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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Lilliana Rose, and I was excitedly surprised at how quickly I was entranced. The synopsis grabbed my interest as I am a big Twilight fan so I wanted to give it a chance, only to be blown away. Tamaska Lane is an event planner with big career goals, that depend on tonight and the Blood Opal sale being a success. Kodiak Day is the Beta of the Shadow Pack; the wolf shifters have gotten into security to earn funds to live and provide for their pack.
The moment Tamaska and Kodiak first see each other it is like an invisible tether is linking them together. Each of them fighting the magnetic pull as they try to do their jobs. In an instant everything changes and becomes more complicated, Kodiak gets a whiff of a vampire blood scent. Suddenly on high alert and looking for the source he and his team are more interested in the Blood Opal. For years the shifters and the vampires have had a treaty, they each stick to their own boundaries and don’t cross so why are they suddenly on shifter lands now. After speaking with a stranger Tamaska finds herself off kilter, and her mind a haze with details slipping her mind about him. The lights flicker once, twice and they are plunged into darkness. When the lights finally come back on the Blood Opal is gone and chaos begins, Tamaska determined to blame the “hot guard” that was more concerned with her safety than staying next to the opal. Being a last minute hire for the job Kodiak is confused about the importance of the Blood Opal, and why the vampires would want it. He is also angry at the fact his mind is drawn to a human, when he is known for his hatred of humans. Both Tamaska and Kodiak have one goal, to find out who stole the opal and return it. Kodiak wants to find it to prove his innocence and prove his competence to Tamaska. Tamaska wants to find the opal to secure her job and make things up to her boss Carlene for losing it in the first place though it couldn’t have been expected.
Why do the vampires want the Blood Opal? Will Tamaska and Kodiak succeed in finding the precious gem? How will their magnetic pull affect the outcome? The world, the characters, the plot everything about this book pulls you in leading you deeper into the world of the author determined to find answers. I couldn’t put it down and sometimes found myself trying to guess what or who the thief was. I can’t wait to learn more about Tamaska and Kodiak in the next book in the series Marked Wolf, May 11th, 2023.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by the incredible Gwyn McNamee, the first being the prequel to this book, Night Hawke. While it is not necessary to read the prequel it gives a more in depth understanding to Isaac and Jack’s relationship, and what made there reentering each other’s life so intense. Ruthless Hawke picks up five years to the day from the events in Night Hawke, in that time both Isaac and Jack have continued to dream of that weekend, the connection they shared and the what ifs. Finally learning the truth of who Jack is also put into perspective her reservations on sharing any information in the prequel about her identity. In the matter of just a few weeks Jack’s life is yanked out from under her and flipped on its head.
Valentina Marconi, the Italian mob Donne in Chicago, Cutter Jackson, ruthless killer and her right-hand man, also loving married couple and parents to Giacomina “Jack” and grandparents to her daughter Viviana. Jack dreamed for years of finding her “Nolan” and telling him about their daughter but gave up when it seemed an impossible feat. Isaac scoured Chicago in the days after the perfect weekend trying to find any information about his mysterious perfect woman Jack. Valentina faced with an impossible decision, give her daughter over to Satriano, the most powerful Italian mob boss or turn him into an enemy. Her father whisks Jack and her daughter away to New Orleans, to his old military buddy Gabe, and his family to protect his girls. Isaac just finishing court receives a text from Gabe saying family emergency and rushes back to the office only to stop dead in his tracks. Fate, destiny, serendipity something was at work and after all this time had brought them back together. Jack overwhelmed by seeing the blue eyes that have haunted her all these years. Isaac overwhelmed by seeing the woman that stole his soul all those years ago in his father’s office he is rattled to his core. Little did he know the hits would keep on coming in the form of a beautiful little girl with the Hawke Caribbean blue eyes, his eyes staring back at him in his office. Anger, fury, desire, pain. All rush through him in an instant but one thing is for sure he will do anything and everything in his power to protect his girls from every threat.
Will Isaac succeed at keeping them safe? Can Jack let go of all of her fear and live in the feelings, let herself have something she wants? If they win, will Jack and Vivi return to Chicago or stay with Isaac? The world the author creates is realistic, with a touch of fated mates to it. The pain they both went through in the years since they met, brought them to the point they are in now. Makes them learn to appreciate every moment and to fight the fear for something deeper. I can’t wait to read book 2 in the 2nd Generation of the Hawke Family, Reticent Hawke, June 1st, 2023. The mystery of Jude will finally be revealed.

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A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Ayla Phipps

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A Mountain in the Air: A TrilogyA Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had never heard of Laura Koerber before coming across this book and I was intrigued by the unique synopsis and the chance to read three of her works in one. The three novellas in order are Coyote’s Road Trip, Raven Woman’s Tavern and A Mountain in the Air.
When first meeting Coyote Jim he is seeing the first migraters cross through his territory, the Valley of Dry Bones in Nevada. These people did not leave a good impression on him as they seemed to not care about the land, learning or their own kind. All they cared about was their destination, not the journey. The timeline can be confusing in the beginning as it bounces back and forth between memories of Jim conversing with the ghosts of the only two humans, he ever built a friendship with their death and meeting them. After a radiation leak that forced the humans to move away Joseph and Janey were the last humans in his territory, so he took interests in them. When they passed Coyote no longer had anything keeping him in the Valley of Dry Bones, but it had been his home for as long as he could remember but the climate changes gave him no choice but to go in search of a new home. With his journey taking him to Washington state he finds something he wasn’t looking for but hopes it will be enough.
When I first got this book, I was curious how the three novellas worked together as each had a different main character. I then realized that they all led into each other to a degree, Coyote ends his road trip in the timber town where Raven owns a tavern, and Pete lives in the wilderness of Mt. Rainier nearby. At times I felt the story dragged on, but the imagery of the landscapes and the development of each story kept me glued to the pages needing more.

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before this book I had never heard of Nadija Mujagic, but now that I have, I am hooked and must read more of her amazing work. As a mother the first chapter definitely set the mood of the book, Sam’s four-year-old son Jake goes missing from the local public pool. Heart racing, I couldn’t put the book down and before I realized I was nearly halfway through the book needing to learn more. Chapter two is the first-time jump, going back four years to before she had her son. Living in small towns I understand her hunger for something bigger and better.

Her dream is to be an actress, so she starts by looking for an agent to represent her, to help her get into the industry. When Stacy Goldberg responds saying she will only discuss things with her in person 5 days later Sam has no choice but to quickly find an apartment and get a bus ticket to L.A. Our dreams never seem to play out the way they do in our heads, no matter how many different paths you think of, and Sam’s were no different. Her first meeting ends with her feeling confused and like her career is already over. Stacy tells Sam she has “the look” and then tells her you either parish or persist. While trying to figure out how to go about auditioning she begins working as a barista at a local café. Michael her new coworker who freelances as a writer asks her to dinner, declining she says she’s not currently in a good place. Only other than not being attracted to him her biggest fear in any new situation is anyone getting closer to her and wanting to dig into her dirty past. By the age of six Sam had lost her paternal grandparents, the only ones she ever knew, and her father. After her father’s death her mother seemed to care more about her next high than her daughter, so she learned to be independent at a young age. Only Sam has a deep dark secret, a secret so terrible that she not only has to keep it from her mother, best friend, and small town but from herself.

Will Sam parish or persist in the world of acting? How does the handsome stranger she meets at work play into her dream? Is it possible for her to continue to keep her secret after all these years? The world the author creates is realistic, no sugar coating on the ways of the world while always keeping her character relatable. The twists and turns this book had kept me entranced from page one and I couldn’t stop until I was done.

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Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 6)Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the talented Sylvia Black, and I was hooked before I read the first page. Growing up I was always drawn to vampires, shifters and magic and this book has it all. From the dual perspectives of Master Calabrea and Tansia this book is an adventure to prevent a war within the factions, to protect the civilized world the vampires have created.
Master Calabrea is one of twelve consulate masters, each running their own region of the world where vampire history is entrenched the most. Calabrea’s region is the southernmost tip of Italy. A traitor, Isala is turning others from all factions against the current order, and ruler Overmaster Descallia. The world knows about vampires openly but there is order, no attacks on humans for feeding all factions cohabitate the world together. Isala is against this order and misses the old ways. Tansia is a human from the states and after a nasty breakup is finally taking charge of her life with the help of her cousin Embry. New place, new start. Moving to Italy her cousin has already found her a job at one of the Descallia Clubs as a server. Only she didn’t find her one job but two, the Overmaster has a mission to hunt down Isala and bring her in alive to question but finding her requires a special ops team. Tansia is very skilled in several languages and thus recruited as a translator for Calabrea’s team, she agrees but quickly questions herself on what she has just agreed to. With unexplainable desire between Master Calabrea and Tansia this adventure as a steamy undertone from the beginning, and with both of their pasts you wish them all the happiness they can find. After visiting a witch Tansia is informed that she has the power of sight, that it runs in her family and quickly learns that its true. Giving into their passion Calabrea and Tansia feel an undeniable connection that helps fuel their need to protect each other.
What does Tansia’s powers mean? Are they truly the duo the Vade Mecum speaks of? Will they find their happily ever after, together? The beautiful world the author creates pulls you in with every word. I felt emersed in the story feeling for the characters and hoping for a happy ending. The characters a well-rounded with different sides and realistic responses to the trails of their mission. I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the Masters of the Consulate series and including the next book Master Campania out July 28th.

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Susan Specht Oram; the plot drew me in as I am a big fan of psychological thrillers on tv and movies but finally getting into them in books. The beginning, that is the title of the first chapter, it sets the plot for the entire book. Jacklyn and Albert were high school sweethearts the only thing they loved more than their family was gardening. Suddenly a heart attack takes Albert from her, after having a mental breakdown, her son takes it upon himself to “deal” with her. This book is from three perspectives, Jacklyn newly widowed, her daughter Rose and her son Dusty.
Living two hours away Rose isn’t around every day to see how out of it her mother has become. Dusty on the other hand has been there every day but dislikes the thought of having to move in with his mother or the burden of handling and relying on someone to come to the house to take care of her. Severely depressed after losing her husband Jacklyn is going through the motions, clinging to her shop schedule. Looking into everything after his passing she has discovered that he has given sixty-two thousand dollars to their son in recent years to help him get ahead on his dream but now she has no savings and must keep the shop to earn back what was given away. Meanwhile Carolyn, a valued employee that has worked for them for years is interested in buying the shop, but Jacklyn can’t just tell her she can’t afford to sale that she has no choice but to keep it. Dusty wants his mother sent away somewhere, where she is someone else’s problem to deal with, leading him to finding Shore Lodge, a psychiatric facility not far from where she already lives. Rose is against this but having a child and a parenting agreement with her ex-husband has no choice as she can’t move in with her mother to help. While Dusty agrees with Rose to try and get their mother to willingly agree to go, he informs her that he has power of attorney over their mothers medical and financial decisions and if needed he will use that to make sure she is in the Lodge.
Can Jacklyn prove her mental stability in time to save her home? Dusty loves to hold a grudge, but what does he hold against his mother? Rose only wants to help her mother but is this the right decision? The world the author builds is both beautiful and tragic. The characters are realistic in their actions, making you route for Jacklyn from page one that she will succeed. This book had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath is several places and I can’t wait to read book two in the Millersville Series, The Thieves.

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Fantasia Yu, and I am so excited to read her other work. One of the main things in the synopsis that drew me in was the space pirates and moon planets as I have never read anything with either before. Princess Mora is the first-born princess of Xitlych, and as such she has several obligations that embody her life. Darin is a “criminal”, pilot and the moment Mora first sees him she feels as if all the air in her lungs is gone.
Ten days, Princess Mora has been betrothed to Prince Fidge of Xot, to lead in the way of alliances to be made through the Nexus of Planets. While first impressions of his picture don’t sit well with Mora or her younger sister Pola, seeing him as a rigid geek, or principal look to him. The light in the tunnel for Mora is that she was accepted to the university of her dreams in the Bronze City, far away from Xot and Prince Fidge. After a long day of boring activities and duties Mora wants to see local statues, she has read about when doing her research on the moon planet. Meeting Gota, a local criminal that is often hired as a guide for official purposes due to her knowledge of the terrain and space pirates being afraid of her, Mora sees hope. Being a princess is smothering Mora, she dreams of being free of being a normal person no royal expectations associated to her, and when she meets Darin she has her chance, and she takes it.
Will Mora get to go to university? Can she escape her royal duties and have freedom? What will happen if Darin finds out the truth of her identity? The world created by the author truly is a fantastical one, the descriptions of the worlds, the customs and characters immerse the reader into her world. Being a short read this book was the perfect little escape on a lazy Sunday, I couldn’t put it down and look forward to reading more of the authors work soon.

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Chatroom with a ViewChatroom with a View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Glenn Maynard, and I was not disappointed. As a fan of true crime and history in that sense the synopsis intrigued me with the ties to Lizzie Borden. The synopsis mentions that the book starts with an episode and lord does it.
The perspective of the book is that of Troy Cullen a distant relative of Lizzie Borden. He is an only child and is currently 24 years old, only he still lives at home. Not because he can’t afford to move out but because his father is extremely violent and abusive and Troy lives to protect his mother. Until that day, returning home from work both of their cars are in the driveway which is strange but after searching the entire house he can’t find or hear any of them until he looks out a window into the back yard. On the family property was an old log cabin that was usually locked up like Fort Knox, having never seen anyone inside it the sight of movement draws Troy’s attention when he witnesses a tragedy, he always feared but knew was coming. Only after a lifetime of being told he would go to prison if something ever happened, he decides not to call the police but to coverup everything and keep his father alive and bound in the house. Life brings another twist when he learns that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his child. Being such a dysfunctional family in their small-town Veronica decides to dig into his family history, afraid she becomes determined to shield her unborn child from the evilness that lives within the family and genetics, but will it be enough?
Will Troy follow in his ancestors’ footsteps? What will happen to Veronica and their baby? Can Troy break the cycle or is he doomed to forever be a monster? Becoming his father was never his goal but now he sees a monster is within him too. The world the author builds, the characters and scenarios are realistic and have meat too them. Being well fleshed out and three dimensional I found myself holding my breath is several places and rushing to finish the chapter to start the next. This book keeps you on your toes guessing what will happen next and how it will end.

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the SEAL Team 12 series, and once again Debra Parmley draws me in with her relatable characters and realistic story lines. The real-world themes and how not only the enemy of the story plays out but the way the main characters handle things are realistic. We first meet Cutter in book one, more in passing but he is mentioned, and, in his story, he goes on the unintended adventure of finding his one person.
Starting out Cutter is on the way to yet another wedding of a SEAL brother, and he finds himself wondering if there is someone out there for him. Having his grandma and cousins was all that brought him back to the states after missions he didn’t need a permanent girlfriend holding him down that didn’t understand his job. Zarifah thought she found the one, until all the red flags made her find a way out, to be herself and to be happy. She was engaged but he thought the ring on her finger gave him control over her life. Being an American belly dancer makes her happy, she enjoys her job and life but her ex-fiancé wanted her to quit, and yet only focused on her dancer persona, never getting to know the real her. Cutter and Zarifah were drawn to each other both helping the other in ways they didn’t fully understand at the time. Until her violent ex returns crashing one of her performances determined that if he can’t have her no one can. Only Zarifah has a protecter and he will do anything and everything to protect her and get her free of her ex once and for all.
Will her ex be stopped in time? Is Zarifah truly his one person? Cutter loves everything about Zarifah, but can his grandma accept her? The author once again gives you characters that you can’t stop routing for. Cutter and Zarifah have a connection that is deeper than deployments and crazy exes can destroy. I once again couldn’t put down this book until I learned all of its secrets and look forward to hopefully another book in this series. Quick reads with real world situations and happy endings.

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Debra Parmley and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. Being an army veteran, I don’t usually read books with anything military related but something about this synopsis drew me in and I was not disappointed. This book is mainly told from the perspective of Diesel and Pippa, though it does have moments as other characters such as Diesel’s father and even Pippa’s ex-husband Stan. Groomed from a young age by Stan who is 15 years older than her Pippa married right out of high school, but the honeymoon phase quickly turned dangerous after her father passed away six months into their marriage. With no other choice Pippa ran, with nothing but her purse and the cloths on her back, she has been running and looking over her shoulder for over a year when she is in living in Virginia Beach and finally gets a call that Stan is in prison for three years, she is safe. Diesel called in with his SEAL team for a meeting before going back out on missions is home in Virginia Beach. Its Halloween and with help both end up at the masquerade party.
With the fresh news that she is safe and can relax and have fun Pippa goes dressed as a woodland fairy and gives into her inner desires for a night of fun. Diesel looking to have a good time before shipping out again is dressed as a gladiator. Pippa works up the courage to approach the mysterious gladiator and asks him to dance and then more, but no names, no faces, and no numbers. In the moment something more intense happened that neither had ever experienced before but Pippa stuck to her rules of the night and went home. Quickly Pippa regrets not at least giving her gladiator her number, then finds out she is pregnant but no matter what she is going to be a mother and that’s all that matters. Two years pass, she has a handsome little boy named Bryce, a chance encounter with an older man at a park sets her one prayer the day her son was born in motion. That her son’s father is safe and if it is best for them that he may come back to them. Only when Diesel finds her it’s too late, her ex is loose, and he found them first.
Will Pippa survive the wrath of her past? Can Diesel find his new family in time? What will happen to little Bryce? The world the author creates is one of reality, the moments the bad luck and the good luck are all possible. The characters are three dimensional and grow, being relatable. I read this entire book in less than a day and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened next. I can’t wait to read book 2 Saving the Bellydancer, from Diesel’s fellow SEAL brother Cutter and learn his story.

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite PrequelSavage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Isla Vaughn and though it was very short, being the prequel of a new series, I am hooked. It only took me about 2 hours or so to finish. The world the author creates is a very realistic one, the characters feel raw and real in their reactions to things. With a dual perspective of Riley and Cole, Savage Start sets off a whirlwind to come.
Riley is new to Santa Monica, along with her mother they have been running from city to city, from character to character since Riley was a year old. Always running from her father never safe until now, or so her mother claims. Cole is a local Elite of Hidden Valley Academy, along with his younger brother and two cousins. Cole’s life seems perfect on the surface, but the façade hides his crumbling family led by his father’s indiscretions. New to the city and a day of travel Riley finds herself walking on the beach before coming up on a house party. Allowing herself a few moments to do a “normal” teen activity she sneaks inside only to get caught stealing. The mystery man disarms her defenses stealing an epic kiss before she flees, but every moment her mind is consumed with fantasies of the kiss and the first guy to ever make her feel the dagger of desire.
Is Riley and her mother finally safe? Will the promises she makes come true? Will Cole’s brother ever learn the truth behind their mother’s mental decline? The author is beyond amazing, and I have already got my calendar marked for the release of book 1 in Riley and Cole duet, Savage Lies, March 30th, 2023, I can’t wait to read more about these characters and see where their story leads. The second book Savage Truth, April 27th, 2023, is the conclusion of Riley and Cole’s story with a happy ever after. I can’t wait to go on their journey with them.

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Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Melinda Valentine, the title had me intrigued so I thought I would give it a try after reading the synopsis. While this is technically the third book in the Fear Inc series I wasn’t confused or lost on anything. Each book is a standalone but the characters from Volume one and two are both in this book. This is a dual perspective book, from Krysta and Kasper. Krysta is the younger sister of Paxton “Tank” from book two, seven years ago she and Kasper started a secret relationship that ended when she revealed to him that she was pregnant with his child. Kasper is Tank’s best friend, they both work for Max from book one, at Fear Incorporated.
The book starts with a flashback to six years earlier, she was happier than ever with Kasper but after a week finally had to tell him she was pregnant but was hopeful. Kasper being known as a lady’s man reacted very badly to being told he was going to be a father, leaving Krysta no choice but to walk away from the relationship. Because of Tank and Kasper’s friendship they remained in each other’s orbits. After a traumatic even in which Krysta saves the lives of her brother and Cori, his girlfriend, she struggles in her healing journey. She’s been dating Bentley, an overall good guy, but he doesn’t give her butterflies in her stomach or make her smile when he calls. After Krysta shows up at Fear Inc to visit her brother Kasper later sees her at a restaurant getting lunch with her ex from high school, forcing himself to stay civil he confronts them forcing them to say goodbye. Following Krysta to the parking lot he can’t stop himself as he walks up to her kissing her pouring the past six years of longing into the kiss. Even after all this time she is still the only woman he has ever truly loved and he decides in that moment that he will do whatever it takes to get a second chance with her, a real one this time no hiding it and no secrets.
What happened to their baby? How will Kasper react to finding out Krysta is seeing someone? Will they ever get their second chance? The world the author creates was wonderful, but the characters were amazing. The characters feel so real that when they hurt you can feel their pain leaping off the pages. At only 148 pages this book was a great weekend read and I look forward to going back and learning about Max and Paxton’s stories in volume one and two.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Gwyn McNamee. I was first interested in the title and then the mystery of the synopsis pulled me in good. The book is a dual perspective between two strangers that have a chance meeting in a local Chicago bar one night. Both looking for an escape of what the next day could bring but so entranced in the moment they accept whatever consequences may come.
His entire life has been planned for him for as long as he can remember. She is a mystery; her actions are that of a strong independent force to be reckoned with. Only her words leave him coming up short and struggling to keep to the deal of no real talk just a fun night with a stranger. Her entire life has been controlled by her parents, worry plagues her mind and what they will do just to find her if she doesn’t come home one night. What’s the worst that can happen when two strangers have a chance meeting?
This is an amazing and steamy introduction into the second generation of the Hawke Family series. I have never read any of the books from the original series but had no trouble understanding the book or references. With the first official book to the 2nd Gen series, Ruthless Hawke, coming out February 23rd, I plan to read the original series soon. The world and characters the author creates makes you feel like you know them.

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Sarah Chislon; the title and cover are what drew me in. I love all things Fae related and this book was no different. Jessa is the youngest in her family with older twin sisters Ada and Ainslie. Unlike her sisters Jessa doesn’t worry about socially acceptable things, or marriage, she is drawn to nature, to plants.
It has been four years since their mother has passed, the sisters live with their father and two of their aunts. Shortly after her passing Jessa heard the whispers the first time, but her father chocked it up to stress of her mother’s passing. Now the whispers are back but stronger, the imaginary cage of thorns in her mind is getting harder to contain the whispers. One morning their Aunt Caris receives a letter, Jessa notices how she reacts and knows something is wrong. After some time, Jessa takes her aunt some lavender tea to help only to learn that her aunt plans to leave first thing in the morning for Milburn. With some convincing and permission from her father Jessa goes with her aunt on the long journey. Jessa has one main issue or fear, that others will think she is fae-touched, and the Vigil will place her in an institution as they have with so many others. Her mother loved to share stories about the Otherworld, a part of Jessa longed to be near or to at least see the world outside of her town. In Milburn there is a string of increasingly dangerous attacks, but Jessa must give into the whispers if she hopes to protect her aunt and the townspeople she has came to care for.
What will happen when Jessa finally listens to the whispers? Will Jessa be able to save the town in time? Can Jessa protect herself from the Vigil? The characters the author creates is one of proper ladies, but Jessa breaks the mold, she is more Intune with nature and her studies than with finding a husband. Her world is both one based in reality but has the mystical under the surface hiding in plain sight. I couldn’t put this book down and look forward to seeing where the world goes next in the first book Tattoo of Crimson officially out now.

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first book in the Winemakers series, The True Purpose of Vines, I was hooked on Giovanna Siniscalchi’s amazing work. This book like the first has a dual perspective, Anne Maxwell, the younger sister of Griffin from book one, and Pedro Daun, who was also first introduced in the first book.
Anne is a kind, sweet and naïve girl in the beginning, looking for her happily ever after. Pedro is in part a villain in the beginning of the book, running from a past that has haunted him for more than a decade. When first meeting Anne knew nothing of who Pedro was but could see something in his eyes that said she found her person. Pedro did the only thing he could do; he took her with him to protect her from the guilt of his past. A wild journey across the country, each fighting their own battles within them while running for their lives. Over the course of this beautifully written book the author immerses the reader in the story, leading the characters to not only enter your heart but to steal it away. Anne shows an unimaginable amount of kindness and an unwavering determination to break down Pedro’s walls and show him love. The way she deals with the violence and takes everything in turn never altering who she is, is admirable. In turn Pedro finds that he not only craves her touch but that she has became his very breath giving him life. When the sins of his past threatens to soil the pureness of her soul.
Will Pedro allow Anne into his heart? How will Anne deal with the truth of his past? Is love truly strong enough to overcome all? Once again, the author builds not only an amazing world, but her characters leap off the page filling your heart with their story. I couldn’t help but route for Pedro and Anne, not only for him to overcome the sins of his past but for Anne to be at his side the entire way. I am officially hooked on Giovanna Siniscalchi, I went too long without her beautiful work. The third book in the Winemakers series, The Truth about Myths comes out September 20th, 2023, and I already have a countdown to see where this world goes next.

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. (The Winemakers Book 1)The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Giovanna Siniscalchi. The title grabbed my attention, and I found the synopsis interesting. Personally, I don’t usually read historical romance books, but I was intrigued, and the author did not disappoint. Taking place in Portugal in 1870 this book has dual perspectives. Winemaker Julia Costa, who is out to prove that a woman in this time can make wine not only as good as a man but better. And Griffin Maxwell a proper Englishman who recently inherited his uncle’s vineyard. As a favor to his boss, he checks in on the investment he made to Julia’s late husband.
The two main characters have one main thing in common, their main goal is to provide for their families no matter what. Julia has a 7-year-old son named Tony, as well as her Aunt Rosario and cousin Amelia living with her. Griffin has his mother and younger sister Anne that he is providing for. Griffin has one main goal to give his family the security they have not had since he was 17, in this pursuit he wants to become partners with his boss Mr. Croft. Croft on the other hand has another plan, he doesn’t want Griffin as a partner but as a son. Shocked by this Griffin initially is taken aback but at 31 years old he knew it was time he should marry, and this would give his family their security and status back. Julia’s main goal is to become the best vineyard, to bring wine into the future no longer selling wine by unmarked vats and barrels but glass bottles, marked with her vineyard showing proudly that the wine is from her lands. An intense initial meeting leads to Julia and Griffin at odds, until a mysterious plague threatens to destroy everything, forcing them to work together.
Will they solve the mysterious plague killing the vineyards? Who will Griffin marry? Will Julia’s secret valley be successful? The world that author creates is beautiful, with some humor sprinkled in this was an amazing read. Such diverse characters in a historical time were refreshing to read about and see how they overcame every hurtle before them. I can’t wait to read book two The Taste of Light, the main characters are Anne Maxwell, Griffin’s little sister, and Pedro Daun, who was mentioned by Aunt Rosario as a perfect match for Amelia.

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Son of Asmodeus by Barb Jones – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Son of AsmodeusSon of Asmodeus by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Barb Jones, and it did not disappoint. The completely unique synopsis is what drew me in and had me interested. Page one, the prologue, “The Pact” had me hooked. A battle in the kingdom of heaven led by Lucifer, with a horde of demons, had killed countless angels in the throne room. An ultimatum by the Lord himself made Lucifer withdrawal only for him to send a second horde of demons. After using his flaming sword, the Archangel Michael broken by seeing the loss of his brothers and sisters has a plan to project the passage to heaven, to insure it never falls to demons again.
The Lord, Lucifer, and Raphael all agree to Michael’s plan, the pact, and agree to provide the demon prince Asmodeus by Lucifer, the archangel Jophiel by Michael and the prophet Elias by Raphael. The Pact requires a sacrifice by both kingdoms, Heaven, and Hell, and only those involved are to know the price that is paid to protect the passage. Michael calls upon Asmodeus and Jophiel ensuring that they agree that they are willing partners when Michael sees the spark between them, and his depths of his pact begins. Brother John 1329 was taught by his parents about hell and the truth of demons being fallen angels by his father and taught about heaven and the archangels by his mother. Went to the monastery at the age of 14, when he would ask about his purpose the monks would always tell him the same line. “You are a special child with a unique purpose, that had adopted parents that loved you.” As a powerful exorcists Brother John only had one demon child that he could never exorcise. But this time was different the demon child taunted Brother John, asking if he wanted to know who he truly was, and questioned the monks on how long they would keep him from his true purpose. After retaliating for the first time again the other monks when Brother John tried to exorcise him, he agrees to go with him to learn the truth. Nearly 700 years later John is still feeling guilty about what the demon child, Edward, his “brother” has told him. Becoming more devote in his religion his demon brother supported him until one day he disappeared leaving a unique blade, one like he had never seen before laying where his brother once slept.
Who is Brother John’s demon father? Did the child tell the truth? How is John connected to the Pact made all those years ago? The author does an amazing job building the story and the suspense, keeping you engaged and eager to keep turning the page to learn what will happen next. I hope the next part to this series will be announced soon. The world created, the characters and the story all keep you coming back for more.

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Revenge Never Rests (Tallie Brown Suspense Book 2) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Revenge Never RestsRevenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by Laurie Lewis and is the second book in the Tallie Brown Suspense. A continuation of the first book Secrets Never Die, following the loss of her mother and learning about the secrets that sent her on the run for most of her life.
I enjoyed this fast-paced suspense book! A lot of the stuff in this book felt like it was ripped from today’s headlines. The action and intrigue really drew me in, and I found it hard to put down. It’s a race against time as Tallie Brown is trying to find her father whom she recently discovered and is now missing. One of the biggest twists of the first book is that her mother Julia wasn’t her biological mother and kidnapped her. Despite the dubious circumstances in which she was raised. Tallie learns of a missing girl that she uses the skills she learned while on the run with her mother to help find not only the missing girl but all the missing people. Tallie can thank Julia for everything she taught her about tracking, self-defense, etc. as it comes in handy as the story progresses.

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Secrets Never Die (Tallie Brown Suspense Book 1) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Secrets Never DieSecrets Never Die by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Laurie Lewis. The synopsis drew me in but from page one I was hooked. At first, I was very confused on what was going on and honestly thought I started the 2nd book first by mistake.
It begins in Julia’s point of view, her being in 2014 but still running and hiding from the secrets of her past in 1993. Her one thing that she thought she could do, raising a normal child as a fugitive, until her name starts getting flagged and she receives a call from her handler. After seven seemingly normal years everything comes back in a rush leaving Tallie all alone with the mystery of who her mother was.
What is the Mogadishu incident? What does Julia have to do with it? Why have they been on the run most of Tallies’ life? The world that the author builds submerge the reader in the world. Drawing you into the story and wanting to keep reading to learn the secrets that led to Julia’s death. I made it through this book in one day and can’t wait to start the second book, Revenge Never Rests, to see what happens next in Tallie Brown’s story.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the talented Via Mari; the synopsis was interesting and made me curious. The first page had me hooked, Katarina, better known as Kate, is in Aruba for a work conference on a new project. When a stranger suddenly needs medical attention and she performs CPR, before another man appears to help her. That happens on Friday night shortly after she arrived at the resort.
Within 48 hours she has completely fallen for the stranger, Chase, that helped her Friday night, and he has fallen for her. Dancing the night away together on Saturday and exploring the island on Sunday. Finally, they kiss, and she asks for him to come into her room only for him to decline, for now. In the moment he strangely tells her to hold on to how she feels about him in that moment and remember it tomorrow. Confused she accepts his decline in the moment as she has a very busy night and her conference starting in the morning. At the same time the CEO of the company that has hired the firm she works for is emailing her, chastising her for working on the weekend while on a beautiful resort, and talks of renegotiating her contract so that she is not allowed to work on weekends. Monday morning everything changes, hurt, confusion and embarrassment are all Kate can feel when she sees Chase, the CEO, the man that hired her, walks into the conference room for the meeting and introduces himself.
Will Kate allow herself to break her rule of not getting involved with someone from work? Can she hold on to the intense feelings she has for Chase? What will happen when his secrets come out? The world the author creates is beautiful, but the characters are so relatable that you can’t help but wish everything works out. Less than 20% through the book I couldn’t help but look up the other three books in the series so I could continue this amazing story. I can’t wait to see how their story develops in book 2 Degrees of Acceptance.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the talented Susan Renee. While the synopsis and title pulled me in with a unique story it was the first sentence of page one that had me giggling to myself and roped me into the characters. Tenley is a “Love Cynic”, Teagan is a “Love Guru”.
Tenley uses her podcast to tell her listeners about practical adult relationships. While her wishes for the world seem pure, she thinks the biggest problem in the world is too many people thinking with their heart and not their brains. Teagan uses his podcast to give his listeners hope about love. Everyone has a fated partner. He feels the world’s biggest problem is that too many people don’t love or feel they can be loved. Tenley reviews one of Teagan’s recent blog posts calling him out. During a radio interview Teagan takes it up a notch giving a formal invitation to the “Love Cynic”. An all-expenses paid one week vacation to Kamana Wanalaya Resort in Hawaii, only request that if she accepts, she comes in with an open mind. When she accepts everything begins to change.
Will Teagan be able to help Tenley’s heart grow? Will Tenley finally be able to feel love? This book has it all, steamy scenes, comedy, and questions that really make you think. I honestly loved this book from page one, the characters were amazing and the way they are opposites with similar goals for the world makes you stop and think about how many different solutions there are to problems. They both want to: lower the divorce rates in the world, lower the domestic violence and lower the number of children in the foster care system. Will they find common ground between the Love Cynic and the Love Guru? Read this amazing original story to find out.

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National Parks: An Angsty Second Chance Multicultural Romance by Laikyn Meng – Review by Ayla Phipps

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National ParksNational Parks by Laikyn Meng
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Laikyn Meng. I found the cover interesting and the synopsis original and decided to give it a try. With so little multicultural romances out there it was interesting to find one so unique. Phoebe is a nature photographer. Kenzo is her boyfriend that loves traveling with her for her job.
From the first page the author pulls at your heart strings for Phoebe. Growing up her family was very cold, and didn’t show affection, the first time she felt happy she also felt sad. She was between the ages of eight and eleven, unsure because she didn’t always get a birthday celebration every year. While at her aunt’s house in Texas for the summer she would watch a neighbor girl wait on the front porch for her grandfather, and after several minutes of hugging each other, they would leave. In those moments she realized for the first time that there were other types of families out there, loving families. Phoebe for the first time wanted something that she didn’t have. At the age of sixteen she left home for the first time finding her passion for photography and being told for the first time that it was more than just a hobby and was paid for her beautiful pictures. She was older now, loving her work and her boyfriend but the echoes of the happiness she once felt weren’t always enough. Kenzo never thought he would be the kind of guy to fall in love and settle down, until he suddenly was willing to do anything, even jump into the murky waters of the Everglades National Park in Florida to retrieve Phoebe’s first camera that had fallen in the water. With time all things change, “Only remember the Good Echoes.”
Will Phoebe and Kenzo find their ways back to each other? Are the echoes enough to keep the spark going? The world the author created in National Parks was beautiful, while the time jumps sometimes made it difficult to keep up with what was past and present the book flowed like the rivers of Nepal. I look forward to reading more of the amazing works by Laikyn Meng in the future.

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Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Beast (Popov Bratva #5)Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is book 5 in the Popov Bratva series it is the second book by Leslie Georgeson I have read, the first being Thief book 4 in the series. First learning of Adrik in book 4 I found him interesting and wanting to know his story, so I was very happy when I learned this book was about him. While book 4 Adrik had been with the Popov Bratva for several years this book starts with his time before, and how he began working for the Popov’s.
Growing up Adrik knew nothing about his father’s work until the day he was fired. That day changed everything, Kirill Volkov was Adrik’s father and was the cash collector for the Bratva, taking the money to the bookkeeper Alexei. Until the numbers started being off, having a family of his own he was fired and let off easy. At the age of seventeen Adrik had witnessed a year of his father abusing his mother, enough was enough and he stood up to his father for her only to be beaten badly by his father and warned next time he would kill him. With no other choice Adrik packed a bag and left, knowing he physically was not able to deal with his father, he vowed to his little brother Damien, who was 11 at the time that he would return for him as soon as he had somewhere for them to live and could care for him. Four years later Adrik had succeeded in impressing the grandsons of the Bratva and was given a place in their brotherhood so long as his story checked out. With time jumps both backwards and forwards this book gives an overall life story of how far Adrik has come. From being a homeless 21-year-old in the beginning to jumping forward 8 years. After a devastating lose only Annika seems to be filling the emptiness inside of him and she doesn’t even know what he looks like. Annika is different from her family, an outcast of sorts in her own rights amongst the other Popov females. She is a concert pianist having suffered a great trauma that makes Adrik long to protect her. Annika has always seen him around but never given the chance to see his face or introduce herself to him.
Can they heal each other’s trauma? Will Adrik, the Beast, ever get to feel the love he is craved? Will Annika show revulsion if or when she sees his face? Adrik hides in the shadows and behind his shaggy hair in fear that the day she sees him she will turn away in revulsion like all the others, but with her he knows it would break him if she did. The authors world she has created is so in depth both in story and twists that it keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. I look forward to PUNK (Efrem’s story) – coming March 28, 2023, to learn of the youngest Popov male’s story.

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Thief (Popov Bratva Book 4) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Thief (Popov Bratva #4)Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Leslie Georgeson, and I plan on reading them all after this. While Thief is technically the fourth book in the Popov Bratva series each book can be read as a standalone. Yes, the characters from the previous books do appear in this book but it is just adding to the story, they are not the main leads here. This book is a dual perspective book, going between Dominik and Leah.
Dominik Popov is a 28-year-old man living in L.A., he is a part of the Popov Bratva family that has many business ventures including car sales and owning nightclubs. Dominik lived life by one rule, don’t get attached, but over the past year since his mother had passed away and his twin brother moved out of the family home things are different. Now feeling very dissatisfied with his life Dom decides to fill a new order for a car, for a thrill he has long lost.
Leah Hart is a 27-year-old country music star living in L.A., a simple run to the local grocery store with her best friend and manager Melanie flips her life on its head. In the hurry to leave the store after a fellow customer recognizes her, she realizes after getting home that she has lost her wallet. A quick call to Gus her chauffeur and bodyguard to check the car she has no choice but to return to the store before they close in hopes of finding it.
10:45 p.m. with only 15 minutes until the store closes for the night Leah feels parking next to the only other expensive vehicle in the parking lot is safe. The feeling someone is behind her she catches a mysterious man exit the other vehicle and steal hers, but he won’t get away without her. With no choice but to let her go with her car he makes sure she keeps quiet. Insuring he has a backup plan in case she goes to the police he sets out to find out exactly who Leah Hart is. No preparation in the world could have prepared him for what he learns. A false name, dark family past, and a twisted ex keeps Dominik and Leah on their toes as they fight against their unwanted attraction for the other.
Secrets come out and life mottos begin to shift. What will happen when Dominik learns all her secrets? What will happen when Leah’s past finds her? The authors world building and character development kept me racing to learn more. I can’t wait to learn more about Adrik, one of Dominik’s most loyal and trusted bodyguards in Beast, book 5 in the Popov Bratva series.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the talented Naomi Valkyrie. While I usually don’t read MM books the original story of the book made me give it a try. In the synopsis it is stated that one paranormal person is selected every ten years for a second chance at life. This cycle it is Quinnlan Trinity, a vampire that was murdered by his greedy sister a couple hundred years ago that is given his second chance.
Its officially Halloween when Quinnlan materializes naked in a rundown abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere. Three days in a small family town on the edge of a wolf pack, but a second chance is a second chance and Quinnlan is determined to give it his all to take advantage of the Gods kindness is choosing him. Watching the small town go about their Halloween activities Quinnlan is drawn to a mysterious figure that is walking alone in the dark away from the town. Following them for a short time he catches the scent of three wolves following as well, worried for the seemingly innocent person he continues to follow but from a distance to keep his scent from alerting the wolves. The end of the trail and Quinnlan might be a vampire, but he had never seen a ghost before one appeared before him yelling “HELP HIM” before vanishing again. The mysterious person is laying on the ground badly injured from the warning of the wolves when Quinnlan is faced with a choice. Allow this stranger to die, or give him his blood and save him but putting his fate in the strangers’ hands alone? Quinnlan might be a vampire, but he was always a lover and not a fighter, so he gives his one chance at a second life to save the man, later learning his name is Garrett. Many questions are running through Quinnlan’s mind, who is this man? What is his story? Why was he attacked by wolves? Will he accept my choice to save him, or will I return to purgatory?
For such a short read this book left me feeling satisfied, or better yet complete no cliffhangers or lingering what ifs. Not only was the story complete but the original plot has rules, including that the paranormal must tell their chosen mate the truth about the 3 days, everything so that in the end everyone gets to make their own informed decision on what will be the rest of their lives. One of my favorite things was the writer breaking the fourth wall, saying things we were thinking and telling the reader to use their imaginations which added an extra level of humor in some very intense situations. I look forward to reading more work from the amazing mind of Naomi Valkyrie. World building, storyline, writing style is all awe inspiring and enjoyable to read.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by TH Leatherman, the synopsis as original and from page one I was hooked and pulled into their world. Evan is a teenage boy from Earth, while distracting his brother Jerrod and his goons, Will and Gary, away from beating up another smaller kid he escapes into the woods. In the past Jerrod and his friends would stop and stay out of the woods but today was different. Running into the woods brought rain and fog as well as pine needles everywhere, the boys continued to chase him even after Evan hurt his ankle, he continued to run with all that he had. Coming to a six-foot-wide stream Evan jumped across it only to be surrounded by a bright light and a tingling sensation hit every nerve.
Evan was somewhere else, later learning that there is a great divide keeping Earth from Stellaluna. Currently he was in the elven country of Shara in the capital city of Lonathas. Evan learns all this information from an older human man that goes by Geezer, who has been in Lonathas since 1883. Quickly it becomes clear that if Evan wants to make it back home, he needs to do everything Geezer tells him to and to learn fast. While elves cannot lie, they can stretch the truth, and nothing is given without a price. The Elven Queen Lycia is big with years of servitude while smaller favors can be bartered for. To learn the spell to return to Earth Evan negotiates with the Queen to complete three quests. When given the first of three it becomes apparent that the Queen is trying to set Evan up to fail to get his servitude for years, but Evan is determined to give each task his all to return home to his grandma and dad. The female elf Sina that Evan meets upon his arrival in Shara makes him feel like her smile makes the sun brighter and everything inside him becomes warmer. As a human in Stellaluna Evan has some advantages, one he can lie, two he can break some of the rules and is able to learn any spell he wishes with one drawback, it will make him tired the more powerful the spell the more tired he will be after. But he is quickly learning how to barter with the elves to learn spells.
Will Evan complete his quests in one piece? How much time is passing on Earth? The author pulls you in with fantastic world building, relatable characters, and humor just when you needed it. TH Leatherman also includes references to other works including Frodo’s quest to Mordor in response to hearing his first quest by the Queen. I look forward to reading more of the authors work and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Stellaluna Chronicles.

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Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by Matilda Reyes, and I fall more in love with her work with every new book and every page. First reading the synopsis for Order of Vespers I became excited about the story and how it tied into the cover. Jasper Andrews better known as Jas is an 18-year-old girl in upstate New York. She used to have it all she was homecoming queen, an honor student, former cheerleader, pretty and athletic, as described by police. So, what happened.
Jas wakes up in the hallway of her high school, a nasty giant bump on her head that she calls “Boom” and scorch marks covering the floor and walls. Being questioned she maintains her innocence as all she remembers was walking out of the cafeteria and then the hot fireman waking her up. Her older sister a rising lawyer Olivia comes to down to defend her sister and take her home. Only things quickly go from bad to worse. Her mother is being uncharacteristically affectionate, almost like she is saying goodbye and then at supper with only her parents the bomb is dropped. For the safety of the family and herself she is being sent away. The Andrews family has one rule “keep the family abilities a secret” or else they will find them. Growing up Jas’s mother Delia told her and her siblings about a group that hunts down those with abilities and removing them as a threat to humanity. It’s not until her mother tells her that she has family with connections to another group that can hide her and keep her safe that she suddenly starts to believe in her mothers’ stories about boogiemen. Before Jas has a chance to leave tragedy strikes in the worse way returning from a walk Jas witnesses her family home exploding, her family still inside. Once again, an explosion and Jas is the only witness around and is automatically assumed to be guilty by all. She has no choice but to flee to Manhattan and hope that the animosity of the big city can help her disappear.
Who would want her family dead? What keeps happening and why can’t she control it? Will her inner primitive self be enough to save her? The author has a way with building a world that you can see yourself in. Characters that you can not only hear their voice in your head but feel their overwhelming pain. I can’t wait for book two in The Vespers Chronicles, The Circle to come out on May 24th, 2023, to learn more about Jasper’s story.

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Vik Azeem. I originally picked this book because of its unique ethnicity as not many books are based on Pakistani American families. The synopsis intrigued me, so I decided to try something new. The number of relatable details that the author gives to their world pulls you into the world they have created and made you imagine the looks or hear the calls. Thinking of his mother “She glanced at me like a scolding Thanos.” Being a Marvel fan that line was one of my first laughs that lightened up the mood of the book and made you curious what was coming next.
Hassan is currently 24 years old with an older brother named Amir that is 8 years older. His brother is married with a 10-year-old little girl named Kassia, which Hassan enjoys and even offers to babysit now that she is no longer a baby. While his brother’s life seems to be perfect with success and a family Hassan is reaching new lows that he didn’t know where possible. Unemployed for four months already Hassan is running low on savings and is starting to worry about what he is going to do next. His mother wishes he would return home and go to law school like his older brother, but he enjoys living in the city an hour away and having his own life. Christmas eve and Hassan is sitting in his apartment, after receiving one of the most overly annoying telemarketer calls, “your cars extended warranty”, Hassan is acknowledging that the holidays make being single depressing. Accepting that he is beginning to experience loneliness Hassan is determined to break out of his habits and try and pick up his life. Its only when he meets Yasmine a week later that he is no longer sure what is the right way to go.
Could Yasmine be Hassan’s perfect match, that all the dating apps failed to find him? What is Yasmine’s darkest secrets and how will they affect Hassan? The author pulls you in with a relatable character with references to real world culture or situations while also knowing the perfect moments for a pick me up. I found the Ice Dance an interesting read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading more work by Vik Azeem.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly was not sure what to expect with this book. This being the first thing, I have read by Sinister Styx I went in with an open mind after reading the warnings. The story is about a married couple Ivy and Falcon, knowing they love each other Ivy suddenly starts feeling uneasy in their marriage. Surprisingly the couple shows a great deal of love for each other knowing they belong together but with the twist of a long-standing curse they can never truly be happy. The book is told from both Ivy and Falcon’s perspective, both showing and feeling their love to the other. Planning in his drunken rage after being accused of being unfaithful by Ivy, Falcon sticks to his plan only to later be filled with guilt and shame wishing he could take it back. Ivy shattered and filled with devastation and betrayal is tricked by an unlikely person later turned against her she wishes to remove him from the world. She knows that he is the person that twisted the doubt in her marriage and knows it can only be repaired with him gone. Finishing the book in a very short time I was let feeling stunned and heartbroken for Ivy and Falcon. All they want is to love each other but they know something is wrong because they always end up hurting each other and, in the void, once again seeing their memories flash before them. I look forward to reading more of the authors work for something so short they pull you in and hook you in the twisted worlds they create caring for the broken characters.

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as it was the first work by Casey Cardel that I have read but I was not disappointed. We meet Bob McLarney unfortunately being fired from his first journalist job in the small town of Mysty Haven in northeastern Wisconsin. He graduated from college with his master’s degree in journalism and had a stroke of luck finding a so soon.

With the second stroke of luck Bob is given a front-page story after only one week at the Mysty Haven Weekender. After the other two reporters suddenly become ill, he is being sent to Las Vegas with everything paid for by his boss Tony to meet with an Elvis impersonator named Lennie. Only when Bob gets there Lennie refuses to tell him about being an impersonator and instead is determined to tell him about his recent siting of Bigfoot. Getting evidence in way of a footprint Bob writes the story and sends it to the printers for the Sunday paper, fired Monday morning. In a new town for only two weeks Bob now finds himself in need of a new job when he meets a local man at Maddie B’s coffee shop. Offering Bob $1,000 to find his missing gnome Charlie. Thinking it to be an easy case Bob accepts, thinking back to the gnomes his mother had as a child, a dramatized cartoon character with red pants and a white shirt, the novelty image of a gnome. Meeting with Mr. Weaver at his home seeing the location Charlie was taken from he asks if he has a photo, Bob is stunned to see a gnome in blue pants and shirt posing like Tom Selleck from the famous cosmopolitan cover with a pink corncob pipe in his hand and a mysterious smirk on his face. The only suspect Mr. Weaver points to is the Dhay sisters, Lilly, and Aubri, who have been trying to beat him in the garden competitions for years. Meeting with Lilly Dhay only one time she states that they don’t use gnomes to protect their garden but that faeries are great protectors of gardens. Later calling the local police on Bob for his wrongful investigation. After his run in with the local sheriff and deputy Bob decides to visit Mr. Weaver and tell him what he has told so far. His luck having ran out Bob is on the main road at speed when a squirrel that was eating a sandwich decides to run into the middle of the road, suddenly Bob realizes his brakes aren’t working when his steering goes out. Staring at a big red semi something that he first thought was Bigfoot, later swearing it was a werewolf hits his car off the road saving his life but totaling his first car Emma Jean, a red ’67 Ford Mustang. Waking up he is unnerved by the local doctor, Dr. Stein when he comments that he has a beautiful brain and that he will return later to perform more tests.

Will Bob be able to uncover the truth of Mysty Haven? He must decide if he believes in bigfoot then the possibility that gnomes and faeries could be real also. The world built, the characters depths, and the overall mystery make Better Gnomes and Gardens an adventurous quick read that will have you turning the pages in curiosity of what will happen next. This was an amazing start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Mysty Haven Mystery Series.

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