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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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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well another cute story from this author! I love that she teaches kids about different science topics in a cute and fun way! This story is all about teaching children about water spout phenomenon, with simple explanations and fun illustrations for them to enjoy. She creates a simple story with easy explanations for children to like and understand. I think this is a great book for young children to enjoy and learn from!

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this was a wild ride of a dystopian future! I had not read previous books from this author, but I will absolutely be checking more of her works out in the future. She weaves together a grim future, where apps and programming are inserted into people’s brains directly and those that can’t work are thrown into the Catford Zone, a grim area where people are trapped with killer plants, weird bugs, and very little to eat. Our protagonist, Frankie, is sent to the Zone, in order to infiltrate concerns of an uprising and learn more about the rebels in charge of it. The author did a great job of creating memorable characters and unveiling their backgrounds and unique character traits in a way that felt organic and real. The story definitely had a variety of twists and turns and I honestly couldn’t anticipate how the story would end. If you are looking for a story that is a fairly realistic scfi dystopian read, this is the book for you.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really excited to check out this story as well as the other book in the set. I decided to check this story out first as I wanted to get a better handle on Cal to see what made him tick so I might have a better idea of him in the second book with Annie. Seeing his evolution from a teenager to an adult was definitely eye opening and gave me a good foundation to who he was as a man and how he becomes the man he is. I thought the author did a great job of creating a flawed character that could be frustrating and exasperating in some of his choices, but in the end you still want to see good things for him. I’m excited to check out the second part and see how Cal’s life turns out.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely adorable cozy mystery quick read! The hilarious relationship between Genie and her ghostly partner, her great aunt Adriana is simply laugh out loud funny. I had not read the first book, something I will be remedying ASAP, but the author did a great job of summarizing things, without over stating things, while still keeping the story line moving along. The sleuth team end up in Italy attempting to get Aunt Adriana’s things back from an auction, but immediately things go south and the pair are investigating. This is a wonderful quick read for any cozy mystery reader!

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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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

I have never been a huge believer of fate, but it seemed like fate when I decided to pick up this journal. I didn’t realize how much I was actually carrying that was weighing my heart and soul down. This journal and the affirmations helped to open and ease the burdens on my heart and lighten my soul so much. I loved the affirmations and I felt like they absolutely helped me to reflect on how I was feeling and process my emotions. I am very grateful that I picked up this book and I absolutely plan to send copies to some of my friends and family, because I think this is a beautiful book to help people unburden their hearts and find their way.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second book in this series as I was entirely charmed by the first book, and the second one did not disappoint. The author transports us to a world where magic is real as long as you believe and have a brass ring. Rusty discovers the mini carousal in the mall has secrets for him to explore, but he is also looking for Christmas gifts for his family, especially his beloved grandfather. Trying to balance the need to earn and save money, while also spending money at the carousal, Rusty begins to learn some important lessons. The author did an amazing job of bringing magic into the real world and creating stories that are not only fun, but carry wonderful messages for both children and adults. It’s a fairly easy read and I was engrossed until the last page. I can’t wait to see what new adventures Rusty and his grandfather find in the future!

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Shadow Bringer (Raven Academy Book 1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Shadow Bringer: Raven AcademyShadow Bringer: Raven Academy by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely had my attention from the first page all the way to the end! I definitely couldn’t put it down until I got to the end and I will be absolutely reading the next book so I can see what happens with Riley. The book is a wonderful paranormal novel with witches, shifters, vampires, and other supernatural beings in the world. The author has created a descriptive world, with well written characters that are well rounded. While the romance is always one of my favorite parts of these books, I loved the relationship between Riley and her bestie Sam. I love seeing their relationship grow with all of the chaos happening. I absolutely recommend this pager turner!

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Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was super excited to get to check out this novel as a former theater kid and a fan of Wednesday, and it did not disappoint at all! Cece was a great main character and I loved her bestie Portia, who was awesome at lightening the mood. I felt like the story really took the black magic and voodoo piece seriously and was very realistic about the cost of playing with dark magic. The relationship between Cece and Zach felt very age appropriate and genuine. He seemed like a really sweet guy, who just wanted to be there for her. I felt like the story kept at a good pace and I never felt bored or lagging. It is an interesting combination of thriller, mystery, supernatural, romance, comedy, and just a really great story. I look forward to more works from this author.

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Master Sardinia (Masters of the Consulate Book 8) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Master SardiniaMaster Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 8th book in this series and it just keeps getting better. I love the sexy alpha and the sassy heroine who doesn’t back down trope, along with the electric chemistry. Sardinia is the Master of his island and rules things well, but it’s discovered that the rogues have managed to infiltrate his domain without his notice. Madria is the daughter of the club owner, the shifters attempt to infiltrate and she also has the gift of sight. She is not a fan of Sardinia, but when fate throws them together, they have to survive not only the shifters, witches, and rogues, but a centuries old secret. I love how well the story line moves along through each book, we keep getting closer to the final showdown. The author has done an amazing job of creating standalone books that fit into a storyline that keeps moving through seamlessly. If you like steamy paranormal romance with a danger, intrigue, and twists, this is a great book and series to check out.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

This was my first novel from this author and I greatly enjoyed this paranormal shifter romance. I thought that Jasmine was a wonderful heroine caught in a tough situation, being involved in a love triangle. I definitely loved her friendship with Lucy and I thought the contrasts between the friends really showcased their friendship. I loved the multiple POV’s so we could see what the other characters were feeling and thinking. The author did a great job of creating depth to her characters and making you really care about what happens to them. The steamy scenes were especially hot. This is a great start to a dynamic series and I can’t wait to read the rest of the stories.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a wonderful YA novel, full of teen angst, drama, murder, mystery, love and complicated family dynamics. I thought the author did a great job of really capturing Stas as a teenager and her interactions felt authentic and realistic. This was a well written story with that really draws you into the mystery and how things will be able to get better for Stas. This story kept me guessing until the reveal and definitely was a page turner. I felt that the author did a great job of showing Stas’s development as a character and showing her growth while still allowing her to make mistakes. I completely recommend this book for anyone who loves YA novels with mysteries, twists, and heart.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed this tale. Right as the book starts, it pulls you into the action and mystery regarding our hero Mia’s cat, Gumshoe, her familiar. I had not read book one prior to reading book two, but I felt like the author did enough of a recap, I was able to figure out what had happened in book two, without it feeling forced. I do definitely want to check out book one to see how it enhances this story. I thought the author tackled some really tough issues in this novel and again did it smoothly and in an engaging manner. I felt the story was fast paced, full of suspense and twists, and action. Mia was a great heroine who is working hard to help Gumshoe discover his past, finding herself and her path, all the while getting involved in mysteries and murder. I absolutely recommend this book for both teens and adults.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to return to Buckeye Falls for a fourth time! This is a book you can read as a standalone, but I absolutely recommend that you read the previous books in order first. We met Alice briefly in the third book in the series and she had definitely intrigued me. We got to see her through the eyes of her brother and sister-in-law, which was a bit skewed. Seeing Alice take the lead in this story was fantastic, we got to see how she thinks and feels about returning home and having to deal with all of the gossips and well meaning, but meddling people in her life. I loved her interactions with James and the chemistry they had right out of the gate, despite both of them trying to deny it. James was such a sweet and amazing guy for Alice and see them fumble through fake dating while they help plan the Fall Festival was adorable. This was a great addition to the Buckeye Falls series!

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Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 2)Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was delighted to get to read book 2 in this magical and engaging series. Gwen is such a wonderful and relatable character full of sass. I love that she isn’t one to back down and she isn’t going to be pushed around. I would absolutely recommend checking out book 1 before you dive into this paranormal sequel. The story is full of well written and entertaining characters that you will love, hate, and everything in-between. The author has created a wonderful world full of relatable characters, romance, gods, magic, demons, mystery, twists and turns, and a whole lot of fun!

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