Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake the growling dog has been a family favorite series in our house and this one was no different. My kids love the pictures more than listening to me read the story but they at least listen through the first time. I love how relatable these stories are.
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so good!!!
Whispering Pines sounds like a pretty great place to live. Full of misfits who are just looking to be accepted.
Jayne O’Shae is the main character. A former detective who travels to Whispering Pines to get her grandparents house ready to sell. That’s not at all what ends up happening. Upon her arrival, she finds a dead body and no cell service. When she tries to use the landline to call the local police, she finds her grandparents house has been vandalized.
Who was the dead person really? Were they murdered? Are witches and magic real? Did Jayne really come to Whispering Pines to get the house on the market? What else will she find?!
I felt Jayne was relatable and I loved Meeka, her dog. I loved her realistic apprehension towards Wicca and witches but the author did a great job of painting the reality behind those two things. I loved the small town vibe of Whispering Falls mixed with the mystery, drama, and scandal.
I will definitely be reading the 2nd book in this series- Kept Secrets.
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Small town. Homecoming. Two unexpected business partners. Sounds like a great story ahead.
After a death from the life he left behind in is small home town. Dr. Ryan Flanagan decides to pay his respects. In turn he finds out he has inherited half of the small towns loved doctor. The other half went to the doctors nurse. Which happened to be his best friends twin sister!!
With those details I don’t know what’s stopping you from picking up this book?
This story was so good from start to finish. Well written and I couldn’t wait to turn the page!
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vulture is the first book in The Order of the Condor Series. This is the first book that I have read by Maya Daniels. And I am glad that I did. It was mixed with a little of everything, romance, hot moments and scenes, and paranormal and supernatural. I thoroughly enjoyed a mixture of all things. It did capture my attention and kept me going. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book grabbed my attention right from the start. A wonderful mystery thriller.
We meet our starring character Jayne as she approaches her late grandparents’ lake home in Whispering Pines. The action and suspense is immediately started from right there.
From small town locals to the social outcasts, this is one giant who done it.
I eagerly await the next book!!!!
Review by @michellerenee6590
Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OH EMM GEE! I can’t even begin to explain how much I LOVED Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson! She creates a setting with wonderful characters, to nosey neighbors, mystery, suspense, a HUGE ending twist, and of course murder, but just how much? I guess you will have to read to find out!!!!
Grant, stuck in a marriage he was forced into, does everything he can do to deal with his wife Paula, just to be with his son. Until one day Paula disappears without a trace.
Grant, being a lawyer, knows though he didn’t do it he’s now the prime suspect. Though he’s not the only one who isn’t sad Paula is gone.
Camille, an undercover PI, takes a leave of absence from her job in Boston to stay with her brother in Connecticut. Ends up in the middle of Paula’s disappearance investigation.
I got sucked into this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I felt like the nosey neighbors watching Camille and Grant during the investigation of his wife’s disappearance.
Trust me when I say READ IT!!!
The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Boss Prince (It’s Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols
4 out of 5 Stars
The perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon! The Boss Prince is a sweet, HEA romance with a little heat! With a few twists along the way, Alix Nichols keeps this story interesting to the end.
Lucie brutally got dumped by her boss/boyfriend. She knew better but it was easy with Jerome, her ex. Lucie swears to herself never to get involved with a co-worker again. She intends to keep the promise to herself, until her new boss is a hottie carved out of steel and marble. Lucie tells herself that it doesn’t matter how hot he is because he is way out of her league and there is no chance. Max Delaroche is a secret prince from someplace no one has ever heard of, and, if he has his way about it, plans to keep it that way. Max hires Lucie because she is the beginning of a plan to keep his principality safe. Max is totally enthralled by Lucie and her sassiness. Can he keep his secret, even from her?
This short read is filled with humor, love and intrigue. Is there a mole in the palace? Can Max keep Lucie safe from his enemies? There are more questions than answers in this book. We can only hope that there is more to come from these two! This cute caper is the perfect beach book or (like me) way to spend an evening!!
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rocky takes us on another investigative adventure in Spooked by a Suspicion, by Risa Nyman. In this sequel to Swallowed by a Secret, Rocky, a teen transitioning from middle school to high school, enlists the help of his friend, Olive, to prove his mother’s new fiancé, Ted, is ruining Rocky’s life. After his mother announces plans to marry Ted, Rocky suffers a series of unfortunate events. Those events, combined with Ted’s creepy appearance, convince Rocky that Ted is trying to sabotage him. While building the case against Ted, Rocky learns sometimes people aren’t who they appear to be. I was held captive by this story as Rocky built his case against Ted. Nyman’s writing made me want to keep reading to discover what Ted had in store next for Rocky. Although this book is a sequel, it can be read and enjoyed without needing to read book number one. Even though it is written for middle school students, I found this book enjoyable as an adult.
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton was such a good book!!!! A quick, easy to read book that I absolutely loved. Sindy and Ryan are the most wonderful characters. You could feel their chemistry jumping off the page at every turn. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series and this will be a series that I will continue to follow.
Potager Plot by Vikki Walton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anne Fremont is back in this new gardening tale, where she is giving a talk to the specialist interest group of the local gardening club where she will be talking about how to grow a good forest with a mix of flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs on one place with little to no tending needed. She is happy to be there and has been looking for a gardening group to join and this one seems right up her street. The next day she has agreed to go and see the president of the club and discuss the designs she has in mind for her garden, so she gets ready for the day and sets off over in her car.
When she arrives, she knocks on the door, however, when she doesn’t get an answer after the third try, she decides to go and look in a window to see if they are home, however, when she sees the owner is unable to answer the door, she rushes in only to find that she is dead. Anne phones the authorities and reports what has happened and to all intensive purposes it looks like an accident, but the more she thinks about it, the more something doesn’t ring true for Anne.
She decides to ask around about what happened that morning and how people feel about it, but the more questions she asks, the more secrets are uncovered leading to more possible suspects. There are rumours and accusations flying of extra marital affairs and the possibility that someone has silenced the woman who has died, but will Anne be able to discover the culprits identity before she is the next victim? This is a lovely cozy mystery where secrets and ulterior motives abound, all while gardens are being created and tended to by the close knit gardening group.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance (The Order of the Condor Series #1) by Maya Daniels & Sylvia Black
This is the first book I’ve read by Daniels, but not for Black. Knowing that Black is a part of this book makes me a happy person. Code Name: Vulture is an amazing book.
Danielle Is a curator at a New York Museum. When she spends time with an old man who is thought to be eccentric things seem to be true. She’s then kidnapped for answers, but ends up falling for her captor. The quote I chose for Danielle is: “I want to believe you. What I find hard to come to terms with is that someone betrayed my trust. That’s the only way word could have gotten out that fast, which explains how you were there to buy Condora when no one else in the art industry with enough money had a clue it would be up for auction. It also came out from an old man’s estate—a man thought to be eccentric and more than a little cuckoo, according to my friend Cara.”
Vulture is known for killing just to get his way. He never misses a mark and won’t start now. Being sent to capture the statue and the curator has him questioning things. The quote I chose for Vulture is: “I see this will take time. Your life as you know it is over, little bird, and the sooner you come to terms with it, the easier all this will be. We should start first with the rules, no?”
Highly recommended for Dark Paranormal lovers.
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman is a story full of suspense and intrigue. It keeps you guessing as to how things are going to turn out. The story had a great depth and thought about it. The author has delved into some very relevant issues and has dealt with them so well. The book is so yore thought provoking as you read through it.
I expected at little bit more of a crime book when I read the blurb but I have to say I did enjoy this book overall. Another threat read by this brilliant author.
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Family Secrets: A Whispering Pines Mystery by Shawn McGuire is a fantastic book that is full of twists and turns. I found myself hooked on this book as soon as I started reading. I loved the fact that it wasn’t just a mystery story, there were elements of fantasy in there too. The two combined made for a great story.
I thought Jayne had such brilliant development throughout the book. It really felt like you got to know her character the more you read. As a new author to me I found I really connected with how the author wrote her story. This is a fantastic start to a series and I cannot wait for book 2!
Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle, is a tale full of adventure, suspense, and romance. The banter between Rowan and Davin is deliciously entertaining from the very beginning. This book encompasses many laugh out loud exchanges that made for an easy read. I found myself wanting to read the series that came before it, even though this story stands on its own. It left me on the edge of my seat, anxious for the next book.
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed from the first book I have picked up by this author. This is the seventh book in this series which I have enjoyed just as much as the previous books. I highly suggest reading the previous books but it is not necessary to enjoy this series. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. Logan is back in another page turning story. She is my favorite character and I enjoy what she brings to the story. She keeps the story engaging with her suspense and mystery. I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout the story. It made for a fun, entertaining story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed just as much as the first. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story. This is a well written story about secrets, truth and finding one book that holds the answer. This is a great story that took me on an adventure like no other. It is an adventure that is full of action and finding a serial killer before it is too late. I enjoyed how the characters brought the story to life on each page. They are connectable and make the story engaging. This is a fun, entertaining story that was hard to put down. There are twists and turns that kept me turning pages just to see what happens next. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot and characters. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this romance story. This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed just as much as the first one. I highly suggest reading the first one as well though it is not necessary to read this but you will enjoy it just as much. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading since the first book I have picked up of hers. Her attention to details as well as her creative characters make her stories easy and entertaining to read. This book is no different. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. It is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. The characters are relatable and just added to the story. I also enjoyed how they brought the story to life on each page. This story is about Pandora and how she just plain needs a break from her modeling career. She does just that when she leaves a shoot dressed as a bride and goes to the only pub in town. Jonas is the owner of the pub and never expects her to come through his door. She is now faced with some choices and it is time to face the press. What will happen between these two? I enjoyed their growth and chemistry throughout the story. They made such great characters. I highly recommend reading their story to find out what happens with these two. Is there a happily ever after in their future?
Review by @bjwagner
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book had me always wanting more the characters were wrote brilliant, I felt like I knew them. The book was easy to read and flowed really well it didn’t haveme trying hard to remember what had being going on.
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series ‘Home to the Outback’ I was looking forward to returning to Bunya Junction and was definitely not disappointed. This story centres around Bunya Junction local Jonas Carruthers (Sindy from book ones brother) and supermodel Pandora Sebastian. Pandora and Jonas meet when she takes refuge from a photoshop in the local pub and there is confusing as she’s wearing a wedding dress, and so the locals think she’s a runaway bride. Pandora decides to take a break from her high powered career and stay in the little country town with the welcoming locals, while she attempts to fix the PR mess she’s created and hopefully rescue her career. Jonas having been hurt before by relationships has preconceived ideas about the city based supermodel but soon learns that she is actually the opposite.
As romance blossoms between the couple Pandora dose not expect Jonas to support her when she has to face the press, but maybe he will surprise her and if he does will she consider a permanent move to the outback. The beautiful Australian outback setting and small town living was once again bought to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The characters were likeable and relatable and so well defined that I felt like they were friends. I enjoyed how the relationship between Jonas and Pandora developed and their chemistry sizzled off the page. I loved ‘catching up’ with Sindy and Ryan from book one, and look forward to some of the other secondary characters having there own story in this series. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend.
Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Linda Burson spun a tale that was gripping, twisted, full of mystery! And I couldn’t have been more pleased! The story was well written and thought out and the title and cover were eyecatching! I reccomend reading if you’re into mystery as it didn’t disappoint!
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Runaway to the Outback is the second book in the Welcome To Bunya Junction series by Nicole Flockton. This is a contemporary romance about finding love unexpectedly, with a little drama, emotion, and wonderful characters- which is again (as with the first book) set in a small country town called Bunya Junction in the Australia outback.
This time we get Jonas Carruthers and Pandora Sebastian’s story. Jonas is Sindy’s brother (book one) and he owns the one and only pub in town. Life in Bunya Junction can be predictable- until Pandora arrives and turns his world upside down.
Pandora is pretty famous- the supermodel has had enough though- bolting from her latest a photoshoot when things got far too challenging. She desperately needs to take a step back from the high pressures of modelling life and could really do with a break. After finding herself in the out-of-the-way country town, Pandora decides that Bunya Junction might just be what she needs right now. But what happens when her ‘life’ catches up with her and she is forced to face some harsh realities? This story is really worth the read to find out.
A wonderful addition to the series. Bring on Book #3!
Thank you, Nicole Flockton!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dark and chilling paranormal romance which had me gripped from page one. Luci Delacroix inherits an estate which has always been passed down the female side through the generations. As well as the estate she receives a box and a ring. Luci is drawn to Stormwood and persuades her fiancé, Beckett that they should leave for the mansion that evening despite there being a storm. As soon as they arrive in the middle of the storm Luci wonders off to explore the mansion as she is drawn to a mysterious entity. Beckett is aware that Luci is acting odd and has a feeling that he is loosing her but does not know why. Luci finds herself more and more taken with the man who’s voice has her own body betraying her and is soon craving his touch.
Meanwhile her and Beckett are arguing, but as he goes off to explore the lighthouse soon Luci is not the only one experiencing the paranormal. As Beckett uncovers the secret of Stormwood he has to save Luci before she becomes lost to the evil that has taken control of the mansion for good. This is a short but addictive read and it was a real page turner. The setting of Stormwood in the dark and during a storm was really bought to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the storyline. The characters are likeable and relatable and the chemistry between Luci and Beckett sizzled off the page. I felt the dark evil seduction of the mysterious entity and was swept up in this haunting tale. An enjoyable and engaging read.
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really sweet romance story about 2 people who lead different lives being brought together by a person who cared for them and then falling in love. Both the lead characters have had trouble in their past. Sindy escaped an abusive relationship and Ryan has betrayed by his best friend and his partner.
When Dr Colin McCarthy has an accident that ends his life he leaves his Doctors practise to the two people he cares for Sindy and Ryan.
Ryan rushed to his mentors side in his time of need but he has no intention of staying in Bunya Junction. The town hold loads of memories for him and he doesn’t want to relive them so why has Colin left him half of his practice and what will he do with it now.
Sindy can’t believe she has been left half of the practice that saved her life and got her back on her feet. She is however worried about her new partner. Will Ryan stay and help her run the practice or will he leave the first chance he gets?
As they start and work together their feelings for each other grown but things aren’t all plain sailing in love. With lies and misconceptions all around them can this pair overcome it all, find love and build a practice that Dr Colin would be proud of?
A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Despite being a relatively short read, ‘A Natural Passion’ is enticing and full of life. Dylan and Kyra have a natural chemistry, and the story itself has a lot to offer. Tammy Mannersly has the ability to craft a fantastic tale with just words—it was so easy to see everything clearly in my mind and to be invested in the goings-on of the characters (and the turtles!). This book has the right amount of drama and tension with a whole lot of sweet!
Reviewed by @finleykjames
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Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whisper Creek: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7 by Valerie Davisson. This is the continuing story of Logan McKenna who has just accepted a ring from her boyfriend. She is so happy but scared at the same time. Logan has just recently had a video go viral of her singing and it could be her big break. Logan worries her success may come between her and her boyfriend. The video has made it possible for her to travel to Oregon to talk to a music producer and it may be her big chance. While in Oregon Logan stumbles onto a dead body and of course Logan puts her music career on hold to try to solve it. Logan gets into a mess when she tries to figure out who actually murdered this person and why. Will she be able to solve the murder and keep an innocent person from going to jail or will she fail at finding out the guilty party and lose her big break?
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Home to the Outback By Nicole Flockton is a wonderful story set in the outback town of Bunya Junction. It was fantastic to read a book set in Australia and Ms Flockton gave us a great storyline with characters full of heart and depth that you might not have expected when first starting the book.
Dr Ryan Flanagan Returns to the one place he never thought he would step foot into again and is left a partnership in a private practice he certainly had not asked for. Feeling he needs to keep a promise he made, he decides to give it a go, at least for a while. The other half of the partnership is Sindy Carruthers, and even though he knows he should not complicate things his attraction to her is impossible to ignore. He knows he has so much to work out and a town to win over but can he have something with Sindy as well? At the same time Sindy is battling with her attraction to the gorgeous Dr and her fears of the past repeating itself and hurting her again.
Head on over to Bunya Junction and Meet Ryan and Sindy you won’t regret it.
Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire. This book was amazing! I loved every word of it. Its the story of Jayne who has returned to her hometown of Whispering Pines to her Grandparents house. She is in charge of cleaning out her grandparents house and selling everything. In the midst of doing that she uncovers all kinds of mysterious things and then a dead body is found in the back yard. When the cops show up they don’t seem that interested in doing a proper investigation so Jayne decides to do one on her own. While investigating Jayne discovers all kinds of things about her Grandmother including the fact she seems to have been a Wiccan. The whole town has a lot of Wiccan in it so its not totally surprising but still its her Grandmother. The dead woman has a tattoo that Wiccan’s have so more there is more to the mystery. Magic, wiccan’s and death can Jayne figure out the mystery before someone else dies?
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No Way Out is the first book in this new series by McKinley. The story line in this book is good. The characters are awesome. I loved Max’s type of alpha. He was not out of control with his love and protectiveness. I loved the way Lil feels about Max. She loves him but isn’t so lost in him that she can’t function. She is strong in her own right. And of course, there are the characters that are easy to hate like Lil’s very own father.
The only concern I have with this book is there seemed to be a lot of references to the past. Almost as if there was a book before this one. I wasn’t confused or lost while I read this story but it felt as if I was missing another story. I was able to read and enjoy this book with ease.
Overall, the writing is really good and I am, as always, looking forward to what comes next for this family.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great read. Vulture is not only a dominant male he is a Vampire and he belongs to the order. His current mission is to get hold of a historic relic and the woman who is trying to bid for it in an auction. Danielle is a museum curator and she has secrets of her own some of them may just be the answer to saving the purebloods. The more time Vulture spends with Danielle the more he feels a pull of attraction to her, and soon realises they are fated mates so his mission changes and he will do anything he can to protect her.
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It had everything I like in a story, Romance, vampires and a very strong dominant male.
This is fast paced story which keeps you hooked from the start. I loved the protective dominance of Vulture but also the confidence and determination of Danielle.
Danielle is a curator of a museum. When she is outbid for a very special relic she is fuming. Danielle finds herself in danger when she is kidnapped by vampires. She is willing to give up everything to them but they can’t know her secret. The secrets she is hiding could be the reason for her being in danger but who can help her?
Vulture is a vampire who now takes jobs to get rid of bad guys and find things that people want. When he is tasked with taking the Relic that Danielle was after and also Danielle herself he does it just like any other job. However when Vulture gets betrayed he then sets on a course to protect Danielle from the danger she now faces. He doesn’t know what makes her so appealing to his buyer but he knows he needs to protect her.
As this connection grows things heat up when he realises they are fated mates. How far will Vulture go to protect the woman he loves? Or will he lose everything?
