The Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A step-by-step guide to editors as well as cover designers, publishing services, and most all things you need to know about writing a book and what to do when it is finished.
This is a detailed listing of several people in the book world but it is not at all an exhaustive list. This is a good reference and a good starting point.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shore Lodge is a well written book. This is a fast read. I really enjoyed this book. The events that took place was like a roller coaster ride. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Master Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 5th book in the Masters of the Consulate series and although each love story can be read as a standalone, I would wholeheartedly recommend reading the series in order. The reason being that there is an ongoing storyline which links them all together and progresses which each book and previous characters/couples often make an appearance.
Each book focuses on a different Master of the Consulate and their mates as the underlying storyline unfolds. Each love story is unique, and the characters all have their own personalities which makes for an entertaining read. In this book it is Master Catteneo’s turn to be in the spotlight as he is given an important task and in working towards completing this, he meets Alessia his mate.
I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, initially they fight their attraction to one another and seem to hate each other but as they work together towards their goal, the attraction turns into something more. It’s not an easy journey towards their love and they face numerous obstacles, but I liked how these were tackled and the growth shown as a result.
The book is an easy read being fairly short and am always pleased when, as is the case here, the plot does not suffer as a result. The story wasn’t rushed which is sometimes a concern for me when reading shorter books and the writing style of the author flows easily which adds to my enjoyment of reading as it felt natural and not stilted.
I have enjoyed the entire series and love the author’s way of spinning a story and getting me invested in the characters’ lives. I cannot wait for the next couple of books to me released, I find myself double-checking the release dates often in anticipation!
If you’re looking for an enjoyable paranormal romance with some action and mystery, look no further!
Grace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to say this book had me hooked right from the very start! This author creates such wonderful storylines and characters you just can’t resist them. With such fantastic writing it is so easy to imagine the people and places she describes. I think my heart also engages because as a fellow Aussie I know the places she mentions and it just gives me the warm fuzzies LOL.
It is so easy to see that Ryan and Grace are meant to be together if only they’d get out of their own way! Moments in their pasts have made them both create different walls around themselves in order to feel protected from what life may throw at them. While trying to work out who is out to try and take Graces family farm they both little by little chip away at those walls and learn more and more not only about each other but also about themselves.
•°• •°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°• •°• 
“The deep magic of nature, though broken, lies waiting to be revitalized—or so readers may dream.” Kirkus Review
Coyote Jim, the shape-shifting spirit of a desert valley, goes on a road trip through a dystopic post climate change future and finds a lover in a dying timber town in Washington state. Rachel the Raven presides over a tavern in the dying timber town and protects a small community of elderly survivalists from the local militia. Pete, a grunge musician who had a local following in the 1990’s, disappeared into the wilderness of Mt. Rainier. Now forty years later, he feels a bit lonely and begins to reach out to people in their dreams.
A Mountain in the Air is a trilogy consisting of three closely connected magical realism novellas set in a near future ravaged by climate change. The first two novellas were previously published as Coyote’s Road Trip and Raven Woman’s Tavern.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
I live on a island in the Puget Sound with my husband and my dogs. I am a retired teacher, presently doing in -home care for disabled people while volunteering at a dog rescue
My degree is in art, and I am a painter, graphic artist, and ceramic sculptor. The writing started about five years ago, a surprise to me and everyone who knows me, since I had never written anything before.
The review for my first book in Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re…
I think I learned to write by reading. I am a voracious omnivore of books.
Nonbinary Ruarnon is determined to prove their worth as heir to Tarlah’s perfect King. Things get complicated when their parents are abducted and they’re left ruling Tarlah in the shadow of impending war, with absent allies.
Neighbouring King Kyura has no intention of invading Tarlah. But his warmongering subjects long for the glory of expansion. When Kyura rejects their calls for war, assassins threaten his family and mutiny threatens his reign.
Stranded Aussie Linh is desperate to return to her family in Australia. But the only transport to her gateway home is Ruarnon’s absent allies, sailing to Tarlah’s aid.
Monsters at sea threaten everyone. Linh’s monster observations could save Kyura’s people, and clear her homeward path. If she risks her life aiding Ruarnon. But to secure peace with Kyura’s unruly subjects, Ruarnon’s ultimate test as heir risks betrayal and Tarlah’s bloody defeat.
Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie YA Fantasy author writing fantastical adventures in between real-world exploration and educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are -children. Elise has lived in, taught in and explored their native Australia, England and New Zealand. Inspired by studies of the ancient Mediterranean world and their real-life adventures throughout Europe, America, Canada and South-East Asia, Elise enjoys writing adventures and coming of age stories for like minds -the young and young at heart.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Storyteller was not my first Manda Mellet book but I came out of this one loving it just as much as I did the others I’ve read from this author. I think this is a great start to a new series, I look forward to reading the rest of the series as they are released. Although, I was crushed at the beginning of this book and my heart went out to storyteller with what he had to experience I really wondered where the author would go from there. Storyteller being who he is and finding that book would definitely have been an act of fate, especially with everything that it led too. I was especially hooked when he really started pushing the club to go and rescue Sheri. I didn’t want their story to end but I was glad to see the conflict resolve and the two of them have a wonderful, happy ending.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC
I know this book was written as part of a series based on an actual signing event (which I was hoping to attend, but can’t) but I am so hopeful that this is the beginning of a Wretched Soulz series.
This is the only author of MC books I will read without question. There is just some about her writing that grabbed me and will not let me go.
Storyteller is quite an appropriate name for him. Though a nomad he keeps his brother entertained when he is around, but those stories don’t hold a candle to what happens to him in real life.
Just when I think she may run out of ideas or characters she gives another gem.
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot say enough about this book. A perfect romance story. I fell in love with Dean and Rae. The plot, the theme are absolutely amazing. When reading Echoing Hearts, you become the story; following their meeting to the end. I may have cried during some of Dean’s speeches. I look forward to reading more of C.R. Alma’s books.
Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the story of Loretta’s Caterpillar. It shows the stages of a caterpillar’s life. The story told me many things I did not know about caterpillars and butterflies. This was a great book to help teach kids how caterpillars become butterflies.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manda Mellett is one of my FAVORITE authors! I love every book I have ever read by her, and this is no exception. I lost sleep with this book because I couldn’t put it down and HAD to finish it. The author reels you in and never lets go. I loved the characters and felt like I was transported into the story. StoryTeller ends up being called back to his club from the prez, and along the way he finds a book with a special dedication inside. After he finds out it was left behind by mistake, he takes it as a personal journey to get the book back to the correct person…and what an adventure that turns out to be. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read. Manda is an incredibly talented author that I follow consistently to get all of her wonderful works!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Echoing Hearts is the first book in The Echo series by C.R. Alam. This is the first book that I have read by this author, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories. But the Title and cover intrigued me, as did the promise of a bit of an angsty read- so, I snapped up a copy and dove right in.
What I discovered is a interesting contemporary romance with plenty of drama, angst, emotion, chemistry, family, friendship, jealousy, doubt, and through it all, finding love unexpectedly. There is a little enemies to lovers element, as well a love triangle. This added an extra element of interest to the story, for me.
I did enjoy the story for the most part. It was a little slow to get going and did lag a little in places, but the chemistry and emotion of the story kept me turning the pages.
I am curious to see what the rest of the series holds. On to ‘His Forever Muse’ (Book #2)…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, C.R. Alam!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Echoing Hearts is a rollercoaster of emotions. Which put all the characters through the ringer, not just the main two. Though the author has you rooting for the two main characters as you navigate their journey. A journey of learning to live in the present.
Jilted at the altar which is where meet Dean.
Doing a favor for an old friend is where we meet Rae, it’s also when Rae and Dean cross paths for the first time. Which was also when sparks fly, and though they knew something was different, both of them are hiding behind a fortress they built around themselves. Each for their own reasons, but these two are broken souls stuck living in the past they struggle to move forward from.
Fear can be a fickle thing especially when fueled by the past. Each time these two take 1 step forward, they take about 5 steps back. Which doesn’t make this path of self discovery easy, but anyone who ever said life was easy is lying.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story the author told. Building up the backstory to help one understand why these two are holding themselves back. Living life by past experiences is a hard thing to let go of. (We’ve all done it at some point in our lives) It also stunts one’s emotional and mental growth, but you have to want to let go. It can’t be forced, it can be aided but never forced.
The question is: Can Dean and Rae let go of the demons from their past, so they can move forward?
You can find out the answer to that question and so much more, by checking out this lovely book. I, on the other hand, look forward to reading the next book in this series, and/or something else by this author in the future.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
StoryTeller is a member of the Wretched Soulz MC. Instead of being assigned one location, he is a nomad. While wandering, he finds a book and begins to read it. With the prompt of one of the club’s ladies, ST starts to wonder why this book was dropped.
Sheri is a recluse. Having worked up the nerve to go to a book convention, she finds herself kidnapped by the Wretched Soulz rival MC. Realizing she will be sold into the sex trade, she is afraid and needs to find a way out. Then StoryTeller comes to get her.
Opinion
I’ve read my fair share of motorcycle club books. This is the first that I could actually see myself as the female lead. She is a book nerd through and through and just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Later on, she does not react how I’ve grown accustomed for female leads to react. She is definitely more realistic than the average female I read about.
Though ST has his down sides, he more than makes up for them in his honorable actions. This book is flat out awesome. It is also the start of a new series, and I love series. I will be on the lookout for more to come.
Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was intrigued to read this wonderful space romance novel when I saw the gorgeous colors on the cover giving off galaxy vibes. Then I read the synopsis and you had me at Space Pirates. I think any fellow star wars/trek or Guardians of the Galaxy fans will enjoy this book and Princess Mora’s dilemma to fight for the life that she wants and deserves – or – the life her family wants her to follow, as the first born Princess. I honestly had quirky Space Balls vibes when reading this story.
This was absolutely a fun read and not what I expected which was quite refreshing. I loved Mora’s personality, quirks and all. Somehow I knew immediately that Darin would be her forbidden interest in this story. I mean the idea of marrying someone you do not know, love, etc does not sound appealing to me in any shape or form, but that is because this is not a custom that I’ve ever had to accustom to; however, I would assume that I may react to such a demand in much the same way. Stay and be forced to share a life with a complete stranger or leave your life behind and have fun adventures with a handsome stranger who quickly becomes more.
I love the vast imagery and world building described throughout the story. This could easily be adapted to the big screen. The author also did a remarkable job building up the characters and their story arc.
Sci-fi lovers and those who enjoy a good romantic adventure will highly relish this book and the author’s craft.
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
My six year old daughter and I read this book together and she seemed to enjoy it. She really found the illustrations to be fun and silly. I am used to children’s books that rhyme and flow off the tip of your tongue and don’t speak like a pirate very often… so the jargon was a little tough for me but tons of fun.
Overall, this was a good children’s story with a solid message. My daughter and I look forward to reading this author again!
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I highly recommend this wonderful book especially for young teen readers. I had to remind myself a few times that I am way older than the target audience but at the same time I still really enjoyed it. The authors writing style and very vivid descriptions draw you straight into the story and she expresses and handles the elements of a teen life, for example feelings, in a very understanding and completely relatable way.
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
C.R is a new author to me, and I enjoyed this read. Echoing Hearts is a Contemporary Romance tale and the first book in The Echo series, and it was a lovely story.
Our two MCs are both strong willed and always have to be right. Both with issues from the past this was not an easy journey, but it was fun watching them come together. There is angst, drama, a lot of passion and steamy scenes, and let’s not forget the humour. I really enjoyed the push pull and tension between the two as they are both as stubborn and strong-willed as each other.
This heartfelt tale will pull on the ol’ heart strings along the way. There are a couple of twisty turns and a blast from the past as the road to love is not always paved with gold.
I really like the secondary characters and can’t wait to see if they get their own stories.
Reviewed by @jennadb
This book got me in my feels. Jacklyn, a recently widow, finds herself running away from a secured facility. I mean I use to joke with my parents that I would put them in a locked facility when they got older but I never actually thought I would do it. Dusty, (Jacklyn’s son) does some horrible things to his mother which include tricking her into going to Shore Lodge. Now she has another grown child (Rose) but she isn’t aware of what her brother’s doings. Unfortunately she is also tricked (at least I believe that) into thinking that Shore Lodge is exactly where her mother needs to be. I found this book very relatable and very sad at the same time.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book got me in my feels. Jacklyn, a recently widow, finds herself running away from a secured facility. I mean I use to joke with my parents that I would put them in a locked facility when they got older but I never actually thought I would do it. Dusty, (Jacklyn’s son) does some horrible things to his mother which include tricking her into going to Shore Lodge. Now she has another grown child (Rose) but she isn’t aware of what her brother’s doings. Unfortunately she is also tricked (at least I believe that) into thinking that Shore Lodge is exactly where her mother needs to be. I found this book very relatable and very sad at the same time.
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Landry dreams of being someone that lives an interesting life. A life where people stop you to ask about it, admire it, and are even a little jealous of it. When she gets chosen to advance in a modeling opportunity and her two best friends don’t, she starts to see that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. In fact, sometimes it is a very lonely place to be. Her “friends” drop her, and Landry is left to find new friends. As she begins to make a new friend group, and finally feel like she’s on even ground again, her old friends pretend like nothing ever happened! Stuck in the middle of two sets of friends, Landry finds who herself really questioning what a good friend really is. Can she reconcile with her two best friends and not alienate her new friends? Or will she have to choose between them?
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say, I was pretty impressed! I think they did an excellent job of tapping into a fourteen-year-old girl’s mind! I was kind of blown away by how many feelings it brought up from my own past middle school friendships. I felt like all the teenagers and their parents were depicted in a down to earth, very relatable way. It was easy to see the story playing out in my mind while I read this. lf I had a younger daughter that was preparing for eighth grade/freshman year of high school, I would have her read this!
Three Made in Heaven by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a new author to me and intrigued by the synopsis and cover I decided to dive in. I really enjoyed the concept of this book….MFM romance with definite sizzle and spark….but also intrigue, danger and trying to piece together a bit of reality vs a dream.
Maddie, Cole and Charlie meet when they are young as friends that years go by become more having true feelings for each other…..a feeling of being true soul mates…but are these feelings truly real or are they just a dream? Will an eminent threat toward Maddie come between her, Charlie and Cole?
This was a great story and I loved all the characters and their love for each other. The connection is off the charts for sure and the premise of the story was unique to me.
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager
True Colors is the first book in Landry’s True Colors Series and is a tween/teen drama packed with dram,self esteem, self-doubt,peer pressure and wanting to feel like you belong. This is geared more towards tween/teens ages eight to fourteen or middle school ages kids. I’ll say this I for one don’t miss the middle school days nor would I ever want to go back. Kids can be mean and make you feel like you don’t belong. Landry definitely has feelings of not being enougj or feeling like she belongs along with self doubt. Its rough being this age along with all the issues that come with it. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Echoing Hearts
By C.R. Alam
This is such a good story. I absolutely loved the characters. Rae was such an interesting character. I loved that this Rae seemed very down to earth. I also love that she had a male best friend. I feel like very rarely do authors accurately show the complications of a female with a male best friend and how that complicated relationships. I loved the character of Dean as well. I thought he was complicated in a relatable way. I love this story and all that was involved in this book. The romance was awesome and the steamy parts were so steamy. I definitely cannot wait to read more from this author and hope that we read more about Dean and Rae in the future.
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool is a wonderful and well-written story. I am not really a fan of westerns but this book was very enjoyable. The plot is incredibly well-written. The characters are well-written. They are very real and relatable. This story was such a page-turner and I really enjoyed the action scenes. The romance was very sweet and wonderful to witness. This is a very enjoyable story.
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rae Allen doesn’t believe in love or happily ever after. She’s seen enough in her family to jade her for life. Thankfully, she has some pretty awesome friends, especially her best friend Brandon, who are there for her when things get rough. Her friendship with Brandon is more of a kindred kind…they are thicker than thieves, almost as if they were brother and sister. Brandon would do anything for Rae, especially after she helped him and his band land an amazing producer!
Dean Rowland is living a life of luxury. He’s surrounded by wealth, fame, and women. He’s living the life as one might say, proud of all his accomplishments. Except for the one thing he couldn’t conquer…getting married. After being jilted at the alter, Dean is happy to swear off women forever.
Rae gets a call for a favor. Her friend needs her to go and check out this house in Georgia for the next issue of the magazine that she publishes. This house is a bit mysterious and Rae doesn’t get a lot of background on it. When she arrives at the house, she can’t seem to get anyone to come to the door, even though they should be expecting her. The next scene will be on that will change her life forever and have her heart sending echoes out across Lake Lanier.
This was a very enjoyable read for a lazy Saturday afternoon! I read this book in one sitting. It’s a typical romance read and one where both main characters should be hog tied for their antics towards each other. This does have a happy ending and I even found myself tearing up in the end!
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arrrgh! Me Hate to Wait by Mary Bleckwehl is such a fun and cute story for children. Half-Pint Porky is an impatient piggy that is excited to start school but when the time comes she is nervous to start. This is such an engaging story for small children. The writing is cute and funny to small children and the illustrations are beautiful. My boys loved reading this story and it got cute a few giggles out of them. This is a book that the whole family can enjoy together.
Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Short book but beautiful book nonetheless. When you can relate to characters like these, the story is simply amazing which makes it easier to love the story you’re creating in your head as well as reading. Beautiful work and great characters. Enjoy this beautiful book: get your copy now!
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author never ceases to amaze me with the way they tell a story.
This is the start of a new series and I am so excited!
We get the story of StoryTeller, who based off his name likes to tell stories with detail and also enjoys a good book. When the unexpected happens with a book he found, he feels compelled to step in, despite the risks at stake.
I so enjoyed this book, the details as usual make you feel like you’re right there with the characters, screaming and hoping for the best in every scenario. If you like bikers, book lovers and action then this is the book for you.
Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti
4 Stars
This series is an interesting blend of myth and today’s world, ancient magic and modern technology. It is the third book in the Titanian Chronicles and as such, there are many references pertaining to what happened before. I haven’t read the two previous books so for myself, I was constantly getting annoyed. I like to know the whole story. I need to go back and read the first two books. That being said, it doesn’t take anything away from this sty. You can follow along without getting lost. It can be read as a stand-alone but if you are like me, then read the series in order.
This story is filled with action, magic and mayhem. The author has created a world which is totally believable. A supernatural race protecting mankind from evil. The characters are interesting and well rounded. They are strong but not infallible. Each has their own weakness. This series is a paranormal romance with established couples. This book revolves around Hagan and Faiza. Hagan is a Titanian warrior on the brink of bloodlust when he encounters Faiza, a young woman who was sold into slavery. Their fate was written in the stars, each suffering hardships to be ready for each other. I think Faiza did an excellent job of adjusting to a new life, new powers and a new love while battling a mage who has death magic . When destiny calls, you have to answer.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Landry wants what every teen girl wants. To be popular, and to have exciting things to talk about. However, to achieve those things she soon finds out, will cost her. She is smart, she is beautiful, but she forgot something along the way. Her true friends! This author remembers what middle school was like for all of us at that age. Landry and her best friends will find out who their true friends are, as well as those who are not. This story is great for those tweens who are looking for friends they can count on. The story is fast paced and the characters play their parts well. I recommend this story for all teen girls from middle school through high school. Parents and adults alike will enjoy this story just as I did.
Review@cinful