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Queen of My Heart (Life Won’t Wait Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won't Wait Book 1)Queen Of My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Queen of my Heart is the first installment in author Nikki Lynn Barrett’s Life Won’t Wait series. It is a Contemporary Romance, and I found it to be delightful. This is the first book I’ve picked up by this author, but I know it will by no means be the last. The author has a wonderful way of threading together the character’s lives along with meaningful, real-life situations that make this book a page-turner. I was engrossed from the very beginning with Quinn Winters and Tucker McGinnis. Quinn is an actress who is making the career shift to the country music stage. Tucker is already the King of Country who has lost his zest for the music. When the two get together, will they become the next King and Queen of Country? Will they make sweet music together? I had to find out for myself, and those pages kept turning. I love a good story that has a lot going on to keep me interested, and this definitely is one of those stories. I am looking forward to book 2! 5 out of 5 stars!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista receives 4 out of 5 stars. First of all, there is a lot going on in this book. It is the third installment in the author’s Forerunner Series, and not having read the first two books, I got a little lost from time to time. There are difficult names of characters and places of which to keep track. That being said, the tale itself is wonderfully woven together, and an entire world has been created using real historic legends and events. As any fantasy tale worth its salt, it contains plenty of adventure, magic, and even a dragon! The vibrant imagery and characters that jump right off the page rival that of J.R.R. Tolkien. As stated, there is a lot to keep track of, so reading the first two books would have been helpful as to what is going on. I kept getting hung up on the pronunciations of names and the point of view, but it was a page-turner and kept me interested. I recommend this book to any lover of mythologies and historical fantasies. I would also recommend reading books one and two first, as it can only make the experience better! This author is definitely one to watch!

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am very impressed by this author/book. Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer is a page-turner that draws you in from the first page. This book contains situations regarding mental health and hits the nail on the head. The characters jump off the page and the reader cannot help but want to follow their stories until the very end. The rural town, Little Rush, sits on the Ohio River and is one of the book’s most compelling characters because it could be any town, anywhere. Add in Bruce Michaels from Hollywood and high school senior Hudson, and it’s a formula for intrigue and revelations. The story is consistently relatable, for the situations and struggles they come up against are that which anyone could experience. The author has a way of weaving the characters’ stories together and creating such a riveting tale. I recommend this book with 5 stars, and look forward to reading more from this author.

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Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1) by Izzibella Beau – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1)Revelations by Izzibella Beau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars. Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1) by Izzibella Beau is a fantastic YA paranormal novel. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I couldn’t read it fast enough! Thank goodness it’s book 1 of a series. This book brings to life relatable characters and intertwines their tales beautifully into a saga that rivals Twilight. Yeah. I said it.
Zach and Emily’s stories are compelling right from the start, and the twists and turns this tale takes makes this book a page turner, for sure. The town of West Lakes jumps off the page, and all the while, holds a haunting mystery about it. This is a great escape story, while still being relatable for young adults. I definitely recommend this book.

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In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety (The Cecily Taylor Series #2)In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this second installment of the Cecily Taylor Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager, Cecily is enjoying many things; specifically, her burgeoning career as a model/actress, and her new relationship with her favorite singer, Andrew Holiday. All seems to be coming together for her, until she hits a rocky patch with her best friend, Lila. From there, things seem to go downhill and she comes across a picture of Andrew getting cozy with another girl. The characters remain well-written and relatable as both Andrew and Cecily deal with their insecurities and anxiety. This is a wonderfully put together story for young adults and touch on many topics that are relatable to them. It’s good, clean entertainment for young readers and, much like the first installment, I highly recommend In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety with 4 out of 5 stars.

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Minx (Hell on Heels Book 1) by Maggie Adams – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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MinxMinx by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first installment in the Hell on Heels series by Maggie Adams is a hoot! Minx is a romantic comedy jam-packed with laughs, tears, and relatable situations. The protagonist, Miranda Blake, is a middle-aged wife who has centered her life around her family for the last twenty five years. When she suddenly finds her world flipped upside down, she must rely on her best friends for help. The characters are real and relatable and the story is engaging. I found this to be an easy read as I became invested in the characters and what was going to happen next. I recommend Minx with 4 out of 5 stars, and will be looking forward to reading the next installment.

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Jinxed (Hell on Heels Book 2) by Maggie Adams – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Jinxed (Hell on Heels, #2)Jinxed by Maggie Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I previously read the first installment of Hell on Heels and enjoyed it. I loved this one even more. My only complaint about this book is that it is too short! This is a fun, easy-to-read story that contains steamy romance and witty characters. Sadie, our protagonist, is a healer and is concerned that she’s being haunted. She relies on her “soul sisters” (who were introduced in book 1 of the series) for guidance; however, one of them has a brother, Mitchell who just so happens to be Sadie’s complete opposite. She wants nothing to do with him, but the universe obviously has different plans. The dialogue between characters is witty, and this keeps up the pace of the story which definitely makes it a page-turner. I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick and light-hearted, but steamy, read. This 5 star book will not disappoint.

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To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland is not a typical read for me, and it took me a while to get into it; however, once I got in the groove, I loved it. The author has a way of making the reader invested in the characters and the world she’s created. This book is everything you could ever want to see in a Fantasy novel: faeries, monsters, magical places and sparkling characters. The book’s protagonist, a fairy princess named Titania, is faced with the duty of claiming the throne and becoming Queen in the land of her people. After hardships, loss, and many challenges, Titania must prove herself to be the rightful ruler. This is the first installment in the Realm Chronicles by Copeland, and I will be looking forward to the second. 4 out of 5 stars.

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Kissing the Kavalier by Annette Nauraine – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Kissing the KavalierKissing the Kavalier by Annette Nauraine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of historical romances and bold, independent heroines, then Kissing the Kavalier by Annette Nauraine is definitely for you. I am a sucker for a story full of history and culture, and this book earns 5 out of 5 stars from me. I seriously cannot recommend it any higher, and if I could give it higher than 5 stars, I would. Set in 1867 Vienna, this book is not only steamy and romantic, but contains many aspects that make it a great read. The characters are well-built and fleshed-out. The protagonist, Zdenka, disguises herself as a man in order to chaperone her sister during her quest to find a husband. Posing as Arabella’s brother, Zdenka finds herself falling in love with Lieutenant Matteo Von Ritter, a possible suitor for her sister. As a reader, I truly do appreciate that the chemistry between the characters is palpable, and that the entire story is addicting. I will be looking forward to new books from this author.

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Scorching Hot Mess by Brooke May – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Scorching Hot MessScorching Hot Mess by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve picked up by this author, and I can honestly say I am intrigued. Scorching Hot Mess by Brooke May is delightfully funny. It has all the fixings of a great romantic comedy: steam, drama, sarcasm, jealousy, betrayal, and even a blind raccoon. The protagonist, Willow Everett, is relatable and charming, as well as witty. When she meets Gun, the connection between them is obvious and the pages turn effortlessly because you just want to see how everything turns out. It was quite the ride, following her through all her misadventures in this entertaining book. Awesome characters and witty charm. I recommend this book with 4 out of 5 stars!

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The Executive’s Decision (The Keller Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Executive's Decision (Keller Family, #1)The Executive’s Decision by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of romance, The Executive’s Decision (The Keller Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie is definitely for you. This book is the first in a series revolving around the Keller family, and from the get-go, you are sucked into their world as if you are, too, a part of the family. Regan Keller has been jilted in the past by developing a relationship with her boss. When fate steps in and she meets Zachary Benson, she is in for quite a surprise. This story is full of romantic scenes, but also contains some heavy situations that address more serious topics – it is not all roses and sunshine. However, the author weaves together the lives of the characters to build an interesting and believable world for readers to visit. It is also unpredictable as each character has their own baggage and secrets that are revealed throughout. It will be interesting to see how the Keller family grows in later installments. I give it 4 stars.

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series Book 1) by C.A. King is a great read. I am all for taking steps to ensure our planet is around for generations to come, and this book takes us on quite the extreme adventure in doing so. In a rural fishing town, two fishermen find a shocking, new species of marine creature and the story hits the ground running! This story is a page-turner and really makes you stop and think about what could happen if we do not start taking care of our environment. C.A. King is a riveting author, and I recommend anyone who lives on the planet Earth to pick up this book. The best part is that it’s only the first book in the series, so there is more to come! You will not be disappointed! 5 stars!

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The Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate Book 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a reader who enjoys action, suspense, and a story that keeps me on my toes, I can whole-heartedly recommend this book. The Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate Book 1) by Mina Chara is SUCH a good read. I was immediately swept up in the story and the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am stoked that it is only the first in this series. This YA adventure book is full of many things that will appeal to even the most finicky of readers. If you have a young adult (or even older adult) that is a hesitant reader, this story is sure to capture their imaginations and be an exception for them. The main character, Evie, is a well-developed protagonist who takes a leap and sets out on a swashbuckling adventure. Aboard the ship Easy Money, Evie clashes with Captain Hammer as they fight to get to The Light and treasure first. Some books are really good at dissolving the real world around you and absorbing you into its story – this is definitely one of them! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone.

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Love Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Love Between the LinesLove Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Between the Lines by A.Z. Brazeau earns 4 out of 5 stars for me. This was a highly enjoyable, quick read that centers around the burgeoning relationship between protagonist Marlowe Bennet and a book cover model named Heath Rochester. Marlowe is a writer who loves her cats. Heath is a successful model who returns home to take over running his family’s bookstore.The pair, who already have a little bit of history, spark a relationship that is full of enough drama and tension to keep the pages turning. Not only is this story a charming, funny contemporary romance, it also addresses the struggles of mental health maintenance. Marlowe lives with anxiety and attends therapy where she learns realistically helpful strategies. I appreciate every aspect of this story and am glad it is only the first in this series.

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Jordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Jordan's ShadowJordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This story is an emotional roller coaster! Jordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak has created a multi-dimensional character who has it all, and then loses it all. Jordan experiences a life-changing event at the age of 17, and her world shifts. Amongst all the darkness in her life, Hunter (Shadow) becomes a source of light in Jordan’s life. This unconventional and twisted tale kept me on the edge of my seat and was easy to finish quickly because the need to figure out what happened next was too intense to quit! This is the first novel I have read by this author but will not be the last. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend this book and author!

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The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Tears of BoabdilThe Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an author you don’t want to overlook! Neil MacDonald is a genius at weaving a story and creating a welcome challenge for his reader. The Tears of Boabdil is a psychological thriller that needs concentration and focus, but is compelling and hard to put down. The unreliable narrator, Vince/Zami, is an undercover agent who is sent to infiltrate a British Jihad group. However, he finds he must choose between his mission and a love he has found along the way. The characters in this story are well-built and you will find yourself rooting for love to win. This is quite different from my usual genre, but I do not regret giving it a chance. The author is wonderful at creating a page-turner that is unpredictable and will keep the reader on their toes. I definitely recommend this book and give it 5 enthusiastic stars.

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Can Dreams Come True? (Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1)Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a delightful, breath of fresh air young adult novel, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Cecily Taylor experiences all the things a teenager goes through: the ups and downs of friendship, love, and everything that comes with growing up. Her favorite singer, Andrew Holiday, is holding auditions for his new music video, and Cecily takes a chance. Although she has to contend with the jealousies of her boyfriend and friend, she lands the role in the video and gets closer than she ever expected to Andrew Holiday. Can all of Cecily’s dreams really come true? Find out in this first installment! This is an author and series you don’t want to miss out on!

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Climbing the Walls by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Climbing The Walls (Hart & Cole Book 1)Climbing The Walls by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Climbing the Walls (Hart and Cole Book 1) by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné 5 out of 5 stars. This is the best novel I have read in a long time! I love the characters and the way it switches back and forth between them, as it gives perspective to each side of the story. The storyline is very relatable and even pointed out a few lines to my husband! This story centers around a married couple, Nicole and Kris, and their two kids. It shows the highs and lows of married life and the struggle to keep a modern, working family afloat. The writing is clever and fresh and is a page-turner, for sure. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be checking out more by this author.

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8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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8 Second Ride8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give 8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek 4 out of 5 stars. It is not my typical read, but it is quite enjoyable and the characters are relatable. At 40 pages, this story is quick and easy-to-read. Dakota “Tuck” McGraw is an ex-Army Ranger and hopeful National Rodeo Champion. His boss’s spoiled daughter, Jessie, is a thorn in his side, and they don’t agree on much, but that doesn’t last for long! Soon, the chemistry bubbles and as the two take a trip to Vegas for the National Rodeo Championship. What starts out as a rocky relationship, turns steamy and the tension is palpable. This is a recommended read!

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Seconds (Internet Famous Collection) by Cam Johns – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Seconds (Internet Famous, #6)Seconds by Cam Johns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Seconds (Internet Famous Collection) by Cam Johns 5 out of 5 stars. This steamy, imaginative retelling of Rapunzel is one that you will not want to put down and definitely leaves you wanting more.
Braxton Knight, a hot celebrity chef and restaurateur in Maryland, meets Phoenix Brighton and his world is changed – more than once. This is a shorter story, a quick read, but it contains all the elements of an emotion-packed, tear-jerking, drama-filled adventure that we all look for as readers. Seconds makes you love and care about the characters, and even if it were a thousand pages it wouldn’t be enough. This is the first story I’ve read by this author, and I will absolutely be searching for others.

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Gunner: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Gunner (Eidolon Black Ops #6)Gunner by Maddie Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Gunner: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade 5 out of 5 stars! This is an amazing story! When Gunner is young and reckless, he almost causes the death of his best friend, his sister. After growing up with shame and guilt, he is tested once more when she is kidnapped. Can Gunner save his sister and forgive himself? When Gunner meets Lacey, hope stirs for the first time in a long time for the both of them. This story had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through! This author knows how to swirl characters and stories together to create a fantastic escape for the reader into a new world full of suspense and emotion. This book is a must read.

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Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Where Flowers BloomWhere Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars.
I give Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale 5 stars only because I cannot give it more than that. This haunting story is rich with vivid storytelling and lively characters. It sucks you right in.
When Kendyll searches for a new home for her and her husband Vance, she ends up dismissing his wishes to find a more modern house and decides to purchase a grand plantation home. With the help of her new friends, Kendyll begins fixing up her new home and makes some startling discoveries along the way. This book is full of history, intrigue, and steamy romance. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick IslandThe Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars.

The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is an adventure! A group of crime-stopping eighth graders want to get to the bottom of a mysterious occurrence at St. BeSillius’ Catholic School and will stop at nothing until the truth is revealed. Set in 1947, this story contains characters who are lively and colorful. When their friends are targeted, the Buccaneers, including the narrator Lily (code name Sprocket), become entangled with thieves who have stolen their hard-earned fundraising money. Any child will love to go along with the Buccaneers as they set things right and save the day. This book is a quick read and recommended for ages 9-18, but can be enjoyed at any age, and by anyone who appreciates a good pirate tale. I definitely recommend this book to readers.

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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Hungry Business: A Short StoryHungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Hungry Business: A Short Story” by Maria DeBlassie earns 5 out of 5 stars. This fun, captivating short story is sure to draw you in. It is horrifyingly relatable to anyone who has ever played the dating field and keeps hitting those foul balls. The narrator is fresh and the writing is packed with animated imagery to keep you hooked. This story is a workout; you will be using all the senses to digest this one. My only complaint is that it isn’t longer. Loved it.

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1)Athalie by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars. Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth is the first book by this author that I have picked up, but it surely won’t be the last. This YA fantasy novel is packed with action, adventure, romance, mythology, and enough intrigue to hold the imagination of even the most finicky reader.
In this first installment, Athalie is chosen as the Sapphire Empire’s yearly sacrifice and her future is instantly stripped away from her. However, she convinces the gods to give her a second chance to save her world and the people she loves. The challenges, obstacles, and magic she encounters along the way is sure to provide a mile-a-minute read – I could not read fast enough. I give this book the highest recommendation, and I will definitely be checking out more books by Jordan Elizabeth.

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The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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THE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischiefTHE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischief by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars.

The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon is a charming, imaginative story for children, age 9 and above, who may be interested in ballet or the paranormal, though it is certainly not limited to those interests.
The story follows the narratives of two girls: Lauren, a fledgling, yet reluctant, ballerina who wins a scholarship to attend Amberwood, a prestigious dancing school, and Grace, the resident ghost, bound to the school grounds until she can help someone achieve their dreams. Despite having some tough competition amongst her classmates, Lauren’s biggest obstacle lies within. Will she, with the help of the Graceful Ghost, hold on to her spot at the school, or will she end up being sent home? Furthermore, will Grace’s plan to help Lauren along the way enable her to finally leave Amberwood?
This is a refreshing story for children and adults alike. At 141 pages in length, the story is evenly fast-paced, catches the reader’s attention, and holds on tight. It goes beyond being a typical ghost story and examines a variety of emotions and circumstances that any growing child will encounter. An excellent book to share with your child, and a book that a parent can trust their child with for independent reading. This reviewer highly recommends The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon.

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