Defying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first read for this author, and obviously the series. I love that this series can be read as a standalone, because I came in on book 4. The chemistry between the 2 characters was great, and the love, hate aspect worked so great with them. I will definitely be going back for the rest of this series.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was a fantastic read with great characters. You will fall in love and hate some of the characters. Was hard to put this book down once I started into it.
This book follows the story of Damien and Evelyn. Damien was the bad boy in high school. In contrast, Evelyn was an intelligent good girl from a good family. Damien left the city and Evelyn many years ago but work brings him back into her life. They both changed a lot in their years apart but what happens when you run into someone from your past?
Can past misunderstandings and mistakes be worked out? Do you ever truly forget your first crush? How long can a secret remain a secret? Read this amazing book to find out.
Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t realize until after I finished that this is the fourth book in the series. It did not make a difference though. I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing something. This is a stand alone book in the series. However, after reading, I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series. It was interesting throughout the entire book.
Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first saw this book I knew instantly that I had to read it. While this isn’t my first read from this author I was initially worried that it wouldn’t hold up to my expectations, but boy was I wrong. Per usual the characters are perfectly developed, the plot was intriguing and flowed beautifully, and the action was amazing. The lead characters played off each other perfectly and this story was so different that I couldn’t possibly compare it to the authors previous series. So if you’re looking to start a new series make sure to run and pick this one up today.
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great Adventure! This is where Military and Science Fiction come together. I love how the author gives you lots of feedback so that you are not walking into this blind. I also love all the descriptive and strong story line. This was my first book by this author that I read, but I can’t wait for book two.
Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent, excellent book. I loved every part of this book, especially the female main character, Sin. Elemental Fire is the first book in the Hidden Realms series by E.G. Manetti. This checks all of the boxes for me, paranormal romance, fantasy, a strong female main character, investigations, magic, adventure, danger, and more mythical creatures (which some I ended up looking up, and goodness the author did AMAZING describing them because the google images I looked up was exactly what I envisioned when reading.). I was hooked right from the beginning, and I could not put it down, ended up reading it in one sitting. The character develop was A+++, the setting was also painted magnifically, both for the Hidden Realm and Terra. I loved the story of Sin, the way she was raised, her powers of being able to see through glamour, her career choices, her previous men choices, literally loved everything about this woman. I also, thoroughly loved Rad, and even Moreso- loved Rad and Sin together! The chemistry between the two was so intense and electrifying. There is plenty of action and danger, as well as some mystery in addition to the relationship of Rad and Sin. I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL BOOK 2 is RELEASED! Will definitely recommend to everyone I know!
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rande VanDelle or “Vandal” as he is more commonly known is a mechanic for the upright tanks in the Chevaliers Private Cavalry and has been for eight years and because of this, he is one of the sought out veteran mechanics there is. He manages to keep the old girls running despite the best efforts of the enemy fire they see off, but like every mechanic, he always has a favourite.
One night, after finishing routine maintenance on one of the oldest uprights in the section, Vandal asks to take it out on a routine patrol a bit earlier than planned as he really wants to test it out, after much humming and hawing, they eventually let him. He puts the machine through its paces in a way that not many other mechanics can and manages to go a bit further than planned, but he then picks up a threat message on his sensors.
Not sure what to do, he reports in, but when he hears nothing back, he starts to go in the offensive so that he can try and make his way back to the barracks and help. He is not combat or pilot trained in the slightest, but he still manages to fight his way out of a life threatening situation and just about keeps his head attached in the process, albeit with some sensory overload when the call comes in to evacuate, he is helped into the transport taking them away from the battlefield.
It is when he is called upon by his superior that he thinks it is the end of his career, but instead he is given a choice, he can continue with the maintenance team and love on until his superiors grace runs out, or he can train to be a pilot and hone his skills, which he showed during the confrontation. The problem is he never really wanted to be a pilot, but he agrees to the promotion and trains hard until he is called up.
Will Vandal be able to control his designated upright tank after only a short training period against an enemy who as well as turncoats and rebels, is harbouring an elite fighting force in support of them? This is a sci-fi set in a world which could be the future of our own where old technology is pitted against new in a war of attrition with a reluctant hero at the centre of it all, in this story which will leave you on tenterhooks throughout, as military teams engage in deadly confrontations, as civilians hide away.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Just One More Egg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just One More Egg is a beautiful children’s story and great for all ages as well. This author never disappoints. The story talks about the love of a mama warbler for an egg that was not her own and how even when the egg hatched and caused a bit more work for the mama she still loved and appreciated it just as much as her own eggs that eventually hatched.
As an educator this book has a lot hidden within it. I enjoyed that even though the mama warbler knew the egg/baby was not hers she still cared for it like her own and that she understood it was different but treated it the same. Children can benefit from reading this great example of how we can all be a bit different but in the end should be treated just the same no matter what the circumstances.
I would highly recommend this book to any educator or parent looking for a well written and illustrated story for their class or own child.
Fighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! I am a sucker for a great sports romance novel and this one fit my liking to a tee! This story revolved around Kendall, who is a sports reporter on the verge of losing her job. She landed this job due to her father and his role in the sports community. Her father tells her to meet him one evening to come to an underground fight, where she meets Chad. He is just as stubborn as she is and when they meet the sparks fly. They encounter ups and downs through the story, and it is not like any other sports romance that I have read. I cannot wait to read more books by this amazingly talented author.
Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW this book was super spooky!! This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I was HOOKED! The story is in the point of view from the daughter Missy, who has an imaginary friend named Fred. Fred is a giant spider that has slowly grown in size who, in Missy’s mind is a friend who turns out to be the complete opposite. Not only can Missy see Fred, who sleeps with her, but she sees swarms of hundreds and hundreds of spiders. She is the only one who can see them. As Fred gets bigger, the smaller spiders start lashing out at people and this is when people start dying. This was such a great written book, and I could not put this down. If you are looking for the next great horror novel to read this is IT!! I cannot wait to read more books by this author.
Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Five year old Missy has a friend, one no one can see despite her efforts to point Fred out. Fred is an unusual friend though as he is a spider and despite Missy thinking he is sweet, he is nothing but. What happens when the people around Missy start dying though, couldn’t possibly be Fred could it?
This one definitely gave me the heebie jeebies. Very well told horror story that your not sure how its going to play out. It had all the elements that make a great horror story stand out. I thought this was very entertaining.
Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is by far the most captivating psychological thriller that I have read in a long time! I did not read the first book in this series, but I will be reading it now! Though Stumble and Fall does have connections to its predecessor, it can be read as a stand alone, which I appreciate. There is enough information to not feel lost so readers can jump right in and enjoy! Every page left me chewing fingernails anxiously awaiting what was coming next.
The story follows Kate, a counselor, and her sister Tilly, a nurse. Both girls have a traumatic and complicated background of their own. They have been through a lot and want to move forward with their lives while helping others in their own ways. The characters and their stories are deep and emotional. They each have their own unique background and story, but their lives intertwine beautifully. Kate reeled me in from page one, and I found myself invested in her success and happiness. I can not wait to get to know Kate and Tilly more.
Reviewed by @nrl0522
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661010874l/62031916._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta”>Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5047255831″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If you like your mafia family deep and devoted with slightly convoluted family members, from the old school to the new Don and the backstabbing other members, the Boss deep and dark and your heroine with a past then this is the book to read.<br />We follow the Larussio crime family as they set up their extended business in Vegas. Kidnappings, shootings and underground hideouts are all deeply seated in this world that hooks you and takes you deeper into the mafia network.<br />Adrianna Palento starts working as the Doctor at the new complex built by the Larussio’s on the strip, she is Doctor at the Emergency Care Unit for the hotel, and on call for the members of the family should they need attention. And the family members need more than most. The Doctor has a secret , one that she needs to keep especially from the family. This is not easy especially when you are thrown into a safe house facility with the high ranking members of the family after a dramatic shootout. <br />Salvatore is groomed to take over the family when the time comes; his family and cousins are mostly behind him. After the attack throws him into close quarters with the Doctor, and her secrets, how can he keep her alive, especially as his interest in her becomes all consuming? <br />The family, their business partners and their love lives are brought together in a well written story that keeps you wanting to come back for more. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how the characters continue to grow.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Defying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ella and Jared had a hot week together in their past. Once Jared cut and run, Ella was glad not to have to see him again – until fate intervened. Now they have been too close for comfort for MONTHS. Jared is a talented drummer, woos and runs on woman and woman, and loves to pick at Ella and make her miserable. After months on tour together, Ella cannot wait to have a relaxing time at a secluded cabin with all of her best girlfriends!
Seeking a refuge before their downtime together, Ella heads to the cabin early for a reprieve, thankful for her break from Jared…until he shows up at the door of the cabin and a monster snowstorm follows him there. After anticipating being away from him for so long, will they be able to manage without tearing each other apart?
After deciding on a truce, it leads to discussions about Jared and the facade he wears to survive, while Ella opens up about how he made her feel in the past and now. Their chemistry is crazy hot, and opening the door of the truce and the discussions makes Jared MUCH more likeable than he is earlier in the story. They rekindle their passion in the privacy of the cabin, but what happens when they aren’t secluded and snowed in, anymore?
This is book 4 in a series but was easily a standalone and now has me racing to read the first 3!
Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spidersight has a subtle creepiness that doesn’t leave the story. It is set in a five year old point of view so its easy to understand and ups the creepy factor. It is believable that Missy is playing make believe that she can see spiders that no one else can, I mean who hasn’t had an imaginary friend? Things get real once Missy finally discovers what Fred eats. It seems like there is no way out of her unfortunate situation. I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know how it ends!
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adrianna is a doctor working at a hotel in Vegas. The hotel happens to be owned by the Sicilian Mafia. While there, she is trying to find out who murdered her father.
Salvatore is handed the position of don in the same mafia. He runs the hotel and uses Adrianna to fix his men up after an altercation. Once he has met her, he cannot get her out of his mind but her secrets may ruin any desire he has for her.
Opinion
Mari knows how to spin a tale and leave the reader breathless for more. This book, the first in the series, had me reading when I should have been otherwise occupied. I just could not put this book down. If the rest of this series is anything like the beginning, readers will be running to get the newest books.
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vandal is a tank mechanic with the Chevaliers Private Calvary who finds himself fighting for his own life inside the company’s oldest upright tank. Battling nausea, while also battered and bruised he finds himself teaming up with his fellow Cavaliers to battle against off-world mercenaries.
This book was intense from the first few pages. With a unique and raw writing style the author sets the tone for the action, suspense and adventure contained throughout. The characters were raw and real, especially Vandal who was relatable as a tank mechanic. It was interesting to read and expanded my mind into the world of military machines. A great read!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another amazing read from Anise Storm! I have never read anything by Taylor L Ray but I thought the writing styles seamlessly blended together. I love the second chance romance troupe and was routing for Evelyn and Damian from the first page. I loved the fast-paced and steam. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another gem from Lois Wickstrom!
In this beautifully illustrated children’s story, we learn about treating others with love and kindness no matter how different from us they are. I love the science introduced and the reality of the story for children to learn.
Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*shudder* This book is creepy, gave me nightmares, and is sooo good. I’m a huge fan of horror and have arachnophobia. I knew going it what it was about and had to read it. A demon spider and a little girl trapped. The writing is superb. The characters are written to give the write amount of creepiness. I haven’t been this creeped out since Cujo or Night Shift. Well done, author. This is a must read for horror lovers. New author to me and now a new fan.
Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a beautiful story full of amazing illustrations. I loved the authors focus on the struggles we all go through with trying new things but how sticking with those things we love will lead to amazing things. Highly recommended
Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another wonderfully written and engaging story! This is the second in the series and it still lives up to the hype created in book 1. Action..action and then suspense are what keep this story rolling and me turning pages. Add in the charismatic characters and this is a hard book to put down!
In here there are multiple stories moving along. Keep tour eyes open for snippets to the secrets of the different stories. They are fast moving and the dynamics between the characters had me holding my breath one minute and clapping wildly the next.
This author has quite the imagination! Everything is described well and I can picture in my head exactly how everything should look. I look forward to more in this series. Who knows what the Divine Devils will get up to in the next one.
Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the perfect rom com! Watch the fur fly as the main protagonists bicker their way to falling for each other. Their conversations were actually realistic but maintained the humor. Absolutely fun story! Plus it is a great read for any animal-lover! I am officially excited for the next book in this series!!
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Euphoric Wonderland is a collection of the author’s poetry. The poetry represents many different experiences of his life brought about in a moment of understanding while listening to the Beatles. He states that not that long ago, he discovered the music of the Beatles, on vinyl, and his life was changed. I am not sure how to describe what I just read if I am being honest. There were times that I didn’t really understand what he was trying to say and felt I was reading something similar to a Dr. Seuss book. However, there were also many poems that were very relatable to things today (p.s. You may need a dictionary, a lot of extensive vocabulary is used). That is what I enjoyed the most, his poetry used phrasing, words, lyrics, etc. that were recognizable by today’s society. I also enjoyed the aestetics of the book, the art matched much of what was being portrayed so helped, at times, with understanding. Overall, I feel poetry is a little bit of a lost art and for that alone, I enjoyed the process of reading this collection.
The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing continuum of the first book. The author created awesome characters. I felt like I was there with them every step of the way. I was hooked from the beginning. I was transported into the world the author created so beautifully. I highly recommend this.
More Text Than Sex by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining read. The characters were greatly developed. I felt like they were relatable. So many elements woven together in this story worked perfectly together. I loved reading this book and could not put it down. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The Hunter by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this amazing series and I just simply can’t get enough. The characters were once again well developed, the plot was intriguing with just a hint of mystery. The chemistry between Dominic and Gemma was sizzling and sweet at the same time. This book was full of so much and had so much mystery to it that I found myself on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is by far one of the greatest books I have read this year. The characters were very well developed, the connection between them is out of this world, and the plot just tied everything together perfectly. When I first found this book I had no idea that it was part of a series. But thankfully it can be read as a stand-alone without losing parts Of the story. However this story was so great that I am curious about what other great characters and storylines are in the previous six books, so I will be going back and reading those also. The cover of Thai book was absolutely adorable and I knew when I read the synopsis that I had to read it. So if you haven’t already picked up this book make sure you pick it up today.
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mech warrior
As a child one of my favourite games was Mech Warrior. This book bought back memories of playing that game. I enjoyed the action, battles, mystery, intrigue and dashes of humour. I found myself quickly swept up in a unique sci-fi adventure and vested in the characters survival. The characterisation was very well done. Now to wait for book 2.
Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Musical Murder Mystery has been a fabulous little read! As a bigger woman with a big voice, I totally related to Ruby in her struggles as an eternal ensemble member! I loved all of the references to my favourite musicals and the added bonus that this story combines my two favourite things: a good old ‘who dunnit’ and musical theatre! The writing is well structured, descriptive and immersive, even if I did get a little nervous about them tampering with all that evidence! All in all, a lovely read!
