Posts

The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well this book definitely threw me for some twists and turns. The story absolutely starts off with a bang and just continues the pace from there. Vanessa is definitely not a timid shy girl. She absolutely is a take charge type and I thought she was a great character. The added in suspense of murder, spies, and ghosts made this such an intriguing novel. Jacob, the Fifth Earl of Danville, was such a wonderful opposite to Vanessa. Seeing their relationship grow and change during all of the chaos was extremely well written. I loved that along with everything else, we have a house full of relatives who Vanessa had no idea was living there. There was a cast of descriptive and interesting characters throughout the novel. If you love historical romance, with a twist of paranormal and suspense, this is a great book!

View all my reviews

Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful and magical story full of whimsy and surprise. I love books with a fairy tale feel and this story did not disappoint! It felt like several fairy tales all woven together to create an imaginative story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating characters that you really care about and came together to create a fabulous story. Branka was a wonderful heroine who just wants love and freedom and discovers why you have to be careful what you wish for. The ending definitely had a twist I did not see coming and it was a tale I was not able to put down until the final page. This was definitely a unique story and I look forward to reading more from the author.

View all my reviews

Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely adorable RomCom that I couldn’t put down until the final page. It definitely gave me Christmas Hallmark movie vibes and was just such a sweet tale. Holly was a great main character and her chemistry with Ash really just made is a very enjoyable tale. I loved that it gave us the daughter of Santa Claus who had her own story to live. The author did a great job of setting the scene in Emerald Hollow, a town I hope to see again soon! After reading this book, I definitely wanted to start getting out my Christmas decorations and baking cookies while sipping hot chocolate. This is definitely a fun and magical feel good story at any time of the year!

View all my reviews

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers #3)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story; I thought the author did a great job of transporting us back in time to the 19th century, exploring the political scenes between Portugal and Spain. I absolutely adored Isabel our Portugal princess. I loved that she had values and standards and she held herself to a high standard, but wasn’t afraid to step in and help the less fortunate. I thought her temperament was a great match for Viscount Henrique and the verbal skirmishes really set the tone for the two of them. The vivid descriptions really make you feel like you are right there with the characters. If you love historical romance and want a story with twists, this is the book for you!

View all my reviews

Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great start to what appears to be a very engaging series. Bella is a great heroine who has been knocked on her butt by the dissolution of her marriage and discovering her wimpy husband has been having an affair. As she is getting to know herself again, she starts to wonder if the steamy scenes she reads in her romance novels could actually be real. She has a great support network of friends who are there to help pick her back up. The author did a great job of really highlighting the friendships, which I thought was really wonderful. I can’t wait to see how the next 12 books go as Bella continues to discover more about herself and finds herself on a steamy journey of sexual exploration.

View all my reviews

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom- Reviewed by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Well I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and imaginative tale. The author brings to life magical creatures such as dragons, mermaids, gnomes, and sylphs to life. Four children with nothing seemingly in common all arrive to the toy store on the same day. I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters of not only the four children, but their families as well. The imaginaries were also quite charming and interesting as well. This is definitely a great middle grade read, I definitely enjoyed the action and adventure that the children’s imaginations lead them on and the surprise twist ending definitely had be on the edge until the final page. Absolutely a great story for anyone, young or old, with an imagination!

View all my reviews

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was very much a riveting read. I am not particularly scientifically literate, but this book definitely gave me a crash course in the lead up to the nuclear arms race. I felt the author did an amazing job of taking such a complex subject and breaking it down into such easy to read sections I felt confident that I was able to understand what he was writing about. This book definitely had me feeling a sense of both awe and fear for how much damage has been done with nuclear weapons. If you are looking for an easy to read, but fairly comprehensive book on nuclear war, this is a great book to start with. The book has a giant list of references as well, that would be great follow ups.

View all my reviews

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read book two of the Reed brother adventures! I thought the author did a great job in this follow up book in keeping the mysteries fresh and exciting. If you haven’t, you will definitely want to go back and read book one, which introduces the boys and their gifts. I loved the continuing friendship between Jon, Frank, and Mira and seeing how they continue to help and support each other. We see that things are getting weirder for Jon and Frank as their powers continue to manifest. I enjoyed see how the author balanced the Zodiac Games, a competition between the houses, with unpredictable rules and changes and the different the struggles the twins were experiencing. This series is definitely giving me Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I am so excited to see what happens in the next book!

View all my reviews

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to finally read the third book in this series! I swear they just keep getting better and better. Tamaska is really coming into her own and seeing her character continue to grow is so amazing to see. She is trying so hard to fit in with the pack, while still trying to figure things out in her relationship with Kodiak. There was definitely a lot going on in this book and it has been my favorite so far in the series. I am so excited to see what happens in book 4. If you love shifters, vampires, action, romance, and fantasy this book and series is for you!

View all my reviews

Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not very familiar with Tarot cards, but I found this book to be an interesting guide to learning more about tarot cards and finding the magic in the ordinary. I appreciated getting her thoughts on how she came to study the tarot and the role it plays in her life. I read her previous novel and felt this was a really nice follow up to that everyday magic and allowing yourself to open up to it. She had a tarot deck that she goes through and gives an interpretation of what the card means and what it means to her. If you are new to the tarot or have a firmer understanding, this is a great book for you.

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This was a fantastic story for readers both young and old. It dealt with some very real issues, such as serious illness, bullying, schooling struggling and an alcoholic parent, but written in a way that younger viewers could understand and not be overwhelmed. I loved the whimsy of a magical brass ring able to teleport the holder to all sorts of different time periods and places. I felt the character of Russell was very well written; his responses to the different stressors seemed pretty realistic. This was a great tale about a kiddo trying to find his footing and figure out who he is. I have read the author before and I really enjoy her use of imagery to really bring you into the story. I found it to be quick and easy read, but extremely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing the next books in the series.

View all my reviews

Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a beautifully written story that I just couldn’t put down. I have read other novels from the author and she has written such a heartfelt and uplifting story that just gives you the feels all over. I absolutely loved how well written the characters were, and seeing Liz’s growth and change as she learned about who her grandmother was and the life she lead, was spellbinding. I felt like the characters felt authentic and realistic in how they behaved and reacted to different situations. I absolutely adored Mark and felt he was such a positive presence for Liz as she completed her journey. I also loved her bestie Grace and felt she was absolutely the type of best friend anyone would be lucky to have. I am always a fan of any story that also includes a fun pet and Cosmo definitely fit the bill! If you are in the mood for a story about self-discovery and romance, this is another amazing story by the author.

View all my reviews

Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a really awesome start to a great series! I loved getting to see Ian and Katherine’s story play out and I am so excited to see more of them and the rest of the vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures. This was definitely a book I couldn’t put down until the final page. The author has created a magical world where mythical creatures still exist and Atlantis is real. I thought she did a great job of really drawing you into the story and building scenes that you could really visualize. If you love a modern paranormal romance, this is an excellent start! Can’t wait for the rest of the books!

View all my reviews

Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read book two in this fast paced riveting series. This book picks up right where book one left off and definitely answered some lingering questions I had. The chemistry between Kodiak and Tamaska is very hot and there are some very steamy scenes. The author has done a great job of creating well rounded characters that are fabulous, but also flawed. If you love vampires and shifters set in an urban fantasy setting, this is a fantastic book and series to check out! I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

View all my reviews

Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read the latest story in this series. I love that they are all standalones, but if you can read them all and in order, it definitely is worth it! We find Master Campania working with the other Masters to deal with the rogues who are still causing trouble. He ends up meeting Willow, a witch just trying to live her life with some of her buddies and they end up having to work together. The chemistry between the two was electric and it was fantastic getting to see the reoccurring characters from other stories continue to be a part of the narrative, just enhances it. I loved how the characters interacted with one another and continued to build the relationships into the story. It was definitely full of action, adventure, and magic along with some very steamy scenes that you won’t be able to put down. I can’t wait for the final book and see the stunning conclusion!

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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: 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely thrilled with this fun thriller! I loved Julia as our introvert heroine who is just trying to keep moving forward in life and is so excited to land a job as part of a bio-hazards cleaning crew. I found her to be extremely relatable, she wasn’t brave or butt kicking right off the bat, she had anxiety and fears and even anger about how things were handled in her new job. It was amazing to see her growth throughout the story and I loved the supporting characters. Doyle definitely cracked me up and I loved how caring and protective Karamel, Dawn, Stan, and Detective Ruiz were of Julia. This was definitely a book I couldn’t put down, as the mysteries kept coming, I just couldn’t figure out how things would end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun book, not something you would necessarily expect from the title, but I greatly enjoyed it. I thought the author did a great job of creating multi-dimensional characters and the very deliberate way she brought them all together was fantastic. Clearly Barney the dog was hands down my favorite character, but I loved the friendship that blossomed between the characters. She did a great job of building the suspense about the murder and how it happened. I loved the interludes that had the HOA notes and correspondence as it really helped paint a picture of the HOA and the member in it. It was a very amusing book with a lot of heart in it. I absolutely recommend people give it a whirl!

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This was a very unique and enjoyable collection of fairy tales for adults. The author was extremely vivid in her characters and you definitely could feel the magic within! Some of the stories I couldn’t quite place how they related to other fairy tales, but it did not make them less enjoyable. My absolutely favorites were, “Letters from a Wu”, “Borrowed Skin, Borrowed Year”, “A Love to Sleep for”, and “Bones of the Soul.” This was definitely a wonderful collection and I greatly enjoyed all of the stories. If you are a lover of fairy tales, this is a diverse collection of magical tales.

View all my reviews

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy getting an opportunity to check out this author’s works and again this story did not disappoint. Even in Kindle format the illustrations were delightful. I enjoyed the twist on a classic story and getting to see things from a giant’s perspective. I found his methods of infomercials and selling his tricks to other giants hilarious. For kids, I think this would be a great way to open up some engaging conversations about problem solving and safe ways to interact with others. It had a cute twist at the end that was very entertaining. This is a great book for younger youth and even some older grade school youth as well!

View all my reviews

Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read some of the author’s previous works, but I had not started the Darkness and Light Duology series, but luckily, this is a standalone story, so I was able to dive right in. I loved how steamy the book got and the chemistry between Arwyn, Elan, and Hassan was fire. I loved how humorous the story would get and I always love a story with appropriately used swear words. I definitely enjoyed how well written and developed the characters were and the story line absolutely makes me want to check out the rest of the series. I loved how well the romance was able to fit into the fantasy, action, adventure story filled with magic!

View all my reviews

Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an explosive start to what looks like an amazing series! I have not read anything from this author before, but I will definitely be checking out her other works ASAP. The book starts off strong with action right from the start and we see the intense chemistry between Keira and Cade and it was steamy. He was such a strong and sexy hero and Keira was such an amazing heroine. She had a rough past that had definitely colored her present, but she pushed through. This book definitely had you feeling the suspense of who is after Keira and the author did an amazing job of multiple red herrings. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished the last page. It definitely had me guessing until the final reveal. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Oathbreakers AnonymousOathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author, but it definitely will not be my last! I found this to be a fantastic laugh out loud fantasy novel with a ton of heart. The author did a wonderful job of weaving together memorable characters and descriptive settings. I found the story drew me in right from the start, jumping right into action and kept my attention to the very last page. I loved the dynamics between the adventurers and the author did a great job of the longing they had to want to recover their divinity, especially Marluck, who had no idea why he lost favor and is desperate to regain it. This is a great book for anyone who is a fantasy fan who loves humor.

View all my reviews

Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the second book in the Green St. Girls series and while I didn’t read book one, this was definitely able to stand alone, but I will absolutely be checking out book one to get more of the back story on the four girls. I absolutely love Indigo and Gideon together. They were so adorable together and I loved how patient and supportive Gideon was with Indigo. I also loved the multiple POV’s so we could get into the minds of both of the main characters. Indigo has overcome so much and the author did an amazing job of balancing her accomplishments and her feelings of inadequacy perfectly. This was a fast paced book that had not only the romance, but also elements of suspense and danger. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series!

View all my reviews

Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great book and I am so excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out. Jessica was such a wonderful character. Initially she comes across as a kick-butt hard working woman, who takes what she wants and makes no apologies for her choices, but as the pages continued to turn, you slowly start to see the cracks in the armor she has built around her. The assignment she takes, to locate a missing woman, takes her on a journey of self discovery. Jessica has a lot of demons to contend with, both from her past and her current life. I loved that she had such an amazing support group of friends and I loved her pup Tela! This was definitely a fast paced story that I couldn’t put down! It definetely held me in suspense and had so many twist and turns. A fantastic read with an awesome heroine!

View all my reviews

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story, not only was it a delightfully sweet rom-com, but it was filled with hilarious side characters, hysterical one-liners, and intrigue and suspense. I always love getting the different POV’s from both main characters so we can see what they both are thinking and how they are interpreting the different situations. The chemistry between Sunny and Carter was absolutely steaming and I love that the author wasn’t shy with her descriptions of the bedroom scenes. I absolutely adored Sunny elderly grandfather and found his conspiracy theories priceless. It looks like this is book 2 in a series about Carter’s family and I will definitely be checking out book 1 and the follow up books as well!

View all my reviews

Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story. Christy was such a great character and I loved seeing her growth as a character. She is such a great mom and the twins absolutely cracked me up! They were such adorable characters. Ryan was an amazing lead character and definitely brought the sizzle to the book. I loved all of the supporting characters in the story as well. They created a great group of friends who got along well and supported each other. I have not read the first book in this series, but I will be remedying this immediately and I can’t wait to read book 3! This was a great story full of humor and love.

View all my reviews

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So first off, the vivid descriptions in this story were off the charts imagery. I could absolutely picture the characters and the locations that were described in the story. This book was so sweet and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author threw in a new twist that completely threw me for a loop. Tessa and Simon are absolutely amazing together and while I can’t exactly relate to the jet setting lifestyle they have, the relationship problems they experienced were extremely realistic. I literally couldn’t put this book down until I had finished the last page. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and definitely alternated between laughing and crying throughout the book. I have not read anything from this author before, but I will definitely be checking out her other books, I will just make sure to keep tissues handy. If you are looking for an amazing book that will leave your heart filled, this is a great book to check out.

View all my reviews

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories)Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was absolutely a very dark and sexy read. I had not read anything from the author before and it looks like there are two other books in the series that I am definitely going to need to check out. This definitely had some darker tones to it and the author’s vivid description of the BDSM lifestyle is extremely sexy. The author created multifaceted characters that just suck you right into the story. This is a very sexy enemies to lovers story and seeing how Ethan and Sienna start out and the progression is just so well written. This is definitely a must read and I can’t wait to check out her other works.

View all my reviews

Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating an imaginative and well described world with complex and interesting characters. I absolutely adored Cressida and couldn’t wait to see how she would handle each situation that came up. She is definitely one of my favorite book characters! Seeing the progression of her relationship with Caravahl, despite all of the barriers was so sweet to follow. This book definitely had its share of twist and turns, but everything wrapped up well! I will be absolutely checking out the author’s other works and keeping an eye out for anything new!

View all my reviews

House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely blown away at how fantastic this book was. The author did an amazing job of creating unforgettable characters and descriptive backdrops for everything to play out in. I would absolutely love to visit Louisiana after reading this story. This was a fabulous book, it wasn’t a quick read, but definitely worth every page, I couldn’t put it down. Every time I thought that everything was resolved, the author threw in more plot twists that just kept making it better. Caitlin and Evariste or Gage, were just the perfect couple and the different obstacles they faced just made them even more incredible. Seeing the change and growth with both of them separately and together was wonderful. I loved all of the immortal creatures popping in and out of the story. This was an extremely well written vampire love story for the ages. I can’t wait to see what other stories the author will write.

View all my reviews