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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was captivated throughout by this magical realism novella. The main character Molly, a lady in her early fifties, is such a likeable and relatable character that I felt instantly invested in her journey. Wanting a new experience Molly decides to take a well earned vacation to the tiny town of Holy Land in New Mexico. Her time away turns out to be both “surprising” and “interesting” as she goes on a journey of self-discovery. The intriguing storyline is a mix of the real and the magical as Molly encounters petroglyphs, rattlesnakes and vultures, alongside spirits and ghosts. The setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. This was an enjoyable and inspiring read and one which I recommend reading!

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The Trouble With Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Trouble with PossibilitiesThe Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages. A tragedy forces Del to literally pull the plug on her unhappy marriage and leaves desperate to escape. In a bid to regain control over her life Del heads off to Africa. Whilst volunteering at a school Del meets the celebrity and orphanage founder Ben Mahoney. If being handsome and charming wasn’t enough to make her heart flutter, he also shares her passion for education. Ben is keen to hear her bold plans to improve the school, but she finds he often catches her off guard. Especially as he appears to like her! The likeable and relatable Del was a wonderful character who I really felt for and was invested in her story. The chemistry between her and Ben came across in the narrative. The stunning African setting was brought to life making me feel immersed in the story. I enjoyed the inspirational storyline following Del as she finds herself and follows her dream of volunteering in Africa.

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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable, easy to read and informative self help book for college students wanting to increase their productivity. This book acknowledges the extreme pressures there are on college students, along with the intense competition and distractions such as social media. This book aims to “address the unique needs and productivity challenges that college students have”. The book offers unique and effective solutions for students to not only survive at college but thrive and succeed!

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Dead Late (Things Unseen Series) by Anise Eden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Dead Late (Things Unseen, #3)Dead Late by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping romantic suspense thriller and the conclusion of the enjoyable ‘Things Unseen’ series. Having read and enjoyed the two previous books, being back with Dr. Cornelius O’Brien and psychotherapist Neve Keane, was like meeting old friends again! Cornelius (Con) takes girlfriend Neve for a romantic break in his home country of Ireland. Before they can relax they have to do a favour for the President of the United States. Checking in on his goddaughter who’s studying in Cork was supposed to be easy, but Neve and Con find themselves in a terrifying situation. Both Con and Neve face terrible dilemmas and must make difficult choices whilst in danger. Once again the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in Con and Neve’s world again. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the series of books, and the chemistry between them really came across in the narrative. This action packed and fast paced story had me hooked from page one. Whilst the plot twists and the building suspense kept me reading late into the night!

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Knight On Edge (Jorja Knight Mystery Series) by Alice Bienia – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery (Jorja Knight Mystery Series Book 7)Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery featuring private investigator Jorja Knight. Her latest case appears to be routine, proving a husband’s supposed infidelity. However, when the mistress turns up dead she worries that her investigation may have led to the death. Jorja is then involved in the murder investigation having been hired by the defense lawyer. The more she discovers questions are raised about the accused’s innocence. Whilst dealing with personal crises Jorja unearths secrets in the victim’s past, and discovers more deceptions and deadly motives. Jorja is determined to expose the killer and uncover the real motive, even if the person she’s defending is the one who pulled the trigger! I loved being back with our smart, gutsy heroine Jorja as she investigates another intriguing mystery. The fast paced storyline with plenty of plot twists kept me hooked throughout.

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Railway to Murder (A Buck Greene, Railroad Special Agent, Mystery) by Danny J. Bradbury – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Railway to MurderRailway to Murder by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked throughout by this murder mystery set just after the American Civil War. Searching for a new beginning and haunted by his time fighting in the war Buck Greene journeys westward. When he hears about the expanding transcontinental railroad he is inspired to be part of it. However, having stumbled upon a dead body of one of the railroad workers he is shocked to discover this is not the first murder. Buck is determined to identify and stop the killers before it’s too late. Depending on his success he could become a real Railroad Special Agent. This is a great introduction to Buck and how he became a Railroad Special Agent. The descriptive narrative brought the characters and setting vividly to life, whilst the added historical details made me feel transported back in time. I look forward to being back with Buck solving a new mystery soon!

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The Keeper (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Keeper (Fall River, #1)The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An opposites attract small town romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Health inspector Hailey attempts to save a lost dog during a blizzard, but causes a pickup truck to crash. Struggling tavern owner Noah did not expect to be rescuing the woman who caused him to wreck his truck. Hailey can’t believe Noah protected her from the storm and with her stranded in town she offers to wait tables for him. Noah is struggling to keep his tavern afloat whilst trying to impress his judgemental father and deal with a cheating ex-girlfriend and an obsessed hookup. Hailey can see herself having a life in the small town of Fall River, along with Noah. However, outside obstacles try to prevent their developing relationship. Noah and Hailey’s chemistry came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. Both the characters and the setting came to life making me feel immersed in the storyline. This lighthearted and heartwarming romance, with just enough steam had me hooked from page one.

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The Fixer (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Fixer (Fall River, #2)The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging romance set in the small town of Fall River, this time with an enemies to lovers storyline. When Joy left the small dusty mining town for a city career she didn’t plan on returning. However, when she inherits her estranged mother’s dilapidated and crumbling building she returns with plans of demolishing it. For hometown boy and passionate preservationist Charlie he sees great potential in the historic building Joy now owns. Whilst Joy and Charlie clash over the fate of the building a battle of wills leads to a growing attraction. The chemistry between the likeable Joy and relatable Charlie really came across in the narrative. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story and it kept me happily turning the pages. Once again the setting and small town feel was brought to life.

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Masquerade (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Masquerade (Choosing Family Book 1)Masquerade by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance. Liam Quinn needs to land a project in order to get a law partnership. However, the project requires confidentiality, so not the best timing for his estranged but identical twin to appear on a billboard. Meanwhile romance author Kate Turner writes under the pseudonym ‘Ms. Sexy Romance’, as her playwright father thinks romances are just trashy novels, whilst her ex-boyfriend referred to her writing as a ‘dirty little secret’. Kate’s identical twin encourages her to appear on a billboard proving that she can be both notorious and anonymous. In her day job Kate becomes Liam’s research assistant, but they can’t deny their mutual attraction. This heartwarming romance kept me happily turning the pages. I found Kate and Liam to be likeable and relatable characters. Their chemistry sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes.

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Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Having promised affordable and reliable childcare to her co-workers, marketing manager Anna Turner can’t let them down. A hostile takeover of the building threatens her plans. When architect and property developer Hunter Thompson learns what his father has planned for a building owned by a family he’s close to, he out-manoeuvres his father and buys the property himself. Anna is angry when she learns Hunter is behind her plans not working out. Having told him about her plans for her ideal childcare centre, Hunter offers her a new lease as long as they work together. As their professional relationship develops into a more personal one secrets from their past have devastating consequences. This was a heartwarming romance with an intriguing storyline and likeable and relatable characters. It can be read as a standalone story but some of the characters do appear in the previous books in this series.

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The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky #4)The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series of historical cozy mysteries, I was looking forward to this latest instalment. I was excited to be back with the extremely likeable eleven year old amateur sleuth Sparky. Once again the Depression era of the 1930’s was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and added historical details. Our heroine Sparky has stowed away on an ocean liner and is out at sea. When she is discovered she becomes involved in a dangerous case of mistaken identity. Meanwhile, the other passengers appear to be ex-silent movie actors heading off to revive their careers in a mysterious film project. Sparky is missing both her guardian Tootsie and even her ex-boss Bookie, and wonders if she will ever see them again. Sparky must investigate when a passenger tumbles overboard under strange circumstances, and the other passengers become suspicious of her. This humorous mystery adventure once again kept me hooked throughout. I love Sparky as the main character and hope she will be back with a new adventure soon!

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Sarge: Going Deep by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Sarge: Going DeepSarge: Going Deep by PhD Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another unique story featuring Sarge, this time in the lead role. Having been introduced to Sarge in previous books by this original author, I was keen to delve deeper into his backstory. As expected Sarge, who was a Navy Seal has an intriguing story, and we get to know his character better. It was nice to ‘catch up’ with other past characters and to meet new ones. I particularly liked the likeable independent and capable Dr. Liv Manginaro, aka Agent Scully. She was hired by the ‘Celestial Guardians’ to lead a rescue mission. This sci-fi adventure kept me hooked throughout and I felt immersed in the story. The world of spaceships and new alien races that the author created was brought vividly to life.

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Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Being an aspiring female reporter during 1958, when the workforce is predominantly male is not easy for Ariadne Winter. As a writer for ‘Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine’ she is sent to stay at the Ivy Tree Inn, to interview a Hollywood starlet whose royal marriage is hailed as the “Wedding of the Century.” When Ariadne discovers a dead body she sees the opportunity to prove she could be the investigative reporter she dreams of being. As she investigates the lives of the inn’s inhabitants she discovers intertwined relationships along with long buried secrets amongst both guests and staff. With a murderer on the loose and multiple possible suspects Ariadne must both solve the murder and make her magazine deadline. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the stories outcome and I found it to be a real page turner.

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Jennifer Gordon

A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging novel in this exciting series. In this gripping romantic suspense story fifteen year old Kat is the witness to a gruesome murder. Maddi O’Hara is the social worker tasked to provide emergency housing for Kat, who is thought to be a flight risk. Whilst Maddi is hopeful to reunite Kat with her older brother Nathaniel, it soon becomes clear that Kat is in danger. The man the police are looking for is hunting Kat, and Maddi and Nathaniel put their own lives at risk to protect her. Nathaniel finds that he is falling in love with Maddi, but with the danger from the murderer escalating they may not get a chance at a life together. I was hooked from start to finish by this fast paced story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The characters and the setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I have enjoyed the previous five books and recommend reading all six books which currently make up the series!

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London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Jennifer Gordon

London Detective Agency: The Complete SeriesLondon Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This complete series of the ‘London Detective Agency’ has two standalone stories in one book, perfect for ‘binge reading’!

In ‘MISTAKEN IDENTITY’, graduate student Evelyn leaves home to study abroad. However, a chance meeting during her London layover changes her life forever. Then she becomes on the radar of a notorious crime boss. Having to rely on the handsome and burly private investigator Patrick Miller, who has sworn off love, to protect her definitely wasn’t in her plans. If they can stay alive then they might find love with one another.

In “BE MY LITTLE BABY’, Tessa is the owner of a popular London bakery. Tessa is also being stalked and is receiving threatening letters and photographs. She decides to ask the famous and handsome private detective, James Moore for help. The pair can’t deny their obvious attraction, but James has a rule not to date his clients.

The main characters in both stories are likeable and relatable and their chemistry comes across in the narrative. Each story has an enjoyable, engaging and exciting romantic suspense storyline, which kept me hooked throughout.

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic comedy which kept me happily turning the pages. When pro hockey player Niko shares a passionate kiss with Chloe in a crowded bar, he didn’t know she was his coach’s daughter. However, having realised she’s off limits it’s proving harder than he thought to resist her. Nico is embroiled in a custody battle for his young daughter as well as coming to the end of his hockey career. Meanwhile, Chloe is a widow who is starting a new chapter in her life, whilst trying to ignore the annoying signs of impending middle age. Having decided to focus on fun and adventures she continues to flirt with Niko and show him her own impressive hockey skills. Chloe becomes Niko’s daughter’s nanny when he needs to prove to the judge that he can take care of her. With Chloe moving in and filling the house with her vibrant personality and fun energy, she’s soon winning over both Nico and his daughter. I loved the likeable and relatable Chloe and Niko and their chemistry sizzled off the page, leading to some steamy scenes! I loved the developing relationship between Chloe and Niko’s daughter. It was particularly nice to read a romance where the main character, Chloe is in her 40’s and slightly perimenopausal, as this made her a very realistic character, and one who I could relate to.

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Heaven Only Knows (A Silver Buckle Romance Series Book 3) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS (A Silver Buckle Brides Romance Book 3)HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS by Laurie Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance featuring the handsome Brockbank brothers. Each novel is a standalone story focusing on one of the seven brothers. This is the cautious and logical attorney Barrett Brockbank’s story. Whilst in New Orleans’ French Quarter Barrett chases a thief down a dark alley, only to come face to face with Agata, a stunning singer. Having rejected him, Barrett then comes across Agata again but she appears to have a different persona. Agata has spent four years hiding from her first life and five more years trying to forget the worst time of her life, when she lost the man she loved. Having made New Orleans her home the people have become her family and so in order to help them she offers to assist Barrett. Barrett needs Agata to help him understand his clients, but she intrigues him. Even though logic is telling him to run away Barrett gets drawn in deeper into Agata’s mysterious and contradictory world. Her past haunts her but neither of them can deny their feelings for one another. Both the characters and the setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline kept me happily turning the pages, and I felt the chemistry between Barrett and Agata. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging enemies to lovers western style romance. Joe is a teacher and amateur historian in the small town of Herd, in Montana. Ever since food truck owner Abby arrived in town Joe has had the feeling that she’s lying about her identity. Abby does in deed have a secret as she settled in Herd under an alias. Abby is actually the descendant of the infamous Whittier family and time is running out for her to claim her property. She’s worried this will destroy not only her life in the town but also her new relationship. The small town of Herd came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative as did the wonderful mix of locals. The chemistry between Joe and Abby came across in the story and I liked how their slow burn romance developed.

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love ~ A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages Series) by TL Clark – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages; stand-alone historical books by TL Clark)Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation novelette is a captivating historical romance. Having been compromised by the wicked Mr Wickham, Miss Georgiana Darcy has been living with her brother and his family at Pemberley. Although content she would like her own happy marriage like her brother and Lizzy have. Whilst Lizzy enjoys playing matchmaker, Mr Darcy keeps a watchful eye on any potential suitors. Georgiana must discover if any of them can be trusted. This is a very short read but full of wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline based on a Jane Austen classic. I liked the optional epilogue which contained some marital bedroom scenes. The Regency era was brought to life as was Pemberley through the descriptive narrative. Although part of a series it is a standalone story.

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Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Corpse PixieCorpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dark paranormal romance novella which had me hooked from page one. Belladonna is not human but has an obsession with a man, René. René knows deep loss and has turned to drink and drugs in order to block everything out. When he starts being visited by a ‘otherworldly’ woman he thinks he’s going mad. Belladonna believes they are kindred spirits and will give him relief from his pain, in return for his life. Although this is a quick read it has an intriguing storyline, fascinating characters and unexpected plot twists. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and setting to life which made me feel immersed in the story.

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Midnight Falls by John Evans – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Midnight FallsMidnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not a big fan of horror thrillers but I found this to be a real page turner. Josh and his loyal dog return to his small hometown after some disappointments and mishaps at college. However, Midnight Falls is not the pleasant town he remembers from his childhood. Josh feels like an outsider now and there is a sinister evil feel about the place. He believes there is something dark and chilling going on and doesn’t know who he can trust. Josh is also ‘butting heads’ with the sheriff who seems to have a grudge against him. As Josh is deciding whether to stay or run, the monster lurking in the dark might not let him live long enough to make his decision. This story had a sinister and chilling atmospheric feel to it, which made me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot kept me hooked and I felt the characters and setting came to life through the descriptive narrative.

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the ‘Moore Family Saga’ series I was excited to read this romantic suspense novella. The storyline focuses on Cade Moore, a famous jazz saxophonist and his wife Lecia. The couple are in Greece as Cade and his band are back together and performing a series of concerts during the Millennial Olympic Games. However, their dream vacation quickly turns into a nightmare of international intrigue following a shocking revelation. Cade and Lecia find themselves in a world where loyalties are tested, trust is rare and the sins of the past haunt them. As the couple try to work out the lies from the truth, they will find out if their love is strong enough to survive. Although this is a short read it is action packed. I was hooked throughout by the relatable characters, stunning settings and gripping plot twists.

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging western romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Rodeo queen Trinity Redhawk was determined to follow her dreams but it meant making sacrifices. One of those was ending her relationship with Shooter Price. Having now achieved her goals she’s weeks away from passing off her crown and looking forward to the next phase of her life. Shooter also left to pursue his dreams but ended up returning home having failed to accomplished them. It was bad enough having to start over but seeing Trinity, the girl who broke his young heart achieving hers made him feel lesser. One dance between the pair changes everything as it brings back memories for them both. However, although Trinity can see a future with Shooter he knows that the women in his family have not forgiven her for leaving him. With interference from Shooter’s family the couple must decide if they can establish a relationship or were they just not meant to be together. I loved Trinity and Shooter as they were both likeable and relatable characters. Their chemistry came across in the narrative and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. A heartwarming romance which I definitely recommend.

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Offsides (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Offsides: Game Time SeriesOffsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining sports romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Despite all of Chessly’s friends hooking up with Wildcats players her goal is to work with the athletes not date them. Then she meets Finn McCabe, the big D-lineman but he has a history of having questionable taste in women. However, as soon as Finn sees Chessly he’s hooked and is determined to win her heart. A sweet, angsty, steamy romance which I couldn’t put down. The chemistry between Chessly and Finn sizzled off the page. They were both likeable and relatable characters and I felt engaged in their story. I was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA!

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging Arthurian inspired portal fantasy adventure. Morgan le Fey lives in modern day London leading a normal life despite her family’s witchy history. Morgan can’t even cast simple spells and when her magic fails to protect her loved ones she believes she’s not a witch. Her Aunt always told her that she was the lost heir of Camelot, but she thought it was just a story. However, when a stranger appears telling her she has a destiny to fulfil she realises it wasn’t just a story. As soon as she steps through the portal into Camelot she feels her magic. In honour of Prince Arthur’s coronation a tournament of magical champions is being held, but Morgan will need to master her skills if she’s to take part. Morgan must decide if proving her claim to the crown and taking back her throne is worth risking her life for. The descriptive narrative brought the magical world of Camelot vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline had me hooked and I loved the retelling of the Prince Arthur story, especially with Morgan le Fey being the main character. I look forward to future books in this new series.

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RELEASE (REWIND Series) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Release (Rewind #5)Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the final book in the ‘Rewind Series’, which consists of five LGQBT romances. Set three years after the final book, this anthology of short stories looks at what happened after the characters achieved their HEA’s. I liked how each of the short stories intertwine making it read like a novel. I would definitely recommend reading all four previous books in this enjoyable and engaging series before picking this one up. As per the rest of the books in the series there are trigger warnings to bear in mind. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘catching up’ with all the characters from throughout the series.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of the immortal apothecary Gaelan continues in this historical fantasy sequel. Gaelan visits a mystical place from his childhood, an ancient ruined monastery in the Eildon Hills. Here he discovers a journal written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, describing his journey to a land of fairy castles, magical rivers and filigree trees, the Otherworld. He also finds a small piece of glass from a stained glass panel he made centuries ago, which comes to life in his hands. Gaelan finds himself transported but not to the dreamscape Conan Doyle described. Whilst doubting his sanity Gaelan believes he has traversed a portal into the future. As his past, present and future collide Gaelan must prevent a catastrophic future. I loved the mix of Celtic mythology, magic, fairy lore and science that this novel weaves together. I enjoyed being back with Gaelan and once again the descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life. I felt fully immersed in this enjoyable and engaging story. I would personally recommend reading book one first for a better understanding of the main characters backstory.

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Picking Pismo by Emi Hilton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Picking PismoPicking Pismo by Emi Hilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable, engaging and emotional romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Following the death of her mother Claire returns to her hometown of Pismo Beach, to look after Alexis, her fourteen year old sister. Her plan is to pack up and sell her mother’s house and return to Los Angeles, taking Alexis with her. Claire was definitely not planning on having a relationship or falling in love, but then she meets orthodontist and divorcee Dr. David Clark. David is not going to give love a second chance, but then he meets Claire. Although Claire is leaving in three months her and David decide to date. Just as their relationship is developing David’s past threatens everything. Claire is also struggling with her grief and they both need to overcome past mistakes. Even if they do find love with one another, Claire can’t stay in Pismo Beach as her life is in Los Angeles. This is a heartwarming romance between two very likeable and relatable main characters. Their connection came across in the narrative and the storyline took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it.

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The Human Mating Site, Complete Series (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour RomanceThe Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this collection of thirteen novellas all in one book, which made it easy to ‘binge read’ them! Avid romance reader Bella is searching for Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Right Now. The story starts with her breaking up with her husband of twelve years who cheated on her, known as Mr. Wimp. Bella decides to start online dating and each novella focuses on one of her dates with a selection of different men, some she connects with, others she doesn’t. Each story is lighthearted, fun, romantic and humorous. As Bella likes to act out some of the more spicy scenes from her romance books things also get rather steamy at times. I found Bella to be a likeable and relatable main character and I loved how with each date she found her confidence again. The overall storyline which ran through each novella kept me happily turning the pages, whilst the plot twists kept me hooked. I felt invested in Bella’s online dating journey.

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Murder in Prospect (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer MysteryMurder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery in this series featuring journalism student and amateur sleuth Eve Sawyer. Whilst on spring break Eve gets drawn into investigating a murder case. Her friend Bob is grieving the death of his Uncle Will, but although it was ruled that he died of natural causes Bob thinks it was foul play. Soon after she arrives Eve feels the same and uses her sleuthing skills along with her journalism expertise to look into the mystery. Eve is struggling to solve the case with only scant evidence when another murder occurs. Following the death of a guest at the local inn Eve needs to find the killer before there’s another murder. I love being back with Eve as she’s such a likeable and relatable main character and I always feel invested in her story. The small historic mining town Eve was visiting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. Once again I felt fully immersed in the storyline and the plot kept me hooked throughout.

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