Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let’s start off with the cover! It’s beautiful and what originally caught my attention. So when I started reading and fell in love with the story too? WIN! The angst and tension kept me intrigued and I was constantly flipping the pages. I really enjoyed this journey and my gosh, my heart. What an empowering read.
Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whispered Surrender: A Dark Mafia Romance (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari- 5 out of 5 stars
I absolutely love that there were two books in one because I was not ready to stop reading this authors work. Who doesn’t love to read about deliciously hot bodyguards, plural! From wild rides you never want to get off of to fast-paced, action-packed, mystery and intrigue, I loved ever page! This author did a great job keeping the storyline going and oh man she brought the heat! I recommend this book.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book. I have read many M/M love stories but this was one of my favorites. I have read books from this author before and I like how she integrated the coffee shop from the other book. The writing in this book made it a fast read, but it didn’t feel rushed. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cute and relatable Christmas love story.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shane and Winter have a lengthy history, and as they start to put the pieces together everything falls apart. Shane is willing to leave their storied history in the past, but it will take time to convince his family. Winter’s past will come back to haunt her yet again, which will subsequently haunt Shane and bring skeletons from his family closet. Winter and Shane will need each other, but they’ll have to learn to trust each other first. I have been hooked on the characters, suspense, and storylines from the very beginning of that series. No part of me wanted this series to end, but it was the perfect twisted and happily ever after ending I craved!
Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Birdie is a widow who is having trouble letting go of her husband and useless items that she continues to collect from dumpsters, yard sales, etc. Birdie has lost a lot in her life and finds herself attached to a young woman whom she barely knows. When the young woman, Jenna, disappears, Birdie decides she must find her. What follows is a whole story that is unfortunately true to life. This book kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next.
Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant- 4 out of 5 stars
This author gave a creative twist to this dark fantasy with some greek god vibes. A beautiful story of what limits a father will go to in order to save his child. Strength and perseverance despite challenging circumstances along the way. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book.
Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Be True with Me: A small town steamy, second chance, interracial romance by CA Miconi- 4 out of 5 stars
This was a quick read with a great storyline. The book is as the title states, a second chance interracial romance. The author wrote the main characters extremely well. This book was an emotional roller coaster that you refuse to get off of until you see it to the end. Sometimes accidents happen for a reason. I recommend this book.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Ends is Book Eight in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is a dark college, enemies to lovers’ story full of loss, angst, passion, romance, revenge, dark secrets, toxic families, and uncertainty. This book wraps up Shane and Winter’s saga. Winter was at a dark place in her childhood, and it caused her to lash out at others. Shane was one of the unfortunate victims of Winter’s bullying during childhood. Her mistreatment of him caused him to consider ending his own life. When Winter resurfaces in Shane’s life years later all his hurt, anger, and resentment towards Winter resurfaces. He decides to exact revenge which puts them both on a path that simultaneously pulls them apart while also drawing them together. They do not trust each other but do not know who else to trust either. A complicated situation to say the least. Winter has changed her life around and is attempting to move forward. Shane is dealing with both past and current trauma. Both are trying to overcome their dark pasts and have a brighter future. Both have a hard time trusting. Both feel the attraction to the other, but can they put past hurts and resentments behind them? Can they have a future together? When Winter receives threatening notes and the danger to her life escalates Shane is the only one, she feels safe with. A tension filled ride full of twists and turns as secrets are revealed and we find out how entangled Shane and Winter’s lives have been through the years. Winter and Shane really developed and grew throughout this book, and we learn that deep down Shane is a nice guy with a heart of gold. Bittersweet to see this series ending and I am hoping the author has more books in store for us!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A very cute romantic Christmas story. A little different than the usual, as it takes place on a beach instead of a small town. However, it is still the cozy Christmas romance so many know and love. It is well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it!
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder- 5 out of 5 stars
This is such an emotional read. I felt as if I truly got to know Devorah through her own eyes. I connected to her more through the trauma and I wanted to hold her during the abusive relationship. That is when you know a book is written well. When you want to jump in and protect or defend your choice character. Bravo! I recommend this book.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Master Sardinia is Book 8 in the Masters of the Consulate series and I continue to love this set of books as it builds. I get all the feels with vampires, shifters, witches with deceit, secrets and lies…mix in with an age gap romance….WOW……I devoured this book.
Master Sardinia is on the hunt trying to find out why shifters and rogues want to take over his club… there is something about this that does not sit well. What Master Sardinia comes across in the process of this hunt is a sassy beauty, Madria… Master Sardinia needs to protect Madria at all costs, but Madria has secrets of her own…..fueling her hatred toward all vampires thinking they are responsible for her ancestors deaths. Something is lurking as Madria has this special stone that was passed down from generations…this stone is precious….what will happen to Madria and Master Sardinia if the shifters and rogues take over……
Definitely read and find out..this story is fast paced, full of action and hot sizzling moments!!
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very cute story about not giving up. Sometimes, you have to fail a few times in order to succeed. You learn that in some cases, you have to look at something in a whole new way. You also learn that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. A lot of morals to this adorable story!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved this series from the beginning! Hate to see it come to an end, but it does have a happy ending. Highly recommend this series!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author took us on one heck of a journey ending with Shane and Winters story who never disappointed. This is not a stand alone book you must have the entire series.
Winter and Shane hook up at the end of the last book and this one starts with Winter drugged and back at the lake where her sister drowned. Shane was set up for the kidnapping and is questioned but ultimately cleared. Winter is left shaken and scared and asks Shane to protect her and be with her until they can get to the bottom of who is harassing her, leaving her notes, and now kidnapped her. Why are they doing this, how are they connected and what happened the day Summer died?
Such a great ending to a series I’m so sorry to see go!
Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Knight in Peril is Book Six in the Jorja Knight Series. The story centers around the main character of Private Investigator Jorja Knight. Her recent adventure finds her in Istanbul trying to locate her missing friend who seems to have vanished without a trace. Jorja finds herself trying to search for her friend in a foreign city so large that it is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. As Jorja tries to solve her friend’s disappearance, she is greeted by lies, greed, danger, and corruption at every turn. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tension and suspense escalates and the twists and turns will keep you reading until the end. I loved the exotic location of Jorja’s latest mystery and the bond she had with her friend. Jorja is smart, determined, strong willed, and courageous. This book had action, suspense, mystery, drama, secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great book in this series!
View all my reviews@tarab
Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mimi is a journalist at heart but left the business to come back and work for her fathers diamond company. Rosalyn was a friend that Mimi met while working at a PR firm back in the day. She is now married into a very influential family the Lowery’s. They own one of the biggest name diamond businesses in the area. Rosalyn has called up Mimi to set up the sale of a diamond, but Mimi doesn’t feel comfortable with it due to who Rosalyn’s husband is and what he does. Rosalyn has come to sell the Heartbrooch, which is an intricate golden brooch with an almost perfect black diamond as its center. After selling said diamond to Mimi and her father Rosalyn is found murdered. Now everyone is saying the brooch belongs to them and Mimi and her father no longer know what to do with this cursed diamond brooch. Will Mimi find out what happened to Rosalyn or will she find herself in more trouble than she already is?
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan finds herself in the thick of more mysterious murders. This time, a friend is a suspect. It doesn’t look good. She must find a way to prove it wasn’t him. Another fantastic story from Valerie. Lots of mystery and intrigue. These books always keep your attention. The detail included is always amazing.
Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight is excited to be reunited with her bestie, Gabrielle, in Istanbul on vacation! The life of a Private Investigator never ends though, as Jorja isn’t really able to enjoy this trip. Upon arrival, her friend was to pick her up but she’s a no-show. After a couple of hours, Jorja makes her way to the hotel. Gab’s suitcase is there, but where is she? Then Jorja soon finds out another girl is missing. Is there a link?
This book is full of twists and turns! If you love a good mystery, this one will keep you entertained! I felt a little like I was visiting Istanbul while reading this book and it makes me want to go visit now!
Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spectral Revelations is Book Six in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, danger, ghosts, secrets, lies, greed, and corruption. In her most recent adventure Karina finds herself trying to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her aunt. Uncertain if her aunt has disappeared on her accord or if something bad happened Karina delves into the mystery headfirst to see what happened. When she goes to her aunt’s home, she finds a mischievous ghost that seems to be wreaking havoc in her aunt’s home. At first Karina brushes off the ghost’s behaviour but soon realizes that he is leaving her clues to help solve her aunt’s disappearance. As usual Karina learns more than she bargained for when she uncovers secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great read in this amazing series. The author has a way of pulling you into the story and fully immersing you in the mystery until the very end. The characters are unique, quirky, funny, and entertaining. I absolutely loved the addition of the paranormal element and Karina’s ghostly crime solver.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While nothing is biting at Lake Fish-or-Cut-Bait, the weather is aggressively changing everything as one fisherman is hoping to catch a fish. See what happens to the fish, frogs and other surprising elements when a storm lands in town.
This was filled with the cycle of a tornado and the science behind it’s form. I think kids will be intrigued and find this book entertaining.
Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Swindler’s Revenge is Book Five in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. Karina’s newest adventure finds her single after her and her FBI boyfriend Mike broke up. Now he is in a heap of trouble after being accused of taking a large bribe and running away with 1.2 million dollars. On the run as a wanted fugitive only adds to making him look guilty. As his ex-girlfriend, Karina is also someone of interest to the FBI. Although Mike is her ex, Karina does not believe for a second that he is guilty of taking the bribe. It seems that someone dangerous is determined to frame Mike and Karina is equally determined to clear Mike’s name and get to the bottom of who is responsible. The situation becomes intense as Karina delves into the case with the help of some friends. This book had danger, drama, mystery, tension, action, suspense, witty banter, and a bit of romance. I love how feisty, determined, strong, and independent Karina is. Bring on Book Number Six!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so sad to see this series end as it has been one of my very favorites for the entire year. It is a phenomenal end though and all good things must end, right? I do not always read series in order, but this is definitely one I would take note of and start from the beginning. There is too much that would be missed and would probably lead to a lot of confusion. This book focuses on Shane and Winter, and it picks up right where the previous book ended, which I love! We finally get resolution that had been built-up in Wicked Games though it is not just a smooth ride by any means. I also enjoyed the fact that we got to catch up with the other couples from different books in the series. I highly recommend this entire series with the only one bad note…you will definitely have a book/series hangover!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pharoah’s Forgery is Book Four in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery following the adventures of Karina Cardinal. In her latest adventure she finds herself in Mexico where she is hoping to relax and soak up the sun. However, the mystery package she has been asked to bring by her neighbor. The seemingly innocent package turns out to be a magnet for all sorts of criminal elements which leads Karina into a world of danger. Karina and her friend Rodrigo find themselves facing certain death and it could mean the end for them both. This book had action, suspense, mystery, drama, danger, suspense, humor, crooks, killers, swindlers, and an ancient Egyptian death mask. The characters are unique, quirky, lovable, and feisty. Bring on Book Five!
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 8th book in the Logan McKenna series. Of course, another hit. I feel like I really have come to know Logan as if she were a friend. The author’s writing makes you feel that way. I love how in each book, there is a completely different main topic. You learn about more than just Logan and what she is up to. I said it before, but I will be sad when this series ends.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Each book from this author is a treat, and this one was no different. The entire Master of the Consulate series is marvelous but Master Sardinia has been my favorite thus far. As with each book, this follows the dark paranormal romance in a mafia-like vampire realm with plenty of drama, danger, steamy scenes, and surprises hidden throughout. While you can read this as a standalone, you should read from the beginning to get the full experience of each installment. I really enjoyed the suspense and bonds that are detailed with such expertise by this author. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store for us!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Diamonds and Deception is Book Three in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with action, adventure, danger, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, and a diamond heist. Karina again finds herself in the middle of a mystery when her sister calls her asking for help. Their friend has been accused of stealing some diamonds and Karina and her sister are determined to clear her name. As the two sisters delve into the case, they come face to face with criminal elements that would have been better off left alone. The tension and suspense escalate as the secrets and lies are revealed. The storyline is intriguing and really draws you in because it has been so well written and clearly well researched. The character of Karina is smart, strong, feisty, and determined. I look forward to reading Book Four.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the eighth book in the Masters of the Consulate series. Each book focuses on a different Master and their other half, but the underlying story continues throughout the series, so I would recommend reading them in order.
There is an element of enemies to lovers between Master Sardinia and Madria. The latter having a hatred of vampires when they meet. A common goal brings them together fighting again the rogues. There are obstacles in their way to each other and I enjoyed seeing how the pair navigated these.
The writing flows really well and the description narration paints a vivid picture of characters and scenery alike. The characters were well-written, complex and undergo development which I love in a story.
I again enjoyed the continuation of the underlying story, and the addition the couple bring to the collective team. I can’t get enough of this series and don’t think it will be possible to get bored of it. I look forward to more!
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My son and I always enjoy reading Lois Wickstrom books. This one was another book in the Invisible Wand series. It’s a fun magical series about a boy and his grandpa celebrating the boys Unbirthday. Caspian wants a bicycle. But, You don’t get normal gifts for an UNbirthday! What will they cook up this time?!
This is such a fun book. I loved the messages that it gives to children and my daughter enjoyed the illustrations. It sparked good conversation with her regarding why affirmations are important and how hearing herself say those things made her feel.
It is another way to make the alphabet fun and interactive.
Definitely recommend to anyone with children.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Master Sardinia is one of the Masters of the Consulate under Overmaster Descallia and he has just found out that the shifters and rogue vampires they have been chasing have bedded down in his territory and he is on the warpath. When he is notified that some are attempting a takeover of one of his exclusive clubs, he heads straight there with some of the other masters to take care of things, but what he doesn’t expect is to get an earful from the owner’s daughter.
Madria is a headstrong young woman with a head for numbers and a hatred of all thing’s vampire, especially given what has just happened in the club she is a part owner of; however, she is a firecracker and doesn’t mince her words when confronting the bloodsucker in charge of the whole mess. She makes her displeasure known, so Master Sardinia doesn’t have a choice but to try and teach her some manners, followed by taking her to the surviving shifters so that they can find out where they are all hiding.
The interrogation doesn’t go to plan when Madria is attacked and Master Sardinia has no choice but to turn her, especially when it is possible that she could be a deciding factor in this war with the traitors. Madria is beyond angry once she wakes up from the transition, however, her part becomes clear when she talks of the past and how it has influenced her present, however, when it is revealed that she sees a vision of the future, it is filled with blood, darkness and doom. While Master Sardinia is trying to figure out what the future holds while trying to calm the magnetic attraction between himself and Madria, it is clear that when the inevitable clash arrives, he will do what he can to protect her, but will it be enough to keep them both alive long enough to see where the future takes them, or will another of the filthy rogues try and take her away?
This is another dark vampire romance where lies, deceit and secrets create a slowly tightening noose around the Masters and their women as they fight for those under their protection in one of their most fierce battles yet, which will leave you hooked until you find out whether they win or not.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
