The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An entertaining story of a rat turned spy. There are so many fun characters in the story that make this fun. My grandson really enjoyed this when we read it at bedtime. He chuckled at the adventures. He thought the German Rat Training lady was funny. A neat addition to the family or classroom libraries.
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Set in the 1920’s,Suki is a dancer that flirts with Frank, one of Al Capone’s men. When the club is ambushed, Suki is injured and then rescued by Frank. Unable to dance and make a living for herself for a while, Suki accepts Frank’s offer to take care of her. But will that keep her happy for long? Great detail is given to taking the reader in the mobster world of the roaring 20s.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful tale of friendship, courage, and bravery!!!
Cray the Crab and Hay the Fox are off on a journey to celebrate Hay’s mother’s birthday. In addition to the exciting journey, they encounter some roadblocks and obstacles. They rely on each other, but they also meet some new friends who can help them reach their final destination.
Hay Goes Home is a book for all ages! It teaches children how to be brave, the importance of friendship, asking for help, and building courage, but it also reminds adults of those life lessons that we sometimes forget!
The illustrations are stunning, and I love the rhyming in the book. One of my favorite features was the tips at the end to build courage. Again, this is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages!!!!
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm is book one in the Titans of Chicago series. The story is full of some heavy content and should be taken into consideration if one is sensitive to certain topics. I enjoyed this second chance romance between Harper and Gabriel but I will admit I found myself cringing multiple times at Gabe and his behavior. While the pair have history, they haven’t seen one another in years and when they do Gabriel is quick to make it known he’s not happy to see her. But all the more happy to jump into bed. I also was definitely not a fan of how he treated her seemingly like garbage after all of the things that happen to Harper in this book. Just, woah. That said, it was clear when they were teenagers that they were “it” for one another and though Harper has come back in an effort to try and save Gabriel from harm, it is clear there is still pent up anger. Will this pair be able to see beyond their past to help one another? I will definitely be reading others from this author.
• • PREORDER • • •
When a corpse washes up on the riverbank at Lord Hani’s country house, his daughter Neferet and her fellow physician Bener-ib and apprentice Mut-tuy head for the local village to try to identify it. But they find themselves entangled in a web of murder and lies in the heart of a family of weavers. Can the perseverance of three determined women and the bonds of parental love win out, or will Neferet herself become the next victim?
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 stars
This is such a cozy read. I read it at home, but I should have read it in a cozy local coffee shop. It’s clean and cute. Also, book 2 but 100% can be read as a standalone.
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dancing Butterfly is the second book in the Butterflies Fly Free Series by Debra Parmley. This was the first book I have read in this series, but I love that each book is written so that you can read it as a standalone book or a series. If you love the Roaring 20’s you will love reading these books, they are based on the lives of flappers and the experiences that they see in their lives. This book is all about the life of Suki, and her time with Frank, one of Al Capone’s right-hand men, and the whirlwind romance that they have. As we read along, we get to see life from Suki’s point of view where one day she is a flapper dancing in a club and the next moment she is being whisked away by Frank who has saved her life after she has an accident escaping the shooting in the club. Frank claims Suki as his woman, making her his moll, and taking care of all of her needs while she recovers from her accident. Suki is not used to being under anyone’s influence and isn’t sure how she feels about being a kept woman. This is an excellent read, allowing the reader to glimpse what the life of a gangster’s woman must have been like in the prohibition years, where danger is to be expected at every turn. I loved reading this book in the series and cannot wait to read the first and third books in the Butterflies Fly Free Series. The first one covers the life of Bethany whom we meet near the end of this book, and of Phyliss, Philip’s twin sister, both characters we also meet in this book.
@Brandy Rymer
02/2024
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dancing Butterfly was different. Not what I come to expect from this author. Did the story have romance and passion, sure. However it was more of a woman’s path to self discovery. The romance and passion was second fiddle and maybe not so genuine.
Who was she?
What does she want out of life?
Those kinds of questions surround the character throughout this story.
Suki was independent, at least she thought she was. Refusing to go through life like her mother depending on a man. However when she finally met and spoke with Frank that’s exactly the woman she had become. Going stir crazy due to a broken ankle being a moll to a made man wasn’t easy. It was very demanding and she lacked that independence she once craved. One trip to Miami gave her hope. Gave her the hope that she could leave the life of the moll behind.
But does she?
The author has you rooting for Suki to find her way again. However the turmoil she goes through along the way is sad, however gives the reader hope she will turn it around. It keeps you turning the page because you’re hoping on the next page she’s back.
I enjoy this author and look forward to more books in the future.
The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a fun read!! The Curse of Jean Lafitte is part of The Big Easy Collection…and I found myself just engrossed in a world of adventure, mystery, supernatural, myth, ghosts and intrigue. The appreciation I have this author and her research are top notch, and it makes me want to visit
New Orleans one day!
Juliet’s world comes crumbling down after getting fired from her pastry job that she loved…but winding up meeting the famous Captain Jean Lafitte who needs her help! Who is Captain Jean Lafitte…and why does he need Juliet’s help…navigating this adventure learning of the curse that is bestowed upon Captain and his crew…Will Juliet be able to help the Captain before time runs out?
I loved this book so much and I highly recommend!!! I cannot wait to see what this talented author writes next!
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have become such a fan of C. A. King so I was excited for this one; Curse of the Forbidden Island did not disappoint. Although it is a very quick, short read, there is still the same great world building I have come to expect from C. A. King. I could see the waves breaking on the sand, feel the heat from the sun, and felt the cool night breeze on my face. This paranormal romance is different from others I have read, but it’s precisely why it stands out to me. There was mystery, hints of ancient curses, steamy interludes, and a touch of the paranormal. I was kept guessing to the very end, which came way too soon for me, but enjoyed it nonetheless. Selene was a character I connected with from the start. Her luck is nothing but bad until she takes the job on the mysterious, yet intriguing, Forbidden Island. Great read by C. A. King!
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a lover of history, this story was absolutely right up my alley. I thought the author did a great job of creating a historical fiction novel that was incredibly well written and researched. You absolutely feel like you back in the early 1800’s as our country is still finding its footing within the rest of the world. The author has created complex and well developed characters in Jed and Hannah. You absolutely will not want to put this book down until you have finished the very last page. The author definitely created a vivid and detailed story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Vacation Flirtation…or More? by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vacation Flirtation…Or More? Was a fun quick read. I liked the storyline and how much we got to know each of the characters in such a short time (the book is less than 200 pages, and takes place across less than a week). I am happy to see there is a 2nd book coming, because it was fun to read. The characters are well written. Landon is filthy rich, but is down to earth. He spends money on Giuliana, but isn’t overly flashy or cocky with it. I like that Giuliana is a educated woman, with a great job. The steamy scenes are mild and not overly described which I prefer. I like when the book focuses more on the plot and development of the characters and their relationship.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read shorter novellas from the author and so I was excited to read her debut novel. I was able to read the prequel first, and while it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommend it to give you a better understanding of Xen and why her second chance is so important to her. I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s, it gave a lot of insight into what the other characters were thinking and feeling. Xen continues to be dynamic and intriguing heroine who you want to see succeed in everything she does. The author did a great job of combining fantasy, sci-fi, and romance into a storyline that you won’t want to stop reading until the end. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great book!
Xenobia (aka Xen) has moves to earth about 7 years ago to escape her past and start over. She however has many secrets and skills that the people on earth do nor have and would be either scared of or try to take advantage her powers so she keeps them her most guarded secret except from her “family” on earth.
Unfortunately one decision may change everything and she may find she has to expose her special powers to save her family.
This book is multi pov and the chapters are quick and the POV changes regularly. Lots of Paranormal activity including wolf vampire and much more and so much attention to detail and character building made this story shine. Well done
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seal Gray was playing with his beachball when all of a sudden bounced away. The ball was causing havoc on the other creatures that lived at the beach. All of his friends on the beach were upset about the chaos so Gray lied and said it wasn’t his ball. This caused all the friends to start blaming others for the mess and Gray started to feel guilty. His guilt led him to need to do the right thing, so he apologized for the ball and lying. All his friends forgave him but explained how lying only makes things worse. This was a cute lessons learned book for kids teaching them that accidents happen, but lying should not.
Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Out of Bounds is the second book in the Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson. It is a great addition to this series of steamy NA sports romances. This is Wyatt and Piper’s story about finding love unexpectedly. This opposites attract romance had plenty to keep me engrossed, from emotion and angst, to sizzling chemistry and spicy encounters- there’s lots of fun and witty banter to keep things entertaining too.
Piper has sworn off romance, especially with football players – while Wyatt is talented in more ways than one. He’s used to winning, but can he win this girl’s heart? What happens makes for a captivating read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Tam DeRudder Jackson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Group Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am absolutely speechless after reading this book! I have enjoyed each book from this author, but this is definitely my favorite thus far! While this MMF read has plenty of steam and spiciness throughout the story, the author has also crafted a marvelous plot and well-developed characters as well. I giggled out loud at this book, but also felt like throwing it in anger at some points. The three main characters, Weston, Callum, and Petra are incredibly loveable and people you feel like would be great friends in real life. I’m also a dog lover, so obviously the fact that dogs are sprinkled throughout the book help a bit. There are a couple of characters that I have no lost love for, but they are minor and play their part well. I absolutely love the fact that the story is told from multiple points of view as you get a better feel for each character as they speak their mind. I highly recommend this book if you love spicy romances in the MMF genre! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1VOQ67KNTSEGL/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2811422484
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6274478876
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harper and Gabe had their whole life planned out. From high school graduation to college to marriage and kids but when tragedy struck Harper’s family her whole world was shattered and destroyed. Little did Harper realize that the death of her parents would also be the life change that would destroy her in many more ways than just losing her parents. Over a decade passes with no contact between Harper and Gabe but with the death of his parents six months earlier and the possibility that Gabe could be in trouble, Harper could not chance Gabe dying also.
This is another phenomenal book written by this author. I love everything I have read she has written.
Reviewed by @alape
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seal Gray loves playing with his beach ball but when the ball runs amuck and does some damage to his friends activities he lies about what happened. What happens when he decides to tell the truth?
Good moral lesson story. The vibrancy of the illustrations are beautiful in this book. If you follow the adventures of Cray on the Bray, this another wonderful story in the series.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Apparently, there is “a smell of mystery in the air” and Grandma is determined to find out what it is. So much so that she has bought Hildegarde in to help.
It is a fun, mystery tale where everything is not as it seems. It is 180 pages of adventure and entertainment.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom is aimed for children aged 7 – 12 years.
What secrets does Timmy’s family hold? How does Grandma know what she knows? Can you actually smell mystery? Can you train a rat to be a spy? Who or What is Hildegarde? Where are Timmy’s parents?
These are all very good questions which will be revealed as you sit and read this story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Hamilton Steelhawks series. These books can be read as standalones because I read this one first however I will definitely be going back to read the books that came before.
These are a sports romance based around an ice hockey team. The authors knowledge of the game and how it all works really gives the reader an insight into that life both on and off the ice.
This is Colby and Gabriella’s story.
This couple have history which I didn’t understand but I think reading the first 2 books would have explained that.
Neither of them are the type to want commitment but neither of them can deny the strong attraction and chemistry between them. After a couple of encounters could there be something more between them or is it just sexual chemistry messing with their heads.
Both Colby and Gabriella aren’t prepared to open themselves up to potential heartbreak so they keep their distance from each other.
However that all changes when their best friends decide to get married. With Colby as best man and Gabriella as maid of honour can they put their differences and rising sexual chemistry aside to keep it from spoiling their friends wedding or will being in close proximity to each other for too long bring all the things they have been trying to surpess to the surface?
Will they keep it together for the sake of their friends wedding? Will the chemistry combust and ruin everything? And what will happen if they give into temptation and the feelings instead of running away.
This was a really captivating read and I can’t wait till read more of this series.
Curse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When nothing goes right, opportunity can come knocking and that is exactly what happens when a job advertisement somewhere called “Forbidden Island” come up, there isn’t much detail, however, one particular woman finds that she meets all the criteria and before you know it, she is surrounded by sun, sea, sand and gorgeous men.
The only thing wrong, or at least, the only thing that doesn’t quite fit is the rule of everyone wearing masks on a night, but that doesn’t stop the rising desires which the six Casanova’s bring out, but beneath the perfect façade there is a mystery to be unravelled which is just as tantalising as the men.
Who are these mysterious hotties, are they the owners of the island, or are they other employees, and what is the mystery surrounding them? This is a hot and heavy paranormal romance where nothing is as it seems, mystery surrounds everyone and everything, but figuring it all out is as addictive as the spice within.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204174960-dirty-heartbreaker” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3″ src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1703098759l/204174960._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204174960-dirty-heartbreaker”>Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32617776.A_C_Sheppard”>A C Sheppard</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6273599362″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A fast and spicy hockey romance,<br />What do you need to do when you are best man to your best friend and you need to work with the maid of honour, who happens to be the one woman he cannot move out of his fantasies. <br />Colby and Gabby have chemistry in abundance, the character growth is easy to follow and keeps you hooked, as we follow the relationship as they try to fill the roles needed without falling for each other. This is the third book in the series and I will be going back to read one and two.<br />The author’s use of terminology and hockey knowledge is great.
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Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very cute story for children to own up to their responsibilities even if things do not go right. Cray the seal loves to blay beachball. The beachball spins out of control and causes inconvenience to few of his friends. Cray initially lies that it was not his ball but later a blame game starts and things get out of control. Cray steps up and owns up his mistake which makes him a very brave seal. The rhymes are simple and meaningful and illustrations are really nice. I would recommend this book to all kids.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everything was perfect until it was all gone. Anise Storm I truly love your work and your incredible talent. This is the first book in a new series, Titans of Chicago. Dual perspectives of Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake.
Harper and Gabriel are the children of Titans, and he will become one as he gets older. They have been in love their entire lives and have had every detail of their future together planned out. Until…a car “accident” wipes it all away. With her parents gone her only living relative is her mom’s brother, George. The night she is given the devastating news she loses everything and everyone she ever loved when he takes her to Portland. Instantly she is living in hell and the moments of feeling loved and cherished are gone. Nearly ten years passed, and she never stopped loving the boy she left behind, her soulmate. Gabriel never considered life without her at his side, they were soulmates and had everything planned. She was gone and had broken his heart, but even after nearly a decade he still couldn’t hate her, he loved her and always would. Another accident following her questioning where her inheritance was, and she found herself terrified for Gabriel so much so she did the only thing she could. She flew to Chicago to force him to listen to her warnings, he was in danger. Quickly finding her wildest dreams coming true, she was back in his arms, the threat remained and the truth of everything would shatter her beliefs.
What was the true cause of the accident? Can she ever see the truth of who deserved her blame and let go of her fears? Gabriel never could love another, is she truly his again, for good this time? The world was honest and cruel, no shiny knight to rush in at the last moment and save the day. Though there was a man who loved her and against all odds refused to let her disappear from his life again. The journey of the characters overcoming trauma, learning, and accepting the truth, they never stopped fighting for the love they held for the other. I cannot wait for book two and curious to know which Titan will be next, perhaps Daxon and Charlie?
Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker
Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story is the first book in the A Better Man Series. This is a wonderfully written Women’s Fiction sweet romance that I absolutely loved reading. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely a fan. Her style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed, complex , yet relatable characters make for an epic story. Let me just say how beautiful and relaxing the cover is I could sit there for hours staring out across that pond. Bailey is a strong independent woman who is the VP of Quality ,a widow and raising two teenage daughters. Bailey is good at her job she pours her heart and soul into it. She feels like she is missing something but not sure she’s ready for dating or has the time until Fox and their evening together. Fox is a divorced man raising two teenage boys and the CEO of Havelin. He notices Bailey and how beautiful and smart she is but when a plane ride together and him asking her out things definitely going to change. These two have a lot in common and their romance is sweet . Being in a relationship with the CEO is more complicated than one might think. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another amazing Titans story from this author! New city, new titans, new badazz FMC.
Harper and Gabriel grew up knowing that they were each other’s. There were only a handful of times they were apart. They shared their first kiss at seven. Harper fought her way back into the group when Gabriel didn’t want the girl hanging with the boys anymore at 10. Gabriel and Harper shared many first along the way. It was just the way it was until the unthinkable happened.
Harper was 16, almost 17, when her parents died in a car accident. Harper was ripped out of her life in Chicago and forced to move with her uncle to Portland, Oregon. He was the only family she had left. Her uncle was not a nice man. His son, Jayson, was worse. They made Harper’s life a living hell. Not wanting to drag down Gabriel, and too ashamed of what was happening to her to tell him what was going on, Harper broke Gabriel’s heart shortly after moving to Portland.
Gabriel was never the same after Harper dumped him. He claimed that he hated her but deep down that was just covering his hurt and love for her. When she calls him out of the blue nearly a decade after she destroyed him, he lashes out and blows off her call. When she shows up at a charity auction and buys a date with him, he is cruel and a complete and an utter jerk towards her. His cruel words drive Harper away but she never gives up trying to protect him.
Harper believes that Gabriel’s life is in danger because she started to investigate what happened to her inheritance. Knowing that Gabriel hated her, Harper does her best to get him to listen. He refuses. Harper tries to protect him all on her own and winds up getting kidnapped. Gabriel is tempted to ignore Harper’s pleas for help when they come in but he listens to the better angels, and helps Harper. He realizes that all of Harper’s actions were not trying to get back in his life but because there was real danger.
When this danger is neutralized, Gabriel convinces Harper that they are safe. When Harper heads back to Portland to wrap up her business there and pack to relocate back to Chicago, Harper finds out that she is still in danger. Will Gabriel find out? Will he be able to save her this time?
Stellar opening to the series. Can’t go wrong with a Titans book.
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Why did Tad (Janie’s ex-husband) turn up suddenly? What happened to him? Why did so many people have a reason to want him gone? These questions and many more weave throughout this page-turner that keeps you guessing as more of the story (and Tad’s history) unravel and Christy attempts to put the clues together. Although this is book 2 of a series, I haven’t read book 1 and was still fine to read this one as a standalone. That being said, I will plan to go back and read more from this series and this author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
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Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom
Lois Wickstrom lives in a world where imaginary playmates are real. She doesn’t remember being born, so she finds unbirthdays are more exciting than the official once-a-year date on the calendar. She’s taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales.
