Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such an amazing psychological thriller!! I was totally shocked by the twists and turns this dark story took. It began a little slow but picked up quickly and had me hooked!! I want to read more by this author as soon as possible.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Dark Mafia that will have you wanting to join the fight. A Mob Boss and Mafia Princess that have always been in love but never found the perfect moments to declare their feelings. Stefano and Emiliana have to tackle twists and backstabbing just to find the happiness they deserve.
This might be the third book in this series, but you can read it without feeling lost and disconnected from the other stories. Great characters and a page-turning dark romance.
Reviewed by @jbruno26
View all my reviews
Tally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was even more amazing then the first. We once again follow our main character Tally but this time we’re following her and her angel on a race against time in Canada. Once again full of drama, this one has so much more then the first book including ancient curses, gold hunters, and beautiful mystical wolves. While this story could be read as a standalone I highly recommend you read the first book in this series to get the back story as to who Tally is and how she came to possess her angel. This book like the previous one had me gripped from the beginning and I just simply could not put it down.
Apocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
s a YA book, I found this to be fascinating! For an end of times, virus ridden world, full of hyenas; it grabbed my emotions, caught my attention, and I fell for Huck. Huck had to be my favorite character. Now, I’m a grandmother but I have a son and grandson unique like Huck. I found his personality so very relatable. I’m a bookworm too. We could be going for a walk. Oh, a break, I’ll read.lol. The book has such a realistic view, not sappy like some other books. It was worth reading. Whether you are 16 or 56, you ought give this a shot, especially with today’s world. It’s kind of refreshing. Hey, their world is out of coffee. *shudder* I would give it more than a 5 star if I could. LOVED IT.
Tally and the Angel : Book One India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was one simple word Amazing! A perfect paranormal fantasy, with danger, bravery, drama, mystery, and more. Tally is our main character, and being a teenage girl who just lost her mother, your heart just breaks for her. Until she is given her angel pendant and then everything changes. There is just so much packed into this short book, but the author did a phenomenal job pulling their readers in and then keeping them on a roller coaster ride full of drama, mystery, and a race against time until the very last page. I personally loved this book so much that I can’t wait to read the next one.
<span;>This is a book that I had already read but and intrigued to see how it works translate to audio book. With such a complex story I wanted to really immerse myself in it and the audio version did just that. It really helped to elevate the imagery and the whole experience. Hearing the story play out made me feel like I was part of it even more and I felt engaged in a different way.
<span;>The story still felt exciting even though it were familiar and I think that credit has to go to the narrator. I become so invested in what they were saying I almost forgot I knew they story. This is a fantastic audio book and any fan of this genre should pick it up today.
Limbo by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good book overall. Interesting characters in the book. Neat idea of limbo. You never really figure out why they are there though. Jumps from character to character. I didnt understand their limits on interacting with objects.
Thief of Magic by H.D. Gordon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I liked all of the different powers. The characters were interesting and unique. The world building was well done. The writing was very descriptive. Great fantasy book. I look forward to more in the series.
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unlikely to Stay, the third book in the Parker Lake Series, focuses on hairdresser Colleen(CC) and Brant, the temporary local nurse practitioner, only in Parker to cover his loans and then he is set to go back to the big city. Both characters have their demons. CC was raised by hippy parents and had to take on the adult role well before she should have and Brant grew up in the foster system, only to be saved by his future mom who saw beyond his anger. Both have pined for one another from afar, but an auction for CC’s new gym leads to her receiving a date with Brant and we get to go on this journey of friendship and love.
This is a fast paced story, full of wonderful characters, small town drama, friendship and finding your worth. I have loved reading this series. I hope we get more because all the characters we meet in Parker are worth the deeper journey into their story.
Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was adorable. I love how easy it is to read and follow for kids. It’s inspirational and motivating. I liked the artwork and the vocab that was used. My son enjoy the self affirmations at the end.
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve decided I have a love/hate relationship with Blindsided. I loved the book, don’t get me wrong, but Brock is where my love hate relationship begins.
I hate Brock once we get to the present day! He loved Kirsa, you could tell from the very beginning from the younger years’ chapters, but what he did to her despite that made me hate him. Yes did her eventually grow and take his blinders off when it comes to her, yes but that doesn’t fix the past. That he made the girl he loved and cherished his whole life, high school years miserable, putting her into complete isolation and ridicule.
Then there’s Victoria, I didn’t like her the minute she entered the story. The ones who always seem nice that never are. Boy was I not wrong in the assessment. She too took pleasure in Kirsa’s pain but for her own selfish reasons.
And last but certainly not least is Kirsa, the character I feel for. As someone who dealt with my share of bullying, that in turn gave me the “ I don’t care what people think attitude” as well. Life is not easy when you have others making it miserable. I commend the way the author wrote this character because it’s very realistic in a sense. Unfortunately so many people succumb to the bullying, the author wrote a strong character in Kirsa that allowed her to remain strong, to rise up above everyone else and not break to them. Does she eventually break, yes but it’s not in the way one would seem. She lost the person she loved since she was 4, because of something she didn’t do. Does she get to redeem herself? You will have to read and find out.
*Trigger Warning* If bullying is an issue for you, you may want to think hard before jumping right into this book. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It’s wonderfully written and at times sad and painful to read, but it’s worth it!
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unlikely to Stay is the first book I have read in the Parker Lake series. I haven’t read the first two, but I am planning to go back and read them now. Unlikely to Stay is book 3 in the series, but it can certainly be read as a stand alone book. This one is amazing and has strong lovable characters. They are down to earth and relatable. The writing of this book makes me wish I lived in a small town.
Unlikely to Stay follows Brant Billings, and Colleen Chandler, known to her friends as CC. CC grew up in the small town of Parker, Oklahoma. She was always known as the weird kid, due to her hippie parents, but she has grown up and now is her own business owner. She is the town hair stylist, and is still best friends with her childhood girl friends Annabelle and Breckin. She has been crushing on the town’s Nurse for 2 years but thinks he is way out of her league.
Brant is now a successful nurse, running Parker’s Medical Clinic, but his life wasn’t always great. He had a druggie mom, that landed him in the foster care system, bouncing from home to home until he was 11. Then he was placed with Betty Billings, who took him in and changed his life for the better. Turning his life around, and adopting him. Due to his history, Brant has always kept to himself and avoided friendships and dating. He has been eyeballing the town’s hairstylist for 2 years, but thinks she hates him. CC and Brant’s friends play matchmaker, and set them up on a date. Now its up to them to put their past assumptions and fears aside, and see if they can finally have a meaningful relationship.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With this being the final book in the series, the best was surely saved for last. I loved every single gripping aspect of this story. From the characters, the story, the incredible atmosphere it created in my mind. Simply everything was magnificent about it. Highly emotional, yet sweetly endearing. It was not a long story, but it was a good one, and left a lasting impression. I would have loved more in this series, but what I have read won’t be forgotten, and will be re-read again soon. 5 stars.
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love it when I read a book and then when I come to write the review, I end up just sitting at my computer looking at a blank page on the screen wondering how on earth I am going to find the words to justify how amazing the book was. That is exactly the problem I am having now! I have loved every book in this series so far but I think this one has to be my favourite. I have been waiting for CC’s story since the beginning. I love her independence and her success as a business woman. She has always been there for her friends and now they are doing something for her! I found that part really touching. She really deserved the help to get what she wanted.
I really liked Brant, and I mean REALLY liked him! He was such a genuine and nice guy. I loved the connection and chemistry between him and CC and I was definitely rooting for them the whole way through!
Along with CC and Brant were some great secondary characters – I don’t want to spoil it but a certain 90-year-old is back with some hilarious tales to tell!!
I really cannot recommend this book enough – it definitely deserves 5 stars and more!
King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 5 in this series and what an amazing instalment it was! I have really enjoyed the other books so I was looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint. There was so much going on and although science fiction isn’t a genre I would normally choose, I find these books so good to read I almost forget that element of it at times and I’m completely swept up in what I’m reading. The author’s writing is really engaging and her world building is excellent. I can really imagine some of the scenes that I’m reading.
A fantastic read that I’m sure any sci-fi romance lover would enjoy!
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good sports romance, I really enjoyed it. Having read stories by this author previously I was really looking forward to this book and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was great, the pace and flow excellent and I really liked the characters – there was certainly a lot of angst going on between them that’s for sure! Krista’s character really broke my heart at times, the way the author write about her and everything that she went through made her feel so real and I felt like I was experiencing some of the emotions she did right with her. I really liked Rylan, he was really genuine and such a good friend for Krista.
Overall, a really nice story with great characters. I would highly recommend this book!
Master Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my word. This is so amazing! I absolutely adore Angel. I love having a kick-butt female lead. She stands her own and doesn’t back down. Trentino and Angel have such a strong connection that it just fills your heart. This had so much steam, action, and love that you just can’t look away. The world is so wonderfully written. All the characters just capture your attention so well. I definitely suggest reading the previous books to be able to understand different aspects. Not just because of that though all of them are wonderful and a must read!! I can’t wait to read more!!
Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great book for kids and families.
Priscida is a modest yet astute alley cat who discovers the meaning of grandeur. Some of the incidents she depicts are based on true occurrences. You get to choose which ones are genuine! Enjoy Priscida Discovers and recognizes brilliance in yourself and others. “Great acts are built up of tiny deeds,” says Lao Tzu, and this is the basis for her narrative. While seeing through the eyes of this amusing cat, it is hoped that the reader would learn and apply this. Priscida realizes she is amazing and that she is surrounded by amazing people. Pretend you’re Priscida if you read it aloud! Imitate her facial expressions and body language. Make the same noises she would. Make a list of your own brilliance and display it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Saying “I am fantastic” every day is a good habit to get into. “Go forth and be wonderful today.” Most importantly, never give up and look for grandeur in the smallest of gestures.
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books
Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful children’s book. The overall story is such a great lesson. Then you add a cute “kitty” (my little one kept calling her.) It just makes for a great bedtime story. The illustrations were adorable and just added so well to story. Wonderful story time read!
Tally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book continues the adventures of Tally and her Angel from book one. This book is definitely just as good as the first one! The characters are entertaining, as is the story, and the writing is easy and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this book to young fantasy lovers, and I would highly recommend reading the first book if you haven’t already!
Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series which is just as enjoyable as the previous book I have read in this series. Becky is back and has no idea what fate has in store for her. It is a well written story that is full of love, faith and a woman with attitude. I enjoyed seeing the previous characters as well as a couple of new ones. They are connectable and bring the story to life on each page. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. They are supportive and keep the story engaging. I enjoyed how fast paced and hard to put down this book is. This is the final book in this series and what an ending it was. You don’t want to miss this one or this series which I highly suggest going back to read the previous books to help your enjoyment of the characters and the author’s writing style. I highly suggest this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Forbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The third book in the Shadow Chronicles did not disappoint! All of the secrets and history coming together in an epic story! Its a non stop read with plenty of action and plot twist. I have enjoyed reading Tasha and Levi’s story and where their world has taken them. There are some nice surprises in this one that I won’t share and spoil here. Definitely read the whole series as it follows the same characters. Amazing series and definitely worth reading!
Apocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An endearing YA novel about the End of Times (Maybe) and finding love and humour along the way. Kella is stuck trying to outrun the “hyenas” with her anxious cousin Jumper and her little brother Huck, who has autism. Trying to protect and defend Huck, and put up with Jumper’s over-enthusiastic rules has her worn out, let alone hiking miles per day with the threat of cannibals attacking 24/7. Her sardonic wit and familial loyalty make her a loveable character to follow through the ETM. A captivating plot, plus colourful characters met along the way, make this a fun read.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Forbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an ending! I fell totally in love with Tasha and Levi from the very beginning, and though I was thrilled for them to have their little family, I was not sure what to expect. I need not have worried as this author has proven this series to be romantic and action packed in each other book, and this one was no different. The new characters and magic types made the story have more dimensionally than the ones before. I’m so sad that Tasha and Levi’s story has ended, but still crossing my fingers for a spin off!! If you have been thinking about this series, do it! I will say though, once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down!
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mafia and second chance romance?! I was there. This is the third book in the series and I loved it. The series really does just keep getting better and better. I loved the romance between Stefano and Em, I got lost in their story. Really well written and really enjoyed the story.
The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a history buff with a major in International Relations, this was the perfect book for me! I’ve studied middle east politics and history in the past, so the book taking place in the middle east was also an area of interest for me when it came to choosing what to read next. The author clearly put a lot of work and research into the writing of this novel, evident in the amount of details and accuracy of the information within.
The characters in the book are all very well-written, the plot is intriguing, and the book ends on a cliff-hanger- all the makings for a fantastic, hard-to-put-down read! Even though it is my first read by the author, I am already a huge fan of their writing style and can’t wait to read more by them, in particular the second novel! The only thing that disappoints me about this novel is that I have to wait a few months to read the next book.
4/5 Stars.
A true detective novel. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book and the hunt for the truth that occurs. Nick is your quintessential NYPD detective, looking for the truth and connecting the dots of things that most others wouldn’t see. Here the hunt is on for someone who is either assisting in others’ suicides, or is making it look like others are committing it. It’s literally a race against the clock to save people.
I’m not one to try and guess the outcome of the mystery in books but the answer to the “whodunit” here shocked me; I did not see that one coming. I enjoyed the touches of romance and building of relationships for the NYPD people, depicting them as well rounded individuals, rather than one dimensional. I also enjoyed the “side story” of Sandra and Laura. I have not read any other novels or stories by this author but it sounded like it was a continuation from another book in this series and it makes me want to go hunt it down.
I did listen to the audiobook of this novel and the narrator was pretty good. I enjoyed his inflection and his pace, however I did notice there were issues with pauses and such during what seemed like readings of other things, like reading a suicide letter or something else someone wrote. I’m not sure if that’s from editing or the way it was written out for the narrator, but it made me withdraw from what I was hearing. Overall, good bordering on great performance.
Content warning for explicit descriptions of death and suicide.
Limbo by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Limbo was original and thought provoking. It takes you to that questionable void between heaven and hell. We are introduced to the main character Alyse who died of Cancer, and is only seventeen. The very start of of her life cut short, and she is unhappy to be dead and stuck in that place. The story is told in multiple POV, and you get a bit of insight as we meet each character and get a bit of their backstory. Our characters ask the question of what could have been done differently, was this punishment or salvation,, what does this existence hold and mean, etc.
This book truly makes you think about life, and what the after life may truly hold.
Detective Nick Larson is a called to an apparent suicide but not everything is at appears. I really enjoyed this book with the many twists and turns and complete shock at the end. It did get confusing at times as character development was a little off with backgrounds and it felt like several stories combined into one. After a few chapters however, I was able to differentiate each character and their particular personality. I can see how the character introductions and development these the book open for more in the series and would continue with the series. Overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend.
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