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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction (Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Nite and her partner Creed are drawn into a new mystery that has links back to their first case, they quickly realize all is not as it seems. Nite has already confided in her side-kick Evans about who she really is but is hesitant to delve in too much deeper for his safety. Can she bring Creed in on the same level as Evans? Can she solve the mystery and keep the reality on the down low before all of Sentinel City combusts?

This is such an interesting series! I appreciated how the author went into more detail about the world of Drimera and how it relates to Sentinel City, the human world. I really enjoyed seeing Dahlia Nite come to the realization that she isn’t alone, and that she can be part of a team. I was drawn to the fact that there is still a lot of mystery that surrounds her and her abilities. Therefore, I will keep reading this series because I feel like I am getting to witness her finding herself and her true potential. And… I am pretty sure it is going to be amazing!

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, #5)A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick, sweet Christmas read!

Amber doesn’t celebrate Christmas because of her very lonely past. In fact, the town knows her as a self-proclaimed grinch. Everything changes when she meets Gio, though. It is love at first sight. But then she learns he has a kid, and doubt starts creeping into her heart. Can she deal with her past so that she can open her heart to include others? Will she be able to move past her feelings of not measuring up to others to see what is being offered to her?

I enjoyed the story line. It was heart breaking for me to imagine what Amber must have gone through growing up the way she did. The characters were rather easy to relate to, which made the story flow very quickly for me. I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them happy in the end.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian Troy is a man that was raised to have no conscience and when his magic takes a tragic turn, he suddenly finds one. Unfortunately for him, he spends the next 10 years’ time on regret, shame, and suppressing his magic. With a past enemy rising to power seemingly overnight, he struggles with keeping his magic under control while trying to keep Rella, the country he was raised to protect, safe. As he begins the trek to save what he was raised to protect, he finds out that everything is not always as it seems. Much of his past is a lie and secrets are revealed! Will he figure out who he is and what he can do in time to save Rella?

I enjoyed this read. At times, I felt like there was a lot going on. I feel like the author did an excellent job in world building and weaving in its backstory throughout the story. I enjoyed how she wove together the relationships between characters. I appreciated how I didn’t always see the twists and turns coming, too. This was an excellent beginning to what promises to be a pretty epic trilogy! Looking forward to book 2!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for this book!!! I was NOT disappointed! I truly enjoyed Stefano and Emiliana’s story.

Emiliana is a victim of Stefano’s vindictive, mafia boss, dad. However, she doesn’t let it define who she is. She might seem like she’s fragile, but she is far from it! I loved her inner strength to overcome the trauma and become a force to be reckoned with. Stefano is also a strong character. He had to deal with so much loss in his life that it turned him into a fierce protector. And Emiliana is his to protect until the end. He is determined that he will do anything, even take down his own dad, to keep her safe. But can he do it before his dad causes more damage? Can he ferret out the rat before all is lost?

Mafia Elite is a well written series. Every character drew me in immediately to their story and I couldn’t help but love them! I am definitely on the lookout for the next book!!

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I felt like it was destiny for me to pick this book up to read because it’s about a half dragon, half human, red-headed woman… and I just so happen to be a red headed woman with the maiden name of “Dragon”! 🙂

Dahlia, the dragon half-breed, has to leave her world when she is slated for execution after hesitating to kill a child witnessing her assassinate a mark. That hesitation sets her on a course to the human realm, running from retrievers and keeping humans safe from creatures of other realms for almost a hundred years. She goes back to the city of Sentinel, where she first came out of her realm, and tries to start over, again. While she is there a string of hideous murders happen and don’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. Dahlia teams up with the police to steer their investigation away from what she knows is attacks by her own. As she battles within herself with what she was raised to know, to what she now knows, she is torn. Can she come to terms with the two halves of herself in time to protect dragons and humans? Can she learn to trust others, even as she finds out the truth behind her escape and exile?

I really enjoyed this read! It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. I rooted for Dahlia to figure out what was happening as I suspected that some of her friends were not truly her friends. All the characters were likable and well developed, in my opinion. I loved the ones I was supposed to and highly disliked the bad guys. The world building was fantastic! I felt like I was experiencing other realms in my mind.

As a first book goes, it was intriguing and gut-wrenching at times. It set up a world that I want to know more about and can’t wait to continue reading the series. My hope is that as it continues, more information is given about the dragon world, the Guild, and their “exits” to other worlds! Looking forward to reading more!

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caspian Archer came from nothing until his uncle took him in, raised him as his own, and taught him everything he knew about running a highly successful company. When his uncle realizes that Caspian has become a workaholic, he tries to resolve it in the only way he can think of how to. He gives him an ultimatum. Get married and keep the company he has worked hard for over the years, or stay single and lose it all. For Caspian, that is easier said than done. He has surrounded himself with women that are beautiful and enjoyable, but not marriage material. Then he bumps into Paisley, a girl from his past that he knew before his uncle took him in. She’s unassuming, destitute, and the perfect girl for his dilemma. That is, until they actually fall in love with each other! Caspian has to open himself up to love or lose her and his chance at true happiness forever.

For the most part, I enjoyed this read. While I could not identify with Caspian or his world, I did connect with Paisley. I was drawn into their love story rather quickly. I appreciated that when Paisley was destitute, she never lost her pride and she knew her self worth. I would have liked to have seen more interactions with the other Titans of Manhattan, as this is the first book in the series. The next Titan was introduced in a very cursory manner in the middle of the book and wasn’t really mentioned again until the very end.

All in all, it was a quick read that was fun. However, it was a little too detailed for me in some parts. LOL I would definitely categorize this as a steamy, adult read.

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

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Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2)Unlikely to Fit by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breckin is TRYING to move on with her life after her ex left her for a recently graduated, high school cheerleader. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for her because he is the football coach at the same high school where she is a counselor. Griff is a broken hearted man who lost the love of his life five years earlier. Both are not looking for another significant other and yet, they find themselves intrigued by each other. Can Breckin trust her heart to a man who is still mourning the loss of his first love? Can Griff move past grief to see the phenomenal woman who loves him?

This is the second installment of the series that takes place in Parker, OK. I really love this series. The female characters are strong, supportive, and not afraid to be vulnerable. I love the relationships, the witty humor, and the town! Small town living is exactly like it is described in this book!

I would recommend this book for 18 plus!

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nix is an orphaned prince of the Twilight Realm who has to gone into hiding. Zoe, the daughter of the usurpers, ran away from her parents after years of abuse. Both are searching for a way to end the tyranny and set everything back to rights. As their lives and similar missions become intertwined, can they work together or will they let their differences come between them?

This was a fantastic YA read. The characters were well written and the plot moved quickly. My attention was captured from the very beginning and I was rooting for Zoe and Nix to overcome their fears and work together. It saddened me to read of the abuse (not explicitly written) that Zoe had undergone and the trauma that Nix experienced. However, I appreciated that despite these awful experiences, neither character let it define who they were or keep them from doing/seeing the good in others.

I would recommend this book!

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Just wow. This is my first time reading Kay L. Moody. I have seen several of her books because they pop up on my “suggested next reads” on my Kindle and I am so glad I picked this one up!!

From the beginning of the book, I was pulled in to the story of Talise. She comes from nothing in the Storm region to studying at the academy because of her talent to be able to shape 4 elements at the tender age of 7. Ten years later, she’s worked her way to the top of her class and has made some close friends. She realizes that she has relaxed in her training/shaping (because she’s the best), when Aaden comes to compete against her for the place of Master Shaper. He is surly and distrustful of everybody, but he is masterful in his fire shaping. If she doesn’t win, she gets sent back to Storm to live a life of poverty. I don’t really want to share more about the book because it really is about Talise finding her path; discovering who she is despite what others say she is. It’s also about family and the lengths that we will go to protect them.

As I was reading this book, I was afraid that the end of the book was near only to discover I was only 40% into the book! I was overjoyed!! It felt like there were massive conspiracies going on and I just wasn’t sure which one was going to pan out. Just when I thought I knew what was happening something shifted in the plot and it kept me turning pages well past midnight to find out how it was going to work out.

I truly enjoyed this book! It is a perfect YA book. There’s no bad language, no overly romantic scenes, and all around a wonderful read.

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The Groomsman (Unexpected Series – Book 2) by Marina Hanna – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The GroomsmanThe Groomsman by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mark and Lauren are two people on different paths in life until their best friends get married and they find themselves spending the night together. Of course, they THINK that it’s a one and done kind of thing until they find themselves drawn to each other again and again and – you got it- again. In the turmoil of them trying to figure out how to work together to both achieve a relationship that will work, secrets come to light on both sides. When push comes to shove, they have to decide if they will be able to work through their pasts in order to make a life together.

I feel like Ms. Hanna did a wonderful job of writing Mark and Lauren’s story in finding love. I was drawn to the Lauren and her girl friends’ friendship. While I could not particularly identify with Lauren, I have many friends who, I imagine, could. Mark was- what I think- a typical man who has been on his own for too long, playing by his own rules would be like. I enjoyed getting to see his world get rocked by Lauren.

Absolutely, an adult read!

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Love’s Reverie (The Stardust Duet, Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book picks up where the first one left off. Phillip and Kat are reunited after he figures out how to get back to her. As they are trying to figure out what their future looks like, Phillip decides that he wants to give Kat his mother’s ring. When he realizes that it has been lost in the years since he left, he knows what he has to do. What he wasn’t expecting was a jilted ex-boyfriend to follow and wreak havoc on his return plans. As Kat deals with a missing Phillip, she discovers that there will need to be compromises made in order for them to remain together. Can Phillip make it back? Or will their love be lost forever in time?

K.G. Fletcher paints a fantastic picture of love and sacrifice in this conclusion of Phillip and Kat’s story. She does a wonderful job of walking the reader through the character’s thoughts and how they reason through all of their decisions.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great second book!! Completely love this series! Ms. McKinley does a fantastic job of making her characters realistic and personable. Enzo and Sofia’s lives are entwined by tragedy from when they were younger. In response, Enzo takes a blood oath to protect her no matter what. When someone from the past comes back to haunt Sofia, demanding answers about a cover up, it requires Enzo to uphold his end of the oath. Will Sofia be able to confide in Enzo or will more tragedy strike before he can save her from the past?

The Mafia princesses and their men are fascinating! The world that they live in is dangerous and the men even more so to their hearts. I was instantly drawn in to the story of these families and at this point, I feel invested and cannot wait for the next one!

Definitely an adult book.

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Born to Fall (Can’t Resist You – Book 2) by Brittany Anne – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Born to Fall (Can't Resist You, #2)Born to Fall by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book of the series was just as good as the first! I was drawn in from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. The story picks up where the first one ended. It takes up the story of Julia and Derek. Both have trauma that they are dealing with from their past and for Julia, her more recent past. As they are sent out to do a peace mission, the past gets tangled up with their present. Can Julia truly trust Derek? Can Derek truly help Julia move on from her past?

I have to say that I have truly enjoyed this series. I like the fact that there are multiple points of view from several characters, not just the main two. I also appreciated that the author didn’t have to give them their own chapter to express their thoughts.

Definitely an 18+ book.

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun who-done-it mystery! While I was reading, I felt like I was actually watching a PBS/BBC period show that was set in the 1930s. Frances, Jack and Uncle Sal were supposed to be having a wonderful New Year’s celebration with Frances’ Aunt Mildred. Instead, they end up having to help solve a mystery at her house where classified papers have gone missing. Frances and Jack sign up to be “the help” while they investigate who could have done it. However, during their investigation, the crime ups to murder which puts them on a shorter timeline to solve the mystery. Can they find the papers and uncover who the murderer is before all the guests leave?

I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, the different locations they visited, and how they all worked together to develop a trap in which to catch the killer/thief. The dialogue between the characters was well thought out and drew me in to how their minds were working to solve the mystery. In the end, I was surprised who it was, but looking back it made sense!

This was a very well written book that kept my interest until the very end!

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10) by Louisa Bacio – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10)Sea Mage by Louisa Bacio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book! Also, I did know that I was picking it up in the middle of the series. So while I did not have a lot of the backstory going into the book, I didn’t feel like I was missing something in the over arching plot.

Serena is a mermaid shifter charged with keeping the orphaned, elven princess safe from the evil entities that are trying to take her. She and Peder are drawn to each other but each have other commitments that have to come first before they can truly explore what is going on between them. Can they work together to keep the toddler safe and find a balance for each other? Or will it all become too much for them?

I haven’t seen a lot of mermaid books and that is what drew me to this book. The author did a phenomenal job describing all the characters and places they were at. I could literally see them. In fact, every time Serena is described I couldn’t help but picture Serena from Gossip Girl! LOL

Now that I have read this book, I will go back and find the others in the series. I am hoping to get through them all by the time the next in this series is released!

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed every book that I have picked up by Tricia Copeland! Her writing draws me in and keeps me wanting to know more about the characters and the storyline.

Alena is a sheltered half vampire, half-witch. Her mother keeps her scheduled and pretty much on lock down, but as this is her senior year in high school, her mother lightens up a bit. She begins to see the world around her in a different light as she makes new acquaintances and new friends. Shockingly enough, her new friends include an imaginary friend that she discovers is actually very real. As a struggle between the witches and the vampires begin to escalate, Alena finds out who her true friends are and which ones she needs to keep close. But will that be enough to save her, her family and friends, and mankind?

Ms. Copeland does a wonderful job writing believable characters with normal teenage angst, emotions, and challenges that they face with friends and family. I appreciate that she doesn’t over sexualize their feelings, uses clean language, and keeps the plot plausible -as much as you can with paranormal!

All in all, I really liked this book and will be looking for Book 2 to read next!

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and it won’t be the last! Hunter was raised to be a fighter for freedom. When he is severely wounded after trying to save a woman and left for dead by his comrades, Rain finds him and nurses him back to health. She falls in love with him but has her own demons that she has to face before she can truly be free.

This story is almost like a post apocalypse type but it doesn’t get all bogged down in the details. I rather appreciated that I didn’t have to know about how it all fell apart to follow along with the storyline. The “brothers in arms” were all likeable characters that I would want to know if I had to fight back against a regime that was cruel and evil.

I truly enjoyed the story of Hunter and Rain and am looking forward to the story continuing with his brothers finding their other half!

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The Girl and the Demon (The Girl and the Raven Book 3) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Girl and The Demon (The Girl and The Raven, #3)The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third installment of The Girl and the Raven series. It continues the story of Lucy and her coming to terms with being half demon and half witch. With her dad out of reach and her boyfriend out of town, she has her two best friends to rely on helping her stay safe. My favorite part of this book was seeing Lucy come into her own and have more confidence in herself and her abilities. Her friends have become her family and she realizes that she will risk it all to save them; even the girl in her friend group that doesn’t like her.

I feel like the author did a wonderful job describing the intricacies of teenage friendships and emotional angst that they experience in this day in age. I also appreciate that this series continues to be clean in language, and not overly sexualized. Hopefully, Lucy’s adventures continue!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful second book to this series! I was glad that it picked up fairly soon after the first one and didn’t pace too far forward in time. The flashbacks continued to provide keen insight and backstory for Ciaran’s past–and added his brother Aodhan to the plot! I have to admit, I was happy that he got to have his twin join him in his excursions in the modern world!

There were some big twists that I didn’t see coming in this book, too. Andrea Matthews does an incredible job describing Ireland and its landscape, giving me another reason to enjoy the book. I look forward to seeing how she continues the story in the next installment!

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The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2 by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading Kailen and Talaith’s story. Both are rather tortured souls that find completion with each other. There is a lot more history with Kailen compared to Talaith but I felt like the author did justice to both, considering that it is his story. This story is a continuation of the Titanians’ struggle with the daemon’s trying to take over with the help of their evil mages. I enjoyed seeing old characters throughout the story and the introduction of new ones.

Ms. Saccenti was wonderful in her descriptive language of all the different places this story takes the reader. I felt like I was experiencing the unique atmosphere of South America, New York, and Scotland with the characters. Her depiction of the characters were such that I found them relatable, too (in as far as you can with a paranormal character).

All in all, a very enjoyable read! The plot, the characters, and the different places kept me reading and I will continue reading this series to see how they defeat evil in the end!

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Entwined (Stone and Cinder Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have read this author. Admittedly, I am a sucker for retelling of a fairy tale. I love to see how other authors interpret what the story could have looked like with other characters in different realms.

I did not read the description very close and was therefore a little surprised to find out that the prince has a husband. I know, shame on me for not reading it closely, but I was already drawn into the plot of the story and felt invested. I do tend to skim the explicit scenes, just because that is not what I read books for. However, I loved the tension that Ashling and the prince had. I also found it refreshing that she wasn’t swept up out of her dire circumstances, but chose to stand up for herself and take action!

All in all, a quick read that was enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing how the author continues the storyline.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author. I think that the author was very imaginative in how the love story played out. Especially, since there is time travel in the mix! The characters were written in a way that I was able to relate to them. The author also did a wonderful job of describing the present and the past in such a way that I could see what was happening without too much imagination. The love story is sweet and I wanted to see Kat and Philip together. This is the first book of two and I will be eagerly awaiting book 2 to find out how it all ends!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading Bernadette Marie and I enjoyed the first book of her new series. Admittedly, I have a soft spot for second chance romances! I feel like she developed her characters well and presented them in a realistic way.

Craig and Rachel were each other’s first love. This is the story of how they get back to that love, what happened to them in the in between, and how they worked through the trauma of it. I appreciated the acknowledgement to mental health and how Rachel sought out help to deal with the loss of her brother and her own issues with depression.

All the characters in the coming books are introduced and I am looking forward to reading more about them and how they find love! Honestly, I just love when there is a group of people that are there for each other through thick and thin. I want them all to find their happy ever after ending!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Amy McKinley! Her stories are written well. Her characters are believable and realistic. And you can’t help but root for the good guys to deliver justice to the bad guys!

I enjoyed the drama of the families involved in the mafia storyline. Ms. McKinley introduced the families in Chicago, their ties to Italy, and also what I believe will be the overarching mystery to the series in a brilliant way! The women that stick together are strong and not necessarily damsels in distress. However, what woman doesn’t want a strong man to treat them like a queen, to show them they are valued, and that they are worth the battle to win??

Truly looking forward to reading the next books in this series!! I can’t wait to see how the rest of the Mafia Elite end up with the love of their lives!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and PossibilitiesNotebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Ms. Mullins did an excellent job of presenting realistic characters and how they might interact in that time. I feel like she also did an excellent job letting the reader know the timeline of the backstory and how it fit in with the “present day” of Chicago in 1883.

There were multiple mysteries throughout the book that drew you in to the characters and how they worked together using each other’s strengths to solve the crimes. There were some surprises that I wasn’t expecting, too. Definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what new mysteries they will have to solve!

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These ladies are some of my favorite authors for a reason!! They write a phenomenal story with AMAZING characters that always leaves me wanting more!

The Lochlann Feuds continue with the story of the daughter of Queen Charlotte and King Logan, Princess Rowan. Oh boy does she land herself in quite a situation! She ends up in enemy territory only to discover that her offenses are life threatening. As she finds love, maneuvers tricky friendships, and tries to endear herself to her enemies, she is not prepared for what happens. In all honesty… neither was I!

This book ends on a completely unexpected cliffhanger that I have only read one other time. There is a secret part of me that hopes I am right about it, too! But I am not going to spoil it. I cannot wait for the next book!

This is a must read book! Fun, witty, clean fantasy romance!

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book of Levi and Tasha’s story and I liked it as much as the first! It was non stop from the get go. The war with the hellspawn is increasing and just when I thought that the conflict was going to be resolved, something awful happens. The story takes a sudden sideways twist that I didn’t see coming. It surprised me, but I did love seeing justice served. There is also an element introduced to the whole mix toward the end and it feels like all the pieces are fitting into place to wrap it all up in the next book! Definitely looking forward to reading the conclusion!

All in all, this is a fantastic second book! Everyone needs a Levi kind of love and protector.

*This is an adult book with explicit sexual content.

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TAINTED by Marsha R. West – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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TAINTEDTAINTED by Marsha R. West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the story and how her high school love came full circle back into her life. Having lived in TX and NM for a couple of years each, I had to laugh at her description of the scenery during her drive from Ft. Worth to Red River. It was spot on! Made me feel like I was in the car riding along and thinking, “Will this trip ever end?!” LOL

I liked the characters and felt like she presented them in a realistic way. It’s hard not to be tainted by something your significant other does to the degree of a federal crime. Ms. West did a wonderful job of describing the struggles of overcoming and becoming your own person. It’s easier to heal when you are surrounded by people who believe in you.

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Dangerous Curves Boxed Set #1 (Dangerous Curves Books 1-3) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian MysteriesDangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #1: Betrayal at the Beach

This was a breath for fresh air to read! Sunshine and her friends are wonderfully written Christian characters. The characters all had pluck, were realistic, and relatable. It was fun to try and guess who the real culprit of the theft was and in the end to be surprised! I look forward to book #2 and finding out who Sunshine’s admirer is. I have my suspicions…

Book #2 Mystery at the Marina

Oh man! I just LOVE Sunshine and her friends!! They make an amazing team of sleuths out to crack any mystery that comes up in Bryce Beach. My favorite part of these books, so far, is that these ladies are not afraid to branch out and try new things in order to solve a mystery. It’s like a grown up version of Nancy Drew with some prayer in there! I really thought Sunshine’s admirer would be revealed, but alas… there are 2 possibilities now!
I’m so glad there’s another book because I am really enjoying this series!

Book #3: Shooting at the Beach

Oh my heart… This book was a tad sad for me. I was sad to read who the victim was, but I was even more surprised to find out why! It took Sunshine and the whole team plus an unexpected addition to solve this one. What a mystery full of drama! We still don’t know who her admirer is, however, it is narrowed down to one! (Well, at least in my mind!) Since it isn’t apparent who it is, that must mean there will be more books!! Yay!!

These books are wholesome, witty and full of humor!

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Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series Book 5) by Vikki Walton – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Potager Plot: A witty cozy mystery with a hint of romance. (A Backyard Farming Mystery Book 5)Potager Plot: A witty cozy mystery with a hint of romance. by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and it is a fun, clean, cozy mystery!

The author did a wonderful job of making the characters relatable and feel like real people. It is a beautifully written mystery that includes a strong group of women that have formed a strong bond with each other. They work together to help solve a “who-done-it”. Having grown up in a small town, I appreciated the depiction of what small towns are like with their rumor mills and suspicions when something nefarious happens!

All in all, a quick, fun read! Will read this author again!

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