The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Takes us through the journey of music. This book is a collection of information it read like a dairy. I enjoyed reading about the song and how they were put together the experience which were given you can tell are personal. There is a lot of emotion and feelings written into this memior which fetches the audience in more.
Gianluca by Isabella Cassazza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There’s nothing like a good Enemies to Lovers story…… except for……. a GREAT enemies to lovers story…. and that is exactly what Gianluca is.
This also wasn’t your normal rich guy who has everything sorted out and young office intern who’s life is a complete mess. This time there’s an extra twist…. hes also has some things to sort out….
Superb characters and the storyline flowed flawlessly.
A+++
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane is a non-fictitious memoir of the author’s life played by music. He uses words and music to weave his story and the essence of his life. We all tend to see; smell hear something that reminds us of certain events in our lives and that is what PA has done with his story. It is an intriguing way to tell a story and he invites us to write our own stories in the same way. It is easy to see that his life is one of looking inward and reflection. Truly finding oneself is never easy but there is also so much more room for growth as we continue to reflect and age.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Urban Justice by India Kells
Five Stars
Urban Justice is the second book in the Chicago Vigilantes series by India Kells. This book can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend you read this series in order. You will enjoy it so much more with the backstory. I have to say India Kells is one of my go to authors, all of her books are filled with action and adventure. This book had me reading well past my bed time and I don’t regret being tired the next morning. This was definitely a roller coaster of a ride, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. This is in my top five books I have read this year. Sloan’s and Luke have chemistry and are really interesting characters. If you like action and adventure with you romance, this is the book for you.
Review @sunbarn
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson is a delightful contemporary romance. It is a slow burn second chance story that is set in a quaint little town. ND is good at setting the scene, where the characters are a little quirky, a little different and fun. ND did a great job making me feel what the characters were going through and imagining the town as she sees it. Glory stole the show though she was a pleasure to get to know.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweets and Santa: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease is a Christmas quick but fun read. Christmas in Heartwood Hollow is supposed to be peaceful and loving time with a little magic thrown in to make it special. It is full of matchmaking, magic and roaming Gnomes but when things go haywire and the finger is pointed but is it pointed at the right culprits? Just who is behind it and will they get back on track for a wonderful Christmas spirit? The story is a short read but is a real ‘whodunnit’ mystery, just what is needed to get in the festive mood.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane is a very inspiring story made up of several essays that shows us details of the authors life and how music helped shape it. I’m a huge fan of all sorts of music so I was very intrigued to read this book. I found myself lost in the pages and going along on this journey with the author. I lost all track of time and read in one afternoon. I truly enjoyed reading and I highly recommend reading it.
Cuckoo Clock – New York by Elisabeth Marrion
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction and was eager to dive into these pages to see what would unfold. This WWII drama was fascinating. I really appreciated the way the author set up the story. It was an intriguing dive into past events and one I found myself eager to see how it would resolve. I look forward to reading more from this author – just a really good book.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kells has always proven to be a solid author – I always enjoy her books. This one – wow. I’ve enjoyed the premise behind this series and this second book has taken it to another level. It is the perfect balance of romance and suspense. The character detail and plot development make every page come to life. I fell head first into the pages and simply devoured it. Another winner – I cannot wait to read it again!
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews
~ ~ ~ ~ AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
C.L. Schneider is an award-winning author of immersive, dark fantasy fiction, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. Born in a small Kansas town, she currently resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons.
Learn more about C.L. Schneider, and the worlds she creates, at clschneiderauthor.com where you can read reviews, excerpts and sneak peeks, subscribe to her newsletter, and join her Street Team. Connect with her on social media, where she is often found chatting about the daily ups and downs of a writer’s life.
Gianluca by Isabella Cassazza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gianluca (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza – Review by Gail Guerrero
Five Stars
I’m all for men with big egos especially when they realize it gets them nowhere with women who know their worth. Gianluca is hot, talented and a complete douche. He knows what he wants and goes after it. The only issue is that he can’t help thinking that he’s better or knows better. Callie came across to me as a little stuck up. She judged before really knowing Gianluca. He did as well but they could’ve done better. The immediate dislike they had for each other was amazing. I’ve never read a story where the main characters just couldn’t stand each other so much. But it played out well. Beverage once the guards where dropped and conversations happened. It was almost magical and vey steamy. I really liked the authors writing style and the level it took for her to get them to their ending. They didn’t come off as too cliché. They had flaws that you could see passed into what really mattered.
Gianluca by Isabella Cassazza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gianluca: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Office Romance (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza
I was introduced to Gianluca in Center of Gravity and thought he was an angry jerk who was determined to make everyone around him as angry and miserable as he was. That feeling didn’t go away while reading this book. But now I understand why he is the way he is not that I agree with it. He does eventually grow on me.
Callie grabbed me from the moment I was introduced to her. She has been through so much in her young life, more than young women her age should have to deal with. But she hasn’t let any of it beat her down. If anything I think it helped her become the strong woman she is.
This book went from some hot moments to me wanting to punch Gianluca almost immediately after. But that didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment.
I can’t wait to read the other Marini Siblings stories and learn more about each of them. Waiting patiently for the next book in this series.
Secure Boxed Set by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first 3 books in the Chase Security series by R L Dunn. I loved all 3 books. They all have a different story about members of the Chase Security team. They are full of romance and action.
Each book has different characters and their stories are all unique and different. The characters are so well written that you find yourself completely immersed in their stories. Through the 3 books the characters are build up so even though the main characters in the stories are different the leads from previous books appear and you are given more of an insight into them.
It’s a really enjoyable series. If you are looking for action packed, edge of your seat romance this is definately worth a read.
Eye of Death by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eye of Death (Vampire State Book 3) by Alexander Charalambides was a wonderful conclusion to the series. I love the close examination of the media’s impact on the public. The plot was captivating and the attention to detail was spot on. I enjoyed Rowena’s character and her development is apparent. I loved the random twists and turns that kept the story moving.
Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the two-book series. I have enjoyed both books, but I think that I like the second book slightly more. India Kells has been my go-to author when I am looking for a juicy book to read. The action and adventures pulled me in from the beginning. I kept turning the pages and I had to read this in one sitting. The book is about a group of crimefighters that are a Vigilante group. The leader is a woman, Sloane who happens to be a police officer who works with this group. They are out to get the Phantom who is terrorizing Chicago. There may be a love relationship steaming between Sloane and one of the vigilante members. Can Sloane and the Vigilante stop the Phantom? Will they be the group that keeps Chicago safe? I highly recommend reading this book to find out the answers to these questions and much more.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lies that Bind is the first book I have read by Valerie Davisson. It is book 6 in the Logan McKenna series, which I didn’t know until the end. While it can be read as a stand alone, you probably should read the series. I was really overwhelmed the first 1/4 of the book with all the characters. There is a lot going on, and so so many people. Once I pieced together who was who, and was related, it all started to click. Even still, there is a lot going on in this story, but it all comes together in the end. You just need to stick it out until the end to have the ahhh ha moment. I was impressed with the author’s writing style. She had 2 stories going, one from the past, and one current. It seemed 2 very different stories, but then it all came together. The story line is one of jealousy that leads to deadly rage more than once. I recommend this book, and look forward to reading more in the series.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Cuckoo Clock – New York by Elisabeth Marrion
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is about a historical point in the world before WWII, Elisabeth Marrion is a new author for me. I would have to say that the historical genre is not one of my favorite genres, I have to admit that I enjoyed this story. Elisabeth Marrion put her heart and soul into this book to tell Esther’s story. There is a whole world that has a different history than America. I fell in love with Esther’s story and I highly recommend this book. I have changed now that I know her story. I highly recommend this book to see history from a different point of view.
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s the holiday season and who doesn’t love a sweet romance? Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley definitely fills that spot. Ms. McKinley is a new author for me but she is definitely an author I will read again.
Adeline Rossi is jetting off to her dream job in the wonderful setting of Italy. But much to her dismay her reality isn’t matching up to her dreams. Business tycoon Stone Crenshaw has had nothing but headaches on his current hotel renovation. Add in his attraction to his newest employee and Stone figures things couldn’t get more complicated. Thanks to a family-oriented hotelier deciding to sell they both couldn’t be more wrong. When Stone manipulates Adeline into being his fake fiance to seal the deal will their attraction move from a hoax into real-life?
Ms. McKinley does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into this story. The characters are believable and dimensional. The story is engaging and sweet. Weaving in tension and chemistry, Ms. McKinley gives this book the foundation needed to make this story great. I will be definitely adding Ms. McKinley to my list of authors to one-click. Check out this book! You won’t be disappointed!
Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Urban Justice by India Kells is the second book in the Chicago Vigilantes series and was a great read! This book was captivating from the first chapter, and was a great sequel to the first novel. This book is part of a series, but I found it works well as a stand alone novel. You don’t necessarily need to know the events in the first book to follow along with this one, although it does help a bit. The characters were great and the story was amazing. I still can’t decide whether I liked the first book better or this one, they were both so good! This was a great edition to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
‘Sweets and Santa’ is an enjoyable paranormal Christmas cozy mystery novella and part of ‘The Matchmaking Baker’ series, however it can be read as a standalone story. The storyline is packed full of mystery, magic, and matchmaking which is all happening at Christmas. It is Joanie’s first Christmas as a bakery owner and although she is confident with her perfect recipes she is less happy with her holiday window decorating skills. The festive spirit in the town of Heartwood Hollow is overshadowed when items start disappearing and when an engagement ring goes missing from the bakery Joanie’s reputation is at risk. Having believed her town to be safe baker and matchmaker Joanie wonders if it’s a prank or something more sinister. As well as trying to find the ring and win over the town with her cookies, Joanie is also concerned about the Christmas gnomes that get moved each night. Joanie needs some Christmas magic to help her work out the mystery and I was definitely left feeling full of the Christmas spirit having read this fun novella. An enjoyable and engaging read, I was hooked from start to finish and enjoyed solving the Christmas mystery alongside Joanie. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lies That Bind is a murder mystery that spans multiple generations. Set in a small town off the coast of Oregon, the story opens with the death of an heiress to the oldest and most prestigious hotel in the area. Follow Logan McKenna, a newcomer to Oregon, as she and her friends try to make sense of the heiress’s death, and Frankie Collins, the founder of The Collins Hotel and family fortune. I enjoyed following the dual narratives of Logan in the 21st century and Frankie’s story from the 1930’s, and I felt like the novel’s structure and concept is executed well enough to provide a good read. However, I preferred Frankie’s side of the story, and I found myself reading through Logan’s storyline just to get back to reading about the events of the past. I didn’t develop any particular attachment to Logan’s plot or her character. Overall, Lies That Bind is a good murder mystery that explores the themes of family, death and greed.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read the previous books in the ‘Logan McKenna Series’ and enjoyed them I was looking forward to this novel and was not disappointed. I personally think that the series has just got better and better. We are back with our heroine Logan McKenna, who along with Ben is buying a fixer-upper on the Oregon coast. Logan and her half-sister, Olivia who she has never met before investigate when Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Collins is found drowned in the pool of her family’s Depoe Bay hotel, ‘The Collins’. The police focus their investigation on Wade Ellis, Charlie’s fiancé who had both means and opportunity along with motive and no alibi. However, as Logan starts to dig she uncovers secrets and lies that bind the Collins and Ellis families together. Logan needs to uncover the truth before the murderer kills again. As usual I was hooked from page one by this page turner of a novel. The storyline flows well and the plot has plenty going on in it to keep the reader happily turning the pages. Logan is a great main character who really brings the story together and I liked the new addition of her half sister Olivia and the dynamic between the two of them bought another element to the story. The author has away of bringing both the characters and the setting alive through her detailed narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. Addressing the themes of mental illness gave more depth and realism to the story. I was gripped until the last page and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It still baffles me that I can be six books into a series and still just as invested as I was in book one. I really think that Valerie Davisson knocks it out of the park with the Logan McKenna series and book six, Lies That Bind, is no exception. I have enjoyed watching Logan as she navigates work and life and her overall character progression but what I really enjoy is the subject matter, mental illness, lies etc. woven in each storyline. Lies That Bind is a story that keeps you interested from start to finish. As I am sure I have mentioned in the past, the Logan McKenna series and Lies That Bind can be read as standalone books. I personally have read the series in order and prefer to know the tiny details or connections that may pop up along the way. Regardless, this is a great 4 star read I would definitely recommend.
Secure Boxed Set by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secure Boxed Set: Chase Security Series
books 1-3 by R.L. Dunn is a collection of fast paced and action packed books that will certainly leave you wanting more. Each and everyone of them is exciting to read and has strong and interesting characters.
I found all of these books so easy to get into. I was drawn to the characters quickly and swept up in the story with them. All of them are easy books to read and the perfect type of stories to just lose yourself in.
This author really knows how to create a strong stork that will have you hooked from the word go. The stories are well developed and really have you turning the pages to see what is going to happen. This is one series you should definitely buy immediately!!
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane is a great book made up of a collection of essays detailing the authors review into his own life and how it has been shaped through music. I loved how this whole book had a unique feel about it. It is completely different to everything I have read before and I really feel like it gave me a great insight into the person behind it. I loved how it was shaped based on music and playlists – being a big music fan this whole concept appealed to me and really piqued my interest more.
I think this is a brilliant collection and is one of those books I enjoyed way more than I thought I would. I would definitely recommend picking this one up today!
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery #6 (Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson
Davisson has outdone herself once again. Every Logan McKenna novel gets more interesting as you read. Davisson knows what she’s doing when writing these books.
Logan McKenna is buying a vacation house. What she doesn’t expect is to be dragged into yet another investigation. Her half sister finds the dead body and now Logan wants to know more.
Logan knows she should stay out of it, but she can’t. When the owner of the house shows up then things start getting complicated. The quote I chose for Logan is: “That was nice of you, offering to help Wade like that, but don’t you have a job to get back tobin New York?”
Highly recommended for crime lovers!
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sixth book in the Logan Mckenna Series. I have enjoyed all the books in the series so far and this one is just as good. I love Logan’s character all she wants is a peaceful life but she kept finding herself in the middle of murder and mystery at every turn. These books keep you gripped and guessing at every turn.
Logan’s life is full of complications but when Logan and her half sister get caught up in a murder investigation they need to work together and sort through history to figure out who did it.
In the past there was a horrible murder that leaves two families to go different ways. When one member of the family turns up dead and murder is suspected the number 1 suspect is her fiance who is a member of the other family. Has conflicts in the past caused him to commit murder or was it just a tragic accident.
Logan needs to work through the ties in the past and present to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Claim Me Now is the second book in the Heron Harbor series by Lea Nolan. I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into the story as this is my first book from Ms. Nolan, but after reading it, I am happy to report that it definitely won’t be the last. It is a small-town romance, with secrets, mistaken identity, chemistry, sizzle, tension, drama, angst, and some wonderfully interesting and endearing characters.
I won’t go into the storyline, as I feel the blurb does a great job of giving you an idea of what to expect- and I don’t want to spoil the story for you by giving too much away.
I really loved Raven and Jack, even if I wanted to shake them at times- but I think Brilla might have stolen the show for me. She was such a cute and clever addition to the story.
The story is quite steamy- some scenes really sizzled off the pages. This is one of those stories that I totally lost myself in- in a great way- and I definitely didn’t want it to end- as there was so much more I wanted to know- but only because I was so invested in the characters and their story. I really do hope we hear more of Jack and Raven in future books.
Having said that, this could be read as a standalone- but this story has intrigued me enough to want to go back and read Book one, before then continuing the series.
So, if you love a mistaken identity contemporary romance with plenty of sizzle, wonderful characters, and a captivating storyline- then you definitely won’t want to miss this book/series.
I am definitely adding Ms. Nolan to my “must-read” authors list. Can’t wait for more!
Thank you, Lea Nolan!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Urban Justice
A Chicago Vigilantes Novel
Book 2
By India Kells
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length novel, involved around Romantic Suspense and Crime. No Spoilers Here!
The Vigilante Sloane Friday. She was a cop, but has turned vigilante. Her goal is to stop the Phantom, a drug that is killing people nightly. Sloane must get help from the one man she should stay clear of. Former marine Luke Radcliffe is out in the night when Sloane approaches him for help. While he hoped to never get involved with violence, he is in the throes of danger. The biggest being Sloane Friday. Now he, Sloane and the other vigilantes are deep underground. To stop the Phantom from reaching the streets.
India Kells has written this heart stopping roller coaster. At which she did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat. She will clean you of all the feels and some you had no idea you had. The events in this story will make you wonder if this was real or just make believe. I love the 2 Main characters in this story. You can’t help falling in love with Sloane and Luke. Well Done India Kells! Well done.
Review@Cinful
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great story for this series! Logan is remodeling the fixer upper she and Ben have bought and she is set to meet her half sister! Then they of course get pulled into a murder case and it all takes off from there. As always these stories keep me glued to the pages to see where its going to go and I’m usually wrong! Great series and of course look forward to more from this author.
