I love nothing more than a steamy sports novel with a cabin scene! This book felt realistic and I loved how the main characters could really be honest with each other without judgement. We journey through their friendship while tension builds throughout the book, and I did not want to put it down! Good read for a snowy day by the fire and a cup of hot cocoa. Definitely recommend
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57543576-degrees-of-innocence” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616856954l/57543576._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57543576-degrees-of-innocence”>Degrees of Innocence</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5168006880″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story had a good plot to it and I was pulled into the story from the start. The author did a good job with moving the book forward and developing the characters a bit. Katarina is on a business trip in Aruba gearing up for a week long meeting about the development of a new medical facility. Chase is a wealthy businessman that had contracted the company Katarina works to oversee said project. As I moved through the first few chapters and saw the interaction between these two it was evident there was a mutual attraction. It was hard to tell whether Chase knew that Katarina was working for him from the beginning or if he found out through the interaction in the emails. She though was surprised to find out whom she had been corresponding with when he showed up to do his part for the meeting. Will she be willing to move forward with their relationship after being lied to? Will there be a happily ever after?
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
Loretta is a mischievous girl who lives in a cabin high up in the Colorado
mountains. She loves her garden and the ladybugs that protect it. But
where do they go in the winter? On a cold winter day while she is collecting
pine needles for her strawberry patch, she discovers ladybugs hiding under a
rock. She finds even more behind a chunk of loose tree bark.
Through a loving relationship with her parents and her garden, Loretta
learns about the life cycle of ladybugs.
Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.
Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays.
She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.
Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children, four grandchildren and a dog.
•°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••°•
Birthright. Protector. Heaven. Hell.
A lone demon hunter, his true birthright unknown, roams the streets of Los Angeles while killing demons to prevent atrocities against the world. As the son of Asmodeus, Sully is a hunter feared by both demons and angels. His world was not the same once he walked into a bar and offered to help Mick, a gothic bartender.
Mick worried about her missing friend until the day she met Sully. The minute he walked into her bar and offered his help, her world changed. Secrets of her destiny unlocked, and he was at her side everywhere she turned. Friend. Protector.
Can they live with the secrets that are revealed to them? Will they survive the chase for the truth between Heaven and Hell?
Barb Jones lives in the beautiful state of Florida with her family. She is the best selling author of the Blood Prophecy Series and has now written a brand new series, called Heaven and Hell. As a paranormal romance and horror author, Barb finds her muse in her rambunctious cat as well as having a strong family history tied to the Hawaiian culture. She’s even lived in haunted houses, which she absolutely loved growing up. Barb works in the IT industry but writing and telling stories (the scarier the better) is her passion next to blind dates!
Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a beautifully written story, I am so glad I got the chance to read this book, it made me feel all the warm and fuzzy feelings on a cold December night. I really enjoy second chance romances, and this was more than I expected, original and one that kept me interested the entire time. I can’t wait to see that comes next in this series. Highly Recommend.
The Daredevil: A Friends to Lovers Romance by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ms. Han is still a new author to me, and she has not yet disappointed with her work. This was a romantic, suspenseful, and steamy read. Michelle and Royce were the yin and the yang to each other giving the other something they needed. I enjoyed their character and growth !
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good 4 star read. This is Laurel and Robert’s story, a historical romance with some thrilling twists and turns. Laurel and Robert wed and when she went home with him things got very interesting from there. Not everyone was happy to hear about the marriage. When Robert gets called away to war poor Laurel is left to deal with a not so nice sister-in-law. Will she be able to work things out with her SIL? What will happen when her husband returns?
Overall I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Freedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This a wonderful magical book. It is very well written. It has very real life problems but spun in a different way. I love how the characters deal with these real life issues and how it shows people can be redeemable. I can’t wait to read the other books.
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.7/5 Stars
This was my 2nd book in this series. Thief was the first book I read and this book was just as good. I love how the book was written and the first few chapters give some great insight on Adrik. The flashback portions weren’t distracting or misplaced and really help us learn why Adrik is the way he is. This series is so good and the books being able to be read as standalone books is refreshing.
Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book in the series and it was so good! This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but reading the previous books will give insight to who is who in this book. Leah has an authentic vulnerability that I just loved reading about and so did Dom towards the end. I was very excited to see the next book is about Adrik!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strangers Kate and Chase meet by chance over saving a life tourist at the hotel. Realizing the chemistry between them, Kate risks putting work aside and having a little fun, little does she know Chase is the man she will be working for. You will enjoy the read of a very shy independent woman falling for a man who is very overprotective and detail oriented. The author does a good job with the love line of the characters and even adds a little mystery and suspense and ends with a HEA.
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let me start this out by saying I’m not the hugest mafia/bratva fan but PHEW. This author got me changing my mind. I find something incredibly sexy about a scarred up MC- especially when they have more substance than their character revolving around their scars. The chemistry between Adrik and Annika was off the charts. Annika was beautiful and despite being a princess- she was relatable- who doesn’t feel like an outcast every once in awhile? I love the way their story unfolded and I can’t wait to read the rest in the series. I might just give this genre more of a chance! Check it out my friends- it’s definitely worth a read.
The Daredevil: A Friends to Lovers Romance by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Daredevil
WaterFyre Rising Series: Book 2
By: Nadia Han
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
I absolutely love contemporary romance novels and I expect them to always be predictable. Wow. Was I wrong!!! The Daredevil by Nadia Han (WaterFyre series book 2) completely exceeded all my expectations and I am hooked! Truly action packed and immersive with suspense to spare! Her well written and extremely addicting plot and friends to lovers romance will have you up all night turning pages. Royce and Michelle were such interesting and enjoyable characters to get to know, and who doesn’t love a sexy nerd!!! Their jobs of being a travel blogger and Volcanologist were so cool.Their chemistry was truly believable and amazing. The way they help each other heal and face their past demons was very inspiring. I read this installment before reading book 1 The Mastermind and it definitely works as a stand alone novel but I cannot wait to go back and start The WaterFyre Series from the beginning, as I suggest you do, and be completely encapsulated by Nadia Hans’ world.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, it is unlike a dark mafia romance that I have read in the past. This story is about a woman named Katrina who is in Aruba for a week-long “business meeting” she is running. She is helping a big wig corporation change the face of hospitals. Her story starts when she is physically saving the life of another customer staying in the hotel. A gentleman, Chase, comes to assist her; we later find out this man owns the hotel and is the enterprise in charge of Katrina’s project. These two have instant chemistry, but she is shocked to find out that he is her present boss. Because of past experiences, she is completely against this, but for some reason just cannot do without him. During her stay, she starts to spend a lot of physical time with Chase and the two produce a bond that neither has experienced before. This bond is strengthened when she is attacked, twice. Katrina learns quickly what it is like to be in a relationship with a wealthy, possessive man.
The story itself has many twists and turns. Many times you never see them coming. This is considered a mafia romance, but for much of the book, you would have no idea that that is the genre. The concept of Chase having ties to the underworld of society is not a storyline for much of the book. Do her past history, his secrets and over-possessiveness build a recipe for disaster? Even though there is a lot happening in the book, it was enjoyable. There is much spice, with a side of erotica. The characters are enjoyable to see grow together. Katrina is a woman figuring out what she sexually likes, while Chase is awakening her senses. The two have great flirtatious ways and playful banter. I am interested to find out what will occur in the rest of the series.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Knight In The Museum is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight mystery series, and can be read as a standalone. Knight is a private investigator, and is asked to take a look when a friend of a friend’s suspicious death is deemed accidental. The further she gets into the case, the more Knight discovers that is hard to dismiss as coincidental. And yet the police seem all too happy to do just that, which increases her suspicions.
This is a thrilling mystery read. There’s so much to unravel, with early hints at the involvement of a curse amongst other things. To figure out why Howard died, Knight also has to unravel the final case he was working on, about which he had been very secretive. So plenty going on, making it a hard book to put down!
For me, this book gets five stars. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good mystery series, particularly if you’re after some Canadian content!
So this is book 3 of this series, you will get a little lost in the beginning if you don’t read the first two books like me. However, I do plan on going back and reading the first two later. Soraya is the main character who is forced to take on the lead role to help The Circle prevent the CEO of DNAgen Biolabs from launching a pill that can remove specific people from the world. I feel like I might have said too much and I encourage any and all of you to read this book and the other two books as well. This is Soraya’s time to share her story and I know that you will love this book just as much as I did.
Freedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So this is book 3 of this series, you will get a little lost in the beginning if you don’t read the first two books like me. However, I do plan on going back and reading the first two later. Soraya is the main character who is forced to take on the lead role to help The Circle prevent the CEO of DNAgen Biolabs from launching a pill that can remove specific people from the world. I feel like I might have said too much and I encourage any and all of you to read this book and the other two books as well. This is Soraya’s time to share her story and I know that you will love this book just as much as I did.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author keeps you guessing in this book. When a killing happens at the beginning of the book, you think the story is about that. However, further into the book it becomes about another killing that comes around and is part of the first killing that happened two years prior. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who did it.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Right after saving a life, Kate finds her own life in danger. Luckily, Chase is there to help keep her safe. However, when Monday rolls around, Kate finds out that Chase is her boss. She has definite feelings about dating her boss but he has stronger feelings about letting her go. Between keeping her safe and the job the two are doing, Chase and Kate have more than enough to fight about (and reason to make up.)
Opinion
I’m a big Via Mari fan and jumped at the chance to start reading a new series. While parts of this story seem old and familiar, Mari writes it so well that those parts fade into the background. I loved the instant attraction the two had and Chase’s drive to keep her safe, even with Kate trying to barter down to what she felt was reasonable. This series has promise and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, especially with the father she never knew.
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is quite outside of my normal read, but still an experience nevertheless. It takes on a military sci-fi theme that goes deep into the technology and weapon information but stops short of character development and feels shallow in other areas as well.
Quick chapters and variable level of depth led me to struggle with this book. Good concepts stretched thin in some areas and loss of interest in others. Good concepts with shaking delivery.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A stunning conclusion to an epic trilogy filled with fast paced adventure in ancient Greece. I devoured this story as quickly as possible to discover what happens with Evan and his fellow companions who are in a race to save the gods. Again, a wonderfully researched story that makes you feel like you are right there in ancient Greece with the characters. The author did a fabulous job of blending history, mythology and fantasy into a stunning trilogy. The story continued to take you on different twists and turns, culminating into a surprising ending. I will definitely be checking out the author’s other series as her writing is stellar and kept my interest peaked throughout the entire trilogy.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Degrees of Innocence
Via Mari
This was such a good read. I loved the banter between the two main characters, Katarina and Chase. This book kept me reading until the very end. I loved the dichotomy of the alpha male and the strong female. I also loved how the title was in play throughout the book. It really had me looking at the various degrees of innocence that one possesses. Finally, this book left me hanging with several questions. Which I think was smart of the author to do as it definitely has me wanting to read book two in the series right now!
The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this to be a well-researched and written story about ancient Greece laced with history and mythology. This was a well-paced story that immediately hooks you into the story and I couldn’t put it down. As a lover of Greek Mythology, I found this to be a wonderful story. I jumped into book 2 without reading book 1, but the story was detailed enough I was able to follow along, but I will be reading book 1 so I can get the full effect. I thought the character development was fantastic and Evan is definitely a hero favorite of mine. I can’t wait to read book 3 to see how the journey continues and what adventures our heroes will find.
The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author has managed to pack so much into this one book and I enjoyed every moment of it. Every element of this book is my favourite kind of romance story and the mix of everything, for me, just made it even better. I found the characters to b well thought out. they had such different lifestyles and yet has instant chemistry and just seemed to click.
Although the author seems to have thrown loads at this book it is all managed so well. Everything ties in and adds to the story and I found it all really enjoyable. This is a great book and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Second book that I’ve read by this author and another unforgettable read. This book has adventure, drama, romance, and the most wonderful characters. You feel transported into the ranch and can’t help but fall in love with Emma Rosales the heiress to the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn.
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot get enough!! I have not read the other Bratva books, but I now definitely plan on going back and reading them! This novel stuck out to me because I absolutely love the Beauty and the Beast story, and this sounded comparable. I was not disappointed in the slightest. You will love everything about Annika and Adrik. The author did a fantastic job creating these characters and did the same with the plot.
This is definitely still a Mafia novel, so do not get that confused with the romance entwined within. I can guarantee you will still find it thrilling and mysterious. I definitely did. I highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down!
Review by @aware
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Return to Gallanvaig is the second book in the Beyond A Quirk of Destiny Series. This was a great read and I enjoyed it.
Calum is worried about everyone. The Genies are back and they’re trying to destroy everything. He and his friends try to find a solution for it. Can they save everyone? The quote I chose for Calum is: “It must be difficult. I mean, this is your home, you were born here and have lived your whole life here. It must be hard to just leave it all behind to settle somewhere else.”
Highly recommended for Dystopian lovers.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery #1) by I.M. Foster
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Murder on Oak Street is the first book in A South Shore Mystery Series. The book had me hooked from the beginning.
Daniel loved his job and had a good woman by his side. Or so he thought. She left him standing at the altar. So he moves on and the first case that he gets doesn’t sit right with him. Seeing that it falls back on his desk about the time another murder happens makes him wonder if they’re connected. The quote I chose for Daniel is: “Then I’d say my guardian angel was working overtime.”
Highly recommended for Historical Crime lovers.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays is a fun little read. I love holiday romances and this one was my favorite of the season.
Tenley or TJ on PAR as she’s known on her podcast. She doesn’t really believe in love. She is practical. So when she’s offered an all paid for trip to Hawaii she takes it. She wants the cash, but that doesn’t mean she’ll get it. The quote I chose for Tenley is: “Yeah, but when it does happen. They just readjust or put them back on. They don’t break to the point of being unwearable and now everyone is enjoying the let’s-look-at-Tenley’s-boobs show.”
Teagan or TJ Mack the Love Guru has challenged someone he’s never met to come to Hawaii with him. He doesn’t tell her they’ll be acting like a couple or sharing a room. Can he convince her that the idea of love isn’t a bad idea? The quote I chose for Teagan is: “Ohhhh. You wound me, Babe. But just keep in mind, I don’t fucking share, Tenley. Nobody puts their hands on my girl but me.”
Highly recommended for Holiday Romance lovers.
