Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute, quick read. I liked how the story flowed. I also felt the chemistry developed well with the characters. I did find myself thinking there was something
more I wanted from the story but it didn’t influence the overall feel. I would read others by this author.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For some reason, I had a disconnect from the main characters of Teddy and Summer from the very beginning of this read and it is odd for this authors work not to grab me. I had to begin the book several times just to get into it but all in all, the story was good. It had cute moments, brought back characters from the other books in the series and gave a wee bit of suspense. The author stuck true to the series format, which is a path full of road blocks to a happy ending with some steamy scenes in the mix. Good read I just never connected with the characters as I did in the preceding books.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lilly never goes anywhere without Hun Bun. One day she leaves Hun Bun at home and she gets the heebie jeebies. Lilly’s school counselor shows her how to manage them until she can get home to Hun Bun. A very cute read.
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute book, it was pretty face paced and felt rushed, but still worth the read and sweet. Melinda and Derek are lovely together and it is so sweet watching them fall in love with each other. My heart breaks for Melinda because of some family issues she has to deal with, and Derek shows more support than I thought he would. They have some bumps along the way but in the end work through it all together and with their friends. I loved the little surprise at the end, I didn’t not expect it.
I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A story about inclusion
I Am An Outer Space Alien is such and engaging and fun read. The author cleverly weaves the educational message about inclusion, acceptance, and diversity through a cute fantasy adventure story. Aimed at early childhood ages, kids can easily connect to the concepts and illustrations. Another great addition to a home or school library. Recommend.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book to share with all kids
This brilliantly illustrated picture story book tackles anxiety in such a sensitive way. I really loved the easy to read language and how the ‘heebie-jeebies’ were illustrated. What Lilly goes through is very common and the solutions presented are realistic and practical. This would make a great resource for any classroom and home library and a great introduction to a social emotional regulation lesson. Highly recommend.
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really cute and informational story about not only being a responsible pet owner, but being a responsible animal lover. Abby and Charlie have 2 pet cats, Oscar and Emmy, who have made a new friend, Shadow. Shadow, however, is skittish and doesn’t like people, but Abby and Charlie (with their mom’s approval) feed Shadow (and her kittens) outside. Being a responsible animal lover, Abby & Charlie’s mom calls the vet and is advised to trap Shadow and her kittens so they can be fixed and then released in order to prevent overpopulation. Sabol does a fantastic job of presenting really important information in such a way so that children can understand and respect the importance of spaying and neutering your pets (and strays). Children can really connect with the characters and the illustrations are wonderful.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Master Campania has been tasked with finding the traitors who live within the world of the Wiccan and so when he finds four witches in his area he tries to get the information out if them, but there is one problem, he seems drawn to one of them and is fighting the attraction.
Willow and her sisters have left the Academy in search of there own beliefs, finding a safe place in the regions is hard but having settle comfortable they are under no illusion they are safe. One night they are discovered by Master Campania and Willow’s whole world is turned around, but when she starts having feelings for the old vampire she is thrown into turmoil and can she control her feelings and stay alive.
This is seventh book in the Masters of Consulate series and oh my god it does not disappoint, although i feel the books can be read as stand alone stories it is better to read them as a series to understand the underlying theme and arc running through them.
The writing as always is engaging and with the twists and turns in the story will have you staying up late to finish off the story. The characters in this series are rich and full of depth and even though as like me this is not a normal genre you read you will be blown away with the imagination and she draws you in with each story I read.
I believe this series is continuing and can’t wait to read the next book in the instalment.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant!
This standalone was really engaging. It’s a billionaire with a bit of bully romance. So many twists and turns that kept me on my toes. There’s family secrets, so much history, and drama. I found the characters easy to connect with and loved having each of their POV. The emotions throughout the book – I laughed, I sighed and I actually shed a tear or two. Definitely not one to miss. Highly recommend.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been a fan of this series from the start. This has been my favorite by far. The drama and action are there. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. They need to admit it it’s there. I had to laugh when they can say they are each other’s weaknesses. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop as they worked through issues. I always enjoy seeing faces from the previous books pop into the story. I find that keeps the continuity going. I love the characters. They were so relatable. I felt like I was right there among them. I love this author’s style of writing. It’s real and down to earth. Excellent read. You should read the whole series.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel king is a great book with lots of heart. I loved everything about this book. Matthias was such a cruel person to Ava as they were growing up. Treated her as the help. She was / is the daughter of the help but Mr King never treated anyone any different. He saw Ava as the daughter he never had.
Ava and Theo, ( one of the younger brothers of Matthias ) were best friends. Like so close and did everything together. Ava always had a crush on Matthias and Matthias always had a crush on Ava but he was warned away from her. Matthias, being the eldest King son, had certain rules to abide by. One day during a severe snow storm, Ava walks up to the main house while Mr King and all the sons except Matthias have driven into the city and they get stuck there for two days. During those two days, Matthias and Ava get very close and have an amazing 2 days together which soon comes to an end.
Ava is sent to
Spend time with her Aunt and never looks back. Matthias and Ava don’t see eachother or speak for 5 long years. In those 5 years, he ends up hating her for leaving him without a word. He treats her so bad when when they see eachother again at the King mansion.
This book was so good. So many feelings and lots of heart and heat. A great 5 star read
review by @xchellex
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melinda and Derek’s story just melt’s you. He’s a grumpy workaholic. She’s a member of the elite that is just wanting to do the right thing and is trying to care for her grandmother. She’s Derek’s new assistant and he treats her like dirt when he comes back and learns Sienna hired her for him. Oh, these two have issues to work through but they do. As they come into their own and they both grow and get through those growing pains, you smile like proud parents or friends. This book is so well-written. It’s a short read. I stayed up last night and finished it in one sitting. I wanted to read more. I kind of was left feeling like I wanted more of their life. I will settle for what I got. It’s a sweet romance. The characters are well-written. They feel like they could be friends, especially Melinda and her grandmother. It’s a definite read that I recommend for romance lovers out there.
Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very good book about a little girl who worries alot. I have a little boy who worries a lot and is learning to deal with it. He loves carrying around a stuffed dinosaur. He sat and listened to this story. He’s not a fan of breathing methods yet but I hope reading stories like this will help him. I liked the fact that Lilly was like a real child. She wasn’t instantly cured. Her worries came back throughout the day and she would work on dealing with them with the methods she was taught (since Hun Bun was at home). Even when she got home, she had to deal with Hun Bun needing a bath. A wonderful story that will be added to our home library.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jeff is living his best life, the one he was made for. Playing for a top baseball tam and not having to worry about anything. Although part of his job is coaching at the local community centre which always makes him happy especially the young kids who he can see the enjoyment in their eyes just as he had as a kid. While coaching one day, one of the kids Max who deep down is one of Jeff’s favourites drags him to meet his mom. When there eyes meet Jeff realises it’s the woman who got away all those years age.
Kia having just moved to be closer to her sister and her new job is happiest when making time for Max, picking him up from practice is the best he is always full of energy and constantly talking about his coach “Smitty”, but when they finally meet Kia is taken back to the time of there meeting and the inevitable news she needs to break to this man who has never really left her heart.
Can Kia and Jeff rekindle there lost love or will the secret she has been keeping for six years be enough to break them apart?
This is the third book in the Playing for keeps series and it just keeps getting better and better. Kia is a strong and sassy woman who against all odds has raised her son and the is her world. Jeff as a character is full of emotion and surprise when finding out he has a son but the way he embraces both of them s lovely to read.
The writing as always is engaging and flows with the story brilliantly and makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. The secondary characters are a great edition to the story and we definitely need Gonzo’s story and see who can tame that man. I can’t wait to read the next book and please, please don’t let us wait too long.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this story absolutely riveting. I was totally surprised at the turn in brothers. I was going for the other brother. The chemistry between Ava and Mattias was *BOOM* electric!! The dislike he had for her and her determination to find out why he hated her kept me glued to this story. Absolutely engaging and intriguing, one cannot put this story down because you must know what’s going on like the nosy town gossip. You can’t miss a minute. So well-written and well-done, I loved it all from the characters to the storyline. Eleanor, the housekeeper, is my favorite and her eyeraising brow when she catches those moments. This is an absolute must read.
Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis
Refrain is the third book in the Off the Record Series and is a LBGTQ Romance that I absolutely loved reading. Its not at all what I expecting but so much more. This is not your typical Rock Star Romance. There’s drama, heartache, chemistry, friendship, inner demons and so much more. I didn’t realize I was starting in the middle of the⁶ series until after I had started reading. I’m definitely going to check out the other two books in this series. This way I have the full background of what has happened. Spook is a guitarist that has spent many years hiding from his very traumatic past. Now that his secrets are no longer secret he doesn’t know what to do other than run away. Spook takes us on quite the journey where some parts are intense and will pull at your heart strings . Can Spook get the help he needs? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give away anything. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a unique collection of stories. I loved it! It’s all about people who care about each other, take care of each other, and are there for each other when it’s needed. Being an “everyday hero” is just about being a good friend, companion, and person. And that is what these stories are about. People’s love and care save the lives of their loved ones around them! Read this book if you love short romance stories, edgy plot twists, and excitement that makes you keep turning the pages!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber was hilarious. As a caregiver, I can feel a connection to how these elderly characters react to one another and I have experienced similar encounters (without violence) in my day-to-day life. This book had me intrigued right from the opening paragraph, I couldn’t wait to read about the outcome between these fantastic characters. They all just had the best dynamics, I didn’t want the short novel to end. The environment is so realistic, I felt attached to these characters like my own clients whom I have the privilege to care for on a regular basis. The stories I got to follow along with in this tale, were just so heartwarming, and the hilarity of how such small acts can cause such dramatic reactions, was one of my favorite parts. I look forward to reading more of Laura Koerber’s works because this was such a refreshing, enjoyment for me to read.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687288103l/80342799._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home”>Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3291840.Lauren_Fraser”>Lauren Fraser</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5752079785″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Jeff and Kia are in for a big surprise when they get introduced by Max, Kia’s son. Jeff is coaching Max’s t-ball team and the last thing he expected was running into a one night stand from six years ago. When she drops the bomb on him that Max was a a result of their unforgettable night together he is thrown for a loop. How could she not have sought him out to let him know? Their chemistry is still there, but Kia has reservations about being with Jeff due to his celebrity status as a baseball player. As with any relationship these two had their ups and downs. They both only want what’s best for their son, but will that include Jeff & Kia rekindling their romance? This book, like the others in the series, can be read as a stand alone. It can be read in one sitting and once you start you won’t want to put it down.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
..••°°°°••.. PREORDER ..••°°°°••..
No stranger to adversity, Liam Ryan has also cheated death. He kept himself and his twin sister safe through a tough childhood in the foster care system. Then, at age twenty-four, he took his first trip abroad and was blown up and presumed dead in a terrorist attack. Three years later an investigator locates him working as a security guard in Jerusalem.
Scarred mentally and physically by his ordeal, Liam needs space to decide what comes next. So he agrees to join his sister Ali and her new husband Joe at their sprawling estate in Port Townsend. Joe’s sister Teresa, fleeing a broken engagement and her controlling mother, also comes to stay. Liam mistrusts rich people, but Teresa, the kind of society princess he would normally avoid at all costs, is hard to resist. Especially when she becomes suspiciously accident prone and in need of a protector.
‿☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆‿☆
Ava
The King boys have been the center of my life for as long as I remember. Theo has been my best friend since I was four, and our families are as close as can be.
Except Matthias. The oldest King son never failed to look miserable whenever I was around, and every word out of his mouth to me was cruel.
Until a snowstorm trapped us in his house, and we shared two perfect days together.
That was five years ago. Now his father’s dying, and he’s back at the estate and more vicious than ever, as if our time together meant nothing to him.
I should hate him. I should be able to forget him now that I have a chance to be happy with someone else.
There’s just one problem. I can’t stop thinking about the man who stole my heart one snowy night all those years ago.
Matthias
She thinks I don’t remember our time together. She’s wrong. I’ve never forgotten.
Not when I moved to a different continent. Not when I didn’t hear from her for five years. Not even though I’ve tried my damnedest to forget her.
I want to hate her. I should. But I can’t. All I can do is look on with jealousy as Ava finds happiness with another man.
What do you do when the one person standing in the way of your happiness is your own brother?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Cruel King by K.M. Scott
K.M. Scott writes contemporary romance stories of sexy, intense, and unforgettable love. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s been in love with romance since reading her first romance novel in junior high (she was a very curious girl!). Under her Gabrielle Bisset name, she writes paranormal and historical romance. She lives in Pennsylvania with a herd of animals and when she’s not writing can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction.
❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❥
Can these two old friends stop fighting their feelings long enough to grab hold of their second chance?
Summer’s life was not going plan. With no job or home, she found herself back in the small town she grew up in. Bluestone County. Despite being broke, she’d always dreamed of taking over her grandfather’s bar. So when she found out she was too late and her childhood friend Teddy had bought it, she might have lost it. As in banging down his door and throwing expensive bottles of whiskey at his wall kind of lost it. It wasn’t her finest moment. But talking of fine…
Retired Navy SEAL Teddy was used to dealing with tough situations. You name it, he’d seen it. Yet, nothing had quite prepared him for the sight of a raging Summer hurling an eight-hundred-dollar bottle of whiskey at his head. She certainly knew how to make an entrance. And raise his blood pressure. Having the blonde hellion back in town wasn’t all bad though. He’d missed his friend. Although he’d be lying if he said friendship was all he was interested in. Summer had owned his heart for a long time. He’d missed his chance once before, there was no way he was going to let that happen again.
Isobel was born and raised in London. She still lives along the River Thames with her husband and her substantial book collection. Ever the hopeless romantic, she fell in love with the genre from a young age and was inspired to write her own stories. When she’s not feasting on romantic comedies or binge reading her hoard of contemporary romance novels, Isobel is writing.
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••*•
When Lilly forgets her favorite stuffed rabbit, Hun Bun, she worries about getting through school without him. How will Lilly adjust to be able to get through her day?
Hun Bun has been with Lilly since birth and is always there to calm her worries when those pesky heebie-jeebies appear. Heebie-jeebies make her palms sweat, her belly do flip-flops, and her heart beat loudly.
One day, when she forgets to pack Hun Bun, something begins to change. Join Lilly as she discovers how her heebie-jeebies signal her to tame her worries, be brave, and take charge to do hard things.
Grab a copy of Lilly Tames Her Worries for your child’s backpack today!
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
Carole enjoys writing stories with her six grandchildren in mind as they grow in our rapidly changing world. She understands that feeling safe and positive enhances their ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships. Her books discuss social-emotional learning (SEL) ideas to promote greater self-awareness and self-management. As children begin noticing the body’s responses to their emotions in changing situations, they can develop an essential habit of self-inquiry that can build a child’s trust and confidence to problem-solve.
Carole’s career has focused on encouraging healing as a nurse, conscious dying coach, grief companion, and children’s author, one conversation at a time.
Her previous book, The Cardinal’s Gift-A True Story of Finding Hope in Grief, is a Five-Star Readers Favorite to encourage conversations about loss. As she travels to classrooms and children’s camps across the U.S. to engage with children, she is consistently inspired to create new content.
Carole lives in upstate New York with her husband, where she enjoys gardening, creating art, and nature.
༻•
•༺ •BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE• ༻••༺ •
Derek, the billionaire owner of Wilson Creations, has it all – fame, fortune, and success. But when he meets his new assistant, Melinda, he finds himself drawn to her fiery spirit and sharp wit. Despite a rocky start, the two become a formidable team, and Derek begins to see Melinda in a different light.
Together, they face the challenges that arise and find strength in each other until the end. Will their forbidden feelings be enough to overcome the obstacles in their way, or will they be torn apart by the forces that seek to keep them apart?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
Adina D. Grey is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. Born and raised in Italy it’s no surprise she has a huge addiction to coffee, dogs, and books.
Her book addiction and passion for travelling led her into the creative world of words where she writes, blogs, and beta reads. Her writing covers various sub genres and tropes but she’s a sucker for a HEA, this is a cliffhanger free zone.
When she’s not writing or reading you can find her entertaining her toddler and husband, and enjoying family life.
Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WOW!! Can I have me a Wyatt?? I think he is my new book husband. I get that he has some baggage and a few issues but he is working on them. 😉
Wyatt is a troubled elite goalie. He has been acting out for his mother’s attention for so long he is not even sure if he likes his own antics. He is trying to reclaim his job and be the #1 again, but for him to do that he has to face some harsh truths about himself.
Serena is the PR Director that has been in charge of spinning Wyatt’s wild ways for the last several years. When Wyatt got sent to the minor league team, Serena was able to breathe for a minute. Now Wyatt is back. To Serena’s surprise, Wyatt doesn’t honestly seem like the d-bag that his antics portray him to be. Maybe he has grown up, maybe he can change.
After Wyatt intervenes during a situation with Serena, they start spending time together as Wyatt cons Serena into being his date for a family wedding so that his mother doesn’t saddle him with a social-climbing, status-seeking debutante. A friendship grows. Feelings get real.
This book is funny with real characters. There were scenes where I just wanted to shake the character and say, “I can’t believe you just said that!” Totally hooks you. Read this book if you love hockey, hot guys, and second chances.
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 In The Sweet Valley series. This is Katlyn and Grants story. It is a well written western romance, with wonderful characters as with the first book which was also amazing. it’s got all the good stuff, healing, challenges, secrets, a little mystery, and love. Some good steamy parts. I definitely recommend this book. It can be a standalone, but I do think you should read the first book also.
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do not consider myself a person who cries easily or who cries over fiction. But let me tell you, this book had me in tears from the beginning. I don’t know if it is the combination of wonderful writing and missing my momma or what but WOW. This book definitely had me pulled in from the start. I LOVE that Liz’s grandmother had a sordid past and what a past it was. Liz is definitely selfish and wants everything to revolve around her and this time things aren’t about her, she is fulfilling the wishes of her deceased grandmother and yes Liz is a bit of a brat about it at times. I love that her Bestie and new Boyfriend have put her in her place a time or two. I really enjoyed this book and read it from start to finish in one sitting.
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A new to me author, and upon reading her bio I discovered this is her debut novel. WOW. What a great start in writing. Even though I was able to kind of figure out who the person was terrorizing Keira, I was still surprised at the over all outcome and discovery of other information. This book will keep you turning pages and make you want to finish just to know who did it.
The romance part is well written and I LOVE Cade and Keira. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie shares her love of Tarot cards, giving us insights and a beginners guide to exploring the Tarot for ourselves.
She has woven together 78 poems, one for each card in the deck- along with witchy insights, musings, how to read the cards, stories and messages to inspire us to begin meditating on our own decks and adding a little Tarot wisdom to our lives.
Having read Ms. DeBlassie other books I can see how this build on what she has already shared/taught us about creating our own ‘magic’ in our lives, to inspire us to design richer, fulfilling, and more meaningful lives.
The author always produces an intriguing read that gives me plenty to ponder by sharing through her own experiences, providing lessons, messages, and interesting insights.
Well worth the read, especially if you are drawn to the Tarot, Wicca, Bruja, meditation, or new age/age-old spirituality.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Maria DeBlassie!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series by Toya Richardson. I love Ms. Richardson’s original take on the lore surrounding vampires and angels, and as the first book was fantastic, I had some high expectations for this book, but I am not surprised that Ms. Richardson doesn’t disappoint.
I think this just might be better than the first book- but really, they are both superb. It could be read as a standalone, even though it is ‘set’ before the events in “Captivated” (Book #1)- but in saying that I highly recommend reading the first book as well as this one, as otherwise not only would you be missing out on a great story, but there are also other relevant details to the series there that will enhance your reading experience.
It is a fated mates paranormal romance, with angel/vampire hybrids, demons, action, danger, magic, emotion, chemistry, sizzle, sweet & heartwarming moments, drama, angst, humour, tension, and an evil adversary.
If you love paranormal romance with a captivating story, chemistry, sizzle, and fated mates- then you will definitely want this book/series in your life!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Toya Richardson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes