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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, some definite spice for this Sugar & Spice book, but it was an entertaining read. An interesting story line and I enjoyed the undercover boss plot. Jolie provided an interesting character element and I loved that she was a single mom that was struggling…not just your “life is perfect” type of character. I liked the way that Cy (aka “Marcus”) struggled with his family, his undercover role and his feelings for Jolie. This was a fast read and certainly a spicy, contemporary romance story.

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Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Before I Let You GoBefore I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book a lot. There were lots of layers to the story and so many different dynamics for Elsbeth. Her relationship with her sister, her mother, her father, the ex-boyfriend, the unexpected inheritance, and of course Guernsey. And then there are Ben, Bishop, Ambrose…and more! The author does a great job of building the characters throughout the story and giving the reader a chance to really root for Elsbeth and for her to find happiness. Lots of twists and turns make for a very interesting contemporary romance story! This was a quick read that I really enjoyed.

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Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Web of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 2)Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the Hani Daughter Mysteries series, and I did not read book 1 prior. I may have had a little extra insight on some of the characters, but it did not really impact my view of the book. This was an interesting murder mystery that takes place in Egypt. You get an interesting perspective as a reader as you follow Neferet and the others as they go on a journey to try to solve a potential murder of a man whose body was found in the water nearby. There are many historical and geographical parts of the book that the author does a great job of including in the story. I felt like I learned a lot of historical information about Egyptian living while reading this book. The story was very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The fast-paced, action-packed journey of Evelyn and Patrick is enjoyable and full of emotions.There’s crime drama, relationship building and drama, international travel drama, suspense, and so much more! Lots of drama, but in the best way! I thought this was a very entertaining story and I will definitely be looking to read book 2 in the London Detective Agency series!

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! Harry was such a great character that had me loving her from the very beginning. So many layers, lots of character development, and a few twists and turns to the reader on his/her toes. Leo made the perfect neighbor/bestie and just so much wonderful content in this book. I went through so many different emotions while reading this book and just couldn’t put it down. So good! I’ve never read anything by Kelly Huston, but this one was fantastic and I will definitely be reading more!

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute kids book that provided a great storyline about the Lunar New Year and the adventure a set of two sisters ends up on. I enjoyed the story about the red envelopes and their significance and then why it was such a problem when they went missing. There were so many great cultural references that would be a wonderful learning experience for the reader. This book would be ideal for young readers ages 7-12. The Missing Red Envelopes was a lighthearted and engaging read. It also featured some great illustrations. Well done Yobe Qiu, this was a well written children’s book.

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Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Fuller SightFuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first John Stone book and it was very good. Not a super fast read because it does force the reader to really think and take time to process the story. I thought the story was very interesting and very unlike most books I read – in a good way. Metaphysical is a new genre for me, so that did take some getting used to, and like I mentioned, it does require more thought than most books I read. I really liked the way the author developed the characters like Danny and Nora and it was a very unique direction for a storyline. Well done. This was a unique and interesting read.

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Critical Care (Chase Care Series Book 6) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Critical Care (Chase Care Book 6)Critical Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is book 6 of the Chase Care series, but even though I didn’t read the others prior to this one, it was not a problem. The relationship between Tim and Willow is well developed and does have some spicy romance parts, but the majority of the book is a very captivating storyline with lots of twists and turns and lots of great characters. I appreciated the medical and military/security jargon to give the reader a deeper sense of the story. I did really enjoy this book and will more than likely go back and read some of the others in the series.

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story so much! From the very first chapter and all the way to the epilogue, I was drawn in and hooked. Bailey and Fox are two incredible characters that the reader gets to learn about and fall in love with as they learn to navigate their adventure together. So many different dynamics in the book were done so well and I didn’t want the story to end. Well done Amy Q Barker, this was a fantastic book, with a great romantic story without having to be over the top romance. This appears to be book 1 in the Better Man series and if that’s the case, I cannot wait to read the others!

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book in the Adventures of Cray book series. Cray the Crab and Hay the Fox go on a sweet adventure to get Hay to his mother’s birthday party. They face many obstacles along the way and get help from each other and from some friends. They also learn how to be brave and how to work together. This is a great book for early readers.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nessie and the Celtic Spy is the third book in the Nessie’s Grotto Series. Cute book and interesting story about Craig and Linda and their quest to help Princess Sheona. The kids find quite the adventure between Canada and Scotland and the Celtic maze they must navigate to save the princess. This is a great book for children in the 7-12 age range. A fun story line, adventures with Nessie from Loch Ness, and so much more. I found this an entertaining story and I imagine children would love it, too.

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Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Spy is a really cute book that is a quick read and would be great for elementary readers (ages 7-12). The short chapters allow the book to move at a fast pace and the story immediately gets your attention relating to our unexpected character of Hildegarde. The tie in to science was interesting and possible aliens! I am so glad that I had a chance to read this and I look forward to passing it along to my sons for them to read. I mean, who doesn’t love a spy story with a really smart rat and the thought of aliens?!

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good kid’s book that is a fun story about recognizing different types of treasure in your life. Treasure Hunt is the fourth book in the Grandma’s Closet Series. Very age-appropriate vocabulary for newer readers and would be an easy read for early elementary kids. A cute story about Carrie and her hunt for treasure in unexpected places using the dowsing rods she found in Grandma’s closet.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Valley Elite Book 2 (3 if you include the novella prequel) was my favorite of the series so far. The drama between Riley and Cole reaches an all new high and there were some chapters that had me at the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this one down! I enjoyed the previous books, but this one was much better. Isla Vaughn put together a great story here and all the twists and turns were well placed and took the book to a whole different level compared to book 1 and the prequel. I look forward to reading many more by Isla and reading more from this series.

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Vacation Flirtation…or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Series) by Stacey Komosinski – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Vacation Flirtation...or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Book 1)Vacation Flirtation…or More? by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great beachy getaway romance read. Funny and cute, this one was a delight to read from the very first chapter. The connection between Giuliana and Landon was on fire from the start, but without being over-the-top on the spice level. The best friend storyline with Morgan was another great part of the book. Read this and y’all want to be on a plane and heading to Turks & Caicos in no time! I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely read more by Stacey Komosinski. Well done!

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Resisting Nature (Powder River Pack Series) by Brooke May – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Resisting NatureResisting Nature by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the fourth book of the Powder River Pack Series, Brooke May takes the reader on a journey with Alexa and Miles. After reading the first three books, the reader has been given a glimpse into their journey, but this book really digs into the whole story. The backstory for Alexa with Grant and Teague, and then meeting Miles and her struggles to trust him, followed by some action-packed chapters to really seal the deal. This was another great read and I really enjoyed reading about these characters.

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3)It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another book that met my expectations. I loved learning more about Macy and Brandon and their very non traditional start and the journey of getting back together. Reading about Miranda made me laugh so hard and as a mom, I could just envision all the chaos that little girl was causing! I have enjoyed the connections to the previous books and all the overlapping of characters and storylines. Another successful book from Brooke May.

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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good read from Brooke May and the Powder River Pack Series. I enjoyed the storyline between Rylie and Mason. Loved the added twists and turns along the way, taking the reader on a fascinating journey of these two fated mates. I really loved the characters of Rylie, Mason and Archer, which made the book all the more enjoyable. If you like werewolf stories, this is another great one in the series. Ready to see which pair is up in book 3!

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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A Second ChanceA Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great first book in this werewolf series. This isn’t a genre I usually read, but I am glad that I did because it was very good. I enjoyed this story and became connected to Derek and Annabelle right away. Their story and what caused them to be driven apart at a young age despite being fated mates was heart wrenching, but made it all the more significant as the story continued. Spence is hilarious and probably my favorite character in the whole book. I really had a blast reading this one and can’t wait to dive right into the rest of the series. Well done Brooke May. This is my first of hers, but it definitely won’t be my last.

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series, #2)Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful book by Sandra Young. The second book in the saga of characters from Divine Vintage (Book 1), but involving main character Marcy. Again, I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Marcy and Mike was interesting and I enjoyed the layers that built throughout the story. I also loved the costuming and theater component of the book. Yet again, the paranormal component only added to the fantastic story. So many interesting mini stories within the overall story of Marcy Anderson. I would definitely be in favor of more books with these characters.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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

I really enjoyed this book. There was an instant connection to the characters of Tess and Trey and I was pulled right into their story, their sizzling connection, and of course, their tie to the century-old family story of Phoebe and Edward. This was a quick read and just so enjoyable. I loved the way the different characters channeled the older family members involved in the mysterious happenings 100 years earlier. The paranormal component of the story just added to the fun and romance of it all. Great read.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel novella, I was very intrigued to read more about Riley and Cole. This series is a quick read and very interesting. I would strongly encourage reading the prequel (Savage Start) before reading this book. It will provide so many details and background information about the significance of the interactions between Riley and Cole, the dynamics between Cole, Damon and their dad, and the story of what happened to Cole’s mother. Isla Vaughn does a great job of developing the characters and all the quirks and nuances of a story about high school students. I really liked all the layers of the story – Riley and her mom; Cole, Damon and their father; Cole and Damon’s cousins and their need to work hard to earn football scholarships and how Cole and Damon can help them; the elite clique of boys and girls at girl; and the connection between Cole and Riley. This was a good read and I look forward to reading more in the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick-paced prequel in the Hidden Valley series. The book is a dual-POV book, with alternating chapters featuring Riley and Cole. The two storylines are both interesting and intriguing and overlap in a unique way. Both characters have their own struggles to deal with and the book leaves you wondering how their connection, while brief, will continue into the next book in the series. This quick read was written well and definitely leads to wanting to find out more from the series. Will Riley have to pick up and move again? Will Cole be able to get through the tragedy that he faces at the end of the book and can he ever forgive his dad’s behavior? These are just some of the questions that you will be left wondering at the end of this book. Onto the next book to hopefully find out these answers and more.

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The Human Mating Site, Box Set 1 (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella's 1-4The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This set of 4 novellas was lighthearted and witty and the perfect quick read. A great romance series following Bella as she explores the journey to find herself again after the end of her fairly boring relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband. I had many laughs (and some gasps, too) as she navigated the new-to-her single and dating scene. Each novella follows Bella and her dating a different guy, mostly found through a dating site. I enjoyed these quick books and would easily find myself reading the other ones as they are released (there will be 13 total!). With many more men in Bella’s future, it is sure to be entertaining to read.

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet Book 2) by April Moran – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet #2)A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Heart So Savage is book 2 in this Duet Series. If you haven’t read book 1, you will want to do that first as it completely sets the stage for book 2 and that is where you learn all about the characters and the storyline for the sequel. If you are a dark romance fan, then once again, April Moran does a great job with this story and will have readers wanting more. In A Heart So Savage, we continue with the dual POV and we learn more about Kingston and Ava and their growing connection despite the unique situation that brought them together. Even with the beast qualities of Kingston and the love-hate feelings towards the relationship between him and Ava, by the end, you are rooting for them. As with book 1, there are trigger warnings, so be sure to check those before reading.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A King So Savage is a very dark romance, but if you like that style of book, you will certainly enjoy this read. April does a great job of developing the main characters and you get dual POV – Kingston and Ava – which is a nice element that I enjoyed. Kingston is a dark, cruel man that you learn to both love and hate and Ava is a character that fights back and resists when and if at all possible, even when that means punishment from her captor. I would describe the storyline as a modern day Beauty and the Beast with a Fifty Shades twist. Again, this book is a dark romance and there are a lot of trigger warnings – so be sure to check those out first. But with all that said, it was well written and left me wanting to know what happens in book 2.

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Sweet Dreams by Claire (Capture the Light Series) by Nanette Littlestone – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Sweet Dreams by Claire (Capture the Light, #2)Sweet Dreams by Claire by Nanette Littlestone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet Dreams by Claire is a fun, light-hearted read that had my attention and my heart right from the start. Claire is lovable and so relatable! While the story takes place in Ireland, it feels like it’s a familiar town that everyone knows thanks to the great writing of Nanette Littlestone. Finn and Brigid are two more of the many wonderful characters that you get to know, and love, along the way. The magic and the Irish legends woven into the story provide yet another fantastic component to the story. This book had me wanting to visit Ireland, hungry for lots of bakery items, and craving salted caramels! Lots of sweet dreams for me after reading this book!

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Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sci-Fi Fantasy books are not usually my go-to genre, but this was a great read. A little slow at first just trying to figure out all the different characters, but I enjoyed the book and really got pulled into it the more I read. I am looking forward to reading more from this series. I loved the connection to Gaia and Adelphi and the overall connection between people and our planet. The characters were developed well and there were so many different connections, relationships and dynamics throughout the book. I thought it built up well and didn’t feel rushed. Good read and well done.

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Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sci-Fi Fantasy books are not usually my go-to genre, but this was a great read. A little slow at first just trying to figure out all the different characters, but I enjoyed the book and really got pulled into it the more I read. I am looking forward to reading more from this series. I loved the connection to Gaia and Adelphi and the overall connection between people and our planet. The characters were developed well and there were so many different connections, relationships and dynamics throughout the book. I thought it built up well and didn’t feel rushed. Good read and well done.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness is book 2 of a 3 book series and it brought a lot more to the story of Julia, Adam and Samuel. The development of new characters, several twists and turns and so much more. As with book 1, I am not typically drawn to vampire books, but this series is a good one and has very strong character development and a strong storyline. If you enjoy vampire books, I would highly recommend this book and this whole series. The author really puts the reader through a roller coaster of emotions in book 2 and I look forward to how it will all come to a close in book 3.

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