Killer Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I thought the suspense was good and enjoyed the characters. I thought the humor and murder descriptions balanced each other out. I found the plot engaging as well. I would read others by this author.
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh my goodness! I loved it. This is one of the best in the series. Henrique and Isable, what a pair. The adventures and journey. The story is great. I found the characters to be well-written and quite enjoyable. Another wonderful read from this author.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Balefire Series. These books can be read as a standalone read as each book mainly focuses on one couple, however there are characters that show up from previous books so I personally feel its better to read them in order. The author does such a great job with the characters in these books. The rock star romances are full of passion, chemistry and steamy moments but one of the things i love is that the author writes both the male and female characters as strong fiesty people which only intensifies the chemistry.
This is a second chance romance between Dakota and Annabelle. After a very passionate night together Annabelle disappears. Which suited Dakota just fine after all as a member of a successful band most encounters with women are a 1 time thing. However something about Annebelle was different which he realises when he can’t stop thinking about her.
Fast forward and they meet again at their friends wedding. The spark and chemistry between them is still there and Dakota is determined that this time he won’t let her escape.
Annabelle on the other hand has other ideas. She is trying to progress her career and as an intern with the band she has the chance to do just that. But she wants to do it on her own not on a reputation of sleeping her way up the ladder. No matter how hot Dakota is, no matter how amazing and consuming their chemistry is Annabelle knows she can’t give in to Dakota without risking her goals.
But what happens when that pull can’t be denied. Can Annabelle have her job and the man she wants? How far will Dakota go to make sure that this time she doesn’t escape him.
This is a gripping romance as their relationship grows and develops but with additional forces working against them do they have any hope of being together?
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting book. I learned so many facts. It also gave an insight into how scary this nuclear weapons are. It’s an interesting book. Overall, it’s pretty readable to the nonscientific.
Tears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really cool story. I loved how it was mishmashed into a mix of folk & fairy tales. I absolutely loved how the story turned out. It was entertaining. I loved the writing. This author has a way of making stories fun. I enjoyed the story very much.
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was just as amazing as the first. I loved the story just as much. The action, the story, the characters, they were just as fascinating and engaging. I found myself jumping right in from the beginning because I had to know what was coming. I loved the suspense of it. An excellent read that I can recommend.
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun and interesting world. Arryn is a strong woman, stronger than she thinks, I love that she stands up to Rowan. But Rowan also treats her well and realizes he’s slowly falling for her. I felt so terrible for Rowan’s brother especially for the reason he ends up in his state. I like how Arryn’s eyes are opened being in the Lands Below. Although a different climate, look and feel, she feels freer than she does back at her home in the Worlds Above. The king of the Lands Below is a sneaky one, and I was very happy with how everything played out, especially with her mess of a prince.
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the story of Rowan and Aryan. This was such a good fantasy story. It did a terrific job of world building. The whole thing of building better world among monsters is a good idea. I found that the writing is such that you are engaged right from the beginning. The characters are so well-developed that you are totally invested. It’s an excellent book and I want to read more.
The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett. This is such a fun series for young kids 9-12 about magic and fantasy. It’s the continuing story of 11-year-old twins Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills school for the perceptually gifted. This has a similar vibe to the Hunger Games as they participate in the Zodiac Games. These boys are from a large family and when the found out they are gifted their parents sent them to West Hills to learn how to control their powers. They both have issues with their gifts and are still learning how to control them when a lot of students start getting sick. Will they be able to find out what is causing the sickness and stop it before it’s to late? I really enjoyed this book as an adult so I’m sure your young child will enjoy it too! Fun Series!
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Crowned Hearts Series. Ok so the first book was great but this one was even better in my opinion. Lev and Daphne hate each other and sparks always fly when they are around each other. This book is exactly what people mean when they say there is a thin line between love and hate. There are twists and turns throughout the story that always kept me turning the pages.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The cover alone is what made me read this! I absolutely loved it. But the story? My gosh, phenomenal! I felt it all! So many emotions. There’s tragedy, loss, heartbreak…and I definitely needed my tissues ready. I was drawn into the pages and I never wanted the story to end. The MC has gone through a lot..but that doesn’t stop her! I absolutely loved her! If you want a great heartfelt book, please read this! Definitely keep some tissues nearby! You’ll need them.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I am so in love with this whole series. This is the first part of Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Now in college things are a little different for Phoenix as he tries to navigate classes and football. Then once Aspen discovers that she is pregnant they are both left struggling to figure out how this is all going to work. I could not put this book down and I am on pins and needles waiting for the second part of their story.
Katie and Chase were high school sweethearts and seemed destined to be together forever. However, after graduating high school they ended up splitting up, and Katie went to the big city to follow her dreams. Chase did eventually leave himself, but went back to be closer to his brother. When his brother and sister-in-law tragically perished in an accident he became the guardian of his nephew. Now a decade has passed by and Chase’s cousin is getting married. He and Katie are about to be thrown together by his match making cousin and the results could either be disaterous, or turn into a reconciliation. The lead characters in this book were very likeable, and the narrators did an amazing job bringing them to life. I do wish the story had been a bit longer, but I was very happy with how everything turned out for Chase and Katie. This was definitely worth the listen.
Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book as an adult, definitely a middle school aged book. I liked that Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick were able to form a friendship over their battle to keep their imaginary friends and defeating Mr. Barsin. It seemed like Lily’s Sylphs and Audrey’s dragon were the only imaginary friends that wanted to help and weren’t trying to force their human friends to do something bad. Very imaginative and fun story.
Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an atypical story concerned with a toy store for atypical toys. There is nothing mundane or ordinary in this story. What you will find are interlocking tales of families working together and children learning to make difficult choices. Characters learn to work together, sometimes reluctantly, to help themselves and others out of a catastrophic situation amidst a hurricane evacuation. Themes include man versus man, man versus self, and man versus nature.
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy
The Hand of God is history suspense that teaches us the history of nuclear weapons and how they can be used. I was fascinated by the cover but a little hesitant about reading as nuclear weapons isn’t really my thing. But I’m glad I did. It’s a fast-paced eye opener and a bit scary at the same time. Its thought provoking and really makes you think. I know know and understand more about nuclear weapons and the power behind them and of course the political side. I’m glad I jumped into this not knowing what exactly to expect because I learned so much. I recommend reading this fast-paced book. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
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Omg how adorable!! Such a great story! It’s not a long book, but that’s what makes it perfect. It’s like a movie. Romance in a little town with an adorable family setting, and the perfect little kid to round out the story. Read this book if you like happily ever afters, kindness, joy, and small towns.
Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unlucky in love Olivia needs a date for a family wedding. Her and her best friend, Lucy, concoct a plan. Olivia gives Lucy a list of traits that her date must have and Lucy sets Olivia up on a series of blind dates to find the right guy to take to the wedding. While on one of the blind dates, Olivia meets Ethan. Ethan is not her date but a frequent visitor to the tea shop where the blind dates happen.
Ethan saves Olivia from a particularly bad date. After that, Ethan and Olivia start talking and become friends. Friends lead to lovers. A series of misunderstandings, stubborn refusals, and prideful dismissals lead to a break up. After a couple of grand gestures that flop, things are looking brighter until someone steps into traffic. Will Ethan and Olivia ever find their way back to each other?
This darling tale of wires crossing is a delightful read. Lots of humor and wonderful characters to go around. Take the time to enjoy this one!
´¨`•.¸¸. COVER REVEAL ´¨`*•.¸¸
Over her shoulder, Vanessa viewed The Academy for Young Ladies fading in the distance behind the carriage. Turning forward with a sigh of relief, she relaxed. She could hardly wait to catch her first glimpse of Hill House again.
Upon her arrival, she never expected to have her guardian residing in her home. If she considered him at all, she imagined him in the background, guarding her interest from afar as he had in the past. Nor did she expect to find her aunt by marriage apparently in charge of the household. Adding to her dismay, her aunt’s relatives were dwelling in Hill House as well.
Most disturbing of all, Vanessa found signs of a ghost dwelling in the house too, filling her with unease and dread.
No means no, except to the most powerful woman in fashion publishing. Kyle’s been trying to forget her for eleven years. When the famous magazine editor reemerges for round two, Kyle’s forced to confront his painful past—the one he’s kept hidden from his girlfriend, Rebecca.
Complications arise when Rebecca’s blog for women becomes a global sensation in the one magazine Kyle hoped to avoid. With their future at serious risk, the choice is clear.
It’s time to go public with the truth about what happened. But will anyone believe him?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout
Paulette Stout is the fearless author of fast-paced contemporary women’s fiction tackling social issues often ignored. With Paulette’s books, readers get bingeable prose, relatable characters and compelling stories that keep pages turning.
Raised by a single dad in Manhattan, Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc. Prior to MGI, Paulette led content and design teams at several tech companies, and one educational publisher where her elimination of the Oxford comma caused a near riot.
Her 10 book award recognitions span both of her titles—Love, Only Better and What We Never Say—adding to her three media industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star. You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts. Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.
~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER ~ TIKTOK ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~ NEWSLETTER ~
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For fans of ACOTAR and The Bridge Kingdom, this romantic fantasy about a noblewoman who falls into a forbidden world and the dangerous outcast who can save her is a page-turning adventure!
Rowan Undervale is nobody’s hero.
With dark magic that’s made him an outcast, Rowan cares for one person and one person only: his brother Phaedron. When a monster from the Worlds Above attacks his brother, Rowan manages to save Phaedron’s life. But when that first monster is followed by a second, this time a woman looking for her prince, Rowan is ready to hand the lady over to the king and be done with monsters forever.
But his brother asks for a favor… so Rowan promises to look after the woman, at least until he can get her back to the Worlds Above. Rowan is certain he’ll be able to find a hole in the barrier between their worlds.
But will he be able to let her go?
Lady Arryn came to the land of monsters to rescue her prince.
It’s what any lady would do for the man she’d been raised to marry. Besides, rescuing the prince might finally be enough to force the king to agree to the marriage her parents have been trying to arrange for her entire life.
But the frozen Lands Below are nothing like Arryn expected. And Rowan, the brilliant and bitter sentry who is now her only hope of finding her prince or returning to the Worlds Above, possesses strange, horrific magic. What’s worse, he treats her far more like an equal than like a lady.
And the most terrifying part is, she’s starting to like him.
Snarky and steamy, Heart’s Rescue is an enemies-to-lovers adventure with dual point-of-view (his and hers). The first in a series of connected stand-alone novels, this sweeping tale of love, survival, and discovery ends with a hard-won Happily Ever After and is perfect for readers looking for a sprinkle of spice in their next swoon-worthy, passionate romantasy.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart
Raised by wolves in the mountains of Colorado, Meredith Hart traveled the world to seek her fortune, fell in love with a half-elf ranger, and now lives in a cabin deep in the Maine woods where she writes steamy fantasy romance with snarky, reluctant heroes and the warrior women who love them.
She also writes mythology-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod, and she has occasionally been known to pen a poem or two. Sometimes they even make it into her books.
‿ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ‿ (°◡°♡)
Portugal, 1873
A prudish princess on a mission…
Princess Isabel de Orleans would do anything for Portugal. When her brother, the king, asks for her help, she agrees to travel to Spain to defuse a diplomatic crisis.
A beloved rake as a babysitter…
Henrique, Viscount Penafiel, has no roots. He prepares to sail to greener pastures when his best friend blackmails him into accompanying the princess to an aristocratic-filled seaside resort.
Passion versus patriotism…
With his wit and ever-present grin, Henrique delights in showing how Isabel’s morals are outdated. Isabel abhors philandering but is entranced by the caring man hidden below a devil-may-care attitude.
The sister of Henrique’s best friend should be high on a pedestal, safe from his lust. But by demolishing his ideas, she crumbles the height separating them.
A Bourbon with ulterior motives…
Alfonso is a king sans a throne. When the Bourbon’s meteoric interest in Isabel threatens Portugal’s independence, Henrique has to take drastic measures to save his country and Isabel’s love.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi
Stories are the very fabric of life. I want to transport readers to exotic settings, where they can find romance and happy endings and hopefully bring some back to their daily lives. Portugal brims with beauty and passion, and I research every tiny detail of my novels, hoping to make the reader treasure my grandparents’ country as I do. I have a loving husband who still is my hero and two amazing kids. When it’s cold and rainy, I run inside to read and watch movies under blankets, sipping wine. You can find me on the beach during summer, surfing with my family.
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DINGO
Laughter is the best medicine. I make sure to always deliver the fun and crazy while hiding my pain behind it. It’s who I am and what I do. I also work my butt off for the Grimm Wolves MC brothers, trying to prove myself as more than just a prospect. But even the toughest of the tough need to let loose every now and then. I know that more than anyone after the world of hurt I’ve experienced.
CELEE
A chance encounter in a chat room just may be the saving grace I’ve needed all along. My father’s enemies are closing in, and my time just might be running out. Thank God Dingo and his brothers will do anything to keep me safe–even if it means going up against the most vile of criminals around. But the more Dingo tries to protect me, the more I know he’s hurting too.
Can two fractured hearts find a way to heal together?
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She’s an orphaned scullery maid working at the manor house of Lord and Lady Fitzgerald, in love with a boy who can never love her back. More than anything, she wishes for freedom. And in Branka’s world, GOLD is freedom. There’s a reason people should be careful what they wish for.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper
Cori Cooper lives in the magical Arizona Mountains, which she’s pretty convinced is the setting for all the fairy tales.
Besides writing stories, she adores hanging out with her family, playing board games, hiking and baking, baking, baking. Like Cat’s family, she’s positive Cinnamon Rolls fix everything.
You can connect with Cori on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and her website – Coristories.com.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is the first book in the Revenant series by Brittany Tucker. This was a really fun, action-packed, YA adventure that had me hooked from the moment I saw the cover. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Tuckers books, but this is definitely my favourite (so far).
I love Ms. Tucker’s dynamic and immersive world-building skills, she easily transported me into the story as I followed along. I could see this making a great television series, too.
I definitely have a taste for her work now and I can’t wait to read more books set in the Revenant world… or anything else she produces.
If you love original YA adventures, then this is definitely the book for you.
Happy Reading…
Thank You, Brittany Tucker!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
This was a quick read and i enjoyed it. It was a aweet clean romance that i spend my afternoon listening to. The narrators are great! They worked well together and i enjoyed the alternating povs. Chase and Kate were high school sweethearts and things between them didn’t end on the best of terms. Years after they parted ways they’re pushed together as each others plus ones at a friends wedding. Even though its been years, there is still tension and hurt feelings between them but when they start to look closer, that also realise there is still love there too. I enjoyed this book even though it was a clean(er) romance than i normally read. I thought the author did a great job with this story and the narrators did an great job bringing this story to life. I will be listening to more by this author in the future!
Happy Listening!
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Life. Death. Revenge. This is the first book I have read by Brittany Tucker and lord how mercy at the talent she has. I haven’t read many pirate books, but they have a lot to live up to when I come across one again. Told from the dual perspectives of Camden and Annie, this book takes you on a journey of rescuing, surviving, and thriving.
Camden was just nine years old when his mother was assassinated in front of him. When a random man saves Cam from the same fate his mother begs the man to take her son, raise him and keep him far from his father. Annie is from the North but after being sold by slavers to a Lord of the South she is raised as their daughter and “safe” if she doesn’t ask too many questions. Lockdown of a Port leaves Cam desperate to escape the “prison” he is trapped in leading to him making a risky move by accepting a red card job from a Stripe or Revenant. His reasoning is that he wants to buy his own ship, have Nathan, current ships navigator, as his quartermaster and allow Captain Resh to retire comfortably. Captain Resh was the man who saved him when he was younger. Annie isn’t like the others in New Havana, since the moment she arrived she has seen the ghosts of the island, they follow her and sometimes visit her in the night for help. Camden dies defending his job of transporting six barrels, only after he is spit back out and reborn as a Revenant himself does he learn the truth of the “job” he was on. It was a trap, a mission to prove the guilt of an once friend of the men who gave him the job. Now he has only one mission, to save his friends, and get revenge for his death on the man that caused it.
Will Camden succeed in his mission to save those he cares for? What does his newfound powers truly mean by living his true life? How will the truth of his identity affect himself and those around him? This world was beyond captivating. I often found myself lost in the visual and having to reread a sentence or two to remember what was happening. The characters are complex and never skin deep though they seem that way at times. Kept on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath this was an amazing read to start the week kept me engaged and guessing what would happen next. I hope the author makes more books in the Revenant world.
I enjoyed listening to this book and found it a more wholesome and refreshing story line. I liked the fact that it didn’t have an in depth sex scene as those make me uncomfortable. But I do enjoy a good love story and this one was one I could picture being the next Hallmark movie. I found the characters to be endearing and loved how important family was to the main characters. One of the best parts was when Katie finally realized what was most important to her and she stood up for herself against her BFH. Well written, and quite enjoyable!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read several other books by the author and this book doesn’t disappoint. The Mother’s Threat is based on a small waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest among the San Juan Islands and goes into Washington state. This book does a great job of showing character emotions through their actions. There’s an investment in the characters that makes you want to keep the pages turning to see what happens!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174705252