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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Betsy Melano

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

A steamy prequel of the younger generation of the Hawk family member. Nolan (Issac Hawk) who has recently graduated from Law School in Chicago meets a beautiful red head in a bar who gives him her name as Jack instead of her real name. The two have one amazing steamy night together. In the morning they can’t seem to let go. Soon it turns into a weekend together will these two who amazingly came together work things out so they can be together?
The author did a wonderful job of character and world building.

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Betsy Melano

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Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, this book is very surprising and needed in so many ways. Rebecca the main character has an issue, she can’t seem to have satisfaction when being intimate. To the point one of her boyfriends calls her the ice queen. Rebecca feels like she’s broken. The story takes Rebecca on a direction she didn’t expect, a group of doctors trying to help women to realize their full capacity in the bedroom.
I cheered for Rebecca when she stood up to those doctors and walked out of the room. Her quest to find satisfaction actually brings her to find her inner strength she’s been hiding!

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Betsy Melano

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book happens to be the first book I read by this author. The story sucked me in from the start. It can be hard when you’re reading a book in a series but I had no problems figuring out the characters. I especially love Austen’s character! What a strong woman to have not only saved herself but also her 4 sisters! I really enjoyed Dimitri’s personality and work ethic. Even though he came in knowing he had to prove himself to get on the Nashville Assassins team, he made sure to be on the ice early and stayed late. Between Austen and Dimitri and how they become friends and moving along to be more then friends with love, some frustration, and openness, really spoke to me.
I hope I can read more books in this series and others by this author in the near future.

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Betsy Melano

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers #9)Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 9th book in The Playmakers Series Hockey Romance. I jumped from the first book to the 9th but I expect I will be reading the books in between very soon.
Wyatt Tompkins was the goalie for the Colorado Blizzards, but recently became a free agent which isn’t where he wants to be. Serena is the PR director for the Blizzards and isn’t a fan of Wyatt at all. That is until Serena is attacked and Wyatt comes to her rescue. What will this mean for their future?
Another great book by the author. Wonderful characters and world building. Thank you for writing about Wyatt, I wasn’t sure about his character in the beginning but he turned things around!

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 1) by G.K. Brady – Review by Betsy Melano

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers, #1)Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in The Playmakers Series Hockey Romance. The author is new to me and I really enjoyed reading the book. Beckett and Paige met while they were in college. Beckett graduated and moved right into being a NHL hockey player. Soon he began making bad decisions. As the years go by, he’s finding that life isn’t turning out the way he expected. After graduating from college, Paige has started up her own company working on flipping houses. When Beckett and Paige meet unexpectedly, he doesn’t exactly remember her. That’s just fine with Paige but soon things seem to change.
The author did a wonderful job world building and character development.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Betsy Melano

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Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries #6)Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great series that continues to pull you into the story. The book could probably be considered a stand alone, it’s been a while since I last read part of this series. The story starts out with enough information for those who jump into reading this book. I enjoyed reading about the Paris Expedition. The author wrote this book in such a way I could imagine the areas of Paris that the characters visited. The characters are also well written and you can’t help but try to figure out what they’ll encounter next.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Betsy Melano

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern and cute retelling of Jack and the Bean Stalk. The story has a twist at the end that made me giggle! The illustrations are great and the storyline is easily understood by young readers. I think some older elementary age kids would enjoy reading this too, especially if they have younger siblings, a great way to help kids who might need help reading out loud.

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Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Betsy Melano

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Oathbreakers AnonymousOathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is new to me and after reading this fantasy story added with lots of humor and characters you can’t forget. I throughly enjoyed the book and can’t remember ever reading a fantasy book that made me giggle and laugh so much throughout the pages. Marluck is such an important character and as you read the book you feel like he could be one of your friends or an adventurer/companion navigating through life.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Betsy Melano

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Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute change to the story many of us know so well. I love that Goldilocks comes into the bear’s house and leaves it better then when she finds it by fixing things. The simple machines brought up in the book are explained in diagrams that kids can understand.
Wish I could have read this version to my kids when they were younger.

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Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl – Review by Betsy Melano

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Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This particular book caught my attention because it was about a woman’s MC chapter. Taz is a strong woman who has lost a love early and is now working on being the best mom to her son Teddy who is autistic. We meet Taz after she joins the Devil’s Handmaidens MC. The MC is like a family, always there for each other in times of trouble and at happy moments. What really got me was how important Teddy was to not only Taz but to all of the women and some of the men in nearby MC’s connected to the Devil’s Handmaidens. Tragedy seems to follow Taz but with the help of the MC families, Taz might finally find comfort and happiness. I will definitely be checking out the other stories of the Devil’s Handmaiden series.
The author did a great job of world building and with the multitude of characters. It was easy to connect with Taz and the others.

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Duology Book 2) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Cycle 2)The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book by the author that I’ve read. I did not read The Coin which is the first book of the series. I was able to follow the story fairly quickly as the author does a wonderful job of world building which helps combine the characters who are located in different countries. Right from where the Prologue starts, I could almost feel the adrenaline rush as Gabriela is doing her best to drive while realizing her breaks are either broken or have been tampered with.
The action, suspense, romance, and everything about this book moved the story along and I enjoyed reading it. I think it would be nice to read The Coin.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Betsy Melano

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Millers of Marietta series. I did not read the first book but had no problems figuring out the “extra” characters. This book focuses on Annie and Craig. Annie and her siblings have moved to Montana after their parents unexpectedly passed. Annie is using some of her inheritance to open a B&B. She loves to cook & feed people. In comes Craig, a marketing hotshot from Portland. Both Annie and Craig claim to not be interested in each other but it’s soon evident that they have a connection that they can’t ignore.
Overall the story moved along and the setting was well written. The main characters were easy to connect with. I will be reading the first book in the series soon so I can delve into Annie’s siblings story.

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Betsy Melano

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Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A paranormal romance between Rose from the Wolfbane coven and Titan from the Dutchman coven. A feud between the two covens due to the Dutchman coven stealing the precious moonstone from the Wolfbane coven years ago. Titan is searching for a wife now that he is of age, and Rose along with several other suitors are at the Dutchman coven to see if they connect. Rose is also hoping they match so that she can bring the moonstone back to her people. Will Rose manage to help her coven? I liked the book although it was somewhat slow moving in the beginning. The characters are well written.

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Betsy Melano

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My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite book I read this year. The author wrote the story in such a way that I had to keep reading. The characters were not only relatable but so well written that at times I thought Tessa and Simon could be real friends of mine. The story starts in and air plane where Tessa and Simon meet each other but don’t have a chance to build a connection. If it weren’t for Simon making sure Tessa finds his business card in her purse.
A world traveling romance of two strangers who become so much more, that are pulled apart due to a tragic incident. Something that any of us could experience in the world we live in today. The connection and love shown throughout the story made me believe again. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Betsy Melano

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Betsy Melano

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Betsy Melano

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Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What and emotional book! The author wrote in such a way that I could feel the frustration that Julie, a flight attendant, who is dealing with an experience she can never forget. Julie told 5 families with very young children to put their babies on the floor of the plane during an emergency. What happened to those babies and the families when the plane crashed? How can Julie live with her knowledge of that experience and knowing nothing has changed in the 20 years since that crash? What if anything can Julie and the families do to change the emergency training or process so families don’t have to go through an event like this again.

An emotional story of sadness, hope for changes, strength, and so much more the characters work through after this tragedy they never expected to face during their lives.

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Betsy

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in The Bennetts of Langdon Falls series has the only sister in the family heading to Atlanta to find out if she can make it in life doing cooking shows on TV. Some producers from Atlanta saw Becky on YouTube. Being the gentleman that he is, Walt Bennett volunteers to go with Becky to Atlanta. Walt has another motive though, Elyse the beautiful supervising producer.
In this story not only do we find Elyse and Walt connecting but we find out if a TV show is really what Becky wants to do with her life. As always, the author had me hooked right away and kept my attention with the strong characters and the scenery/locations. I recommend reading the first book so you get more background on the Bennett family’s life.

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A second chance romance that takes place in a cozy small town called Langston Falls. As the story starts, we see Teddy returning home after being wrongfully put in jail. He is looking forward to being back with family. What he doesn’t anticipate is the soulmate Robyn has been disillusioned with becoming a lawyer. As these two find each other again, things happen that makes everyone realize how precious life can be.

This is the first book in The Bennetts of Langdon Falls series. The author did a great job of world building. So many times I could imagine myself actually being at the Bennett’s Farm. The characters are great too as you learn about Teddy’s siblings and his father. I’ve always enjoyed books by this author and this one did not disappoint!

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great continuation of the first book. The main characters go on an adventure to rescue their parents. The characters are well written and you can feel all of the emotions they are experiencing. There are magical things happening and each character has a pert to play in this adventure. The story is well written and I enjoyed learning more about each of the characters.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An action packed from the start, new to me series. Also, the author is new to me too. This series is a young adult fantasy with some time travels included. The author did a wonderful job with world building and the characters are good too. There is a lot happening within the book so anyone reading would have to pay close attention – especially as you learn about what Ruarnon is going through as they grow into their new position as heir after their parents are attacked.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and soon after decided to read the 2nd book in the series.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by

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Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series. There is a blurb at the beginning for those of us that missed reading the first two books. It helped me understand Tally’s situation and helped me connect to her. However, I do feel I missed some context by not reading the books in order. I hope to remedy that soon. It’s easy to connect with Tally and the other children as they meet and get to know each other. The author did a great job with world building and making me feel like I’m experiencing the destinations Tally visits.
Tally is traveling to Japan with her father, who is attending a conference. Tally meets new friends Yoshi and Miyu. Yoshi’s father works with Tally’s father. Tally is exploring Japan with her friends and Yoshi’s mother. I enjoyed reading this story about Tally and her special angel Jophiel! I’m definitely going to read the first two books!
I would have loved reading a story like this back when I was middle school age.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Betsy Melano

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries. Although this I part of a series, the book can be read as a stand alone book. Just keep in mind that you might want to read the first two books in the series ones you’re done with this treasure. This story had me reading faster to see what Taylor and her cats uncover as they search for what happened to Anita. This mystery has dangerous roads, a back story of people gone missing, and so much more.
The author did a great job of world building and the characters kept the story interesting even when a character might not be my cup of tea! I’m looking forward to reading the first two books in the series.

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Betsy Melano

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Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new series and a new author to me. The author does a wonderful job of world building this dystopian novel that pulls you into the world of Pangaea. Living in a caste society to keep everyone in peace and order. The story takes place in two different eras, one from 70 years ago and now, helping us understand how the characters feel, what they are trying to change and so much more. The story line is woven in such a way to keep us reading and wanting to know more. The fact that we see these characters grow and strengthen within the book helped keep my attention too.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Betsy Melano

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Bluestone Series, which is about Ivy and Ace. Ivy is working to keep her Ranch while dealing with men who don’t give her the respect she deserves for all the work she is doing. She hires Ace to get some help around the Ranch but she never expected the attraction between them. When Ace lets it slip that they are engaged (fake) to keep a vultures away, things get interesting.
This romance is a fun read and had me in stitches at times. The author does a great job with world building and her writing style makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I really enjoyed reading about Ivy and Ace.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Betsy Melano

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 3rd book in the series didn’t disappoint. First of all, this is a YA book. I have read the other books and I think it helps to have read them in order. The books are definitely written for a teen audience. They are sweet young romance stories full of misunderstandings, angst, hormones, worry, anxiety, and all those things young people go through.
The author as usual did a fantastic job of world building and writing in such a way that makes young people interested in reading more. Cecily thinks she’s living the dream but soon finds out that the world of show business can be vicious and ruthless. I was happy to see Cecily grow in this book and start to really find her strength. She needs to be strong in a field that can be very dangerous. Looking forward to the next installment of the series.

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Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors – Review by Betsy Melano

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Aliens on EarthAliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love finding books that are collections of many authors! It’s a great chance to find new to me authors or stories. There are so many stories but I’m only reviewing a couple. I hope to read the rest at another time since life gets in the way of my reading. lol

Alice’s Illusions by Maya Black
Alice a teenage girl is an outcast of sorts at school. Alice is dealing with the trauma from her sister passing and seems so very lonely. Hal, the new student, seems to gravitate towards her right away which she didn’t expect. Having Hal in her life seems to help Alice but soon she’s not so sure. A lot of things happen to make her wonder if she’s losing her mind. What is it about Hal that has her questioning herself? The author did a great job with this relatable story of a teenage girl and with the location/ world where the story takes place.

The Alien & The Crime Boss
A MM story about an Alien and a Crime boss. What an interesting mix to end up in! Lielphun arrives on earth only to find Kasper a crime boss intent on building up his empire. Whatever happens, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading this story. The characters are great, and the world building is too. I have read many stories by Naomi Valkyrie and she never disappoints.

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Betsy Melano

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Consigliere's Revenge: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing the world of Italian Mafia in Vegas, this third book in the Sicilian Gods series doesn’t disappoint! A local Vegas reporter Isabella is potentially sharing some secrets via the news. Lorenzo must stop Isabella from sharing those secrets. How will he get her to stop while he fights his attraction to her? Expanding the world a bit more and seeing how Dominic and Isabella try to fight the attraction each has for the other shows the author’s talent. Thank you for such a great series and fingers crossed you have more Larussios to write about in the future!

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Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Betsy Melano

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Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the Sicilian Gods series, this book is about Dominic and Emelia are from two enemy families. Unlike Dominic who is involved in the family business, Emelia has been sheltered from her family dealings and business. Don’t get it wrong though, Emelia is a strong smart character. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Dominic in this book and love the continuation of the first book spilling into this second book. The author did a great job keeping the story moving and adding the new characters into it. I had a hard time putting the book down at bed time or whenever I had a few minutes to read it.

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Betsy Melano

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Boss's Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I read a book by this author. The author does a wonderful job building the world of the Italian Crime Family of Larussios. The characters are also well written and easy to connect with. I liked the spunky but calm Doctor Adrianna who isn’t scared to step up and put Salvatore in his place. True, most of us don’t come in contact with mafia bosses in our regular day to day world but it sure is fun to read about a family like the Larussios! Oh and what will happen between Salvatore and Adrianna when the truth comes out about her family.

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