Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this teenage story! Story of best friends that grow up together an their life struggles. Perfect mixture of high school drama, bullying, football, romance an friendships. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
#DawnMitchell
Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5+++++ Stars
I’m so sad that I’m done with these two books and I’ll never get to read them for the first time again! Not many books make me feel that way but these have somehow touched me in a way not many books have and it feels cheap to say this but, this 2 book series has absolutely become my favorites of 2021.
I’m going to miss the sweetness of Tori and Will. With everything they went through you could feel how much they cared for each other radiating off the pages. My heart still broke a few times in this part of the story. I can only imagine how those fears can affect a person, and once again the way every scene was written was with a lot of thought and you could tell the author put everything she had into each word. I loved how the friendships held tight throughout and how they all came together to help and be the support system for them.
This one had a few scenes that you really will need a fan blowing on you while reading! Holy Moly!! And thats all Im going to say about that LOL
These 2 books are a team, you can not read one without the other, and I can not wait to give it some time and start them all over again.
So many thanks to this author for giving me this story, and also taking the time needed to make them so perfect.
Can not wait for more from this author!!!! I will read them all!
Apocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was phenomenal! Kella and Huck have such an amazing sibling relationship, and tying that in with their relationship with Jumper is truly heartwarming, the way they take care of each other. All of the references to Lord of the Rings also kept me smiling, with the way they communicated with each other building relationships in the midst of the turmoil the was the ETM. I cant wait to see how Gazer, Huck, and Kella band together to get out of this new conflict. Honestly, the way this story was written was truly a masterpiece and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emiliana and Stefano have loved eachother since they were kids. However neither family wanted them to be near eachother. Stefano’s father, Frank Rossi, is head of the Rossi family in Chicago and is an evil man. He will do anything to keep his son under his rule and he has. Here had Emiliana abducted and sold to a sex trafficking ring and almost killed. But it was only with the help of Liliana’s cousin, Eva. Stefano would do anything to keep Em safe even if that means moving her in with him. What will happen, will they expel the rats that have caused so much damage to the five families?
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another mafia princess, Sofia is a target this time for the Bratva Russian mafia. Something from her past that she thought was for the best has been discovered and she is in Ivan’s site’s. Enzo get best friend’s brother and her best friend has promised to always protect Sofia no matter what. Enzo’s need to protect her stems from a blood oath with her when she was six and he was eight. He had been in love with her since then. Will Enzo finally let get truly into his life or will he let their lifestyle get in the way.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mafia princess Liliana is being used and held by her father for his own gain. Her grandfather Vincenzo has hired Max to go in and save her and bring her home so that he can be with her since her mother was murdered. After her mother was murdered her father Benito told her that her grandfather was the one to have her killed. Max is also a member of the Italian American mafia however no one but there elder know. His father Antonio Caruso left him in an Italian hospital to die as a young child. Now Max has been hired by Benito as one of his soldiers not knowing who he truly is. Liliana feels that Max has kidnapped her against her will even though he is saving her from Benito’s control. Will everything work in favor of Liliana and Max. This was an amazing first book in the series.
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the series…but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
The cast of characters from the first two books are back…but this time we are focusing on CC. CC is the town hairstylist…and best friend to Anabelle and Breckin. She has come to terms with the fact that she is an outcast and will probably be alone forever. She is crushing on Brant, who runs the town’s clinic, for 2 years…but she knows that he’s too good for her so she won’t even take her shot.
Brant moved to Parker Lake a couple of years ago and is running the local clinic. He had a rough childhood and was in foster care for a while…so he is set in his ways of not forming attachments. He has noticed the hairstylist in town…but their interactions thus far have led him to believe that she hates him.
So…when meddling friends step in and set them up on a date. When they find out that their initial assumptions about each other are wrong, can they get out of their own ways to see if they could be more than friends? Or are they too stuck in their ways to take the chance? (You will have to read to find out)
I really enjoyed this story. Brant and CC are both great characters that have been shaped by their childhoods. The friendship they create is amazing…and the way they grow as people is even more special. I have enjoyed the books in the series and this was no exception.
Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where to start? This book is excellent. It is book 3 in the series. The conclusion of Becky and Chance’s story. Toss in an ex-wife that just can’t get a clue, ex’s that come back around, and some extra powerful drama. Becky and Chance are dealing with all of this around her doing a concert series once a month and the rodeo. They face some strong struggles but their love seems to be very strong. Can they get through this. Will their love survive? This story caught me from page 1. You are going to feel the emotions roll through the whole story. It’s going to be an emotional roller coaster. I can’t give anything away. You have to read this story. You will not be disappointed. This is on my list of favorites for 2021. Well-written with fantastic characters that are so easy to relate to. I wish I could give it a 10, but they will only allow me to give it a 5. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Whoa! This book had me going, I thought I figured it out twice but nope. I love all the twist and turns. Great plot twist, full of suspense and ah-ah moments. A fantastic page-turner.
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whoa! This book had me going, I thought I figured it out twice but nope. I love all the twist and turns. Great plot twist, full of suspense and ah-ah moments. A fantastic page-turner.
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a book that kept me gripped from beginning to end and I still didn’t see the end coming. I love Grace’s character. She is someone who isn’t perfect. She has her demons with drugs and alcohol but she is working her way back to the person she used to be. I love the fact she is a very strong, determined character. That she is a fighter who refuses to give up or quit for an easier life.
This story has mystery, murder, court drama, corrupt cops and more. You never know what’s going to happen next and if Grace will succeed with the odds stacked against her. But with a young girl’s life on the line Grace will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book really is quite a masterpiece. It’s one thing for an author to write a good story, but quite another for an author to bring the reader into her characters head and make you question your own thoughts and beliefs. The mind can be a beautifully chaotic place, and this author really knows how to take the reader along for an exciting ride through it. The beginning seemed a little slow, but ultimately it was clear that it was necessary to build up the intricate storyline and get the reader engaged. If you are on the fence about psychological thrillers or reading this book, don’t hesitate. Such a memorable read!
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series and I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Brant and Colleen was sweet. I love the meddling old folks in the small town as it adds to the charm and the adage of what it is like to live in one. I found the characters to be easy to relate and connect with which helped move the story for me. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author!
Apocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Allyson Ware
I absolutely LOVE dystopian novels. They are probably my favorite type of book. When I got my hands on this one, I could not put it down. This novel goes above and beyond the typical dystopian world. Considering everything we, as society, have been through during the pandemic, it is highly relatable. Which, if you think about it, is incredibly scary to think about.
These characters are very easy to love. Each one found a place in my heart instantly. Everyone except Slingshot. You will find out soon enough why I cannot place her in the same category as the others. The storyline and characters are addicting, just like watching your favorite TV show. I guarantee you will be fascinated by this, just as I was.
Review by @aware
The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Heart of the Hussar is the first book of two in The Winged Warrior series. Set in the seventeenth century during a turbulent time in Eastern Europe, the story draws you into another time and place. The detailed story is not overridden with so much detail that you get tied down in the details, but instead, you are transported back in time. The characters are fascinating and help bring the story to life. I didn’t want to put this down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and reading more in The Winged Warrior series.
The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Allyson Ware
When I read the first couple of pages of this book, I thought that I was going to have a difficult time reading it. I was incorrect. The story takes off and is incredibly easy to follow. What I was taken aback by early on was this incredibly detailed sexual assault incident. There is no trigger warning on this novel and I strongly feel that there should be due to its graphic depiction.
Otherwise, I loved this novel. You can feel the love and tension between Oliwia and Jacek through the entire book. I want to yell at both of them to just kiss already. They have so many barriers to overcome before they find each other. More yet still to overcome. An incredible read, I truly recommend to any reader looking for a detail oriented romance.
Review by @aware
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very good book when it comes to the big three of mysteries, crimes, and even thrillers.
Grace Locke, a disgraced prosecutor, and handicapped Army veteran is on the verge of losing her legal license forever. Grace has no choice but to turn to the evil side, defending the sorts of criminals she used to enjoy locking up while living in a no-tell hotel and eating ramen. To make matters worse, she’s battling the drug addiction that has landed her in this situation in the first place. Grace arranges to represent a trust-fund youngster accused of capital murder to pay the bills since she has few other choices to save her profession. Her strategy, however, has two drawbacks. One—Grace feels that being accused is the same as being guilty. Two, the accused is Grace’s spouse’s daughter, who is the daughter of the beauty queen who took Grace’s husband. Grace is surprised to learn that her client may not be guilty after all.
Grace believes the only reason that makes sense is that the dead man was involved in the criminal underworld. With the cops looking the other way and misdirecting her every step, the only explanation that makes sense to her is that the dead man was involved in the criminal underworld. When Grace uncovers convincing proof of her client’s innocence, the search for the true killer begins, leading her deep into Florida’s illegal pill mill trade. Is it too late for Grace to save her little client and herself from the execution chamber?
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book in the series from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.
Tally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a great story! Following Tally and Jophiel from book 1 in India and now book 2 the next adventure is in the Yukon in Canada. I loved how the Tally and her dad become “mushers” and learn a new experience. When they trek on their own after learning the ropes of dog sledding, they seem to become lost and are in a village that is “cursed”. When Tally’s dad is hurt, she needs to find a way to get her dad to a doctor for treatment while trying to help break this curse that the village has. I love Tally’s character as she is curious but brave. Mystery, intrigue, gold hungry characters, mythical beings and just quite an adventure all wrapped into a great read! I cannot wait to book 3!!
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An innocent young girl in need of someone to save her and now that she believes Zoe is innocent Grace is doing just that. A former prosecutor and solider, Grace is tougher than she looks and Zoe needs her to be tough. Zoe’s life hasn’t been easy and to top off all the other misery now she has been wrongly convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.
This novel was so fast paced I hadn’t realized 3 hours had passed and I was half way through. The detail was so rich I can’t imagine the sheer amount of research that had to go into making this crime/mystery novel as amazing as it is. The author did an unbelievable job. I am a forever fan and cannot wait for the next book!!
Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful romance. Annie is such a wild, strong woman that isn’t afraid to be different and I absolutely love that about her! Her granny sounded like such a fun person and she really learned her love for animals and living life to the fullest from her. I really enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the sweet moments of romance and the way that Annie and Wyatt heal each other. Wyatt is so haunted and a shell of who he used to be when he returns home. Luckily he ends up asking Annie for a job and she starts to wriggle her way under his rough exterior from the very first meeting. They’re so adorable as they’re getting to know each other and growing closer. They have a couple of obstacles to work through but the ending is amazing and it definitely made me tear up. This is a book that you won’t want to miss.
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again this author gives us a sweet romance with a perfect plot that flows beautifully, and loveable characters. While this is the third book in the series you could most certainly read it as a standalone. However I recommend reading the entire series as this author is very good at hooking her readers know sweet romances. This book follows Colleen and Brant both of which think they don’t have a chance with the other. Who will take a chance and shoot their shot? Will Brant finally work up the courage to ask out Colleen? Or will it be the other way around? You’ll have to read this sweet romance, with our lovable characters to find out for yourself.
Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very sweet romance, with beautiful characters and a plot that flowed perfectly. This sweet romance was absolutely perfect with a small town setting, second chances, chemistry, and so much more I simply couldn’t put it down. While this is a new author to me I simply just can’t wait to see what happens next. Both Annabelle and Wyatt were charming, endearing and loveable characters. The story between these two was so perfect that you can’t help but cheer for them from the sidelines. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
States of Grace was a really good book, I was shocked to see it was the first by this author. It had a lot of hints toward previous events, I thought for sure I missed a book. I hope there is a prequel in the future, as I want to know more about Grace’s past. I want to know about her military time, her marriage/ex husband and her hitting rock bottom. It seems there is quite the backstory and I want to read more about it… However, that being said, the book was really good. I was hooked from start to finish and didn’t want to put it down. The book was action packed from start to finish. The characters are well developed and have good solid relationships. The author really did her research and it shows. The ending was not at all what I expected, which is good. I like when I don’t have it all figured out, and to be caught off guard. I highly recommend this book, and am super impressed for a first time author. I genuinely can’t wait to read more about Grace Locke!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dahlia Nite is one badass shifter. I love how she “lies” to her partner, Evans, to get out of him following her. She is supposed to protect humanity from the monsters but those lines are blurring. She wonders if its a virus or if somethings is triggering people. What makes this story work is the adventure. You don’t really get stories with dragon shifters. The action kept my interest all the way through. Well-written. The characters are totally relatable. I totally recommend this.
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase Book 3)
I loved getting to know Jared so deeply. It had been a while since I had read Ethan’s book but it felt like a homecoming once I got into the book.
Jared and his Dad broke my heart. Their back stories and what they were dealing with present day are just more than any family should have to endure.
There were so many sweet and funny moments and some heartbreaking ones too. I really loved this book and all of the guys in Thrill of the Chase. This book could have been twice as long and not long enough for me.
I absolutely adore Jared but I’m curious to get the Lennox’s story. I just know there is something deep there.
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is an arm-chair gripper from page 1. The action in the plot grab you from the court scene in Chapter 1. It’s kind of seedy and grody but she’s trying to change things around. We all have to hit bottom. She hits it HARD. These characters are fantastic. I felt like I was reading a seedy detective/court novel. It was fantastic because I’m a huge fan of these. I love it when the actions continues throughout the whole novel. It keeps the action fast and involved. The story is great. Well- done, I’d recommend it.
Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she continues to blow my mind. I love a good rockstar romance but she exceeded all my expectations in this story. I felt all the emotions in this book so much I found myself crying in the end. This is the third book from the very addictive Thrill of the Chase series. This book could be read as a stand alone but there are some previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited when I got this book I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. I could not put this book down until the end and I can’t wait to see who she is going to write about next.
Jared Shaw is not your average guy. He is in a very known band called Thrill of the Chase. Jared can get any woman he wants but he is too busy for one. He loves his father so much he has the best of the best watching over him. He gets a very rude email from his fathers nurse and he needs to confront her. When Jared gets to the home his father is at he meets the beautiful Madison. He sees how amazing she is with his father but he doesn’t realize that Madison is the same nurse from the email. A huge problem goes down and he asks Madison to come with him to care for his dad. He starts to feel something he has never felt before but he doesn’t want to ruin his dad’s life. Will Jared find his true love or will it all be ruined by his fame?
Review @heatherbass
Hanging Softly in the Night, A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso Sierra
Narrated by Charles Kahlenberg
This is a new author and series to me. I thoroughly enjoyed this story that kept me guessing until the end. It definitely can be listened to as a stand-alone, but I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the books in this series. This book was filled with mystery and kept me listening long into the night.
The narrator of this book is also new to me. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could listen to the whole book, but after about a chapter the narrator grew on me. It had just been quite a while since I listen to a book with one narrator. Lately I have listened to duet narration. This book really took on a life of its own once I got into the storyline.
Review by @sunbarn
Forbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I fell in love with this series awhile ago and after a long awaited 3rd book, I can gladly say it was WELL worth it! It just keeps getting better and better. The plot keeps growing and changing and it just always seems to work just like you hope! Had me feeling all the emotions! Couldn’t reccomend more!
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grace was such a great character and very relatable. She pushed every edge and boundary but in the best way possible. She experienced many harsh realities and darkness set in many times, but she overcame giving as good as she got. She dealt with many personal battles struggles, but still had so many people on her side. This book was so hard to put down because the storyline was everything needed in a good book to draw you in. There were so many great elements surrounding this story, and its a big miss if you do not pick it up to read.
States of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
States of Grace is full of twists and believable characters! The main character is not the typical “perfect” heroine where everything always works out, which was relieving. Grace Locke is a lawyer on the verge of losing her license, and must figure out a way to pay the bills. She takes on a teenage client who she does not believe is guilty, and determined to prove it. It does have a little bit of a slow start, but it builds up quickly once things start to progress, and then shoots off to 90 mph. I enjoyed the mix of the mystery and legal standpoints, and how stubborn the character is (which is relatable, haha). The author’s use of details was very well done and made the story entertaining, but still believable. Definitely give this author and book a chance. I read this entire book in about 2 days, and am looking forward to reading more from this author, and this series.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
