Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a quick sweet romantic read! Willa and Brody weren’t expecting to meet each other. They were still being chased by other people! When sparks start to fly between them those other people get in the way. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles to be together? This is definitely a great sweet read! I look forward to reading more from this author!
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Boy Released is the gripping sequel to Boy on Hold, by JD Spero. We pick back up with the Trout family years after their ordeal. We learn more about each of them and how they, especially Tyler, are coping with life now and Tyler’s diagnosis. Then, tragedy strikes again, but this time it’s Marcella, Tyler and Hen’s mom who is attacked. Again, Tyler is suspect number one! What really happened? Will there be justice?
The depth of the character and world development makes this one truly special. The light shed on mental illness and how it affects individuals, as well as those around them make this book different than others in the genre. Another great, page-turning read!
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boy On Hold by JD Spero is a suspenseful, engaging story that reels you in from the beginning.
Spero writes the story from multiple points of view and carefully crafts this mystery. The characters are well-developed throughout the book and you can’t help but endear yourself to most of them. The reader immediately finds themself engulfed in a mystery witnessed by small little Hen (who sees monsters come the crime against a beloved neighbor and friend) and it all unravels from there. Could it be his brother, his brother’s best friend, or someone else entirely? Spero’s storytelling is excellent. The development of the mystery with special attention to the characters and shedding light on mental illness make this must-read. It will have you turning the page to the very end.
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate was a really good read! I enjoyed this installment of The Shadow Chronicles much better than the first. To me it seemed like there was more action and excitement. I enjoyed seeing more of the Lycan and Vamp bond, and the treaty that allows them to work together. There were a lot of twists and turns and happenings in this story and that made it a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate
The Shadow Chronicles Book 2 By: C.R. Robertson
Genre: Romance & Paranormal/Supernatural
Pages: 239
Yes, this book is 100% 5 Stars. This book picks up right where book 1 left off.
I love that we get the story from more then one POV and the story line of even the secondary characters are so detailed that you become part of the world both vampire and Lycan.
Are you team vampire or werewolf?
The war rages on (in the background) of this amazing love story that you just need to keep reading.
It Robertson has a way of drawing you into this book a bit better then the last. Book one is BOOM right into the adventure, this story has more of a journey and once you’re in the thick of it believe me you will not put it down.
Mini romances going on that I am rooting for!
It is a story, a series that I recommend like I have said I sense a timely story that brings the idea of vampire and Lycan love to life.
You cannot go wrong with suspense, romance a touch of war with overall love.
“We need to sedate this creature and get it back to base.”
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities is centered around a vivacious heroine Emma, who is much ahead of her age and also in her time. At a tender age of 18, she develops a keen acumen of solving crime mysteries, builds a business of her own at a time when business schools were strictly for men, helps other women who are in dire needs, and also takes care of her own family connections. She seems to be a well-rounded iconic role model who we all women wish to be.
It is a book full of fun and adventures, and Emma , who speaks for all modern-day women is definitely someone to look up to. Love this YA novel.
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the first book and the second is even better! We start back up with Levi and Tasha pretty much where we left off. I love all the romance and action in this series! I literally kept reading even while doing laundry! I needed to know what was going to happen next. The story takes an unexpected turn that made me turn pages faster. I cannot wait to read the third book and see what happens with Tasha and Levi. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so if you are a fan of paranormal romance read this series!!
All I can say is OMG!! Marsha R. West had me hooked from the start. I loved how Liz, although she had a terrible first try at marriage she gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart Matt. Liz’s life was ripped apart after her marriage of 25 years fell apart. With all the horrible mishaps that involve Liz and her daughter Lauran, they still seem to still enjoy their time in Red River. Going back to Red River allows both women to forget about the past two years of terrible misfortune. This book will have you hooked from the start. * * * * *
Reviewed by @alape
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate is book 2 of The Shadow Chronicles by CR Robertson is so good! I really enjoyed the continuation of Levi & Tasha’s story even more so than the first. It does continue right where the first book left off, so personally I would recommend reading them in order to make sure you get the full story.
I want so badly to go into detail but I don’t want to give spoilers!
There is so much going on in this story but in a good way. It is action packed with an incredible story line. Levi and Tasha are constantly battling one obstacle after another to be together. I found myself groaning thinking “How are they going to get through this one?”. I love the world that you get immersed in, and how incredible the character development was in this one. If you’re into Fantasy, this is one that I would highly recommend you read.
Forever Valentine by Diana Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! I read it all in one day. If you are looking for a book that has romance and some love making in it this book is definitely for you! My favorite thing is how the author made it relatable to relationships nowadays and how we try to take one our partners struggles because we hate seeing them struggle or hurt.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story is told from two POV’s- the mother, Tara, and the son, Branson. You can feel the struggle of the mother to find out and handle when Branson says he’s been hearing voices.
I really struggled to get with Tara. I felt she was super dramatic. I struggle saying that honestly because I haven’t been in those shoes. Just felt her character was little on drama-overdrive.
My heart went out to Branson.
Overall I cant say that I felt this was a “thriller” as it was a bit slow-moving or maybe slower than I anticipated but overall I liked the storyline and the realness it brought to mental illness and its effect on people and their families.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by Author Marsha R West and I really enjoyed the suspenseful romance story. This story is about Liz, who ends up divorcing her husband gets arrested for money laundering. The FBI also think that Liz had knowledge of her husbands illegal activities. Eventually, Liz and her daughter pack up and decide to go to her family’s cabin in New Mexico. When danger follows her to New Mexico, she go to the local police and only to find out that the town marshal is her old flame from high school. I love a second chance love that also has suspense wrapped into a fantastic book. Thank you Author Marsha R West!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson was well worth the wait. The continuing story of Tasha and Levi was so good. Tasha and Levi struggle to keep their love strong during adversity made for a fun read.C.R. Robertson has created a really vibrant world and a very compelling story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment. .
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wooohoooooo!! Love Love Loved this book. I continue to love these characters and I love a story with lycans, vampires and witches. I recommend reading book 1 before reading book 2. Tasha and Levi, whom should be sworn enemies, but fate has a different outlook and are mates. There are new characters and demon hellspawn to deal with. It is hard not to give any spoilers away, but also Coven Leader Castus character, he is pure evil. If you love paranormal with mystery, love and secrets this book is for you.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Krista Vaughan
This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. As a person living with mental illness the view into Branson’s world and how it affects the people around him was super intriguing. There was the anguish and denial of his mother, the ignorance of his father and the realization of Branson himself that there was something wrong. Mental illness can be horribly debilitating, and it is referring to have a novel step into the depths to try to show what it can be like to have an issue like this. This is one to read.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whoo!! I loved these two books in this box set. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and it was well worth the read. Each story is a stand alone and all steamy. It got to the meat and potatoes without any of the fluff. If you just want sex scenes then this is a read for you! I thouroughly enjoyed these two books and will definitely be buying more later on! Well written and composed. 5 out of 5 stars!
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Written In The Stars by Angela Christina Archer is a story that captures your heart right away. Elizabeth Hamilton is a teenage girl who’s pregnant hiding the fact from her parents. But her mother finds out Elizabeth is pregnant and drives Elizabeth to a home for boarding through the pregnancy. It takes a while for Elizabeth to realize that she will be leaving this house without her baby. Whatever will happen to Elizabeth’s baby?
As a mother, this book was sometimes emotionally hard to read. I have so much empathy for these teenage girls who were forced to give up their babies. Overall this book is great and shows all sides of the story – Elizabeth, her parents, the couple who adopted the baby, and ultimately, and the woman that baby turned out to be.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book in this series. This concerns an American teen investigator in mid-19th century Chicago. The character Emma is a former business student who finds herself engulfed in a mystery. I like the character Emma and how she is breaking stereotypes for her time period. She is smart and complex. I like that she is full of life and that the story is complex and full of twists and turns. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and introducing this story to some young readers in my life.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This amazing book was so well written. I started off not sure how I would feel about it because mental illness touches very close to home for me. But the way the character Tara talks about her emotions while dealing with the news from Branson is so raw and emotional. And then Branson’s side of his emotions is heartbreaking and true to how so many young adults feel. I laughed and cried as I sped through the chapters. I highly recommend this book and commend M. Billiter for writing such a beautiful story.
Reviewed by @capizz92
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins caught my attention right away. The synopsis and the cover both pulled my attention the minute I saw them, but once I started the book I was drawn in even faster. Our main character Emma is open and honest, and while she has matters of the heart to settle she doesn’t let that stop her from solving mysteries. This story offers us so much mystery, twists and turns, and drama that you will find yourself not being able to put it down. The plot of this story was written so perfectly that it is the perfect second installment to this series and I look forward to more.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marsha R West delivered an incredibly well put together story that grabbed me right from the start! It was a perfect read that I couldn’t put down. Who doesn’t love a heroine! The book had wonderful characters and a storyline that had me on the edge of my seat and I will definately be looking for more books from her!
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mental illness is always a hard one to describe and give it justice. The author did an amazing job doing so in The Divided Mind. I definitely felt the struggle that the family had to deal with along with the “patient”. The way that the author takes clinical terms and breaks them down through the character’s voices is so helpful in understanding this mental illness. Although I didn’t have much knowledge about the topic, I definitely felt like I ended the book having a lot more empathy and understanding for those who deal (family and patients) with mental illness of any kind. This is a very believable storyline, and I loved it.
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This amazing book was so well written. I started off not sure how I would feel about it because mental illness touches very close to home for me. But the way the character Tara talks about her emotions while dealing with the news from Branson is so raw and emotional. And then Branson’s side of his emotions is heartbreaking and true to how so many young adults feel. I laughed and cried as I sped through the chapters. I highly recommend this book and commend M. Billiter for writing such a beautiful story.
Reviewed by @capizz92
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second book in this series was so so good. Picked up right from where book one left off and honestly I cannot get enough. CR Robertson is an exceptional Paranormal writer and I need more! Levi and Tashas story starts where it left off in book one and this book was full of twists and turns and at one point I almost had to stop reading it! If you’re looking for a love story that knows no bounds with action and fear look no further. This series has it all!
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story will speak to you in a way you were not expecting. Tara is single mom with 4 beautiful kids and 2 bad marriages under her belt (one with DV.) She works at Wyoming University admissions office, and has based her life upon her children and their futures. When her son Branson confesses that he is hearing voices, and then at school blacks out she immediately is unsure what to make of the situation. As the story progresses we watch as Branson begins therapy and slowly opens up about the shadows he sees and voices he hears, and that this isnt something new. When Tara starts to get more information about Branson’s schizophrenia she slowly starts to breakdown. She becomes engulfed with emotions of not wanting it to be true, thinking what could have done differently, or where can his life go now it becomes heartbreaking as she reimagines that little boy she adored to now. With her other children providing moral support and the threat of without medication and help Branson will get worse she slowly begins processing and coming to terms. Branson, Tara, and the rest of the family tell this amazing story of loving someone with mental illness and the importance of family.
When I began reading this book I was completely unprepared for the journey that it lead me upon. Mental illness can be a difficult subject, and unfortunately not enough light is shed upon the issue. As a mother I can 100% relate to Tara and the emotions she felt because there is nothing scarier then watching your child go thru something you know nothing about , that you can’t change, or that can effect their quality of life. This book was very raw, real, and emotional, but nonetheless a complete hidden gem. M. Billiter indicated that its somewhat based upon her life with her son, and I truly appreciate the shared experience, and the beautiful way it was told.
Forbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing. If you like paranormal/fantasy books pick it up now. I need to read all of them in an all consuming way. Tasha and Levi’s story started off with me considering maybe this was too “teen” for me but boy oh boy!!!!! I can’t get enough and I downloaded all I could find from this amazing author! So well written and I love the characters so much! The forbidden love was so so good!
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
**The synopsis for Boy Released gives away a detail for the first book, Boy On Hold; I highly recommend reading the first book before reading this book or this review.**
Although I recommend to read this series in order, you can start with this book. The synopsis gives the reader an understanding of the Trout family’s past if you haven’t read Boy On Hold.
Again, I was on the edge of my seat reading this book! Fast forward 10 years and we are following Tyler’s release from psychiatric rehab and the Trout family’s new dealings with the justice system.
Spero’s writing continues to flow smoothly and not falter between characters views or jumps to the past and present. Definitely want these books on my shelf!
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer is book two in the Mothers and Daughters Collection. This is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug someone close to you. I had forgotten to read the first book a ways back but was immediately brought back into this author’s voice. I really enjoyed the story and how this isn’t a sobfest but has all the feels. The characters are well written. I am happy to have rediscovered this author and will be looking for more from this author in the near future.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tainted I felt was a must read after reading the description and I fell in love immediately. The story is quick to draw you in with Sarah getting woken up by the FBI looking for documents her ex-husband stashed inside her house. We quickly learn who the bad guy in the story is but even knowing the information she manages to keep you hooked, on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. Her descriptive characters allow the reader to picture them in their mind and the scenic description in Red River makes you feel like you are walking the town with the main character.
The author makes you pull for Matt and Sarah to rekindle the romance they had in high school. And for the sexy marshal to pin down who is behind the threat on her life. The author pulls you in to the drama knowing Matt is trying hard to protect Sarah especially after losing his wife to a deadly disease. This book will have you on the edge of your seat and may provoke sleepless nights as you fight to read to the very end. I cannot recommend this book enough and am so very glad this author came across my radar as I was searching for a new book to get lost in.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book, set in the 1800’s brings the reader on a number of mysterious adventures, along with main character Emma who presents as a strong female lead. Emma seems to always be at the forefront of new developing crimes and town deceptions. Alongside Emma’s ever evolving crime cases, you will be witness to Emma’s personal affairs including her budding romance. The character development in this book is fast paced with new characters emerging frequently. New characters were hard to keep up with at times and could have a slower paced introduction into the story. Overall I enjoyed this book as it grabbed my attention, and kept me engaged with the fast faced, ever evolving story.
