Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book of the Space Force Rejects series and absolutely delivers! Loyalties are tested, new bonds are formed and soul mates activated. The story is a unique sci-fi tale with fated lovers line. The novel is unique and a page turner. If you loved the first book, the second one will not disappoint.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Obedience is the first book in the Ties That Bind series by Liza Snow. It is a romantic suspense with an age gap, forbidden, dark, teacher/student trope, tension, slow-burn, chemistry, circus theme, mystery, steam, areal performers, Shibari binding, opposites attract, drama, and angst.
This is a story of longing, obsession, and obedience. A childhood outing to the circus sets off a yearning that soon borders on obsession. Turning from fan to protégé, past to present, darkness into danger- all while fulfilling fantasies. There are plenty of ingredients to make this a captivating read. But it is quite a slow-burn, which at times was very frustrating. Along with the fact that some of the transitions were quite abrupt, which invariably ‘pulled me out of the story’ every time it happened- making for a bit of a turbulent read. I also felt like the last third of the story was really drawn out and I found it hard to ‘stay immersed in the story’ and keep my mind from wandering. This book also ends on a cliffhanger- so everything is set to continue in the next instalment.
I did find the premise and characters intriguing, so I will need to read the next book to see where we go from here…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Liza Snow!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The artwork, the pictures, the beautifully put words, all of it just comes together so nicely. I have always been a fan of poetry. But this is just amazing. I am in love. It has such a smooth vibe to it. I see his life put right infront of me; all the ups and downs. There’s plenty of refernces of music, books, and movies that it really is just overall such an amazing read. The images of myself at the hospital back when i was younger, was probably the most impactful thing. I love it. Thank you for this masterpiece.
The Sweet Temptations Trilogy by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Sweet Temptations Trilogy: A why choose Age Gap Romance (Sinful Delights)
I was surprised by how fast I was able to read the entire Trilogy. I had anticipated it taking more time. Some of it was due the length of each of the books, then there was also the fact that I found it hard to put down.
There isn’t the character development you would see in normal length books but that didn’t take away from the books and the steam.
Richard has experiences that a lot men have at the very least fantasized about and a some have experienced. He made some mistakes that lead to more problems for him.
I would definitely try reading this if you have a quiet weekend at home with no pressing commitments so you don’t have to put the books down.
Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by the talented Landra Graf, the first being Operation Pinpoint which is the first book in the Space Force Rejects series. At first, I was slightly disappointed that this book didn’t pick up where the first one left off as it was a cliffhanger, but I quickly swallowed those words as the world became more complex. Told from two perspectives once again you get a bigger understanding of the original plot of book one and learn more about the Space Force and how terrible they are. Book one does not have to be read to understand this book.
Sera is the daughter of the head of the Space Force, but she was deemed a failure by him due to her small size and he ordered her the termination of her. Uncle Garsett (Dr. Garsett in the first book) is the person who saved her and raised her. He was the only person to believe in her and now three months after his disappearance she finally can search for him herself. Markus Engle, once Captain in the Space Force Special Ops, and a talented pilot is the only person that she can trust now. While raising her, her uncle told her repeatedly that in case of an emergency to find Captain Markus Engle he can help and will protect you. Blindsiding him, Markus is obligated to help her, if he refuses the bond her uncle forced on him will cause him physical pain. During their mission, they both constantly fight the bond that he knows about, but she is clueless as to what is happening to her and why she has such an intense magnetic pull to this man she has just met. Quickly her carefully planned mission is flipped on its head when her informant steals their ship and leaves her and Markus stranded on Earth, the prison planet with no way to escape. With the help of Paavo (Hirudian), Cy (Levian) and Haylee (splice, human robot hybrid), Markus has no choice but to try and give trust before it is earned to ensure that Sera survives and makes it off the prison planet alive.
How can Sera be such a menace and yet so innocent and naïve? Can all five of them trust each other to make it off the planet alive? Is this bond truly pheromones only or is it deeper, is it more? The world the author created in the first book is filled in more with this book, leading to more adventures and deeper bonds formed over time. Nothing is given, everything must be earned. Reading about the characters overcoming the obstacles placed in their way while growing closer makes you route for them from start to finish. I cannot wait for book three to learn more about this amazing world and characters.
Noah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was like X-Men revisited. Evil mastermind, mutants, bullies, paranormal, sci-fi elements, everything a teen adventure ought to have. Teenager Noah had plans for summer, he had his hopes on a summer program which will shape his future. But all the plans crash when the city is over run with mutants, who are on the path of destruction. To stop these monsters, Noah has to get to the bottom of the mystery and find out the larger hand at play which is causing the destruction.
The book is very engaging from beginning to end, the storylines are well thought of and the characters well rounded. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
The Sweet Temptations Trilogy by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a collection of 3 short stories surrounding the same plot.
I definitely understand why the author is called the lord of lust, because these books are definitely full of it.
Richard is a man who ends up tempted by not one, but two women in the series and falls to their temptation. The book is marketed as a “Why Choose?” polyamorous relationship style erotica; but I’ll be honest, the book just wasn’t it for me. I really despised Richard and also Alice throughout the books, because even though everything was right in the end, the way they got there just wasn’t it. It could be your cup of tea, but the plot and story writing just wasn’t mine.
Happy reading!
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an amazingly compelling, emotional memoir recounting the authors experiences as a teenager living in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war in the 90s. I was captivated by her story. The writing style, in her voice, is relatable and easy to read. I was shocked by how relatable she was though from a completely different background from me and the experience of war she recounted; however, this relatability made the story come to life even more and better illustrated the shock of the events that changed her life forever. The story comes to life through the pages and the reader is transported to that time and can’t help but imagine and feel like it is happening to them. This is a riveting coming of age story in unimaginable circumstances. I’m not generally a huge fan of memoirs, but this one is well worth the read!
Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this 8th book of the Madeline Dawkins Series, the team is taking on 3 new cases that keep them busy – a missing teen, a divorce case, and a senior living facility receiving threatening letters. The team must work their magic to help out with these cases. Although these cases are pulling the team in different directions, they continue to touch base with each other.
Like the previous books in this series, the author does a wonderful job world building, the characters are well written, work together like a well oiled machine, and overall make the story very enjoyable. I think it helps to read the series in order to really get a feel for the characters and how they come to be part of the MDPI team. If one didn’t have a chance to start at the beginning, they can be read as standalone books.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins is a great mystery/ criminal book series
The Pinkertons and Emma become embroiled in a heartbreaking case in January 1889. Emma and Jeremy struggle to support one another as they go through a difficult and emotionally taxing case that puts both their partnership and their investigative skills to the test. When that one appears stable, Emma, our brave detective, is forced to help three families who have contacted her. A central figure is a man they all know well. These two puzzles have a connection to Emma’s past.
Lastly, at home, a stranger with a troubled background who has infiltrated their small, close-knit family upends her sanctuary in a routine home life. Is he who he seems to be? The solution might lie in favor due. Criminal investigations, action, and adventure!
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique romance story. The story really brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You ever started reading a book and just liked how it sucks you in and makes a completely different world for you; Return to Hoodoo did just that for me. The beginning few paragraphs grab your attention and just take you. You’ll get a giggle and you can just hear the narrator’s voice speaking in her twang and full of attitude. This book is fun full of everything you want, magic, romance, and more. A great read for those days you just need to escape and have a laugh with a great story.
Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ian has paid a price due to his addiction to magic and has scars from it. The resistance has fallen, and lives were lost. Ian Troy is now in hiding. From hiding, he tries to save his people but there is a problem. His powers have betrayed him and every spell he casts he is in danger of becoming more of a beast. Will he be able to end the spell that is trying to end him? Will he be able to save his people once and for all? Find out in Magic Borne.
The characters are diverse and loveable with relatable feelings. Behind every uncovering is a new mystery just waiting to unfold. The entire series is enjoyable and each book flows into the next smoothly. The magic in these books is unique and interesting. Twists, turns, magic, mystery, adventure, suspense, this series has it all.
I highly suggest picking up The Crown of Stones series. It will leave you wanting more up until the last page.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story! I really enjoy the whole paranormal theme plus this has characters that are midlife. I liked seeing her struggle with her past, current and future. This is one of my favorite tropes and this one held up to what I expect. The story is fast paced, has snappy dialogue and tons of characters. I came to care about Gwen and wondered what was going to happen with her. She is smart, witty and has a great sense of humor. This easily comes through with every scene she is in.
The secondary characters are plentiful and delightful. I love the town and the different townies. I really learned to care for a lot of them and wonder what will happen to them in the future. I look forward to finding out.
Overall this suspensful story really held my interest. It does end with this story being completed but the future of Gwen and her friends will be found out in future stories.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this. I wasn’t sure how I would feel since I don’t normally go for poetry books. I found some of the poems very cathartic and was able to feel them personally. I would recommend this for someone particularly who is inspired by music.
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ian Troy was captured and tortured by his enemies. Drugged to keep his magic suppressed, Ian Troy is broken. Even though the Shinree are no longer slaves, they are living in fear and are nowhere near free. Ian is starting to find that he is not who he used to be and strives to find the truth behind his connection to the Crown of Stones. Can Ian help his people not live in fear? Does he ever find the truth, or does he allow his magic and addiction to be his undoing? Find out in Magic Scars.
The second installment is full of loveable and relatable characters as well. The story unfolds with no confusion and is a stronger piece of writing than the first. Readers will go through Ian’s trials and tribulations with him while feeling the feelings he has.
I highly suggest picking up the Crown of Stones series. The stories are riveting and make you want more. I cannot wait to find what happens in the third installment.
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A nice little start to this series. We get a decent introduction to all of the main characters a year before the events in Savage Lies. Riley and her mother are in a new town again, and only this time, things are different. Her mother says they will be staying a while and to get comfortable, but Riley is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies picks up a year after the events in Savage Start. Riley and her mother are back in town once again, and Riley has every reason to be weary. Her mother assures her they are there to stay and that she needs to get comfortable. The biggest problem she has is Cole Savage and the fact that he will do anything to get her out of his life and town.
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Shinree is a group of people that have an affliction to magic. Their magical spells can be deadly, which is why they are bred as slaves. Drugs are used to suppress their magic. Shinree, Ian Troy, is the descendent of soldiers and fights to end the war against the Langorians. When all else fails, Ian turns to the Crown of Stones against orders. The Crown of Stones is an instrument of power. Unknowing of the true nature of the Crown, Ian uses it to end the war but has a price to pay. A decade later, Ian is a bounty hunter and tries to put it all behind him. Ian is then targeted by an old enemy Shinree and is forced into using his powers once again, being pushed to race to control of the Crown of Stones once again. Is Ian able to regain control? Does he overcome his fear of his own powers to save the land of his people once again? Find out in Magic Price.
Magic Price is full of fun and loveable characters with relatable feelings. It is full of action, adventure, suspense, and fantasy. The story unravels smoothly and leads to the reader wanting more. At times, the story became slightly confusing, but it does all come together at the end.
Overall, I highly suggest giving Magic Price a try. It is a grand fantasy read with twists and turns and a cliff hanger. The confusion will go away as the story unfolds.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I admittedly have never read a steampunk genre book so I wasn’t sure what to expect but was blown away by this story as the author must have done immense research.
Its the Victorian era, mid 1800s in France and we meet Jacky a studious serious mechanically inclined borderline genius and her sister Angie who is carefree has a zest for life and quite often needs to be bailed out by her sister in many questionable situations. They board a train, but the train ends up having a mechanical failure and Jackie is shocked to find its not run by normal means, and Jacky wants to figure out the mystery behind this train, this also leads them to uncover so many things including a war about to outbreak. Can these sisters stop the war before it starts?
This book was a lot of fun. Jacky and Angie did a lot of growing up as I got through the story and worked together like true twins do. I was fascinated by all of the true to history Victorian era items in the book and really enjoyed also the Paranormal that was part of this book and somehow this historical fiction and Paranormal and steampunk came together flawlessly with excellent attention to detail. This has opened my eyes to a new genre I’ll want to explore further.
The world as you know it does not longer exist. The war between angels and demons has involved the human kind and the results are horrific.
Cyrus and Jace, the first a messenger from the skies has fallen in love with the second a exile from the celestial community after breaking the laws has a watcher.
In the battle field of Sin City the different types of angels and demons make the life of the place a living hell, the lack of order and discrimination against each other had made the lovers torn apart. Forces of each legion will ensure the chaos prevails so the goals are reached.
Cyrus will seek to find Jace against all judgment, and Jace will try to understand the new role that the consequences of his actions now bring him.
Sera Kain must find out what happened to her uncle, the only human being who ever had given a damn about her. With the limited conditions of her physic not much can be achieved, but her mind is and always will be the best of her assets, she just needs the help of a warrior, and she knows exactly who he is.
Markus Engle quit the space force for all the corruption and discrimination that the place provoked to the entire universe, but his past will follow him to the ends of the galaxy.
The story of humans literally made for each other based on the science of another race, bound to be mates against all odds. Their adventure will take them back to the place where humans were created, the Earth. Danger and romance combined to create a place where the opposites complement each other just the right amount.
Along the lines of this book you may find a journey full of chaos. The story that is not a story per se begins describing the life of a person, how he came to the world and the development of his interpretation of the environment where he grows up.
The author has a singular way to describe the lack of self awareness, the feelings of not knowing where the north is and where it may lead, if it really leads somewhere and if that place is a goal to achieve or to reach.
Full of touches of anxiety and depression the general path it follows makes you remember when you were at middle or highschool, your personality shifting and converting your mind in a place where you rather be instead of having to work against it.
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an emotional read. I remember the war in Sarajevo – I was a teenager. It made reading this hit close to home. The take on the war from a teens perspective is interesting – having to stay home, often inside without windows and doors open, not being able to see friends and family, wondering where the next meal will come from is not something most teens have had to face. I appreciated the candor and realistic view of this story.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Before discussing the poetry, I need to say how much I loved the backgrounds in this book. I originally read this on my kindle but went back through on my phone later to be able to fully appreciate the colours used.
I loved the variation in the poetry, they weren’t all the same types of poems so it never got boring.
Some were deeper than others, but all were great. There were a mix of subject matter and the language used was broad. I enjoyed looking into the areas/words I didn’t know and learning more so I could understand what the author meant in their pottery.
I’m not sure what else can be said except I recommend you experience this poetry for yourself, it’s worth it!
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The perfect book to accompany you on vacation to a secluded cabin in the mountains and around a cozy campfire. I used to be an avid horror movie and book nerd, but have ventured away from that genre, since I found it difficult to find something to pique and keep my interest. This author lured me back into my old love for this genre. She has done an amazing job at creating short, yet rich and skin-crawling creepy stories. It takes a good writer to create such a detailed world and complex characters in such few pages. I can’t wait to reunite with my old love of horror through more of her writings.
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was action packed and felt like so much information, action, and events in one book! Ian troy is the main character and I truly enjoyed getting to know him. He is a Shinree magic user who after finding the crown of stones accidentally killed off two armies. Learning about the use of magic through the stones was very interesting. Ian wakes up to the devastation, hides the crown, and leaves the kingdom. Ian then taught himself how to stop using magic and we find the story comes back 10 years after the battle. There are so many other likable characters like Jarryd and Malaq, his two companions on his way back home to help the Rellan palace and the Queen battle against the Langorians. Sienn and Neela are strong willed women in Ian’s life and keep the story moving. The kingdoms that have been created and described in this book are amazing and sound like ancient times with castles, men on horses, and a lot of sword fighting. Ian finds himself in so many battles and it seems that the fates are against him. I am starting the second book now to see where the story goes next!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting
By: Nadija Mujagic
This is an amazingly well written memoir about the author’s experiences living in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. This book gives the reader a first hand look of what it was like to live during a war. It shows the absolute atrocities that the author faced and saw but it also shows how she did not lose her sense of humor or the fact that she is still a normal teenager with hormones. This book is so much more than a memoir of living during a war. It is really a coming of age story. A tale of how the author found who she was while living in a war. This is a story of persistence, of how hope endures, and all in all I believe that this is a must read for everyone, young and old, because I believe there is something in Nadia’s story that we all can learn from.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Obedience
By: Liza Snow
I truly loved this book. I have only read a few books that take place in a circus and every time I forget just how enchanting and complicated of a setting that is. In this story, Cirque de Lys is its own world and as the reader you are completely sucked into and captivated by it, at least I was. This world is full of suspense and twists and turns as well as an absolutely spellbinding romance. It includes super steamy scenes that it is easy to get lost in. This is definitely a book that builds up to its burn but when its over, you are dying for the next book. I know that I cannot wait to reenter the world of Cirque de Lys again.
Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Breach of Trust is the 8th book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton and it does not disappoint. I have really enjoyed all the books in this series so far, the author consistently comes up with engaging and enjoyable stories. In this book the team at MDPI have 3 cases on the go; a messy divorce with an abusive husband, who reminds Madeline a lot of her own experiences; a missing daughter who had left to join a cult; and a poison pen who is terrorising the residents of the facility where Madeline’s father, Mack, has moved into. I love how the suspense builds throughout the book and that each story gets its fair share of attention. A definite page turner.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love poetry and I love John Lennon so I was thrilled to read these. I found it sounded better reading it aloud though because my head scrambled the words and they just didn’t sound as good. I think ‘Pain Pain, Mental or Physical It’s All The Same’ was my favorite of them all though; I loved them all but sometimes things just connect you know. I’m glad Ryan Becker loves writing and shows the world a different set up of poetry with this lense.
