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Self Made (Freshwater BOOK 2) by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Self Made (Freshwater Book 2)Self Made by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance by Belinda Williams, ‘Self Made’ is book two in the ‘Freshwater’ series and we are back in beachside Sydney with another high-achieving women and the man who is not afraid to be challenged by her. It can be read as a standalone story although the setting and some characters do crossover books. Jessica Jinks is the face of her online fitness brand and with her business going from strength to strength she is feeling pretty confident. Even when tasked with transforming comedian and co-host of an evening current affairs show, Ant Monticello, “from unfit to ripped in three months” and with the whole country watching his progress Jess is positive she can deliver. However when she meets Ant and he wants to go for fast food before his cardio exercise, Jess realises the challenge she’s up against.
The more Jess and Ant work together on his fitness, diet and exercise Jess is shocked that Ant actually makes her pulse race and she loves that he makes her laugh. Ant meanwhile is determined to turn himself into the man Jess wants and loves making her laugh. Jess is very aware that with the country watching and the success of her business relying on his transformation that Ant is definitely off limits and so even though she’s attracted to him she keeps things professional. As Ant undergoes his transformation physically he also starts to change his personality and Jess realises that he’s changing in a bad way and that maybe Ant was perfect just as he was, but how does that leave her business.
This was another wonderful romantic story with some great characters and a lovely setting, which the authors detailed descriptions really made come alive. I loved Jess and Ant as they were both so relatable in different ways and I and was really cheering them on wanting them to both get their happy ever after. The chemistry between the couple really came across in the narrative and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The storyline had plenty of drama along with the romance and the plot along with the characters had me hooked from beginning to end. This was an enjoyable and fun read, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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That Incredible Kiss (Kissed By Fate 3) By Tamara Ferguson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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THAT INCREDIBLE KISS (Kissed By Fate Book 3)THAT INCREDIBLE KISS by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and emotional romance and although book three in Ferguson’s ‘Kissed by Fate’ series it can happily be read as a standalone story. Set in Crystal Rock as our the previous two books in the series and this time it’s Ashley and Brian’s story. Ashley Mitchum & Brian O’Neill grew up together in Crystal Rock, Wisconsin, but until they shared a kiss during the summer after high school the couple had not really gotten on. Brian thought Ashley was spoilt and could be cruel and Ashley thought Brian just interfered in her life. However, following the kiss they both realised that they had been fighting and denying their attraction for one another. Just as the couple decide to commit to each other, tragedy strikes when Ashley’s father is implicated in a Ponzi scheme and then runs away with Brian’s mother. Even more tragically Ashley’s best friends father commits suicide having lost all his money in the scheme. Ten years after circumstances forced the couple apart both Ashley and Brian find themselves back in Crystal Rock. As both their families dark secrets are revealed Ashley and Brian have to decide whether to admit that they both still think about that one ‘Incredible Kiss’, all those years ago.

I love a Tamara Ferguson novel and this one was no different, not only does she write a wonderful romance but each story is so much more than ‘just’ a love story. Each novel has plenty of drama, suspense, wonderful and relatable characters, like Ashley and Brian, and they are all set in a magical places, like Crystal Rock. ‘That Incredible Kiss’, has a great storyline which had me hooked from the start, the narrative flowed well and the plot held plenty of surprises which kept me turning the pages well into the night, wanting to know how it would end. A five star read and a book I definitely recommend along with the previous books in the series.

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THAT UNEXPECTED KISS (Kissed By Fate Book 2) By Tamara Ferguson – Review By Jennifer Gordon

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That Unexpected Kiss (Kissed By Fate, #)That Unexpected Kiss by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in Ferguson’s ‘Kissed by Fate’ series and although set in the same magical place of Crystal Rock and with some characters who cross over this can be read as a standalone story, however having read and enjoyed book one I would recommend reading that as well. A heartwarming romance set in a small town the plot also has plenty of drama, suspense, and mystery as well as dealing with some darker issues such as murder and human trafficking, all of which had me hooked from start to finish. At the heart of the storyline is a second chance at love romance between Dylan and Julie. Fate bought them together in Crystal Rock when FBI Agent Dylan Nash was working undercover as a game warden and met Julie Thompson a special education teacher. The pair have instant chemistry and are mutually attracted to each other but not only is Dylan undercover but Julie is involved with another man and is working in Colorado. Although they become friends whilst Julie is visiting her hometown she is upset when her best friend Kate turns up dating Dylan. They both move on and Julie returns to Colorado but a few years later she is back permanently in Crystal Rock working as a teacher at a new school for children with disabilities, Crystal Visions.

With both Dylan and Julie back in the same place again maybe fate had not finished with them. Dylan finally confesses his feelings for Julie as the couple learn that a series of misunderstandings have kept them apart, including his apparent past relationship with Kate. Claiming Julie with an ‘Unexpected Kiss ’, neither can deny their chemistry. As well as working undercover Dylan is also searching for his fathers killer as he wants justice, also twenty years ago Julie’s mother disappeared and she’s always wanted answers. When clues link her mother’s disappearance with the man who shot Dylan’s father, Dylan has to protect Julie and keep her safe from a vicious predator.

This had a enjoyable storyline with plenty going on in the plot to get involved in and keep me happily turning the pages. I was gripped by the underlying mysteries of Dylan’s fathers murder and Julies mother’s disappearance and this added an extra depth to the story as a whole. The characters are likeable and relatable and due to the authors wonderfully detailed descriptions the setting of Crystal Rock really comes alive and I felt fully immersed in the place whilst reading this novel, great escapism. A fabulous second book in this exciting and romantic series and I look forward to the next book in the ‘Kissed by Fate’ series.

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THAT UNFORGETTABLE KISS (Kissed By Fate Book 1) By Tamara Ferguson Review By Jennifer Gordon

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That Unforgettable Kiss (Kissed By Fate, #1)That Unforgettable Kiss by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second chance at love romance, standalone story is wonderfully written and was an enjoyably emotional read. Set in the town of Crystal Rock, Kate Callahan And Michael Murphy first meet when Murphy arrives in the town to work as an intern at Callahan Construction, and Kate was his crew boss. Kate always knew she would one day take over her family’s construction business and so was not particularly interested in meeting a man, until she meets Murphy and sparks fly. Murphy had his life planned out, finish his degree in Architecture, complete his internship in Crystal Rock and then return to Chicago and work for an prestigious firm. He did not expect to fall for a local girl and for them to have instant chemistry. The couple share an ‘Unforgettable Kiss’ whilst they worked closely together to identify the thief who had been stealing construction materials from the company. However they both decide a long distance relationship would not work and so they then go their separate ways. Six years later and Kate is devastated when she hears that Murphy is engaged and so is shocked when he suddenly returns to Crystal Rock and is determined to win her back. Meanwhile there is an ominous secret in the town and Kate needs protecting from an unknown predator.

I loved the main characters, Kate and Murphy and I found them very relatable with the issues they faced and the decisions they had to make. I liked how although they were instantly attracted to one another and had instant chemistry which sizzled off the page, their relationship also developed the more time they spent together, leading up to their unforgettable kiss. The storyline flowed well and the lively narrative made this an easy and enjoyable read. The plot had plenty of romance and drama which had me hooked from page one and I enjoyed the added bit of mystery in the story as well. A great read, and I look forward to the rest of the books in the ‘Kissed by Fate’ series.

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Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily ConjuringsEveryday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both inspirational and empowering ‘Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings’ by Maria DeBlassie is an original and unique non fiction book. It had me intrigued from the front cover and by it’s title and by the time I had read through the chapter headings I was hooked. The novel consists of a collection of varied essays written by the author, each essay is designed to inspire the reader to look at life and the everyday things in a different light. The essays remind us to escape into the ordinary, and to find beauty in a simple cup of coffee or in the rereading of a favourite novel. The book is a “study in what it means to live deliciously, joyfully, magically”, and “it’s an invitation to conjure your own bliss”.
I don’t think there could be a better time to be reading this book as the population as a whole is dealing with and living with the dreaded Coronavirus and are all in various stages of ‘lockdown’. Myself and my family due to ill health have been in ‘Shielding’ here in the UK since March so, if ever there was a time or a need to have, a “little more magic in our lives”, I think it’s now.
Even though I had never heard the term ‘natural mysticism’ before, I read this book with an open mind and I think any reader who does the same will benefit in some way from reading this book. I think every reader will find a particular chapter more or less appealing to them and will find more meaning in one essay than another, making reading this book a personal experience. I particularly liked the chapter, ‘The Bookshelf’ and the chapter titled, ‘Letting Go Of Past Lives’ I found particularly poignant personally.
This is a book that you can pick up and put down, you can either read it a chapter at a time or swallow it whole, I have also found myself returning to it and flicking to a particular chapter to read it again. It’s definitely made me think and it’s also made me smile, before I read this book I would have said that I didn’t really believe in magic but now I think, as DeBlassie, says, “we all need a little magic in our lives”.

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The Saint of Liars (The Lucky Devil series Book 2) by Megan Mackie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Saint of Liars (Lucky Devil #2)The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the ‘The Lucky Devil’ series by Megan Mackie, the storyline is set in an alternate Chicago where technology and magic are in competition with each other. This is an urban fantasy/cyberpunk novel with a fast paced storyline and some great characters. SciFi novels are not my usual genre but having discovered the first book in this series and enjoyed it I was happy to give this second instalment a try and I thoroughly enjoyed being back with Rune and visiting her ‘Lucky Devil Bar’. I was pulled back into the alternate world that Megan Mackie wonderfully creates and was fully immersed in Runes next adventure. Rune Leveau knew the peace couldn’t last and once again finds herself at the centre of a battle between bullets and magic as warring factions converge on her bar. Everyone from the Kodiak Corporation, the Magic Guild, and the Faerie King himself, are after the ‘Finder’. The Masterson Files, which is a computer program with the impossible ability to cast magic is still the major prize wanted by all and they all think that Rune is the key as her former husband built the revolutionary code. Rune feels that cybernetic corporate spy, St. Benedict is the only one who can help her but she’s aware that they are both keeping secrets and telling each other lies. Rune finds she has to trust the, Saint of Liars to help her find Justin Masterson. This novel was full of action and drama all set in an alternate world where main character, Rune really brings the story together and moves the plot along. I was gripped from beginning to end and found the storyline exciting and the narrative easy to read.

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Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery is book four in author Ellen Butler’s ‘Karina Cardinal Mysteries’ and this series just gets better and better. Our independently minded feisty heroine Karina Cardinal is having a short girls only holiday to Mexico to recover from her latest adventures. However when sister Jillian’s injury means she cannot travel, the trip looks like a no go until friend Rodrigo volunteers to go in Jillian’s place. Whilst boyfriend Mike Finnegan is working, Karina heads off to Cancun with fellow lobbyist Rodrigo. The pair look forward to some sun, sea, sand and plenty of margaritas. Having promised to handover a package to Mrs. Thundermuffin in Mexico, Karina then worries about what is inside the package especially as Mrs T, herself is being evasive. Concerned she may be carrying something illegal she takes a look to discover it’s an Egyptian death mask. Unluckily for Karina and Rodrigo the mask proves to be valuable and so attracts the attention of crooks, conmen, kidnappers, and murderers. With Karina’s life in danger, yet again, her and Rodrigo need friends in the right places to help them out of this situation and help them return home safely.
I love this series of books, as each story has mystery, drama and suspense and this novel was no different, the plot had plenty of action to keep me happily turning the pages and enough twists to keep me guessing until the end. I was hooked from page one and as usual was completely immersed in Karina’s adventures. Karina is a great lead character who brings the story together but the other characters, such as Mike and Rodrigo, are also fascinating in their own right and add to the overall storyline. I look forward to future Karina Cardinal novels.

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Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High Collections Book 2) by Mina Chara – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High, #4)Heartbreak Rebellion by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Boxset of three books continues on from ‘Hero High, Collections Book 1, Figure In The Flames’ and we are back in the world of Icon City and with out feisty heroine Friday Fitzsimmons. The prologue at the beginning gives a recap of what happened to the world and how Icon City came about, which is also useful for new readers to the series. In Icon City power and fame are everything above integrity which Friday finds difficult. Friday must decide whether to go for the celebrity stardom which is within her grasp or follow her conscious as crime and corruption spreads throughout Icon City. The Hero Channel control every aspect of Friday’s life from the clothes she wears to who she will date, but when she uncovers the secret behind Hero TV and it’s connection to the Icon City jail she must choose which path to take. Torn between her feelings for the villainous Doctor Dangerous and Luke, a new team member Friday must use her supernatural abilities to save the school she loves and stop the Heartbreak Rebellion.
I have enjoyed this fast paced romantic/urban fantasy series so far and was not disappointed by this collection of three books. I liked being able to ‘binge read’ them one after the other which made me feel completely immersed in Icon City. I love the main character’s, both the hero’s/heroines and the villains as they all add to the story. I particularly like Friday, who really brings the whole series together and I find myself rooting for her throughout each book. The plot has plenty of action in it which had me gripped from beginning to end and I enjoyed being back with Friday in Icon City. The City really comes alive thanks to the authors wonderful world building. Escapism in a book, perfect for YA and adults alike.

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The Crocodile Makes No Sound (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Crocodile Makes No Sound (Lord Hani Mysteries #2)The Crocodile Makes No Sound by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a long novel but the storyline flows along at a good pace and is full of drama and mystery and I was disappointed when I had finished it. This is book two in a series and we are back with Egyptian diplomat Hani. As I learnt from book one Lord Hani was an actual person although the storyline is fictional. It can be read as a standalone story but readers will understand Hani’s backstory better if you read the series. Again Hani makes a great main character, he is well defined and relatable as well as likeable and he really brings the plot together.  This story takes place in Egypt during the period known as the New Kingdom.
The time period is around 1346 BCE, and it’s now four years into the solo reign of Akhenaten’s solo reign and his religious ‘reforms’ are causing widespread dissatisfaction. This is especially true amongst those that practiced the old religion of Amen-Ra. Our hero Hani, is already under the kings watchful eye due to the disappearance of his Amen priest brother in law. Hani then gets drawn into an investigation involving the blackmailing of the ‘Beloved Royal Wife’. Complicating things further for Hani is the new vassal king of A’amu, who is being lodged at Hani’s house whilst waiting for the king to grant him an audience. The problem is Hani’s house guest is not proving to be very loyal to the new king. Hani is aware of his own oath to the king but must also follow his conscience.
Reading this novel I felt completely immersed in the story due to the authors wonderfully detailed descriptions of both the characters and the setting, so much so I felt I could be in ancient Egypt. The authors knowledge and research shines through, all wrapped up in a great murder mystery thriller. The historical notes, list of characters and glossary of terms and places are all very fascinating and helpful especially being at the beginning of the book as this makes it easy to refer back to if needed. I was hooked from start to finish and I enjoyed the cosy mystery element of the story which kept me guessing until the end of the novel. I look forward to further books in this series.

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Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Moonlight (Rose of Anzio, #1)Moonlight by Alexa Kang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this World War II epic love story by Alexa Kang. Set in the summer of 1940, fourteen year old Tessa Graham has been sent from England to live with the Ardley family in Chicago. This move is for Tessa’s safety and happens just before the Blitz in London. Finding herself in a unfamiliar city and feeling claustrophobic by the rich and prominent Ardley family she finds herself exploring the infamous South Side. Here Tessa discovers a world of jitterbug dancing and gets immersed in the powerful Irish community. Meanwhile eighteen year old Anthony Ardley is now of age to be conscripted but he does not want to leave his privileged life on the campus of the University of Chicago. Anthony is sole heir to the Ardley fortune and is expected to stand with his staunch isolationist beloved uncle. However he is tempted to join his more radical classmates wanting American intervention. Both Tessa and Anthony are discovering themselves but they also discover each other as their paths keep crossing time and time again and their relationship changes over time.
This is a wonderfully written coming of age story and an epic love story all in one. The authors detailed descriptions of time and place really transported me back to pre war era Chicago and into a world that felt as though it was fast loosing control. The main characters, Tessa and Anthony were well defined and relatable and I liked how their opinions of each other changed as did their relationship throughout the story. The will they, won’t they aspect to the story definitely kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. This book gripped me from start to finish as the plot was multilayered and the narrative kept the book flowing nicely making it an enjoyable read. The authors note at the end clarified some historical facts and was interesting. I look forward to the rest of the series and being back with Tessa and Anthony and what ever the future holds for them both.

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Secure Again (Chase Security Series #2) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Secure Again (Chase Security Series Book 2)Secure Again by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in R.L. Dunn’s ‘Chase Security Series’, this was former Navy SEAL and CEO of Chase Security International Martin Bailey and Dr. Elizabeth Reed’s Story. High school sweethearts Martin and Elizabeth meet again when Martin (Marty) has to return home when his brother, Austin who is a Sergeant with the Silverton PD is shot in the line of duty. Elizabeth is the trauma surgeon in Silverton who treats Martin. Elizabeth notices a pattern of suspicious injuries that our occurring to prisoners at the local jail and wants to uncover what is happening. When she suspects that Austin’s injuries are also linked to the suspected prisoner abuse her and Marty work together to investigate. Whilst investigating Elizabeth and Marty find themselves in a complicated web of drugs, human trafficking, illicit porn, and prisoner abuse. As their feelings for each other are rekindled the couple find themselves in danger and they work alongside the members of Chase Security to solve the mystery before any more lives are lost.
Another exciting and action packed story by Dunn, which can be read as a standalone story or as part of the series. It’s not just a second chance at love romance but it is also a crime mystery story with plenty of suspense and drama. The storyline had me hooked from start to finish and the plot twists kept me guessing whilst the narrative made the book flow nicely. I loved the main characters, Martin and Elizabeth who were both very relatable and I enjoyed how their romance was rekindled and developed throughout the story. The book is recommended for over 18’s due to its adult content. This novel also dealt with some dark issues from drug abuse to human trafficking but it also has some lighter moments and the characters really bought the whole story together. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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Secure Desire (Chase Security Series Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Secure Desire (Chase Security Series Book 1)Secure Desire by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secure Desire is book one in R.L.Dunn’s new series, the ‘Chase Security Series’ and follows Ian and Kieran, the Chase brothers and their team of former Navy SEALS and other military officers. This story follows Ian and whether he and FBI agent Cassie, who specialises in stolen art get a second chance at love. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Ian Chase and his brother resumed control of their private security company and the rest of their international conglomerate, Chase Group, following a last brutal tour in Afghanistan. Ian and Cassie meet whilst she is undercover at a charity function but they had in fact already met six years earlier. Unfortunately the same night she met Ian was the night she experienced an awful trauma and seeing him again stirs up not only the feelings she had for him but also memories of that awful time. Meanwhile Ian also has feelings for Cassie but knows nothing of the trauma she has been through. Repressing her memories had actually kept Cassie safe but once her enemies realise she is remembering they act quickly to attempt to stop her talking. Ian has to keep Cassie safe, however she remains reluctant to share her past with him which may prevent them having a future together.
This was much more than just another second chance at romance story it was fast paced and action packed. The plot had plenty going on in it to keep me happily turning the pages and it had me hooked from page one. The storyline has drama, suspense, mystery and of course romance. The story flows nicely and the characters are well defined and relatable. I was fully immersed in the storyline and felt well connected to the main characters. I enjoyed the romance aspect between Ian and Cassie and after all they go through during the story I was hoping they would get their happy ever after. I look forward to some of the background characters getting their own stories in future books in this series.

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Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders, #2)Rescued by Valan by Jennifer Siddoway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting historical romance, it had an exciting storyline with swashbuckling pirates and plenty of romance. As the newest pirate captain of Clan MacNeil, Valan sets out to prove his worth but rather than finding treasure he finds a women in need of rescuing. Lady Bridget MacKay has unhappily set sail in order to fulfil her promise of marriage when her ship is attacked by pirates. Neither Valan or Bridget can deny the instant attraction they feel for each other or ignore the chemistry. Valan must reconsider his vow of bachelorhood and Bridget must decide whether to carry on with her marriage or continue her adventures with a pirate. I loved all the diverse characters in the story from Valan and Bridget to the pirate crew. I liked how the chemistry between Valan and Bridget sizzled off the page. I found that the plot was action packed and I was hooked from page one. Due to the authors detailed descriptions I really felt immersed in the story and ‘life at sea’ was really bought to life.

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PERFECT ALWAYS by Tricia Copeland – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Perfect AlwaysPerfect Always by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance which saw our independent and sassy heroine Chloe have a dilemma between staying in her small town with her childhood sweetheart or leave for the big city. Chloe and rancher Adam have been dating since high school and have even continued a long distance relationship when Chloe left for a job in the city. Chloe is unhappy that Adam has made plans for them both to move into his family’s ranch without taking into account Chloe’s dreams of a successful career in the city. So, when she meets city boy Isaac, Chloe can see a very different future for herself. Having ended her relationship with Adam, Chloe starts dating professional basketball player Isaac. However when his career and an opportunity for an internship for her send them in different directions, this new relationship becomes complicated. With Adam on her mind Chloe has to decide where and with who her heart lies. This was a wonderful book to read, the storyline flowed and the characters were likeable and relatable. I really felt for Chloe and her dilemma and wanted her to get her happy ever after. A heartwarming read, perfect for an afternoons escapism.

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DEVIL’S CLAW (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Devil's Claw: Logan Book 3 (The Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: Logan Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book three in Davisson’s ‘Logan McKenna Mystery Series’ and having read the previous two novels in the series I was looking forward to this one and was definitely not disappointed. Back with our fearless and extremely likeable and relatable independent heroine Logan McKenna I felt as though I was back with an old friend, as she has another mystery to solve. This novel sees Logan at a good point in her life, with a new job, plenty of time for her love of music and with daughter Amy home, Logan feels that her new life is just beginning.
Logan and Amy rescue an orphaned sea otter pup and this leads them to Jasper’s Sea Otter Centre where they help nurse the pup back to health. The Sea Otter Centre soon gets swept up in the property claim of Lot 429, a stretch of gorgeous coastal property which a lot of powerful players have their sights on including two fighting half siblings. When this leads to a murder of someone close to Logan, she begins to investigate and discovers resentments, greed and painful loss attached to Lot 429. The community must step up and help stop the killer before they strike again and before Logan herself becomes their next victim.
This was Logan’s third mystery and I was hooked from page one and the story kept me gripped until the very last page. The storyline was action packed and fast paced with a plot that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are all well defined and fascinating in their own right but Logan really does hold the story together, for me. It can be read as a standalone novel but the reader will have a better understanding of Logan’s backstory if the series is read in order. I look forward to future books in this exciting series.

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Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery, #3)Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three in Butler’s ‘Karina Cardinal Mystery Series’ and having read the two previous novels and having been introduced to Karina Cardinal I was looking forward to this third instalment and was not disappointed. Although book three in a series it can be read as a standalone story, however if read as a series then the reader will have a better understanding of Karina’s backstory.
When a friend of her sister Jillian, Sadira Manon who is a middle school teacher is accused of theft from her moonlighting job as a jewellery store clerk, Karina steps in to help prove her innocence. Karina and Jilly join together with Silverthorne Security to investigate as Sadira is adamant that she is not guilty and that she’s being set up. The more they dig and uncover they soon find themselves amongst the shady and dangerous world of the Russian mob. Unfortunately Karina realises she has discovered too much and that she is in trouble a bit late and so she really only has one hope of rescue and that’s boyfriend and FBI cybercrime’s expert, Mike. However the couple who have had a friends to lovers relationship have hit a difficult patch and so Karina just hopes he will pick up his phone.
The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of drama, suspense and twists and turns in it that kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. I was fully immersed in this crime thriller and I literally could not put the book down. I love Karina, the main character, who really brings the story to life and she is a very relatable and likeable person and I felt fully immersed in the story alongside her. Having read the first two books I felt like I was back with an old friend. I hope there will be further books in this series.

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Build-A-Book Workshop (The Literary Handyman Book 2) by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Build-A-Book WorkshopBuild-A-Book Workshop by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aimed at authors planning on self publishing, those about to venture into the independent publishing market and those already running small presses who want to improve this book is a
“guide to understanding the basic elements of professional book layout”. ‘Build-A-Book Workshop’ is book two in Danielle Ackley-McPhail’s ‘Literary Handyman’ series and is obviously written by someone who has years of experience in book design and layout. Ackley-McPhail has very cleverly made what is a very complicated process into an easy to read and understand book. The short book is packed full of helpful ideas and insider tips with each chapter concentrating on a particular aspect of the process. The layout of this particular book, as you would expect, is very clear and easy to understand. The glossary of terms at the end of the book is particularly useful as is the appendix pointing out the mistakes the author herself has made in the past and how to overcome them. Although a great handbook on its own I think it would work well with the first book in the series as well. I found this to be an extremely interesting and useful book and I can see myself referring back to it and having a re-read of particular chapters as required.

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Rose by Any Other Name (The Sisters, Texas Series, Book 10) by Becki Willis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Rose by Any Other Name (The Sisters, Texas #10)Rose by Any Other Name by Becki Willis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was gripped from page one by this novel which has drama, crime, suspense, romance and mystery as well as great characters. Based in a small town, ‘The Sisters’, during a long hot Texas summer a mysterious new comer arrives in the community and instantly the gossip starts. No one knows who Rose Belvedere is or why she has chosen The Sisters as a place to live but the locals are sure that a body was put into her moving van. Chief Brash deCordova’s police department is over run with calls all saying the same thing but without probable cause all he can do is make inquiries. However when Madison, from ‘In a Pinch Professional Services’ who is known as being a “dead-body magnet”, does find a body her husband, the Chief must investigate the murder. Meanwhile sixteen year old Blake has a summer job and finds himself in the middle of his own mystery to solve. Along with his sisters they decide to form a junior section of “In a Pinch Professional Services” would be sleuths.
This is a wonderfully written cozy mystery which kept me hooked from beginning to end and with all the twists and turns it also kept me guessing. The storyline flows nicely making it an easy read and the plot has plenty going on which kept me fully immersed in the story. I loved all the main characters, who are part of Madison’s, ‘In a Pinch Professional Services’ and thought that the husband and wife duo of Madison and the Chief were a perfect crime solving couple who worked well together to discover the killer before they could strike again.
Although it is book ten of a series it can be read as a standalone story, however, as I was new to this author and this series I did feel that I would have understood Madison’s backstory better and learnt how ‘In a Pinch’ came into being if I had read the previous books first. I think if the books are read in order than the reader may enjoy this novel even more and would get to know all the fascinating characters. Having enjoyed this book I am now keen to read the previous novels in this series and am pleased to have discovered a new author.

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Finding His Zen by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding His ZenFinding His Zen by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a lovely small town contemporary romance by Tammy Mannersly with some wonderful characters in Sebastian and Zenia. When Sebastian DuMont, a superstar swimmer agreed to open the Poseidon’s Shore Health Club in his hometown at a discounted fee he had not expected to be tempted by the new owner Zenia. Zenia Andino can not believe her luck when Sebastian agrees to attend the reopening of her fitness facility. Especially as she had idolised him as a teenager and even had his poster on her bedroom wall. When the pair meet they both feel an instant attraction and connection but between the interference of Seb’s agent and Zen’s fame-hungry sister any potential relationship is over before it began. Sebastian has to decide whether to keep up with a lie which is good for his fame or follow his heart and investigate his feelings for Zenia, as long as they are still mutual.
Although a fairly short read it has plenty going on to keep the reader happily turning the pages. The storyline flows along nicely and offers an easy read whilst the plot has plenty of romance and drama with twists that keep you guessing to how the story will end. I loved the two main characters and was cheering Seb and Zenia on and was hoping that they would get their happy ever after. A great read for an afternoon’s escapism.

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Just One Song (Just One… Book 2) by Lynn Stevens – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Just One SongJust One Song by Lynn Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderfully heartwarming YA romance and although book two in a series it can happily be read as a standalone story. Local girl Cami Harris is ready to leave her hometown of Branson behind and experience big city living. Cami’s dream is to become a musical superstar so when a huge opportunity arises for her to sing as a backup singer for Southern rock legend Hank Walker at her local theatre, Mountain View over the summer she jumps at the chance. Unfortunately it turns out that the rock god is also a jerk, but his son Dylan definitely is not a jerk and he offers to take Cami under his wing. Whilst teaching Cami about the music industry Dylan and Cami grow closer and although they can’t deny their mutual attraction Cami feels that Dylan is holding something back from her. During one summer Cami must learn and navigate the rock-n-roll lifestyle as well as falling in love, and dealing with family drama. Although at the start of the summer Cami was desperate to leave Branson behind her by the end she is wondering if home is actually where she needs to be.
I loved the storyline and it had enough drama and mystery, in regards to Dylan’s secret, in it to keep me hooked. However, it was the characters that kept me turning the pages as I had to find out what was going to happen to them. Cami and Dylan are both very likeable characters and also very relatable which made me feel invested in their story and in their potential relationship.

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Accountability (Scope of Practice #3)Accountability by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having been hooked whilst reading both ‘Boundaries’ and ‘Confidentially’ the first two books in Aiken-Hall’s new series, ‘Scope of Practice’, I was looking forward to this third instalment and ‘Accountability’ did not disappoint. The storyline continues with Valerie Williamson who works at Lawrenceville Regional Hospital as a deceased patient coordinator. This novel can be read as a standalone book, however if read in order then you will have a better understanding of Valerie’s backstory. I was pleased to be back with the main character, Valerie who is such a likeable and very realistic character and one who you can relate to, and she really brings this whole series of books to life for me. As usual for the author this novel has a fast paced storyline with plenty of suspense, mystery, action, and great characters in it, all of which had me gripped from page one.
In this story Valerie Williamson Phillips’s, as she is now married to Detective Tim is about to have her world disrupted all over again. Following an early morning phone call Valerie realises that her past has finally caught up with her. Valerie knows she must hold Dr. Chad Ross accountable for what he did to her but will the Lawrenceville’s serial killer, the Executioner strike again or will she have to take action herself. Valerie has finally reached her breaking point and is finding that with all her secrets she’s trusting less and less people. She just hopes her bonds with Tim are strong enough to withstand any changes that will occur.
I liked how we see a different side of Valerie in this novel as her strength of character and relationships with others is really tested. Although the book does deal with difficult and dark issues it is dealt with honestly and with sensitivity. The narrative also has plenty of humour along with the drama. I was gripped from start to finish with this novel and found myself completely immersed in Valerie’s story, so much so I literally could not put this book down. The author is great at building the suspense throughout the storyline and the plot is full of twists that I didn’t see coming making it an unpredictable read which you just have to keep reading until the very last page. A definite five star read which I recommend.

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Enchanted Passion (The Protectors Series Book 4) by Toya Richardson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Enchanted Passion The Protectors Series Book 4Enchanted Passion The Protectors Series Book 4 by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book four in Toya Richardson’s ‘The Protectors Series’ and although some of the characters cross over it can be read as a standalone story. This story concentrates on Luna, a witch and Rhys an Elemental. The pair are both living within the Protector community where witches and Elementals are not supposed to fall in love. However, Luna and Rhys can not deny the chemistry and connection between them. When Luna and her mother have to return to their homeland following Luna having horrific visions about their coven Rhys must decide if he will take a chance at love. Having returned to Romania Luna and her mother must take part in a ritual to set their souls free but Luna’s past puts her life in danger.
I enjoyed this paranormal romance with a forbidden lovers element to it and felt fully immersed in the storyline. The connection between Luna and Rhys really came through in the narrative and I was cheering them both on to their happy ever after! The plot is fast paced and full of drama and suspense as well as romance and paranormal aspects including, witches, Elementals and rogue shifters. An entertaining read and a great addition to the series.

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical fiction crime story by N.L. Holmes and as it’s book one in a new series, I look forward to future novels. The story centres around a young Hittite charioteer who discovers that what he believed had been a chariot accident that killed his father and also maimed his grandfather was in fact an act of sabotage aimed at the king. Setting out on an adventure to find his fathers killer, the young man learns that good and evil are often not what they seem. The novel is based in the Hittite empire, present day Turkey, in around 1250 BCe, and the author really bought this era and place to life with their detailed descriptions of time and place. The characters are well defined and interesting and I particularly liked the main character and felt invested in his search for his fathers killer. It is this underlying mystery that runs throughout the whole story, which had enough drama and twists and turns in it to keep me hooked and guessing. There were a lot of characters to keep up with and also place names to remember but the glossary at the back was helpful with this as was the map at the start. I could tell whilst reading the novel that the author had obviously done a lot of research as this comes through in her writing and I liked the fact that there was a historical notes section at the end which confirmed this and tells the reader what is fact and fiction.

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Road Tripped (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Road Tripped (Satan's Devils MC Utah #1)Road Tripped by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great Satan’s Devils MC book by Manda Mellett and this time she introduces us to the Utah chapter of the MC. When MC member Road suffers an injury meaning his successful trial bike competition days are ended his Prez, Drummer sends him on a mission to check out the Utah chapter. Finding the Utah club friendly but secretive Road follows his instructions to discover what is going on behind the scenes at the club. Drummer wanted to be sure that they were following the Satan’s Devils rules and regulations and was hoping that some time away would help Road recover too. However when a series of mishaps occur Road suddenly realises that he might not make it back alive. No Spoilers, as I recommend reading the book. With a fast paced storyline full of suspense, drama and romance and with great characters like Road this book had me hooked from beginning to end. As usual with Mellett’s MC stories they have an added depth to them and also deal with relevant and some times darker issues. I definitely recommend this book, but be warned that it will get you hooked on Mellett’s Satan’s Devils series.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Distant Heart SoundsDistant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A paranormal romance which had me both laughing out loud at parts and also hiding behind my cushion at the spooky parts. A fairly short read but with plenty going on with the plot to keep me happily turning the pages. I found it to be an easy and fun read with great characters especially the main character, Morgan, who was very realistic and relatable. Morgan Cutler has been an emergency centre nurse for over twenty years and believes she has seen and heard everything. However when Morgan starts to be able to communicate with the dead following a near death experience the skeptical nurse has to come to terms with the fact that, “ just because you haven’t seen a ghost, it doesn’t mean they aren’t around”. As well as coming to terms with the paranormal world and her new abilities Morgan takes a chance at love with a relationship with an emergency centre doctor who also has psychic abilities. Morgan soon learns that some secrets are best left unseen when she sees the evil inside one mans heart. I liked that the main character was a slightly older lady and I enjoyed how her relationship with the new doctor developed throughout the story. As well as some spooky moments there were also light hearted parts and the storyline flowed along at a good pace and kept me immersed in Morgan’s world. Kate MacInnis is a new author discovery for me and I look forward to reading more books by her.

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Finding Ruth: A Daughter’s Quest to Discover Her Mother’s Past by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding RuthFinding Ruth by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this was an emotional read made even more poignant by the fact that it is written by the author, Cynthia who is Ruth’s daughter. Part memoir and part fictionalised biography, ‘Finding Ruth’ tells the story of Ruth’s life. Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and so was unable to provide any insight into her life before she became ‘Mom’, and so the author literally turned detective to discover what her mothers life had been like before, as Cynthia says, “Alzheimer’s stole her memories”.
The author begins the book by explaining how she came to write this novel and it was all down to the discovery of the eye catching photograph of Ruth taken in 1949 which is on the front cover of the book. The author had never seen this photo before and it only came to light as she was going through her mother’s possessions prior to her moving into a skilled nursing facility. This beautiful photo of a very glamorous looking young Ruth got her daughter thinking how little she knew of her mother’s life and being an author she did was she does best and put pen to paper to fill in the missing memories. The photograph had me intrigued before I had even opened the book and then once I began reading Ruth and Cynthia’s story I was hooked from beginning to the very last page.
You can tell how much research has gone into this book, in reconstructing her mother’s life the author looked at photos, letters, public records and firsthand memories but you can also feel how much love and emotion has gone into this original and unique story. Ruth’s life reads as a novel, having dealt with ill fated relationships, heartbreak and also high points in her life. Remembering that the main character, Ruth, is actually a real person just makes the story all that more remarkable as is the women herself. As her daughter writes, Ruth always stayed strong and survived what ever life through at her even Alzheimer’s. The book covers sixty years of a life well lived and not only is it a wonderful story and a fitting memoir but both the reader and the author gain a much better understanding of Ruth herself.
This is a heartwarming read and I recommend you have a box of tissues handy, but it is also inspirational and empowering and I can not recommend it highly enough.

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Remember My NameRemember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a MM romance and thriller, and I found Shane and Callan to be strong characters that really held the story together. Shane Coulter is hiding some dark and twisted secrets and the only person who ever saw beyond his smart mouth and abrasive attitude to the vulnerability beneath was Callan Reid, his first love. Callan is convinced that Shane’s tough image is just that, and believing that he has suffered badly in his past Callan wants to uncover the truth. However Shane would rather the past stayed in the past and that his secrets remain secrets. In digging up Shane’s past Callan unwittingly brings danger into both their lives as there are people who are willing to kill to prevent Shane’s truths coming out.
This was a story about secrets and how the past affects the present and future, but it was also about first love. Shane and Callan were great characters as they were likeable and relatable but also realistic with their flaws. The storyline flowed well and the plot had enough drama and twists in it that it kept me gripped from beginning to end. The author really made me feel immersed in Shane and Callan’s story and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I had finished the book.

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The Autumn Leaf by Brittany Tarkington – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Autumn LeafThe Autumn Leaf by Brittany Tarkington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brittany Tarkington is a new author to me and I am really pleased to have discovered her. I thoroughly enjoyed this Young Adult story which was a college romance with a more angsty feel to it. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this novel and the main character, Autumn Miller had me intrigued from the start and I found unraveling her past as the story evolved had me fully immersed in her story. Autumn arrives on campus with a stack of cash and the clothes she’s wearing, her goal is to blend in and graduate. However, when she meets Liam Shafer she can’t help but get closer to him as their mutual attraction and their connection is instant. The closer they get the deeper she falls for him which makes running away when a missing person’s poster is found and she is confronted with her past more difficult than usual for Autumn. Autumn is used to dealing with her problems by running away and leaving everything and everyone behind but this time she realises she can not leave Liam behind so easily.
This is a wonderfully written book with great characters in Autumn and Liam, the author really made me get to know and like the couple and so I felt invested in their outcome. I was hooked from page one of this novel and I found the plot fascinating and the storyline flowed well and moved along at a good pace. I enjoyed the extended epilogues at the end which gave a glimpse into Autumn and Liams life in the future. I found ‘Autumn Leaf’ to be an emotional college romance with added depth which makes this a five star read for me.

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Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this novel by Ellen Butler to be a gripping political mystery thriller and it is Karina Cardinal’s second adventure. Although book two in a series it can be read as a standalone story. Having read book one and already been introduced to Karina, I was looking forward to this second instalment and was not disappointed. The plot is complex and fast paced and had me hooked from page one. When Senator Harper literally drops dead at Karina’s feet she becomes a ‘person of interest’, due to the fact that the Capitol Hill lobbyist was having a heated discussion with him after he had torpedoed her latest health care legislation initiative. When it’s discovered that the Senator was actually assassinated by a hacker disabling his pacemaker, FBI cybercrime’s expert and Karina’s boyfriend Mike Finnegan is reassigned to work a new case. Fearing that she will become a suspect Karina begins her own investigation into who would want the Senator dead. Karina ends up in the dangerous world of money and politics, and soon finds herself in the real killers sights.
The main character, Karina Cardinal, really brings the story to life as she is a very relatable and likeable person and I felt fully immersed in the story alongside her. The storyline has enough twists and turns in it so that it kept me guessing until the last page. I couldn’t put this book down and I hope there will be further books in this series.

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Lucky at Love (Some guys just never give up) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Lucky at Love: Some Guys Just Never Give Up...Lucky at Love: Some Guys Just Never Give Up… by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderfully written novel with great main characters in the form of mule breeder Jake Sorenson and journalist Allison Tyler-Wilcox. Allison and Jake first meet at Jake’s sisters wedding and when Allison learns that he has been married and divorced seven times she can not believe it when he says that he considers himself to be ‘lucky at love’. Allison can not understand Jake’s attitude, that although he has been divorced many times his marriages were not failures. Trying to understand Jake and his views better Allison convinces her editor into letting her visit Jake at his ranch to do an article on, “the compulsion some people have when it comes to saying “I do””. Whilst spending time with Jake she realises she has misjudged him, and due to sharing mule rides and impromptu tango dances Allison realises that Jake’s unique philosophy on life and love might actually be worth listening to. The trip leaves Allison feeling confused about her own marriage and her own ideals, let alone confused about her feelings for Jake.
I found myself fully immersed in this book due to the likeable and realistic characters, I enjoyed discovering how Allison and Jakes relationship changed and developed throughout the story. The storyline flowed along nicely and the narrative kept me happily turning the pages. Thanks to the wonderful descriptions by the author of both person and place I felt as though I was there with Jake and Allison. This novel is very character driven and Hamilton really made me care for the main characters and therefore I felt invested in the conclusion of both their story and the novel.

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