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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Betsy Melano

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I like reading mysteries from time to time and thought this would be an interesting read as it takes place in Chicago in the 1880’s. Although I haven’t read the prior books in the series, I was able to figure out how all the characters connected. I’m sure the book would be even better if I had read the first two books in the series.
In this book, Emma finds out that sh is inheriting a large sum from a prior client. With help from her team of friends, Emma steers her way through danger, intrigue, and so much more. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and found aspects that I could relate to. I think I will be reading the first two books in this series soon.

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Betsy Melano

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a well written short story by an author who is new to me. I was impressed with how well the author described the scenes, things the characters were thinking and feeling, and how well the main characters interacted as things changed. I was able to connect to the main characters of Lily and Jason as they helped each other navigate changes. I love how Lily grew stronger as she learns more about the shifter world as a human who was turned. She compliments Jason, the future pack Alpha, in many ways with her strength and caring personality. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read many books by this author and will always snatch up a book written by her.

In this book, we meet Lockwood, aka Lock, who is leaving work after a long day. On his way home, Lock stops at a gas station to pump gas and then decides to buy a gumball out of a candy machine. The gumball that comes out is black and odd things start to happen to Lock that he can’t explain.

The characters are well written and I connected to them through humor and their interactions. The descriptions of where the book takes place and what’s happening added to not only the story but also to my enjoyment. The author’s creativity is one of my favorite things about reading her books.

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Doctor D’s Orderly Affair (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

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Doctor D's Orderly AffairDoctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emily is a new orderly at Eastport General Hospital and is hearing some gossip about Doctor Desmond, aka Doctor D. Since Emily has never met Doctor D, she imagines he is that almost too perfect kind of Doctor who seems to have everything and really doesn’t believe he really exists. In all honesty, Doctor Desmond does exist and sure sounds like everyone’s dream. What the gossips don’t talk about is how much Doctor D cares for his patients and how hard he works to help the children under his care.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. It’s a short novella type story for Doctors of Eastport General. I am looking forward to checking out some of the stories written by other authors for this series.

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Betsy Melano

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #3)Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series. The series is fun to read, the characters are well written and I love that each book concentrates on a couple so you really get to know many of the characters well. This book is about Scott and Franceen. Scott is the very busy and gorgeous CEO and doctor at the hospital and Franceen is the somewhat new Obgyn who moved to work at the rural hospital. Franceen is running from a bad experience with marriage and losing a child. She tries her best to keep everyone at arms length. However, it’s very evident that both Scott and Franceen are attracted to each other.
This book, like the others in the series, kept my attention and I had a hard time stopping to sleep. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Betsy Melano

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great book! Really enjoyed reading how much Tess loved vintage things enough to open a store. Great twist in the story with paranormal aspects, a murder, some romance, and a connection to the past that may not have been truly shared until now. The book kept my interest and I devoured the story in just a couple of nights. The characters in the story are well written, the back and forth from present day to the past helped me understand the differences between the times.
I would recommend this book to friends or anyone that loves a great mystery in a heartbeat.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Betsy Melano

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read several books by this author and this story, like the others, doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed reading about the lifelong friendship between Cate & Patti. Like many of us, the friendship changes as the two grow old but they have always been there for each other in the time of need. An event from their past is distressing Cate to a point she reaches out to Patti for strength and support. How will these friends cope through the murder case that is being reopened and will they still be friends when the secret is revealed?
Overall, I thought the characters were well written, I was able to connect with them and remember those life long friends in my own life.

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love reading and like to keep an open mind about books I pick up. This book was some of those that intrigued me when I read the synopsis. I really liked the idea of a witch who could manipulate mechanical things. The story is well written and it’s easy to imagine the world where magic can help with technology. I connected with the main character in terms of not feeling like one belongs even when she always had. I totally got the trials for the new witches, it’s something I’ve read in books before. The ending of the book saddened me to find out that those who failed the trials were killed. Seemed a bit too much but maybe there’s something I missed that will be revealed in the next book.

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles. The book continues the story of Arabella who has the new power of Technomancy, she is basically a witch who’s able to control technology. Arabella has suffered from being thought of by her family as not worthy because her witchcraft didn’t come through as expected. The story is interesting and the author shares Arabella’s world in such a way to make you believe it. There is drama especially from the family, danger as she’s going out on her own, and so much more. Overall, I enjoyed the series and I’m glad I read the books in order.

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love reading and like to keep an open mind about books I pick up. This book was some of those that intrigued me when I read the synopsis. I really liked the idea of a witch who could manipulate mechanical things. The story is well written and it’s easy to imagine the world where magic can help with technology. I connected with the main character in terms of not feeling like one belongs even when she always had. I totally got the trials for the new witches, it’s something I’ve read in books before. The ending of the book saddened me to find out that those who failed the trials were killed. Seemed a bit too much but maybe there’s something I missed that will be revealed in the next book.

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Betsy Melano

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had me smiling right away! Reading what Brynn thinks of some security guards she interacts with as the photographer hired for a 7year old birthday party. If you have me smiling while reading, you’ve got me hooked. I enjoyed reading how Brynn and Levi find each other again after other failed relationships. Having a second chance with someone you were in love with when you were young is amazing. I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. Can’t wait to read more!

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Betsy Melano

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gina and Bryce meet under a situation that I think many women would feel odd about. As someone who is insecure a bit about herself at times, I totally related to Gina and some of her assumptions. I can also understand some of Gina’s reluctance to share about her experience of being wounded while serving her country. But with any great love story, taking the time to listen and communicate helps Gina and Bryce really connect.
I really enjoyed reading about Gina and Bryce. I’m sure I will be reading the other books in this series soon.

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I love this series and this book doesn’t disappoint. Elena who grew up as one of the mafia princesses has been on the run for several years. As far as Marco knew, Elena was dead but when he finds out that Elena is alive and needs help he steps up to find her. Marco and Elena are helped by the five families. As usual, the author did a wonderful job of setting the scene, adding danger, romance, and action to keep you reading well past your bedtime. I can’t wait to pick up more books by this author!

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fourth book in the Orkneyinga Murder series is just as intriguing as the earlier books in the series. The two main characters Ketil and Sigrid are well written characters who always seem to be in the right place at the wrong time getting sucked into finding out the reason for murder. The depth of the descriptions of the area along with the well written characters make the story one that I had a hard time putting down. I will be checking out more books by this talented author.

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Betsy Melano

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders #1)Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Orkneyinga Murders series. It also happens to be the first book I’ve read by this author. The book combined two genres that I like to read – historical fiction and a murder mystery! In the beginning it took me a while to figure out the characters and how they got along with the others. The story is so engrossing that I wanted to keep reading as long as possible each night. The characters in the story were well written and I loved the parts where I felt like I was learning more about the Viking way of life.

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Betsy Melano

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan #2)Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anton, a famous actor is finally proposing to his love Elsa. Everything seems to be working out just as they hoped, Anton is continuing his acting career and Elsa is a well known real estate agent in New York. Anton and Elsa’s story takes a curveball I kind of expected from the warning about some experiences in the story might trigger some readers. To be honest, I was somewhat surprised to find myself tearing up as I read portions of this book. I think the author did a wonderful job of showing some difficult situations couples find themselves in when life doesn’t exactly go how you planned or prayed for it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Face the Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 5) by Michele Sims – Review by Betsy Melano

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Face the FireFace the Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Face the Fire is the 5th book in this series. I have only read one other book in the series but I didn’t have trouble following the characters from the previous book that I read. However, I’m sure the story would be better if you read the series in order.
However, I really enjoyed reading about Miles and Bella and their family. From the beginning of this book, you jump right into a situation that Miles as a music producer and with his paranormal abilities skirts a bit around the right thing to do. Seeing how Miles and Bella’s strong relationship working together kept my interest. There were many nights I had a hard time putting the book down to get some rest.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Betsy Melano

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author. Like many people, I’d love to know more about my family history and this story sure stirred up some interest in looking into things. I really connected with Lisbeth as she digs into her family’s past, finding interesting details in her family history, what it was like during and after the civil war for them. The author did a wonderful job of showing how our choices lead to unexpected consequences. The story covered multiple generations and was easy to read and kept my interest. There are some tough points in the book that may be uncomfortable or may trigger some readers.

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Betsy Melano

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No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is about three pregnant young women who find themselves in a home in New Orleans where they are eventually expected to give away their baby. This was situation many young women found themselves in back in the 1950’s or 60’s. Each of them have different reasons on why they are at the home. I really appreciated hearing how each character was feeling or thinking. The author did a great job of sharing the characters, making it easy to emotionally connect with them. I also appreciated that we find out how their children’s lives have turned out. I can’t even imagine how difficult it was for the young mothers to give away their child. It truly shows how strong the young women had to be and also as they grew into strong mature women.

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Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 3rd book in this series and I swear it’s better than the first two. In this book, we read about Trentino and Angel. When Trentino goes in search or Lazarrth, he finds that the syndicate has gotten to Lazareth first. It isn’t long before Tuscano shows up to assist in following where the syndicate goons are taking Lazareth. What will they find as they follow?
As with the other two books, there are great characters and you see friendships growing along as you are immersed in the story. It’s especially touching to see the women come together as friends.

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Master Tuscano (Masters of the Consulate Book 2) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master TuscanoMaster Tuscano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christian Tuscano is angry when we fist meet him. Delilah, the woman he loves, has been treated horribly by the Vegas syndicate. Christian must find out who gave the orders to take women to be traded to a human trafficking group. Not only that the syndicate was attempting to make the humans believe that the vampires were the ones selling the women to the traffickers.
I really enjoyed this book. Christian and Delilah have great chemistry and each one is trying his or her best to accomplish something so the other doesn’t have to live with tough consequences.

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Master Descallia (Masters of the Consulate Book 1) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master Descallia (Masters of the Consulate)Master Descallia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Salvatore Descallia is not only the head of the Descallia Clan but also the overlord of the Masters (the vampire clans). The humans and vampires live in harmony as much as possible in this world. Salvatore’s job as the overlord is to make sure the vampire clans are staying out of trouble and at the same time keeping an eye on the syndicates to ensure they don’t cause trouble for the vampires.

From the beginning I was very intrigued by the concept of the book. Within the first few chapters, we meet Lucianna better known as Luce and learn of the attraction between Salvatore and Luce. I quickly got sucked into the story and finished the book within a day. I enjoyed learning about the characters and figuring out what their job or purpose is.

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Rebecca Steele Living the Dream (Rebecca Steele series Book 3) by Joanne Patterson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Rebecca Steele Living The Dream (The Rebecca Steele series Book 3)Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is so wonderful to read. I love Becky’s strength and her belief in others. I can relate to the characters and the faith they have in each other. This installment in the series is my favorite. Starting in the opening pages, you feel the love Becky and her family shares. Although I did not read the fist book in the series, I remembered many of the characters from the second book and liked meeting the new characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Betsy Melano

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Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster! The lead character Kirsa goes through so much. This story took me back to high school and how hard it can be as you’re growing, having to deal with big feelings, and trying to find where you belong. I’m amazed that Kirsa kept going when she had no friends to talk to or confide in. The story kept my attention and I kept reading to find out more. There were some tough points that got me emotionally. Overall, it’s a great story that brings up some hard things that makes you want to do better and be that person someone like Kirsa can lean on.

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical fiction book. This was a great book to get back into this genre. This story has great characters who made it interesting and the descriptions of the scenes took me on a trip into the 17th century. Adding in some romance, action, and so much more had me reading late into the night. It was interesting to follow these brave warriors who worked to protect Poland. I can’t wait to read the next book.

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MURDER OFF ROUTE 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery Book 3) by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

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Murder off Route 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #3)Murder off Route 82 by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the series and I’ve enjoyed reading the stories written by this author. It’s great to read how Eve works through crimes in each book. The characters are great and I love Eve’s strength coming through in her thought process. The story had me thinking that I knew who the murderer was but it turned out to be someone different. Love it when things turn out how I don’t expect it. I highly recommend this author and hope to read more books from her in the future.

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Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady (Satan’s Devils MC Vegas Chapter #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

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Red's Peril Part 2: The Prez's Old Lady (Satan's Devils MC Vegas #2)Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In part 1 learned about how Red & Cheryl got together and then separated. Ultimately we learned how Red got into the Satin Devils and his experiences with the club. It was an awesome start to Red’s story.

Part 2 is even better! I love that after 15 years Red and Cher meet again, red finds out he has a son (who’s nonbinary) and accepts them as is. What a wonderful open minded father Red is and how he just wants to get to know them. Cher and Red both held onto the time they shared as young lovers and are just as effected by each other so many years later. Their journey this time has more at stake but they seem to navigate through it keeping everyone’s feelings in mind. Seeing Red step up and be the father he could be is so great to see. I highly recommend this book and love how the author finished Red’s story.

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King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells – Review by Betsy Melano

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King Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #6)King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the last book in this series and what an ending it was. Although I did not read all of the books (I think I missed the first two) I still fell right into the books, the characters, and continued from there. This book concentrated on Lazarus and Sasha. These two have been attracted to each other for a while but have pushed each other away because of personal priorities and misgivings. Finally they are doing something for themselves.
As with the other books, these characters pull you in and make you feel like you are a part of the story. And the connections these brothers have, although hard to grasp all the hurt and issues they have is amazing. The author did a wonderful job with this conclusion to the series.

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 3rd book in the series is about Stefano and Emiliana which captivated me from the beginning. Each of them has suffered in the past Stefano by his father’s hands and Emiliana when she was kidnapped and tortured by human traffickers. These experiences have made both of them stronger because of it. As with the other books in this series, I love reading about each couple and finding out how or when they knew they found the one. You can feel the love between Stefano and Emiliana in the careful way they have shown each other how they feel as teens and even now that they are adults.

I have read many books by this author but I think this series is my favorite. I can’t wait to read the next book.

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Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Diabolical SwordDiabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This urban fantasy is definitely worth reading. I was excited by the landscape and descriptions of this world. It took a little while to fully appreciate the world and how those on the “fringes” like Harlow Fletcher survive. I really appreciate how strong Harlow is and how she perseveres the best way she knows how after she loses her parents. We meet so many interesting and sometimes scary characters in this book. Reading about them and learning how they interact with Harlow and how she deals with them is an important part of this snook. I can’t wait to read more about Harlow and her search for magical charms in future books of this series.

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