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Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Healing KissHealing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s hard separating yourself from your family in order to protect them. This is something Lillian aka Zoey knows all too well as she hides from the Kinetica Organization, which continues to seek her out in order to study and replicate her abilities for their own gain. When Hannah, her sister, becomes gravely ill, Lillian/Zoey will do whatever it takes to help her, even if it means risking herself and letting others know about her gifts.

Is seeing believing? Billionaire and skeptic Tristan King sees her heal a young girl without really realizing what she’s done, though something about her has piqued his interests. The sparks between Lillian/Zoey and Tristan are evident from the start, but will acting on them derail the healing of her sister and his mom? Can she really save their lives by harnessing his energy? Will they ever let their walls down and be able to trust and believe one another?

This is a great paranormal read. Amanda Uhl has a way with words that will pull you into the story, making you completely invested in these characters’ lives. She is definitely going on my author go to pile with amazing books like this. I can’t wait to read more of her work. If you love paranormal romances with suspense, secrets, and great chemistry, then, this is a book for you.

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The First Sin (South of Eden) Audiobook by Lisa Beth Darling – Review by Donya Pedigo

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As a fan of mythology, I enjoyed seeing how the author intertwined the Christian God and the Greek Gods together. I am a Christian, but I still listened to and enjoyed this book. I didn’t see it as blasphemy or anything of the such, but as an interesting fictional story.

 

Lucifer has been yanked out of Hell and sent back to the Garden of Eden, where Eve is in charge. Eve, who was cursed by God, is now trying to heal the Garden of Eden along with some other immortals (Greek Deities). It is a shock for Eve to see her old love Lucifer again, especially with a jealous Ares hovering around them. This is an interesting retelling of the First Sin and paints the characters involved in a very different light to traditional Christian teachings. That is why I reiterate that it is a work of fiction to be enjoyed and not to be taken as a strike towards any Christian teachings. It amazes me how creative the author is, making twists and turns in the story. The only possible negative was that the narrator had such a soothing, low toned voice that it almost lulled me to sleep when I listened for a long time.

I’ll Love You Tomorrow (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas – Review by Donya Pedigo

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I'll Love You Tomorrow (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy #3)I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll Love You Tomorrow is the third and final installment in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy. You can see some of the characters/ couples from the first two books in the series mentioned here, but this can still easily be read as a standalone book. I would definitely encourage you to read the whole series though, as Julie Navickas has written interesting, realistic characters that are believable as they face the possibilities of love and heartache. You will definitely want to know more about how other couples found love. This book is a fun contemporary second-chance romance and a perfect way to end this amazing series.

Mitch and Lauren knew from a young age that they were meant to be together and they made that happen, but as the years have crept on they’ve grown distant and their marriage is suffering because of it. So many things can happen in your life that can cause couples to either grow together or grow apart. Julie Navickas has captured this so beautifully and with such emotion that I couldn’t help but be drawn into the characters’ lives. Can a marriage be saved if the divide has already grown between them? This is what Mitch and Lauren try to figure out as they both take a look at their lives, their marriage, and themselves.

Though I loved the first two books, I must admit this one’s my favorite. I loved the almost reverse-romance writing style in this book as we got to see not the couple coming together and a budding new romance, but we got to see an imploding couple on the brink kind of deconstruct their marriage to see if it could be reconstructed. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good getting-together romance just like the next person, but we had already gotten to see glimpses of their relationship in the previous two books, so it was nice to see a more realistic relationship that has suffered some trying to be rebuilt. I guess this also really struck me emotionally because I was like Mitch and Lauren and wanted a child, but had trouble making that dream a reality. I’m sorry to see this series come to an end, but am so glad I read it.

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The Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Serpent and the FireflyThe Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Courtney Davis has such an easy to read writing style that I get completely immersed in her books every time. With her phenomenal character building and interesting twists on fantasy classics like angels, demons, and fae, she has definitely become one of my go-to authors to follow.

Jade literally has her whole life turned upside down as she enters witness protection in order to be safe from her abusive ex who wants her dead. As if having to adapt to a new place, name, and life isn’t enough, she is faced with the dilemma of trying to figure out if she can trust Baal, the high-level demon from Hell who showed up and also wants her dead, or at least he did. The chemistry between these two is off the charts, causing Baal to second guess his agenda of murdering her because of the prophecy tying them together. Are prophecies set in stone or can they be changed? Can you really trust a demon? Can Jade figure out and come to terms with this new world she’s been thrust into? Can a demon like Baal really love someone or will his goals of freeing his sister and reclaiming the throne of Hell overpower his attraction and developing feelings for Jade? This is an exciting, fun, fast-paced fantasy paranormal read that will have you glued to the pages. I was honestly sad to see it end and can only hope for more amazing reads like this.

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Undying Light (The Stella Maris Series Book 1) by Aurora Wildey – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Undying LightUndying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Undying Light is the first book in the new paranormal fantasy series entitled The Stella Maris Series by Aurora Wildey. Within its pages you find magic, adventure, danger, intrigue, and a whole lot of suspense as characters try to keep secrets hidden.

There are three primary characters, Kaela, Terran, and Seth, who have a bit of a love triangle as the two men both try to protect Kaela. You get to see more of all of their thoughts and actions as the book is written with different povs. Each chapter is marked with whose POV we are in at that moment. Books written in this format can be a little confusing at times, but the author handles it well.

Kaela would probably be dead had Terran not swooped in and saved her, but he was seriously injured in the process, causing Kaela to reveal her guarded secret that she has healing powers. Terran, a werewolf, also hides his true nature, because they would be killed if anyone knew about them. While she uses her powers, Seth senses her as she is one of his kind and he hunts her down. When her life is threatened a 2nd time, both Seth and Terran want to protect her and try to block one another, as neither trusts the other. This leaves Kaela more confused than ever, because who is she supposed to trust and why does anyone want her dead? Did they find out about her abilities? Is that really reason enough to try and kill her? Will the two alpha males team up to protect her instead of competing for her? Will Kaela ever truly be safe again? Find out this and more within the pages of this fast read.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2)Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Truth, Hidden Valley Elite Series Book 2 is a New Adult (High School) enemy-to-lovers romance. Within its pages you will find a “bully” type relationship between the two main characters, Cole and Riley, mixed in with drama, jealousy, lies, family secrets, unexpected sparks, and maybe even some true feelings of first love. Though this can be read as a standalone, I’d really recommend reading both the prequel and the first book of this series as they give you a lot of background and insight into these characters, their lives, and everything that has been going on over the last couple of years.

Much like the prequel, Savage Start and book 1, Savage Lies, I devoured this book wanting to see what if anything Riley and Cole have discovered about themselves and each other. Have they figured out how you can crave someone so deeply and loathe them at the same time? This book starts off right at the cliffhanger point where the first book ended. Savage Truth finally answers questions like: Why have Riley and her mom been running pretty much all their lives? Does Cole admit to everyone what he knows about Riley’s mom? Will Riley finally get to stay in one place for good and have a normal high school experience? Is Riley’s dad really as bad as her mom says he is? What will happen if Riley’s dad does find them? Are they really finally safe?

“Bully” type romances are not something that has ever really interested me until now. My only negative about this series is that some of the situations or things Riley thought and said seemed a little repetitive, but thinking back, that fits with her character as those are things that have been drilled into her head based on the lifestyle she and her mom have lived. I really liked seeing Cole’s softer side in the prequel before he became so hardened by life and let-downs. The characters’ emotional growth in these books was well written and I felt like I got to watch them blossom throughout this series. I have really enjoyed this whole series and can’t wait to read more from this author and find out what happens to the rest of the Elite, Cole’s brother and two cousins.

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Donya Pedigo

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A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You can tell there was a lot of historical research that went into writing this 19th century realistic retelling of Cinderella with some added twists. Unlike Cinderella here, you have a curse that needs to be broken by midnight which holds more urgency than just someone seeing your ball gown disappear and your coach turn back into a pumpkin. Another difference that I enjoyed was the idea of multiple love interests. Though I’m typically not a fan of love triangles, I really enjoyed the way Christine Norris utilized the love triangle to help us understand the characters and how their histories affected them and their lives. This is a fun, clean-cut young adult fantasy read. Do I wish it had included more steampunk aspects? Yes, but it’s a nice read nonetheless.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way Lois Wickstrom’s stories always have fun lessons placed within them in such a way that you really don’t realize you’re learning. I often find it’s more fun to read and then get hands-on by trying the experiments in her books versus being taught by lectures and textbooks like I was taught as a child. In most cases, if a child can get excited about doing an activity, they often retain the information they are learning more and for longer periods of time. The lessons that are incorporated at the end of her stories are an added bonus for the more inquisitive readers who want to understand how and why these things happen. This would be an excellent book to use in a classroom setting to help students learn.

This book is about Alex the Inventor who never wants anything to go to waste but would rather repurpose it (which is a great segway into learning about recycling and the environment also). Alex uses her imagination to try and find other uses for the magnets from the refrigerator. Through trial and error (experiments) she learns more about magnetic energy and how the magnets react to multiple things. I love the way the character keeps trying and doesn’t give up. If one idea fails, she tries either a different way or something new. This is a great read with beautifully rendered illustrations that enhance the story. Adults and children alike could all learn from and enjoy reading this book and the lesson at the end of it.

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Noah’s Not So Super Summer (A Super Series–Book 1) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Noah's Not So Super SummerNoah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a great read! Who didn’t dream of having super powers as they grew up? I know I sure did, and this book is chalked full of many different types of mutants and supernaturals (Supers).

You get adventure from literally the first pages of this book as Noah tries to evade certain people, and the thrills just keep growing from there. Noah Reagan wants to make a scientific breakthrough, gain respect, and maybe even make a name for himself in the science world. He sees being accepted into The Summer with Supers Youth Program as the best route to start making his dreams a reality, but with the mutant population on the rise, he’s enlisted to help in his father’s Mega-Maintenance cleanup company. Will he stay the target of bullies forever as he watches his wonderfully planned summer go down the drain or can he find a way to get out of cleaning up and babysitting this summer? Are things going to get out of hand as Noah tries to find his own path?

This is a fun fast chapter book that will appeal to old and young alike. Brittany Tucker’s writing style is easy to follow and really gets you involved in the story and what the characters are going through. Though it’s a fantasy book, there are a lot of relatable scenarios in it as well, such as: bullying, feeling misunderstood, feeling that they aren’t listened to by a parent, and many more. There can be so many conversations and lessons that can be brought up from this one book. I personally can’t wait for more!

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute, fun twist to Little Red Riding Hood. It has colorful, imaginative illustrations that flow nicely with the story. I’ve read several books by Lois Wickstrom and it always surprises me how wonderfully she weaves learning in with a fun story. She does this so beautifully that you don’t even realize you are being taught science through a story. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you change a vision or is his fate already sealed? Ian Troy has lost so much and fought so hard for so many, but it seems, no matter what he does, fate has other ideas. This fight just keeps getting bigger. All of Mirra’kelan will have to unite if they have any chance of thwarting the new self-appointed emperor. (This is so hard to talk about without giving away spoilers, so I’m going to stop there and tell you to read it and explore this series for yourself.)

This is an amazing, fast-paced, action-packed read. There are so many amazing plot twists that some will definitely take you by surprise and keep you guessing. C.L. Schneider’s writing style is so descriptive and imaginative that you feel as if you’re transported into the book. And her characters, can I just say wow, especially Ian Troy, he’s so complex, detailed, and imaginative. Along with good verses evil, this book mixes in lore, history, magic, and other fantasy aspects that are woven so incredibly well together. This was the first series I’d ever read by C.L. Schneider, but I know it won’t be my last. If you love fantasy, great characters, and a whole lot of action, then you really need to check out this series. I’m honestly sad this is the third and last book in the series.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Crown of Stones: Magic- Scars is the second book in the dark fantasy series by C.L. Schneider. I suggest you read this series in order as there is a lot of information, developments, and backstory in each book.

Much like the first book, this second installment is also written from the first person point of view, allowing us to see what all Ian Troy, our main character, experiences as he tries to piece together his memories and acclimate to the new world he finds himself in after leaving capture. In book one he distanced himself from everyone, fearing his magic, but now he must retrieve it and harness it to help the resistance and beat his enemy. Can he overcome his fears, addictive tendencies, and stop blaming himself long enough to accomplish all he needs to? This action-packed book is definitely one that will keep your attention and keep you wanting more. I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next installment.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price The Crown of Stones Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Donya Pedigo

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

Can you ever outrun your past? Will the things you’ve seen and done haunt you for the rest of your life along with her memory? These are all things our main character, Ian Troy, is pondering as he tries to live some semblance of life. He is a Shinree, a race who can use magic, which can become addictive and dangerous, since magic always comes with a price. That’s why he shies away from pretty much everyone thinking he’s protecting them from him and the magic inside of him.

C.L. Schneider has written a gritty, descriptive, and action-filled book. I really liked the first person point of view as it helped me connect with the character and see life through new eyes.

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The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3) by Nadia Han – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Innovator is the third book in the WaterFyre Rising series by Nadia Han. This contemporary romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but I’d suggest reading the other books in the series as they show other aspects of the shared past of this group of male friends.

Starting in the prologue, we get a glimpse of Grayson’s past and how he feels after what happened to his friends and him when they were younger. This scene drew me into our main Hero’s life, allowing me to connect to him and to want to protect him. I loved that I got to see how his past kind of shaped his future and shaped him.

I love the strong, sexy, smart heroine, Natalie, who is bold enough to go up against Grayson. Will being stuck together change their minds? Can they get over despising each other long enough to explore their mutual attraction? And if they do, will it then be possible for them both to overcome their past in order to have a future together? Grayson and Natalie’s story definitely has passion, romance, friendship, danger, and suspense. You should definitely check this series out.

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is classified as Paranormal Women’s Fiction, which is an amazing genre that you should definitely check out if you haven’t already.

I am in love with Reggi Dupree’s fast-paced, no-nonsense, creative writing style. Her style along with her satirical character’s personalities and clever dialogue remind me a lot of my favorite author, Daryanda Jones.

The main character, Gwen Carter, is a middle-aged woman of color who is as real as they come and truly a breath of fresh air. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gwen must return to her hometown that she fled from years earlier. Hoodoo, her hometown, makes her feel abnormal in a town full of odd balls. It’s here that Gwen questions what she is? Who can she trust? How does she deal with the prejudices people believe about her past? She, along with a wonderful cast of diverse secondary characters, search for these answers and more. I can’t wait for the rest of this series, and honestly I plan on reading anything Reggi Dupree writes as she’s an amazing lyrical wizard.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How can you crave someone so deeply and loathe them at the same time? This is what Riley and Cole are trying to figure out as their battle of wits encounters many ups and downs for each.

I devoured the prequel, Savage Start, where we first met Riley, the quick thinker who has grown up helping her mom with numerous cons, and Cole, one of the ELITES of Hidden Valley. It isn’t a necessity to read the prequel, but I would highly suggest it as it’s an enjoyable read that made me see a softer side of Cole than the one we see now. It also lets you in on the backstory of why there is so much tension and heat between the two. This book alludes to it but doesn’t go into specifics.

Savage Lies picks up one year after the prequel (Savage Start) when Riley moves back to the town of Santa Monica that Cole lives in. Cole isn’t your typical good-looking jock though he pretends to be, all he is trying to do is take care of his brother and cousins while evading his father until he can escape to college next year, but Riley and her mom throw a wedge into his plans. It’s barely been a year since Cole’s mom passed away, now his father has already moved on, which upsets Damon (Cole’s brother) and Cole tremendously. The tension continues to build as Cole takes part of his frustration out on Riley, though she doesn’t back down, proving that he might just have met his match. Be aware, this book ends on a cliffhanger that has me counting the days until Savage Truth comes out on April 27th, 2023.

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Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Pulling TogetherPulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read several books by Lois Wickstrom and I love the way she weaves important messages/ themes within fun stories. Pulling Together is a fun read about pulling together with friends and with people who you may not feel deserve it. This is such a great message and way to deal with someone who was bullying them. The subtle message that grandma didn’t make a mistake but knew what she was doing and how her granddaughter was smart enough to trust and listen to her was touching as well.

I also enjoyed the colorfully rendered illustrations in this book. They make the story come alive so beautifully. I have several books by Wickstrom that I like, but this is by far my favorite.

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Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 5) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Defying Ella (True Platinum #4)Defying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I picked up this book. My only regret is that I wished I’d read the rest of the series up to this point first. I’m saying that not because this book can’t be read as a standalone, because it most certainly can, but rather because I love these characters and the author’s writing style. This is the fourth book in the True Platinum series, though it’s listed on Amazon as Book 5 because they have counted the shorter novellas as books as well. I literally couldn’t stop reading this book once I picked it up. Morgana Bevan writes in such a way that you feel like you are a true part of these characters’ lives and you are invested in their story. This book flowed so nicely and was a great, easy read which allowed me to stay immersed in the book the whole time.

This is the story of Ella and Jared, a drummer living life on the edge, or is he? Will they be able to come to a truce while they are stuck stranded in a cabin together or will they kill each other? To be honest, enemies to lovers isn’t really a genre I love, but the blurb piqued my interest and I’m glad it did. Now I’m off to read more of this amazing series while you should be getting it to read yourself. I promise you won’t be sorry.

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Braving Lily (True Platinum Series Book 7) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Braving Lily (True Platinum, #5)Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the True Platinum series, though it’s listed on Amazon as Book 7 because they have counted the shorter novellas as books as well. I love Morgana Bevan’s writing and the way she makes you feel completely immersed in the books and the character’s lives. I’m only sorry it has taken me this long to find such a great author. This is the second book in this series that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. Do I wish I had read the books in order? Yes, but as they can all be read as a standalone, it isn’t necessary.

This book is about rock star Lily and Rhys, the man who literally stands her up twice! Lily, having just come out of a long relationship where she found out things weren’t exactly as she thought, agrees to a charity blind date, though nothing goes as she expected.

This is a fun read that, much like the other book in the series I read, I just didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series that I’ve missed while waiting for the next and I think the final installment in this series to come out. I definitely recommend this book and series.

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Ocean’s Three (Made In Heaven #2) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Ocean's Three (Made In Heaven, #2)Ocean’s Three by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun fast paranormal read about fated mates. It is similar to the first book in the series, with the main characters meeting and spending time together in dreams before realizing each other was real and meeting in real life. With that being the primary similarity between the books, they can both be read as standalone, though if you like one you are surely to like the other.

In this installment, cousins Cameron and Reed meet Joselyn in their dreams. Cameron, having always experienced paranormal and psychic phenomena, didn’t realize his dream girl Joselyn was real until his cousin showed up in the dreams as well. It’s then that he knows the three are meant to be a big part of each other’s lives. Despite knowing this, it’s years before the three meet in real life.

Much like the first book, I loved seeing snippets of the dreams throughout the years. This adds to the emotional factor that is mixed in with a whole lot of steam. This was a quick steamy MFM read about fated mates finding one another.

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Three Made In Heaven (Made In Heaven #1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Three Made in Heaven (Made in Heaven, #1)Three Made in Heaven by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What would you do if the two people you’ve had a crush on since you were children turned out to be real and not a figment of your overactive imagination?

Maddie, Cole, and Charlie met in their dreams as kids and have continued to meet in their dreams as they’ve grown up. Maddie, who has always felt out of place, longs for her dreams and the two guys she thinks she made up. As the years pass, these three become great friends who tell each other everything except the fact that they like one another. It isn’t until the nightmares start that their relationship moves into the real world. Will the three remain together or will something happen as Charlie and Cole vow to keep Maddie safe at all cost?

I loved seeing snippets of the dreams throughout the years and seeing how the guys took care of Maddie from the beginning really. This adds to the emotional factor that is mixed in with a whole lot of steam as the three realize they all three belong together. This was a quick steamy read about fated mates finding one another.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Donya Pedigo

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an extremely informative book that is written in such an easy-to-use way. It goes through the when, what, why, where, and who of writing a book while also breaking those down into important points (tasks) for each. Clark additionally covers important aspects like publishing options, formatting, and advertising. Keep in mind what works for one author may not work for all, but this is a great basis with amazing knowledge that Clark has acquired over her substantial career as an author. I have always dreamed of writing and thus have read many books on the subject. This by far is one of the best books out there. This book is a wonderful resource that will really help you think things through in order to not just write a good book, but a historically accurate one as well.

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spirit Guide, by Byrd Nash, is the third in a six-part ghost paranormal series, which includes Ghost Talker, Delicious Death, Spirit Guide, Gray Lady, Underground Haunt, and Ghastly Mistake.

I highly recommend reading book 1 and 2 before devouring this third installment as you will learn much about our main characters, their relationship thus far, and backstory as they worked their previous cases. Byrd Nash weaves such masterful stories of intrigue and mystery that will have you trying to recognize all the clues so you can figure out the culprits right along with the main characters.

In this installment we find our heroine, Madame Elinor Chalamet, being saddled with an apprentice, Twyla, who is far from knowing everything she should. These two, along with Tristan Fontaine, the Duke de Archambeau, try to help figure out the disappearance of a couple of young women, one of whom is linked to the Morpheus Society. It’s during this investigation that Elinor learns that her nemesis, Parnell Lafayette, has stumbled on new paranormal techniques that are scary and dangerous.

Tristan and Elinor also start to grow closer in this installment, though the snarky banter I’ve come to love from these too is still very present. This is definitely a slow burn romance, which is not my usual style, but I love seeing their slower pace because it allows me to see them grow as people and as a potential couple. I honestly can’t wait to read the next installment as Ms. Nash made me fall in love with these characters through her descriptive writing, amazing mystery plot twists, and humorous banter between characters. You should definitely pick this series up as it just keeps getting better.

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Donya Pedigo

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What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson is a great writing aide for anyone interested in becoming an author or people just interested in things an author experiences. Within these pages is a myriad of knowledge, tips, and information compiled from one hundred authors.

I really enjoyed getting tips from all the different authors because no one has the exact same experiences or ways of doing things. You get information on several different ways, just emphasizing how there’s no right way. You just have to find what works for you. With this variety, you should be able to find at least a few things to help you grow as a writer and get you one step closer to your dream of becoming published. This book is an easy, informative and interesting read that even includes advice from indie authors.

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The Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Authorpreneur YellowpagesThe Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Writing has always been a dream of mine, and finding great books like this might actually help that dream come true one day. The Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw has it all in the palm of your hands. You can learn about different types of editors, book publishers, marketing, and subscriptions authors might find helpful. To have all of this information already laid out for you is amazing and will definitely save anyone hunting for these services time.

I’m inspired by individuals such as Winnifred Tataw who, instead of hoarding all the information they’ve learned, would rather share it and help other people save time and effort so they can focus on their goals. I truly find this to be a must read for anyone thinking of writing, publishing, or even doing cover art. I’m sure even a seasoned author could find interesting information within this book. I highly recommend it to anyone in the field or thinking about writing.

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates #1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the blurb I had to pick this book up. The idea of a dating app and then an actual blind date in the dark is such a great idea. Just think how much this could help people get to know one another and grow without it just being about physical attraction, wealth, or status.

This is the first book in the Billionaire Blind Dates Series by Toni Denise. In this book we meet a group of best-friend billionaires that want to help their friend Jake find romance, because his latest relationship turned out to be another gold digger situation. So what better way to meet someone than on an anonymous app where you can talk and later meet in a dark restaurant so your identity, financial status, and even looks are hidden?This is how Jake meets Lauren.

Lauren, a secretary to a CEO, gets convinced by her friend Catherine to try this Blind Date experience. Though hesitant, she finally agrees to the blind date experience with one main condition: that the person she matches with has a similar financial status as her, because she has seen how her mom dated wealthy men and was deemed a gold digger. Will it matter when Lauren finds out she is actually dating a billionaire, or will the amazing chemistry these two share be enough to overcome?

I really loved seeing how these well written characters seemed so real that I became invested in their story. This is a fun, fast read that flows really well and I can’t wait to see which member of the friend group is up next to find love.

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates #2)Evan by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan by Toni Denise is the second book in the Billionaire Blind Dates Series, though this book can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the first book as well. In the first book, we get to see the friendship/ partnership between Kayla and Evan as he helps his friend find love.

This is a friend’s to lovers romance that has complications like work partnership and friendships that the couple could potentially mess up. I really love the idea of a dating app and then an actual blind date in the dark. Just think how much this could help people get to know one another and grow without it just being about physical attraction.

The chemistry between Evan and Kayla is undeniable and so fun to read about. These characters are written so well that they feel so real and almost like friends of yours as you read their story. I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the next book to see who Cade is matched with.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun children’s read about Caspian’s UnBirthday present, hot chocolate socks and the adventures they lead to. Caspian can’t seem to find anything good in getting brown socks as a gift until his grandpa shows him what the brown hot chocolate socks really can do.

This is a cute, imaginative story that has very colorful and appealing illustrations that help the reader travel through Caspian’s adventure along with him. This book has magic, adventure, and even shares knowledge in such a fun way that most won’t realize they are learning simultaneously. I truly enjoy and love this series by Lois Wickstrom about Caspian and his family. These are short stories that will spark most children’s imaginations while having a lesson hidden in them. The only thing I found remotely bothersome about this book is that grandpa lets Caspian skip school to go on an adventure because it’s his unbirthday. Do special days need to be celebrated? Yes, but it needs to be said how important school is as well. Definitely a series worth checking out though.

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying this isn’t my typical read, but I still found aspects of it I enjoyed.

This is a little sister best friend secret relationship storyline that includes BDSM with some public scenarios. It also includes some kinks I wasn’t expecting, like erotic humiliation, degradation, and edging. I must admit it was the degradation and humiliation that turned out to not be my cup of tea, but if you’re into that, then definitely check this book out. I’m afraid it’s in part because of these kinks that I really had a hard time connecting to these characters and story, making what might be an amazing 5 star book for others a 3 star book for me. I also had some trouble with some of the dialogue and writing that felt almost forced by the characters in the story. There were some areas that seemed to drag with an overload of information and dialogue, while other areas were really well written and spot on to a masterful story.

I did find some aspects of the book to be fun and wonderful, like the relationship between best friends and brother and sister. I love how her brother, Vaughn, stepped up to be her support as her parents have been absent a lot throughout their lives. The steamy chemistry of the couple was also appealing.

If this is your type of story, definitely check it out. I think you will enjoy it greatly.

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Everything to me (Playing for Keeps Book 1) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 1)Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In all honesty, I’m not much into sports romances, but the concept of these books had me so intrigued that I had to read this series and wow, am I glad I did. Lauren Fraser has written this series so well that I truly connected to the characters and was invested in their stories.

What do you do when you invite your friend’s little sister to stay with you only to realize she’s nothing like you remember? Do you break bro code and have a little fun? Do you risk your friendship for something you’re sure will only be a passing tryst? Can true love actually be real? This is an entertaining read that definitely packs some steam along with all the feels. Kendall and Pete are great characters and this is a fast, fun read.

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