Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn. From page one I was drawn into the main characters world. Meghan painted an image in the reader’s mind with in depth descriptions and use of unfiltered language. My spine tingled from the beginning of the book to the end. The story does contain sensitive topics that may not be suitable for everyone.
Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my goodness this book is amazing!!! I have read Maya Daniels books so when I saw this one I had to read it. I am so glad I did. I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved it. The story line is easy to follow. The details are fantastic. The characters are perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book or better yet I can’t wait to read the series. I love paranormal romance, I love every type of romance so this book definitely delivered.
Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is set 10 years into the future, it painted a dark bleak picture of what humanity has done to the earth, and what it would look like if we kept on the same path as we do now. The Raven Woman is a shapeshifting tavern owner who cares and looks out for her community, while watching humans destroy her habitat. An interesting group come into town accusing the people here of something they apparently did, the town stands together and these people leave, they end up lost and not knowing where they were going, while one guy leaves to make it on his own, he comes across some disturbing things that make you wonder if what he’s seeing is real or if he is imagining it all. the viewpoint of the story changed from so many different characters; it took me a bit to get a handle on who was who. but It is a well-written and thought-out story that I enjoyed and was worth sticking with it till the end. This book had lots of twists and turns. I am not fully sure if I understood what was real and what was illusion, I am not sure if that was the author’s intention, but it made for an interesting story.
Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have never hidden nor denied the fact that my heart and soul belong in the countryside. I was born and raised in the ‘county’ and wouldn’t have it any other way. I have spent my fair share of living in cities, but it’s never really felt like home. This novel really revolves around the mixed feelings that Stella feels when it comes to moving from her big home city of Austin, to a small little Podunk town of Asheville. Not only is she leaving the hustle and bustle, but also her cousins, which she describes are more like sisters in every capacity. I truly enjoyed getting to know Stella, as well as understanding her bond with her cousins Audrey, and Tiffany. Katrina Marie does an amazing job at incorporating the importance of girlfriends, as well as being able to own the independence that lays beneath the surface.
Now, Johnny, on the other hand, sounds like my type of man! The perfect gentleman, but has that alpha side to him that just, for lack of a better description, makes me, and obviously Stella, swoon. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and being able to really picture the scene where the story is set, and the small town ‘family’ that Stella is welcomed into almost immediately. Of course, it’s not always super easy, and people have history, and past relationships, which Stella and Johnny navigate as best they can, especially within such a whirlwind romance. Overall, thought predictable, while reading this novel, I had a smile on my face, enjoying all the emotions, and the experience itself. Looking forward to reading more by Ms. Marie!
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THESE BOOKS! Hazel has done it again. This book starts out just where we left off in part two. It dives deeper into Vanessa’s new after-life and the multiple men she is falling head over heels for. There is a ton to unpack here, as we learn more about Aroz, Raef, and a new ‘beau’. The queen has sent Vanessa on a mission that seems near impossible – but only gets harder as her men interfere. Good news? There will be a ton of answers in this installment. Bad news? Even more questions of what could possibly come next! (Not really bad news; keeps ya hooked!) The longer this series continues, we get more answers, the scenes get steamier, and there is always something new that you were not expecting. I love a book that keeps me entertained, makes me question what I thought that I knew, and has the perfect characters. If you haven’t started reading these yet, Why Not?! These stories are keeping me completely captivated and I need/want more!
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is not my first rodeo with this gifted author, but once again they know how to bring not only a story to life, but also the characters, How they write, is more than just a technique, their characters that they create tend to leap off the page in a sense of how realistic they are! The story was a wonderful read, start to finish.
I loved how I was able to relate not only in sense to the charact4ers, but you really got a feel for them! For the character Craig. He did a lot of growing up through out this novel I found he had big dreams he wanted to make soar, but somethings he wanted or even had, had to be left in the dust to achieve these goals and that is exactly what he chose…but were they truly the best decisions for him? He loved Rachel, truly yes. She was left behind, but perhaps she kept a piece of her heart always?
Rachel grew up as well. She did not at times have the best father and daughter relationship. I found she chose to grow up to be what was expected of her and not really what she wanted. At first glance it seemed her and Craig were the match made in Heave, but both of them chose different lives and paths. Is this how it was meant to be? Or did fate have other plans for these two souls?
Years passed since Craig and Rachel first saw one another or even interacted for that matter. A sad time brought them together. One thing was certain though, though the times and years that had passed, they never truly let go of one another. When they got to spend time together again, i found it was as of all those years and time was swept away, they had so much chemistry and good moments between them it seemed as if they both were thinking and realizing maybe they have a chance as the one thing that would completely make them happy and full their hearts with no doubts?
I loved reading Craig’s and Rachel’s story. They seemed so real, as if I was sitting listening to their story and more like they were close friends to me, and I was the cheerleader rooting for them to take that chance as well as leap of faith they ended up missing out on. The story was more than just touching and emotional, it was beautiful, fragile, and to me reading their story shows you what makes life worth it.
I really enjoyed this book, and once again enjoyed this story by this captivating author. I look forward to the next in their series they have started here. This was a well written book, and one I enjoyed very much with all my heart. Yes, I highly recommend. It is defiantly a read worth while in more ways than one!
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a truly beautiful book. It is so romantic with bits of tragedy within. Rachel has overcome some deeply tragic stuff. She has used that to become a social worker. Craig comes back into her life. He was her high school sweetheart. Together these two overcame a history filled with so much drama and have come together to create a new life. Rachel, Craig and their friends are created to feel so real that you can feel their pain, angst, happiness and every other emotion. It’s just so real. Parts of the story ripped my heart out because it could have come straight from the news. So much heart ache, yet they could turn it around. You have to read this book. Run don’t walk, to pick up this book. I highly recommend. It would get 10 stars
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
I have never wanted a series to go on and on like I do this one. The Bow is the 3rd book in the Her Three Immortals series and you will need to read them all in order. I love a reverse harem so much and in this one, Grey, Raef and Aroz/Bow are just perfect! It seems that Vanessa has a path that was predestined, she is to complete tasks in order to fulfill a prophecy. All of the God’s mothers are just terrible, and I can’t wait to see all of them knocked down not a couple pegs but all pegs! I love all of the men for always looking out for and protecting Vanessa the best way they can, and it is so nice to see Grey not as grouchy anymore. I did think Aroz wasn’t going to make it with Vanessa, but he did change especially when Bow was introduced. I can’t wait for the next book to continue Vanessa and her Gods and their next adventure!
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. I also enjoyed what they brought to the story as well. This is a well written story where the growth of the plot was great throughout the story. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is full of action and twists and turns. I enjoyed how the characters are connectable and gave life to the story. This is a story about Cady and how life throws her some unexpected situations that change her. She is now faced with standing her ground and murder, will these two cross? The question remains will she run or stand her ground for justice. This is a great story and I really enjoyed what Cady brought to the story. She is a strong character that I felt for with the different things happening to her. She truly made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Journeys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ by James Talisman is the second entry of his ‘Journeys Through…’ series and picks up from the events of the first book to primarily focus on returning characters from the EarthVerse and Elipsson worlds. It was rewarding to see familiar faces like Matt and Tysson again and to witness the next phases of their journey. Talisman’s decision to mainly cast a spotlight on these two rather than all six of ‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’s’ protagonists was a smart one- allowing the author the time and space (ha!) to flesh out Matt and Tysson to a greater extent and to concentrate on the cultivation of their abilities and powers.
The narrowing down of characters also permitted for a deeper exploration into the worlds Matt and Tysson hail from and further build upon their unique cultures, structures and histories. The space expeditions and lizzard hierarchy of Elipsson was joy to learn about like last time and, while in theory, Matt’s familiar realm of Earth should not be as interesting, Talisman manages to make the setting fresh and intriguing by not pigeon-holing the narrative in one location- following Matt and his friends and family all around the globe on their adventures. It’s evident that Talisman did his research before going into this book- he paints such a vivid and accurate picture of different countries like Nepal and France with an appropriate level of sensitivity and cultural care, nor does he render the inhabitants of such places mere caricatures or stereotypes.
Another thing that Talisman manages to knock out of the park even further than in ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’s’ predecessor is his exploration and analysis of his series’ unique wisdoms and ideas of the collective consciousness binding many as one. As Matt and Tysson learn to harness their abilities and develop their skills, the audience’s knowledge of the powers holding the fabric of the MultiVerse deepens. It’s a delight to see the clear influence drawn from eastern, western and religious tradition as Talisman continues to further distinguish and develop the distinct lore of his story.
A sequel is only as good as its capacity to build on themes and storylines of its predecessor, and ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ does not come up short in this regard. The events of the first book are seamlessly incorporated and followed here, allowing for natural story progression and character beats and development. Never once did a plot-point feel bizarre or odd- the first book was clearly written with the second one in mind and vice versa with consequences from the former shaping the latter and some aspects of character evolution explored being direct repercussions of the happenings of its preceding book.
If you loved ‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’, then picking up ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ is a no-brainer as it reaches even greater heights than its predecessor. For a story spanning the MultiVerse and time itself, you could not ask for better.
The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Boss Prince: a royal romance with humor and suspense (It’s Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols is a romantic comedy and a wonderful fantasy story with a French twist. It reminds me of those Hallmark movies. This is the first book that I have read by Alix and I found it entertaining, fun and witty, with a little steam. There is a little suspense, intrigue, and mystery in this unknown faraway place. On the hunt for a key, the fun journey begins.
9 keys are key to keeping their little part of the world, so I look forward to reading the other Raining Royals books.
Reviewed by @jennadb
My Soul to Give by Magali A. Fréchette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I look for in a book, murder, Paranormal and romance. The author does an amazing job at making the story grip the reader from the start and the twists and turns the reader goes through keeps you gripped until the end. The romance is hot and steamy and with descriptions of murder it is def an adult book.
Celina has it all. A perfect home, perfect husband, life couldn’t get much better. Until her husband gets murdered in front of her. After Celina escapes and almost dies herself she is filled with rage and vows the get revenge on the people that killed her husband. Her wish gets answered in the form of a demon. He can grant her the wish to get revenge but the price will be her soul.
So now Celina is on the journey to find the people responsible for her husbands death and on the way she discovers thing weren’t as she thought they were. Her husband has secrets that could have been the reason for his death.
After finding all this devastating news she turns to the one person by her side. The demon Mekaisto. His charms work on her and their relationship grows. But when her time comes near to surrender her soul does she stay with the devil she knows or risk the path of the unknown?
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie is a sweet contemporary romance story. He broke the rules and loved her anyway and she loved with all she had. Childhood sweethearts seeing each on the sly but being young and naïve they had their lives in front of them. The Fav Five return to town for a funeral and friendships are rekindled and once they see each other again sparks fly. But with it comes drama and longing, emotions and feelings, loss and sorrow, love, secrets and lies. Will our characters find love again or will the past keep them apart?
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
THE BOW (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 3) by HAZEL STORM
The Bow is the third book in the Her Three Immortals Series by Hazel Storm. Wow just wow! Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better then this book steals the show. This is my favorite yet so much packed into one book that once I started I had a hard time putting it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I do highly recommend reading the first two books if you haven’t already started as they are just as good as this one plus you get a better understanding of what is going on. This one picks up where book two left off. Get ready to be taken on quite a ride as Vanessa is assigned a task by the Queen of the Underworld and her soul is at stake if she fails. I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 3) by Hazel Storm follows on from the first two books. This paranormal romance is unique and original and is a quick an engrossing read that will leave you laughing. There is mystery and suspense, passion and chemistry, Greek Gods, and mythology. This intriguing sexy and sizzling series is addictive. It is fun and titillating and the clever narrative leaves you wanting more. I love the characters and love that it is told in multiple POV’s. When you have temptation and three sexy immortal Gods who have set their attention and sights set on you what’s a girl to do?
Reviewed by @jennadb
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley
5 Stars
WOW!! She has done it again! This book was everything and more of what I was expecting from this author and her new series. I loved reading every single word in this story. I was completely wrapt up in it from the first chapter. I have come to realize I love the mafia style stories, especially when they are written like this. The secrets, the twists to the story that just flow out while reading that become those awesome wow moments. The many characters that I never had a problem sorting out while reading. The absolute bada** lead characters that left an impression, making them a lead couple I will never forget. The best friends, Oh my goodness I love them, they actually cracked me up alot of times while reading. The cousins… oh i hope there will be so much more with the best friends and cousins.
I could literally go on and on about this book, as well as this author. If you have not read any of her books yet…Grab this one, I promise it has every little thing you ever wanted while reading.
I was left with a huge question when I finished this book, someone that was mentioned way back in the beginning. I’m so hoping that since book 2 is Enzo and Sophia that I’ll get my answer. I CAN NOT WAIT!!!
Deserves so many more than 5 stars!! I loved it!!!
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Growing up in small town Texas, Thia Finn discovered life outside of it by attending The University of Texas, only to return home and marry her high school sweetheart. They raised two successful and beautiful daughters while she taught middle school Language Arts and eventually became a middle school librarian. After thirty-four years, she retired to do her favorite things, like travel, spend time off-roading with family and friends, hanging out at one of the Texas Hill Country’s beautiful rivers, reading, and writing. She currently lives in the same small town where she grew up, with her husband and Chihuahua, Josie. She can often be found stalking on social media, watching Netflix or Hulu.
Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was very interesting. It was a little bit hard to follow at first but it’s just because it is different peoples stories that weave together for an entrancing story. It had a twist at the end. Definitely worth the read.
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is awe inspiring. Pure determination, sheer will, and commitment are the traits I see in Drew and Abby. In the beginning of this book it shows a deep friendship blossoming between classmates. I think it’s a big coincidence that both Drew and Abby want to attend medical school. I loved this book it had a flow to it so it was a easy fast paced read.
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and lovable feel good romance. It will tug at your heart strings from start to finish.
Drew and Abigail start off as lab partners with mixed feelings about being partnered together and what the results will be. As they spend more time together they start to find a connection that is beyond friendship.
Both are organized, driven, and have similar goals within the medical field. They find that dating was not the original plan but once they set out its impossible to imagine not being together. They have a unique love story, and its one where its purely love, respect, and that feeling of a true soulmate. I would definitely read this book again.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No Way Out was a really good, entertaining read! Amy McKinley never disappoints with her novels and this one was no exception. My only complaint to this novel was it felt like there were a few plot holes and missing concepts. A few scenes had me confused because it seemed like some content was left out. Other than that I could hardly put this book down! It was entertaining, spicy, thrilling and full of action. I absolutely can not wait to read the next installment of this series and see what happens next!
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a fan of Amy McKinley! Her stories are written well. Her characters are believable and realistic. And you can’t help but root for the good guys to deliver justice to the bad guys!
I enjoyed the drama of the families involved in the mafia storyline. Ms. McKinley introduced the families in Chicago, their ties to Italy, and also what I believe will be the overarching mystery to the series in a brilliant way! The women that stick together are strong and not necessarily damsels in distress. However, what woman doesn’t want a strong man to treat them like a queen, to show them they are valued, and that they are worth the battle to win??
Truly looking forward to reading the next books in this series!! I can’t wait to see how the rest of the Mafia Elite end up with the love of their lives!
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No Way Out is the first installment in the Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. It is full of suspense, action, and has a wonderful romance vibe (who am I kidding, it’s love at first sight kind of romance!) The book starts out with blowing up a warehouse full of drugs and somehow a few pages later we’re reading about finding out how Matt (aka Max) and Liliana meet for the first time. Their chemistry sizzles from the start. The author shares information about many characters and TPN hat happened in the past to make this a book I didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
Journeys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Since I read the first one, I wanted to also read the second one to see how it picked up. I really appreciate the author’s attention to details and the pictures he paints of such creative places. The three friends, Matt, Julia and Dan have good chemistry and really bring the reader on the adventure with them. I appreciated in the first installment the ways the character faced challenges and the portrayal of different moral perspectives. This story was definitely easier to follow in terms of characters, setting and the overall plot. It was a good continuation in the series.
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drew by Amanda Shelley, is a story of two truly independent characters on a journey of “will they or won’t they”. I smiled, laughed, and cried throughout the book. Drew and Abby encapsulate the theory of being more than what meets the eye. Lovely written with complex characters that I enjoyed so much that I did not want it to end. I can not wait to read the next book by this author.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the first words of this book, you will become enraptured with the story. Mafia princesses, sultry hot men…what more could you ask for?
Being a Mafia princess has its rewards, but Liliana Brambilla cannot figure out what those are. She’s entrapped in her house by her father Benito, who is one of the five heads of the Italian Mafia residing in Chicago. When she was a young girl, Liliana watched her mother take a bullet from her, and her father has never let her forget it. Now as his empire is falling he looks to make a deal with another family to finance a Mafia war. Unfortunately for Liliana, that means marrying someone that she can’t stand to share the room with.
Max joins Benito as an assassin but is quickly put in charge of guarding Liliana. For Max that plays right into his hands. He has come to infiltrate and takedown Benito for his mentor, Liliana’s Sicilian grandfather. Max plans to take his rightful place as the head of the Mafia in Chicago, but first, he has to win Liliana’s trust after being her bodyguard.
Can Max win Liliana over, or will this be a futile attempt at a coup?
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great! Reading it, I was thinking about elementary and middle schoolers reading it. The conflict was super relatable for that age. The friendships that were shown, and the familial relationships showed were realistic. Rocky’s imagination and his adversity to change is very much like any kid at thirteen whose world feels like it’s imploding. It was a fun read and I would definitely recommend it, and have recommended it to kiddos I’ve talked to through work.
Journeys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was definitely something outside of my comfort zone. I was interested in giving this book a shot because is is so different than what I normally read. I was not disappointed. The only drawbacks for me were personal. There was so much detail and characters to keep straight in my head. I did enjoy the Multiverse concept as well as the attention to detail with how the character explored the challenges they were facing. I also appreciated the allusion to cultures we are familiar with but with its own spin. This is definitely a good read for someone that is into the sci-fi/fantasy genre!
Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley
This is the first book I’ve read by Shelley. It won’t be my last book by Shelley. Drew and Abby are so darn cute and I loved it!
Abby has her mind set on getting into med school. When in chemistry she finds that her lab partner isn’t such a jerk after all. She ends up falling hard for him and is scared that it won’t work out. The quote I chose for Abby is: “It won’t take me too long. I’ve worked on it between classes so if I focus, I should be able to knock it out sooner.”
Drew is a basketball player and doesnt have time to date with his schedule. Getting into med school has been a priority since college came into play. Then he meets Abby and things change. The quote I chose for Drew is: “You’re not a slacker. Trust me. If it wasn’t basketball season, I probably would’ve done the same thing and waited to work out this afternoon. But I don’t exactly get to choose my schedule most days, so I’m stuck with what I’ve got. Those are the breaks for being a Division-One athlete and trying to graduate on time. It’s all about time management. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about my circumstances. I’m just sayin’ that in the off season, my schedule’s a bit different.”
Highly recommended for Sports Romance lovers.
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE BOW (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 3) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Krista Vaughan
Hazel Storm brings back Vanessa and her Gods in this third installment of this series. Vanessa has won the heart of Grey, God of the Underworld. Grey’s mother certainly has NO love for Vanessa. Mommy-dearest sends Vanessa on an errand to the mortal world… With a time limit, of course. The consequences are too dire if she fails. She is so close to success… Then Aroz, God of Lust kidnaps her and keeps her in his invisible palace! Here she finds a prisoner that needs to be rescued from a dark and sad existence.
This has been my favorite of these novels! There is non-stop action, the attraction between Vanessa and Aroz is almost palpable despite him being arrogant, selfish and narcissistic. Her unexpected and strong attraction to the prisoner has her all kinds of confused. Vanessa is so brave and full of sass. I love a sassy heroine! If you like them, too you MUST read this series! Especially this book!
