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Blue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Blue Summer Part OneBlue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun, delicious read! I tore through this one quickly, and will definitely be checking out Part Two when it drops. Lillie is a young woman alone in a big city, who meets a group of blue beings called the Zayed after she is mugged on her way to work one day. She quickly befriends the men, who are tall, handsome, and infinitely protective of her. When she meets the rest of their clan, she feels very in tune with them, and awed by the magic they hold. Despite their desires to keep her safe, she is feisty and brave in her own right, unwilling to hide behind their bravery without also testing her own mettle. As her relationship with them deepens, so does the danger – a villain is lurking, and all of them together will need to work together to defeat him. The romance littered throughout is occasionally steamy and wonderfully written. Adventure, fantasy, and romance all collide in Blue Summer. A good read.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Our Wicked Lies is an action-packed and suspenseful novel that takes us through one woman’s journey to discover the truth about her husband’s secrets. Alicia, a mother of two and wife to Eliot, begins to suspect that her dearest husband is cheating, and as the plot unfolds, we discover with her that there is much more to Eliot than meets the eye. The suspense is layered well, keeping the reader engaged throughout the twists and turns of the story. Alicia is a very likeable heroine; she is caring and compassionate, a good friend, and an intelligent woman. Overall, I found this story very engaging and with a few more surprises than I expected. Give it a shot!

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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The Lightning Horse is a well-crafted book with interesting characters and a brisk plot. The personalities were layered and interesting, so much so that it was easy to get lost in this book and pretend I was with them. Tiwatipara is a great hero, with energy, loyalty and humour, but is also not presented as perfect either; his temper can get the better of him, and is prone to bouts of depression. As a whole, he’s very relatable and I was interested to see where this book would take him. There are lots of twists and turns in this plot, some I was able to guess at, and some that took me by surprise. The skillfulness of the writing kept me hooked, and I bet it will for you as well.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine

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

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Murder at Honeybee Lake is a continuation of the characters from Book 1, with an emphasis on the story of Randy and Ben, family of Tessa. The plot begins quickly with the titular murder being discovered in the first chapter. As the investigation begins, and the clues come together, Randy and Ben themselves become key to unravelling the murder.

This story is a cozy, easy-to-read mystery that fans of that genre will enjoy. It’s quite similar in structure and arc to Book 1. One thing I wasn’t a fan of was the insecurity of the characters. They all seem quite fragile and melodramatic, swinging wildly between loving deeply to accusations of hate. I wanted to find a strong hero to follow, but didn’t quite. Despite this, it is a relaxing read with a fun whodunnit plot.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the character development in this book. Hudson, Mason, and Willow were wonderfully developed characters, and felt very real to me. The authour’s ability to inhabit these different personalities was wise and insightful. The plot and storyline were immersive, and I was entertained the whole way through. I really enjoyed seeing how Hudson related with Bruce Michaels, as well as how he was able to see their similarities, and where he was committed to being a different type of man. The themes of mental health, class, and adolescent rebellion were handled well and were relatable. All in all, I thought that this was a well-written novel by an authour I will definitely read again in the future.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I can’t say enough good things about this book. On Viking Seas is a colourful, action-packed, can’t-turn-the-pages-fast-enough tale that has everything I need in a Fantasy story: epic adventures, larger than life characters, explosive battles, supernatural forces, and brave teenagers facing unimaginable challenges with heart and integrity. You can’t help but root for the heroes of the Agneson clan as they they boldly live into (and up to) the legend of their parents. From following Finn and his supernatural friends on a snekke longboat in the dangerous icy waters of the North, to Cub’s struggle to escape slavery and return to his prestigious family home, to Kara proving herself to be a brave shield maiden and try to escape being sold into the bonds of marriage, I was completely drawn in. I found myself telling my family parts of the plot so they could appreciate how hard I was rooting for Kara to live a life she loved! It is one of those books that felt so real I had trouble remembering these weren’t people I knew in imaginary lands.

This third book gives a great synopsis at the beginning of where the clan is at in their journeys, so you could probably read this as a stand-alone, but I seriously urge you to read them all. I would say this book is probably best for older teens or adults, but a younger teen could probably manage it if this is a topic they are invested in. I had assumed this was a trilogy, but I discovered at the end that there is a Book 4, which is really the best thing to find out when you think you’re finishing a set of books you wished wouldn’t end. I will be in line to buy the next one!

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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I Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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I Will Bury YouI Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the complex character of Ann. She’s smart, real, and haunted by a darkness she can barely see the edges of. This story moved at a great pace, and revealed the mysteries bit by bit which kept me engaged throughout. This would have been a great read for a teen (which I am not) but is also interesting for adult readers of YA. Definitely recommend, give it a try!

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Key West Dead is a gripping tale of an ex-Marine and his ex-wardog Cody, as they sniff out clues to stop a rampaging boat bomber in Key West. Jake (Jukebox) Wolfe, in town for the wedding of his ex-military brother Harlan, unwittingly becomes wrapped up in a series of bombings that result in dozens of murders. Jake and his brothers are loyal as they come, and will not rest until bad guy Orion is stopped and brought to justice. He has a keen sense of danger, and catches whiff of small clues before anyone else can. He is smart and dangerous, and will stop at nothing to track down their cunning villain.

This book is pretty well-written, and I appreciated the details that made Jake’s history, locale, and boating come to life. One thing I found disheartening was that none of the women in this story pass the Bechdel test. Some of the wives of important people seem like they could be interesting, intelligent characters that could add to this plot (our hero’s girlfriend is a veterinarian, for example) but they seem to exist solely to be pretty accessories near their men. I would have liked to see Sarah and Alicia developed a bit more so that the book isn’t entirely dominated by men. All in all though, this is a good crime story of cat-and-mouse, and readers of this genre will likely be engrossed in its plot.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland- Review by Erica Shoebridge

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a Fantasy and YA book lover, but this is my first Fae novel… I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not. I have to say that I was impressed. Tatiana is a great heroine, smart, fearless, brave, and compassionate. She knows her mind, and is unafraid to be stubborn and follow the paths her instincts tell her to be true. This book has all the markings of great YA lore: a gutsy hero, an adventure to save a kingdom, and many trials along the way for Tatiana to prove her worthiness, or die trying. She is a well-rounded character and as admirable as any in the face of battle. Her close compatriots are also very well crafted and diverse: Foster, her potential love interest; Kane, the loyal and smart general; Tatiana’s own father, the king, whom she admires and is often a confidante. I was very invested in the outcome, and impressed with the depiction of the magical world. Copeland is very skilled at drawing the reader in with her characters, beautiful word illustrations of Middle Earth, and lots of battles and tests to keep readers engaged. A good escape that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cozy Fantasy book to curl up with. This plot has loads of wonderful themes – pirates, kidnappings, treasure maps and adventure. Evie Waters, the teenage orphan heroine, is a nerdy, book-loving cartographer-wannabe who longs to explore the world. She is smart, with a near-perfect memory, and although she yearns for faraway lands, she is soft-spoken and timid. When events conspire to allow her to live out her dreams, she demonstrates her savvy and inborn intuition that help her to follow the clues left behind by her parents.

This is a light, fun read with plenty of action to keep readers engaged. I found Evie personally to be a bit stereotypical (they leaned on the nerd trope of her eyeglasses a bit much) but she did evolve as the book wound on, and the story became a comfy read through her adventures to the end of this book.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin Series Book 1) by Katt Powers – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin, #1)City of Whispers by Katt Powers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is fantastic. Dhani Karim is a young assassin recently demoted from an elite sect of the military to a lowly field agent, after being framed for massacre. She is smart, tough, deadly, and quick-tempered. Her fiery demeanour often gets her into trouble with her higher-ups, but she is one of the best at what she does. When her boring punishment assignment uncovers a much more dangerous plot, her skills and loyalties are tested once again.

I was riveted to this book for the entire 302 pages. The plot moves quickly, and there is so much action. I kept thinking this would make an amazing movie, as I imagined the fight sequences in my head. Powers is a master at creating worlds. She deftly draws the reader into the city of Izurum by detailing the scents in the outdoor market, the sound of metal hitting hard packed dirt, the feel of the cotton-wrapped hilt of her knife. I truly could imagine being there, feeling the heat of the Flame and seeing the bodies of bad guys hitting the ground. An excellent Fantasy Adventure novel, you’ll be hooked. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Love Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Love Between the LinesLove Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Love Between the Lines is an easy breezy romance written in a relatable voice. Brazeau sketches her characters with ease, and in such a way that I feel like I knew them almost immediately. I particularly liked the protagonists bestie, quirky and brazen Iris, as well as her sister Lucy, she of polished fashion and sky-high heels. Together, they are the family we all want – infinitely supportive and generous to our heroine Marlowe. They nudge her to move out of her comfort zone and actively seek out the love (and sex!) that she needs.
While I loved these two, and how they played off of each other, I found Marlowe to be utterly clueless. Even when a man is pursuing her, and telling her to her face that he has a crush on her, she still lays about wondering if he wants to go out with her. I know that people sometimes have trouble recognizing the “signs” of attraction, or let their own self-doubt get in the way, but her hero was very frank and honest with her about how he felt, and she still needed the infinite nudging of her friends to believe him. The plot was easy to read, but also a bit formulaic for my tastes.
Overall, romance fans will likely enjoy this work. Brazeau has a great style of writing which makes it easy to dive into Love Between the Lines.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Guardians of the Garden (Guardians of the Garden, #1)Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was very engrossed in this book. Pocock’s fantasy world is immersive, and the cast of characters are excellent. The two main protagonists are both on the cusp of adulthood, beginning to understand what their life has in store for them. Both Seth and Miriam are on a quest for truth and loyalty. The philosophies and limitations of their childhood are being tested, and both question their parent’s wisdom. As the realities of both worlds are at the brink of potential ruin, they are pitted against not just their families, but each other. The excitement increased the more I turned the pages, and I read this one through quickly and eagerly. Any fans of Fantasy or YA will be enthralled. If this is not your normal genre, I would encourage you to give it a go. You won’t be sorry.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine

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10 Days by KJ Holliday – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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10 Days10 Days by KJ Holliday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one surprised me, I have to say. Lovely, easy to read, but intelligent writing and captivating characters. The characters came to life beautifully for me… they were rendered so seamlessly, and I felt like I’d known them all of my life. I enjoyed every minute of this book. Highly recommend!

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By @ericalorraine

The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Traveler Series, Book of Eleanor Book 3) by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Book of Eleanor 3)The Traveler: Chimera Rising by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a complex and fascinating tale. Our hero and heroine wind up in the fantastical world of King Arthur and Guinevere, rubbing shoulders with Lancelot and the other knights of the Round Table. With the wizard Merlin and his wife Morgana by their side, they race headlong into their mission to restore order in 6th Century Wales. This book has intrigue, adventure, and more than a little magic. Shannon Nemechek is skilled at creating beautiful worlds alive with colour and rich in depth. I could feel myself as Katie, magic in my fingertips, as she bravely sought to live her destiny. Fantasy readers will love this latest tale in the Book of Eleanor series, and I recommend the set to anyone who wants to escape into a magical world alive with possibility.

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved every minute of this crime mystery! From the first page, I was captivated by the authour’s flow and competent ability to draw the reader in close. The writing style was completely engaging; the plot grabs you immediately, and the fluidity is masterful. I was hooked and settled in to read happily.
Our hero, Investigator Cade Dawkins is smart and loveable – he is a standout among officers, and notices the pattern in killings before anyone else. As he pieces together clues to solve the brutal murders, the mystery winds in on itself, and he seems to be the only one that can untangle the web. As the game of cat and mouse races toward the finish, we increasingly have to wonder – who is the cat , and who is the mouse?

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for crime and mystery lovers, or anyone who appreciates an amazing storyteller and writing.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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

Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter! Jessica Aiken-Hall starts by introducing us to our heroine Tessa, her husband Keith, and Tessa’s sister Emily, and starts to weave in all the ways in which Tessa might be in danger. When the ghost appears to her, Tessa is forced to question her marriage, her husband, and ultimately, everyone in her circle. Emily helps her to realize her unique gift, and she struggles to learn how to use it. As the mystery continued, I found myself increasingly wanting to shout at Tessa: “Don’t trust them! No, don’t go there! Watch out for this!”.

The authour is fantastic at creating intrigue and eliciting emotions in the reader. I was quite invested in the story, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It also became a more robust tale than I initially thought at the outset. There was more at stake than it seemed, as mysteries from the past wove together with the immediate dangers to Tessa.

Some of the heroine’s characteristics and insecurities made me groan; she has a different outlook on life and love than I believe most women have in the 21st century. I think though that part of her journey was having to examine some of these mindsets, and make an informed choice about what she wanted her life to look like going forward, and who she might move forward with. That is, if she can unravel the mystery fast enough, and survive whoever is plotting against her!

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THE BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick IslandThe Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Buccaneers is an exciting mystery suitable for readers of all ages. This book, set in the post-WWII era on a small island, delivers a cast of young teens who have formed a club to watch over their island, and hunt for clues to get answers to their questions. The story centres around the island’s latest mystery, which becomes more tangled and complex as the kids share information, hunt down clues, and dare to explore shadowy caves in pursuit of their villain. It is reminiscent of the Scooby Doo gang as they head toward “unmasking” the dastardly troublemakers.
I found the story to be fast-paced and very plot-driven. Much happens in these 89 pages, and keeping up with the events was sometimes challenging. I wish there had been more introduction to various plot points; I often found myself confused in the twisting action. More description of the physical island and background on the various relationships would have been valuable, and made this easier to follow for me. All in all though, it was a good story with lots of action, and I would recommend it to other lovers of Young Adult whodunnit-type books.

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder Creek opens with a sketch of Eve Sawyer that introduces us to our protagonist. She is an empath with an acute ability to understand the actions and motivations of others. Being attuned to the people around her enables her to notice details that others might gloss over. She seems to have an innate sense of appreciating others, and that, coupled with her calm and carefree attitude towards life will be one of the key factors that will help her on her journey to solve the disappearance of Lacey Walken.
This book has a similar narrative arc as Murder at Lolly Beach, and I enjoyed it just as much. Eve is a likeable character, one who you find yourself rooting for without even meaning to. She is honest, focused, and tenacious in not giving up even when others wish she would. As the clues to Lacey’s disappearance become revealed, I couldn’t help but try to suss out who was responsible right along with her.
I normally have a preference for longer books, but I found this one to be just the right length for the story. It was a fun way to while away an afternoon at home, cozy in my pajamas, with a fire going for ambience. I definitely recommend this as a lovely way to spend a few hours.
Dig in and enjoy!

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer #2)Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Murder at Lolly Beach is a delicious beach read that will leave you wanting more. This book is purported to be a standalone, despite this being the second book in the series, but I still worried that I would miss out on plot or details without having read the first one. I needn’t have been concerned… I dove right into this murder mystery and its characters. Eve is a great protagonist – smart, empathetic, and relatable. Her journey to uncover the murderer was crafted with fun, intrigue and heart. The descriptions of characters and plot are so lush that I could taste the lemonade and smell the beach air. I started this book and read it straight through to the end in one sitting! If you enjoy whodunnit mysteries and fun, accessible writing, this book might be for you!

BRB, reading the prequel now…

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