Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed returning to this world and further exploring it. Kimber and Fabian’s story is full adventure and of course love. Their journey to finding a happy ending had some dangers and many twists and turns but they came out alright in the end. This author has created a vibrant story and I look forward to reading more from her.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another win, this is an updated version of “Jack and the Beanstalk” told from the giants side of things. He is selling instructions and items needed to catch little boys to eat! It leads through the steps of the story while he is trying to make Jack stay comfortable. There is a twist at the end showing Jack is more than the giant gives him credit for.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
How to catch little boys and eat them by Lois Wickstrom- 3 out of 5 stars
Similar to the classic fairytale Jack and the Bean Stalk but with a twist. The clever giant devises a plan to catch a boy and eat him while advertising his method to other giants via an infomercial to make money. The giant’s plan was going as planned when the boy’s curiosity took him up the bean stalk. The first time was pure curiosity but the many times after was greed. The boy had stealing items from the giant’s house to make money. Since the boy was never caught, he felt comfortable returning to steal more. The giant revealed that he had set up the boy and he was trapped. The boys quick witts saved him in the end when he was able to convince the giant to let him go.
I was personally not a big fan of this book. I did like that the author kept some key items from the classic fairytale but I find it to be very greed driven. I don’t really think the message of the story was portrayed in a positive way.
Review by @elishajohnson
Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My second book from N.D Jackson, second in this series and this didn’t disappoint. Although it could technically be read as a stand alone, reading book one in the Green St. Girls series would give some background information. This book is focused on Indigo where the first focused on Athena.
I am really impressed on how I am totally captured and sucked into Jackson’s writing. I feel all the emotions deeply.
I do hope this series continues on with the other Green St Girls.
Love Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am just in seventh heaven as this is one of my most favorite authors. I love paranormal romances and this did not disappoint. I really like the way the author is able to build a world and bring the characters to life. I really felt as though I was right in the middle of the action. There was also a great balance of drama and adventure mixed in with the romance. As I have said before this is one of my most favorite genres. I really like how there was a sort of forbidden love with a wonderous outcome. I like how everything just really fell into place and the chemistry between the characters really just added to the story. I look forward to reading much more from this author in the future.
Review by @caraleeloonat.
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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, this was a weird retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with really not that much from the original story. This blue genie lives in the clouds via the stalk and likes to eat little boys. He tricks them because he says earth boys are lazy. Well, Jack climbs the stalk but our wits the genie thing, while stealing his stuff. Once he “got caught” they make a deal to help each other out. However, once again Jack outsmarts him to destroy the stalk but get rich at the same time. Did that sound like a weird summarization, well that is how I felt when I read it. This story to me made no sense, especially toward the end. The title and concept were just creepy, in this form. The illustrations were fine but no real message or point for a kid’s story.
The Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 4th in a series, I absolutely feel like you CAN read this book without reading the others, I personally believe I would have followed along and enjoyed the story and been less confused at times, had I read the other books first. With that being said, let me clarify. This story is amazing. Our leading lady is awesome. She is well written and her world is well defined. This author has put forth amazing thought and detail into this world, building a place for us to get lost in. Her characters are strong and defined. Her plots are well thought out and executed. I highly recommend this series for readers of Fantasy, young and old, alike.
Reviewed By: Manda Kelly 2023
When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was really surprised when I started reading this book. I hadn’t read the description or any reviews when I picked it up so was expecting one single, full length story. Instead, this book is a collection of brilliant fairy tales with a modern twist. Each of the stories was different and interesting and I loved discovering each of them.
This is a new author to me and I think this was probably to best way to discover their work. Each story have an insight into their writing style and it was good to get a feel for the books. This was an enjoyable collection and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author will produce.
Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in this Trilogy. And wow what a start. This is a dark psychological MC story which I love. I love how MC stories are a band of men who standby and support each other and protect the women they love at all costs. This has the same feel but is much darker than others I’ve read. The author does an amazing job of dealing with some really triggering subjects in a sensitive way but which also shows the after effects not only on the victim but everyone connected to them.
I loved the characters in this story. For me the character that really stood out for me was Lilly (Cherub). She has gone through so much and is tormented by everything that has happened to her but deep down she still has a strength and a fire in her belly which I was amazed by. The way the author writes completely takes you inside her mind and you feel not only the physical pain but also the mental torture she puts herself through.
I will advise this book does have subject matter which may trigger some readers but the author spells all that out before the story even begins.
I don’t want to give too much away as this is definately something you need to read for yourself.
Lilly went through a terrible ordeal on her 18th birthday. An ordeal at the hands of a man that nearly cost her life.
Fast forward and the monster is released and has his eyes still set on her. Lilly is now in a relationship with Zeke who is a member of an MC and he is determined to make sure he protects her. But what happens when he fails her yet again? Can Lily really trust anyone in the MC? And when suspicions start around her own father being the person who allows the monster to get her again who is she meant to trust? This is a story full of danger, angst, secrets, lies, courage and strength. It will have you feeling every emotion possible and has definately left me wanting more.
Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Parisian Intrigue is the sixth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. This book is full of historic events which I enjoyed. The characters Emma, Jeremy, Dora, and Tim set of on a mystery trip when accommodations arrive at their door. They meet some mysterious travelers on the way to Paris, to the 1889 Paris Exposition.
The foursome is led to not one, but two mysteries. This book is well-written and kept me guessing from start to finish. While I read this as a stand-alone, I would suggest reading the series; something I am looking forward to reading. If you enjoy history and mystery, I highly recommend this book!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1MTR5YUIYVXJC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5718923175
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3439618269?list=reviews
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Central Florida Stories. This is an enemies to lovers story with revenge. Ethan is seeking revenge and pulls Siena, who is innocent in everything, as his pawn in his twisted plans. Ethan and Siena’s relationship is not what Ethan intended. This whole series has such great characters.
Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Central Florida Stories. Arely was abducted by a human trafficking ring but was rescued now she is in hiding. She takes a job at Club Nexxus and that is when she sees Kurt, the man she has never been able to forget. Kurt has PTSD and lost his whole team. He runs into Arely. The chemistry between these two off the charts. This book is very thrilling.
Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Central Florida Stories. I found it very intriguing. This is a story of love and revenge. Joe wants revenge on Hunter for the Dear John letter she sent to his friend who commuted suicide by combat. Hunter has secrets that cause her to push men away. Things do go exactly as planned for Joe after he devises a plan for revenge. I loved the way that the characters developed in this story.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author did an amazing job with Toni who recently let go of the past but thought that this vacation was going to help her but she met Mickey. Mickey only wants one thing and that is the freedom of not being married. But Toni has her way to make Mickey fall for her. It is horrible when Mickey did not want anything to do with Toni at first, I was like how could you but love has its way to take you in and turn your perspective and want it. That is how love catches you by surprise. Love it…
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars for the reason I gave it a four it was not because I did not like the book but it has some true life decisions when it comes to having a child. This book is an amazing true-life story when it comes to a teen girl and a child. Clarie had to decide to keep the baby or let it go so she can go back to normal but what is normal to Clarie? Life is not the same for Claire. The book got me to tears and I couldn’t let go of it. Well done to the author for bringing life into a story.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
We absolutely loved reading How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them. This is a fun children’s book aimed for children ages 4-8. It’s a fun and colorful retelling of a classic Jack and the Beanstalk but with a twist. My son giggled throughout the story and we read it several times. I love this author and highly recommend reading this story. We look forward to reading more from this Author.
Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Broken is a romance with a side of steam! Wow. Indigo is finding herself, healing herself, and making headway in love and business. Gideon is a great friend who is living with Indigo – he finds his way into her life both in business and in bed. Overcoming her past with Gideon is where Indigo finds herself while she is being threatened by someone – Gideon wants to keep her safe.
The friendships, the love, the hot romance, the danger all kept me reading. I really liked the friendship aspect of this storyline – women helping each other to be strong and successful. If sexy romance is your genre, this book is for you!
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Complicated Choices indeed! It is a contemporary YA coming-of-age story by Risa Nyman. I have read all of Risa’s books and each and every one is about strength, resilience and love.
This relatable fast-paced complex story is full of secrets, fear, yearning, hope, helplessness and many more emotions. It will hit you in all the feels. It is a story where the sassy MC has untapped strength, maturity, is a fighter but has to grow up before her time due to circumstances.
Being a senior year of high school is bad enough with all the insecurities, angst, uncertainty, and hormones and not knowing where you are going but add in being responsible for a baby, yep it is hard. This one cut a little closer to home. Raising a younger brother brought back memories, struggles, although mine are not bad it still took me back. Depression is also not a stranger.
There is drama and some humour and being able to cope with the help of a BFF and boyfriend.
What would you do for someone you love? Ask yourself that question as you work your way on this journey with a young woman facing what seems like insurmountable odds.
Complicated Choices is definitely worth a read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is an emotional story that tugged on my heartstrings. It is a story of choices, coming of age, self-discovery, family, responsibility, challenges, teen angst/drama, complex issues, secrets, dramatic developments, and heartwarming moments.
Claire is a high school senior who has life-changing choices to make when an unplanned pregnancy leaves her with a baby to take care of. What happens here makes for an emotional and heartwarming journey.
Be sure to have some tissues on standby, as you are going to need them.
Thank you, Risa Nyman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, this story was powerful, hard to put down and I totally devoured this book, drama filled and overall compelling…….I loved this story so much.
Claire Jackson is to have fun and freedom during her senior year of high school. This changes when an accidental pregnancy upends her plans…..her mother is pregnant and has a little boy, Harry. Claire’s mother goes on a downward spiral of mental health and depression issues….leaving Claire to take care Harry from morning to night…..but Claire’s resilience and loyalty toward her baby brother, she will do anything to protect him at all costs…even when her own uncle threatens to take away Harry…will Claire’s battle keep her baby brother with her and what happens when the truth finally comes…
I loved Claire’s loyalty and her thoughts of all her “complicated choices” that she had to endure throughout this story. This book was emotional….and overall fantastic.
The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This to me was the perfect romance novel… It had just the right amount of everything you want in a book, well written characters, good humor, a bit of suspense, and enough drama to keep you turning pages and wanting more. This is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula series. I enjoyed this book a lot as I live on the Olympic peninsula it is always fun to read about your own hometown. At one point in the book, they are just a half mile from my house… Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read the next book.
Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great series that continues to pull you into the story. The book could probably be considered a stand alone, it’s been a while since I last read part of this series. The story starts out with enough information for those who jump into reading this book. I enjoyed reading about the Paris Expedition. The author wrote this book in such a way I could imagine the areas of Paris that the characters visited. The characters are also well written and you can’t help but try to figure out what they’ll encounter next.
The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading “The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller” by Gloria Oliver. The details of the settings are so realistic that it draws you in right from the beginning of the story. The characters are so well developed that you are drawn to them immediately upon being introduced to them, you can’t wait to piece together the mystery of each of them. What has Julia Xero gotten herself into, is her dream job all she thought she wanted, or has she gotten herself in over her head? There are so many twists to this story, be prepared to expect the unexpected! If you love to read fantasy books or thrillers then this book is the perfect fit for you, it gives you the best of both worlds, I was so excited to finally have an amazing story that gave me two of my favorite genres in one story! This book is the first in a masterpiece that I could not put down, it left me excited for more.
@Brandy Rymer
07/2023
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A clever retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with a twist you won’t expect. This book is great for problem solving skills and discussions about what others would have done differently. And the twist at the end is unexpected and fun!
The bright illustrations do a great job enhancing the story.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claire is in an almost impossible position as she navigates her senior year being nothing like she expected. Instead of being with friends and enjoying a carefree life, she’s parenting both her baby brother and her own mother. Then Uncle Patrick throws her a lifeline, if Claire gives up her baby brother, Patrick will give Claire her old life back.
Claire’s oldest friendship is tested beyond measure and new friendships are forged as she settles into her new life. Only time will tell which choices Claire makes and which friends stick around to support her.
Nyman hit it out of the park with an emotional read sure to grab the reader from the very first page and not let go until the last.
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Love on Tap series, which focuses on Sunny and Carter. This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend going back to read the first one, it’s great.
This is another brilliant book in the series, I love it just as much as the first! Once again, this is one I knew I’d love but it still exceeded my expectations. The humour is great, and the story is well-written and the characters well-constructed. The characters feel real and are relatable as they leap off the pages and their chemistry is perfect.
Another series to add to my favourites list, I love it so much and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The art in the book is beautiful, my favorite character is the giant, with his colors and facial features. This was an interesting take on Jack and the beanstalk. The giant wants to eat the kids but then on the other hand Jack is stealing his possessions, I think its a nice way to teach kids not to steal other’s things and not to talk to random giants.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first in the Love on Tap series which focuses on Hollis and Cash. After reading the blurb I was already sure I’d love it, it seemed right up my street and humorous as a bonus. It was so much better than I expected!
The story was well-constructed and fun – the pranks and love/hate relationship were entertaining and made their chemistry leap off the pages. The characters were well-written and felt believable, I could almost see them as real friends.
Hollis was the sunshine and Cash the grumps, but together they’re perfection. Honestly, their chemistry and personalities complimented each other so well, I could rave about the pair all day.
This was a brilliant start to the series and will certainly leave you wanting more, as it has done with me.
I look forward to discovering more from this author!
The Ring of Eagna by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another brilliant addition to an already great series. I think this is my favourite story so far and I just loved becoming engaged with these chatacters once again. The story was exciting and well written and I wanted to see how things would play out.
This author creates interesting stories that make you want to learn more. This book does just that. Great story and I would highly recommend it.
