Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a crazy start to this book!
It wasn’t overly spicy but still had me hooked! It gives off Hallmark vibes and had me laughing multiple times! I loved Maeve and her shenanigans! It’s the perfect book to read at the beach!
Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Every chapter of this book is action packed. It’s a bit confusing with how much it jumps from one fight to another and from one character to another but it’s a decent story. It has shifters, dragons, magic, the Gods, humans, and so much more. It would be a great series for young teens just getting into chapter books.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kenna is having a bad year, cheating husband, passed over for a promotion at work the promotion was given to her enemy and she blow up at her boss in the boardroom but when she finds out her Aunt has passed away her life gets worse.
Once she has left to go to the Keys to start clearing her Aunts house she is greeted by her Aunt’s neighbour who in turn ends up being a co-owner of the boat club, but as she starts to get to know Dec she sees the softer side of him who would have known. As the chemistry grows between them can see put those feelings aside to survive the year in Sunshine Key.
This is a lovely easy romance story which gives you warm a fuzzies inside. The chemistry between the two characters is brilliant and the situations they find themselves in adds to the story. Kenna is kind of going through a crisis in life but with the death of her Aunt (although sad) is the catalysis that she needs to re-evaluate her life and add in the element of romance and you have a brilliantly written story and a great read.
This is the first main book I have read by this author but has read her collaborations which are brilliant. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My son has had issues with dogs but recently has asked us if he can get his own dog. We’ve loved all of these books to help him learn about being a dog owner. This one teaches you how to introduce your dog to new smells, people and sounds so they are not afraid and barking all the time. This is must read if you have kids and are interested in getting your first family dog!
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A beautiful story about second chances at love and undeniable bonds. Storm, Marcus, and Barrington were friends since they were little. They always had an unusual bond. Most didn’t understand it. Storm decided to pursue her dream of becoming a DEA agent after a regrettable incident with Barrington’s family.
Leaving everything she knew behind, Storm realized that she had a lot of growing up to do. It was more than harsh words that had her running from the only men she ever loved. During her service, Storm was taken hostage by some really bad guys. After spending 11 months in captivity and another year in recovery, Storm found her way home. Marcus and Barrington found their way to her.
Marcus and Barrington kept tabs on Storm and her career because they always knew there would be a time when she would come back to them. Marcus and Barrington have made up their minds that Storm is theirs and will be coming home with them. Will Storm accept them and the life they have planned for her, them? When a shadow out of Storm’s past pops out and threatens her, Marcus and Barrington know that they can protect her.
When Marcus and Barrington tell Storm that no matter what happened to her, no matter the scars on her skin that they will love and protect her, Storm is willing to give them and a relationship with both of them a chance. When the bad guys come for Storm, everything is put on the line.
With the fast paced action, this book moves you steadily through the reunion to the drama to the steam. A good read, as usual. Nicely written!
Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time: Thrilling Middle Grade fantasy adventure where Greek Myths come alive! by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Sands of Time: Greece is the fourth book in the Tally and the Angel series by Eleanor Dixon. This is another fun instalment in this Middle school age children’s series- an urban fantasy with action, adventure, Angels, paranormal elements, mystery, history, drama, danger, travel, a race against time, friendship, family, secrets, challenges, and much more.
We met Tally back in Book One, when she inherited a rather intriguing necklace when her mother died. The necklace came with a life-changing surprise- as it housed an Angel, Jophiel. Together they have embarked on several adventures, all over the world. And in this instalment takes us to Greece where they soon found themselves on another tense adventure.
As this story continues the adventure/s we embarked on with Tally (& co) back in book one, I really recommend reading the other 3 books before starting on this one.
Bring on Book #5- Africa.
Happy reading.
Thank you, Eleanor Dixon!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book or not, however the further I got in the book, the more I really enjoyed it. Cat (short for Catherine) is a custodial employee for a theme park. She, Zoe, Gloria, and Jayden all help the police find the murderer. At first she is being accused of the murder because of an incident that happened prior to the murder. However she does some investigating of her own with the help of the Felines that live at the park, the head of one of the clowders is Zoe. Do you know that animals can communicate with you? I definitely didn’t think that they could especially cats but apparently they can.
Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book or not, however the further I got in the book, the more I really enjoyed it. Cat (short for Catherine) is a custodial employee for a theme park. She, Zoe, Gloria, and Jayden all help the police find the murderer. At first she is being accused of the murder because of an incident that happened prior to the murder. However she does some investigating of her own with the help of the Felines that live at the park, the head of one of the clowders is Zoe. Do you know that animals can communicate with you? I definitely didn’t think that they could especially cats but apparently they can.
Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second book in the series was just as good as the first! I got to learn more about Rachel, Ryan’s twin, and her story. Ian and her broke up and now she is back trying to find love. She doesn’t have a great history with men and starts on a dating app again. When she is stood up on a date, the owner of the restaurant steps in and makes her dinner. They talk and get to know each other better and she realizes this is not their first encounter. Miguel introduced himself at her sister’s engagement party months before. He is the new owner and is intrigued by Rachel. After dinner and a few bottles of wine, he takes her home. He is excited about spending time with her but is he over the woman he has been pining after for years, he doesn’t know. These books seem to be set in a small town because everyone seems to know each other, even outside of the family, but it is set in LA. The characters are like friends and the stories are so easy to connect to. I can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens with Rose and Cole.
Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I want to be friends with the characters and families in this book and I want to live close to them. Tess has a history but is trying to move on and do better. Ryan swooped in and taught her new things about herself while trying to get past his past as well. Their first date in a hardware store turns into so much more. He invites her on a family camping trip which is so out of her wheelhouse. She is a city girl who loves her heels and doesn’t want to wear sneakers because they are ugly. She learns to fish, sleeps under the stars, and starts to feel all the feels about Ryan. He was cheated on and is still not over the broken heart more than a year later. Tess opens his eyes and his heart again and his family loves her, but she is still holding onto a big secret that could tear them apart. The characters and storylines are relatable and I couldn’t put it down!
The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry. This is a great contemporary romance. Its the story of Cadence who feels like she is stuck in life. Stuck in a bland relationship, stuck in a rut in all facets of life until her sister takes her to a rock concert and she connects with the lead singer, Damien. Damien wants no part of Cadence even though she is beautiful he can’t risk a relationship with his past. Cadence doesn’t give up on Damien but Elijah her boyfriend is still around and she puts up with a lot from him. She and Damien do become friends thru their love of music and the chemistry is off the charts. Will she finally be able to say goodbye to Elijah and will Damien finally let her in. Will Cadence be able to see her worth the way others see her? Such a good read but be prepared, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. I finished in one evening.
Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another wonderfully written book by G. K. Brady that leave readers wanting more. Both Drew and Katie knew each other in passing but now when a Halloween party is held, and both show up as mascots the fun begins. Mascot falls in love with Mascot in this wonderful easy read rom-com. Can they keep their budding relationship a secret from everyone else. This is a super easy to read story that will have you turning pages super quickly.
Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the second in the series and I would definitely recommend reading them in order to understand fully everything is going on. This book is a great addition to the series so far. It is just as exciting and well written as the first one. I was easily pulled back into these characters and the world the author has created.
I love the twist this book gives on a classic story. It is an interesting take on the story and it really feels like the author has made it her own. The characters in the book develop well as the story progresses and I loved to see the journey they went on. So far this is a great series and I am looking forward to what comes next.
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a hot and steamy romance story that intertwines some fantastic characters and a great story. I loved the dynamic between the characters. They all had such defined parts to play and each added to the story in different ways.
The overall story was really interesting to read as well. It combined a protective alpha male, out to make sure those he loves are safe, with a need to teach and explore. Derek, for me, was definitely he focal point of the book and everything seemed to gravitate around him. I really enjoyed this book and it is a fantastic addition to the series.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This poor girl – her whole life took a literal nosedive. So, she heads out Sunshine Key to manage her aunts estate. While there, she meets her new neighbor – her new HOT neighbor. Unfortunately, he has the personality of a rock. She then finds out her aunt left her boat club to both of them. Let the fun begin!
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a lot of great insight. The way the author explains everything is great and easily understandable. Probably one of the best self-help books I have read in a while. I like how she uses this in a wide variety of scenarios. I am huge into routine and organization and this book has given me a lot of good ideas.
WOW! First let me tell you, STOP! Starting the first book in this series is in my opinion where this series starts. Getting to know all of the valuable characters will only bring the series together as you start to read book 5. Having said that, this story just gets better as you turn the pages. This is Edward O’Connell’s story. His life takes so many journeys. His life from Priesthood to finding Lisette. Lisette has a story of her own, making this a story well worth the wait. This story will play with all of your emotions, from both of the main characters. I love this author and her writing skills. Her story is fast paced and will keep you wanting so much more. I can hardly wait to see what her next series brings us.
Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love that this is a continuation from book one, Ashes! This modern day Little Red Riding Hood has some unexpected twists and turns throughout. A very enjoyable read that makes it hard to review without giving too much away!
This can be read as a stand alone but you’re missing out if you don’t read Ashes too!
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my word poor Kenna has just had the worst time ! Her husband cheats on her , to add insult to injury the other woman got the promotion meant for and then she looses her cool with her boss and then is escorted out the building by security and then she gets tidings that her aunt has passed away ! She may not have known the aunt but it’s still a blow and she’s off to Sunshine Key to sort her estate and I think it’s just what she needs to rediscover herself and remember who Kenna is ….
Dec isn’t exactly a ray of sunshine but he has to share the boat club left to him and Kenna and she may just be his ray of sunshine 😉from house renovations to heart renovations these 2 are just entertaining to say the least ….they’re the perfect example of first impressions don’t last 😉
I laughed hard and I did shed a few tears but all in all I had a great holiday in Sunshine Key 😉will I be rereading this …FOR SURE 😉❣️📚will I be sharing this with the girls in bookclub … FOR SURE 😉
The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amanda and, her friend, Elaine go through a series of science experiments. This book goes through twelve different experiments and does a wonderful job explaining things. At the end of each it explains how or why it did or didn’t work. The experiment with the magnet I did laugh at the magnet on her head. There are some bigger words than younger children would know or fully understand, but easy enough to explain them if need be. This is such a fantastic read for little ones with curious minds on how things work.
Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The first mystery book that I read was Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder On The Orient Express” and it is the reason I continue to read mysteries to this day. This story was original and exciting to read through. I had no clue who the murderer was and I was honestly surprised at who the murderer was. I thought there was going to be a big plot twist but turns out I was reading WAY deeper into things than I needed. If you’re looking for a quick mystery to get you through the day, this one is certainly worth picking up!
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Salt Love is a Romantic Comedy that will have you turning the pages till the end. I absolutely loved reading this book and found it had the perfect mix of humor to keep you entertained till the end. This is a fairly new author to me but I can say she’s got a new fan. I’m going to be looking into what other books she has written. What a wonderfully written second chance romance where you never know where you might find love. I highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading more from this Author.
The Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3 – 3.5 Stars
The Chaos Clock is an intriguing, and at times thought-provoking Anthology that contains 14 original stories, by 13 talented authors. Each author has contributed their own story to the collection, and each has the unique ‘flavour’, style, and tone of its author- but all come together to compliment one-another as they all revolve around the same inspiration/theme in some way- the theme being, Time.
With some darker tones, horror, dystopian elements, steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi. paranormal, some zany characters, a few quirky storyline, dramatic developments, twisty vibes, and plenty of mysterious- the collection is bound to hold your attention.
The Anthology contains:
–The Birth of Mechanical Things
By: Maxwell I. Gold
–The Thirteenth Hour
By: Heidi Silverman
–On the Face of It
By: Danielle Ackley-McPhail
–Lighthouse at the Edge of Time
By: Teel James Glenn
–Accelerando
By: James Chambers
–The Last Flight of the One-Eyed Jack
By: F.R. Michaels
–The Ring of Hours and Seconds
By: Jeffrey Lyman
–Saving Time
By: Jody Lynn Nye
–Reimagining the Mechanism: An Exposition on the Nature of Time
By: Bernie Mojzes
–Sky Rivers of Gray
By: Will McDermott
–The Reclaiming of New York City
By: Mark L. Abbott
–Visions of the Manor
By: Carol Gyzander
–Tick Tock
By: Rachel A. Brune
–The Eye at the Centre of Existence Never Blinks Out
By: Maxwell I. Gold
This book was easy to read as I forgot the outside world and I lost myself in each and every story. There are many hours of entertaining reading to be had within these pages. Plus, how do you pass up fourteen stories for the price of one. I call that a winning deal.
Happy Reading…
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This being my first introduction to this talented author I was not at disappointed at all. The author’s writing was engaging and heartfelt, and really knows how to draw readers in.
This is a Rom Com for sure that explores themes of love, second chances, and personal growth. I found it to be humorous, fun, snarky and beautifully balanced. With beautifully built characters, main and secondary ones, which made reading the story all the better. I 100% look forward to reading more books by Marika Ray, especially if they’re all this good. 🥰
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After seeing the cover my interest was piqued. This is my first time reading this author Lynn Wood. This author’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings to life and enhance the tension-filled atmosphere. This action-packed thriller definitely keeps you on your toys and keeps you guessing on what’s going to happen next as secrets are unraveled and the characters face moral dilemmas. I Don’t usually partake in reading books with political themes. But I had to give it a try because I mean who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory lol. I will also definitely be reading the next book in this series. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kenna finds out her husband is cheating on her and she simmers but when she does not receive the promotion she was hoping for she turns to a full on rage. Put on immediate leave she heads to the newest problem in her life, an inheritance from an Aunt and split ownership with the next door neighbor Dec Boggs. Kenna and Dec are like oil and water, but it is only a matter of time before they can’t resist each other. With everything going on from divorce, partnership and the job in limbo, Kenna has a mess of a life but she is determined to become her own woman and hear herself roar.
This was so much fun to read. Hilarious, I would totally want to be Kenna. I thought the way she went through everything was so much like a roller coaster, you laugh and want to cry. Perfect beach read.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy
I loved Kenna from almost the very beginning. Her fairly normal life is turned upside down with a phone call. Her marriage is over after finding out he was cheating with her work enemy, after a not so private confrontation she has to figure out she’s going to do next. Off to Florida to take care of her estranged Aunt’s estate.
Kenna’s strength and resilience during one of the darkest times in her life was impressive and at times funny
I could relate to the hair incident unfortunately.
Dec is happy with his life on the Key. He fishes and takes care of things for his neighbor and when she died he isn’t expecting anything at all, but Kenna is the biggest surprise of them all
There are definitely some laugh out loud moments like the hair incident or the gator. I will be watching for more books by Ms. Ray and hopefully we will see what happens next on Sunshine Key.
Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Raccoon Reunion is a super cute novel written in a kid friendly, easy to understand way that explains how anxiety can really run away with your imagination. It can make you dream up any number of things that could potentially happen and stress you out so much that you don’t partake in fun activities, such as a family reunion, because you are to nervous or scared. Rocky finds out that the family reunion is not everything he imagined it would be. It was fun, exciting, they played fun games, and went dumpster diving. He even made friends, the country raccoon, and him the city raccoon, share experiences. It was wonderfully illustrated with cute pictures and super accessible.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had only read one other book by this author before, but I enjoyed it so much that I had to pick this on up as well. I’m so glad I did because it was the refreshing romantic comedy that I needed! I found myself laughing out loud at a few moments in the book while others tugged at my heart. It took me a little bit to find my reading rhythm, but once I did there was no putting it down. The characters are well thought out and developed. Kenna and Dec will have you rooting for them the whole time as you keep turning pages to find out what happens. If you are looking for a wonderfully fun summer read that has great banter and emotions, please pick this up and get lost for the afternoon! I am looking forward to seeing more work by this author in the near future.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Stories series, and it’s my favorite so far! I highly recommend reading the first two books in this series because the storyline continues with each installment. It was a rather quick rollercoaster of a read and found myself wanting more as soon as it ended. I admire Elinor so much with her wittiness and determination having a strong presence in this book more so than the others. If you are new to the Gaslamp fantasy genre, this is definitely the best to start with. The detective feel throughout the story definitely has a Sherlock vibe, and I love it. I cannot wait to dive into the next book series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Discovering Desire is the third book in the Shattered Embrace series. I thought it was a well-written, steamy, romance novel that will keep you entranced from page one. I do recommend reading book one and two before reading this one as it all becomes a more cohesive, and it’s more easily understood when it comes to the characters and the events in this book. Discovering Desire has a little bit of many different tropes such as an Alpha Hero, protective male, drama, Navy Seal, Billionaire, sex club, morally grey characters, mafia connections, and an intro into BDSM. You won’t regret reading this series.
