The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forrest Navarro is a successful doctor who has a dark side. Kiera Ford is a fashion photographer that has to care for her ailing mother. When Forrest is part of a fashion shoot that Kiera is doing, sparks ignite. I love the WaterFyre Rising series. I enjoyed this book as much as the others.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Get ready for a hilarious rollercoaster ride with “Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes”! This sizzling romance novel will have you laughing out loud as a group of feisty women take on midlife, hot flashes, and a hot hockey player. With witty banter, unexpected twists, and plenty of steamy scenes, this book is the perfect escape for anyone looking to add some spice to their reading list. Grab a fan and get ready to be swept off your feet!
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson
Whisper Creek is the seventh book in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series and is a Crime/ Thriller that will have you turning the pages till the end. I’ve read several books by this author and this series and have truly enjoyed reading every single one of them. This may be my favorite yet of this series but I’ve said that with each new book. This authors style of writing and attention to detail pulls you into their world and the twists and turns will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. Her characters are real, fully developed and make the story come to life. Logan is back at it again but this time she’s away from home visiting friends when a body is found and her friends the prime suspects. Logan is in a race against time as she tries to protect her friends and get to the bottom things before they strike again. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melt My Heart
By: Alicia Street
This is a fantastic novel. One that features characters so relatable that any of them could be a friend or a family member. We all have been there – been in a relationship that as hurt us so much that we now have trust issues and build walls around our hearts so high that we vow no one will ever cross them. Alicia street gives us two of these characters in Caleb and Wynter. I truly loved these characters so much and I felt that they had so much depth to them that they really felt like they were people who would be my friends.
Caleb is a former Navy Seal and comes from an incredibly wealthy family. He knows that most women only want to be with him for his money. However, the woman who hurt him was one from when he was a Navy Seal. That’s the one that made him build the walls.
Wynter has moved on from love. She is just working on building her career. However, she and Caleb intersect on a task. And from there the adventure begins.
I definitely enjoyed this book and will be looking to read more from Alicia Street. She does a fantastic job with character development and in creating a plot that is incredibly relatable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dobson is a really inspiring story. Sue Cleary is a 50-year-old married mom of four, who is trying to figure out her next steps in life. Her last two children are leaving home soon and she is trying to figure out in what direction she wants her life to head. When she gets wind of an out-of-town developer who is planning to build a resort in Durango, her hometown, she decides she can’t let that happen. Sue was a very relatable character. Listening to her struggle with finding her place after motherhood and trying to reconcile who she was then to who is now is something so many women and mothers struggle with. It was nice to see that despite her flaws, Sue benefited from major character development. It was frustrating to listen as she ran away from her issues and projected a lot of judgment and blame. However, by the end of the story she had resolved these things and learned a great deal. Sue proved that you don’t have to have all the answers, even later in life. She also gave a lot of inspiration for how to follow your dreams and start something new at any stage.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199274583-hot-flashes-and-hockey-slashes” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696380345l/199274583._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199274583-hot-flashes-and-hockey-slashes”>Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16856659.Marika_Ray”>Marika Ray</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5938392307″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Olivia is supposed to be part of the wedding ceremony for her ex husband Scott. They have two kids Holly and Dylan. Holly’s bff and roommate are trying to get Olivia a blind date for the wedding. Hannah asks her dad Roman to be the blind date. Olivia is a smart Savy business woman and tried to get out of the wedding. Olivia was not trying to hook up let alone fall in love with someone. Until Roman came along for the wedding. Olivia can’t stop thinking about Roman once they get back home but she doesn’t want to do long distance. Hannah, Holly, and Dylan drag Olivia to one of Roman’s games. At the end he decides he wants to retire and have a life with Olivia and their kids.<br />This was so cute, and funny! Definitely enjoyed this series!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196912251-beautiful-dangerous” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692112414l/196912251._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196912251-beautiful-dangerous”>Beautiful Dangerous</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4826956.Becky_Flade”>Becky Flade</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5938381685″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Hannah, a lawyer is being stalked by someone unknown. Her brother was murdered the year prior in what everyone thought was just a random crime. Noah aka Doyle is on sabbatical when he’s brought in to protect Hannah. Doyle and Hannah do end up falling in love with each other. When Doyle thinks they arrested the stalker, they are wrong. It’s someone Hannah works with. There is so much to eat up in the book, leaves you for twists and turns your not expecting. I have not ready any of the other books. But cliff hanger much?? I need more!! It was so well written!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seventeen year old Stas was only supposed to be worried about standing up in her mother’s wedding, not trying to solve a murder and continue to find out how to return to a “normal” life. Stas finds herself in a very unusual situation when she finds her mother in a pool of blood! Now with this unexpected death, she finds all kinds of family members coming out of the woodworks trying to convince her to go and live with them….when all she really wants is to stay with her Mama K and get more acquainted with Zane, the only person she seems to be able to confide in. Who is Stas able to trust, her father…her aunts? All Stas knows is that she wants to be with Zane and stay with Mama K…will Stas be able to get what she wishes or will her world be turned upside down?
This was a good, quick read that has suspense, good dialogue and characters. I did find it took a little bit to get into the book, but since I kept reading on…I was hooked! I think that this is a good read especially for the young adult readers….happy reading!
Maru Espinoza, October 2023
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an adorable story about monsters hiding under the bed. The illustrated characters look real and I like the details on what the monster looks like. It’s scary but not scary for a book. The monster actually looks nice. And there are dust bunnies under the bed like you would find in a kids room who didn’t clean very much. I also love the sign hanging on the girl’s wall! I didn’t know the book was based on a Hindu teaching take by the same name. It’s an interesting adaptation!
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this author and this series. Full of action, love, friendship. I can never put these books down. They are an easy read and keeps you wanting more.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second chance romance
Book 4 of the WaterFyre Rising series is Forrest and Kiera’s story. I have enjoyed each book in this series and this was no exception. Forrest is the doctor of the WaterFyre group and takes the dominating protector role to whole new level especially with Kiera. The author knows how to deliver a highly engaging, suspenseful with a touch a spice storyline.each of the books in the series can be read as a stand alone but I feel to really know what WaterFyre really is – you must read them all. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my what an amazing first book! It’s so hard to be the bigger person when you’re going through menopause! This is the predicament Olivia finds herself in when she’s invited to her ex-husband’s wedding to his younger woman bride. But she is determined to be supportive of her children and the best for them so she goes. Of course taking a hockey player hottie as her date isn’t at all what anyone expected! The two actually connecting and supporting one another while falling for each other is just the present Olivia derserves from karma for all her rising above! This author combo team was amazing and I can’t wait to get the next book!!
Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a brilliant start to what looks like is going to be a phenomenal series !
So Logan and Jack were married and ran their their computer business . After he dies I. And accident she’s left settling debts and selling the business . She now needs a job and starts working at a school but it would seem that her job is under threat but she takes everything in her stride ….
She buys a small house at the beach in South Calafornia , she has friends there that partake I the annual otter festival and she’s going to help them at their stall and play her fiddle and wait for this she loves Edith Piaf ( like hello new best friend ) oh and she has a yummy Viking looking neighbour named Ben . He welcomes her to the neighbourhood with coffee , how sweet is this man !?
I enjoyed the way both the arts of knife making and glass blowing was explained and it really did intrigue me I even shared parts of the knife making with a friend of mine whose husband makes knives !!
I fell in with little Dimebox 🐾❣️ thank you Logan for giving the little fur ball another chance at life 🥰
Thomas and Lisa , married friends of Logan have their stall at the festival and she helps them , all things seems to be going well until a body is found at the glassblowers stall !
Thomas is a suspect and Logan isn’t having any of it and is determined to prove his innocence .
I’m keen to find out if things will develop between her and Ben but more I’d like to go for a drive with her in Lola , her ‘58 Corvette 😉
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes is the first book in the Hot Flash Hookups series by two wonderful authors. This is a RomCom that I absolutely loved reading. The characters are relatable, developed and creative and made the story super fun to read. The chemistry between Roman and Olivia is off the charts. Oliva gets invited to a wedding of her ex-husband and her children decide to set her up with a fake date named. Roman so she didn’t have to go alone. Roman is a Hockey player who so good with Olivia . He shows her that even later in live one can find what they thought they were missing. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this wonderful duo.
My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom is a wonderful story teller. She has a very vivid imagination and the stories are wonderful for children of all ages. The Big Red Monster is no exception to that. A great story along with fabulous illustrations brings the monster in this book to life. Brothers who don’t believe in monsters under the bed, Beware!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are needing a quick feel good read then this is it. There is nothing like a Christmas story at the holidays and this one does not disappoint. What could be better to escape the reality of your life going haywire than a trip to beautiful Australia for the holidays? Good story and a quick read.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is hands down the best book I have read this year. The fact that the male and female main characters were both over 40 with meddling young adult kids made this story even more realistic to me. Going through menopause myself at 49, I really connect with Olivia (Ollie). Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart have teamed up and written what I think is a fabulous story.
Wicked Games by Isla VaughnWicked Games by Isla Vaughn is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, a captivating tale that will keep you hooked from start to finish. From the moment the enigmatic hero walks into Thane University, the story takes you on a thrilling journey through memories and mysteries.
The enemies-to-lovers theme is expertly woven into the narrative, making for intense, electric chemistry between the characters. Their soulful connection transcends the pages, leaving you rooting for them, despite the warnings of danger. Isla Vaughn’s writing is so skillful that you can practically feel the sparks flying off the pages.
This is a new adult romance with a dash of bully dynamics that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mature content adds a layer of complexity, making the story even more compelling. And while it may end in a cliffhanger, fear not, as the promise of resolution and a satisfying HEA awaits in Wicked Ends.
Wicked Games is a must-read for anyone who craves a heart-pounding, passionate romance filled with angst and mystery. Isla Vaughn has delivered a page-turner that will stay with you long after you’ve devoured the last page. Don’t miss out on this addictive story; it’s a five-star read for sure! ⭐📚❤️
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What. The. Actual. $*%&?!?!
Y’all already know I’m first on the list whenever Isla releases a new book. Of course, I had to pick up this one after I saw the release finally came, and lemme just say: What. The. Eff.
FIRST OF ALL: Shane. Buddy. Amigo. How is it out of all the stupid crap the other three have done, Shane is the one who has to deal with the most whacked out crap?
And the ending! That cliffhanger! Bro. BRO. I need book 8 so bad right now.
As always, highly recommend. 10/10.
➹ ➹ ➹ COVER REVEAL ➹ ➹ ➹ ➹
Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The way Davisson wove multi-generational trauma into the plot make this an interesting read. This book can stand alone, but is even more intriguing if you have read the previous novels in the series. The author did a good job of bringing the characters to life on the page. There are time jumps from the Great Depression era up to 2020, which creates two story arcs. This was done well in a way that glued the plot together. If you like crime and psychological thrillers, then you’d like this novel. These books would also make a great series to binge watch!
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Alice hasn’t found her place in Buckeye Falls or anyplace else in this world. She has wondered, she has learned, she has sought, she has adjusted, but she has never felt at home. Being labeled the “wild child” of the town due to her parents being the official first couple and her civic minded, straight-laced, do-good brother, Alice could never catch a break. Now she is back in town, living with her parents, until she either makes plans to get out of town or finds a way to fit in without losing herself.
James retreated when his world blew up. He divorce was public and savage. He has found a small slice of freedom and privacy in Buckeye Falls. The only problem is that he has lost his ability to create, which is kinda important since he is a painter. An perhaps fateful meeting of Alice and all of his creativity comes pouring back into him. James can’t understand the pull he feels towards Alice, the need to protect and defend her, but it tugs at him.
Alice and James get thrown together on the decorations committee for the Fall Festival. Once the rumors start, Alice devises a plan to convince James to fake date her to get the town gossips to get their noses out of her love life. It all seems to work out, except the fake dating feels real to both of them. When they both admit this, they start for reals dating. Outside forces still plot to break them apart. Will they survive?
James and Alice are an adorable couple. He finds her quirks and weirdness endearing and provocative. It doesn’t matter that she is a little on the disaster-prone side. James wants to be there to help clean up the messes. They are sweet. I love the way James handles Alice’s parents. It rocked. And Otis is super adorable. Madeline probably has a savings account that rivals Bill Gates!! Totally worth the read and attachment to the characters.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by authors Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart- 5 out of 5 stars
This book was so well written, I had a hard time putting it down. I adore the main characters, Roman and Olivia, their banter throughout the book had me losing it and they are both so relatable. Olivia deals with menopause like a boss. Roman is making an effort to make up for all of those times he wasn’t there for his daughter. One thing is for sure, the heat and chemistry from these two was on point! I highly recommend.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the series. Suspense and romance where could you go wrong. The Inquisitor is the next book in the WaterFyre Rising Series. So the basic back story is this group of friends is tasked to create a level in a video game they are trying to release based on their local WaterFyre festival. So in saying that each book focuses on one of the guys building the game. Do you need to read the previous books? No not really but doing so makes the series better. The author takes the reader on a suspenseful adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put it down. You will definitely want more.
Kiera and Forrest had a one off night that changed their dynamic as friends and their friend’s circle. Little do they know that they’re pinning for each other. Both ending up in Texas for work, they have a 2nd chance to discover what they missed out on. However that comes at a price, their lives seem to be in danger. Someone is out to get both of them and is clearly sending messages that shouldn’t be ignored. But what’s the reason? What enemy is after them? Forrest is doing everything he can to figure it out and keeps those he holds dear safe from harm.
I loved this book and If you have already I encourage you to start the series. It’s totally worth it!!
Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book for young adults and teens!! I am 27 years old and it was still highly enjoyable for me to read. I was intrigued at the very beginning. The characters are wonderful thought out and the magic elements are well written. You can tell the author did their research about Louisiana before writing, as all of the small details are spot on. There is a wonderful balance between murder, mystery, magic, and humor. The only thing that threw me off, was that the title included “the musical” which I do not understand as it isn’t a musical – but does deal with teens going to a drama camp.
The book starts out with a fun, light, summer camp vibe but then turns into the more dark, sinister, mystery. The story takes place in New Orleans, which adds a bit of mystery all on its own. The two main characters, CeCe and Portia, are very easily relatable, and I loved seeing them together, as well as their relationships with other characters. CeCe is a necromancer, who helps her dad, a police detective, solve murders. When CeCe goes off to camp, a sinister supernatural start to target CeCe making everything dangerous for everyone around her.
This is definitely different and unique than most stories in the same genre. There is a twist at the end that I truly hope leads to a sequel! Definitely recommend this book from young teens to young adults, and even adults who just want something light and super easily to read!
In a nutshell, this book is a wonderful paranormal teen mystery with necromancy, magic, crime investigating, danger, friendships, high school teens, family, and quirky characters.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 7 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, but the first book in the duet focusing on Shane and Winter. It is not necessary to read all of the previous books in order, but I do recommend you do so, as it will give you much needed background on Shane and some of the other elite characters.
This book will hit you with every single feeling you possibly could have while reading a book! Shane has always intrigued me from the very beginning of the series, just something about him constantly caught my attention. His personality is much more complex than the other three boys in his family. Shane is a mixture of anger, rage, and broodiness but at the same time is the type of boy you’d find yourself staying up late to talk to about absolutely everything, and it would come effortlessly. At the end of Cruel Love, we see that Shane is being arrested on involuntary manslaughter – and this book starts out exactly what happened to get to that point.
Winter – she is a brand-new character entering the series, which I thought was refreshing. She is returning after being gone for 8 years. Her father died, and her sister was then murdered by her mother, who was sentenced to 10 years. Jaxon’s family decided to take her in and showed her what a TRUE LOVING family was supposed to feel and look like.
Twist time—- Shane and Winter have a dark and messed up past together. Winter almost droves Shane to end his life in the fifth grade, and now seeing her back in town, he vows to make her pay for what she did to him. The worst part is…. Winter doesn’t even recognize Shane, so he ends up “pretending” to be a guy named Landon and begins to date Winter.
Such an amazing book but be warned it does end of a hefty cliffhanger! I cannot wait till the second part of the duet comes out!
Will Winter find out who Shane is? If she does, how does she find out? Is Shane in too deep with Winter? Will he know when he has gone too far? Will Winter’s om be granted parole at her next hearing?
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is great for young children who are just learning how to approach and be around dogs other than their own family pets. This book is written in rhyme, which makes it super fun for kids and adults alike. Porter and Midge are two dogs who meet up at the dog park with their humans. This duo are always happy to help other humans at the dog park to safely play with dog, rather it be their own pets or Porter and Midge. This book goes over things like not pulling on or hitting dogs, giving dogs their space, and even more topics like taking dogs for walks and approaching strange new dogs safely. This book could definitely be a good resource for young children who have either never had a pet, or have only ever been around their own family pets before they are around strange new dogs. I would recommend it for younger elementary school age kids, though really any child from toddlers up to late elementary would enjoy and learn from it.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shane and Winter are the plot twist I didn’t see coming. We are introduced to a side of Shane we have only seen a small glimpse of. Secrets from Hidden Valley come to light. Past comes back into the present… What will the future bring us.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wicked Games: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
4 out of 5
Another great story in the series. This one follows the story of Shane and Winter. I think it was my favorite book of the series so far but as always it hurts to be left on a cliffhanger. I definitely suggest reading the entire series since it is so good. I can’t wait for what’s next. Highly recommend.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh, my stars, this sure was funny! I can’t imagine having to attend my ex-husband’s wedding. But then again, my ex tied the knot the very day our divorce was final. I love how the main characters were both over forty. I mean, dating in your forties in nothing like dating in your twenties. Yup, it’s a veritable gold mine for book fodder.
