Posts

MURDER OFF ROUTE 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery Book 3) by Jane Suen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder off Route 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #3)Murder off Route 82 by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder off Route 82 is the 3rd book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. While it does have overlapping characters, it doesn’t really need to be read in order or as a series. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone, as it’s a full story. I always look forward to this author’s books, and never know what to expect. They never seem to turn out the way I think they will, and this was no different. There is a HUGE bomb dropped on us at the very end, out of left field, so to speak. I didn’t see it coming, but it wrapped up the book nicely. The characters aren’t super deep, I didn’t feel any attachment or connection to them, but they are each unique with their own background story. The mystery kept me going, but I felt like the actual reveal of where the girl and her boyfriend were was a little bland and anti-climatic. I was hoping for something more intense, but the bomb previously mentioned made up for it.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Born in Darkness is the 3rd book in the Mafia Elite series. I love this series and cant wait for the next book. Each book focuses on one couple within the 5 families in the Chicago Mafia. This book is the story of Emiliana and Stefano. They have known each other the whole lives, and liked each other since their teen years, but haven’t been able to pursue a relationship. Life of a Mafia underboss and Mafia princess are complicated, and you often can’t make your own choices. But when a rat is suspected within the family, they must put their feelings aside and focus on uncovering the traitor. Everyone has their suspicions, and the true rat was a shock to us all, me included. Things got a little graphic and dark during the interrogation, but I loved seeing that side of all the characters. It reminds us that they are raised to be tough and violent when needs call for it. I was happy with the ending, and cant wait to read Marco and Elena’s book next!

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mom is There a Santa Claus is such an adorable book. It is a great tool for addressing that transition period, when a child begins to question Santa. I am going to keep this book in my back pocket, as I’m sure I will need it within the next year for my oldest. She is right at that age, and will enjoy assisting keep the magic alive for her younger brothers. Many of us adults have heard this rationale, of becoming part of the magic. I enjoyed the added personal touch of the necklace passed down through the generations. I love the illustrations, they are very bright and unique.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fall to Pieces ended up being much better than I expected. The description had me interested, as I enjoy crime thrillers- law and order type, if you will. The cover art had me expecting more of a romance novel. While it did have that, it wasn’t the focus of the story. We instead focus on detective Alexandra Danvers, and her internal struggle to bring a suspected child killer to justice. I really enjoyed the link this case had to her husband, as well as how Detective Xavier Knight fit in. All the characters seemed to have little connections, which made it all work. The characters are introduced slowly, so it wasn’t overwhelming to me. I was happy that Alex handled the truth rationally, and didn’t fly off the deep end, like we see many female leads do. I don’t want to reveal too much and ruin the story, so I’ll leave it at that. She is a very strong character and I hope to read more about her, whether prequel or future developments.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Love’s Reverie is the 2nd book in the Stardust Duet. It should be read after Love’s Refrain, to understand what is going on. The book continues the love story of Kat and Phillip, a love so strong, it spread across time. The story bounces back and forth between 1947 and present day, as the two use a magical mirror to time travel. This story had a lot of ups and downs, and at one point I was nearly heartbroken for the couple. I hoped things would have turned out better for them, but I was happy with the story and its happily ever after. I love the part James played in their story, and thought he fit perfectly into each era. Kat and Phillip are both old fashioned, and I loved that about them. There were a couple adult scenes, so mature audiences only. That aside, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good old fashioned romance story with a happy ending.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a great story, filled with so much imagery. It feels so much longer than just 57 pages, because it is so well written. The author has a way with words, allowing the readers to envision the story as it unfolds. The characters have names I cannot pronounce, and are creatures I have never heard of, but I am able to see them perfectly as I read the story. The rituals were unlike anything I’ve ever read about, but also made perfect sense… I longed for the book to be longer so I could see what would happen next… I hoped to get more information about Azrael and Carissa… but at the same time, it was wrapped up perfectly for Acheron and Errapel. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t normally read paranormal books. But with the disclaimer, mature audiences only. There are some heated graphic scenes.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Blood Oath, the 2nd book in Amy McKinley’s Mafia Elite series had me hooked. I love all of McKinley’s books, but the Mafia ones are my favorite. There are a LOT of characters, which makes the first part of the book intense, but once I get a feel for who is dating who, and related to who, it all falls into place. This book could be read without reading the first, as they focus on different characters, but there are a lot of connecting story lines and details. They are all wonderful, so just do yourself a favor and read both. This book focuses on Enzo and Sofia, the younger generation of the Chicago Mafia families. They have been friends for life, and both share feelings for each other. However, Enzo is promised to another, in a marriage contract, which has had them fighting their feelings for years. When danger strikes, these two are thrown together and despite a deadly situation, it is exactly what they both need. I love that Sofia (and all the Mafia Princesses) are not delicate flowers. They are bada$$ women who are trained from a young age to fight, withstand torture, and shoot a gun. Their family bonds are wonderful too, with siblings sharing close bonds. I cant wait to read the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas Book 4) by Marianne Rice – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas, #4)Snowflakes & Stockings by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Snowflakes & Stockings is another really cute book by Marianne Rice, in the Wilton Hills Christmas series. It can be read as a stand alone- it is the first book I read in this series and I loved it. I look forward to reading the others, as they are each about one of Liberty’s siblings. At first it had a Fifty Shades vibe to it- not the bondage, but the characters. Young innocent reporter interviewing gorgeous millionaire bachelor. The mystery surrounding he and his family… But, this book was clean and adorable. I loved the characters and their chemistry. Liberty has a really tightknit family and they are all loveable. I liked the added tidbit of how she and her siblings got their names, it really brought the family to life. I like that Sawyer was really sweet, and wish there was a little more detail about his childhood loss. I felt it was breezed over and he didn’t get as much background built as Liberty. I recommend this book as a quick cute romantic book to get you in the holiday spirit, and enjoy the happily ever after.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection #3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection, #3)Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Snowfall Serenade is the 3rd book in the Soul Connection series by Nikki Lynn Barrett. It needs to be read in order, as there is a lot of connections. I have read the other 2 and still didn’t recall a lot of what was referenced. I should have re-read them to refresh my memory. These books are so creative and well written. I love all the characters and their friendships are perfect. Scott is so realistic, because he can be the sweetest guy ever, or a total dick, when he cracks under pressure. It is genuine and believable based on what he deals with on a daily. This book is full of so much emotion and hard situations. I like that it bounces between point of views, so we can see the same story from everyone’s perspective. I liked that everything was not revealed in the beginning, but unfolded as the story went along. I really struggled reading Deena’s chapters, because they were very cryptic and maddening. But it added to the suspense and emotions felt while reading this book. Highly recommend this series, even if you don’t normally read paranormal.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Shadow of Doubt was just as good as the first book in the series. I look forward to more books by Merissa Racine, as I loved both books in the Crawford Mystery series. I really would love to know if the author wrote this from experience (not all the details, but assisting solve a big case). This book could be read as a stand alone, but you would be missing a lot of the background information. Also the first book is really great, so why skip it? The main character Lauren is brilliant, but is currently freelancing and desperate for money. So desperate, she takes a job working along side her ex husband daily. As if that weren’t enough stress, Lauren once again finds herself in the center of a major crime in her little town. On top of that, she has taken it upon herself to play detective and try to prove the innocence of a man on trial for murder. This book is action packed, and once again, has some twists and turns along the way that caught me off guard. I love that the real murderer was not at all who we suspect it will be. Well done Racine!

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Silent Gavel is my first Merissa Racine book, but it won’t be my last. I was instantly hooked and didn’t want to put it down. It is the first book in the Crawford Mystery series, and is a page turner. It is action packed from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lauren finds her boss dead, and soon becomes the lead suspect. She begins playing detective to try to prove her innocents, and while she has many possible suspects in mind, the cops are zeroed in on her. This book is full of surprises and action packed. Relationship drama, ex cons, unemployment, jealousy, the works. I loved all the characters and how they were brought to life. I was shocked to learn who the killer was, as they were not even on my radar (or Lauren’s for that matter). I hope to see some romantic sparks between Lauren and Sam (detective) in the next book. Highly recommend this one!
Side note, I thought it was really cool to learn the author is a stenographer, like the lead in this book.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

/0 Comments/in /by

Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Death under Palm Trees is the 4th book in the Jack and Frances mystery series by Carmen Radtke. It is the first I have read by this author (and the series) and it wasn’t for me. The book was well written, and had a good story line, but I just couldn’t get into it. I struggled to finish the book, and mainly did so, because I wanted to know who the spy was. There were too many characters for me to develop strong feelings about them. Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal are the main characters, and I liked them- but all the people in the house were hard for me to keep straight. I didn’t feel like it grabbed me as much as it should have, being a murder mystery. I did like the old feeling- you could tell it took place in the 30s, and I liked the references to pre war. While this book can be read as a stand alone, I suggest reading the others in the series first. Based on the other reviews, I feel like that would have given me a stronger feeling for them. I did like that the mystery remained until the very end, it wasn’t a book you figured out right from the get go.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

I am a big fan of KG Fletcher, so I did not even read the description to this book before I started reading it. At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, and thrown off. Most of her books are a love story through and through, and this didn’t have that feel in the beginning. That soon changed, and it was a cute story! Both Kat and Phillip’s characters are loveable. Fletcher did a good job describing the 1940s, allowing me to envision the era- the way he dressed, the emergence of movies, the cars, etc. Time travel always throws me off, and confuses me. This book was well written though, and it while it jumped back and forth, it was clear which era we were reading about. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and am so glad the release dates are only a month or two apart, not years! Overall a very sweet romance story (with one steamy chapter), and anxiously awaiting Love’s Reverie.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Whisper Creek: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7 by Valerie Davisson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whisper Creek is the 7th book in the Logan McKenna series by Valerie Davisson. It can be read as a standalone book. I have read one or two others, but not the whole series. There are a lot of references to past people or events, but its not detrimental. The story is solid enough on its own, and much like a law and order episode. I loved the mystery throughout this book! From the beginning, we know there is a murder, and multiple possible suspects. Logan and her coworker friends act like detectives to help solve the mystery. The author keeps the options open, and reveals the evidence little by little. She keeps things matter of fact, without leaning toward one or another. We see possible motive, but we are left guessing “who done it.” Let me tell you, I was NOT expecting things to go the way they did. I want to read more, as there was mentions to Logan’s finance, but he was a limited character. I feel there is likely more to that in previous books. Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime, mystery thrillers. It is not a scary thriller, but is action packed to the very end.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything is the only book I have read by Paul DeBlassie III. It was very dark and twisted psychological thriller. It wasn’t scary in the sense I couldn’t sleep, but more, when you think about it, the characters and story is pretty messed up. It is a story mainly focused on Mother Juana, a religious superior in Aztlan del Norte. This city has history of the supernatural, and events that cannot be explained any other way. Mother Juana runs an orphanage, and her son grows up to be a counselor of those children. He loves his mother and is blind to her cruel nature and the disappearances of children from her Orphanage. Gabriel (mother Juana’s son) tries to see the good in everything, but his wife, Consuela, has her doubts. When Consuela and their son disappear, and are believed to be murdered, Gabriel is the primary suspect. He expects his position, and that of his mother, will be his saving grace. Instead, things take a 180 and Gabriel is left to make some hard decisions about his life and his dedication to his mother. This story will mess with your head. The writing is very descriptive and provides great imagery. You can envision the events as they happen, and develop strong feelings toward the characters.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stand Your Ground is a suspense filled crime thriller by A.J Ullman. I have read and enjoyed his books in the past, so I looked forward to reading this one. It had a bit of a John Grisham Law and Order feel to it. I like the way it was told, starting out with the main character Cady shooting someone. We don’t really know the back story yet, and it slowly unwinds as the book progresses. I felt that was a good way to tell the story, because it gripped us from the beginning and got us hooked and wanting to know more. Then we were led through a wild ride of discovery and interviews wanting to know if Cady would be tried for murder or if it was justified self defense. There are always secrets or skeletons in the closet on these cases, and it was unrolled at a good pace. My main complaint is the story seemed filled with a lot of rambling fluff. Cady had a lot of analogies and tangents she would go off on, which seemed to take away from the action of the actual story. The book is very current, referencing BLM, George Floyd, #metoo, and being “woke.” It did not end as I expected in the beginning. Cady did not turn out to be what I thought she was, but I liked that it was not all known from the beginning. It kept the sense of mystery.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

No Way Out is a great start to a new series, which is no surprise. Amy McKinley knocks it out of the park with each new series. I am already hooked and cannot wait to go on to book 2 and see what this series has in store. This book is action packed, with a good balance of romance, and keeps us guessing. I kept waiting for Max to turn out to have some dark past, and was worried to like him too much. But the story is perfect, and had a big screw you to the “bad guys” and has a huge reveal that makes the match between Max and Liliana that much more perfect. I love McKinley’s characters, because the women are always strong tough women, who don’t need to rely on the men in their lives. I love Liliana and her friends stick up for each other, and take care of business attitudes. I hope they each get their own story in the series! Highly recommend this book, and cannot wait for the next book.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities was ah-mazing! I was instantly draw in from the cover art alone, I didn’t really even read the synopsis. This book is the second in the series, and I did not read the first one, but I really want to. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone, and I hope there is another book after this, because I must know what happens next for Emma and Jeremy! Emma is such a great character, ahead of her time. She is a young woman in 1880s Chicago, in a time when women have low expectations. She is brilliant and has the drive to go to college, and work alongside men. Her family is fascinating and I would like to know more about them. The book is action packed, moving from one case to the next. They weren’t really related, except to show us how awesome Emma is, and display her networking. But it wasn’t unorganized or chaotic, the story worked. It ended too abruptly for me, but I really enjoyed it. Unlike any other book I have read.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION by Risa Nyman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Spooked by a SuspicionSpooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Spooked by a Suspicion is not advertised as a sequel, it follows Swallowed by a Secret. They could be read and enjoyed independently, but both are good books, so you should just read them. Despite this book being targeted to children readers (likely middle school age), I enjoyed it as an adult. I enjoyed the first book, so I was happy to hear there was a second book, so we could see more into Rocky’s life. This book centers around a difficult issue kids may encounter, but in a humorous way. Rocky’s mom drops the bomb that she is seeing someone new, and they plan to get married. Rocky didn’t even know they were officially dating, so this was a shock to him. Shortly after the announcement, strange things start to happen. Rocky is very imaginative, and comes to the conclusion his mom’s boyfriend is the cause of these things, and takes it upon himself to stop him. These things range from serious, a sports injury, to funny, being pooped on by a bird. Poor Rocky! We are led through a series of twists and turns on his summer vacation, and it teaches kids some life lessons in an entertaining way. I love the story and Risa Nyman’s style. The characters are all very fun and realistic, and can be enjoyed by all ages.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

TAINTED by Marsha R. West – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Tainted is the first book I have read by Marsha West, and I would read more in the future. While I am not 100% sold on the writing style (too much dialogue and the mother/daughter relationship was too lovey dovey), I really enjoyed the book. The story is unique, and the characters are well written. It is a romantic suspense centered around starting over when your world comes crashing down around you. Liz Hartman is left picking up the pieces and trying to restart her life as a middle age woman, after her husband (now ex) is arrested and sent to federal prison for money laundering. Even from prison, he seems to find a way to torment and harass her.
She is constantly getting questioning stares, as everyone assumes she had to have been involved in the scheme. She wants nothing more than a clean slate, but struggles with the idea of walking away from her home to start over. Lucky for her, she has two homes. She has visited a little town in New Mexico annually, her whole life. Maybe this is the perfect place to build a new home. To help things along, the Marshall in town is her high school sweet heart. Can they rekindle their romance 20+ years later?

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

So Close (Love Grows #4)So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So Close is the 4th book in Renee Regent’s Love Grows series, but the first one I have read. It is for sure a stand alone book, and worth the read. It sounds like the first book has over lapping characters, so I look forward to reading that next. The story alternates narrators, back and forth between the main 2 characters. Dahlia and Levi were best friends as kids, then had a big falling out. They hadn’t talked in 7 years, and now have to work side by side for a huge project for them both. Things will go really good, or really badly. Both are nervous to have to work together, and Dahlia has a lot on the line. She just got a big promotion at work, and is trying to prove herself. She doesn’t want her personal life’s drama spread at work. And as much as she misses Levi, she holds a major grudge. Can Levi crack through her ice exterior, and get back his best friend and love of his life? Read the book and see!

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Hairballs and HomicideHairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hairballs and Homicide drew me in just from the title. The book cover is cute, not intense, so I knew it would be a light hearted mystery. I am glad I took a chance, because this book was great. It was a little cheesy at the end, but it was funny throughout and kept me engaged wondering who the murderer was going to be. The biggest downfall, is I now want to adopt ALL THE KITTIES! I wish this café was in my hometown so I could go and love on all the cats, and people watch all the quirky people that hang out there. I love that the author gave each cat a name and personality, as well as all the café patrons. We got to know several of the townsfolk, and that was fun. Ellie is also such a fun personality, and I hope she has a steamy relationship with Detective Simon in the next book. I look forward to reading more by Ruth Hartman.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

HOLD ME FOREVER (HERON HARBOR Book 3) by LEA NOLAN – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Hold Me ForeverHold Me Forever by Lea Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hold Me Forever is part of the Heron Harbor series, but is a stand alone book. It is the first I have read, and it seems each book focuses on one Donovan sister. This book focuses on Lark, the free spirited artist sister. I will likely go back and read the other 2, because I enjoyed this book. The characters have very well written and realistic personalities and the supporting characters seem to as well. The story is told in 3rd person, but with a back and forth focus on either Lark or Hunter. This worked well because it told us about each of their feelings and perspective, but did not have to wait for the next chapter, like most books that alternate POV. There were a couple things I didn’t like in the story. I didn’t quite understand why Lark kept her relationship with Hunter a secret. Seems like she was really close with her sisters, but kept a 2 year relationship and engagement a secret… Also, there seemed to be a lot of messed up childhoods, and it got to be somewhat depressing at points. Parents that died, absent fathers, lying parents, abandoned kids… seemed like everyone who grew up in Heron Harbor had a bad homelife. Beyond that though, it was a good story and I would read more by Lea Nolan.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Flirting with my Enemy (Love is a Mystery Book 1) by Laura Burton – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love is a Mystery #1)Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Laura Burton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flirting with my Enemy was a cute, though predictable, romantic comedy book by Laura Burton. It was a bit cheesy at times, but I enjoyed it, and will likely read the next book in the series. The book follows Elle and Zane, who own bakeries next door to each other. Zane is rich and British, and trying to buy Elle’s bakery. Elle is not sure if he is sincere in his offerings, or try to sabotage her and run her out of business. She is struggling between love and hate, and it is a very fine line. He is quite the charmer, but she isn’t sure if she can trust him. Elle is a bit of a hot mess, but her character is sweet. The flirting with the enemy portion of the book was entertaining, and it had a twist ending. I did not see that coming, but it was a good twist. The ending was a bit over the top, but perfect, considering what we had seen of Zane. Overall, it was an enjoyable book.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Sinful Daughter (Dark Mafia Sins Book 1) by Emily Bowie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Sinful DaughterSinful Daughter by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sinful Daughter sucked me in before I even started reading it! The description sounded like it would be a really good intense story, and that is exactly how I would describe it. I haven’t read anything by Emily Bowie before, but I hope this turns into a whole series, because I am hooked. Before the story begins, we are given an outline of the characters and family tree. I found this pretty helpful, to get an introduction to the characters and get a feel for the families. There are 2 main mafia families (Rossis and Mancinis) in this story, and the cops either workings for them, or trying to bring them down. The story bounces back and forth between Theo and Aria’s perspective, which I really enjoyed. It let us get a feeling for the main characters. This book is packed full of danger, drama, romance, and all the feels. The romance is pretty detailed and intense, so for mature audiences only. I cannot wait to read more in this series, and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic books and mafia thrill.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boy Released is the follow-up to J.D Spero’s Boy on Hold (and likely will not make sense if you didn’t read book 1). The story takes place 10 years later, when Tyler is released from psychiatric rehab. I had a hard time understanding the purpose of the book for the first half, then it all came together as to how it relates to the first book. Similar to the first book, I don’t feel like Hen acts his age- supposed to be 17 but is horrified by normal teen boy behavior. Perhaps what he went through as a child stunted his maturity… I’m not sure. But its not enough of an issue to withhold enjoyment in reading this story. While the book is told from the perspective of Marcella and Hen Trout, the story really is more of Tyler’s story. His actions and mental health are the reason for the story to be told. I loved the ending, and think it was perfect. If you enjoyed Boy on Hold, you should read Boy Released- it finishes the story and gives us, as the reader, resolution.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Snowflakes and Holly (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Snowflakes and Holly is part of Jae Dawson’s Hartwood Holiday Romance series, but can be read as a stand alone book. Some of the characters overlap, but each book is it’s own story. I really loved this book- the characters, the setting, the meaning behind it… The book focuses on Holly and Blake, and both characters are so well written. Holly is a physical therapist, who is still mourning the loss of her father, 5 years later. She has a hard time with anything relating to memories of him, and has been stuck in the funk for years despite her family and friend’s best efforts. Until Blake comes along- and he somehow accomplishes more in just a few weeks than others have in years. Blake is a professional Olympian athlete, recovering from multiple injuries. Fate seems to bring them together, and opposites seem to attract. Holly is sarcastic and dark humored, where as Blake is very upbeat and silly. I highly recommend this book- it will give you all the feels. Sad, happy, funny, romantic… Can’t wait for the next book to release later this year.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Cold Day In Hell (Life Is Hell Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Cold Day in Hell is the 5th book in Naomi Valkyrie’s Life is Hell series. Like all her books, this one is action packed and has wonderful characters. This book focuses on Hadassah and Jezebel. Hadassah is an angel, and Malakhi’s sister and Jezebel is a shifter. Both have recently joined the makeshift family in Juniper Lake. Hadassah is portrayed as a total B in the beginning, but then her hard shell is penetrated and she ricks her lift and powers to save Jezebel. We learn about Jezebel’s dark past and how it is intertwined in the trafficking circle they have been trying to take down for the last couple of books. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but you should read this book, and the whole series. It probably could be read as a stand alone, but they are all overlapping characters, so you should eventually read them all.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Unlikely in Love was such a cute story! It is the first book in Olivia Sherwood’s Parker Lake series, and the first I have read by her. I will be back for more, as I loved her writing style. The characters are all so relateable and authentic. The story was romantic but kept clean, giving me the happily ever after I wanted. The book tells the story of Annabelle and Wyatt. Annabelle had a rough childhood and dreams of leaving town. That was short lived, as her grandmother got sick and she had to return home. Now her grandmother has passed away, leaving her with a run down farmhouse that she cant bear to give up. Wyatt is back home after 3 overseas tours, and a medical discharge from the hospital. He lives at home with his parents and struggles keeping busy, to keep the nightmares away. These unlikely incidents brought the two together, when Wyatt takes a job as a handyman on her farm. What was once a high school crush that both were too afraid to act on, could be turned into something more. If they can only let themselves love again.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

The Heart of Baker BayThe Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of Baker’s Bay was the first book I read by Danielle Jacks and I loved it. Its a really cute, clean romance book and I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are great, with wonderful realistic personalities, and the chemistry between them is entertaining. The supporting characters are well written too, not just the main two. Jody is stubborn and full of spunk and Adam is like a grumpy old man, but with good reason. The town of Clover Bay sounds wonderful, on the top of a hill, secluded from the rest of the world, but in reality, only a couple hours outside of the city. This book had my emotions on a roller coaster, many times laughing, sometimes in near tears, and then a good happy ending. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more by Jacks.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy