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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this page turner of a novel, which had me hooked from page one. As a sequel to the first book in the series I would personally recommend reading book one first. Having lost her father, Kate is now working on renovating her desert home and working in her psychological counselling practice. Working from the inside means she can also find out who she can trust, but by searching for answers it puts her in danger. Her sister Tilly has moved back to New Mexico, and when a family tragedy occurs it causes Tilly to go into a cycle of self-sabotage, which nearly gets her killed. Both Kate and Tilly struggle with fear and self-doubt in this sequel, and the lives of the victims they are helping also hang in the balance. However, Kate’s determination to save them may actually put more young women in danger, and Tilly may not survive her reckless pursuit for justice. A fast paced and gripping novel which I couldn’t put down. The characters were so well defined I felt like I knew them, making me feel engaged with them and immersed in the storyline.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging MM paranormal romance, which had me hooked from start to finish.
The main character, vampire Quinnlan Trinity, has been chosen by the gods to have a second chance at life. This only happens every ten years and those from the paranormal world are only chosen if they had been unjustly killed. The only problem is they have to find and take a mate within three days, or they go back to paranormal purgatory, oh and the person they choose has to accept them! When Quinnlan finds himself at an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere with only three days worth of clothes and a wad of cash, he wonders if the gods are playing a trick on him.
With two days left he comes across a guy bleeding out after a group of wolf shifters attacked him, Quinnlan wants to save his life but by doing so the guy would have to be his mate, and he then risks rejection. He could be dooming himself to a trip back to the afterlife, but can he walk away knowing that he could have saved him, and after all, he could actually be the one. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline flowed well and the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages. This was an original and intriguing story and I definitely recommend reading it.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella is book one in a series of six books, and the reader is introduced to, Madame Elinor Chalamet, who is a ‘Ghost Talker’. Elinor was trained as a medium by the elite Morpheus Society, and she now uses her skills to help the police when needed. However, her main goal is hunting for her father’s killer. The police ask for Elinor’s help when a dead body is found in the canal, and she would succeed in solving the mystery if Tristan Fontaine, duke de Archambeau, wasn’t interfering and getting in her way. Told from Elinor’s POV, the storyline flowed well and the intriguing plot had me hooked from start to finish. Elinor is a great main character who brings the story together, and the descriptive narrative brings the setting to life. This gaslamp story has a mix of fantasy, ghosts, mystery, drama, and a slow burn romance. I look forward to carrying on Elinor’s adventures in the next novella!

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After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Jennifer Gordon

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After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with added drama and suspense which had me hooked from start to finish. Laurel Collingsworth, is seventeen and deeply in love when she marries her hero, Lord Robert Laningham. However, instead of living in wedded bliss, she has to watch her husband go off to war in Spain. As the new Lady Laningham gets used to her new role, and being without her husband, she moves into his ancient mansion. It’s not just her hostile sister in law that Laurel must deal with, but she also has shadowy intruders, mysterious footsteps in the night and missing jewellery to contend with. Having faced a series of terrifying events, Laurel is overjoyed when she learns that her husband is alive and returning home.

However, the wounded Lord Laningham is in no state to listen to his wives concerns, even though she tries to convince him that there is danger within the mansions halls. Laurel must protect herself, her child, her recovering husband and her household, with or without Robert’s help. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and setting vividly to life, and the added historical details made me feel transported back in time. I loved Laurel, as she is a likeable and relatable character and I felt engaged with her. The storyline flowed well and the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages, and I felt immersed in the story. I recommend this entertaining read.

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The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Warrior (The Freemasons #3)The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to Jude’s story, and I was not disappointed. Set within the Freemasons world, each book is about a different member, and so can be read as a standalone story, however, I would personally recommend reading them in order to get a better understanding of each characters backstory. Jude is a former SAS operative who has dedicated his time to finding his sister, Renee who went missing. That included putting his dating life on hold, even though the chemistry between him and Sienna is undeniable. When Jude and his friends finally get a lead on Renee, it means using Sienna as bait. Sienna Townsend perfected the art of changing both her appearance and personality whilst in the military.
She now needs to use all her skills to save Renee and help Jude, who she’s also falling for. When those who were fooled by Sienna attempt to get revenge and put her life in danger, it’s time for Jude to use his warrior instincts to keep her safe. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages late into the night, as I couldn’t put the book down. I was yet again immersed in the Freemasons world though the descriptive narrative, which brought both the setting and characters to life. The chemistry between Jude and Sienna sizzled off the page and I was hoping they would get their HEA. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book four.

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining romantic comedy which had me happily turning the pages. This was a lighthearted and heartwarming story, with a twist on the enemies to lovers theme, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Georgia Starr is dedicated to saving strays, and will do anything to rescue the pet shelter which is being threatened by the Holm family. Georgia comes up with the idea of dressing up her adorable, but goofy boxer mutt and making him a viral sensation, in order to save the shelter. Hudson Holm is dealing with the fallout from booting the pet shelter, when he comes up with an idea to fix his family’s PR problems. His plan involves turning the Persian cat who he’s cat sitting for into an online celebrity.
Every time Georgia and Hudson meet in person they can’t deny their mutual attraction but they also clash, a bit like cats and dogs! What they don’t know is that they have been chatting happily online, just as their pets. However, once their identities are revealed will they stay as enemies of become lovers. This story had a real feel good factor, with some great characters, especially Georgia and Hudson, who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. The animal characters were just as likeable as their owners, and the storyline flowed well. It had some real laugh out loud moments as well as some drama and of course plenty of romance. I definitely recommend this story.

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Petty’s Crime (Satan’s Devils MC Las Vegas Book 3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Petty's Crime (Satan's Devils MC Las Vegas #3)Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another amazing story featuring the Satan’s Devils MC, Las Vegas Chapter, and having read and enjoyed the previous books in the series, I was looking forward to this latest one, and I was definitely not disappointed. I was hooked from start to finish by Petty and RoseLyn’s story. As usual the world of the Satan’s Devils came vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in their world and in the story. Petty had spent years hiding who he really is, even from his club brothers, out of shame, but he thought that at least his past was over. However, when his nemesis returns, with the intention of destroying his life, Petty realises that just like in the past he can’t protect himself from her. Meanwhile, he’s been put on bodyguard duty to protect RoseLyn from her dangerous ex boyfriend. RoseLyn is grateful to be under the protection of the Satan’s Devils’ Security Services, but her bodyguard Petty is so disrespectful and rude.

However, it doesn’t take her long to realise that beneath the persona he presents to the world is actually someone very different, and she decides to see if she can save him. When his brothers desert him, Petty realises that RoseLyn is still there for him. Petty was not an easy character to like in the beginning but as his backstory was explained, and as his character developed, especially having met RoseLyn, by the end I was hoping he would get his HEA. RoseLyn’s character is perfect for Petty, and she was an relatable character. I felt completely invested in the story, which flowed well and the plot twists kept me gripped. As usual, I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this MC romance. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend, and I’m now waiting impatiently for book four!

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Yesterday’s Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat series, #3)Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to reading this latest story, and I was not disappointed. Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Trudy Beasley is asked to investigate when bones are discovered in the rubble following a massive explosion that rocked Philadelphia. Trudy is used to being able to provide answers and closure to victims families, but the mystery surrounding the skeletal remains is something she’s never seen before. Her instincts are telling her that whoever was responsible for the deaths may still be loose in the city, and she is determined to get answers.
However, Forensic anthropologist Benjamin Roberts disagrees, and just sees the remains as an academic challenge, and not a legal one. The more time the couple spend together as the investigation progresses, Trudy and Ben’s professional relationship also becomes more of a personal one. As their relationship develops, the pair are in danger, as someone wants the secrets that were buried along with the bones to stay a secret, and is willing to kill again. This was an enjoyable and exciting read, with great characters and a storyline that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters are so likeable and relatable, that I felt engaged with them, and the chemistry between Trudy and Ben really came across in the narrative. An entertaining romantic suspense novel, which I definitely recommend.

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A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Love Restrained (Philly Heat series, #1)A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic suspense which had me hooked from page one. When Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker chases a drug dealer, she did not expect to know him as the bad boy who she had a teenage crush on. Kylee is a dedicated officer used to protecting and serving, and seeing things as either right or wrong, black or white, and either good guys or bad guys. The even more dangerous and attractive Jayson Donovan, who is the right hand man to a local drug-pushing mobster, is definitely a bad guy, however, Kylee can’t deny the attraction that is still there. Jayson knows he is not good enough for Kylee and that he should stay away from her, but he just can’t, not having discovered the chemistry between them. It’s not long before Jayson’s secrets threaten them both. This was an exciting read, with great characters, who’s chemistry sizzled off the page, and a storyline that kept me gripped throughout.

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The Hunter (The Freemasons Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Hunter (The Freemasons, #2)The Hunter by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series about a group of Freemasons, I was looking forward to this second instalment, and I was not disappointed. In this story, the focus is on Dominic Cacciari, who has sworn to ensure the integrity of the brotherhood of Freemasonry. However, he didn’t think this would include seducing the women who is determined to expose their secrets. Gemma Hughes is an entertainment journalist, and having lost her father under mysterious circumstances, she wants to find those responsible and get justice for her father. When her investigations lead her to the Freemasons, she’s suspicious as her father was once a member.
As soon as Dominic and Gemma meet their chemistry sizzles off the page, and once they touch neither can deny their mutual attraction, even though they both try to resist it. The more time they spend together the more the lines between love and what they are both fighting to protect become blurred. Secrets are threatened to be uncovered and danger lurks for the couple in this enemies to lovers romance. I was hooked from page one, and the plot kept me happily turning the pages well into the night. Although this can be read as a standalone story, I would personally recommend reading the whole series, as each book has been an entertaining and engaging read.

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romance, which kept me happily turning the pages late into the night. Chef Olivia is twenty nine and professionally is doing well, but personally, things are not so great. Having to deal with a cheating husband, a husband stealing ex-friendship, a nagging mother, and nepotism at work, Olivia thinks it’s time for a change. Just as everything is falling apart, Olivia decides to open her own business, she’s just thankful for her friends. Entering the glamorous business world of sleepless nights, over working, drunken guests, gossipy clients, those wanting freebies, and networking groups, Olivia has to balance everything on her plate in order to make a go of her new business. The storyline flowed well and has a mix of crazy characters in it, who all bring something different to the story. I loved Olivia as she’s a very likeable and relatable main character, and I was really cheering her on!

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this boxed set of wonderfully written cozy mystery stories, all with a musical theatre theme. Each story follows plus-size chorus girl, Ruby Ecco, as she and her travelling theatre troupe travel from city to city all over the world, performing musicals. However, everywhere the troupe goes there seems to be a murder, but luckily Ruby is an excellent amateur sleuth. In, ‘The Sound of Murder’, Ruby is just starting out with her new travelling theatre troupe as a chorus girl. When one of her cast-mates is murdered, Ruby goes into amateur sleuth mode in order to find out who the murderer is, and why they killed a women who was playing a nun!

In, ‘West Side Murder’, Ruby along with The Melody Street Players, are in town to perform at the local theatre. However, Ruby soon finds herself investigating a decade old case, of a body found on a local retirement community’s golf course. Police at the time said it was natural causes, but several of the West Vista del Boca residents are still convinced it was murder. Ruby’s investigations are complicated by the two rival factions, who are battling for control of the community council, but Ruby believes the ongoing war might explain what happened on the golf course. In the final story, ‘Little Shop of Murder’, Ruby finds herself attending her boss’s nephew’s wedding as a spy. Her boss wants her to do some sleuthing at a family wedding, as the groom’s younger brother appears to be dating a rather mysterious and elusive woman. Ruby fears that the horror on stage will spill over into real life, as every show seems to coincide with a murder!

I literally ‘binge read’ this boxed set, and was hooked from book one till book three. I love the heroine of the stories, Ruby, as she is such a likeable and relatable character, and so well defined that I felt as though I was alongside her as she did her sleuthing. The descriptive narrative brought both the settings and characters to life, making me feel fully immersed in each story. The storyline’s flowed well and the plots kept me guessing in each story. I enjoyed the added musical theatre references, and I definitely recommend this entertaining and engaging boxed set.

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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, slow burn friends to lovers romance, and was fully engaged in the story throughout. The main characters, Wil and El are so likeable and relatable, and their chemistry really comes across in the narrative. El loves music but is escaping from her famous rockstar step-father’s shadow, and also the paparazzi. In order to sing her melodies, El wears a disguise and sings at a bar off campus and it’s here that she meets Wil. As the pair sing together on stage their connection is instant and it only grows stronger off stage too. However, El is not the only ones with secrets and Wil, who’s in the States on a scholarship also has a rather big secret of his own.
El and Wil just blend together, but they will either have it all or lose their hearts. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me happily turning the pages late into the night! El and Wil are so well defined that I felt like they were old friends and I loved how their relationship changed and grew over time. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging sci-fi adventure with an original take on time travel, which had me hooked from start to finish. An advanced physics professor and his student invent a method of time travel, and then adapt it to the original prop time machine from the 1960’s film, ‘The Time Machine’. However, having succeeded in getting the complex mechanism to work the pair struggle to decide what the proper use of the time machine should be. Whilst his student wants to travel back in time to correct a terrible historical wrong from occurring, the professor has a more personal trip back in time planned. He would like to prevent the love affair of his life from ending in a broken hearted romance. This is an intriguing story which had me gripped, whilst the descriptive narrative brought both the settings and the characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging historical crime mystery, set in New York City, in 1912 and the storyline is based on Police Lieutenant Charles Becker’s Conspiracy trial. The city is divided between Greenwich Village where rejected tradition is regularly flouted, and Manhattan where it is strictly upheld. The heroine of the story is Lottie Flannigan, and she manages to balance both sides of her life, embracing her bohemian lifestyle whilst working in the legal profession, clerking for conservative Justice Goff in Midtown. Lottie finds herself working on a high profile case which turns into a trial of a lifetime, involving a local Police Officer Charles Becker.

As Lottie’s professional and personal lives collide, she finds herself caught up in a blackmail scheme. With the blackmailer threatening to disclose her most intimate choices, if she doesn’t do as they say. Lottie believes it’s related to the Becker trial, but she has to find out who would benefit most from the verdict, and could her missing lover be a part of the scheme. Lottie is a great main character, likeable and relatable, and who I felt engaged with. The authors wonderful descriptive narrative brings the setting vividly to life, and the historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back to 1912. The storyline flowed well and the exciting plot had me hooked from start to finish. I definitely recommend reading this novel.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely an “Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind”, and each poem is thought provoking and intriguing. The author has a wonderful way with words and with the flow of words, he’s put poetry to music in a unique way. The poems use clever wordplay and reflections that you can tell are the authors honest thoughts and feelings. The poems definitely spoke to me, and I found the book as a whole an emotional rollercoaster of a read. However, the poetry is uplifting and inspirational and it definitely stimulated my imagination, and gave me some much needed time out, whilst I went down the rabbit hole!

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The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed book one in this trilogy I was excited to be back with main characters Thomas and April, and to continue their sci-fi adventure with them. I would personally recommend reading these books in order as the storyline picks up from the end of the previous novella. After receiving an intriguing text saying, “I think I found it.”, Thomas and April set off to explore the world they discovered previously. The pair go with a plan this time and hope they will be able to visit their new friend Flick along the way, but this undiscovered world has something else in store for them. It’s a good job their motto is, “Expect the unexpected”! The authors descriptive narrative and wonderful world building really brings the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story, as though I was exploring alongside Thomas and April. I look forward to the third book in this trilogy.

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The Victor (The Freemasons Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Victor (The Freemasons #1)The Victor by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging second chance at love story, which had me happily turning the pages. All Ava Vaughan wants from her husband is a divorce, and as they have been separated from each other for the last six months, she’s surprised when he says no. Cole Jacobs has spent the last six months hoping that his wife, Ava will return to him. Cole had no intention of loosing his wife and intends to stay married to her, so when she demands a divorce, he proposes a deal instead. Cole asks Ava to use her skills as an event planner to help him organise an important fundraiser, and then he will agree to a divorce. However, Cole intends to work closely with Ava on the fundraiser and as the couple work together their buried feelings resurface. Both Cole and Ava have to face the reasons why their marriage fell apart and decide if it can be rescued. This was a heartwarming story with wonderful characters, in a lovely setting. Ava and Cole were particularly easy to feel engaged with and I was hoping they would get their HEA.

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was looking forward to this fourth novel, and I was not disappointed. It was lovely being back with Beck O’Rourke, who feels like an old friend now, and I enjoyed following alongside her as she traveled to Miami, to investigate the possible suicide or murder of her college roommate’s father. It was also great being back at the now much loved setting of the ‘Beach Reads’ bookstore and café, “a block off the ocean in quaint Manatee Beach, Florida”. Beck is taking on her first paid job as a private investigator, following three successful murder investigations as an amateur. For this investigation Beck has to enter her spoiled freshman roommate’s privileged world and meet her fractured family, to discover if the death of Benjamin Greene, who’s heirs stand to inherit millions from his death was a suicide or in fact murder.

Beck believes his death the night before he was meeting with his lawyer, to change his will, may be more than a coincidence. Alongside Beck are regulars Miss Alice, her spirited grandmother, her feisty lifeguard sister Lizzie, and Beck’s love interest, Police detective Devon Mathis. Another gripping cozy mystery crime story in this enjoyable and engaging series, which had me hooked from start to finish. The characters are so well defined they feel like old friends and the descriptive narrative brings the settings vividly to life. I look forward to book five and being back with Beck once more!

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a gripping historical fantasy novel with a unique time travelling element, which made this a real page turner. Tam Paradiso is a present day homicide detective in Philadelphia, but her lover is definitely not from the same era, as it is playwright, and in this story, monster Hunter, Christopher Marlowe! On the 30th May 1593, Marlowe is destined to meet his demise amongst spies and criminals, but something has gone wrong and the final days of his life have deviated from their destined course, corrupting the proper flow of time in the process. Tam along with a banished fae warrior, and her former lover, Theo North travel back to 1593 to rescue Marlowe from the Tower of London.
In order to fix the timeline they plot Marlowe’s escape from the impenetrable White Tower. They must also work out who’s behind the political conspiracy against him, and battle a vicious shifter who has a role to play in his death. If they should succeed, Tam will have to make the awful choice of whether to leave Marlowe to his predestined and tragic end, or risk destroying the future. I didn’t realise this was part of a series and I think it would be beneficial to read the novels in order, so you get a better understanding of the backstory and how the characters are all connected. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the plot kept me hooked from start to finish and the descriptive narrative made both eras come vividly to life. I particularly liked the added historical details which made me feel immersed in the 1593 settings.

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My Bronc Riding Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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My Bronc Riding CowgirlMy Bronc Riding Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary western romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Tori, the daughter of a legendary saddle bronc rider, Justin Foster, has big dreams. Dreams which until now she’s kept to herself, but she’s ready to show what she’s capable of. Cord King is at the top of his game in his rookie season as a saddle bronc rider, and has a lot of both media and female attention. Tori and Cord meet in Elk Field during the annual rodeo, but Tori is unimpressed by Cord, and isn’t going to let him get in the way of reaching her goals. Cord, is used to impressing the women around him, but not Tori, a feisty cowgirl who isn’t afraid to talk back to him.
Once Tori takes to the arena all eyes are on her, fuelling Cord’s jealousy, which if he doesn’t overcome might stop him from seeing how much talent she actually has. Tori has to stay focused and not let Cord be a distraction, as they compete both in and outside of the arena. They both want to win the coveted championship buckle, but will their competitiveness stop any potential relationship from developing. I felt immersed in the world of rodeo’s, saddle bronc riding, and cowboys and cowgirls due to the wonderfully descriptive narrative. The main characters were likeable and relatable and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA, and the buckle!

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully heartwarming romantic suspense novel, with a forbidden romance element and a bit of a mystery added to the storyline, making this is an enjoyable and engaging read. Set in a small town, Moon Harbor, Raf is known as the quiet and reliable friend who doesn’t cause trouble, but Raf believes he’s cursed. He refuses to get close to people because they tend to get hurt when he does. Raf definitely does not want to hurt his best friends sister, Ellie, who has been treated as delicate by everyone following the death of her parents, but Ellie wants to live her own life. Ellie has secretly loved Raf, her brothers friend for years but he just sees her as his best friends kid sister, or so she thinks.
However, neither of them can deny their sizzling chemistry, but just as their friendship develops Raf’s tragic secret past comes back to haunt him, and threatens everything as their town is put at risk. More worryingly Ellie is in danger, the couple need to save each other and hope their love survives. Raf and Ellie are likeable and relatable characters who I felt instantly engaged with, and the descriptive narrative really brought the setting of Moon Harbor to life. I look forward to reading the previous books in the series, having enjoyed this one.

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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth instalment in the Antipodes series, and the adventures set within a dystopian world continue. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books, I was looking forward to this novel, and I was not disappointed. Once again I was fully immersed in the storyline, and felt engaged with the characters, some of whom are like old friends now, and others who were newly introduced. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative brought the setting and the characters vividly to life, once more. I was hooked from start to finish, as the residents of Lewis, are forced to take drastic action in order to protect their children, having received some shocking news. Freyja and Illyria join together with some friends, with the hope of discovering who is behind this latest threat. The threat needs to be got rid off, before it takes all of their lives. Another gripping storyline with plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing, as love, loss, friendships and relationships are challenged. A real page turner!

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this second instalment, and I was definitely not disappointed. I loved being back with Ellie Warren, the owner of the ‘Kitty Beret Café’, and her very clever cat Templeton, who we were introduced to in book one. In this storyline, Ellie hosts a cat show for rescued cats, but the fun turns serious when one of the judges is murdered. Ellie, with the help of Detective Dare, and of course Templeton, has to run the cat show, crown a ‘Best in Rescue Winner’ of the competition, and find the killer! This is a heartwarming cozy mystery which kept me hooked from start to finish, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the identity of the killer. I felt fully immersed in the storyline, and engaged with Ellie, so much so, that I felt like I was investigating alongside her, once again. I look forward to catching up with Ellie and Templeton again soon.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a big fan of the heroine of this story, Emma, the intrepid young detective, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this YA cozy mystery series. I was looking forward to this story which has a festive feel, as it’s set at Christmas time, and the storyline has more than one Charles Dickens reference in it. Emma is looking forward to the Christmas parties with her friends and family, the baking has been done and she’s about to decorate the tree, when a simple delivery reveals a deadly stranger. Emma’s Christmas plans change dramatically as she has another adventure to go on and a mystery to solve, using all her skills. However, when a friend of Emma’s asks for her help in investigating a reported haunted mansion, things become more complicated, and slightly spooky. Rattling chains, secret doors and possible spirits, all add to the Dickens feel to this fairly short but action packed story. Once again I was hooked by Emma’s adventures, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline, as though I was there alongside her as she investigated her latest mystery. I look forward to catching up with Emma and her friends again soon.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully written story, inspired by the true story of a ‘wise woman’, skilled in healing who was accused of witchcraft in the early 20th century, in the Forest of Dean, where the author lives. This engaging story focuses on a farmer’s daughter, Hester, who dreams of more, as she envies the freedom of the river nymphs and hears Sabrina’s whispers of “Be wise, be strong”. Hester believes that the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina wants her to do, and this is reinforced when she meets a man powerful in herbal lore, Aaron. However her mother scorns her daughters dreams and ambitions as ‘witchery’, and orders Hester to find a husband and settle down.
Hester flees to Aaron but is surprised when he too insists that she should marry and be like ‘ordinary’ folk. Hester is a strong, independent and determined heroine and she fights for her dreams. Meanwhile, Aaron has to reconcile his past if he’s to accept the future, and the river will either help or hinder them both. This is a captivating story which had me hooked all the way through. The detailed descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me gripped, and I found myself reading late into the night, as I could not put this book down. The characters are so well defined, I felt like I was there alongside them, and I was left thinking about Hester, long after I had closed the book.

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Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse CollectionFractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I ‘binge read’ this anthology of apocalyptic and dystopian stories, each one very different, but all set in an apocalyptic world. Each story in the collection highlights the traits of courage and perseverance against adversity. In each story there is a hero or heroine who overcomes their fears and suffering to bring hope and salvation to others. This was definitely the case in, Courtney Konstantin, story ‘Babysitter of the Apocalypse’, in which an alcoholic bar owner and loner is left being responsible for two young children. Their mother leaves them with him to ‘babysit’, and never returns, as the zombies take over the city. This short story was a real page turner and had me gripped from start to finish. The whole anthology had me hooked, and I definitely recommend this collection, but maybe don’t read it at night!

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The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies to lovers, cowboy romance set in a small ranch town named San Sity, in Florida. Hollywood talent scout Jules turns up in San Sity to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed there. One man, a hunky cowboy, Mitchel Scott catches her eye, and Jules decides to convince him that he’s the ‘spark’ needed to make the show a big hit. However, the no nonsense, blunt, rough, rancher wants nothing to do with either Jules or the dating show. At least, that’s what he claims, and what Jules believes, and they continue to fight each other, over everything. Neither Jules or Mitchel are prepared when their growing animosity actually turns into love. The chemistry between Jules and Mitchel sizzled off the page, and I was hoping they would get their HEA. The setting really came to life through the descriptive narrative, and made me feel immersed in the story. I loved the main characters, and liked how Jules and Mitchell’s relationship changed and developed throughout the story. The small town feel really came across in the narrative. The storyline had me hooked, and I was happily turning the pages of this enjoyable and engaging read.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really felt as though I had Journeyed back in time to unlock the secrets of the Aztec in this YA illustrated novel based on mythology and legends. Azreya has always accepted her place as one cursed by the gods, since she was three years old and placed in the care of Nukpana, a shaman. However, when she has foresight of an impending slaughter, Azreya dares to attempt to reverse the Aztec people’s fate, even though it means clashing with the shamans wishes. Forced to flee, and with her family refusing to take her in, Azreya is determined not to stand by and see the demise of her people, and so begins her quest to enlighten them. She faces many challenges, but the biggest one is the monster hiding under her skin. Azreya has to learn how to control her inner beast, in order to convince her people to break from their old ways, to prevent the Aztecs being vanquished by the enemy. The detailed descriptive narrative along with the wonderful illustrations really bring the characters and the setting to life, and made me feel immersed in the story.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging YA cozy mystery, and a great first book in a new series. In this story we are introduced to the heroine of the series, Emma, who is working at her family’s bakery but dreaming of adventure. Set in Chicago 1881, and the city is recovering from the Great Fire of 71, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing both the setting and the era vividly to life, through her descriptive narrative. Emma takes the opportunity of working with the boys on the delivery wagons, in her quest for a more exciting life.
Emma has always been very observant and dreams of being a detective. Her observations lead her to investigate cases ranging from robbery to murder. However, her first case becomes more complicated when her family seem to be involved, and family secrets are revealed. Emma has to use all her skills, including her self defence and knife skills, in order to protect both herself and her family. This is a very entertaining, page turner of a novel, which I thoroughly recommend. Emma is a great main character, who is likeable and relatable, and I look forward to going on many more cases with her during this series.

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