Posts

Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Amber Howard

Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chasing Redemption is the second installment in the Quimby Grove series and it did not disappoint. It was full of steam, drama, romance, a bit of mystery, and thrills. What started out as a one night stand turned into the family that neither Marley nor Max new they needed. It’s a story about finding your soul mate in unexpected places, a story of reuniting and well redemption. It’ll make you smile, and if you’re a softy like me tear up. It’ll have you appreciating the wonderful people in your life. I highly recommend this series to everyone. While it is a series this story can be read alone and you’d still be able to follow everything. I cannot wait for the next one!

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Bees in Loretta's BonnetBees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta is a very observant little girl. When she brought firewood into the house, she found a small tube between the logs. She took it back outside and waited to see what would happen next. What was that tube? Will Loretta know when and how to look out for signs of activity?This author has written another great story. What kid does not love bugs! This story also has a follow up project for the children to make. Anytime a craft can be made for a children’s book, you know you have a well written story. The pictures also made it easy for children to follow. This book is a must have for every child’s library.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful, entertaining, and educational story this is. I have never been a fan of bees because I have been stung many times, but this book did provide me with knowledge to help appreciate bees and what they do for our environment. The author does such an excellent job teaching kids about bees and pollination. There are even instructions at the end of the book that tell how to make a bee nest to attract wild bees into your yard. Not only does this instruct children but it’s a great way for their parents to get involved in helping them learn. The illustrations were as amazing as all her books are. Please share this book with your kids.

View all my reviews

Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Jenni Bishop

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hit on You is Brooke’s thirtieth book so she is doing something right, well done Brooke on the mile stone. The one thing I like about Brooke May is her diversity of story styles. She is predominately a romance author but they come in many shapes and sizes and don’t always conform to the norm.
I love a good dark romance and Hit on You is exactly that. It is right up my alley. Hit on You is a standalone and one you will enjoy. I was pulled into the delicious darkness, the drama, the angst and the danger that unfolded.
I was totally engaged throughout and I enjoyed the push pull between Luke and Nikolai and the sometimes love hate relationship with the sizzling chemistry. The two are passionate and stubborn. The past rears its ugly head and may just be the catalyst that has deadly consequences.
I am not giving away any spoilers because you need to unwrap this story for yourself so if you like something dark, something sexy, something dangerous then Hit on You is something you need to read.
I also liked Brooke’s own review on her platforms explaining about how this book came about.
I look forward to Brooke giving us more stories like this one.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ashley Westerman

Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We love Lois Wickstrom books in this house, there is always so much to learn from her books. Things are Shaking is no different. I love how this book got my kids imaginations going about what they would do if they had their own magic wands. These books always lead to conversations about how we would handle certain situations. This was a great story with great illustrations that my kids love! I can’t wait to see what we can read next by this author.

View all my reviews

Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Lisa Helmick

Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this story! It might be shorter but it is mighty! It encompasses a full story of the main characters including back flashes. I got the feelings and emotions of not only the main characters but the secondary as well. I liked them all and am curious about some of their stories as well.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I was easily drawn in by the way this story was presented. Witty banter and that hold your breath attraction make this one: Thoroughly enjoyable!

View all my reviews

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jenni Bishop

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who does not love a good SEAL Team hotty read! I couldn’t wait to start on this book in the series. The only issue I have with these books are that the stories are far too short. Debra take pity on me and fill me up with more.
There is so much to love with the suspense and action, fierce passion and emotions and determination of a protector SEAL man who goes after what he wants. Oo la la.
What happens when a belly dancer and a SEAL meet? You will have to read it to find out. No spoilers here.
I you love sexy, strong, heroic men then grab copies of the Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII series as they have it all. I cannot wait for the next book. It’s so hard to choose who my best book boyfriend from these men is. Choices, choices……

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Jules Herbert

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gives us the story of Luke and Nikolai. These two very strong willed characters have a powerful connection and as soon as Nikolai mentions love Luke runs. He doesn’t give up on her though, watching her from a distance. When Luke witnesses something terrifying and it puts her life in danger Nikolai can no longer stay away and insists on protecting her. Luke on the other hand is determined to never rely on a man so with all this happening it makes for some very interesting times for them both. With danger all around them can they stay safe and allow the love they do truly have for each other become a strong unbreakable bond. You need to read this wonderful book to find out!

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
5 Stars

The thing that I love the most about this author’s books is that you will always learn something. I always knew about wasps, yellow jackets and honey bees. Now I know about leafcutter bees. I learned that they are better at pollinating gardens. You are never too old to learn something new. Loretta learns all about these bees as well. The book is filled with colourful illustrations and nifty instructions on how to build a bees nest. Bees are so valuable to our environment so I find these instructions very cool

Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Carrie Reed

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So perfect! The beginning was kind confusing, it was also weird how the story backtracked to how Jasmine and James first met, that part just didn’t flow, but didn’t take away from the overall story. I love Jasmine, she is such a caring and giving woman. She takes care of her employees and is worried bout their welfare over her own, so seeing her, so called, best friend Cadence ruin what little relationship they had was just excellent. I hated to see Jasmine so distraught but Cadence really is a trash person and didn’t deserve anything she had, and it was nice to see her put in her place. James is wonderful. I love how in love he is with Jasmine, and that he has such a sweet dream. I really didn’t see Bryan, Jasmine’s boyfriend’s betrayal coming, but it was a doozy, and made for a wonderful story! I look forward to more from this author.

View all my reviews

Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love a good love story between the brother’s best friend and the little sister. One thing I really enjoyed was right off the bat they are together – there was no build-up – no angst – until there was. It starts off with a hidden relationship between Kasper and Krysta. Krysta was 19 and Kasper was a couple of years older and completely in love. However, as most of these books go it is a secret, but then Krysta becomes pregnant. Kasper didn’t have a great upbringing and never thought he would make a good parent and completely dropped the ball. They broke up and Krysta was destroyed. Six years later, Krysta and Kasper have a love-hate relationship because her brother is still best friends with him and her brother and Kasper work together. However, Krysta has “moved on” with her life and is engaged to be married, but the feelings are not the same for that man. Krysta is also getting over a trauma where her fiance is not the most supportive person. As the story progresses, both Krysta and Kasper realize that their feelings have never really changes and Kasper is now ready to make her officially his. That may take some work since she “hates” him so much, but slowly she starts to let him in. Can they get back what they had lost? Will Krysta’s brother be okay with that? Can you come back from such heartache?
There is a lot that happens in this story, I just didn’t want to give too much away. However, I really enjoyed the story, the banter, the characters. Krysta is a sassy, smart, independent woman just trying to figure things out. Kasper is a badboy-type playboy, but it really is a cover-up for the love he never lost for Krysta. Now that he is growing up, a little, he wants her back. He is loveable, jealous type, but also goes after what he wants. He teases her a lot which was intriguing and sexy. The chemistry both have coming off the page was great. While I have never read anything else from this author, I will most likely be going back and reading the first 2 books!

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Bees in Loretta's BonnetBees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is an okay children’s book. In the story, Loretta loses her bonnet, while looking for wood for the fireplace. When she was preparing the wood, she found a strange brown tube. Her mother explains that it was made by the bees, it was their nest where the mom lays her eggs. Loretta returned the nest outside so the bees would be able to hatch and find flowers. She found a lot of clues that the bees had hatched and were flying about. She wanted to find them so she went walking in the woods and she finds that bees have actually made a nest in her lost bonnet. She wanted her bonnet back but realized she shouldn’t mess with the bees and allowed them to keep it. When she got home. Her dad suggests they made a home for the bees in the yard and Loretta was happy because she wanted more bees.
The book was cute if you like bees. I am not a bee person but I do love how the author teaches the reader about the different lives the insects may live – this one just happens to be about bees. I do also like that the author put in instructions for kids to make their own bee hives for their backyards. The best thing this author does is teach and make it a hands-on experience. However, I always feel there are pieces of the story missing when I read this author’s work.

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Pearl Heart is a story about a woman named Jasmine Hayes. She is a witty, beautiful, smart business owner of Divine Events. She comes from a socialite family and after her parents died, she went into business with her best friend, Cadence. Cadence is an unreliable, money-hungry, selfish business partner. The first chapter actually starts with Jasmine making out with a stranger in Cadence’s kitchen. She quickly comes to find out this stranger is James Conner, an old client’s arrogant son and Cadence’s new fiance. Needless to say, Jasmine is shocked to find out this news, and even more when hears that Cadence wants her to plan her wedding. Jasmine is professional, but how is she going to get through this when she has never had a feeling like the one James gave her? Throughout the story, James is super flirty and comes clean that he wants her and the marriage is just a “scam” to help each other’s needs. She also wants him but they just can’t for so many reasons. However, will they find a way to make it work, will it be worth it, and will Jasmine allow Cadence to continue treating the business and people around her like crap?
I really enjoyed this book. I think it was a storyline different than the normal enemies-to-lovers/friends-to-lovers mentality. Cadence was that annoying, thinks she is better than everyone character that you just want to punch her in the face. However, Jasmine and James were great characters. Jasmine is a confident, established, smart woman who is also very down to earth. James is a pain in the ass, but no bullshit type of man. He has always made his feelings pretty known to Jasmine and really continues to fight for what he wants. The banter, the description of how he looks at her, etc were all really sexy. The building of a love story was a good one!

View all my reviews

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a prequel to the Hawke Family books. Warning- it is a very steamy book…wow! We meet Issac, who has just graduated from law school and will join the family business in New Orleans and the beautiful red head named “Jack.” They meet up at a bar and go spend two nights in the throws of steamy escapades… they are both sad to leave each other in the end. If you like books with lots of sex and action, this book is for you. While this type of genre is not my go to read, I kind of want to read on in the series to see how their relationship grows.

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Lois Wickstrom’s scientifically-based books. They are so informative yet she creatively and seamlessly weaves a story with the facts. I also enjoy the illustrations. They are unique and eccentric. It’s also neat how at the end Wickstrom provides readers instructions on creating their own paper tubes for bees. 100% recommend this book.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

View all my reviews

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Tausha Treadway

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn. I loved this book and I have loved this entire series. I can’t wait for the next book and beware when you start this book you wont’ want to put it down. This is the story of Dr. Hunter Montgomery who has just lost his partner and has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer. When Dr. Selma Bryant walks into his hospital he is slapped in the face with the past. Selma has always loved Hunter but the timing was never right. So when she is offered to go to Doctor’s Abroad at a African Refugee Camp she jumps at the chance. Is she running from Hunter and her feelings….yes but she will deal with that later. When Hunter is called to help Selma and the others at the Refugee Camp because this virus has about wiped them all out the feelings come back. Will they both survive the virus and will they try to make their relationship work? Read this great 1st book in the Chase Care Series to find out.

View all my reviews

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Tausha Treadway

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase. WOW, this book will take your breath away! Its is steammmmy! Its the story of Stella who is a trying to get her all inclusive clothing line started but when she has a falling out with her investor she has to find another way. Stella has been teased and tormented about her weight her entire life. Making her dreams come true with her clothing line will secure her future. Stella and her step brother Charles have never been close but when he talks her into nannying for him for the summer she can’t say no because of the money. Charles also has 2 hunky friends staying with him as well. Stella has already hooked up with the 2 friends but she really wants to fulfill her fantasy of hooking up with Charles. This book is seriously spicy so beware but I read it in one sitting. It was awesome!

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Ashley Johnson

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just want to start out by saying that the best friend in this book will infuriate you until the end! With that being said, this book started out with a kiss to knock all kisses out of the water! After that steamy kiss the conversation and situation gets thrown way out into left field. This story puts you through all the emotions and fixes you by the end.

View all my reviews

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ashley Johnson

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read anything by this author before but I plan on changing that! This was a prequel for the start of the second Generation of Hawke family adventures. I am ready to read more from this world. This was a very steamy and amazing book!

View all my reviews

Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Diane Sennett

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Luke Williams is determined to live her life on her terms. She has left her family behind and has forged her way in life. Afraid of giving in to another, she leaves the man she won’t admit to loving in the middle of the night.
Nikolai Bazenhov, a made man in his family’s business, knows where Luke is. He’s been keeping tabs on her since the night she left him.
When Luke finds herself in a dangerous situation, she has to give in to her stubbornness and trust the same man she left a year prior.
These characters have a lot to offer each other if they can reconcile their past histories. This novel is full of steamy romance, dark situations and it was truly and enjoyable read.

View all my reviews

Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Maisie Dickinson

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story follows Luke, a strong, independent woman whose fear of love lands her back in Seattle in a dangerous position, and Nikolai, member of Seattle’s biggest mafia family with a sole purpose of protecting Luke to show her how he feels about her. I recommend this book because, whilst this story is still in the editing process, it has so much potential; the storyline is gripping, the characters are strong – I particularly love Luke’s character, a woman who is independent and does not rely on men, but also a woman who loves her makeup and nice clothes and high heels and feeling sexy – the book is steamy, and I am a sucker for a happy ending. I’m looking forward to reading more of Brooke May and watching her grow in the industry. “You’ve been mine from the first glance.”

View all my reviews

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sadly, I had to read the 2nd part of Byrd Nash’s novel. I have to say this is different from my other likes of mystery and murder crimes. Elinor is a medium who finally took a break from solving crime and ended up with another solving crime in which a King is a target. Funny is that the chef is the one that is the problem and using food to kill the King.
I recommended this to my teen kids who love to a good mystery book.

View all my reviews

Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Shellly Kittell

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Man, this is an intense book. Dark mafia and it turned great. This was the first for this author and I’m a fan. I hope she’ll do more. Luke and Nik’s story is powerful and a true story to love and letting those walls down. They both have intense issues. Can Luke let hers down to claim that love? Powerfully written, you are pulled write in from the beginning. Luke is tough and vulnerable when she feels safe enough to let her guard down. The plot of the story was amazing and so well-done. I would love to see move of these characters. Definitely a story I would recommend.

View all my reviews

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a bittersweet story of second-chance romance. Tony, aka Cutter, finally really he wants to date a high-value woman. He finds that in Zarifah, aka Edith Smith. She is a belly dancer and gymnastics teacher. They both have issues from previous relationships. The attraction is there. The question is, can they work through this and be the couple they want to be? The story is sweet and romantic. It does have a topic of domestic abuse. We get to see both characters grow. Cutter grows up right before your eyes. The plot could have used a dash more excitement. It had a few dry spots but it really is a beautiful story. I wish we could have seen more as to what happened when he took her home to meet Grandma. She is my favorite character.

View all my reviews

Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Angela Shirley

Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dominic is on high alert from the attack at the casino and when Salvatore issues the order to go and seek revenge he is more than happy to attack De Rosa’s house and grab the only thing that is dear to De Rosa’s heart his daughter as a bargaining chip, but all hell breaks loose and he has his hands full.

Emelia has been taught well for this day, as a mafia princess she knows that she is always on alert and can easily be taken to use against the family, so when she was hiding in the tunnels trying to not to be found but when the dark eyes meet hers, she is in trouble.

Dominic has Emelia as a pawn in this game of power but she is not easy, a hellcat who is trying to escape at every turn but something shifts and Dom starts being drawn to Emelia knowing that the relationship is forbidden and could get them both killed. Can they keep what they have hidden long enough so Dom and Emelia explain.

I loved the first book in this series and this book does not disappoint, the story picks up just after the first book ends and the families are at war with each other. I love the character of Emelia as she is cast at first as the helpless Mafia Princess but as the story goes on you get to see the sheer determination of her character and the strong female role model you want in a book like this. She is equal to Dom and he treats her with the respect as an equal also which is wonderful to read.

The story is full of revelations of both families and how the next generation of the Larussio’s are planning to lead the family. The chemistry between the two jumps off the page and is a great dynamic to read through the adventures of both, with a twist at the end I could not stop reading this book and read it in one sitting.

I can’t wait for Lorenzo’s story as he is a quiet character in the other books, I have a feeling he is deadly under the covers.

Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah Devereaux

Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian is back for another adventure in the Invisible Magic Wand Series. After showing off his wand, Caspian’s cousin wants one too! His grandpa gives her a wand and then an earthquake happens!
Caspian, his cousin and his grandpa are left to help save themselves and those around them from the earthquake with the help of their wands.
As always, this author’s books have a great storyline and bright pictures! I would highly recommend this book to any teacher or parents who wants to bring out the imagination in their child(ren).

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Kelli Harper

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick read. Not my favorite story this year but it is a quick read and it will keep you entertained for a couple hours. Business partners in a party planning company, Cadence and Jasmine have been friends since college, but will that all change now.
Jasmine is the sensible one in the party planning business while Cadence is the spoiled brat partner that gets her way all the time. However what happens in this story happens when Jasmine is trying to plan the wedding of James and Cadence. Interesting and irritating to say the least.

View all my reviews

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

Bees in Loretta's BonnetBees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly had never heard of Leafcutter bees before this. I am impressed by the amount of things Ms, Wickstrom teaches everyone. My daughter really enjoyed the pictures and the craft at the end we may be trying this summer. This is a really good lesson and read.

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Rosanna Ingram

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jasmine has had a rough past. The death of her parents and the way the other people treated her after has left her quite alone in her world. However, she busies herself with keeping he company, Divine Events, running alongside her friend Cadence. However, a kiss with a hot stranger sets her life on a path she couldn’t have seen coming.

James has had a rocky path when it comes to business…but his new venture is going to be different. However, he needs the financial backing, and he knows just the person. It will be a mutual benefit for them…he will get the funding and she will get the perks that come with having his last name. But he didn’t intend to fall for the quick tempered Jasmine. How can he make it work with her while keeping his venture with Cadence afloat?

This was a good book that kept me entertained from beginning to end. I felt for Jasmine and it was sad to see how the people in her life were using her…and she was too nice to do anything about it. When she told the story of her past, my heart just broke for her. However, with James’ help (whether she will admit that or not), Jasmine was able to stand up for herself and put her wants and needs above everyone else’s! Quite an enjoyable read!

View all my reviews

Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy spending a little time with Caspian. His adventures with his gifts from grandpa always seem like so much fun. This time his cousin join him and grandpa and finds that Caspian has the wand.
The world around them begins to shake and they do all the can to reach safety. The illustrations are beautiful and the stories are great. Worth reading to your littles.

View all my reviews