Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
4 Stars out of 5 Stars
This was a fun read. I got so obsessed with the story that couldn’t put it down. I really want to see more from the characters in a next book. Definitely a great weekend read for those who like a steamy romance with a rollercoaster of emotions on the side. Definitely recommend.
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a very touching story that helps younger kids learn about having to put a pet to sleep. This story takes you through the whole process of finding out whether a pet is ill to the final stages if the pet can’t get better. With clear language and beautifully drawn illustrations, this can help many families better explain things to younger children. The author has done a wonderful job writing on such a tough subject! I’m glad I picked this book up as we have a sick pet currently and though we hope to avoid putting it to sleep, this will help my family if we have to face that tough choice. For anyone having to go through this hard life decision, this is definitely a book you want to have.
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Softest Touch
This was a sweet and fairly fast paced love story. But it just shows it could happen at any time to anyone, especially when they least expect it.
Derek has a pretty good life as a fashion designer but feels like something is missing so he takes a sabbatical to come back to the business and his new assistant Melinda who refuses to take any of his attitude.
Melinda has had her share of heartbreak and is looking to finding a purpose. Derek was so much more than hlshe could have expected.
I really liked all of the characters especially Sissi and Grandma. I have a soft spot for animals and special people and they won me over pretty quick.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intensity that could set you ablaze. So, this is the first book I have read by the talented K.M. Scott and oh was it a great first read. Twists and turns to keep you guessing as well as reality based making the moments that are already heavily emotional make you feel what they feel. Early on Matthias’ cruel words to Ava had me crying along with her. Dual perspective of Ava and Matthias.
Ava is the daughter of the King family’s estate manager. Matthias is the eldest son and heir apparent of the King fortune. Early into the story the similarities while different are prevalent in the different household dynamics. Both have lost their mothers, both are treated differently than their siblings, and both have been harboring feelings they didn’t release went soul deep. One fateful blizzard brings everything to the forefront, no more hiding behind warnings from their fathers. Matthias dreamed of Ava for years, but when finally given a moment alone with her his cruelty that he used as armor cracks, and he gives into the dreams if only for a short time. Ava is accepted by all the King family except the eldest son, Matthias, who has always been cruel to her for no reason she can think of. After he makes her cry repeatedly in the span of just a few short hours she snaps and confronts him demanding he explain why he hates her so much. In a moment of desire, he drops the façade, ignores the warnings, and finally kisses her and more. Everything feels right, like they were made for each other. No sooner is the truth finally revealed and she is forced to move away to her aunts. Five years and neither of them can forget that blizzard and what happened but now things are different.
Can they find their way back to each other? Will Theo take a stand that forces Ava to make a choice? I love how the author tells the reader up front that the story is based but that she doesn’t deal with the “protection” aspect of the characters physical moments, I agree sometimes it takes away from a heated moment by breaking it down too much with reality. The scenery is described perfectly especially when it comes to the reality of snow and how its beauty disappears when it’s in dirty piles cluttering the roads as it slowly melts. Now, the characters, my oh my they were fascinating, the complexing of each character helps build the reality of the moments and the intensity of the twists and turns the characters had to overcome to reach the end. After this I truly hope the author decides to turn this into a series, it would be interesting to see into the lives of the other four King brothers and what secrets they hold within.
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a very entertaining and interesting read. its about a boy named Russell who wants to be a firefighter when he grows up but doesn’t believe he’s brave enough to do it. with this magic of the carousel and his grandpa’s tales, Russell goes on an adventure he sees different places, learns new skills and in the grand of it all learns to be brave. This book was wonderfully written and was so amazing about how no matter what you can be brave deep down too. I felt like I was swept away with Russell and his adventure. This was a surprisingly amazing and well done.
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The relationship that Liz has with her Gran is one that most people would love to have. Gran raised Liz since age 10 when her mom died. Now, Gran has passed and it’s in her wishes that Liz go on a trip to Florida to settle things there. Little did Liz know, the Gran she knew wasn’t the same person that her friends knew.
A call from WATTS one day started changing everything. Mark Watts becomes a new friend for Liz and she soon finds out that Mark lives in her grandmother’s 7 million dollar home in Florida. With so many questions that have been unanswered, Liz takes this trip to meet up with Mark and others who knew her Gran. Life will forever be different after this trip. As Gran would say though, “Live with no regrets!”
This book is full of raw emotion. One minute I was crying, the next I was laughing, then I was ready to throw the book and hit something! LOL A very enjoyable read!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel King had a super enticing premise that sounded like such a fun read. I was a little under prepared on the fact that I would feel like I did about it. Matthias and Ava, neighbors, man from money, not rich female, her father is employed by his father, maybe enemies, but maybe not, and his brother is her best friend although in the future she’s supposed to be his brothers wife, until he opens his mouth about those snowy few days five years ago. I devoured this book. It was well written, flowed smoothly, and kept me interested. There did seem to be a lot of background throughout almost like the characters hemmed and hawed a lot rather than just speaking up and owning how they felt, which made some scenes feel a little drug out. Overall I really enjoyed the grumpy Matthias and bubbly Ava’s story, a little sad about how the author did Matthias’ brother but I was so glad when they started opening up to each other again and the story picked back up.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down! I felt so connected to Claire! Mentally, she is your typical teenager but she has been given some unfortunate choices. After her father leaving and her mother having an unplanned pregnancy, Claire has been “babysitting” her baby brother Harry during the summer months as her mother has been incapable of doing so. Through unfortunate circumstances, her mother ends up hospitalized and in the midst of it all, her uncle gets involved and tries to help Claire in continuing her life as planned of experiencing her senior year of high school and money for college but only if Harry is put up for adoption. Such a heartbreaking decision to make at such a young age. Claire has such a good heart and is only doing what she thinks needs to be done. Very thought provoking!
Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was definitely an emotional book that drew me in instantly! I did read it as a standalone as I notoriously didn’t check to see that it was part of a series, but I have already planned to pick up the previous books. This author was new to me, so I was pleasantly surprised in their magnificent storytelling ability. They know exactly what engages the reader, so much so that I couldn’t put this book down! I feel like the characters were incredibly relatable, and the chemistry was sizzling. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I will be waiting at the edge of my seat for more of this LGBTQ dark romance!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was definitely an emotional book that drew me in instantly! I did read it as a standalone as I notoriously didn’t check to see that it was part of a series, but I have already planned to pick up the previous books. This author was new to me, so I was pleasantly surprised in their magnificent storytelling ability. They know exactly what engages the reader, so much so that I couldn’t put this book down! I feel like the characters were incredibly relatable, and the chemistry was sizzling. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I will be waiting at the edge of my seat for more of this LGBTQ dark romance!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not going to lie, the first thing that drew me into this book was the cover art! But then once I was reading the blurb about the book I just knew that I had to get my hands on this book! I was captivated by how this author wrote and I could not stop reading this once I got my hands on it! The way this story is written is superb and was a fantastic read! I cannot wait to read more great books like this one! I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book as it was so great and everyone should read it!
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new to me author and a really good book. The title is perfect for the storyline.
Our main characters are almost 18 yr old Claire, baby- Harry, 18-19 yr old Chad, 18 yr old best friend Madison and Melanie the mom. Mom is recently divorced and turns up pregnant from a mysterious one-night stand. She refuses to name the father or even discuss the situation. After the birth of the baby, she falls into a deep depression, leaving her almost 18 yr old daughter Claire, in charge of the baby and nearly every household responsibility. Being so responsible is not exactly how Claire was planning on spending her last summer before senior year. Claire and Madison meet Chad just before school starts and he easily steps up to help and support Claire with her choices.
This story could have gone many different ways. There are a few other storylines within this book. Chad’s anger “issues” as well as his own family situation. Even Melanie’s issues are not truly resolved. Madison, the best friend, is a little too self-centered for my liking. Wonder if she matures in time? What happens to Claire’s dad and his new wife? Too many unanswered questions for me! Hoping there is more from this author. However, the author did tie up this particular part of the story nicely while leaving it open for future stories.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I adored this romance story of Theo, Ava, and Matthias! It’s a tale of the King brothers, and their estate manager’s daughter Ava. The families grow up together, Ava and Theo as inseparable best friends while Matthias, the oldest King brother seems to have a pure hatred of Ava but why? You’ll not want to put this book down from the second you read the first page, you will want to know what the big secret is that happened between Ava and Matthias, and why he would hate her any more than he already does.
K. M. Scott is a masterful author, who knows how to grab readers’ attention and then haunt them with the what-ifs throughout the story. The characters are so expertly created that you feel for them at every step, from love to heartbreak, anger to passion. The setting was portrayed so beautifully that I got chills when Ava fell face-first into the snow, I could feel the warmth of the fire as she warmed herself in front of the fire. I cannot wait to read more books by this author, she has a way of keeping me guessing throughout the entire book, never knowing what she may throw at Ava. She is one of the strongest characters that you will fall in love with, and just have a heartfelt bond with. Then you have all of the King brothers who each have a unique personality all their own. I wished there were more books about this amazing family because it ends with so many options to continue building a story around each of the other brothers’ lives as well as our lovebirds.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great continuation of the series and the stories. It was great to get back into the characters I have grown to love and it took no time for me to become invested in them again. This book picks up where the previous book ends, so I would highly recommend reading them in order. This book was just as fast paced and action packed as the previous. I couldn’t wait to see how things would develop as the book went on.
This whole series has been exciting to read, and this book just adds to the excitement. I thought the book was well written, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable through and through. This may be the only series I have read by this author but I will certainly be extending my knowledge into other books she has to offer.
Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a dark and intense romantic story that is all about the characters. They are intriguing to read about and their history adds a depth to the story. Their chemistry is undeniable. It is electric and captivating to read.
I loved watching how this story unfolded. There seemed to be so much more going on than I expected and it drew me in with ease. The author has produced a book that really pulls you in from page one. This is an author I always read with pleasure. Her work is always well written and exciting. This book is a great follow on from the first and I would recommend it.
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melinda is a hardworking girl who just got a job as an assistant to the owner of Wilson Creations, a billionaire named Derek.
Derek…has everything. Fame? Check. Fortune? Check. Good looks? Check. A successful career? Check.
So what happens when these two start working together, and slowly begin to see the other as more than just an assistant/boss? How will they traverse through this new romance?
This is a very sweet comfortable contemporary romance with a touch of spice that will have you going back to read again and again!!
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Donna is tired; she is tired of everything, because she has lost everything. All that was worth living for in her eyes has been taken from her.
Antoine, a (surprising) hybrid, has searched for centuries looking for his other half, his heart, his mate. He finds his mate in a human named Donna, and is able to save her before her life’s flame is snuffed out.
Now, throw in some plot twists, major emotions, crazy demons, and some wonderfully written POVs, you get this absolutely stunning book. Although this is the second book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone and doesn’t leave you confused, so don’t let that hold you back from take the time to read this!! I highly recommend taking a moment and giving this a chance. This is my first book by this author, but I know I will be looking for her name and looking forward to any and all works from her!!
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very magical book. While it touched on very real things (medical issues, alcoholism, bullying) the author does an amazing job of tying the issues into the story and making it work in a way that young people can read and relate to, and understand. I, at 41, enjoyed the story. It was very well written and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Review By Manda Kelly
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert. I love this series. This is the second book in the Sweet Valley Series but they can be read as a standalone. This is the story of Katelyn who helps injured horses. She has a lot of issues with her past but puts off a brave front. She has to because most people that work with horses are all men. When she travels across country to help a thoroughbred in need she arrives thinking that everyone is on board with her coming to help. Enter Grant who is the owner of said thoroughbred. He has not intention of letting anyone take control of his life especially his horses. When Katelyn shows up he does everything in his power to get rid of her. Katelyn is a little tougher than he gives her credit for. The more time they spend together the more they realize the friction between them might be romance. Read this sweet 2nd book in this awesome series to find out what happens.
Firewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Firewall by Jessica Mehring. This is such a good contemporary romance. Its the story of Veronica Clark who is a IT professional who is amazing at her job. She stays on top of all the hackers, firewalls and security breaches. When she discovers a computer chip that holds some very sensitive information she feels something is off. She decides to take the chip and when she does she is in immense danger. Angus is a firefighter who is very good at his job and he strives to be the best. He is also the brother of Veronica’s best friend Cara. When he finds out that Veronica’s life is on the line over this computer chip he steps up and tries to save her. Will Angus helping Veronica mess up his chance to make Fire Chief? Will Angus and Veronica realize that there is more between them than friends. This is a fast paced fun read full of drama, suspense and romance.
The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne. This is a good short, historical story about Billie Jean Willis who is visiting her cousins on their farm in 1895. Billie Jean is looked on as a troublemaker because she is one of the very few women to attend college. When she sees how some of her people are being treated she is not one to back down from fighting for what is right for them. When she meets Fisher who is the supervisor of all the people that Billie Jean feels are being treated poorly she wants to hate him but they are drawn together. Fisher comes from a wealthy family and wants to make his family proud but he can’t help his attraction to Billie Jean. Will they be able to come to an agreement and make things better for the worker and build a relationship or will they just never see eye to eye? Read this awesome historical romance to find out!
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is emotional. Even is you have never owned a pet, most people know what it means to put an animal to sleep. Our pets often have become part of the family. This story goes through the process of doing just that. It walks through from diagnosis through to sending them off to the Rainbow Bridge. I found the story does a very nice job of explaining this in a family friendly way so that it can be read to children. This may help to answer questions and possibly put some worries at ease, Either way, it will help parents to talk with their children when that time comes that a fur baby has to be put to sleep. This book is a gentle way of explaining the process. I think it is a definite must for the library of any parents of younger ones with pets.
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood. This book was so good. Its the story of Detective James Sheridan who was down on his luck, he’s lost his job, his family and his friends when one of the only friends he has left talks him into going to buy a lottery ticket. James really thought twice about it because he could have bought a burger with that money. When he decides to check him numbers and discovers he has won the largest lottery ever, 168 million, he’s in shock. Once he wins all this money you would think that his life would turn all around and be living high on the hog but the opposite happens. He has all kinds of people out to get him and saying he owes them for all kinds of things. Some have even threatened his life. Will he be able to survive this wild turn of events in his life? Read this fast paced book to find out!
Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the concepts that this author introduced in this novel. The unique story of Atlantis and the different origins of vampires and werewolves was fascinating and definitely kept my attention. I loved Davis’s worldbuilding and descriptions; however, there were times I wished she had spent a little more time on her character development. I liked the characters (they are very unique) and I sort of connected with them, but, overall, I found them shallow and lacking depth and background. I really enjoyed the premise of this book and I felt like the plot line moved along at a fairly decent pace. There were a few times I felt rushed but overall I think it was well done. I’m definitely looking forward to reading another of Ms. Davis’s books.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Russell feels like his life is falling apart. His former best friend is bullying him, his Dad is turning to alcohol, and his mom is making him take his grandfather to the local park everyday. What Russell doesn’t realize is that his grandfather has a special connection to the carousel. With a magic brass ring and the carousel, Russell’s grandfather can experience adventures you can only dream of. Some questions I can imagine kids asking as they read the book are, Where will they go next? How does Russell’s grandfather know which carousel horse to pic for these wild adventures?
This book would have been perfect for reading with my kids when they were elementary age. Although my kids are a bit older these days, I still think they would love it!
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a YA family story. It is a story of strength resistance and so much love. It is a very moving story about a young girl called Claire who has her whole future ahead of her. But when her mum has another baby and then falls into a pit of depression and despair it is up to Claire to raise her brother. Dealing with a parent that is unwell is hard enough but also dealing with the responsibility of a newborn is more than any young person should have to shoulder. But Claire steps up and does that. Putting her life and dreams and ambitions on hold to care for her mum and brother.
There is a member of the family who seems to want to help though and that’s Claires Uncle. He offers to give her the money for her college fund but there’s a catch, she has to give up her brother for adoption.
Now Claire has a decision to make that doesn’t just affect her but everyone she loves. Should she allow her brother to be put up for adoption so that her life can return to normal? Or should she fight to keep her brother and her family together?
This is is a very moving and inspiring story and Claires character is so well written. You feel every emotion she goes through and you feel like your fighting every fight that she does.
Overall I enjoyed this story and everything it was trying to teach us but more importantly I loved Claire. Her strong character is what really made this story for me. The strength it took to not only care for herself and her brother but also her mum was amazing I’m not sure I could have been that strong at her age.
Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second (and final) book in the Things Unseen series. I highly recommend reading the first book prior to reading this one simply so you have a better understanding of the characters and the trials and tribulations they’ve been through. It will definitely give you a better understanding of them. I found Eden’s writing style to be very addicting. I was pulled in from the beginning and she didn’t let me go until the very last page. This is a romantic suspense, psychological thriller that has drama, twists, turns, emotion, action…you name it…it’s in here. I can’t really say enough good things about this book. It’s fantastic and well written…I couldn’t put it down and I look forward to my next read by Anise Eden.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Luca has a plan, the Vaccaro’s took something away from him and his family he is determined to get pay back, in the form of Vaccaro’s eldest daughter but can he convince her he is the one for her.
Valenzia has had a sheltered life, her father have kept them away from the world, not really understanding the family business but hearing the rumours of her Papa and mother. Until one day her world is turned upside down and in walks Luca, a mysterious dark stranger with a past like her fathers.
Valenzia becomes infatuated by Luca and although they start off as enemies, they stat to have trust and affection but will her family understand or will the riff that has been decades in the making ruin their lives.
This is the second book in this series and it just as full of twists and turns as the first one. Luca’s character starts off as a normal man but understanding his his makes his character more interesting as the story goes on. The character of Valenzia made an equal too Luca and she was just as sassy and strong to push back at the strong alpha character.
I loved the secondary characters who enhanced and made the story more intense as you continue to consume this brilliant story. I can’t wait to read more from this wonderful series in the future as the writing is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your chair.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable and engaging story in the Bluestone County Series, and I love being back in this small town and meeting its residents. Finding herself back in Bluestone County where she grew up was not in Summer’s plan, neither was having no home or job. Having left behind a dangerous ex boyfriend Summer still dreams of being able to take over her grandfather’s bar, but she soon learns that it’s already been bought, and by her childhood friend Teddy. I don’t know who was more surprised Summer of retired Navy SEAL Teddy when she completely looses it and starts throwing very expensive bottles of whiskey at him! However, Teddy had missed his old friend and was interested in more than friendship with her, having already missed his chance with her once before he was not going to let that happen again. This is a second chance at love romance with a friends to lovers theme. I loved both Summer and Teddy, and although they are complete opposites their chemistry sizzled off the page. As usual the descriptive narrative really brings the characters and the small town feeling to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
This is Liam and Teresa’s story. Once again this author took me by surprise. The audio story puts your mind into the audience. This story holds all the suspense and romance you could ask for. Teresa is a strong independent woman and Liam has seen and been through enough trauma. While both are tied together by family and blood, their banter is fun to follow. Can Liam and Teresa fight their true hearts and stay away from each other? Will their siblings help to keep them apart? Having been to Port Townsend, this story fits perfectly, even if there were some fabrications. I still love this story. This could be a standalone, but I feel you should read this series in order, as book one has some information that will keep you on track with this story. Yes I will be waiting to see where this author takes the next in this intriguing series.
Review@cinful
