Posts

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well written book combining Urban Fantasy with Norse Mythology. The author wrote in such a way to make it easy for the reader to understand the Norse Mythology side. This really helped me connect with the characters and the world they live in. The story has action, new comrades who are getting to know each other, and danger. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Master CatteneoMaster Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by this author. The characters are well written, the camaraderie of the different masters and their wives make it extra special. I really enjoyed reading Catteneo and Alessia coming together even if Alessia keeps contradicting him. Sometimes we need those people who let us know when we need to be confronted to make things clearer.
This is by far my favorite book in this series.

View all my reviews

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book for middle school readers. Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter, she transforms into any animal when she is asleep but turns back into her human form as long as she isn’t startled awake. One night a fire at Gwendolyn’s home startled her and she finds herself stuck being an elk.

The book is well written and I liked it. It has suspense, action, the shape shifting by the main character, and so muck more. I’m looking forward to hearing what my son thinks of the book. I’m sure I would have enjoyed this book when I was in middle school.

View all my reviews

A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review byBetsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Christmas is coming around the corner, it’s always fun to find books with a Christmas theme to look forward to the season. I was excited to find this anthology of Chris,as and romance mixed in to each story. Anthologies are always fun to read since you got a mix of authors. These stories didn’t disappoint! Each one kept me wanting to read more. The characters were easy to connect with and I enjoyed the different aspects of the “romance” side of the stories. Thank you to each of the authors who were part of this project. You sure got me in the Christmas Spirit.

Stories included were
Mistletoe Memories, A Rocky Mountain Romance, Copper Penny Christmas, Merry Mix-Ups, Falling for Christmas, Christmas Pizzo, and The Mrs. Clause.

View all my reviews

Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A time travel romance book taking place in WWII France which has been occupied by the Nazi’s. One of the main characters Erin, travels back in time through a gift she receives from her late grandmother. At first Erin is not sure where she really is but soon figures it out. Erin must write music and perform it on the piano to keep people and herself safe.

This was an interesting and intriguing book and the author did a wonderful job of describing the locations and characters throughout the book. I enjoyed reading this story not only for the historical and time travel aspect but for the music the intertwined within the story. As a former piano player it was a connection I felt with Erin.

View all my reviews

The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

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

I’m always on the lookout for books by Ms. Valkyrie. The author has original characters in her books and I’m always surprised by how relatable they are. This paranormal romance is a short story but fun to read and easily read in a day. I really enjoyed the premise that every ten years the gods let one person who was wrongfully killed back to the real world to find a mate within 3 days. What a challenge when Quinnlan Comes back to life in a small town.

I will always recommend Ms. Valkyrie’s books to fans of paranormal stories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

View all my reviews

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Mafia Elite series and this prequel was just as amazing! It was nice to read about the life of the Mafia Princesses when they were attending college and finding their groove and strengthening their friendships. We learn a lot about Marissa and her tragic passing. The characters were relatable and it reminded me a bit of my college experiences making life long friendships.

View all my reviews

Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A debut novel about two soldiers who met when they were fighting in the war against the Veit cong. Captain Nguyen Duc Dong happened to catch Airman Rex Thompson stealing money provided to the South Vietnamese Army but didn’t press charges against Airman Thompson. Captain Dong felt he had a good reason to let the Airman go. What effect this decision has on the two men over the years was intriguing

The story is well written and I could understand the point of view of the two main characters. The descriptions of Vietnam and Mississippi add to the backdrop of this story both in beautiful and tragic points.

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you don’t realize that you’re craving a cute book and this is exactly what I needed! What a fun character Bob McLarney is. When Bob took the job as a journalist, he never expected he’d be fired within a couple weeks due to writing a story about big foot. What can Bob do to survive? What can Mysty Haven show him?

I definitely enjoyed reading this book. Books like this make me smile and sometimes even laugh out loud. I hope you like it as much as I did. I will be checking out the future books in the series.

View all my reviews

Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There’s something about time travel books that always get me thinking. What would I do if I was able to go back in time? Borrowed time sure had me hooked. This Sci-fi story has so much depth to it – historical moments, moral consequences, action, relationships, and so much more. The characters were well written and easy to relate to because many of us wonder if time travel can really happen and if so, how might we make it better or worse by our actions. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author who is new to me.

View all my reviews

Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The series comes to its conclusion in the final book. This Sci-fi series takes you on a journey you may not have expected. The characters are well written and the world building the author does is amazing. Many aspects of life is brought up throughout the series and book 5 is no exception. Love, marriage, children, and so much can affect your thinking, emotions and even our future. It was great to see the support that Freya and Cam had. I appreciated the author taking the time to share the struggles Freya, Cam and the children go through and help me connect with them. It’s a greet series that I can’t wait to recommend to friends.

View all my reviews

Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantasy and paranormal story from a new to me author? Yes, I took the chance to read this book even though I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. The author wrote the story in such a way to at least make me feel I needed to keep reading it and I was sucked in!

It didn’t take me long to find magic, paranormal beings, adventure, and so much more. It’s always refreshing to find a book that catches your interest similar to when you were younger and found a book that changed your favorite genre. I wish I had read the earlier books so I knew more of the characters we encountered in this book. I’m looking forward to some day getting that chance to read these books in order.

View all my reviews

We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

El is trying to find her own way into the music business, even though many would believe she has an “in” because her step father is a famous musician. But El wants to make it on her own.
Wil has travelled from Germany to make a film with a group of others. He finds himself in need of a job in addition to the film making. It’s a experience of a lifetime and Wil is not going to let anything stop him.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. The authors did a wonderful job of writing the characters in a way that I felt connected to them right away. Reminded me of how life was when I ventured out on my own after moving away from home.

View all my reviews

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fourth book in the forerunners series is even better then the rest of the books! It has adventure, battles, Vikings, magic, and so much more. Each book builds on the prior books so the reader feels like he or she is actually there. The world building is top notch! The author did an awesome job with the building up of characters and what they experienced. I would recommend this series as often as I can.

View all my reviews

Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so happy I picked up this book to read. I’ve enjoyed several books by this author so I jumped at the chance to read the first book in the new series. A fun young adult paranormal book that includes a first year witch who finds herself at the Grave Digger Academy when her hopes were to attend better academies that were available. How will Makayla survive this low point, deal with a villain, and still learn valuable knowledge to be something more?
Makayla is young and just figuring out things in life. She is challenged not only by things she is learning at the academy but also things she didn’t expect. The new environment and friends help her find her way and experience life away from family. It kind of reminded me of when I went to college and had to figure out life.

View all my reviews

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellie Warren is the owner of Kitty Beret Cafe. As the name suggests, the store has coffee and cats. The book is an easy read full of cats, a mystery, some funny cat moments, and of course an investigation. Fun to have another glimpse into Ellie’s cafe and the characters both human and cat. I think the author adding the new experience for Ellie by having her host a cat show to get people to adopt cats and extra fun!

View all my reviews

Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Hairballs and HomicideHairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellie Warren, a kitty cafe owner, finds a herself in a bit of trouble when a very cranky customer who seems to detest cats is found murdered in the alley behind the cafe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. It’s definitely got some mystery aspects to it. I thought it was fun the Ellie made outfits for the cats so that they get adopted by people that want a pet cat. The outfits Ellie makes sound so fun and it’s great the cats seem to tolerate them. Ellie sure sounds like a fun person to hang out with. I also like that Ellie seems to have a budding romance with detective Simon, helps that he seems to be a cat lover too.

View all my reviews

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book got me hooked in the first section taking place in 1589 A.D. in Venice. Angelo Mascari is fleeing his city and never expected to see a nobleman sacrificing his life to get Angelo away safely. As he is fleeing in a boat, Angelo is trying to make sense of what happened to his lover.
The author does a great job of world building, bringing us to imagine being in Venice with all its old world architecture and museums. The story is interesting in that it connects generations of family through a painting that using magic is keeping people hostage. Nick & Julia are visiting current day Venice and touring art throughout the city. Angelo and his lover Isabella are connected to the Americans in a way I didn’t expect.
I enjoyed reading this book and hope to find books by this author in the future.

View all my reviews

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A different experience for Ian Troy in this second book of The Crown of Stones Series! Ian Troy has been captured by King Draken and drugged. Ian must figure out a way out of the prison he’s been held in and find a way to keep his friends safe!
This book is a bit darker than the first book in the series. The interaction between Ian and his friends seem a bit strained. They find ways to work through the friendships.
Overall I really enjoyed this second book and felt connected to Ian Troy with the struggles he endured. It was even harder to set the book down to get stuff done around the house.

View all my reviews

Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I wouldn’t say I’m a history fan, I’ve always enjoyed reading historical fiction. I picked this book to see if my kids would enjoy reading it. I’m glad I did read this book and would recommend it to teens, especially if they enjoy paranormal stories.
Azreya was born with amber eyes and her family is scared she has been cursed due to a deformity or marking on her arm. Her parents travel with the infant Azreya to meet the shaman Nukpana for help. Nukpana sends them away with a promise for Azreya to be brought back to him when she is around 3 or 4 years old so he can begin training her and see what skills she possesses to become an asset to the city in the future.
What a great way to start a book, to get the reader interested with the birth of Azreya and how her parents react to her differences. The book is well written and I think most readers would connect with the characters fairly quickly.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

View all my reviews

Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector Book 3) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector, #2)Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A urban fantasy you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this book from not only Kayla’s point of view but also from Harlow’s point of view. Each of them confronts drama, magic, adventure, and so much more. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and connecting with them as the story progresses. It does help to read these books in the order they were published to get the best understanding of the story.

View all my reviews

The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An action packed well written story about a girl who is accused of killing her friends by the police. The plot is amazing and kept my interest throughout the book. The characters are well written and you can feel the care the FBI agent Brenda Reynolds has for Angie. Jake (retired Marine and dog handler) and Cody (the therapy dog) are amazing in helping Angie start to return to life out of her catatonic state. They also helped Angie feel better and stronger to share what happened to her and her friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller.

View all my reviews

The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michelle Naget was 12 years old when the German Soldiers arrived in her town. Her life after that was never as carefree as it was when she was growing up. The author did a wonderful job describing what the Naget family went through as the war was coming closer to their town and the change to their lives once the Nazis arrived. The book was a reminder of how many countries were affected by WWII and how many lived through the terrible experiences forced upon them. The book made me think of a time in this world that we should always remember. Thank you Ms. Lewis for sharing this story based on the life of Michelle Naget with all of us.

View all my reviews

The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

The Blood PrinceThe Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book by an author that is new to me. I was pleasantly surprised by this awesome YA fantasy book. It was well written with amazing world building. The author did a great job writing the book so perspectives from different characters are shared. The characters were easy to relate to and you could feel how they were feeling.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading fantasy. I am looking forward to future books from this author in this series and hopefully other stand alone books.

View all my reviews

Scandalously Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 5) by Anise Storm – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Scandalously Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #5)Scandalously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Titans of Manhattan series. I have enjoyed reading the books in this series. It’s fun to learn how the Titans are connected throughout the series.
This book is about Kristopher and Alessia. Alessia who recently landed a job as an ER nurse and Kristopher is the head of a local hospital in Manhattan. After attending a medical conference she’s surprised to find out that Kristopher is the head of the hospital Alessia is now working for. Will they manage to keep this secret?

View all my reviews

Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhyann Ward, a Midwest girl next door type with aspirations of becoming a dancer, meets one of the Titans of New York, Mason Steele at a nightclub. Wow, what a romance! It’s steamy, it’s sexy, and a little bit of sweet, mixed in with some uncomfortable situations for Rhyann. I can honestly say I had a hard time putting the book down to do things I needed to do.
I really enjoy the Titans of Manhattan series of books. Getting to know these Titans and reading about how each of them finds love. The characters and scene descriptions make it a very enjoyable book to read.

View all my reviews

Victoriously Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 4) by Anise Storm – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Victoriously Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #4)Victoriously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jonas Courtland and Mackenzie Broderick were high school sweethearts, at least that was Makenzie’s belief. When she finds out Jonas was playing a game all along to get the most quiet and non-cheerleader type in high school when her life falls apart in front of her eyes…
Ten years later, Jonas is now one of the Titans of Manhattan and owner of internationally know Courtland Hospitality Group’s CEO. He’s in search of a chef for his new property finding the right fit out of 20 potential chefs candidates. In walks in Kenzie (Mackenzie) to audition for the head chef spot. Will these two work things out or end up enemies? I’ll let you find out.
As I mentioned with previous books in the Titans of Manhattan series, I enjoy reading these books. The author does a wonderful job sharing details of the scene and how the characters are feeling that you can empathize with them.

View all my reviews

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series)Shake Down by Armand Rosamilia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the new series First Coast Thriller Series and it is also the fist book I read written by the author. The author creates awesome scenes throughout the books so you feel like you’re there in person. Clayton Conway, the main character is a former cop who’s landed on some hard times because of a gambling problem.
It’s been several years since Clayton left his job at the Jacksonville Police Department. He is trying to get his act together so he can support his young daughter and provide a safe place for her to live. While working with a crew repossessing boats, Clayton ends up stealing a boat owned by a cartel boss. Clayton will need to do everything he can to keep his family and friends safe!
A great introduction to the new series will keep your attention from the start. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Fairly Royal (The Fair Series Book 4) by Grace Grahme – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Fairly Royal (Fair, #4)Fairly Royal by Grace Grahme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna is learning to mingle with high society but she feels a bit out of her element but she finds ways to get comfortable in these situations. She’s had a crush for Phillip for many years and it finally seems like things are going in the right direction. I love Anna’s whit and sass and how she interacts with Phillip who always seems to be in “royal guise” but she brings him more down to earth.
This book is the 4th book in the series. Although I haven’t read the other books in the series I had no problem connecting with the characters and enjoyed all the extra moments with what I assume were characters in the earlier books.

View all my reviews

Ashes of Sin and Stardust (AnchorX) by Lindsay Murray – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

Ashes of Sin and StardustAshes of Sin and Stardust by Lindsay Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, this is not for young readers! The author is very specific in letting readers know that this book is for adults. Also, there are many trigger topics throughout this book.
Reuben has been dreaming about a girl for years, when Alice finally shows up she is nothing like he expected. Alice has a history of experiences that have cause her some mental illness issues that make her to spiral into depression. Not only that Alice has a tendency to do whatever it takes to push people away.
At first Reuben doesn’t understand how this woman that he’s been dreaming about could be such a big brat, not his usual preference at all. Slowly but surely, Alice gets under his skin. Reuben also finds some information unexpectedly that makes him realize he might be the only one that can truly help Alice.
The author clearly shows what issues these characters have. The characters are written in a way that we can understand how and why they are the way they are. The book may be uncomfortable for many to read.

View all my reviews