Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love when new authors land in my lap. This book was a fun find and I loved how the author pulled me in immediately. If you are looking for a nicely descriptive story with romance and suspense this book will be a perfect fit. Enjoyed every page and hope to read more from this author soon.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very quick and enjoyable read for me. Moved quickly. Sometimes you want a book you can anticipate the next move. I enjoy how the author pulled this story together. It was a sweet book and a perfect romance for a lazy afternoon.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Hazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun paranormal romp – and I love that it took place in Hawaii! Shouldn’t more books take place in such a wonderful place? The author grabbed my attention from the very start and I found the characters very engaging. The plot was fascinating and moved at just the right pace. Can’t wait to see how the series continues.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow Burn by A.K. Macbride. This is such a good friends to enemies read. Its the story of Adam who has moved to Clearwater Bay to put some space between him and his family. He is still trying to deal with the past tragedy and them pitying him only makes it worse. Maddie has moved back home to help her parents in their store and has had to put her dance dream on hold. When she moves next door to Adam with her dog Sheldon she meets him due to Sheldon being an escape artist. Adam is grumpy and mean. She wants no part of him but she decides to kill him with kindness. When Maddie is in danger he realizes he cares more than he wants to and he likes how he feels when he’s around her. A calmness washes over him due to her soothing presence. Doing anything to keep her safe Adam realizes his feelings are involved regardless of how he wants to feel. Will they find love with one another. Read Slow Burn to find out!
Caine by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caine is book two in the Men of Syn series by Anise Storm. Dangerous, delicious and dastardly are just a couple descriptive words to convey just a tad of what this book captured. Anise Storm is a masterclass storyteller and her words draw you in and captivate endlessly. Caine, all round bad guy, and Emery, the princess, make a very intriguing couple. Their path was paved in passionate and powerful clashes. Both have battles to fight, and as they learn more of one another, their feelings blossom into ever after together. I hung off every word and the fast paced story kept me breathless and hungry for more. Caine has left a lasting and heartfelt memory, and left me feeling ready for the next drama. 5 stars.
Journeys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m blown away by Mr. Talisman’s ability to create a world and characters that are out of this world. (Pun intended) hehe.
The name of the book says it all. You will be taken on a JOURNEY, THROUGH TIMESPACE with these wonderfully unique and exciting characters.
Please read the first book before you read this one to completely understand the complexity of this magical world that James has created.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries, Decisions and Possibilities is the second installment the Notebook Mysteries series. This is a YA Historical Mystery set in the 19th century where Emma has turned 18, graduated business school and has established her own career.
I aboslutley loved this book. Not only is it filled with action and mystery but Emma is an amazing lead character. She is so different from the regular women of the 1800’s. She is fierce, intelligent, independent and strong. She loves solving mysteries, her family and friends.
This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end and I could not put it down. I also loved that at the end there are recipes from the book. I cannot wait to try some of them and for book 3 Notebook Mysteries, Changes and Challenges to be released.
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tasha and Levi are at it again as we pick up where Book one left off. I was excited to get my hands on this book because I really enjoyed Book 1 and this one didn’t disappoint. It kept me entertained and intrigued and I didn’t want to put it down. Will love conquer all in the action packed Romance? Pick it up to find out!!
Happy reading!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Levi and Tasha are working together to find a way to save both their kinds from the Hellspawn and keep their love strong against the backlash they receive. In Forbidden Mate, we continue following Tasha and Levi as they bring their two races together to fight against a greater evil. Who will win? Who will lose? Will there even be a winner? Each chapter continues to change pov from one to the other, giving us glimpses into what they are seeing and feeling. With each change the audience is continuously wondering what will happen next and what the ultimate price might be if Levi and Tasha are to win.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities is the second instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. I was drawn to this book by the intriguing cover and the fact that it was a mystery with historical detailing. I had never read one of Ms. Mullins books before, but my curiosity was piqued enough for me to snap up a copy to explore.
The story/series follows Emma Evans on her ‘investigations. I really wish that I had read the first book before jumping into this one, as even though this story can be read as a standalone, I think the other book would have provided more character details and pertinent background information that would have enhanced my reading experience of this book.
Whilst I enjoyed the somewhat quirky mystery and Emma’s adventures/investigations- it did take me a while to ‘settle’ into the story and get my mind around the author’s writing style. I do think that that the ‘interruptions’ throughout the story from the ‘narrator’ really disrupted the flow of the story and kept pulling me out of the story. I think that the story would have been much more enjoyable without the ‘narrator’, and the information provided by the narrator could have been added to the story without the ‘disruptions. (see below for example)
“Emma pulled herself into the present and opened her desk drawer to find her current case book. She still kept her observations in the black notebooks she always carried with her. As she tried to pull the drawer open, it got stuck and she had to pull forcibly on the handle. When it finally gave way and allowed her access, she knelt to discover what had kept the drawer from opening. It was another notebook, wedged in the back; she reached in and pulled it out.
She sat back on her knees, looking at it for a long moment, and realized which one it was. It must be a day for memories, she thought, shaking her head. That notebook, the black cover faded with age, was from another day long ago when she was ten years old and involved her “incident”.
[The Narrator said, “The incident was when Emma was attacked at the age of ten by a career criminal named Zeke Jones, and it was not the last time he would go after her. He had a personal vendetta against her; he felt she was always taking something from him that he believed was his.”
Dear-one commented wryly, “To be fair, she did keep uncovering cases where he was also involved. The Stubing store theft, the smuggling operations involving store owners, and then when he had volunteered to “take care” of Emma for the notorious gangster John Harden.”
The Narrator added, “When he did go after her that last time, Emma was ready for him.”
Dear-one asked, “What happened to Zeke?”
The Narrator said, “Well, we will get to that later.”
Dear one said, “You know you say that a lot.”
“I know, but I always plan to go back,” commented the Narrator, as she continued to write.]
Emma opened the notebook and remembered how it had finally returned to her.”
The story did remind me a little of the Enola Holmes television movie, and I do think that with a little tweaking that this book/series would also make a great television series. I will go back to read book one to see what happened there, while I await book #3.
Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
M. Billiter’s first book of The Divided Series, A Divided Mind, explores one family’s journey with mental health diagnosis. Branson finally admits to hearing voices after blacking out and coming to with bloody knuckles. A Divided Mind looks at mental illness from the perspective of the individual with the illness (Branson) as well as the perspective of those around him (his mother and siblings). Based off the author’s own personal journey, and that of her son, this book delves deep into the roller coaster ride of diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. A Divided Mind has me smiling, frowning, and crying (lots of crying). Not only were the characters realistic, right down to a dramatic mother, but the back and forth narrative from Branson to Tara (his mother) allowed me to see how others view mental illness. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in this series!
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a quick sweet romantic read! Willa and Brody weren’t expecting to meet each other. They were still being chased by other people! When sparks start to fly between them those other people get in the way. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles to be together? This is definitely a great sweet read! I look forward to reading more from this author!
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Boy Released is the gripping sequel to Boy on Hold, by JD Spero. We pick back up with the Trout family years after their ordeal. We learn more about each of them and how they, especially Tyler, are coping with life now and Tyler’s diagnosis. Then, tragedy strikes again, but this time it’s Marcella, Tyler and Hen’s mom who is attacked. Again, Tyler is suspect number one! What really happened? Will there be justice?
The depth of the character and world development makes this one truly special. The light shed on mental illness and how it affects individuals, as well as those around them make this book different than others in the genre. Another great, page-turning read!
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boy On Hold by JD Spero is a suspenseful, engaging story that reels you in from the beginning.
Spero writes the story from multiple points of view and carefully crafts this mystery. The characters are well-developed throughout the book and you can’t help but endear yourself to most of them. The reader immediately finds themself engulfed in a mystery witnessed by small little Hen (who sees monsters come the crime against a beloved neighbor and friend) and it all unravels from there. Could it be his brother, his brother’s best friend, or someone else entirely? Spero’s storytelling is excellent. The development of the mystery with special attention to the characters and shedding light on mental illness make this must-read. It will have you turning the page to the very end.
Hazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I give Hazard in Hawaii (A Doctor Danger Mystery Book 1) by Heather Silvio, 5 stars.
This book was so different from any I have read before. First of all it takes place in Hawaii, which is always a great location to set a mystery. Then there are people mysteriously dying. These are all things you may have seen in books before. The unique part is why they are dying and what causes it. I do not want to give anything away, so I will not go into any more detail, but it was very unique to me. But this is not the only thing that makes this story so good. The characters are fantastic, setting up this series to be very enjoyable. The story itself, the many things happening during their investigation, are written so well, I felt like I was part of the case. I could not put this book down until I was finished and anxiously await the next in the series.
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate was a really good read! I enjoyed this installment of The Shadow Chronicles much better than the first. To me it seemed like there was more action and excitement. I enjoyed seeing more of the Lycan and Vamp bond, and the treaty that allows them to work together. There were a lot of twists and turns and happenings in this story and that made it a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate
The Shadow Chronicles Book 2 By: C.R. Robertson
Genre: Romance & Paranormal/Supernatural
Pages: 239
Yes, this book is 100% 5 Stars. This book picks up right where book 1 left off.
I love that we get the story from more then one POV and the story line of even the secondary characters are so detailed that you become part of the world both vampire and Lycan.
Are you team vampire or werewolf?
The war rages on (in the background) of this amazing love story that you just need to keep reading.
It Robertson has a way of drawing you into this book a bit better then the last. Book one is BOOM right into the adventure, this story has more of a journey and once you’re in the thick of it believe me you will not put it down.
Mini romances going on that I am rooting for!
It is a story, a series that I recommend like I have said I sense a timely story that brings the idea of vampire and Lycan love to life.
You cannot go wrong with suspense, romance a touch of war with overall love.
“We need to sedate this creature and get it back to base.”
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities is centered around a vivacious heroine Emma, who is much ahead of her age and also in her time. At a tender age of 18, she develops a keen acumen of solving crime mysteries, builds a business of her own at a time when business schools were strictly for men, helps other women who are in dire needs, and also takes care of her own family connections. She seems to be a well-rounded iconic role model who we all women wish to be.
It is a book full of fun and adventures, and Emma , who speaks for all modern-day women is definitely someone to look up to. Love this YA novel.
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the first book and the second is even better! We start back up with Levi and Tasha pretty much where we left off. I love all the romance and action in this series! I literally kept reading even while doing laundry! I needed to know what was going to happen next. The story takes an unexpected turn that made me turn pages faster. I cannot wait to read the third book and see what happens with Tasha and Levi. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so if you are a fan of paranormal romance read this series!!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate is book 2 of The Shadow Chronicles by CR Robertson is so good! I really enjoyed the continuation of Levi & Tasha’s story even more so than the first. It does continue right where the first book left off, so personally I would recommend reading them in order to make sure you get the full story.
I want so badly to go into detail but I don’t want to give spoilers!
There is so much going on in this story but in a good way. It is action packed with an incredible story line. Levi and Tasha are constantly battling one obstacle after another to be together. I found myself groaning thinking “How are they going to get through this one?”. I love the world that you get immersed in, and how incredible the character development was in this one. If you’re into Fantasy, this is one that I would highly recommend you read.
Hazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book from Author Heather Silvio and I really enjoyed this paranormal cozy mystery story. Sarah, who is an assistant investigator, is asked to fly to Hawaii with her boss when a client hires them to find out how this fever-based illness that people are contracting has now become deadly. The story really unravels and you piece together whom the victims of this illness are and how they are linked. The paranormal aspect on how this illness comes about was well played, and I really thought I had it figured out. Will Sarah and her team figure out where this illness comes from and hope to save the people effected by it before it is to late? Definitely read this book and and find out. There were a few twists in this story and overall if you love a good cozy mystery with some paranormal aspects, you will enjoy this book.
Forever Valentine by Diana Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! I read it all in one day. If you are looking for a book that has romance and some love making in it this book is definitely for you! My favorite thing is how the author made it relatable to relationships nowadays and how we try to take one our partners struggles because we hate seeing them struggle or hurt.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story is told from two POV’s- the mother, Tara, and the son, Branson. You can feel the struggle of the mother to find out and handle when Branson says he’s been hearing voices.
I really struggled to get with Tara. I felt she was super dramatic. I struggle saying that honestly because I haven’t been in those shoes. Just felt her character was little on drama-overdrive.
My heart went out to Branson.
Overall I cant say that I felt this was a “thriller” as it was a bit slow-moving or maybe slower than I anticipated but overall I liked the storyline and the realness it brought to mental illness and its effect on people and their families.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by Author Marsha R West and I really enjoyed the suspenseful romance story. This story is about Liz, who ends up divorcing her husband gets arrested for money laundering. The FBI also think that Liz had knowledge of her husbands illegal activities. Eventually, Liz and her daughter pack up and decide to go to her family’s cabin in New Mexico. When danger follows her to New Mexico, she go to the local police and only to find out that the town marshal is her old flame from high school. I love a second chance love that also has suspense wrapped into a fantastic book. Thank you Author Marsha R West!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson was well worth the wait. The continuing story of Tasha and Levi was so good. Tasha and Levi struggle to keep their love strong during adversity made for a fun read.C.R. Robertson has created a really vibrant world and a very compelling story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment. .
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wooohoooooo!! Love Love Loved this book. I continue to love these characters and I love a story with lycans, vampires and witches. I recommend reading book 1 before reading book 2. Tasha and Levi, whom should be sworn enemies, but fate has a different outlook and are mates. There are new characters and demon hellspawn to deal with. It is hard not to give any spoilers away, but also Coven Leader Castus character, he is pure evil. If you love paranormal with mystery, love and secrets this book is for you.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Krista Vaughan
This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. As a person living with mental illness the view into Branson’s world and how it affects the people around him was super intriguing. There was the anguish and denial of his mother, the ignorance of his father and the realization of Branson himself that there was something wrong. Mental illness can be horribly debilitating, and it is referring to have a novel step into the depths to try to show what it can be like to have an issue like this. This is one to read.
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Written In The Stars by Angela Christina Archer is a story that captures your heart right away. Elizabeth Hamilton is a teenage girl who’s pregnant hiding the fact from her parents. But her mother finds out Elizabeth is pregnant and drives Elizabeth to a home for boarding through the pregnancy. It takes a while for Elizabeth to realize that she will be leaving this house without her baby. Whatever will happen to Elizabeth’s baby?
As a mother, this book was sometimes emotionally hard to read. I have so much empathy for these teenage girls who were forced to give up their babies. Overall this book is great and shows all sides of the story – Elizabeth, her parents, the couple who adopted the baby, and ultimately, and the woman that baby turned out to be.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book in this series. This concerns an American teen investigator in mid-19th century Chicago. The character Emma is a former business student who finds herself engulfed in a mystery. I like the character Emma and how she is breaking stereotypes for her time period. She is smart and complex. I like that she is full of life and that the story is complex and full of twists and turns. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and introducing this story to some young readers in my life.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This amazing book was so well written. I started off not sure how I would feel about it because mental illness touches very close to home for me. But the way the character Tara talks about her emotions while dealing with the news from Branson is so raw and emotional. And then Branson’s side of his emotions is heartbreaking and true to how so many young adults feel. I laughed and cried as I sped through the chapters. I highly recommend this book and commend M. Billiter for writing such a beautiful story.
Reviewed by @capizz92
