Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 stars
I knew after reading the first paragraph that this book would be good. I was so right. It’s very well written and entertaining. I didn’t care for the strong language or spice which is the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars.
Marked for Death by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Safety is an illusion.” Let me just say this one quote could not be any more accurate. You learned so many secrets about Keegan that I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming up. This book felt like I was watching one of the best action movies out there from beginning to end it never let up. It’s always the strong silent type characters that tend to bring so much joy in a great, romantic suspense book. Kara having to protect some thing that money can’t buy, brings a different type of intense level to the story. Watching as Keegan and Kara both have a push and pull relationship and why or sometimes even brings some tears as you were reading. You are encompassed by some pure, illicit evil. The bad guys throughout the story, will give you the heebie-jeebies and will make you feel so much rage that you want to jump in to the book and slap them silly. I am so sad that this particular series is over, but it will forever be one of my favorite series, especially when it comes to romantic suspense novels. I highly recommend reading from book one to the last which is this book to get the full effect of everything this author has to offer as well as getting to know each and every character intimately in the family that they have built up and continue to grow.
Moonlit Mirage by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I love a book that has romance, mystery, and action, especially if the main catalyst isn’t sex. I thought the author did a great job of introducing us to these characters and gave us just enough to be intrigued to hope to see them in more books. I feel like we got to see just the tip of the iceberg with them as I would expect in a short read. I can tell that this author has a way with words, and can weave a story. I can’t wait to read some of her full novels to really get a sense of her writing and the characters she creates. She left me wanting more. If you like a very quick read that is romantic suspense then you will enjoy this one very much.
Covert Threat by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been patiently waiting for Trev’s story. This book grabbed you from page one, and it never let go of you. This series has continued to get better and better and the authors writing has come so far from book one. I found that this particular book had so much immense action in it, and adventure that I felt as if I was on a roller coaster. The twists and turns will keep you captivated, in awe, and wondering what is right around the bend. Jules, it’s a beautiful, complex, wonderful character, and watching the interaction between her and Trev play out had my head spinning. While, I was able to figure out the main mystery, it did not take away from the story at all, and made it that much more exciting. If you are looking for a high octane story that has love, mystery, suspense, secrets, and so much more, this is definitely a book you would want to pick up. This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning so that you get to know each of the individual main characters it helps tremendously with the amount of connection you continue to feel from book after book.
Vantage Point by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vantage point by Amy McKinley is so far my favorite one in the series. Stella “Red” it’s such a fun character. Her sass, humor, and unapologetic love of family first makes her one heck of a character. While, I found some of her choices to not be smart, I appreciated the fact that it was done out of love, and not because she wasn’t intelligent. I had been waiting to find out more about Hawke and his past, and this author did not disappoint with such a torturous background. I was glad to see Jack get some closure from his past. This series and this author continue to grab onto me and keep me interested, and desiring much much more.
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book as a standalone, but I have picked up the first book in the series after reading this one because it’s spectacular! I enjoy the crime and mystery genres, so this was right up my alley. I feel like most times I have a good handle on what is going to happen next, but this book actually kept it hidden from me which makes it that much more enjoyable! The author brilliantly leads you into Detective Scala’s world as if you’re standing right alongside them in this suspenseful and engaging read. I thought the flow of the story was incredible, and the characters were a perfect fit for the scenes. I can’t imagine anything missing from this book, so it comes as a high recommendation from me!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fabulous book! Having been homeless myself, the storyline really resonated with me. The protagonist and the antagonist had actually crossed paths several times. The theme of irony is prevalent throughout the story. I made it to the very end of the book before realizing I had read the first in a series of what I am sure are several more amazing tales, I am elated- and I know what I am reading next!
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
LIz’s Road Trip was a fun, unpredictable, and thought-provoking read. Having just lost my grandparents in the past two years, it was a refreshing and cathartic read for me. I connected with the main character, LIz, and laughed along with her along the way, because even when life gets you down, laughter can be the best medicine.
I really appreciated the depthness of the characters and the characters aren’t static but grow from the beginning to end. The story between Mark and Liz grows and unfolds slowly, but liked the format of the book (made it more mysterious) and Liz tries to discover another side of her grandma she never knew.
Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Typical Italian Scala (“eating in a hurry without time to enjoy is a waste of time. Hopefully, the detectives stomach would also agree”) is back again, this time unraveling an intermingled web of families with drama and interconnections. As with the other Commissario Scala books, I really enjoyed the realistic crime scenes and aftermath that author PJ Mann sets up.
Comical relief between Scala and his colleagues lighten up some of the more intense moments in the book. I have truly enjoyed this series so far, and can’t wait to read the next one.
The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ll start off by saying that I was not aware that this was a book deep in a series when I picked it up. This can be read as a stand alone but for me, I’m going to go back and read the previous books to understand more of the back story.
This book is full of emotion…some that came to me a bit unexpected. There is also, as with any book with a political figure, lots of lies, secrets, grief and more. I appreciated that this was a clean romance novel with a sweet story of two people who are broken and needing each other.
I look forward to reading the previous books in this series and “catching up” on the characters!
When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Who doesn’t love a good fairytale? This is a great collection of modern day fairytales. I wasn’t sure about the book to start with, but found that each story intrigued me to keep reading. I loved the back and forth writing in the first story Letters from a Wu and the last story was definitely my favorite. Bones of the Soul takes place in a Phx hospital. Nazar not only had a bone disease but a special gift – that came through in his drawing.
Tequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tequila Midnight: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel is the first book in this series. Set in El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, we get into the life of Jessica Watts. This is a gritty story of a stubborn woman trying to find a Mexican tycoon’s missing daughter. Jessica has lived a tough life and does not trust easily. I liked this story which had suspense, crime, and more. The characters and setting are realistic and put you right into the story. I liked that this explored how someone handles trauma and uses their experience to help themself find new and different pathways. Jessica is a relatable character which makes her story more interesting. Because she is relatable, it pulled me further into the story, and I wanted to know what would happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vampires of Atlantis is a fun, interesting, paranormal read. Courtney Davis combines folklore and myths surrounding Atlantis with vampires, monsters, werewolves, humans, and other paranormal beings in this original story. While the idea of the story is very intriguing and the book itself is easy to read, I felt like some pieces were missing. The characters were one-of-a-kind, but it seemed like they didn’t have much of a backstory and seemed rather shallow. I did enjoy Courtney Davis’s world building and felt myself transported to the underwater world of Atlantis or the steamy streets of Miami. The end of the book did feel a bit rushed and it almost felt as if things were left up in the air. Overall, a good, quick read with lots of drama and suspense.
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read for an 80’s kid! Brought back so many memories! The story is a cute rom com. Blaine and Eric find themselves in a situation that pits them against each other. I really liked how Blaine problem solved her way to saving her 80’s novelty shop from Eric’s deconstruction plan. Taking him on a trip back in time not only piqued his interest in her story and her, but it brought back so many memories for me! The 80’s were a great time!
I recommend this if you are looking for a sweet story that has great voice and good pacing with the romance, humor and fun throughout!
Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Planting Hope
By: Jennifer Raines
I LOVED this story. I do not think there is enough of a word to describe how much I loved Mona and her journey. Mona believes in the healing power of gardens. She has gone so far as to dedicate a portion of her land as a therapeutic place for young people who have suffered through traumatic events to go and seek healing. This has been a passion project of hers and she has gained the traction to see her vision to come to life. This piece of Mona alone made her, quite possibly one of my favorite characters I have ever read.
Kit is Mona’s business partner and he is also very charming. I loved that he shares her vision and passion of the garden. However, when a third person, Holly, enters the mix things become very different.
This is my first book by Jennifer Raines and I cannot say enough about her ability to develop characters and write stories that people want to read. This story was filled with complex, well developed characters and a plot that kept the story moving at a good pace. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun read!
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Eric’s company is set to tear down the mall that Blaine’s store, Back to the 80s, is set in, they make a bet. If she can convince him of her store’s worth, she will get to keep it, and the mall by default.
Opinion
Perfect for the title, this book follows the basic 80s movie plot with the over the top apology at the end. I loved it. Parts of it were cheesy but that is something I would expect out of the 80s. This book was a great read. I would love to read the story through Loraine’s eyes and see her relationship with the karate master.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this authors books!! She is such a wonderful writer and everything that she writes has me captivated! This book was no different and I absolutely loved reading this story. The illustrations are so cute and engaging! Each book that I have read by this author has a wonderful lesson and this one was great. I cannot wait to read this book with my best friends children!!
Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good sports romance book and when I saw this I knew I had to read it! Hockey romance novels are amazing and this one might be my favorite one that I have read thus far! The way that this author wrote the story had me hooked. I could not put this book down and it was all that I thought about while I was working. The ending was perfect and I would not have changed a thing! Its a great book, you need to read it or at least add it to your TBR list because it is amazing!!!
Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heavy Shot
By: Toni Aleo
This is the seventh book in the Nashville Assassins Series, however, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I have read some, but not all of the series and am definitely going to go back and read the ones I have missed after reading this one. I forgot how much I enjoy this series.
This book features Dimitri who is a very talented hockey player. He just wants to play hockey for his dad’s team, the Nashville Assassins. He is in Nashville and ready to accomplish that goal. He lived his life in Russia but definitely kept his eye on the prize.
Austen is ready to lead the Assassins minor league farm team. However she ends up crossing paths with Dimitri.
Dimitri and Austen are very well written characters. They both have a good banter about them and this also was a well written, almost forbidden potential tryst. I loved their banter and the fact that Dimitri believed that their crossing and meeting was fate. I do love this series and the hockey team aspect is something I have truly enjoyed in this series. I definitely recommend this for a good sports romance that is fun to read!
Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not going to lie… The cover is the reason I chose this book. I didn’t read the synopsis, or anything else about it, Other than the title. Let me just say, I was NOT disappointed. This book destroyed me in all the right ways. It is emotional, it is funny at times, it’s so many things. So many things happen and the author handles transitions and story telling amazingly. I’ve always wanted to live in a world like this. AND THEY’RE IRISH. That was just another bonus. I absolutely will be reading more from this author. I will add, this book does mention rape and other things that could be sensitive to some readers, so if things like that trigger you, I would maybe not recommend this book for you.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a collection of first in series romance books by various authors. Each author included in this anthology is talented and has created their own unique story for our enjoyment. Most, if not all the characters contained within, are well constructed and lovable; each with their own issues and challenges to face for love.
I’ve chosen a small number of books to review to provide a snippet of what to expect:
Unexpected Heros:
I first discovered books by the same author through another anthology so was happy to see their name on the list again. Unexpected Heros is well-written and contains some of my favourite characters Jude and Elijah. The pair both struggle with their pasts but slowly come together processing from friendship into something more. I think it was sweet for Elija’s son to be a key factor in this and seeing Jude be protective of not just Elijah, but also his son.
I couldn’t help but get emotionally invested and will once again look for more from the author.
Quin to the Rescue:
This is another sweet romance. Short and sweet, this was the perfect one to take with me to work. The writing flowed well, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Quin and Mira There are certainly issues that the characters need to work through, but following alongside is a great journey and would happily seek out more from this author in future.
Just Another Hallmark Fool:
I admit I do enjoy a good cheesy Hallmark film, so was prepared to get defensive from the title, but there was no need, the title iss brilliant. This was a fun read following newly single Kate and Sawyer. I loved Kate as a character she reminds me of a friend of mine in some ways and that has endeared her to me. I also loved strong but soft Sawyer and his whole thing he has going on. The characters are well-written, and the plot has a bit of everything, romance, suspense etc. Just the type of story for me.
What I love best about an anthology like this it gives people the chance to dip their toes into new genres/type before fully committing. Even for people like me who already know what they like, it’s good to discover new authors and potential sub-genres.
This was a fun and enjoyable collection overall and will be keeping an eye out for more.
Leaving No Traces: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
PJ Mann is a new author to me having never read any of the previous books in this series. My genre of choice is mystery or thriller so after reading the synopsis of Leaving No Traces I was eager to see if this was a series I could find myself getting into after. I really did like this book, I felt that it really hit the ground running from the very beginning with twisty unraveling until the end. I like that the book itself wasn’t too long, about 200 pages start to finish with a sneak peek of what is to come.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining collection of romance stories each one written by a different author. This anthology contains a selection of stories by thirteen different authors, and each one is the first book of a series. Meaning it’s a great way of checking out different authors writing styles and getting started with some engaging new series. Each story is about how the everyday hero can sweep you off your feet and provide a happy ever after, just as much as any knight in shining armour can! Most of the stories were written by authors I was not familiar with, so I’m pleased to have discovered some new favourites. However, I was excited to find that Naomi Valkyrie had written one of the romances as I always enjoy her books. ‘Unexpected Heroes’ is a M/M Romance which introduces us to Elijah and Jude, who meet when Elijah and his baby son move in next door to Jude. Jude helps out with the crying baby one night and a friendship develops between the men, and despite both of them having troubled pasts they can’t deny their chemistry or their instant connection. The chemistry sizzled off the page between the likeable Jude and Elijah and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this romance collection, and I liked that there are a variety of storylines, so definitely something for every reader.
Tequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tequila Midnight follows the journey of Jessica Watts, a real estate agent that deals in cross-border relations. The picturesque writing really sets the tone for the vastly dry desert that is El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Riddles with a dark past, Jessica takes on a job to locate Doraliz Velasco, the missing daughter of one of Mexico’s richest tycoons. The case takes Watts all over the world, from Harvard campus to Belize, and back to Mexico. The journey comes at quite a price, as she is captured, beaten and drugged. While Jessica is pursuing the lost girl, she is also facing her own past demons. The only comfort she can find is at the bottom of tequila bottles and in the beds of strangers. The main character is a train wreck from the start, even before being commissioned on an impossible journey. Will she find the missing girl, and herself along the way? Will she find the answers she is looking for? Will she ever soften her heart and find love? I absolutely was drawn into this book and the constant swirl of drama and excitement over and over again. I am looking forward to reading the next one!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Secrets they Hide is book two in the five book Commissario Scala Mystery set. I have only read book four in this set so far, so these books can be read as standalone or out of order. Reading them in order will most likely help with understanding character development, and I do recommend reading them all. A young man is found dead in a cemetery with a note that talks about secrets and hints that their may be other victims. Now Detective Scala must find out who this mystery killer is before any other bodies show up. As a no-nonsense detective, Scala is invested in making sure this murderer is found and brought to justice. What is the murderer after and why did he kill this man? Are the other murders linked to this one, and if so what is the connection? The Secrets they Hide is full of mystery, drama, suspense and plot twists. The author has a knack for setting the scene with very descriptive and vivid wording, and the character building is spot on. I am becoming more and more intrigued with the Scala mysteries and intend to read the rest of the series.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Five ~ Soul Redeemed
Julia finally knows, she finally understands, what has been haunting her mind for decades, she finally knows what caused her to betray her friends in the Resistance, and go against all she believed in. Julia has the ability to see and hear the dead, a vampiric ability that has not been seen for centuries. Julia finds herself relying on her friends as she learns to control and use her powers to fight for what she truly believes in and make a stance on what she knows is right.
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Four ~ Fallen Soul
Let me start by saying that this book is a little different than the rest of the War of Destiny Series, and is written from another character’s point of view. This is a POV of the Third Installment, Between Darkness and Light.
It has been decades since Lane Marlow was condemned and found himself on the run. The Vampire King Valentino has ordered for poor Lane to be killed on sight, which has made his life on the run even more difficult. He finds himself missing the home he was forced to flee, and begins to make his way back to Ireland, only to be found by his pursuers in Rome.. As Lane continues fighting for his life, he finds himself in the midst of a new group of vampires, ones that don’t treat him like a deadly stigma, and ones that live side by side with humans. Will these new vampires be another obstacle for Lane to overcome, or will he find allies where he never expected?
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Three ~ Between Darkness and Light
Julia has once again turned her life upside down with the decisions she has made, and is now trying to repair the bonds the has broken. She hopes for a better future, and will do all she can to atain it. She finds herself turning back to old friends in hopes of getting their help to sve herself and all she cares about before it is too late to save anyone.
This is book Three in the War Of Destiny series, and I highly recommend reading them in order! I promise you will not regret taking the time to read these!!
Firewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an intriguing story that captured my attention right from the start. I loved how this story built on itself the more it went on, developing the storyline and the characters. The author built the suspense, throwing in twists and turns to keep you as the reader on your toes.
I enjoyed learning about the characters. They were engaging and I connected with them easily. This is a new author to me and if this is the quality of work to expect then I will certainly be checking out more of her work.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Saved by the Everyday Hero is a collection of short stories by thirteen different authors. The theme of each story is about everyday people making a difference in small ways that help others learn to love again. One of my favorite stories in this collection was by one of my favorite authors, Naomi Valkyrie. Her story entitled Unexpected Heroes is a M/M Romance that centers around the characters of Elijah and Jude. Elijah moves in next door to Jude with his infant son. When Jude sees Elijah struggling late one night to soothe his baby and get him to sleep, he offers to help. From there a friendship grows as Jude helps Elijah unpack, runs errands for him, and helps with the baby. Both men have troubled pasts that each has been struggling to overcome in their own ways. Through their friendship they learn to trust, to love again, and they work together to overcome challenges that come their way. The friendship between them grows and blossoms into more over time and the two find their soulmate in one another. I have not yet read all the stories in this collection but the ones I did read were heartfelt, uplifting, hopeful, and inspiring. This is a collection that I will be going back to read over and over again. I highly recommend this book!
