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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance, by a favourite author of mine, with a second chance at love theme. Set in a small town, the storyline had me hooked as I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Teddy Bennett is a convicted felon who is out on parole for a crime he didn’t commit, and returns to his hometown to start rebuilding his life. Working on his family’s Christmas tree farm and winery, Teddy wishes that he had never gone on the beer run that lead to him being jailed. When he runs into Robyn, their old attraction and sizzling chemistry is still there, and he’s reminded of the fateful night and the party where he was kissing her by the bonfire. If only he had stayed there then his life would have been very different.
Teddy believes that things changed permanently when he was convicted and had to leave Robyn and his freedom behind. However, Robyn never stopped loving or believing in her first love, Teddy and has put her life on hold waiting for him to return. Although the couple are willing to start again, it’s not as easy as picking up where they left off, especially when other people don’t seem to want them to have a second chance at their HEA. I loved Teddy and Robyn, and they were so right for each other and deserved a HEA. Their sizzling chemistry did lead to some rather steamy scenes. Both the characters and small town setting came alive through the descriptive narrative. Set on a Christmas tree farm this heartwarming romance also gave me a festive feeling. A definite five star read!

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hooked throughout this psychological crime mystery, in which a mother is the only one who thinks her daughter’s death is suspicious. Catherine Keely embarks on an emotional search for the truth, following the death of her daughter Susie. Susie fell to her death from a balcony whilst holidaying with friends, but a year after her world was ripped apart by grief, her mother Catherine still finds her death suspicious. However, she is the only person to think so, but Catherine is determined to find out about the events of that night. As Catherine unearths the facts, she wonders how well she truly knew her daughter. Fearing for her own safety, Catherine has to tread carefully, as she discovers who, if anyone she can trust to tell the truth.
This was a real page turner of a novel, with an intriguing storyline and a unique narrative structure, in that the reader is given ten possible scenarios to explain Susie’s death. Catherine is a great main character who brings the story together, and although dead, Susie is very much a central character as the secrets and lies around her life, and reasons for her death are explored. I was gripped by the narrative and was left guessing as to the outcome of the story, and I was also left wondering who to believe, myself. Due to the plot twists the ending came as a clever surprise, and I was left thinking about this novel long after I had finished it.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, I was looking forward to this sequel, and I was not disappointed. I was intrigued to know what was next for Austin, his twin brother Josh and Mavis. Having lost the girl he loved to Josh, Austen decides to relocate to Chicago, in order to get over Mavis, especially once Josh and Mavis are engaged. When he meets the easy going, impulsive and sometimes reckless Cubs fan, Casey, the fact she’s everything that Austen isn’t, is exactly what he needs. Austen wasn’t planning on actually falling in love with Casey, but when he’s offered his dream promotion and he has to choose between moving to Los Angeles or staying in Wrigley Field with her, he realises their relationship isn’t just a bit of fun anymore.
Austen has to choose between either his career or the girl who helped put his heart back together. This was a heartwarming romance, which had me hooked throughout. Having read that Mavis and Josh had their HEA, it was nice to find out what was in Austen’s future. I loved Casey and thought she was perfect for Austen, and their chemistry really came across in the narrative. I was cheering them on hoping they would both get their HEA. Although it can be read as a standalone story, I would personally recommend reading the books in order. This was a real page turner, and I look forward to the final instalment in this enjoyable and engaging trilogy.

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this military romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. Pippa has left her abusive ex husband and knows that as long as he’s behind bars she safe. Having indulged in a very passionate one night stand with a handsome stranger, she ends up pregnant. As they met at a masquerade party and didn’t exchange names, there is no way Pippa can let the man know that he’s going to be a father. Pippa now fears that once her ex husband is released, if he finds out she has a son with another man that he will want revenge. Meanwhile, the masked gladiator, Tanner “Diesel” Taylor is a SEAL and takes his responsibilities seriously, he never imagined that his amazing one night stand with a woodland fairy would have consequences. However, when he learns two years later that he has a son, Bryce, with Pippa he wants to meet his son straight away.
Unfortunately, Tanner arrives to late and both Pippa and Bryce have been abducted by her violent ex husband, having been released from prison. Luckily, Deisel is armed with his vast SEAL skills and training and is determined to get his son and Pippa back safely. Pippa is trapped with her angry and enraged ex husband, and not knowing that help is on the way she is desperately trying to keep herself and her son safe. This was a fast paced story with an exciting storyline and plenty of plot twists that kept me hooked. I loved the characters and the chemistry between Pippa and Tanner really came across in the narrative. A great read and I look forward to future books in this series.

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The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Magical Summer of Miranda StoneThe Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and engaging YA novel, which has me hooked from start to finish. Sixteen year old Miranda Stone is looking forward to a nice, normal summer, but when her magical powers emerge, her summer is anything but normal. However, it’s not just Miranda who’s developing magical powers, it’s happening to women all around the world. Having felt she was in danger, Miranda runs away to New Orleans, where a job singing as the opener for a drag show, leads to new friendships and fun, until her friends start developing powers of their own.
As the world erupts, Miranda and the other supernaturally powerful women, must stay off the radar of the authorities, but this becomes increasingly difficult. When Miranda starts a romance with a young women this adds to her complications. I loved the main character, Miranda and enjoyed seeing how her character grew and developed throughout the story. The storyline kept me gripped and the descriptive narrative brought the world where magic was real, vividly to life. I felt immersed in the story and I liked the magical realism element of the novel. I look forward to continuing Miranda’s adventures with her in the next book in the series.

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this sequel and I was definitely not disappointed. Carrying on from the end of the previous story, I would personally recommend reading these novels in order, especially as the storyline is rather intriguing and complex. Nick and Julia O’Connor have escaped Venice with their lives following their nightmare vacation, and are trying to return home. However, before they can reach the American consulate, they are captured by Interpol and then returned to Venice. While Nick is detained, it’s up to Julia to save her husband, but she doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially when it’s the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order, Salvatore della Porta, who’s behind Nick’s detainment.

Della Porta’s order are the ones who controls Paradise, “Tintoretto’s Renaissance masterpiece that’s also a purgatory for thousands of souls, including Nick’s soul mate from the 16th century”. Della Porta is after a mysterious manuscript which can either end his order or bring him world changing power, and he thinks Nick knows the location of this book. Meanwhile, Julia enlists the help of a young artist, Carlo Zuccaro, but is unaware that he is actually the order’s new Painter and warden of the damned. This is a gripping read, which had me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative brings both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. This was an entertaining and engaging read which I would definitely recommend.

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The Protector (The Freemasons Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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

Another enjoyable novel in this series about a group of Freemasons, and this story focuses on Declan Burkhard and Renee Cadmon, in this brother’s best friend romance. Renee was kidnapped and her innocence was stolen when she was sold to the highest bidder. Having been rescued from that horror, she has been trying to reclaim her life but it’s harder than she imagined. Her brother’s best friend Declan has been her rock, but strictly as a friend, although before she was taken she had hoped they could become more. Renee doesn’t think that Declan would be interested in her “broken and tainted soul”. However, Declan has always had feelings for Renee, he just didn’t act on them because she’s his best friends sister, and then she was taken.

Declan knows that she doesn’t think she’s “worthy of being loved”, but he wants to show her that’s not true. Declan is just happy to be apart of her life as she gets used to her freedom and will do anything to protect her, even if it means burying his desires. Renee is put in danger yet again when the person who orchestrated her abduction returns, but Declan is determined to eliminate the threat for good. I felt completely immersed in this story and engaged with the characters, as the descriptive narrative brings both the setting and characters vividly to life. The storyline does deal with some unsettling themes, but does so sensitively and in context with the story. I was hooked from start to finish and was kept happily turning the pages late into the night!

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Jennifer Gordon

SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a time travelling twist, which makes this an unforgettable and original story. The blurb says that it is a tale of heroes, passion, hope and the “consequences of creating extraordinary music amidst the dark nights of war”, and the story does not disappoint! Concert pianist and composer Erin Meyer is swept back in time to Nazi-held France, where she protects the members of the Resistance by ghost-writing music for a very influential German officer. Erin rescues a British pilot, Arick and helps him evade capture, but impossibly she recognises him from her own life and time. Not only is Erin and Arick’s attraction dangerous for them both, but the German officer holding the key to Erin’s return demands more than she is willing to give. She soon finds herself caught up in betrayal and death, performing for her life, as time runs out.

The unique storyline had me hooked from start to finish, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me gripped. I literally could not put this book down, and I felt completely immersed in the story and engaged with the characters. The detailed and descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life. The added historical details made it feel as though I had been transported back in time, and the author has obviously done her research. The characters are so well defined and the chemistry between Erin and Arick really comes across in the story. A definite five star novel, and I am thrilled to have discovered a new author, for me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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