What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My kid thoroughly enjoyed this book. She was asking so many questions about the different things. It’s a great educational but also entertaining book. It kept her enthralled in it from the first sentence to the last. Her only disappointment was that it wasn’t longer. This author has done it again.
Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! Excellent book! I really hope there is more after this, because I need more about Julia’s group and Kali’s group. Julia’s feelings in this book are all over the place and my heart hurts for her. She still feels that sense of unease between her and Samuel, and also with Mary Anne, because of the past, but I think she has proven over and over that she is not that person, that she was, deceived into making those decisions 6 years ago. The showdown with Jonathan was rough, but I am waiting for the battle with Valentino. In the end, I was happy to see her relationships with everyone strengthen, and the new friends she makes in Alicia and Adrian. Something is going on with Julia and her power to sense others in her ka-tet and I can’t wait to find out what that is! Wonderful series thus far!
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute spinoff of Jack and the beanstalk. My little girl loved it. She was drawn in from the first page and was captivated the whole time. Everything this author does hasn’t disappointed me.
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is read from Lane’s point of view, and while I did enjoy seeing everything happen from someone else’s perspective other than Julia’s, it seemed a bit unnecessary. I’m still not 100% sure where Lane stands, whether he wants to be alone like he has been, or join Julia’s group. There is also his relationship with Kali, is it just friends or more? At the end of this book is where there is more, continuing on from the 3rd book and Julia and Kali go through some things, big things. I hope the next book I find Lane back with Julia’s group and they are all together and working out how to get rid of Valentino once and for all.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect with this book but it was delightfully captivating. It draws you in and then takes you through a blooming romance and twist and turns all along the way. You can feel the connection between the two main characters. You gradually fall more in love with the characters as the book goes on. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves romances.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another excellent addition to this series! My heart was so broken for Julia with the way everyone is treating her. The way she copes just tears me up, I get why they are mad but also I think they are afraid of what they don’t know. A blast from the past shows up and turns everyone’s world upside down. Relationships mend, and tear apart again, Julia just seems to be thrown left and right. Her and Samual, I know have something between them if they would just talk, I’m so tired of Julia holding everything in and taking everything on her shoulders alone. Bring on the next one!
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book! This series is wonderful so far. This book broke my heart and made me smile. I am devastated to learn of the group’s losses, but Samuel and Julia become closer and that somewhat makes up for it. This book is set 70 years after Julia first gets turned, I know the timeline of vampires is vast, it really was a bummer to realize that Julia had been without her daughter for that long. Valentino is getting closer to Samuel and his group of resistance and is intent on getting to Julia, to have her join his side. Julie makes terrible decisions, and the way she talks, keeps things from Samuel and tries to handle everything on her own really gets to me. I am hoping for something different from her in the next book
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I feel like this book falls under the old adage “never judge a book by its cover”. This book blew me away, the story is so well written and just gut punched me. I am just devastated about Julia being married to Greg and all that she endures. I didn’t think there would be any way out for her until Samuel. Their journey, together with the rest of the group and Adam is rough, wondering if Julia will ever be able to tell Adam about her time married, or if her and Samuel have something between them.
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This book is painfully beautiful. I really enjoy learning and hearing about the Native American people and their culture and traditions. This book had my heart breaking for all the Native American’s from back then and even now. No one deserves the treatment they received and it makes me so angry that although this story was fictional, things like this did happen. I could not stop reading and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. I only hope Walks Like Thunder can once again meet with Golden Eagle, and together they can heal from their great loss.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book caught me off guard. I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because I am normally not one that is drawn into the circus theme because I don’t care much for clowns. That said, I was blown away with the elegance in which the writer conveys the storyline. The aerialists in this story really are captivating in the way they are described in this story. I love the determination of the leading female character. She sets her mind to something and runs with it. This book brought out a lot of emotions for the characters that help give the reader a sense of being. It really drew me in and made me feel everything they were feeling. There is suspense, love, danger, and a lot more that I wish I could talk about but don’t want to spoil this for others. It is a must read and I can’t wait for the second book because I need to know what happens. The steam in this book is done with grace. It really helps build the storyline. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes suspense, danger, and steam. It was a very quick read because I had to know what happened. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This is the first book of the series and I am hooked ready for more.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WHAT?! Amazing! At first, I was really irritated that Skylar didn’t just talk to Gia in the beginning about Damon before they even went to the first party. Then I realized, if she did we wouldn’t have this book. I am so addicted to Skylar and Damon’s story, dare I say I might even like it more than Riley and Cole’s! Gia is so oblivious and weak that she is susceptible to changing the way she acts to fit in with the elites. She wants to be popular so bad, but her best friend, Skylar, has no desire to fit into that clique. The bet Skylar makes with Damon, instantly, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, but they sure do take us on a wild ride. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the ending…. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Skylar, Damon and Gia. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first 2 books introduce us to the characters in this book.
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh, Lady Helen finds herself in a bind. A widow with a small child, she finds herself back home at her brother’s wedding. The Earl of Griffith is her escort to his wedding. The Earl charms his way into their life. This is a sweet 2nd chance romance that made me smile because Helen deserved a second chance at a happy life. There is drama and romance. The characters are lively and kind of fit into the storyline. I found Helen to be quite brave for the time period. I’m not sure I would have made it, if it were me. The storyline was quite fascinating and well-written. Scoundrels and heroes abound. An excellent read if you like historical romance.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A dark and kind of depressing story. Unfortunately, this hit a little to close to home, I had a family member go through something similar to this. It is a reminder that there is always hope at the end of the journey when life is hard. The struggle may be rough. It’s a hard story. The issues of addiction, conversion therapy, etc. may be hard for some readers to read. It’s a story worth reading because it is well-written and, though dark, the author gives hope. There is light from addiction, etc. The characters were well-written. The issues were done in such a way as to feel real. It’s a story definitely worth reading. I would just give a tw for some
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Living With Conviction is a gripping true crime memoir. It is also a tale of long overdue self-discovery. Toby Dorr bravely tells her story of aiding a convicted murderer. It is a soul baring, raw, powerful, and frank telling of love and the aftermath of one wrong turn in life’s journey.
It is Toby’s story of her how her life took her from one side of the bars to the other side. We get a riveting and eye-opening view of life inside jail. It is a look as Toby finds bonds and friendships in the most unlikely of places. It takes us on a hard journey of self-awareness to self-growth, worthiness and understanding, of looking deep inside oneself.
It exposes the undertones of prison life that they try to keep under wraps and a broken system that needs to be fixed. It also shows how families and communities’ frown upon the label of being in prison and their treatment thereof.
I am so glad Toby shared her story and that I took a chance to read it.
It is one book that is a must on everyone’s TBR list.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Toby’s story is truly inspirational about how she overcame and tried to change the system while she was in for what she did wrong. She knew her mistake and acknowledged it. She learned to stand up for herself. She tried to make a better world. I found this to be a well written book that I couldn’t put down. It’s a definite must read. I don’t want to give a lot away. Toby shares her vulnerability with the world and because of this, we get to read a 5 star memoir of this year. A truly fascinating book that shows there is hope and things can change one person at a time.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Underneath The Whiskey is a New Adult MM romance tale. This is the first time I have read Chelsea’s work and let me tell you it pulled on my heart and made it ache. The emotions are real people.
There are many hard subjects dealt with in this story alcoholism, mental illness, sexual assault, violence and suicide. Chelsea has done a good job in writing these issues.
Underneath The Whiskey is dark and complex story of a closeted gay man who is living a life of lies. The pain, the suffering, the longing, the wants, denial, the horrors of what our MC had to go through just about broke me.
Conversion therapy oh h*ll no! no, no. Sexual violence no! just no. But this is what our characters had to deal with. I have too many family members and friends that have had to deal with these issues, so it hit an extra spot in me.
The characters are complex, full of flaws and raw and not easy to like. There is a harshness to them that comes from trying to protect oneself. We see inner struggles and watch as they finally work through demons and on the way to self-acceptance.
This book will not be for everyone, but I encourage you to give it a go.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a great love story. Ayo has always loved Prince Yi, yet he never told him. Their story is so beautiful. They overcome obstacles to save each other. The love they show each other is so strong. This book is filled with adventure, magic, friendship, and of course love. This MM romance fantasy is all about how love can overcome all things.
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
4.5 stars
Earl of Griffith is the sixth captivating book in this second chance historical romance series Once Upon a Widow by Audbrey Wynne. I really like Aubrey’s work and this series in particular. Each book gets better than the last. Aubrey’s storytelling keeps you engaged as she brings her stories to life with her rich and vivid imagination and poignant details.
Her characters are really well crafted and fully realised and easy to like. I love stories written in multiple POV as it gives you an insight to their thoughts and feelings and you get a better understanding of who the characters really are.
This delightful story will keep you entertained. This is a sweet, sweet short romance filled with love and laughter.
Helen is ‘once bitten twice shy’ as the saying goes. Is it too late to find the love she always dreamed about?
Conway has been consumed with duty his whole life. Now he has found something infinitely more precious something for him. But will they give him a chance? Well, I am not going to tell you, you will have to read it to find out. Happy reading!
If you like historical romances, then this is a book for you.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. This is an M/M Paranormal Romance with a Friends to Lovers Trope. Our main characters Yi and Ayo have a beautiful love story. The story is well written. The characters have so much depth. The pacing is perfect. There is even humor sprinkled throughout. Yi is the crown Prince and Ayo grows up along side him. As they grow Ayo develops feelings for Yi as well as powers. When the King finds out he Exiles Ayo under false pretenses. When the kingdom falls under a Sleeping Curse Ayo comes back to save his Prince. If you like Fantasy/Paranormal Romance then this one is for you! 4 stars, definitely recommend.
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enchanting story of a woman torn from her life to marry a stranger. Cressida and Caravahl’s story is one of discovery and danger. I loved the way this story unfolds. As the mystery of the land begins to unfold, so do the feelings they feel for each other. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this tale.
Twisted Proposal: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revenge with a twist
This is book 3 of the Central Florida Stories which can be read as a stand alone. Ethan and Siena are a formidable couple. Ethan is Dom who takes no prisoners but he wasn’t prepared for Siena. With BDSM, mystery and smoking chemistry this is a a well written contemporary romance that has the reader in suspense waiting to see how it all turns out. Recommend.
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantasy romance
This was an amazing adventure, with beautiful imagery and strong characterisation. The story has a good flow and quickly draws you in. Cressida and Caravahi’s romance is one for the ages. It starts out as a simmer and builds to a roar. Recommend.
Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This isn’t my usual go to as far as genres and it still isn’t my cup of tea however, this book is very well written which I can always appreciate.
After many years of a successful relationship, Dane realizes something is missing and proposes changing things up and maybe adding another person to the mix. Both Mike and Dane find someone they think will make a good addition making their partnership a polyamorous relationship. This story follows their journey to navigate this new relationship.
As I mentioned, this book is well written. The relationships are complex and there is a lot emotion and drama.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cecily in the City” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1670736851l/65151631._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city”>Cecily in the City</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager”>Krysten Lindsay Hager</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5588133904″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cecily has two things she really wants to happen right now. She wants to become an actor and be on the same city as her pop star boyfriend. She struggles with keeping their relationship not only long-distance but a secret as well. After landing a gig on a popular daytime soap opera she can’t wait to move to the big city. She has seen all the negative comments left on other people’s social media pages, but hopes that none of that will affect what she is trying to accomplish. After starring in another huge stars music video rumors start to swirl and her relationship with Andrew becomes even more strained than it was. Will she be able to handle all the new found fame and haters that want to see her fail? Or will she have to give up on her career ambitions and start over? I really liked the characters in this series and had fun reading this trilogy. The author does a great job of roping you in and keeping those pages turning as you wait to see what will happen next.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
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~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~
“Toby Dorr’s memoir is a remarkable true crime story of redemption that recounts her unexpected descent into aiding a convicted murderer’s escape from prison. Though she had no prior record, Dorr’s story is a testament to the power of transformation and personal growth.
Dorr’s memoir goes beyond the sensationalism of the headline-grabbing escape and offers a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. Her story delves deep into the psychological and emotional challenges of incarceration, as well as the healing and transformative power of resilience. Through her own experiences, Dorr discovered a sense of purpose and direction in her life, despite the hardships of her prison sentence.
The memoir is a gripping and powerful tale of heartbreak, courage, grace, and redemption. It is filled with drama, action, and adventure, but at its core, it is a story of personal growth and self-discovery. Dorr invites readers to join her on a journey that explores the human capacity for change and redemption, and how even in the darkest of moments, there is hope for a better future.
For true crime enthusiasts, Dorr’s memoir is a must-read. It offers a rare insight into the complexities and nuances of criminal behavior, and the impact it has on those who find themselves caught up in it. However, the memoir is not just a tale of crime and punishment. It is a story of resilience and transformation, and an inspiring reminder that redemption is always possible.”
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr
“Toby Dorr dared the unthinkable. She liberated a handsome younger man, a convicted murderer, from Lansing Correctional Facility. Since completing her time in Federal Prison, Toby has achieved two Master’s degrees and rebuilt a broken life.
Through her memoir, Living With Conviction, you will feel all the heart-pounding, tear-jerking, heartbreaking, eye-opening experiences that touch the most primal human need, the need to be significant. A fascinating prison tale, through the lens of love, inspires change.
Continuing the movement, The Unleashed Series, implores women through twelve-week programs to escape what confines them.
Finally, a poetry volume, You Are Not Your Worst Mistake, features poems from Toby’s prison journals.
Featured in the Wall Street Journal, Anderson Cooper, Brooke Baldwin, Inside Edition, The Atlantic, and Dateline, Toby is a featured guest on podcasts, including the nationally-ranked Criminal podcast. A screenplay is in the works. A Lifetime movie, Jailbreak Lovers, was released in July of 2022.
Toby invites you to visit her website at TobyDorr.com
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ღ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ღ ✽ 
Drowning his troubles in whiskey, torn between the ones he loves, Ben risks losing everything he’s worked desperately to protect.
Formerly “cured” in therapy, Benjamin Jacobson is unable to further explore or accept his sexuality. That is, until the charming Caden Bensen waltzes into his independent coffee shop.
As Ben plays the role of picture-perfect husband and father of two, he relishes in hidden moments of a secret relationship where he can finally embrace who he is.
As the increasing weight of a double life demands to be acknowledged, Ben must choose whether he is ready to live his truth or continue down the path of destruction.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
Chelsea Lauren is a YA and NA contemporary fiction author. Chelsea has been writing ever since she had vivid dreams in middle school. The only cure was to write them down, and only then, did Chelsea realize she could become an author.
She’s an upstate NY native, establishing roots in her hometown with her partner and St. Berdoodles, Kaiya and Willow.
Chelsea is the founder of Represent Publishing, a self-publishing company dedicated to helping authors strengthen their writing, edit, and publish their novels. Her passion lies in helping others accomplish their dreams.
When Chelsea isn’t writing or working on her business, you can find her devouring books, snuggling with her pups, or having game nights with her friends.
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Sorrow and Regrets…
Lady Helen was a young, naïve girl when she gave up everything for a charismatic Irishman and eloped. Finding herself a widow after a few short years, she is disillusioned with love and raising a three-year-old daughter alone. Her homecoming will be bittersweet as she faces her family, asking forgiveness for the lies and the worry she has caused. But her first encounter in England isn’t a family member. Helen’s brother has sent a handsome Welshman to fetch her, and he soon charms both her and her daughter.
An unexpected ray of sunshine…
Conway, Earl of Griffith assumed his title and Welsh estate at birth. His world is gray, full of responsibility, and lonely. Griffith agrees to help a friend, escorting his sister from Bristol to London. At first sight, Lady Helen illuminates his dull world, and her daughter adds laughter to his life. But he senses the woman’s haunted eyes are not only from grief and wonders what secrets she holds close to her heart. As his affection turns to love, Griff must find a way to convince the beautiful widow that love is worth another chance.
A sweet Regency romance.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne
USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas and Regency series have received multiple awards and nominated numerous times as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she launched the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch early 2024.
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read! It is definitely reminds me of Harry Potter, one of my very favorite series. This book takes me back to being a teenager reading Harry Potter for the first time. If 35 year old me loved this, then I know 13 year old me would love this book! I cannot wait to read more in this series. A little fantasy and fun to keep things exciting!
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I started reading this book, I had really no idea what it was about exactly; this is rarely something I enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised by this book though. I was captivated and drawn in right from the start. This book is dark, twisty, romantic, and suspenseful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Miranda and efrem are truly a match made in heaven. Steamy and written beautifully! Perfect to be read as a stand alone with enough details that’s it’s not confusing. Or if you enjoy the popov men read the series. You surely won’t be disappointed.
Dive in head first to read about a smooth talking charmer that makes you weak at the knees and a fiery passionate bombshell female lead. You won’t be disappointed.