Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was quite interesting. At first the book seemed very dark and I wasn’t sure i would like it. However, it grabbed my attention and I needed to know how the story played out. I liked the format of the book. Instead of number chapters it was presented more like acts or parts of the story. Its very action packed
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Red’s Peril Part One: The Making of an MC Prez is the first book in the Satan’s Devils MC Vegas series– a new spin off from the original Stan’s Devils series, by Manda Mellett. It is another superb MC romance, with drama, danger, twists, agendas, mystery, friendship, camaraderie, banter, emotion, chemistry, and sizzle.
We have met Red in previous books, so it was great that he finally got his own book(s)- and WOW, what a story he has to tell! This is definitely one of Ms. Mellett’s best yet- and that’s saying a lot, because all her books are so fantastic.
I was completely invested in the character/s and the story- my emotions strung out and flung all over the place. But Ms. Mellett isn’t finished toying with my emotions yet, as this story is set to continue in the next book. GAH!!! I need it STAT!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on it to find out what happens.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Manda Mellett!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody is YA fantasy book. There are actually four stories in this one book – The Ice Crown, The Wind Crown, The Dust Crown and The Fire Crown. Bargain. Hidden secrets, hidden agendas, lots of danger and lots of twists are just some of what you can expect in this series. The world building is done well but. You love some and love to hate some, some you wanted to hug and some you wanted to slap. There is betrayal and deception, lies and secrets and magic and mayhem. The plot is well written and the suspense and intrigue keep you turning pages but it is over quickly as they are very short novellas. Kay has given us an exciting new world and takes us on a journey.
Talise finds herself in a world in which you have to fight for what you want. It is a little emotional and will make your heartache at times but I loved Talise’s vulnerability but also her strength and fiery determination. Talise is only seven years old when she is to perform before strangers. Her mother wants her to have a good life and the only way to do that is to prove her worth at the Academy. Coming from the Storm, a place where no one wants to live, a place where you waste away and die in the wasteland where nothing grows.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I know I’m not the only one who fantasizes about being a rock star’s friend and low-key girlfriend. I’ve always had a thing for those who play in bands and something about a man who plays in a rock band… sign me up and Joe is no exception. I’m a sucker for the play on music and how everything comes down to being musically related down to the face that melody’s dad taught Joe what he knows. I myself have married my best friend after years of friendship I get it and the story really moved me. I would have loved to read more of their “friendship” Interactions before they got together but I sure ain’t complaining. I really did enjoy this book and it took me only a day to finish it as I REALLY wanted to know how everyone ended up.
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of a MC Prez by Manda Mellett is another awesome MC book by the author. I always look for her books and keep an eye out for the next one. Red was dealt a difficult blow in high school when his father was in an accident and now needed round the clock care for more years than expected. After his father’s funeral Red quickly decides it’s time for him to find himself. After traveling more than half way across the United States, he ends up in Tuscan, Arizona. When he meets some Satan’s Devils while searching for a job as a mechanic, Red is pulled along to meet the MC President with a potential job and future membership.
The story of Red’s journey and fining his place isn’t over. Ms. Mellett, thank you for another glimpse into the Satan Devils chapters and specifically Red’s life changing journey.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr was a really good book! The world building is so intricate and the characters are very well written and well done. This book is divided into different sections with different characters and stories that all center around one main ot and it’s just really unique and well done. This definitely a darker fantasy book, almost horror like in the way certain events are described. This book gave me chills and kept me up reading. This is an entirely new author to me and I’m so glad I picked this book up. I can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy!
Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Totally new author and genre for me! I’ve always loved edgy romances, but Victoria Zak really unexpectedly drew me into this rockstar romance. Joe’s character is just a likable and ultra cool dude and Mel is a strong character on her own, but their chemistry together makes for a great read. I love the character development of these two and found myself getting sucked in, attached, and emotional throughout their struggles. I’m totally rooting for them! Where’s part 2??
Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an emotional rollercoaster!! I had to put the book down and cry for a moment while reading this one. A few parts of this book are pretty heart wrenching to be honest.
We are back to the lives of Scott and Zelda Henderson in the third book of the Soul Connection series; however, the other characters we have met along the way are thankfully still with us. Oh boy, do we all need friends like Scott and Zelda have!! Unlike “Sleeping Angel”, I feel like this book does need the first two books in order to fully get the happenings and emotions of the story. So many emotions and they are definitely well written!! 😭
In this book, the Henderson family is struck by tragedy when Zelda gets into a car accident while pregnant. Not only does she lose the baby, but the damage was so severe they had to do an emergency hysterectomy – forever taking away the opportunity for her and Scott to make a baby together. Zelda and Scott wade through their grief, another major accident, mental illnesses, and the ever present unrelenting ghosts all the while trying to remain strong for each other and their daughter Julianna. Deep in the trenches of trying to keep their family from falling apart, Scott is contacted by someone from his past and the news they bring will change the Henderson family forever.
Once again, Nikki Lynn Barrett touches on grief and mental illness in such a strong and authentic way. It’s tragically relatable sometimes and when she wrote “it cuts deep” – it really does! I don’t normally do this, but this book should come with a trigger warning for grieving mothers. If you aren’t ready to be reminded of your own loss, wait a little while to read this; but read it when you are strong enough. It really is a beautiful book.
Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is different from the first one in style, but we do find ourselves back in Payson, Arizona with familiar characters. The first book in this series does not need to be read in order to fully jump into this book, but it’s always fun having back stories of side characters.
Logan is one of those characters that has a lot of room for growth and it’s hard to feel much for him other than pity and frustration in the beginning; however, as his story unravels and we get to know him better, it gets easier to relate to him. I think Angel helps tremendously with that. If you have read the first book, you had a slight introduction to Angel as a friend of Scott, the man who can communicate with ghosts.
An accident on Angel’s birthday, leads to Angel waking up in the body of someone else while her body remains stuck in a coma. She’ll need help from her friend Scott, Logan – the guy who has relentlessly picked on her the last two years, and the friends of the body she’s inhabiting to unwind the mystery of who she is now and how she can get back into her own body.
I really enjoy the way Nikki Lynn Barrett writes about grief, trauma, addiction, and mental health issues. She really touches on taking care of yourself to make life better. It’s beautiful.
Peaceful Slumber by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scott is a young man that has the gift of being able to see and communicate with ghosts. While at a funeral for one of his few endeared family members, he makes contact with a young woman in a bloody wedding dress that has no memory of how she died or who she is. Despite not normally being willing to help the ghosts that come to him, he feels drawn to helping her figure out the mystery that was her life.
This book had a little bit of a slow start, but I was soon caught in trying to piece together the pieces to solve Zelda’s (aka Ghost Bride) life. I will admit that none of my predictions despite the love interests came true while reading this book. The end of this book had me on the edge of my seat for a moment and the plot twists in this book are commendable. Definitely a riveting read all in all.
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy smokes, this book is great! I barely even noticed that it is 4 novellas in one – the story flows seamlessly. Talise comes from the very impoverished area called The Storm, but is determined to win the coveted title of Master Shaper so that she can escape poverty for good. Her powers to shape the elements – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are almost unparalleled. She is a strong heroine with awesome powers that provide lots of excitement in the story. Aaden, the prickly new student, is possibly equal to her abilities, and so they are tested together in a fight for the right to stay in The Crown, the richest area of Kamdaria. Lots of twists and turns in this book that kept me hooked. I finished and immediately bought the sequel, Elements of the Gate. Buy this book!
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors
By C. L. Schneider
This book is amazing … Murder mysteries are my kind of book and this one has you wondering what’s going on the whole time… I listened to the audible book and it was really good. I enjoyed the voices, the narrator really did capture the book.
Reviewed by Erica B.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr is a dark and disturbing work. The language struck me immediately – it is dripping with imagery that is terrifying and putrid. The stories, collectively, weave together a hellish world where dark magic abounds, and souls are ripped away into the inky black. At the centre of this is an ancient tome called The Dread Praises, which is the key to all the madness. Can the evil be stopped before everything is lost? Give it a read to find out.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Come Back Tomorrow by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the short amount of time it took me to read Come Back Tomorrow, my mind and heart went through a whirlwind of emotions that few books have done in the past. From the first chapter of the book I knew this would be one that I would thoroughly enjoy, and I certainly wasn’t proven wrong!
Tori is a psychologist at the hospital where Will Everson is admitted to for treatment and over a few months she grows a strong connection with him, making each and every passing day harder for her to admit the truth about his situation. The reader will feel heartbreak, hope, and even shed a few tears as they read this amazing story that any fan of ‘Me Before You’ or ‘The Fault in our Stars’ will instantly be enamored with.
The end of the book was heartwrenching in all the right ways and ends on a cliffhanger that makes the reader eager to read the next book. I’m happy to report having found an incredible author in Amy Argent, and am excited to read the next book along with other ones she has written!
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m going to start with saying I loved it! Though I did have one minor grievance. Merissa Racine’s follow-up to Silent Gavel, Shadows of Doubt, was fantastic! I’m obsessed! I need more and I really hope the author intends on keeping the Crawford Mysteries going!
So to address my minor grievance, I was really disappointed that when the book started Lauren and Sam weren’t dating. Just having awkward conversations attempting to be friends. However I was happy with the direction the author took their dynamic to the end of the book. In regards to characters, I actually like the dynamic between Lauren and her ex-husband, the now Honorable Judge Anthony Jenkins.
Lauren subbing in for Tony’s court stenographer, while she’s on maternity leave, is there for Tony’s murder trail as a judge. The murder the Chief of police’s mother. It’s intriguing reading a book like this from a different point of view. I think that’s why I love it so much!
I really really hope Merissa Racine has more stories to tell, through these characters she created. Besides the fact I need more Lauren and Sam in my life as a sidebar to the story.
The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in The Girl and the Raven series. While I enjoyed the first two books, I loved this book. I felt like there was more heart within these pages. You could fill the connections between the characters. I really feel like I need another book, I just wanna keep reading about Lucy’s adventures.
Tenacious by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every time Via Mari has a new book come out I know that I will be lost in her character’s world and forget about everything in mine.
Tenacious is the sixth book in the Billionaire Bodyguards series and I have fallen for another steamy alpha male. Nick and Allie’s romance and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. The question thru out this book was, can Nick and Allie each give something up to make this relationship work?
I highly recommend this book, this series, and every other book written by Via Mari. I can’t wait to read her next book.
Reviewed by @jbruno26
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Well to start off I love the narration from Cassandra King. She always makes every character different and it makes the listening experience so amazing.
This is my first book from C.L. Schneider but it will not be my last. The way that the characters are described and the flow of the story makes you want more.
From chasing Banshee’s to traveling between the world of humans and the world of supernatural. This story had me wanting to read the rest of the series to know everything that happened.
Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rock Me to the Top starts out with Joe finding out some amazing news and wants to share it with Melody- his best friend and crush. He finds Melody dancing on a bar due a minor setback in her dream. When Joe convinces Melody to go on tour with him and his band, Gracefall, the electricity between the two skyrockets.
This is a book I could not put down. I had to know more of their connection, to the point where my husband had to tell me to come to bed! Haha, but really this is an addicting book and I think I just found myself a new author to follow! Pick this book up, you will not regret it!
<span;>Nite Fire: Smoke and Mirrors Audio book by C.L. Schneider is the next fantastic instalmeny to this amazing series. I love everything about this series and this book immediately pulled me straight back into it. The story is exciting and fast paced just like the previous ones. And yet it has such a distinguishable story that it stands out as its own. I was pulled back into the life of Dahlia with such ease. She is genuinely one of the best characters I have ever read.
<span;>Tha author had created such a strong castbid characters – my favourite changes on a chapter by chapter basis! This is such an incredible series and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rock Me to the Top: A Gracefall Rockstar Romance by Victoria Zak is a brilliant friends to lovers romance. Foe me this book is definitely all about the connection between the two characters. They had such a chemistry between them you could feel it on every page of the book.
I liked the fact that the book had a bit more going on in it as well. It didn’t feel like your standard romance story, there was a level of detail I didn’t expect. This is a great book and looks to be the start of a brilliant series. I would definitely recommend this book.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archery
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archery
3 Stars
I love fantasy and horror books. This seemed like a mixture of both so I was excited to read it. It ended up not being what I expected. The same theme flows throughout the novel but it is like a bunch of short stories put together to form one book. The world of Alda is dying. Monstrosities abound and atrocities occur daily. Each story shows different events happening to different people. I enjoyed the story about the garden and the lady of the tower. These stories occurred more towards the beginning of the book and unfortunately the rest didn’t capture my attention. The stories were too short for me to get attached to the characters therefore I honestly couldn’t care less what happened to them. I couldn’t finish the book. I completely lost interest. This book wasn’t for me personally but it is well written and unique. I’m sure there are many readers who would enjoy it.
Review by @AnnaHirsch
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Tenacious by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
I did not read the first books in the series, I didn’t feel as if I missed out on too much information, but after reading this book, I definitely want to go back and read the previous books. This book captured me immediately, Allie is such a strong and independent woman and watching her interactions with Nick is very sweet. It’s the same old thing, she doesn’t think he could ever fully be committed to her, he is so in love with her its ridiculous, but the communication on that front is none. I couldn’t get enough! It seems like after Allie helps Nick with saving the women she wants more of that face paced life, with action and danger, and I really look forward to seeing if she gets to pursue that. Allie and Nick are a great couple, I love the Irish theme thrown in and the romantic moments, the action, the drama, the danger, a perfect and quick read.
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine is the second book in the Crawford Mystery series. Silent Gavel and Shadows of Doubt were perfect reads for the Halloween season. I loved this series. Just like with the first book, Shadow of Doubt instantly caught my attention and kept me hooked the entire time. There was a ton of action to keep me entertained and it kept me guessing the entire time. Merissa does it again with her attention to detail and making me feel like I was there watching everything happen. Just like with book 1 you won’t be disappointed reading this. It’s fantastic.
Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Victoria Zak caught me off guard with this novel! I wasn’t expecting half of what happened in this story and was pleasantly surprised by all parts of it. I love that Joe wasn’t born into fortune and fame. It made his storyline feel much more real and like he deserved the fame that he was working so hard to achieve. He had a rough childhood with his brother and has been lying about it from the start of his friendship with Melody. Add in the childhood turned adult love story and I was hooked from the first few pages. Melody is the daughter of a famous rock and roll star and watched her parents’ relationship fall apart because of his life on the road. She has been in love with him since they were kids, too but refused to act on it out of fear of ruining their friendship and not wanting to go through what her mom had to. When Joe asks her to go on tour with his band since her orchestra audition fell flat, she doesn’t agree right away – which made this feel more believable. I loved that they spent some time together and didn’t jump right into bed. It wouldn’t have had the same impact on me if the author had gone in that direction. There are some things that I will not spoil for you, but just hear me when I say I screamed “OH NO” because Victoria caught me completely off guard. I am so glad to have read this novel and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. It was easy to read in one sitting, so if you haven’t checked it out yet – you really should!
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this author so much, they always write such god novels, that truly suck you in and this one was no different, I was completely hooked, and I loved every aspect of this story! I loved reading about Red and his story, as I never knew much of him in other novels, this novel was so freaking good!
I loved the back story for Red. He was a character in other novels, but you never really knew much of how he came to be what and who he was. You knew him in the present. But what choices did he encounter or choose to get him where he was in the previous works of the other novels? For me this novel at times tore my heart out. The story was happy at times and it brought heart break, but Red did decide to live by what he believed knew was best for him, with sacrifices and all!
The story of Red, was gripping in every which way possible. I enjoyed learning of the girl he fell hard for, and you could see she meant something to him, and as he did to her. For me I had hopes for a fairy tale ending for our Red, but then again I knew his present story…I was left devastated towards learning truth between these two souls. All in all, this was what was best for our Red. He knew that too deep down. He chose a life he wanted…but I can not help but think maybe something will happen. Red is such a wonderful character, he’s a heart of gold, I would love to see his happy ending, and to get a life he wants as well as needs! I guess I have to get my hands on part 2 to see what happens next!
Red’s story really was gripping and heart felt. I really got to know him and he’s really a tender teddy bear. I cant wait to read part 2 and see where his story shall lead next! If you are a fan of previous works b this author of the series, I highly recommend this, I feel you fall in love with Red as I did!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine is the first book in the Crawford Mystery series and is perfect for Spooky Season. I loved this! I was immediately hooked. Merissa had a great way of keeping me guessing throughout the whole book. I had a hard time putting it down. The details in the book were amazing! It made me feel like I was there, and I was watching it all unfold. I kind of wish it was real so that I could go to the bakery and try the yummy food. If you enjoy mystery’s give this a read you won’t be disappointed, even if you don’t and are looking to try something new for Spooky Season then this is it!
Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author Manda Mellett had me in tears about 3 or 4 times in this book. She spins the story so you are emotionally invested in the characters. You feel like you know them and you certainly feel their happiness and trials. Red’s story can be broken down in several categories. He has gone through so much, from losing his dad and others close to him. He finds himself leaving on the road to who knows where but somewhere with no snow. The feeling of freedom to get on your bike and just ride south with no destination in mind. That would be amazing to almost all of us. Even if just for a short while. Red finds himself in Tucson Az where the story really starts to take off into the land of MC. Loved Loved Loved this book. The characters interact with characters from other books which I love but are not necessary to read if you start with this book. Amazing amazing author. You will not be disappointed with any book from Manda Mellett.
Sea Mage by Louisa Bacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fin-tastic!
I really enjoyed this story! Though, I will advise you to read the previous books before this one. It will help tie in different aspects of this story. I adored Serena and just all that she brings. She is a little apprehensive about taking charge of such an important child. The adventure seems to be way more than she expected. This is such an amazing mix of magic, adventure, even a little romance. It will suck you in and just not let go! I could not recommend this more!
The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the last of the books in this series and while I will miss reading about these characters, I would have to say this was the best book by far. I will say that if you haven’t read any of the books it is important to read them in order so that you will understand the characters and their story. In this book you finally see the main character come into her full self and become the person that she is mean to be. She is finally able to accept her abilities and use them to her advantage. I’ve been waiting for that to happen. This author is an amazing writer. Her attention to detail is phenomenal and she has me seeing everything going on. It’s like the story jumps off the page and onto my TV screen. The characters and their relationships are so realistic and relatable that I don’t think anyone could be disappointed in this book series.
