Posts

Tracking Numbers (Lost Boys MC BOOK 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Tracking NumbersTracking Numbers by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The description of Tracking Numbers drew me in, and I knew I wanted to read it. I haven’t read anything by Janice M. Whiteaker before, but it wont be the last! I will be reading the rest of the Lost Boys MC series as they are released. The writing is amazing, and draws you right in. I didn’t want to put it down, and the characters were wonderful. They had great chemistry, and a perfect balance of romance and fun. I liked reading about their internal turmoil as they struggle to not become like King, Kerri’s father and Tracker’s father figure. Kerri is such a strong female lead, and Tracker is a bad boy, with a kind heart. I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait to read book 2!

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Act I: Seed On Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 1) by Michele Sims – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Act I: Seed On Fire (Moore Family Saga)Act I: Seed On Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Act I: Seed on Fire is the first book in the Moore Family Saga by Michele Sims. It is the first book I have read by her, and I enjoyed it. I liked most of the characters in the book. Cade was a little too controlling for my liking, but he has good redeeming qualities. He loves his family and will do anything for them. The supporting characters are wonderful. At first, I thought it was just going to be a typical romantic story of 2 people in love, and starting a family. The book summary talked about events threatening Cade and Lecia’s love and family. I assumed that to be Cade’s controlling tendencies and fears about being a father. I was not prepared for the horrors that actually happened. I wont give any spoilers, read for yourself!

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog was a cute story by Samantha Shannon. It is about a dog named Jake who is trying to make friends, but everyone is afraid of him. He has a hard time communicating himself, and often growls. But his growl doesn’t mean he is scared, mean or dangerous. He growls when he is happy, excited, and wanting to play. It seems no one wants to play with him, until Neet, the squirrel. Neet understands, and tries to show others that Jake is friendly. They work on his nice voice and eventually the other animals and kids start playing with him. That makes Jake happy, and feel loved. I love the message behind this book. The end explains how kids can be like Neet, and be friendly to others. Accept others, even when they are different, or new. There is also a suggested activity on how to spread kindness. This is a very short cute book, with a powerful message. I think it would be enjoyable to elementary school aged children. It would be a great book to read as a family, and practice spreading kindness and love.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Fictional-ish by Natalina Reis – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Fictional-ishFictional-ish by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fictional-ish: A Friends to Lovers Romance is the first book I have read by Natalina Reis. It was a cute romantic comedy that I enjoyed. The story line was pretty predictable, but still had cute parts to stand apart from the rest. Two best friends, that finally realize they are in love. Well, Livie always knew, Kyle just took a decade or two to realize it. I always hate the parts of stories where someone gets emotional and jumps to conclusions, just to realize they blew things out of proportion. So aside from that scene, I liked the book. It has a lot of funny parts, and good supporting characters. The chemistry between Livie and Kyle, and their friends was great. The unique details to this story make it stand out from other stories of similar plot. But for the most part, we know how the story is going to end. I will read more by the author.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
View all my reviews

Say Something by Jennifer L. Allen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Say SomethingSay Something by Jennifer L. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Say Something by Jennifer Allen was an amazing book. It’s the first I have read of hers, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. It had me feeling so much emotion that I didn’t expect. I have never dealt with infertility, and until you do, I guess you don’t really think about it. All the feelings of guilt and blame, as well as sadness and loss for what could have been. This was a beautifully written story about love, loss and second chances. The characters were wonderful and I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. Very sweet book and I recommend anyone who is looking for a romantic story to curl up on the couch with. Just bring a box of tissues. I look forward to reading more by the author.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
View all my reviews

Beachcomber Enemy: a Romantic Thriller (Beachcomber Investigations Book 10) by Stephanie Queen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Beachcomber EnemyBeachcomber Enemy by Stephanie Queen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beachcomber Enemy is the newest book in the Beachcomber Investigations series by Stephanie Queen. It is the 10th book, but you could probably enjoy it without reading any others. The characters do overlap, and to get the best backstory, read them all. I started mid series, and love them all so far. The story, like all the others, follow Dane and Shanna on their adventures. This story is a little different in the sense that it is Shanna’s past causing their current problems. They always seem to run into danger, and this book is no exception. I love that its a balance of thrill and suspense, with a hint of romance. The steamy scenes are intense, but not saturating the book. This book also put the relationships on edge, and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. Highly recommend this book, and the whole series.

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Evolution: Awakening (An Ash Kyndal Novel) by Hope Anika – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Evolution: AwakeningEvolution: Awakening by Hope Anika
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evolution: Awakening blew me away. It is the first book I have read by Hope Anika, but I want to read more now! The summary drew me in and I thought it would be interesting, but it far surpassed my expectations. The book starts right in the middle of the action, no need to start slow and set the ground work. It set off with a bang, and never let up. The story did take a long time to get to the WHY, which was frustrating. However, I never let up- I read the book in less than 2 days. It is one of the most fascinating stories I have read, with great imagination and story building. I like the way it was told in two parts, to the same story. There is the story of Wanda, Eva and Wylie, on the run from madmen. And the other half of the story is Ruslan and Ash trying to solve the mystery from the back end. The description doesn’t tell much, so I don’t want to spoil anything, but wow oh wow. Highly recommend this suspense filled mystery. Parts of the puzzle are slowly uncovered for a big reveal. Couldn’t put it down!

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Run to the Sea (Reigning Hearts Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Run to the Sea (Reigning Hearts, #1)Run to the Sea by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Run to the Sea by K.G. Fletcher. It is the first book in the Reigning Hearts series, and I cant wait to read more. The story was so sweet and while it had some sad moments, the happily ever after was appreciated. This is the story of Emeline Fischer and Thomas Capshaw. They were best friends as children, and lost touch after Thomas, or Cappy, went to college. He finds himself lonely and trapped in New York City, stuck in a job he doesn’t enjoy and in a relationship with a woman he doesn’t love. He returns home to settle his grandfather’s estate after he passed away, and ran into Emeline, or Emmy, on his first day back home. Their reunion was not pretty, and she all but storms out. She is a waitress in a diner, as well as works various jobs throughout town. She is the epitome of a struggling artist, painting in all her free time. But, destiny quickly brings them back together and the friends reunite. With their shared passion of art, and a box of photographs left behind from Thomas’s famous photographer grandfather, they become best friends again. Read the story to uncover their love for each other and steps they take to make things work.

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Lies Come True (The Avery Hart Trilogy Book 1) by Emerald O’Brien – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Lies Come True (Avery Hart Trilogy, #1)Lies Come True by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lies Come True is the first book in the Avery Hart Trilogy by Emerald O’Brien. It is the first book I have read by this author but I loved it. The cover art drew me in, and the suspense filled story line kept me engaged until the end. I cant wait to read book 2. Avery Hart escapes an attack in the woods as a teenager, and spends years in therapy as a result. Just when she has a handle on life, the killer turns back up. First a body of a young woman is found in a park in the same town. Then a second victim manages to escape, and the stories are eerily similar. Avery works with the detectives and victim to try to help solve the crime and put her fears to rest. Very intense suspense filled book, but I loved it!

View all my reviews

 

reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Until Fools Find Gold (Providence Gold Book One) by Mary B Moore – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Until Fools Find GoldUntil Fools Find Gold by Mary B. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Until Fools Find Gold is the first book I have read by Mary B Moore. It is the first book in the Providence Gold Series, and overlaps with her Until Series. I loved this book and I cant wait to read more, as the couples in this book are all great. The story starts out pretty intense, with us not knowing what exactly happened to Luna. But, that makes sense because the Townsends don’t know what happened to her either. She has been best friends with Levi for years, and her family took her in as one of their own, until one night she disappeared in the middle of the night. She had a crush on Levi’s older brother Noah since she was 6 years old, but was never able to act on it. Until now. After returning home, she soon realizes Noah feels the same way, and before too long, they end up getting drunk and married. To make matters worse, they both wake up hung over and are no longer together. But don’t fret, it all turns out okay in the end! Highly recommend this book and am glad to have found a new series or two to read!

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

HEELS OF FORTUNE: PJ Santini Series: Book Two by Lynne Russell – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Heels Of Fortune (PJ Santini Series Book 2)Heels Of Fortune by Lynne Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heels of Fortune in book 2 in the PJ Santini series by Lynne Russell. I liked this book better than the first, as the character development is done and we could focus on the story. It should be read following book 2, as it is the continuation picking up right where book one left off. PJ Santini is a private investigator, as well as a TV reporter, who just helped solve the murder of another local reporter. She has strong family ties and her family is very much Italian. She has a good solid network of family and friends that help her solve crimes as well as report them. In this book she has someone after her, and must uncover the truth about her dead husband in order to stay alive herself. This story is entertaining, as it has suspense, romance and comedy wrapped up in a perfect trifecta.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

After Hurricane Nina, Rand’s Resolution (Hot Hunks-Steamy Romance Collection Book 8) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

After Hurricane Nina, Rand's Resolution (Hot Hunks-Steamy Romance Collection)After Hurricane Nina, Rand’s Resolution by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After Hurricane Nina, Rand’s Resolution is book 8 in the Hot Hunks-Steamy Romance Collection. Each book in the collection is a stand alone book, written by a different author. This one is written by Tamara Ferguson. I love her work, and am a big fan, so I obviously loved this book too. This is Rand’s story following Hurricane Nina hitting Bali Indonesia. He is working for the U.S. Embassy while living in Bali, under the cover story of living off his inheritance. He met Ciara when he was a teenager, and fate seems to have brought them together in Bali years later, while she is on vacation with friends. They instantly hit it off again and end up working together to rescue people after the hurricane hits. I love that all of Ferguson’s books seem to center around soldiers or wounded warriors, and all have a tie to the Dragonfly Inn. While each book is a stand alone novel, the characters overlap and build on each other. Highly recommend this book, and any of her work to others!

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

A Person Could Disappear Here by Terri George – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

A Person Could Disappear HereA Person Could Disappear Here by Terri George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did NOT see that coming! A Person Could Disappear Here is the first book I have read by Terri George, and it left me blown away. I will offer a trigger warning, as it is a story of a woman who is kidnapped, and kept locked up and sexually abused. The story alternates views between Abbey, who is the prisoner, and her best friend Cristina, who is on a mission to rescue her. Abbey and Cristina are like sisters, and live together in London. Abbey has an online relationship with a man, Jensen, and decides to fly to Denver to meet him in person. He seems amazing at first, until he takes her to his grandfather’s house in the middle of nowhere in Nebraska. He takes her phone, and her falling off the grid is what raises alarm in Cristina. She decides to travel to the US with her brother, in search of Abbey. The story has a lot of suspense and I didn’t want to put it down. The ending is not what I expected, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. However, I highly recommend it. It was well written and heartfelt. The characters and their relationships are wonderful. Cant wait to discover more by Terri George.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
View all my reviews

Hell On Heels (PJ Santini Series: Book One 1) by Lynne Russell – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Hell On Heels (PJ Santini Series Book 1)Hell On Heels by Lynne Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hell on Heels is the first book in the PJ Santini Series, and the first book I have read by Lynne Russell. The book follows PJ, who is a Private Investigator as well as a TV news reporter. She is also very much Italian, with relatives and friends connected to the mob. Her dad is a retired cop, so she has connections all over the city, which she leans on to work her stories and investigations. At first I had a hard time keeping up with all the men in her life. She is hired to investigate and report on the disappearance of Siggy, a journalist she was, ironically, hired to replace. She moved into his office, and quickly began picking apart his life, notes, friends and lovers. The story is original and I loved it, cant wait to read book 2. My only complaint is the story didn’t always seamlessly segway into the next topic. The transitions from scene to scene were choppy and rushed. That being said, I still give the book a 5 star and recommend it to others. It has a good balance of mystery, with a hint of romance and humor.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Flirty Dancing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 3) by J.D. Frettier – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Flirty DancingFlirty Dancing by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flirty Dancing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy about the Afterlife is the 3rd book in the Green Room Chronicles series by JD Frettier. While it can be read as a stand alone book, they series complement each other and have overlapping characters. They are all short and easy to read, and are funny and entertaining. The series focuses on what happens in the afterlife, with this book specifically focused on Kitty. Kitty is a young mom, recently remarried to the love of her life.She is finally at a good place, owns her own business, when she dies on her stripper pole. She finds herself in the Green Room, purgatory, and is taken under the wing of the main characters from book 1 and 2, Bonnie, Dee and Linda, along with some new characters. With their help, she returns to earth to plan the birthday present of a lifetime to her husband Sam. I recommend this series to anyone who is not easily offended. It is hilariously entertaining.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Everyday EnchantmentsEveryday Enchantments by Maria F. DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings is the first I have ready by Maria DeBlassie. It is a collection of essays with varying topics, but all with the same underlying theme. They remind us to enjoy the little things in life, savor the moments, conversations, memories, etc. They read like blog entries, each able to be read individually. Her writing style is unlike any I have read before. She is very descriptive and deep at times, and the book brings out feelings that I didn’t think was possible. The stories are vivid, and you live them with her. Great collection and reminder to stop and smell the roses every once in a while. Don’t take life for granted.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Vantage Point (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Vantage Point (Gray Ghost #4)Vantage Point by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it again! I am loving the Gray Ghost series, and Vantage Point, book 4, is my new personal favorite. Hawk has always interested me, because he just seemed to have a good back story. He is quiet and mysterious, and I am glad the series featured his story. While at first I thought it was a little creeper that he was spying on his neighbor, it was sweet too. He had a reason, a gut feeling, and his acting on it may have saved her life, and brought them both happiness. This story is a romantic suspense, and has plenty of each. There is danger waiting around every corner for Hawk and Stella. I enjoyed the fact that Stella is a strong character, like all the women in the Gray Ghost series. She has been through a lot, and is tough, and has amazing family bonds. Highly recommend the book to other readers, and the whole series. And Amy McKinley, if you’re reading this, please keep going with the series! Amazon reads it as book 4 of 4, but I’m holding on to hope that it is false!

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Linda Gets Her Groove Thing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 2) By J.D. Frettier – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Linda Gets her Groove Thing (The Green Room Chronicles #2)Linda Gets her Groove Thing by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Linda Gets her Groove Thing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife is the 2nd book the The Green Room Chronicles, by J.D. Frettier. This series is hilarious and takes taboo subjects, and combines them in the best way possible. This book has so much imagination, and my face hurts from laughing. This book can be read as a standalone, but would be better enjoyed after reading book 1. It is the story or Linda White’s death and arrival in The Green Room. She meets Dee and Bonnie, from book 1, and they get her comfortable and situated with life. The revenge she gets on her ex husband is the best part. I don’t know where Frettier comes up with these things, but keep it coming! This book is a quick read, and can likely be read in 1-2 sittings. I highly recommend this series.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
View all my reviews

Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 1) by J.D. Frettier – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine (The Green Room Chronicles #1)Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife, is the first book in the Green Room Chronicles. It is also the first book I have read by this authors, J.D. Frettier. At first, I was really worried about the book, thinking it would be super kinky, due to the title. (Side note,it wasn’t the 69 I was thinking it meant!) I don’t mind a little spice, and this had the right amount. But most important, it was hilarious! This book made me laugh so much, and it was a super easy, quick read. The plot is funny, and the things that go on in the afterlife are very creative. I love the way it was written, and have already moved on to the 2nd book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a good entertaining story, that will make you laugh!

View all my reviews

Yearning Young (Burning Britely Book 2) – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Yearning Young (Burning Britely #2)Yearning Young by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yearning Young, by Deidre Huesmann is the continuation of Burning Britely. This book is told from Braeden’s perspective, and I thought it gave a much deeper understanding to his situation. He has been the popular rich kid his whole life, and has now found himself expelled from school just before turning 18. He is terrified to come out to his family, since his mom and dad are both already unstable and borderline abusive. He feels obligated to stay in a toxic home, to look after his younger siblings, but when his sister urges him to leave, he begins to start questioning everything. He is torn between choosing his own happiness, and his family, who he always thought was the most important thing. This is a brilliant coming of age story and I loved it. It touches on the struggles a teenager has to face, as well as the added stress for those that are homosexual, or bisexual. The feelings and questionings they feel and comparing themselves to others. I highly recommend this book, and hope there is a 3rd book in the series!

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Dig Two Graves: A Gripping Crime Thriller (Solomon Gray Book 1) by Keith Nixon – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Dig Two Graves (Detective Solomon Gray #1)Dig Two Graves by Keith Nixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dig Two Graves is the first book in the Gripping Crime Thriller (aka Solomon Gray) series by Keith Nixon. It was my first book I have read of his, but he won me over as a fan. I love crime thrillers and this book fit that without being too gruesome. It kept me engaged start to finish and I didn’t want to put it down. I didn’t expect things go the way they did, and the murderers were a shock. The last pages left me hooked for book 2. Solomon Gray has to have the saddest history of any book character I’ve read, but he still has that drive and desire to solve his son’s disappearance. He isn’t the strongest of characters for a main character, but the story itself was enough to keep me hooked and wanting to keep going. I will continue reading, because I want to know what happened to Sol’s son 10 years ago. Although, I’m left wondering about the title, since there were more than 2 murders in the story.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Coming Home: The Sequel to Flowers in December by Jane Suen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

COMING HOME (Flowers in December, #2)COMING HOME by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Coming Home by Jane Suen is the sequel to Flowers in December. While I have read a lot of books and generally love Suen’s work, this was not one of my favorites. I think mostly because it didn’t end the way I wanted it to. I kept expecting, and hoping for 2 things to happen, that didn’t. I can’t say what, as it is a spoiler, but just be warned, don’t get your hopes up for a sappy romantic ending. I love the part of the story regarding Alana and her mother, but Mary Ann’s story didn’t end as expected. But, anyone who has read any of the author’s books knows that’s normal. She always seems to put a twist in at the end which I sometimes love and sometimes want to scream, in a true page turner fashion.
The story follows Connor Norton, after he and his cat, Tom, return to his childhood home. In the previous book, his mother passed away, and he is still grieving. He has to make some decisions about the next steps for his life, and rekindles some friendships along the way. I recommend the book, but it must be read after Flowers in December. I highly recommend you check out Jane Suen’s other works as well. They are all quick easy reads.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Trouble’s Wedding Caper by Jen Talty – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Trouble's Wedding CaperTrouble’s Wedding Caper by Jen Talty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trouble’s Wedding Caper is the 8th book in the Familiar Legacy book series by Jen Talty. It is the first I have read, so it can be read as a stand alone book. This book has a lot of drama, mystery, comedy and a dash of romance. It tells the story of Annabel, who returns to her small town home of Jupiter, Florida after getting her heart broken in NYC. While at her best friend’s wedding, she finds her boyfriend cheating on her, and gets drunk with her best friend’s brother, and her high school crush Ethan. Flash forward months later, and they are both back home in Jupiter and turns out Ethan’s fiance was cheating on him as well. Maybe the time is finally right for them to act on their feelings they have been hiding for years. With the help of Ethan’s sister, and Annabel’s best friend, they go on their first date.
On top of all of that, there is a lot of strange things happening, most involving Annabel and weddings. She buys a storage unit full of wedding gowns, rings, invitations and presents. With the help of Trouble, a cat, who is more like a detective, Annabel and Ethan try to solve the crime. This book was unlike any I’ve read before, but I loved it. It was so cleaver and not at all cheesy as I thought it would be. I will be reading others in the series to see what fun they have in store.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

The Light at DawnThe Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Light at Dawn is the first book I have read by K.L. Montgomery. I didn’t even know what it was about when I chose to read it. My friend said it was wonderful, so I trusted her and started reading. I am glad I did. It was a wonderful story. At first glance it’s a sad, tragic story, with both main characters loosing their children to school shootings. But then the twist of fate that brings them together, and all the cute romantic gestures from each of them is wonderful. It’s truly a story about fate and second chances. So many awwww moments, turned a sad theme into a beautiful story that I loved. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Montgomery.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Beneath the Surface (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Beneath the Surface (Gray Ghost #3)Beneath the Surface by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beneath the Surface, is book 3 in A Gray Ghost Novel by Amy McKinley, and it is just as good as the first 2 in the series. It has a perfect balance of romance, and suspense, with a mixture of mystery. I was a little confused at first, since I read book 2 months ago, but once I caught on to where this story picks up on the story line, I didn’t want to put it down. It takes place along the same timeline as Eye of the Storm, but that didn’t dawn on me until a good way into the story. The characters are wonderful, and I love that it has a strong lead female, and not someone to be swept off her feet. Hannah is tough and intense and I loved reading/watching the relationship between her and Jack. They both have quite the struggle between work and pleasure. I highly recommend this book, but you must read the others in the series first to understand what is going on.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

The Shape of Trust (a Stand By Me novel Book 5) by Brinda Berry – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

The Shape of Trust (Stand By Me, #5)The Shape of Trust by Brinda Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Shape of Trust is the 5th book in the Stand by Me Novel series by Brinda Berry, but it is the first of her books I have read. That being said, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I didn’t read the prior books, and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is about a rich business owner, Webb, who suddenly discovers he has a daughter. Not only did he discover this when she was 5, but she was basically dropped off on his door step and he is left to figure things out. He know nothing about parenting, but quickly feels the parental bond and the need to protect her. An employee he has been crushing on, Lily, offers to help him. She quickly turns from bookstore employee to nanny and makes the transition seamlessly. She is great with kids, having taken care of her siblings, but also uses the opportunity to her advantage. Webb is forced to spend time with her, and she pushes their relationship to the next level. The characters have good chemistry, but the book is definitely more than just romance. It touches on feelings of love, trust, and friendship. I was hooked and will read more from this author moving forward.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Killer LawyerKiller Lawyer by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Killer Lawyer is the third book in the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. While it could probably be read as a stand alone book, I recommend reading the first two books. Not only because they have overlapping characters, and you will have a better understanding of their dynamics, but because they are good! Jake is a complex character, he is a lawyer by day, and an assassin by night. He works with the US Marshals, and also alongside the SFPD. He also is a retired marine, and K9 handler, so he and his dog Cody chase down criminals. In this book, they are after a serial killer that is terrorizing the greater San Francisco area. Jake has a lot of connections that help him track the killer, including his best friend Terrell, who is part of SFPD and Jake used to be a photo journalist, so he has ties to the media as well. Overall its a very good book, with a good balance of psychology, law and suspense and drama. I love Mark Nolan’s stories, and this did not disappoint.

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Series Book 2) by T. Birmingham – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Book 2)Written in the Stars by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in the Stars is the 2nd book in the Fallen Eagles MC Series by T. Birmingham. It continues after A Terrible Beauty, and should not be read as a stand alone. This story focuses on Winter and Eagle (or Davis) and their growing relationship. I like that it has overlapping characters and history from the first book, but enough of its own content to make it equally enjoyable. The characters are wonderful and their relationships are strong. At first I thought it was weird that Winter and her sisters are named after seasons, but after this book, it makes sense. Their personalities align with their names too which I thought was cool.
This book is a perfect balance of romance and suspense and kept me engaged start to finish. There is the mystery of the murders, but also the developing relationship. The more I got to know the characters, the more I loved them. I would like to read more about the Markham sisters, if the series continues. I love the real life situations, as well as the emotions involved. The hurt, love, self doubt, courage, fear, strength that the characters experience and often struggle with. Very real life down to earth story. Highly recommend it.

 

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Series) by T. Birmingham – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Book 1)A Terrible Beauty by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Terrible Beauty is the first book in T. Birmingham’s Fallen Eagles MC Series. It is listed as a novella but it didn’t feel that way to me when I was reading it. It has a lot of content, feeling, and background. The characters were well described, so you got a sense of who they were and their relationships with each other. It was well written, and I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in the series. I highly recommend it, but I do give caution to readers, there is some intense scenes involving sexual abuse and torture, along with some PTSD situations.
The book is largely about Kit Markham and her high school sweetheart Lee Devereaux, though there are a lot of important supporting characters. Both Lee and Kit served time in the military, and while they kept in contact, Kit went through some trauma she has hidden for years from nearly everyone. It has caused a lot of strain on their relationship. While they both love each other, is that enough? Can Kit get through her struggles and allow herself to be happy?

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews

Santa’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

/0 Comments/in /by

Santa's Little HelperSanta’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Santa’s Little Helper is the first book I’ve read by Shaan Ranae. The cover image drew me in and I wanted to read it before I even know what it was about. It was a quick but cute romantic comedy that was entertaining and I read it in one sitting. Jake is the big wig, owner/boss of a department store his dad started. He is taking over and trying to make his dad proud and be a success, but he needs a Santa, and fast. He decides to fill in for the first shift, and cant take his eyes off the sexy elf. She almost makes it worth it for him to deal with bratty kids for a day. This is the start of a funny but cute relationship between Jake and the fiery redhead elf. Highly recommend the book. 5 star review.

 

reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

View all my reviews