Posts

Stars Fall From the Sky (Reigning Hearts Book Two) AUDIO BOOK by KG Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

I really enjoy books written by Ms. Fletcher. Many of them romances that give you hope that love can be found in many situations. In this book, Ginger who lost her husband in an accident and Johnathan (a doctor) who is still mourning the loss of his wife meet when Ginger was having complications from breastfeeding. Will these two be able to work through their issues together and grow closer? Will their hearts be open enough to find that they need each other?
I love that Ms. Fletcher is also the narrator of the audio book.

Hell Hath No Fury (Life Is Hell Book 2) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second installment of the Life is Hell series. Anytime I see that Ms. Valkyrie has a new book, I make sure to get it as soon as I can! Most of the awesome characters from the first book are back in this one, and I’m really impressed that the the characters continue to grow and become more of a team in this book. This book concentrated on Sheridan (a demon) and Millicent (a town deputy). Millicent’s is being stalked by a creature unknown to the group. Together they come up with a plan to try and keep Millicent safe.

View all my reviews

Nite Fire: Flash Point (Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Betsy Melano

A dragon/human shifter fantasy that I instantly loved and had to listen to each day as long as I could. The characters and the detailed description of the different dragon shifters captivated me from the beginning. Dahlia Nite has spent almost a century living among earth pretending to be human. She works hard keeping the humans safe from the dangers of dragon kind roaming the earth. After all this time, she is finding more and more troublesome creatures traveling to earth and destroying the very peace she is trying to uphold.

The narrator, Cassandra King did a wonderful job. She added excitement, empathy, concerns, and everything else the characters faced.

I throughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next volume in the series!

Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Betsy Melano

FaidaFaida by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A romance story about one of Cupid’s helpers. Like her Cupid helper sisters, Faida has been given a new assignment to help to someone find love again. The thing is, Faida has been helping humans find love for centuries and like many of us, she gets thinking about the relationships that didn’t work out. Will this one work or is it going to be another bust? At one point the assignment has her wondering what she’s missed and how much more can she do? The story is fun, at some points it has trouble, but overall it’s a great one. I hope you love it as much as I did.

View all my reviews

The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Betsy Melano

The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves, #1)The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short Christmas Romance. Wonderful historical story that brings the characters to life in a way I didn’t expect. Viola has been shamed ever since she ended up hiding in a closet where two men happened to be intimate. It brought shame to her family and she has been cloistered in the “nursery” with her aunt except on Christmas Eve. Viola hopes that one day she may meet the one by standing under the mistletoe. I really loved where the story went from here. It’s definitely a sexy story!

View all my reviews

The Last Christmas by Seelie Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

The Last ChristmasThe Last Christmas by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story of faith, a Christmas miracle, love, and belief. Cancer is a topic that is hard for many of us who have lost a loved one to the illness. This story is about a very sick father who has been told that he will not make it to Christmas. His wife is visited by Santa who basically tells her she has given up hope when she must believe she can help her husband. An inspiring tale so the miracle of Christmas!

View all my reviews

Unwrapping Noel AUDIO BOOK by Jennifer Theriot – Review by Betsy Melano

Unwrapping Noel by Jennifer Theriot (audiobook narrated by Sara Gordon)

A Christmas romance story that I really enjoyed listening to. I love Noel’s spunkiness and sarcastic humor. Noel has had a tough year after finding out her ex husband has cancer and helps him through his treatments. When she gets a call from one of her favorite clients she’s worked with for years, Noel jumps at the chance and flies out to California for a new project. Noel meets a gorgeous guy in the hotel bar who turns out to be on the project group too. What happens next, you will have to listen/read it!

Sara Gordon did a wonderful job reading the book. I love how well she acts out each of the characters. I know I’ve listened to other books Ms. Gordon has read and I always enjoy them.

Five – Alarm Christmas : A Novella by Melinda Valentine – Review by Betsy Melano

Five-Alarm Christmas : A NovellaFive-Alarm Christmas : A Novella by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Five-Alarm Christmas: A Novella by Melinda Valentine

A steamy short story for Christmas. The book is fast paced but still gives you enough about the characters to want more. The author did a wonderful job sharing who the main characters were and added suspense to the first part of the book. I would love to find out more about what happened with the two main characters in the future.

View all my reviews

Irresistible Christmas – Pets to the Rescue (Irresistible Romance Book 6) ANTHOLOGY – Review by Betsy Melano

IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS - PETS TO THE RESCUE (Irresistible Romance #6)IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS – PETS TO THE RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Irresistible Christmas – Pets to the Rescue is an anthology, seven stories written by seven different authors. So far I’ve read the Two Hearts Christmas’s Rescue by Tamara Ferguson. This is a story about Kinley and Jake. The last time Jake saw Kinley was back in high school when he had a huge crush on her. Now after years of service in Afghanistan, Jake is working under cover helping at the animal shelter with Kinley to train service dogs for wounded vets.
This is a lovely story that occurs near Christmas – I enjoyed reading it this Christmas season. I hope other readers enjoy it too!

View all my reviews

Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Betsy Melano

Becoming HumanBecoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Sci-fi story with three characters that are linked together to reach a common goal, even if they are different in many ways. The story is well written and keeps moving at a pace that makes you want to continue reading. I really enjoyed the fact that the teenage characters had to work together even with all their differences like we need to in real life. I also really liked that the story is written in the voices of the three teenage characters and it was easy to keep track of each character based on their speech or speaking patterns.
This is the first book by this aunt that I have read. I’m looking forward to reading her books in the future.

View all my reviews

Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Betsy Melano

Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2)Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I am reading a book written by this author. The characters and story is well written and I really liked it from the beginning. The two main characters had great chemistry and you can tell they are working hard to forget or move on from their past. Will their love help them through it or hinder them? Between the romance and the intrigue make the book engaging. I’m sure many readers will enjoy this book.

View all my reviews

Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For Book 1) by Bella Emy – Review by Betsy Melano

Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For #1)Fighting for Us by Bella Emy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book by author Bella Emy that I’ve read. I really loved the relationship between Lorenzo and Carissa, how they were drawn together from the moment they met. Similar to most couples, the two have their ups and downs which helped me relate to them. Its great to see that both Lorenzo and Carissa have strong support, which in my experience means a lot. I really am happy that I picked up this book and found these characters to be genuine. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!

View all my reviews

Evil’s Whisper (Evil Saga book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Betsy Melano

Evil's Whisper (Evil Saga Book 1)Evil’s Whisper by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evil’s Whisper is a dark fantasy book, the first in the Evil Saga series. It is well written and the characters are well developed. The story brings old secrets that could either save the people of the world or completely ruin them. Sabiya has been living behind the walls of Juniper City her whole life. She longs to find out what more is out in the world. When she finally attempts to escape, she is captured by outlaws. In a twist of fate, she is rescued from the outlaws and ends up right back where she started out from. Now that Sabiya has seen a small part of the world, what will be her next step?

View all my reviews

The Nearness of You: A British celebrity, standalone love-at-first-sight romance by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

The Nearness of YouThe Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nearness of You by KG Fletcher is a beautiful love story between a singer who loves the oldies, like Frank Sinatra, and loves the 60’s style, and a very handsome model from England. Lauren can’t believe she’s met and connected with David at the hotel where she works weekends singing at the bar. David is mesmerized by Lauren in a way he’s never expected. The two connect so well, they both seem to know they’ve met the one but will they follow it through?
I love reading books by Ms. Fletcher. I connect with her characters pretty quickly. The books are well written and you can’t help but continue reading until you are finished.

View all my reviews

Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease – Review by Betsy Melano

Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker, #2)Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweets and Santa: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease

Jonie is one of the newest resident of Heartwood Hollow, she recently renovated the bakery in town so she can open up her own bakery. It has been her dream and she’s excited to be part of the Christmas activities in town. She even has some special recipes she is looking forward to baking for the season. As the town gears up for Christmas, some things start missing around town and the gnome decorations start moving around town! People are starting to wonder what’s happening and who is responsible for it.

Honestly, this is a sweet, quick, and fun Cozy Mystery that will get you in the Christmas Spirit! with some great mysteries. You will love reading it around Christmas. I’ll definitely be checking out some of the other books written by this author!

View all my reviews

Eye of Death (Vampire State Book 3) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Betsy Melano

Eye of Death (Vampire State, #3)Eye of Death by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is amazing series is the most unique story about vampires that I’ve read. The story has a lot going on, action, adventure, danger, and don’t forget the romance. The author did such a wonderful job with changing up the typical vampire story and making it new and exciting. I would definitely recommend you read this series from the beginning. You won’t be disappointed.

View all my reviews

Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Betsy Melano

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This young adult book is about a post apocalyptic world. In the beginning of the book, we meet Cam and his sister who live in Australia who are discussing a pandemic affecting Europe. The pandemic is spread through water, so the discussion is about how soon it will affect Australia and the people who live there.

What I really like about this book is that it isn’t your typical dystopian story, it has more depth because the story concentrates on the characters and how they survive. You really dig into their life and understand what life is like. I believe most people would really enjoy reading about this world.

View all my reviews

Cemetery Tour: A Walk Through the Old Yard by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Betsy Melano

Cemetery Tour: A Walk Through the Old YardCemetery Tour: A Walk Through the Old Yard by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cemetery Tour: A Walk Through the Old Yard by Stuart Ledwith

This is a different kind of book than I usually gravitate towards. The book is about the people buried at a cemetery in Baldwinsville, New York. There are ghost stories that are conversations the author had as he strolls through the cemetery. These conversations give a view of the life of the people who immigrated to New York around year 1800. The stories share love of family, hardships they experienced, and tragedies for some. The author writes in a way to make you realize those that came before us had stories to share. It is a lovely book.

View all my reviews

All I Want for Christmas by Vivian Fiano – Review by Betsy Melano

All I Want for Christmas: Military Romance Short StoryAll I Want for Christmas: Military Romance Short Story by Vivian Fiano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartwarming short story about military life and a little bit about what families left behind go through. Brysen is an Army chopper pilot has been deployed for almost 6 months when he calls to let Kinsley, his girlfriend, know his deployment has been extended. This makes her very sad because Brysen will be gone for Christmas. The news devastates Kinsley and she turns to Ice cream and Christmas movies for solace. In comes her best friend Dina to help her through the disappointment. Dina’s boyfriend is deployed with Brysen and she understands what Kinsley is going through.

View all my reviews

Aiko (The Heartstrings Series Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Betsy Melano

AikoAiko by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romantic comedy about Cupid’s helpers had me smiling and even laughing at times. Aiko is one of Cupid’s helpers but she hasn’t had the best of luck getting human couples together… she’s accidentally started a fire in a library, a war started by a prince taking a woman, etc. Anyway, the book is entertaining and the characters are fun, caring, and relatable. After waiting for many years, Aiko is given the chance to prove herself to Cupid and the mother figure Brielle that she can do good things and bring people together Can she manage to helping Alejandro finally find his love?

View all my reviews

Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Betsy Melano

Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel #2)Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been eagerly waiting for Urban Justice, book 2 in the Chicago Vigilante Series, to come out. I loved the first book and love this one even more. The author writes in such a way that you want to read the book so you learn what happens, what situations the characters find themselves in, and see how they solve things. I love the Sloane, the strong female lead and the rest of her team who all have each other’s backs. The professor and former Marine, Luke, is a great addition and helps Sloane search the underground world to stop a dangerous drug. Although the book can be read alone, I highly suggest you read book 1 of the series first.

View all my reviews

Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Betsy Melano

Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries, #3)Murder Makes Waves by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although this is the third book in this series, for me it is the first book I’m reading by this author. The wonderful thing is the book is written so you can pick up who the characters are and not feel slighted – I’m still planning on getting the first two books.
The author shares with us the description of the setting so we feel like we are part of this mystery that takes place back in 1931 on a cruise ship. The story has deception, jealousy, danger, and a mystery. I’m sure fans of cozy mysteries will love this series.

View all my reviews

Blood of the Dragon (Relic Hunters Book 4) by Martin Ferguson – Review By Betsy Melano

Blood of the Dragon (Relic Hunters, #4)Blood of the Dragon by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood of the Dragons is the 4th book in this amazing series. Personally, I loved this book the best out of all of them. As with the earlier books in the series, the book has action, drama, mystery, and don’t forget the characters! Over the course of the series, the characters have developed and make you care more about them and see how well the team works together to solve things along the way. You will definitely want to read these books in order to get the full effect of the team!

View all my reviews

Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Grumbler's Ride (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #2)Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book didn’t disappoint! I loved the first book in the series and this one is even better. There are some dark parts (could be a trigger for some) but the relationship between the older couple Grumbler and Mary make it so worth it. The way that Grumbler steps in to help Mary and her teenage daughter is heartwarming. The fact that members of other chapters assist each other is nice to see. I really like the San Diego chapter and I’m looking forward to reading the other series Ms. Mellett has written to learn about those chapters.

View all my reviews

Being Lost (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Being Lost (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #1)Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Manda Mellett. I think it might even be the first book I’m reading about a biker chapter. I’ve enjoyed learning about how the San Diego chapter functions, all the different businesses they run, and what their beliefs are. The chapter prez “Lost” is an older member who even after having this position for several years, he still feels unworthy. The chapter is notified by a chapter in Colorado to keep an eye on some family members under whiteness protection. When Lost meets Patsy, he immediately feels a connection and it seems Patsy does too. It’s nice to see these older characters find interest in each other. This is a great beginning to a series and I’m looking forward to learning more about the characters we meet in this book.

View all my reviews

The North Wind Descends (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Betsy Melano

The North Wind DescendsThe North Wind Descends by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The North Wind Descends is the 4th book in the Lord Hani Mysteries series written by N. L. Holmes. The series takes place back in history when Egypt was a thriving country. In this book Lord Hani is being celebrated for his accomplishments and has been given a new title. He’s not very sure why this is happening because he tends to get on the King’s wrong side.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing us readers into ancient Egypt and makes us feel like we have been transported there. I also love the mystery, danger, and intrigue that Lord Hani must work through to find answers while keeping his family safe.

View all my reviews

No Rest for the Wicked (Life Is Hell Book 1) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delilah is a demon who owns a bar in a busy city. After almost 200 years, life has gotten pretty mundane. She’s tired of the same old routine and decides that she needs a change (who doesn’t these days right?) What could be better than vacationing in a small town in the middle a nowhere for her to enjoy some reading and relax.

I love reading a new series and getting to know new characters and when the main character is a demon, it adds just the right amount of danger! Ms. Valkyrie’s characters are so fascinating it adds and enhances the paranormal worlds she creates. You will want to keep reading and not put the book down until to the end.

View all my reviews

Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Betsy Melano

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book got my attention pretty quickly! The descriptions of the scenes, the characters, and all the different universes are amazing. The author did an amazing job of introducing the reader to each character & universe. You definitely need to pay close attention to how the characters and worlds are connected – by that voice that they all hear at the same time. I really enjoyed leaning about each character and appreciate how the author shared them so we would connect and care about them. It helped a lot to have the guide at the beginning so I could reference it when needed.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

WAR OF THE DAMNED (Relic Hunters Book 3) by Martin Ferguson – Review by Betsy Melano

War of the Damned (Relic Hunters, #3)War of the Damned by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book because it not only has adventure but you also learn some things about history. In this third installment of the Relic Hunters Series, Adam and his teammates are exploring a WWII era Nazi U-boat. As they explore they find some things that starts them on the run to survive.
This series may have been written for young adults but I have enjoyed each book and look forward for more. The action and the way Mr. Ferguson weaves in the past in book 3 really got my attention. The characters in these books also make this a special series you won’t want to miss.

View all my reviews

A Merry Texan Christmas (The Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Betsy Melano

A Merry Texan Christmas (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge, #3)A Merry Texan Christmas by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading all of The Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge books by Nicole Flockton! The characters are lovely and just makes your heart melt. They have been especially great for zoning in and forgetting the craziness of 2020.
In the third book Trey, the oldest Prentice brother, comes back home to Sweet Ridge after retiring from his baseball career and buys the local second hand book store. He’s okay with the knowledge that he’s back home but still a little unsure he made the right decision. Will he stay in Sweet Ridge or head back to play baseball?

View all my reviews