Posts

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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!

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

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

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.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jayme Raffauf

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

I am not normally a fan of books about vampires, but this was definitely an interesting book. The characters had very strong development and I found an immediate draw to the main character Julia and her struggles with her father and the expectation of arranged marriage, but mostly the strength she needs as she deals with the years of torment at the hand of her husband. The vampire element was intriguing and provided an interesting solution for Julia. This book does have a lot of emotional triggers, which could be difficult for some readers, but I really did enjoy the story and all the different relationships and connections between the characters. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Jayme Raffauf

To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley was not what I expected at all. It was an interesting story with romance and suspense. The characters were developed pretty well and painted a fairly strong picture of each character. As the story went on, I was drawn in more and more. I did feel that the ending was rushed, but overall, the story was good. The elf and Zeke definitely brought the creepy element to the story, but I really loved the romantic storyline between Marcie and Ted.

View all my reviews

The Befallen (The Unsung and The Wolf Duology) by Cambria Williams – Review by Jayme Raffauf

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not usually one to read and enjoy fantasy novels, but wow, this one was fantastic. Cambria Williams developed an incredible cast of characters, especially Sloane and Tolvar. The story was a little slow to start, but it didn’t take long before I was completely enveloped in the story. The search for the Unsung and the trials faced by Sloane and Tolvar make this story a great one. This novel has knights, ancient lore, legends, goddesses of the various moons, and so much more. I felt like I rode an emotional roller coaster through the reading of this book, and would ride it over and over again without a question. Excellent book.

View all my reviews

Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Jayme Raffauf

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nick – the art student – and Claire – the former model, socialite, and business woman – make quite the unexpected pair. The question is, can their instant connection withstand both of their insecurities? This book was a fast-paced, lovable story of two mismatched people that find themselves in an interesting situation. I really enjoyed the book and was rooting for these two to take the leap and commit to what could be. Unexpected, was just that, two people crossing paths in unexpected ways and having an unexpected connection. Read this book to see how it ends!

View all my reviews

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though I have not read the prior two books in the Diamond District Mystery Series, I had no trouble understanding the characters and their dynamics. This was a fun read that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the various family dynamics and Mimi is a super relatable lead character. I mean, who doesn’t love a book about a cursed diamond?! Slay It With a Diamond is a fun mystery book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and more books from Rob Bates.

View all my reviews

The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Jayme Raffauf

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me wanting to hop on a flight to Australia for a Christmas Holiday. Lizzie and Jaz are a fun and lovable pair that had me rooting for them from the start. From their unexpected meeting courtesy of Lachlan’s football, to navigating a holiday fling between a newly unemployed woman from London and a surfing single dad in Australia, can their two worlds collide (literally) and survive? Read this fantastic book to find out. The Christmas Escape is a quick read, but is sure to capture your heart immediately.

View all my reviews

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart from the very first chapter. Olivia and Roman are fun, relatable, and hilarious characters that capture your heart immediately. The fact that Olivia is menopausal and a little bit of a hot mess is fantastic and made her so lovable. And as a sports fan myself, I loved the hockey player Roman and his ability to step in and help his daughter when she asked him for a big favor. Humor and spice makes everything nice. This is a great read about hockey, hot flashes, family dynamics, and finding love again.

View all my reviews