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The Earl’s Match (The Thompsons of Locust Street Series) by Holly Bush – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Earl's Match (The Thompsons of Locust Street, #5)The Earl’s Match by Holly Bush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by the author, I didn’t realize it was book 5 in a series, but I felt like the author did a great job of summarizing the previous relationships without it being overwhelming. I am always a fan of historical romances and I love that this one took place in America. I thought the author did a great job of creating a vivid and descriptive world, I really felt like I had been transported back in time. I also enjoyed the POV from both of the characters so we could see what they were both thinking and feeling. I always love Clarice as an unconventional heroine who wants more than just to be married, she want to be independent. Payden is a broken man after the horrors he suffered trying to get his family’s land back and having his revenge on the man who had ruined his life. The two of them have an unconventional meeting and from there they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. The story is definitely a page turner with drama, twists and turns, and love. This was an absolutely fantastic novel that I recommend for any lover of historical fiction. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series and see what else the author has written.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I found it delightful! We get to meet sisters Lorie and Weina who have misplaced their lucky red envelopes with money, that they were gifted as part of the Lunar New Year. We follow that girls back through their day and seeing how they celebrated the New Lunar Year. It’s really sweet to see the sisters working together to solve where the envelopes might be. I found it to be a great book with a lot of fun education about this holiday and different cultural traditions and a really sweet bond between the sisters and their family. The illustrations were also wonderful as well.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian and his grandfather have the cutest bond! This is such a great series for younger children to really help spark their imaginations. Caspian has to go on a mini adventure to find his present from his grandfather using his Inquisitive Indicator he finds in the kitchen. This takes him on a fun adventure to hunt for his gift. I always love the illustrations in this author’s books. It makes them bright and engaging for children. Definitely a wonderful story for children of all ages!

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading book 1 and the prequel, I was so excited to get to read book 2 in this riveting series. We find Xen still struggling from the events of book 1. I am always such a fan of multiple POV’s so we can see what the other characters are thinking and feeling. This is a fast paced story with so much intrigue and danger lurking around every corner. Xen is dealing with the White Queen who wants her gone so she can rule and someone she trusted betrays her. Xen has to work quickly to try and keep herself and everyone she cares about safe. I am really enjoying this series and I feel like it does such a great job of blending the supernatural and making it feel realistic. Can’t wait for the next book!

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have absolutely enjoyed reading about the Bennetts and its definitely bitter sweet that this is the last one in the series. The author has managed to create a wonderful series of interwoven stories that can be read as standalones or, as I prefer, in order as a series. I loved getting to really know James better and seeing how much more there was to him. It was tough seeing how much Sam leaving hurt him, but getting to see how happy he and Sara were, made it all worth it. I loved seeing how well James and Noah got along and that he got to meet Noah before he even met Sara. Getting to see the rest of the family rally together to help Noah have a great party, really sets the tone for Sara to see how wonderful James and his family are. As always the story contains plenty of laughs, drama, secrets, and small town life. I absolutely recommend this story and series to anyone wanting to read a delightful feel good story and series.

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets Series) by K. Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets, #7)Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So this was my first foray to Silver Springs and I cannot wait to check out the rest of the stories! Basil was a fantastic character, I loved that she was intelligent and witty and refused to accept that she had to give up her vegan lifestyle, despite now being a vampire! She ends up in Silver Springs where she creates her own serum so she can continue her vegan life style and opens a juice bar and tanning salon. I loved the reverse harem and Basil getting 3 sexy mates. There were so many quirky and fun characters throughout the story, I definitely think is a great story and Silver Springs seems like a great place to live!

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is absolutely one of my favorite types of romance novels; we have our heroine, Bailey, who is successful and hardworking, while still being genuine and relatable. She is also raising her 2 daughters. Fox makes a really sweet and sexy main man, who is a hardworking dad of 2 boys. She and Fox work together, but until now, haven’t really had much interaction, but during a plane ride, sparks fly. I thought all of their interactions were so sweet and adorable. They are two caring and loving people, trying to navigate figuring out their relationship as well as the struggles with working together in a corporate world. This was a fairly quick read, but everything about it just struck the perfect notes. I also loved that it was told through both POV so we could see what both Bailey and Fox were thinking. An absolutely wonderful book for anyone who wants a sprinkle of romance in their lives.

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Reluctant SpyReluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am always a fan of the author’s picture books, so when I had a chance to read her youth chapter book, I was so excited and she definitely did not disappoint. I thought she did a wonderful job of weaving together a delightful and amusing tale that children of all ages will enjoy. I do miss the illustrations from her picture books, but the author did an amazing job of creating a well written and vivid story. I absolutely loved all of the zany and fun characters she blended together. The interactions between Timmy and Hildegarde absolutely cracked me up and I found his Grandma a really fun and interesting character. I absolutely enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking to read a cute and engaging story with fun messages for kids woven within.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Nessie installment and it was just as adorable as the previous two. The author does a great job of creating a magical world for children in the everyday life. Craig and his sister Linda are on vacation in Canada, far away from Scotland and Nessie, but surprise, there is a secret channel connecting them! Craig and Linda have to help Nessie’s daughter, Princess Sheona, when she get trapped! They also make some new friends along the way. The author really does an amazing job of creating a vivid and fun world that children and adults will enjoy!

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first novel by the author and I am definitely hooked! I can’t wait to check out the rest of his books! This was a fantastic kickoff to a new series; we meet True, a retired homicide detective, taking a private case that should be fairly straightforward. Instead, True has to deal with so many twists and curves throughout the novel. The author does a great job of drawing you in immediately and hooking you into the story. This is definitely a story that will hold your attention to the very last page and keep you enthralled. True has to wade through so many complex situations as well as multiple people trying to keep him from the truth. Definitely a must read for murder mystery fans.

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Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers Book 1) by L.C. Lewis – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers, #1)Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a lover of history, this story was absolutely right up my alley. I thought the author did a great job of creating a historical fiction novel that was incredibly well written and researched. You absolutely feel like you back in the early 1800’s as our country is still finding its footing within the rest of the world. The author has created complex and well developed characters in Jed and Hannah. You absolutely will not want to put this book down until you have finished the very last page. The author definitely created a vivid and detailed story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Rise of House ValdisThe Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read shorter novellas from the author and so I was excited to read her debut novel. I was able to read the prequel first, and while it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommend it to give you a better understanding of Xen and why her second chance is so important to her. I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s, it gave a lot of insight into what the other characters were thinking and feeling. Xen continues to be dynamic and intriguing heroine who you want to see succeed in everything she does. The author did a great job of combining fantasy, sci-fi, and romance into a storyline that you won’t want to stop reading until the end. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.

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Dancing Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series) by Debra Parmley – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Dancing Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 2)Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second installment in this series. I greatly enjoyed the first book, so getting to read this story was fantastic! I enjoyed getting to know Suki better and it was great to see her perspective of meeting Bethany, who was the main character in the first book. Suki is a great character and her relationship with Frank was electrifying and fast paced. The author does a great job of really transporting you back into the 1920’s and immersing you in the gangster and flapper lifestyle. Suki is a dancer who gets injured during a firefight and Frank comes to her rescue and then steps in when she can’t dance and pay her bills. Unfortunately he puts a lot of restrictions on her, which as an independent woman, Suki chaffs at. The author does a great job of drawing you in and creating characters you really care about and want to see succeed. This is definitely a great series that I highly recommend! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel, I couldn’t wait to dive into book one in this explosive series. I had a pretty good read on Riley and Cole from the prequel and so it just made everything that much more interesting to read in this story. The author does a great job of continuing the character development of all of the characters and she writes them in a way that feels relatable. The story continues to have a mix of humor, romance, and mystery all wrapped into one story. Definitely had me hooked until the final page and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Definitely make sure to review the trigger warnings for the book!

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Test of the Four: Book Two of The Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Test of the Four (The Serrulata Saga, #2)Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series and the author did not disappoint with continuing the story and seeing how the four continue to navigate their journey. The author does such a wonderful job of describing the characters and the vivid descriptions of their journey; you really do feel like you are right there with them. This continues to be a well written tale of Leora, Aurora, Leopold and Roland trying to figure out their next steps while battling injuries, relationships and the complexities of the realm. The author creates such a multi-layered story that you can’t help but want to see how it ends. I can’t wait for the next book in the series so I can see what happens next!

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie

I always enjoy getting to read this author. She does a great job of creating a well written story that has defined characters and a storyline that keeps you reading until the last page. This is a shorter story, but the author does a great job of packing in the emotions, the twists and suspense. We get to see Xenobia’s start, which gives a more of her backstory and her relationship with Urd. You absolutely feel an intense bond for the characters and want to see them succeed. It definitely made me want to re-read the next book in the series and I cant wait to see how things will turn out in the series.

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate Book 9) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate #9)Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 9 and this series just keeps getting better and better. While each story is able to be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting at the beginning to see the progression of the story and the battle that is being waged. We see the pureblood vampires are getting closer and closer to taking out the rogues as their journey continues all over Italy. They end up in Master Botosoni’s territory and as he goes looking for clues, he is pointed in the direction of Catina, a fortune teller with a complicated family life. The attraction between the vampire master and the innocent psychic is electric and they are both unable to fight the attraction. The author does a great job of making each story and romance feel fresh, while still bringing in characters from the previous novels to keep the storyline moving forward with the war between the purebloods and the rogues. I am definitely excited to see the next book and how this story ends in the future books!

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading stories from this author. She always does a great job of writing in a way that is easy for young children to follow and enjoy. In this story we see Carrie is missing her grandmother and she just can’t find anything fun to do while she is feeling sad. She remembers that her Grandma left some boxes at the house and she goes exploring. I love how the author encourages children to use their imaginations in her stories and this one doesn’t disappoint. I think every child should have a box labeled FASCINATOR in their house. I will always recommend any book by this author; she writes in such a fun and imaginative voice that it’s always a joy to read.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed reading the book. I had not read book 1, but I felt the author was able to recap book 1 without it feeling like it was being repetitive of book 1. I thought this was an interesting take on the vampire world and the author did a great job of making you feel like you are transported back in time to the 16th century England. This was a wonderful story full of friendships, romance, intrigue, and action. I thought that the author had a unique voice and the story was well written, with well-rounded characters and detailed descriptions. I definitely enjoyed seeing the relationship between Julie and Samuel progress and change as he works with her to prepare for a battle she isn’t ready for. Julie is an interesting protagonist and I enjoyed seeing how her character develops. I can’t wait to check out book 3 to see what happens next.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fast paced start to a dynamic series, filled with drama, intrigue, and lies. It was a quick read, but definitely will draw you into the story and leaves you wanting more. It gives us a taste of Riley and Cole’s first kiss and the dynamics behind their families. I love how the author brings you right to the edge and then it just stops, leaving you filled with needing to know what happens next. I think this was an extremely well written story that really hooks you into the story. Be prepared to want to immediately grab the next book!

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read from this author and I am very excited to get to read more of her works! This was a well written story that drew me in, right from the beginning. We jump almost right into the Games and as the story unfolds, the author does an amazing job of revealing more of the story and the characters. Lannahi was a wonderful heroine that you absolutely want to see succeed. As she gets older she sees how little she can trust those even closest to her and how hard she will need to work to find her place in this fantasy world. This fantasy story definitely kept me enthralled and I couldn’t stop reading until the end. The author takes you on all sorts of twists and turns, keeping you wondering how it will all end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, mystery, secrets, lies, romance, and magic. I definitely plan to check out the other books the author has written and I look forward to more of her works.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic story children’s story from this author, I always enjoy reading her stories. She writes in a way that makes learning fun and interactive for kids along with fun life lessons. I enjoyed this short chapter book that kids of all ages will be able to read and like. I am always a fan of anything with Nessie, so this was definitely a book I enjoyed, Craig is trying to hunt down Nessie, but his little sister Linda keeps interrupting and getting in the way. I loved the idea of kids trying to hunt down the Loch Ness monster and the adventures they could have. The author weaves together magic, sea creatures, pirates, and great family lessons that are easy for kids to follow and enjoy. As a chapter book it has less illustrations than her other books, but the ones they have are beautiful. This is a story kids of all ages will enjoy!

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Alien Redemption by Gloria Oliver – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Alien RedemptionAlien Redemption by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a previous work from the author, so I was excited to get to check out this new story and it did not disappoint! The author did an amazing job of weaving together a fantastic sci fi novel set in space with aliens, that will keep you reading until the last page. I absolutely adored Claudia, a hardworking heroine, who had a terrible hand dealt to her when she was set up to take the fall for her awful employers. She is working to rebuild her life, but things keep going wrong for her. It’s a well written book that is fast paced, action packed with drama, twists and turns. You really connect with the characters and want to see how the story ends.

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Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Tropic HeatTropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love getting to check out stories by this author; this was such a fun and quick read! I thought the friendship between our main character Daniel and his best man Joey was absolutely delightful and extremely hilarious. I thought Joey was a great influence in getting Daniel to break out of his comfort zone, giving him the opportunity to meet Sara. After a one night stand, they have to decide what they want things to look like for their future. Was this a one-time thing, or could it be more? As always there are some twists and turns and a bit of drama until we reach the end. I really enjoyed all of the different characters and I thought the author did a great job of making me really care about what was going to happen to them.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are back with another wild mystery solving adventure with Sparky. I absolutely adore seeing how this pint sized detective sleuths her way into all of the different shenanigans throughout this tale. We see some of our old friends from the previous book, as well as some new ones! I love the creativity of the author and how well detailed the story is, you really do feel like you are back in the 1030’s with Sparky as she navigates detective work as well as surviving her real life as well. Again, the story has all sorts of twists and turns with red herrings all around. I was so excited when I saw there was a second book out in the series and I can’t wait to read book 3.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well I found this to be a very well written and entertaining story set in the 1930’s. We meet Sparky a sassy and street wise 11 year old orphan who, after finding a dead body, has to clear her name quickly as the body count rises. I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging I found a book about an 11 year old sleuth to be, this is definitely not a book for kids, adults can absolutely enjoy this story. The author did an awesome job with details, making you feel like you really are in Depression Era LA. She writes memorable and descriptive characters that you can absolutely picture in your mind. I loved all of the twists and turns that the story had right up until the end. I am absolutely looking forward to seeing Sparky again in more capers.

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed the first book in the series and this follow-up definitely did not disappoint at all. The author continues to write an action-packed, fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns. I absolutely couldn’t put it down until I had read the last page! I am always a sucker for that slow burn enemies to lovers relationship and this book definitely hit it out of the park. The author did a great job of creating well rounded characters that you really love and care about. Regan and Pavlo are fabulous together and seeing their relationship with each other grow and change, during all of the suspense and danger. This is a wonderful series that can be read in the series or as a standalone. I definitely can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another really interesting read from this author. I have read her work previously and this book definitely did not disappoint. Seeing Andrea go through this journey and getting to see Coyote again was wonderful to get to read. I loved how the author built their relationship and how they went on their journey through her life. The author does an amazing job of weaving the stories of Andrea life in these short stories. She is such a descriptive and detailed writer, she really makes you see and feel the stories. I absolutely recommend this story and her other works!

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well this series just keeps getting better and better. Makayla just keeps getting deeper and deeper into the mystery of what is going on at Grave Digger Academy and within the magical world. She is finding out the hard way who her real friends are and who she can trust. She is learning more about her family history and how it all plays a part in her current situation. The book is definitely a page turner and the author is doing as great job of keeping of keeping the audience engaged and wanting to find out what happens next! I can’t wait for book 5 to come out!

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So excited to get to continue to read this exciting and engaging series! Book 3 follows Makayla’s return to school, where there are all sorts of strange things happening and people are missing. I love that Makayla isn’t afraid to start digging into the secrets to figure out what is going on. The author continues to keep the audience engaged with the characters and really makes you feel connected to them. I definitely couldn’t put the book down until I got to the final page, I definitely was kept enthralled with the tale and I can’t wait to check out book 4 to see what will continue to happen!

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