The Ring of Eagna by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in The Cross of Ciaran series. I have read all of the books in this series and they are all so well written. This book is the continuing tale of Ciaran and Caitlin. The story is absolutely intriguing and captivating.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading all 3 series I fell in love with the story. Love the characters especially Kodiak who never left Tamaska’s side and Tamaska for believing in herself so that she can figure out about the. But the two together in this world of vampires is a whole different ball game for them.
I love how the author Lilliana made these two love each other and how both need each other. I love Kodiak he is brave and courageous to risk his life for his mate.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, never thought that I would like this book but the theme and the story captured my heart. The author did an amazing job with the character Julie.
At first, I was sobbing in tears when her brother and sister-in-law were in the accident and now she was being responsible for her niece and nephews. Who knew that she had to be responsible for her own blood and be a full parent to her brother’s kids?
What got me upset was Grant the brother and uncle of the twins. At first, I was like what does he want but then I realized that he was also the donor for his brother. Like, keep it in the family. Julie kept on doing what she had to do for her family and making sure that Grant did not get in the way.
I was sobbing when there were sad parts of Julie’s life because she was clueless about how to take care of her brothers’ kids. Love it…
This was a great book to dive into this author. I found myself really interested in the relationship that the two main characters have. The twisted web of relationships was so fun to experience in this book. I loved this story a lot and it didn’t dawn on me that it was not the first in the series! It was really a great stand alone and now I want to read more by this author!
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Granny steals the show in this one for me, with her zany character. Mia and Mitch are old friends who reconnect, and neither is sure where the other one stands on friendship/ romance with each other. But, Mitch is engaged, and Mia isn’t about breaking up a relationship, so she keeps her distance. There are some wild twists in this one and enough drama to fill a high school classroom. Fun read overall.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Cruel Hate” by Isla Vaughn is a sizzling rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult romance is packed with drama, angst, and a twist of unexpected parenthood. The story revolves around a daring protagonist who throws caution to the wind, resulting in an unexpected pregnancy by the quarterback, a man she can’t stand. To escape their respective predicaments, they agree to a fake relationship, but as sparks fly and emotions intensify, the line between reality and pretense blurs. Vaughn’s writing skillfully weaves together complex characters and a captivating plot that will leave you eagerly anticipating the sequel, “Cruel Love.” Be prepared for mature content and a cliffhanger that will leave you craving more. This is a must-read for fans of steamy romance with a touch of drama.
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a engaging way to discuss an important topic with kids. The illustrations are right on point and the message is straight to the heart. It is a darling read.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Cruel Hate is Book #5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. This instalment picks up right where the previous book, Cruel Start, left off- so I highly recommend reading that book before starting on this one as it contains the prequel build up for this story.
I know I keep saying it, but this series really does keep getting better as we go- getting more intriguing and angstier with each new addition. Ms. Vaughn outdoes herself time and again.
As with the other books in the series, this is a NA bully romance, with a surprise pregnancy element, a fake relationship, enemies to lovers, chemistry, spice, angst, drama, friendship, intrigue, emotion, family tension, jealousy, suspense, drama/dynamics, and more.
A one-night stand that leaves a permanent reminder brings challenges that neither Aspen nor Phoenix are prepared for. So, they agree to a fake relationship as a way of navigating these new waters. But Ms. Vaughn doesn’t make things easy for them, that’s for sure. The heat is on- but I need to wait to find out how it all turns out because this ends in a cliffhanger- so Aspen and Phoenix’s story is set to continue in ‘Cruel Love’ (Book #6)- I can’t wait to get my hands on it and see what happens.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Atonement is the first book in the McIntire County series by Winter Austin. It is an engrossing romantic suspense that has all the suspenseful, gritty, gripping, and intense developments that I love and have come to expect from Ms. Austin. She has a way of weaving intriguing mystery, tension, and complex subjects into an entirely unputdownable read, while blending in plenty of emotion to balance it all out.
This is a crime and investigation story set in a small rural town in Iowa, where things take a twisted turn when a series of baffling suicides sets the stage for a dangerous game of cat and mouse. A cunning serial killer with an agenda. A determined deputy with PTSD and secrets of her own. A stubborn detective intent on helping to uncover the killer. Add in plenty of angst, dramatic developments, and twists and turns- and the story really takes off.
What a way to start a series! Can’t wait to see where we go from here. Bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Winter Austin!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book very much. Tamaska and Kodiak’s story just keeps getting better and better. The story had so many intense moments and really kept me interested in finding out how everything worked out. I love the world created by this author it is so colorful and dynamic. This is a good series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys vampire and werewolf stories.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
As Though You Were Mine is a wonderfully written Women’s Fiction that will take you on quite the emotional journey. I dove into this book with the mindset that it was going to be emotional so I had kleenexes right beside me and boy am I glad I did. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely interested in what else she has written. Her style of writing and attention to detail along with developed characters make for a wonderful story. This story is packed with drama, family drama, love, loss and grief plus so much more. Julie does a selfless thing and donates her eggs to her sister in law and brother who is having issues with infertility. But when tragedy strikes she finds herself with custody of four year old twins. She’s struggling trying to figure out how to raise these two kids and help them with their grief but shes grieving as well. Throw in a curve ball or two and we find our heart being pulled in several different directions. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. Definitely have tissues and be prepared to laugh cry and go on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I looooove this series so much! And this author is one of my absolute favorites! Cruel Hate is book 5 and the beginning of the 3rd duet set in the series. All the characters are now in college, though that doesn’t really change the dynamic of these stories. The characters are still the same and they still play football. It’s just which cousin/sibling will be the next to fall?
This is just the beginning of the next 4 books featuring the Bennett twins.
Is history repeating itself?
For Aspen, possibly but she’s going to make sure she does things right.
For Phoenix, he refuses to become the man he loathes.
Aspen & Phoenix end up on a roller coaster that is heading fast into parenthood. When both of them are just freshmen in college. They love to hate one another but there’s so much chemistry as well.
Will they see past it?
One thing Phoenix is sure of, despite his studies and football he’s going to be there for his child. And be the father his dad never was despite how he feels towards Aspen at times.
I love these two! Not my favorite pairing of the cousins, but just their story. I’m sucked in and I can’t wait till the 2nd half of their duet comes out.
If you haven’t read any of this series you should, and even if you stumbled across this book you don’t necessarily need to read books 1-4 just 4.5 before this one. But like I said I recommend reading them all!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author never fails to write a fantastic story. I’m normally not someone who reads the whole pregnancy trope, but the fake dating, while they fight their feelings, and try to navigate this part of their lives. I still have a major soft spot for Damon, but damn is Phoenix quickly becoming second place over Cole. Also, what the hell was that ending? I don’t want to wait until the 28th to get the rest of the story! I need to know what happens! I do love though how we get more insight into the family dynamic of the Savage/Bennet family, and I just know some sh*t is going to go down in the next book with both the Bennets and the Reids. Overall, fantastic book, highly recommend, and don’t talk to me on the 28th, cause ya girl is gonna be busy reading book 6!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These two. They just can’t seem to find a way to communicate without exploding. The only time they seem to manage a decent conversation is the night Phoenix gets drunk, the only problem is he doesn’t remember what he said the next day. Everything these two try to do together that ends up in disaster really shows that they are the product of their parents’ failed relationships, each trying not to get hurt.
As Phoenix and Aspen navigate college and life on their own, they constantly run into hurdles and brickwalls. Aspen has to find a way to tell her parents that she is pregnant. Phoenix discovers that college is more than he expected, especially when at odds with Shane. Shane has always been there to help cover up his reading difficulties. Now with Shane and Phoenix orbiting in separate spheres, Phoenix finds himself struggling to keep his head above water.
Is this when I get to talk about what a despicable weasel Grandad is? Cuz I am so down to have that conversation. I have a nagging feeling in the back of my brain that says he only gets worse and causes more harm later. I do completely heart hands the way the rest of the tribe has adopted Aspen and supports her. Let’s not forget our new friend Max!! Okay so he was a jerk that one time, but he apologized and is nothing but loving and caring and a great big teddy bear!!
OMG! That last chapter. So much….too much!!! I can’t stop devouring these books as each is released. This is, by far, one of the most superior series that I have read. The way the author handles and develops each character is so loving. Almost like writing characters based on your kids or your best friends. So abso-freaking-lutely amazing. Counting the days until the next one!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I cannot say enough about this author and the talent she brings to her writing. I love this series with my every being, I highly recommend reading this series in order as characters are intertwined in each book and definitely read the prequel as well to Phoenix and Aspen’s beginning.
Phoenix and Aspen give me the push and pull, hot and cold, off and on, spark and sizzle, yes and no… mixed in with drama, fear, jealousy, secrets, chemistry that they are both denying….it is hard to hide how much I loved this story from beginning to end.
Unplanned surprise pregnancy can put a different perspective on what you believe your life should turn out…this happens to Phoenix and Aspen. Phoenix is focused and his mindset is completely on being successful playing football in college that he makes it to the NFL. Aspen has dreams too, artist at heart, opening up a business with her sister. Trying to figure out the next steps, Aspen and Phoenix believe that the only thing they have in common is their baby on the way…but they have more in common than they realize. Between all the family drama they each have they also have to deal with jealousy and bullying toward Aspen. Will Phoenix be there for Aspen when she needs him the most or if any future they can possibly even have…especially when Phoenix’s grandad has plans for him as well?
I am already counting down the days when Book #6 comes out….I am already anxiously awaiting with anticipation after this story ended…..
https://www.amazon.com/review/R20AGN9C731QEZ/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2176343022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5811083365
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn is book five in the Hidden Valley Elite series. Yes, it is best to read them in order and almost necessary but totally worth it. I absolutely love these characters and was excited to finally see Phoenix and his relationship with Aspen. In the prequel, we find out that Aspen is expecting and Phoenix is obviously the dad. Watching the pair navigate this awkward time together was interesting. They are not together and really don’t even like one another but you can slowly see them coming together and then BAM, something throws a curveball. A very very slow burn but not without some very interesting scenes. I cannot wait to read the second part of their story because that ending…. Phew that was something!
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 stars
This book was so unique in the plot which is what grabbed my attention. It’s so well written I felt every emotion in it. From reading the synopsis I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. But it’s so entertaining in a slow burn type of way. I’m definitely rereading it because I loved it that much.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fear. Betrayal. Once more, the beyond talented Isla Vaughn pulls you deeper and deeper into the world of the Hidden Valley Elite. Must read the prequel Cruel Start first as it starts the story that continues in this book, starting a few months after the events of that book. Dual perspectives of Phoenix and Aspen.
Phoenix has had a long summer of healing after his hand was shredded by the glass, but the time has come he can finally start practicing again and playing soon. Aspen has lived in terror all summer; one perfect spur of the moment has changed her world and delayed her dreams. Worse is that she must inform her parents, but her parents’ history tells her she needs Phoenix at her side. Thanks to a delusional punt bunny Phoenix is on board with her proposition to “fake” date, but he goes a step further not just for her parents but the entire school to keep the punt bunnies off him so he can focus on school and football. Perfect plan in theory, as they both react badly to obstacles placed before them and both show a flare of jealousy. Both wanting more but because of their painful upbringings fear what could happen if they gave in to that level of emotions. On top of everything the Bennett twins are at odds and not talking. Shane is still angry about what Phoenix said to Tracey in Cruel Start and while they aren’t together anymore Shane struggles to let go of that degree of lies that lost him “the most important thing in his life”. Due to their rift Shane refuses to be around Phoenix much less help him with his schoolwork, flunking he has no choice but to ask for help. Grandad has built a legacy in his company that he plans to leave for Phoenix and Shane one day, but tells Phoenix wait for the NFL finish college first its always good to have a backup plan. He’s also proud of both boys for not using the family name to get things handed to them from the school reputation Grandad held while at Thane. Just when things started to seem less doom Shane pulled a punch no one could have predicted causing things to spiral faster than the perfect spiral.
Can Phoenix and Aspen find common ground, for them and their baby? What does Shane do that tailspin everything? How will mom and Grandad react to the news about Aspen and the baby? The elite might have run the high school, but they are just more students at Thane and while they are recognized they have some normal from the chaos that followed them in high school. Now life is chaos, too many jabs at once to catch his breath Phoenix often feels like he’s got a lose/lose situation before him. Never able to say the right thing to Aspen and never able to figure out what’s going on with Shane. The author once again leaves you holding your breath as you try and read faster and faster to see what will happen next until you’re left breathless and lost when you reach “The End”. I am counting the days until the finale of Phoenix and Aspen’s story comes out, Cruel Love, September 28th, 2023.
What a truly amazing book!
I felt for Julie as she never wanted kids and then felt underprepared and unequipped to care for her brother’s children. I found myself cheering for her during the good times and rooting her on during the rough spots.
The inter workings of most families are messy and hard, and Julie’s is all of that. Grief is hard and 4-years-olds can be a struggle, but to grieve while caring for grieving 4-year-olds is a whole different level of difficulty.
Cue in Grant, the brother of Julie’s deceased sister-in-law, who shoes up and creates his own place in Julie and the kids’ lives. Also grieving, also family, also having a stake in the children’s lives.
This book is a real page turner as you continue cheering on Julie and wanting to see her succeed as a new parent.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122860977-cruel-hate” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680522443l/122860977._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122860977-cruel-hate”>Cruel Hate</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5810915671″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Phoenix is working hard to make it into the NFL and he isn’t going to let anyone or anything distract him. That is until he met Aspen. After a one night stand they are now expecting a child and all he can think about is their future together. Will Aspen keep the baby though? She didn’t want anything to do with him in the beginning but now her feelings are changing. These two believe they don’t want any kind of romance so a fake relationship is proposed. It benefits Aspen by keeping her parents off her back and for Phoenix it keeps what he calls “punt bunnies” off of his. Will they be able to keep the line firm on fake or will it get blurred and turn real? These two together were great. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series so far, each just a bit more than the last. I will be sad when we reach book eight!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was fantastic to read. Isla has a way of making each character unique yet still has qualities that are relatable.
This book follows the story of Aspen. She is a girl excited about the next chapter in her life, college. She can’t wait to get out on her own and focus on making her dreams her reality. She has worked hard for a long time and is very determined. She loves the escape that comes with being in the water.
Phoenix is looking forward to college and being with all of his closest friends who are also family to him. He has rules that he follows and does not break them for anyone.
When Aspen meets Phoneix it’s like someone decided to throw a wrench into her plans. When one night of passion leads to a plus sign on a pregnancy test she is mortified. It only takes one time and one night to change the course of your life.
What happens when they meet again after their night together? How will he react to the news that he is going to be a father? Can they learn to like each other enough to handle the impending child they are bringing into this world?
Read this book to find out what happens with these two.
I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another wonderful book by the very creative Lois Wickstrom. I have read and loved several of her children’s books and this one is no exception. What would you do if you felt like you didn’t fit in and were from another planet? Well, you would try to communicate and find other aliens like yourself. This is exactly what Shirley aka Shirl does in this cute quick read. The underlying lesson isn’t spelled out in this story as much as it is in most of her books, but it still has plenty of ways to start a discussion about fitting in and wanting to find others like yourself. The artist Nicolàs Milano has also done a splendid job of making colorful, engaging illustrations that help you visualize the story. Ms. Wickstrom continues to be a go to read for my family and myself.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was an amazing addition to the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla does an amazing job of developing strong plots and characters.
This book follows the story of Phoneix and Aspen. They have a complex relationship due to the fact that they are expecting, yet, nothing really to each other. Aspen has always been careful when it came to guys until one night when she decided to throw caution into the wind. Phoneix has two goals in life get into his dream job and not repeat his parents’ mistakes.
After finding out they are pregnant Phoneix suggests an idea that Aspen thought was insane. They both know they are basically strangers to one another but they still have one big thing in common and it will be availing sooner than they think.
How long can a relationship stay fake when there is a big tie between two people? Will they grow together and be doomed to hate each other? What happens when other people start inputting their opinions?
Read this book to find out what happens next with Aspena and Phoenix.
Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the second in a series. I did not read the first book, and I was able to follow along fairly easily. I found the writing style to be addictive and hard to put down! The book starts out as Neve and Con going to visit Con’s family. Con’s brother’s fiance, Ciara, is being plagued with mental issues and seemingly self harm. Neve and Con come to help diagnose and treat Ciara while visiting family. But is it really that simple? The twists really keep you from putting the book down and keep you coming back to read. My only real complaint is that I had to sleep and couldn’t keep reading.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is such an enjoyable read about the four elite guys at Hidden Valley School and the girls they fancy. I would suggest reading this series in order, not because you have to, but because it’s a great series and you get to see a lot about each of the main male characters as they are present in each other’s stories and lives, being as they are all four related and best friends as well. Also note, this series has two books, a continuation duo for each of the four heroes, making it an eight-book series with a novella that comes before the first book in the series.
Isla Vaughn does not disappoint with this book, which is part of Phoenix and Amber’s story. She has written yet another great set of characters who are facing some very real world problems while trying to find their paths in life. This is a super fast read because you are literally drawn into the story and these characters lives so much that you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more about Phoenix and Amber’s story in the next installment, Cruel Love. The cliffhanger has me counting down the days until book 6. Do yourself a favor and check out this dark yet engaging new adult romance.
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jessica Stone
This book was so cuteee. I adored the writing style of both of these authors right off the bat, this being my first time devouring one of their works and I was not disappointed.
The story of weird boy meets equally weird girl, both living hard lives, they fall in love, then BOOM, they are suddenly separated, he disappears and she learns life doesn’t stop moving for anyone. Fast forward to the future, her mother has married into wealth and she’s now living the life he mom always wanted for her, popular, rich, all star boyfriend, soon to be prom queen, everything in her life is perfect.
Him on the other hand, life had different plans for him, he’s been in and out of foster care his entire life thanks to a dead beat father who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Finding any work he can and just trying to make it to 18, to start his life and hopefully make something of it.
Fate thrusts them both back into one another’s life suddenly and let the madness ensue. Some love just never dies.
I loved our girl Mina, she’s a real show of force even when she’s breaking inside, she’s rich and popular, but kind when it’s needed and knows not to take things for granted. Don’t get me wrong she definitely has a whole moral dilemma and makes some shitty choice, and there a few moments where she needs to check her privilege and remember where she comes from. But she’s a solid character who comes full circle and really blooms in this story.
Wes, oh Wes Wes Wes, what a baddieeeee. I loveeee Wes, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy his witty comments and snark when people come at him the wrong way. He’s a solid dude, with great morals and a real passion for the things he holds dear in his life. Seeing home fight his wants and needs throughout this book and demand the same goodness he shows from other characters in his Wes way was delightful to read.
The story is terrific, the relationship between all of the characters was awesome, honestly, for it being set in a high-school setting (which I normally avoid due)I enjoyed the heck out of this read!! Could not recommend it enough, I am beyond excited to read more from these authors!
A Forever Kind of Thing, Carrie Thomas, Melinda Harris, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, YA, Young Adult, Jessica Stone, August 2023
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
Cruel Hate is the sixth book in this enemies-to-lovers, NA sports romance in the dark Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the first book in Aspen and Phoenix’s story after the prequel Cruel Start. Read them all in order is a must so you don’t miss out on anything.
Phoenix is one of the resident bullies and Aspen can’t help but fall under his spell. With lots of passion, angst, drama, thrills, fear, lies and secrets, deceit, harassment and jealousy there is something for everyone who loves living on the edge of darkness.
Aspen never meant to get involved with the enemy, it was only meant to be beneficial to them both. She expected it to happen but now that it has what will Phoenix think.
Phoenix decided she was the one and he gets what he wants only now it has come at a price.
You can’t help but fall in love with these devilish characters of course there are some you will like and some you will not but take a trip to the dark side and find out.
I’ve said it before, but I am saying it again this series just keeps on getting better and better.
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed every one of Lois Wickstrom’s books and this one did not disappoint. This is a story about a little girl who loses her father. He is killed before he marries her mother. He is a US Citizen and mom is not. This leaves Xenia’s mother with an undocumented status which causes the family to make some hard decisions in order to remain in the US. While this is an integral theme of the story, Xenia also is involved throughout with the school science fair and begins studying ants. Having worked with children in similar circumstances as Xenia and seeing how they can face such hard situations at home and still have a love of learning gave me a connection to the story here.
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I like how the author gives a different perspective from a female character instead of male on how PTSD doesn’t always need to be stereotypical in novels. There is a lot of information on how people deal with their personal issues. The story does flow well and the characters are well developed. The characters’ actions and personalities are very relatable in real life.
