Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andrew’s Armor was such a good book! A really good way to explain putting on the armor of God and love of your parents in a fun way for kids. My littles really enjoyed it.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed several books by this author, so I picked this one up without a second thought. I probably should have paid a bit more attention to the fact that it’s the seventh book in the My Cowboy series, but I believe it did pretty great as a standalone. That being said, I will absolutely be going to the beginning of the series to start from the beginning because I definitely need more of this world! The characters are well-developed and instantly relatable. I love both Trinity and Shooter, and their chemistry is remarkable. When you have to choose between a dream career and a dream love, how do you make the right choice? I finished this book the day I started it because I couldn’t put it down. If you are a sucker for a fantastic second-chance romance with that country feel, this is the perfect book for you, without a doubt. I can’t wait to circle back and read the rest of the series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this series. If I could give it more than five stars I would. I loved the characters, especially the main character Troy, the story lines and the fictional world of Mirra’kelan that C.L Schneider created.
Ian troy is Shinree, a race of magic users, who is addicted to using magic. A decade after the war in which he killed everyone on both sides using magic from the crown of stones he has vowed to never use magic again. But when a new enemy teams up with an old enemy he must decide if it’s worth using magic to defeat them to save his people and the land.
All three books are action packed and has excellent characters development. Within the story we learn of the characters history and the history of the land and magic of the Shinree. It a lot of information but it’s easy to follow and keeps it interesting. It has magic, drama, adventure, suspense, love and a lot of fighting. I couldn’t put it down and it kept me wanting more. I only wish there were more books in the series. If you like dark fantasy, you’ll love this series.
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance
I really enjoyed going on this journey with Bella. From the moments after she and her husband split and her world is flipped to finding her true happiness there was so many funny and hot moments. And I fell in love with her cat Daisy, am a bit partial to that name since that is my dog’s name.
I couldn’t even imagine having to learn how to navigate the dating world after being out so long, but Bella finds a way to make it work, well some of the time.
She found some gems but also some really big duds. I think Jenson and David were my favorites, and there are two I really didn’t like, one was immediate and the other one did the unforgivable. The important thing is that her friends were there to support her the entire time. Like most women her friends are her tribe and they support her no matter what, even if they don’t agree with.
I was excited to see one of the guys will be telling his story soon. Really looking forward to that.
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute book that would be great for a quick story-time! The book was fun and simple to understand with clear illustrations that follow the storyline. There is a rhyming scheme that is sure to captivate children and allow parents and/or guardians the opportunity to further educate along the way. In general, the story itself is sure to capture the imagination of children. I would recommend getting the physical copy of the book because the illustrations are large and would be captivating in print.
G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What I really engaging story for children with different words. I was I little spectacle about this book at first because I was thinking that I didn’t even know these words myself, so having this as a children’s book throw me off. But my kids found it very enjoyable and the illustrations to this book were amazing and so wonderful to look at, that they went well with the words. this was a real engaging and delightful read with different words.
Offsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Offsides (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson. I’m really enjoying this Game Time Series and I was so excited that Chessly and Finn are getting a chance to tell their story. Chessly only wants to work with athletes not date them so when she sees all these jersey girls chasing all these players she is not into it at all. That is until she meets Finn the defensive lineman, he’s handsome, funny and just seems like a all around good guy. The only thing she dislikes about him are all the Jersey chasers surrounding him constantly. He’s determined to make Chessly his but she’s a independent, hard headed, strong willed woman. When it seems Finn has really screwed up she is done and by done I mean 100% done. Finn is going to do whatever it takes to make her realize she’s the only girl for him. This can be read as a standalone but I always enjoy series better when they are read in order to better understand the story and characters!
El Diablo: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn DodsonOffsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun dual point of view sports romance book. Chessly is a science nerd and RA at her college. Finn is one of the starting football players for the college. They hit it off from the start but then he acknowledges the wrong girl. A girl that Chessly doesn’t like and has had issues with before. They are both super smart science nerds. Chessly finds him really hot but isn’t sure she wants to get involved because of the company that he keeps. Finn tries to win her over but is awkward and makes all sorts of rookie mistakes. She tries to deny feelings as he keeps trying to win her over, you are hoping they work it out. Many of the football players live together and they seem to be all hooking up with a friend group. Seems perfect! This was a fun page turner that had a story that flowed well. The characters were very relatable and I can imagine all that is happening. I missed the first book in the series (I didn’t realize it) but really liked the second and third books and will have to go back and read it.
Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow. This is a great start to the Guardians of Camelot Series that is built around Morgan who is being raised by her Aunt that lives in modern time London. She has been brought up being told stories of her connection to Camelot but she just thinks they are fairy tales. On the day before her 30th birthday her Aunt is attacked and she and her friend are threatened. In the process someone invites her to enter another portal called Camelot and she does. When she does she realizes this is where her powers come to life. When she enters this society and even participates in it and she even has power here. There is magic, witches, urban fantasy, murder and mystery in this fast paced book. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trinity had always wanted to be a rodeo queen…and she made sacrifices to make her dreams come true. One of the biggest sacrifices was breaking up with Shooter. Time has passed and it is time for Trinity to return home to move on to the next stage of her life. What she doesn’t expect to find is Shooter, after chasing dreams of his own, to be the Sheriff back home. Being i in the same town, these two find themselves near each other time and time again…and the spark they once had is still there. With some self-doubt, and grudges held by family members, these two have their work cut out for them if they ever plan on seeing if they can the bring that spark to life.
This is a quick read that I devoured in one sitting. It’s a story of sacrifice and chasing dream…as well as growing up and the journey of life. I enjoyed watching these two grow and mature…and find where, and if, they fit into each other’s lives now. While I have read previous books in the series, it is not a necessity to follow the flow of the story.
Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a collection of short stories that conclude things for all the characters from the previous books in this series. For me having not read the previous books it gave me a taste of the characters and the writers style etc BUT I highly recommend doing it the right way and start from the beginning people! Don’t be an idiot like me LOL You are going to love the characters and storylines so much you will want to know it all so just start from the very start!! I definitely am off to read them all!
Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Claire returns to Pismo Beach following the death of her mother, her plans are to take care of her sister, Alexis, get affairs in order, sell the house, and return to Los Angeles with Claire in tow. A relationship is the last thing on her mind…until she meets Alexis’ orthodontist, David.
David has been divorced for a handful of years and is not in the market to open his heart up. However, there is something about Claire that brings to life something that has been dormant for years. Even knowing that Claire will be returning to LA in a matter of months, to two set out to date and see what happens.
But, as life is, things are not going smoothly. Alexis and Claire do not really have a relationship since Alexis lived in Los Angeles…so there are the ups and downs that come with forging a relationship with a teen sibling. Both Alexis and Claire just lost a parent, so there is a journey of grief and healing that must be taken. David has doubts and low confidence when it comes to relationships because of what happened with his ex-wife. With a time clock looming over their heads, and David’s past presenting challenges, can these two make a go at a real relationship?!?
This book was filled with so many emotions that the reader will feel right along with the characters. Grief and overcoming the mistakes of past relationships are aspects of life that many relationships must go through. I enjoyed the watching the relationships grow in this book – Alexis and Claire, Claire and David, and even David and Alexis. I was rooting for this couple to find a way to make it work despite the things that seem to be stacked against them. A good book from a new-to-me author!
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this Porter and Midge installment, we learn about healthy snacks with CJ and Lorna. This book does a great job of teaching what foods are healthy for dogs while making it fun. The rhythm of the words is interesting and grabs children’s interest. The illustrations are colorful and cute. The authors also included plenty of snack recipes that young cooks can make for their pets. This book is a great resource for pet owners.
G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Being a preschool teacher and owner, I have read my share of ABC books. They are pretty much all the same. Apple, bear, cat, dog, ect….. This author’s version is so much fun. New more sophisticated words, they too know our children are so much smarter than we give them credit. I love reading and corresponding to my grandchildren. I also love the definition in the back of the book. Allowing us to educate our little ones. You’re going to love this book. It should be on the shelves of Every library. Let’s get away from those simple ABCs once our children get past word repeating, more challenging too!
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is yet again another great book from this author. I really wish that my kids were young enough as this is a great way to help children learn about taking their pets to the vet. The author has a great way to introduces subjects to kids and make it easy and fun to learn. The characters are realistic and the books themselves are very easy to read and understand. I really would recommend this author’s books to anyone with younger children. The author makes learning about certain situations really fun and easy and keeps the attention of the reader. All in all this author has a great series and also a great choice of characters.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the final book in the ‘Rewind Series’, which consists of five LGQBT romances. Set three years after the final book, this anthology of short stories looks at what happened after the characters achieved their HEA’s. I liked how each of the short stories intertwine making it read like a novel. I would definitely recommend reading all four previous books in this enjoyable and engaging series before picking this one up. As per the rest of the books in the series there are trigger warnings to bear in mind. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘catching up’ with all the characters from throughout the series.
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun story! This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book following Gramma and her grandsons. “Gramma” is an adventurous and fun lady who is always found doing some new fun activity and inviting her grandsons along. Anyone would love this Gramma and I hope one day I’m just like her! This is a sweet, easy to read children’s story and would be enjoyed by most children, especially if read to them by their Gramma!
Alchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story of the immortal apothecary Gaelan continues in this historical fantasy sequel. Gaelan visits a mystical place from his childhood, an ancient ruined monastery in the Eildon Hills. Here he discovers a journal written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, describing his journey to a land of fairy castles, magical rivers and filigree trees, the Otherworld. He also finds a small piece of glass from a stained glass panel he made centuries ago, which comes to life in his hands. Gaelan finds himself transported but not to the dreamscape Conan Doyle described. Whilst doubting his sanity Gaelan believes he has traversed a portal into the future. As his past, present and future collide Gaelan must prevent a catastrophic future. I loved the mix of Celtic mythology, magic, fairy lore and science that this novel weaves together. I enjoyed being back with Gaelan and once again the descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life. I felt fully immersed in this enjoyable and engaging story. I would personally recommend reading book one first for a better understanding of the main characters backstory.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
When Chara and Master Bistrita’s worlds collide everything changes. There is no denying the attraction between the two but there is a war going on and Master Bistrita must work to figure out how to deal with more than just his emotions.
Chara and Master Bistrita make a nice couple and seeing the development of their relationship made for a nice read. It is interesting to see the way Chara deals with learning about fated mates and BDSM and the interaction she has with Master Bistrita about them. Their story moves at a good pace and is full of emotions. This book has a nice mix of action and romance making it a nice addition to the series.
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really interesting young adult fantasy romance. I loved the feel of the fairytale stories intwined with witches, dragons, spells and adventure.
This is a story about one girl’s need to save her brother and the adventure that follows.
Gillian’s younger brother has becoming ill and is dying from an illness know as the Wasting. After over hearing her mother she knows the only hope for a cure is to find the witches. However they live in the Shadowlands, an area where they are forbidden to go.
However Gillian is determined to try and find a cure so she enters the woods where she has heard terrify things reside.
When she arrives she meets the son of the Great Dragon who proceeds to kidnap her and refuses to let her leave.
What unfolds is a story of adventure, drama, chemistry and people with different agendas.
At the end of the day she has a decision to make. Does she return to her family and her duty or does she remain in the Shadowland with the forbidden romance she has found.
This was a really unique and interesting read and I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for us next.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a really good continuation of this series. The story of Bistrita and Chara had so much drama and excitement. This series is so good and each new book just gets better. There is a bit of a twist in this story that really surprised me but made for a really interesting read. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading more from this author.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little story and I really loved it. This book would be a perfect fit for any child who has a pet that they would love to spoil. I liked how the recipes for different dog treats were included in the book because that will allow the children and their families the opportunity to make their pet treats just like CJ and Lora. This is a delightful book and I like this author. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs and wants their children to love dogs and know how to take care of them.
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Human Mating Site Complete Series is a combination of 13 different novellas all packaged up nicely in one book! Bella is on a journey to find the right man after a lot of disappointments. This journey takes her to many nights that become one hot steamy read!! Just when she thinks she finds the right one, there are so many twists and turns. I couldn’t read this fast enough to see who she ended up with.
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where’s Gramma is a cute rhyming story of all the different places Grandma goes to. The illustrations are so great and she gathers more boys as she keeps going. This would have been an amazing story for my Mom to have with my children when they were little. It shows all the little things that Grandma’s want to teach kids about too!
Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had and held my attention right from the beginning pages. This story had an interesting twist with legends around king Arthur. As Morgan she believed that everything was a fairy tale and that’s all it was, until the truth started coming out and now those fairy tales aren’t just tales anymore. Morgan is an incredible female heroin, that’s strong willed, and isn’t afraid to stand her ground. If you like fairy tales turned real, to dragons, witches, the supernatural, magic and so much more, this story will have you engaged from the beginning. I can’t wait to read more into this tale.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At 15, Trinity Redhawk breaks up with Shooter Price to chase her dreams. Through hard work and determination she achieves those dreams. All these years later Trinity is ready to hang up her crown and move on to the next phase of her life. Shooter has finally found his place as a sheriff’s deputy. After they connect during a dance it’s clear there is still a connection there. Will they be able to put the past behind them and find their happiness?
This was an enjoyable read. I found it to be low angst, which I always enjoy reading. I found the story flowed well and it ended up being a fairly quick read for me. The characters and their chemistry were well written. I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not reading the previous books in the series.
Reviewed by@aliciaknoke
*The Alchemy of Glass* by Barbara Barnett is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, science, and myth that captures the reader’s imagination from the first page. This novel, a sequel to *The Apothecary’s Curse*, returns us to the enchanting yet dangerous world of Gaelan Erceldoune, an immortal apothecary who finds himself at the intersection of ancient Celtic mythology and cutting-edge science. As the past, present, and future collide, Gaelan must navigate a labyrinth of challenges to prevent a cataclysmic future.
Barnett skillfully intertwines the delicate beauty of spun glass with the terror of shattered mirrors, using them as metaphors for the duality of existence. The novel explores the contrast between the ethereal and the mortal, the magical and the scientific. This interplay is evident in Gaelan’s character—an immortal who straddles two worlds, with one foot in the magical realm of fairy lore and the other in the cold, hard reality of scientific discovery. His journey is not just a physical one but also a philosophical exploration of the choices that define us.
The narrative is richly steeped in Celtic mythology, which adds depth and texture to the world Barnett has created. The ancient myths of fairies, alchemy, and immortality are seamlessly woven into the plot, creating a sense of timelessness that draws the reader into a world where the boundaries between reality and magic blur. This fusion of myth and science is one of the novel’s strongest aspects, as it raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the power of belief.
Barnett’s writing is evocative and lyrical, capturing the essence of the magical elements without losing sight of the story’s human core. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with Gaelan standing out as a complex and compelling protagonist. His struggle with immortality and the burden of his knowledge is portrayed with nuance, making him a character readers can empathize with. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding their own dimension to the story, whether they are allies or adversaries.
*The Alchemy of Glass* is not just a tale of magic and mythology; it is also a story about the choices we make and the consequences they bring. Gaelan’s journey is fraught with difficult decisions, each carrying the potential to shape the future in unimaginable ways. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the eternal conflict between good and evil. It challenges readers to consider the impact of their choices and the responsibility that comes with power.
Overall, *The Alchemy of Glass* is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, mythology, and speculative fiction. Barbara Barnett has crafted a world that is as magical as it is perilous, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, blending ancient myths with contemporary themes to create a tale that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you are a returning fan of Gaelan Erceldoune or a newcomer to his world, *The Alchemy of Glass* is a journey worth taking.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209314493-her-sapphire-blade” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1709247654l/209314493._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209314493-her-sapphire-blade”>Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6777004.Sarah_Biglow”>Sarah Biglow</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6805702263″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me and one I will be looking to read more from.<br />Bring Camelot into this century, and keep it hidden access only to those who are of a type of magic blood, fae, dragons, seelie all have a part to play.<br />Morgan grows up in London, magic is recognised and used more often than not, Morgan understands her magic is lacking. Living with her Aunt Nim, tales of old Camelot are frequently told. <br />Morgan finds she is thrown into life in Camelot as her character develops both magically and personally as Morgan Le Fae is not who she had been led to believe.<br />Taking it all in her stride the character develops and grows, battling her way to her true destiny.<br /><br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197712787-dark-is-the-wood” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692812010l/197712787._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197712787-dark-is-the-wood”>Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18149425.Kristin_Ward”>Kristin Ward</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6805680293″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I was completely immersed in this book from the very beginning. The characters are strong, and the relationships that develop are constantly developing occasionally in ways you at first did not see coming.<br />In a world of two halves we follow Gilliam as she decides how best to save her brother from the wasting, a disease that ravages the mortal world. She travels to the Shadowlands to seek the help of the witches, the Shadowlands holds many monsters including dragon born.<br />Saved from attack by Roman, Gillian is taken away to the Great Dragon and finds out that she herself is not what she thinks. <br />Full of action, emotion, love, distrust, if you like your books to be enthralling and more than a touch of fantasy then this is a read for you.
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