Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes- 5 out of 5 stars
This book is the second in this series. I absolutely love the historical details the author makes sure to includes in each mystery! Like father, like daughter. Eagerly waiting to read the next book. I highly recommend.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie- 5 out of 5 stars
This quick read held my attention until the end. It is a well written and enjoyable debut novel. I love how the main character is a strong woman who supports other women. Can I also say just how gorgeous the cover art is on this book. I absolutely love this series. I recommend reading this book.
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This has been one of my favorite series to read. The concept of getting another mate after the one you were lifemated with was really interesting. Cricket is a fiercely independent single momma that was settled into her thinking she would be alone forever now, then BAM, here comes the pull. Boone is trying to avoid his cousin, Sheridan, the bikini-clad wildcat that always needs her jeeps repaired when his pull comes. He takes his leave and follows his pull. I find that amazing because they take such faith and go (yes, it’s just fiction but still). When these two meet up, the chemistry and sparks are there, he just has to get her to accept. I loved reading this story. These prides are full of personality. The elders that the characters talk to are wonderful and wise. When Cricket takes her little one out for a run, I couldn’t help but think of a certain movie. It’s a bittersweet romance that comes with a happy ending that has beautiful characters and always brings a smile and chuckle. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Afton’s turn.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205525593-out-of-bounds” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Out of Bounds (Game Time)” src=”https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111×148-bcc042a9c91a29c1d680899eff700a03.png” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205525593-out-of-bounds”>Out of Bounds</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19849371.Tam_DeRudder_Jackson”>Tam DeRudder Jackson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6304831446″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh my gosh where do I start? Wyatt is a football player wanting to go to nationals. Him and his football buddies are at a bar, when Wyatt runs into Piper. Piper does not want any commitments. Wyatt and Piper hook up and Wyatt is not pushy at all with Piper and her boundaries. Piper has had to raise her sister as their parents were pretty much absent, and very toxic. Why Piper just kept the relationship with her parents I don’t get because that relationship hurt my heart for her! And when Pippa decides to try and crush her sister’s heart AGAIN!! Oh I was raging!! Wyatt and Piper have gone through the wringer and they always come back stronger than ever. Wyatt was always so so patient with Piper. She would second guess herself. She would go radio silent, do everything to wreck the relationship and Wyatt just wasn’t having any of it.<br />This was such an amazing book. Had me in tears laughing or in tears because of the toxic relationships Piper has had to go through.<br />
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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to think when I decided to read this book. I wasn’t sure how the characters were going to relate and if this would be a hidden love affair. This one did not disappoint. I love the fact that the main female character has a career and isn’t shown as some needy girl. That made me want to keep turning the pages and finding out more about her. I also enjoyed the fact that she is mom. That isn’t something that we typically see in romance books. The main male character is also a single dad. This story just melted my heart. I love, love and this book had so much love between them. They had a spark and took a chance. It is such a sweet romance story. It kept me turning page after page because I just fell for the characters. This is a quick read and definitely worth it. I feel that this a true classic romance story that definitely hits different. I can’t wait to read more from this author. If this book is anything to go off of, I am a fan.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a neat children’s story. It tells about the custom of the Red Envelopes that is part of the Lunar New Year. The illustrations are pretty. I found it was a neat way to teach a child about other cultures. I read this to my granddaughter and she really enjoyed it. She loved the story so much that I’ll be getting a paper copy for our family library.
Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of those emotional stories that made you want to have tissue nearby. Rose heads home to help care for her mom after an injury takes her out of work for a bit. While taking care of her mom, she finds some family secrets. Though her mom and Aunt discourage her to leave it alone, Rose in an investigative journalist. She has to find the truth. This is a beautiful story, even if the truth brought pain. I found the characters to feel so real that my hurt truly hurt for them. I would get so mad, yet could understand the pain her brother felt. Rose just had her own surgery yet came down and was doing care for her mom. She had a lot on her plate. So many emotions with this story. You’ll really have to read it to understand. It’s up there at the top of my list of favorites for 2024. The writing pulls you in. You feel it.
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Traveling with his friend Cray, Hay is headed to a birthday party.They saw so many things on their travels. But most importantly they problem solved and faced their fears together. Another lesson learned is how to ask for help when something is hard.The illustrations are beautiful and this is a great read aloud for any young kiddo.
Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an amazing story that feels like it just flows off the pages and keeps you turning them until the book is done. It is a great read that was very quick for me. I am normally not one that gravitates towards sports romances but this book was really well done. I feel like you didn’t just get sports or romance, you got a really good blend of both. This book is written in dual POV which allows the characters to have a great banter between them and really allows the reader to be able to get caught up in them. I love when you feel like you want to be friends with the characters and I definitely do with this book. There is angst, steam, love, banter, just super cute things in this book that make you swoon. The author has a way with words that just makes you feel completely immersed into the story line. I highly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let me begin by saying that you can read this as a standalone or in order of the series. I recommend reading it in order because knowing the back story of the Bennett family will help a lot. Now let’s get started with this review. Fearless Love is the final installment to the most beautiful and touching romance series I have ever read. This is James and Sara’s story. The best way to sum it all up is two broken hearts brought together by whatever you want to call it. He’s a tender spirit that knows what he wants and is so loving and compassionate. He shows Sara what life can be like with the right man to love her and her son, Noah. Sara is independent and protective of her son. She learns that its okay to let someone in again. She learns to heal in many ways. Watching these two heal and come together and become a family, small and large, left me feeling so many emotions. Sara’s job as a traveling nurse brought her to the farm to help Ray recover from his health crisis in a previous book, I prefer to think fate brought them together for her own purpose. This author is one of my favorites. Her writing is tender, compassionate, romantic, and realistic. The Bennetts have always felt like they could be part of my community. This author has done a fantastic job of tying up the series. This author has done a wonderful job of making her readers feel that the Bennetts have been part of your family. Happy tears flowed as the family returned for a surprise. Thank you sharing this beautiful series with us.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent story. Once I was pulled into Drake and Findlay’s story, I was all in. It’s full of action, romance, suspense, and drama. I could not put it down. I loved the breath-holding moments that had you waiting to see what was coming. The topic of human trafficking has made for some amazing stories and this author did a fantastic job with it. I really hope we get a story about Seb and Alexis. I think there could be something there, just saying. This is a book that will have you so sucked in that you’ll feel you are part of the story. The cast of characters is so well0developed. They feel so relatable and just real. I highly recommend this.
The Earl’s Match by Holly Bush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this to be an interesting read. Historical romance is not usually my genre. I chose this one because I thought the story sounded promising. It lived up to my expectations. Payden and Robbie returned from a troubling stint abroad. Payden was basically dealing with what we in the modern times call PTSD. He had a tough time adjusting to his home life again. Clarice brought some hope to his life again. Reading about their romance and how they adjusted and worked things out was heartwarming and good to read. This a wonderful romance and I’d recommend it anyone to give it a shot. I really enjoyed the characters, they made the story.
The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first PolyAm Fam book and I am so glad that I gave it a chance! I really enjoyed the story and characters. It was witty and adorable, but also tense and informative. In this book Molly lives with a polycule and is completing her grad school thesis project. A play she wrote is to be cast and shown for a weekend, for her to pass and graduate the program. Thankfully her girlfriend finds that PERFECT guy for her leading male role! Lachlan is even a Scotsman!! Which is perfect since the man in her play is a kilt-wearing Scot! Talk about luck right? Wrong. Unfortunately, even though he looks and sounds the part, he knows absolutely NOTHING about acting and being in a play. Molly is determined to make it work. Lachlan gets roped into helping which he doesn’t mind one bit. He thinks that Molly is cute, curvy, smart, and it doesn’t hurt that she likes his sexy scot accent. Molly starts giving him lessons, but she worries about their attraction to one another. Her polycule pushes her to find out what’s there, but she’s had a line of bad luck when it comes to dating males. Lachlan finds her whole arrangement very odd. Molly has a girlfriend after all. How can he date someone who is already taken, especially because he doesn’t normally date. Maybe a fling is both what they need. After the play they can do their separate ways right. But what about Molly’s girlfriend? Will she be okay with any of this?? Read the book to follow this funny, cute, sassy story!! You will fall in love with the characters and their world. I loved getting a glimpse into a polycule and learning more about their family. If that is the reason you are on the fence about this book, I have to tell you to just give it a chance!! It was a wonderful book!
The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Scottish Play (PolyAm Fam Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander- 5 out of 5 stars
This book gives you a different perspective on the lives of people that society deems as not normal. Their home seems like a very loving home where the dynamic between the characters works perfectly. I will say without giving too much away, these characters are anything but vanilla. Great first book to this series and I can not wait to read book two. I highly recommend this series.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a really quick read and it had me sunk into it from the beginning. I would say that this author seems to actually really love hockey or did an amazing job with their research. I actually really loved that it wasn’t just about the romance and the pull and tug between battling feelings for one another, it actually had hockey it in. That said the romance in this book is great. Yes, I did roll my eyes a bunch during this book because of the constant, “I want him/her, I don’t want to want him/her.” You get so invested into this book because you want them to work and get over their things to be together because you can see how good they are together. It’s like everyone in the room can feel their tension when they are together and are just rooting for them. I could not put this book down, even as frustrated I got with it. That just means it is a really well written if I am so emotionally involved in what is happening. If you like hockey or love a sports romance, this book won’t disappoint.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series. I did not read the first one and I had no problem following along. I love that each book it seems is completely able to be read as a stand alone. The way the author writes about the setting, which is the 1920’s, you feel like you are there. It is amazing, you are really able to tell the research that was put into this book to make sure that the author was able to get every minuet detail correct. What really made me want to read the book is the Capone aspect of it. The leading male character is one of his men and the leading female is a dancer. I love me a good mafia aspect of a book. However, I felt that having the book written from the “kept woman” accept is something that I haven’t gotten to experience. It really made me sit there and think about what it would have been like int he 20’s. I highly enjoyed this book and the budding romance between the main characters. I will definitely be going to read the rest of the books in this series. It is really hard to say how amazing this book is without giving anything away. Just know that this is a super quick read and was a page turning experience from beginning to end.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We loved this story. There is always a fantastic adventure. The maze satisfied our feel for adventure. Reading Nessie’s stories has brought out so many fun questions and opened the mind to more adventures. In the beginning the view of the castle got my grandson thinking about knights also. It’s an entertaining story that brought us joy to read. It will be a neat addition to our family library.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An entertaining story of a rat turned spy. There are so many fun characters in the story that make this fun. My grandson really enjoyed this when we read it at bedtime. He chuckled at the adventures. He thought the German Rat Training lady was funny. A neat addition to the family or classroom libraries.
OMG!! I couldn’t put this book down and I hated when I had to because of work. Just like her other books, she knows what her readers want to read. The love story of Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake was written for those who believe in soul mates. I am one of those people even though I haven’t found mine yet. This isn’t just about love, hurt, and passion but you do see a lot of that in this story. It helps create a realistic picture of what’s ahead. I promise you that you will not be able to put this book down until you have read it completely. Anise Storm is an author I wish that I could be someday. You will find yourself mad at some of the characters including Harper and Gabe at some point and that is okay. Continue to read and you will find that the anger helps you understand these characters so much better.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG!! I couldn’t put this book down and I hated when I had to because of work. Just like her other books, she knows what her readers want to read. The love story of Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake was written for those who believe in soul mates. I am one of those people even though I haven’t found mine yet. This isn’t just about love, hurt, and passion but you do see a lot of that in this story. It helps create a realistic picture of what’s ahead. I promise you that you will not be able to put this book down until you have read it completely. Anise Storm is an author I wish that I could be someday. You will find yourself mad at some of the characters including Harper and Gabe at some point and that is okay. Continue to read and you will find that the anger helps you understand these characters so much better.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an interesting starter to this series. I enjoyed the story and multiple POV’s. Xen makes the story quite interesting. The author did a really good job of keeping the writing creative and interesting. Once I was in, I was all in until the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next story.
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a way to start a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Based on our countries founding, the author looked into her research and you can tell that she used it in her story. The details are there. The characters all felt so real and relatable. Jed and Hannah go through so much. This is a story that you’ll dive in from the start and not come up until the end. It’s quite a roller coaster of adventure as the country is set up for war. I can’t recommend this book enough. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195601057-the-other-side-of-together” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Other Side of Together” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691013988l/195601057._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195601057-the-other-side-of-together”>The Other Side of Together</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15203418.Emily_Cox”>Emily Cox</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264927075″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Mei Li moved from Vietnam to the United States when she was 8. She’s been helping run the family business her whole life. She wants to go to culinary school and be the best of the best. Then there is Marcus, he fell face first in love with Mei Li.<br />The way they passed notes to each other, or the texting. Omg!! This was an absolute devour book!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673615562l/76854377._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies”>Savage Lies</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264912826″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Riley and her mom Raelyn have been running cons since Riley was a child. They are constantly moving and on the go. That is until Raelyn thinks she falls in love. Riley is always ready to up and go. Raelyn starts dating Cole and Damon’s dad. Riley wants nothing to do with Cole and Damon. But she finds herself wanting more with Cole. Damon wants to make their lives hell since their mom took her life last year. Riley briefly met the boys last year during the last con run. But this year it’s time to settle down and Riley is struggling with having a steady place to stay.<br />This was soo good!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54315516-magic-wanda” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593415856l/54315516._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54315516-magic-wanda”>Magic Wanda</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264901777″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Carrie’s grandma introduces Carrie, to the magic Wandas. Carrie’s mom thinks they are just regular flowers. Carrie says no they are magic! Carrie’s mom keeps trying to get Carrie ready for the party but the magic Wanda’s want to play. Anything Carrie wishes the magic Wanda’s make happen.
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Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet Book 3) is such a cute book!! Cute story and fun art!! I think that most younger children (under 10) would love this magical story and follow along easily. This book is about a young girl named Carrie. She finds a box in the closet and when she asks her grandma about it, she learns that it has magic Wandas inside it. Not wands, but Wandas. Different right? Well there is a reason for that!! You have to read the book to find out, but let me just tell you that Carrie has quite an adventure with these Wandas! She even almost gets into trouble with her mom!
Sasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sasha Smart is a wonderful book of short stories. Not only does this set of stories teach young children (I’d say elementary and even middle school aged kids!) how to deal with different types of social encounters they could (and most likely will!) face, it also encourages bravery, confidence, communication, and the power of kindness. Everyday, I’m that parent in the drop off line that lets my children out to “Love you, good luck on your tests, listen to your teachers, learn a lot, and BE KIND.” Raising well rounded kids is hard and this book is great for helping with just that!! Our children need more books like this! I have a 9 year old and a 12 year old, I’m having them both read this book. Throughout this book you follow Sasha as she navigates through school. Each short story is about an issue she has and how she handles each problem. The first she worried about not being cool. The next she learns about making mistakes and correcting them. Then she learns about differences we have that make us all beautiful. She learns a lot from her friends, but she also has to deal with peer pressure and bullying as well. And lastly she learns about the importance relaxing, taking the time to unwind, supporting each other, and kindness. Another super cute and fun thing about this book is the content in the back!! An activity and even a challenge await your children! And the best thing about it?? They are having fun while learning!! I can’t wait to read more from this author and have my girls read them as well!!
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story about courage. Hay is trying to get home for her mom’s birthday and faces some challenges. With some help from her friends, she is able to overcome them and make it. The illustrations are fun and colorful. The story is happy and full of rhymes. A cool addition to a child’s library. Educational fun.
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carrie has found a new tool in Grandma’s closet this time. In the box marked Dowels she finds some rods and goes on a treasure hunt. I found this story to be a bit of fun when reading because my grandson had all kinds of questions about them. He wanted to have his own hunt. He also wants to know if I’ll make a closet of treasures. It’s a neat story of exploration and sparks a child’s curiosity. Carrie teaches kids about imagination and learning. The author always gives us a spark to light the learning. Another neat book to add to the family library.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 9 in the series and it can be read as a stand alone. I however, would recommend reading all the books before this one. This would just allow you to be able to fully understand all the backstory that leads up to this book. Not meaning that you need it for the characters but for the actual storyline. It would give you a more in depth knowledge of this amazing storyline that you find in book 9. IF you happen to find yourself reading this book first, you will be fine doing so. It has everything you need to fully understand what is going on. You won’t have as much background but it isn’t needed unless you are like me and crave to know everything when you fall in love with a series. You will find yourself swept away in a world of vampires, witches, shifters, and seers which bring you amazing action, loyalty, love, steam, and more. There is BDSM in this book and I feel like it was spicy enough for me to maybe become various shades of red while reading but not fanning myself over the steam rising off of the pages. I will say that you might squirm a bit in your seat if you are reading this in public. This book sucks you in from the beginning and will have you not able to do much else with your day until you finish it. That said, it was a quick read for me (a day) and I felt like I didn’t want it to end. It does end in a cliff hanger just an fyi. However, that means that there will be another book and that makes me really excited. This book was really well written and had tons of characters that you find yourself attaching to each of them (a good reason to read the other books in the series). This is a great book to just lose yourself in for a day or make it a week and read the whole series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a way to jump into this world! This is a very short novella, but boy, does it pack a punch! I am looking forward to diving further into this world.
