Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a well thought out book. Even with it being the first of the series, I feel like I’ve known the characters for awhile now. Great storyline, great world building, great characters…
Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored this book as it follows Brinley returning home to lay low and hide from her stalker. This is where she meet cowboy Adrian who has lived in town since shortly after she moved away. This means they ended up having the same circle of friends but never meet until she returns. The attraction between them is clear from the beginning and IRight in Front of You, Morris Valley Gang Series, Brooke May, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Western, Romance just thought Adrian was the sweetest thing. Brinley was a strong female character and I really liked her relationship with her friends as well. I am a sucker for the kind of books where the man needs to protect or rescue the female and I really appreciated that the stalker part and climax of this book was not too intense and brutal. It was just suspenseful enough to get the point across but not too intense that I was overwhelmed reading about what happens to her. This wrapped up so nicely and it is clear they were meant for each other and I just loved the way it all came together.
TO
Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maureen is asked by her Grannie to come visit so she can measure her for a new sweater she is knitting for her. Maureen loved the last sweater her Grannie made for her so much that she wore it all the time. She wore the red sweater so much that her friends and family started calling her Little Red.
When Little Red sets off into the woods to visit her Grannie, she stops to look for purple cone flowers to take for her Grannie to use for tea. There are so many similar looking flowers that Little Red is unsure which is the one she is looking for. When a wolf comes along and asks her if he can help Little Red figures that she will accept his offer because he would know better than her. The wolf picks out some cone-shaped purple flowers and hands them to her. As Little Red is taking out her plant identification book to identify the flowers, she realizes the wolf has vanished. She continues on to Grannie’s house, but Grannie has vanished. It is now up to Little Red to solve the mystery of where Grannie went.
I loved the author’s cute twist on the classic version of the story Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red has some sleuthing skills under her belt and uses those to save her Grannie from the big bad wolf. Young kids will learn about science and fingerprinting in this story. This book had a bit of mystery and sense of danger to it with an underlying message about how it is unsafe to talk to strangers. As always, the illustrations were beautiful and really brought the story to life.
There is SO much romance, drama, and suspense in this one book alone! You’ve got Cassandra, who has grown up to one day, become an aerialist like her inspiration, Chandler Monroe. She ends up meeting and working with him at the Dreamers Academy, and there is really where their true story unfolds. I truly kept myself at the end of my chair reading this and couldn’t stop. I’m so glad I found this book, and can’t wait to read the next!
As a fan of Greek Mythology it was refreshing to get a viewpoint from a Greek God that’s played a pivotal role in Mythology, but often left to the wayside. Their are hundreds if not thousands of different versions Greek myths have been told and this retelling was a great rendition of some truly classic tales. The author as well as the narrator do a fantastic job in breathing life into these classic tales just as Prometheus and Hephaestus breathed life into the clay structures of man.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I enjoyed reading this forbidden romance story. A story where a teacher-student relationship turns into something more. What will happen when the past comes to the present? When fate steps in for these two characters, you never know what could happen. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story realistic. I had no problems connecting to the characters as they pulled me into their world. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout as well as the chemistry between them. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. A well written story that is easy and entertaining. A story that you don’t want to miss for sure. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
This is my first audio book by this author. I enjoyed what the narrators brought to the story. They brought the story to life on each page by changing their tones. This is a story where a teacher-student relationship turns into something more. When fate steps in for these two characters, you never know what could happen. This is a realistic story with connectable characters that create romance like no other. A story that you don’t want to miss for sure. I really enjoyed listening to this story and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to pick up the next audio by this author
With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Will and Maggie are building their new life in the twentieth century. That is until they find a note from Dylan telling them they need to travel back to the sixteenth century and set the fabric of time in order. Meanwhile IN the sixteenth century, Dylan has discovered that time is altering and he needs to somehow contact Will and Maggie to bring them back before events unfold that cannot be undone and will forever change the future. I liked the book, but would probably benefit from reading the previous books in the series.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, filed with everything supernatural in one town, a ton filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, demons, witches, and so much more. I absolutely loved Gwen she is a fierce strong-willed woman, a great person that could be a leader, knowing what she want and take no BS from anyone. This book was really fast paced but it I felt like something was missing, I wanted to know more about what happened before in the past. I wanted to understand what the reasoning was and to see and feel more on what she had gone thou. I really feel like there needs to be more back story. But this book was amazing and a really good read with the character development and the amazing pictures it painted to feel like you were really in this book. Can’t wait to know what is in store with all everyone involved and the adventure this will continue with.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I threw myself into this book so completely that when the end came, it felt like sudden cold air across my skin while I was warm & cozy. I didn’t want to stop reading for anything, & then the end just popped up & swerved me hard. I had to recover for a day before I could write this. Return to Hoodoo is PHENOMENAL in so many ways, & all the best ones. The author’s writing style is so unique & refreshing, & I felt like I was hearing it all from Gwen herself, like we were old friends. She is such a character to a root for, & I wish I could give her real life encouragement. & universe, could I PLEASE get an Ash ?? like for real. PLEASE. It’s fantastic that Gwen is 45 & still learning & figuring things out. That perspective of age is refreshing & comforting. Intriguing characters aside, the storyline & writing are equally incredible. Love Reggi Dupree’s voice, creativity, & style. All the other books in this series will be devoured just as voraciously expeditiously.
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Laura Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I want so much more of this book! Such a lovely story & idea. I wish there had been more of Niamh & Connor because they are just so sweet & their time together was delightful. Niamh is entirely lovely & Connor is so playfully sexy. & honestly, Andreas is on fire. I want to devour him & everything about him. Sometimes it felt like everything was moving too fast with no explanation, & there were definitely places that could have been elaborated on. I would have loved to spend time in those in betweens! The beginning of the book was so fun & flirty I was instantly enamored, but I do feel like that was lost in all the action & events & background information. I actually missed that vibe before it started to come back a bit at the end. Everything was still fantastic, but like I said, I just want more! The author writes poetically & beautifully, with magical descriptions & captivating moments. The sprinkle of steam was very well done, & once again I loved it so much I want more! lol gotta love a giving man if you know what I mean. I’ll most definitely read more of their work. Especially if they ever decide to fill this one out more, I’ll obvi be all over it lol
Review by @lalilovely
Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a series that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This one did just that, I could not put it down. As a night reader, This one had it all. So worthy of a night without sleep. Besides the fact that 3 different scenarios were all happening at the same time. No worries though, this author is through and keeps things unconfusing. You have a cry for help, a nasty divorce and poison pen letters messing with the mix. Which one will be solved first? Will the divorce hit home for one of the PI’s? Can help come soon enough? This author has a great way of writing a story to keep her readers entertained. Her characters feel like people we would be friends with. Everyday people with everyday problems. Although these problems I would not like to deal with. I love this series and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Review@cinful
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 read this and if felt like they could be rap lyrics. The rhymes and the flow was amazing. Trippy poetry indeed, this was a refreshing read. I would love for an artist to make some of these into songs for an anime or something. 5 stars for me. It’s been awhile since I read poetry that actually made me feel.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Ties That Bind series. This was a romance story but it was very unique for me in that it was set in the circus and was a romance between the mentor and his student. The author’s writing was so good I could actually picture the stunts that were being performed and the intense atmosphere around the performers. This romance is definately a slow burn but when it starts it is electric. The attraction has been there between Cassandra towards Chandler for as long as she can remember, so when she finally gets the position of learning under his guidance this is a dream come true for her.
However Chandler never thought for one minute he would fall for his student and with both of them having problems and secrets in their pasts the road to their romance will be anything but a smooth ride. The ending leaves you on a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to carry on reading.
This age-gap romance has a little bit of everything for everyone. Personally I could imagine how amazing it feels for Cassandra to finally be near her idol and as their connection grows it becomes such a rollercoaster of emotions you just have to hang on and hope you don’t fall.
Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sera and Markus, I love this pair. I don’t like you but I’ll kind of trust you. She needs a pilot and gets him to help her rescue her Uncle. I found this story to be entertain and fast paced. Lots of new characters to meet and grow fond of (or you might not). I kind of like them. The action is fast and the adventures keep coming. These two grow on each other. I enjoy this author’s writing. She’s very engaging and keeps you wanting more. This is book 2 of the series and I find that I can’t wait for book 3. I shall be eagerly awaiting.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a pretty good fantasy. Amy is a fairly strong character with some powerful magic. I found Amy to three-dimensional and courageous. She already lost night. She’s ready to battle Opal again. The story has a few glitchy spots which makes it hard to follow in spots but overall I found it an interesting fantasy to read.
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I just fell in love with Wylie. What a sweet character. Don’t we all just want to fit in? He’s really just a supernatural version of the everyman that falls into a mystery with his new friends. I found the storyline to be pretty good. Loving supernatural plots and mystery, I was intrigued and kept going. I actually loved the whole story. I would love to see more. Those characters are fun and what a group! They made for some good reading. I enjoyed it all
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a well-written and poignant memoir of a young-girl’s life in war=torn Sarajevo. It’s a first-person account of the horrors she went through. What a strong young woman. Her story of the run-In with the guys at the tanks and sitting in the basement to try to escape the bombing will sit with me forever now. This is information that is living history. I found this book to be a show of how strong people can be when needed. Being told in first-person POV makes it feel like they are telling it to you personally. A book that I would recommend to others just to get a real person’s view of their experience. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.This is a well-written and poignant memoir of a young-girl’s life in war=torn Sarajevo. It’s a first-person account of the horrors she went through. What a strong young woman. Her story of the run-In with the guys at the tanks and sitting in the basement to try to escape the bombing will sit with me forever now. This is information that is living history. I found this book to be a show of how strong people can be when needed. Being told in first-person POV makes it feel like they are telling it to you personally. A book that I would recommend to others just to get a real person’s view of their experience. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123255422-obedience” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Obedience” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678979587l/123255422._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123255422-obedience”>Obedience</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23250430.Liza_Snow”>Liza Snow</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5479845156″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh my goodness! This is a unique romance with a sexy little circus theme. The beginning scene with the description of him “making her his own butterfly,” was steamy and just invites you in for more. The story is good. I found the characters to be strong and written to bring you into the story. It’s not your typical romance. I’m looking forward to reading the next.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/150094264-shelly-kittell”>View all my reviews</a>
Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An alternative take on Red Riding Hood from an incredible author. This book is full of lovely illustrations and information on plants. Highly recommend.
The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story of the Romanov sisters, daughters of Russia’s last tsar. Mostly told from the viewpoint of the eldest sister, Olga, it offers up hope and possibilities in a fictional take on what might have been following their escape during the Russian revolution. While in hiding, the sisters share their aspirations of a better life and the author gives a glimpse of what it might be like dealing with the fear of being discovered and managing the aftermath of loss and suffering.
The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan. This is not my favorite genre but reading this series has changed my thinking on sci fi. I truly have loved this series. I do believe you need to read these books in order to fully understand and enjoy all the different facets. Harry is a “Traveler”, which is someone who has traveled many places and taken on many beings. In this book we find Harry as a Asian Mantis and he’s trying to find his way back to Tristan. Harry remembers every place he’s been and all the things he’s been so he uses all that information to help him daily. Wanting to find Tristan’s garden {his happy place} so that he can plan on what to do next he finds himself again in grave danger. Will Harry make it thru this being or will this be the last being he has become? This book is full of time travel, mystery, suspense and sci fi. Do yourself a favor and read this series today!
With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews . This is another great book in the time traveling series Thunder on the Moor. I would recommend reading them in order to better understand the characters and what is going on. In this installment Will and Maggie have traveled back to the twentieth century. They are finally going to be able to put all the craziness behind them and settle down or are they? When Dylan finds a way to contact them and tell them they have to come back because if they don’t history will be changed dramatically. If they don’t go back everything will be shifted and everyone’s lives will be turned upside down. This is such a fun historical time traveling series. The writer makes you feel as if you are actually in the 16th century. So grab this book and be prepared to read until you finish. Its that good!
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story follows Niamh el Ri’ili, Princess of the Emerald City Under The Mound, and Connor O’Brien, a vampire full of hatred and rage until he meets her. They meet through family friends, get to know each other through their shared love of music, and fall in love through the trials and tribulations they face back in the Emerald City. My favourite character is Niamh el Ri’ili because she is strong, independent, powerful, knows what she wants, and my least favourite character was, while perfectly written, Queen Desdemona because she is greedy, selfish, condescending, overruling. I recommend this book because it’s a type of love story I haven’t read before, it celebrates Irish culture, and it explores Irish folklore which was interesting to learn about. I would love to read more from Hadley Thorne. ‘It was clear to him from the moment he first saw her that she was his.’
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars
Imagine being a fourteen year old girl living in despair whilst her home town of Sarajevo is ravaged by war. Of having to witness family, friends and neighbours dying in front of you. Of having to live with the reality of bullets and bombs etc and of wondering if you will be next. Imagine trying to survive without the basic necessities of food, running water, electricity and no heat. Ten Thousand Shells and Counting is a historical memoir of just that. A retelling of a that young girl and how a cold and heartless war shaped her life.
This heart wrenching tale will leave you an emotional wreck. Nadija Mujagics incredible yet heartbreaking true story takes us into the horrifying and shocking journey of being a young woman and her quest for survival during the Bosnian War. Imagine the hopelessness for a life you had no control over, and the effect of a senseless war left on people.
Nadija decided to tell the world her story in the hope that no one should have to go through what she did. That no one should have to live through the atrocities that she did, and that history would not repeat itself again. The crimes against others and especially the violence against women that go unpunished. She gives us an eye-opening insight into the aftermath of what a war does to people. The deep scars that will always bleed and the ghosts that live within one’s soul despite the healing.
The blood sweat and tears Nadija put into this story is palpable and (hopefully) it was a cathartic release of pain and torment. If she were here in front of me telling her story, I would have to scoop her up and hug her. It takes a strong woman to reveal your inner demons and share your story with the world and I applaud Nadija for doing so.
Make sure you have tissues on hand because you are going to need them and a few good stiff drinks just to get through this memoir. It is a hard read knowing what these people went through and to see firsthand what the leaders in a war don’t care about in all their greed.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars
Operation Escape is the second book in the Space Force Rejects series. It is a unique and original sci-fi tale with fated mate’s trope. Make sure to read the first book in the series and the characters are intertwined.
This adventure story has a bit of everything that lovers of sci fi will enjoy. With experiments, altered DNA, tested loyalties, forced bonds, new alliances, lies and secrets you will not know who to trust and much more.
The characters are an interesting mob with a pansexual hero, a heroine who is a little naïve and out of her depth, and a ragtag crew of humanoid aliens and science experiments. It is easy to imagine this journey with these lovable quirky characters that Landra gave life to.
What should have been a simple mission leaves Sera and Markus fighting for their lives on an unknown and hostile planet.
This new world is full of action, danger, adventure with a little push and pull romance and is a story that should not be missed.
If you enjoy this sci fi or even if you don’t, give it a go.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Forbidden fruit and all that in this dark student teacher romantic suspense story. The story is original and intriguing as Liza takes us a look into the world of Cirque du Lys and some bondage and the beautiful art of rope binding like Shibari.
The story is told in dual POV which gives you a better understanding of the characters and where they are coming from. Ties That Bind is full of heat and suspense. This sexy age gap new adult romance is full of emotions, with lots of angst and plenty of chemistry! The age gap is significant and the communication between them was the cause of many problems due to dark secrets.
She is plagued by a childhood tragedy and has always longed for something that for so long has been out of her reach. Now it is all in front of her and what she doesn’t know is their lives have been intertwined and there is a past that may just ruin them.
He knows it’s wrong, but he is drawn in like a moth to a flame. But with a past that is full of secrets that should never be exposed between them it is unlikely that love conquers all.
We are left with questions and a cliff hanger which I hope we get answers to in the next book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars
Amy’s Rebellion is an intriguing New Adult dark fantasy story. It is the first book in the Gemstone Massacre Series and an enemies to lover’s romance. It is also the first book I have read by this author. I was not aware there is a prequel, War of the Twin Swords until after I finished Amy’s Rebellion. I would say reading the prequel is a must as it tells the story of Opal the clans and the war. There is much to be learned.
There is so much to keep the reader engaged with drama, action, and suspense, magic, magical lands, friendship, enchantress’s, assassins, gemstones, familiars, seers, evil intensions, a corrupt Magic Council, shifters.
Julia has given us mythologies based around Merlin and King Arthur with a new twist on Excalibur. It is a retelling of sorts that is unique with a plot is very well thought out. There are unexpected twists and vivid details. Julia has included a cast of different cultures and LGBTQ+ characters with strong FMC’s. Sometimes keeping track of them all got a bit difficult.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, and I will see where the next book in the series takes us.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
In this urban fantasy Yeti Left Home Aaron has given the reader a paranormal thriller that is original and humorous. This light-hearted quirky tale will have you laughing at times. Aaron is a new author to me so obviously this is the first of his work I have read. How have I not come across him before? I really enjoyed it. It’s my kind of oddity, quirky and all that.
Yes, the Yeti Left Home is right up my alley. Aaron is a man after my own heart. It reminds me of lots of my favourite supernatural goodness TV series all rolled into one. There are too many to name them all but Sanctuary, Grimm, Haven, Warehouse 13 and I’ll even throw in Eureka to name a few with their oddness, strangeness and let’s not forget the quirkiness and bizarreness.
Wylie Kang isn’t your typical mystical beast. This Yeti loves nothing more than to chill at his cabin by a lake. When a hunter shows up in his neck of the woods Wylie runs and discovers a whole new world for himself and friendships. When Wylie comes across the hunter again in the Big City what will he do?
I hope to see more from Aaron. I will go check out other stories by him.
Reviewed by @jennadb
..••°°°°••..
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ..••°°°°••..
Reach back in time with riddles and rhymes, poetry lines, and split designs!
Stimulate your imagination and open your mind to a psychedelic and enigmatic assemblage that ranges from tributes to The Beatles, Pink Floyd, head-banging heavy metal, to vinyl records, slam-poetry, superheroes, mind-altering possibilities, and the Jekyll and Hyde living inside each of us. Euphoric Wonderland blossoms out of madness, grappling with psychological issues through humorous and uplifting vibes.
Shining like a beacon for curious minds, this eclectic collection offers a moment of reprieve for those who want to forget about their mental health-related challenges, gifting you with light, laughter, and inspiring you with a message of hope. Euphoric Wonderland carries you down a rabbit hole of unusual and trippy experiences giving you a newfound perspective on love, pain, life, and the joys – and struggles – of existence.
*Now in Full-Color with art by Matthew Revert*
Euphoric Wonderland is Ryan Becker’s seminal literary work which was largely inspired by the relationship he has with his parents, both of whom are poets in their own rights and words. His father is a self-taught classical pianist, as well as an avid Shakespeare fan and aficionado. Those two elements of the fine arts were instilled in Ryan at an early age and were quickly absorbed through his father’s reading to him about famous musicians and writers.
As an avid collector of vinyl records, upon hearing the music of The Beatles for the first time, specifically their Abbey Road album, Ryan knew his destiny was to write. “Every step of this life’s journey is a learning experience,” proclaims Mr. Becker. He further adds, “The Beatles taught me how not to have hate in my heart, why we must help people in need, and to never hesitate to openly express my feelings in any situation.”
Ryan credits his even-tempered, soft-spoken mother for his development as a human being. He tries to emulate her cool-under-pressure manner as well as her kind and empathetic heart, which she shares with anyone in need. It is those characteristics he’s inherited that allow him to express himself through his writing.
Ryan’s childhood carried with it some undeniably emotional bumps and bruises, explaining “Everyone has struggles, and many have their inner demons. The only way for me to exorcize them is by taking them out of my brain and putting them down on paper.”
Writing can be a wonderful escape from reality as well as a fantastic way of feeling comfort within one’s true reality.
Watching reruns of Smallville on repeat, Ryan asserts that the character of Clark Kent, portrayed by Tom Welling, has taught him a few things about growing up. For example, it helped him learn how to speak and interact better with others—trust in people who treat him right and never disregard someone who has his best interests at heart.
It is why he proclaims, “Don’t ever let anyone take a torch to your dreams. Use that fire to motivate you to achieve your greatness, no matter in which arena you might be endeavoring!”
