Posts

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Rosanna Ingram

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Connor is no longer the playboy motorcross rider of his past…he is now a skier in the Paralympics. After an accident took part of his leg, he has needed to find a new way to fulfill the need for speed that lives within him. He seems to be almost as good on the slopes as he was on the track. So, when his coach plans a training session around Christmas, Connor shows up ready to work.

Sienna is the “golden girl” of the slopes…and she is only missing a gold medal at the Paralympics. When her mother cancels her vacation in lieu of another training, Sienna is wondering if there is ever going to be more to life that her overbearing mother/manager. She is less than thrilled to have to spend her favorite holiday training…and even less thrilled when she sees who she has to spend it with.

These two, on paper, are as different as can be. But, when the begin to really get to know each other, they find out that they just might be after the same thing. However, when Sienna’s mother steps in and once again makes decisions for Sienna, will Sienna ever be allowed to be happy? Will Sienna be able to take her future into her own hands finally?

This was a good story about a woman wanting more for her future and a man who’s past shadows people’s thoughts about. Each of the characters is good for the other and helps them grow in their own ways. I enjoyed their banter and Connor’s ways of making Sienna feel special. Overall, a good book that I was able to devour in one sitting.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Beverly Finnie

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What happens when a cynic and a hopeless romantic challenge one another? Well everything that happened in Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays. The author wrote an interesting take on an enemies to lovers romance. One that was thoroughly enjoyable. It was happy, sad, funny, spicy, and everything in between.
Tenley has a podcast where she goes on about being practical in life. Especially in love, she doesn’t believe in it. A independent feminist at heart, would rather preach her feelings vs risk her heart. She despises the so-called “love guru.”
Teagan is the love guru and he issues a challenge. After Tenley laid into him and the resort he promoted in her podcast, he propositioned her. He said come to Hawaii for a week with all expenses paid and if he couldn’t show her how to love, he would donate $10k to her podcast and go on record pulling back some. What he didn’t tell her was it was a couples retreat week.
That’s where the author’s humor comes into play. Navigating these two who are complete opposites through a retreat and fake relationship. They take shots and constantly rib one another, but under it all they are both falling.
How do they handle it?
If you enjoy enemy to lovers romances this book is perfect. The author put together a well written story. It has you rooting for the main characters, it also has you wanting the backstory of the others. Which I’m going to be looking into! You should too!

@placexba
View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gabrielle Lee

/0 Comments/in /by

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story to share with loved ones, especially young ones. This is a nice book to read to your children to enjoy quiet and quality time. A nice way to instill love and to show our children how special that they are. There are nice illustrations to go with the thoughtful words. I enjoyed this quick read and will be sharing it with anyone who has little ones.

View all my reviews

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Kaylee Johnston

/0 Comments/in /by

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the series and focused on the possessive and protective Chase and his obsession, Katarina. They meet when Kate is saving a man’s life and Chase steps in to help her. Their relationship builds as they spend more time together until Kate’s life is threatened. Chase protects her with everything he has as her life is threatened multiple times. They also have to deal with Kate’s insecurities about having a relationship with someone she works with.

I love that Kate and Chase work well together. They are an adorable couple and it’s amazing to watch them deal with the situations together. I also love how protective Chase is over Kate and how much he does to make her happy. They are an amazing couple and I love seeing the way they work together. It was also interesting to read about who is trying to attack her and what is the reasoning behind it.

The things I didn’t quite enjoy is there is a TON of telling in this story. I believe this is one of the author’s earlier books and I can absolutely tell she’s gotten a lot better at showing instead of telling, but it does make this story a bit tedious when it comes to reading it. Also, there’s a lot of obstacles that are introduced that aren’t necessarily resolved or explained the best.

Overall, while it was definitely an earlier book of the author’s, it was still enjoyable and fun to read. I am happy to have read it and gotten a chance to meet Chase and Kate. A bit of a warning though – the ending kind of stops a bit abruptly. There isn’t really a cliff hanger, it’s more like the story was cut in half and it wasn’t completely prepared to be that way. The story is finished in a satisfying way for the main plot points, but there’s a lot that is going to get finished in the second book.

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Julie McComas

/0 Comments/in /by

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good book blurb, and this one has a good one, it certainly piqued my interest. For a book that has three stories in one, it was an easy read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The first story made me think of the song Fancy by Reba McEntire, and then I read more about the author and the series was based on a different Reba McEntire song, Because of You. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there’s a plot twist or turn. I love it when that happens. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, but the second book in the series is available so I can’t be to upset.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Tanya Wall

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author. While romance – especially steam romance are not my normal go to, I did enjoy this book. Teegan and Tenley find each other in this holiday romance. They are able to banter back and forth and set up some really spicy scenes! The Hawaiian resort and the holiday setting were a plus.

View all my reviews

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Juls Dick

/0 Comments/in /by

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the Cruel Deceptions series by Via Mari, I found it a little confusing as it was described as a “dark mafia” romance and there is only one small mention of the mafia at the very end of the book, the content didn’t really match the description. However, it did have a good premise and I am assuming that the mafia connection is more prominent in the later books in the series. When Kate is sent to Aruba to head a week long planning retreat for her company she is not expecting to meet a charismatic stranger who makes her feel things she has never felt before. When it turns out that this stranger is also the CEO of the company she is there to meet she is torn between love and her career. When she then becomes the victim of a series of attempts on her life she is confused as to whether the attacks are random or something more sinister. I thought this book was ok, it didn’t have the mafia romance element I was looking for, but it did have a strong female lead and a domineering sexy billionaire.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Megan Watson

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was the perfect book to get me settled into the holidays! It got me out of my reading slump and I legitimately ugly laughed myself to tears in one scene. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
Tenley has a popular podcast on Practical Adult Relationships. When she sarcastically mentions the Love Guru and his romantical couple’s retreat in her podcast he feels the spontaneous urge to issue her a challenge… If she can go to this couple’s retreat in Hawaii for a week and not fall in love with Love, he will donate a sum of money to her podcast and admit publicly that he was wrong.
I could not put this book down and laughed so hard at times that I had to stop and read tidbits to my partner. Tenley and Teagan are a blast to experience and I could have mentally stayed at that resort for so much longer than the book allowed.

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book in the Express Investigations series. The author has done an amazing job with this historical story. I love how it tells the story of 3 people and their lives and what leads them to all be at the same place at the same time when something changes their lives forever.

Each of our characters are strong and they all have a very unique story to tell.
Beau Hartwell is an lawyer who is starting to make his way in the world but when fate steps in and he loses everything he finds himself at the Mansfield Hotel.

Francie Roubideaux has had a hard life from the start. Living with her mother they were barely surviving. Until she is sent to Miss Claires. But things arent what they seem and when Francie realising it is a house of pleasure she had 2 choices. Stay and pleasure the clients or leave and be in danger. When she starts singing she is spared somewhat from the client side of thing. When she finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel to further her singing that’s when her life really changes.

Rose Donovan falls in love with a man and against advice she leaves with him. However this is all not real and when he sells her to the Mansfield Hotel as a singer.

3 different people, from 3 different backgrounds and life’s are brought together in an event that will change all of their lives.

It is an amazing read you will not be able to put it down and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Nicole Thompson

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Insert Favorite Holiday Movie Channel Here* eat your heart out! Kamala Wanalaya by Susan Renee is primed for a SPICY rom-com holiday movie! This book kept me entertained from the beginning – making me laugh out loud many times as the exceptionally relatable main characters, Teagan and Tensley, made for a perfect romance balanced with equal parts sugar and spice this holiday season. I constantly felt like I was literally right there in this Hawaiian paradise, seeing, feeling, and experiencing each of the characters throughout the storyline. It was clearly the best read to get me out of my slump and I can’t wait to read more from Susan Renee!

View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Dawn Mitchell

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Classic book of two athletes who go away to train. At first they can’t stand each other an then realize they really don’t know each other. Once they take the time an get to know each other, past the politics, rumors and glamour they realize they really do like each other. Sienna an Connor are a match made in heaven

View all my reviews

Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angelina Frazzini

/0 Comments/in /by

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is book one of the series. At his was a good read.

Lily is dealing with a dead-end job and her horrible taste in men. After the death of her father, she picks up and moves. She leaves London headed for Montana to reopen the hardware store she was left. That’s where Jake comes in. Lily is not exactly happy with Jake’s presence. Unless of course she can just enjoy the view. Once they get to know each other, you can’t ignore the chemistry. The question is though, will Lily be able to ignore Jake’s reputation or is this just another one of her wrong choices?

I enjoyed this book. There were some laughs along with Lily’s feisty nature. It was a quick read but worth it!

View all my reviews

The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

5 Stars

The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

 

The Coin (Audiobook) is a Romance Suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat as your listening. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and keeping my attention throughout the story. This is a  fast paced story that is set in the French Rivera and is about  betrayal, love ,hatred that bring forth personal greatness (triumph). Gabriela’s life is a bit complicated and she finds herself at her favorite spot while there she finds herself in unfamiliar area and discovers a coin. Then there’s Richard who is an American Intelligence officer who is  not happy with his boss after he asked him to do a favor.  Turns out that favor  has him protecting Gabriela from a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe. I truly enjoyed listening to this story and highly recommend listening/reading to find out what happens next. Im definitely looking forward to seeing what other books this author has to offer.

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gillian Fawell

/0 Comments/in /by

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a mum to a 4 year old girl, this book got me right in the feels. It echoed everything I wish for my little one and what mum hasn’t wished they had a magic wand to make the world perfect for their son or daughter? This would be a beautiful gift for a new parent or even for that special child in your life as a book to read together! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

View all my reviews

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by April McCoy

/0 Comments/in /by

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first from the amazing Julia and wont be my last. This story was just wow. I went through a wide range of emotions reading it and can truly say every word took me to another world. I felt like i was in a yellowstone-esque novel and was loving every second! This is a perfect, well written book to cozy up and get lost in!

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jerricka Brown

/0 Comments/in /by

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a beautiful story. I love the way the author used a poetic writing style. I enjoyed this book so much. The illustrations were amazing. I cannot wait to read this book to my own little bundle of joy. I highly recommend this book to parents.

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Beverly Finnie

/0 Comments/in /by

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All roads lead to California or in this case to the Mansfield Supper Club. Road to the Mansfield follows 3 different characters who have been broken. 3 different characters who you could say have been put through the ringer. The author expertly writes their overlapping stories reflecting the trials and tribulations they go through. The common thread, they all end up in California. They also end up at the Mansfield Supper Club. 2 of which are employees/entertainment and the other a spectator.
Francie(Ruby) finds herself in California to put herself back together. Ending up training and working at a gentlemen’s club when she was 17 she went through a difficult and trying year. Betrayal by her best friend and the stealing of her virtue. She married the man who got her out, only to lose him to death 6 years later. Now it’s time to start over and she’s hoping her voice can lead her in the right direction.
Rose is young and naive. Blinded by the words and actions of Rico Valentino. He convinces her to leave her family and friends, to marry him and move to California. Unfortunately it only takes a few months before his controlling and abusive ways present themselves. Tricked into an audition at Mansfield, she realizes despite her nerves it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost.
Will she ever open her eyes and leave him?
Beau was broken by the death of his best friend. The death led to a domino effect of him losing everything. Best part he’s okay with that, because he feels like himself again. He also heads to California, and ends up a spectator at Mansfield. After listening to Rose and Ruby sing, he realizes he wants to help Rose any way he can. He is also mesmerized by Ruby.
Will he act on instinct?
How do these 3 characters tie together?
I feel like it’s the California move healing themselves. What do you think?
It’s one story with 3 overlapping substories, each focusing on a different character. It’s good but I have to warn you there are some dark themes that could be a little too much for some, but you should check it out!

@placexba
View all my reviews

The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom. My 5yo son and I love her books. There were a lot of unexpected surprises in here. You definitely get to use your imagination and take a quick little adventure with the main character Caspian. We both loved it.

View all my reviews

What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last! This was such a whirlwind of action, adventure, and fantasy; I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and it was a journey watching how they evolved. This story was filled with vivid imagery in a whimsical fantasy world. This story takes you on a voyage of heartache and tragedy, followed by heart and humor. The author paces the story in a way that comes at you in waves. If you are looking for an offbeat story that covers adventure, heart, fantasy, magic, mystery, and well developed characters, this is a wonderful book to check out.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Carla Clemmons

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This holiday romance is not what you expect! It has such a great story line and is not your typical story. This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed their writing style. Tenley has hidden insecurities that most people don’t even know about. She has a podcast telling women not to waste your time with love. And then comes Teagan who believes in love with his whole heart even though he has never experienced it. He takes a chance and makes an offer Tenley can’t refuse. Will his belief be enough to show Tenley that true love does exist? Can he really break down her walls and reach her heart? This is definitely worth the read!

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Ayla Eddy

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable holiday romcom read that I would highly recommend. My first time reading from Susan Renee and definitely will not be my last. The romance genre is not my normal read, but the book summary caught my attention. It did not disappoint and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter.

The main characters have opposite views on what love is. Tenley has a practical view and gives advice on her podcast. Teagan is a Love Guru with an optimistic view. Is it true that opposites attract? A week in Hawaii is the ultimate test from the Love Guru to the Practical Podcaster. He pushes her buttons from the get go. She puts her foot down with her strong opinionated personality. Or does she? Pick up the book and follow the slow burn romance of these two opposites!

View all my reviews

Knight In The Museum, Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series, Alice Bienia, Review by Kristin Boutelle, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Crime

/0 Comments/in /by

Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Knight in the Museum is a very slow start, however the farther you get into the book, it does pick up the pace. The author is very detail oriented in how the main character does her investigation. Also the main character does have a private personal life other than her work as an investigator. I like how the main character appears to have emotions like an actual person.

View all my reviews

Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Anastasia Dodson

/0 Comments/in /by

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny is the second part of the Quirk of Destiny series by Catherine Greenall. This book picks up a few years after the 1 part so I would highly recommend reading this series in order. This dystopian/sci-fi story is quite a bit different than my normal reads but the thriller/suspense parts kept me me intrigued and I kept turning page after page. The story was well done and the main characters were great! I am looking forward to reading the next part in this series and I will want to read other books by this author in the future! I would recommend this series to any dystopian/sci-fi/thriller lovers!
Happy reading!

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Trish Ann

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute, quick read. It took me a hot second to understand the title. I liked the grinch grumpiness mixes with sunshine in this story. The story flowed well and the characters were enjoyable. It was a definitely a cute read for the season.

View all my reviews

Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Trish Ann

/0 Comments/in /by

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have read several books by this author. I did enjoy this book and could connect with it. I am conflicted on how I would use it with the children that I work with. I feel like there wasn’t a clear resolution for the siblings that younger children can understand. This would be better for children that can infer decision making. Overall, it was a nice, relatable story.

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Paula R Sayers

/0 Comments/in /by

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a page turner that I could not put down!! Road to the Mansfield tells the stories of three individuals who all end up at the Mansfield where their paths cross. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to be released!!

View all my reviews

Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by La Toya Lewis

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder On Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series by I. M. Foster. This is a historical mystery that has former New York coroner, Daniel O’Halleran moving to the small town of Patchogue and investigating his first mystery. He approached to investigate a two-year-old mystery that leads him to investigate a second more current mystery. I found this book very engaging and I really enjoyed the character of Daniel. I also enjoyed all the twists. The book has a bit of a slow start but really starts to pick up and becomes quite the page-turner. This is a great book for mystery and/or historical fiction fans.

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by La Toya Lewis

/0 Comments/in /by

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi is a very sweet children’s book. This book is very well-written. I wish I had this book when my children were babies. I found the story to be very uplifting. I read this with my autistic boys and they very much enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to parents and children alike.

View all my reviews

Freedom Rings (The Circle Book 3) by Brenda Hardwick – Review by Bobbi Wagner

/0 Comments/in /by

Freedom Rings: Book Three of The CircleFreedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book. This is the third book in the series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series first. This will help with your enjoyment of the characters and know where they come from to where they are going in this book. This is a well written story where the author used her writing skills to bring the story to life. The characters gave the story a realistic feel as well as brought the story to life. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world from the start. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced story about friendship, betrayals and secrets. This is a series you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance. Its a perfect Christmas read. It is an enemies to lovers romance however I wouldn’t class Sienna and Connor as enemies. Both of them have had a lot to deal with in their lives so it’s made them act and respond the way they do.

Both are Paralympics athletes but they came to it from different ways. Sienna was born that way and over the years she has pushed herself to be the best paralympic skier around. She is a very focused and driver woman who won’t let anyone stand in her way.
Conner on the other hand lost his leg due to an accident, so he has the additional trauma of learning to live with this disability. Conner also used to be a bad boy, partying hard and different women every night. But that all changed after his accident. He is now trying to rebuild his life and career.

Neither Conner or Sienna are looking for romance or distraction but that is what the find when they are on deserted ski resort with just their coach.
As the couple get to know each other you can feel the push and pull as they feel each other out and push each others buttons.

The question is can they drop the images they have of each other in their minds to see the real person in front of them or will their pasts hold them back from taking a risk?

View all my reviews