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Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Gabrielle

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Afflicted LoveAfflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two young boys who had nothing but each other growing up. As they grow so do their feelings but one-night changes it all. Kyle and Lyle have no idea what to do about the emotions that they have been denying since they were young. Now that a tragedy brings them together again will they stop ignoring what they truly feel?

Their story is an interesting and painfilled story. Both men must learn to deal with their feelings and find a way to happiness. This is an emotional read and will pull on your heart at times. While I found the plot to be compelling, I found that I did not connect with the characters. I had a hard time liking Lyle, while I understand his actions, he is not very likeable in this book. As this is the first in the series, I hope that he becomes the man that we see glimpses of in this book.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute retelling of the little red riding hood story. Red is off to see her grandma and bring her some flowers. Along the way she meets the wolf and the mischief begins. The wolf helps Red but is he really helping her or does he have a nefarious plan in the works?
Young readers will enjoy this quick read. It is easy to follow and understand. The story is fun and exciting. Red learns to look for the truth and figure out a mystery. A little more information and details would make this book better. It was nice to see a strong young character who is smart and inquisitive. This story moves at a fast pace and feels rushed at times. The words and pictures go together well and the pictures are just as important to this story as the narrative is. All in all this is a good way to get children excited and interested in science and nature,

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Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Gabrielle

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Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #2)Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watcher and messenger two beings from opposite sides that are always supposed to be enemies. Yet Jace and Cyrus feel a pull like no other and face the worst imaginable if they act upon it. love is not ready to be denied. The two are forced apart and their bond is put to the test and when one thinks the other is dead all bets are off.

This book continues to bring the reader into the imaginative world of the paranormal. No matter what side they are on Jace and Cyrus are good together. The two work hard to find their way and they will fight to keep their love. Emotions are strong in this book and it will pull on your heart. Their story is fast paced and there is a lot going on. I enjoyed seeing the two stand up and fight for what they want. The love between the two shines through in everything that they do. Both of these characters endeared themselves to this reader and I was quickly pulled into their story. This is an interesting take on the story of Romeo and Juliet. The author has created an engaging world with interesting characters and I am eager to see what will happen next.

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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Gabrielle

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Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an engaging collection of short stories. Each story gives you a glimpse into a world where you should listen to your other senses. Some will have you sleeping with the lights and others will have you looking warily at your surroundings. The author does a good job with these nine stories. Each one is fresh and keeps your attention. As with most collections there were those that stood out more than others but as a whole this collection is a nice read. If you are looking for a little excitement to your reading these stories may bring a bit of horror to your library.

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Gabrielle

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Frank is a doctor who is tired of making pretty women even prettier and he longs to make a difference. When he sees a chance, he takes it and transfers to a burn unit where he knows he can make a difference. A chance meeting with Barbara has the doctor making assumptions and insulting her. Once Frank learns the truth can he make amends and help Barbara or has he gone too far already?

Barbara and Frank’s story is an amusing one. The two are good together and it was nice to see the way their relationship grows into something more. There is good banter between the wo and I liked that Barbara is a strong woman that can hold her own. The author does a nice job with the chemistry between these two but I found it hard to connect with this couple. Their story was ok but the characters did not pull me into their lives.

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God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Gabrielle

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This is an interesting tale of the Greek god Hephaestus. I am an avid fan of Greek mythology and was excited to see a retelling of the life of Hephaestus. This story is told from the viewpoint of the god himself. The author takes liberties and reimagines the stories as their own. This tale is about many of the high and low points in his life. The author gives the listener more of a personal take on the gods and goddesses and not the exact stories from Greek Mythology. I was not a fan of all the shortening of the gods’ names as they spoke to and about each other. If you enjoy Greek mythology, you will recognize many of the things that happen and the characters in this book. Narrator Christopher Swift speaks clearly and keeps the narrative flowing.

Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Gabrielle

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Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 6)Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the vampires search for the traitor to their kind, Master Calabrea is paired to work with Tansia; a human. The two share an attraction right from the start but fight hard to ignore it. Soon the two find that not all is what they think. Tansia and Calabrea cannot ignore what is between them forever. When danger comes for Tansia will Master Calabrea be there for her?

This is an interesting story that gives readers another look into the paranormal world that this author has created. Be aware that it is book six in this series and does end on a cliffhanger. I liked that Tansia is a strong woman who can hold her own and she is a good match for Calabarea. The two work hard at what they have and when evil comes to interfere Calabrea must make a choice about his emotions and Tansia. I enjoyed seeing the relationship build between these two as the worked together to defeat the evil that threatens them all. The author does a nice job of mixing the romance and action together giving readers a nice addition to this series.

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Emissary (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Gabrielle

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Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet)Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting take on the world of demons and angels. Kai is an angel of death and he has been trained from birth to kill. He has been taught that demons are evil and do not have emotions but that all changes when he meets Byron. The young demon shows Kai how wrong everything he has been taught is. When Kai is assigned to kill Byron, he begins to question things and lies begin to unravel as Kai and Byron fight to survive.
I enjoyed meeting Kai and Byron. The two are good together and their story pulled me in right from the start. The two quickly endeared themselves to this reader. Kai has gone through a lot in his life and he is surviving but the pain has left its mark. Byron is a young man who sees the good in Kai and trusts him to keep them safe. It was nice to watch their relationship take shape as the two work to figure out why Byron has been targeted. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship and interactions of Byron and his family. Their story moves at a good pace and I was immersed in the world and characters that the author has created.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a different take on the original Hansel and Gretel fairytale. In this story the brother and sister are on a picnic and get lost. When they come upon a gingerbread house the old lady makes them help her repair the damage that the animals have done to her house.

This is a quick easy read that will keep youngsters engaged. It helps to teach children to make up their own minds and find ways to solve problems without giving up. While this was an interesting story, I would have liked to see more to it. The ending is left open so this is a nice way to get children thinking and imagining. The children in the story are curious and smart making this an easy story to engage little ones with questions and have them give ideas.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice book that teaches children about the life of a butterfly. It explains the different stages in the life of a butterfly and its migration pattern. The story is simple and easy to follow and explains each new phase in a way that keeps the attention of young children. They get to understand and enjoy facts about a beautiful insect. I also liked the science facts that are listed after the story giving the young readers more information about the butterfly while still making it interesting.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Gabrielle

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Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cute story for the little ones. It is about a young piglet who can’t wait to get to big kid school and the surprises that await her. This is a quick story that little ones will enjoy especially those in preschool. The little piglet has interactions with family and friends learning how to wait and being curious about what will happen at her new school. Little ones can relate to the piglet and it is written in a way that entertains and explains easily to them, making this a fun and entertaining read for preschoolers.

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Gabrielle

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Seal Team XII series. It can be read as a stand alone but you would enjoy it more if you read the earlier books. Each of the books in this series give readers a story of each Seal finding love. This story is about the Seal named Cutter. He is a man who enjoys life and women but his latest date leaves him dismayed and doing some inner perspective. A chance meeting with beautiful dancer named Zarifah changes the direction his life is going in and soon he finds himself doing what he swore he never would do again. Their story is a fast paced one that contains not only romance but action as well. The pace is quick and the plotline was interesting but I would have enjoyed more of a storyline. The characters needed a bit more depth for me to connect with them. I do like seeing the camaraderie between all the men on the seal team. It is nice to see how they all enjoy being together and work well not only as a team but as friends.

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Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice book that shows young children that bees are not something to be afraid of and that they will help your garden grow. Young Loretta finds out a lot about bees and how they help to pollenate the plants in the garden. She learns about how the bees grow in the different seasons and what the bees nest look like. Nice to see the way the parents show and teach Loretta about bees, she is able to learn as she is encouraged to be curious and to enjoy nature. It was also nice to see a section at the end of the book showing children how they can make nests for the bees themselves. It is an easy step by step guide with pictures.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Gabrielle

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short prequel to the series about the second generation of the Hawke family. In it we meet two strong personalities. The attraction that the two have is off the charts but each one is hiding their own secrets. They agree to only one night together no real names and no information so there is not a lot of character development. The two burn up the sheets and emotions begin to become a problem, especially for “Jack”. She cannot let her heart lead her astray even for this one man who could be the world for her. As hot as this story is I am sorry to say that these characters did not pull me in. I need a little more depth to the characters to want to see what happens to them next. This story is mostly about their sexual connection and the need to keep everything secret but I think that if you are a big fan of the Hawke family series this might have you eager to see what happens to these characters from the second generation.

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Caspian and his cousin are enjoying a fun breakfast with their grandfather and when he uses his magic wand his cousin insist on getting one of her own. As the three enjoy their breakfast and the wands when something starts to happen and the shaking starts. This is a quick read and shows how the three are able to help each other using their own wands. It is a nice way to show communication and how to help others. The only part that I did not like was the way the cousin demands her own wand at the start of the book and she is given it. Otherwise, this is a nice story to show young children how easy it is to help others.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice story that shows young ones that they can make a difference in the world. Amaleigha is a strong girl who wants to help those that need it. When she realizes the lack of books for the students and their families that speak other languages at her school and neighborhood Amaleigha decides to do something about it. It was nice to see a book about a someone so young doing something for their neighborhood, giving children someone that they can relate to and showing that they can make a difference as well no matter what their age. I liked seeing the multiple languages in the book as well as the instructions in the back on how to do this in your own neighborhood.

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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Gabrielle

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The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One mistake brings Dorian and Augustine together but will all the lied tear them apart? What about their wives? How will the two men find a way to deal with the attraction that they have and still have the love that they cherish with their wives?

Augustine and Dorian’s journey is an interesting one. The two men find themselves in a place where they must really look deep into themselves and find the courage to either fight for what they want or let it go. I am sorry to say but this story was missing something for me. I did not really connect with any of the characters and their story did not pull me in. There are a lot of emotions on the page but I did not feel them. This story moves at a good pace and even though it is not a favorite of mine it was interesting to see how their journey would unfold.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story to share with loved ones, especially young ones. This is a nice book to read to your children to enjoy quiet and quality time. A nice way to instill love and to show our children how special that they are. There are nice illustrations to go with the thoughtful words. I enjoyed this quick read and will be sharing it with anyone who has little ones.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

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Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Almost everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving but Albert the turkey hopes that he is not one of the turkey’s that get eaten. When a family picks him out to buy, he tries to communicate with the family and not be their dinner. As the family tries to figure out what they plan to do with Albert he tries to find a way to get them to understand his wishes. This is an interesting way to introduce some dialogue to children about animal welfare and the different things that people eat. It does not push any agenda, but I would find it hard to explain how the turkey that this family is buying turns into dinner to young readers. That may be going a little deep bit there are children who will ask these kinds of questions. It was nice to see how the story involves the whole family making the decision.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Gabrielle

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Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short story about being careful about what you do in life. It will have you thinking hard about your decisions and how they can affect your future. Ivy and Falcon are a loving couple until one day they are not. Distrust leads to anger which leads to pain. The couple made and makes mistakes and in the end, we find out how one wrong choice can change everything. This paranormal story is fast paced thriller that grabs your attention.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Gabrielle

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Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun and interesting story. Two young sisters eager to know what their cat is up to in the night attach a camera to his collar. They imagine many scenarios about the woods and the inhabitants, and the sisters are surprised by what they find. This book is a cute and fast read with nice illustrations. I like that there are some activities included at the end as well as some ideas to help foster conversation and thoughts with the little ones.

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Gabrielle

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a quick read about finding love in the last place you would look for it. Pippa has left an abusive relationship to start over. She takes a chance and lives on the edge one night but that one night will change her life forever. Diesel is the man Pippa takes a chance with and thankfully he is the kind of man you want in your life.

There is a lot of telling in this book and not enough feeling for me. I did not feel the spark between the two characters and their story came off dry for me. The story felt more like a summary instead of a novella. There was not a lot of character depth, and I did not feel pulled into their story. Along with their romance there is also some danger thrown in.

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Gabrielle

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Bob gets his first big break at the newspaper that he has just been hired at it seems that he misses the mark and must find a new job. As he is trying to figure out what he is going to do now he is approached by an elderly gentleman with a job for him, but this is no ordinary gentle man or job. Bob has found his way to a special town, a town where everyone is not what they seem.

This is a fast-paced story that keeps your attention. The author has created an interesting world full of mystical beings. It is a fun read that brings together so many different beings. Bob is a good character and watching him find his way made for a nice read. Each being has a story and I enjoyed being introduced to each one and learning some of their back stories. This is a good start to this new series. The characters are likeable, and the flow of the story is good and has you eager to return to this world to see what will happen next to Bob and this town.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Gabrielle

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Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short story is a quick and engaging read. A fun story about trying to date after a virus has hit the world. The main character is searching for a connection and hopefully with someone who is more alive than dead. We get to see the struggles they face and the hope that they have. As quick as this story is it gives readers a well-rounded story. You are pulled into the world that the author has created and I for one would love to see more.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Gabrielle

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Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story that contains some parts that are based on the mythology from the Aztec people. A young girl is born with what some believe to be a curse but there are those who understand and know the truth. As we watch Azreya grow and learn we see the strength she finds in herself. Her story is one of survival and belief. Lessons are learned and friendships made. Azreya’s life has its ups and downs as she learns to use her gifts. Those that enjoy YA and mythology will not be disappointed in this book. The story moves at a good pace and is full of adventure with a depth of characters and meaning.

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Never Is A Very Long Time (The Perfect Date Book 1) Audiobook by Donna McDonald – Review by Gabrielle

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Mariah’s ex-husband continues to bring problems to her door but this latest one comes with a new twist and his name is John. Mariah thought that her ex turned her off of men for good, but John does something to her that she cannot deny.

Mariah and John’s story is a fast-paced story. It is very sweet and charming. It was nice to see not only the main character as a strong woman but many of the supporting females were as well. Love gets a second chance to bloom, and listeners are along for the ride. This story is also full of supporting quirky female characters that will pull you in and leave you interested in finding out more about them.

Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It seems love will find you no matter what and never when you expect it. Bella is in need of a safe place, and it turns out that Levi’s ranch is the safest place for her to be. Bella and Levi are like oil and water; never to mix yet there is a spark that ignites between the two and the longer they are together the more it grows. When everything starts to unravel, and the evil finds them, what will happen when secrets are revealed?

This is a sweet story about trust and love. Levi and Bella make a cute couple. There is much more to each of them than what they show the world. As the two begin to see each other’s true selves’ emotions come into play. The two work well together and it was nice to see how Bella understands Levi and what he is going through. Alongside their relationship we also got to see the family connections and the closeness of the brothers and just what they will do for each other. This story has some nice character and plot development. The closeness and the banter of the brothers adds to the story and has me interested in seeing what comes next for this family.

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a sweet romance about finding love when you least expect it. In one heroic move Sol saves lives but loses his ability to keep being a firefighter. He soon finds himself in downward spiral, but Ember is not willing to give up on man she admires. Ember has always looked up to Sol but when she gets to work with the man, she soon begins to feel much more than just admiration. Can Ember save Sol from himself before it is too late?
Their story is a quick and predictable one. If you enjoy Harlequin type romance books than this one is for you. While Sol may have lost his purpose since getting injured Ember has never doubted him. As Ember tries to reach the man she knows is still there, the two must figure out the attraction that is simmering between them. While the storyline was interesting, I did not connect with the characters. I felt that there was not enough depth to them and some of the plot just really seemed like filler and unnecessary. I would have liked to have seen the story fleshed out a bit more, as it stands the story felt a bit rushed to me. I was happy to see the importance put on therapy and help for those needing it, but it seemed almost as if it was just added for moving the plot along. As bad as Sol was, he barely saw the therapist and after a few sessions he was pretty much cured. I know this is fiction, but it was a stretch. It was nice to see Sol and Ember find their way to a happy ever after.

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Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science, #3)The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short book that is a nice way to get younger children interested in science. Maia and Fig enjoy a visit from the mermaid Tezzie as they are playing by the waterside. Fig shows Maia how easy it is to use water and a transparent plastic container like a microscope. They learn that a simple rock can be something much more interesting. I like that at the end of the story there is a short section that explains the science behind the story and shows it in easy terms for children to understand.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the dog and his squirrel friend notice some different tracks during their latest romp through the trails. The two soon let their imagination get away with them and that leads to them fearing the unknown. When Jake’s friends come to visit, they help him figure out just what could have made the different tracks and face his fears.

This is a sweet and cute story. It helps to show that something different or something new is not something to be afraid off. The story moves at a nice pace and the characters are relatable and likeable. I like the way that is shows children that those with disabilities or those that are different in any way are nothing to be afraid off and they are the same as everyone else. It is safe to be their friends and have fun with them. Also, nice to see the dog who is different being proud and not hiding the difference. This is a nice book that helps to assure children about all these things.

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