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Cross-Country Christmas (A Silver Buckle Brides Romance) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Cross-Country Christmas (Silver Buckle Brides #1)Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful Christmas romance which had me hooked from page one. CC Cippolini takes a temp job to drive a custom car, a Tesla, across the country but following a crash into a cattle fence finds her plans changing, just over Christmas. CC finds herself at the home of the owner of the now broken cattle fence, rancher Reese Brockbank. Reese is happy for CC to stay with him but he’s determined to keep his distance and not let another women upset his life. However, when CC begins to decorate his sterile house for Christmas and turns it into a real home with her warmth and joy, Reese finds his defences are being worn down. But, CC’s story doesn’t quite add up and as Reese questions her, CC puts up her own defences. Both of them are still harbouring pain from their pasts but will they take a chance at love with each other. I loved CC and Reese as they are likeable and relatable characters who just have instant chemistry. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life and I felt engaged with the story. The storyline had me happily turning the pages and the plot twists and turns kept me gripped until the end. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this festive novel, and I was cheering the couple on hoping they would get their HEA.

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A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Spell of RowansA Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was gripped from page one by this original story of family secrets, murder and magic. The three Rowan siblings have more than a little magic about them, empathic Victoria who has a talent for reading others feelings, Phillipa, who can charm and bewitch, and Liam who with one touch of any object can reveal its secrets. As children they were raised by a narcissistic mother who would twist their magic for her games and this has affected them all in adulthood. Vic has moved away from her childhood home in Grimsby but returns on the death of her mother, Rachel. The siblings find themselves faced with the consequences of their mothers actions, as she used her antique shop as a front to torment the residents of Grimsby. Discovering their secrets and then blackmailing them. Vic has spent years working in the city, ignoring her past and hiding her powers but when her autistic brother Liam is arrested she has to stay and discover the truth. In order to help her siblings she now has to confront her past and use her powers. Making her life even more complicated is the boy she once dated and dumped who says that he knows the truth about her.

This story was so much more than a small town Murder mystery, it has a dysfunctional family with an abusive mother, secrets, blackmail, magic and a hint of romance. I was hooked from start to finish and found myself completely immersed in this unique story. The atmospheric and slightly claustrophobic small town setting really came alive through the authors wonderful descriptive narrative. The characters are all unique and fascinating and bring a different element to the storyline. I liked the use of magical realism within the story itself and the plot twists kept me in suspense until the last page. The novel does contain some triggers especially in regards to child abuse and trauma but these are dealt with sensitively. Although this was a rather dark and uneasy read at times it was also addictive and a real page turner. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything else like it and I would definitely recommend ‘A Spell of Rowans’.

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers Book 2) by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers, #2)Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining romantic comedy and book two in the ‘Pierce Brothers’ series about the naughty but nice brothers. This story focuses on Luke Pierce, and can be read as a standalone story but the characters do crossover. Luke is a divorced father and builder who takes life seriously, but he’s never forgotten the women he had an uncharacteristic one night stand with, Nadia. So when Nadia Alvarez asks him to help her with her fixer-upper house which is nearly falling down he says yes. However, Nadia makes it clear that if he wants the job then he’s not allowed to bring up their past and has to forget it ever happened. Nadia can’t believe that she’s so desperate for a builder that she has had to turn to Luke who she never expected to see again, as usually after a one night stand she moves on as she definitely does not believe in love.
However, spending time with Luke and trying to get him to see the fun side of life, like she does, becomes a challenge for Nadia and she may actually be at risk of falling in love. Meanwhile, Luke is trying hard not to fall for Nadia, again, but can’t resist her wicked sense of humour and the fun she brings to his life. This was a lighthearted, fun read with plenty of romance and a bit of drama which kept me happily turning the pages. I fell in love with the very likeable and relatable characters, and I felt engaged with them. The storyline flowed well making it an easy read, and the story had the right mix of laugh out loud moments, emotional moments and of course romance leading to some steamy scenes. The authors descriptive narrative bought both the characters and the setting to life, and I was cheering Luke and Nadia on and hoping they would get their HEA.

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this MM paranormal romance which had me hooked from page one. This is a fairly quick read which I read in one sitting and I found myself completely immersed in the story. Vulture shifter, Acheron is shunned by society because he touches the dead but is safe in Kharon, when he feels a pull towards the city he makes the treacherous journey to Mandara. Arriving there he discovers that it was hare shifter and nurse Errapel that was to calling him to. Errapel is the nurse to the dying soul that Acheron has been sent to assist, and he is also his mate. However, vulture shifters are forbidden from taking a mate by law, but the pair can not help being drawn to one another.
To stay together and have a chance at love the couple would have to not only beat the archaic laws but also fight society. I fell in love with Acheron and Errapel and really felt for them and their situation of forbidden love. The chemistry between the couple sizzled off the page and the characters were really bought to life by the authors detailed writing. The authors descriptive narrative also bought the setting to life, and she’s done a wonderful job of creating a whole new world and making it feel real. This was an enjoyable and engaging short story and one which I definitely recommend.

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The Groomsman (Unexpected Series – Book 2) by Marina Hanna – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The GroomsmanThe Groomsman by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked from page one. Lauren and Mark meet at their friends wedding and are instantly attracted to one another and they share a very hot, steamy, and passionate night together. It was just meant to be one night as Mark doesn’t have time in his life for romance and a relationship, and Lauren is still getting over her last boyfriend being married. However, they both find themselves drawn to each other and discover that it’s not just about the sex. What they feel might also be more than lust, it may even be love, but is someone is going to get their heart broken. The instant chemistry between Mark and Lauren literally sizzled off the page and led to very steamy scenes between the couple. Both characters are realistic and relatable and I loved how their relationship grew throughout the story. The storyline flowed well and the plot had me happily turning the pages wanting to find out if they got their HEA or not.

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Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas Book 4) by Marianne Rice – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas, #4)Snowflakes & Stockings by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging Christmas romance with a real festive feel to it. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages by this heartwarming story. Investigative reporter Liberty Johnson has a mystery to solve, to figure out the identity of Maine’s Secret Santa. If Liberty can discover who it is then she is guaranteed a promotion and her own weekly feature on the local news. Having narrowed it down, the last person on her short list is someone who she thinks it can’t possibly be, due to his lack of interest in Christmas, businessman Sawyer Campbell. Liberty is instantly attracted to Sawyer and their chemistry sizzles off the page, and it’s not long until she is juggling both him and work. However, with her promotion within sight and her own weekly feature at risk Liberty has to decide between love or work. This wonderfully written festive read has a lovely storyline, likeable and relatable characters, and plenty of romance all of which made me feel immersed in the story. This book left me feeling in the Christmas spirit, a perfect winter’s read.

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Check In (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 2) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Check InCheck In by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book two in the ‘Bobbins Sisters Series’ tells younger sister Leann’s story. Having met Leann Bobbin in book one, which concentrated on older sister Betsy, I was looking forward to her having her own romance. Leann is getting over her recent trauma of having a stalker and has started a new job at the bank. Having recently split up with her boyfriend she’s not looking for love, but when she meets Bartlett Police Officer Leonard Yardley, she’s instantly attracted to him. When a bank robbery takes place, Leann hides and then calls Len for help and this brings the couple closer together. I enjoyed this fairly short romance with added suspense and read it in one sitting. I liked ‘catching up’ with characters from the previous book Betsy and Nash, and it was nice to learn more about Leann. The characters are likeable and relatable and the chemistry between Leann and Len came across in the narrative. This was an enjoyable and engaging quick read.

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Check Out (The Bobbins Sisters Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Check OutCheck Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance and the storyline had me happily turning the pages. Injured Marine, Nash is suffering with PTSD and is rebuilding his life having returned home, when he meets shy librarian Betsy Bobbin. Betsy is initially intimidated by the man with the eye patch and an attitude but she’s also attracted to him. Nash has sworn off women and love after his ex-fiancé was disgusted by his scars but he is drawn to Betsy.
Betsy learns more about Nash when he comes to her rescue when a flat tyre leaves her stranded, and she can’t help but feel the chemistry between them. But when he then rescues her younger sister Leann from a bar, Betsy gets scared by how angry Nash gets and the fight he has with the drunk. She wonders if it’s safe to start a relationship with a war veteran with PTSD. Nash is just as wary at putting his heart on the line again but Betsy brings out his protective instincts.
The couple get closer when Betsy turns to Nash to help when her sister has a stalker, but then Leann comes between the pair. This is a heartwarming romance with a hint of suspense and great characters who are realistic and relatable. The chemistry between Nash and Betsy really comes across in the narrative and I liked the sisters relationship as well. I thought the issues surrounding PTSD were dealt with honestly and sensitively and this added to the storyline.

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Born to Fall (Can’t Resist You – Book 2) by Brittany Anne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Born to Fall (Can't Resist You, #2)Born to Fall by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘Born to Fall’ is set in the same dystopian world, where America has fallen, the world has gone dark, and all technology is a distant memory, as book one in the series ‘Born to Fight’. I recommend reading them in order as the characters do crossover, and readers will be more familiar with the background to the controlling UNR and the Resistance. It was nice to ‘catch up’ with Hunter and Rain from book one, but this story concentrated on Derek who is part of the Resistance, and who is trying to free people from being slaves and Julia who he helped rescue. Derek had always put his duties to the Resistance first until he finds himself drawn towards Julia, but he worries that if he allows himself to fall in love he can’t still help save the movement. Julia has been through hell and survived but she now finds herself attracted to Derek, the man who literally carried her out of her prison. However, she sees love as being dangerous and is at war with herself about her feelings and her fear of her past being repeated.

The couple have to decide whether to take a chance at love, but will their decision lead to the fall of the Resistance. The dark dystopian world was yet again vividly brought to life by the authors wonderfully descriptive world building which insured I felt totally immersed in the story. The exciting, dangerous, action packed storyline kept me hooked from page one and the characters and the romance kept me happily turning the pages. I found the connections between the characters to be very natural and realistic, and Derek and Julia’s chemistry really came across in the narrative, as did their angst. An engaging read and one which I definitely recommend, and I hope this series continues.

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Love’s Reverie (The Stardust Duet, Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed book one in ‘The Stardust Duet’ I waited impatiently for this second novel which concludes Phillip and Kat’s epic time travelling romance, and I was not disappointed. Having pined for over half a century for Kat Monroe, the celebrated jazz singer, Phillip can’t believe that he gets a second chance at love with her, when he arrives as a young man in the future. He plans to join Kat on tour as her piano-playing accompanist but wants to marry her first. Phillip plans one more trip through the time portal back to 1947 to get his late mothers wedding ring, however, when he attempts to return the portals magic has vanished. He then finds himself stuck back in the past and pining for Kat again.
I fell in love with Phillip and Kat in book two and it was lovely being back with them, they really are a couple in love, so much so that their romance transcends time itself. The two different eras were yet again brought to life by the authors descriptive narrative and I felt completely immersed in the storyline. The connection between the main characters sizzles off the page and I was just hoping they would get their HEA. However, the plot twists kept me guessing as to how their story would end, leaving me gripped until the end. I recommend reading the books in order, and they were both enjoyable and engaging reads. ‘Love’s Reverie’ left me thinking about the characters long after I had turned the last page.

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Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After Book 2) by Stephanie Harrell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After, #2)Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer by Stephanie Harrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance which is book two in the ‘Curvy Ever After’ series, and is inspired by a fairy tale, it can be read as a standalone story. Harper dreams of travelling the world collecting antiques for her family’s shop, ‘Bits and Bobs Restoration’, but she then has a scorching weekend with a stranger that leaves her pregnant. The stranger turns out to be Lincoln, who just happens to be the next big star following his latest role in an action movie. Lincoln is shocked when taking a break at his beach house in Rhode Island he comes across his summer fling, Harper and discovers she’s pregnant. The couple must decide if their surprise baby is going to bring them together or if all the obstacles, including a frenemy, well meaning families and the paparazzi will stop them finding love and creating a family together. I loved Harper and Lincoln and the chemistry really sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The story flows well and I was quickly immersed in the storyline and was hooked from start to finish. I was cheering the pair on hoping they would get their happy ever after.

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Red’s Peril Part 1: The making of an MC Prez (Satan’s Devils MC Vegas Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Red's Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez (Satan's Devils MC Vegas #1)Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of the Satan’s Devils I was looking forward to reading this book and I was definitely not disappointed. Red, the MC Prez of the Vegas Chapter of the Satan’s Devils, has been a character in the background of previous books in the series but now he gets his own story, and he has an intriguing backstory. The storyline had me hooked from page one, as usual, and the plot twists kept me gripped and happily turning the pages well into the night, as I literally could not put the book down. Red’s story was emotional, exciting, full of drama, suspense and of course plenty of MC detail, steamy scenes and romance, a perfect read.

The world of the Satan’s Devils is really bought to life by the descriptive narrative and as usual the characters are likeable and each have their own unique characters and backstory that bring the story to life. I was fully immersed in the story and found it an enjoyable and engaging read, which also took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Red has had a fulfilled life being a mechanic and working his way up in the Satan’s Devils, becoming the Prez, following a difficult start in life, loosing his father. However, he’s never found his ‘old lady’ to ride on the back of his bike, but he’s never forgotten one woman, Cheryl a waitress he met fifteen years ago, and he’s always wondered what life would have been like with her.

When he meets Cheryl/Cher at a casino he has hopes of starting a relationship, after all they definitely had chemistry when they first met. When he goes to her house he has a shock when it’s not her who answers the door, No SPOILERS! This is where the book ends….I’m now impatiently waiting for Part Two.

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical cozy mystery novel which had me hooked from page one. Although book four in the ‘A Jack and Frances mysteries’ series, this was the first book I had read and I was able to read it happily as a standalone story. However, I enjoyed it so much that I am now keen to read the previous books as well. Set in Nice, in the French Riviera during 1931, the setting and the era of the Golden Age is wonderfully bought to life by the authors descriptive narrative. The main characters, fiancé’s Jack and Frances and her Uncle Sal are all intriguing characters in their own right and all bring something unique to the story. Instead of being guests of honour at a glitzy New Year’s Eve party as planned, Frances has to swap her evening gown for a maids uniform and Jack poses as a chauffeur, when the hostess needs their discreet help. They then have to work together in solving a theft of some important government documents. Meanwhile Uncle Sal, brings out his ‘Salvatore the Magnificent’ act to keep the guests entertained.
It’s difficult for Jack and Frances to investigate all the suspects as the guests are all enjoying the glamorous setting and nights at the casinos. Then just when they think they have solved the theft a death occurs, under the palm trees. As the pair realise they are now looking for a murderer they must act quickly to prevent the killer striking again. The storyline is enjoyable and the plot has plenty of twists and turns in it, that kept me guessing until the end. I fell in love with the three main characters and found them all very likeable. I felt engaged with them as I followed them in their journey looking for clues and solving the mystery. I look forward to reading future books in this series and am happy to have discovered a new author in Carmen Radtke.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the start by this suspenseful, psychological crime thriller and it kept me gripped until the last page. Shelby Cooper seemingly has the perfect life, a successful career as a leading scientist in bioinformatics, a mother to two wonderful children, and a happy marriage to a successful man, but not even her family know who she really is. Shelby has a past which she has worked hard to hide and she has managed to start a new life, but now someone who hates her knows who she is. When Shelby is stopped by the police for a broken taillight this leads to her being arrested for the murder of her physical therapist. Shelby soon realises that whoever the killer is, they are out for revenge and seem intent on ruining her life by framing her for murder. This is a fast paced story with an intriguing storyline and plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing until the end.

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne
4 of 5 Stars
This is an enjoyable and engaging dystopian romance set in a world which has gone dark and in which America has fallen. Technology no longer works and mobile phones are just a distant memory, the UNR controls everything and people are slaves. Within this world our main characters Hunter and Rain are thrown together when Rain saves Hunter’s life. Despite their instant chemistry and the romance that develops between them, they both have secrets. Hunter Kane is a leader for the Resistance who has been trained to be the ultimate soldier and take down the UNR. Meanwhile Rain had been hiding in a bunker and had not seen another person for two years when she found Hunter barely alive, but couldn’t leave him to die.
Rain believes in the Resistance and has dreamed of them for years hoping they were real but she’s worried how Hunter will react when he discovers who she really is. The author has done a wonderful job of world building and her descriptive narrative really brings the dystopian world that Hunter and Rain find themselves in to life. I felt totally immersed in their story and could visualise their world which made me feel engaged with them. Hunter and Rain are great main characters, likeable and relatable and the chemistry between them was instant and led to some steamy scenes. This was a gripping page turner that had me hook from page one, and as it’s book one in a series I look forward to book two.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a twist, and the exciting storyline had me hooked from page one. I would recommend reading ‘The Cross of Ciaran Book 1’ first as this novel continues the story of archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell, and fifth-century Celt Ciarán Donnelly who finds himself in the twentieth-century. Having returned to his childhood home in Ireland, it is not how he remembers it and his relationship with Caitlin is also under stress as he is still keeping a major secret from her. As Ciarán is actually the Celt that mysteriously disappeared from museum the previous year. Ciarán is keen to try and wake his brother, Aodhán up from the same centuries long sleep that Ciarán was in, and free him from the Dublin museum.

When it’s discovered that a series killer is on the loose and that Ciarán is the only one who can stop him, he desperately needs to find the Book of Carraig which holds the answer. However, he risks revealing his secret and puts his life in danger. I felt completely immersed in the storyline which flows well and the intriguing plot kept me happily turning the pages well into the night. This is a wonderfully written and heartwarming story, which is full of historical details. These and the descriptive narrative bring both the characters, the setting and the eras to life.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this wonderfully written magical time travel romance, inspired by the classic ‘Somewhere In Time’. This is such an original romantic adventure story with a time slip element and it had me hooked from start to finish. I literally could not put this book down as I fell in love with the characters, the setting, the storyline and most of all the amazing romance and love between the main characters. Set both in the present day and in 1947 the descriptive narrative really brings the setting and the eras to life.

In the present day Katherine ‘Kat’ Monroe is a celebrated jazz singer who is ending her first national tour, when an elderly stranger gives her a locket with a mysterious message inside it. Then whilst at the theatre Kat discovers a portal which transports her back to 1947 and the postwar era. Kat finds that she is still in her small home town and it is here that she meets a young and very handsome pianist, Phillip Gordon. Whilst finding her way in 1947 both her career and her heart are at risk but she hopes that Phillip can help her understand what is happening. When back in the present day Kat finds herself torn between two different versions of Phillip who she has fallen in love with in both eras.

I love both the present day and 1947 versions of both Kat and Phillip as they are likeable and relatable, and their chemistry sizzles off the page. The storyline flows well and is a real page turner with a plot that is full of drama, adventure, and of course love and romance. The story is told from both characters point of view and this helped me feel engaged with them both and immersed in their story. I enjoyed the musical elements that run through the story and I thought their playlist at the end was a nice touch. I am now impatiently waiting for book two, ‘Loves Reverie’.

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Entwined (Stone and Cinder Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging fantasy romance, which is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale. This story is definitely for more mature readers though, as it’s a very different version of the tale, involving a prince already married to a man and sexy scenes of a ménage. Ashling Glasby has grown up with tales of the dark creatures who live beyond the barrier arc that protects them. Now living with her bitter stepmother following the loss of her father, his final warning that one day the beasts would attack is coming true. Ashling turns up at Prince Callum’s ball to warn him and Callum is intrigued by the women who seems to know about the nightmarish creatures that are threatening his kingdom.
Meanwhile, Prince Callum and his husband Teague are searching for a women to join their relationship as the Prince needs an heir of his blood. As Callum and Ashling dance the Prince believes that she is the women they have been looking for, but then in true Cinderella style, midnight strikes. This is a fun fairly short easy read which had me hooked from page one. The storyline flowed well and the descriptive narrative bought both the characters and the setting to life which helped make me feel immersed in the story. I look forward to book two in the series.

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Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Saratoga RoanSaratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a second chance at love theme. Cassandra has a horse accident and her life literally flashes before her eyes and it’s the face of Rhett, her first loves that she sees. Their relationship ended badly five years ago and they have not seen each other since, but Cassandra hopes it’s not too late to try again. However, Rhett who was left in the small town they both grew up in when Cassandra left, still blames her for the end of their relationship, and for breaking his heart. Rhett has his hands full with a business to run, a mentally ageing father to care for and an estranged brother so the last thing he needs is a reminder of his painful past.
So when Cassandra turns up and makes it clear that she has returned for him, Rhett has to rethink what he really wants and stop his pride from keeping them apart. When old disagreements and arguments resurface the couple discover a major revelation, that some of their problems were actually medical. This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which had me hooked from start to finish. The main characters, Cassandra and Rhett are both likeable and relatable and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I was cheering them on and hoping that they would get their happy ever after.

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Whisper Creek: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7 by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book seven in the ‘Logan McKenna Mystery’ series and having read and enjoyed all of the previous books I was looking forward to this latest novel and was not disappointed. It was great being back with the heroine of the stories, Logan, who now feels like an old friend. Logan and Ben our now engaged and Logan has made an unexpectedly profitable music video with the help of her students, which has gone viral. Whilst visiting Oregon on a consulting gig Logan is distracted worrying that the video and the money will effect her relationship with Ben, but she soon has other things to worry about when she stumbles upon a dead body.

When her friends turn out to be the prime suspects, Logan investigates to protect them and discover the true murderer. However with four suspects, endless motives, false accusations and a web of lies Logan has her work cut out to discover the truth and prevent further killings. As usual this is a real page turner which had me hooked from page one. The exciting storyline has plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing until the end. I love Logan and she is a great main character who is very relatable and who really brings the story together. I like the dynamic between her and Ben and the romance element this brings to the story. This is a suspenseful story which had me happily turning the pages well into the night, and I definitely recommend this engaging and enjoyable read.

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #2)Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series ‘Home to the Outback’ I was looking forward to returning to Bunya Junction and was definitely not disappointed. This story centres around Bunya Junction local Jonas Carruthers (Sindy from book ones brother) and supermodel Pandora Sebastian. Pandora and Jonas meet when she takes refuge from a photoshop in the local pub and there is confusing as she’s wearing a wedding dress, and so the locals think she’s a runaway bride. Pandora decides to take a break from her high powered career and stay in the little country town with the welcoming locals, while she attempts to fix the PR mess she’s created and hopefully rescue her career. Jonas having been hurt before by relationships has preconceived ideas about the city based supermodel but soon learns that she is actually the opposite.
As romance blossoms between the couple Pandora dose not expect Jonas to support her when she has to face the press, but maybe he will surprise her and if he does will she consider a permanent move to the outback. The beautiful Australian outback setting and small town living was once again bought to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The characters were likeable and relatable and so well defined that I felt like they were friends. I enjoyed how the relationship between Jonas and Pandora developed and their chemistry sizzled off the page. I loved ‘catching up’ with Sindy and Ryan from book one, and look forward to some of the other secondary characters having there own story in this series. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend.

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Stormwood by Luna Mayfield – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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StormwoodStormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a dark and chilling paranormal romance which had me gripped from page one. Luci Delacroix inherits an estate which has always been passed down the female side through the generations. As well as the estate she receives a box and a ring. Luci is drawn to Stormwood and persuades her fiancé, Beckett that they should leave for the mansion that evening despite there being a storm. As soon as they arrive in the middle of the storm Luci wonders off to explore the mansion as she is drawn to a mysterious entity. Beckett is aware that Luci is acting odd and has a feeling that he is loosing her but does not know why. Luci finds herself more and more taken with the man who’s voice has her own body betraying her and is soon craving his touch.

Meanwhile her and Beckett are arguing, but as he goes off to explore the lighthouse soon Luci is not the only one experiencing the paranormal. As Beckett uncovers the secret of Stormwood he has to save Luci before she becomes lost to the evil that has taken control of the mansion for good. This is a short but addictive read and it was a real page turner. The setting of Stormwood in the dark and during a storm was really bought to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the storyline. The characters are likeable and relatable and the chemistry between Luci and Beckett sizzled off the page. I felt the dark evil seduction of the mysterious entity and was swept up in this haunting tale. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #1)Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which had me hooked from page one and kept me happily turning the pages. Set in a small town in Australia, the authors descriptive narrative really brings Bunya Junction to life and I could picture the setting which made me feel fully immersed in the story. Nurse Sindy Carruthers returned to her home town following the break down of her relationship and was welcomed back and supported by both her family and the community. Sindy runs the local medical practice and is enjoying having her confidence back and not thinking about romance until her brothers old friend returns.
Dr. Ryan Flanagan is an renowned plastic surgeon to the stars and has only returned to Bunya Junction to pay his last respects to his friend and mentor, but then learns that he has been bequeathed half of the towns general medical practice. As he’s not a fan of Bunya Junction and the judgements of the townsfolk he’s unlikely to stay until he learns that the other half belongs to his closest friend’s twin sister, Sindy. The couple cannot deny their mutual attraction and instant chemistry, which came across in the narrative, but will a romance complicate them being business partners. This is a heartwarming romance between two likeable and relatable characters and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their happy ever after. I look forward to returning to Bunya Junction in the rest of this series.

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Kiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Kiss Me Before FlightKiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense novel which follows the story of CC Chapman, a pilot for Trident Security. Conrad works for a team who intervene in life or death situations and it’s his job to fly them in and out of danger. However when Jane, his sister in law asks him to help an abused women he feels more of a responsibility towards her than just flying her away from her husband who is likely to kill her. Callie is sure that her husband is going to kill her and her only chance to escape is with the help of her neighbours brother in law, Conrad. Conrad makes her feel like she can actually learn to live again and take a chance on living a real life, but can she also take a chance on Conrad. This is an enjoyable and engaging read where the main characters are both taking a second chance at love despite many obstacles. The storyline is full of suspense, action and plenty of romance. Conrad and Callie are both likeable and relatable characters and the chemistry between the couple does come across in the narrative. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story, and it’s nice to have slightly more mature main characters falling in love in a novel.

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Forever Valentine: A Sequel to Professor Valentine (Kirk University Series, Book 6) by Diana Vale – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Forever Valentine (Kirk University, #6)Forever Valentine by Diana Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first met Professor Diego Valentine and his then student Cassie in ‘Professor Valentine (Kirk University Book 1)’ so I was looking forward to ‘catching up’ with them in this novella. This was a short and enjoyable read which picks up the story one year after the couple first met and fell in love. Diego and Cassie are now officially a couple but they soon learn that not everyone around them approves of them being in a relationship as Diego is Cassie’s ex-university professor. Despite plenty of complications including Diego’s drug addicted ex wife, Cassie studying to complete her psychology degree and wanting to enjoy university life, and of course the age gap between the pair, neither regret their relationship. However the pressure is effecting them and they have to choose whether their love for one another is enough to overcome the challenges or whether they are better off apart. By telling the story from both Diego and Cassie’s view point the author made the characters come alive and I felt engaged with them. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship had developed and I like how the author has written a realistic story where the couple do have ups and downs, but there is a guaranteed HEA.

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A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Natural PassionA Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging short and sweet contemporary romance novella. Kyra Shine has been interning for a few months at the Merchant Marine Science Centre and already has a crush on bad boy and ladies man Jake. Meanwhile her older and trusted mentor Dylan O’Day seems to be very overprotective of Kyra and does not think much of Jake, but Kyra thinks he’s misinformed, after all they share a love of conservation and nature especially the ocean. Dylan has been an exemplary and devoted marine biologist for years but since Kyra joined the team he has been distracted. He wants to tell her how he feels but being older and her mentor he understands the ethical issues involved. Before he can act however, they discover that the endangered turtles nests which they have been watching over along the coast have been raided overnight.
The Science Centre team goes on high alert but following a dangerous encounter with the illegal poachers the team fight to save the turtles before another nest is ransacked. As Dylan decides whether to tell Kyra how he feels, Kyra is finding out that maybe Jake is not as perfect as he seems and that in fact she has more in common with her mentor. This is a heartwarming, sweet romance with a love triangle theme. The storyline has enough action in the plot along with a bit of mystery that I was kept happily turning the pages. The characters are all relatable and realistic and Kyra is especially likeable, I enjoyed seeing how her relationships changed and developed between her and the two men in her life. Set in Australia along the beautiful coast the author made the setting come alive and I could almost feel the sun.

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Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Deadly Words (Born Bad, #1)Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this gripping and addictive psychological crime thriller, which is a great start to a new series by the author. Told from the point of view of Poppy Pratt, the daughter of a psychopath we really get to understand this character and get into her mind, thanks to the wonderfully written descriptive narrative. Poppy’s father murdered her boyfriend Shawn in front of her when she was a teenager and it was Poppy who called the Sheriff and helped put him away for life. Eighteen years later and Poppy is a successful chiropractor who has done well for herself, living in suburban New Hampshire.

When a stranger who is writing a book about her father claims that her father is stalking him Poppy blows him off, after all he’s in prison. Then Poppy receives a package, a severed ear, and Poppy realises that someone, if not her father is also watching her. Soon her world which she built is falling apart and the secrets which Poppy has kept start to be discovered. Her stalker knows that Shawn was not her father’s only victim and has evidence to implicate Poppy in those crimes. Poppy’s lifelong fears that she is like her father start to come true, but will she end up with blood on her hands too.

I was hooked from page one and literally could not put this book down. The storyline was very dark and twisted with plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. I could feel the suspense and tension building with each chapter making this a real page turner. Poppy is a very complex character who the author managed to bring to life and make the reader feel empathy for. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend and I look forward to the next book in the ‘Born Bad’ series.

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Gone Country (Gone in Love) by Katrina Marie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Gone Country (Cousins Gone #1)Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this heartwarming and lighthearted romantic comedy and I felt engaged with the main characters, Stella and Johnny. Stella is an independent and driven workaholic city girl who is willing to move to a small town temporarily to prove that she deserves a promotion. However, things do not go as planned when Stella ends up with her car in a ditch but luckily local mechanic Johnny comes to her rescue. Jonny offers to show her everything the town has to offer, including “other activities”, but with no strings attached as he’s not looking for a relationship. This is perfect for Stella as she’s not planning on staying in Asheville.
The more time the couple spend together they both start to wonder if their relationship could be more long term but Stella is still intent on her promotion and Johnny’s ex girlfriend is also a complication for the couple. I loved the characters and the chemistry between Stella and Johnny came across in the story from when they first met. I also liked the relationship between Stella and her cousins, Audrey and Tiffany and enjoyed their witty banter. The storyline flowed well and the plot had me happily turning the pages. An enjoyable and engaging read which I recommend and I look forward to reading Tiffany’s story next in the series.

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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this sweet college romance with an opposites attracts theme to it. Abby is studious and determined on studying hard and not getting distracted to become a doctor, so she definitely does not need to be lab partners with the one boy who makes her heart race, her palms sweat and her knees go weak, Drew. Drew is also not looking for any distractions, but his focus is more on his sport, as the team captain of his basketball team. Drew is not interested in the girls that hang around him and ‘chase jerseys’, but when he’s partnered with Abby who doesn’t even seem to know who he is suddenly Drew is very interested in her.
Despite being attracted to Drew, Abby just thinks he is a typical jock but the more time they spend together she realises there is more to him than that. Drew’s rule of not dating during the season fails as he finds Abby more intriguing the more he gets to know her. However, both Drew and Abby are worried that if they let themselves fall in love then they will be sacrificing their future goals. This is a heartwarming romance between two very different but equally likeable and relatable characters and I felt engaged with them both throughout this story. The storyline flows well and the characters and the setting are bought to life through the descriptive narrative. I was hooked from page one and thought it was a great read.

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Slow Burn by A.K. Macbride – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Slow Burn (Breathing Hearts, #2)Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This enemies to lovers romance had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the main characters, grumpy Adam and bubbly Maddie and enjoyed seeing how their relationship changed and developed throughout the story. Maddie is instantly attracted to her new neighbour Adam after all he’s tall, muscular and has tats, but then he opens his mouth and she discovers that he is also rude and obnoxious. However, despite Adams poor first impression Maddie believes that there is more to him and that he’s hiding a past pain. The storyline flowed well and the descriptive narrative bought both the setting and the characters to life making this an engaging read. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this as the story had both sad moments, tragic moments and then laugh out loud moments along with plenty of romance. I found myself still thinking about Adam and Maddie long after I had put the book down, which for me is always a sign of a good read.

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