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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and engaging historical romance set in Hot Springs, Arkansas in the 1920’s. Bethany is keen to celebrate her eighteenth birthday at the Arlington Hotel, she wants to raise her hemline, cut her hair into a bob, and learn to do the Charleston. Unfortunately, her aunt and uncle keep her, and her inheritance extremely close and control every aspect of her life. They want her to return from her holiday engaged to her uncle’s new business partner. However, their stay at the Arlington changes everything for Bethany when one of Al Capone’s men takes a shine to her. Detective Paul Tollick is determined to keep Bethany away from the dangerous gangsters and keep her safe, but he didn’t expect to feel instantly drawn to her himself. Bethany is caught between deadly criminals and an oppressive family, but maybe Paul can help her gain her freedom, and she can then follow her heart. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the storyline, whilst the added historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back in time to the roaring 20’s. I loved the mix of characters and I found Bethany a very likeable and relatable young women, who I felt engaged with. This was an enjoyable read and one which I would recommend.

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping sci-fi dystopian story which has an original storyline and some wonderful characters. Mouse, is nearly sixteen, at which age she is a legal adult. She works at a local newspaper as an intern, along with her older brother Meph who drives her around and protects her. Mouse’s aim is to write a news article that will get her hired once she graduates, and thinking she has the perfect story she heads to a dark alley to record. However, she wasn’t expecting to witness a member of her own family murdering a young girl. In disbelief Mouse hides the recording, but is then kidnapped, she learns from her captors that it was her father who arranged it as part of a ransom insurance scheme, and he doesn’t want her back. Following her rescue, she doesn’t trust anyone and is trying to get evidence of her story to her mentor at the newspaper. Her father meanwhile is trying to find Mouse in order to kill her before she can release the video which will ruin him. The descriptive narrative brought the dystopian setting and the individual characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I loved Mouse and thought she was a great heroine and very relatable. The storyline had me hooked and the plot had plenty of twists and turns which kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. This heartwarming, slow burn romance definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Luciana has been in love with her best friend, Angelo Mancini her whole life, but she’s never told him, what she did do, is ask him to take her virginity one drunken night whilst they were in college. He refused and it left Lucia feeling embarrassed and rejected. Years later and with her life falling apart, she turns to the one person she trusts, but is unsure of Angelo’s reaction to her being pregnant by the guy he warned her to stay away from!
However, Angelo invites her to stay with him and the more time they spend together she wonders if he sees her as more than just his best friend, especially when he’s up on stage playing his guitar and singing a song he wrote for her. Lucia is very aware that she’s carrying another man’s baby, and although she hopes there could be something more between her and Angelo she doesn’t want either of them to end up with broken hearts, or ruin their friendship. I felt fully immersed in the storyline, as the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and the characters to life. I loved the relationship between Lucia and Angelo, and seeing how it changed and developed throughout the story. Their chemistry really came across and led to some rather steamy scenes. I’m keen to read the first two books in this series now.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery drama which had me hooked from start to finish. The likeable and relatable main character, mystery editor and amateur sleuth Taylor Browning along with her “cantankerous cat” Oscar and Cheddar had me happily turning the pages. Taylor, an honorary member of the Santa Fe Wine and Crime book club, becomes involved in the search for the club president when she goes missing. Taylor goes undercover as a delivery driver who’s involved in the Mayan Death Pepper trafficking, but when the restaurateur who uses them in his dishes disappears things get more complicated. Whilst at the book publishing office, Taylor is dealing with numerous crisis’s after an employee is fired by CEO Jessica Endicott, leaving the publisher in financial trouble. Taylor and friend Jim Wells then find themselves in jeopardy in the Pecos Wilderness, not knowing who to trust. Detective Victor Sanchez races to their rescue but they are not in his area, causing jurisdiction issues. With Taylor and Jim in danger following their interfering, Victor needs to uncover the mastermind. Set in New Mexico this fun cozy mystery had me gripped throughout, and the intriguing chile storyline flowed well, whilst the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the mystery. Both the characters and setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet Regency romance with wonderful characters and a storyline which kept me hooked throughout. Lady Helen, who eloped with an Irishman when she was young and naive, is now having to return home as a widow with her three year old daughter. Her homecoming is bittersweet as she has to face her family and ask for forgiveness. However, as she returns to England it is not a member of her family who greets her but a friend of her brothers. Welshman, Conway, Earl of Griffith has a lonely life full of responsibility having assumed his title and Welsh estate at birth. He agrees to help a friend by escorting his sister from Bristol to London, but he wasn’t expecting to feel an instant connection with Lady Helen and her daughter. Helen meanwhile, is disillusioned with love and concentrating on raising her daughter alone, but the handsome Earl has a way of charming them both. It’s not long before Griff’s affection turns to love, and although he sees the haunted look in Helen’s eyes he is determined to convince her that love is worth another chance. I loved Helen and Griff and their chemistry came across in the writing, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The descriptive narrative brought the Regency setting vividly to life, and along with the added historical details I felt immersed in the era. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining heartwarming romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Likeable and relatable main character Bailey is fed up with her brother, and his ridiculous list of ways she needs to improve! The stupid list is also the reason why she’s on a date with Tanner, the weirdest guy at the Froyo shop. However, both Tanner and the date are very different to how Bailey expected them to be. As the couple spend more time together, they get to know each other better, and soon Bailey is forced to face all her imperfections that she’s been ignoring for years. She then has to decide if she’s got what it takes to, “get over herself”, and if so will she do it? I loved the relationship between Bailey and Tanner and although they had obvious chemistry, I enjoyed how their romance developed throughout the story.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a dark student, teacher romantic suspense which had me gripped from start to finish and kept me captivated throughout. When new student Cassandra arrives at his circus, acrobat and silk aerialist Chandler Moreau is tempted to traverse the line between darkness and desire. Cassandra has always been enraptured by Chandler, a man who defies gravity and wanted to belong to his world, and to perform with him. However, Chandler is no ordinary mentor and along with teaching her, he also ignites her deepest and most sinful desires, until the dangerous man becomes Cassandra’s only salvation.
For Chandler, Cassandra Blackstone was his protege, but also the woman he wanted. She tempted him and became a sanctuary for his darkest and wildest desires, but he never intended to fall in love with her. He was supposed to protect her from both himself and the demons in his past, but despite his grandfather’s warnings he wanted her in his life. Cassandra and Chandler share a history which entwines them, like the silks they spent their lives mastering do. The secrets from the past threaten to destroy their future. The wonderfully detailed and descriptive narrative really brought the circus setting vividly to life, and made me feel immersed in the world of the two silk aerialists. The main characters had me engaged from the beginning, and their chemistry sizzled off the page whilst their slow burn romance kept me hooked.

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining fantasy romance which had me hooked from page one. Cressida’s controlling and abusive father has arranged a marriage between her and Baron Caravahl Alzeid. She must travel to the Hinterlands, the land of the outcasts, to accept her fate. She’s surprised by the handsome Caravahl, and although her new husband infuriates her, she can’t help but feel the chemistry between them. Cressida falls in love with the land and it’s people but since she arrived things have been strange, with unexpected guests causing panic, a darkness to the forest which never wanes, and lurking threats. There’s a sinister mystery which is shrouded in secrecy and silence, but soon everything spirals out of control, putting Cressida in danger, and in darkness. To save her Caravahl must risk his life and his kingdom, but maybe also his heart. The storyline flows well and the descriptive narrative brought both the wonderful characters and the setting vividly to life. I felt immersed in the story and engaged with the characters.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me captivated throughout by the wonderful characters and heartwarming storyline. Ivy is desperately trying to save her ranch, but her clients are sexist, and so to placate them she pretends to be engaged to retired Marine, Ace. Meanwhile, Ace came up with the idea of a fake relationship to get to know Ivy better, thinking that he would never stand a chance with her. After all it’s not just internal battle scars that caused him to be medically discharged from the military, but scars on his face too. Ace has trouble looking at himself in the mirror and so believes Ivy would never find him attractive. However, Ivy is very attracted to the handsome ex Marine, but wishes he would get over his ‘hero complex’, and trying to save her all the time! Although they both want to turn their fake relationship into a real one, they are also both wounded in their own ways. The wide open spaces of the ranch and ranch life was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. I loved Ivy and Ace and felt invested in their romance, and was hoping they would get a HEA. A lovely read, and one which I recommend.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable cozy mystery which had me hooked from page one. Main character, record store owner and amateur sleuth Darcy Gaughan is a likeable and relatable character, and one whom I felt instantly engaged with. When a legendary British blues guitarist, Derek Tufnell appears at Marysburg Music, not only is the owner of the store, Darcy excited but so is the whole town. His meet and greet session with the fans before his performance at the Marysburg Center for the Performing Arts, was a great success and Darcy is thrilled with the event.
However, only hours later Derek is found murdered in his dressing room, and as Darcy was the last one seen with him suspicion falls on her. Darcy decides to start her own investigation in order to find the real murderer and prove her innocence. It doesn’t take long for her to discover numerous suspects to look into. The characters and the setting of Marysburg, Indiana were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. The storyline had me gripped and the plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the mystery. An entertaining read, and I look forward to future books featuring Darcy Gaughan.

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Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stars Like GasolineStars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining read with an intriguing storyline and a host of fascinating characters, which kept me captivated throughout. Florida art curator, Celia purchases the house of her brother’s deceased fiancé, only to find that its haunted. In order to get rid of the malevolent ghosts who are threatening her life and career, she enlists the help of Oscar, her brother and Adrian, his late fiancé’s best friend. Celia discovers a hidden journal from the 1980s belonging to a revered artist, and this is the start of a series of events which involve a dead French artist, a Dutch aerospace heiress, and a missing presumed dead Japanese painter. Things take a sinister turn when Celia and Oscar are threatened by a stalker. Meanwhile, as Adrian and Celia spend time together deciphering the clues they cannot deny their mutual attraction. However, they get the feeling that someone is playing a game with them all and their lives might actually be in danger. This is an enjoyable and engaging read which drew me in from page one. The setting and characters where brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline had a mix of paranormal, mystery, suspense and a slow burn romance, which kept me happily turning the pages.

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging story involving the Bennett’s of Langston Falls. This contemporary romance can be read as a standalone story, however having read and loved the previous books in the series I recommend reading them all! This is a friends to lovers romance which takes place in the small town setting of Langston Falls, which is once once again brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. Hank Bennett’s dream is to be a country music star, but following the breakup off his band he’s at a crossroad and is wondering whether to continue with his music, or working on his family’s farm. Attending the hometown concert of his country music idol, Travis Miller changes everything, when he meets Travis’s award winning songwriting sister Ella Mae.
Ella Mae invites Hank to join them on the tour and their mutual attraction is obvious and their chemistry leads to a passionate night. However, her famous brother becomes jealous and Hank starts to think that as a wannabe musician, he’s not good enough for Ella Mae. Meanwhile she’s dealing with the darker side of fame with her brothers drug and alcohol addiction. I loved Hank and Ella Mae and their chemistry really sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. I enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout the story, and liked their hayloft serenades. I felt both immersed in the story and engaged with the characters, and was cheering the couple on to a promised HEA.

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining story about the members of the Balefire rock band. This time it’s Adam Tron’s turn to find love, and he finds it with pop diva Cristy Valor. Cristy is used to creating scandals and headlines, and now she’s joining Balefire on their latest tour. As soon as she steps onto the stage in one of her wild costumes, and he hears her sexy alto voice Adam is hooked. The fact that she can party hard and keep up with him and the rest of the boys also gets his attention, and with their obvious chemistry, it’s not long before Adam wants an actual relationship with Cristy. However, he feels like she’s holding back from him, but he’s determined to be patient.
Meanwhile, Cristy is happy flirting with the poster boy for tall, dark and sexy, Adam and the chemistry when they have sex is amazing. When he wants more than just sex, Cristy pulls away, as she has a secret and one which gives her nightmares. Throughout her career she’s prevented the tabloids from looking into her past, and she’s worried that if she opens up to Adam her secret will be discovered. Worse than that she’s worried what Adam will think if he finds out the truth and she doesn’t want to get her heart broken. The chemistry between Adam and Cristy sizzles off the page and leads to some steamy scenes. As usual the author brings the world of Balefire vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story and engaged with the characters.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me gripped from start to finish. Although it’s part of a series it can be read as a standalone story, however the characters do crossover as each book focuses on a different member of the Balefire rock band. This is manager Garrett’s story with a second chance at love theme, with Olivia. Ten years ago Garrett chose “his boys” over her, now she’s a Hollywood music video director, and her next client is the biggest rock band on the planet – Balefire. If her studio wasn’t loosing money then she would turn it down rather than have to work with the man who broke her heart.
For Garrett managing Balefire has come at personal costs, especially loosing Olivia, the one women he’s ever loved. Seeing her again brings back memories and he’s determined not to loose her again. Garrett is trying to convince Olivia that he’s a changed man and knows what he wants, her. However, Olivia is not convinced that it can work, or that she can trust him to choose her this time. The chemistry between Garrett and Olivia sizzles off the page and leads to some steamy scenes. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story, and the descriptive narrative brought the world of rock band Balefire vividly to life!

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Reaper (War Brothers MC Book 1) by Bianca Lee Ward – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Reaper (War Brothers MC, #1)Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A captivating MC romance which had me hooked from page one. Reaper is the president of the War Brothers Motorcycle Club, and when Ava, the one women he’s ever wanted, turns up at his clubhouse seeking refuge from her abusive husband he’s not going to let her go again. Reaper is angered by the bruises on Ava’s face but also by the fear in her eyes, however, as an ex special forces sniper he’s used to hunting down evil men. Reaper avoids relationships due to the wounds he has left over from his sniper days, which are more than skin deep, but when he finds Ava in his bedroom he’s determined not to make the same mistake twice.
He let her go once before because she was married and so didn’t belong to him, but now she does. As Reaper and Ava’s relationship develops they have to deal with her dangerous husband, the jealous women in the club, and then an enemy the MC didn’t see coming. This is a slow burn romance which introduces us to Reaper and Ava, who’s chemistry really comes across in the narrative. The storyline is full of drama, suspense and romance whilst dealing with the difficult subject of domestic violence sensitively. The descriptive narrative really brought the world of the War Brothers MC, and it’s members vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story and engaged with the characters. I look forward to the other members getting their own stories.

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Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Healing KissHealing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance which kept me hooked. Nurse Lillian Milano has the paranormal ability to channel energy from the healthy to heal the sick. However, her unique gift is wanted by an organisation that wants to exploit this talent. Due to the danger both her and her family are in Lillian went into hiding, but then her sister becomes gravely ill, and she needs to find someone with enough vitality to save her. Billionaire computer genius Tristan King is that person, however he does not believe in the supernatural. Lillian and Tristan make a bargain, she must pose as his date for a hospital fundraiser, in the hopes that his lying ex-fiancé will finally leave him alone, and he will help her. Tristan’s mother is also dying and as the pair work together to save their loved ones they can’t ignore their mutual attraction. However, Tristan remains wary of falling in love and Lillian is worried that her secrets and her identity will be discovered. I liked the main characters as both Lillian and Tristan were likeable and relatable, and their chemistry came across in the narrative. The storyline flowed well and was a good mix of drama, the paranormal and romance.

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Three Women in November by Jim Shomos – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Three Women in NovemberThree Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance which is based on a true story. The storyline is told from Leo’s perspective as he goes on a journey looking for love. Leo, an award winning mobile games pioneer is also a romantic, and he’s looking for his soulmate. However, each of the three women that he has a deep connection with over a three year time period, have their own reasons for not having a relationship. Zoya, is an ambitious CEO of a government new-media agency who just does not have love on her agenda. Sought after psychotherapist Aysha has never fallen for a client and is reluctant to break her own rule. Global academic and past rock chick Jade gave up on love after her recent marriage broke down.
One after the other the three high achieving women push Leo away, but their self imposed deadlines all fall in the same month, resulting in Leo having a date with three women in November! It’s refreshing to read a romance from the males point of view, and I found Leo to be a likeable and relatable guy, who was just looking for love. I was fully immersed in the story which was lighthearted at times, with some laugh out loud moments and then fairly emotional at other times. An intriguing and engaging read, and one which kept me captivated throughout.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An emotional and engaging read, which kept me captivated throughout. The storyline centres around a mother’s determination to help her daughters to reconcile, but her planned intervention never happens, and it becomes her dying wish instead. The story is told through a collection of connected short stories and poems. The plot explores a family’s journey through loss, death and grief, and so it does take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. However, the characters are so well defined that I felt engaged with them. Main characters, Mercedes and Lacey Bloom, along with Krista White all go on a journey of discovery as they try and heal their difficult relationships. The setting, which was partially set in beautiful Victoria, BC, was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I found this to be an inspirational story about loss and grief, but overall it’s a story of family relationships, and one which I would recommend.

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable contemporary romance which had me hooked from start to finish. This was a fairly short story, but the storyline was full of drama, suspense and of course romance! The story is told through the main characters point of view, making it easy to feel engaged with them. Private Detective Riley Scott is definitely not looking for love, she’s witnessed the ugly side of relationships far too often in her job. However, when Tristan Cain comes to her rescue, all she sees through the blazing fire is a pair of sizzling blue eyes, and she’s hooked. Meanwhile, firefighter Tristan was also not looking for a relationship, but he can’t get the red-head he saved from a fire out of his mind. So when fate appears to throw them together again, and he realises that she’s in danger, he vows to keep her safe and not to let Riley out of his sight again. The chemistry between Riley and Tristan really came across in the narrative and I was hoping they would both get their HEA. A fast paced read and one I would recommend, and I look forward to future books in this series.

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery novel, and was hooked from start to finish. Naomi Front and her teenage daughter Ella, move to the small town of Fayette, looking for a new start after an ugly divorce. However, they didn’t expect to find the corpse of the local busybody Yasmin LeFluer in their storage shed on, day one. Whilst waiting for the police to arrive their new neighbours, Barbara and Ingrid welcome them into their home, and over Earl Grey and biscuits they learn the gossip about the locals. Apparently, Yasmin will not be missed as she was extremely nosy and made plenty of enemies, making the list of suspects a long one, including her ex-husband, her sibling and even her friends.
As if adjusting to a new home isn’t difficult enough, the mother and daughter have to deal with the aftermath of having a murder victim in their shed. Whilst Ella seems keen to team up with Barbara and Ingrid and discover who murdered Yasmin, Naomi struggles to settle in. With the case dragging on and the murderer still not caught, Ella and Naomi worry that they might be in danger. This gives Ella’s ex-husband a reason to stir up trouble regarding custody of Naomi, and so along with their tea loving neighbours they try to solve Yasmin’s murder. This is an enjoyable and engaging, easy, lighthearted read, with an intriguing storyline and plenty of plot twists which kept me happily turning the pages. The characters are wonderful and the setting really came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking second chance at love, western style romance, which kept me hooked throughout. When Elle Sullivan returns to her hometown, Sweet Valley in Wyoming, she’s bruised both physically and emotionally and is hiding a big secret. Elle is tough and a survivor who’s determined to start her life again, and take back her power! She joins her family in trying to save their small horse ranch and in the process runs into Blake O’Connor, her old high school sweetheart.
Blake never got over loosing Elle and his life spiralled out of control and he started drinking heavily. Seeing Elle again and helping her fix up her family’s ranch is also a new beginning for him. As the couple work together they discover they still have the same chemistry they used to, and tentatively begin to find love again and start to heal their wounds. The storyline is a difficult read at times as it does tackle some sensitive issues, which could be triggers for some. However, although it’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read, it’s also a wonderfully written inspirational story full of second chances, healing, family, love and romance. It’s an immersive and engaging story with great characters, who along with the setting have been brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative.

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping mystery, thriller which kept me hooked throughout. The fast paced storyline and plot twists kept me guessing and turning the pages desperate to find out what would happen next! The story is told through a dual timeline, it starts off set in 1988, when Sloan Hadfield’s brother Ridge goes fishing with their father at Crow’s Nest Creek, and never returns home. Sloan’s Vietnam veteran father, who although mostly good natured, was also prone to violent outbursts was arrested and charged with the murder, although Ridge’s body was never found. Sloan’s ornithologist mother never excepted that her son was dead and insisted he was still alive, and went slowly mad. The story picks up twenty years later and Sloan who is in the middle of a bitter divorce, is once again in her hometown, to collect her mother who’s been discharged from a mental health facility.
Being back is overwhelming for Sloan, who has so many unanswered questions, and so returns to Crow’s Nest Creek, the last place her brother was seen. Sloan is shocked by the sound of a crow muttering the same syllable over and over, which sounds like ‘Ridge’. Then the body of another boy is found, making Sloan question what really happened to her brother all those years ago, and was her father guilty. It’s not just Sloan and her family who are shocked by what she discovers, the whole community will be as well. This tale of family secrets, deception, and revenge is a real page turner. The descriptive narrative really brings the aerie and atmospheric Crow’s Nest Creek vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story, along with the wonderfully defined characters. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend, and I’ve discovered a new author.

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Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance (Hearts of Gold Book 2)Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging steamy historical romance, with a MMF relationship which kept me happily turning the pages. Set in early San Francisco, where women are scarce, but attitudes are accepting of just about anything, so when both Isaac Stark and Walter James are drawn to the same women, no one raises an eyebrow! French beauty Suzette de Massey blows into the city like wildfire, and is instantly attracted to both Isaac and Walter, and is torn between them despite them being opposites. However, Isaac and Walter have been friends for years and owe their lives to one another and so have a deep affection for one another.
Suzette seems to kindle the fire that has been smouldering between them for years. Suzette is excited by the threesome, but she has secrets and a dark past which is catching up with her, putting all three of them in danger. The storyline kept me hooked and the added historical details made me feel immersed in the time period. The main characters are likeable and relatable, and I felt engaged with them throughout the story. The chemistry between Suzette, Isaac and Walter literally sizzles off the page and leads to some extremely passionate and steamy scenes. I loved how the relationship between the three of them develops throughout the book. An entertaining read.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an entertaining and gripping high-stakes psychological conspiracy thriller, which had me hooked from start to finish. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone story, however I would recommend each book in the series. Miranda Diggs was a house cleaner who whilst trying to purge bad memories accidentally set fire to a motel, and so now full of regret and longing for absolution she checks herself into a mysterious remote resort. Although she was hoping for some peace, her curiosity led her to venture beyond the “No Trespassing” signs, and she finds herself in a rundown barn.
Miranda is then horrified when the door suddenly slams shut, and then locks, the only way out appears to be through a trapdoor leading into a tunnel below. Miranda soon discovers that she’s in an eerie game that seems to know all her secrets, and the trials which start as subtle emotional prods quickly turn into life and death situations. Miranda is not only tackling these trials, and her phobias but also the walls, which are literally closing in. This is a fast paced, action packed story, with plenty of plot twists and turns which kept me reading late into the night! The suspense levels had me on the edge of my seat whilst reading this, and I definitely felt totally immersed in the story and was there alongside Miranda as the walls were closing in!

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable retelling of the Cinderella story with a Steampunk twist, which had me hooked throughout. Set in Philadelphia in 1876, in a world that has automatons and steam powered ‘motor cars’, and childhood friends Benjamin Grimm and Eleanor Banneker are reunited. However, Ben’s delight soon turns to dismay when he learns that Eleanor has been under a spell, put on her by her stepmother, for the last seven years and she’s been forced to live as a servant in her own home.
Ellie had spent years bewitched under her stepmother’s watchful and unforgiving eye, whilst being hidden in plain sight. Ellie becomes hopeful when having met Ben again, he seems immune to the magic binding her and their friendship is rekindled. However, the couple must find away to break the curse before midnight on New Year’s Eve, or both Ellie and her father will be bound forever. I felt immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters. The intriguing storyline and plot twists kept me happily turning the pages, whilst both the setting and characters were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative.

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Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Yeti Left HomeYeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and entertaining story, with an original storyline and supernatural characters, which kept me intrigued throughout. Wylie Kang-a Yeti is a peaceful and unassuming character, who lives a quiet life on the outskirts of Embarrass, Minnesota in his self built sanctuary. He also has an appreciation for the more human creature comforts, like toilet roll! When a series of strange murders take place in the area a Hunter arrives in town, and is soon on Wylie’s trail. With the Hunter in pursuit Wylie leaves town and heads for the Twin Cities, with everything he owns in his truck.
He plans on loosing himself in the urban jungle, but struggles to fit in and blend in. However, when he finds a thriving supernatural community, he starts to settle in and make friends. He soon discovers that the bloodshed and the Hunter have followed him to the city. Wylie decides he must catch the killer before the Hunter catches up with him. This is lighthearted story, full of wit and humour, however the underlying issues such as Wylie not fitting in, are dealt with sensitively. I loved the characters, especially Wylie who I really felt for and I was immersed in his story, hoping he would have a HEA.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking read, which had me captivated from start to finish. This heartfelt family drama centres around Julie, who having had a transitory upbringing as a ‘military brat’, is determined to provide her own children with a sense of home and stability. Julie never had a hometown and so makes sure that her children are brought up in one forever home, however she didn’t expect to feel so fenced in! Julie suffers with feelings of invisibility, underappreciation, and being taken for granted by her family, whilst having unconditional love for them. When a tragic loss occurs Julie feels guilt for not being there for her family on that fateful day, which results in her being more overprotective of her husband and daughters, and ultimately pushing them away. This is an emotional read, and I felt really immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters, due to the authors wonderful writing style.

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I’ll Love You Tomorrow (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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I'll Love You Tomorrow (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy #3)I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series I was looking forward to this third instalment and I was not disappointed. Although part of a trilogy it can be read as a standalone story, however the characters do appear in all three books. Lauren and Mitch married twenty years after meeting age six and knowing they were soul mates. They married at a cheap Vegas wedding chapel, but for Lauren her modest wedding ring diamond was brighter than all the lights in Sin City! However, after the honeymoon years the wedded bliss faded leaving Lauren unsure why Mitch has pulled away from her. She puts all her time and energy into her restaurant, Pier Ninety-Two, in downtown Los Angeles.

Unfortunately the restaurant which used to be swanky and successful is now only just surviving, a bit like Lauren and Mitch’s marriage. A grease fire at the restaurant burns Pier Ninety-Two to the ground, leaving Lauren devastated and having to deal with the legal and financial consequences. Already confused by Mitch’s behaviour, Lauren is heartbroken by both the loss of her marriage and the restaurant. Mourning her past life and loves, she decides to head for Vegas and stack her chips, ready to risk it all on red. As usual the characters are so well defined that I felt as though they were friends and I was invested in their relationship. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading Lauren and Mitch’s story which is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, and I definitely recommend the whole trilogy.

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Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Esprit de CorpseEsprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This historical steampunk novel had a fast paced and action packed storyline, which had me hooked from start to finish. There are secrets beneath the Parisian Streets and someone is willing to murder to keep them secret. Jacqueline Duval and her bohemian twin sister Angélique Laforge become involved in a mystery, when a malfunctioning automaton crashes into their locomotive whilst travelling on the new Paris-Orléans railway. Jacqueline who is a polytech and famed engineering prodigy is fascinated by the metal man, who she believes is powered by steam. However, she is shocked to discover that the automaton is actually powered by the supernatural. The sisters investigation leads them on a mysterious and dangerous adventure, where they learn of a plot to employ the dead to power a mechanical army, aimed at international conquest. The sisters receive help from unexpected sources as they try to avert the upcoming engineered war, but they may be too late. The descriptive narrative, along with the authors wonderful world building and the added historical details all ensured that the characters and setting came vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderfully engaging read and although an emotional one it is also inspirational, and I was captivated from start to finish. The storyline focuses on teenager Emerson, who is severely autistic and who’s words disappeared when she was just fifteen months old. However, this does not mean that she has no voice. Throughout the story we learn about how she deals with her life and the challenges that her autism causes from her own point of view. It’s soon obvious that she’s a very independent and strong teenager. Along with friendships which she does not find easy, sadly Emerson is also bullied and her obvious frustrations turn to self injurious behaviour.
She also has to deal with over protective and stressed out parents who also cause her to become frustrated. The story also shows how much her parents have to deal with having a severely autistic daughter, who also suffers from mental and emotional instabilities. It’s not just day to day living which is difficult, but her parents have to fight just to get their daughter the appropriate support and treatment that she needs in both the health and education systems, both of which are lacking in options for intensive needs teens. I was definitely taken on am emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this book, however the issues are dealt with sensitively and honestly and there are lighthearted moments as well.

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