Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel l, while slightly different, is beyond great. Even though it is set in post-apocalyptic Australia, it touches on today’s issues. This is a wonderful young adult read. T.S. Simons is a fantastic author and it shows.
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Buccaneers of St Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is a fun and humorous tale about a group of young, aspiring detectives who are determined to solve their mystery. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I found it to be highly entertaining. Not only did it have mystery and intrigue but I found it to be much more witty than I expected it would be. I loved the attention to detail in the book. It was things like the authors note at the start that really made this book all the more enjoyable.
As an introduction to the author this was definitely a good book to start with. I will definitely be looking into more of her work in the future!
Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wildfire
By
Ashley A. Quinn
This is a good book for when you need to get away from today’s trouble. A real feel-good story about two people that have had their share of pain in their pasts find each other and fall in love. These kinds of stories help us through our days and help us feel better. Author Ashley Quinn does not disappoint, her ability to make the characters come alive and the story flow grabbing our attention and heart strings make this a perfect read.
I highly recommend this book!
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really like this author so I was looking forward to reading this story by her and I wasn’t disappointed. The story definitely had lots of emotion and the author did an amazing job with Chris’ character, I could genuinely feel how he was feeling at times. There were a few parts of the story that I did skip over just because I find them difficult to read about but I don’t think it really affecting my overall view of this story which was a nice romance with two nice characters. I loved Chris for his determination and his mind-set considering what has happened to him in his life. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and I especially loved Chris!!
I’m looking forward to more to come from this author in the future.
Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Don’t you just love when you stumble upon a new Author and the blow your mind…..
Evelyn Sola did exactly that with this absolute stunning book.
Insta attraction with family drama and some really funny moments made Clark family my new favorite soap opera.
When you have so much anger in your heart that you turn into something ugly on the outside, there’s nothing like a take no BS woman to kick you on the butt to set you straight.
Both these MC’s are superbly written and the storyline is we’ll developed and flows naturally.
I highly recommend this book.
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings series. This story is set in the 1800’s in England and follows Melinda. Melinda took care of her father’s estate while he was sick. When he died, the estate was left to a distant relative. She had nowhere else to go and is allowed to stay and work as a maid for her cousin – for free. This was such a refreshing retelling of Cinderella.
Stone of Destiny by Nadine Travers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stone of Destiny is an amazing action packed adventure that keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Juniper is an amazing character and I like the fact she is a strong female role. If you love paranormal and action packed stories this is definately one for you.
Juniper is a warrior witch who is sent on missions when ancient magical relics need rescuing. This time it is the Stone of Destiny that’s calling her. However this will be no easy mission as her rivals who work for “The Lady” is also looking to get the relic.
What follows is an adventure that leads to love and loss. Can Juniper get the relic and stop it falling into the wrong hands. Or will she be outsmarted by the opposite side?
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unbroken Vow by Bree Lewandowski is my first book from this author, but after finishing this 5 star read, it will definitely not be my last! I was enthralled from the very first page, and I loved each character more and more the more i read. This book is definitely fast paced, with a few twists and turns you won’t see coming. I recommend this book for sure to any one who enjoys a good fantasy romance! I look forward to reading more from this author, and i don’t doubt you will too after reading this!
Stone of Destiny by Nadine Travers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a strong start to it. This book is filled with Paranormal activity, Fantasy, action. Juniper I like her character. I enjoyed the different creatures which featured in this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings series. This story is set in the 1800’s in England and follows Melinda. Melinda took care of her father’s estate while he was sick. When he died, the estate was left to a distant relative. She had nowhere else to go and is allowed to stay and work as a maid for her cousin – for free. This was such a refreshing retelling of Cinderella.
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski was an interesting book and is the first book I have read by this author. I highly enjoyed this book, and the author did well, this was different then what I expected, and I am used to. I fell in love with the characters of this story. Ada is now a widow due to a forbidden marriage; Glaive gives his word he will protect her, but can he? This was a quick read and was fun. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley. This author grabs my attention and won’t let go until I reach the last page. But it’s ok because I love every minute of it. Once again I found myself drawn into a story I couldn’t put down. The characters are complex and relatable, from page one I knew I’d love the adventure they were about to take me on. The storyline is well thought out and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. If you love a good mystery with some romance here and there this book is calling your name. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash. I’m a huge fan of retellings of some of my favorite fairytales and this one was great. The author does a wonderful job of of writing a uniquely retelling of one of my favorite stories. The characters pull you in right from the get go. Historical isn’t usually my pick but as I said I love retellings of fairytales so I was eager to pick this one up. It’s on the shorter side but that didn’t hinder it in anyway. I found it to be the perfect read to give my mind a break from longer stories. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. Four big stars and highly recommended!
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Gail Guerrero
Five Stars
This story will have you sad and happy at the same time. Chris has been through a lot. He had the Olympics in his future until a skiing accident took that dream away. He is a very strong character because he picked himself back up and two years later he was skiing again as a paraplegic. During training he found something he didn’t know he was looking for. Carly is a very special woman. She didn’t look at Chris any less because he was in a wheelchair. She saw a man and what the possibilities could be. The scenes were definitely interesting and different. I couldn’t imagine the pain and fear these characters felt. The author did an amazing job writing these characters
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski. This one was a bit outside my comfort zone but I’m so glad I found it. This author definitely has a way with making words into a story book world you’d like to get lost in. This was a fast read for me and I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with the characters. The pace was fast but not in bad way, I think the author found a way to make it fast pace without jeopardizing the overall storyline. I liked the characters they were easy to connect with. It’s a well written story and I kinda wish I could read it again for a first time. I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer. Four big stars and highly recommended!
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For as long as she can remember, Kat Caulberg has been obsessed with history and the paranormal. Somewhat to the dismay of her parents, her interests led her into both museums and graveyards as a child, a trend which has continued into her adulthood. This has influenced her reading tastes and her writing, whether it be a good ghost story, thrilling tales of time-travel, or devouring endless volumes of ancient warfare.
She signed a contract with Soul Mate Publishing in 2018 for her first novel, Three Star Island, a time-travel story set in 1721. She enjoys writing strong, quirky heroines, and has a weakness for cheeky heroes who have as much compassion as they have flaws.
Kat currently lives in North Carolina with her Englishman and a few cats.
Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found myself invested into Jake and Sandra’s story. It came off the pages so real and full of so many emotions.
The chemistry between Sandra and Jacob is present from the first time they see each other. However, previous betrayal from his brother has Jacob bringing old baggage into the mix before they really have a chance. The back and forth between these characters is both raw and believable. It has a comedic aspect while also tackling some real issues that other author’s skim over.
After getting through the book, I am interested to read the other books in the series.
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story as it didn’t feel far fetched. It felt like I was watching a movie in my mind and could see them all as real people.
Yes it has romance but it shows it all. The good and bad, the hard and easy times too.
Great story, great characters and amazing writing.
Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jordan’s Justice (book two in the Tessa and Jordan series) by T. Christensen was a good read. I feel like you should read the first installment to fully grasp what happens, and I haven’t read the first only this one. I got the gist of what happened in the first book however, so it wasn’t that big of a big deal. This book was very well written. My only issue however is with the characters. I didn’t like how Tessa kind of laid down as character, and wouldn’t defend herself. She went with whatever Jordan wanted her to do. Her only redeeming quality in my opinion, was the love for her daughter. She would obviously do anything for Jordis. And Jordan. He made me SO ANGRY in this book! He had tendencies that seemed violent to me, he seemed very controlling and manipulative as well. I didn’t like how he treated the mother of his daughter at all. I feel like he could have been a much better written character. Other than those character flaws, I loved reading this book! I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.
Askew Ever After by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Askew Ever After: A Limited Edition Romance Collection Anthology – Review by Gail Guerrero
Four Stars
Askew Ever After is a collection of short romantic stories.
They all were really good and to the point. The one that stood out fir me was Paper Love. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. Joss is going through so much heartbreak after her mother dies in a car crash. With her missing home and caring for her father and sister. The amount of time she spends on others is amazing. She has forgotten to take care of herself. One failed relationship and she is definitely hun shy. I really liked how the author wrote the characters. Gave Joss the right amount to show she is strong. Then put someone in her life to make her see that she doesn’t have to carry it alone. These stories are definitely worth it.
Athalie by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Gail Guerrero
Four stars
Wow, is really all I can say. I literally imagined that this is how they lived in this time. There is so much to unpack in this story. Athalie is chosen as the sacrifice. But she knows it’s a mistake. Since she was a child she heard voices on the wind. Those voices carrying the truth and lies of the people. I was not expecting this story to hold my attention like it did. I dislike when people follow someone blindly. Never questioning if it’s right or wrong. I was excited that Athalie puts up a fight. This was definitely an eye opener. She shows real empathy to most people.
Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews
A historical fiction story that takes place in Scotland. Not only that, it includes time travel, family issues, love, adventure, and so much more. Wonderful job by the author to make the reader actually feel like he/she was in Scotland experiencing the life alongside the characters. The se characters have to survive running away from family in Scotland only to get accused of treason in a place they thought would be safer. I definitely recommend you read the first book to understand what happened.
Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance (Tessa and Jordan Book 2)
By T. Christensen
This was a great read. This book was full of emotion. I couldn’t put it down as soon as I started reading it. Tessa and Jordan haven’t seen each other for 4 years and since then Tessa has been working hard at trying to make a better life. When Tessa sees Jordan she knows that her world is about to change. Jordan has so much anger toward Tessa that I wanted to jump into the book and strangle him at times. I understand why he thought the things he did about her but it didn’t make me want to strangle him any less. It is my suggestion that you read book one first before diving into this one for a better understanding and because it’s also a great read. The author does an excellent job telling a great story with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book.
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story of forbidden love and the promises held by vows, Glaive Leal is a Paladin in the Adara Knights in the court of King Ladd of Patriam, he has trained in physical, emotional and spiritual ways and has been forged into a weapon in the shape of a man and he is one of the best within the ranks. This is shown when he is chosen along with his best friend Marcus and six others to guard Queen of Jan-Inham on her state visit the next day, but as they patrol the area as the Queen docks and is met by the King, all hell breaks loose when the expected dissidents attack the convoy and the Paladin’s sweep through the crowds to protect the innocent and take down the guilty who are throwing bombs, using firearms and lastly one detonates a bomb on their person. As the crowd thins and the Paladin’s shake off the effects of the suicide bombing, Glaive sees that Markus is lying bleeding on the floor, when he goes to his side, the true extent of his injuries are apparent and as he lies dying in Glaive’s arms, he confesses to have been married against all the rules and he please with Glaive to see that she comes to no harm when judgement is meted out and to keep her safe from harm, Glaive agrees to this dying wish and goes to seek out this mystery woman.
When he sets off on his leave to go and find her, he is led to the farming area two days drive away from the city and when he finds her household and breaks the news that her husband is dead and that he is there to keep her safe, an argument starts and the realisation dawns in when he tells Ada that he has to change the look of her and Markus’s brands so she can’t be identified by it and while she is unconscious from that experience, he whisks her away to a bathhouse in the city in which he lives until he can take her to the Palace harem and watch over her safety there. Although Ada doesn’t understand why this is happening and the meaning of what it is which her husband had done marrying her, as well as the consequences of it, she quickly learns that Glaive is nothing like his, but she is determined not to let him rule her life, however, it is a lot to take in at once and eventually she settles into her life in the Harem, that is until one of the Duke’s in the land takes a shine to her. When she refuses this Duke’s advances, he arranges for her to be sent overseas with the Queen and serve her, Glaive promises to come and get her, but the hope and faith she has slowly lessens when he doesn’t show up, but when he eventually does, what his plan is for the two of them is not what she expected.
Will Glaive and Ada be able to overcome their differences and survive the trials to come, or will they be caught before they can learn to love each other? Will this forbidden love be destroyed by the rules they are confined to, or will they be able to break free of their hold? This is an engaging story of the battle between passion, duty and honour as two people navigate troubled lands.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel had me hooked from start to finish and the author took me on an epic, emotional rollercoaster of a journey which I have kept thinking about long after I finished the last page. Due to Turchin’s wonderfully written and detailed descriptive narrative I felt that I was alongside the main character, Anna as she embarked on her adventure. The storyline flows well and the numerous plot twists kept me gripped throughout this intriguing and original novel.
The authors obvious immense research shines through in the historical details making the time period of the story really come alive along with the various different settings, adding to the feeling of being immersed in the story and being there with Anna. Anna Venu of Arizona has to use her traits of being cunning, perceptive, and witty to survive the journey she finds herself on having accidentally discovered a very surprising family secret. Anna’s thrilling and sometimes scary adventure sees her crossing Vienna, Paris, and Berlin in the hope that she can unravel a mystery that takes her back to the final days of WWII. However, Anna soon finds herself involved in a modern day European political conspiracy and when she becomes a target she is determined to not only survive but to also uncover the truth that she set out to find.
“Told in a unique storytelling style, this book stretches across several generations and time periods”, which kept me reading late into the night. Despite this novel being fairly long I found I had read it in no time at all as I literally could not put it down. I fell in love with Anna and thought she was an amazing main character who really bought the whole story together and I felt engaged with her, and almost like I knew her as her character was so well defined. This was a very different novel to read and much more than an historical novel about WWII, the author definitely gets the reader thinking whilst reading. I definitely recommend this enjoyable and engaging novel and I look forward to reading future books by Maria Turchin.
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is book four of the Lawson Family Series. This book, as with the other books in the series, can be read as a standalone. Honestly though, the whole series is too good to resist!
Carly has been carrying a burden for many years and she’s adapted so that she doesn’t have to get too close to people. Chris is focused on training. He doesn’t have time for women or relationships. Will these two find the courage to overcome their obstacles or will they get in their own way?
This book was packed with emotion. I couldn’t put it down. It felt like such a rollercoaster. It was so well written you could feel everything these characters were dealing with. I was really rooting for them to work out all their issues. This book was a perfect addition to the series!
Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was excited to see what Eve Sawyer would find herself mixed up in the second book of THe Eve Sawyer Mysteries, Murder at Lolly Beach. The first one had me hooked on this style of writing by Jane Suen so I was more than ready to dive in no questions asked. This was one of those books though that you thought you knew what you were going to get and got something even a tad more dangerous and daring than you expected. I loved the story and how it kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed Eve and her nosey self on her vacation at Lolly Beach. This is one of those books you will want to read with the lights on and the doors locked, and with plenty of time to finish in one go because you won’t want to put it down for one second. I am highly anticipating the next book in this series, I am hooked. I hope this is a series that Jane Suen will pursue for a long time coming.
Review by @lizaileen
View all my reviews
Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a continuation of the story of Tessa and Jordan, it is four years later and they haven’t seen each other since, but when they come face to face at a charity event hosted by the company she works for, Tessa cannot believe the Jordan is there as well and starts to panic while hoping that it is just an illusion. Tessa blows it off as nerves over the speech she is about to give to the attendees, but her boss keeps telling her that she doesn’t have anything to worry about, that people will see her passion for her job and as she finishes it, she realises that she was right and so she goes back to the table to eat her meal. Later on when she goes to the bathroom, but in the connecting corridor Jordan is waiting for her and blocks her path, but when he speaks, the tone of his voice and the words he is is saying contradict what she remembers and she cannot believe that theJordan she sees in front of her is the same one. As he speaks to her, he brings up a past event and how she is a hypocrite because of it, but mainly that he accuses her of taking money for keeping quiet about their past, of blackmailing his mother into leaving him and as he continues, she cannot cope with all the emotion and manages to get past him and leave.
When she gets home, she is comforted by the sight of her daughter, even though she is the spitting image of him, has his personality and loves the same things as him, so when she hears a knock on the door and realises it is Jordan, she tries to hide the apartment from him and goes outside to talk to him. She makes the excuse that he can’t come in because her mother is sick and has trouble sleeping, so when she does, Tessa doesn’t want to wake her, but when he threatens her job if she doesn’t turn up the next morning, to talk to him and as he leaves, she goes back inside and tries to come to terms with what has just happened and trying to figure a way out of this new crisis in her life. She does as he says and turns up for work where Jordan is going round the office, being led by her boss and introduced to everyone there, they are all fawning over him and when he sees Tessa, he makes a beeline for her, but she is thrown by his friendly attitude towards her when Laura introduces her and when Jordan brings up their joint pass, she is a little surprised, but nowhere near as surprised as he is when her boss lets slip about her daughter and it is at that moment when things change.
When Jordan whips her into a conference room and demands that she explains everything, she tells him the truth, but he doesn’t believe her and accuses her of manipulation and deceit, she tries again to explain her side, but realises that it isn’t worth it and he won’t listen, when he demands that she goes to dinner with him, he also threatens her with lawyers, but things are about to go from bad to worse when neither of them can keep their tempers and things stall when Jordan’s demands come up against Tessa’s devotion to their daughter, but will their butting heads cause them to argue to the point where one of them loses their daughter, or will they be able to come to an agreement and give their daughter the chance to know both of her parents properly? The only way to read through this emotional rollercoaster is to read through to the end as emotions run high and viewpoints and revelations are shared throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Unbroken Vow” is the type of book where you notice other people around you, in the real world, but you just cannot stop reading. This book has love, anguish, loyalty, devotion, and overwhelming bravery as its main ideals. The main characters are strong-willed and beautiful, and it’s an honor to get to travel their world with them. The beginning of the book sets the tone for the awe-striking story to take place. The writing is very descriptive and powerful, as if the feelings flow out of the pages. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel with main characters who make you laugh, cry, and love.
Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I think after I’m not sure how many books I may have found my favourite one from this author! I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end – Stormy was such a brilliant character to read about – I almost felt like I was hanging off of his every word. I hated him, then I loved him and then I hated him again – I definitely went backwards and forward with my feelings towards him but I just found his character so riveting to read about. I loved how complex he was and I loved that I really felt like I had to get to know him – I think the author did an amazing job with him as a character. This is book 2 in the Satan’s Devils MC Utah series and it did not disappoint! A fantastic 5 star read!!
