The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dan is a truck driver who does not have a license because he cannot read to pass the test. He is suspended and forced to drive with an instructor. He is teamed up with Jake who is a homosexual. Dan does not like this at all. As they drive the miles together, Dan and Jake form a relationship that neither of them expected.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is year 1665,in Scotland, and fifteen year old Kenna is struggling with her sister’s death. More than that, she discovers her sister did not die accidentally. Kenna suspects the culprit and murderer is none other than her sister’s husband, and she is now in danger herself. While on the run, a guard captures her in the poorest section of the city, Stewart’s Close. Accused of running from a home struck by plague, Kenna is locked inside the gates, where no one is allowed in or out. As word spreads that the young girl came from a home stricken with the plague, she is further isolated and shunned. Kenna has no food, money, or friends within these walls, and all she wants is to survive and avenge her sister. I am not accustomed to reading books set in this time period, but I love a good murder mystery. The author is new to me but I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure this story took me on. The plot was well written and easy to follow, and the character development was believable. I enjoyed that Kenna started out naive and scared but as the story matures, so does she. I really enjoyed learning that this book was also based on a real place and the amount of research done for the book is noticed in the subtle details. I definitely recommend this book and author.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a great book! Lily is a pop star that just wants to find someone to love and support her, and not just because she was Lily Tyler. Rhys, a divorcee who can’t find it in himself to trust anyone enough to date them, that is until he meets Lily. Their connection was undeniable. I loved the story so much. The characters are just so raw and honest.
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Braving Lily is the first book I’ve read in Morgana Bevan’s rockstar romance series but I was familiar with her writing from another series so I was excited to branch out. I really enjoyed this book overall and loved both main characters. I really liked watching as Lily and Rhys softened toward each other and watching the character growth and chemistry progress. This book was a great stand alone read that was easy to follow along with and I found myself looking forward to reading it each evening before bed. I was looking at what else the collection has to offer and I can’t wait to read more.
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lily is the lead singer for Brightside, Wales up and coming pop rock group. Rhys is a divorcee whose mother continues to try and set him up even though he’s not ready. Rhys recently divorced his now ex wife after he found out she was cheating with his best friend. So his first original date that was set with Lily he stood her up, so when she showed up at his house he had to at least have coffee with her since his mother had paid for this date. That’s when he became intrigued by her and he wanted to spend more time with her. The more time he spent with her the more he fell for her. However she is getting ready to go on a two year world tour, could things possibly work between them. Lily has started falling for Rhys with all the time she is spending with him, however when his biggest investor pulls out of his app production and she offers Rhys the money things begin to fall apart.
I had no idea that The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben held such powerful emotion when I first started reading. As I delved further into the plot and characters, my interest only grew. This story of love between two men is intense and charged with powerful emotions – rage, stress, irritation, and much more. It was the first time I had encountered this author, and they definitely left a lasting impression. Every aspect of the story made it richer and more substantial, with well-written characters and a riveting plot.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was written by a new author to me, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her. What I found is another great author I will be looking to read more of. This is an adventurous young adult story that takes place during The Renaissance period. As a fan of this era, I was not disappointed especially considering the main character was a member of a Scottish Earl. There were so many twists and turns I found myself holding my breath in certain chapters. If you, or someone you know, is a fan of this genre I highly recommend you read this story. You will not be disappointed.
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Braving Lily is a opposites attract rockstar romance that i enjoyed from beginning to end. Lily is actioned off on a blind date for charity and is stood up. Taking matters in her own hand she tracks the man down and he is very different from what she was expecting. Rhys was set up for a blind date by his mother even though he wasn’t ready date. But when Lily shows up at his door, they are hit it off despite the fact they are complete opposites of each other.
I loved both Rhys and Lily. They were great main characters that had difficult pasts they had to overcome and get passed. I enjoyed this book a lot and I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Kelly Covic is a new author to me but that didn’t stop me from digging in to Insomnia. I was very intrigued. A collection of original short stories that will have you looking in the shadows to see what lurks there. Where reality and horror blend into the unbelievable. Where twisted, spooky and creepy have new meanings. Where madness and mayhem reside. It will make you wonder if you need to pinch yourself to see if you are awake or not.
Reading Insomnia was like watching a movie where you put your hands over your eyes but you have to look between your fingers because you have to know what is going on. It’s like being scared to the point where you have to have your child turn on each and every light before you move. It’s like having your heart beat so palpable you think the neighbours can hear it.
But when all is said and done Kelly’s writing style and imagination will draw you in and have you intrigued. Each and every story is short but pack a punch.
If you like something that will make you jump and squirm then get on board the crazy train that is Insomnia.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t put this book down! I wanted to read this book because I just came back from Scotland and toured a close. It was fun to imagine Scotland during this time period. Kenna’s story is a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I could hardly ever predict what was going to happen to her next and I found myself anxious about some of the choices that she made and how the story would turn out. if you are looking for a book to keep you on your toes that will also give you some valuable life lessons, this is the book for you!
Reviewed by @jaderockslife
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was immersed into the story from the beginning. The author’s descriptive language painted a vivid picture which made falling into the pages so easy and it was clear that there was in-depth research done on the era and locations. This made the story feel more real to me and I love that.
I loved the protagonist, Kenna, from the very beginning. She came across as defiant and mischievous at first but as you get to know her and witness her evolve, there is an element of naivety regarding the world around her. Despite this, she is resilient and determined and that’s one of the things I loved most about her. She never gives up on the desire to seek justice and the strength this gives her enables her to power through the obstacles in her way.
The mystery in the book had me gripped, needing to know how the story would end and I enjoyed the journey of discovery to get there as I was met with surprising twists and turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way in which this was written. The characters were well-written and the plot was engaging throughout. I’ll certainly be looking out for more from this author!
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book completely took me by surprise with just how much I enjoyed it. I had read a few books “like” this lately, finding the shorter stories great as time fillers. I picked up this book thinking that I would be the same – easy to pick up and easy to put down. This was a mistake. As soon as I started reading this book I could not put it down until I had read all of the stores inside – sleep be damned! I thought this was a unique and interesting collection and I loved it as soon as I started reading. It was so well written and absolutely captivating. This is a new author to me and, as her debut collection, a great way to show everyone what you are capable of. I cannot wait to see what she will produce next.
His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Start to finish this book will captivate you. A real page turner egging you to finish it even if you read late into the night. I could not would not put this down.
When childhood friends / loves meet again it’s almost as if it’s a different life. A world away from one they once shared together. Would they be able to conquer the obstacles of love like Brandon’s friends? I had to know ! Captivated by the details I was easily able to paint a picture in my head. Leaving me hungry and wanting for more.
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A highly detailed return book that makes reality and fantasy blend ! A ton of detail for world building that reached a plateau. Shifting gears introducing the mysterious ways of this newly found life. How realistically written I was questioning myself through out the book if it truly was fantasy! I enjoyed the plot twists and turns. A slow but good strong finish.
Destiny of Light by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Quirk of destiny is a fascinating read; mysterious and engorging. I’ll admit the beginning feels slow with the mass of information to build a good platform of understanding. It’s not my usual type of genre. But I was pleasantly l surprised by chapter 14. So hang in there if you’re like me ! It really gets going with the twists and turns. Surprises increase as does the mystery! I found myself asking is it the end of the world ? Or are you just apart of an experiment ?
I definitely recommend for those who love mystery and don’t mind a very detailed almost realistic build up to get there.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries series and is set in early 1889. Emma, along with the Pinkertons, is back with an action-packed journey ahead of her and will face her toughest mystery yet. This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the first four, simply for enjoyment. Since book one, Emma has been one of my favorite protagonists, and I have loved solving mysteries with her. She is smart, brave, independent, and stops at nothing to find the truth – even when it involves her own family and well-being. This book will have you white-knuckling the book covers and flipping pages. It was a fast read and is definitely one of the better historical fictions I have come across.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Streets of Shadow is set in Scotland in the year 1665. The story centers around fifteen-year-old Kenna who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden, and unexplained sickness that has confined her sister to bed. When her sister dies, Kenna discovers that she was murdered by someone close to her. Suspecting she knows who the murderer is young Kenna turns to the one person with whom feels close to and can trust. She is whisked away to safety from her grandfather’s estate but instead finds something far more sinister and dangerous.
Suddenly, Kenna is on the run and finds herself kidnapped and taken to the city of Edinburgh. Her kidnapper locks her inside the gates of Stewart’s Close. Kenna is frightened at being thrown into the poorest part of the city with no way out. Even more frightening is that the local lawman raises a white flag and spreads the rumor that Kenna has come from a home that has been stricken with the plague. As she struggles to find someone to help her she is shunned and refused help because the townspeople are frightened of dying from the disease she carries. With no food, money, friends, or shelter young Kenna must fight to survive the harsh streets and the scorn of the locals. Will she be strong enough to survive and bring justice to her sister?
I was hooked on this book from the first pages and became totally immersed in the storyline and setting. The scenes were so vividly described that it felt as though I was transported back to Stewart’s Close in 1665. I was there with Kenna as she walked the dirty streets, hid in dark alleys, and traversed through underground passages. The characters were well developed and as the story progressed we see Kenna grow and mature as a person. She started out naïve to the harshness of the world and how so many people fought to survive and feed their families. She grew up with wealth, privilege and the luxuries of having servants and an abundance of food. Stewart’s Close was a whole different world for her and Kenna had to learn to fight and fend for herself in order to survive. Kenna ultimately finds out that she is even stronger than she realized as she fights for survival in a cruel world. This book was superbly written, and I am anxious to read more books by this author.
I loved the author’s notes at the end about where she found her inspiration for this story and the characters. I loved learning that it was based on a real place and that little Annie was based on a real little girl. Kudos to the author for bringing this little girl the happy ending she deserved. Bless your heart.
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rogue (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson. This is the story of Baz a warrior who has turned rogue and the only choice he had other than to go into hiding was surrender to Morrigan. When he finds out that Morrigan has lied to him he devises a plan to defeat her. When Baz has pretty much given up on finding his mate he meets her, Delaney. Baz and Delaney have a very intense relationship on all levels. They have a super intense romance and it develops very quickly.. When Baz finds Delaney that puts holes in all his plans to destroy Morrigan. This is a paranormal romance full of page turning action and friends to lovers romance What will happen between Baz and Morrigan? Will Baz and Delaney make their relationship work? Read this amazing fast paced romance to find out!
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Braving Lily (True Platinum Series Book 7) by Morgana Bevan. I loved this book mainly because instead of just a regular ole rock star romance the rock star is a woman. Lily is the rock star and the story starts off where she has decided to let them auction off a date with her for charity. When it comes time for the date she is stood up and typical rock star style she can’t get over it. She decides to look up this guy and she finds Rhys, a handsome guy who is divorced and really not ready to date but his mom signed him up. When they meet Lily realizes that Rhys actually feels something for her which he isn’t used to. The more they get to know each other the more Lily really likes Rhys because he could care less about her rock star status, She is worried what will happen when she leaves for her year long tour. Will they be able to continue the relationship or will the tour tear them apart.
Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 5 in the True Platinum series. The good thing is these books can be read as a standalone as each book features a different couple. In this story we are with Lilly and Rhys.
I loved the fact that in this rockstar romance the rockstar it Lilly. She is a fiesty, strong confident person who is fed up of having her love life spread all over the gossip pages. After her last heartbreak she has sworn off romance and is concentrating on her career which is really taking off. However all that changes when she auctions off 1 date and Rhys reluctantly walks into her life.
Rhys has his own past heartaches to deal with and dating is the last thing he ever wants to do especially not dating a spoilt star who always gets her own way. When his mum wins the auction he is given the date which is doesn’t want. When he stands her up hoping to save them both from wasting their time the last thing he expected was the star to turn up on his door step.
What follows is a story with a lot of chemistry between Rhys and Lilly but also a lot of issues of learning how to trust and love again. Will the rockstar walk into his life and change it for the better? Or will their lack of trust and past relationships and heartbreaks stop both of them finding the love they deserve?
With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With Fire and Sword is the fourth book in the Thunder on the Moor time travel romance series. It’s set in the Borders between Scotland and England, with the storyline moving between the 16th Century and modern world. I’d recommend reading this series in order – With Fire and Sword throws you straight into the middle of the action so you’ll need the rest of the series to understand what’s going on!
This is a fun story for anyone with an interest in historical fiction and research. I particularly enjoy the bits where Will and Maggie, helped by Rev Edward, are going through historical records and tombstones to try to figure out what happened in the time they left behind.
There’s plenty going on – action, adventure and a bit of magic as well as the romance! It’s a real page-turner as you jump between time periods and have to wait to find out what’s going to happen.
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series (read from the start!) to fans of historical and time travel romances.
Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. Bully romance is one of my top favorite genres and this author did not disappoint. I was pulled in right from the beginning. My emotions were all over the place, Riley and Cole’s story was nail biting and had my frustration levels high. They both had secrets and their attraction was intense. I loved these two characters, they are both strong, stubborn and will do anything to come out on top. Who will break first?
This is definitely for mature readers, there are some scenes that could be triggers for some. And the cliffhanger, ugh….the next book can’t come fast enough. I highly suggest starting with book one so that you can meet all of the characters. This series is one of my top favorites and I CAN’T WAIT until the next book in the series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Your Trainer Says Hi! by Indie Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good storyline. There is quick smart banter between all the characters. I enjoyed the dissension between Nadine and her business partner but the relationship that grew between Wick and Nadine was fascinating to watch. Despite the graphic and sometime kinky sex it went from spark to the ending everyone wishes with fun and flirty thrown in. I think Wick is a softie and liked Nadine since the beginning but did not want to step on anyones toes. Nadine is very smart and quick witted. She likes control and loses it a bit reluctantly at times but others she gives it away willingly.
Overall I did not see a lot of growth in Nadine or other characters but it was still a good solid story. It flows well and has a what will happen next theme that keeps the pages turning. I liked the grand gesture at the end and how they both had something they did not want to lose.
This is a first time author for me. This is the second in the series and I did not read the first. It was easy to fall into the story and the characters with no trouble.
White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book, it keep me engaged, and as a mother and wife, I felt connected to Julie. I completely understand the feeling of being taken for granted, and feeling invisible, like you really matter until you aren’t there to care for their needs, I relate to being boxed in or at least feeling that way and like there is not enough time for everything especially time to chase your owns dreams. I felt all the emotions and would definitely recommend this book to anyone, it is a great heartfelt story, and well written to draw you in and keep you in.
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s fantastic! Literally, a dark fantasy with all the elements you live and want. Mystery, monsters, and mayhem. The author’s writing style is unique, and it continues in this book to grab you by the throat. Great character development, twisty not sure what’s going to happen plot, and the delivery I have come to expect from this author. Great fantasy series!
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book by an amazing author. Perfect way to continue the series. I was hooked again by the characters and the plot of the book. This book was an entertaining read. The author knows how to make you want more and more with each turn of the page. I highly recommend this book.
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Be prepared to be fearful of bumps in the night. Covic has written a wonderful collection of spooky short stories which are captivating and leaves it up to you, the reader, to determine what really happened. Disliking stories that tie up all loose ends, I appreciated leaving something to the readers’ imagination.
I enjoyed the wide range of topics- from a magical trunk in an attic to a traditional haunted house, every story was refreshing. My favorite story was “The Attic,” because it keeps you guessing where the main character is going to end up. In all the stories, the dialogue and descriptions of the setting set the eerie tone for the reader. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book so much that I don’t know where to start. My favorite aspect is the main character -Gwen speaks to my soul – aging, but a total badass. Beautiful and strong. Takes no BS from anyone. Brassy and sassy and so engaging. So powerful and tough but a little bit scared under the surface. She is raw, genuine, and realizes she might not have seen everything the same in her 20s as she does when she returns for a summons to receive an inheritance from her hometown in Hoodoo, Texas. Hoodoo is about what it sounds like – paranormal. Different. Comprised of shifters, witches, vampires and more – and most of them believe she killed her best friend when she was 18.
While she grew up there and her family lives there, Gwen hasn’t called Hoodoo home in a long time. She bet on them believing in her and turned out to be wrong, so she hadn’t come back. When she is summoned for an inheritance with lots of strings attached, she does as she’s told and shows up – but she is hoping to be in town overnight, have the inheritance meeting in the morning and head out of town after. As per usual in her life, and in Hoodoo – things get mixed up for Gwen.
Th ere aren’t many people on her side in Hoodoo and she knows it, but after witnessing a murder she knows she can’t leave yet. Gwen deals with the entirety of the book and her life with humor, snark, a level of badassness that I hope to achieve some day – and honesty and raw feelings. I really felt like I was connected to her and it was so wonderfully written. Creative but realistic with the stories she has lived, I will be a Reggi Dupree reader for life!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ A Dress Like No Other ~
Absolutely loved putting myself back into my younger middle school/elementary years. Along with the other stories I read at that time, this book would have fit in perfectly to my tastes as a young girl. A strong female royal figure, adventure that is dangerous and necessary, friends that come along the way and last a lifetime, and so much more. This has everything you would expect for a new/novice reader to enjoy, and is definitely an appropriate read.
Princess Zarina is in line for the Royal Advancement Ceremony, a sort of coming of age moment for her. She gets the opportunity to make a deal with a tailor for the event that should make her night even more memorable. She ends up getting the dress, but it wasn’t exactly what she asked for, it’s something even more than that. This is when everything that was right…suddenly starts to go very wrong.
There is family turmoil, loss, and an evil in the world that Zarina must face if she wants to save her Kingdom. She must evolve, and adapt in order to survive in this world. Watching her grow is a magical journey you want to be a part of. The illustrations are so helpful to aid in the story, and they are fun too. Overall such a well written story, that just makes you feel good to read.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book full of short stories. Every one of them is fun and just creepy enough to allow you to use your imagination to the most. Great stories to read any day or anytime but extra creepy in the dead of night when no sound is being made.
