Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love that in this next story we get Arabella’s story. There were twists in the first book and Halley gives us even more surprises in this second book. Once again she did an amazing job and left me wanting more. Can’t wait to see what she has in store in Rose’s story.
Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I typically do not read historical romance, but what a wonderful story of two opposites being pulled together. The characters and plot are well-developed. The author has created a Cinderella vibe, however, in this story, Charmain has a lot of responsibility being put on her to ensure her siblings are taken care of. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who love an unpredictable romance.
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Sneaky Kitten
By: Lois Wickstrom
This is a charming picture book. It definitely involves a lot of using your imagination. I loved the story line of the boy and his grandfather. I also loved the illustrations, which really add to the storyline. I definitely recommend this as a fun bedtime story for elementary aged children.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t know this what part of a series! Can be read as a stand-alone but now that I know it’s a series, I’ll definitely be reading the other books. I really enjoyed this read and I love the way the author writes. Kept me interested since the very first page! Such a great adventure mystery book and i usually don’t read these kinds of books. Im glad I gave this a chance. I wasn’t disappointed. If you want a book that has drama, mystery and adventure with a dash of romance, read this!!!
Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After the tragic loss of the man she loved, Arabella believes herself cursed. In the wake of her eldest sister’s marriage and the new season in which she must find a suitable match for her younger sister, the last thing this Brightly sister expected was the sudden appearance of her lost love. Alive and well, Thomas Beecham has been dealing with his own problems since he last saw Arabella Brightly. Though I’m not normally into historical romances, I did enjoy how well-written this book was and the well-developed characters within. You don’t have to read the first book to read this one, it’s easy to follow the story line and the content is sure to hold your attention.
Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a brilliant historical romance all about second chances at love. I was drawn to the character Bella straight away and thought she was one of those characters that carries the book. I loved watching her develop as the story progressed and seeing her connection to Thomas.
The author really connects the story to the reader. The book has a bit of everything and it matches the strength of the characters. This was an easy book to read because I enjoyed it so much. I am looking forward to seeing what else is to come from this series.
Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Supernatural dive that has a very concrete story building that lateada the reader into so much more that meets the eye. Curses, lore, and a lost romance drives the main character to conquer amazing feats.
Overall a good read that intertwines so many twisting points and different characters. Very good read
Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a short and engaging story designed to make children think about the world around them. Although the themes of the story were probably slightly beyond my little ones this book certainly got my eldest interest in libraries. And while she may not have understood everything she loved looking through the images.
This is only the second book by this author that we have read but it was just as enjoyable as the first book. It is one we could all sit down and read together and I am looking forward to us all being able to discover more of her work in the future.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow start to a suspenseful build that is lead into a murder mystery with a thrill and turns so good they’re above so many others. As someone who came into this story mid-series there was no lack with picking this book up and quickly getting lost in the pages. It works as a stand alone but I’m thrilled to read the remainders that accompany this work.
Overall, a good read with a slower start but draws you in with time. This strong female lead with good character development was a nice read.
Jorja Knight was a once a crime lab analyst that decided she needed a little bit more excitement in her life, so she became a private investigator (PI). Jorja was hired to find out what happened to a man named Howard, who was also a PI, who had died by a fall however his daughter didn’t believe that it was an accident. I encourage you to read this book as it takes you on a journey that you could never imagine. From a Pre-Columbian artifact to an Art Gallery full of…. Well, I’m not going to tell you, you need to read it for yourself.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight was a once a crime lab analyst that decided she needed a little bit more excitement in her life, so she became a private investigator (PI). Jorja was hired to find out what happened to a man named Howard, who was also a PI, who had died by a fall however his daughter didn’t believe that it was an accident. I encourage you to read this book as it takes you on a journey that you could never imagine. From a Pre-Columbian artifact to an Art Gallery full of…. Well, I’m not going to tell you, you need to read it for yourself.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was not my normal type of read but I am so glad I did! I absolutely love the authors writing style. This was a fast-paced page turner that I did not want to put down. I kept thinking I had figured out where the story was going only to unravel more of the mystery. It definitely exceeded my expectations. Jorja is an awesome character and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. She’s a strong character and very well written. She is relentless in wanting to find the answers as to why several people have died. Jorja goes to great lengths to find the answers and how or if everything is all connected. The more she uncovers the deeper she has to go to find the real truth and who all is involved. If you are looking for a thrilling page turner, then this is the book for you!
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia. I have loved this series. I do think you will better enjoy it reading them in order they can be read as a standalone. This is Jorja Knight is a very good, very thorough investigator and when she is called to take on the death of a former police officer she jumps in with both feet. Getting into the investigation she finds all kinds of weird things, danger, ancient artifacts with curses and more dead bodies. The police are seemingly determined not to help her and ignore all the signs that this a case so she is convinced more than ever that they have something to do with it. Trying to solve this murder takes her into the victims cases and the last case he was working on which in turn causes her life to be in danger. Will Jorja be able to survive this case or even survive it?? Read this great murder mystery you won’t be disappointed!
Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2) by Halley Larkin. This is the second installment of The Brightley Sisters series and this one is about Arabella the sweet shy sister. The man Bella is in love with Thomas Beecham has disappeared and is presumed dead. Bella is put in charge of Cortwood Manor so she is focused on her younger sister’s debutante season. When she finds out Thomas is still alive and held hostage at another manor she is deeply hurt by his lies but figures out how to pay his ransom and bring him home. Still in love with him Bella tries to trust Thomas but he still has so many secrets she just doesn’t know. Add to that Rob Brightley trying to court her making her all confused. Read this fun historical fiction novel to find out what happens to Bella.
Revenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not sure where to begin with this book because so much happened. It is amazing and really well written. Everything is in the details. There are so many twists and turns in this book that once you think you figured things out, plot twist, and you are back to square one. This book kept me on the edge of my seat constantly turning pages to see what was going to happen next. The suspense in this book is a slow burn that build throughout the book. This book has so many things going for it that you don’t miss the graphic scenes or foul language, which are normally on my must read lists. I was able to keep a steady pace reading this book. I was able to get sucked into the story line and wasn’t able to stop reading until I was done. This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a stand a lone, I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series. It will allow you to be able to keep up with characters in the book faster. This can be done without reading the previous book but it will take a few chapters to really understand what is going on. If you do go in without reading the first book in the series, don’t worry the character development and the way the author goes in depth will bring you up to speed. I just recommend it because everything just builds with the characters. If you are looking for a fast paced suspenseful read, I highly suggest this book.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
View all my reviews
Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Paige and Beckett met, briefly, in college and had a real pull towards each other. Before anything could come of it, Beckett was drafted into the NHL and Paige ended up being wowed by an older man and getting married.
Beckett realized his dream and then proceeded to become the bad boy of hockey, with excellent plays and wins, hard partying ways and lots and lots of women he wasn’t interested in keeping around. He did, however, create a kids hockey camp, a restaurant and more and was very proud of the people he helped succeed through them. Paige pursued her dreams of flipping and designing, selling, and eventually pursuing building new houses, but her husband has seemed less interested in coming home to spend time with her in between business trips and the passion is lacking.
After the final straw of Beckett getting into trouble he can’t get himself out of, he finds himself back in town selling off all of the high end things he acquired through his career in order to pay off the people he owed money to. It turns out without all of the drugs and women, he is a pretty solid guy. When he meets Paige again, he makes a less than stellar first impression.
Eventually, he realizes they’ve met in the past and build a beautiful friendship. In the course of life, things change and they begin to have feelings for one another but never act on them – too afraid to ruin a beautiful friendship. Will they take a chance together? Is there a happily ever after for Andy and Beckett? This is a well written book with very likable characters that keep you invested.
Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining read about pirates and what they do when they are not sailing around the world looking for treasure. What do pirates do on vacation? Do they sing? Dance? Have campfires?
The rhyming really made the story fun to follow along with and the illustrations really brought the story to life. An entertaining read for children of all ages and will surely captivate children’s imaginations. A book worth reading over and over again!
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight Mystery series. Thankfully these books can be read as standalone books however I will definately be going back and read the books that came before. The author has a way of writing that keeps you captivated from beginning to end. This was one book where I was reading and kept saying one more chapter until I reached the end without even realising it. Each chapter leaves you wanting more.
I love our main character Jorja. She is a very smart and fiesty lady who is like a dog with a bone. She will stop at nothing to solve the mystery that is infront or her.
When an ex law enforcement officer turned PI turns up dead his daughter isn’t so quite to believe the cause of death was accidental as the police claim. Now Jorja is on the case to find out what really happened and why he had to die. With ancient relics, maybe a curse and for some reason the police not doing their job Jorja had to walk a dangerous path to get to the truth.
What are the law enforcement agencies trying to hide? Was it a simple accident or was it something more sinister? And what happens if danger now decides to lurk around her? Can she solve the case before its too late?
A cursed statue, a murder mystery and secrets and lies makes this one interesting page turner
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Caspian spots a kitten stuck in a tree, he wants to rescue the kitten. He goes home and puts on the Hot Chocolate Socks that he received for his Unbirthday from his Grandpa. He sets off on his flying broom to rescue the kitten from the tree. When Caspian gets back to the tree the kitten takes off in a flying saucer.
This was a cute little story about trying to rescue a kitten from a tree. The illustrations were beautiful and helped to bring the story to life. The general idea of saving the kitten from the tree was good, but I thought it was odd to pour hot chocolate on the socks. I also got a bit lost and confused at the end of the book when the flying saucer suddenly appeared. Kids would probably find the kitten to be funny with his antics. Overall, it was a cute story.
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this historical romance story. This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed her writing style as well as her attention to detail that gave her story a realistic feel. This is a well written story about Laurel and the life events she finds herself in, especially convincing her new husband of the danger he is in. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She is a strong character and connectable. The secondary characters are supportive and have great growth throughout. This is a story that I found to be fast paced and entertaining to read. A hard to put down story where the characters kept me coming back for more. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one if not better. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books from the first one I picked up by her. Her books are engaging and her writing style is such that she brings the story to life with her skills. This book is no different. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They made this book fun and entertaining to read. This is a hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. There is great growth and chemistry throughout the story. I truly enjoyed reading this story and what the characters brought to the story just added to it. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 of The Winemaker Series, this one was just as much of an emotional historical romance as Book 1, The True Purpose of Vines. There are so many feelings in the story from romance to heartbreak to the power of redemption. I found the characters to be so fascinating that I was hooked on the story upon starting it. This is not the story I normally get into but it truly had me engaged. The facts on Portugal, London Society and other historical items were fascinating and had you wanting to dive down the rabbit hole to learn more. It’s a very well written story that is truly a must read. Very well-done, author! I would give it more than 5 stars if I were allowed to.
Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beckett has the reputation of the bad boy of hockey but when he is linked to drug’s everything goes away overnight. His endorsements, his career and then his money have vanished, he is broke and broken, so the only thing he can do to save himself is sell his house.
Paige is a real estate agent tasked to helping Beckett sell his house, but she herself is having issues with a divorce and can she really be bothered to be charmed by an ex-hockey player, but as they start to get to know each other, things start to change and her feelings for Beckett start surfing.
This is a great story of strength and rediscovery; the story introduces two broken people and with a budding friendship along the way discovers that they aren’t as broken as they thought they were. Paige is trapped in a marriage, trying desperately to hang onto anything in the end it is just better to cut the tie, causing her to re-evaluate what she truly needs and wants. With Beckett it is a discovery that all his life he has had people telling him “Yes” and when he finds the one true person who cares enough to say “no” to him he starts to look closely at the person he has become and decides he does not like that person very much.
So as the story entwines both these characters you discover a blossoming romance and respect for each other. I can’t wait to read the next boo in this series.
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute and colourful
Another stand out magical adventure from this author. The Sneaky Kitten brings a fun storyline with amazing illustrations and imagery. Even though the writing is simple there is so much more within the pictures. As with the previous books in the series, Caspian and his grandpa are having a magical time with a very mischievous kitten. The story will very easily provoke imagination and discussion among young readers.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight prides herself as beginning a great investigator, so when she is asked to investigate a death of a police officer by his daughter, she is unaware what Pandora’s box will be opened.
As the adventure takes hold she discovers ancient Relics with curses, danger around every corner, more dead bodies and a target drawn on her back. Can she find out what is going on in time to save herself, you will have to read to find out.
This is the first story I have read in this series and although this book is the fifth in the series it did not deflect from the story at all. I loved the characters within the story and Jorja was a brilliant driver of the story and I felt like I was right there in the story with her solving the mysteries along the way. I loved the intrigue and the plot twists along the way which enhanced the book and the pleasure of reading it further. With the fast-paced writing and the gripping storyline you will devour this book in one day.
I will want to go back and read the first books and see how this great character was introduced to us in the first instalment in this wonderful series.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging and suspenseful
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was fabulous. I loved Jorja Knight. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, I could easily pick up information about Jorja’s past. I am keen to go back to book one and start from the beginning. If you love a good suspenseful read, with a mystery to solve, curses to watch out for and action, then this is the book for you.
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jessica Stone
The quintessential love story, this book was a fast an fun read.
Lily, trying to escape her boring, listless life and dead end job in London, moves to a small town in Montana after inheriting a Hardware store from a father she’s never known.
Jake, a longtime friend of Lily’s fathers, is immediately intrigued with lily upon meeting her shortly after she arrived, he’s bemused by her sailors mouth and posh accent, but even more so taken by her beauty. Known as the town playboy, he’s ready to give up his ways and settle down with lily, he knows she’s the one for him. The only problem is getting to know lily and convincing her that he’s no longer that man.
This book was fun, it’s very fast pace, which I loved, the characters have a wonderfully witty dialogue, and though the book felt fast paced the relationship built between the fmc and mmc was anything but. The romance was slow and sweet, drawn out just perfectly. I’m a sucker for a headstrong female lead, but even more i can’t help but getting sucked in by a male lead who acknowledges that female lead’s abilities, and powerful traits.
All and all a wonderful book, definitely worth the read, not my usual type but wonderful nonetheless, superb writing and story telling from this author, can’t wait to read more from them!
Love Tools, Bluestone Series, Isobel Reed, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Jessica Stone, December 2022
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The illustrations in this book are cute. Having read books by this author before I knew to expect a fun story for children. The author did not disappoint. Caspian uses another one of his Un-birthday gifts to deliver a cute tale about an alien kitty. Grandpa joined him and off they went on an adventure.
•°•☆•°• AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°•☆•°••°
The life Dahlia built in Sentinel City is over, shattered by betrayal and crushed beneath the rubble of a world she’s come to love. But, in the apocalypse, grief is a luxury none can afford. Least of all, the scaled vigilante fighting to protect them.
With half her team MIA, creatures rampaging the streets, and humanity facing destruction, Dahlia struggles to put out more fires than one shapeshifter can handle. All the while, the damaged veil between the worlds is eroding faster. Exits are multiplying, giving the blight free reign to devour all in its path. Relishing in the chaos: the mad scientist bent on seizing Earth for his own devious plan.
In a race against time, Dahlia must find a way to save what remains of this tragic new reality—before the Renewal extinguishes all life on the linked worlds. The dragon inside her is done sitting quietly in the background.
C.L. Schneider is an award-winning author of dark epic and urban fantasy, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. Born in a small Kansas town, she resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds Schneider creates, please visit www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with her on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.
‿ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ‿ (°◡°♡)
Portugal, 1872
An aristocrat haunted by his sins…
After losing his bride to a hated Englishman, Pedro Daun shuts himself in his winemaking property. Drowning in port, he hopes to find oblivion from his murky past in Mozambique.
A girl with dawn in her eyes…
Kind and whimsical, Anne Maxwell moves to the Douro to help her new sister-in-law. She dreams of finding the perfect suitor to give her the unconditional love she never had.
Shadows can taste light…
A twist of fate brings them together. Anne glimpses in Pedro’s eyes a yearning for love that rivals her own, but the cynical Fidalgo isn’t the perfect prince of her dreams. Pedro craves Anne’s touch more than the air he breathes, but he is unwilling to soil his angel with the sins from his past.
A conspiracy is revealed…
A false accusation turns them into fugitives. Running from a treacherous enemy, they plunge into an ocean of intrigue to prove Pedro’s innocence. As their passion grows, Anne discovers that love isn’t the perfect matter of fairy tales. But can Pedro forgive himself for his past and allow Anne into his heart?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My name is Giovanna Siniscalchi, and I have two passions: History and Romance. My goal as a writer is to transport readers to Portugal, where they can watch the sunset through majestic umbrella pines, taste bold wines, and sway to the sound of a Fado. I research every detail of my novels, hoping to make you treasure my grandparents’ country as I do. I grew up reading sweeping romances like Gone With The Wind and Count of Monte Cristo. What I love most about reading a novel is the sensation of having experienced something special. My goal is to recreate this feeling. You won’t find instant love in my books. My characters need to grow and overcome their flaws before they can experience true romance. I have a loving husband, who still is my hero and two amazing kids.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I love, LOVE, mafia Romance books. I’m a big fan of contemporary romance books and with this being a mafia one, I was in heaven. I was on the edge the entire time reading it. I had a hard time putting this book down long enough to go to work and bed. I’m excited to read the next book in this series.