Fighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable read. Short yet entertaining. I feel for the characters right from the beginning. I love how the author lets you inside the minds of both characters. It made this book that much harder to put down. My first book by this author but definitely not my last.
The Kidnapping by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I hadn’t heard of this author before and reading the synopsis was immediately intrigued. She did not let me down! What a page turner, I couldn’t get through Jenna’s kidnapping fast enough to see what was in store for us and if all was as it seemed. Absolutely a book that I will be ordering a physical copy for my shelves.
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really like AD’s work as you never know what you she will come up with next and when I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to get started. The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone is a fun YA supernatural tale set in the magical, musical world of New Orleans and is book one in The Emergence Duology.
It’s easy to compare the story to that of Salem and the witch trials as the women of the world suddenly find themselves able to do magic. But it’s not all doom and gloom quite the opposite as there is humour to be found.
Despite the world being in turmoil and authorities lurking sixteen-year-old Miranda finds a new family with quirky friends and an unexpected romance.
Find out for yourself what happens when Miranda finds herself singing as the opening act for a drag show.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Breathe Underwater is the collaboration of two well established and liked authors Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray. I love Anise’s stories and Taylor is a new author to me. The story is a complex second chance Mafia romance with dark elements and some deliciously hot sexy scenes that jump off the pages (insert fanning face here). The intense road to love is fraught with suspense, secrets, lies, angst and struggles. Emotions run rampant in this push pull relationship where the past of two broken souls is never far away.
Just like the road to love the story did not always flow seamlessly there were ebbs and flows and there is a lot of information in places and not in others. There are some questions I hope are answered in other books as the series progresses. This does not mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did. I love that the story is told in duel POV, it’s my favourite part of reading.
The plots and the twists are well done and I fell in love with the characters. He is dark and moody and she is full of sass and fire and together they sizzle. But can he keep her safe?
I look forward to seeing where this duo takes us next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I fell in love with this story. Miranda. She has an amazing story. The summer she hits her teen, magic starts leaking out of her hands. All of sudden, everyone including family, looks at her funny. Women are disappearing so she runs away to New Orleans. From there, the drama happens. Right from the start, it feels reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials. I found the story exciting, scary, adventurous, and interesting. Here she is 16 and off to do her own thing by necessity. I found the descriptions in the book perfect for the imagination. The characters were well-developed and just perfect for the story (unique and very quirky). A perfect YA fantasy story. I can’t wait to read the next one.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61779565-the-second-view” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659148140l/61779565._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61779565-the-second-view”>The Second View</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19719452.Leon_Stevens”>Leon Stevens</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5060150124″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The second installment of this trilogy was just as interesting as the first. Thomas and April’s adventure continues right where it left off in book one. Just as last time, they face challenges along the way, and learn that things don’t always go the way we plan. They soon learn to expect the unexpected and know that as long as they have each other, all will be well. This is my second read from this author, and just as in the first book, his world-building is wonderful and the characters are relatable. As I’m not a math/science person, I did get a little lost in some of the details of the story, but not to the point where I could not enjoy it. Looking forward to book #3!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens
The Second View is the second book in The View from Here Trilogy and is a Sci-Fi Adventure that I couldn’t put down. I highly recommend reading the first book if you haven’t already as this one picks up where book one ended. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m hooked already and truly enjoy their style of writing as it’s a bit refreshing to read especially after reading other genres. This story finds Thomas and April on yet another adventure but they will quickly learn things aren’t always as they seem and don’t always goe as planned. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I loved not knowing what was going to happen ahead and the unknown was intriguing. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a typical cat on a clear night, Lucas the Spy Cat takes off for unknown adventures. But where does he go and what does he do? The owners of Lucas decide to strap a spy camera onto his collar to see what Lucas does when he leaves the house every night. Does he meet up with his forest friends and help solve their dilemmas? Does he party every night after problems have been solved? How in the world does he get the cobwebs stuck in his whiskers and burrs in his fur? That is up to you and your child to decide on this cute book. I love the writing style of this author who inserts many open-ended questions to assist in the creativity of our youth. It allows the reader to pause and reflect on what Lucas the Spy Cat could possibly be doing and allows him to use his imagination to create a new scenario of the forest creatures and the adventures under the twinkling stars. The illustrations are lovely. The follow- up activities are a great way to help children to understand the story and to create their own adventure using their imagination. The stories that Lucas the Spy Cat sparked as I was reading it to my Granddaughter. She had quite the story about the animals in the story and how each one specifically asked Lucas for help with some problem or advice. Love this story!
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller by R Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Web of intrigue
This book has it all. The second in the series has Hunter and his crew smack-bang in the middle of a web of murder and mayhem. Again the author brings a strong plot line with amazing imagery that had me feeling every single moment. Once I finished the book I felt like I had just stepped out of the world and taken a breath. Highly recommend this book (and book 1) and I am so looking forward to reading more.
The Divine Devils by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Suspenseful thrilling crime
What a fantastic start to a series. This book had me glued with suspense, mystery, edge of seat danger, loads of action and intrigue. The writing just draws you in, and it’s almost like watching a movie. The characterisation is spot on and I was vested from the beginning. I am so looking forward to following this series.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this. Goes into Damian’s story right off the bat. It’s a page-turner. I am a sucker for second chances when it comes to relationships. Mending lost hope when it comes to relationships. This is the book!
Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute book to read. It had me laughing till I couldnt breathe. It features Hudson who is a Holm, that has the world at his feet. Having some bad PR when he decides to boot the local shelter, there are a lot of people who aren’t happy with him including the main protagonist Georgia. He tries to get through the bad PR by trying to get his cat to be an online celebrity, which is what Georgia is trying to do to save the little shelter by getting her boxer to do funny little things online. When these two meet up online sparks fly among other things! The mischief these two get into online gets hilarious. I loved reading this story and look forward to other books written by this author
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ☥
During the Great Jubilee of the Aten, a mysterious series of tomb robberies takes place, and witnesses begin to die. With plague ravaging the palace, where Hani’s daughter is a physician, and Egypt’s ally, Naharin, collapsing into the hands of a usurper, Hani must make sense of what is happening. And who in high places is his real enemy.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Scepter of Flint (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 3) by N.L. Holmes
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun. She lives in northern France with her husband, two cats and two chickens. They have a grown son.
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~ COMING SOON ~ ~ ~Three stories. One destination.
A swamp rat-turned lady, a hotshot southern attorney, and a small-town dreamer endure life’s cruel twists on the way to Hollywood’s swanky Mansfield Supper Club.
Louisiana, 1927. A brutal fate sweeps seventeen-year-old Francie Roubideaux from the Louisiana bayou to the iron rule of Miss Claire in New Orleans. She survives using her daddy’s wits and mama’s grace, but fickle fortune isn’t done with her yet….
Illinois, 1937. Rose Donovan’s dreary small-town life takes a turn when a New York City music man whisks her away to Hollywood. But soon she’s torn between addictive passion and another man’s arms…and more than Rose’s heart is on the line.
Georgia, 1936. A rising star on the Atlanta legal circuit, Beau Hartwell is the envy of every lawyer in the city…until his past desperately comes to call. Can big-city Beau handle backwoods justice, or will the case break more than his career?
In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming…
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
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A teenage runaway, New Orleans, 90s alt ballads, and emerging magical powers—this summer is shaping up to be anything but normal.
16-year-old Miranda Stone wants to be a typical teenager, but when she, and women around the globe, develop magical powers, typical flies right out the window.
Miranda, feeling like danger could be lurking, runs away to New Orleans. New friendships and a job singing as the opener for a drag show, reveal to her how fun life can be. When her friends begin to develop their own powers, and the world erupts, staying off the authorities’ radar becomes more difficult. An unforeseen romance with a young woman compounds the complications. Bittersweet, real, and humorous, this novel is an exploration of love, found family, and how the world might react to supernaturally powerful women.
Book One in The Emergence Duology
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Finding Bryce is the first book in the Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII series by Debra Parmley. It is an engrossing military romantic suspense with SEALs, drama, danger, tension, chemistry, sizzle, emotion, unexpected developments, angst, and finding love unexpectedly.
This is a short, quick, and easy read- though the story was complete, I would have liked to have read a longer, meatier version of the story… because who doesn’t want to spend a longer time between the covers with a hot and hunky SEAL? That being said, I did enjoy the book and I am looking forward to continuing the series.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Debra Parmley!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.2/5 Stars
This was my first read by the author and I enjoyed it! The characters are so likable, except Olivia’s ex husband and her mom at first. This book gave me a little dive into the cooking world. I also enjoyed how Olivia was a strong main character. She communicated what she needed without hesitation, even if it was hard or uncomfortable. This story is easy to read and dive into!
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
April and Thomas continue in this second book in The View trilogy, and pick up right where book 1 left off. As with many sci-fi stories, not everything tends to go as planned, as they continue to explore the world they have discovered. Exploring this desolate world brings to question many things. Where is everyone…what happened here…where are they…or when? I especially am drawn to the way the author builds his worlds, so vivid and full of explanation and detail. Between the mysteries left to be solved, and the humor mixed within, this book did not disappoint at all, and leaves plenty of room to expand into the next installment. Definitely grab book 1 before delving into this one, you will not be disappointed. Well done and well written!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book keeps you all in your feels throughout the whole book. There is a lot of descriptive romance in it. It has such a great story line and it makes you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. It keeps you guessing until the very end. Definitely worth every minute.
Fighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent read. It was easy to get in and it was fun reading about a sport I don’t know much about. But who doesn’t love a muscular tatted man with a mysterious past?
This story follows Chance and Kendall. Chance is a tatted MMA fighter with a past you would never expect from a man that spends all day in the gym. Kendall is a journalist with a hard time finding the perfect story. What happens when she goes to an underground fight that Chance is headlining? What will happen when the one person who catches your attention is the one person you can’t have?
This is a great story about how someone’s past changes who they will grow up to be. Our pasts help define us but what about Chance’s past made me turn to MMA? This book to find out.
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I’m glad this one read as a standalone, as I don’t remember much from the first book. This one was thrilling, and full of so many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I can’t decide which book I like better so far but I’m excited to read the next installment to this series!
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by R. Weir and to say I’m amazed is an understatement. Fallen Star is the second book in the series, but I happened to pick this one up first. Even without reading the previous book I was blown away. I’m headed to pick up The Divine Devils to really absorb the full storyline.
Megan Getz is a well-known actress that hires the Divine Devils to help her with a precarious blackmail situation. Hunter Divine and his Devils will stop at nothing to help uncover the shadows of murder, drugs, and corruption in Reno. Will they be able to help Megan, or will they just make the situation worse?
Every time I tried to put this book down, I found myself picking it right back up. I highly recommend Fallen Star and can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Picking up where we left off from book one, we’re tossed back into the sci-fi adventure! I was excited to see this second book and read more about the creative world the author had made. Science fiction may not be my forte, but I really enjoyed reading the first book so decided reading this one would be worth it – and of course, it was! The pace of this book was perfect and the story connected well with the first book and makes way for the third. I can’t wait to see where things will go from here!
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so, so good.
“I sure as hell didn’t ask for this job, but I will do it as though every life in my family depends on it…because it does.”
Just when I thought the enemy was taken care of another one would jump out. But these characters, Salvatore Larussio and Adrianna Palento take no prisoners and can handle whatever is thrown their way…capiche? As with any good story there are secrets being kept that when revealed will either make the family stronger or destroy the love that is developing between these two.
This is a new series and while these two main characters have a good ending there are too many questions about the rest of the family for it to be the only book. The first of many stories to come, I hope! I enjoyed this story; the wording and language is how I would think a Mafia family would speak. The situations are realistic and hard to believe at the same time…. sounds a little life regular life too. This story also made me laugh on occasion…especially when Salvatore and Adrianna would butt heads.
“A smile crosses my face for the first time all day as I envision the blonde beauty’s fiery blue eyes lighting up with anger in reaction to that order. Maybe it’s not so bad being in charge…”
Looking forward to more from this author!!
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils #2: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller by R. Weir
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This is the second book in The Divine Devils Series. This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. It may have many chapters but it is a fast read. Well, it was for me.
Hunter is very good at his job. He does what has to be done, but he doesn’t let it bother him. When a Hollywood star comes to them for their help he jumps to it. The quote I chose for Hunter is: “Wow— Megan Getz— Hollywood royalty. Her parents were big stars years ago. She was a teenage actress before becoming an adult star on a popular sitcom for many years. Worth a lot of money thanks to the syndication residuals.”
Meg goes to her manager for help and finds the Divine Devils. She goes to them for help and they agree. Will they be able to figure this out or is it going to be another failure? The quote I chose for Meg is: “I’ll tell you all I know and in as much detail as I can recall. I must ask a question . My manager told me the name of your team. When I heard it, it scared me a little, but it also gave me hope that your team can do the job. Is the name accurate?”
Highly recommended for Crime Thriller lovers.
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller by R Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fallen Star (The Divine Devils Book 2) by R Weir. I loved this book. Its the second in the Divine Devils series and can be read as a standalone but I feel is enjoyed more by reading the first one. Hunter Divine is a member of the Divine Devils who are actually a team that goes in and cleans up mistakes famous people get themselves into. When Hollywood Starlet Megan Getz has a dalliance with a man at a Reno Casino he ends up blackmailing her over and over until she finally reaches out to The Divine Devils for help. Hunter knows he can take care of it but doesn’t count on the ugly characters he’s will uncover in the Reno high rollers and their security. As they dig deeper they uncover all kinds of ugly things, prostitution rings, murder rings and more. Will Hunter be able to save Megan’s reputation and career or will he be taken down by the criminals? Read this amazing crime thriller to find out!
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Second View is the second book in The View from Here Trilogy. The book picks up right where the first book left off. It had been a while since I read the first book and I worried I would be lost. Luckily I was not, and I was brought right back into the world contained in the story. Thomas and April are back, trying to find their friend Flick but nothing is the same. Will they find their way? I enjoyed the story-building and the characters. April and Thomas grew as characters and I liked the directions they were taking. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author writes wonderful, cozy, mysteries that are unique, and they are great to curl up with and read straight through to the end. Her ideas are original, thrilling, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Divided Lives seems to have connections to this authors other cozy mysteries series, The Notebook Mysteries, and I can attest that if you enjoyed those you will absolutely enjoy this book. As a historical fiction, crime fiction, and true crime fan this book was right up my alley. It was actually based on a true case that was a big contributor to the story. Lottie, our main character, is unashamedly bi-sexual which is another main theme throughout the book, which during this time period was mostly kept under wraps, and secret, and that sets the stage for the blackmail the main character and many others are the target of. Another big focus of the story is how woman are ‘supposed’ to look and ‘supposed’ to behave and I really enjoyed how Lottie pushed through, and busted all of those barriers. I did have a hard time at first with all of the bouncing between the past, and the present, that I usually don’t have issues following, but I found this did smooth out as the book progressed. Overall, this was a wonderful read and I enjoyed all of the authors original thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the same genre.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been a long time poetry fan and I picked this one to read, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve read some that I can’t get into or fully grasp the concepts. I read others that are unbelievably funny. This one has so many tv/movie references, musical annotations, and especially the Beatles references that it not only caught my attention but kept me enjoying the entire journey of the poetry collection.
Poetry has a way of depicting emotions and physical states for specific points in time for many. Becker does an amazing job with his lyrical connotation as people transition from discovering oneself, seeking content culture into deeper life meanings, and moments of discovery in bringing meaning. Yet again poetical lyrics are made for one’s own interpretation and realizations to take away after reading. I found Becker’s work to be very moving and adaptable to many of my own experiences. This is an absolutely well worthy read and one to keep for future reference. I’d read this again and again.
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy #2) by Leon Stevens
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Second View is the second book in The View from Here Trilogy. Thomas and April are back and looking for the View they first met over. Will they be able to do it again?
Thomas is back and has kept in contact with April. They’ve been watching the news about the earthquake. They’ve been trying to find the opening again. When they get there they are trying to figure out what is going on. The quote I chose for Thomas is: “It could have done worse than immobilize me.”
April has been spending her time with Thomas and trying to find the opening. Then she finds that there is another opening. She calls Thomas and lets him know. Now they are on another adventure. The quote I chose for April is: “We need to run.”
Highly recommended for Sci-fi adventure lovers.