Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short but intense
This novella introduces Cole and Riley and gives a bit of their background. There are hints of what is to come – family toxicity, romance, bullying and some darker themes. It is a very short taster of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I can’t wait to read more.
Absolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sizzle, heat & steam
This contemporary romance, with a dash of paranormal, follows Dominic and Whitney as they navigate demons from the past and danger in the present. This is a well written book but it did feel a little repetitive at times. Besides these little bumps the book had a strong engaging storyline and a helluva lot of steam. Recommend.
Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliance
This is the fourth book in a brilliant series. We meet new characters and come across old ones. I just love this whole series and recommend reading the books in order. The descriptions, connections and whole storyline had me captivated from start to finish. Hope and Russ bring another mystery to the story and I could not get enough. Paranormal, romance and adventure all rolled into a wonderful package. Totally worthy read.
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fun and entertaining read
This was an unexpected find. From page one I was drawn into a creative adventure. The writing is very easy to read and the story is delightfully humorous. With wacky, eccentric and crazy magic all rolled into a paranormal romance this is a worthy read. So many laugh out loud moments and of course, I have to mention Clyde. With great character development and a hilarious storyline I highly recommend.
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweet romance
What an introduction to the town of Bunya Junction. I really loved meeting the locals and following Sindy and Ryan’s journey. The setting is awesome being from Australia myself, and it felt like I was there. This was a very sweet but mature romance which had its fair share of drama and misconceptions. The writing is easy to read and the story draws you in. Absolutely brilliant series starter.
Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Better and better
I just love Bunya Junction and the Curruthers family. The third book in the series is Scott’s book, Sindy’s twin brother and a doctor with a lot going on. He meets Franceen and sparks start to fly. This is another brilliant addition and I just love the Aussie flavour. There were laugh-out-loud moments, especially with the twin bond between Sindy and Scott. So happy to see there is a fourth book with Yolanda’s story.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Raw and real
A beautifully written coming of age story. Realistic in it’s approach and the descriptions of the challenges faced by Rourke as he traverses the life of a middle schooler. I loved the voice of Rourke, his personality and inner dialogue were captivating. This book confronts issues with sensitivity but still keeping it real. Highly recommend for middle schoolers and older.
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Suspenseful and intriguing
A well written engaging read that had me second guessing along the way. The layers were delivered seamlessly and there were several times I was taken by surprised with a well placed twist in the story. The drama, deception and emotional turmoil drew me in and the mystery kept the pages turning. Amazing how one fateful night can have such immense consequences.
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definitely Divine
What a brilliantly written book. The characters were relatable and well developed and the storyline intriguing. This is a mystery wrapped up in history with a paranormal twist. Tess is an easy MC to like and Trey is charming. Together they venture into the unknown to seek answers and discover so much more along the way. I loved the author’s writing style and look forward to reading more of her work.
A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweet historical romance
This is a quick read and the first book in a series. This is Mary and Noah’s story. Though short the story did not lack depth, detail or characterisation. It was full of emotion and all the feels. Mary’s life was heart wrenching and there was much healing needed. A clean, brilliantly written romance.
The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
Intriguing magical fantasy
This is a fast-paced novel with a bit of a twist. This is the second book in the series but the first book I have read by this author. I didn’t feel lost at all but I did have to piece a few things together. With a mix of paranormal, steampunk and fantasy this had me intrigued. The writing is easy to read. It finished rather suddenly and has left me wanting more. I think I’ll go and read book 1 while I await book 3. Recommend.
Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Strap yourself in for a ride!
Book 1
Cleverly written sci-fi adventure
This was an exceptional piece of writing. So many layers that one could easily become lost in the intricate web of the multi-verse. The author was very good at providing moments of grounding within each chapter that really helped the reader to connect and gather their understanding. There is a lot within these pages but it all needs to be appreciated as a whole package – so reading on is a must as it all ties in together. As I finished the book it I felt like I had been on an epic journey – just as the title says.
Book 2
Sci-fi fantasy with punch!
Wow – this goes from strength to strength. The book takes off right where book 1 finished and does not stop. I devoured each of the words and just wanted to keep going. The intricate layers are excellently interwoven and lead to an ultimate climax. The characters I had really connected with in the first book really come unto their own as things start to align. Building on my understanding of the multiverse from book 1, I found this easier to follow. There is a cheeky little cliffhanger at the end which leaves the door open for more to come – Excellent!
Book 3
Creative, clever and cosmic
The 3rd book in a brilliant series. Set in the multiverse the trials and ventures from the previous books comes to a magnificent climax and satisfying but open ended conclusion. This author is extremely talented at weaving a multi-layered universe that is intriguing and easy to navigate. From page one it is all systems go.
This is a must-read from beginning to end.
I really hope there is more to come.
Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Creative, clever and cosmic
This is the 3rd book in a brilliant series. Set in the multiverse the trials and ventures from the previous books comes to a magnificent climax and satisfying but open ended conclusion. This author is extremely talented at weaving a multi-layered universe that is intriguing and easy to navigate. From page one it is all systems go. This is a must-read from beginning to end, and I do recommend reading the books in order. I really hope there is more to come.
A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Noah and Mary are the perfect couple. Rather, they would be if they were really a couple. A marriage of convenience is all they have and it leaves them both empty at the end of the day. They deserve a loving marriage, and are perfect for each other, but both are too scared to say what they want. An unexpected visitor has the ability to ruin what Mary and Noah do have together or send them their separate ways. A fun and lighthearted read.
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brilliant imagery and mystery
This is a very engaging and intriguing read. Set in Scotland in the Viking era, this is a murder mystery whodunnit that kept my interest. The writing is polished and swept me away on a fantastic journey. This is the 4th book in the series but the first book I have read. I am eager to go back to the start of the series and read from where it all began. Recommended.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gina’s insecurities are palpable; her previous life and career hold so much power of the life she’s trying to live. Anyone with insecurities will immediately feel her pain and frustration.
Bryce’s love is genuine; his heart is on his sleeve, but communication isn’t his strong suit.
They have undeniable chemistry! They’re both harboring secrets that have the ability to shatter everything they’re trying to build. Can they communicate enough to have the love story they both deserve?
Wild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Intriguing magical world
Wild Hare’s Daughter is a fascinating read. Set in a dystopian world where magic exists but not accepted, the FMC finds that all is not what she believed. I enjoyed the paranormal mix of fairies, water sprites, and other creatures. This is an easy read, the writing smooth and with creative world building. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone, I feel reading Wild Hare first would enrich this story so much more.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant stand-alone YA fantasy mystery
This was an amazing YA fantasy adventure. The interwoven mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. The world building and depth of characterisation were exceptional. I connected with Jana and was quickly swept along with her journey. This is my first book from this author and it won’t be my last. Intriguing and suspenseful I can’t recommend this book enough.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emotional roller coaster to happiness
Bryce and Gina’s story. This had all the feels. The author handled sensitive issues with ease and presented a love story filled with a rawness and honesty that made it so much more relatable. Gina’s insecurities and Bryce’s fears hit close to home. A beautiful story filled with hope, some drama and a whole lotta love. This is the third book in the series, can be read as a stand alone but the characters from the previous books do appear in this book too. Looking forward to Skylar’s story.
