Posts

I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Love You Today… I loved diving into the story of Austin & Casey.
Austin is left with a shattered heart when Mavis, whom he loves and helped in her time of need, chooses twin his brother. His career is going phenomenally well at his law firm; making partner is his dream. In the meantime, Austin has the opportunity to setup the newest law office in Chicago.
Casey is a sweet and clumsy bartender who happens to be the biggest Cubs fan ever. She is also Mavis’s best friend and roommate.
Casey and Austin instantly fit together, despite the obstacles ahead of them. Casey is finally following her dreams when Austin’s biggest dream comes true. He’s forced to choose between his dream in California and his heart in Chicago. Which will he choose and will it be the right decision?
I was on edge going through every emotion with Austin and Casey. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series!

View all my reviews

Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though I usually stay away from books with AI and that line of futuristic plots since they generally felt like drier reads, I decided to try this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the thorough character development and world-building. Though there is a fair amount of jargon in the story, it didn’t hold back on the actual meat of the book and I could read through it without too many interrupting thoughts. I enjoyed the descriptive voice of the characters and the overall plot of this book. I may just have to give this side of Sci-Fi a try once more, now that I’ve found a book that I’ve actually enjoyed.

View all my reviews

Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a funny book. It is very accurate for real life siblings. Fight and fight and fight then they are completely fine and over it. My 5yo son and I enjoyed this book. Another good one from Lois Wickstrom. Though it’s not my favorite from what I’ve read of hers, it is cute.

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Christine Baranek

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

More Than
By: Diane Barnes

I LOVED this book. This is definitely the type of book with a main character that is so relatable. I think that most women can relate to that feeling of losing themselves. Peggy lost herself in raising her children, who no longer need her. Now its time for her to reinvent herself, or find herself again. She is obsessed with a television show with a medium who can talk to the dead. This makes sense, since she lost her husband years ago. She is always starting a new diet – tomorrow – especially since the dr is harping on her. However, as her kids are leaving for college, they give her a gift one that might just be the key to finding herself.
I do not have any children, yet, I found myself really relating to the character of Peggy. I could relate to the not knowing who you are anymore. The always thinking that the next diet starts tomorrow. The longing for something else, something different, something for her.
This book was amazing and is definitely something that I didn’t want to end. I can not recommend this enough!

View all my reviews

Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Shannen Kern

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This sci-fi book is incredibly unique and though it took me a little bit to get into it, I enjoyed it. The flow of the story can be a little bumpy at times, but it was a great read overall. I loved the characters! Nialla and Bishr were truly fascinating, and even though this is a futuristic read it remains relatable. They explore their independence, enjoy life, and jump wormholes…but they end up making a discovery that could mean big changes. This was different from most sci-fi that I have read, and I can’t wait to see what the next book will bring. I highly recommend picking this up for an eccentric time-traveling adventure!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Paloma Fierro 25/11/2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Mavis had had her share of rain during her human development, without a home and counting only on her brother the challenges had never stopped her. Her heart was stolen by a guy, and he never gave it back, the red thread of destiny united their hearts, souls and cosmic particles as one before the time was ever created. oh but make plans and God will be laughing at you, an unexpected event will turn her life upside down and she will not drag him with her. 

 

Josh is a boyish guy who could not want for anything in the world, with this mind on college and the perfect girl by his side he is ready to take the world by its edges and have it all. But the dreams and hopes of a teenager will crash against the crude reality of adulthood, the unknown waits for him and the lack of preparation for what destiny has in store for him will surprise him, taking him into the darkness and leaving him with a mystery inside himself. 

 

 The thrilling romance of a second chance love is the captivating prologue of this story, buckling up for a little bit of human selfishness and a lot of reminiscence. 

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a brilliant fantasy book steeped in Norse Mythology, taking concepts that are well known and putting a unique twist on them. From the first page this book grabbed my attention, pulling me in and not letting go until the end of the book. It was fast paced, action packed and really knew how to put on the intensity.
The characters were great to read about two. I thought they were well matched and I found myself wanting to read more about them. This is a new author to me and I was really taken with how good this book was. It is one of the best mythology books I have read for a while and I will be exploring more of them work very soon.

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jennifer Ramos

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story focuses on Peggy’s transition from being a stay-at-home mom to her twins, daughter and son, as they leave for college and she embarks on her new way of life. With her husband passing away when the twins were away from a tragic accident, her sole focus has been on her children and making sure they are on the right path towards independence and making the right choices. Now she must find her own way and take better care of herself. She meets some unexpected people that help her in ways she didn’t think they ever could. As a result, she starts developing habits and goals to strive for a better self.
So many mothers and fathers can relate to this story. We as parents heavily focus on the children’s successes and activities that we tend to leave ourselves in last place. I myself have fallen into this spectrum and even though each of us are on different paths and phases in our own journeys, we can use stories like these as motivators for our own goals and dreams. This story is so relatable and an easy read. Very much taking a close look at Peggy’s side of her story.

View all my reviews

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Breanne Christian

/0 Comments/in /by

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nick and Julia thought they escaped Venice for good, until Nick is arrested and returned to Venice for the murder of Jacopo Comin, a man that should have been dead long-ago. As Nick and Angelo merge together even further, events become even more tragic, and Julia becomes determined to rescue her beloved with the help of Painter Carlo and a mysterious Guild. Tragedy after tragedy unfolds. What ever happened to Nick/Angelo? Is Julia able to save him? Find out in Painter of the Damned.
Full of lovable and relatable characters, readers feel right along with the emotions running rampant throughout the book. The descriptions make the reader feel as though they are right alongside the characters. I would not change a single part of this book. It does end in a cliffhanger, making me yearn for more.
If you are looking for a fast-paced book filled with mystery, romance, tragedy, action, and historical fiction look no further. Painter of the Damned is the second installment in the Painted Souls series.

View all my reviews

I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Paloma Fierro 25/11/2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Austin is a lawyer facing the wedding of his twin brother to the woman he fell in love with, pain, awkwardness and unspoken feelings linger in his bloodstream as life unravels in front of him with a sense of injustice. But the sun shines for everyone, and on the horizon something new to look at is waiting to be discovered.  

 

Casey is a bartender girl who thought life was good on is axis, but then her best friend and roommate lives the city in order to get married, her love story a little bit of a roller coaster thing, living alone and without direction, since she has been her sister, best friend, therapist, and so much more, the idea of face Chicago without her terrifies her. oh but life, destiny has in store surprises for her that no even in her wildest dream could have she ever imagined.

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Jules Herbert

/0 Comments/in /by

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What starts out as a business trip soon turns to love with a dangerous twist for the wonderful characters is this amazing book. As their relationship develops so does the danger to Katerina and Chase wants nothing more than to keep her safe! What a wonderful start to this series! This very talented author never ever disappoints with her creative and captivating storylines, amazing characters and steamy love scenes. From the very first page I was hooked on Katerina and Chase and what was to unfold for them. I am looking forward to reading more about them as soon as I can!

View all my reviews

Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts Series Book 2) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Paloma Fierro 25/11/2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Candi is a fashion photographer who has worked hard to create a brand name respected and admired. She is funny, confident and full of friendly mischievousness. But in her history of love there is a void that no work or achieved goals could ever fill; her once in a lifetime love that she cannot get over with, while she does want to experience love again and in her body feels the need of care and fondness, her head is stuck in the past.

 

Enzo is a bartender for the bills and a model for the dreams. Working in order to be able to survive but with the goal of being a worthy model for the world, he will be on the path of destiny and find all he ever wanted in a single moment of his life. 

 

This destiny crossroad story is about letting your heart open once again to the difficulties of trust and love.

Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nialla and Bishr want to enjoy life to the fullest on their own ship. Ideally, they would like to jump wormholes from system to system. However, in doing so they make a startling discovery that risks the future independence of humankind in space.

This book is a bit more of a serious read and I personally found it a bit hard to really get into. The characters are unique and interesting, and well described. The scenes are vivid, and it is well written. This would be a good book for any avid sci-fi reader.

View all my reviews@tarab

I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Heidi Schoolman

/0 Comments/in /by

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2 of 2 in The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy and is 287 pages in length. Austin fell in love with Mavis, but she was not meant to be his. He leaves for Chicago in hopes of leaving the heartache behind. There he meets Casey. She is everything he is not and that is exactly what he needs. But a promotion would send him back home – does he pick the job or the girl?

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jules Herbert

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Since losing her husband 14 years ago Peggy has devoted herself to raising her twins Grace and Greg, They have been her entire life focus and in many ways she has neglected herself to always be there for them. As they leave for college they gift her a boot camp class which upsets her greatly but eventually becomes a turning point in her life. This was an a very relatable story filled with emotion and heart.

View all my reviews

Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think there are a lot of people out there who even as adults can fully relate to how these two siblings behaved. I know I certainly can! I love how this authors stories really come up with some great talking points for children whilst they are reading. I think this book is definitely best shared with an adult so maybe these talking points could include the children coming up with their own resolutions about how to behave and how we can all like different things but be respectful of each other.
I really enjoy the stories by this author and whilst I’m not sure this was one of my favourites I can see how it could help open further discussion for children about how we behave and respect each other.

@katiem
View all my reviews

I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So having read and loved the first book in this series I couldn’t wait to get started on the second book and what a read it was. I absolutely adored it! I think I loved it even more than the first and I thought that one was amazing as well!! My heart broke for Austin in the first book so I was desperately hoping he would find he happily ever after in this book and I just knew as soon as he met Casey she was the one for him. Their story wasn’t the plain sailing romance I was hoping for but I was completely invested in them both and was rooting for them the whole way through.
I guess this story could be read as a standalone but I think to truly understand Austin and a little of his backstory you should read this series in order – you will not be disappointed in either book! I cannot wait for book 3!!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this new book by K.G. Fetcher! I absolutely love her books and couldn’t wait to get started on this new series and as usual it was just amazing! From beginning to end I was 100% hooked! I went through so many emotions whilst reading this story! Teddy and Robyn – I LOVE these guys so so much! The connection they had was just undeniable. I love how this author really brings her characters to life, it really does feel like you reding about real people at times, the emotions they are feeling comes through so well.
This was an absolute pleasure to read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Bethany Rollins

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the match up of Connor and Sienna. Both had something to offer the other in a relationship no one saw coming. Sienna was hoping for a break but her mother cancels her vacation and demands more training for the Paralympics. Reluctant, she attends a semi private training session at a vacant hotel and meets former Motocross bad boy, Connor, who lost his own leg in a crash. The two shouldn’t have commonalities, but the more time they get alone, the more the attraction develops. The Paralympic angle is nice and shines an eye on a sport we don’t often talk about. Nice and quick read that gives you a feel good ending.

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Shannen Kern

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very heartwarming, funny, and emotional read for me. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I will be picking up other books from her because this was uplifting. Peggy has spent her whole life devoted to others. Once her husband passed, she focused on being a single mother to her twins. She finds herself alone more and more as the twins get older, and after they move out, she begins discovering herself again. Will the new changes push her back into her shell, or will she realize that she is more than her duty as a mother and widow?

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging story which had me hooked from start to finish. Following the death of her husband, Peggy Moriarty’s life has revolved around her twins, Grace and Greg, but now they are teenagers and don’t need Peggy as much. Having been a single Mum, she’s at a loss of what to fill her time with and her only hobby is watching a show about a Medium who connects bereaved people with their deceased loved ones, ‘Messages from Beyond’. Grace and Greg give their Mum a gift certificate for an exercise class when they leave for college, and having got over feeling insulted, Peggy throws herself into getting in shape and eating healthily. However, her aim is to gain enough confidence to go on ‘Messages from Beyond’, and talk to her late husband one last time.
Having made friends at the gym, they along with her daughters boyfriend’s mother, Carmen help Peggy to emerge from her shell and spread her wings. Before long Peggy discovers that she’s not just a mother, and a widow, and that her body issues don’t define her either. This was such a touching and emotional read, Peggy is such a likeable and relatable character that I felt instantly engaged with her. The storyline took me on an emotional rollercoaster and it deals with difficult subjects such as, bereavement, grief, and body and weight issues, sensitively and realistically. All the characters are well defined and add to the overall all storyline, and the plot kept me happily turning the pages. Both the story and the characters stayed with me long after I had finished the last page.

View all my reviews

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Lorrene Huisman

/0 Comments/in /by

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is truly gifted, in all that they do and create. I loved this first book in this series, and this one was no different. I loved the connection ties to the previous installment. This truly was an impacting, good read.

The book was deep with feeling. Powerful with emotions and tangles of the heart. Mary and Brad were two souls with connections from the previous books, and I was rooting for them. Mary was carefree, but full of life and heart. Brad, had a troubled past, but wanted something he felt he could not reach. Pain of the past intercepts and causes walls, but to embrace a future, they must work through those feelings of the past and think about what the now and future could be, if they trust each other as well as themselves, if they let it. Beautiful writing. Great character depth as well as development. Of course the author has a way with the words they write and create. Emotional and powerful. A great read. I loved it all, truly!

This book was such a joy to read, and as well to get lost in. I really love the writing that this author does in all of their books. Highly recommend this must read book. series, and author! All are a joy to read!

View all my reviews

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Carrie Reed

/0 Comments/in /by

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great read! I really liked the concept of Katerina being so inexperienced when it came to romance but wasn’t naive. Chase is your standard rich man, in that he is very controlling when it comes to the woman he loves, so that gets him in trouble. Katerina on the other hand had that annoying trait of not trusting the one she loves. The person out to destroy Katerina, either I wasn’t paying attention or I didn’t see it coming. The word baby is way overused, but didn’t completely throw me off.

View all my reviews

Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Carrie Reed

/0 Comments/in /by

Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3)Malayeka by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, sweet, great read. Such a sweet concept of there being helpers for Cupid, to bring people together. I love a good feud, this one was to the point and resolved nicely. I really did have a little hate for Billy’s mom, the way she guilt tripped her over her grandfather and the way she was living her life hurt my heart for her and her future with Leo. It was nice to see Billy and Leo put their feet down and say enough is enough. Nice clean romance.

View all my reviews

And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Amelia Stansell

/0 Comments/in /by

And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Susie’s mom doesn’t believe her death was an accident. She accepted her death but not the way she passed. After a year she is following several different leads from workers and friends. Figures out she might not have known her daughter as well as she thought. My first read from this author, it definitely will not be my last.

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very emotional story for me to read because I related to Peggy in so many ways. I have struggled with weight and self confidence and also becoming a mother and losing my identity. This story covers an issue which isn’t really discussed which leaves women feeling alone and like it’s just them going through it.

Since losing her husband Peggy has been working hard to raise her twins and carry on with her life. As the time has gone on Peggy has lost herself. All she sees herself as is a widow and a mother. Everything about her such as her confidence has gone and over time her weight has increased making her more unhappy.
With her children leaving for college she now had the task of readjusting her life. Maybe now is time to think about herself.

We follow Peggy on her journey from a unconfident mother who has lost her identity to a beautiful person who is a mother but also so much more than that.

View all my reviews

Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Rayne East

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suspenseful and intriguing
There are plenty of twists and turns in this historical mystery. Daniel O’Halleran is an easy character to connect with and the cases kept my interest until the end. This book has drama, angst, suspense and murder. The historical setting is well done too. This is a strong first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading more.

View all my reviews

More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Lauren West

/0 Comments/in /by

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved every moment of this book. Peggy was Very real, raw, and flawed as any and all human beings can be. Losing her husband and raising her kids alone truly isolated and put her into a place where she felt she had no one and her survival mode was food, her children, and her home. She proved to be was an amazing character! Even though she got to a place in her life that made her unaware and complacent just trying to live….when she was given the opportunity to spread her wings again she did. She transformed that fear and place of sadness and became the remarkable woman she once was. Her goals were her own, and when she found a man who saw her and appreciated her that was the icing on the cake. Anyone can end up where Peggy did, but how many can rise again?
Peggy was Very real, raw, and flawed as any and all human beings can be. Losing her husband and raising her kids alone truly isolated and put her into a place where she felt she had no one and her survival mode was food, her children, and her home.

View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Connor and Sierra are two skiers at a local lodge meeting up to train. Poor Sierra feels like a brand and all she wants is to feel like a woman. Connor is coming to terms after losing his leg in a motocross accident. This is a beautiful romance written in such a way that you feel their pain and the emotions felt as they come to terms with trying to make this relationship work. Even the antagonist, Beverlly, Sienna’s mom, is a bit of a troublemaker but you still feel for her. I enjoyed the story. It was a fairly quick read with a simple plot. Quite entertaining with a little fun in there. You root for Conner and Sierra. A quick Christmas read that would make a great read for those snowy nights by the fire with hot cocoa.

View all my reviews

The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Kassandra

/0 Comments/in /by

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the plot. I didn’t expect the book to end so quickly after the climax. I wanted to read more! This book had great world building!

View all my reviews