The Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has a very interesting spin on life. I love to see the developing relationship between Harry and Tristan. It’s interesting to see Harry as a spider also. This book is one of those that makes you think. It draws you in from the very beginning and then keeps you guessing and wondering what if through tout the whole book.
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised. The story was very relatable and I found myself really interested in Wylie’s story and the struggles he went through and the happiness he found. The story kept me interested and entertained. The characters were funny and I enjoyed the interactions between all of them. This is a good book and I recommend this author and his story.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an amazing and hilarious book! If you love supernatural, paranormal, romance with a dash of southern, this is the book for you!
I enjoyed this book so much! All of the characters are absolutely delightful, they have snark, they are hilarious, they will keep you on your toes. The dialogue was EVERYTHING! The story was suspenseful enough to keep your interest while also keeping it fast paced and lighthearted.
My favorite part of this story is that Gwen, is midlife. So we get to see her past, present and future, as well as how some of those choices impacted others. She has more depth, experience, and balance than her younger self, as we all do when we get other. It was very relatable and refreshing.
How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful, engaging and teaching this story is great for the young and old. Who wouldn’t want a flying carpet?
Alex is a young inventor, always evolving to invent something great. When a broken refrigerator magnet becomes something more trying to figure out what she can do with the magnets, whether if the magnets are together or seperate…it can create an imagination to be a possible flying carpet!
What a wonderful story and the illustrations are very engaging and colorful. Another wonderful book by Lois Wickstrom. Highly recommended.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book as well.
Reign is a wolf, the brothers 9 are Lycans, and James is an angel of sorts, and then we have the wizard that is very powerful.
The above are a powerful group trying to keep evil from taking over Italy.The Lich is trying everything in his power to take down the group of immortals by any means possible. The use of mythology captured my interest and kept wondering how the immortal group was going to defeat Lich.
The author has an easy flow of writing and gets you interested in the story right away.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Intriguing story…enjoyable with romance, danger, drama, shibari, angst between Chandler and Cassie with an age gap (which I love)…I am already looking forward to book 2.
After Cassie suffers the unthinkable when losing her parents, she grows up knowing she wants to be a silk aerialist going to a prestigious school to learn from the best. Little did Cassie know she meets
Chandler Moreau and all she wants to do not only learn from him but also be with him.
Chandler is part of the Moreau Academy and highly affluential. With a nagging injury and also going through a divorce…. His focus is all about Cassie and taking her under his wing. This takes a turn when Chandler introduces Cassie to shibari… and the intense sizzle between them is undeniable.
With both Cassie and Chandler having these dark pasts that threaten them at every turn…can they overcome and build any relationship?
Great audiobook, great storyline and narrators to the story… cannot wait to see what happens next.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The title drew me to this one and upon reading the blurb, I knew this was the book for me.
This is the first book in the series and contains plenty of supernaturals, magic and mystery. Since reading I’ve learnt that there is a prequel so I’m disappointed that I didn’t get the full background, but that’s my own fault for not checking. The author does provide enough information to understand the characters and events for me not to had realised until after. But with how much I enjoy this book, I’ll be reading the novella next!
I was hooked reading this, it’s amusing and engaging, and the characters are great.
The descriptive writing flows well, creating vivid imagery, making it easier to consume and made the book far more enjoyable. Not only was the scenery/setting written well, but the characters were also brilliant.
Gwen was so lovable. She’s been through so much and still holding it together as she makes her way through all the danger and relationships. She’s sassy (which I love) and relatable, but her approach to what she faces as she fights through the hardships is admirable and that’s what I love about her most.
I cannot wait to read more from this series, I’m impatient for the next book and I haven’t even gone back to read the prequel yet!
I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book three of the series. These can be read as a standalone but honestly, they’re all so good you should just start at the beginning.
Lauren knew from the moment she met Mitch he was going to be the one for her. Was she a little young to know that? Maybe. But that doesn’t change the fact that they did in fact get married. As with most things, the shine wore off. The routine of marriage and working started getting in the way. Lauren doesn’t understand why Mitch seems so distant from her but she’s got her restaurant to pour all her energy into. Will this be the last straw for their marriage or will they be able to rebuild?
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of emotion and up and downs that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen with Lauren and Mitch. I finished this book so quick! I was sucked in! It’s so well written you immediately feel like you have a stake in what happens to these characters. I highly recommend!
NonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a standalone novel. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it but this book was so impactful!
The story is about Emerson, a teenager with a slew of labels as though they define her. She is labeled as having autism spectrum disorder as well as being non-verbal. This book takes you through Emerson’s story. She knows what she’d like to say but the words are lost. Yet she has to deal with people talking about her like she’s not there and doesn’t understand. She watches her parents struggle while also trying to protect her and give her some semblance of independence. While also realizing that while she’s been given the tools to cope sometimes her reaction is outside of her control.
This book is really powerful. I think everyone could benefit from reading it. It definitely gives you a first hand perspective of what it might be like to deal with and cope with the labels individuals on the spectrum have to deal with. This is a very well written book and I highly recommend anyone read this!
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading them in order. This was a great follow up to the first book and it took no time to re-connect with Jace and Cyrus. They were just as strong characters in this book as the first and I loved watching their development progress even further as the story went on.
The story was a great follow on. It was more emotional than I expected it would be but I think that added to it. I really enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was another fantastic book by this author. It was well written and intriguing. Once I had started reading I could not put the book down. I had to find out how everything was going to play out. This author really keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout this book. She creates so many twists and turns.
The characters are really strong and fit the story well. You can clearly see the development throughout the story and I wanted to know more about them. This is a brilliant story and I cannot wait to read more.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion is book one in the Gemstone Massacre series by Julia Goldhirsh. I would consider this a dark urban fantasy. There are plenty of encounters with romance, magic, danger, drama and so much more! I will let you know right now that there is quite a bit of references to the LGBTQ+ community with the gender fluid characters that are introduced in this book. The world that the author has built is a unique feel to it. This is the first book that I have read by Julia Goldhirsh and so I wasn’t sure what I was going to be reading, I wasn’t disappointed, but I really didn’t feel like it was my style of reading. To me the book was very busy, and I had a hard time keeping up with everything that was going on, like I said so much more…lol! I did like that Julia built a world full of fantasy and had some wonderful characters, even though at times I was confused with the pronouns that were being used. I think I would have had a different outlook on the book if I would have known previous to reading it that there was a prequel. Maybe reading the prequel will help with some of the confusion and busyness of the book. Like I said, overall, an interesting story. I think I’m going to have to read the prequel to see if maybe my outlook on this book changes some. All in all, still a book that was very readable.
Mary Espinoza, April 2023
https://www.amazon.com/review/R26P09414FEL7W/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book I read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. The book grabbed my attention from the beginning til the very end. The characters and world building was great. Even though I didn’t read the other books in this series I still knew what was going on. This book was definitely a page turner for me!
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https://www.amazon.com/review/R24OE983DIPU0N/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pulling together was another great book written by Lois Wickstrom. The Grandmother made a poncho with 3 head holes and her grand daughter thought she made a mistake. Later in the story 3 friends pull together and share it. I think this would be a great book to teach young ones about sharing. I also think it would be great in teaching them how they can come together and use them with each other. It was definitely easy to read.
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https://www.amazon.com/review/R3CCSDILDOOPEY/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Little Red, The Detective was a nice story twist of The Little Red Riding Hood. I read this one to my daughter also. I didn’t think she would be interested in it, but surprising enough she was. The details in the story was good. I love how the pictures went along with the story on each page. My daughter likes looking at pictures to guess words that she doesn’t know. I recommend this book for children around 6-8 years old.
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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is classified as Paranormal Women’s Fiction, which is an amazing genre that you should definitely check out if you haven’t already.
I am in love with Reggi Dupree’s fast-paced, no-nonsense, creative writing style. Her style along with her satirical character’s personalities and clever dialogue remind me a lot of my favorite author, Daryanda Jones.
The main character, Gwen Carter, is a middle-aged woman of color who is as real as they come and truly a breath of fresh air. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gwen must return to her hometown that she fled from years earlier. Hoodoo, her hometown, makes her feel abnormal in a town full of odd balls. It’s here that Gwen questions what she is? Who can she trust? How does she deal with the prejudices people believe about her past? She, along with a wonderful cast of diverse secondary characters, search for these answers and more. I can’t wait for the rest of this series, and honestly I plan on reading anything Reggi Dupree writes as she’s an amazing lyrical wizard.
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was thoroughly amazed at the writing in this book. It was so fascinating how the author was able to weave two worlds together in this amazing tale. A world where magic, fae, vampires, suspense, action, passion, love exists and the real world were amazing put together. The characters in this story it was hard not to fall in love and care for what they both have been thou. Connor a vampire that was turned against his will, with so much resentment and hatred, falls in love with a girl that was locked way to keep her safe. Connor does everything on his power to product her as she learns about the world she was locked away from. I was very intrigued with this book and absolutely loved it. This book kept me invested right from the beginning, it’s a page turner for sure, and I couldn’t stop till it was the end. I Recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy and intriguing read.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R9A1NLDB2MWS2/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Noah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed at all. The world building and details was really thought out. The character building I really enjoyed. I know it says for young adults, but I really enjoyed reading Noah’s Not So Super Summer. This was definitely a page turner for me. It was hard to put the book down because I was constantly wanting to know what happened next. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
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How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great children’s science book on how magnetism works. Alex finds uses for a broken kitchen magnet – and from trying out and experimenting with different objects in the house, she realizes how magnets work. Lois Wickstrom is great at using children’s stories to teach about different scientific processes. Highly recommend for a classroom library shelf or a home library.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is highly intriguing and left me with so many questions that I need to read the full series.
A young magi who may not be so young at all is protected by a group of various creatures; blessed by angels.
Protecting their magi and the city of Italy comes at a price. Their peace. Fighting through the madness they encounter. Succeeding quickly only to be brought forth a new problem. Fast paced and thrilling. I can’t wait for the next.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot explain the fullness I felt after reading Reggi Dupree’s Return to Hoodoo. She ticked off every box and exceeded every expectation I had for this book. Her characters are well-developed, multidimensional, and just full of life and her plot line is the same. I cannot wait for the next installment to see where Dupree takes Gwen and everyone else. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue series. This looks like it is going to be a fun series to read. It is full of adventure, mystery, danger, supernatural beings and magic.
I really enjoyed this story, I loved Gwen’s character. She is very strong and sassy and after everything she has been through you can understand why she is the way she is. The only downside for me was that I didn’t realise there was a prequel before this story which would have explained the backstory to Gwen, however i will be going back to read this book and the prequel again before book 2.
This story is definately a page turner with secrets being revealed and danger along the way. Gwens world is very entertaining with a strange family and all the other creatures only normally found in stories she has a lot to navigate. This story leaves you wanting more and I cant wait for the next book.
The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Traveler series has been amazing from the start. So much depth and thought-provoking circumstance. Book 3 answers so many questions, and allows us to see the strength and growth of Harry. As he embraces his new abilities and works to control them we also see the difficulty that continues to follow him. I had many moments this book took me on an emotional ride, but kept me so excited.
Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adore Lois Wickstrom and the lessons her stories provide. Her take on Red Riding hood was fun and inspired the curiosity in us all. My daughters loved the scientific aspect and the different flowers. Importance of knowing your surroundings, and things around you were a big lesson wrapped in a fun package!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a fun read with a touch of everything within it. Drama, mystery, magic, offbeat humor, paranormal, and friendship.
You will fall in love with Gwen and appreciate her spirit and sassy attitude. This book was a great surprise that will capture your attention from start to finish.
“All I wanted was to be near you, FOREVER,” Kyle
When I first saw him, I loved him. He became my everything, my true north. But both of us are broken. The trauma from our past is bigger than our love. He pushed me away when I needed him most. Our love was an affliction that I may never find the cure for.
“Every time I look at you, I remember what happened that night,” Lyle
I’m the reason why he almost died that night. If it wasn’t for…no, I’m too afraid to say it. The memory is too fresh. I’m not worthy of him. Perhaps I’m like my father, after all. Why do we hurt those we love the most? This affliction called love is painful and I’m the one who brings him the most pain, but I can’t stay away because he is my drug of choice.
Afflicted Love is the first book in the Rhythm & Heart Series, a M/M romance by dark contemporary romance author, Autumn Sand. If you like raw emotions, steamy sex scenes and gorgeous men, then this is the series for you.
Get Afflicted today!
~ ☆ PREORDER ~ ☆ ~ ~ ☆All The World’s A Stage, As They Say
In 1876 Philadelphia, Benjamin Grimm knows real life is much like the theater—people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives and never revealing their secrets. When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, his delight turns to dismay. On learning she has been under a spell for the past seven years, forced to live as a servant in her own home, he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother’s death under her stepmother’s watchful and unforgiving eye. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seemed no one could help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, likewise bespelled. When she encounters Ben one evening, he seems immune to the magic that binds her. Her hope rekindles along with their friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the curse before midnight on New Year’s Eve, both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.
´¨`•.¸¸. PREORDER ´¨`*•.¸¸In early San Francisco, women are scarce, and attitudes are accepting of just about anything.
Amidst this laissez-faire lifestyle, Suzette de Massey blows into the city like wildfire.
Isaac Stark and Walter James are instantly drawn to the talented French beauty. Opposite in many ways, the two of them have been the best of friends for years. They owe their lives to one another, and their mutual affection runs deep.
Suzette is torn between Walter, whom she thinks is a gentleman, and Isaac, whom she takes to be a roughneck. She has a lot to learn, but she knows what excites her. Men. Together.
Suzette kindles the fire that has smoldered between Isaac and Walter for years, and each of them together makes a combustible, passionate threesome.
She is a woman with secrets.
Unfortunately, when Suzette’s dark past reappears to haunt her, no one is safe.
This romance, intended for mature readers, sizzles with passion and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fast paced, dark, mystery book with twists and turns throughout. I never knew what was going to happen, and what I thought would, never was the truth. I stayed on the edge of my seat for this one. Lies, secrets, family issues, mental issues, murder, kidnapping, questions; all of it is just slammed into one book. I loved it.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The title of this book grabbed my attention right away. Also I’m a huge fan of all things paranormal, so I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled that I quickly became hooked with this story. This book has everything: snarky wit, vampires, witches, inheritance drama, a haunted mansion, werewolves, and a good old mystery.
Gwen Carter is the main character and I gotta say I love her sass. She returns to her hometown much to her chagrin, due to a mysterious inheritance matter. While trying to minimize her stay, she has another run of bad luck, as she witnesses a horrific murder. To make matters worse, she is a possible suspect. She deals with obstacles, sarcasm, ghosts, a handsome ex, and all things paranormal in this book.
This is my first time reading a book from this author and I enjoyed it. I think the main character is easily relatable to most readers and who doesn’t love a strong leading lady? You definitely get the feeling that if you knew her in real life, she would tell you how it is, straight forward, no BS but would never lie and act like she knows everything.
I enjoyed reading a fantastic story with a diverse set of characters and a beautiful atmosphere. I can’t wait to read something, anything else from the author.