Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a futuristic, sci-fi fantasy of the end of Earth due to human wastefulness and consumption. An environmental attorney is chosen to lead everyone through the coming of the fifth world. Strong, female characters with an underlying message about protecting what we have.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister
Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This delightful children’s book focuses on character development. The main character becomes aware of his greediness and selfishness. He takes steps to overcome these flaws. The story also deals with the Loch Ness Monster, and a theory concerning said creature. Readers will learn that good people look out for others.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Tropic Heat. It was fun. Steamy and interesting. I really liked Daniel. He is a stand up guy. The Claire story was unexpected. Definitely a good read. Weird that on flamingo island there aren’t any flamingos though, maybe one of the other books will explain why.
Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first foray into this series. Although the story is great with lots of twists and criss-crosses to keep you guessing, I can definitely see where having the background on the characters makes a difference. This story is well-written and a fantastic read.
I started off thinking that there were too many POVs telling this story. But I later realized that one would miss so much of the story if not told from the multiple POVs. Each character is written so real. There were no crazy gazillionaires or super spies with really cool gadgets, just hardworking agents and retired agents trying to keep some important people from getting lost in the world of evil and bad people.
Tom is trying to enjoy his retirement from whatever secret service with no name he worked at and find some peace in his life after seeing all the evil that man hath wrought. When two women from his past that are attached to memories that haunt him, Tom gets pulled into finding a third woman to keep her safe while trying to protect the other two.
Not knowing who he can trust except his former team that he doesn’t want to put in danger, Tom is practically completing this on his own. His stubborn teammates come along for the ride and help him. When one of his own gets mixed up with the bad guys, Tom is more determined to keep all three of the women and his team safe.
So much excitement. So much action. So much much. Fast moving. Never slows down. Who is really an ally? One one way to find out…read this book!
Mission Improbable: Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. It’s a mystery, with a blossoming friendship and two ladies learning more about themselves and their families.
This is technically the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Which is how I read it.
Follow along as Blanche and Jean try to find a missing piece to their lives.
Alien Redemption by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book when I first started reading it. But soon enough I found a new Sci-fi book that I ended up really enjoying. The author does a wonderful job of world and character building. I was able to connect with Claudia, who is trying to find a way to get past a mistake, but finds herself in a difficult situation. Once she discovers that her Captain has plans for the new species that is found on a planet, Claudia tries her best to help the new species.
I am happy to have found this story by Gloria Oliver. I’m looking forward to reading more stories by this author.
Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
April lost her father when she was young and never had a relationship with him. Now that she is in Laurel Lake she begins to learn things about his death that do not seem to make sense. April misses the big city but is finding herself enjoying her time in the small town. I loved these characters and was hooked from the beginning of the book. I need to read more about April and her friends.
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series and it’s amazing!! It picks up where book 1 left off. In the second installment we get more of Kingston’s pov and inner dialogue that helps explain his sometimes over the top actions over Ava. Ava’s problematic brother comes in as well again and it’s possible Ms. Moran has redeemed him enough to give him his own book in the future. This is the end of this particular set but again, maybe she’ll give us some more in the future!!
A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book to the Savage Duet books and it is great. Ava is kidnapped by Kingston due to a debt that her brother owes. The problem is everyone around wants her too. This is a dark romance full of a jealous alpha and feisty woman. This does end in a cliffhanger but the second book is already out so no wait!!
The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Alien & the Crime Boss is a short sci-fi romance featuring, as the title suggests, an alien and a crime boss. Leilphun has fled his home world to Earth, a planet he knows only through stories. He is immediately taken prisoner by Kasper, who is untrusting due to the multiple crime families who want him dead.
I like how Leilphun and Kasper warm to each other over the course of the story and learn to trust. It’s also fun to see Leilphun experiencing Earth for the first time and learning how to fit in. While the shorter format makes this a great book to read in one sitting, I’d have enjoyed more time both for the development of Leilphun and Kasper’s relationship and to see Leilphun exploring human life.
I’ve enjoyed many books by this author before and this will appeal to fans. I like the originality of her characters and the scenarios they find themselves in. It’s also always great to come across LGBTQ+ characters in genre fiction!
This book gets four stars from me. If you’re at all intrigued by the title, give it a read! It’s such a short read you’ll be able to satisfy your curiosity as well as getting a taste for the author’s style.
Mission Improbable: Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mission Improbable: Vietnam (A Blanche Murninghan Mystery) by Nancy Nau Sullivan. This has quickly become one of my favorite series. Blanche gets talked into going to Vietnam to help Jean McMahon find her mother. Jean found out her bio mom lives in Vietnam and her father who was an American Solider raised her in the States. Blanche is not excited about going until she realizes she can use this trip to learn more about her father who was also a solider and perished in the war. As soon as they arrive in Vietnam they quickly discover a lot of people would rather the past remain in the past forever. Hitting all kinds of road blocks Blanche begins to wonder if she will discover anything about either of these people. Blanche being Blanche she won’t give up easily and she will find out the truth. The writer wrote this story with such amazing vision I felt as if I were really in Vietnam. I also loved the friendship Blanche and Jean formed over looking for their parents. This has become a favorite series of mine. Can’t wait for the next book!
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This enjoyable, fun romantic comedy kept me happily turning the pages, and had me wishing I had a ticket to the Flamingo Island Resort! Jilted groom Daniel and his best mate Joey decide to go on honeymoon together, and use the expensive, non-refundable tickets to the exclusive Flamingo Island Resort. Joey tries to convince Daniel that in order to get over being jilted he needs to have fun with another women. However, it’s not until he meets Sara that he starts to agree and have fun. Daniel and Joey are looking forward to a trip of a lifetime, but I don’t think they were expecting the trip they got! Although this is a fairly quick read as it’s a short novella, the storyline has plenty of drama, suspense, fun, and of course romance. I loved the characters and I really enjoyed this lighthearted and heartwarming romance which also had plenty of steamy scenes.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I truly enjoy picking up books by this author! This was such a fun read about second chances. Daniel was ready to marry the love of his life, Claire, but she left him at the altar without any hint of what went wrong. Instead of waste the nonrefundable honeymoon tickets, his best friend suggested they go together and have a blast. He wasn’t expecting to hit it off with someone so quickly. I found the flow of the story had a few bumps here and there that made it harder to find my groove. If you’re looking for a quick romantic comedy to make you laugh, this is the next read for you!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Both Melody and Annika are wanted for the information that they know. With their handler dead, there is only one person they can trust and that is Tom. Tom, however, is out of the game… he’s done. Until…. he gets a call from James asking for help. Isabella is thrown into her past with the emergence of the two girls running from their “owner”. With agencies working hard to bring down the crime ring, can Operation Sweetpea finally be over? With leaks and betrayals at every turn, the race to end it all is proving to be costly.
I enjoyed reading the end of this series. There was so much going on and happening, but I was able to keep track of it all without feeling overwhelmed or lost. The author did a great job of tying up loose ends and wrapping up the storyline. The twists were perfect and kept me guessing. I was very pleased with end and how it all played out.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this quick read. This author never fails to impress me. It is a steamy read with a twist I definately didn’t see coming but I loved.
Daniel was jilted at the alter. With his honeymoon being non refundable he decides to go with his best friend Joey. Surely it’s a good way to heal a broken heart, sun, drink and women.
At first Daniel wasn’t sure on the women part until he met Sara.
However Sara isn’t all she seems to be and when the runaway bride makes an appearance as well Daniel is left reeling as lies and deceit come to light in ways he never expected.
The question is was one night of passion enough for Daniel to forgive and move forward with Sara or would he want to forget it ever happened.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being left at the altar on his wedding day, Daniel and his best friend decide to use their honeymoon tickets anyways.
We meet Sara who is on a mission in more ways than one and sets her hungry eyes on Daniel.
With some quick twists and turns, the island feels like a really small world.
Easy afternoon read.
This seems like a fun series following different people and flamingo Island written by different authors.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quick, but entertaining. My only wish is that there could have been a couple more chapters to really cement in the romance feel. However, from the way it ended, there may be more story coming.
I loved the turtle. If the story does continue, I hope they visit him again. And I’d love to learn more about Joey. I actually have hopes that things go a certain way with him.
Overall, great read!
The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kasper Kingston is a man on a mission and his mission is to destabilise the two main crime families and take over in their place, it is dangerous, but he has a determination to attain his goal and so he goes to a cabin in the woods so that he can watch and wait for his enemy’s destruction. Leilphun is an alien, but he will no longer be able to live on his own planet anymore, this is due to the rulers of his home planet wanting instead to punish him for his crime by throwing him into the fighting arena’s, but he has no intention of that happening and so he says goodbye to everything that he knows, undertakes an exhausting and jumps through a portal for a one way trip to Earth.
One morning Kasper sees a bright light flash outside the window and decides to go and investigate just in case it is one of the families, however when he gets there, he only finds an unconscious person with purple skin and he decides that he cannot just leave them out there in the woods and so he takes the mystery person home, ties them up and waits for them to wake up so that he can interrogate them. When Leilphun awakes after his journey to Earth, he realises that he is in a dwelling and is being restrained to a chair, the most alluring thing is the man who is sitting in front of him, however, he is less than impressed with his being questioned the minute he wakes up, but especially when his answers are not believed.
That even Kasper makes the decision to allow Leilphun to sleep next to him so that he can tell whether he tries to escape, but this is when he is attacked by the families and Leilphun surprisingly helps him to escape, later revealing that it is because they are now betrothed according to Leilphun’s people’s customs, it also confirms his story that he really isn’t from this planet and that he really didn’t need the weapons he brought with him. Will Kasper be able to maintain the distance he needs so as not to become too distracted by the handsome alien, or will Leilphun become more than just a weapon to help destroy the families while keeping himself safe? This is a novella with heart, as well as danger, retaliation and redemption which will catch you in its net and not let you go until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yet again, we have picked up a book by this author and been transported away to an imaginative, fun and creative world that the whole family engages with. We had recently been away to Scotland so this book not only allowed us to teach our kids about a well known myth, but it also allowed us to revisit the memories we had made.
The images captured the kids attention easily and we spent just as much time looking at them as we did reading the story. As usual, we have read the book multiple times because it was enjoyed all round and I am sure it will be read many more. This author will definitely remain a family favourite and we are all looking forward to the next book of hers we read.
The Uncrowned King by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was really looking forward to getting my hands on the second book in the series and it definitely did not disappoint. I was pulled straight back into the story and the characters, as though I hadn’t stopped reading. I would highly recommend reading the first book before this, otherwise you would miss a lot of important content and information.
This book is even better than the first and I loved watching how the story played out. So much seems to happen and the story progresses, but the author handles it all with ease. The book is exciting and action packed, right from the word go. It felt like it was always on a knifes edge and could go anyway at any time. This book is well developed, interesting and a brilliant read. I cannot wait for the next one to see what happens.
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an incredible follow up to the first book and I could not wait to get my hands on it and start reading. This book is everything I was hoping for and I read it all in one sitting. It is just as dark, gritty and intense as the first book and I loved the further detail we get for the characters.
Kingston and Ava are not your typical couple, and are a couple that won’t be suitable for all readers. But for those who are a fan of this type of book, they are some of the best. I loved both of them because they weren’t perfect. They were flawed, dangerous and captivating. Their connection made them more real and I could have easily kept reading about them. This book was incredible and I would love to see more from this series in the future.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Daniel is a jilted groom not knowing what to do with the very expensive non-refundable honeymoon, when his best friend convinces him to get over this heartache is to get drunk, find some girls and have fun. So as they arrive at the resort they get swept away in the fun spirit and too much alcohol and Daniel ends ups up in a one-night stand.
Sara is there just chilling, super charged and ready for action, when a handsome man catches her eye at check-in she is for fun and adventure but being in a romantic setting on your on is no fun so when she arrives at the hotel bar and said man arrives they strike up a conversation and before they know it they are in her room having fun, but what will happen in the morning?
This is a short, funny, romantic novella and will have you laughing out loud with some of the antics of both Joey, the best friend of Daniel, Sara and Daniel himself. With mischief and alcohol will this end happily ever after. The story is faced paced and although you see Daniel at his worst at the beginning of the book you end up routing for him to have happiness at the end.
Although a Novella this is definitely not a short change book and has the feel of a longer novel within the writing and the development of the characters, if you are looking for a quick coffee break read with romance and comedy this is the book for you.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121313439-hope-for-a-new-world” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681596017l/121313439._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121313439-hope-for-a-new-world”>Hope For a New World</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29379178.Renee_W_Peek”>Renee W. Peek</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6114097193″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Maddison Bear’s Heart is an environmental attorney and is facing a lot of opposition. Of course the fight to save the environment is big but one day it will be even bigger than we have imagined. In this story she meets people who speak to Gaia and is told the world is coming to an end. They must make their way to a new plant called Adelphi. Will they make it there? This was an interesting book and the author is new to me. As we don’t know when this world will end or where we will end up this was an interesting take on what could happen in the future. I’m not usually into sci-fi type books, but this one really kept my attention. The author did a great job.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Mission Improbable: Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a well written and interesting mystery story set in Vietnam. The story has a level of complexity and depth to it that I wasn’t expecting but definitely made me enjoy it more. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Although, I will certainly be going back to read the first two!
I thought all the characters in this book were well developed. They each added something to the story and helped to create a well rounded book. There was a great attention to detail in the book as well; it really felt like the intended reader learnt something about Vietnam. Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book that has piqued my interest about what else this author will have to offer.
Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Recipe for Revenge by Hazel Smith is the second book in the April May Cozy Mystery series. It was readable as a stand-alone book and would be even better in context as a series. It follows April May as she continues settling into life in Laurel Lake, Minnesota. With her home renovation coming along nicely, beloved furry companion, hot unofficial boyfriend, and enjoyable non- job with the newspaper – April seems to be doing great. Then tragedies begin hitting and, suddenly, April is dragged into the story of two lives lost to car accident 25 years ago. A good mystery that kept me guessing.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Taking control of her own fate. This is the first book I have read by the immensely talented Lena Abram’s and all I gotta say is wow. Day one of 2024 and I already have a favorite author of the year. Lannahi, daughter of King Sarkal and Queen Asirri of Goldenshadows is more than just a singer.
Lannahi is the youngest of three, brother Maal fifteen years older and sister Letiri ten years older. Due to the large age gaps, she was never very close to her siblings but when she became twenty years old both took great interest in her along with many others. The purpose was to see how powerful she was. Alas the interest in her was short lived when their father introduced her to the court as a singer and not a princess. Both felt she was no longer a threat but could be a pawn in the Royal Games. Nihhal, is the son of prince reigning over one of her fathers’ cities and due to his father’s enslavement after a loss has a grand plan of revenge that Lannahi is key. When he reveals his ultimate plans to her, he does so with a charm, if she tries to warn or tell anyone of his plans she will suffocate before she can finish. With no other choice Lannahi is truly her mother’s daughter and decides to take her survival and thus her fate into her own hands. She has finally reached the age of twenty-five and is now old enough to attend the Royal Sabbaths and can declare a challenge to another royal for their title and lands. Only she meets someone unexpected, Ashared, a mixed blood landshaper/shapeshifter. With whom has ties to the woman she has challenged. The Queen of Goldfrost is her target and the date is set… her only brief hesitation to her surprise is how Ashared will see the challenge.
What will happen after the duel? Can she truly win against a landshaper? Will Nihhal accept that she is out of his reach, or will he follow her to enact his revenge? The world the author builds is one built of magic, and fae but also reality in how people only ever let you see what they want you to. Secrets don’t only hide in the shadows, sometimes the friend beside you turns out to be the enemy you were fighting. She searched and dreamed of a love like her parents’ and found it in a place she never thought possible. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more from this author. Can’t wait to see what she has in store next.
Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tom is pulled back to work, despite his best efforts to live a quiet life. Once he commits to a job, he’s all in and that hasn’t changed.
Lost Property was highly engaging and full of twists and turns. It does help significantly to read the previous books in the series, but even as a standalone you can catch up pretty quickly. The book is fast paced and keeps you reading to the very end. The banter between Tom and James is a good source of light entertainment is an otherwise heavy book.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When left at the altar with a nonrefundable honeymoon package Daniel takes his best friend’s advice and they take the vacation. Even the honeymoon trip fails to go planned for Daniel and Joey.
Tropic Heat is a quick read with classic rom-com vibes. It’s easy to read and is entertaining. Joey is worth quite a few laughs as he keeps things interesting.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tropic Heat
This is a book in the Flamingo Island series. All of the books are standalone that take place on Flamingo Island.
This was the first of the series I have read so I don’t know if there is any background for the Island or not in earlier books.
Daniel deals with an unimaginable embarrassment and is left at the alter. Thankfully he has his best friend to go on the honeymoon with him. That’s when the adventure begins.
I think my favorite moment was with Buster after a booze filled night. I still chuckle thinking about it.
I will adding the others to my TBR list and plan to try and get to them soon since I have some free time coming.
Mission Improbable:Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mission Improbable: Vietnam is Book 3 in the Blanche Murninghan Mystery Series, and I really enjoyed this story. Not only was it a story, but an actual journey. This journey took me along for an adventure, secrets and discovery with years in the making. While I did not read the first two books in the series, I definitely am very interested in circling back to see the other mysteries that Blanche Murninghan was involved in.
What happens when a total stranger takes Blanche by surprise to ask to help find her mother in Vietnam…..hear her out and go along for the journey! Jean McMahon approaches Blanche to help her and what they discover is so much more. As Jean and Blanche get to know each other while trying to not only find Jean’s mother but Blanche would like to do some family discovery of her own….they find they share some commons similarities. Will Jean and Blanche be able to find what they are looking for…
Enjoyable cozy mystery….definitely worth the read!
