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Hazard in Hawaii (A Doctor Danger Mystery BOOK 1) by Heather Silvio – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Hazard in HawaiiHazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and it will not be the last! I loved the story from the get go!

Sarah, the main character, is so down to earth and relatable (sans the paranormal stuff) that I couldn’t help but relate to her! Her colleagues are just as easily relatable. I enjoyed how the author wrote the mystery like I was standing right beside Sarah watching everything happen with her. She described the areas she was at and transitioned well from one place to the next!

This is a clean read with no strong language or intimate moments. It did talk about other characters having affairs, but no details. I will be keeping an eye out for more Dr. Danger books since Sarah is technically “not yet!” a doctor!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an ADORABLE story about a dog being afraid of something he doesn’t understand. He meets a new friend that doesn’t quite look the same as him and his friends. However, they all quickly realize that it doesn’t matter.
I enjoyed this story. It’s perfect for small children to understand that different doesn’t mean you need to be afraid. Sometimes different is the same it just doesn’t look the same. I think the story is beautifully written and the illustrations wonderfully done.

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven, #2)The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the second installment of this series, I am just as impressed as I was with the first book! The plot is face paced and continues to build toward what I expect will be an epic conclusion.

The relationship between Lucy, Marcus and Dylan continue to become more and more intertwined. As Marcus’ past comes back to stare them all in the face, there are new characters and new twists introduced. I couldn’t help but to become more and more pulled in to the book as more secrets are uncovered!

Definitely looking forward to reading the last book in this series and seeing how the author wraps it all up! Although, secretly, I am hoping that there are spin-offs of other characters!

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading the second book in this series! I felt like it was non-stop action the whole time!

The transitions are well written as the characters travel through time and space. I felt like I was right there with them experiencing it at the same time. I felt the characters’ relationships grow deeper and stronger as they try to save the world, too. The last couple of twists were unexpected but they also brought the whole story almost full circle with the first book.

Happily, I expect a third book or at least a prequel telling Matt’s story?!?

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The Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an excellent read for boys and girls in middle school! An imaginative world built around challenges that the characters have to overcome in their dreams. The characters are all well developed and relatable. There are twists galore that keep you reading to see what will happen next and moments when you’re on the edge of your seat reading!

I am so glad this is a series because that means there are more of these books! My children will be reading these this school year!

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Master Tuscano (Masters of the Consulate Book 2) by Sylvia Black – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 2)Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series and it is just as fast paced as the first book! Master Tuscano is a very dominant male who finds his mate, Delilah, in a bit of a bind. He avenges her and it costs her humanity. While she comes into her own right as a dominant female, they continue to fight the Big Bad that is attacking vampire’s way of life.

The development of the female character’s friendships draw you in to the story. It’s very easy to identify with the need to protect what is yours and want to defend it all costs!

Again, this is definitely an adult book!

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Master Descallia (Masters of the Consulate Book 1) by Sylvia Black – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 1)Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading Sylvia Black. I think the author did a wonderful job developing the history and story line of the vampire consulate going up against a Big Bad that threatens their existence. Eventually, all the Masters are going to have to fight back against the Big Bad, as they fall in love and find their mates. This was the first of the Masters to fall in love and find his mate. I felt like all the characters were believable (as much as any vampire book!) and look forward to reading more about how the other Masters will fall in love and find their mates.

Please note that this book is definitely for adults; as there are adult elements that are described.

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2)The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweeping tale of survival. I feel like Holmes did a fantastic job of describing what it would have been like to live during that time and to be conquered by the Assyrians. I couldn’t help but feel like I was transported back in time, watching everything happen. The cities, the characters, the palaces simply came alive in my mind as I read.

Uqnitum is a hard character to love. But you have to give her mad respect because she is able to keep herself and her pregnant daughter alive after their lives are turned upside down. She acts rashly and doesn’t always make the wisest choices because she is trying to make up for a where she has failed in the past and the present. While her choices were not always helpful, it does work out in the end for the better. I appreciated how in the end, she was finally able to move beyond herself to reflect on the choices that she had made. She was able to recognize what needed to change, and then made that difficult choice to fix it.

I really enjoyed this read. If you want a heart wrenching tale of historical survival, this is your book!

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The Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Forsaken: WraithThe Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First time reading this author and I loved it! I thought the world building was well written and felt like this book is setting up for an epic series!

I love a great fantasy book with a strong female character that has the influence of becoming great by a strong male character. I enjoyed how she picked a band of misfits and built a team out of the ones you didn’t necessarily see as being a good group together! All the characters were well rounded with just enough mystery to some of them that it kept you guessing as to what could be their story. While only a couple of characters are explained, others are left with an open ending to carry on the story!

All in all… a very quick, enjoyable read. Can’t wait to read more in this world!

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Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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BittersweepBittersweep by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an intriguing old time, western romance and mystery. You are instantly drawn back to a time with horses and carriages, and gentlemen that treat a lady respectfully. There are secrets and prejudices that come to light in the small town of Bittersweep. All the while, Elizabeth, the school teacher is falling in love with the chairman of the school board- against her better judgement. When there is a murder and she is blamed who will come to her rescue?

You can’t help but love the characters and their need to find answers and to protect the innocent. This the second time I have read this author and I wasn’t disappointed!

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AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Awakening the Gods (Rise of the Celtic Gods #1)Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading this author, and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book! The characters and the folklore drew me in immediately.

Saoirse struggles to find her place in the world. The only thing that makes sense to her is music, as it sing to her soul. Then she finds out, she’s not really who she thinks she is.
Smithy has been missing a piece of his soul for a very long time. Could Saoirse be the one who completes him? Is he her other half and purpose in the world?

Ireland has fascinated me since I visited with my best friend and this book gave me all the feels. It brought back fond memories of the countryside, the cities, and the folklore.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading this author and it will not be the last!! I have a deep love for sweet, romantic stories; especially ones that have military men in them!

Having grown up in a small town, I was drawn into this story immediately. Everybody knows everyone and everything that is going on. When Wyatt came back from his overseas tours a changed man, all he needs is a good woman to heal his fractured soul. Even if he doesn’t know it!
Annabelle was the odd girl out in school that marched to the beat of her own drum, and still does. When she and Wyatt start working together, it’s only a matter of time before they realize that their rhythm is one in the same!

Knowing that this is the first book in this series… I am hoping that the next ones focus on her best friends finding love in their small town, too (especially with one or more of Wyatt’s friends!)! Can’t wait for the next book!

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down.

Lucy’s character draws you in from the very beginning. You really like her and love her heart for others. Even after her world is turned upside down and challenges assail her left and right, she is still able to love. Her dad is a stranger that has dark powers that she wants to reject, but can she? Marcus is her knight in shining armor holds his own secrets, and Dylan is a popular jock that evolves into something more…. but who will catch Lucy’s heart?

Can’t wait to read the next installment of this series to find out more!

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Georgia Clay (Southern Promises Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Georgia Clay (Southern Promises, #1)Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Admittedly, I do not prefer country music. However, if I had a high school crush that wrote songs about me… I probably would! This book had me from the beginning. I LOVE both Katie and Clay. They are perfect for each other! The ending almost had me in tears… You could FEEL the emotions coming off the page and swirling around inside you. <3

Side note, the author has a disclaimer at the beginning of the book that it is intended for an 18 and older reader. I appreciated their consideration for other readers in doing that.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a thought provoking read! Four different time/story lines that all end up intersecting at the end to bring it all together, in a sense. Each timeline- think Star Trek (future), Egyptian (past), Chinese (past), and current times- has their different, yet similar, good vs. evil characters. You love to hate the bad guys and root for the good guys!

This was my first time reading this author. I have to say, I was blown away by how much he was able to convey with each timeline and it not feel repetitive! Immediately, you are drawn in to each time’s story and eagerly read to see how it all comes together.

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It continues following the life that Cam and Freyja have built from her POV. There are plot twists that you don’t expect, and it keeps you reading to find out how it all ends. Just when you think The Collective can’t get any worse… they do, and you want them all to burn.

This series makes you think about your life and evaluate what is really important. Truly. Love this series! You FEEL the heartache and the triumphs of the characters to your core.

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat house confessions) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat House Confessions, #6)Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First time reading this author. I feel like she did a great job portraying the college scene. It kind of made me reflect on my college years as I read it. While I am not a rich kid waiting to take over daddy’s business, I could relate to the wanting to have fun and put off becoming an adult. But then, when you meet the one you are meant for, it is unavoidable to grow up!

This is for mature audiences!

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Motherland (The Tom Grant Series Book 3) by Samantha Adair – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Motherland: A Tom Grant NovelMotherland: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author. And I have to say that I really enjoyed it! I was drawn in from the very beginning by the characters. Even though I have not read the first 2 books in the series, I did not feel like I was missing too much. The author did a great job including some of the back story so I wasn’t completely lost.

Tom Grant was a likeable character as was Isabella/Irina. I am looking forward to reading more about them!

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Book 1) by Misty Hayes – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Shield & ShadeShield & Shade by Misty Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this YA book about angels vs. demons! It’s the kind of book that sticks with you when you have to put it down and do real life things… but REALLY you want to keep reading it and NOT put it down.

I appreciated that there wasn’t bad language or over sexualized characters. It is beautifully written from multiple points of view. The author did a fabulous job of writing their views in such a way that you were drawn in by each character’s thoughts. The world building was fascinating and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

This is a spin off series and I have not read the original trilogy it’s based off of but you better believe that I will be soon!

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Dragons by Ty Drago – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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DragonsDragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book! It could be because my maiden name is Dragon and I use to day dream about what it would be like to be one. I appreciated the author’s take on “dragons” and how they weren’t the great big lizards that we think about when we hear that name. I enjoyed the characters and development of how there was more than meets the eye to this book as well. It was wonderful world building, too!

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Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So enjoyed this!! I did not see the twists coming AT ALL! But I enjoyed them nonetheless! I was happy to read from Freya’s viewpoint in this book! She saw things and experienced things that Cam didn’t and it was refreshing to see her old character come back out. She is pretty amazing!

The thought process to write this book must have been immense! Wonderful writing that I haven’t read in awhile! Thank you, T.S. Simons for putting this out into the world!

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Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed reading this book! I was sucked in immediately with the young love that was forbidden and their promise to meet up years later. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life in my mind and their inner struggles to survive. Admittedly, I am a sucker for strong male characters that find their mates and will go to any length to protect them.

Cannot wait for the next book!!

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Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Courage of UsCourage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed reading this! I probably felt a little more attached to it since it was a military guy and his girl. I loved the description of the town, the parents’ (on both sides) involvement, and how Patience got back to herself before moving on from her loveless marriage. May did a fantastic job of making Duke redeem himself before getting the girl!

It says book 1, which means there should be more in this series! My hope is that it’s about the rest of their guy friends and finding love!

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Blue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Blue Summer Part OneBlue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was very interesting to read. I liked the characters and how they were developed. At times I couldn’t help but think that I was reading an adult version of The Smurfs! I mean… the guys are blue, the girl is blonde with a white dress, and there’s an evil sorcerer who talks to an animal side kick. (shrugs shoulders)

It was entertaining to say the least! Since she left it with a big cliff hanger, I now need to read the second part to find out how it ends!

Definitely an adult book.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a well thought out dystopian tale! I found this read to be fascinating; especially, at a time like this! It really made you think about how would we, as a society, cope with something more devastating than Covid. I felt like I was learning how to survive as I read and that kept me reading. I had to know how the characters dealt with everything!

Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a well thought out dystopian tale! I found this read to be fascinating; especially, at a time like this! It really made you think about how would we, as a society, cope with something more devastating than Covid. I felt like I was learning how to survive as I read and that kept me reading. I had to know how the characters dealt with everything!

Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fascinatingly, cute read! It was full of adventure that ended entirely too soon! The author did an excellent job of accurately describing relationships with people through the eyes of a child. Luella is an extraordinary character with exceptional powers. Her “Gramps” did a wonderful job raising her to make good decisions; even when it was hard. I hope that there will be more stories to come from the world of Storey!

Perfect for 4th graders and up!

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite an interesting read from the very beginning. The Earl draws you in with his gallantry and then his misunderstanding of the workings of the female mind! (I feel like the author captured how men think eloquently!) Emily is someone you want to be friends with because of all the misfortunes that happen to her. You want to cheer her on and encourage her.

This was a romance novel without being over the top explicit. I appreciated that, too!

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an enjoyable read! All the characters were lovely to read about. The fact that these kids struggled with fitting in with their peers/family made it a realistic read (even though their talents are supernatural). I feel like a lot of kids struggle with finding their own talents, self-confidence and mostly, finding like-minded friends. So it was fitting that as their relationships grew with each other, they realized the true meaning of friendship and what it looks like.

I would recommend for middle schoolers and up! Good job to this mom and daughter author pair!

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Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Love UnexpectedLove Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picked this book up on a whim and was sucked in by the ease of the story’s progression. The characters kept my interest and while their language could be crude at times (they admitted to the same in the book), it was easy to see why they thought/spoke that way once you got into the story. Jules was a believable character in her take-no-crap attitude, but I truly enjoy female characters who know their worth. Adam was a more complicated person to dissect. While he was an alpha type character, there was more that you had to delve into to really understand him.

Just FYI, this is definitely an adult book.

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