Posts

The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The 45th Parallel (Antipodes, #6)The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caitlin and Seraphine are fed up with their lives being ordered around and planned for them. They long for adventure! One way to get to an adventure faster is to reactivate the Nexus that their parents shut down fourteen years ago. Imagine their surprise when they do such and then find themselves in a completely different community; one they never even knew of existing. They quickly learn that there are more communities like the one they landed in, and they are all underwater. While some of the communities have thrived as best they can, other communities have become more militaristic in their pursuit to stay alive. All of the lessons that they have learned over the years, be it by schooling or punishment, serves them in their very real situation of trying to stay alive long enough to contact home. Can they get back home at all? Or will they have opened up home to invasion by the communities that are struggling to survive? Will there even be a home to return to?

This was a fascinating read for me! Having read this series from the beginning, it was fun to see the girls’ point of view on how they saw things transpire. The book is from Caitlin’s point of view, and she is a 21-year-old struggling to come to grips with what it means for her to have a “special role” to fulfill in order for mankind to even have the possibility of living outside the domes and underwater communities. I think the author caught her angst of wanting to be on her own, but guilt at how she snuck around, and also leading her sister into danger. It was interesting to find out there were whole new communities and their struggles; seeing how they chose to deal with dwindling resources. While some exceeded expectations, other grew hostile and guarded.

I am looking forward to seeing the next installment in this series and what the author adds next!

View all my reviews

Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hagan has almost lost himself to the unmated Titanian curse. He knows he has gone too far and tries to make amends for his wrong doings. However, that lands him in the hands of a very deadly necromancer. His saving grace is there waiting for him, though. Faiza takes one look at Hagan and KNOWS that she has to save him. In the process of rescuing him from a fate worse than death, Faiza discovers that she is part of an even bigger plot by the universe to help save mankind. Can she come to terms with this new life of Titans, mates, and evil necromancers in time to be of help? Or will she condemn them all to a worse fate because she cannot trust her new life, mate, and friends?

This is the third installment of this series. I HIGHLY recommend you read them in order from the beginning. There are so many characters filling different roles that it would be easy to get lost in the plot. They are strong characters that all work together to overcome the evil that threatens our world, though. Faiza’s struggle to move past familial loyalty was well written as well as her doubts about what was happening to her. Her acceptance of herself is struggle that I think everyone can identify with. It will be interesting to see how the series progresses from here.

View all my reviews

Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Talisman: The Talisman SeriesTalisman: The Talisman Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rowan runs his family’s security firm by day and is a warrior by trade, fighting against the curse laid on his family by the Morrigan centuries ago. (A warrior has to find his talisman before his 28th birthday or he has to options. Become a slave to the Morrigan or become a rogue warrior fighting for his life.) As he nears his 28th birthday, he finds himself trying to beat the clock to find his talisman, his protector. Alyssa just wants to make it through her dissertation on Celtic history. After the loss of her grandmother and her fiancée walking out, she is just not sure how much more she can handle. So, when she finds footprints around her house, she seeks out a security firm to help her safeguard her house. Unbeknownst to her, Rowan is the answer to all of her problems and vice versa. As he thrusts himself into her life and inundates her with information that her grandmother should have given her, she becomes even more overwhelmed. It’s not every day that you find out that you are destined to break a centuries old curse on the families of warriors and talismans. Can she handle all the pressure to defeat Morrigan and her sister and break the curse, once and for all? Or will they all be destined to repeat the process for another century?

This was a fascinating read in the sense that I felt like I was learning and reading a story. The characters all had relatable insecurities as the work together to defeat the Morrigan. I think the author did a wonderful job of writing a wallflower’s perspective of being thrust into an unknown world and trying to navigate everything essentially as an outsider. Having to earn trust is huge, especially when it has been broken before. As the first book in the series, it left the door open for more exciting things to happen. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

This is an adult book.

View all my reviews

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elinor is invited to attend the king’s Winter Revels – where chefs compete for the king’s favor. She is thrilled to be attending because life has been a tad boring, and her favorite chef will be competing! Elinor brings her friend, Dr. LaRue, along so they can both enjoy good food and some relaxation. However, when the king is poisoned and there is trouble afoot, who better to help the king’s man, Duke Archambeau, solve the mystery than Elinor? Can they find the culprit before it’s too late?

This continuation of the series did not disappoint! I feel like I was drawn in even more to the mystery of Elinor and the duke! The other characters and their issues were well rounded and a fantastic addition to the story. I am truly enjoying this author’s work. They explain what is happening well enough that you do not feel inundated with information.

View all my reviews

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elinor is a Ghost Talker in league with the Morpheus Group. She works with the local authorities and her friend, Dr. LaRue, who works in the morgue to solve murders. When a man related to the king winds up dead, a crown goes missing, and everything is hanging on both to be solved before it becomes a political nightmare… Elinor finds herself adding yet another accomplice to solve this mystery. The widowed Duke Archambeau is the king’s man, not one to look for help, and definitely NOT a believer in Ghost Talkers. However, as he finds himself in need of Elinor’s help, he can’t help but become a little intrigued by the whole ghost talking thing, as well as Elinor. Will they be able to solve the mystery before it causes political unrest? Can Elinor resist the lure of solving Duke Archambeau’s supposed ghost?

I really enjoyed this book. It was quick moving, well written, and I loved all the characters. I couldn’t help but love Elinor’s frankness with the duke, and how he just didn’t really know what to do with her. I like that they didn’t instantly fall in love, but all signs point to a slow building relationship. This is a fresh hearted and informative read. I am looking forward to reading the next installments of this series. I truly cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to grow!

View all my reviews

Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jessa is the youngest daughter of a widowed father, who has his sister filling the void of mother for his daughters. Growing up, Jessa is inexplicably drawn to plants and flowers. They seem to want to sing to her, but her father has strictly forbidden her from pursuing such thoughts as it could lead to being “fae-touched”. People who are “fae-touched” are turned over to the Vigil, who in turn take them away to some unknown place. When her aunt is summoned to help a friend in a border town, Jessa jumps at the chance to leave their quiet town for the opportunity to sketch other plants and protect her aunt. However, she finds it harder and harder to block out the whispers as she is drawn into a mystery that must be solved before the wrong person is blamed. Can she keep the whispers at bay? Or will she find that she must embrace the whispers to solve the issue at hand?

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well written, and the story moved along at a good pace. It was interesting to read how Jessa worked through her struggles and found herself in the process of solving the mystery. There is more to her story then the author let the reader in on and several questions left unanswered in regard to her family. I am looking forward to reading more about Jessa’s story!

View all my reviews

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 2) by Nadia Han – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising, #2)The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Michelle is a travel blogger who writes from her heart. When she is approached by a beauty company based in Iceland to help promote their natural based beauty products to consumers, she decides to jump on the chance to return to the country that spoke to her soul years prior. Before she can get settled into her surroundings, fate seems to step in and make her life difficult by bringing in accidents and old nemeses, However, it also provides her with someone to help her. And that someone happens to be Royce. She kind of knows him through mutual friends but quickly discovers that she really wants to KNOW him and what makes him tick. Can she separate business from pleasure? Or will she be lost to his overwhelming Viking charisma?

Royce has seen Michelle and interacted with her on the peripheral for years. She is the best friend of his best friend’s sister. He’s always been intrigued by her, but their lives never seemed to line up to really get to know each other. The fates align when she takes a job in Iceland, his home country, and needs help on day one. As he spends more time with her, he finds that he is fascinated by her and wants to know her on every level. As someone who doesn’t believe in love, he finds himself questioning his own line of thinking. Can Michelle change his mind on love? When her livelihood and life are threatened, can he keep her safe and not get entangled?

The second book in this series was not a disappointment. Both Michelle and Royce have their own demons that they are fighting daily. When they open up to each other, they finally find healing. I enjoyed how they knew each other and when they looked back over their lives, there were instances that drew them together without them really knowing it or seeing it until they thought about it. If fates truly aligned, this is a perfect example of it.

The continuation of the overarching mystery gathers more depth and encompasses so much more than just the crime that the guys witnessed. It seems to be growing larger than just their city, too. It will be interesting to see where the author goes with it! Looking forward to the next book!

View all my reviews

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Audri has known Remington for years. He is her brother’s best friend. So, he should be off limits… but she has harbored a HUGE crush on him for as long as she can remember. When he buys the company she is currently working for, could it be fate stepping in to push them together?

Remington has always been drawn to Audri from the moment he met her. However, he won’t cross the line to pursue anything because it goes against the bro code. But when her life is threatened and it seems like someone is gunning for her, he can’t help his overwhelming desire to protect what he considers his. Can he hold the line and just protect? Or will he lose his heart to someone who can help make him whole?

This is my first time reading this author and I genuinely enjoyed it! There’s an overarching mystery that is playing out over this series, a crime the 5 male friends witnessed in their teens. They think they can ignore it and it won’t bother them and theirs, but they are mistaken as it starts to pull in the loves of their lives. The set up for this mystery was done well, in my opinion. I liked how things are mentioned in passing and then become bigger later on in the book. There were some twists that I didn’t see coming and it kept me reading.

Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!

View all my reviews

Much Ado About Dying (Guardians of the PHAE Book 2) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Much Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy NovelMuch Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel by Rowan Dillon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Following the fallout of the attack from the PEM (Pure Earth Movement), the PHAE (Protectorate for unHidden Advancement and Education) find themselves struggling to heal all those that were harmed. While healing the outer wounds, Roisin finds a deeper sickness that she can’t quite grasp to heal with her powers. She and others request the help of the old Irish gods. But their help will come at a cost. Will their cost be too high a toll? Can they find a way to protect themselves from PEM without the gods help?

This book picks up right after book 1. The story was intriguing, and I kept reading because I wanted to know how it was all going to work out. There was a lot of information but not quite an inundation of it like in the first one. Seeing the introduction of the gods with each of the characters whose power coincides with was quite an addition to the story. In my opinion, the author did a fantastic job capturing how the gods would think as opposed to humankind. The conclusion has promise of being epic. I truly hope that it is!

View all my reviews

Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ginny and Max were married, high school sweethearts. Everything was great until their dreams seemed to fork in different directions. Ginny followed her dream job to New York and Max stayed in their hometown. A couple years later, Ginny finds herself returning to her hometown to take care of her father. When she can’t avoid running into her ex… she finds that her feelings for Max, while buried, are still very much there. Can they find a way back together again? Or is it too late for them to bring their paths back together again?

What a sweet story! I truly enjoyed reading this book. Ginny and Max’s story is a beautiful one that isn’t too far from reality to be believable. Both of them love the other deeply, but lost sight of their love by letting life get in the way. I love how Max never truly gave up on Ginny. Their heartache and struggle to find each other again is similar to a Hallmark story. This is a sweet, heartwarming read!

View all my reviews

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma is the heiress to one of the biggest ranches in Texas. Growing up, she always knew that she would one day take over the ranch operations. For generations the Rosales women have taken on the role of caretaker for Thorn Ranch, so it is only right that she is next. But what if she doesn’t even want to run the ranch? While riding the ranch one day, Emma’s horse is hurt, and she has to put him down before walking back home. When a sudden storm breaks over her, she seeks shelter in a cave. Only the cave isn’t a home to an animal, it is the gateway to a whole other civilization – living right on her ranch. Can she make her way home before her parents lose hope on ever finding her? Or will she discover a different purpose for her life?

This is my first time reading this author and I found the book fascinating. The use of going back and forth between Emma’s past, her present, and her parents’ present point of views rounded out the story. Emma’s inner turmoil surrounding her inheritance was well written and I think encompassed most young people who have struggled with huge responsibilities weighing on them. It was a read that I didn’t want to put down, because I had to know if she would return home. No spoilers, but it is worth the read!

View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Sienna is a competitive skier in the Paralympics. She has grown up knowing that one day all of her hard work will pay off in the form of a gold medal. When her controlling mother sets up extra training over the Christmas break to prepare for the upcoming games, she is anything but excited. Connor is known in the motocross community as a bad boy, until he has an accident that takes part of one of his legs. In order to reach that rush of adrenaline from his motocross days, he becomes a skier. Both are thrown together to train over Christmas break in a ski resort that is empty because it is being renovated. It’s just them, the slopes and their trainer. Will they be able to find a balance between love and competition? Or will one have to come before the other?

This was a quick, fun, Christmas read! I found the characters to be believable and likable. While I am not a skier, I found the story to not be too bogged down with skiing lingo. I was able to follow along with what the characters were talking about and enjoyed the emotional storyline. Sienna is used to her mother making decisions for her and it takes love to kind of wake her up to the fact that she can choose, too. I appreciated that Connor doesn’t make her choose him or skiing. He sees her for what she is and wants what is best for her, even if he isn’t part of it.

View all my reviews

After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurel is young, in love, and desperate to marry her hero, Lord Laningham. When her aunt agrees to let her marry, she is beyond thrilled to become his wife. However, before they even leave the countryside for his estate, she starts to wonder if everything will be as wonderful as she has imagined it would be. Surprised to find out that he has a twin sister that has been in the role as Lady Laningham, she finds herself in a struggle to take the reins of her new household. Further complications arise when Lord Laningham is called away to Spain on urgent orders. When nighttime noises begin, and midnight intruders are spotted, she tries to convey her fear only to be met with prejudice against her age. Lord Laningham returns wounded to furth complicate matters in their marriage. Can they survive their first year of marriage together? Or will family bonds win over marriage vows?

I really liked this book. Oftentimes books set in the Regency era are centered around finding love, complications arise, and then their happily ever after ending. This book is the after story of it all. I really appreciated a different insight as to being married in that era and dealing with all of the intricacies of running a household, country gossip, and staying true to vows made. This was a very enjoyable read.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/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

Tenley has a podcast giving advice to people on how to have “practical adult relationships”. She does not believe that love conquers all and has no interest in being swayed in her opinion. Teagan is a self-proclaimed “love guru” and believes that love truly is the most wonderful thing in the world. During an interview, Teagan, AKA TJ Mack, throws down a challenge for Tenley, AKA TJ on Par, to join him for a week-long vacation to Hawaii at the resort Kamana Wanalaya to see if he can change her mind. And if he cannot, he will donate 10K to her podcast. Thinking she’s in for a free tropical vacation and can skate through the week on her own, she accepts! Only once she is there does she find out that it is a couple’s retreat week, they are rooming together, assigned to a table with other couples, AND they are going to be pretending to be a couple! Can she make it through the week pretending to be in love without succumbing to love?

I literally laughed out loud at several points in this book! The situation and story line are very believable, as are all the characters. Throughout the book you get to read Tenley and Teagan’s perspectives but there is also a chapter for each of the other couples sprinkled in there. After the epilogue the author explains that they all have their own books, too! That was fun to find out and I will now be looking into those books. 🙂 I really liked how social media played a role in this plot and not always in a good way.

Also, this is my first time reading this author and I have to say that I genuinely appreciated the author’s note: “This book is a steam-filled romcom! Definitely not a family friendly holiday read for the kids! Please don’t do it lest they be scarred for life!” The humor is right up my alley and I feel like we’d be friends should we ever meet!

View all my reviews

Gunner (Hollins & Haring Book 3) by T.J. Beach – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Gunner (Hollins & Haring #3)Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gary has a past, but Debbie does not know all the details of it. While Gary is visiting Debbie and her family, they find out that Debbie’s mom has been exposed to the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, her mom tests positive, and everyone else is negative. Debbie’s mom leaves them all to quarantine together to keep them safe. When her mom takes a turn for the worse, Gary decides to distract Debbie by telling her his story of how he came to be in Australia working with her. As she learns his truth, can she look at him the same? Can she still trust him? Will her mom pull through so she can say all the things that are left to say?

This was a quite a read. The author did a fantastic job of intertwining the two stories together. The characters were realistic and relatable. I could feel their emotions as they were going through their separate struggles. The end of the book leaves you wanting to know more about what happens next because while it is somewhat a closed story of Gary, he opens up part of his past in the end. I look forward to finding out what transpires next!

View all my reviews

The Veil by Wanda Luthman – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The VeilThe Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samuel completed his Jewish ceremony to become a man. As he reads from the scroll of Isaiah his is prayerful that Yahweh will use him. A Priest picks him to accompany him home and to learn about serving in the Temple. As he starts to learn the pattern of his days, it quickly changes when the man named Jesus is crucified. Could the prophecy that he read at his ceremony possibly be coming true?

I enjoyed this fictional writing as to what might have taken place the day of Christ’s crucifixion. This is a quick read that is appropriate for families. It could be used for good conversation starters with kids about what they think might have happened and how they would have responded if they were the ones in Samuel’s place. Highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raine Thoren is shadow guardian who saves FBI special agent Will Decker’s life when their cases collide. Both are used to working alone. However, with their cases being one in the same, they have to pair up and find answers in order to hunt down their serial killer. As their case progresses, can they stay focused on the task at hand? Or will their feelings for each other cause them to become distracted?

This was such a fun read that I didn’t want to put it down! I enjoy reading stories about crime that is otherworldly being solved by a mixed task force of normal humans and humans who have special powers. What I enjoyed most about this book was the mix of Norse myths and magic. Both Raine and Will have ancestral ties to more than they understand. This was a great first book to a promising series! Looking forward to the next book!

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Three stories of three different people, time and places that all converge in one tragic night.

Francie Roubideaux is from the Louisiana bayou and is handed a tough go. When she finds herself at the mercy of Ms. Claire and her house of pleasure in New Orleans, her singing saves her from a worse fate. When tragedy strikes, she gets out of New Orleans and eventually finds herself in California singing at the Mansfield.

Rose Donovan is swept off her feet in her small, hometown in Illinois one day by a handsome stranger. Seeing him as her way out, she leaves with him despite her father and friend’s advice to stay. When they move to California, he sells her singing talent to the owner of the Mansfield. It’s not all that she expected it to be though, and she finds herself in an abusive marriage with no way out.

Beau Hartwell is an up-and-coming lawyer in Georgia with a perfect record, job and wife. When his hometown best friend is framed for murder and he witnesses the demise of his hometown, it leaves him questioning all that he has held dear for the last ten years. After being fired, divorced, and homeless, he makes his way to California to friends that give him help, a job and a purpose again. He becomes a part of their Express Investigation team.

This was a great first book to a series. It gives background on all the characters in such a way that is concise but in depth. I felt like I had all the information on each one to picture them and their struggles. I am looking forward to the next book and finding out how the tragic night transpired and how they all play into it. I think I can see the way that it is going, but there were some surprises with the back stories. Definitely going to be on the lookout for book 2!

View all my reviews

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being born into a Mafia family means life is never normal. College was supposed to be a period of time where Liliana, Sofia, Emiliana, and Marissa get to at least pretend to be closer to normal than how they had grown up. Senior year has approached and despite it being their last year of freedom, their families start making plans for their future. Each of them is faced with the inevitable prospect of marrying someone they don’t love or even like. When a Russian mafia member is spotted watching the girls’ house, it can only mean their time is running short. As they each face their fears and cling to the last vestiges of their normal-ish lives, can they make it through together? Or will they succumb to the mafia way and be punished for unknowingly putting themselves in harm’s way?

This prequel answered a lot of questions from the Mafia Elite series that were always mentioned but never truly explained in depth. I enjoyed getting to see the girls in their “formative” years before their lives were not really their own. Each perspective brings a different view into how the girls really became a unit that would do anything for each other. My heart broke a little for each of them as they had to go through yet another tragedy to realize that their lives really are not their own and that they are just pawns in the greater scheme of the Mafia life.

View all my reviews

The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lisa, Mindy, Ruby, and Tina have been friends since college. Although Lisa didn’t actually attend college, she met the other girls while working at the coffee shop the others were at to study. The girls adopted Lisa into their lives, and they became an instant chosen family. Every month they gather together for a Rom Com movie night of food, face masks, and toe nail polish. On Lisa’s night, Lisa meets Tina’s soon to be brother-in-law, Ryan, and is instantly attracted to him. Tina, in the throes of wedding madness, tells Lisa that under no circumstance is she ok with her dating Ryan. While the other girls all try to help even out Tina’s wedding mania, Ryan pursues a relationship with Lisa. Can Lisa find a way to balance her love for Ryan and not get caught up with comparing their love to a Rom Com? Can Tina see that her friend’s happiness is worth more than her feelings?

Wow. What a great first book to a series! Each character was well written and all relatable. The author did a fantastic job of describing anxiety and how it affects those who suffer from it. The girls’ relationships with each other are something that everyone should have. Love that is deep and willing to tell the truth even when it hurts. People in their corner, cheering them on but pulling them back from the crazy ledge. I am really looking forward to reading about the other girls finding love!

View all my reviews

Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rex Thompson is a man that just can’t seem to make good choices and stick with them. He is a soldier that can’t seem to get behind the war he is fighting in, and so takes an opportunity that is presented to steal money. He’s caught by a Vietnamese officer that is conflicted in how he should handle the situation. When it isn’t reported, Rex thinks he gets away with it. Fast forward years later and he’s now a fisherman hoping to do right by his two sons. However, as his bad choices catch up with him, he can’t seem to find his way out of the bottom of a bottle long enough to teach his sons how to live life the right way. When he loses his boat, he disappears for 8 months. His sons try to make sense of their purpose of life without the boat they’ve basically grown-up working. When Rex shows back up in town a changed, sober man, he finds out that his old boat was scuttled, and a man was killed on it because of it. That man is none other than the Vietnamese Officer that didn’t report him all those years ago. As the murder investigation progresses, his family comes forward with past information that could show motive for the murder. Can Rex come to terms with his past offense and how it affected the officer? Can his family forgive Rex for his past? Will his sons be able to make better choices than their father?

This was such an enthralling book to read. I have read about the Vietnam war in history, but this gave a whole other insight as to how it was over there. What caught my attention was their struggle in getting here and starting over. The story was well written, and the characters were down to earth and believable.

View all my reviews

Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Master CatteneoMaster Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Master Catteneo is not used to being contradicted or challenged when he tells someone to do something. However, from his first meeting with Alessia, he finds himself constantly in that position. Alessia is the granddaughter of a psychic that sided with the vampires in their war with rogue vampires and witches. Having inherited her grandmother’s power, she finds that she will also do anything to protect the vampires. Catteneo and Alessia are forced to work together to find the Overmaster’s mate that has been kidnapped. The closer they work together, the more they find themselves drawn to each other, and eventually, entangled together. Can they complete their task before it’s too late? Will they be able to overcome the humanity of Alessia and find a way to be together?

This is a continuation of the series Masters of the Consulate. This was a quick read. It drew me in from the beginning and was fast paced through to the end. Alessia is a girl who knows her mind and doesn’t have a problem fighting for what she sees as right. She lets her heart lead her, and she fits right in with the rest of the characters in their loyalties to each other. I would have liked to have read more interactions between her and the other ladies, as well as so more in-depth backstory for Catteneo. The story continues to become more involved, and I look forward to reading more!

View all my reviews

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe is still in Faerie working on how to defeat the mortals and heal the land of Faerie. She and Quintus find common ground with Mishti to help rescue Ludo. After they become an unlikely team, they hurry to find a way to stop the mortals’ advance on the courts of Faerie. Unfortunately, they end up finding themselves in a race to find elements to reverse the destruction the iron is causing on Faerie and, in turn, the mortal realm. Chloe struggles with telling her sister about her loss and confronting her on how she makes Chloe feel useless. Can she accept the truth of her loss and how it will forever change her life? Can she put together the antidote for Faerie and save it and also her sisters? Will her sister and others ever see her as more than someone to be protected?

I liked the continuation of this storyline. It was good to see the characters struggle with their decisions and how they had to reconcile them with themselves. I liked how Mishti points out to Chloe that maybe the battle they are facing isn’t her sister’s story but Chloe’s. It gives hope to people with disabilities to see that they are not worthless. Just because they cannot swing the proverbial sword, does not mean they can’t help in other ways like strategy. It was also good to see the characters that can swing that same sword come to terms with the fact that they do not always have the answers either. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series!

View all my reviews

Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

War Horses Book 1: ChevalierWar Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rande ‘Vandal’ VanDelle of the Chevaliers Private Calvary has helped maintain Main Battle Upright Tanks, or MBUs, long enough to become known as one of the fleets best maintainers. One night he decides to take one of the oldest MBUs out on a maintenance run. Halfway back he notes an enemy on the horizon. Completely taken back by the sudden attack, he scrambles just to stay alive to get back to base. He’s never used the weapons systems, just maintained them. Thankfully, as a result of his quick thinking, he is able to put his knowledge to use and in doing so, ends up surviving and saving many others’ lives as well. Unfortunately, the other MBU jockeys did not fare well after the attack. As the base finds themselves short jockeys, Vandal is recruited to fast track to become a jockey. The attacks don’t slow down though, and the stakes become even higher. As it all escalates, can he find the balance between cranking wrenches and running an MBU? Can he survive until the next contract?

This is my first time reading this author. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of detail in the writing of the MBUs, the battles that took place, and the world building. I felt like I could see everything playing out in my mind. The characters were well written, and I loved how their relationships were portrayed as more of a family than just friends. The book was quick paced, and I didn’t want to put it down! Definitely, looking forward to reading the next installment.

View all my reviews

The Gauntlet (The Soppranaturale Series Book 1) by Ashley Pagano – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale SeriesThe Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Link thinks he is the last faerie in the world. He’s been looking for years for his other half and has given up ever finding her. Then one day, in walks Ommily. She is the missing half of their faerie pair, the epitome of protection for others like them. There’s just one hiccup… she has a fiancée. As Link helps her figure out exactly what she is and how she fits in at the Soppranaturale Hotel – where all otherworldly beings gather and thrive together- they are faced with some challenges. First and foremost, they have to survive together in The Gauntlet against the reigning champions, one of whom is Link’s jealous ex-girlfriend. Can they work together in a short amount of time? Will they be able to figure out how their powers complement each other’s in time to win The Gauntlet?

This is my first time reading this author. I found it to be a quick read that drew me in immediately. The characters were fleshed out pretty quickly and backstories were seamless with present time in the book. I didn’t want to put it down until I figured out what was going to happen. I feel like it was a good first book to a series and I am looking forward to reading more about Link and Ommily.

View all my reviews

Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets:
There’s always been a pull between Elena and Marco. However, she has to go into hiding from the Russian mafia; leaving everyone behind thinking that she is dead. Marco finds out she’s alive and goes to retrieve her before the Russians can find her. To give her added protection, he marries her. As the heat on Elena ramps up, will they be able to find out why the Russians want her so bad? Can Marco protect her from them, if he finds out?

Ruthless Heir:
Luc doesn’t know that he is in line to be the next Brambilla BOSS. He also didn’t realize that his one-night stand, Summer, is his new executive assistant. When his accounts are drained and Summer looks guilty, he THINKS he knows what’s happening. Little does he know that he has inherited loads of money and found the one for whom he was made. But there is something else going on entirely with Summer. Can he crack her defenses and learn how he can best protect her in time? Can he convince her that he is worth her trust in time?

Collateral Damage:
Trey is the doctor in the Mafia Elite house. He works himself hard because of the guilt he carries over the untimely death of his late girlfriend. He knows it happened because of her association with him and his family and he can’t seem to forgive himself. At a hospital function, Hailey catches his eye. She is someone he could see himself with but balks at pushing it farther because of his last girlfriend. When Hailey is kidnapped out in front of the hospital and a ransom is asked for her return, Trey is asked to find her because of his Mafia ties. He has every intention of finding her and returning her. However, things go awry when not all is as it seems! Can he save the girl and protect his heart? Or will he lose his heart and possibly the girl?

Rivals:
Mia Tucci is the daughter of a NY Mafia boss that is straight up EVIL. She needs a champion to save her from her father’s evil plans for her. Nico La Rosa fills that need and more, he just doesn’t realize it… yet. When Mia offers him information to take down her father’s illegal schemes hinging on them marrying, he’s not sure he can pass it up. Will he take the plunge and make her his, in order to take down an evil mafia boss? Or instead, will he find that she is the perfect match for him?

This series is AMAZIING!! I have loved each book. The way the author writes about these people, it seems like they are very real, and their lives could be playing out right before my eyes. The relationships, the love, and their commitment they all have with each other, and their families are how I feel life should be. Pick this series up… you will not regret it!

View all my reviews

River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hester’s story begins when she is a young girl. She is the daughter of a farmer and granddaughter to healer. When she hears the river and its nymphs talking to her, inviting her to come play, a man named Aaron stops her from going into the river. He too, can hear the river and her nymphs. Hester’s father often compares her to his grandmother with such fondness of tone, that she pursues Aaron and asks him to teach her how to use flowers and herbs to help heal people and animals. Unbeknownst to her family, she learns and excels in her pursuit of knowledge over many years. After a tragedy strikes the family, they are forced to move to town, away from the river and its callings. Hester feels her soul withering because she is so far from the river and Aaron. Her mother and brothers set a scheme to marry her off to a fisherman to avoid any gossip surrounding Hester and her strange behaviours. All Hallow’s Eve changes everything for Hester, though. She determines to take control of her life. When she has to deal with the consequence of her actions, however, she finds that Aaron has left town, her wedding is looming, and she feels lost. She hears the river telling her to “Be strong. Do what you have to do.”So she does. She leaves the relative safety of her home and sets out on her own path. The challenges that she faces alone and overcomes is heartening and heartbreaking all at the same time. Can she make it alone? Will the river help her? Protect her? Or will it abandon her like she feels Aaron and her family has?

This is my first time reading this author. I truly enjoyed the story. I was drawn into the story almost instantly. The struggles of the time period were well written, as were the family dynamics and strife. I couldn’t help but love Hester and root for her. Once she knew what she wanted, she went for it and unapologetically pursued it. I was glad that everything came back around for her in the end and she felt the support of her community after feeling abandoned for so long. The fact that it is loosely based on a true story, only makes it that much sweeter of a read.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma is asked by a fellow coworker to prove his father’s death was murder. His family has an obsession with Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” which becomes apparent as soon as they visit the house. It also adds some extra spooky happenings that seem very similar to the tale. As they prepare for Christmas, Emma brings in her crew to help get to the bottom of this mystery. Can they solve it before the next victim is claimed?

This book series is such an enjoyable read! Each book has its own twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I always think I know what is coming but it’s never as black and white. I enjoy reading about Emma and her family and how they help others. They have such compassionate hearts for others and the author does an excellent job conveying that to their readers. Looking forward to the next installment!

View all my reviews

Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate Book 4) by Sylvia Black – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Master RomanoMaster Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Romano finds himself on the “questionable loyalty” list with the Consulate of vampires. Tasked with finding where the traitor has escaped to and dealing with the local witches in his territory, he finds himself intrigued with Raven- the niece of their biggest witch rival. When Raven’s sister and aunt are taken from the local bar and Romano sees Raven being drugged and dragged off too, he steps in and saves her. Once she recovers, they work together to find the last of her family. However, the distrust runs deep with her aunt and instead of being grateful, she becomes even more hostile. As things heat up, the traitor’s location becomes known, and in capturing the traitor, Raven is painted as the instigator. Romano has to scramble to clear her name before his boss calls for her death. Will they be able to clear her name? Can they find a way to bridge the gap between the witch and vampire community before all is lost? Or are they always destined to be enemies?

I like that the author veered away from the female being cut down and having to be changed to save her life. Raven is a young witch that just wants to have fun and is thrust into her power rather quickly. I liked that she is equal to Romano in power and surprises him with some of her tricks, too. This book ended in a big cliffhanger, and I am anxiously awaiting the last installment to tie all the things together!

View all my reviews

Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trentino is instantly intrigued by Angel from their very first encounter; despite meeting her by
breaking and entering into her house… When he returns to find out more about her, he stumbles upon her family being slaughtered. As she lies dying in his arms, her brother- who happens to be one of his mortal enemies- gives Trentino permission to do anything that could save her life; even though they have been raised to hate and fear vampires. When Angel wakes up “changed”, she struggles to make sense of what exactly happened, and how to reconcile all that she’s been taught about vampires. She’s pleasantly surprised that her previous ability to communicate with the dead has greatly increased. With the vampires in the middle of ferreting out a traitor in their midst, she finds her new abilities tested and pushed to the extreme. Can she come to terms with her new life in time to help Trentino find the traitor? Can she protect her heart from someone she was raised to fear?

I found this to be a different twist on how the previous books transitioned their ladies. I liked that Angel had to struggle a bit before she could come to terms with her family’s position on vampires and her brother knowingly giving permission for her to be changed. The depth of love for another was well written. The overall plot of the series is moving forward quickly. I was definitely surprised by who the traitor ends up being. I did NOT see it coming.

View all my reviews