Posts

Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Carrie Reed

Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute book, it was pretty face paced and felt rushed, but still worth the read and sweet. Melinda and Derek are lovely together and it is so sweet watching them fall in love with each other. My heart breaks for Melinda because of some family issues she has to deal with, and Derek shows more support than I thought he would. They have some bumps along the way but in the end work through it all together and with their friends. I loved the little surprise at the end, I didn’t not expect it.

View all my reviews

Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Carrie Reed

Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars

Excellent Anthology! One of the cool things about this book is, each set of stories is under a different “heat level” so level 1 would be more mild romance and level 4 is more spicy. There is something for everyone here, and each story is short but packed full of detail. The stories that really stood out for me were:

Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
I loved this story so much! Elijah is such a great man and, great dad. He was dealt a crappy life thus far and everything seems to be looking up, especially meeting Jude. Watching Jude overcome his fear moving on and losing someone else he loves, and getting the courage to stop drinking was so beautiful, as well as watching him open his heart again to Elijah and Griffin. The added drama of how Jude learns of Elijah’s past and that past catching up to them made the story all that much more interesting.

Broken Pieces by Amelia Hayden
Derrick and Caleb are just perfect together. So much about this story was just perfect. Caleb’s dad and older brother are the absolute worst while it seems like his mom and other brother love Caleb and want the best for him. I love that this story touches on issues with veterans once they leave the service and the lack of care they receive. I’m so happy that Derrick and Caleb could reconnect after being away from each other for awhile.

Into The Flames by Dawn Luedecke
I especially liked this story because of the animals. Sadie is very brave for wanting to save animals in the midst of fires endangering her own life. But, I understand why Dalton gets angry with her, she is not only putting her own life in danger, but her teams lives. I enjoyed watching Dalton and Sadie come together and pick up where they left off a year prior, and watching Sadie figure out what to do with her life and this new animal refuge she is working on with Mrs. Millner.

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is very beautiful to look at, and definitely draws my eye in to read the story. I love this story and being taught about TNR, like the characters in the book, I was unaware of this program and think it is great. I hope this book can reach many that will be willing to look into the TNR program and help other stray cats. I kind of wish I could have found out what happens to the kittens in the end, where did they go? But happy that the momma cat still comes back around.

View all my reviews

Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Carrie Reed

Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for the second installment to this series and I could not be more happy with the results. Tamaska kind of irked me in this book, I can understand her fear of dogs due to a past trauma, but I feel like Kodiak more than proved over and over that he would never hurt her and would always protect her. Shota, I could tell he was going to be a problem for the couple, he seems just so angry and has tunnel vision when it comes to Tamaska. There is still no reason as to why the vampires want her so much and what is so special about her blood, but it seems to me that Tamaska may not be all the way human. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

View all my reviews

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Carrie Reed

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book! Even as an adult, this was a great book of adventures I would be more than thrilled to go on. I also don’t care how old I get, the carousel will always be a fun ride. There are so many subjects touched upon in this book, that I think is very good for pre teens to learn about. Bullying, trouble with family members, health issues, etc. Each subject was nicely worked into the story and I was so pleased with the outcome involving Rusty’s grandfather, his dad and his friendship with Tyler. The end of the book has a list of different things mentioned in the book and their definitions or their explanations, which is a wonderful learning tool.

View all my reviews

Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Carrie Reed

Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals, #3)Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful! Heartbreaking. I was so saddened to see how Priscilla grows up and what she has to endure so young. It is reassuring somewhat to know that Riordan always loved her, even if he didn’t admit it to himself. She is a strong woman in the life she now leads, the choices she makes and the chances she takes. I hoped throughout that they could find their way back to each other someday, but both of them are really put through the ringer with Grigori and a spur of the moment wedding. This author had me dying at the end with the little twist thrown in. I look forward to seeing what happens with Lachlan.

View all my reviews

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Carrie Reed

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. I love the way this book is interactive, so the child will have to count the starfish on each prior to reading. Also, the end has different facts about starfish which is excellent to teach and learn as well as a search and find. Perfect book for children to learn counting.

View all my reviews

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The art in the book is beautiful, my favorite character is the giant, with his colors and facial features. This was an interesting take on Jack and the beanstalk. The giant wants to eat the kids but then on the other hand Jack is stealing his possessions, I think its a nice way to teach kids not to steal other’s things and not to talk to random giants.

View all my reviews

The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Carrie Reed

The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting book. At times I was confused with the changing points of view, and some of the vocabulary, but was able to quickly adapt and understand once I got about a paragraph in on each chapter. Princess Arcelia and Prince Rodderick are fighting for their love, their families and their people. Rodderick’s mother annoys me in that she gives her son and ultimatum regarding his prince title. Arcelia’s family are something else. All of the lies they tell and the secrets they keep, I am proud of Arcelia for standing up to them finally. I don’t see them moving past the most recent debacle quickly but it seem like her mom is devastated at the turn in their relationship. Arcelia’s aunts can go jump off a cliff with that nasty behavior. The world in which this author creates is interesting and gives the story life. This is my first book in the series, and while I was lost on some aspects, and missing out on some things, I was still able to grasp the story. I recommend reading this series in order.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Carrie Reed

Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To be honest I couldn’t get into the story at first, but then things started picking up and I couldn’t read fast enough. I love that there were 3 different crimes in this book, all in the same area of Paris where they were staying. I can’t tell which story I was more invested in, finding out who kidnapped Patrice’s mom or what would become of the light show. Both crimes were well laid out, with so much detail and thought. The foursome finally getting to go home at the end just wrapped it up nicely, I know there is never any place like home once on a vacation. I look forward to more adventures with Emma and Jeremy.

View all my reviews

Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Carrie Reed

Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is really fun in the way it has the cartoon like characters and the backdrop is realistic, it catches the eye and makes you look. I loved learning about the different places around Israel and the many different things to love. The back has a glossary of the places and things mentioned and it is nice to be able to learn about things and places that are popular in other countries. I think the book will have kids asking questions and wanting to learn.

View all my reviews

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent ending to Skylar and Damon’s story. I love the love Damon has for Skylar and all he is willing to do for her, to protect her and defend her. Gia being mad at Skylar is completely reasonable, it breaks my heart that Skylar is so upset about it, but I feel like I would be too if my best friend slept with my supposed boyfriend. I can’t cut her any slack for deceiving her best friend but the way her and Damon act around each other is just the sweetest. The extra drama of Skylar’s dad adds that extra layer to the story that really brought it all together. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I really hope its Tracey and Shane’s story because at this point I hate Tracey so much and really hope they break up, unless there is more to her than we think.

View all my reviews

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Carrie Reed

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect. Sometimes I just need a sweet, sexy and no drama romance. This hit the spot. Noah being in love with Zara for so long had me falling in love with him. This author creates a light story but also sheds light on real genuine issues. Noah and his panic attacks and Zara with her fear of falling in love. My heart just melted watching how Noah had no problem waiting for Zara as long as it took and seeing Zara talk with her friends and realize things about herself was sweet. I love their love.

View all my reviews

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Carrie Reed

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. Hudson and his baby brother Cooper are the cutest. I love that this touches on self love for kids, I see lots of children always trying to be helpful and wanting to help, but its nice that they take time to do what they want to do, and adults should encourage that.

View all my reviews

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Carrie Reed

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet book, lovely art work. This is great to show kids all of their teachers will not be the same every year, that they come in many different ages, races, sizes, and genders. That the teachers they have throughout school will all be different in regards to how they teach and how they act, but at the end of the day they just want to spread their knowledge onto the next generation.

View all my reviews

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the art in this book, the aesthetic is so pleasing. The story is cute, I enjoyed the rhyming and the Giant controlling whether or not the sky falls. Colleen was brave to take her dad’s place to try and help. I think the visuals alone will draw kids in, and then the story will help them fall in love with book. Colleen’s dad may seem to others, not to have a “real” job but, the neighbors can all go about their days not worrying about the sky thanks to the giant.

View all my reviews

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful art work. Chester wants to to have the skills and qualities the messy kids have, he thinks they always do things better than he ever could, but, in the end, he is the leader, showing the messy kids how to clean up properly. I love this book showcases the good behind cleaning up your mess, being a leader instead of following along and, the imagination of children.

View all my reviews

Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very cute take on The 3 Little Pigs, but in this story all the house stand against the wolf. The pigs aren’t scared, and they work together to come up with a solution to keep the wolf from trying to eat them, so they could all be happy. I like that each pig had a name, and had the knowledge to be successful in the building of each of their own houses.

View all my reviews

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Excellent book! I really hope there is more after this, because I need more about Julia’s group and Kali’s group. Julia’s feelings in this book are all over the place and my heart hurts for her. She still feels that sense of unease between her and Samuel, and also with Mary Anne, because of the past, but I think she has proven over and over that she is not that person, that she was, deceived into making those decisions 6 years ago. The showdown with Jonathan was rough, but I am waiting for the battle with Valentino. In the end, I was happy to see her relationships with everyone strengthen, and the new friends she makes in Alicia and Adrian. Something is going on with Julia and her power to sense others in her ka-tet and I can’t wait to find out what that is! Wonderful series thus far!

View all my reviews

Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

Fallen Soul (War of Destiny #4)Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is read from Lane’s point of view, and while I did enjoy seeing everything happen from someone else’s perspective other than Julia’s, it seemed a bit unnecessary. I’m still not 100% sure where Lane stands, whether he wants to be alone like he has been, or join Julia’s group. There is also his relationship with Kali, is it just friends or more? At the end of this book is where there is more, continuing on from the 3rd book and Julia and Kali go through some things, big things. I hope the next book I find Lane back with Julia’s group and they are all together and working out how to get rid of Valentino once and for all.

View all my reviews

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent addition to this series! My heart was so broken for Julia with the way everyone is treating her. The way she copes just tears me up, I get why they are mad but also I think they are afraid of what they don’t know. A blast from the past shows up and turns everyone’s world upside down. Relationships mend, and tear apart again, Julia just seems to be thrown left and right. Her and Samual, I know have something between them if they would just talk, I’m so tired of Julia holding everything in and taking everything on her shoulders alone. Bring on the next one!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book! This series is wonderful so far. This book broke my heart and made me smile. I am devastated to learn of the group’s losses, but Samuel and Julia become closer and that somewhat makes up for it. This book is set 70 years after Julia first gets turned, I know the timeline of vampires is vast, it really was a bummer to realize that Julia had been without her daughter for that long. Valentino is getting closer to Samuel and his group of resistance and is intent on getting to Julia, to have her join his side. Julie makes terrible decisions, and the way she talks, keeps things from Samuel and tries to handle everything on her own really gets to me. I am hoping for something different from her in the next book

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I feel like this book falls under the old adage “never judge a book by its cover”. This book blew me away, the story is so well written and just gut punched me. I am just devastated about Julia being married to Greg and all that she endures. I didn’t think there would be any way out for her until Samuel. Their journey, together with the rest of the group and Adam is rough, wondering if Julia will ever be able to tell Adam about her time married, or if her and Samuel have something between them.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Carrie Reed

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book is painfully beautiful. I really enjoy learning and hearing about the Native American people and their culture and traditions. This book had my heart breaking for all the Native American’s from back then and even now. No one deserves the treatment they received and it makes me so angry that although this story was fictional, things like this did happen. I could not stop reading and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. I only hope Walks Like Thunder can once again meet with Golden Eagle, and together they can heal from their great loss.

View all my reviews

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT?! Amazing! At first, I was really irritated that Skylar didn’t just talk to Gia in the beginning about Damon before they even went to the first party. Then I realized, if she did we wouldn’t have this book. I am so addicted to Skylar and Damon’s story, dare I say I might even like it more than Riley and Cole’s! Gia is so oblivious and weak that she is susceptible to changing the way she acts to fit in with the elites. She wants to be popular so bad, but her best friend, Skylar, has no desire to fit into that clique. The bet Skylar makes with Damon, instantly, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, but they sure do take us on a wild ride. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the ending…. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Skylar, Damon and Gia. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first 2 books introduce us to the characters in this book.

View all my reviews

Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Carrie Reed

Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful read! I love reading books by this author, she offers many different stories from many different periods. Set in the 1920s, I know many have imagined living in this time with the flapper fashion, Al Capone, The Charleston and women learning to become empowered. Watching Bethany realize who she is, what she wants in life, what she likes and how she wants to live is so sweet. I could not imagine living day in and day out in a corset, and it was fun to see Bethany tasting that freedom. Her aunt and uncle are cruel and absolutely ridiculous. They seem shady with regards to her inheritance and treat her like dirt, so seeing how sweet she is, is a breath of fresh air. Bethany and Paul are lovely together and I couldn’t see her with anyone else. I wish I could see how the couple worked out in the end, but I’ll leave that to my own imagination.

View all my reviews

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

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

Starting off, I didn’t think I would get into the story as much as I did. This book really had me feeling many different emotions. I was angry at everyone for keeping things from Tally, sad that Jophiel seemed to be giving her the cold shoulder and heartbroken that she was hurting so much when she lost something so important. Miyu really got my blood boiling with the her sneaking around, and the way she treats Yoshi and Tally. In the end I understand she was honestly just lost. Lost in her family’s history. Reading of Miyu’s grandmother’s story at the beginning of each chapter was prefect. We get a glimpse of why things ended the way they did for Miyu and her grandmother. Learning of some Japanese traditions, and different cultural things was very interesting and really makes me want to visit Japan.

View all my reviews

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun, imaginative book. I loved the artwork, and the story entertaining. It would be so fun to be able to fly these balloon flowers like a kite and fly high in the sky. I enjoy seeing what Alex the Inventor comes up with, and how creative the inventions are.

View all my reviews

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A nice take on Jack and the beanstalk. I really liked how the woman giant was kind and helped Jacqueline, even with her husband. I was also glad to see a happy ending for her, her mom and Bessie. The art is beautiful and the story is fun for kids.

View all my reviews

Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors – Review by Carrie Reed

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

A fantastic collection by some amazing authors. I really enjoyed this collection of romances, especially with the sci-fi touch. There is something for everyone here, M/F, M/M, Reverse Harem and many more. Here are a couple of the stories that stood out to me personally:

The Alien and The Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
I am so in love with mm romance and this story really interested me. The concept of Leilphun being a “warrior” and he kind of grows into this being to help defend and protect Kasper. I love the attachment Kasper forms for Leilphun and the drama that unfolds while Kasper tries to merge the two empires.

Chastity Unchained by Ashley Amy
I did not want this to end! I need more of Harker, Zaron and Chan! First the fact they Harker is a plus size beauty drew me in immediately, and then 2 hot aliens want her, cherry on top. They seem to only need Chastity to procreate for their own species, together, but I sense by the end both of them want more from her. I absolutely loved how strong Harker is and how she talks back to both men with no fear.

Taken by the Asian by Elizabeth Dunlap
I loved this story so much! Raza and Lux are so perfect together. This M/M relationship was steamy, nerve wracking, heartbreaking at one point, and everything I could want. It was nice to see Lux finding someone that could satisfy him and that he felt a connection with after not finding what the was looking for, for so long. Raza, he’s got secrets, and when Lux finds out what they are it sparks a beautiful fire in their relationship.

View all my reviews