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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Dani Dando

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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1)Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how I would feel if I got the chance to meet a celebrity that I had been a diehard fan of, I don’t really have a celebrity icon that I like that much I don’t think. But Cecily does, and that amaze-balls icon for her is the singer Andrew Holiday. At first, I was a little annoyed, I know other people who have read this didn’t like Zach and his jealousy, and I will admit that he was a tad arsy, but I think I would be a little annoyed if the person I loved was spending a lot of time with a sexy celebrity who was clearly into them. I mean Andrew makes it known that he wants her, if not explicitly but implicitly, and I just thought that Zach got a bad deal. Doesn’t condone what he does, but still, I felt proper sorry for him at first.
Cecily was okay, I’m not sure how I felt about her as a protagonist if I’m honest, think this was geared more towards young adults, and as such, the character just didn’t really resonate with me. Still, it had the whole, normal girl being thrust into the sparkly world of stardom and receiving the attention of a hot celebrity who thinks that she is the best thing since sliced bread, vibe. I would have my phases when I was younger, of eating books like this up, and this is one of the better-written ones. Hager has a nice turn of phrase that made me want to keep reading, even if I wasn’t wholly invested in the story.
Young adults will love this and anyone else looking for a nice romance that has plenty of feels, and the rosiness of unbelievable dreams coming true.

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Hook’s Little Mermaid (The Untold Stories BOOK 1) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Dani Dando

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Hook's Little MermaidHook’s Little Mermaid by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely enthralled by this. I was a little worried as Peter Pan is one of my favourite stories from my childhood – the whole no-growing-up thing is something that I still live by – but this was just fantastic and there was honestly no way that I wasn’t falling in love with it.
Lynn takes Hook from being an out and out villain to a sympathetic character, who despite years of being programmed to hate the pirate, found myself rooting for him. I loved the way that Lynn took elements that everyone knows and loves from the classic tale and puts her own spin on it that makes something more magical than the original. I know, I can’t believe it myself and honestly, I feel like it’s sacrilege to even say it, but I don’t think I can go back to the original Peter Pan now without being forever changed by this book.
This is a fun read, that also has a depth to it that was wonderful to explore, anyone looking for a new and refreshing take on a beloved tale, this is perfect. I adored every second of it and cannot wait to read the next tale.

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Professor Valentine: A Student-Teacher Contemporary Romance Novella (Kirk University Series Book 1) by Diana Vale – Review by Dani Dando

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Professor Valentine: A Student-Teacher Contemporary Romance Novella (Kirk University, #1)Professor Valentine: A Student-Teacher Contemporary Romance Novella by Diana Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I was younger, I used to love the whole student-teacher romance thing. Thought it was really hot and taboo (which made it hotter) and of course, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Back then, of course, I wasn’t married to a teacher. For some reason, this little fact has changed the way I see these books, or at least this one because I’ll admit I haven’t read one in a while, and instead of hot sexiness I was cringing something fierce.
I will admit though that, as student-teacher romances go, this is written really well and packs a small punch in the short space it’s given. It could have been a little longer in my opinion, simply so that the characters could be explored a little more, and their interactions could have had more space to breathe. At times I felt that their relationship was rushed, and while Cassie was all up for it, I thought that Vale could have made more of Diego’s reluctance and caution.
So, Cassie is a student studying psychology at University. There she meets none other than Diego, the unbelievably sexy, recently divorced lecturer who is attracted to Cassie against his better judgment. They do have chemistry, it is evident from the get-go, my only issue is that you don’t really get to know why. I know that sounds daft, but given the shortness of the story, you don’t really get a chance to explore that and understand why out of all the students Diego would have seen and come across, Cassie is different.
Honestly, though I feel like I can’t judge appropriately anymore because this genre has been ruined for me a little bit, all I found myself doing was scoffing at Diego’s unprofessionalism which might get some people going, but it doesn’t really light my fire if you know what I mean. I just kept screaming at Diego that he was the adult in the scenario and should act accordingly, which I don’t think is what Vale had in mind when she wrote this.
This is written from Cassie’s perspective and I think Vale gets the character spot on. There is an innocence to her and a vulnerability which I think is perfectly written, for both her age and situation. It’s a shame that younger me couldn’t have found this because I probably would have adored it and spent my time fantasizing about my own Diego. Anyone that loves the taboo romances that are steamy and sizzling with sexual tension, then this is for you.

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8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Dani Dando

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

Tuck wants nothing more than to follow his father’s example and win the Golden Buckle at the Rodeo. When the news that he is going to Las Vegas to take part in the National Final’s reaches him, he couldn’t be more thrilled. One big spanner in the works or horseshoe slammed against his head repeatedly, is Jessie. She is the boss’s daughter and is one spoiled mess of a handful, causing him problems whenever she is around. He can’t stand her, and though she looks good, he can’t get past her ugly heart. Problem is, Jessie isn’t really as spoilt as she comes across, she’s just prickly on the outside to protect her wounded heart from been broken again and though she wants Tuck, she cannot bring herself to open up.
I want to say first off that this story was not for me. It wasn’t that I hated it, or anything like that, but the story and the setting are not really things that I enjoy reading and for that reason I just struggled to get into this. However, people that love a good steamy romance, with the fire and crackle of a hate to love romance will enjoy this. I will say though, that the story could have gotten away with been longer. I think that the relationship and some of the story beats at times felt a little bit rushed, and a longer book could have given them space to breathe a little and develop in a way that felt a bit more natural.
Still, I will say that Nemechek packed a lot into a short story and did it well, even if at times it did feel a bit rushed and for anyone that is looking for a short steamy number, this is definitely for you.

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Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello – Review by Dani Dando

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Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, this tale had a nostalgic feel to it, one that took me back to how it felt to be falling in love for the first time, and how those feelings can stay with you. It’s a monumental thing falling in love for the first time, and I got to say that my heart broke for Ash and Calla and I wished for their happy ending.
Capello has a wonderful way of writing that is so delicate and soft handling the hearts of her characters with the care they deserve, whilst still dealing the heavy blows of reality. Ashton is at a monumental crossroads in his life, with a weighty decision before him that could make or break him. The last thing he needs is for things to get more tangled. But then it does, because Calla comes back into his life, after five years, she is just there, and she hasn’t changed. And neither have his feelings for her. Neither of them can deny that, though everything has changed for them, nothing in the way they want each other has, and over the summer they fall back in love. But if things were difficult then, they feel impossible now. Both know that the real world is waiting to sneak in and drag them back into reality, where their loyalties are pulled in different directions, away from each other.
I just thought that this was a beautiful read that literally made my heart explode with all the feels. Capello has written a wonderful tale that taps into the very heart of what it is like to fall in love all over again. I just adored every second of this and I know that anyone else reading it will too. It’s just so lovely.

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire Book 4) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Dani Dando

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, I have listened to the first book in this series on Audiobook, and I was thoroughly impressed by that, now, by no logic that I can ever explain I have hopped, skipped, and jumped to book 4. Though missing out quite a big portion of the story so far, I have got to say that Schneider does an amazing job of getting you up to speed, I didn’t feel lost and got the sense that the book could stand alone if it absolutely had to. Still, I would recommend reading the series in order, at least to limit any potential confusion.
Badass Dhalia Nite is back, kicking ass and taking names. As always have got to love the character, she is witty, sassy, and self-assured, and also not an idiot, which is so nice to read. Doing what she does best, Dahlia keeps the streets safe from all manner of nasty beasties. But she notices that something isn’t quite right, with monsters pouring in from, what feels like, every available angle, she fears that she and her new team may not be enough to stop the destruction.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was interesting to see how far Dahlia had developed, even though through my own stupidity I’d missed out on half of it. Gotta say that I absolutely adored this read and would recommend it to anyone that loves a fair whack of action and mystery. Schneider just knows how to drop you into a scene, making everything so vivid, it feels like you are actually there. She is a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Dani Dando

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, it took me quite a while to realise that this was the second book in the series, but I should have known really because all the things I found jarring and baffling about it were because of this. Right from the start, I was struck by how I already felt as though I were mid-way through a book, stuff felt like it had been going on for a long time and I had just missed it all. Obviously though, this in no way reflects on the writing, Simon’s does an awesome job and has created an interesting dystopian world that is both vibrant and intelligent. There is something very human to the way Simons writes, past all the airy-fairy crap and straight to the meatiness of what it means to be human.
Cam is an interesting character, living in a sustainable community with his friend Fraser and though life seems idyllic, he is haunted by those that he loves, and a world left behind, the way it used to look and used to be. There is something beautifully melancholic about Simon’s writes Cam, and I found it addictive to read.
Simons has a sophisticated tone to her writing, steaming ahead with the confidence of someone that knows their reader will be right there with them. I loved the world she created. It felt both ancient and modern all at the same time, something I didn’t think was even remotely possible, but Simon’s managed to do it effortlessly.
I quite liked the idea of the world and the feel of it, even though I was lost, Simons writes wonderfully and makes even fumbling a bit in the dark a fun and enjoyable experience. I know that when I have finally gotten round to reading the first book in this series I will love this book in a whole new way and see it in a whole new light. I would definitely recommend reading this along with the other books in the series as I think Simon’s has done an epic job here and even though I didn’t know quite what was happening, I still loved the journey I was being taken on. Excuse me while I go and read the first in the series and fall in love with that one too.

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ANGUISH (THE JOURNALS TRILOGY BOOK ONE) AUDIO BOOK by D.M. EARL – Review by Dani Dando

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This really wasn’t my kind of thing, I don’t know why but the story just didn’t resonate with me and I wasn’t particularly gripped. The writing wasn’t bad, but I just didn’t feel an affinity with the main character of this book. It’s a shame really because I was really intrigued. I don’t think its anything that Earl did or didn’t do, because I am certain that lots of people will find this enjoyable – it’s emotive, real and raw, what more could you want – I just didn’t for whatever reason.

I will say that I did like the description of the journals and the way they played into the story, the colour coding thing was an interesting touch that made me think it might be cool to do that myself. I don’t think I’d have the commitment though unfortunately. We are introduced to Quinn. She is the voice of the story, she comes across as a prickly character right from the get-go. Quinn is not exactly easy going but it is because something dark in her past always drags her back from the brink of happiness before she ever gets chance to truly settle into it. And when her past comes to smack her full force around the face it’s all Quinn can do not to unravel and round the pain.

Like I said, this has an interesting premise, and I am sure that a lot of people will find this enjoyable and entertaining. It just wasn’t for me.

Third Time’s a Ghost (Haunted Ever After Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Dani Dando

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Third Time's a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After, #3)Third Time’s a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again Pulkinen did not disappoint, this story, much like the second instalment, had lots of fun and witty banter and again the romantic relationship felt natural and not forced. I love the whole friends-to-lovers thing, I always think that the relationships feel as though they have more depth and nothing between them feels rushed.
In this story, Gage is a paranormal investigator who’s a dab hand with all things electronic but cannot for the life of him make a relationship work. As great as his track record is investigating all things ghostly, his dating track record is dead on arrival, and haunting him frequently is the love that he never admitted to when he was in high school and hopelessly in love with the girl next door. Erica, the afore-mentioned girl next door, happens to be a psychic medium (convenient huh) and when one particular ghost starts causing her more hassle than she can handle alone, she decides to call her old nerdy friend gage to help with the situation. Thing is, nerdy friend got hot and she really wasn’t expecting that (some psychic, am I right).
As I’ve said before this has all of the Pulkinen awesomeness; it’s funny, great supernatural elements, a bit saucy and steamy as well as having awesome characters, that while being knee-deep in the paranormal, still feel achingly real. Pulkinen is fast becoming one of my favourite authors to read, especially if I’m fancying something fun and light to put a smile on my face, on that, Pulkinen always delivers.

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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Dani Dando

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

I literally cannot get enough of the way that DeBlassie writes, I have read some of her other stuff and I adored that just as much as adored this, even this with its darker notes. Even the subject matter, being a little bit grim still had the same poetic lilt to it that I have come to expect from DeBlassie’s work. It was fantastic, some of the lines just seriously took my breath away, and I found myself reading this short number over and over again between the other books I have been picking up. Just like the other works of DeBlassies I have read, I wished there was more of this, seventeen pages just is not enough. I cannot recommend this short little number enough, it is fantastic and beautiful even with all its grimness.

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Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale – Review by Dani Dando

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Where Flowers BloomWhere Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read; I really loved the historical element and I thought that it was handled with consideration and respect. As romances go, I’m not usually a massive fan but this had a softness to it that I adored. Vale has an addictive way of writing that gets right to the heart and soul of people which I love.
Kendyll writes romance stories but her own relationship with her other half is far from perfect. Believing they need a new start, somewhere fresh and far from all the problems they have so getting a chance to move somewhere new seems like a dream come true, even if the house they are supposed to move to does have a sketchy past. In spite of the place being known for its Plantation history, Kendyll can’t help but feel drawn to it and once she takes on the place as her own, she starts having vivid dreams that feel too real to be her imagination. Added to all of this is her connection to the man Wes who is helping her fix up the place, she can’t help her growing feelings for him, even if they are frowned upon by her family, and of course a little dodgy considering she is already in a relationship.
I really enjoyed the journey this story took me on and thought it was a compelling and well-thought-out romance that is well thought out and worth your time. Give it a read.

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Second Chance Spirit (Haunted Ever After Book 2) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Dani Dando

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Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After #2)Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, this is the second installment in the Haunted Ever After series and I have to say that I fricken loved this one. Tina is just an amazing character who was my favourite in the first book, so I’m glad that she’s now back and is main protagonistic-ing it up in this one. As we all know, Tina is awesome at selling houses, in the first book she’d managed to sell a whopper of a place now though she has a bit of a challenge on her hands because the house that she has been asked to help sell is a bit on the creepy side. And when I say creepy, I really mean verging on Hill House levels of spooky. Another issue happens to be that the man he is helping sell the place, just so happens to be the same guy that she might have skipped out on when her feelings for him became a bit too real and scary.
Trent is his name and being a hot-shot lawyer and inheriting creepy mansions is his game. When he gets the old Victorian place from his Uncle, he can’t shake the feeling that there is something seriously wrong with it, getting a spooky vibe from it the moment he sets foot in the place. So he enlists the help of Tina and, while she’s super shocked to get such an invitation from him, reticent to dip her toe back into the scarily deep pool of emotions she felt for him before, she agrees.
I thought this was a great read, and all the simmering sexual tension between the two characters felt believable because of the history between them, and also because I have to say that Tina is an awesome character and wherever you stick her she just makes it better. This feels like the Pulkinen I’m used to and the Pulkinen I love and adore. A nice feisty, sure of herself protagonist with a dash of sexual tension and just all-around fun and giggles to tie it all together. I am looking forward to reading the next book, after this I honestly cannot wait.

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Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads – Review by Dani Dando

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Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth, #2)Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daughter Dawson is a psychologist who knows very little about her past, being adopted when she was younger with the express rule that she keep the name Daughter, (which if you ask me is a really crappy name, but there you go, she’s stuck with it for the rest of her life) she is at a loss as to where she came from and who her parents are. Quite early on, however, the bombshell of all bombshells is dropped in Daughter’s lap and literally blows her world apart, her father happens to be a serial killer.
Dolan (I don’t know what it is with the D names but hey, just gotta roll with it) is an interesting character, dealing with a lot of dark and horrible crap in his past that has left him with some interesting coping mechanisms? I question because I assume that’s what they are. I won’t spoil it for all the readers out there – got to leave a little mystery and all that – but I thought the way that Roads wrote Dolan was really intriguing. Dolan works for the FBI and bodies have definitely been turning up, at least he is pretty sure that bodies are turning up, no one else around him seems as convinced. In light of this, its decided that maybe the best thing for him is to go seek some professional help for his apparent issue and that’s when Daughter and Dolan meet.
Obviously the first time they meet there is an instant connection and I’ve got to say that it kind of rankled me a little bit. The instant connection deal that is in most romance novels annoys me anyway, I get why it’s there and I know that other people enjoy it, but for me, it just feels daft and unearned. You can find someone attractive but the instant eye-meeting and being completely turned-on shenanigans that turns up quite a bit just doesn’t do it for me and in this book, I just felt that it really didn’t need it. Daughter and Dolan already have this really quite horrific things connecting them, drawing them together, and if felt that it was enough.
Still, I will say that this is an enjoyable read, I thought that the premise was really interesting and it did keep me hooked. Thought it was a compelling idea really, I mean how would you react if you found that a parent you had never known suddenly decided to turn up in your life and they were a serial killer. I think I’d find a nice little rock to hide under. For me the romance between Daught and Dolan was okay, but I felt like it took centre stage in the novel when it really didn’t need to, there were other elements that I wish Roads had focused on just a little bit more. Still, someone else who reads this may think the balance is just right and that the romance is needed. Tis just my opinion. I will say that, even with how I feel about the romance, it was well written, in fact, this whole book was well written. I didn’t actually realise till quite a way in that this was the second book in a series, I mean honestly, you really can’t tell, it does a grand job of standing alone. I may have to go back and read the first one though, just to see what I am missing out on. Would recommend this to romance and thriller lovers alike, this story has both in equal measure and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Dani Dando

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Rebecca RemainsRebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hmm, this was an interesting story, got some serious ‘What Lies Beneath’ vibes from it, and of course ‘Rebecca’ vibes, but I have this curious feeling that it may have been on purpose. I could be wrong. Honestly though, on paper (I know it’s a book) it should be exactly the type of thing that I would adore. There’s mystery, there are twists and turns and a little sprinkle of the supernatural which has always been my thing, but for some reason, I found this a little difficult to get into. I don’t know whether it’s the way the character was written or whatever, but I just really struggle to immerse myself in this one. Not to say that this is badly written, or not worth the read because it is really good and I would absolutely recommend anyone giving it a go, I just found it a bit tough to get into, that’s all.
Tessa Stevens has had her fair share of crap to shovel in her life and when she meets her husband, she thinks that things are finally looking up and that she may actually get the life that she has always dreamed of free from all the darkness of her past. That is until a spirit keeps showing up warning her that all might not be as it seems. The more that the spirit visits her, the more that Tessa finds that Keith isn’t what she thought.
That’s a basic outline, I don’t want to ruin anything because I really do think you should read it, I think I’m going to read it again when I’ve had a bit of a break and I’m pretty sure that all the things I am not liking at the moment will have gone packing. I mean it had to be good because I finished it quickly. It kept me guessing and wanting to read more so it must have done something right. Just took me a bit of time to get into, but give it a go because you might not have the same problem and there is an awesome story in there.

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Love at First Haunt (Haunted Ever After Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Dani Dando

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Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After Book 1)Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Straight off we are launched into the sucky situation of Allison (our main protagonist) having to attend a party for a rich and powerful someone who recently brought the massive mansion the party is taking place in, from her friend Tina. Allison doesn’t like the parties, mainly for the vapid and money-hungry guests but also because she can feel all emotions and she knows just how fake all the people around her are.
If I’m being entirely honest – and this is nothing against Pulkinen because I have read some of her other stuff and I have always found it witty and relatable – but I really struggled with this book, especially the whole empath thing. I get that it is a fantasy and I’m all for that, but to say that a room full of people only had money and sex on their minds just is daft. Even people who like all the swanky stuff and a good roll in the hay, have more on their minds than that, and I thought that a character who is a supernatural being like an empath would be aware of this and understand this. By all means, say that she couldn’t stand the party because all the emotions were just too much, but to say that everyone in there wasn’t worth her time except for Logan felt a little harsh. Anywho just my personal opinion, moving swiftly on.
While at this party she locks eyes with Logan, the hunky handsome bit of man that, in spite of his seemingly knee-deep-in-willing-women lifestyle is sad and lonely and Allison senses this, and instantly runs away from it. After being hurt and spurned before she doesn’t want to go through that hurt again so a relationship is just not an option, especially with someone like Logan, who can dip and dash with the best of them.
Whilst making her Cinderella-esque escape (minus the dance with prince charming and the loss of a slipper) she happens upon a crying woman and tries to comfort her. It is only after the woman disappears and she is flooded with overwhelming emotions that she realises that she has seen a ghost. After several turns and twists of fate, Allison and Logan find themselves drawn together against either of their better judgments, their connection and spark undeniable. I will say that I thought their relationship happened a little quickly, but then again I think that of most romances that are similar to this, and considering that this is a book about ghosts and empaths, I don’t think I should nit-pick about the speed of their relationship being unbelievable.
I will say though that Pulkinen has a way of writing characters that makes them feel down-to-earth and relatable. Apart from my earlier issues with the whole party-thing, I found the characters likable and funny. Pulkinen really does do funny well and I really liked how she handled mental health in this. She managed to do it respectfully and with care, without losing the light-heartedness that made the book such a joy to read. I really do recommend Pulkinen and if you like this then you will definitely like License to Bite, that book is funny and steamy and just a delight to read.

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A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Dani Dando

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A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1)A Hole by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little worried when I read the description of this story because it didn’t really grab me, and I thought that I was going to be bored. Happy to report that I wasn’t, this story is funny and sweet and absolutely delivers on its promise of a good laugh. I actually think it’s quite difficult to write genuinely funny stories, but Alexander nails it.
Ace is a comedian and Ella Craig is a bank teller, not exactly what everyone would call a match made in heaven, but Ace thinks she’s wonderful and wants her to realise how wonderful they could be together. He invites her to one of his comedy shows and bets her that if he can make her laugh then she has to go out for a drink with him. But Ace’s four friends, with their best intentions and somewhat questionable advice, may threaten to put a spanner in the works for their budding romance.
I genuinely liked this book and Alexander writes her characters with flair, Ace’s narrative was quippy and fun and was perfect for a cheeky comedian. With Ella’s narrative her you definitely got her sensitive side and her reluctance to trust people, and she is funny too. It’s a lot subtler and less in your face than Ace’s which I think I preferred. Again, I recommend this story and would read more of Alexander’s work especially if I want a laugh.

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THE BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Dani Dando

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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

As soon as I started reading this, I was sent back to my own childhood of reading the famous five books and other Enid Blyton books, and straight into all the warmth and comfort of the nostalgia those books always conjure. I think this nostalgia is why I found myself loving this book so much, it had the easy simplicity and ridiculous fun that was always present in those novels and it was what I loved so much about them.
As always there is a mystery that needs to be solved; money that should have gone on toys for those less fortunate has grown legs and wandered off and Sprocket and Co are the only ones that have enough about them to solve the mystery and get the moolah back where it belongs. Obviously, things never remain as simple as all that, and the deeper they delve into the mystery, the more dangerous it becomes for them.
Honestly, this is a great book for young children to read, with adventure and intrigue and great characters that come alive on the page, with a whole heck of a lot of moxie (word felt appropriate here for some reason). I would also recommend it to anyone that loved the famous five as a child and wants to revisit those nights reading it under the cover with a torch unless of course, that was just me then in that case I am sorry to have bothered you.

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Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: the Complete Season by Claire Luana – Review by Dani Dando

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Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season (Mythical Alliance Series #1-6)Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phew, this was one heck of a fantasy series, strap yourself in for some awesome sauce characters and a really interesting and vibrant world. I was honestly hooked from the first to the last.
The books follow Zariya, a half-human, half Naga (some sort of snake supe) badass who is so sassy and such a fun character to read. In the first book, she is left reeling from the death of her father, believing that there was something suspicious about it, in order to find out the truth she joins a supe special forces called Veil Force and there her journey begins, becoming part of the Phoenix team. There she meets Konstantin, her boss and someone who she feels an irresistible attraction towards and various other awesome badass supes, together they bounce from one problem to the next, kicking all the butt and taking all the names.
I really loved the vibe of these stories, as I’ve said Zariya is a sassy and screams an easy confidence that oozes off the page and it is impossible not to feel an instant connection with her. I loved, loved, loved the banter throughout these stories, in some other series I’ve found that the banter between characters can feel forced and unnatural but Luana nails it. She also nailed drawing the reader into the world and making it feel stupidly real. Totally finished this book believing that Veil Force was real and that I could hop, skip and jump out the front door and go sign myself up for the Phoenix Team banter at the ready and all ready for the doe eyes to send Konstantin’s way. I was very gutted when it all came to an end, to be honest, I felt like they were people I’d actually met, real-life friends that I wouldn’t be able to see anymore and it was really gutting for me. This says a lot about Luana’s writing and real she makes all of her characters feel.
I would definitely recommend this series, it’s now up there as one of my favourite series and I think I’m definitely going to read it again because I feel like a read it a bit fast in a desperate bid to find out what happens next hehe. My bad. You should give this series a go though, it has action, mystery, intrigue, romance, and fantasy which in my opinion are all the best things so you can’t go wrong really, can you? Go on, give it a read, you know you want to.

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Havall 16 by A. J. Ullman – Review by Dani Dando

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Havall 16Havall 16 by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whoop got to love me a little bit of sci-fi and time travel, honestly, they are right up my alley, my jam on toast, cannot tell you the amount of book I have in this genre littering my shelves. As you can probably guess I was dead excited to get into reading this and as tickled pink when I did because it is all I hope for and more. Ullman has truly worked magic here, making something that has been done a considerable amount feel new and fresh. I literally couldn’t put this town, every time I reached the end of a chapter, I had this desperation to find out what happened next. I’ll admit it caused a lot of injuries as I walked into various bits of furniture, trying to read and pretend to be doing something slightly resembling housework.
Tommy and his partner Win are on to a winner (couldn’t resist) in the fact that they have worked out how to solve the pesky little issue of mortality. They’ve hit the motherload and are quids in for a nice cushty future, full of fame and boatloads of money. However, Tommy receives a visit from Havall 16, who happens to be from the future that Tommy and Win’s invention has created and it’s not super great. She wants him to stop what he’s doing, ending all their research and production before it can have a chance to take off and create a world where so many people live in poverty. This story deals with some interesting, thought-provoking topics, such as our mortality, the fact that something has to end, is what makes it so precious and wonderful and that immortality sounds great when you have a cushty life to live forever.
This is a really awesome write that I highly recommend to anyone, you won’t be disappointed.

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Dani Dando

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1)Athalie by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Welp, I have to say that I have never understood the reasoning behind human sacrifice, or any sacrifice for that matter, but there you go. Still, I thought it was an interesting concept for a fantasy novel and I was right, this was an interesting read.
Athalie has been chosen to be the annual sacrifice for her people, a sacrifice which will apparently bring them prosperity, so in spite of her reservations, she is determined to do her part. The only problem is that the head honcho (the emperor) has got his mitts on something extremely powerful that he thinks will answer all his people’s problems and wipe their adversaries off the face of the planet for good. Only problem is that this powerful weapon will instead just wipe out the planet. To stop this from happening, Athalie is brought back, incognito to stop the power of the weapon using talismans.
This book is full of adventure and some wonderfully descriptive passages that honestly were stunning. Elizabeth is honestly a fantastic writer and I really enjoyed this book, cannot recommend it enough. I am looking forward to reading the second book.

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Titanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Dani Dando

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Titanian's Phoenix: Titanian ChroniclesTitanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So nothing rains on a normal parade than being kidnapped by a bunch of elves along with your godmother, the same godmother that has told you all your life that you are absolutely normal. To be honest, I would get suspicious by such an assertion made so many times, but Maya doesn’t notice how shady this is till she is knee-deep in pointy-eared problems and gets out of it by some mysterious power that she had been assured all her life was not a thing.
Not long after these massive bombshells exploded in her lap and blew any chance of normality out of the water, her godmother (name of Anna by the way) tells her to go and find the owner of a magical bar by the name of Soren. I have to say, I quite liked the name Soren for a male lead, was obscure but not to the point that you got the impression the author had pored through a book of weird baby names that no one ever thought of. When Maya and Soren meet, sparks fly, stars align and they connect, with Soren realising that, even though it had never been in the scrolls for him, that she is his mate and will literally do anything to protect her.
I really liked this, especially the fantasy elements. I especially liked the moments in the bar, wished it were somewhere that actually existed where I could just pop off to for drink, but alas with the way things are that is a fantasy. I think that Saccenti has created something really interesting here and look forward to reading more of her work.

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Night Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Dani Dando

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This started off pretty interesting, thought the idea of The Vigilante had an echo of batman to it which piqued my interest. Don’t really know how I felt about the romance aspect of it as I thought it was a tad unbelievable, it moved far too fast for me, getting hot and heavy before either character had really had time to land. I mean I had some pretty awesome impressions of Orla when first introduced; strong-willed, savvy, and smart, but then she very quickly makes some decisions that had me baffled.
I will say that I am not keen on these types of stories but for those that do like the steamy stories this is for you, with the added spice of the danger and the thrill of a mystery. The narration is pretty good too and kept me interested. I find that sometimes if the narration isn’t that good, I will switch off and struggle to take in the tale, but there was no issue with this, Price was engaging and a great storyteller.
With all those things said I will say that Kells has penned a really interesting tale, I just wish there had been more of the aspects that interested me. Anyone that likes a good smoldering romance with all the beats and action of a thriller will love this.

Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder on the Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Dani Dando

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Ride with he Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor, #2)Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, the second instalment in the Thunder on the Moor series, and I was chuffed. It really kept the feel of the first one going nicely, and I was instantly tugged back into the world without any of the massive reading pains of not remembering who was who and what the actual jeff was going on. Obviously, I think a lot of that enlightenment had to do with the fact I had actually read the first book instead of doing my usual trick of jumping into a series mid-way. Still, I think it says something about the strength of the world and the characters that Matthew has created, that even after a few months of not having some quality time with the ole chaps, I still sunk into this book as if no time had passed, all the characters having the familiarity of an old friend that I had just forgotten to message for a while.
This story picks up pretty much where the other one left off Will and Maggie, who swooningly ended up falling in love with each other after a trifle load of misunderstandings threatened to get in the way. Now though, they have a teeny tiny problem as, while they knew that Maggie’s family might be a smidge angry with her for taking the side of an Englishman and falling in love with him to boot, they had not prepared for trouble on Will’s end as well. The arsy warden decides that he doesn’t like an Englishman galivanting with a Scottish lass and effectively sends out a warrant for his arrest and while Maggie and Will do everything to evade capture, it becomes impossible. Once again separated, Will faces almost certain death, and Maggie faces a fate almost on par with death – being married to Ian, the massive dick from the first book, who I wish someone would just bonk on the head and do us all a favour. Anywho, Maggies family are dead set on the union regardless of what Maggie herself wants, and you know the fact that Ian is the devil incarnate who happened to murder her father. Meanwhile, news has reached Will’s family of his unfortunate predicament and they begin to formulate a plan to put a stop to his execution.
It’s a good strong second book, sometimes I find that the second instalment of a series can feel a little bit weak and limp, grinding to a halt because all the momentum from the first book just isn’t there, but Matthews keeps the pace going nicely and all of the awesome things I loved about the first book were present in this one too. Awesome writing and some gorgeous description that made me want to go and stand majestically on a hilltop somewhere. A wonderful write that I thoroughly enjoyed, even if Ian did piss me off something rotten.

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Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Dani Dando

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This was an interesting listen, can’t say as it’s the type of thing that I would normally go for, but when I got into it, I did find it enjoyable. This is the first book in the Gray Ghost series and follows the characters, Alex and Olivia.
So, Olivia is from a well to do background full of political maneuverings and arseholes in suits just waiting for some other arsehole in a suit to slip up and show their weakness, and she wants out (can’t say as I blame her really). She sees her marriage to Alex as the pot of gold at the end of the shitty political rainbow and her ticket out from under the stifling thumb of her family. Olivia had no fears that her plans would ever be foiled, except Alex’s career plans go from being a police officer to getting involved in the political world that she has so desperately tried to steer herself away from.
There are some great twists that I genuinely didn’t see coming, and while I didn’t feel overly attached to the characters, I was intrigued to find out where the story took them, so there’s something. I don’ know how I feel about listening to the rest of the books in the series, as and when they come out, simply because, as previously mentioned, this isn’t really my cup of tea, but I might just give them a go. McKinley is an adept writer who really keeps the reader hooked so I don’t suppose it would be all that bad.
One problem I did find was that the narrator had a really soothing voice, so much so that I found myself dropping off. Still, I managed to blink myself awake in order to get to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller with plenty of twists and turns and intrigue and all that jazz. McKinley’s work will not disappoint.

Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Dani Dando

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Unbroken VowUnbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story of forbidden romance and one vow that leads to a whole load of shenanigans. It was a well-written tale with a vibrant world that felt really staunch and stoic, much in keeping with the characteristics I always assign to paladins whenever I am dabbling in a bit of DnD. I will say that I sometimes felt the narrative a bit stilted, I don’t know whether this was done on purpose considering the subject matter and all the rules and whatnot that poor old Glaive has to follow. I suppose it works when I think about it, though not always enjoyable to read, Glaive is a serious character and a really stilted and almost formal, feeling narrative suits him down to the ground.
Glaive is a Paladin, a really important and high-ranking Paladin at that, a regular Knight of Ardara and he takes his job very seriously, in fact, he takes everything pretty seriously, Glaive is not a light-hearted chap in my opinion. When his mate asks him for a mahoosive favour on his deathbed, then Glaive has to agree, only problem is that Markus isn’t just asking him to scatter his ashes someplace nice, he’s asking for Glaive to protect his wife, a wife that he is, by law, not supposed to have. Serious Glaive, being all serious and stuff, takes this vow seriously and is determined to do just that, protecting Ada from the fall out of her simply falling in love with the wrong person. For a while, his little plan of squirreling her away works, hiding pretty much in plain sight as a servant to the king (the closer you are to danger and all that) but Glaive does not foresee how other individuals whose brains reside in their breeches and egos swell to fill a ballroom, could foil his plans and put Ada in immediate danger. Obviously, as time goes on, though Glaive does not really soften as such, his feelings towards Ada change, and his reasons for so valiantly protecting her become somewhat blurred.
It’s a good read, I think I found it a little like whiplash because I have been reading so many funny romance novels recently, whereas this is as I may have mentioned earlier, a serious read. Still, it is worth it and Lewandowski is clearly a skilled writer, keeping the tale moving along at a nice pace with some wonderful descriptions that I can almost guarantee will take your breath away.

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License to Bite: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Dani Dando

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Thought this was a pretty amusing tale that pleasantly surprised me. It never really took itself too seriously and had me quite literally guffawing as I listened. At first, I found the narration a little jarring especially with the voices of the male characters, but after a while, I properly got into the story and even that didn’t bother me, I was having too much fun. I mean, to be honest, the whole concept had an amusing genius to it that you just have to applaud, I mean a vampire that faints at the sight of blood? Hehe, it’s just so wonderfully daft that it’s great.

I liked Jane, I thought she was chirpy and chipper and just bursting with character, it did start to annoy me with the whole, I don’t belong to anyone schtick, feel as though the point was drummed home one too many times. It was obvious that she was strong and independent from the way she conducted herself, I really didn’t feel like we needed to be told so many times. I thought that Ethan was an interesting character, he got more entertaining as time went on and mostly then it was because he was bouncing off Jane, getting frustrated at her bubbliness. I also felt more connected to him when his past was revealed a little more.

I will say that you will not be bored with this, it’s ridiculous and unpredictable but that is half the fun. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good chuckle with a bit of spice sprinkled in.

Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Dani Dando

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Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book #2)Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even with the authors warning at the beginning of this book I was not prepared for how much this was going to emotionally ruin me, there was quite a lot of blubbing, and by the end of the book, I was a snotty mess that sank herself into a bottle of wine and a hefty amount of chocolates.
We are introduced to Tara and Jace, two main characters who a lugging around their own hefty bag of personal baggage, their backs breaking under the strain, and their ability to connect with others irreparably damaged. But when they meet each other they feel a connection, a connection infuriatingly ignored for the longest time, but it sizzles on the page every time they are in each other’s vicinity, Quinn can write sexual tension.
Once again this is another series that I’ve jumped into without actually reading the installments that have gone before, but this is no detriment to Tara and Jace’s tale it stands alone with all its heart-breaking moments, and all the spine-tinglingly saucy ones too. I thought that the added element of a mystery was a nice little bonus, that kept me guessing right till the final pages.
I like the fact that while there is plenty of sultry shenanigans to go round, the story isn’t lost and you never lose the sense of who these characters are, what they have experienced, and how far they’ve come in their journey. This is a story about finding redemption and that sometimes in order to allow ourselves to fully heal, we have to be vulnerable and exposed. A touching romance that will absolutely make you cry, Quinn warns you and I’ve just warned you; be prepared!!

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