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Remember His Name (Remember My Name Series Book 2) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Remember His Name (Remember My Name, #2)Remember His Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Remember His Name is the 2nd book in the Remember My Name Series by Laurencia Hoffman. It is loosely a series, with not as much overlap/continuation as I would have hoped. I with they were more intertwined, as there were only a couple small mentions of overlap. I wish there was more time spent on the killer and how or why he chose his victims. I would have liked it to be a continuation of the first book, as it had a massive cliff hanger ending. That said, I am not totally disappointed in this series, it was good and held my interest. It just left me longing for more. It is a story that focuses on Wren and his heartache and pain throughout life, being an empath. The story starts out with Wren as a child, and there is a lot of focus put on his dad, and his job. I thought maybe it would take a Mafia twist, but it just kind of set the groundwork for the rest of the story. Without giving it away, I hope the character introduced toward the end gets a book of her own. I want to know what comes of her and to know what happens to the killer… is he caught? Do we learn the why behind it? This book has a trigger warning, and pay attention to it if it might bother you. These themes are strong throughout.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Remember My Name (Remember My Name #1)Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remember My Name was nothing like what I was expecting, and I am not disappointed. I have not read anything by Laurencia Hoffman before, but will be starting the second book in this series ASAP. This book kept me hooked the entire time, and left me screaming at the end. The book follows Shane’s life, and his complicated love for Callan. At first I was confused when it kept jumping back in forth in time, talking about Shane and Jake, and Shane and Callan, but it quickly all came together. I love that the mystery was kept throughout, and until the end of the story. The cliff hanging ending has me pissed off, lol. The 2nd book does not sound like it continues the story, but I am really hoping it does. I need answers, now! I do caution the readers, this book focuses around a gay couple, and has multiple mentions and images of abuse (self inflicted and otherwise). This could be a trigger for some readers, and believe it deserves to be mentioned.

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Competing with the Star is the 2nd book in the Star Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. You should read them in order, as this book picks up right where the first left off. We continue to follow the life of teenager Hadley Daniels. She has recently moved to a new town, and is figuring out where she fits in socially. Over the summer, she stayed with her grandparents, and made some new friends, but teen life is confusing. She and her crush Nick have decided to make things official, which should be great news. They have so much in common and find it easy to talk to each other. However, the insecurities caused by friends comments, and rumors are prying them apart. Add in a love triangle or two, and this story is packed full of drama. Some parts had me rolling my eyes, but then I tried to remember back to what it was like being a teenager, and its spot on. Hager really captured the feelings of teenagers, both boy and girl. I love that we got to see several characters weaknesses, and how they leaned on each other, discovering who their real friends are. I think this is a great coming of age story, geared toward tween and teens, but good enough to enjoy as an adult. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Next Door to a StarNext Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Next Door to a Star is the first book in The Star Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It is the first book I have read by her, and I enjoyed it. It is a somewhat of a coming of age book, and would be good for middle or high school kids (I am in my 30s and enjoyed it). This book follows Hadley through her awkward teen years, and finding herself. She has only one friend, who has moved away, and cannot fathom the thought of spending the summer alone. When her grandparents invite her to their home for the summer, she jumps on it. They live next door to another teen, who was a teen star actress. Hadley has dreams of becoming her friend, and in turn, increasing her popularity points. I loved seeing her transition and mature throughout the book. She learned the value of friendship, navigated her way through crushes/dating as well as how to handle backstabbing mean girls. This book has all the typical middle and high school drama, and we get to see it from the inside out. Hadley is stuck in the middle of the popular in crowd, and good friends that are not popular. I look forward to reading the second book to see what happens next.

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House in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

House in the WoodsHouse in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

House in the Woods was Ah-Mazing. I have read a lot of books by Jessica Aiken-Hall, but this was my all time favorite. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It is a mystery suspense, that I had partly figured out about half way through, but not all the details. The book is about Molly Jackson, college student, and how her life is turned upside down one summer. She decided to stay home for college, after her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Her dad is somewhat of a loose cannon, a hole, and she doesn’t feel right leaving her mom home alone with him. We start off thinking that will be the focus of the story- Molly’s mom and her wandering off, getting lost, the fear surrounding that. Then things take a whole new twist, when Molly sees a flyer hung at school for a missing person. She takes the flyer on a whim, curious why she never heard about this before… it is a small town after all… Then she realizes she looks a lot like the missing woman, who was the same age as her brother. From there, things just get stranger and stranger. This is so much going on in this book, I don’t want to give away any spoilers. But read it. Do it, you won’t regret it!

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MORNIN THE SUPER BIRD – FINDS A WAY TO FIGHT EXTINCTION by JULES HEARTLY – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop ExtinctionMornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mornin the Super Bird is an adorable character created by Jules Heartly and drawn by Diego Diaz. The book Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction is a cute, fun way to explain extinction to elementary school age children. The book is geared toward kids, in a way they can understand- through pictures and songs. The birds make a video, and share it with their animal friends, who share it with their human friends, who shares it with his friends. The power of sharing and working together spreads the message far and wide, to save the animals. The book has a cute song for the kids to sing. It explains not only what extinction is, but explains what kids can do to help prevent extinction of birds like Mornin and his friends. I love that the book doesnt just talk about changes that need to happen in the world, but empowers the children to make small changes in their worlds. The book breaks it down for the kids how they can help change the world! Simple things like avoid plastic, stop littering, recycle, and turn off lights. We can all do our part and save these animals from extinction. Super adorable book, with a powerful message. This should be read in all classrooms and homes! I would say it is appropriate for 3-9 year olds.

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Red Coat by Isobella Dunn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Red CoatRed Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was drawn to Red Coat, just from the cover art. I have never read anything by Isobella Dunn, and this seems like it might be her first book, which is amazing. I loved this book. I got hooked in the first couple pages, reading about Sara and her teen troubles. We then come across Rachael, whose story seems to mirror Sara’s. I am a sucker for the pull at your heart strings stories of foster care. Rachael’s path and Sara’s intersect when she is caught running away from her foster home, and Sara is called in on the case. By the time it got to that point, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. Dunn has a great writing style, and I fell in love with most of the characters. I say most, because I didn’t love Colin- I found him a little pushy, but he also had a incredible sweet side. All the supporting characters played a big role, and the book was a good balance. There was a little bit of hoping for a happy ending for everyone, and sitting on the edge of your seat in fear of what is to come. It was a little more suspense filled than I expected, but I was not disappointed. Highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Jeremy Full of Grace by Greta Cribbs – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Jeremy Full of GraceJeremy Full of Grace by Greta Cribbs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was instantly intrigued by the description, and chose to give Jeremy Full of Grace a shot. I mean, a teenage boy, being pregnant, what in the world?! I had to see how that works… It is the first book I have read by Greta Cribbs, and I couldn’t put it down! Granted, its a short book, but still. It is a weird twist of religion and sci-fi/dystopian, which is such an odd combination, but it worked. The main theme surrounds Catholicism, but it isn’t preachy, and most of the references are common knowledge. I love that she writes about “Them” and “Before” in a context that we understand something is going on, but don’t know all the details. The characters were great. The book is written bouncing around, point of view and timeframe, which was a little weird, but once you have a feeling for the timeline, it is easy enough to follow. I was a little disappointed not all my questions were answered, but it was still a good story. I don’t want to give away and spoilers, so I will leave it at that.

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlit Kiss is unlike anything I have read by Amy McKinley. It is not at all what I expected, but I loved it none the less. It is part of the Moonlit Destinations Series, but is a stand alone book. Like all the other McKinley books I have read, it is a romantic story with a twist of mystery suspense. What sets this book apart from the others, is the twist of history and ghosts. It tells the story of Gianna and Sergio meeting and falling in love with Venice. However, it is intertwined with the past romance of their distant relatives. The writing is very graphic, and I was able to envision the neighborhood and houses, despite never being to Venice or even really seeing pictures of it. The characters are all personable and I would love to see spin off stories to develop the neighbors, perhaps as a prequel, since there is so much history there. There was a lot of interesting twists along the way that I didn’t expect. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but highly recommend this book, and all of McKinley’s books.

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection, #2)Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sleeping Angel is the 2nd book in the Soul Connection series by Nikki Lynn Barrett. While I did read the first book, it was years ago, and I didn’t fully remember the details. That being said, this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone. The characters from book 1 are important in this book as well, but their role is explained within. This book was unlike anything I have ever read. To be honest, I was confused for the better part of the book. The first half, there are so many characters, and all seem to be connected or related in some way or another. Then, once I grasped all the connections, things really started getting good, yet, more complicated. I really had to stop a couple of times and just let it all sink in. Mad props to Barrett for creating this story line, as it has so much thought behind it. This is a book that focuses around ghosts, reincarnation, afterlife, love, and second chances. I felt like we really got to know the characters, and their connections to each other. I recommend this book, but read it when you can focus on it- There is a lot going on at once!

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Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

ChasedChased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chased is the first book in the Cambridge Men of Honor series by Felicity Brandon. It is the first book I have read by this author, and it was very well written. The imagery used lets us envision the characters, and the scenes play out. At first it had a bit of a 50 Shades feel to it- rich powerful male, who likes to be in control; Young innocent female college student. But then it evolved, and we caught a glimpse of the mafia side of Chase. Allegra did not end up being what we expected, but I feel there is more to her story to come. The book has some strong themes, that I believe should have a reader warning. They were a little much for me. Without giving things away, sexual exploitation, rape, bondage, and kidnapping. Reader discretion is advised. The book was well written, and the author told a good, intense story.

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart #1)Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sexy Drug is the first book I have read by Melody Calder, but I LOVED it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Losing My Heart series. I was instantly hooked and didn’t want to put it down. Lucky for me, I was passenger on a road trip, so I got to read it all in 1 night. However, it had such a cliff hanger ending that I am left wanting more. The book focuses around Katie, the daughter of a drug lord/cartel leader. When there is an attempt on her life, her dad assigns her a body guard, Ramone. The reader and Katie first believes he is just hired muscle, and one of the “bad guys” but we soon see there may be something deeper. There are hints and clues into his past, and who he really is, but it is never fully revealed. I love that the mystery remained throughout. I love reading mafia books, but this one takes the cake. Highly recommend this book, and cannot wait to read the next book.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Believe is the first book I have read by Cori Cooper, but I would definitely read more. It was a super cute book, and even tho it is geared toward kids, I enjoyed it as an adult. I think it is a little long for my 11 year old to enjoy, but it is a cute book for those who like reading. It is written from the perspective of Cat, an 8th grader. She has never cooked for real in her life, as everything is microwaved in her home. Her first day of 8th grade lands her in a culinary class, due to a scheduling error. She assumes she will hate it, but turns out she LOVES it. She finds she enjoys baking, and her current crush is in that class, and her group, which is just icing on the cake. See what I did there? You will find lots of that in this book- There are recipes between each chapter, and they are written in the lingo of a teenager- TOTALLY, Super Duper, etc. I found that really fun and look forward to trying the actual recipes from this book.

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Date Night by KM Lowe – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Date NightDate Night by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Date Night is a really cute fun romance by KM Lowe. Despite being just over 100 pages, it is a full story and we really get to know and love the characters. Hannah and Kyle have worked together on several projects over the years, but have never met. Their correspondence has always been through email. When they finally meet, sparks fly for both of them. However, due to past failed relationships, neither of them is looking for anything, and both have sworn off relationships for the foreseeable future. Their business meeting turns out to be enjoyable for both of them, so they agree to meet once more. Simply for a no strings attached Date Night. But will things really stop at that… guess you need to read to find out!

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder at Honeybee Lake is the 2nd book in the Shadow of Doubt series by Jessica Aiken-Hall. I liked the first book better, as it was more intense, but this book was very good too. They should be read in order, as there are a lot of overlapping characters, without much background given. This book focuses on Randy Fletcher, who came to the rescue in book one, taking care of Tessa. This book is full of suspense from the very beginning. Randy and his boyfriend Ben are swimming in the lake outside their house, when they find a dead body. Everything gets tangled up, and Randy is soon in quite a pickle. His life is thrown upside down, and soon it is difficult to determine what is good and what is bad. I was glad to have the book be a true mystery, with the truth not being revealed until the end. I love how all the characters are connected in a mysterious way that are slowly discovered. Highly recommend this series, and cant wait to read more by the author.

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Sure As Hell (Life Is Hell Book 4) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Sure As Hell (Life is Hell #4)Sure As Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sure as Hell is the 4th book in Naomi Valkyrie’s series Life is Hell. It should be read as part of the series, because all the characters overlap. To fully understand what each character is (as they are all paranormal) and their relationships (many overlapping relationships, 3 somes, etc). Also, the series is awesome, so really, you’d be doing yourself a favor by reading them all. I don’t normally read paranormal books, but I am hooked on this series.
This book focuses on Jaru and Lark. As with all books in the series, there is a bit of romance, as well as a bit of action and suspense. Because this book’s main character is an imp, and former contract companion (think call girl), and contains mixed relationships, it is for a more mature audience. I enjoyed getting to know Lark as more than a prankster fairy he has been in the previous books. I also enjoyed seeing Jaru grow up, so to speak, and learn to be his own person, outside of being a companion. Looking forward to the next book in the series

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Key West Dead is the most recent, 6th book in the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. This book, like those before it, are packed full of adventure. Jake and his dog Cody are always getting in the middle of trouble, and this is no exception. The book starts off with Jake attending a wedding of his close friend in Key West, Fl. Before the end of the first couple chapters, a boat explodes, friends are dead, and there is a serial bomber/terrorist making threats of more to come. Insert Jake, his dog Cody, and their best friend, cop, Terrell. The book is filled with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t want to put it down from start to finish, and love seeing the relationship of Jake and Sarah evolve. There is bound to be more books coming, because I don’t think Nolan would end the series before their marriage. So I look forward for the next in the series. Keep ’em coming!

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Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ocean’s Light is the first book in the new series Blood of the Pirate, by Mina Chara. I have read her Hero High series, and enjoyed it, but this book is so much different. It is really different from anything I have ever read. It kind of reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean. There is a lot of adventure, with three different crews fighting over a map to reach the most important treasure of all, the Ocean’s Light. Evie is stuck in the middle of it all, with all 3 crews fighting over her, as it was her map to start with. There is Captain Rama’s crew, with first mates Slim and Bulk, who became somewhat of friends to Evie. There is Captain Hammer, and his crew of sons, which seem to always be after Rama’s ship. And then Captain Luna, who is a soldier, trying to recover the map for his queen. There is so much going on, action packed adventure on every page. Evie may be an orphan child, but she is tough, and cleaver. The supporting characters have vivid descriptions, allowing the reader to envision them all and ‘watch’ the story unfold. This book is a YA, geared toward teens, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, in my 30s. Well done Chara.

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

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

Forged by Secrets is the 3rd book in the Deadly Isles Special Ops series by Amy McKinley. It could probably be read without reading the previous 2 books. It does have overlapping characters, Ty’s brothers are featured in book 1 and 2. However, they are all great books, so even if you start here, go back and read the first 2, then the Gray Ghost series (which is mentioned in this book). I love all of McKinley’s books, and typically read them straight through. The books are so good I don’t want to put them down. I love her writing style, as they are very realistic. Ty and Malina are very relatable characters, and the building chemistry, on top of their past makes for a good story. They have known each other since high school, but have never given in to their feelings. However, life keeps throwing them together, and when Malina needs somewhere to lay low for a while, she decides Ty’s family Island is the perfect place. The story is a suspense filled, with a side of romance. I am sad the trilogy wrapped up, but hope McKinley continues with the characters. Can’t wait for more books!

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Loyalty & Lies (Spicetopia Book 6) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Loyalty & LiesLoyalty & Lies by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loyalty & Lies is the 6th book in the Spicetopia series by Phoebe Alexander. I have read them all and enjoy them. They are really unique, and while the story has overlapping characters, you could pick up any book and read out of order and still enjoy it. These characters apparently cross over from another series, Eastern Shore Swingers, which I have not read. But all of Alexander’s books I’ve read are great, so I may venture into that series next. This book was full of drama and suspense. I liked that I didn’t really figure out what was going on until towards the end. I don’t want to say too much as there was a lot of secrets and mystery. But it was a great book and kept me hooked, I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely for the more mature audience, as the entire series takes place at a adult theme park full of sexual experiences. Not for the faint of heart, but at the same time, it wasn’t so graphic that I was turned away. It was well written and like always, the characters are great.

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THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST AVENGER (ANNIE TILLERY MYSTERIES) by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Mystery of the Lost AvengerThe Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mystery of the Lost Avenger is the first I have read by Linda Maria Frank. It seems like it is part of a series, as there is several mentions of Ty and Annie’s past adventures. The book says it is geared toward 8 to 10 year old, but I have a 9 and 11 year old, and think its a little long for that age group. Definitely a youth novel, the writing is basic and easy to understand. The story has a lot of mystery to it, and we do not discover the answers until the very end. Despite feeling like the characters should have turned everything over to the professionals, and I was hoping for a more climatic ending, but it was a good book. I would read more if its a series. There is a touch of WWII history, which I love, but it doesn’t go too deep. There are a lot of characters, who all seem to be related or connected in some way. Very close tight knit group. I recommend this book, as it was entertaining and well written. The mystery remained as such, and kept me hooked until the end.

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Witness (Ash Park Series Book 9) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Witness: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 9)Witness: An Ash Park Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Witness is another psychological thriller in the Ash Park series by Meghan O’Flynn. This book is like a Law and Order SVU episode. If you like criminal mystery books, this is the series for you. There is SO MUCH going on, its like they fell into a rabbit hole. Each level of the case that unfolds, grows deeper and deeper. It is action packed and keeps the reader hooked and wanting to know how it ends. It is written with so much vivid detail, that we can envision the characters and the story. I think this book could be read without reading the rest of the series. I have only read a couple, but I enjoy them. There is enough detail given on Petrosky’s past so we know the gist of what is going on. I was disappointed to see how much of a mess he is in this book, and to be honest, it got kind of old to hear about how much he wanted the next drink. But I guess it goes to show us how affected he is by his job and the pain from his past.

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Rebecca RemainsRebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rebecca Remains was not what I was expecting it to be! It is the first book in the Shadow of Doubt series by Jessica Aiken-Hall. The first half of the book was really intense and action packed. I was on the edge of my seat and didn’t want to put it down. The second half was not nearly as exciting, and dragged a little. It went from a suspense thriller, to a romance/new friendship building, then ended as a thriller again. I wish the middle part had a little more suspense. I felt like Keith dropped off for too long, with how intense he was in the beginning. I do like the characters, and their friendships are well developed. The twist of WHO Rebecca is, is not what I was expecting. The next book in the series sounds exciting and I cannot wait for it to be released next month. Jessica’s books are always twisted and suspense filled, and this was no different. Recommend Rebecca Remains, and her other books.

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Love at First Haunt (Haunted Ever After Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After Book 1)Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love at First Haunt is a great book, like all of Carrie Pulkinen’s. It is the first book in the Haunted Ever After series, and is very similar to the New Orleans Nocturnes series. It is a book about ghosts, medium and psychics, but it is not at all scary. The book is very cute, funny and ironic. Allison is a medium psychic, but is afraid of ghosts after a recent incident. While at a party with her bff, she sees a ghost, and runs out crying. This sparks the interest of the house owner, Logan. In a series of encounters, they are brought together and realize they have a lot in common. Their blossoming relationship is fun to read about, and the characters are great. Despite being psychic and all, they are very realistic and relatable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series so I can see what is to come of Trent and Tina, Logan and Allison’s best friends.

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Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry (The Infinite Love Series Book One) by Kira Adams – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry (The Infinite Love Series, Book 1)Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry by Kira Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Learning to Live is the first book I have read by Kira Adams, but I can’t wait to read more. There plan to be 5 books in this series, which I am totally stoked for! There is so many deep topics in this book, which brought out all the feelings. It is somewhat a coming of age story, but so much more. You will read about topics such as bullying, suicide, depression, death, love and loss. Ciera and Topher have been going to the same school for most of their life. However, Topher hardly knows she exists, except that his friends bully her daily for years. Ciera is to the point of just trying to be invisible to avoid it…counting down the days until graduation. But when life brought them together, it turns out they were the best thing for each other. The thing they never knew they needed. Wonderful characters, all so real and relatable. Grab a box of kleenex and a comfy throw, and curl up with your kindle. You won’t want to put this book down.

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Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Where Flowers BloomWhere Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where Flowers Bloom was amazing! It was my first book by Nikki Vale, and I didn’t want to put it down. I was hooked from the very beginning with Kendyll’s dream, and had to know what happened next. The story was 2 stories, that came together at the end. Kendyll and her fiance Vance moved, in order to start fresh as a hope to rekindle their relationship. She buys a run down house, without even touring it, because it speaks to her. There is so much happening in the story, and there is never a dull moment. I don’t want to give anything away, but I love the characters. Vance comes off as a jerk, but then we see another side of him; Aster seems like a crazy old bat, but we soon discover how amazing she is. Kendyll was hoping to restart her relationship with Vance, but soon earns a new family in Violet, Wes and Aster. And then there is all of Kendyll’s dreams of Rose and Everett- which takes place in the slavery days. We get to see first hand what life could be like on a plantation, and the hardships surrounding it. This story is wholly unique, and I highly recommend it! The title itself is unveiled to have such a deep, beautiful meaning. So glad I chose this book, and I can’t wait to read more by Nikki Vale!

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Coyote Summer by Laura Koerber – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Coyote SummerCoyote Summer by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I still don’t know how I feel about Coyote Summer by Laura Koerber. It is the first I have read by her, and as much as I want to love it, I have mixed feelings. (Side note- This description is so much better than the one on AZON) The story was great, until about halfway through, then I don’t even know what happened. Literally- I still don’t quite understand what was real, exaggerated, dreamed, hallucinated, etc. The book is centered around Ben’s senior year and a series of events that changed his life. Claire’s assault stuck with Ben forever, and changed who is was as a person. It made him question his life, his friends, his morals, everything. And I love that- We saw how Ben changed his way of thinking, struggled with his feelings, and matured into a young adult. However, everything surrounding Puppy and her family, I’m still iffy on. I feel like the author had 2 story ideas, and mashed them together- and I don’t think it worked well. At least for me. I really want to love it… the writing in the first half, I loved. It is written primarily inside Ben’s head and his feelings. I felt his internal struggle to figure out right from wrong. To break away from friends he has had his whole life. To question his family’s way of life, and what being part of it means. But, seeing other reviews, it seems it is a love or hate for most. So, Read the book, and decide for yourself. I hope to read another book by this author and see if I love it more.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bound by Secrets is the 2nd book in Amy McKinley’s Deadly Isles Special Ops series. It is pretty similar theme as the 1st book. I really love these books, and cannot wait for them to merge into the Gray Ghosts series. While you do not have to read in order, you really should read book 1 as well, because they are both great. This story focuses on Jaxon, another Hale brother, and Kayla. Kayla is escaping a bad relationship, one she nearly died from. Upon returning back home, she runs into her childhood crush. Despite her feelings for him, he is the best person to stay with, and keep her safe. The characters both have good backstory and their chemistry is great. I love that they have a history and are friends before lovers. McKinley is so good at keeping things a secret, and keeping the readers hooked throughout. I did not piece together all the pieces of this puzzle until the very end. I did not see in coming, much like book one. I highly recommend this story, and cannot wait to read book 3, which I imagine tells the story of the last Hale brother.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell #3)Hell In A Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have quickly come to love the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. I was super excited to read book 3, Hell in a Handbasket, and it did not disappoint. I do not normally read books about the paranormal, nor books focused around M/M/NGBTQ characters, but I really do love this series. Well done Valkyrie! I don’t know where your idea spring from, but keep them coming. The characters have come to life, and I love the little paranormal family that is built in this series. I appreciate that the relationships are clear, but they are subtle, and not graphic. More inferred than actually spelled out.
This book focuses around Teivel and Oren- the most unlikely couple ever! A Demon, and a Demon Hunter; a killer and a cop… but it totally works. I loved the reveal of Teivel’s past, and why he is such a jerk. As well as the history of Teivel and Malachai. The next story sounds interesting… I’m curious to see how that is going to work. To be continued…

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Hungry Business: A Short StoryHungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea what Hungry Business was about when I started reading it. I just knew I enjoyed the last story I read by Maria DeBlassie, and the cover totally pulled me in. I really enjoyed this book. It is written with so much imagery, and is perfectly written as a short story. I didn’t have the feeling of lacking, or sudden endings, like with many short stories. It shocked me to see that it was only 17 pages. Highly recommend for a quick read. Hungry Business tells the story of a woman’s struggle with trying to find love, during a zombie apocalypse. It is written like an inner monologue, as if we are reading her thoughts and feelings. It took me a while to realize she was being literal in her descriptions of the men only having one thing on their mind, and being dead inside… Which I loved even more when it “clicked” for me. I’ve never been into zombie movie/book/shows, but this was pretty good, not gory.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy