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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate #10)Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Master Oradea is the 10th book in the Masters of the Consulate series. This edition is a dark vampire romance between Master Oradea and Natalia, the sister of a non-vampire mafia group. Once again the masters and their mates are fighting witches and rouges who are trying to go back to living the old way, hurting humans. Natalia’s life is threatened by rouges and Master Oradea offers to be her protection. The two of them have an instant attraction and realize something is weird when they can hear each other’s thoughts. She only believes herself to be human so she doesn’t understand how this is possible. The problem is that her brothers do not trust anyone with their sister but they cannot protect her the way Master Oradea can. Master Oradea and Natalia find trust in each other to fight the battle, while also fighting their feelings. Will they give into attraction even when their beliefs are on different paths? Can they find common ground?
These books are always a quick read. I will say that the same plot line is technically the same in each of the books, just with different characters. As for the characters, they were good. I did like that they were straight to the point in what each of them wanted, you could see the quick development of feelings, and I enjoyed Natalia’s courage throughout. I have read all 10 in the series so far, so there is no reason to stop now. However, I will say that if you read this thinking you were getting a dark romance, it is not that dark.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is an enemies-to-lovers romance. Kaitlyn is a sports agent breaking into the hockey scene. On her way to meet her first client, her flight is delayed and she ends up having a great conversation with the man at the bar. They flirt, even on the flight, and at the end they part ways with no contact. However, to her surprise, he is a hockey player on the same team as her client and she gets mad because he has “lied” about who he was. Banks “Benny” Bennet is a professional hockey player but is known as the bad boy, who cares-type of player who is getting up there in age. After his and Kaitlyn’s meet cute, they end up as enemies and now 10 years have gone by. At this point, they claim to hate each other but have some residual sexual tension from 10 years ago. Banks is now looking for a new agent and Kaitlyn is persuaded into helping him. Through this “arrangement,” they start to learn more and more about each other and see that there is more to the story. Will they be able to cross these boundaries to satisfy what has been hanging over their heads for so long? Is this possible “arrangement” worth both of their careers?
I really enjoyed this story. Kaitlyn is a badass woman rocking it in a man’s world. She is respected but also hated for her position in the league. She had many sides to her character and I enjoyed all of them. As for Banks, OMG I just fell in love with him. The way he handled all the things that came his way (especially when they were not true) was just amazing. He is misunderstood, manly, gently, and hiding a really big heart. I just really enjoyed learnig about him and seeing his character develop throughout the story. In the end, he is just a down right good man who wants to protect what he wants, but learns that consequences occur, but sometimes it is totally worth it!!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute romance between Gene (a doctor) and Amanda (a bakery owner). At the start of the story, Amanda hits a tree with her car to avoid a girl on the road. She passes out and is saved by Gene who is passing by. Amanda becomes more worried about the “lost girl” than herself and is refusing medical attention. Gene talks her into allowing him to stay with her to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion, etc. Amanda recognizes Gene even though he just came back to their hometown, she grew up with a crush on him and just the feeling he was important. Their story is about how their relationship grows and develops trusting aspects as they try to search for this “missing girl”. While both are gaining feelings, they are at different aspects of their lives – Amanda is ready to settle down and Gene doesn’t even know where he will be in a couple of months. Both of them work together to solve a mystery about a missing girl and about feelings that begin to blossom.
I have read all the other books in the series and it was good to learn about Gene and Amanda’s story. I loved both characters. They had great independent characteristics but also had a great connection as a couple. The book was fast-moving and kept my interest the whole time. So if you are looking for a little mystery with a happy ending this is a great choice.

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Touched: Elemental Passions Book One by Skye Turner, Sloane Nicole, April D. Berry, C.J. Pinard, Danielle Jamie, Darlene Tallman, Julie Morgan, Livell James, Machelle Hanleigh, and Melissa MacKinnon – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Touched (Elemental Passions #1)Touched by Skye Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Touched: Elemental Passions is a fantasy story about a fairy named Aeris. Aeris is adventurous and loves pushing boundaries to be in the human world. While she knows it is not always safe, she is fascinated by the human world. One day, while she snuck out, a human ends up being able to see through her glamour. This human is a detective named Callum. Callum and Aeris are immediately drawn to each other but don’t understand how or why. Callum is on a big case and things are getting weird, and not just because he can’t stop thinking about Aeris and what she is. The two of them realize that they are destined to be together and try to figure out what all this means. However, simultaneously, the two worlds are in danger and there is a batter brewing. The only people thought to be able to stop this is Aeris and Callum, but how? Will they be able to fight together, figure out what is going on, and also be allowed to be together?
This was a good book. I thought both characters were interesting. The storyline itself was fast-moving. I enjoyed how the fantasy world and the human world collided together. This is only the first book in the series, so I am sure I will go on to read the others to find out what will happen with this couple and their story.

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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really good book about a foster family gaining a new family member. A pair of foster siblings, at the beginning, are trying to get ready for a race that will help their foster sister who has heart issues. When they came home from passing out flyers, their foster mom introduced them to a new foster sibling, Loris. Loris is mysterious and doesn’t speak to anyone. The story talks about how he is always scared and that stems from his stepfather. He struggles with being shy, fear, anger, and confusion about why his parents had to leave him. However, he helps his siblings by standing up to a bully that was bothering them. His siblings are grateful and try to help him in return by teaching him that there are positive things that he could look toward instead of always being scared and angry. They start to build a bond that helps Loris break out of his shell and ends up being able to help his sick sister by being the hero of the race. This book seemed to address some issues that children may have, especially foster children. There was discussion of normalizing some of the negative feelings these children might have, but then also talking about the positive aspects that can occur too. I think the book does a good job of showing that a foster care situation doesn’t always have to be scary or negative.

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a spicy romance between a single mom and an undercover billionaire. Cy Sweet’s family owns a theme park and the family is concerned that their employees are plotting a strike against them. Cy is the free spirit of the family who is being forced to go undercover to find the person responsible for plotting a possible strike. What Cy doesn’t realize is that he would start to like the undercover job (in the bakery), but he would really like his co-workers. One co-worker who has his attention is “The Queen” of the theme park, Jolie Cox. Jolie is a single mother of 2 children and one of them has Cystic Fibrosis. Many of the employees, including Jolie, are coming together to out the company about their lack of pay, benefits, etc. However, she also starts to like Cy or “Marcus” (his undercover name) to the point that they start a little escapade in her dressing room. This romance turns into Cy really wanting to date her and get to know her, even when he finds out about her age, her kids, etc. While Cy is making progress in finding the leader, by getting close to everyone, he also starts to realize that his parents don’t really treat their employees well enough, and that matters to him because he starts to care for these people. Will this change when they all find out who he is? Will he have to choose between family and friends when it comes down to it?
I enjoyed this book. I thought the progression of events were a little unrealistic in how fast the sexual aspect took place and without much questioning. However, all the characters we likeable. I think when it came to Jolie, I gravitated toward her because I also have a child with Cystic Fibrosis. I also like how they fought for what they believed in, but then she also handled all of the craziness well and the storyline wasn’t over-dramatized. I will probably go on to read the others in the series.

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Secrets of the Moon (Chronicles of the Lost Child Series) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Secrets of the Moon (Secrets of the Moon Saga, #1)Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secrets of the Moon is a werewolf-fated mates story. The Rousseaus pack has just moved to Wolf Creek Hollow where there are rumors of an ancient wolf bloodline that may be able to rid one of their own of a bloodlust mutation. Kyran is the wolf member with this mutation and is working with his siblings to find a cure. They decide to enroll in the local college to fit in and try to get answers about who this person could be. Many packs are living in the area, but there is no mistaking that he believes he finds the one, she just also happens to be his mate and human. Wolves and humans don’t mate so he is confused about how this could be happening.

Marjorie, the young girl who grew up in this area, is trying to get back to normal life after a severe car accident with friends a year before. When meeting Kyran for the first time, she also feels this pull, but she doesn’t understand why. She starts to recognize many strange things start to happen around her. She is warned to stay away from this new family because of their “history”, but she just sees it as jealousy. She comes to also have a similar “mated” feeling with Kyran’s twin Alexis. As she navigates these awkward feelings, she learns the truth which she is having a hard time handling. Will she be able to trust them, what does this bond mean, and what does this mean for her future?
I thought the story was a little different compared to your normal werewolf tale. I liked the male characters, they were charming, honest, and a little scary, but protective and seemed to want to prove that they were worthy of being there. Marjorie, on the other hand, was an okay character. I feel there were times when she really needed to get over herself, especially when she had most of the answers in front of her. In addition, I thought the writing of the author was strange at times. I don’t know how to really explain it, but there seemed to be missing moments where I had to stop and think about why they weren’t talking about something or why they were talking about it at that moment. This is part one of the Chronicles of the Lost Clan series and the first book left many questions unanswered.

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Give Us Bad Boys & Billionaires by L.M. Mountford – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Give Us Bad Boys and BillionairesGive Us Bad Boys and Billionaires by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Give Us Bad Boys and Billionaires is a dozen beginnings of steamy romance stories, with a couple of full stories. This is the second book collection I have read by this author and as a smut lover, it did not disappoint. This is a collection of many different tropes from bully-to-lovers; stepsiblings; dad’s best friend, etc. If you like smut, there is a little bit of everything for everyone and is one steamy story after another. If you are someone who also likes to read spicey teasers, this is for you. While the plots tend to feel they don’t have too much to them, the spice normally starts from chapter 1 and is pretty amazing. This author is a good steamy, romance writer but it might not be for everyone. I liked each story for different reasons but I would say my least favorite was “Falling for My Son’s Best Friend” and my favorite was “Daddy’s Forbidden Temptations”.

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Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Mermaid TailsMermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really cute children’s book. It asks questions about different aspects of mermaids were real like: what would they look like?; would they have different types of tails?; or if they would come in many sizes? Etc. The illustrations are cute and colorful, too. This is also a decent size children’s book. The best part about this book, however, is that on each page after a question is posed the author provides a fun fact about a mermaid (or legend of a mermaid) or another type of fact about the sea. I think this makes the learning process fun to read about different aspects but in a mythical creature that children love. I would recommend this book to other parents and children who love to learn about ocean life.

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series Book 9)Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Make Me Burn is an ex-best friend’s sister/enemies-to-lovers type of story about Logan Bennett and Jinx D’Allessio. Logan Bennett is a wealthy businessman who used to live in North Folk, but quite some time ago left due to a falling out with his best friend. He is back in town for a wedding and runs into Jinx, the younger sister of said ex-best friend. Jinx is just as surprised to see him, one because he up and left her so many years ago after building a “secret friendship”, and two because he is the one person she has been in love with her whole life. After the wedding, the two try to build a friendship again – she never believed all the chaos that surrounded the falling out. In this friendship, they start to realize that there is more there, but what can they do since the turmoil of the family is so bad? How can they have a happily ever after when her family will never allow this?

I enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were great together. Jinx is an artistic, fun-loving, successful woman who knows what she wants and her worth. Logan is a strong, level-headed, determined businessman who goes after what he wants but is also respectful beyond measure about the situation that Jinx is in. Beyond the characters, it was a quick read that kept moving forward. There were also some sexy scenes, as well. I enjoyed this and would consider reading others in the series.

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fearless Love is a story about Sara, a single mom and traveling nurse coming to take care of a new client in Langston Falls. Sara is “running” away from her past, especially her son’s (Noah) father. Noah’s father never wanted him, but she was always worried about what would happen if he found out she never ended the pregnancy. However, she didn’t realize that by moving to Langston Falls, this may be the last running she would do.
James Bennett, who owns and runs the farm with his family, is the son of Sara’s client. James first meets Sara because he yelled at her son about making his dogs sick. However, both quickly realize that there is an attraction and Sara recognizes the great man that James is. The two of them end up moving in together because she can’t find a place to stay. This “adventure” turned into a budding love, that just continued to grow. However, can Sara trust him since she has never been able to trust men? Can James trust that his heart won’t be broken as in the past? Can they trust that the ready-made family is the real deal?
This was a cute romance story. Sara was a good character who was loving, caring, level-headed, and open to possibilities. However, James was my favorite out of the 2. He is a strong, loving, caring, cowboy type. He loves hard but is gentle and understanding, and a great role model for Noah. I loved his character and how he handled everything that came to him. I have read other books in this series and they were good so I am sure I will read others.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carrie’s mom received flowers in the mail with a note on how to take care of them. As she read the note she recognized a word – dowse. She recognized that this word was on one of her Grandma’s boxes in the closet. Carrie opened the box and they had dowsing rods in it with a note that they would find treasure. She goes on a hunt for treasure and it isn’t till the end where she finds her true treasure – Grandma. Grandma also has a new box for her with no label. When Carrie asks what it is, Grandma tells her she will know when she’s ready.
I did like that keywords were highlighted to help kids with vocabulary. As a story, it was just okay. There wasn’t much explanation of what dowsing rods actually are, the story felt like it jumped from one topic to another, and then it ended without finding out what was in the box. I always feel this author’s books are discombobulated.

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Dirty Heartbreaker (Hamilton Steelhawks Series) by A. C. Sheppard – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gabby is a retired figure skater who owns her own business creating costumes for present-day skaters. Gabby hates hockey due to being caught up in an affair with an emotionally unavailable hockey player. However, her best friend, Addie, becomes engaged to a professional hockey player who happens to be friends with that ex-love affair, Colby. Unfortunately, for Gabby and Colby, they were both asked to be the best man and maid of honor in the wedding of their friends. This turns out to be problematic because they can’t get over each other, but also hate each other at the same time. However, being the good friends that they are agree to get along for the wedding. Colby wants to be with Gabby again, at least sexually, so he is always pulling her strings to try and get her to waver. Gabby, while she wants the same thing, knows her heart can’t afford to keep going down that road. As the story goes on, they seem to get better at tolerating each other and sometimes coming to agreements, but there are many obstacles that keep getting in the way of progress. Will the two of them recognize that being in love is not a death sentence and be able to work through their feelings?
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like all character, but Gabby and Colby were great. Gabby was a strong, independent, woman looking for a love future. Colby, was a “typical” jock who acted tougher than he really was. The banter Colby and Gabby had was great! But when the story continued, you saw true change occur in Colby and you just wanted to fall in love with him yourself.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seal Gray was playing with his beachball when all of a sudden bounced away. The ball was causing havoc on the other creatures that lived at the beach. All of his friends on the beach were upset about the chaos so Gray lied and said it wasn’t his ball. This caused all the friends to start blaming others for the mess and Gray started to feel guilty. His guilt led him to need to do the right thing, so he apologized for the ball and lying. All his friends forgave him but explained how lying only makes things worse. This was a cute lessons learned book for kids teaching them that accidents happen, but lying should not.

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Vacation Flirtation…or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Series) by Stacey Komosinski – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Vacation Flirtation...or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Book 1)Vacation Flirtation…or More? by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a romance book about a girl named Giuliana. Her and her best friend take a girl’s trip every year for their birthdays. Unfortunately, this year her friend’s flight is delayed a couple of days and now she needs to figure out how to spend her time on the island. Lucky for her, she meets a guy on the plane who ends up at the same hotel. They quickly have chemistry, but it’s more than that. Landon is a lawyer in New York, but his rich uncle just left him all of his assets on the tropical island that he now needs to decide what he will do with them. He needs to spend at least 3 months there before deciding. He never thought one of these decisions would revolve around a woman. The couple spends many magical days getting to know each other, slowly falling in love. They want more than just a fling and he pursues her for the long-term. She has had relationship problems in the past and is not sure if this is a good idea, but her heart is saying something different.
I loved this book. It was a sweet romance with no bs. The book is a quick read with little drama, great plot, and great banter/romance. Landon is just a gentleman and whatever girl fantasizes about having as a partner. Guiliana was also a great character. She is independent, strong, sassy, but also willing to let go. It was nice to read a romance book without the miscommunication issues, the constant “we can’t” issues, etc. I would read another book from this author.

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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets #3)Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elusive Surrender is broken up into 2 books: Elusive & Tenacious. In Elusive, it is the story of Sheldon and Alexis. Sheldon is part of a security team (as in the first sets of duets) who accidentally runs into Alexis at a coffee shop and has to save her from an overbearing man. Sheldon has an instant attraction to her and luckily for him, circumstances lead him back to seeing her again. Alexis is a hairdresser who has an abusive past, but also struggling to seek the courage to have the relationship she wants. Alexis too is instantly attracted to Sheldon, but their relationship has to start off business because that “overbearing man” is trying to hurt and kidnap Alexis after she dismissed him. Luckily, Sheldon is in the position to safeguard her while they try to figure out who this guy is and what he wants with his future with her. This is a fast-paced story of a dominant (Sheldon) and a submissive (Alexis) trying to find their way in this entanglement. I enjoyed the story and both of these characters. She was feisty, brave, smart, and driven. He was also amazing in his protective, sweet, gentle, but dominant ways with her.
In the second book, Tenacious, this is the story of Alexis’ best friend, Allie and another member of the security team, Nick. Allie is a nurse at a local hospital who is entangled in this mess too since her and Alexis live together. However, what she didn’t realize is that Nick has been keeping tabs on her safety even when he was away. He has shown interest in her since the first time they met, but she does not want a relationship due to her past. However, when Nick takes over her detail, she starts to feel a connection to him. One night she spills a lot of info after drinking to Nick, and he sees this as his chance for an in. He comes to find out she is into the same type of “playing” as he is and they come to an agreement. They will forgo a relationship and only have a physical one at the club. However, because this “overbearing man” has so many friends they still are dealing with her and Alexis’ safety. When Allie’s life is in jeopardy, along with her friends, and many other women, she starts to have a change of heart. She starts to see Nick for the amazing man he is and things start to change. Again, this was a pretty good book, fast-paced and to the point. Allie can be a little annoying at times with her determination but ends up seeing her ways in the end. Nick, on the other hand, is a great character. He is determined, protective, patient, and good-hearted character.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Truth is book 2 of this bully romance. The first book ends with Cole and Riley finding out that their parents are in love and getting married. Both were not happy about this due to the hate/love relationship they were harboring. Throughout a lot of the book, it is this back-and-forth of them wanting each other but hating each other. Cole tries making Riley’s life a living hell, so Riley decides to play him in his own game. However, this back and forth, ends with Cole being obsessed and possessive of Riley. As the story continues, the secrets of both families start to come to the surface, with each other finding solace in the other’s pain. Things become extremely apparent when Riley is faced with her past, her father. A father that wants her and her mother dead. Cole is now on the end of making sure nothing ever happens to her.
The first book in the series was so enjoyable I quickly read this one. I am a sucker for a bully romance and this was a good one. Both characters had great banter, chemistry, and character traits. Cole, while a bully, was also quite smitten with her and you could see him in the way he approached much of the situation. Riley, is a strong character with determination, but also a little bit naive. I also like the way the book ended. I feel when you are dealing with a “step-sibling” romance there is a lot of negativity from the family, etc, but things seemed pretty smooth and positive in how things transpired. I liked this book and the author’s writing enough to want to read the next set of duets.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute children’s book that teaches them about beach clean-up. Many families were visiting the beach one day and after lunch, the trash had piled very high until a wind gust swirls the trash all over the beach. Cray the crab tried to tell the humans, but no one could hear him. As he walked along the beach, he met some other animal friends who came up with a plan the clean the beach. The human family started to help too and a truck came to pick up the big pile of trash they collected. The book will show children how important beach clean-up is to all the animals living near the ocean.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the prequel we met Cole and Riley. Both coming from different backgrounds, Cole was privileged and Riley was a thief who was always on the run from her psycho father. In book 1, Riley finds herself back in Cole’s town not understanding why because her mother and her never pulled a con twice in the same place. Riley finds out that her mom has a new boyfriend and wants to place down roots for real. The problem with this is Riley can’t believe her mother would want to do this because she has never acted like this before and Riley’s father was still looking for them. However, because she loves her mom she decided she will go along with whatever this is for now, especially since her mom was making promises she only dreamt of. What she doesn’t know is that she is about to get thrown right into the path of a cute guy she had a moment with a year ago. Throughout the book, her and Cole become enemies due to past circumstances, lies, and miscommunications. Cole has a lot of pull in school and the area and produces many enemies for Riley. They find themselves playing each other to make each one of them miserable, while actually having a lot of sexual tension. Once truths start to come out, so do feelings. But will the truths come out in time to save both of them?
If you love a bully and stepsibling romance this is a good one. These books are short, sweet, and full of entertainment. I enjoyed the story as much as the romance. Each of the characters was great as well. Because we have the prequel, it made loving Cole, even though the bullying, easy. You knew where a lot of the heartache was coming from and could also see how much he loved her at the same time. And Riley, well she was just badass. She had a soft side that was easy to love but also didn’t let people just take what they wanted. She stood up for herself, was cunning, and also sympathetic. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately read book 2.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This prequel gives you an insight into who the players are and why they are the way they are for future reads. In this edition, you will meet Cole and Riley. Riley is a girl who is always on the run with her mother. They have created a life of conning people and moving to the next town apparently to escape her father finding them. They end up in Santa Monica with a new aspect of going straight and staying, but Riley will believe it when she sees it. While walking, she stumbles upon a house party where she sneaks into and tries to steal something. She gets caught by Cole and ends up running out of the house after he kisses her. Cole is an elite teenager who plans on football giving him his future. He and his brother, while privileged, are dealing with their parents who have a loveless marriage. As the story goes on, Cole, who is a momma’s boy, is always consoling his distraught mother. In the book, the two main characters never run back into each other, but the circumstances of each of their stories seem to be foreshadowing how their relationship will go once they do.

I am a fan of a bully romance. You are not going to get the bully aspect in this short story, but it sets the scene for why (I believe it will be Cole) becomes a bully. I enjoy both characters with the little we learned about them. I also feel sympathy for Cole and the situation at home. I am excited to see what aspires between the two and how the series will progress.

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Auctioned Surrender is a duet that follows the similar story of her previous Sinful Duets. In the first book, Auctioned, it is the story of Damian and Bryanna. Damian is private security for very wealthy people looking for these individual’s niece. She was thought to be picked up for trafficking. Damian does end up finding her at a bar where Bryanna has become a stripper, but we quickly learn she is to be auctioned off due to her virginity. Throughout the story, Damian is attracted to her and that just grows when he end up capturing her himself to save her. She keeps trying to run away to save her family not realizing Damian can help. Will he be able to get her to understand in time that she doesn’t need to do this alone? Will the security company finally figure out who is behind all the trafficking?
In the second book, Relentless, it is more of the same. Only this time, Dereck, who also works for the security company, is trying to get information from Layla, Bryanna’s friend. Layla also strips for the bar and Dereck believes she is the way to understanding the trafficking ring. The story starts with info already known from the last book, but now we get the details of the behind-the-scenes. In addition, Layla is on her own mission to find out who killed her cousin and took her sister. She believes it could be the trafficking ring. Dereck vows to protect her because he is very attracted to her, but he doesn’t realize that this sassy lady has a lot of secrets that can’t be disclosed. However, they start to work together and have a relationship to get her sister back. Will she become the submissive he is looking for or will her sass get her hurt?
I always love a great mafia romance, but this is the second of the duets I have read and I am starting to feel it is more of the same. It is a continuous addition to the original story but with different leading men from the security team. I have no issue with these men or women characters, I always love a strong, protective, but gentle type, however, I just feel it is more of the same. All the men that work here apparently love the dominant/submissive BDSM lifestyle and all the girls are pretty much craving the submissive aspect too. Overall, the story and characters themselves were fine and a quick read (well each book is a quick read, but long as a duet). However, I am just a little tired of the same storyline and dynamic.

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whispered Surrender is a spicy dark romance about a bodyguard and an illegitimate Russian mafia princess. Jay is a bodyguard for some very powerful people. As he is watching one of his clients, he falls in love with the woman who the client was sleeping with, Sasha. Sasha is a broken ballerina after any attention she can get due to being discarded by so many men and even her father. What she doesn’t know is that Jay has been watching her and believes there is chemistry there. He becomes “obsessed” with making sure his “angel” is safe. For much of the book, Sasha struggles with the fact that someone could actually want her to want her, so you find her pushing Jay away but still falling for him at the same time. In all of this love struggle, Jay is also trying to keep her safe because there is someone out to get them but they can’t quite figure out who, due to so many enemies. Will he be able to keep her safe? Will she be able to allow him to love her? Will the two be able to find a balance between chaos, hurt, and romance?
There were many things I liked about this story and a couple of things I didn’t. This author is a favorite mafia storyteller of mine so I will always read one of her books. One good thing, about the book, was the spice. Ohhh there were so many good spice scenes. I liked the power/submissive roles played by the characters, as well. If you don’t like that type of trope this is not the read for you because there is a clear power/submissive dynamic. The main aspect that bothered me was the whole misunderstanding of the feelings scenario. Now, I know it was probably necessary for the plot but I hate when the characters are saying something but everyone is misreading because they are not expressed straight forward. Also, Sasha was highly insecure (again necessary for the plot), but sometimes I just wanted to tell her to open up her ears and eyes. Jay, on the other hand, I enjoyed his character. He was strong, powerful, controlling but not overly so, and got things done.
The second half is about Matt and Marenah. Matt goes undercover to gather intel, but ends up captured by the Russian mafia. Jay helps get him back, but there is much they have to be careful about (this happens in Jay’s story). During the undercover ops, Jay falls in love with Sasha’s sister, Marenah. This is not a great idea for Matt, being in love with a mafia princess. This couple has many secrets that are unpacked throughout their romance. These secrets have proven deadly for many, but Matt will do anything for this new love, no matter what that means. Again these were great characters. Both are strong in their own right, as well as protective of others. I enjoyed their story a little more than Jay and Sasha’s. Overall, good read!!

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series Book 4) by C.R. Alam – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series, #4)Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dangerous Rhythm was another great edition of The Echo Series. In this romance, Curtis, the guitarist of Canis Major, runs into a little bit of trouble with a mob family and needs protection. Lina, is a retired military, who now does private security and has worked with Canis Major in the past. She immediately becomes concerned for Curtis and does to talk about security options. The two have not seen each other for a little while, but always had crushes on each other. The threat on Curtis becomes more than just a little security and Lina and him have to go on the run. As they are trying to figure out how to handle the situation, a romance builds between the two. The tough thing is he is seen as a player, and she is too professional to let this get in the way – or are they? Will the feelings they have for each other get in the way of each other’s safety? Can they find a way to get past this to finally enjoy each other in life?
Just as all the other books in the series, the plot and character were well done. The book kept moving and was always entertaining. The characters were so easy to love. Curtis isn’t all he seems to be, he becomes a sweet, loving character. Lina is a badass with a hard shell that starts to soften to allow more for herself. The dynamics were just great with how the two characters complimented each other. I recommend the book to anyone looking for a romance that flows, easily wants to connect to characters, and loves a little danger and spice.

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raining Fish and Frogs is a story that introduces some aspects of science in a silly way. It starts with a person wanting fried trout for breakfast, and to get this he has to fish for his breakfast. Nothing was biting, but a freakish wind came along and sucked up all the water from the lake. The wind and “tornado” like thing got stronger and headed for the town. When the funnel couldn’t hold another thing, it started to rain, but it started to rain all the things is sucked up. Fish and frogs started falling from the sky, water even filled the lake once again. However, what would you know, a fish landed right in front of the person’s home and fried fish for breakfast was now possible. The science portion, at the end of the book, talks about how tornados work. This was a cute book that kids would find silly, and funny, but also informative. The illustrations were also really cute.

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an uplifting book that promoted positive affirmation in Asian boys (although the affirmation can be used for any culture). Throughout the book, an Asian boy talks about all the great things he is and can do. He talks about being bold, brave, big-hearted, etc. that would help any child bring joy and words of kindness to themselves. I loved how the book didn’t provide this boy with a problem at the beginning to overcome, the book goes straight into a self-love mentality which I am here for. If you have a son or boy who is feeling down on themselves, this could be a great read for encouragement, especially for Asian boys. The illustrations are cute too.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Man in Black is a historical, LGBT romance. Fenimore James is a young man who is bored in his life. He is a dreamer and believes he should be more, however, that more is running away from home to become an outlaw named Simon Shaw. Simon believed he was going to be able to rob his way through life living his best life. He joins a gang, but he comes to find out that joining this gang is no joke. This is a life that is a bloody one and there is a mystery person out there after the gang’s blood. Many of its members are being murdered. Simon has dreams at night where a “man in black” visits him. He doesn’t understand why this man is in his dreams but he thinks it is important. However, he is dealing with other “issues” as he starts to question his sexuality – at the beginning, he has always questioned this but was engaged to a woman. However, his feelings for men are too strong and he ends up trying on this experience with another gang member. He and his new “friend” start to try to help the gang figure out who could be hurting them, and the leader gets scared and starts to think it could be someone they are all close to. This is a thriller and has a good plot, but will Simon find the life he has always dreamed for himself, is the killer someone close to them, and will he figure out where he belongs amongst all of this?
This was an interesting story. It has been a while since I read a historical setting piece, but the fact that it was a thriller made is worth the read. It was a little slow to start, but if you can get through the beginning it will be a good read. There are many exciting parts, the aspect of taking on a puzzle, outlaws, and it was nice seeing a man trying to figure out who he was. If you are looking for a different take on an LGBT story and love thrillers, this is the story for you.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baking a Bicycle is another edition of the Invisible Magic Wand Books. In this edition, Caspian, this year for his Unbirthday wants a bike. However, his Grandfather asks what is so unusual about a bike, it doesn’t fit the unbirthday theme. The next day Caspian’s gift is “Baking up Dust”. He starts baking with Grandpa and sees that the baking is creating bike shapes, but how to turn that into something he can ride? What magic with this unbirthday bring? I do like this Invisible Magic Wand series because it provides a great way for kids to use their imaginations. The fact that they are also always family-oriented makes it feel warm, fun, and full of imagination. I would recommend this series to anyone who knows younger kids who love to play with their imagination.

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beyond Friendship is a friends-to-lovers story about Brian and Amanda. Amanda is a clothing store owner who just moved back to her hometown. Her brother is best friends with Brian who ends up being a club owner. Brian is a ladies’ man and refuses to settle down due to a secret he holds. Brian sees Amanda at a bar one night and decides she is his next conquest, but upon approaching her, his best friend Nick comes to see his sister and the thought of her taking her home dies. However, both felt this amazing connection in just those short moments. Because he doesn’t “date” they remain friends. Over a handful of years, they remain friends and sexually keep their distance although Amanda doesn’t want that and tells him so. Brian eventually gives in and realizes he just can’t live without her. Both have never felt this way about someone else before. However, while both are extremely happy, the secret that he has becomes evident and he starts to let his insecurities take over his relationship and decisions for his future. Will Brian be able to get over himself long enough to see what is standing right in front of him?
I enjoyed this love story. There were ups and downs and moments where I hated Brian, but completely understood him. Brian turns into a loving, doting partner who can’t get out of his own way until things can’t get any worse. On the other hand, Amanda was an amazing character. She was portrayed as a lovely woman, ambitious, loving, honest, comforting, and understanding. As a woman, she handled herself very well through this story. Emotionally, there were also a lot of ups and downs so kept you on your toes and interested in the story.

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Almost and Forever is a sad, beautiful, and hopeful love story. “Hope” is a therapist who is looking for love but isn’t having any luck. It was New Year’s Eve when she realized her boyfriend was not her lifelong love. Her boyfriend was working that night and she was making a wish at her favorite fountain when “Hope” started up a conversation with a man and had a weird draw to him. While they did not say much verbally, the chemistry between the two was electric. However, Adam is thinking about proposing to his girlfriend. We come to find out that both of them found a connection, but it provided a different perspective for both of them. Adam is a successful man who ends up lost until a certain woman comes into his life. There are a lot of ups and downs, secrets, sadness, hope, and so much love in this book. I enjoyed everything about it. The characters were amazing. They each were patient, loving, brave, etc. The book moved quickly and was never boring. Things progressed beautifully and I was excited to see where their journey would end.

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Daring Ceri (True Platinum Rock Star Romance Series Book 6) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Daring Ceri (True Platinum #6)Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daring Ceri is an enemies to lovers book. Ceri and Alex have been loving and hating each other for over a decade. At the beginning, Ceri is engaged to be married to a man named Richard. However, while trying to get her marriage license, she finds out she is already married to her ex- Alex (a famous rock star). She didn’t realize they really got married one drunk night in Fiji. Now, she has to figure out how to get divorced, but that would involve seeing Alex. Alex happens to be in her town on tour, but she is nervous because he always sucks her into him and then breaks her heart. After finally getting to Alex, he refuses to sign the divorce papers. He makes her a deal – on the road working with him, as a dancer, for three months and if she still feels the same about not wanting him, he will sign. Will she be able to resist him this time? Will he understand why she keeps rejecting his “love”? Or can the two of them find a way to make it work since the chemistry seems to be too much?
I thought the book was good. It took a while for me to like the characters. Ceri is determined not to be hurt again and so her character, at the beginning, is basic. Settling for all things that she never planned for herself. It took her a little time and honesty to really tell Alex exactly the problem she is having with him. Alex, he is just clueless to what Ceri really wants from him. He is arrogant, self-centered, and a man that is not appealing for many women on a long-term basis. However, as the book progresses, you do see the progress in both characters. Overall, I enjoyed their turbulent story.

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