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Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Felicia Bates

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Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Family Ties Family Lies is different than many of the books I’ve read lately in genre but well worth reading. While the storyline was rich with emotion and dramatic, it was very well written. I was not sure how emotional the storyline would be having lost my mother a year and a half ago but the book had me engaged from the very first chapter. I liked the characters and felt like they grew together through unexpected twists. This was a great introduction to a new to me author.

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Felicia Bates

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been a fan of KG Fletcher’s writing in the past but hadn’t read any of the Bennetts from Langston Falls series until I picked up Fearless Love. I really enjoyed this book a lot, even without reading previous books in this stand alone series. I was really drawn to the storyline knowing that Sara was a nurse (so am I) and how can you not root for a single mom
to find happiness? I loved how the story was told by both James and Sara’s perspectives and enjoyed the dialogue throughout. I was really hooked after Noah and James met and Sara pulled the protective momma card at first. The story flowed really well and the “supporting” characters were just as lovable as the main, even if it was my first time “meeting” them. I will definitely go back and read this series from
book one!

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Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Felicia Bates

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Fuller SightFuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I struggle to write a review for Fuller Sight by John Stone that will do the novel justice while avoiding spoilers. I can honestly say I have never read anything like this. I was truly curious by what I had read in this book’s synopsis and I feel like the writing did not disappoint. This isn’t a book that you read quickly over a low key weekend and move on. It is more thought provoking and deep without being too heavy to be enjoyed. I liked this book and really would recommend it to anyone looking for something different.

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets Series) by K. Rose – Review by Felicia Bates

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets, #7)Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Basil is the first book I’ve read in the Silver Spring Pets series, or by this author in general. That being said, I had no idea what to expect. I’m a huge fan of your “typical” vampire story and was skeptical of such a unique take on the topic. I ended up really enjoying this book and the characters, especially our main female. She had a great personality and wit about her. The world building was fantastic and the story flowed from
start to finish. I would definitely read more from this author in the future. Also, how gorgeous is this cover art?! (And the recipes at the very end were a fantastic addition!)

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Felicia Bates

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hay Goes Home may be my favorite adventure of Cray yet. I loved the illustrations and the change in environment with woodland friends! As always, the book read smoothly and my seven year old loved reading it to me. I love that there is a lesson woven within the pages, in this case, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Another great read in a wonderful children’s series.

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The Scottish Play (Polyam Fam Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Felicia Bates

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The Scottish Play (PolyAm Fam Book 1)The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few Phoebe Alexander novels over the last couple years and I’ve always loved the ability each book had to open my mind and even teach me more about myself. I was ecstatic to learn there was a new book out and even more so to learn it exceeded my expectations. The Scottish Play is the first book in the Polyam Fam series and I’m so excited to know that there is more to come in this genre. This book was well written with several great characters that you came to know and love as though they were your own friends. The romantic element was steamy and exciting while maintaining a rich storyline. I really enjoyed this book.

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Felicia Bates

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries Book 2)Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would be lying if I said I didn’t choose this book based on it’s adorable cover art but I definitely stuck around for the cozy mystery. Murder She Meowed was a fun read with truly enjoyable characters and great imagery. I haven’t read the first book in the series (yet) but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this one. I am definitely a cat person so I truly loved having fun loving felines in the mix. If you’re looking for a fun story with great characters this is a win.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Felicia Bates

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beachball Blunder was a fun read that taught us about honesty and taking ownership of your actions. I personally loved the illustrations in this book. My daughter and I especially liked Cray and Fay on the playground swings. This is the third book I’ve read with my daughter by this author. It was really cool to read watch her connect and recognize characters and scenarios from previous books “remember cray’s arm?!”. She was able to really grasp the storyline with the writing and illustrations like you would hope from any children’s book. Similarly to other books in the series, there were enough challenging words to make her proud of her reading without getting discouraged. Another great children’s
book by this author.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Felicia Bates

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have followed a couple of Cray’s adventures with my seven year old daughter. This one was particularly fun because she read it by herself. The writing flowed with just enough challenging words that she was able to sound them out without getting frustrated and wanting to give up altogether. There is a great moral to the story as we explore the importance of keeping our “home” clean. Her favorite part was Farmer Jay. Immediately following this book she asked to read another!

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Felicia Bates

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A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read A New Day for Cray with my seven year old daughter and she absolutely loved it. I thought that Cray was adorable and loved the bright illustrations. I am a fan of reading books that rhyme as they often roll right off the tongue. A New Day for Cray was a short, fun way to teach a lesson about kindness.

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Felicia Bates

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride RomanceDeja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sylvie Stewart is not a new author to me but I have not read any of her Love on Tap novels. Deja Brew All Over Again was a reminder of why I fell in love with this author’s writing years ago. The characters have excellent energy the second the first word hits the page and it really grabs your attention from the start. The book had me smiling on several occassions and I dreaded having to put the book down. Having never read this series before, I didn’t have any prior knowledge of the “side characters” that likely weave between storylines but this didn’t impact my ability to follow along Miller and Maisy’s story. I had a lot of fun reading this book and look forward to catching up on the other books in this series.

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Resisting Nature (Powder River Pack Series) by Brooke May – Review by Felicia Bates

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Resisting Nature (Powder River Pack Book 4)Resisting Nature by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read books by Brooke May in the past but never from this series. While Resisting Nature is not the first book in the series, I didn’t feel lost following along on Alexa and Miles’ storyline. I really liked both main characters and the fact that the story was written in multiple perspectives. The writing style was really intriguing and genuinely grabbed my attention within the first couple chapters and held it throughout. This was not a light and fluffy read but the plot was well thought out and followed through. I am usually a vampire/witch fan but this shifter/ werewolf theme was fantastic. I would definitely read more of this paranormal romance series in the future.

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet Book 2) by April Moran – Review by Felicia Bates

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet #2)A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Heart So Savage is a continuation from book one in April Moran’s Savage Duet and should really be read second (in order). The first book ended on a cliff hanger so that A Heart So Savage could pick up where we left off. I was lucky to find this duet when both books had already been released so it was a very smooth read and I was invested immediately. I liked A Heart So Savage even more than book one, it was pulse racing and filled with a lot of entertainment, especially after the “introductions” were long out of the way. The characters are as dark and steamy as the storyline and April Moran writes dark romance well! I hope to read more in the future.

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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Felicia Bates

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Group Hug by Ariella Talix was a well written MMF romance that kept my attention from start to finish. Despite being a spicy read, it was cute with likable characters. I found myself smirking throughout. I enjoyed that the story was written in the perspective of all three main characters, Weston, Callum and Petra with a good grasp on their thoughts and feelings as the storyline progressed. Overall, I had fun reading this book and would be open to reading more from this author in the future.

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Felicia Bates

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Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was looking for something light and fun to read while home for a long weekend when I stumbled upon Recipe for Revenge. I hadn’t heard of Hazel Smith before so hadn’t even thought to read book one in the April May series. Despite being the second book, Recipe for Revenge read well as a stand alone just as “advertised”. I never felt lost or confused and felt the story flowed well. I am not a huge dog fan (I know, I know) but I was shocked to realize how much I enjoyed the characters throughout, furry ones included. This was a great, fast paced cozy mystery that really hit the spot. I will likely go back and check out the first book in this series as well.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Felicia Bates

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A King So Savage was the first book I’ve ever read by April Moran as well as the first book in the Savage Duet. Having never read this author before, I wasn’t sure what to expect but found myself impressed quickly. The story picks up immediately and leaves you invested until the cliff hanger ending. This is not a book trope I choose to read often so I
welcomed the change of pace. I have read so many books lately that are written in alternating perspectives, I enjoyed that this book wasn’t written that way. While the book was fast paced, dark and entertaining, my favorite aspects were the little things like the playlist at the beginning of the book and the
way each chapter begins with italicized phrases. I look forward to reading book two.

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Felicia Bates

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Auctioned: Every now and then I want to read a small town, rainbows and butterflies type romance novel but when I want to read a pulse racing, steamy story with substance, I seek out Via Mari. Auctioned was captivating from the start. Much like I’ve come to expect from a Via Mari novel, the storyline is just intense enough to grab your attention (and keep it) without losing you in all the moving parts.
I love the complexity of the characters first and foremost but put Damien and Bryanna together and the chemistry is unmatched!

Relentless: I have read many of Via Mari’s books and this author’s writing never ceases to amaze me. I loved the characters in this book, especially Layla. She is fiesty, fiery, strong and independent. As I have come to expect, Via Mari took me for a ride from the first to last page. There is passion, intrigue and action throughout the storyline without being “over the top.” I feel like each one of my reviews for Via Mari are so similar. She crafts great plots with strong sexy characters.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Felicia Bates

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Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was drawn to Dark Moon Secrets because I LOVED the cover art and I was excited at the potential of getting hooked on a new series. I have never read Lilliana Rose before but I wasn’t disappointed by their writing style. I always appreciate when stories are told by alternating or multiple perspectives so that was a selling point for this book as well. I love all thing witches and was really excited to see Lilliana’s perspective in the paranormal romance. I really enjoyed Tanjie and the character growth throughout the storyline.
I look forward to more from this author!

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Felicia Bates

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Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Life isn’t a moral vacuum and life is not meaningless.’ She peered down her nose at Andrea and added, ‘it’s okay if some
things are a mystery.’

Encounters with Old Coyote was a very well written short read that had far too many “oh, that’s good” quotes for me to count. We follow our main character after death, a plot that I can’t recall ever really reading in the past in this capacity anyway.
The characters are enjoyable with a lot of insight and depth. I loved listening to each story within the story, especially those like her brother vomiting, the casual “huh, why did I just say that” type of story.

If you’re looking for a short, unique and thought provoking read, Laura Koerber created it here.

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Felicia Bates

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wayward
Via Mari has a talent for crafting hot and steamy chemistry between characters with strong storylines. I used to have a preconceived notion that if a book was sexy it couldn’t have substance too, Via Mari shatters that misconception with each book I read.
I have to say I loved Wayward and it may have been my favorite Via Mari book thus far. I look forward to seeing what more is to come.

Undercover
How I could go from never reading a particular Author to becoming hooked on multiple series at once is beyond me, but Via Mari has me completely hooked.
With likable characters and intense passion, each book I read by this author impresses me through and through. I had a preconceived notion that steamy romances meant the storyline wouldn’t have depth or substance. Via Mari has shown me this couldn’t be further from the truth. Undercover has twists and turns that kept me interested from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more from Via Mari, as usual.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Felicia Bates

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Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This isn’t my first read by Susan Specht Oram and likely not the last. I really enjoyed Secrets at the Cafe from the very beginning. The opening chapter already evokes emotion and engagement from the very start and the writing kept my attention. I read so many stories written in multiple perspectives I really enjoyed the first person narrative. This author has a talent for writing really great female heroines and this book was no exception. I would definitely recommend Secrets at the Cafe.

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Felicia Bates

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Almost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love RomanceAlmost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love Romance by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Almost and Forever is a story about love, loss and hope. I felt absolutely every kind of emotion as I read this story. I had the giddy, “this is the cutest ever” feelings, the chills and the tears. The first couple chapters had me completely invested, needing to read on, looking forward to bedtime to get a couple more chapters in! The characters in this book are the type that you want all the best in the world for, the type so well written you feel like you know them personally. If you want a story that will evoke raw emotion and leave you thinking about it long after it’s finished, Almost and Forever is definitely worth a try!

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Felicia Bates

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Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I lost my mom to cancer a little over a year ago and Finding Your Heart is the exact type of gift she would have given a journal lover like me. I stumbled across this at the perfect time. I loved the artwork on each and every page and thoughtfully selected quotes throughout. My favorite were the pages that encouraged coloring as this is one of my best stress relieving techniques. If you’re looking for something to remind you of the little glimmers that life has to offer in a world of triggers, Finding Your Heart is a great choice.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Felicia Bates

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Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dumpster Dying is a mystery that drew me in originally by it’s cover art. It did not take long before I was pulled into the storyline by the author’s style of writing and enjoyable main character. I really enjoyed the wit and quirky nature of Birdie and the dynamics of her relationships. This book was fun and easy to read with rich imagery, I could imagine being in Birdie’s collection filled home and her fear of losing what comes with it. There was a good balance of action and light hearted humor throughout the book and it made for a great weekend read. I look forward to hopefully reading more from this author in the near future.

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Felicia Bates

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Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I chose Woman Unbroken for the cover art. Don’t get me wrong, the synopsis was absolutely intriguing as well. This was one of those novels that draws you in instantly with vivid storytelling and really captivating characters. It was not far into the book before I was really rooting for our main character and cared about her as if she were someone I knew personally. This was a book with a lot of depth and emotion, one that definitely took me for a ride. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Felicia Bates

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Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr. Wimp is not only an easy to read novella, but the start to the Human Mating book series. I really enjoyed this read from start to finish. Bella was a relatable character, looking for a new start and maybe a good “book boyfriend”. The writing was light and fun all while being realistic. I wasn’t expecting such a short read to leave me needing more the way this book did but I really look forward to more from this author.

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Felicia Bates

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ignite My Heart is part of Alicia Street’s North Fork series. While it is not the first book in the series, it’s the first book I’ve read by this author and it read well as a stand-alone. I liked that this book was on the shorter side for a novel but never felt rushed. The characters were really well written and enjoyable, the kind that you root for and feel could be friends of yours in reality. The fact that this story flowed so well with strong characters sparked an interest in what more this author or series has to offer. I look forward to reading more of the North Fork series.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Felicia Bates

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of all things Christmas, romantic movies and books alike. There is something childlike and magical about Christmas cheer that I love holding onto even as a grown adult. I loved Chasing Cheer and felt like it embodied everything I want from a holiday romcom. A story that literally involves collecting cheer with great characters, fun storyline and smooth writing. I loved the glimmer of hope and magic throughout the storyline, especially as the story neared it’s end. I look forward to reading more from this author!

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Felicia Bates

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Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love and Stilettos caught my attention by the gorgeous cover art and I was pleasantly surprised by the speed in which I fell in love with the writing. I love books that have names or titles of each chapter, so I was really excited to see this story featured that. Many romance novels that I’ve read have duel perspectives and alternate between the main male and female but I really liked that this story was told entirely from Mia’s perspective. As if the small details I’ve already listed weren’t reason enough to give this novel a chance, the characters were warm, kind and relatable. I felt like they were my friends from the very first page!

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Felicia Bates

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Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Tarot and Oracle cards and get so excited over a new opportunity to read about Tarot. I was excited to stumble across Conversations with Tarot and loved the unique format of the book. So many books start with the Fool’s journey and I loved that this book started with the Ace of Wands the and urge for new beginnings for the author. The poem introduction for each card was very well written and the insights were personal yet educational. I think the two of cups was my favorite but perhaps that’s my own personal attachment to the card.. I really felt like I was talking Tarot with a close friend and it was so much more exciting than a wordy text. It’s difficult to write a review on such a unique type of book but I will definitely be adding a paperback copy to my Tarot shelves!

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