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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood- Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Karen is trying to live a quiet life in Parker, Oklahoma. Her life is disrupted when she runs into mouthy Brody Cooper one day at the grocery store. Brody has returned to his hometown of Parker to regroup and figure out what he is going to do next with his life. A pretty teacher friend of his sister catches his eye and has him questioning the priorities he has in his life. Both are running from something, but could they be two parts of a whole?

I enjoy the Parker Lake novels. The characters are relatable and fun to read about. I love how they all interact with each other and build each other up. This is a great story of friendship and finding love unexpected!

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe has acclimated back into the human world after being in Fairy for a while. She is the village apothecary and does her utmost to heal all who are injured or sick. When some of the villagers come down with an illness that she can’t cure without using Fairy elements, she becomes very concerned. Then a Fae from her past, Quintus, shows up asking for her help to save other Fae from humans who are poisoning Fairy with iron. They quickly figure out that the illness in the village is connected to the poisoning of Fairy. Can they work together to save Fairy and thus the villagers in time?

I enjoy this author’s books because they write Fae characters well. I haven’t read the series that this spins off from, but I will. Chloe seemed a little on the frail side of being able to deal with conflict. I appreciated reading about how she deals with it and finding out why she responds in the way she does. I look forward to finding out more in the next books!

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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Doctor Joanie Fisher is working towards becoming a leading epidemiologist studying the cause of Chronic Lycanthropy Syndrome (CLS). However, before she really starts to make a name for herself, a series of events happens to her. First, her workplace burns down, and she loses all of her research. Next, her married boyfriend/boss dumps her out of the blue. Then her grandfather disappears -suspected to be dead- and leaves her millions of dollars in inheritance, as well as a werewolf infested mansion!

Joanie decides to make the best of the situation and travels to Crystal Springs with her best friend, who is also going there to inquire about missing kids. Once they arrive, they realize that there is a nefarious plot going on in this small town. Can they find the true culprits and remain unscathed? Or will their lives also irrevocably change like those in the small town?

This was a different perspective on werewolves concerning how they came about and what all that entailed. I enjoyed the story and the thoughtfulness that went into creating this scientific history, per se, of lycanthropy. The characters were interesting to read about, but I had a hard time identifying with them. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and good way to launch a series.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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?

I just really love this series! As soon as it was available, I read it! Yep…. I read it in one day! It’s hard not to love the characters in these books. They aren’t perfect, but they are all perfect for each other. I enjoy reading about them interacting as a big family and protecting what is theirs. When this series is over, I will be very sad and be praying that the author writes another AMAZING series!!

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Desiree Ottinger

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Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thorfinn is a 10-year-old boy that gets caught up in his older cousin and brothers’ shenanigans and pays the price by becoming cursed. As he goes throughout his daily life, people start picking up on the strangeness that surrounds him at times. It doesn’t go unnoticed or ignored by others in surrounding towns either. As his clan is preparing for his sister’s wedding, he uncovers a plot to harm his family. Can he figure out how to use this curse to his advantage in time to save his family?

I enjoyed this first book in the series! It was lovely to meet the Agneson clan and get to know them. The author did a phenomenal job describing the landscape, the characters, the history of Vikings, and their lore. I truly felt ensconced in their world as I was reading!

If you like history mixed with fantasy, you will enjoy this book!

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story finds the characters in a world of chaos. Suddenly some people are discovering that they have hidden powers and the rest of humanity feels threatened. The group PEM- Pure Earther Movement-has formed and they oppose the PHAE- Protectorate for unHidden Advancement and Education- and want to see all the people with powers killed or imprisoned. The people with powers are the minority and are feeling the pressure to protect themselves against attacks. The story revolves around a core of 6 people with major powers, the leadership, and a host family. Can they all band together to overcome hatred and curb violent attacks against them? Or will they be crushed under the onslaught of the hatred that others have toward them?

This was an interesting first book. There is a lot of history provided over each of the core characters and multiple points of view given. I liked learning about the characters but could have had a little less, or maybe fewer characters of whom I got in depth knowledge of. However, I do feel like it was a great set up for book 2. I would think that I will be able to pick up the second book and continue with their journey.

I did enjoy the Ireland aspect to the book. Having been there, I was able to easily envision where the characters were and the countryside!

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Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Melodie Boxset (Melodie #1-2)Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Finding Melodie:
Melodie is a music student/busker that falls in love with a regular “Office Guy” as she dubs him. When he asks her to play his and his girlfriend’s song while he proposes, how could she refuse? But when things go awry and the girlfriend says no… Well, who better to cheer him up then her? Melodie decides to help him win his girlfriend back, but can she do it without getting attached?

The Wedding:
Melodie could not keep herself from falling for sweet Isaac, a.k.a. “Office Guy”. They are now living together and engaged. In this hilarious, heart-wrenching sequel, we get a glimpse into Melodie, Isaac, and her soon-to-be-mother-in-law’s thoughts as to how they get from engaged to the wedding. Oh, the craziness of a stuffy elitist mother accepting a pink haired, authentic woman as her daughter-in-law!

I laughed, my heart ached, and I wanted to read more! These books are a great pick me up read. I enjoyed seeing Melodie come into her own with her MIL and her MIL humbling herself for her son’s best interest. I would definitely read this author again!

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Nite Fire: Exit Strategy (Book 5) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Exit Strategy (Nite Fire #5)Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dahlia is trying to keep the apocalypse from happening. Amidst betrayals, loss and things unforeseen, she is trying to stem the tide of the Blight as it overtakes different worlds through the exits. She is slowly losing the battle as she tries to find the answers as to how to fix it all. Will she be able to find the answers in time? Can she save her friends that have become her family in time?

This is the last book in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Yes, it has dragon shifters, and she is a red head, but that is just one reason why I liked it. The story describes a woman who struggles with opening herself up to other because she was raised not to. She fights against it and what she finds is infinitely more than she could have thought possible. Her friends see her in ways that she can’t, and they support her, and encourage her. I enjoyed each of her friends and how they challenged her to change and to love.

Sad to say good-bye to Dahlia Nite, but happy to have read her story.

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Spring’s Calling (Seasons of Magic Book 1) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Spring's Calling (Seasons of Magic, #1)Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ezri grows up knowing that she has a prophecy to fulfill. When her mother is murdered tragically, and everyone seems to be fine with sweeping it under the rug, she vows to find her mother’s killer. Once she becomes a detective, she sets out to find out more about her mom’s death. However, murders around the Vernal Equinox begin happening around the city and she has to solve them first. Can she solve the murders before she has to fulfill the prophecy? Or are they part of it? Will she be able to find her mother’s murderer?

This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed it! The story flowed smoothly with the backstory interspersed at the right moments in the book. Ezri is a very angry, hurt person that has to move past her feelings of self-imposed isolation and allow others to help her fulfill her destiny. Past friends and family that she cut off come to her aid and show her grace in their assistance. I feel like the author did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life in my mind. I enjoyed the way they interacted and related to each other.

This book was a good, clean language, detective-fantasy book!

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome book in the Mafia Elite series!

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?

This was a quicker read than the other books in the series. However, I always enjoy reading about these characters and how their lives are all intertwined. The relationships between them all is fierce and loyal. They’d kill for each other or take a bullet without so much as a second thought. Obviously, I enjoy books with alpha males, deep loyalty, and fierce protective inclinations.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book finds Emma and her cohorts involved in several mysteries! She finds out she has come into a significant inheritance that she, with the help of her teammates, decides to put to charitable use. As they set up the fund, there are several hurdles that they encounter. New friends are made, and new buildings are acquired for their purposes. Good news abounds for her sister and Emma finds herself in a bit of a medical emergency. The bad guys keep coming and adventures always seems to find her wherever she goes. After they set up their charitable agency, an old enemy tries to thwart their plans. Will the team be able to track him down before disaster strikes?

This is a most enjoyable series! There is always something going on mystery-wise. Emma solves one and the next one seems to find her without her even trying! I like how she always seems to be in the right place at the right time to solve everything, but it is through her observations that she figures it out. I feel like anyone could take a page out of her notebook and learn to observe others before responding!

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily is a human servant in the royal household of Wolf Hollow. Her life is turned upside down when the family returns and she is attacked by a guard. Jason, the prince, catches her scent and realizes that she is his mate. Everything seems to be set against them meeting and ultimately being together. As they find their way to each other, will they be enough? Can Jason survive a challenge to them being together?

This is my first time reading this author. It caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist picking it up! It was a quick read and full of action. There were surprises throughout the book that kept me reading to see how it was all going to work out. I do love a good werewolf book! I won’t give away anything, but it did end the book at a bit of a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next book and seeing how it goes!

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Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Plague of Death (Anchoress, #2)Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Van has been training hard since last summer’s mission. Now that she knows she is the Anchoress and has the responsibility of saving her people, she is starting to feel the pressure. She fell in love with Brux only to find out that they can never be together. As the summer mission becomes increasingly hard on the team, can Van find her light in the midst of the dark surrounding her? Can she love Prince Ferox despite having feelings for Brux?

This series is keeping me on my toes! So much is going on with Van’s need to find items of Creation, and her wrestling with her feeling for two boys. The way she works through it all is very well written. I love her friendships and how they are not without their complications. I felt that in this book it is learning about self-reflection and how to combat those dark feelings when they creep in.

Definitely recommend this book to any high schooler! Clean YA read!

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress #1)Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Van is wrapped up in her own world and only focused on her summer plans. Suddenly, her dad goes missing and she’s recruited for a special summer mission. She thinks everything is stacked against her until she realizes that her fate is not as simple as the next girl her age. Van is thrust into mission where she discovers more about herself and her heritage than she has her entire life. Does she have what it takes to save both the Earth World and the Living World? Is she the fated Anchoress?

What a fun YA read! I enjoyed reading Van transform from a selfish, self-centered teen to one that looks at others and becomes their champion. This had me thinking about a girl version of Percy Jackson sans the Greek mythology. I enjoyed reading about a new world in danger of history repeating itself.

Highly recommend this YA read. It has clean language and good lessons on looking inside oneself to evaluate what the right choice is.

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Helm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book ThreeHelm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book Three by D L Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Van begins the book full of frustration over her recent loss at the senior games and anxiety for her upcoming summer mission. She hasn’t heard from Ferox all school year and is hoping that they still have a future together. As the team begins their mission to Ferox’s home, it very quickly takes a different turn when an assassination attempt is made on the prince, and everyone is put on lock down in the palace. As time ticks away and new obstacles come into play, will the team be able to complete their mission? Is there a future for Van and Ferox? Or will they be doomed because he holds his family in higher esteem than Van?

I am really enjoying this series! I appreciate how the book starts out with an inner struggle for Van and throughout the book there are lessons that lead her to resolving her inner struggles. I know she has to learn these lessons to keep everyone safe, but I like seeing her work through her struggles to achieve the goal. All the characters and the intricacies of their relationships are very well written.

This is a fascinating YA series that I would suggest to any highschooler. It has clean language, deals with teenage insecurities and emotions without over sexualizing situations.

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Apocalypse (Guardians of the Garden Book 2) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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As this, the second book in the series, picks up right where the first one left off, we find Seth in a struggle between his love for Miriam and his love for his dying sister. He feels likes he has to choose one or the other and that there isn’t an option to have both. Will he make the right choice or betray the love that could last a lifetime? In the meantime, Peter- Miriam’s brother, finds himself thrust into his Nature and ends up playing a vital role in the continued struggle with the Joneses. Will it be enough to stem the tide of the Joneses advances?

I am thoroughly enjoying this series! I love the author’s take on the Garden of Eden and its protectors. Her character’s struggles with each other in how they relate (parents to kids, kids to kids…) is very relatable. In this book there is a lot of forgiveness going on and what it looks like to forgive someone who has wronged you or a loved one. Admittedly, there were several chapters in this book that I became teary eyed!

I look forward to the third book! I need to know how everything goes!

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tess recently left a toxic relationship and began a new business selling vintage clothing. Every once in a while, she gets flashes of the previous owner’s life, if they wore the clothing during a poignant time in their life. Fate throws her a curve ball when Esther DeLeon asks her to wear a piece from her ancestor’s trousseau at her upcoming celebration of her family home turning 100 years old. Tess, along with Trey -Esther’s nephew, get flashes into the mysterious murder/suicide that has blackened the family’s history. What they see is very different from what everyone thinks happened. Can Tess and Trey work together to find out what really happened? Can they clear the family name or is it doomed to stay stained?

This is my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and all of the characters. There was enough information given to keep me guessing until the very end of the book. It definitely kept me turning the pages to find out who did it. I will read this author again!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adrijana longs for more out of life. She accepts an invitation for her and her father to stay for a celebration thinking this is the opening she has been seeking. However, she quickly learns that life is not always as it seems. Her world comes crashing down around her when she finds out her father has kept her true heritage from her since she was five years old. She has to come to grips quickly with who she is as the royal family is being murdered one by one. In a world of intrigue, secrets, and hidden agendas, Adrijana has to learn quickly who she can trust and who she cannot before it is too late! Can she learn everything about being a mesmerist fast enough to find the true killer? Or will the killer succeed in taking out the royal family?

This is my first time reading this author and I was not disappointed! The story drew me in immediately and I didn’t want to put it down. There were strange things happening to her and I HAD to know what was going on. I was drawn in by Adrijana’s vulnerability and her emotions throughout the story. The lessons she learns are hard ones, but she refuses to roll over and give up. All the characters were intriguing, and the storyline kept me guessing until the end! I hope there will be more books in this world!

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book finds Matt’s journey taking a different path from Julia and Dan. He has to journey through different universes to save not only ours but also those in the MultiVerse. When his friends are kidnapped, he is greatly tested. His archenemies are trying to distract Matt from his purpose of saving the world. Will he be able to focus on what needs to be done and trust others to rescue his loved ones? Or will he let his emotions get the better of him?

I enjoyed this book as much as the others! It is a fascinating read in how you see past characters come back into the story and how timelines feed into the completion of their paths. I appreciated reading the thoughts of the characters as they face challenges and how they also give different perspectives in conflict. I felt like by reading their thought processes, my way of thinking was challenged.

Hopefully, we will see more stories by this author!

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book begins after the death of the leader of the hall of Buckquoy. Naturally, there has to be a replacement but there isn’t an heir to take over. The earl has to choose between a nephew, an illegitimate son, and a local boy to take over the hall. As the selection process begins, the widow’s daughter is seemingly enamored by first two options. However, doubts arise about who she really favors, as her mother is known to be a schemer. When the daughter is found murdered and no one claims the death, everything comes to a halt as insinuations abound as to who did it. It falls on the shoulders of Ketil and Sigrid to find out the truth of who killed the daughter before the wrong person takes over the hall. Can they find the murderer before they kill again? Who has the most to gain from her death? Or was it a crime of passion?

I enjoyed this story! It is a very well written historical mystery. I feel like the author did a wonderful job of getting inside Ketil and Sigrid’s minds as they tried to puzzle out the murder to find the murderer. All of the characters were well developed and personable. There was just enough information given about each to keep you guessing as to who exactly the murderer was until the very end. It wasn’t an obvious choice right off the bat, and I appreciated that!

All in all, a very good read! It is in a series, but you can pick this up without reading the first part of the series.

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dahlia Nite has been keeping her partner Alex Creed in the dark about who she really is and what she knows about all the strange cases that they have been catching. However, it starts to become impossible to keep all the secrets as parts and pieces of multiple species -not of earth- are found in Sentinel City. As she shares some, but not all, of what is really going on, the lies become harder, and she struggles to keep everyone safe. Can she continue on this path and keep everyone in the dark without any fall out? Or will she need to share it all to solve this latest case and keep everyone safe?

I am enjoying this series. I feel the author does an excellent job of conveying how Dahlia feels disconnected with her dragon side and more in tune with her human side, as well as her empathy for humans. Her relationships are fraught with secrets and when she realizes just how much her friends mean to her, she starts to share more of herself. She is a lost person looking for where she belongs and what her purpose is. This book starts to show how she is finally finding her place, gives a bigger glimpse as to what her purpose is, but doesn’t give it all away. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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?

I am really enjoying this series! I love how the women are not just side pieces needing to be protected. They are strong in their own right, together. The men are typical Alpha males that love their women deeply and will destroy anyone that hurts them. The intricacies of all of their relationships are fun to read. Makes me wonder if the mafia is still alive and well! Can’t wait for the next book!!

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles Book 2) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles, #2)To be a Fae Guardian by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Titania is a young queen but that doesn’t make her a foolish ruler. She has such insight for a girl her age and unfortunately a lot of responsibility. She handles it all well, and still she is put under surveillance for her actions in saving her realm and possibly that of the one above. No one seems to really appreciate what she has sacrificed and continues to sacrifice for protecting the realm. Throughout this book, she continually feels alone and struggles with her self-worth. Will she be able to see the help that is right in front of her in time to save the realm again? Will her actions be enough to prove that she always puts her kingdom first?

This is the second installation in this series, and I am glad it is not going to be the last! I mean… there has to be more! I enjoyed meeting new characters, finding out more about the realm, and reading all the changes that Titania went through in this book. She continually made good decisions, even when they were hard. She was able to find strength in others in the least expected places. While my heart broke for the good-byes she had to say, I was thankful that she didn’t rush to replace the holes that were left on her heart. She is figuring out who she is on her own, and I appreciated reading that.

True YA book. This is an excellent read.

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan #2)Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anton and Elsa have the perfect life, or so it seems. When Elsa’s world is rocked by loss, she tries to rely on familial and social expectations to process and deal with the trauma. Anton, being an actor, has complete trust that she will be all right while he is gone filming. But when she isn’t, past wounds creep in for him. Can they both come together to find a healing path forward before it’s too late?

While the characters lifestyles are hard to identify with, their trauma and emotional struggles are not. The author presented both Anton and Elsa as happy people who get thrown a curve ball and have to deal with the fall out of it. However, society and family play huge roles in how they both respond to that trauma. I think that is true for anyone today. The loss and emotions wrapped up in it are conveyed realistically and broken heartedly. You FEEL Elsa’s emotions and Anton’s helplessness. I appreciated that they both stayed committed to each other as they found their way back to each other.

This is an adult read.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brock and Kirsa have been friends since they were 4 years old. They do almost everything together. One day when they are ten, their duo turns into a trio to include Victoria. As they hit the teen years and hormones run rampant, there is a moment of betrayal that turns their trio back into a duo. Only this time, Kirsa finds herself on the outside; labeled a traitor. She becomes the school outcast for the next three years. Now it’s her senior year and she only has to make it to graduation when she can put everything behind her. But then Rylan shows up and befriends her despite being told not to. Can his friendship help heal her broken heart and friendship with Brock? Will Brock finally be able to see through the lies to find the truth?

This is a new author to me, and I enjoyed reading this book. As I read this book, I felt like I was experiencing Kirsa’s betrayal, her loneliness, and her hurt. To me, the author did a great job of conveying teenage angst, bullying, and in general the high school experience of being on the outside. I appreciated that Kirsa could keep herself together throughout everything and still have hope that things would change.

Please note that this is a contemporary romance, I suggest this book is for 18+.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It takes tragedy striking for Lizbeth Gordon to seek out more information on her ancestors. She knew her family hailed from the Charleston area but didn’t really know much more than that. This is a story of how she went about tracking down information on her family with the added bonus of a fortuitous meeting of distant relatives when she takes a new job in Rio de Janeiro. Can she find information on all of them? Will her relatives be happy to help or wish she’d leave it all alone?

This was an enjoyable read! Having lived in South Carolina for 4 years, it was fun to know exactly where Lizbeth was driving to, visiting, and living. I enjoyed learning about the Gordon family, and the Civil War. The author did a wonderful job of including letters and then following it up with what was going on around the time it was written. The characters were all wonderful, relatable, and extremely brave. This is a great historical/contemporary read!

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, how I loved this book! Such a great story of judging a book by it’s supposed cover! The story of CC and Brant is fantastic read! The characters are well developed, and it gives more back story into previous characters mentioned. The friendships are very easy to relate to and the women building each other up is lovely to read and visualize. I want to be friends with these people and live in their town! The old people humor cracks me up and makes me think that I haven’t been around enough of them, LOL This was a fun book to end my year reading! Looking forward to reading more books from the Parker Lake area soon!

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fascinating historical fiction read. I was intrigued from the very beginning and enjoyed learning more about Poland and their struggles in the 17th century. The characters drew me in and had me rooting for them from the get-go. I enjoy reading books where there are twists that don’t line up with what I think is going to happen. And this book did not disappoint in that aspect. In fact, I was left a little heartbroken at the end of this book and will have to read book 2 to see how it all ends!

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic ending to Tasha and Levi’s story! I couldn’t have asked for a better wrap up, if I had wanted to. I enjoyed reading the culmination of all the buildup of the hellspawn army and how they find a way to defeat them in the end. I liked that it took all of the species working together to make it happen, too! It was a concerted effort by everyone.

In the end, it seems like there could be more added to the story but with other characters that were introduced along the way. I will be keeping my eyes on the lookout to see if Kimber, Remus, or Dominic get their own story!

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Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1) by Shanna Hatfield – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1)Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With it being the holiday season, what better read than a Christmas read about a town in Oregon named Holiday?

You meet Cora Lee riding a train west to meet the man who ordered her as a bride. Once she gets to Holiday, it becomes very apparent to her that something isn’t right. She soon discovers that her intended didn’t really send for her, but his dad did! Thinking he was doing his son a favor, he picked her out and wrote to her for his son! However, he has TWO sons, not just the one he had planned on Cora Lee marrying. While they await the arrival of the errant son, Cora Lee falls in love with his twin and vice versa! Will she declare her love before the intended brother comes to claim her? Will he? Or will she break her own heart and leave?

This was a sweet, western story. I felt like I got little snippets of interesting history while reading, too! The author did a wonderful job of showing how family can be disappointing but also can be chosen. I enjoyed reading about Cora Lee and how she found her place and learned to stand up for herself. Perfect afternoon read!

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