Posts

Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Donna Dawkin

Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma Evans is a intelligent, independent young lady.. uncovering mysteries across the city of Chicago in the 1880’s. The author did a good job giving all the characters depth and a reason to be in the story. A most enjoyable view of the streets and society of that time. Alongside emerging women’s rights, cameras and user friendly bicycles, the Author and Emma take us on a wild ride looking deeper, finding the wrong doings in plain sight. Looking forward to #3 in the series!

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Donna Dawkin

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

Book 3 in this series delivers! Our heroine continues to evolve and find herself steeped in continuing intrigues. This installment sees Emma and Jeremy travelling to New York City and across the Atlantic to Paris. The travel and sights of the late 1880’s are captured wonderfully by the author. And still every step of the way adventure, danger and mystery combine with Emma’s determination to help people. Picking up right after Book 2 in the series, this is another great read in the Notebook Mystery Series.

View all my reviews

Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Donna Dawkin

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

Every once in awhile, the glimpse of a dance floor and sounds of the past would slip through Tess’s fingertips as she stocked the shelves of her very own boutique, Divine Vintage with beautiful items from times gone by.
Until she met Trey, Ester and their scandalous family tree, Tess didn’t think too much of her connection to vintage garments.. a chance opportunity to model century old family heirlooms and Tess found herself tredding carefully between the present and past, sometimes uncertain if the past had more sway on her future than she liked.
As Tess takes step after step closer to owning her unique power, she hopes she can right the wrongs of the past and believe in the connection she feels to Trey
This is a fun unique read that seemingly has two story lines and we hope desperately for a happily ever after and a solution to the intricate weaving whodunit!

View all my reviews

The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Donna Dawkin

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

From page one, I slipped into the telling of this story and never left. Such a well written tale of coming of age, court intrigue.. murder, young romance, mysticism and manipulation. Somehow the author packs every chapter full and still keeps us right on track, connected to the story. Thanks to well developed characters and a unique magical ability this is a book that will appeal almost everyone. My first read by this author, and I’m hoping there’s a Book 2 on its way!

View all my reviews

Daire’s Devils (Daire’s Devils Series Book 1) by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Donna Dawkin

Daire's DevilsDaire’s Devils by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic world building…in space! Even though we dropped right into the action, I was able to understand all the factions, each with just enough description to let me know which side of the playing field they stood on.
Our main character is tough, she hangs on no matter what. If you like a heroine that fights for what’s right, knows her worth and gives her all, this story is for you. The author weaves the storylines together seamlessly, with enough background to provide motivation, loyalty, strengths and weaknesses.. all parts that make up a fabulous adventure!

View all my reviews

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Donna Dawkin

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite genres is romantic comedy, toss in a little paranormal spice and you have everything you could want to keep you reading.
Set in my #1 wish to visit cities, New Orleans.. Katrina is a fasting succubus, barely managing to contain her devilish sexy self, this ragged control is put to the test when she meets Gabe, a broken hearted incubus, and together they set the pages on fire.
With great character development, some well described New Orleans locales, the author keeps the pages turning as our paranormal paramours find their way through the twists and turns of their adventure.

View all my reviews

States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Donna Dawkin

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew I would love this book, I was drawn to the ‘life keeps hitting hard, but I keep getting up’ heroine – a decorated veteran who came home from Iraq with both a Purple Heart and prosthetic leg. This fast paced legal thriller takes you on a ride. Great character development brought all the players to life, and I was immersed in the hot seedy Florida underworld with them.. Murder plots, illegal drug trade and betrayal kept the pages turning till the very end! Excellent debut novel.

View all my reviews

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

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

If you are hoping to be swept up into a historical adventure, full of heroes and enemies, romance and treachery.. look no further.
Diligent research gives this novel a rich reality, and excellent writing paints an amazing picture of life in 17th century Poland. A time of constant change, our main characters ride the wave as adventure and circumstance bring them together. Portrayal of perspective helps us see through the eyes of our heroes and the villains in this story, the author does a fabulous job showing us what drives all the players. Romance, revelry, duty and revenge, just around the corner! Looking forward to Book 2 in this series!

View all my reviews

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

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

The success of recipe always depends on the quality of your ingredients, and this small town snowy romance does not disappoint!! Well developed main characters, vibrant imaginings of small town somewhere and just enough background history to give the story realism. Sparks fly and develop into a steamy few scenes that add just enough spice to keep the reader interested! Handsome Italian chef Gio meets sassy pub owner Amber as Christmas gets into full swing, the hardest time of the year for Amber. If you’re looking for a couple to cheer for, look no further. I’ll be looking for more from this author!

View all my reviews

Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Donna Dawkin

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The real magic is within the pages of this lovely book. Simple ways to turn the everyday into something to rejoice. Filled with anecdotes and wisdom, I am thankful to be reminded of the pleasure and yes, magic to be found inside my own life. I really liked the insights shared from the author’s own experience, and how by incorporating the rituals contained in this book, she found her own true path. Find your own balance within the pages of this lovely reminder… There is more.

View all my reviews

Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book1) by Anise Eden – Review by Donna Dawkin

Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This new to me author delivers a great read!! From the first page I was caught up in the unravelling story. With twists and turns, political intrigue and believable situations this book has it all. All set in Washington D.C., such a hotbed of intrigue and dirty players.. I loved the interaction between the main characters, really hoping there will be a Book 2!!

View all my reviews

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Donna Dawkin

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 finds Lauren free-lancing as a court stenographer after the events of Book 1, if you have the chance, read them in order to understand exactly what she went through.

When she finds herself temping with her ex-husband residing as judge over another murder in town, Lauren starts questioning staying on in Crawford… Even though she keeps trying to make healthy choices, continuing to work alongside the ex might not be one of them.

Romantic interest simmers along beside the twisting plot full of suspects and intrigue.. we keep hoping. Though you won’t get any spoilers out of me.

An excellent second book in what I hope will be just the beginning of many adventures for Lauren.

View all my reviews

Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Donna Dawkin

Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best thing about this story, it had me rooting for the main characters!
Told from the point of view of a court stenographer, the author introduces a widening cast of likeable characters and believable suspects. I enjoyed the moral dilemma Lauren faces, privy to all the details of a crime, we have a front row seat to see how she manages that information.. intrigue ensues!!
This a great Book 1 of a promised series!

View all my reviews

The Guardian’s Legacy (The Coin of Time series Book 1) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Donna Dawkin

The Guardian's Legacy (Coin of Time, #1)The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Guardian’s Legacy, what fantastic first book, of what will be a great series. Fans of Dan Brown, will enjoy how the author tangles Greek mythology, ancient minted coins and modern day technology into a worthy adventure!
I enjoyed meeting this generation’s Guardian,
High school teacher Nik Zosimos, the author has done a great job flushing out a protagonist worthy of following into his next adventure.
In book one, Nik begins his real education, learning more than he ever thought he would from his Grandfather, and before you know it we are chasing him across Europe.
Can’t wait for Book Two in the Coin of Time Series by Luciana Cavallaro.

View all my reviews

Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven Book 5) by AJ Renee – Review by Donna Dawkin

Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven, #5)Cursed Luck by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cursed Luck

A.J. Renee has done it again! Cursed Luck is a great read full of Broderick style romance, introducing new powers and family members! Edward, can still remember the loss of his mother… And feels anything but lucky – in life and romance. The only skill he seems to have is a flair for intuition, and he’s learned to listen to it to help his clients find success.

Until he meets Mia, his match in more ways than one. Her powerful Earth magic, in fact everything about her confuses Edward.

Best to read it yourself, and find out the adventures these two get up to, and how Edward learns to be grateful, for his Cursed Luck. The 5th book in the Cursed Series, does not disappoint

View all my reviews

Why We Don’t Die in Dreams: Book 1 by Debbie Zello – Review by Donna Dawkin

Why we don't die in DreamsWhy we don’t die in Dreams by Debbie Zello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lured in by the promise of a racy scene or two I was not disappointed, there is so much more to this book! Debbie Zello has crafted an amazing tale full of layers and intrigue.. each time I thought I had all the ends wrapped up the story would take another turn!
Get ready to cheer on our hero, detective Gavin McLeod, as he tries to keep fact and fiction straight. Recurring crime scene dreams lead him on quite the man hunt! With well developed characters, believable steamy scenes and a fabulous storyline, you won’t want to put this one down.

View all my reviews

Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series Book 5) by Vikki Walton – Review by Donna Dawkin

Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series, #5)Potager Plot by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite the cast of characters join our heroine Anne, as she uncovers yet another mystery in the not so sleepy town of Carolan Springs..

We are given a bird’s eye view as Anne winds her way through the suspects and clues in Book 5 of Vikki Walton’s, A Backyard Farming Mystery Series. This small town murder mystery is simmering with intrigue, a little romance, small town secrets (you know the kind!) When the President of the local Gardening club is found dead.. there are a lot of unanswered questions and Anne can’t help herself but get to the truth of the matter!

My first book by this author, but I was impressed with the way she pulls all the tiny details together to build a great easy to read mystery! It worked well as a stand alone, but I will definitely be looking for the other books in this series.

View all my reviews

The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Donna Dawkin

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

In the 2nd Installment of Pauline Gruber’s series, The Girl and the Gargoyle, Lucy and Marcus take us on a wild ride.

Those who’ve read Book 1, The Girl and the Raven, will be familiar with the main players, and we meet a few more along the way.

I enjoyed the evolution of relationships and the tests our main characters faced with the introduction of Marcus’s birth family. Loved the parallels to be found.. even though this is a YA Paranormal setting, the same divisiveness/drama can be found in almost any family with teenagers.

Filled with adventure, hidden agendas; the ties of friendship and loyalty are tested!!
A great read full of witches, demons and gargoyles, Good vs Evil.. but which side is the good, and which is evil? Questions that need answers keep the pages turning! Can’t wait for Book 3!!

View all my reviews

Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven Series Book 4) by AJ Renee – Review by Donna Dawkin

Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven, #4)Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A.J. Renee does it again in this, the 4th installment of the Broderick Coven Series. Carter, the doctor in the family and like all the siblings, has a special skill that drew him to his profession, a healing touch.

Until he meets Vanessa, jewelry designer and business owner… Carter had not found much other than medicine to devote himself to. Vanessa’s creativity and curiousity lead them both into adventure and danger at every turn. Joined by all the siblings and the Alumbra Pack, just like each A.J Renee book, I am rooting for the heroes to win the day.

Great character development and interesting turns, I really enjoy this authors storytelling.

View all my reviews

Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven Series Book 3) by AJ Renee – Review by Donna Dawkin

Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven, #3)Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claudia never knew a kind soul, and after a decade in captivity, abuse and confinement had become the norm. Until faced with the thought of her daughter living the same existence, and then Claudia escaped with Katia running towards something, a whisper of kindness.

Max, found her the same way.. by listening. Another of the Broderick Coven strengthening his mystical skills, he spoke to Claudia in her Werewolf form, quieting her trauma and letting the Siblings do what they do best, band together to make things right.

I very much appreciated the careful way A.J. Renee dealt with trauma and the hopeful healing Claudia went through. The nod in the front of the book linking to the National Human Trafficking hotline is well done by the author.

Join Max and Claudia as they find romance, and the rest of the Broderick clan, Bishop Coven and the Alumbra Pack, in this paranormal adventure, Book Three of the Broderick Coven!

View all my reviews

Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven Series Book 2) by AJ Renee – Review by Donna Dawkin

Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven, #2)Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Two of the Broderick Coven series follows Serena and Ethan on their journey to strengthen Ethan’s Oracle powers. Each page brings adventure, and a deliciously brewing romance. Ethan and the six Broderick siblings form a tight bond that Serena, the Bishop Coven’s high priestess finds challenging after being an only child and solitary for many years..

Enjoy the front row seat as Serena and Ethan fall deeper into love, and Serena learns to belong to a family.. Through a few scrapes and adventures well crafted by the author we start to learn the mettle of all the Brodericks, each learning their new found powers.

This was a great read by A.J. Renee, I’m looking for Book 3 now!

View all my reviews

The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Donna Dawkin

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

I like how the author weaves the threads of the story through the different characters into web of intrigue.. Great foundation building for the series of stories to come. Not a regular of YA Paranormal Romance, I enjoyed the sweet romantic suspense of first love amidst all the adventure of learning who she really is.
Lucy is a girl that’s had to stand on her own for years, but now she finds herself surrounded by a family and champions she never knew she had. This is my first read by Pauline Gruber and I won’t hesitate to read the next installment!

View all my reviews

Check Out (The Bobbins Sisters Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Donna Dawkin

Check OutCheck Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was enticed by the marine veteran meets librarian storyline and stayed for the sensitive way the author handled Nash’s PTSD and his return home. Appreciated the concept of communication, talking to each other before getting too deep in the relationship.
Both main characters were well developed, and I’m a sucker for any setting that includes a library!
Looking forward to reading more Bobbin Sister stories, we’ve only met two so far.. could there even be a Marine buddy spinoff!? I will stayed tuned for more stories from Debra Parmley.

View all my reviews

Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers Book 1) by Belinda Williams – Review by Donna Dawkin

Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers, #1)Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, I am a sucker for a friends to lovers story and this one doesn’t disappoint! Belinda Williams pulls together well developed characters and a believable story line into a sweet and a little bit steamy romance… With a supporting cast that keeps you laughing and makes you believe in those ride or die friends, this one delivers. I enjoyed the build up and surprises that happened around each corner. I’ll be looking for another book from this author!

View all my reviews

Manifested Dreams by Dr. Yvonne Johnson – Review by Donna Dawkin

Manifested DreamsManifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is the generational stories that keep the spirit alive and truly tell the tale of how history affected real people. In this short story by Dr Yvonne Johnson, we hear young voices tell the story of several generations of an African-American family. Through their combined history, told through the from the point of view of daughters who become mothers, we feel their both their frustration and elation.
With a good balance of historical fact and familial history, we see the dreams of a people manifest within the lineage of one family. The only thing I wished it had more of was pages!! Looking forward to this authors next work.

View all my reviews

Captured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Donna Dawkin

Captured by the ViscountCaptured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a time where options for women were few and far between, Isabel had to make her own.

Wareeze Woodson has crafted a story filled with twists and turns, delicious bad guys and honorable heroes.. we are immersed into a historical whodunit that starts way before the first page.

Pushed to her limits Isabel finally has to take matters into her own hands. Setting out to right a wrong, she ends up married to Viscount Matthew Rutherford!

Suddenly ensconced into a life of nobility, and all the drama that family involves, Isabel and Matt try to find their way forward.

A very well spun story, with a historically accurate feel for society of the time I enjoyed this book and its characters as they wove their way through the mystery in front of them.

View all my reviews

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Donna Dawkin

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the very first paragraph, Amy McKinley transports the reader into the crumbling political history of Caracas, Venezuela, seen from the eyes of the girl our heroine used to be. Events that will forge her future and leave her with a secret past are just the prelude to this steamy, suspenseful secret ops story.

Building on this foundation into current day Pearl Harbour, the author leads us into a delicious dance between Tyler, Navy Seal and Malina, a Special Ops Analyst.. a tug of war that will eventually run out of rope. Who knew office romances could be so dangerous!

Rich Hawaiian landmarks and locals, are only the start of a wild ride when Malina has to rely on Tyler, her nemesis at work, to clear her of a crime of treason she did not commit.

It’s a fight against more than just evil forces and long buried secrets, and they’ll both need to spill a few hard truths if they’re going to make out in one piece.

Get set for well written sensual scenes and believable adventure in this third installment of Amy McKinley’s Deadly Isles Special Ops series.

This was my first book by Amy McKinley, I enjoyed both her character development and how she wrote the story into both locales. I know I will search out more of her stories! Forged by Secrets

View all my reviews