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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That ending is just cruel!
Love, love, love this whole series. Please read the books in order or at least read Cruel Start before this one. Phoenix and Aspen had me tangled in knots. Aspen’s character is amazing and is exactly what Phoenix needs. The angst is off-the-charts in such a good way. Just prepare yourself for the ending – ugh – how I despise cliffhangers. Now the waiting game begins for Cruel Love. Highly recommend!!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Rayne East

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Touching multilayered story
What a wonderfully touching story. From the first page, this book draws you in and holds you there right through until the end. Julie is a strong FMC and tells a very real story. The roller coaster of emotions is raw and confronting at times. The way the author draws all the threads together is commendable. Highly recommend.

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Rayne East

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Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5stars
Second chance Romance with a twist
This contemporary romance had a really good premise with the childhood best friends hitting road block upon road block to their HEA. This is told from Mia’s point of view and I would have really loved to have had Mitch’s POV, as it would have added another dimension – I’m a sucker for dual POV. There were only a few minor let downs for me in the persona of Mitch and the delivery with granny it all just seemed a bit clunky. The twists with Lacey were well developed though and she had strong characterisation. Overall, for me, this is a solid first read from this author.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Rayne East

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my heart 💜 😢
This book deals with the heartbreaking life event of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. It was so well and sensitively written. It’s a very emotional time losing a pet and it can be difficult to find the words and this story would be a great way to broach the subject with young children and to help explain the process and get the discussion started. A wonderful addition to any home or classroom library. Highly recommend.

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Rayne East

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire #2)Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unpredictable Revenge Mafia
Deadly Vengeance is book 2 in The Vaccaro Empire Collection. It can be read as a stand-alone, even though it is the next generation after book 1. Valencia finds more than she bargains for when she comes across her mother’s diaries. Luca gets more than he bargains for when he decides to seek revenge. The story draws you in and is a good balance between action, dark themes, light moments and steamy romance. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Recommend.

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Rayne East

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Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lead singer’s story
The second book in the Balefire series is Blu Connolly’s story. As the lead singer of Balefire he has had a life full of touring and everything that comes with a rock ‘n’ roll life but didn’t know what he needed until Ashleigh. What follows is a brilliant contemporary rockstar romance that had me hooked. With off the charts chemistry, medium burn romance, some steam, relatable characters and strong storyline it’s a worthy read. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone it is worth starting with book 1 – you won’t be disappointed. Highly Recommend.

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Rayne East

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Melinda Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All the feels
This YA/NA contemporary romance is slow at the start, but takes off about a quarter of the way in. The emotions are raw and the issues all to real. The MC has had a hard life which comes to light throughout the story but she endures. With angst, heartache, suspicions, hard held secrets and betrayal there is so much between the pages and it is not all smooth sailing. A worthy read.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rayne East

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Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This contemporary romance is chortle but sweet. With a quirky MC and her furry travel companion on a road trip to honour her grandmother. The journey turns out to be more than Liz bargains for. An uplifting and entertaining story, told in dual POV which adds a better dimension, this story has highs and some emotional lows. Recommend.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Rayne East

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Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly emotional and steamy
The second book in the Sweet Valley Series, Granting Katelyn, is a wonderful contemporary romance. Based in a small town with a western theme, the book follows on from book one with Elle’s younger sister Katelyn. Her journey to happiness and Grant is full of emotion, angst, drama, chemistry, soul searching and healing. A brilliant story and addition to the series. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend.

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Rayne East

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Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Royalty, Romance & Ruckus
The first book in The Crowned Heart series and it is a forbidden romance with mysteries to solve and lots of chemistry. Fyn and Bridget make a great couple and the author writes the story in such a way that had me vested in their success. A fantastic story that will appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommend.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Rayne East

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

More than just a paranormal romance
The third book in the Protector Wolf Shifter series has Tamaska fending for herself as Kodiak has been captured by the vamps. To survive, Tamaska need to face her fears and risk possible death. There is so much within this book to love but it is better enjoyed as a part of the series as there is a continuing storyline. If you love shifters, vamps, suspense, fantasy, romance and action, this series will not disappoint. Looking forward to book 4. Highly recommend.

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Rayne East

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A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heartfelt, genuine, real
This is a well written, interesting story that draws you in from the start. The characters, interactions and plot line are well orchestrated to bring a story filled with raw emotion, drama and rock & roll. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that make this story so real. Looking forward to seeing more from this author. Highly recommend!

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Rayne East

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Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unique
Thi book shares insights into the world of Tarot. With 78 reflections based on each card, I found the content interesting. I have always had a fascination with Tarot and this author has a way of presenting a depth of information in a creative way.If you have an interest in new age spiritualism, this is a worthy read. Recommend,

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Rayne East

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Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick suspenseful romance
A beautiful storyline, this book had all the feels. Derek finds a compatible spirit in Melinda. Together they need to face several obstacles. The writing draws you in and the characters keep you glued until the end. A wonderful read fir a lazy afternoon. Recommend.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rayne East

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Friends to lovers sweet contemporary romance
This is the fourth book in the Bluestone Series and it was a great addition. Summer is back in Bluestone County as life has not turned out as she planned. Teddy, retired from the Navy, returns to Bluestone County and buys the local bar. Both Summer and Teddy have a history and what unfolds as these two rekindle and work through some obstacles is an engaging and well written read. It was a treat to be back in Bluestone County and to cross paths with characters from previous books. This book, and the whole series, is totally not to be missed. Recommend.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story about inclusion
I Am An Outer Space Alien is such and engaging and fun read. The author cleverly weaves the educational message about inclusion, acceptance, and diversity through a cute fantasy adventure story. Aimed at early childhood ages, kids can easily connect to the concepts and illustrations. Another great addition to a home or school library. Recommend.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Rayne East

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book to share with all kids
This brilliantly illustrated picture story book tackles anxiety in such a sensitive way. I really loved the easy to read language and how the ‘heebie-jeebies’ were illustrated. What Lilly goes through is very common and the solutions presented are realistic and practical. This would make a great resource for any classroom and home library and a great introduction to a social emotional regulation lesson. Highly recommend.

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant!
This standalone was really engaging. It’s a billionaire with a bit of bully romance. So many twists and turns that kept me on my toes. There’s family secrets, so much history, and drama. I found the characters easy to connect with and loved having each of their POV. The emotions throughout the book – I laughed, I sighed and I actually shed a tear or two. Definitely not one to miss. Highly recommend.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review byRayne East

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rom com with a taste of the best era!
Back to the 80s is an awesome trip down memory lane. Blaine Reynolds is a great character who loves the 80s and owns a shop to prove it. Eric is a business man with an agenda to keep. What follows is an emotional comedy of errors and discovery of what is most important. This is well written, with characters I was totally invested in and imagery of an era that I loved. Highly recommend.

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Rayne East

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Short historical romance
3.5 stars
This quick read is the fifth book in the Studs of Clear Creek County Series. It’s a historical romance based in western times when interracial relationships were unacceptable. There’s forbidden love, age-gap, interracial relations, class divides and more within the story. Recommend.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creative storytelling
The second book in Soulbound Journey Series, Fortune’s Favorite is an engaging tale. Ian and Jarryd have escaped only to find themselves adrift. What follows is a compelling adventure, told with brilliant imagery and layers of intrigue. I am totally hooked and eagerly await book 3. Definitely read book 1 first. Highly recommend.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Rayne East

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Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sizzling, Hot, Scorching

This collection of spicy stories about hero saviours has some hidden gems.

The first book in the collection is Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie.
This story is MM romance and is a quick burn, with sizzling chemistry between Elijah and Jude. The characters are well developed and it was easy to be vested in their HEA.

Another great story was Into the Flames by Dawn Luedecke. This romcom was brilliantly written and was hilarious. With witty banter, love lost and trust issues, it is an endearing tale that leads to a HEA.

The third story that really appealed to me was Quin to the Rescue by L.A. Reminicky. This is well written and draws the reader into the world of Quin and Mirra – oh and Rufus. Told in dual POV, this engaging hero romance has issues from the past, multiple rescues, animals and of course a HEA.

A worthy collection of over 40 stories. Recommend.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Rayne East

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Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The reluctant one
I love love love this series. The Hawke Family Second Generation series continues with book 2, Reticent Hawke. This is Jude and Angelina’s story and it was brilliant. This story really tugs at the heartstrings and shows the raw side of the characters. Jude, who is an adopted Hawke, and Angelina, Hawke by blood, have grown up together and have always felt chemistry. This book and the whole series is a must read for contemporary romance lovers. Bring on Book 3! Highly recommend.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Rayne East

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Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping
This suspenseful thriller will have you guessing til the end. The fifth book in A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series, Leaving No Traces is an intense, action- packed murder mystery. With twists and turns at every corner, there are a lot of layers to the story. This was a race against time, intriguing story that suspense lovers would enjoy. Highly recommend.

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East

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Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Different type of story
The first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series, Flowers of Evil is an engaging tale. Set in ancient Egypt the author takes the reader on a mysterious adventure. There’s murder, danger, drama and secrets all centred around a crime. The writing was engaging, with well developed characters and imagery that painted pictures of the past. I am interested to see what the next book entails. Recommend.

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