Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highly recommend this outstanding book, which masterfully weaves exciting adventures with essential lessons on self-belief. Gadrella’s journey from self-doubt to bravery and strength is profoundly inspiring. The writing style is clear and descriptive, drawing readers into the world of the characters. This engaging and uplifting book is sure to captivate young audiences
Cam Creates a Hero by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cam creates a hero by Dagmara Sitek and illustrated by Lau Frank. This is a childrens book about kids in a foster home who hear about a kid being hurt by her step mom. Cam wants to do something about it so he creates a robot that is meant to help protect. Upon it not working he gets upset. This book will show you the art of story telling and how the power it can have in healing. With beautiful illustrations we get to see all the children and have a very beautiful visualization through the art work. This is a great story to tell your children and grandchildren along with generations yet to come. it shows them the importance of story telling and its healing power through words and art.
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have never been much of a true crime reader, but Mr. Lucky was a fantastic introduction into the genre! At first I had a hard time keeping everything together and straight in my head, so much so that I almost gave up on it, but I pushed through and I am glad I did! Details and voice guided the story along and kept the reader engaged. This was an intense and gripping tale, and each character was well introduced to the reader. The only thing I wish about this book is that it hadn’t been such a slow start, but definitely worth the read in the end! I’ll be looking out for the second book 🙂
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In ‘Mr. Lucky’, Lee Wood weaves a gripping tale of chance, destiny, and deception, filled with surprising plot revelations and complex character dynamics that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing and invested in the characters’ lives until the very end.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Inserts a round of finger snaps.
This story was the ultimate wild card – I thought I had it pegged, but oh no, it was so much more than that! The characters were all kinds of awesome, each one more unique than the last. Sinister you took unpredictability to a whole new level. Now I’m obsessed, and I need more of these characters in my life, stat – like, it’s a necessity!
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a powerful tool that empowers children to make wise decisions, using captivating illustrations and relatable scenarios to inspire young minds. Buddy, the lovable blue corgi, embarks on a journey with readers, illuminating the impact of their choices and fostering a deeper understanding of moral values.
Back in the ring by Brooke May is the 4th book in the Predators Series, and another that I could just NOT put down. Noah and Bijou are the main characters in this story, and gives us an amazing second chance love that will leave you in awe. Both have lost someone so close them and left to raise children alone. Noah moves to Phillips Creek to get away from the media and Bijou has lived in Phillips Creek her whole life. Both feel the spark and months into their relationship the media finds Noah. This brings up so much for Noah but Bijou wants to stand by her man no matter what.
This book truly had to be my favorite in the series so far, I love the single parents coming together after such a loss. Every time I pick up a Brooke May book, I don’t want to put it down. Instantly I am taking in by the characters and the writing style. Well done again!
El Diablo: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! El Diablo is a powerful reminder that, despite facing dark times, one can still achieve their goals. The strong female protagonist was an inspiration and I related deeply to the close-knit family dynamics portrayed in the story. The ending is absolutely unpredictable and I LOVE that.
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This children’s book was so much more than just a family taking their cats to the vet! The author really took you along on what felt like a real and informative adventure to the vet’s office. It’s a great, realistic read for children and adults who may have concerns for their pets. It also leaves you with helpful information on caring for our purr friends.
I found the illustrations very cute, and I enjoyed looking around at each page.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This children’s book was a delightful and uplifting read that encourages young readers to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence. It teaches valuable lessons on forgiveness, bravery, and the importance of community, while emphasizing God’s presence and support. Warm and vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, featuring a diverse cast of characters. A gem of a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers!
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re looking for a book that will consume your every waking thought, then look no further! The synopsis barely scratches the surface of what this book has to offer. The author has crafted a truly immersive experience with characters that leap off the page and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly – it’s a true masterpiece that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
This children’s book was a delightful and uplifting read that encourages young readers to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence. It teaches valuable lessons on forgiveness, bravery, and the importance of community, while emphasizing God’s presence and support. Warm and vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, featuring a diverse cast of characters. A gem of a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute who done it mystery finding the murder of a close friend’s brother to Emma. Emma and Jeremy go under cover. Posing as Emma’s friend Peggy, she enlists the help of all her friends and some family to catch a Killer/ con artist. Along the way they are surprised with more twists and who done-its that will leave you guessing who the real killer is.
Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am normally a historical fiction girl, but I’m slowly loving the whole rom com, slow burn kind of book like this one.
Tyler is a music manager and Cary is the biggest rockstar on the planet. He’s a confirmed bachelor that is set in his ways, she refuses to date musicians ever again. Then their relationship evolves, but Tyler is weary… is she falling for Cary the person, or Cary the rockstar?
While this was well written, it was slightly predictable. But very, very worth the read!
Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that I mostly loved because I just love historical romance novels. This is a sweet story about Mariella, an Italian with a huge family, falling in love with an American soldier during World War II. She’s lost so much already, and so when he goes back to America and writes about his engagement, she assumes she’s lost him, but fate has other plans for both of them.
While it was a very sweet love story that had a lot of stakes involved, I also loved how they showed the humanity of both Jack and Mariella and where they both seemed to want the both for themselves, their families and their countries and also showing the hell that war is for everyone involved, no matter whether they’re on the front lines or not.
I was so glad this book had a sequel!
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars for a novel that made me laugh, smile and even tear up a little.
This book surprised me, because I was expecting a happily ever after with this book and it actually was one, just not the one I expected.
All Kate wants is to end the life she’s leading and all Lydia wants is to begin a new one. Best friends for decades, they are now two middle aged women at crossroads that neither one of them expected to be at. One divorced, one a widow, both with doubts about their past, present and future. When they were in their early twenties, they took an around the world tour and now they’re doing it again. Kate needs to figure her life out; Lydia wants romance. Neither one actually expects to get what they want, but they both do – in unexpected and really delightful ways.
Texas Winds by Dana Winds is a wonderfully written heartfelt book about second chances at love. Alexa “Lexi” left at the alter by a man that she wasn’t even to sure she even loved. Jake, burned terribly by his high school sweetheart wife, meet by chance with a blown tire and feral hog. Now she is stuck and Jake has become her saving grace in more ways than one. Then she meets Katie, Jakes daughter and she is taken with her as well. Both have been hurt and when Jakes past comes around again, they both need to figure out what they want and If that includes a future together.
This book simply was an amazing read set in the Hills country of Texas. The author gave us amazing characters that readers can really understand and picture as they read. The ranch, simply beautiful, and I could close my eyes and just see it. This book gives you love, loss, heartbreak, and growth. I highly recommend this book!
Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by María Elena Alonso-Sierra brings us Elena who has been invited to dance at the Terpsichore Ballet by the founder Derek Michaels. She knows that this would be amazing for her career as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Black Rhapsody is an unfinished ballet by a great choreographer. Little does anyone know that Elena has a secret and a connection to Black Rhapsody and her coming to New York is going to start a chain of events that no one is ready for!
I loved this book; I can go as far as to stay this is in the top 10 for me this year. This book had it all. Mystery, secrets, and romance. Everything there is to love in a good book and add in the Ballet and its PERFECT!!! I think the author brought so much to the book. The world that she created with amazing characters, the ballet, and everything in between truly makes this an amazing read!
Texas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more books by her. I read on my kindle and took it everywhere with me until I finished it.
Alex’s fiance left her standing at the alter and then he texted her Mom to say that he wouldn’t be at the wedding. She left town for a vacation and headed to a cabin that her brother got for her.
Jake’s wife Mary passed away four years ago. She had an accident and died from her injuries and he never told his family or friends that his wife had asked him for a divorce. He didn’t even know she was pregnant until they told him at the hospital.
Can Alex or Jake survive their past and find true love or will they each go on the way they have been. Read the story and see. I think you will fall in love with the characters in this book as much as I did.
Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last.
Meg and Ryan have been neighbors and friends for a long time, some people thought they meant more to each other. But they were opposites in a lot of ways. Meg chattered all the time and Ryan was quite. Meg was about the here and now while Ryan planned everything.
I really enjoyed reading about them and I guess my favorite character in the book was Hank. He was Ryan’s grandfather and since Meg had been around so much he was like her grandfather too.
Check out the story I think you will enjoy and if you have never read this author before, I hope you will give her a try.
Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dylan wants to be a Detective so he joins Young Sleuths. He Has a Detective kit and everything. His Assistants are his sister Emily and his dog Theodore. They show up for ball practice to find someone has stolen home plate and all the bases. Dylan and his Assistants go in search of whoever stole them. Hoping to get the bases back and solve mystery
Before You Say I Do by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have never read a book by this author but after reading this book I will look for more books by her. Since I am a Senior I prefer to read books that have some sex but not very explicit sex. However, I did enjoy this book.
I especially liked the characters and the story line. I hope to find a Liam Cross one day but maybe an older version because I think he may be too much for this old gal to handle.
But seriously, I did enjoy reading this book and will look for other books from her.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a short story that progresses quickly but it is a really good story. It did leave me with a lot of questions and wanting more. The writer did a great job capturing my attention and since it was a short read I was able to read it quickly. I hope to see a continuation of the story and with more information about the main character and the underground.
Cutter: Devils Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti is a good yet different kind of read. As my first Daddy romance, I have to say I liked it. I love MC books so all this together made a fun read for me that I did not want to put down.
Emily and Cutter have a past from her rookie days and now Emily really needs his help when The Sons of Chaos are running drugs and people. She needs to get the intel and infiltrate the MC. Working with Cutter could prove hard as she has such an attraction to him and wild fantasies. Cutter was deemed trouble a long time ago, so sitting in the station again is not an issue, but when Emily walks in, the rookie who he still dreams of, he is floored. But this all can work in his favor!!!
I found that this book has the BDSM, the MC, the daddy romance…..A mix of so many worlds in ONE book. Well-developed characters and a story line that held my interest from beginning to end.
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a wonderful way to round out this duet series! The flow of the stories works very well, especially since, like in the first duet, the females are friends! These stories are the perfect way to round out this 3 duet series and I can’t wait to see more from Via Mari!
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was pretty fast paced. I liked the element of a mystery that developed and gave answers fairly fast. The main character had flaws that were acknowledged and talked about rather than being ignored. I respect the writer more for adding something many people face in real life while adding fantasy too.
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and let me tell you I’m a huge fan. This is the second book to the very addictive sinful duets. I love a good romance story but getting two is amazing. I was able to put this book down until I finished with both couples. I could not help loving all the characters inside this book. I also love that she wrote both characters pov. I can’t wait to see who she writes about next.
Damian got an assignment that he thought should have been easy. All he has to do is get the girl back safe and sound. When he looks into Bryanna’s eyes he feels something he has never felt before. He needs to protect her at all costs. Damian will do anything to protect but will he be too late?
Dereck is put into a job to help his friends out. He is to guard the beautiful dancer Layla. Dereck was just going to make this the everyday job but Layla is something he craves. He loves her strong will and she is sassy. Dereck will do anything to keep her safe but will her secrets get them both into trouble they can’t get out of?
review by @heatherbass
The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read the previous books in this enjoyable series I was looking forward to this third book and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story, however the characters do crossover and I love being able to ‘catch up’ with past characters. David O’ Connell has returned to Port Townsend for his sister Teresa’s wedding having spent four years as a surgeon in Africa. His family are concerned about him as he used to be cheerful and outgoing but is now subdued and secretive. He won’t even talk about his time in Africa or his fiancée Sylvia. When David and family friend actress Maddie meet they have instant chemistry, but once his fiancée arrives for Christmas David is soon busy appeasing her. Maddie realises she needs to move on and so when she meets her co-star and local heartthrob Kilo she is soon swayed by his charm. Maddie and David know they could be good together if given the chance, but there are so many obstacles between them, and why do David’s colleagues in Africa call him “the magic man”. As usual the characters and setting are brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel fully immersed in the storyline.
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable and action packed contemporary romance which can be read as a standalone story. Lead guitarist for Canis Major, Curtis Bisset is a rock legend in the making and enjoys the lavish lifestyle that goes with it. Having witnessed a chilling crime and with a dangerous Mob boss after him he is forced to flee New York. For his safety Curtis needs protection and Lina Cheung, who used to work for the Army’s Intelligence Unit is the women for the job. It’s been two years since Lina worked as security for the band but she finds that their connection is still there. However, like last time Lina is determined to keep her emotions under control, but unknown to Lina her unrequited love is not just one sided. Curtis is thrilled to see Lina again and this time he’s not going to let thoughts that he’s not good enough for her, stop him from proving he’s the right man for her. As they travel around the world staying ahead of those that are after them Lina is concerned her feelings for Curtis will compromise her mission of keeping him safe, and must choose between duty and desire. The chemistry between Lina and Curtis really sizzled off the page and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story. The storyline had me hooked from page one and the action packed plot kept me gripped until the last page. Both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative. This was a real page turner, which I recommend reading.
Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging enemies to lovers romantic suspense thriller, which had me hooked throughout. When Regan Christenson and her daughter are threatened she turns to former Navy SEAL Pavlo Barislov, even though he annoys her. Pavlo finds Regan just as annoying but does not hesitate to protect her especially as the danger increases, but thankfully Pavlo has a relationship with Shadow Defense Security. The couple find themselves in an unexpected minefield full of deceit and treachery, and Pavlo starts to doubt whether he can keep them all alive. What neither of them expected was the sizzling chemistry and growing connection between them. This was an action packed story with great characters, and a slow-burn romance at the heart of the storyline. The plot twists kept me gripped and I found this book to be a real page turner. It can be read as a standalone story, and there are no cliffhangers.
