The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely devoured this book! I finished it in one setting and did not get any sleep! I loved the characters and it had great world building. This story had you second guessing yourself. I thought I had it figured out many times but boy was I wrong! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I feel the author got a better chance in this book. Arebella comes more alive in this book. It flows better as well and you feel more invested in the characters and story.
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Etched in this Moment (Etched Series #1) by Calla Zae
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I will be looking for more by the author. Etched in this Moment was a great read and I had a hard time putting it down.
Theo is a Detective and is recovering from a gunshot wound. He literally runs into the love of his life and can tell she is scared. He wants to know more about her and he isn’t sure why. Will he be able to save her in time? The quote I chose for Theo is: “What? I’m a guy who doesn’t like to share. What’s wrong with that? I know it’s absurd, but I couldn’t help it. My feelings for you are so strong, and all these scenarios popped into my head, wondering what you were doing.”
Sofia is running from her past and it’s catching up to her. She runs into a guy after getting a text that scared her half to death. She learns he’s a cop and thinks her luck is running out. Can she get over the past and let him in? The quote I chose for Sofia is: “Maybe I could be a hypnotherapist one day. I’ve already gotten my medical background requirement covered. I worked as a medical assistant for a while but didn’t really like it. Now I know what I want to do with my life. I want to help people heal in a different way. There are ways to improve health without pills and such.”
Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.
Wildcat: A Steamy Firefighter Romance by alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I grow up, I want to be half as strong as Leslie McClunis. The things that she deals with and pushes through is a testament to how under-rated many women are. She goes for what she wants, she will fight with her last breath to get it, and I feel bad for whoever gets in her way.
Trevor is laser focused on his game, which makes Leslie’s appearance in his life totally unexpected. A small, red head, spit fire that would chew him up and spit him out if he let her. Too bad for her, he is after so much more than she’s willing to give. Will true love win out?
The book is told in multiple perspectives, one of which in the form of journal entries. I enjoyed the glimpse of the future at the start. Enough information to give you something to root for, but vague enough that it still had you guessing at the details. I didn’t totally understand the significance of the POV told in journal entries, but it did add and air of mystery and intrigue, so I didn’t mind it. All in all, this book was quite steamy! The plot was enjoyable and the characters were easy to root for. I read this book in a day, and enjoyed the entire ride. If you are looking for something steamy, romantic, and intriguing, definitely give this book a shot! I definitely intend to pick up the next!
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Daire’s Devils by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has sci-fi and action. It is a military story.
Give ’em a good thrashing! Allied Forces—including the 142nd Mobile Special Ops Team, often known as Daire’s Devils—stand poised to protect the disputed colony planet Demeter against military invasion and corporate exploitation at the furthest reaches of the cosmos. When those seeking to steal the top-secret plans of AeroCom’s new prototype flagship, the Cromwell, infiltrate the ranks, Corporal Katrion Alexander, the Devils’ newest member, finds herself up against an unexpected threat: synthetic operatives indistinguishable from live people. She and the Devils must stop this new menace, but how can they do it when the opponent has a familiar face?
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. The story had me gripped from beginning to end and the twists and turns kept me reading all the way through. The author does an amazing job of building the characters and especially our lead character Jana.
She is a young woman who thinks she is normal but boy is she wrong. When the queen is murdered secrets come out about her abilities that were kept hidden from her.
Now she needs to find a way to learn about who she really is and what her abilities mean.
At the same time someone is killing the royal family. Jana is a suspect so she must try to work hard to prove that she is innocent.
All along she is learning that people aren’t always who they seem to be and that not everybody can be trusted. As the story twists and the plot carries on we can feel the turmoil Jana feels when people she thought she can trust betray her.
Can she prove her innocence? Will she find the murderer and stop the killings?
The Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In all honest I wanted to love this book. The premises is brilliant and I was looking forward reading it. I unfortunately couldn’t find connect with the characters and they had little substance to them. I will say the authors descrptive style was canny but would be better with a bit more embraliahment.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
I have to say that I didn’t like this story…………..
………… I absolutely LOVED it!!!!!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana is a spellbinding fantasy that swept me up on quite the adventure. I adore all of Ms. Luana’s books and eagerly await each new release, so I was beyond excited when this new book hit my Kindle. I had very high expectations for this book because all her previous releases have been so stellar, and I am happy to report that Ms. Luana definitely delivered the goods with this wonderful book. I really can’t find the words to do this story the justice it deserves, so I will just say that I can’t recommend this story highly enough and if you are looking at reading it, run and snap up a copy and dive in, you really won’t be disappointed!
Can’t wait to see what she does next!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Claire Luana!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a contemporary romance suspense story and the first book I have read by this author. There are plenty of emotions and drama, angst, and suspense, secrets and lies, pain and suffering, fear, heartache and so much more. The story is fast paced and full of chemistry that is off the charts in this insta love story. Throw in some danger and mystery, and a bit of action with a woman living in fear with no trust and a charming alpha male who wants to protect, and you have an emotionally charged story that you can’t put down.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Young Adult fantasy mystery story where the characters are well developed and there are many plots with twists and turns that keep you intrigued. The world building is rich, and the story is engaging and clever. With lies and deception, bloodshed, and magic, and much more with tangled plots in murder and mayhem. Becoming a Mesmer is going to be hard when she is trying to prove her innocence within a world that is corrupt and evil. This book is darker than the authors previous series, which adds to the mystery and intrigue. The author has left some threads unwoven which will undoubtedly lead to more books in this deadly compelling tale.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well. That escalated quickly! I couldn’t stop reading. I’m sad it was as short as it was, and I personally feel like everything was rushed and that we missed out on so much goodness. BUT it is the first of the series, so I’m not going to harp. My first book by this author, very pleased with her writing style and characters. I’ll be here for book two!
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Secrets is a very fitting title for the 4th book in the Mafia Elite series. There was so much going on in this book that caught me off guard. It is action packed, and lots of surprised and twists. I loved it. While the book mainly focuses on Elena and Marco, there is added details to the other family members along the way. While you probably could read the book out of the series, I wouldn’t recommend it. They are all wonderful, and the characters and their stories overlap. The Five Families are all married into each other, in this new generation Chicago mafia series. The characters are great, and I love that the women are strong independent women, with an amazing support system for each other. At the same time, the men have a softer side that shows when around their sisters or wives. I can’t wait to finish the series, as I’m totally hooked.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Power Play: A Second Chance Hockey Romance (Astoria Bay Thunder #1) by CJ Cartwright
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. It won’t be my last by the author either. I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I hope to see more of Brynn and Levi. Power Play is the first book in the Astoria Bay Thunder Series.
Levi is making his dreams come true by playing pro hockey. The team gets fans to come down to shoot a goal and Mac is one of them. With the help of his teammates is he going to be able win her over? The quote I chose for Levi is: “If you boys are done stripping, maybe we can get to practice. No one is going to buy a fucking calendar from a team that doesn’t win. Unless you plan on asking the Kodiaks to come pose with you?”
Brynn is newly divorced and starting her dream. Only it’s not as easy as she thought it was going to be and she runs into an old flame. With her best friend’s help can she tell the guy she still loves him? The quote I chose for Brynn is: “Um, that’s great, Levi – but maybe less serial killer and more… soft? This is supposed to inspire feelings of lust or admiration… not fear.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Sports Romance lovers.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book fascinated me from seeing the cover and reading the summary until the very end! I read the summary and immediately wanted to know everything. This author does an amazing job building the world and enticing their readers to want to be there. The characterizations and their development were truly fabulous! One of my favorite parts of reading any book is watching the relationships between the characters grow and change, and this author did a marvelous job drawing me in from word one!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book checked every box for me. I loved the writing, the characters, the fast pace and all of the drama! I couldn’t help but speed through this book.
Adrijana Mironacht had often dreams of visiting the capital city and seeing the palace, but rarely do dreams meet reality. Dazzled by her surroundings, she can’t understand her fathers reluctance to stay until she ends up in the dungeon. Her father must then explain to Adrijana that she is a Mesmerist, one who can read and manipulate others’ minds.
With each new intrigue, Adrajana is determined to find the truth of what is going on and clear her own name. Get this book, you will not be disappointed!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by Claire Luana. I absolutely loved this story. There are so many twists and turns. The plot is also amazing. I fell in love after the first few pages. I normally wouldn’t read something like this, but I am so glad that I did because it is such a perfect story. I highly recommend!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy cow Batman! This book definitely pulled me in from the first chapter! Just when you think you and Adrjiana have it all figured out, the author throws a curveball and everything you thought you knew was completely and totally wrong and now you have to question everything and anything. I enjoyed reading this fast paced book and wonderful writing. This author really knows how to pull you in. I connected with the characters and the story. I cant wait to read more by this author and see where else she takes me!
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love me a good sports romance. Also a second chance and forced proximity romance.
I really enjoyed the role reversal that this author uses: I usually see the female as the one who knows who the other person is and is the one going after their love interest, but here Levi is the one who realizes who Brynn is and is the pursuer.
I liked that there was still a buildup of the chemistry between the characters rather than a “I used to love you as a kid, now you’re here, lets fall into bed” situation.
I love the sexy calendar fundraiser aspect to this story. Of the ones I’ve read that does something like that I found that this author did it the best. Also, I want that cabin in the woods for myself! Maybe Levi can make a guest appearance ;-P
I absolutely adore the side characters, with Tia and Bridger being the most prominent (oh the tension there!). I can’t wait to read their story (book 2) and how they find their HEA (this is romance, so a HEA— Happy Ever After— is expected). I also adored Xander and his gentleness. I can’t wait to read about him.
This book does mention characters from another book, and whets the appetite for that story., but that one is technically not part of this series. As this is the first book I’ve read from this author I’ll certainly be adding that to my TBR list.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t read many sci fi books but I stumbled across this novella and I figured with such a short page count, what did I have to lose? I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I was taking a chance on a new to me author but as I find more often than not, I was pleasantly surprised. This story was captivating from start to finish and left me craving more. The imagery and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this brief escape from
reality!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book absolutely deserves to be a New York Time’s best seller!
Adijana enters into a life she didn’t ask for when she goes to visit her best friend Simeon. Upon arriving the queen is killed. Adijana learns that she has power that may make the truth of the murderer become apparent. However, she finds herself in murky waters as she muddles through politics, deception, and her new found mystical abilities.
Claire Luana knocked it out of the park with this one! I found myself staying up until midnight and waking up at 4AM just so I could read this book. I couldn’t find the self control to put it down! Every page leaked with passion, murder, fear, and betrayal. I didn’t know who to trust or where the story would lead. The last hundred pages Claire wrapped it all up in a beautiful box and set it on our laps.
I am really sad this book is over! I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book!
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae is my first book by the author, but it’s definitely not going to be my last. It had me engrossed from the first paragraph and I wasn’t able to stop reading it until the very end. Tia and Theo meet by chance, but that very moment changes everything in their lives. Sofia finds it hard to trust again and Theo is driven to keep her safe. Their relationship progresses fast but it suits them very well. This story will absolutely amaze you with its brilliant plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful romance. It has everything, angst, suspense, mystery.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gina has steadily been putting her life back together from the tragic roadside bomb from her army days. Gina is comfortable with showing herself from behind a computer but when she gets close to Bryce someone who is prepared to get inside the walls she has built up.
This story was heart warming and engaging, the characters were well developed and I related to Gina’s character and her reluctance to involve herself with Bryce in the beginning. Although she has scars on the outside of her body the ones on the inside are more powerful and more deadly.
The story was well developed and you are gently woven through the backgrounds and the present day for both of the main characters, the secondary characters also add a depth to the story which is great to read. I can’t wait to read more books by this great author.
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright
5 out of 5
I love hockey and I love steamy romances. This book brings those two things together in a wonderful story of second chances and finding the one.
Brynn Mackintosh is starting over. Brynn needs to find a place where she can be happy and escape the past. Brynn has decided to follow her dream of becoming a fine art photographer but she finds that it isn’t as easy as she thought it was going to be. On a chance, Brynn takes a job that offers to double her normal fee. At this event she meets Bridger, a man that will help change the course of Brynn’s life.
Levi Fawkes has been playing for the Astoria Bay Thunder for ten years. He is the team captain and resident man of mystery. Levi is always ready to help out with the many charities that the team funds. When a promotion between one of the charities is combined with a radio contest winner, Levi is brought face to face with the one that got away, the one he walked away from when he was 18, the one he has missed and longed for everyday since.
Can Levi explain what happened when he left? Can Brynn forgive Levi? Can the ghosts of Brynn’s past haunt her future with Levi? Is there any hope?
The cast of characters starting with Brynn, Bridger, Levi and Tia are fun and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book. I love the way the stories are interwoven and will be a part of each other’s stories. The author is amazing at making you feel each character’s emotion. The details in the descriptions paint vivid pictures, like the photo shoot in the shower or with the lumberjack! Jump into this series now! Don’t wait. It is going to be one helluva ride!!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I honestly do not even know where to begin. I knew I would enjoy this book from reading the synopsis, but I had no idea just how much I would enjoy it. There are twists and turns in every corner of this novel. I think my jaw dropped, at minimum, five or six times while reading it.
If you are a fantasy lover, like myself, then you will adore this book. You will also love Adrijana and the adventure she gets sucked into at 17 years old. I know I will not be able to go into detail without spoiling the book, but just trust me on this and read it.
Review by @aware
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author has done it yet again. Every time I pick up a book by this author I think there is no way she can possibly create something as good as the other books. And every time I am proven wrong! This book was absolutely brilliant. I was pulled straight into the story and could not stop reading until I had finished. I always find this authors stories to be so vivid and imaginative. I was fully invested in Adrijana’s journey and couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out.
This is such a well written and exciting story. I would highly recommend it to everyone!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella. It really had a way of pulling me in and I devoured it very quickly. It was such an interesting time going with Thomas on his very different hike. Then we meet April and things just keep on getting more interesting and captivating from there. I just overall loved it! Highly recommended if you enjoy science fiction.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was unfamiliar with this author and decided to give it a chance based on the synopsis and very glad I did! The story is so captivating and engaging, the characters well written and the plot had me wanting to stay up into the late night hours reading! I appreciated how down to earth and relatable the characters are, and the growth they show throughout. Adrijana is the main focus, and the Royal Family is being targeted, one after the other. Now she has to figure out the who and the why. With the help of some magicians that can control thoughts and emotions, the story intensifies. This is one of those “I never expected to like this, but what the heck” books turned into “OMG, I LOVE THIS” and definitely not sorry to have grabbed The Mesmerist. I will be looking into more works by this author, definitely worth the chance!
Reviewed by: @zoltrixes
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing!
I loooved this story so much! Brynn and Levi couldn’t be anymore perfect. I’m so happy they got thrown together for a second chance and it was a wild ride to be on. I loved everyone from the Astoria Bay Thunder team and I’m so excited to read all the stories we’ll get from it. If you are in the mood for a fun second chance romance this is definitely the right book for you!
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley. So Amy McKinley is one of my very favorite authors and this series has not disappointed! I LOVE it! This is the continuing story of the Elena Caruso and her Italian Mafia Family. In the last book Elena has been in hiding for a long time and the secret is out that she is still alive. There have been so many changes in the Family that she can hardly keep up. Chicago Mafia Boss Marco La Rosa has been roped into an arranged marriage with Elena and he’s all for it but he has to convince her and keep her from getting killed. Elena has secretly been in love with Marco but he had been with the love of his life but she had died several years prior. He didn’t think he could ever love again but Elena has changed that. Their chemistry is electric and if they can both stay alive they may actually make an arranged marriage work! Read Savage Secrets to find out if Elena survives!
The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier. This is a fun young adult story with sci-fi, steampunk, fantasy and magic with witches. It’s a page turning story about a young girl named Arabella who feels like she is constantly letting her family down. Her dream is be a part of the Sisterhood of the Witches and she fulfills that dream. Her first assignment is a big one, to find a cure for the famine in Ireland and she goes about it with gusto. If she can achieve this job her family will treat her totally different. This task is not easy and its full of danger trying to secure her future. They’ve already lost 2 witches on this same job. Will Arabella be able to make her family proud or will she fail just like her family expects her too or even worse lose her life? Read The Clockwork Solution to find out! This can be read as a standalone but would be better enjoyed as a series.
