Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book started off kind of slow, it was interesting, but slow. But as I got further in I was drawn in more and didn’t want to put it down. A bit of feminism, but not so much that it turned me away from reading it. I would actually love to read a second book to this series to see where life took Annie.
Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The third book in the series, this story revolves around Jackson and Delta. Reading the previous books, I was excited to hear these two were the focus of this new one. As with the others, they are unlike any I have read before. I really like that this series is based on Native American legends I have not heard of. This author has created such a great world, I could not put this book down. While this story could be expanded into so much more, as it is, it’s a short read and can be read in an evening.
A supernatural romance with steamy parts and full of emotion, I highly recommend it.
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
As a debut book this author’s work is compelling. Interesting (to say the least) and colourful characters take centre stage, including our protagonist/heroine Grace, who is funny, sassy and a mess in general with a smart mouth that leads her into a multitude of trouble. But the most curious and humorous of all is her new leg, Oscar.
Grace finds herself taking on the worst of the worst clients of the underground to ensure her survival. However, it is Grace’s empathy and compassion that has her in a race against time to ensure that her latest client is not falsely convicted of that in which she has been accused – murder.
With lots of twists and turns along the way you keep turning those pages to find out how things will turn out. A great start to the series and debut book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow it’s been a while since I have read a book from this author, and we are already up to book 5 and so much has happened along the way. This Sci Fi thriller romance is a just as compelling as the others. This author has made me more of a sci fi reader. I mean I love watching it, but reading was another thing. Yeah, I don’t know why either.
Anywho, the story is told from multiple POV’s which always gives the story a lot more depth and information. Conspiracy, two broken hearts, old wounds, uprising, slavery, smuggling, shapeshifters, and being hunted is just some of what to expect that makes this a great read.
It is an amazing tale full of suspense and adventure, intrigue and mystery and creatures from other worlds. I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish and love that we revisit with old characters. I love the way this author cleverly weaves a complex story with many moving parts. This sizzling series is really Sci Fi at its best.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Piasa (Legends, #3)by Maggie Adams
4 out of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series but the first book that I have read in this series and author. The characters where well written with little quirks that made them seem real. The storyline intrigued me and kept me entertained me from the first page to the last. Now I have to go back and read the first two books in this series.
I don’t want to say anymore since this is a short story…
Tracy
@tracym
Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an absolutely wonderful book. It is such a sweet and heartwarming story, perfect for a holiday romance. Jace and Coral are the perfect characters for this book. You are just drawn to them and their connection.
This book was so easy to read because it was so enjoyable. Everyone I picked it up I just lost myself in it entirely. This is a brilliant historical romance that I would highly recommend.
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is always a privilege to read a story as good as this one. I never get sick of reading a love story that is hard fought and colourful. This Christmas sizzler was steamy, engaging and incredibly touching. Amber and Giovanni are polar opposites and there were many confrontations and laughs throughout the book. The chemistry was palpable and the incredible twist on words was addictive and very swoon worthy. Playing hard to get is one thing I love to read about. Witnessing them succumb to Cupid’s arrow is both stimulating and arousing. It touches a very deep place in the heart and proves that love really does come in all forms and packaging. 5 stars.
Thief of Magic by Bree Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new author to me, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I loved the cover so I thought I would give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed. What I found is a very well written story with some truly amazing characters. To be quite honest, I felt myself wanting to be the main character several times. I highly enjoyed the good and bad within her and the plot twists that came along with her. The author did a fantastic job describing her fantasy world and the magic within it. This was a very fast paced book, and I was on the edge of my seat reading it. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series and I recommend that you read it.
Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a lovely, sweet, heartwarming historical, holiday romance by an author that was new to me before reading this book. I don’t read a lot of historical romance but I really enjoyed this one and could be persuaded to read more. This is the first book in a new series and judging by how much I enjoyed reading this book, I’m pretty sure that I will read the future books in the series.
This is the story of Cora Lee Schuster who has come west to be a mail order bride, only to find out that her future husband has absolutely no interest in marrying her. Living with his family she forms close bonds with his father, aunt and brother when he disappears. As they spend more time together Jace Coleman, brother of her betrothed, has to fight with his growing feelings for Cora Lee.
I really loved reading the interactions between Cora Lee and Jace, watching them tip-toe around each other, unwilling to accept that there could be something growing between them.
The author does a great job of character building, particularly in how different Jace is from his brother Jude. Jace is a fantastic character, as is Cora Lee, and I could have read about them for hours and hours. I was really drawn into their story and found it very entertaining.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The human mind and its ability to control have always fascinated me. How it can convince you fantasy is reality. How it can shelter you from life-altering trauma. The author makes it clear that she is intrigued by these things as well as she walks us through a labyrinth of mental wormholes, all while creating a plot and cast of characters with an amazing amount of depth.
Our main character, Aria, is a psychiatrist, returning from a leave of absence provoked by the suicide of a client and the impending divorce from her husband. She’s also a psychiatric consultant for the police. She returns to the job by being brought into a case of a young woman found wandering the streets, naked and confused. As Aria begins to dig into this young woman’s case and psyche she is brought into a story of dark chaos and reveals more about her own mindset. Everything you think you know while reading this book – you don’t. It will leave you trying to untangle the question of who are you – really? An excellent psychological thriller, can’t wait to check out more of this author’s work.
Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. This is book 3 in the Legends series and even though I haven’t read the first 2 I have really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to carry on the story. The author does a great job of mixing paranormal creatures with humans and the magic in the story is believable.
Jax is the last dragon shifter. He has accepted his fate that without a mate he is destined to die. However his mate comes just when he has given up hope.
Delta is a shaman. But there is also something else about her that makes her special. When she is sent on a journey by what she thinks is her ancestors to fulfill her destiny she realises just how wrong they can be.
With an evil force trying to stop Jax and Delta from fulfilling their real destiny can they work out the truth from all the twisted dreams they are having or will the fight against it and allow evil to win.
Kissing Darkness by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading this book I LOVED it from start to finish. Just wished I would’ve read books one through four before starting this one. I really like to read series and follow characters from the beginning of their journeys. Still loved it nontheless!! I grew to love Isra, but all characters were very interesting as well. Great story about light and dark coming together. Magic, witches and drama!! ❤ Now I must go play catch up and read the rest of the series from the beginning LOL
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts Book 5) by KG Fletcher
5-stars
This was a fantastic Christmas read, absolutely perfect for this time of year! This is the fifth book in the Reigning Hearts series and in saying that I feel like this book can be read as a standalone as I was able to jump right in.
I love how the author managed to pull me in right from the start with these wonderfully complex characters, their story is at times heart breaking but overall left me feeling all kinds of emotions, and truly happy with how it all played out.
If you are looking for a quick Christmas read look no further, this is the book for you!!
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Best friends that are cruelly torn apart. It is not the usual friends-to-enemies romance. A third-wheel to stir things up. Hormones…miscommunication…and a new guy. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down.
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where do I start with this incredible Thrilling Crime story? Well… At the beginning. Who am I? What am I? Where do I need to go? How did I get here? Looking in the mirror, I see me. But what have I done? Aria is the main character who deals with all kinds of patients. But I can see what she is struggling with. You will too. Being a psychologist, her plate is over full. Even though she is struggling in her personal life. Others need her, the patient who takes her own life, the young girl in the hospital, even the detectives on a hunt to find other girls missing. Not to mention the killer and his evil ways. WOW! I could not stop reading this story. There were so many avenues to get to the end. Even after the last word was read, I still felt the need to read it again. This is a must read rollercoaster. Just when you think you have figured out where this author is going. You find out you’re wrong. Reminder no story is complete until The End is read. I hope you enjoy this author and her story as much as I and the readers before me did.
Review@Cinful
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that will keep you turning pages. The author’s use of details gave the story a realistic feel as if you were right there in the story. Her characters are relatable and kept the story engaging. Grace is one step away from losing her law license and finds herself turning to the dark side to pay the bills. What will happen when she takes on a client that she needs to prove their innocence? This is where the story takes on a race against time to find the truth and keep herself from going under. I really enjoyed Grace’s character and what she brought to the story. She made the story entertaining to read and had me wanting to know more. This is a great read and I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this scientific fantasy story. This is not my first book by this author and it is just as great if not better than the previous books I have read. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. I enjoyed how the characters are connectable and kept the story engaging. This is a fast paced story that is full of action and just a great story. This is a story about broken love and finding it again. Two pasts that are full of pain, two worlds and how fate will step in to change things. I enjoyed the growth and chemistry between the characters. They brought the story to life and made it entertaining to read. This is a great pick up which I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are not enough words to say about this book. I absolutely loved it. There were so many emotions. I definitely shed some tears more than once.
I’m not going to say too much so I don’t give anything away but Kirsa and Brock were best friends until something gets in the way. Brock, as a way to deal with the apparent betrayal, sets out to make Kirsa miserable.
The characters were great. I’m glad Kirsa had Rylan after spending so long not having anyone. I’m glad Brock came to his senses but he was pretty awful for a long time. Kirsa is so strong. She shouldn’t have had to be but she is a force to be reckoned with. I devoured this book!!
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have not read a psychological thriller like this in a very long time! Complex at its best! This story is detailed and intricate, and every chapter draws you in further making you not want to miss a single word. This author has taken us deep inside each characters mind, and its a very wild ride. You question every person, every motive, what’s real and what’s not, and what’s fueling everything that’s lead to this path for each character encountered. This book was soo great, and one that will leave you deep in thought as well as completely speechless…
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kirsa and Brock are best friends. When they are teenagers, those feelings of friendship could be something more than that. But, when Victoria enters the scene, lines become fuzzy and their path forward together isn’t as clear as it once was. Miscommunication leads to Brock turning his back on Kirsa and he makes her life miserable.
For years, Kirsa deals with the pain Brock puts her through. When Rylan starts school with them, Kirsa is hesitant to become his friend. But, Rylan wears her down and they become friends. Rylan is someone who will stand by (and up for) Kirsa. When their friendship becomes a point of jealousy for Brock, will Brock finally learn the truth of what really happened years ago? Even if he does, can Kirsa forgive him? Or is there too much damage to overcome?
I really enjoyed this book. It is not the usual friends-to-enemies romance. Oh no…there is so much more. Add in the third-wheel to stir things up…teenage hormones…miscommunication…and a new guy…and you have the recipe for a great story. I was pulled in from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. I feel like there is some unresolved issues and storylines that I would love to see how some of their stories develop…so I am already looking forward to future books!
Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a well written book! I liked that it was a high school setting but didn’t seem childish. I mean, yes the reasoning for what Kirsa went through was childish. But it was maturely written. I would love to see more of Rylan’s story in another book. A lot of this book reminded me of 13 reasons why but without the dark elements and an actual romance. Great read!
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having been dealing with dementia in my own family lately this novel hit deeply. At first I thought it would just be another feel good, bad boy meets good girl, good girl brings out true nature in bad boy which isn’t bad at all, but it is not. I did not read the first two books so I came in a little lost and although this can be a stand-alone book I wish I would have read them in order. Now I am going back and reading them again.
Another similarity in my life to this book is I am a nurse. I have been there with my patients when they don’t recognize their own children or when they tell you stories from their childhood as if they happened yesterday or when they cry out for someone they loved that has passed on but they no longer remember. I felt every moment of Madison’s journey. I think the way she handled Jared was exactly like she should have. When the children of your patients like to give orders, but keep their distance, most days you wish they were closer so you could slap some sense into them.
While this tale had it’s happy, feel good moments it had a deeper, stronger message. I laughed and I cried. I will be reading this one again!! Thank you to the author for putting out some amazing material.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
” Born in Darkness” is the third book in the “Mafia Elite” series and like the first two books, this book is phenomenal! Even though this is the third book in the series, it was no copycat of the previous books. The focus on different characters make each story unique. Emiliana and Stefano may have both been damaged in their lives but they aren’t victims or weak. They are intelligent, strong characters whose chemistry is sizzling.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful paranormal romance. Ember is such a beautiful swan shifter that shares the same love of food that Austin does. Fate brings them together when his RV breaks down on his way through and he and his crew stop at her restaurant for a bite to eat. The connection between Ember and Austin is immediate. It isn’t only their mutual love of creating amazing food that draws them together. They both have wounded souls that call out to each other no matter how hard they try to resist the pull. Each is dealing with a controlling father and trying to forge their own path in life. Ember has been taught not to trust anyone from the time she was a small girl and she has to learn to push past those deeply ingrained fears and listen to her heart. This is a beautiful heartwarming story of romance and hope that will leave you with a smile on your face. I’m really looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s different! A great different though! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ember’s Secret.
Our story revolves around two lonely souls that are drawn to one another.
Austin, a failure in his father’s eyes, has a love and a passion for food. He might have darkness looming over him but he’s just the light this story needed. His character development and growth is wonderfully needed throughout the story.
Then there’s Ember living in fear, after her mother was killed when she was a child. Then again that’s because of her shape shifting secret she holds dear. She grows up tremendously throughout.
Austin stumbles across her empty restaurant with phenomenal food because his car troubles landed him there. He sees a kindred flame within Ember and wants to give her everything nobody gave him to succeed. Though hesitant at first Ember jumps on board and let’s Austin and his team lead the way. As they grow closer they have my obstacles that erupt in their way.
It’s a sweet supernatural romance that I encourage any and all to give a chance. The author did a wonderful job and I look forward to reading our books in the future.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was fantastic! The complexity of the characters was fabulous and the relationships between them were so realistic. All the food as well sounded amazing and I really wished I could taste it! The conflicts in each of their lives were so relatable and I definitely felt for Austin in his worry for his mom while his father was so sick. But Ember’s struggle with the trauma of her past makes me sad, although I truly adore her way of connecting to and keeping her past alive through using what she learned from her mom about cooking to keep her restaurant alive.
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase, #3) by Anna Paige
4 out of 5 Stars
Madison Cole is a dedicated RN and caregiver. She cares about those that have seemingly been forgotten about by their families. This costs her a lot. It has cost her jobs, friends, and her supposed family. Madison has found herself in that same situation again. She cares very much about her current patient. And by telling off his son in an email that he demanded daily, she might have just lost another job.
Jared Shaw is a rock god. Jared has been at the top of the rock game for nearly a decade. It was hard getting there. He lost so much along the way, sort of including his last family member, his dad. Jared is caring for his dad the only way he knows how and following his dad’s wishes. When Madison calls him out in an email, Jared wants her head and her job. Jared slips into the facility where his father resides to take what he wants but is waylaid by a miracle.
Will Jared be able to handle allowing Madison to continue caring for his father? Will Madison lose everything, including her heart, because of Jared? Can Jared find peace with his dad before it is too late?
The author makes sure that you feel all the feels. When Madison is down, the sadness is real. When Mr. Christopher is happy, the elation is so high. When the heart breaks, it breaks for everyone….everyone!!! I am just joining this series. I can only hope that the others are this good. I couldn’t put this one down. Who needs sleep anyways.
Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good read. The other books should be read in order, this isn’t a standalone series. I vaguely remember what happens in the second book, so getting started in this one was a little slow with trying to remember. This is a shifter romance, and it was a quick read. Some steamy scenes are written so this is definitely an 18+ novel. While I enjoyed reading this book and the plot was interesting, some scenes felt a little rushed and there was a lot of missing time in between scenes and I kept getting confused when they would switch. Overall this was a good read and I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series.
Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Ember’s Secret (Solstice Quartet #1) by Catherine Peace
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Ember’s Secret is a great read and an easy one at that. The next book is something I’m looking forward to.
Ember has always had a dream, but doesn’t think she can make it happen. When she meets Austin it’s close to Solstice. With his help will she be able to make her dream come true? The quote I chose for Ember is: “These dishes turned into a blend of traditional and … something. I wouldn’t call it fusion, but it’s different. Maybe more Americanized than I’d like. I tried a new appetizer and new entree. Wanted to get your opinion.”
Austin is a foodie by heart and wants to own his own restaurant. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere may be a blessing in disguise. Can he make his dream of settling down and being a chef come true? The quote I chose for Austin is: “Getting down those ideas you mentioned last night and implementing them as soon as possible.”
Highly recommended for Paranormal Fantasy lovers.
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༻ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ༻༻
Donna S. Frelick has been a journalist, a Peace Corps Volunteer and an author of STAR TREK fan fiction. She was an RWA® Golden Heart® Double Finalist in 2012 for the first two novels in her contemporary SFR Interstellar Rescue series, and an SFR Galaxy Award winner in 2016 and 2018 for the third and fourth books in the series. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband, two dogs and two cats. When she’s not writing, she teaches taiji and qigong, and reviews films and television for her weekly podcast.
Author Interview With Donna S. Frelick
