Posts

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by the authors aimed at kids. This book hits a little harder than other books I’ve read by the author, looking at the topic of deportation. The issues/process is explained well in a way for children and adults alike to understand.
This book follows the character of Xenia and her family, living as undocumented immigrants. Unfortunately, the book takes a sad turn when Xenia’s mum is arrested and deported. There are some fantasy elements which lighten the heavy topic for younger readers and gives the book a more encouraging push.
This is another engaging and educational book by the authors which helps to teach kids in a fun and meaningful way.

View all my reviews

Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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

This is the second book in the Vaccaro Empire Collection series. A dark Mafia romance book focusing on Valenzia and Luca.
The story has its fair share of danger, secrecy and violence as is expected with Mafia stories. I enjoyed the way this was written; the descriptive language made the characters and scenery come to life.
Luca’s plan for revenge backfires when his emotions get in the way. I truly felt for Luca and what he went through (and I have a weakness for Mafia characters) and couldn’t help myself rooting for him to succeed in romancing Valenzia.
I also enjoyed the character of Valenzia and felt for her as she discovered the truth about her family. I felt her strength as she encountered difficult situations, adapting to the circumstances to protect her loved ones.
The chemistry between the pair was clear and I couldn’t put the book down in my need to see how they came together, witnessing their story play out, I think they brought the best out in each other.
This was another great novel by the author and I am desperately waiting to sink my teeth into the next book!

View all my reviews

The Wandering Isles: A crown of Stones Novella, by C. L. Schneider

The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys #1)The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Wandering Isles! The main characters had their own series in the Crown of Stones. I haven’t read that one, and this one really does well standing alone. I wish I would have anyway, but Schneider does an amazing job of filling in the gaps and history from the previous series without it taking away from the current one. I really did love that.
I say that it was a little bit of a slow start, which it was and it wasn’t. While the “trouble” on the island did happen pretty soon into the book, it still felt like it took a bit to get to it. Maybe because of the backstory, I’m not sure I’m explaining that right! Without giving away any spoilers, once I dived a little deeper in the book with Ian and Jarryd, I was well and truly hooked! I love the world building, how amazing and rich the characters are but both different and unique in their own ways. I immediately jumped to Fortune’s Favorite as soon as I finished Wandering Isles and loved that one even more! Can’t wait for more!

View all my reviews

Fortune’s Favorite, by C. L. Schneider

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

I absolutely LOVED Fortune’s Favorite! Almost immediately the action begins. Amazing world building, captivating and intriguing. I could not put it down. I did not read the previous books from the series (started with Wondering Isles) and you really don’t HAVE to. I wish that I would have, but the background is given so well that this new series really can stand alone. The characters are so incredibly diverse and well written. I truly enjoyed it and hope you do too!

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware

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

AHHHHH! This author is killing me with these cliff hangers. The tension between Aspen and Phoenix is off of the charts. Aspen does not feel like Phoenix is there for her, but being able to be in Phoenix’s head at the same time is an advantage but also frustrating. Shouting into the book at each character, surprisingly, does not help them understand.

I will never stop reading this series. I absolutely love them and I strongly feel that anyone else would love them too. They are relatively short, fast reads. But they are filled with so much drama, character building, and romance! You will not regret picking up this series.

Review by @aware

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Melissa Saxton

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

Ok so this series if you truly want to understand Phoenix start from the beginning but is it necessary? No. But it makes it so much deeper
Aspen and Phoenix have to figure out this surprise pregnancy from a one nighter. At first it seems like these two won’t even interact after but the chemistry is too much to be without and they find one another but their tempers are both red hot and it makes for fireworks in and outside the bedroom. He doesn’t do relationships and she refuses to turn into her parents.
Can they figure out their relationship and their feelings before it’s too late? They need one another and don’t even know it. The cliffhanger too I wasn’t even mad about… cuz.. whew!

View all my reviews

Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Paula R Sayers

Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eve is a student who sees a sign for “Murder Creek” and cannot get the name out of her mind. She decides to investigate why it has the name “Murder”. She discovers a cold case and decides to solve it. She may be in over her head…

View all my reviews

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Tausha Treadway

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden. I loved the first book in this series and this one was no different. It kept me flipping pages late in the night. I do recommend the first book to better understand what’s going on but this can be read as a standalone. Its the continuing story of Neve and Con’s story as they are flying to Ireland for her birthday. Neve is still recovering from her former job physically and emotionally. Once they get to lovely Ireland they are loving all the beauty and Neve is especially loving getting to know more about Con’s family. When they get entangled with a deadly cult involving video games and old god’s they are in a fight for their life. You will get to see the true devotion these two have for one another as they once again fight for their lives. Seeing the gentle side of Con helping Neve with her panic attacks was a sweet part of his story and I loved the setting of Ireland. The author writes so well I felt like I was actually in beautiful Ireland. I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series.

View all my reviews

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden

Dead Keen is the second book in the Things Unseen series. It’s a sequel to Dead Sound, but can be read as a standalone. It’s a thriller that centres around nightmares. Con and Neve are back, having travelled to London, and are using their knowledge of psychology to help Con’s future sister-in-law, Ciara, who is being haunted by bad dreams and dangerous sleepwalking.

Along the way, Con and Neve are also dealing with some of their own psychological baggage. Neve’s anxiety is more intense in the aftermath of the previous book. And Con has to confront the family issues that made him leave Ireland a long time ago. They both need space to heal, but are also driven to help Ciara escape her torment.

This is a page-turner, absolutely fascinating to read. I love encountering Ireland through Neve’s eyes, for the first time. There are beautiful descriptions of scenery and landmarks as she explores. And Con’s family bring some interesting dynamics to the story.

I’d recommend this book to fans of medical and psychological thrillers. It gets five stars from me!

View all my reviews

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/141506261-rogue-wolf” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682969336l/141506261._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/141506261-rogue-wolf”>Rogue Wolf</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6567838.Lilliana_Rose”>Lilliana Rose</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5810205222″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
And she did it again, this author keeps putting these books out there that are engaging and hold your interest. If you are into your shifters and vampires then this series is so for you. And be prepared to read in as few sittings as possible.<br /><br />We continue to follow Kodiak and Tamaska in theri growing relationship, Tamaskas growth as she comes to terms with what she wants from those around her, if she can really become pack.<br />The quest for the Blood Opal is still an important part of the story, but it is not as central as in the previous books,<br /><br />Once again I cannot wait to follow the pack, Tamaska and Kodiak to see what happens next. <br /><br />
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>

Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book1) by Anise Eden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This romantic suspense story had me hooked from start to finish. Psychotherapist Neve Keane is just returning to the hospital where she works having been stabbed by a patient, when she’s surrounded by a crowd of people claiming that she needs to help stop the apocalypse! Neve joins forces with Cornelius O’Brien, a rather streetwise doctor as the crowds leader is also a patient of his, things become even more complicated when he falls into a mysterious coma. The pair are pulled into a Byzantine plot that seems to transforms the Capitol Hill General into a dangerous place. Neve and Cornelius must follow the clues that their comatose patient left behind, but this leads them into the underworld of Washington DC, and into a world of shadowy political forces with deadly intentions. With threats and betrayal everywhere the couple race to unravel the sinister conspiracy which seems to lead back to the White House, all whilst having targets on their backs. This was an action packed page turner, which kept me gripped throughout. The main characters were both likeable and relatable which helped make me feel engaged with the story. The storyline had plenty of drama and the suspense really built chapter by chapter, keeping me happily turning the pages!

View all my reviews

Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Katie Turner

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Russian and Royally Complicated, written by authors Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson, is a
well written story spiced up with heavy doses of hate, desire, suspense and so much more. Daphne and Lev seperately face their two best friends marrying each other and these two rivals are both feeling abandoned, alone with no good outlet. Their personality quirks and attitudes have gotten under one anothers skin since they met years prior. But despite their feelings of contempt for one another, and being complete opposites, they are absolutely magnetized by one another and share. Neither one of them want to return to their lives after the wedding. Their friends run off on their honeymoon, and in an unlikely set of events, these two wind up in one another’s company begrudgingly. From there, unpredictable events take place and it kept me from being able to put this book down once I started. I was hooked from the beginning but I was so curious about secrets being kept, I am amazed at how fast I devoured the story. I absolutely do recommend if you like a good enemies to lovers with lots of heat!

View all my reviews

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to being back with the main characters, Con and Neve, and I was not disappointed. In this story Con O’Brien, a doctor and his new girlfriend, psychotherapist Neve Keane have traveled to Ireland to meet Con’s family, but also to help solve a medical mystery, that could destroy his brother’s life. Con and Neve are getting away from the dangers that still lurk in Washington, DC, and Neve believes that the key to curing a baffling illness lies with an elusive video game designer who lives in Galway, and as he’s not answering his phone she’s going to see him in person. Meanwhile, the leader of a cult, who believes he has gained the favour of an accident god is demanding the ultimate sacrifice.
Their time in Ireland turns out to be anything but a break and they soon find themselves in danger, uncovering sinister secrets, having to rescue innocent victims and stop deadly evil! This action packed and fast paced story had me hooked from page one and kept me gripped throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, and made me feel immersed in Con and Neve’s world again. The romantic suspense storyline along with plenty of drama and the building suspense kept me entertained, and the plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. An entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to more novels featuring the main characters.

View all my reviews

A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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

An enjoyable and engaging read which had me hooked throughout, this was an original story and not the usual rockstar romance. Adrian ‘Jazzer’ Johnson had a gilded rock and roll career which is the stuff of legend, having gone from playing in dive bars to his band reaching the pinnacle of success. However, following this whirlwind decade Adrian was left broken and questioning his life, and then just seemed to disappear. A year later and he’s back on tour but still struggling and now he’s under pressure to deliver his next big bit. When he finds a runaway teen hiding in the tour bus he’s doesn’t expect to meet Hastings Sinclair, who is a synesthete, who see’s music in color.
The colour blind Adrian and Hastings then work together to break through Adrian’s ‘creative block’. Unfortunately both of them have troubles that won’t go away and soon calamity strikes, along with a scheming journalist with a vendetta. Adrian finds everything, and everyone he values and cares about is at risk, and he needs to reconcile with his own past and literally face the music! This wonderfully written, almost lyrical novel had an intriguing storyline, and along with the wonderful characters I was captivated throughout. I felt immersed in the story as the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life. An emotional read, which is both heartwarming and at times heartbreaking, I was kept happily turning the pages of this page turner.

View all my reviews

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

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

Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson. This was such a good read. Its a fun rock star romance. When Ashleigh finds a home that she can plant some flowers and really put down roots she is the happiest she has been in a long time. She grew with a military dad so they moved constantly so she always dreamed of staying in one place. Ashleigh is a substitute teacher and a freelance music reviewer. Her favorite band is Balefire and when she is loudly awakened to a motorcycle pulling up late in the night she never dreamed the lead singer was her new neighbor. Ashleigh doesn’t care who he is she comes out yelling at him for waking everyone up. Blu is smitten with her from that point on. Blue is used to women dropping their drawers for him anywhere, anytime and when Ashleigh is indifferent to him, he’s loving it. Blu is a love them and leave them type of guy and he’s not ever had to fight for a woman’s attention. Will he be able to break down her wall

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

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

This series just keeps getting better and better. Oh my! Phoenix and Aspen’s story just rips the heck out you. The emotions will be on a roller coaster. Phoenix starts off as a bit of a jerk but he kind of has to grow up one life throws consequences at him and Aspen. An unexpected pregnancy has them having relook at look at life. Phoenix is also having to wonder about his twin. There is a lot going on in this story. You can find mean girls, sibling drama, family issues and more. Some old faces peek into the story. The author does leave you with a cliffhanger for the next book. I am eagerly awaiting Cruel Love and what it may bring.

View all my reviews

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

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider. This is not my favorite genre but I have quickly begun to love this author. This book was so fast paced and felt like I was really there. I would recommend picking up book 1 before this one to better understand the characters and story. This is the continuing journey of Ian and Jarryd and they are needing supplies. They both have different ideas about which port to enter. When they decide on Maldarehm Ian is not sold on and has very strong feelings of unease about it. Jarryd is not concerned in the least so he gets to gambling like he has no cares in the world. Ian on the other hand is searching for clues and while on this journey finds people he didn’t know existed and decides he needs to learn from them only to find them done with Ian and sending him off on his way. Will Ian find the clues he’s looking for and will Jarryd get them all in trouble with his gambling. Read this fast paced read to find out!

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tonya Merritt

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

This is my favorite couple in The Elite series. I absolutely love the story of Aspen and Phoenix. I also absolutely hate the cliffhanger and cannot wait for the new book to be released! If you haven’t read Cruel Love don’t read this one because you will be behind. A great series to read.

View all my reviews

Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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

I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is still a new author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for them. This is a well written story about life, starting over and getting a second chance at love. The problem is that the one you love has finance and will stop at nothing to keep what is hers. This is a story you don’t want to miss. A story where the characters are creative and pull you into their world with ease. They kept my attention to the end. I enjoyed watching their growth and what they brought to the story. A fast paced, hard to put down story that is easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed reading this series from the first book. This installment is just as great if not even better than the previous books. I highly suggest that you read the previous books before this one to help you see where the characters have been and going currently. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story that is a little dark and a little bit of everything in it. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world with ease and kept me engaged to the end. They are relatable characters that are strong and made the story for me. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry throughout the story. This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this series.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

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

Omg omg. This series is literally ripping my heart out and stealing my breath. This is the 5th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and you most definately need to read every book in order. Trust me you won’t regret it.

Well where to start with this book. We are back with Aspen and Phoenix. Things for this couple was never going to be easy. When a one night stand turns into Aspen falling pregnant the couple have a lot of stuff to deal with. Add to that dysfunctional families on both sides, starting a new college, Phoenix’s dreams of joining the NFL and Aspen’s dreams and goals. Neither of them wanted to add a kid into the mix but that’s what’s going to happen.
The chemistry and sexual attraction between them is off the charts however Phoenix is hiding secrets which means that the sexual chemistry turns into rage and anger towards each other. How are they going to cope raising a child when everytime they are together they argue and fight.
There is no denying the connection and attraction they feel for each other if only they would stop being so stubborn and just admit it.
This story is full of drama and angst and conflict and OMG the cliff hanger at the end. I literally am holding my breath for the next installment of this series.

View all my reviews

Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Kerry Carr

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the McIntire County Series and wow what a start. I was gripped right from the beginning.
This is a gripping Suspense read full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I wasn’t able to work out the ending which to me makes a good story when you can’t tell what is coming next.
The author does an amazing job with out lead character Nic. Nic was a military sniper. After leaving she is now a sheriffs deputy however things aren’t straight forward. Nic suffers really badly with PTSD as a result of her time as a military sniper and even though she has left she still suffers. It was a really eye opening look at how PTSD effects not only the person suffering but everyone around them.
In this story there are several suicides which Nic needs to investigate. Were these a sad case of suicide or is something more sinister happening. Could Nic be walking into the trap of a killer?
With Con O’Halon assigned to help her they need to work together to solve this even though Nic pushes back against his assistance at every turn.
As Nic finds it increasingly hard to control her demons from the past will Con be strong enough to pull her back from the brink of despair?
This is a story full of heartbreak and secrets and as the secrets become revealed the fight that Nic has to fight becomes harder. It is a story of a constant battle that Nic has to go through against PTSD and how hard it is for her to keep her life on track. When a killer is out there as well trying everything in his power to bring her down Nic has a lot of things to deal with. Can she allow Con in and trust him to help her or will she continue to spiral out of control.

View all my reviews

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Kayla Octaviano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love the edgy Liam character and how well he fits with his exact opposite, Teresa, a rich socialite. Read this book if you like awkward moments, romance blossoming, and funny family moments.

Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enemies to lovers – another popular story reimagined and done oh so well! The passion and anger makes for an epic story. The chemistry and heat between these two characters are just as great if not better than in the first book! Another book I could not put down. The twists, turns, lies and secrets keeps you up until the sun pops up and you realize you forgot to sleep!

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 189
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

Knocked up by the QB.

Harassed by punt bunnies.

Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here.

I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant.

Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship. But I know the truth… Spending time with him can only lead to trouble.

After all, neither of us has an answer to the biggest problem of all.

How fake can it stay when he’s the father of the child I’m carrying?

Cruel Hate is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst. This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing. It is not a standalone and does end in a cliffhanger that continues with a ton of heat and a HEA in Cruel Love.

~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee. You can find her at www.IslaVaughnAuthor.com

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ GOODREADS ~ BOOKBUB ~ TIKTOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

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

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

You know the story. Girl meets prince, doesn’t know he’s a prince. They fall for each other. Complications happen. Although this book can be described that way, it is so much more. Although that probably sounds boring to most people. Unless you are one of those that love those type of stories. (me) But this story is well written, fast paced, and you must keep on reading to find out what happens next. There’s drama, romance, spice and everything you want from a book like this. I couldn’t wait to read the next in this series.

View all my reviews

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Angela Hayes

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

 

4.5 Stars

 

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marrie Rundquist is a heartachingly good story- but in saying that, I highly recommend that you have plenty of tissues on hand before diving in- trust me, you are going to need them! Ms. Rundquist threw me into an emotional pinball machine, bouncing my emotions all over the place like crazy.
This is a superb women’s fiction story packed full of emotion, love, loss, grief, unexpected responsibility, challenges, doubts, heartache, family, twists, drama, heartwarming developments, and hope,
Julie Mercer never expected that donating her eggs so that her brother and his wife could start their family would change her life in a such an unexpected way only four short years later. A tragic accident leaves Julie with the responsibility of raising four-year-old twins, something she feels completely unprepared for. Through self-doubt, an adjustment period, challenges, heartache, angst, and a few curveballs we follow along for all the highs and lows…. and can’t help but connect and invest in everything along the way.
This is my first read from Ms. Rundquist, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, J. Marie Rundquist!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Angela Hayes

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

 

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics is A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy. This is more than just a history lesson on the development of Nuclear weapons- it gives us an insight into the science behind the development, the types of nuclear weapons, the various delivery systems, the dangers, some of the near misses that have only just avoided complete annihilation, politics, and more.
I found this to be quite informative and insightful. We all know the destruction that nuclear weapons can cause- but this really opened my eyes to something I probably should have thought more about, before reading this book. It certainly made think- especially in this day and age. Quite sobering really.
Well worth the read…

Thank you, Paul McCarthy!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is not what I expected. I have read a lot by this author and they are usually light hearted fun children’s picture books. This book was a little more intense topic and for older ages. It would be a good beginner chapter book for 5th-7th grade or so. The topics are a bit intense and the average young child wouldn’t understand. The book focuses on a mother being picked up by ICE and risking deportation for being in the country illegally. I have 3 kids and none have heard anyone talk about that before. But then again they aren’t in a Hispanic neighborhood or school. Maybe that is the point… to introduce kids to this in a controlled setting.
In true fashion, the author used her amazing imagination on the ant man. Very different from Marvel character, but just as exciting. A shape shifting ant man that smells like cucumbers. I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff, but I loved the book.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Julie Johnson

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 stars

Julie never wanted to be a mom but she technically became a biological mom when she donated her eggs to her brother and his wife. Sadly, Brian and Esther were killed in a car accident when their twins, Lucy and Mikey, were just four years old. Brian and Esther left guardianship of these precious souls to Aunt Julie.

Julie’s whole family questions her ability to raise these children from day 1. They offer unsolicited advice and some even go so far as to flat out tell her she has no business doing this. A knock on her door could change everything for this new little family.

Brian and Esther also used a sperm donor to create these children. Grant is the knock at the door and Julie can’t be sure of his immediate motives. Is he her to fight her for custody or is he sincere in what he says about “doing his part” with Lucy and Mikey?

I found this book a bit difficult to get into. As the story went on, it did pick up a bit but by then I was losing so much of the real story that it fell kinda flat for me. I was hoping for so much more based on the synopsis. For a good bit, it just felt like the same thing was being repeated, especially in regards to the behavior of the kids. I understand that a buildup had to occur, but this felt a little dragged out. I did appreciate the overall story, I just wish it would have picked up faster.

View all my reviews