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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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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom by Gabrielle Lee

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is an easy-to-follow story about two young friends and a mermaid. It was nice to see how parts of the story involve science. While the story is easy to follow, I found it a bit choppy in parts and not flowing easily for me. I love how it explains science in an easy to learn way for kids. Mai and her friends give young readers a great science lessons with this adventure.

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson by Gabrielle Lee

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The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun and entertaining book for those that are just starting out with chapter books. The plot is fast moving and easy to follow. It has likeable and relatable characters that children will enjoy. It pokes fun at elementary school cafeteria food and has two young children coming to the aid of a feisty librarian who is more than what she pretends to be. This book gives readers an exciting adventure for young readers and those that are young at heart.

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers, #1)Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Angelina’s life changes in one moment. When Salvatore and Luca come into her life Angelina must decide where her future will take her. Not only does her life depend on it but all human life does.

This is an interesting take on the vampire world. It brings vampires and angels together. As the hybrids fight against demons they also search for their mate. Now that Salvatore and Lucas have found Angelina, they work to show her what they could have and what it means. While I thought the plot of this book was an interesting one, I did not connect with the characters. Although this book is not a favorite of mine the story moves at a good pace and has some interesting supporting characters.

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The Mind-Reading Hat( Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom

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The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another cute read in this series. This story seemed a bit quicker than the previous one, but it is still entertaining. It is an easy-to-read book, and the story is easy to follow as well. Once again on his unbirthday Caspian goes on an adventure. This time he is given two gifts and uses them to unravel another mystery. While this new adventure for Caspian was fun it did not seem to pull the reader in to the story as much and was quickly over, but young readers will enjoy this fun story that has Caspian thinking and learning as he enjoys his newest adventure.

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cute story about a dog that gets a visit from a mischievous cat. Each new visit brings a new adventure. These new adventures always seem to end badly for Toby, but this does not deter him from having a new one each time the cat tempts him.

This is an easy chapter read for kids. It is easy to follow and entertaining. The story moves along quickly, and each new chapter is a new adventure. The dog is a cute character, and it was enjoyable to see his emotions and thoughts. Although this is an entraining story, I feel that the character of the cat was a bit too nasty, especially when you have young minds that soak everything up.

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The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells

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The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance, #3)The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Juliet and Ten are in a bind and when Ten decides to take a chance at underground fighting their paths cross with Gage. One split decision from Gage turns their lives upside down. Soon the three have the wrong men interested in them. Can Gage find a way to help Juliet and Ten or will the bad guys get to them first?

While I found the storyline of this book an interesting one, I did not fall for the characters. Their story pulls you in at the start, but I quickly found the character development lacking for me. The characters are continually confused which I understand is a major part of the storyline, but it soon becomes annoying. The story keeps changing the direction of the romance and I did not like the build up of the story being a threesome and also highlighting the chemistry between the two men only to go in a completely different direction. In the end I was confused at the direction the romance went after the big buildup and attention paid earlier in the book to the connections between certain characters. The plot moves along at a good pace but ends abruptly and surprisingly for me.

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The Know it all Pencil by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand)The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick and easy book for little ones. Caspian receives a special pencil and paper from his grandpa. These special items take Caspian on a special adventure. One word begins the fun and soon he is finding and trading items. The story is easy to follow and very descriptive. It is an interesting story that keeps the young readers entertained and eager to see what happens next with each new item that Caspian gets and when this adventure is over it brings readers back to a point where Caspian is ready for another adventure to begin.

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo Series) by Calla Zae – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo, #4)An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Vanessa is trying to live her life for herself and leave her painful past behind her. Yet it seems the past does not want to leave. As Vanessa begins to settle into her new life a storm comes to both the planet and Vanessa herself. For Vanessa, Arkon is a bright spot in all the chaos. Can he be the one to banish the past for her?

Vanessa and Arkon’s story is an interesting read. The two work well together and make a nice couple. They each have their own demons to deal with and find that by working together love has a better chance. Their story is a fast paced one that revolves around emotions. While this book immerses the reader in a fantasy world, I felt that there was a lot of constant describing of the details that pulled me out of the story. The romance between the two is good but I did not feel connected to the characters. While this may not be a perfect book for me it does a good job of moving the story arc along and keeps the reader interested.

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Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl – Review by Gabrielle Lee

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lily has lived her life under the cruel rule of the wolf pack and its King. Her life changes the moment the wolves take notice of her. Their cruelty brings everything to the forefront and soon her life is thrown into chaos when she crosses paths with the prince of the pack.

Claiming my mate is just the beginning of Lily’s tale. Wrapped up alongside Lily’s adventure are the threads of many other sub plots. Readers not only get a romance but also the threat against the hierarchy and the court intrigue. I enjoyed watching the way Lily begins to blossom and find her place with her mate’s support. While each of the characters have strong personalities, I did not find myself connecting with them enough to get lost in their story. The plot is good, but I found the characters to be one dimensional and did not feel the emotions through out this story. Although this may not be my favorite book the author has woven an interesting tale in this first book of the series, and I am interested enough to see what happens to the characters.

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