https://www.amazon.com/review/R1KSBO7M82V5WO/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6313075998
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4281375689
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy reading this author. This is the second book I have picked up from this author and I enjoy her writing style. The period of the War of 1812 is not my typical go-to genre but I gave it a try and I’m glad I did. The attention to detail and the storyline build are just a few of the traits I love about this author. The building of the relationship between Jed and Hanna is truly wonderful and pure. Jed is the heir to a plantation and a family with years of secrets; buying slaves to build back up the Willow’s Estate. Now little does Jed know Hanna’s family is the key to putting all the family secrets together. I definitely recommend the book and author!
Reviewed by @alape
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Wickstrom’s third book in her Nessie’s Grotto series. My niece and nephew couldn’t wait to see what would happen on Craig and Linda’s summer adventures this year. They have enjoyed several of Wickstrom’s other books, including the first two in this series. They have really been drawn into each book in the series, looking forward to the next. The illustrations are well done and engaging. I would recommend this book to others.
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a book with mystery, a murder, charming characters, and a whole lot of kitty cuteness, then this cozy mystery is for you.
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman follows author Christy Bailey and her cats, Milton and Pearl, as they try to prove their friend Janie is not a murderer.
I found the book to be a quick, fun read full of quirky characters and adorable cats. I loved the way the mystery unfolded and how I did not want to stop reading. It definitely made me want to cuddle my feline buddy a little closer.
So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and your furry friend and try to solve the who-dunnit along kitty mystery solvers Milton and Pearl with the help of their human Christy.
Happy Reading!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R26G19ESRCT9AB/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6297143343
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/924318437
https://www.amazon.com/review/R14HY1IMNWSU74/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6279472570
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3896651267
https://www.amazon.com/review/RBP8WQ3KFHJ19/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6290283374
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2259907980
The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Curse of Jean Lafitte is full of history, adventure, and mystery, and a spin of humor as well. Set in New Orleans, the author spins a vivid supernatural tail that pulls you into the rich paranormal history that surrounds the city. You can easily tell the author took the time to do some research, and make the story believable and easy to follow. I have never visited New Orleans myself, but the author makes you feel like you are there, and gives great recommendations around the city! Now, about the actual story…When a food critic almost chokes on a plastic baby in one of the King Cakes, Juliet is left without a job. Before long she finds herself working to break a treasure’s curse with only two weeks to succeed. She ends up finding help in some unlikely places, and with a time crunch, the story progresses quickly. I actually really liked this more than I thought I would, and will be looking into her other books as well.
reviewed by @zoltrixes
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse is book 1 of the Forerunner Series written by Jay Veloso Batista. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was not disappointed. This book really had something for everyone! Vikings, gods and goddesses, paranormal beings, magic…a little bit of everything! The story was told from different perspectives, so you got to see different individuals’ points of view. The story covers Thorfinn and his encounter with a witch that caused his life to take a very different turn. The book included musical interludes which really added to the story. Also, the narrator could not have been any better, it’s like he was MADE to read this book to us. His voice provided a warm and whimsical air to the book. I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing the series.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought this book was well written. It utilizes great world building and interesting characters. I liked that there was some action with the romance. For anyone who likes second chance romances, this would be a good book.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic and imagination!!! This story is full of a bit of both. This is the perfect book to share with the kid in your life who still takes all those adventures without every really leaving home. Wickstrom has continued to paint a story showing you can have a strong bond with someone even when they are not with you all the time, which is what Carrie and her Grandmother have. When she moved, she left 4 boxes each that have contained items that have helped on the other adventures Carrie has already been on. I would recommend the whole series! You won’t be disappointed.
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Selene is way down on her luck. Nothing is going right and she is going to be homeless soon as per the eviction notice on her door. Getting fired seems to be her M.O. No matter how well she tries she just can’t catch a break until she applies for a job on a warm tropical Island. She will do anything to keep this job and all the perks it comes with. All is not what it seems and Selene is determined to find out why. Will she figure it out? Will she stay? Can she? Read this short but tantalizing book.
Vacation Flirtation…or More? by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this book. I enjoyed the chemistry between Giuliana and Landon. The mystery about Landon’s life as “Mr. Parker” was intriguing and kept me reading to find out more. I loved the descriptions of the islands and the characters. I could really envision what the characters looked like and their surroundings. I felt the characters were likable, as well, especially Giuliana. It was refreshing to read a romance about two successful, determined people. I would recommend this book to someone looking for a quick read with steamy romance. I’m looking forward to book 2!
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Xenobia refuses to have a serious relationship with She found Javier beating Maggie five years ago, and Xenobia attacked him. Only Maggie knew that she wasn’t human. Maggie and the girls who were “employed” by Javier left as well. Xenobia had also borrowed some of his money. Despite this being a past issue, Javier has sent Mr. Smith to insist she return the women. Mr. Smith claims Javier has his daughter because of a debt of $100,000. Javier told him that if the girls were returned, then his debt would be excused and his daughter would not be harmed. Xenobia gave Mr. Smith the money, and he set up an exchange. Before he left for the exchange, Mr. Smith told Xenobia that his daughter’s name was Mercy. Something told Xenobia he didn’t think he would survive the exchange.
Xenobia receives a phone call: “Save Mercy.” Xenobia uses her power to keep him alive so he can learn where she is. She felt him die. Xenobia has to hurry to save Mercy. She arrives to find two men raping Mercy, and she intervenes by using her power to make the men commit suicide. Mercy is wounded, and Xenobia takes her back to the brothel house. She realizes that Mercy isn’t going to survive. Xenobia realizes Mercy needs blood. She uses her own to rescue Mercy, despite not knowing if there will be any unintended side effects.
The following day, Detective Matthew Winters questions Xenobia about a body that had her business card. Xenobia denied knowledge of the body. Matthew questions her about Mercy. Xenobia denied knowing her.
Matthew knew that Xenobia was lying. He could smell Mercy and sense Xenobia’s distress when he questioned her. As a wolf shifter, his senses were heightened. There was more about Xenobia that intrigued him as well. Later that evening, Matt falls asleep, and his dream shows Xenobia at the crime scene. Matthew returns to the brothel. He has one question for Xenobia.
“What are you?”
The Rise of House Valdis is a unique fantasy romance story involving Xenobia Valdis, Matthew Winters, and the women they have taken a vow to protect. The vivid details given to the characters display their strengths and insecurities as they face danger from humans and other supernatural creatures. The attraction between Xenobia and Matt is palpable, but they both carry baggage from the past that they have to face before diving into a relationship. The alternating perspectives of the characters made it easy to relate to the inner turmoil they faced. The plot is unpredictable, and the multiple twists kept me fully invested in the book. Readers who enjoy romance novels with magical creatures will enjoy Naomi Valkyrie’s The Rise of House Valdis. This series shows amazing promise to become a favorite for me.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3IVCC74UE022X/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6279563847
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2969336317
https://www.amazon.com/review/R16A6P99WKJ33X/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6279509335
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3505620344
https://www.amazon.com/review/R11FXAKUUO5USX/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2853716946
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6279490885
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1VOQ67KNTSEGL/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2811422484
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6274478876
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Xenobia has the sixth sense to avoid falling victim to betrayal. At a young age, she knew not to trust anyone. That is, until Urd became her new roommate at the training center. Headmistress Xiomara assigns Xenobia to make sure that Urd learns the rules; she would be responsible for anything Urd failed. Somehow, Xenobia lets down her guard with Urd, and they become best friends. Unfortunately, every slave’s happiness comes to an end when the Chief Slave Traders arrive. Headmistress Xiomara takes Urd early in the morning. Xenobia worries throughout the day, and Urd enters the room after the night is half over. Xenobia notices a red welt on Urd’s back. The following morning, Urd doesn’t eat with Xenobia but goes to kneel before the Chief. Later that evening, Xenobia sees the man strike Urd. Xenobia attacks him and is thrown into an outbuilding in chains.
The girls are sent to their new master together when they learn that Xenobia can heal Urd’s wounds. One evening, they learn that Prince Xavion is coming, and Xenobia knows they have to escape because Xavion’s reputation for his treatment of slaves is dire. Xenobia had hoped to find the rumored Underground so they could be freed from slavery. Now, they don’t have time and must escape before the prince arrives.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia makes a solid foundation for the series by featuring Xenobia’s early life. Xenobia’s attachment to Urd becomes almost as though they are sisters. It becomes evident that Xenobia isn’t human since she has blue skin, can heal wounds, and has a feral anger that causes fangs to appear. The detail is excellent and doesn’t overwhelm the unpredictable plot. The novella is a quick read but is full of emotion and action that held my interest and left me eager to read the sequel.
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another amazing story by this author. The message of making a mistake and lying about it is very important for little ones as well as adults. It is a reminder that our true friends will understand when you make a mistake and support you. Again the illustrator has done a magnificent job. Loved this story
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow!!! This author never disappoints. The tension holds you in a vice and doesn’t let go. If you love to read romance mixed with danger mixed in, you will love this author’s books. This book had me in its grips quickly. The sizzling hot connection between the main characters was on fire and you were in their corner all the way through the book.
Please note trigger warnings as there are some dark issues in this book. I found this story line added to the book and the emotional roller coaster this book takes you on.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1NHYYJD3JUTTW/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2037037607
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6265496403
https://www.amazon.com/review/R17YK6BOHOEDQM/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2749076387
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6260663154
https://www.amazon.com/review/RM4826EK9FSQP/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/385427934
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6260634028
Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy Hanna what a ride!!! This book was full of so much suspense and tension that I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t walk away from the book even if I wanted too. Sparks fly in so many ways. Riley’s father is still on the hunt for her and her mom. Everyone could be in danger and yet secrets are putting everyone at an unknown risk.
I have to say that I have a few books from this author and I am hooked. Her writing style will keep you reading and reading and on the edge of your seat. Loved Loved Loved this book. I want more.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, the author has me holding on by my fingernails. I got sucked right into the story right off the start and it never let me go. I love the way the MC handles the bully aspect of the story. Way to go for taking the high road. I had a lot of the same feelings that were going through her head as well, I could relate completely.
The love hate relationship between Riley and Cole has me reeling. The character building is on point and has you invested in the reason both Cole and Riley want to hate each other. Fear is a struggle to keep at bay in this teenage coming of age story. I need the next book.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Riley’s world is turned upside down when the life she and her mother is turned upside down by a man. She is now forced to try to blend into a new school but cannot since she has been the focus of one of the Elite’s and his want to be girlfriend. Her run ins with Cole get even more tangled and twisted as her mother drops a bomb on her about moving in to Cole’s dad’s house where things intensify. How strong can Riley stay? Very well written and easy to read.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I LOVE hockey, which means as a reader I also really love my hockey romances. This one was definitely one of my favorites. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and I’m a sucker for people who fight their feelings and then give in at the end. The whole book was just fantastic, and I highly recommend!
Cutter by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book does talk about ageplay, dominance and a touch of violence but that is mild.
Cutter is part of a MC (motorcycle club) and a few years prior has a run in with a local police officer when he gets arrested. Emily Mayhew is police officer turned detective that has had eyes for Cutter since arresting him in a fight years ago. Unknowing that he has eyes for her to.
Being a ‘Middle’ she has been hurt in the past and wasn’t treated appropriately by her ‘Caregiver’. When Cutter reappears due to a shooting she sees her chance and takes it. However, not intentionally in the romance department. She needs Cutter for a case she’s trying to pull off. The question is tho will he accept the mission?
Cutter and his MC are pulled in to help the local PD (specifically Emily) put a stop to a new incoming MC and their wrong doings. But who is going to get caught in the crossfire? Will Emily and Cutter be able to build a relationship based on his being a dominant and her being a middle?
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anise Storm’s first book in her Titans of Chicago is Deceptively Yours. Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake were soul mates planning to marry after graduating. Both of them had grown up together and fallen in love. One evening, Harper and Gabriel were eating dinner at Gabriel’s home when his parents came home. Mr. Blake asked Harper to meet him in his office for a minute. Harper’s parents were killed in a car accident. Devastated, Harper is shocked to learn her uncle was picking her up to live with him in Portland. Despite the Blake family offering to let Harper stay with them in Chicago, he refuses and takes Harper away.
Jayson, Harper’s cousin, tormented her two months later. Jayson rapes Harper and takes pictures of his acts. He sends them to her to prevent her from telling anyone. She felt as though she had unwillingly cheated on Gabriel. In a single phone call followed by pictures, Harper breaks Gabriel’s heart. She also stopped contact with everyone she knew in Chicago.
Nine and a half years later, Harper discovers Gabriel’s parents died in a mysterious plane crash. She knew she had an inheritance, and Mr. Blake had been trying to help her despite her uncle denying she had anything. Her friend, Jackson, had helped her look into Mr. Blake’s work, and they found something off. Just before the plane crashed, her uncle was making incremental payments to someone in Chicago. Now the same payments were being made. Harper fears that Gabriel is in danger and tries to warn him on the phone. He hangs up on her. Determined, Harper has to warn Gabriel of the danger. When White is flying to Chicago, a blizzard strikes the city. She finds Gabriel at a bachelor’s auction for a charity. When it is time to bid for the date, Harper uses over half her savings to pay for the date. However, Gabriel has other plans. Unprepared, Gabriel is angry but won’t turn Harper away since all the hotels are full. He takes her back to his penthouse.
Anise Storm’s Deceptively Yours covers several deep topics in a passionate romance story. The sixteen years Harper and Gabriel had before her parents’ deaths held onto hope. Even a decade after Harper foolishly ended the relationship, Gabriel and Harper never moved on to another real relationship. While they were apart, some of their dreams had come true, while others had fallen through due to unfortunate events that happened in real life. Despite the chemistry between them, the pain of betrayal is brought to light through Gabriel’s eyes. The alternating views are well-transitioned, and they keep the momentum of the story moving forward without being a repetitive rehashing of each detail. The personalities are well-developed, and the vivid depiction of their physical attributes adds to the appeal of this book. Readers who enjoy well-developed romantic suspense novels will find Deceptively Yours a great book for their personal library.
