Starvation by Molly Fennig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book hit close to home for me more than I thought it ever could. The truth is I wasn’t expecting it to turn the way it did with how far Wes’ life went after his brother’s death. I felt Wes’ pain in more ways than not and the author had me in deep the way it’s been written. I loved this one!
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a book for those over 18 only due to it’s graphic nature.
This is another fantastic installment of the Satan’s Devils MC series, this one is again based in San Diego and this one is Grumbler’s story, Grumbler is a man full of tattoos and his bike is his pride and joy, he has customised it completely and is always looking to improve it, but it is known in the club as his old lady!
We begin the story with Grumbler going for another tattoo in the club’s shop, he had a patch of skin to fill and now it is done, he has a skull smoking a cigarette as a tribute to his friend Smoker who has recently passed away and is really happy with the result. He reminisces about Smoker, as he leaves the shop and as he is walking towards his motorcycle, he thinks about how he spends his money on her and the crash he recently had which damaged it and broke his leg in the process and how it is still paining him now. He hears someone shouting as he is preparing to drive off and doesn’t realise it is at him, until he takes his helmet off and sees someone running towards him. It turns out that his bike has caught the eye of a photographer and he wants to take some pictures of it, he introduces himself as Devon Starr and uses flattery to try and get Grumbler to agree to let him do the photos, at first, Grumbler is wary and thinks that it may be too good to be true, but pride takes over when he thinks that it could be used on a motorcycle magazine or book and as he hashes out a deal with Devon, he is told that it would be for the cover of an MC romance novel and that his bike is the focus, not him, but he is thinking about how doing nothing and getting paid for it sounds like a good idea, so he gives Devon his number and that is the end of that.
When we next see Grumbler, it is in church where they are discussing the club businesses and how they are doing financially, as well as other business around the other club chapters around the country, this flows as usual and decisions are made, it leads to Grumbler reminiscing about the club’s past and the troubles they had, as well as troubles with another chapter, as well the members within the chapter they had trouble with. It also leads him to reminisce more about how a fellow member Niran had to help him with his role as Sergeant At Arms, as well as becoming close when he helped him to recover from his injuries, with his experience with living with an injured leg as Niran had lost one of his. He talks to Niran after church has finished and discusses the stock check and that he is trying to get the other members to log when they take anything out, but that they aren’t inclined to do it, to which they have a laugh about it. Grumbler goes to have a drink at the club bar as the club gets louder and the girls start to settle into the evenings activities, he looks around and thinks about how they are all sexy, but too young for him. He is propositioned by one of the girls, but decided to pass as he is feeling his age and isn’t as interested as he used to be in his younger days, he also thinks some more about his younger days, Smoker and how his Prez had found his old lady, he decides to go for a ride to get out of his own head before an early night.
The next day, he gets up early and goes down for some breakfast and conversation, he talks about the club’s Prez and his old lady looking for a house and how he will miss it when they go, mainly because her cooking has improved the standard of the food in the clubhouse. He discusses his plan for the day and decides to go to the harley store to see if there is anything new for his bike, when he gets a message from the photographer asking if he is free at three that afternoon to do the photoshoot, he agrees and then heads off with Niran to the store where they drink coffee, have a chat with the other customers and but what they want. As Niran leaves in one direction, Grumbler heads back to the club for a bite to eat before heading out to the photoshoot, he is the first to get there, followed by a young lady and her mum, the photographer and finally the male model. As the shoot is happening, Grumbler ends up talking to Mary who is the girl’s mum, they both shout when the models do something they don’t like and they bond a bit over it, soon enough the shoot ends and as all the parties say goodbye, they think nothing more about it until Grumbler finds out a couple of months later that the photographs have been used, but he hasn’t received his payment and this is where the story really gets going.
As Grumbler and Mary get back into contact with each other, they realise something is a bit fishy, but what they are getting themselves into, nobody was expecting or prepared for and what they find leads their paths to intertwine in a surprising way. What will the future hold for the two and will it all end in misery? The only way to find out is to read along and see!
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Blood of the Dragon by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Blood of the Dragon (Relic Hunters Book 4) by Martin Ferguson
Review by Kaitlyn Stewart
5 out of 5 stars
Martin Ferguson is an incredible author! He brings action, evil, drama, history, and mystery to this YA book. This book is so incredible that I think it should be made into a movie or better yet a TV show. Throughout this book, Adam and his team set out to Castle Dracula in Romania to hunt … Vlad Dracula also known as Vlad the Impaler! To find out what happens next, get a copy of this great story!!!
Journeys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story which spreads across multiple times and communities within the Multiverse where a chosen few are gifted with the ability to hear an ethereal voice and given special training from a group of Masters of Esoteric Wisdom. The chosen are of all different walks of life, from a beautiful Queen, to a soldier and a student, but all with the same mission to improve the world in a way that only they can. The book starts by introducing these teachers and the All-That-Is when they all gather in an auditorium where a beautiful and ethereal being of light and colour appears to spread a message of love and instruct them on the teachings that they are to give to their students.
In the next chapter, we meet these chosen people, starting in the Critonian Empire where Cassius is about to become embroiled in the next battle with their neighbouring empire, as he is in the melee of swords clashing on shield and bloody violence on both sides. As he is preparing himself, he thinks of the battle and why they are fighting in the first place, questioning where the need is for this senseless killing at all, he then experiences a voice telling him that they will return soon and to not forget the lessons that he has learned and that he will survive what is to come, he then briefly blacks out and when he comes to, his friend is protecting him and he finishes the battle which they win in the end. As Cassius celebrates their victory, he cannot help but wonder who the voice was and what the message it gave him meant.
We next go to Earth where Matt is doing his martial arts training with his friend Dan and it is during the cool down laps of the building where he experiences a voice telling him that they must leave, but that he must remember the lessons from his past and it is important that he does so but that they will return to him, he also then proceeds to black out. When he comes round, Dan is concerned about him but Matt ensures him that he is ok, Dan says it is because he hit him too hard in training, to which Matt responds that it seemed to be him who was taking more hits, all this is said in friendly banter.
We then meet Queen Neferities, a beautiful and fair ruler as she is sat on her palace balcony and watching the world go by while thinking how beautiful her country is and how the society she has helped to create is a wonderful place to exist, while also being a place that pays homage to it’s past with monuments is has placed throughout the city. She reminisces about her father and how he helped her to develop her interest in engineering and the sciences when she was a child so that she could develop her skills of understanding the complexities around them. This is as well as being taught the Esoteric Wisdom and the ancient teachings around reality and the Alchemy of Mind associated with it. She then passes the day meeting with her advisors and eating with them until she returns to her balcony to meditate on the knowledge gained and to plan her actions the next day. As she begins her meditation, she journeys to the internal space where she is at complete peace and can think about all that she has experienced during her day, it is during this meditation that she feels that someone has entered her chambers and it is her most trusted servant to tell her that her bath is ready. She enters the bath and proceeds to bathe and be washed by her two female attendants, just as she decides to enter the soaking bath, she feels dizzy and blacks out, this is when she hears the voice tell her that it must leave for a while and that she should remember her teachings and that she will need them to face the coming evil. She is then pulled from the bath by her attendants and decides to retire to bed where she can rest and think on what happened.
Next, the Co-Councillor of the United Commons of Eurotopia Rashella is thinking of all the progress her people have made over the years to become a peaceful community to work together and share the resources available to them while looking after the planet they live on and those within their solar system which they travel to. They are beginning to think about furthering this travel and have begun working with another peaceful culture, the Andotians to work together and further each of their technologies by sharing information and experience, this includes defensive as well as offensive technologies due to the realistic possibility that not all spacefaring cultures will be as peaceful as they are and that the need to defend themselves against this possibility is essential. Their culture is based upon the Esoteric Wisdom passed down to their elders by alien sources and has been essential in building the structure of the beliefs which created the society they live in today. As the meeting with the Andotians comes to a close, they agree to go for drinks after and Rashella goes to her apartment to change and meet her husband who goes to the meet up with her. It is during the meal, drinks and conversation that she blacks out and hears the voice in her head saying that she will be alone for a while, that she must ensure that Eurotopia continues as it is and that it is an experiment of the most successful kind. After this experience, Rashella and her husband leave the event and go back home.
In this next part, we meet Hirisho in Hydosito prefecture where he is sitting on a mountain top and looking over the valley where he lives to escape from his duties in the Shogun Lyshido’s elite troops within his army, for which he was chosen when he demonstrated his skills while exhibiting a sword made by his father on the Shogun’s visit to his village twenty years before. He goes back to his barracks to sleep and wakes up refreshed and ready for the days training with the rest of the elite troops. They complete the morning warm up and training where they are all shown the basic moves for the weapon they will be training with that day and he is matched with someone of equal experience, stature and skill so it is a taxing training session and good workout, this is until he hears the ringing in his ears and blacks out. The voice he hears when this happens tells him to continue on the path which he has forged and that he is ready for the next level of his training and that it will be back soon. His training partner helps him up and asks him if he is alright, Hirisho replies that he is and he is thankful that he didn’t hit him in the head.
The final chosen one is a resident on Elipsson, a desert planet with heat and cold which goes with it, as well as the limited resources left on it, this leads to the factions living on the planet being in a constant state of war and this makes this reptilian humanoid race a very violent one. A hundred years before, a spacecraft crashed onto the planet and it is this that has enabled the Elipsson culture to reverse engineer its technology to improve their technology and make them the ruling faction on the panet. It is the summer solstice and time for their highest ritual, the Hecatomb Ritual and the celebration which follows it, we meet Tyson in the middle of his work day where he is going to the baths to soak in the cool water and escape from the heat, while there, he is thinking about the night’s ritual and whether it is really necessary or whether it is an archaic ritual which shouldn’t have a place in today’s society. The soaks in the bath enable Tysson to meditate and think about the things within his culture which he doesn’t agree with, he starts to discuss this with his friend, he blacks out and hears the voice telling him that it will be away for a while, but that he should continue on the journey he has chosen and that his progress has been a pleasure to observe, after he comes back around, he realises that his friend has stopped him from drowning and they decide to call it a day and get out of the pools.
What will the future hold for these individuals and how will their paths develop over time? Will they be able to learn all the things they need to in time, or will time run out for them? The only way to find out is to follow them on their journey’s and find out.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 2)
By India Kells
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 2) by India Kells. It is a story that includes action, danger, and romance. Once I started reading it, I was hooked. I love the characters of Sloane Friday and Professor Luke Radcliffe. Sloane is a woman who is intelligent, strong, independent, and has a past that she doesn’t seem able to leave behind. Luke is a man who loves urban exploration and finds himself drawn to Sloane. They both want to help save the people of Chicago. Will Sloane let Luke in? What does the future hold for Sloane and Luke? Read this book to find out. This story is fast-paced and had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. My emotions went up and down the entire time I was reading it. It also has some very steamy romance. I grew to care about Sloane and Luke with each chapter that I read. I also enjoyed reading about the additional characters that interact with Luke and Sloane. Some are helpful in the fight to save lives and then some don’t care who they hurt. The author makes the story and the characters come alive and I felt like I was right there with them. Don’t miss out on an amazing story that is exciting and entertaining. I highly recommend reading it.
The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Before I start my praise for this book let me first say GREAT job to the narrators!!! All 3 did a superb job.
I started this book as if it was fated to be this way…. on the 25th of November (The first day of 16 Days of activism against woman and child abuse)
Dakota Willink could not have done a better job!! Emotional, Gut wrenching, Suspenseful are some words to describe this masterpiece, but not only that…. strength, empowerment, healing, these are also words that come to mind when I think of this book.
I myself have never been abused or hurt in any way but there’s always this lingering fear that it could happen. This book (even if it’s fiction) gave me hope that even if it happened, I would be able to have the strength to come out the otherside.
Now more about the writing….
I absolutely loved the fact that it was written from different POV’s ESPECIALLY!!! the fact that we got to see inside the twisted mind of Ethan, that was really something different that I haven’t seen before and it gave the story that extra layer of interest and intrigue.
All 3 characters are well developed and the fact that the story took part over a couple of years made it more believable.
I can go on and on about this book…. but I won’t…. JUST GET IT NOW!!!
The Dog Thief and Other Stories by Jill Kearney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
The Dog Thief and Other Stories by Jill Kearney
This is a wonderfully written collection of twelve short stories and a novella about the lives of humans and their animals they care about. Let me just say Wow this just blew me away honestly wasn’t what I was expecting. What an emotional rollercoaster ride some of these stories just broke my heart where others warmed it. My emotions were all over the place and I found myself shaking my head a few times. I got lost in the pages and couldn’t stop reading till the last page. Each story is about a different animal and their relationship with their owner. These pets are the stars with their love and commitment to their owners.
I highly recommend reading this whole collection. I look forward to reading more from this Author .
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
Five Stars
Grumbler’s Ride is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC San Diego Series by Manda Mellett. Manda and the Satan’s Devils series are on my automatic read list. I just can’t wait to get my hand on each and every book. This series with all of it’s spinoffs just keeps getting better and better. Manda makes the MC realistic and the hard men who love even harder are fascinating. Grumbler and Mary’s story is my favorite by far. I really like when authors feature a little older couples. It makes it more relatable for me. This book had me hooked from beginning to end. It had some twists and turns that had me reading long past my bedtime. The loss of sleep was well worth it. If you like MC books,I highly recommend this book, series and author.
Review by @sunbarn
The North Wind Descends by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The North Wind Descends (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 4) by N.L. Holmes is another exciting tale in this historical mystery set in ancient Egypt and Lord Hani. In this book we see him and his daughter once again working together solving the latest mystery and yet again finding themselves in the midst of danger, lies and secrets. This complex and fast paced story is mixed with history and fiction. NL knows how to keep an audience by bringing the story to life with her words and details.
Reviewed by @jennadb
High Heels And Mistletoe by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
High Heels And Mistletoe by C.A. King is a sweet holiday romance story. But don’t let that fool you there is a touch of supernatural tucked up in there. An ancient curse surrounding mistletoe and trouble makes the yule tide holidays hell for our heroine. Humour ensues as we watch an unlikely pair find romance and Christmas magic. This story will make you laugh and give you the warm and fuzzies.
Reviewed by @jennadb
At Last by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
At Last: Adams Brothers: Book 1 by Mindy McKinley. This book was everything I didn’t know I was looking for at the moment. I was in a bit of a funk and had this book in my tbr list so I did a crazy thing. Closed my eyes and randomly picked a book and boy am I glad this is the one I landed on. From page one I knew this book would be pulling me right out of my reading funk. The characters were so easy to connect with and the author does a wonderful job of using steam and romance to enhance an engaging storyline. From page one I was completely drawn in and pretty soon the story jumped off the pages and played out in front of me. I very happily lost all track of the outside world. I’m giving this story a five star review and highly recommend it! Can’t wait for more from this author.
The Devil’s Day by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Devil’s Day (The Lucky Devil Book 3) by Megan Mackie. Once again I found myself completely drawn in to this story world this author has created. Each book gets better than the last and sometimes that can be difficult and I applaud this author for making sure an interesting and engaging storyline that has me coming back for more. The characters each bring this story to life in their own way. The author does a wonderful job of writing a story that jumps off the pages. It’s easy to stay inside it’s pages for longer than planned. Can’t wait to see where this author takes readers next. Four stars and highly recommended.
City Without A Sun by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
City Without A Sun (Vampire State Book 2) by Alexander Charalambides. I think one of my favorite things about this series is it’s not a cookie cutter vampire storyline. This author definitely point their own spin and made this series a bit more unique in my opinion and I love it. I recommend reading these in order. The storyline is complex and well written with characters that pull you in so far you are happy to be lost with them for a while. The author put just the right mix of drama, action and romance in these books that I feel it would be enjoyable to anyone no matter their reading preferences. It’s well thought out and paced nicely with great characters. I’m excited to see where this series goes next. Four stars and highly recommended.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ELISABETH MARRION was born August 1948, in Hildesheim Germany. Her father was a Corporal in the Royal Air Force and stationed after the War in the British occupied zone in Germany, where he met her mother Hilde, a war widow.
As a child Elisabeth enjoyed reading novels and plays by Oscar Wilde, Thornton Wilder and never lost her love of reading novels by Ernest Hemingway, or short stories by Guy de Maupassant.
In 1969 she moved to England, where she met her late husband David. Together they established a clothing importing company. Their business gave them the opportunity to travel and work in the Sub Continent and the Far East. A large part of their working life was spent in Bangladesh, where they helped to establish a school in the rural part of the country, training young people in trades such as sign writing, electrical work and repair of computers and televisions.
For inspiration she put on her running shoes for a long coastal run near the New Forest, where she now lives.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen! In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of 18 works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, the Feisty Lawyers series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The White House Wedding, and The President’s Daughter.
When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
Five Stars
No Rest for the Wicked is the first book in the Life is Hell Series by Naomi Valkyrie. I have to say Ms. Valkyrie is becoming one of my go to authors. Her books get better and better with each new book. This is my new favorite. Delilah is a delightful demon. The storyline had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down until I read the last page. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. If you like paranormal, this is the book for you.
Review by @sunbarn
No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie is the first book in the Life is Hell series and was an amazing read! I was fully immersed in this book from the first few pages. It was also a shirt novel, so it’s very quick to read. Delilah, the main female character, was such a blast to read, she had me laughing throughout the whole thing, I immediately fell in love with her character! All the rest of the characters were amazing too, of course, but Delilah was the one who had me laughing and became my favorite. This was such a good book, I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!
Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
‘Scepter of Flint’ is the third book in, ‘The Lord Hani Mysteries’ series and having read the previous two books in the series I was particularly looking forward to this latest instalment and was definitely not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story, however I feel that the reader will enjoy the novels more if they are read in order. I was pleased to be back with Lord Hani, an Egyptian Diplomat and his assistant Maya. This story was set during the Great Jubilee of the Aten, and Hani is sent to investigate when a mysterious series of tomb robberies occur and any witnesses to the robberies die. A dreadful plague is also ravaging the country and the palace where Hani’s physician daughter is. Hani has to make sense of what is happening between the tomb raids, the plague and Egypt’s ally, Naharin now being in the hands of a usurper. Hani also realises that he has an enemy, but who is it.
The author really brings ancient Egypt to life with her wonderfully descriptive narrative and world building and this really sets the scene for this novel. The authors knowledge and research shines through in her writing and I found the list of characters at the beginning of the book very helpful as there are a lot of characters to keep up with. Again Hani makes a great main character as he is well defined and relatable as well as likeable and he really brings the plot together along with Maya, who is another fascinating character. The storyline flows well and the plot is fast paced and full of action, drama and mystery which had me gripped from start to finish. I look forward to future books in this enjoyable and engaging series.
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph
By P.A. Kane
5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading the book The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane. I found it to be an intriguing story and I enjoyed the way that the author put together his last playlist while telling about what the songs are about and what they meant to him. I also enjoyed the personal experiences that are given. Some moments are heartbreaking, sad, heartwarming, as well as humorous. Some experiences must have been hard to write about. This is a story that had me thinking about it even after I had finished the final page. The author has a love of creating playlists that can’t be denied. I know a few of the songs on the playlist and by the end of the book, I found myself wanting to go to my favorite music site to listen to the ones that I didn’t. Don’t miss out on a story that has you taking a journey that is both musical and personal. I highly recommend reading it.
City Without A Sun by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was so ready to get my hands on this second book in the Vampire State Series from Alexander Charlambides. I do recommend that you read the first book before diving into City Without A Sun, but if Paranormal Vampire Romance is your thing this is the series for you. This book is action packed and keeps you engrossed so much that you feel as if you are right there with the characters in the midst of this war. I loved the world building and how I was sucked in so much that I read well into the night late to find out what would happen with Rowena this time. I won’t give too much more away that the synopsis already does but I can assure you this is one you do not want to miss. I am anxious to get my hands on the next book!
Review by @lizaileen
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The Devil’s Day by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Megan Mackie has outdone herself with this latest installment in The Lucky Devil Series! I have to say this has to be my fav yet, and I do have to say you should read the first two books in the series before diving into this one for the max effect of everything. Once again I just could not put this book down and read it well past my bedtime to see how things would turn out for these fab characters I have so grown to love.
In The Devil’s Day we find Rune and St. Benedict finding love within each other. Rune must find a way to stake claim to the House of Magdaline for good but the Devil has his own plans as usual. He will come back to claim what he says is his. I love Rune and her sassy self as much as the rest of the characters but she shines the brightest in this one. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!
Review by @lizaileen
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Dreaming of Christmas by Joanne Dannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
5 great Novellas to get you in the Christmas spirit full of love, family and cheer. Reading this has made me even more excited for Christmas and i am definitely going to read more from this author. I cant choose a favourite story as they are all amazing and all have something different about them.
Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love the MC Satan’s Devil’s so i knew i would love this book and i was not left disappointed.
Like Book 1 this is about an older couple, Grumbler and Mary, it is so refreshing for a change and there is so much chemistry and heat, who wouldn’t want to be straddled on the back of Grumblers bike.
Gianluca by Isabella Cassazza
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is my favorite yet. I enjoyed this romance story. I was pulled in right from the beginning by the characters. They made the story engaging and entertaining. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages just to find out what happened with them next. This is a story about enemies that become lovers. Callie finds herself in a position to do one thing she has always wanted, to go to Europe. As she takes a fashion internship she never expects to have the ego studded boss she has. Gianluca just wants one thing and that is to be recognized for his talent, he is about to get his chance. Problem is that he is stuck with Callie who has no fashion experience but what happens is never expected for them. I enjoyed both their characters and how easy they made the story to read. They really just made the story for me. Their chemistry is off the charts and I found myself hoping they would get together. I highly recommend reading their story to find out what happens to them.
Review by @bjwagner
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Murder Makes Waves by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
‘Murder Makes Waves’ is a cozy crime mystery which is the third book in Radtke’s ‘Jack and Frances Mysteries’ series which are set in the early 1930s. Although part of a series this novel can be read as a standalone story. Main characters Frances Palmer, her fiancé Jack Sullivan, and Frances Uncle Sal, aka “Salvatore the Magnificent” are on the “Empress of the Sea”, on a voyage from Australia to England. It’s a dream come true for Frances and she’s looking forward to the glamour of the voyage and the mimosas and masquerades, however she wasn’t expecting a murder. Having been hired to entertain the passengers with their daring stunts and magic tricks they soon realise that the cheerful atmosphere does not continue below deck, which is full of larceny and jealousy. Following a costume ball a passenger is found dead and one of Frances’s new friends is accused of their murder. Convinced her friend is innocent Frances and Jack decide to investigate the case for themselves. The pair find themselves up against a cunning murderer and along with their new friends they must discover the truth among all the deception.
This was an enjoyable and engaging story set during the charm of the ‘Golden Age’ and the glamour of a voyage from Australia to England. The storyline is fast paced and the plot is full of twists which had me both hooked and kept me guessing until the end. The characters are all wonderfully defined and all add something different to the overall story. Thanks to the authors detailed descriptive narrative I felt fully immersed in the novel and look forward to reading the previous books in the series to catch up with Jack and Frances.
Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scepter of Flint is the third book in N.L. Holmes’ Lord Hani Mysteries series. Drawing on Holmes’ knowledge of history and archaeology, this series is set in a vivid Ancient Egyptian world.
Lord Hani is called upon to investigate a series of tomb robberies, in the hopes that he can do so discretely and get the embarrassing matter wrapped up before it threatens to undermine Egypt’s standing on an international stage. But from the start things are complicated, and Hani learns not only that there are few people he can trust, but also that he must be very careful to earn the trust of others.
The mystery alone makes this a real page-turner, but what I really loved about this book was how much detail there is. There are moments where perhaps it feels like we are getting a bit too much information at once (although that might be my fault for jumping in at book three…) but mostly it adds to the story rather than feeling like a history lesson.
For me, this is a five-star book. I really enjoyed it and am keen to get on to the next book (and then go back and fill in the gaps for myself with the first two…). I would recommend it to anyone who had an Ancient Egypt phase growing up (so that’s pretty much everyone, right?) and who enjoys puzzling through a good mystery!
At Last by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
At Last is the first book in the Adams Brothers Series by Mindy McKinley. This was the first time that I had read any work by this author and judging by how much I really enjoyed At Last, it certainly won’t be the last time. At Last is a really great contemporary romance.
Lula Stanley and Dominic Adams have been colleagues for three years, both of them teachers at the same high school. Whereas Dominic has never taken any notice of the quiet literature teacher, Lula and everyone with a set of working eyes have noticed the gorgeous Dominic Adams. When Dominic goes to a jazz bar with his brother and sees Lula perform he sees a whole different side to her and boy, is he smitten.
I really enjoyed this book, it has you engaged from the very opening paragraph and keeps you engaged with a great storyline throughout the whole book.
One thing I also loved about this book is the way that both Lula and Dominic embraced their jobs as teachers. To them it was far more than just a job, it was a true vocation. Their love for teaching and their pupils shone through.
As well as loving both Lula and Dominic, I also loved the additional characters in this book. The camaraderie between Dominic and his brothers is great to read and I can’t wait to get more of this when we get the stories of his brothers.
Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Life’s a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3) By Carrie Pulkinen
Review by Kaitlyn Stewart
5 out of 5 stars
Crimson is a witch whose powers don’t work well. Crimson is on trial for some minor mistakes she made. Then when the evil high priestess is about to bind her powers, Crimi decides that she will call a Supremacy Challenge. Meaning whoever wins will be the High Priestess of the New Orleans coven. The one who loses will lose their power and be exiled from New Orleans. Then enter recovering demon Mike. Mike makes a mistake where he ties Crimson’s soul and body to the Devil himself. Find out what happens next!!!
Review by @booklover0722
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High Heels And Mistletoe by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an okay read. I really wanted to love it as I enjoy all things Christmas….especially the books. This just seems to hit me wrong on a couple different areas. Luke seemed like an over eager puppy instead of a playboy or more mature. Maybe some insight to his thoughts in the beginning would have helped me with that. I really didn’t really *feel* anything for the characters.
Overall the story rolls along nicely. His grand gesture is simply wonderful. The cute romance story is a different Christmas idea. Julietta is a sassy character with a great family history and a little problem with mistletoe.
The First Noel A Tale of Friendship by Clare Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star
The First Noel: A Tale of Friendship by Clare Johnson
What a way to start off the Holiday season but with this adorable little book about love and friendship. . I loved the fact that it’s about the birth of Christ and 2 girls who become friends but drift apart because of the wise mans daughter thought the shepard’s daughter was beneath her because she’s poor. The message is this . Love one another no matter what your background is. Treat people the way you want to be treated. My two and a half loved this story and asked me several times to read “Christmas “ to him . I think this is a wonderful book to read no matter your age. I highly recommend reading this I know we truly enjoyed and look forward to reading more from this Author.
