Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kamana Wanalaya was the 1st book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoy reading books from different authors and seeing their different writing styles.
This was a quick read. Definitely entertaining. It was funny and spicy. The characters were great. It would make for a great holiday movie if the author ever decided to do that I’d definitely watch it!
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PREORDER ~ ~ ~ 
When New York transplant Ginny Meyer returns to her small hometown to help her father recover from surgery, she isn’t looking for any complications. No Christmas caroling, no cookie decorating, and certainly no time spent with her ex-husband, Max. The trouble is, she’s looped into helping with the Christmas Jubilee—and a certain ex is her planning partner. Now all her plans to avoid Max disappear in a puff of tinsel. But she can resist his charms, right?
Max Sanchez has three great loves in his life—his diner, Christmas, and his ex-wife. He’s spent two years missing the woman who broke his heart and left town, and he’ll use any excuse to spend time with her. Max hopes some holiday cheer, and his famous cheese enchiladas, can help them find their way back together. Buckeye Falls hasn’t felt the same since Ginny left, and Max can tell she’s warming to the idea of staying in town. Now if only he could get her to stay with him…
With a little help from the residents of Buckeye Falls, this Christmas is bringing more than presents under the tree.
Author Libby Kay’s books are perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins’ second chance romances or Sharon Sala’s smalltown romances. Readers will fall in love with Buckeye Falls, Ohio and the townspeople as they embrace the holiday season. Slip in to this enchanting smalltown and stay awhile! You might just fall in love…
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
The Minotaur stirs.
Evan is drugged to forget the gods’ quest.
Evan and his fellow companions are enslaved by the Amazon Queen Antioche and her warriors. The Dark Master’s victorious revenge over the gods is almost complete. The plight of the High Priestess is precarious, her health ailing, imprisoned in a dark room, and unable to rescue her brother and fellow Atlanteans.
One more sacred relic must be recovered, within the lair of the Minotaur. Evan leads his companions into the final battle against the Dark Master on the lands of mystical Krete. He must succeed in his mission so his father Zeus fulfills his pledge to return him home. Then there is Queen Antioche, and the precious gifts she presents him.
Will Evan return home, and what will become of his future?
Minotaur’s Lair is the third and final book in the action-packed Servant of the Gods historical fiction series. A must-read for all historical fantasy fiction fans, ideal for readers of Wilbur Smith, Rick Riordan and Steven Pressfield.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Minotaur’s Lair (Servant of the Gods Book 3) by Luciana Cavallaro
Luciana Cavallaro, genre-bending fiction author, is the multi award-winning author of The Labyrinthine Journey and The Guardian’s Legacy. She has been nominated for book awards in the action/adventure and historical fiction genres, Finalist in the New Media Film Festival and Finalist in the Page Turner Awards. She is also rather proud of her ambitious attempt at driving her first car at the age of three. (Just between us, this was when she gave her father high blood pressure … and the beginning of her adventures). Visit her website at https://luccav.me/
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m always looking for mysteries and “who done it’s” that are engaging and don’t get bogged down and boring in the middle, the historical aspect was definitely a plus, and Murder on Oak Street absolutely fit the bill. This book has lots of drama, suspense, and misconceptions that pull you in and doesn’t let go until the end albeit reluctantly as I found myself wishing for more. Murder on Oak Street is ultimately an investigation within an investigation as a previous reviewer stated, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you like historical, crime, mysteries you should definitely give this a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another sweet, wonderfully illustrated, well written Amaleigha story. This one stars the independent, creative, curious Amaleigha. She really enjoys being outdoors and investigating the changing seasons, and all the intricacies that nature, and the world have to offer but wants everyone else to be able to have the same opportunities to do so as well. Amaleigha gathers her family, and individuals throughout town and together they build a barefoot park. I really loved how the author includes directions on how to build your own barefoot park to really get the readers engaged and having fun. This is a wonderful children’s story.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street by I.M. Foster is an intense ride of a murder mystery. It follows Dr. Daniel O’Halleran as he tries to untangle the webs of intrigue surrounding the deaths of two wealthy and influential men which may, or may not, be connected. The long list of suspects are full of secerts, lies, and scandal. It’s cleverly written, well-paced, and full of colorful characters. Foster had created a wonderful story with enough twists to rival Knives Out. Happy sleuthing!
Reviewed by @whisperhymer
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun 5 star read. This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it.
The author had me pulled in right from the start, I was LOL.
Tenley and Teagan were opposites attract for sure. They both had different views on love, watching their story develop was so great. And the challenge was great, will it change the views on love?
My favorite quote from the book is “God gave men both a penis and a brain, but only enough blood to supply one at a time. “
Overall this was a great read. The characters were great and we got some steamy scenes as well. I had several LOL moments. If you’re looking for a fun opposites attract romance this is the book for you. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While the romance of the story was great at the beginning, the problems with an in law definitely meant the honeymoon was over. Laurel was in love no doubt. Robert’s twin sister was making things hard. It seemed like a good portion of this book was really about the twin sister instead of the romance which made me lose interest to a degree. Overall, Laurel was a lovely person, and we are rooting for her throughout the story.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the perfect gift for a new parent. It includes wishes of happiness and love as a magic wand is passed from mother to mother in a stunning visual of colors and inclusivity.
This was such a sweet book about love and wishing the best for your child. The rhymes were well done and the pictures are beautiful and inclusive to women of a variety of cultures and religions.
This would definitely be a book that would be good in a child’s collection for a mother to read with them.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t even know where to start with this review because there are so many wonderful things about this book. I don’t want to ruin anything though!!
It’s been a couple of years since the Genies started taking over. Calum finds himself even more intent of saving his family and those he loves. The Genies have gained power and are becoming even harder to stave off. Then another world power comes to light causing even more trouble.
What’s more troubling than this? The fact that this book could potentially become reality in some sense. Can humanity be humane again? Just like the previous book, don’t try to eat anything while reading this book. As a matter of fact, this book will have a person questioning food at all. How about finding a new source of nourishment?
This author has a way of gripping the reader from page 1 to the end. There is a significant cliffhanger that has me hungering for more and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful, feel good contemporary romance just in time for the holiday season! I loved every bit of this story of two contending Paralympic athletes in skiing that are hot both on and off the slopes.
Sienna is definitely the ultra focused Paralympic skier who knows nothing outside of focusing on the Winter Games Gold. Everything around her is controlled by her mother down to every detail. When Conner comes aboard in training with Sienna and her coach for his Paralympic dreams..Sienna starts to question what does she truly want and does she want everything in her life to be controlled. As both Sienna and Conner peel the layers back and get to truly know each other on a deeper level than skiing….love blossoms and some demons are shed and let go….will Sienna and Conner go for gold in both love and skiing?
This story really pulled my heart strings…it made me smile and melted my heart on both characters back stories….this is truly a wonderful contemporary romance that just is filled with love, hope, joy and some Christmas magic….Happy Reading!!!
The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author is new to me and one of the main things I enjoyed was the description of the Thorn Ranch and the beautiful scenery. I thought it was interesting that the Thorn Ranch was handed down to girls. Emma and her mother Josie were easy to connect with. The story takes a bit of a turn when Emma finds herself in the middle of a group of people living in caves underground on the Thor Ranch property.
The story is exciting, descriptions are beautiful, and the family’s story just makes you want to keep reading.
Much Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel by Rowan Dillon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Much Ado About Dying is the second book in the Guardians of Phae series by Rowan Dillon. This is a highly original urban fantasy with drama, adventure, danger, mysteriousness plague, an ancient god, pain, heartache, fear, and hope.
This continues the story that we started in book one, so I highly recommend reading that before starting on this instalment. If the bombings weren’t bad enough, now there is deadly plagues to contend with as well, while till coming to terms with newfound abilities. Having no choice but to battle an ancient god as the fate of the world is at stake, certainly tests Roisin like never before. What happens makes for an intriguing read.
As with the first book, I felt that the story ‘lagged’ in places which made the story drag at times. I felt bogged down in an over-abundance of information that I felt didn’t drive the story forward and therefore seemed unnecessary. But I still do love the premise of this new series, as well as some of the details and developments- and can’t help but wonder what the next book will hold.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Rowan Dillon!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
if I could give this book 20 stars, I would! The characters are all phenomenal! They all have their own personalities and you get many different POV’s and I LOVE that in a book. Teagan AKA the love guru and Tenley AKA TJ On PAR…have never met, until the love guru invites her to this resort in Hawaii. He’s a sucker for love and she doesn’t believe in it. Will she let her guard down and fall in love? Does he have what it takes to break down her walls? This book is greatly written and it’s easily became one of my favorite reads this year! The humor is top notch and I’ve laughed out loud many times while reading. That spice though? *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽😘 it’s hot!! 🥵 Teagan sure has a way with words and I loved every page of the spicy scenes! I never wanted it to end! But with spice I also need a great plot..and this book has it all! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee is a spicy enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract tale with a seasonal twist. The book follows Teagan and Tenley (the yin and yang of all things romance and love) as they vacation for a week at a beautiful Hawaiian resort. Along with a cast of other couples – who are all very different – Teagan and Tenley learn about each other and challenge their views of life and love. There’s laughter, emotions, and love; this quick read will most certainly be a welcome addition to your reading log.
Also, there is an authors note at the end which does mention that characters seen here appear elsewhere in her other books. I’ve not read her before so I cannot speak to what the other books are like but I can say I love it when authors do that. It’s like a present to get to revisit our favorite characters and see where life has taken them!
Reviewed by @whisperhymer
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little cheese and a little spice makes for a nice story about a guy who believes in love and the girl he tries to convince it’s not just a sham. A friendly bet, aided by a beautiful island adventure and romantic resort experience, might just be enough to convince practical Tenley to give love a shot. But, that doesn’t mean Teagan has an easy job of convincing her that practicality doesn’t always work on matters of the heart.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the talented Susan Renee. While the synopsis and title pulled me in with a unique story it was the first sentence of page one that had me giggling to myself and roped me into the characters. Tenley is a “Love Cynic”, Teagan is a “Love Guru”.
Tenley uses her podcast to tell her listeners about practical adult relationships. While her wishes for the world seem pure, she thinks the biggest problem in the world is too many people thinking with their heart and not their brains. Teagan uses his podcast to give his listeners hope about love. Everyone has a fated partner. He feels the world’s biggest problem is that too many people don’t love or feel they can be loved. Tenley reviews one of Teagan’s recent blog posts calling him out. During a radio interview Teagan takes it up a notch giving a formal invitation to the “Love Cynic”. An all-expenses paid one week vacation to Kamana Wanalaya Resort in Hawaii, only request that if she accepts, she comes in with an open mind. When she accepts everything begins to change.
Will Teagan be able to help Tenley’s heart grow? Will Tenley finally be able to feel love? This book has it all, steamy scenes, comedy, and questions that really make you think. I honestly loved this book from page one, the characters were amazing and the way they are opposites with similar goals for the world makes you stop and think about how many different solutions there are to problems. They both want to: lower the divorce rates in the world, lower the domestic violence and lower the number of children in the foster care system. Will they find common ground between the Love Cynic and the Love Guru? Read this amazing original story to find out.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With lyrical writing, the author did a great job of putting together thoughtful and inspiring wishes for anyone to share with their loved ones. I enjoyed that the illustrations depicted a diverse group of people. The book’s overall message feels sweet, genuine, and empowering – a great read for families.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My son ( he is 6) and I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great bedtime story. It made him feel special. I loved the artwork. Especially when each parent passed the magic wand to the next. I loved the diversity of the parents. I highly recommend this book.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
TJ and TJ have been against each other for awhile. TJ is known as the love guru and is trying to help everyone around to find love. TJ on par is against love and feels that it is overrated. TJ on par otherwise known as Tenley, has been called out by the love guru, Teagan to enjoy an all expenses paid trip to a resort in Hawaii which is owned by friends of Teagan. If she doesn’t see love for what it is before the week is over then he will give her $10000 and admit she was right about love. Will she realize that love is worth finding or will he have to admit he was wrong about love?
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the Quirk of Destiny series and can stand on its own. The novel continues the apocalyptic story of how genetically modified food is killing off the human race. We start out a couple of years after the outbreak. I enjoyed the struggle of good and evil (genies-vs-GM free humans). It’s survival for the human race against the villain Balthazar, who has paranormal powers, and the secret group trying to manipulate the world. I enjoyed how much science is instead into the plot, and had no idea there was that much science on GMO’s. It fits well with what’s going on in the world today. Definitely a page turner. I look forward to book three!
Brandy Vaughn, December 2022
Review by @bilberrysweet
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really cute book! It’s perfect for little babies and young children, and if you have just had a child be prepared for the emotions because this one will probably get you. I really enjoyed reading this one and automatically thought of my daughter, because I hold so many of the same wishes mentioned in this book in my heart for her and her future. I really liked this story and highly recommend it!
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book gives a look at what the world could look like. It follows a group of people after a sickness has swept through the world and changed people to a zombie like state. The more you read the more sinister it gets. Be prepared for twists and turns and excitement. The main characters are relatable and very lovable.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute read! It was funny and heartwarming. I thought it was kind of cynical at the beginning but the ending made the cynicism worth it. Even though the ending was predictable I still enjoyed reading this holiday, grumpy/sunshine story. It was well written, enthralling and kept me entertained for me the most part throughout it. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m looking forward to reading more in the future!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance
by Susan Renee
4 out of 5 Stars
Looking for a romcom Holliday story? Then make yourself a favor and read Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance . This book has great characters that will make you laugh out loud more than once. I like how realistic the storyline feels. The fact that some additional couples make an appearance was very interesting. Don’t hesitate and grab this book. Highly recommended!!!
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Firstly, let me say that the first book, A Quirk of Destiny, blew me out of the water. I loved everything about it and had been looking forward to the second for some time. I was worried that with such a strong start that the series just couldn’t get any better. All of my qualms were obliterated the moment I started reading Return to Gallanvaig! This book is just as good if not even BETTER than the first. It continues to be so representational of where we are as a society and still blending in that post-apocalyptic terror that feels like it could be in our not-so-distant future. I cannot emphasize how amazing this series is so far, and I am clamoring for the third book already! Pick up the first two books and get lost in this dystopian masterpiece!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful story about a little girl who maybe a little different than other kids her age. She really thinks about the world around her. She is a nature lover, and an explorer. She is a dreamer with a big idea and works to make it happen, even at her age. She reminds me of my 5yo. He enjoyed this story and we can’t wait to read more in the series.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved the corner POV for a cozy
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Very different from other cozy mysteries I have read. I loved that it was from the point of view of the Corners’ and Detectives’. I want to read the next book in the series and found out what comes of the romances that happened. I wasn’t expecting who the killer was. Most of characters were likable.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ A Return to an Epic tale of a World Changed by Genies~
This is the second book in an incredibly gripping trilogy. An apocalyptic series centered around genetically altered food creating mutated humans. There is a return of the evil powers led by a Genie named Balthazar, super evil guy. This is an epic story of world domination and the fight to resist the ultimate downfall of humanity as we know it. The free survivors, the force of good that is left, is all that stands between this evil and ultimate destruction of the human race.
This is a horror novel, meant to set you on edge. But what makes this series stand out is that you are also meant to be educated…whether you realize it or not. And let me tell you, it is a FASCINATING ride. Your accidental education will move you outside of your comfort zone, and into a world you least expected but absolutely needed to be in. This author obviously did their homework, which makes this an easy favorite. From world building, scene setting, and character development you are in for a ride. Calum is a character you can fall right in line with as the plot continues to unfold. In this second book in the series, Calum has definitely matured. He is now super smart, diplomatic, and a little more down to earth than he was before.
If you have ever wanted to read the post-apocalyptic genre, focused more on the sciences and challenges your way of thinking, you won’t be disappointed. This is the second book and I can definitely say you will be wanting to pick up the first if you haven’t read it already. Happy Reading!
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson