A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas was my first foray into the ‘Hallmark Christmas Books’ and I must say, it was wonderful. This should be a Hallmark movie 1000%. I found myself sympathizing with Carina and feeling her pain. I loved her connections with others throughout the book and especially adored the way the author wrapped everything up. I was definitely moved to tears in the best way!
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Order of Vespers starts with 18 year old Jasper facing scrutiny over an explosion at her high school. She knows that while her powers caused the explosion and no one was hurt, no one can find out. Her family decides its best to send her away with family to keep everyone safe while she learns control. This sends her into a tailspin of secret societies and an impending war. Will she get to the truth of what’s really going on or will she remain in a danger she doesn’t know the seriousness of?
Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Defiant Princess is a prequel novel to the Mafia Elite series. While being short and sweet it gives you further insight into the relationship of the women of the Mafia Elite series. In this installment you are given a look into a pivotal moment mentioned throughout the series that only makes you love these characters more. Well written and concise.
Queen’s Destiny by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Queen’s Destiny is the first installment in the Blood Prophecy series. It follows Amber, who is taking a new job at a Seattle Museum. Chloe, her ner coworker/witch. As well as vampires and wolves. This Paranormal Romance has it all; wolves, vampires, magic, prophecy, fights, etc. It can be easy to get a little lost with the consistent time jumps going back to add information to each character’s background and while I wasn’t the biggest fan of that, I still found this fun to read.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is incredible and so very well written. Wicked Treasure is the second novel in The Charm Collector Series. In it, Harlow is on the run from The Collective and trying to find more information about the origin of her sentient sword. This takes her and Blackthorn on several adventures, leading her to reunite with someone from her past and possibly wind up working with her enemy. We also get a lot from Kayda, Harlow’s best friend, in this installment. Kayda is at a loss, having essentially been ghosted by Harlow, and finds herself under the surveillance of werecats. She herself falls into adventure with our favorite cranky witch, Welsh, and her crush, Henri. Through their investigative work, what they uncover about the increase in ferals breaking through the veil leads to shock and a thrilling showdown.
I said it once and I’ll say it again, this is urban fantasy at its finest! This series has adventure, magic, secret plots, drakens, witches, sorcerers, elves, a whole plethora of fae like creatures, and a sentient, murder happy sword.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next novel in this series. I need to fall back into Harlow’s world and uncover all the twists and turns this author has in store.
Scandalously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As the 5th installment of the Titans of Manhattan series, Scandalously Yours can be read as a standalone. When the Chief of Staff and a new doctor set to begin working at the same hospital meet during a medical conference that results in a short and firey fling, all hell breaks loose. Kristopher is anticipating his divorce, trying to manage his career and care for his children. Alessia just wrapped up medical school and is anxious to start her career. Hayley is the soon to be ex-wife of Kristopher, willing to do anything she can to keep him. Will anyone get a happily ever after in this one? You’ll want to read it to find out!
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great read! Rivals is the 7th installment in the Mafia Elite series where we follow mafia princess, Mia Tucci, wanting to take down her family from the inside out. Starting with a marriage of convenience for safety with a member if a rival family. Nico is hesitant at first but then agrees so that he can help her take down her father’s sex trafficking ring. As always, each installment in this series can be read as a standalone but they’re so much more enjoyable when you know the whole cast of characters and their backstories.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Time Around is the perfectly sweet, happily ever after, right person wrong time contemporary romance. 10 years after breaking the heart of the boy she loved, workaholic Katie is returning home for the wedding of a friend. A friend who insists there be no singles at her wedding and knows the perfect plus one for Katie. The very boy, now man, whose heart she broke. She reluctantly agrees, because who disagrees with the bride and she is curious to she what he’s like now.
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Blood & Vengeance was a very quick, enjoyable read. When Desiree finds herself in the hands of a vampire wanting redemption, it’s up to her to convince her friend/demon and fellow vampire hunter Theron of his Innocence. In doing so, they find themselves in the cross hairs of an angry witch with one thing on her mind. Capturing this vampire. They must come up with a way to defeat her and ensure that they can live another day. While this is part 2 in The Casket Girl series, it can be read as a standalone.
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I was very entertained. Romance Under Aquarius is all things mermaid, treasure hunting, and sweet Paranormal Romance. This is a multi-POV book with an engaging story, and due to this, we get 4 different stories in one! Maris is a mermaid princess looking for more. Kasper is searching for a treasure to save his brother. Pasha wants more than she is destined for. And Ryn learns that what he thought he wanted, wasn’t what he wanted at all.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Distant Heart Sounds is a novel about Morgan, a nurse who works in an emergency room who recently had a near death experience. After having surgery for an aneurysm, she returns to work and finds that she has some new abilities. She can see, hear, and smell things others can’t. She can speak to ghosts and see auras. While navigating her new abilities, friendships, and work, she starts to use these abilities to help others. Definitely a quick read with some enjoyable characters.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slooooooooooow burn at its finest. This is the 6th installment of the Mafia Elite series and though it can be read as a stand alone, is so much more enjoyable when you’ve read the previous 5.
In this installment we have Trey La Rosa, a member of one of the Five Families, juggling his life as an ER doctor and his duties as a member of his family. When he finds himself in the middle of a ransom plot concerning the step daughter of one of the men he works with, he soon finds himself wondering if he can’t also find love.
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those novels that you pick up and can’t put down until you’ve finished it and the sun is starting to rise.
Immediately drawn in by Vandana, who is a successful business woman running her own PR firm. From the outside looking in, her life is perfect, until her husband drops a bomb of a secret on her life. She is then offered a client who requires her to travel to Monaco to ensure his reputation is cleaned up in an effort to secure an important contract.
Morgan is a successful yacht designer with a reputation for being a womanizer. He needs to keep himself in line to secure a very important contract, so he hires the best PR firm in the business.
Soon the sparks start to fly and you are drawn into the will they, won’t they of it all. It would be bad for both of them but can they keep their relationship professional?
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kally and Clark have been best friends since they were children and their love for each other has only grown.
When Clark arrives to Kally’s eighteenth birthday party, he finds out just how out of reach she’s about to be.
To help protect her family, Kally has to do something she never thought she’d ever have to do. Can Clark save her from her fate or will he be too late?
This is written in multiple POV which is always a favorite of mine as it really gives you a well rounded story. While this is a little dark, it is a fast paced palate cleansing read. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruthless Heir is the 5th installment in the Mafia Elite Series. Though it can be read as a standalone, you’ll want to read every single one as you learn more about each character and family member involved in this series. As Luc Savino learns of his role to play in the Brambilla family, his world is tossed around with his new executive assistant/one-night stand. Secrets start unraveling. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment.
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cate and Patti have been best friends for 31 years. Closer than best friends, they are more like sisters. After a traumatic incident 20 years prior, they began to fall away from each other. Often going years without seeing each other. When something from that night comes back up, they need to go home and figure out what they need to do to prevent anymore harm from coming to those they care about. Written in a way that you start in present time, fall back to 1998 and then back to the present, you are able to follow the story quite well. An easy, quick, enjoyable read.
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Secrets is book 4 in the Mafia Elite series and can be read as a standalone but having prior knowledge of all of the other characters leading up to this, definitely makes it even more enjoyable.
Elena has been in hiding for the last four years, leaving everyone to believe she is dead. Until one day when Marco, a man she’s loved for years shows up to bring her home and back to the family. Will they be able to save her before the Russian Bratva finds her? You’ll need to read to find out!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The 3rd book in the mafia elite series but can be read as a standalone.
Stefano and Emiliana have been in love with each other for years but due to the ruthless nature of Stefano’s father and mafia boss, they can’t act on it. But when it becomes apparent that there is a rat in the family and Emiliana is in danger, things move real fast.
This is a slower burn than th authors other books but thoroughly enjoyable and always leaves you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lizbeth Gordon is a school counselor who experiences a major life event when her husband unexpectedly dies. She decides to leave Washington where she has spent the last 20 years to return home to South Carolina. There, while trying to navigate the loss of her husband and her children’s grief in the loss of their father she uncovers a possible family member lost during the reconstruction of Charleston. This sends her on a journey to discover her roots and uncover family secrets.
This multi-generational novel was a wonderful read. I really appreciated the multiple POV and how fast paced it was without rushing. I enclosed Lizbeth’s and her family story the more I read. I wish there was a follow up!
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grace is a down on her luck former state prosecutor who finds herself fresh out of jail, in recovery, and just trying to get by. She finds herself on the opposite side of justice now defending criminals instead of prosecuting them. When the case that could put her back on top “seemingly” falls into her lap. This book was a non-stop read through. I could not put it down, and for someone who doesn’t delve into this specific genre, that’s saying something! I enjoyed everything about this book. The story. The characters, and the twists! I can’t wait to read more about Grace Locke.
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the story of three young women who find themselves in a maternity home during the late 1960s. Their unique experiences bind them for life. Sandy a runaway turned exotic dancer who falls in love with a married mobster. Becca, a white college student whose parents disapprove of her first love, a black man. Faith, who is raped by the employee of her famous Pastor father. The story follows the three women from the moment their children are conceived to the surrender of those children for adoption. Then on to where their lives continue to lead after. We also get to see where the lives of their children go as well. The book is a multiple POV and reads really easily and fluidly.
The Box: A Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vanessa has to travel to the highest mountain top in Tartarus to fill a box with eternal beauty for none other than the goddess of beauty herself. This being one of several trials leading up to fulfilling the prophecy of Psyche. This is NOT a standalone as it is the 4th book in the Her Three Immortals series and you definitely want to understand what’s going on. The Box continues on with great world building and enjoyable characters leading up to a perfectly wrapped up ending.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harlow, a charm collector spends her days obtaining and then selling illegal artifacts. When a big name in her world gets arrested, she quickly goes to his warehouse to collect anything of interest to her. While there she comes across a sentient sword and shortly thereafter she is a wanted woman on the run.
This was urban fantasy at its finest. Excellent world building, really likable characters and spot on pace. May cannot come soon enough. Putting my pre-order in NOW.
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sofia is a mafia princess making her own name in the world. While preparing for her debut show in Milan, she spots one of the member of the Russian mafia watching her. This results in everyone raising their guards and trying to keep Sofia safe while finding out what it is he wants from Sofia. All the while she is trying to not cross the line with Enzo, whom made a blood oath to her when they were children to always protect her. He isn’t hers to have and she can’t be his. But will they fall into each other’s arms after 4 years of pushing the other away?
Death under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frances Palmer, her fiance Jack and her Uncle Sal embark on a planned holiday with friends they recently made on their travel from Austrailia to the UK. Only upon arriving, they are asked to go under cover to help solve a mystery of stolen documents. Soon there after, on the cusp of solving the mystery, there is a murder.
This is the 4th novel on the Jack and Frances series and was my first to pick up. It was an easy read that I could follow along with no prior information. Definitely fun and entertaining.
Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Urban fantasy setting with vampires, witches, and mystery.
Alena is different. Alena moves around a lot, she’s always the new kid with allergies but they aren’t just any kind of allergies. Alena is the child of a vampire and a witch. An outlawed pairing. She is counting down the days until she can begin her coven training and turn 18 so she can get out from under her mother’s structure rules. All while trying to unravel the mystery of who her father is, what her mother is searching for, and navigate a new high school her senior year.
When on a outing with her mother, looking for what, she doesn’t know. Alena sees a boy whom 13 years prior, she thought was one of her 2 imaginary friends. Slowly things start to spiral leading up to a climax that leads you to immediately getting the next book in the series.
Weep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whoever said bubble baths were relaxing, was a big fat liar.
In the small town of Sueño on the banks of the Rio Grande, if you’re a girl, you aren’t allowed to be happy. Not when La Llorona is waiting for an opportunity to drag you under a baptism you.
Mercy and her best friend Sherry find themselves on the banks of the river after dark and are never the same again. Mercy then faces more tragedy and becomes a lonely outcast branded a witch from the townsfolk all while being marked and terrorized by La Llorona. Slowly through perseverance she turns all the darkness around her into hope, gaining the name Miracle Mercy.
This was such a wonderful read. Maria’s writing makes you feel as though Mercy is sitting there on your porch with you and a bottle of wine telling you her story. Once you start, you just can’t put it down.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Liliana is a mafia princess in a gilded cage waiting to be used as a pain to help her father. But when she gets a new guard, that all soon changes.
From the very first chapter you are drawn in and getting the POV of both Liliana and Max keeps you reading non stop. Liliana is not a helpless princess but quite the opposite. She and her best friends, Em and Sofia really steal the show and I can’t wait to read their stories.
Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Rowan and her cousin Davin go on a smuggling mission and end up trapped in the tunnels separating their home and enemy lands. When they are captured and taken into the home of Clan Elk, Rowan finds herself in a life or death situation. This book has all the world building and story telling you could want, including enemies to lovers, the one-bed trope and a hell of a cliffhanger.
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After winning the heart of the God of the Underworld and successfully pissing off his mother, Vanessa is given a mission with 24 hours to complete. Luckily she has help from Raef and Aroz. But when things go awry and Aroz whisks her off to his hidden palace, that’s when Vanessa really finds herself in trouble.
This was as always, a very entertaining read. Hazel Storm writes as though she knows she is going to pull you in and not let you go. Give yourself time to read this one in one go because you are not going to want to put it down.
