’t think many of us considered. Wow! I’ll be looking for book two!

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Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jessica Knight literally bumps into Connor O’Brien (aka Saint Con), once priest turned lawyer. After a night of conversation and chemistry, Jessica warms up to the idea of starting something with Con…only to be stood up on their first date. Then it turns out Con is missing, and the plot thickens! The chemistry between the main characters added levity to the story and had me easily picturing the story throughout. Though the story was short, the pacing of the story and the way it was written makes the plot really come to life!

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a bitter-sweet story. The novel is written in such a way that the read is immediately drawn in and can’t stop reading until the last word. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from tragedy and the relationships feel so real. I appreciate the two POVs of the main characters, knowing their take on events and seeing the complexity of the situation through their eyes. Though the book itself isn’t that long, the pacing felt natural, though the relationship between the main characters does evolve rather quickly when you think back on it. Regardless, I love their romance and the feeling of healing and resolution I got from their story!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Four children visit Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium to find imaginary friends. The twist: Mr. Barsin doesn’t ask for money in return for the imaginary friends…but something else. The author does an amazing job at creating a fun world where imaginary friends are real. The story follows the four children, each with a unique situation and personality. Fast-paced and magical, this book is full of fun and adventure.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Heart's Rescue (Fallen Hearts)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Told from the dual POV of the two main characters, this book is the first of the Fallen Hearts series. When Lady Arryn’s unofficial betrothed disappears to the Lands Below, she decides to go find and rescue her beloved despite the dangers of the other realm. Meanwhile, Rowan – a sentry in the Lands Below – struggles to protect his neighbors with his strange magic. The story starts off a little slow, but everything starts falling into perspective as the adventure takes off. This is my first time reading a book written by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I’m glad I did! I love diving into a new fantasy where the stakes are high and the world is complex!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Russel’s been having a rough time lately, what with his grandpa moving in and taking his room, leaving Russel no choice but to stay in the basement, getting bullied, and possibly failing fifth grade. Though Russel has a dream to become a firefighter, he worries he won’t have enough courage. One day, when both Russel and his grandfather are out on their daily park outing, Rusell takes a ride on the carousel his grandfather always rides and finds himself transported into the past. This was a great and adventurous tale! The story was entertaining and easily kept the reader entertained throughout. Though this is a children’s book I was thoroughly engaged by both the events of the story and way the author seamlessly wove in the main elements of the book. This is a great story to read to kids that’s sure to captivate their imagination!

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I definitely enjoyed reading this story, despite it being a children’s book and only a few pages long, I learned a lot on the subject of trap-and-neuter. The story was effective and gave information in such a way that the reader is able to both follow the story and learn. The situation was explained well in simple terms that even children can understand and follow. The illustrations were cute and helped the reader understand what was going on throughout the story. Though it’s clear this story is part of a series of educational books on the subject of cats, it can be read as a standalone.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the way the author tells these Fairy Tales! Each story is different from the last, but all are interesting and well-written. Some stories are darker than others, but I can’t say I have a favorite. I also love the unpredictable nature of the stories, though I recognized a few elements in the various stories, I felt each story was something new. I will definitely be looking into more of Caitlin Berve’s works in the future!

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The Secret Humankind (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1) by Gloria Oliver – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1)The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julia Xero has a hard time in her job working in the restaurant business and desperately needs a change, so when she is called in for an interview and trial for a cleaning company she applied to, Julia jumps at the opportunity. After the gruesome trial and interview, Julia is hired and that’s when things get interesting. Her world is turned upside down and she learns that her job is not what it had seemed. I love how much fun ad suspenseful this book was! Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres and I deeply enjoyed how this story played out! I can already tell this is going to be an interesting new series!

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet and beautiful book! I love the natural pictures that have the main characters of the story throughout! I feel like we get to see more of Israel than the brief images we may run across on the news or in passing from the media. This short picture book contains a rhyming explanation that’s sure to hold a child’s attention – as well as a small glossary/fun facts page to help caregivers explain terms used. By the end of the story, I feel like I’ve gained a little more curiosity about the country and really appreciate the differences between Israel and the place I come from.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful story by Lois Wickstrom! Holding Up the Sky is a great story that helps children understand difficult subjects like bullying, inclusion, making peace with those you may not agree with, etc. The tale is told in such a way that it’s interesting to kids and should hold their attention while also delivering an important message. The illustrations were artistic and easy to follow as well. This is a great story for kids of various school ages!

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Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller (To Kiss a Stalker Series)Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve definitely enjoyed it. At first, I started to think the stalker was one person, but the more you read, the more you’re not sure, then another mental guess…etc, till you reach the end! Totally had me guessing – rather refreshing since I’m one of those who can guess the villain at the end of the movie halfway through. I’m not normally a fan of multiple POVs, but I can say the author made their views contribute to the overall experience! The book is much better than I originally guessed it would be just by reading the sample or publisher description. Thrilling, romantic, and the characters were complex.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book opens with a startling chapter that immediately gets the reader’s attention. The main character is challenged when one of his students is thought to commit suicide, then another student the professor has a connection to dies. As the story continues, Mitch begins to spiral, receiving hit by hit of new issues he must try to cope with…or not… Psychological thrillers have become one of my favorite genre-reads, for sure, so I really love/appreciate how Mujagic has put together this story! When a plot is great, you don’t really have to like the main character but still feel the pull to invest your time in finishing the tale anyway. It was intense, twisted, and had me guessing till the last chapter!

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ian and Jarryd return for another adventure after the conclusion of The Crown of Stones trilogy. After the events of the trilogy, we get to see more of them and the world the author has created. Magic, adventure, and incredible trials await them in this standalone novella. Though I’ve read the trilogy, by the way this novella was written, anyone would feel comfortable reading this book before the others if they were so inclined. Though short, the book was well-written and paced, delivering a clear, fantastical insight into the world of the Crown of Stones.

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Told from multiple points of view the past and present mix to make an incredible picture of this dystopian world. I enjoyed the complexities of the story and the way the author presented the information about it to the readers. The story flowed in such a way that you get pieces of the larger puzzle slowly and keeps you intrigued throughout. I found that I didn’t immediately love each of the characters, for various reasons, but came to understand their circumstances. The idea of a caste system and fantastical elements of powers gave more to the story than I’d originally hoped and definitely held my attention and kept me engaged in the story.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After seven years as a happy and successful couple, partner Dane decides something’s missing. When Dane proposes adding a third to the mix, things start to change. The two men find two different women they feel would be the perfect third to their duo… The book was relatively short with plenty of erotic encounters along the way. Though this book is part of a collection, you can read it as a standalone and not miss out on any information from previous books.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Traumatized by an event early in her life, Miranda accidentally sets fire to a motel. The compounding grief and guilt of her actions cause her to take time off from her work as a cleaner and spend some much-needed alone time thanks to a discounted offer to a resort. Hopeful that the trip will help her rest and come back to her senses, Miranda is more than a little unsettled when she is assigned to a more run-down cabin than the name of the ‘resort’ had suggested. In a shocking turn of events that are both psychologically and emotionally charged, Miranda finds herself in the precarious position of being at the mercy of others and must fight to escape. I like how the book was lighter in tone than some of the psychological thrillers I’ve read before. The author has a way of adding levity to the narration while holding the reader captivated, but I felt that some moments were a little overdone which kept me from believing and being completely lost in the story. I’ve read some of the other books by the author and have enjoyed each one, this one included.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the fate of everything hanging over Ian Troy, the question soon becomes ‘How much will this cost our hero in the end?’ This story delivered on the promise of a brilliant ending and more! Though I’m feeling a little emotionally wrung out after getting past the last few pages of this conclusion to the series, I have a sense of contentment at it all concluding as well. This third book pulled me through so many emotions that I find myself still reflecting on certain scenes despite a few days passing since I read the last page. The author has this way of making you both hate and empathetically understand the villains, a superpower in this series that I noted along with the depth of the characters. I generally don’t read epics and steer toward more urban fantasy books, but I just couldn’t resist this story after the first page of book one and can’t feel even the slightest hint of regret.

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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

True to its title, this collection of short stories is sure to inspire at least a few nights of insomnia. I love creepy and slightly bone-chilling stories, but what makes this collection better is the sudden introductions and endings of each one. I wish I could say with certainty that I had a favorite of the stories, but they’re all so good there really is no way to choose. The author has a way of telling the tales in each chapter/short story that leaves the reader satisfied, despite the short aspect of each story. I’ll definitely be reflecting on this book during the spooky season!

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my kind of fairy tale. The main character, the princess, is not immediately likable, which is a surprisingly welcomed change from my usual reads. Princess Zanira is, in a word, spoiled, but she doesn’t remain as such as the story progresses and it’s clear that she’s more than the face she shows the world. From the beginning, fantastical elements are woven in such a way that it’s sure to captivate the readers. I could easily imagine the story as I read it and, though I’m not in the age range of the usual audience, it was still a great book!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though I’m not always one for a darker romance, I was immediately intrigued by the story. There’s a deeper air of intrigue to the way the author has told this story that goes deeper than your typical bully romance. While all the usual elements of a dark romance, this story isn’t lacking in spice and heat from the actual story itself. The chapters are told in alternating perspectives of our main characters and we get a look into their sides of things. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year, I’m going to be on the lookout for the sequel!

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