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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Apollo is the son of Zeus, destined to ascend to Mt. Olympus to become a god himself. But he isn’t ready to give up his mortal life just yet. When Zeus gives him an ultimatum to ascend right away or spend a year mentoring with Prince Hyacinth, which he chooses so he can stay on Earth longer.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book and the characters were well developed. The story line did seem a bit narrow and I think there could have been more to the story than the blossoming romance between Apollo and Hyacinth. That being said, I do think this was an entertaining read and would recommend it.

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book really started with a bang! I really got into and enjoyed the storyline and I was able to connect with the characters and draw me in even deeper.

Greer has been living her life in Paris, carving out her own little niche in the world as she searches for her mother. Life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and thrown aboard a ship to New Orleans. Thrust into a convent waiting for her would-be husband to pick her up, she knows this isn’t the life she wants. Greer isn’t alone though, she has a nightly visitor she dreams of.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I really felt like some of the information at the end came a bit fast and furious and could have been strung out a bit more for impact. Overall, a great read and one I would recommend.

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack, #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This paranormal romance is the first in the series and oh what a beginning it is! This author really has the ability to grab your attention and hold it. I couldn’t put this book down.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Lily is a human slave to the Wolf Hollow Pack, Jason is the son of the Alpha, what could possibly happen? I found the storyline to be quite unique and different and that was part of its draw for me.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it ended too soon. I look forward to book two.

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Mermaid and the Rainbow: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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the mermaid and the rainbowthe mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great little children’s book! Any child who has an interest in science and experiments will like this book. Very nice illustrations and easy to read. This will be a great addition to any children’s collection.

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Nite Fire: Slash & Burn (Book 4) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dahlia has survived so much in her life, but the half dragon shapeshifter just keeps on kicking butt and taking names! This fourth book in the series did not disappoint, in fact it was a page turner.

Just when you don’t think Dahlia’s life can get any more complex or trying, new obstacles pop up and make things much more intricate. As always her care for the humans around her causes her to fight harder to keep her world in check. This installment brings so much action and adventure that any reader will be engrossed in the story line and hit by some surprises.

Bring on book five!

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this book I had no idea what to expect. Not being a fan of clowns at all, it really scared me! This is what I would refer to as a “sun up” book, only read in the daylight hours. I did enjoy the fact that it was a fast paced read and I loved the heroine, Abbey.

A young girl in a new school, Abbey must work to fit in but add to that the element of fighting off dead clowns. When students at her new school begin to disappear, Abbey makes the connection between the two. Abbey must face her fears in order to help others.

Despite my dislike for clowns and all that they entail, the writing in the book was fabulous. Get it, you won’t be disappointed.

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julia is the eldest daughter of a wealthy family in the 16th century. Her life should be simple but she is made to grow up quickly when she is married off at 15 to a man she doesn’t know, instead of the boy she loves. Life doesn’t get any easier when her husband begins beating her for various infractions. Things go from bad to worse, creating an unbearable life for Julia. Enter Samuel, a complete stranger who shows up and offers to take her away from her current life. The catch, he is a vampire.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book. I was able to connect with the characters and find myself embroiled in the story line. I think the backstory about vampires and human relations could have been written about a bit more in depth just to give the reader more backstory.

I look forward to book 2!

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series #3)Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei

I really enjoyed this book! I was able to fall in love with some characters and my disdain for others grew, a perfect balance for a book in my opinion. Their growth and development from the previous two books is great.

After losing the Jaychund Games, Van finds herself and her friends on a mission in Balish territory. Not her ideal placement for the summer unless you consider Van’s would-be boyfriend is the Balish Crown Prince. She and her group must figure out the mystery of the third seal and return home. Not an easy task when trouble seems to lurk around every corner!

So much action and adventure to this book. I look forward to future installments.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tess Burton has started a new life for herself in a new city doing something she has always dreamed of, vintage clothing. The one thing she didn’t expect was that she would begin having visions that go with the clothing. When Tess does a fashion show in an old mansion she is plunged headlong into a murder-suicide vision that takes her on a quest to find the hidden answers.

Tess meets Trey, descendant of the accused murderer and though the sparks fly between the two, Trey is reluctant to delve further into the mystery. Once she convinces him to let the visions take them both and see where they lead, the relationship between the two blossoms.Can Tess and Trey live out the lives that the dead couple never would.

This was a quick read for me but very enjoyable with a unique storyline.

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A Spider in the Garden by Courtney Davis – Review By Jamie Zabolotney

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A Spider in the GardenA Spider in the Garden by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! This author was a first for me but I can say with certainty that it will not be the last book of hers that I will read. I found the writing and story line to be fast paced and very entertaining and the characters relatable.

Aranha is the last of her kind, a spider shape shifter. Being one of a kind can prove to be very lonely. Enter Jonas, her adopted werewolf son who helps to give her life a bit of purpose and companionship. They thought having each other was all they would need until Dag, a daywalker, entered the picture.

This book was a rollercoaster for me and I didn’t want it to end. I hope this series has many more to come!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book checked every box for me. I loved the writing, the characters, the fast pace and all of the drama! I couldn’t help but speed through this book.

Adrijana Mironacht had often dreams of visiting the capital city and seeing the palace, but rarely do dreams meet reality. Dazzled by her surroundings, she can’t understand her fathers reluctance to stay until she ends up in the dungeon. Her father must then explain to Adrijana that she is a Mesmerist, one who can read and manipulate others’ minds.

With each new intrigue, Adrajana is determined to find the truth of what is going on and clear her own name. Get this book, you will not be disappointed!

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Face the Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 5) by Michele Sims – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Face the FireFace the Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This paranormal suspense novel is the fifth book in the series and as someone who has not read the other book, you will not be disappointed. I am a big fan of the paranormal genre and at first I found that there seemed to be very little of it but things quickly heated up.

Miles and Bella Moore are newly married and have just had twins. He is a goal driven music executive and Bella is his chief marketing office for the company. But as usually happens, success comes with a price.

I loved the dynamic between all of the characters and the drama that unfolded throughout. I look forward to more books from this author.

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, book 1) by Emily Bowie – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, #0.5)Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read in the Dark Mafia series and I will be looking for the others right away. This was a completely different read from the ones I usually chose but I can say for sure that I was pleasantly surprised! The fast pace and drama was just what I needed.

Luca and Aly are on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to their rival mafia families. When Aly is thrust into her fathers notice after her half brother dies, she is expected to do what is right for the family and enter into an arranged marriage. Luca has other ideas in mind and gets tired of waiting and takes what is his.

I’m excited to see where this story goes.

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this entire series and this latest installment fits right in perfectly. Once again Dahlia Nite is the perfect heroine for this series. She brings the perfect amount of badass mixed with caring and her love of her human side creates a great story line.

Dahlia has been helping hide the evidence of her half dragon shifter brethren, which is becoming increasingly difficult with all of the strange deaths surfacing. At the same time her relationships are growing despite advice to stay away from human interaction.

This book had so much action, I flew right through it. I recommend this to anyone who has already read the first two books.

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a great paranormal romance, look no further! This 3rd book in the Shadow Chronicles series is a great continuation to the storyline of the vampires and lycans. Tahsa, a vampire and Levi and Lycan are a mated pair, and an oddity since the war between the two races is only now coming to an end. The threat of a new enemy has brought the two species together to fight against a common goal, eliminating the Hellspawn.

I really enjoyed the action in this book and there was never a dull moment. The love story between Tasha and Levi is so strong, you can feel it as you read. I recommend this book and look forward to the continuation of the series.

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never fails to entertain me. I have read all of the books in this series and each one has been great. Katrina is a recovering succubus who is trying to earn her freedom from the Devil but being his favorite, this will be no easy task! Katrina has come up with a dating app for supernaturals to hook up. All is running great until Gabe, a celibate succubus rolls into town to give love lessons.

This was a very quick read for me and it was almost over too soon. The writing was fantastic and all of the characters were easily relatable. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment in the New Orleans Nocturnes series.

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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction (Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book one captivated me and this second book in the Nite Fire series did not disappoint! There was so much action and drama in this book, I couldn’t put it down. I love Dahlia Nite, she is the quintessential female hero who has her ups and downs and her love for the human race is shown in her reaction to them when things go wrong.

A new drug has shown up in Sentinel City and humans are turning up dead, in very strange ways. Dahlia is able to recognize her own transformations to her dragon form in these deaths. Dahlia and her crew must tamp down any panic in the city and figure out where the drugs are coming from before the city figures out that their reality is much more different than they could have guessed.

I loved the action in this book, add to it the unexpected storyline and you have a great read!

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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book was great! It drew so many parallels to the time we are living in right now. It scared me to think that this could be a possible future we could be looking at. Kalla is a 17, just about to turn 18 year old girl who is trapped in a nightmare. The Apocalypse is happening. She and her brother Huckleberry and her cousin Jumper have survived the initial sweep of the disease that is ravaging the earth, gotten vaccinated only to continue on the run from cannibalistic humans they call hyenas. Kella keeps a running log book as they go, of her thoughts and feelings.

Jumper and Kella have been tasked by her uncle to deliver vital information to the CDC in regards to the pandemic. They must hike the Appalachian Trail, avoid the hyenas and avoid other groups who may or may not try to take the few supplies they have. Along the way they do find people who are willing to help.

This book had so many ups and downs, twists and turns. You will not be disappointed for a second! Bring on book 2.

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Priscida Finds Greatness by Constance Mays – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in OthersPriscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This children’s book is a great little read. By following Pricinda the cat on her adventures, children can learn to find greatness in their everyday lives. Pricinda is an alley cat who gets captured by animal control but this story doesn’t end there! Pricinda is then adopted and her adventures just begin.

This book would be a great read for any child or classroom setting. In a world where children are constantly faced with comparing themselves to others, this book helps them to see that greatness can take on many forms.

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Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds Book 1) by Bree Moore – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds, #1)Thief of Magic by Bree Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author was a new read for me. I was a bit lost at the beginning of the book and could have used a bit more back story and walk through of some of the terms and definitions before jumping right in, but with that being said I did enjoy this book. The main character Lee was quite endearing with her vulnerabilities.

Lee has a unique magic that allows her to shift between the veil of this world and the next where she can move around without being seen or heard, a great asset for a thief! The major problem is that every time she uses this magic it is slowly killing her.

There was a ton of action in this book which made it a great page turner. I look forward to book 2.

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Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Diabolical SwordDiabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I devoured this book! I don’t think I can say enough good things about this book. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the story line. Harlow Fletcher is an illegal charm collector in the supernatural city of Luma. She is a human in a supernatural world, thanks to her parents raising her here. Her ability to get herself into trouble seems to be infinite but that is part of the charm of the book.

After Harlow “collects” a magical sword her luck just seems to go from bad to worse. The sword has a mind of its own and decades to follow Harlow. It saves her from certain disaster at first but later drags her into more danger than she could have found herself. Murder, mayhem and craziness ensue.

I am so excited to keep reading this series!

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Lucas is having the same dilemma as every child who celebrates Christmas, is Santa real? This entire story, illustrations included, provide the perfect answer to children wondering this exact same question. Lucas learns thanks to his mother that he is the newest Dream Keeper for the next generation. This could be the next classic book to read to your in-between kids at Christmas time.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a much needed epic high fantasy novel. Ian Troy has spent his last few years travelling without direction, all to forget what happened in his past and all the lives he destroyed in one swipe of his magic. But his past quickly catches up to him and he must deal with it.

I wouldn’t call the story line dark but it does have a very serious storyline, a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. Ian tries to refrain from using his magic despite a clear need to do so. The interaction between the characters is well developed and keeps you intrigued. There is always a question in the back of your mind as to who can be trusted, and that is well placed.

I found it to be a much needed original and refreshing fantasy novel. I can’t wait to see this story develop.

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THE BOX (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 4) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 4)The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the final book in the series and all the loose ends all get tied up nicely for the reader. Vanessa is forced to do yet another task for a goddess, this time Aroz’s mother. It just seems that Vanessa can’t catch a break from her lovers’ narcissistic mothers who each are self serving to a fault. This time the goddess of beauty wants her to go in search of the box of beauty.

This book takes Vanessa and all three of her immortal lovers on quests that helps each of them learn more about themselves and each other. Despite the turmoil, Vanessa is able to bond closer to all of her immortals and come into her own. And, as always this author has a great knack of keeping the reader entertained with new twists and plots at every turn.

I would love to see another series spin off from this one. I feel like there is so much more that this author could give us and more immortals we could meet.

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit, from the synopsis I was skeptical. I love being surprised when this happens. This book kept you on your toes and guessing as to what would happen next. Dahlia Nite just wants to live as normal a life as she can, blending in with the humans around her.

A hundred years ago Dahlia came to this world to escape execution at the hands of her dragon Queen. In that time she has had to hide her dragon nature from those around her and keep moving to stay ahead of those who seek her and those who would notice she hasn’t changed over the years.

I really enjoyed the characters and plot to this book. I’m excited to see where this series goes.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It had been awhile since I had read a fantasy novel and this had a lot to live up to and it was up to the task! K.M.Wray has a way with words and is able to spin them to create a wonderful world.

Prince Phoenix of the Elves witnesses both his parents murdered by usurpers to the crown and on that night he knows he must grow up much faster than normal elves. Zoe, daughter of those usurpers, has escaped her mother’s experimentations in hopes of a better life. When they meet neither one knows who the other is. Together they must go up against Zoe’s parents and take back the Twilight Realm and in the process learn about themselves and each other.

There are so many ways this story could go and I look forward to reading that journey.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had so many twists and turns in it, nothing was quite what I was expecting and I loved every moment of it! I would have loved a bit more worldbuilding at the introduction of the book so that we are able to get a better idea of the hierarchy and people of the realms but the story line does well without.

Talise is a young girl with great abilities but the only permanent escape from the Storm is for her to finish her education and achieve the level of Master Shaper. All goes well until her final year when a new student joins them and his skills rival those of Talise’s.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and full of secrets the entire way through. As soon as you think you have it all figured out, you will be shocked with new information. I look forward to more books by Moody.

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The Girl and the Demon (The Girl and the Raven Book 3) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The Girl and The Demon (The Girl and The Raven, #3)The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final book in the series and it does not disappoint. All Lucy wants is to live the life of a normal teenage girl, but the fates have other ideas for her. Just as she is beginning to establish some type of relationship with her demon father, he is whisked away by Lucifer. Lucy can’t even just settle into a normal routine with Marcus as he is now delving into his own history with the gargoyle clan and she isn’t welcome.

Pauline Gruber is a great author. She is able to write a scene you can envision in your head. Her characters are very relatable and loveable. Her story lines are very easy to follow. I can’t wait for more by this author.

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven, #2)The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second installment of the Girl and the Raven series is a great continuation to the storyline. Lucy Walker is finally coming into her powers and learning who she is as a person and beginning to find affections for her newly found father.

In this book, the focus is no longer just on Lucy. Marcus’ mother and father who abandoned him with his step father, now want a relationship with him and have him lead the Gargoyle clan. Great, except for the fact that a gargoyle’s job is to kill demons! This book includes many fights and a great deal of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I look forward to book 3!

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven Book 1) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you enjoy supernatural YA books, this one will be a perfect fit for you!

When Lucy Walker’s mother dies suddenly due to a drug overdose, she is moved from Tennessee to Chicago to live with her Uncles in her Grandmother’s old home. Not only is she thrust into a new life in a new city, she must now navigate the fact that she is a half demon, half witch. Her life in Tennessee in the trailer park did not prepare Lucy for life in the fast lane in Chicago.

This book had some unexpected twists to it and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed it!

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