The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This little book was so super cute! I love the illustrations. This story was cute for children as they realize that Caspian is on a little mystery driven by his know-it-all pencil! It is nice to see that his grandma gave him this pencil to begin with, and the story centers around his family and those closest to him. Very cute story!
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading Evil Sushi. An easy read, with an interesting storyline. I liked the banter between the characters. The author keeps you captive during the whole story. I can’t wait to read the 2nd book.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
When I started this book I didn’t realize it was the 3rd in a series. Sometimes that doesn’t really have an impact but I did feel like I was missing some of the back story that was necessary. Overall the story flowed great and I loved how independent and ahead of her time Emma seemed to be. Historical mystery isn’t a genre I’m really familiar with but I plan on reading this one again after reading the previous books in the series. I would recommend this book to others who want to follow the series and Emma and her friends story.
Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite things about this is that this is an older couple. That they both have wrinkles and some life behind them. My second favorite is the meet-cute! So great! I am not sure I have read of a meeting taking place in this kind of a high stress situation before. Thirdly is the joy that the Devils get out of razzing Marvel for his indecision made me laugh! Especially Blade! Lastly I liked seeing all the club members and their old ladys plus kids/grandkids throughout the story. I am pleased to say that I have been looking more to Wiz as the prez instead of always Drummer. That took me four books.
This also covers a difficult subject with Miss Virginia and I can completely see how she could and would be affected. I understood her and felt her embarrassment/doubts. I enjoyed how she grew and became stronger as the story moved along. I am glad that Marvel finally got his story. I like how he knew he wasn’t a spring chicken anymore but he still can offer something. He is known as the grump-asaurus (in other terms) around the club. Yet he still had that kind heart to help her out.
Overall its another wonderful addition to the series. I always look forward to these since I never know what this author will come up with for these characters.
Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While I am a huge fantasy lover I haven’t read very many urban fantasies before but this one is just simply amazing! This book combined all of my favorite things including crime, drama, magic, and more. The character development was simply amazing, the plot was so perfect that I was on the edge of my seat most the book. Ezri is a strong cop with the Boston police department and I loved following her magical journey through this story and I personally can’t wait to see what our author gives us next.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute and fun book! I read it with my daughter and she thought it was so silly but also wanted to know if the pencil knew any other fun tricks. Definitely recommend for preschool to early elementary age read aloud.
Amy’s Santa: Satan’s Devils MC (Second Generation) #1 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So completely thrilled with a 2nd generation with these characters!!!!!! It is hard to say goodbye to characters and series, especially when you feel you watch the characters grow up throughout the series. Now I can find out what happens!! This author always twists my insides up when the story heads in a direction before throwing in a monkey wrench causing a heading change.
I want to be in the sorority of these strong women. They take no nonsense from anyone, especially their tough bikers. All these women are linked not only in their love of the club, their men, but each other! Looks like I am hanging out for the Second Generation!!!
Amy, the first kid from the first generation, has had a crush on Drew since he came to the Satan’s Devils’ compound when he was 15. Drew was everything to Amy, a big brother, a friend, her first love and her first heartbreak. But now, Amy is all grown up. She is living a life away from the compound and is keeping secrets. Amy has come home for Christmas with a guy. Drew isn’t happy about this guy and feels that Amy is hiding something. Can Amy find home and herself with Drew? Can Drew find a way to figure out Amy’s secret and a way to make her stay?
I love this series!!
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Watch out for the Evil Sushi; it’s worse than gas station sush! It’s going to get you and it’s takes a real bite out of you. Rod is feeling let down because his way of earning a living is dying due to corporate greed. He goes after one of the big boats blows up the fish and finds some unknown fish. He gets Ned and they go back and find some rainbow fish. They take some home and Sally, Ned’s daughter, puts them in a tank with tap water and salt. I loved this part because it reminded me of a furry little creature you shouldn’t get wet. Well, seems if you get salt on this fish, it multiplies. They thought this was a good thing. Nope…hence Evil Sushi. A bad, bad thing happens. Greedy people, mutants, and unknowns. Oh my goodness. This is the best food horror story that I’ve read in awhile. I love sushi but I just may have to rethink it for a bit. Those characters showed every sign of greed and bad personalities. I felt bad for Aileen and Rod. Sally had some ‘tude. Love the plot, it was entertaining and made you think because in some weird way, who says it can’t happen. Hmmmmm? I highly recommend this. I’m looking forward to moving on to book 2 in the series.
Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Manda Mellett and I will absolutely be putting her on my list of authors to go back and read more books from.
Even though I have not read other books in this series, I don’t feel like I missed anything by not reading them.
Marvel and Virginia meet during a bank robbery where they end up talking for hours hidden in a room waiting for the cops to diffuse the situation. They open up to each other about the event that changes their life. Virginia seems to be a b ad luck magnet and Marvel cant resist to be her knight and shining armor. The big question is if they can both overcome their past to trust one another and build a future together. 100% would recommend.
Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series. I loved the first generation. I am adoring this second generation. This chapter in the series has us finding out about Marvel. Marvel is a great brother but kind of a jerk. He never told anyone what happened to him, what turned him into a cynic. A chance meeting with a woman, Virginia, in the bank Marvel finds himself stuck in during a robbery turns into a kinship of sorts. When Virginia’s safety is put at risk because of her ex, Marvel finds himself wanting to protect her.
One thing this author manages to do is include characters from both generations seamlessly. Everyone flows and works together. The strong female characters, their sisterhood, and the love for their men make me wish I was someone’s old lady in this club. I am along for the ride until the bitter end!!
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
Another amazing read by the author. This is the first book in the Romantically Seasonal series. What can happen when Cupid gets against the other Gods?
Greta is Mother Nature and can make plants grow. When she plays poker with Gods and Cupid anything can happen. Now she’s got the task of finding a couple like Cupid does. Is it as easy as she thinks? The quote I chose for Greta is: “There are still a few good people in this world, aren’t there? Can’t a stranger help his fellow man out of the kindness of his heart anymore? Tsk. If it were Christmas time, no one would think twice about the matter. Why is December the only time humans can share goodwill? It makes no sense.”
Eros is Cupid and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. When he thinks about it he’s got the hardest job of them all. Now he’s going to bet them all that their jobs are easier. The quote I chose for Eros is: “I’ll guess I’ll see you when the time is right. Until then, I’m out. Greta, it’s been an adventure.”
Highly recommended for Paranormal Romantic Comedy lovers.
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW where do I even start to describe how amazing this book was?! It held my attention until the very end was jam packed with a unique storyline that had me on pins and needles. This is a horror story that is mixed with mystery as to how everyone is getting sick and becoming mutated. This book is the thing that nightmares are made of and are EXACTLY why this book is so great. It is a great example of what could happen in the future due to overfishing. I cannot wait to start the second book and see what happens next.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series, and I cannot recommend this series enough! This book is set in 1885 Chicago/New York City/Paris and involves Emma Evans, a “Sherlock Holmesian” character who has quickly become one of my favorite heroines in Historical Fiction. She is strong, smart, and interesting. I absolutely love Historical Fiction and this series has not disappointed me in the slightest. This book is full of mysteries, as the title suggests, and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This is one book/series that is never long enough for me. I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first because, if you don’t, you’re just going to want to go back and read them anyway – it’s that good. Also, it will obviously know everything that is going on and how all the characters have developed since book one; however, don’t let that deter you from picking this one up. You will enjoy it either way! 5 stars!
Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Spring’s Calling: (A Witch Detective Urban Fantasy Novel) (Seasons of Magic #1) by Sarah Biglow
This isn’t the first book by the author that I’ve read. Biglow has a unique way of bringing her characters to life. Ezri’s story had me captivated from the beginning.
Ezri is the last Harrow daughter alive. She is told of the prophecy that involves her. Now the time has come and she’s not exactly ready to do it on her own. The quote I chose for Ezri is: “Damn right I am. And they need to know that the only way to stop me is to actually kill me, and if Taggart is their best guy, then they’re seriously going to need to up their game. Now, let’s see about getting you back to normal.”
Highly recommended for Supernatural Witch lovers.
The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to jump back into this series. Having enjoyed the previous two books I couldn’t wait to see what to see what the author had in store next. I loved this book. I loved the relationships and the dynamic of the three involved. I loved how the author didn’t make it out to be this perfect scenario bur rather one with faults that they overcame. For me it made it more real.
This story was well thought through and developed. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. This is a great addition to the series as a whole.
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read quite a bit of this authors work and she never disappoints. The characters are always strong and independent and the plots are great… This is a paranormal romantic comedy with plenty of laughs and fireworks.
What happens when the Gods, Celestial being and mythological creatures come together Wars were fought, humans suffered, tricks were played and all in the name of competition; a way of determining a hierarchy amongst themselves.
Cupid has always been taken for granted and ridiculed. Enough was enough. It was time to climb the ladder. For once and for all, he is going to prove helping people fall in love was, is, and always will be, the hardest job.
How is Cupid going to prove he deserves respect among his peers? Can he win? What will happen if he loses?
Tracy
@tracym
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne made me feel like I was living a movie in my mind while reading. This is a love story like no other, fighting over a plantation where one believes it should stay and the other want to tear it down. Who will win?
Zenni Parker, originally from Everwood County, Georgia, returns home after a hurricane destroyed her deceased grandparent’s home. Zenni is there to try to help clean up and figure out what happens next with the property, or what’s left of it. While Zenni is back home taking care of business she learns that someone has bought the old slavery plantation that her ancestors used to be slaves on and that its going to be destroyed for new condos to go in. Zenni is not OK with this and sets out on a mission to stop it, but can she stop the filthy rich and handsome Colton?
Colton Sage is a billionaire who has come to Everwood County to put money back into the town and tear down the old slavery plantation and build new condos. Colton, from Atlanta, has came to Everwood in hopes of being closer to his birth mother’s family but what he finds in Everwood is more than he anticipated with Zenni. Colton, a player who breaks women’s hearts has no idea how to handle Zenni or his growing feelings.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read The Know-It All Pencil for the first time definitely a reread. I read it to my nieces and son they were definitely into it🤣 one of nieces asked if I could get her one of the pencils. It’s a cute little adventure books. Im gonna have to go check out more books by Lois Wickstrom since this one was a hit.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read the previous books in this series, I was able to follow the characters and connections between them. I would have been completely lost if I hadn’t.
It was touching to see Emma continue to grow, both individually and in her relationships. She is such a smart and independent character, I feel could be a great role model character for young women. The mysteries throughout the book are always keeping you wanting more. Reading as Emma faces some major hardships, and old enemies, adds to her character and growth.
If you like mysteries and romance – these books are for you!
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a quick, fun and romantic read. Angela and Blade are reunited when he comes to work at her office. The chemistry is there. The story is there. The characters crack me up. They are quirky, silly and full of personality. I enjoyed the tone of the story. It felt modern and contemporary. I fell in love with the characters the first time I met them. I like this author’s writing. I hope to read more. I definitely recommend this.
Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was truly amazing from start to finish. I love the suspense, the characters, and the story line the author had brought to life. It was amazing, and the writing was freaking fantastic!
Lila and Elizabeth were a great team for sure. Both had their connections to serial killer. I loved how the mystery behind everything built itself more and more as I read. I constantly was left on the edge of my seat, and breathless wanting to know what would happen next. The story was captivating, and when loose ends got tied, they really held together. I also loved the character development. The ending I would say will stay with me. I loved this book, it was a crime mystery novel that I could not help, but love!
Amazing read, prepare to spend your day reading, as you will not be able to put it down! I loved the author’s writing skills that really brought this story and the characters to life! I would for sure say that this is a must read novel, and not one to be passed up. Truly highly recommend you giving this a read!
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cupid’s job is harder than all his colleagues know. Mother Nature, Santa Claus, the Grim Reaper, Neptune, none of them understand the intricacies involved in pairing two people – the right two people, for true love. A wager is made and Mother Nature is first up to try to play matchmaker. How hard can it be anyway? Love is in the air in this romance-gone-awry. I enjoyed the bickering between the celestial beings and am looking forward to the rest of the series. It’s a fun, quick read!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet love story that will leave you wanting more. Immortals betting on love, who will win? A quick read that will definitely wanting more from this author. I was kind of disappointed that the immortals weren’t gods or goddesses when I started this book, but quickly overcame that as I fell into the story. I can highly recommend this book, as well as others that may follow.
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this sweet romance story. This is a story that is part of a series that can be read as a stand alone and I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This is a well written story about a second chance romance. I enjoyed these characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable, strong and supportive of each other. I enjoyed how the author was able to bring them to life with their writing skills. Their attention to details made the story fun and easy to read. This is a story about two people who break up and leave one angry and at a loss of why. What will happen when you walk into work only to find the one person you loved but gave up. What will fate have in store for these two? You don’t want to miss it. I enjoyed their chemistry and growth throughout the story. Their story is fast paced and engaging. A story where the author did a great job of making me feel part of the story. This made a great afternoon read and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed how the author was able to pull me into the story by their writing style and their attention to details. This is a fast paced story that is not only engaging but is hard to put down. I found the characters to be connectable and supportive towards each other. They made the story fun and easy to read. They have great growth throughout which kept me coming back for more. A story that is full of action and a killer that needs to be stopped. Will Lila and Elizabeth stop the killer before they find their next mark? You don’t want to miss what happens with these characters. They brought the story to life and made the story for me. They had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed this story and the suspense it brought. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Colgrove’s novel was such a beautiful touch to a coming-of-age love story. Until There Was You depicts the story of Regan and Jeremy and their particular lives bring them together unexpectedly and even though their lives are significantly different, they decide to carry on in a way only love can move. Centered around the urban area of Boston, Regan was born and raised as a “Southie” with a barely existent mother figure and her older brother, Shane. Basically raising themselves, Regan builds on a tough exterior to handle whatever hurt and pain life has brought to her thus far. Things start to change the evening after her high school graduation.
Along comes Jeremy, an up and coming in the real estate industry and a fresh face from Harvard Grad, he starts lining up and preparing to hopefully one day take over his father’s company. Even though he calls Los Angeles home, he has temporarily been placed in Boston to settle some projects to help better build the community. Things start changing when he ends up having a work lunch at the diner Regan works at.
The love story between Regan and Jeremy has its challenges along the way but the one thing that remains strong but it is tested left and right. They must learn on their own terms if their love is strong enough to keep each other together.
The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells
The Fighter is the third book in the An Underground Bad Boys Romance Series. This is a fast paced Romance story that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve read several books by her but this one is definitely going to the top of my favorites list. I love her style of writing and attention to detail blows me away. This one was a bit intense at times but the chemistry was off the charts along with it being hot and steamy this was the perfect afternoon read. This is a story about Juliet and Jonathan (Gage) along with her best friend Ten. She’s always felt alone and has had to fend for herself and Jonathan never thought he’d ever find love or even happiness. These three together are pretty Hot! I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for more from this Author.
Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author is amazing. They know how to draw you in and keep you hooked. I did not want to put this book down. With all the action with a sprinkle of romance, this book was very entertaining. I highly recommend this book and this series as a whole. You will not be disappointed.
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story delivers humor and romance in a way only the Mythological Gods can present it. This book was a lighthearted read that has a delightful cast and a feel good emotion all throughout the story. Cupid is seen in a different light as he makes sure the other Gods see his job is more than just shoot and aim to get people to fall in love. Watching the Gods attempt to be “Cupid” was comical and sweet. This author did a great job with this novella, and I will definitely read future stories from her.
Sashimi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely fantastic! C.A. King did it again with another marvelous book! I enjoyed book 1 “Evil Sushi” but this second book is by far better in every aspect. I was pulled straight in, and captivated, from the first sentence. I love the characters and how you see them grow in this book. “Sashimi” is excellently written and a quick pleasant read. I could not put it down, and finished in one day! Every paragraph, no, every sentence has you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next big thing to happen! The author expands the story line of “what could happen” , the story evolves in such a magnificent way, and is unpredictable! As the book continues, you can see yourself saying “OMG, this could really happen if the circumstances were correct!”. I adore the little bit of romance added to the intense thriller setting, it gives the book a nice refreshing moment of love, and a reason why the world is worth saving. I can not wait to read the next book in the series!
