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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries to Die For, #3)A Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to reading this third book in author Judy Moore’s ‘Cozy Mysteries To Die For’ series having read and enjoyed the previous books and I was not disappointed. Back with what now feels like old friends, the main characters Beck O’Rourke, her grandmother, Miss Alice, and Beck’s younger sister Lizzie are all present. As well as running ‘Beach Reads’ a bookstore and coffee shop Beck’s also likes to investigate mysteries and crimes. In this story Lizzie has persuaded Beck’s into taking tennis lessons and to make things worse for Beck’s who does not like the heat it’s the middle of a hot South Florida summer. Whilst Lizzie is sporty, Beck’s would rather sit in the shade and watch but when one of the racquet club’s tennis pros is killed by a hit-and-run driver Beck’s helps investigate the murder along with police detective Devin Mathis. I already loved the main characters as they are very likeable and relatable and I have enjoyed the character development throughout out the three books. Each character brings something different to the story and the interactions between them all are very realistic. The storyline flows well and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing until the last page. The descriptive narrative made me feel immersed in the story and I felt like I was investigating along with Beck’s. This was an enjoyable and engaging read which had me hooked from page one. Although each book can be read as a standalone story the main characters do crossover and I would personally recommend reading the whole series to really understand the backstory.

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Rebecca RemainsRebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca Remains is an entertaining and enjoyable suspenseful, mystery story with a paranormal twist, all of which had me hooked from page one. When Tessa Stevens meets her husband Keith, she thinks that all the tragedies and loss which she has suffered is now in her past. However, through her dreams a visitor makes Tessa see that her husband is not who he pretends to be. When this visitor starts appearing in her home and with her sister also having suspicions about Keith, Tessa starts to investigate. She uncovers family secrets and deceptions along with a mystery surrounding a decade old murder. Tessa’s ‘gift’ also awakens and she can no longer ignore it and in fact has to embrace it if she is to discover the truth. This was a wonderfully written fast paced novel which had me gripped from start to finish. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing and the paranormal element added an additional layer to the story. Tessa is a likeable character and she makes a great main character. The authors descriptive narrative really bought both the characters and the setting to life making me feel fully immersed in the storyline. I found this novel to be an engaging read which I would definitely recommend.

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10 Days by KJ Holliday – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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10 Days10 Days by KJ Holliday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this entertaining romantic comedy featuring a city boy and a country girl who fall in love in ten days during a camping trip. Best selling novelist Alexander Jones is struggling with writing his second book and so his best friend Luke convinces him to take a trekking and survival boot camp in the wilderness to cure him of his writers block. The only problem is he hates the countryside and camping. Both Luke and his childhood friend Penny Foster take Alex to the mountains where they camped as children. Alex is completely out of his element almost straightaway but with his friends help he manages ten days. However, a surprising outcome of the trip is that within that ten days Alex has fallen in love with Penny, but is unsure how she feels or what Luke will think when he finds out.

This lighthearted and fun romance had me laughing out loud. The characters are all very realistic and relatable and the chemistry between Alex and Penny really comes across in the narrative. I liked how the book is written solely from Alex’s point of view which gives us a different perspective from the usual female viewpoint in most romance novels. I particularly liked Alex’s witty and sarcastic inner voice and found Alex to be an unusual but very likeable male lead, and was really cheering him on hoping he would get his girl, Penny. The author made the setting along with the camping and survivalist elements really come alive through her descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story, and as though I was camping with them. An engaging and heartwarming read which I read in one sitting as once I started reading I could not put the book down. A great read for some much needed escapism during the continuing lockdown here in the UK.

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was yet another page turner by Amy McKinley and book two in her ‘Deadly Isles Special Ops Series’. It can be read as a standalone story but I recommend the previous book, ‘Twisted Secrets’ as it was a great read. In ‘Bound by Secrets’ book reviewer Kayla Kane is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. Not wanting to put her parents at risk she goes to her brother’s best friend and former Navy SEAL Jaxon for a safe place to stay. Jaxon also happens to be the man that she has been attracted to since for ever and who she shared one unforgettable summer night with a decade ago. Jaxon Hale has never found a woman who compares to Kayla and it was only a promise that he made to Kayla’s brother that stopped him from telling her how he felt about her but now that she’s come back into his life he’s determined to have a relationship with her. He just needs to keep her safe first from her stalker of an ex boyfriend, and so asks Kayla to stay with him. However, they soon discover that living together will be more complicated then they thought as their mutual attraction cannot be denied. When tensions, painful memories and secrets are all bought up and the threat to Kayla gets nearer the couple risk loosing each other for good.
This novel has a fast paced storyline and a gripping narrative which had me hooked from the start. I liked the main characters and the chemistry between Kayla and Jaxon really came across and the second chance at love element added to the overall story. The plot had plenty of twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end. This fairly short novel had a mix of romance, drama, suspense and mystery and I found myself completely immersed in the story.

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Third Time’s a Ghost (Haunted Ever After Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Third Time's a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After, #3)Third Time’s a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun paranormal romance by Carrie Pulkinen, with a ghostly twist. Gage Dawson is an IT genius and a paranormal investigator but he is terrible at dating. However when he meets childhood best friend Erica again he is determined to tell her something that he never did in high school and that is that he loves her. Erica Miller is a Psychic medium who is struggling to make her haunted community theatre into a success. When Erica has problems with a ghost and it starts effecting her health she turns to paranormal investigator Gage. She is shocked to find that her once nerdy best friend is now rather sexy and neither of them can deny the chemistry between them. They just hope the spirits won’t come between them. I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance and loved Erica and Gage’s characters and how their relationship developed and changed throughout the book. The attraction between them definitely came across in the narrative and led to some steamy scenes. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me engaged in the story from start to finish. It can be read as a standalone story although the characters do pop up throughout the series of books. This is a lighthearted read which offers some real escapism to the reader and Pulkinen has become one of my favourite authors.

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Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Where Flowers BloomWhere Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s not often that you pick up a book which you then literally can not put down but this is definitely one of those. I was hooked from page one and I just kept happily turning the pages. ‘Where Flowers Bloom’ is a mix of history, romance, mystery, paranormal and race issues all mixed up in a wonderful written story. When romance writer Kendyll agrees to move to a small town in North Carolina with her fiancé Vance in the hope of saving their relationship she does not realise how her life is about to change. As soon as Kendyll views a rundown estate she discovers that it is actually whispering to her of its past secrets. Having employed contractor, Wes to do up the old mansion, Kendall finds herself drawn to him and he makes her smile again. Although Wes attempts to keep his distance not wanting to come between Kendyll and Vance he finds the attraction between them too strong to ignore. Kendyll also starts having dreams about events that happened in the past on the estate and learns that it was involved with slavery. As a fiction writer Kendyll likes to write fairytale endings but really she just wants one for herself and finds she has a choice to make to reach her own happy ever after.

The descriptive narrative really brings both the past and the present settings to life which made me feel immersed and engaged in the story. The characters are likeable and relatable and again the author made them come alive and I found myself thinking about them long after I had finished the book. The storyline flows well, and is written in away that tells two stories at once without the reader getting confused. One a love triangle between Kendyll, Vance and Wes in the present and then through Kendyll’s dreams the story of the estate in the past and the effects of slavery. The story has so many different layers to it, from a steamy romance with a touch of the paranormal to a story about slavery, race and interracial dating, that it really is an original and unique read. Nikki Vale is a new author to me but I now look forward to reading other books by her.

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Second Chance Spirit (Haunted Ever After Book 2) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After #2)Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun and ghostly paranormal romance with a second chance at love twist. Having been introduced to Trent and Tina at the end of the first book in Pulkinen‘s ‘Haunted Ever After’ series I was looking forward to reading their story. Although the characters do crossover this can be read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading ‘Love at First Haunt’ as well. Big city successful lawyer Trent Austin inherits his uncles Victorian mansion in the suburbs, it’s just a shame it’s rundown and comes with ghosts. Desperate to sell the house he calls Tina Sanders, the best real estate agent in Michigan and also his ex girlfriend who dumped him. Tina ended her relationship with Trent due to her fear of commitment but as soon as she sees him again she realises that the chemistry is still there. The situation becomes more complicated as not only is Trent trying to rekindle things with Tina but he is soon fighting for his life as something in the house wants him dead. This is a good mix of romance, comedy and mystery with a ghostly twist and I was hooked from page one. I loved the main characters and the chemistry between Tina and Trent really came across in the narrative and their mutual attraction led to some rather hot and steamy scenes. An enjoyable and engaging read, I look forward to book three in the series.

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Traveler Series, Book of Eleanor Book 3) by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Book of Eleanor 3)The Traveler: Chimera Rising by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series I was looking forward to reading this latest novel and I was not disappointed. Enjoyable and engaging from start to finish, I was hooked from page one and loved being back with time travellers Katie and Colm. ‘Chimera Rising’ continues Katie and Colm’s story and this time they journey from 1692 to the sixth century having been rescued by Merlin. Here they are involved in a battle between good and evil and they have to prevent magic from falling into the wrong hands. I would recommend that the novels are read in order as they do follow on and the background story of the ancient curse which has been plaguing the Stewart witches for centuries and which only the last Stewart witch, according to prophecy can break also runs through the series. In this third book of ‘The Traveler Series’ the entire prophecy is at last revealed and the Avalon relics must be recovered before The Lady of the Lake can find them. This is a shorter book than the previous two but it is just as action packed and is a real page turner. The descriptive narrative really brings both the characters and the setting to life which made me feel immersed in the story.

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Love at First Haunt (Haunted Ever After Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After Book 1)Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this fun paranormal romance enjoyable and engaging with great characters and an intriguing storyline. Psychic Medium Allison Gray is scared of ghosts following a traumatic incident in her past. Unfortunately Empath Logan Mitchell is being haunted by a ghost who is making him crazy. Logan’s psychic gift of reading people’s emotions has helped him in the business world however, his gift along with being haunted means that Logan has given up on having a normal life. Then he meets Allison and if only she could overcome her fear of ghosts and especially the one haunting Logan then she could be the one to help him. This story is a romance with a paranormal twist. I loved Allison and Logan and found myself immersed in their story. The chemistry between the characters really came across in the narrative and led to some steamy scenes. The story flowed well making it an easy read and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish. I look forward to reading future books in this new series by Carrie Pulkinen.

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At All (The Adams Brothers Book 3) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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At All (Adams Brothers, #3)At All by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series about the Adams brothers, I was looking forward to reading this novel and to discovering Sebastian Adams story. Sebastian was the best tenor saxophonist in the country but now he is back home in Chicago teaching private lessons after one to many alcohol fuelled mistakes. Struggling with teaching things become complicated when Maelie Barre moves into the studio next to his. Maelie is a successful and respected violin teacher who has spent her life in her fathers shadow, as he is a world famous violinist. She didn’t have time for men until her new studio neighbour turns out to be a very sexy saxophonist. Even though Seb finds Maelie a bit too uptight and they seem to have constant arguments he can’t deny their chemistry and following a very hot kiss neither can she. However, Maelie is reluctant to upend her quiet life and Seb is supposed to be proving he can go without alcohol and women. I loved Seb and Maelie and their chemistry really came across in the narrative and led to some steamy scenes. As usual the storyline flowed well and the plot had plenty going on to keep me happily turning the pages. I was hooked from page one and felt totally immersed in the story. ‘At All’ can be read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading the other books in the series first to get to know the Adams brothers better.

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A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1)A Hole by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and steamy novella by one of my favourite authors, Phoebe Alexander. I loved the main characters, comedian Ace Bennett and Ella Craig, the lady he invites to his comedy show. Ace then dares Ella that if he succeeds in making her laugh she has to have a drink with him. I was really cheering Ace and Ella on hoping they would get a happy ending after lots of meddling from friends and a number of misunderstandings. This was a lovely romance with a bit of drama and plenty of steamy scenes and a chemistry which sizzled off the page. All of which resulted in me reading the story in one sitting. An enjoyable and engaging short read, perfect for some escapism.

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At Once (The Adams Brothers Book 2) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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At Once (Adams Brothers, #2)At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book two in this series about the Adams brothers and this time the storyline centres around Mason Adams. Mason runs his own successful furniture business and through work he meets Gabi and suddenly he is determined to make her change her mind when she turns him down for a date. Gabi Turner has literally started again following her divorce and is completely focused on her burgeoning interior design business. When the sexy local carpenter Mason, who has a bit of a reputation asks her out she says no but soon learns he’s set on changing her mind. Gabi and Mason find themselves working closely together on a gutted Victorian house and the more time they spend together the more Gabi finds herself dreaming of a future but is reluctant to trust her heart to another man. The chemistry between Gabi and Mason is instant and it really comes across in the narrative and leads to some steamy scenes. I loved both the main characters and was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA, no spoilers! Having read and enjoyed the first book I was definitely not disappointed by this second instalment as the plot was full of romance and suspense. ‘At Once’ is a real page turner and I felt immersed in the story. I’m looking forward to reading Sebastian’s story next.

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At Last (The Adams Brothers BOOK 1) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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At Last (Adams Brothers, #1)At Last by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance story and it’s a great start to a new series featuring the Adams brothers. In ‘At Last’ the storyline focuses on Dominic Adams, a High School history teacher who is popular with women and how a chance encounter at a jazz club with Lula Stanley makes him realise its Lula he wants a relationship with. Lula, a literature teacher lost her mother and now her grandmother’s health is failing and she’s never known her father as her mother tried hard to keep him a secret, so she decides to track him down. With her life in chaos it’s not the perfect time for romance but once she catches the eye of Dom she soon learns he is not going to give up and, he is also very sexy! As Dom and Lula try to solve her family’s mystery and track down her father the couple get closer to one another and realise it could be true love. This is an enjoyable and engaging read with some great characters and a plot which makes you keep turning the pages to find out how it’s going to end whilst hoping that Dom and Lula will get their happy ever after. The chemistry between the pair sizzles off the page and leads to some steamy scenes, however there is also plenty of romance and suspense all of which kept me hooked. As well as main characters, Dom and Lula we are also introduced to the other Adams brothers, Mason and Sebastian and I can’t wait to read their stories.

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Daddy’s Girl (Freshwater Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Daddy's Girl (Freshwater Book 3)Daddy’s Girl by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Daddy’s Girl’ is an enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance set in beachside Sydney. This is a lighthearted, fun romantic comedy with wonderful characters and I felt totally immersed in the storyline. Em Georgiou is not ready to settle down as she has her PhD to finish and a career to start. Joel Scott is completely focused on his architecture business to worry about relationships. Joel does not have high hopes when a client suggests he ‘gets to know’ his daughter, as he’s expecting a spoiled daddy’s girl. However as soon as Joel meets Em he is determined to convince her that he’s not just seeing her to impress her father. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it as it has some really funny, laugh out loud moments and then some more emotional moments. Although book three in a series it can be read as a standalone story, however I have also enjoyed the previous two books in the ‘Freshwater’ series. An easy and engaging read which I recommend if your looking for some escapism with a good book.

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Twisted SecretsTwisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from page one of this novel which is packed full of romance, drama and suspense, by one of my favourite authors, Amy McKinley. Following a messy break up and with a family history of bad relationships, grad student Riley Evans is not looking for love especially when her ex starts stalking her. Navy SEAL Xander Hale finds himself in a military hospital in Hawaii after a mission gone horribly wrong. Newly single Xander is also not looking for a relationship and is preoccupied by his suspicions over his last mission. However when Riley and Xander meet in the Coffee Hut where Riley works as a barista Riley is suddenly thinking of giving love a second chance when Xander asks her for a date. Xander’s background comes in useful when Riley is put in danger and so he takes her to his family’s island for her safety. However even on the secluded island a hidden threat and dark memories threaten the couple. I was gripped by Riley and Xander’s story and felt completely immersed in the storyline due to the authors descriptive narrative and writing style. The instant attraction between the couple really came across in the story and I liked how their relationship then developed throughout the book. Both of the main characters were likeable and relatable and the suspenseful plot kept me happily turning the pages. This was an exciting and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series, ‘Deadly Isles Special Ops’.

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Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1)Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An original retelling of Cinderella set in the Regency period and with a fantasy twist this is an enjoyable and intriguing read. Set in 1816’s Regency England, Melinda Wychwood was allowed to stay at her family home following her father’s death as long as she worked for her cousin as an unpaid housekeeper. Melinda is shunned by her family as she has fairy blood but her wild fairy background along with a magical dress might just be the key to her happiness. This was a short novel and a quick read but it had me gripped from start to finish and I liked the unique retelling of a well known fairytale.

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Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder on the Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ride with he Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor, #2)Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel continues with Maggie and Will’s story which began in ‘Thunder on the Moor’, and I would recommend reading that book before this one to thoroughly enjoy the story. Having read and loved book one I was looking forward to this second instalment of Matthews’s historical romance series which has a time travelling paranormal twist. Time traveler Maggie Armstrong and sixteenth century Border reiver Will Foster are now together after Maggie saved Will from her family. However, Maggie’s Scottish kin are not happy that she has run off with an Englishman especially as her uncle has plans to marry her off to Scotsman Ian Rutherford. There is also danger from Will’s family who are not happy that he’s risking his life to be with a Scottish women. This novel is full of drama, suspense, and romance and I was hooked from page one. Having fallen in love with the main characters, Maggie and Will in book one I was completely immersed in their story and could not put this book down. The authors descriptive narrative really bought both the characters and the setting to life and I felt as though I was in the sixteenth century. The author obviously knows this time period well and I found this novel to be a good mix of history and romance. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend.

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer #2)Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read ‘Murder Creek’ the first book in the ‘Eve Sawyer mystery series’ and thoroughly enjoyed it I was looking forward to this second novel and I was not disappointed. I liked being back with our heroine, Eve Sawyer a journalist student as I fell in love with this likeable and relatable character in book one. In this story Eve is on a summer vacation but instead of a fun time she has a mystery to solve. Eve’s best friend Cassie’s boyfriend chef Blake Conway is attacked at his crêpe food truck and then Cassie’s beach house is broken into. Blake had been stirring up the locals with his plastics ban campaign. ‘Beach Beat’ reporter Jake Thorne takes Eve on as an intern and agrees to mentor her as they try to discover who’s behind these crimes. As Eve and Jake investigate they uncover many suspects and learn some dark secrets, and meanwhile a killer is still at large in the small town. I was hooked from page one and was kept guessing until the very end due to all the plot twists and turns in this cozy mystery. This novel is an engaging and enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to more Eve Sawyer mysteries.

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The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Longest RunThe Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which although part of a series can be read as a standalone story.
Carly Lawson works during the winters as a ski patrol and the summers as a rafting guide. She loves her job and has a new relationship each winter that ends in the spring. Carly also has a secret that she has been keeping for some time. Meanwhile, Chris Markham a downhill ski racer had hopes of making the Olympic team but then he had an accident that left him a paraplegic. However, he is determined to now make it to the Paralympics. When Carly and Chris meet on the slopes at ‘Big Sky Ski Resort’ in Montana they both feel the chemistry between them but are both unsure of starting a relationship. The author took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this heartwarming story, and once I had picked this book up I could not put it down. The narrative flows well and the plot has plenty going on to keep the readers interest.

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this cozy mystery novel featuring journalism student Eve Sawyer who sets out to investigate a twenty year old missing persons case. Lacey Walken disappeared in suspicious circumstances from Murder Creek, a place named after the infamous murders that happened there centuries before. The deeper Eve digs into the story the more danger she puts herself in as someone in the small community is not happy that this old case is being looked into again. I found Eve was a great main character as she’s likeable and relatable and really bought the storyline together. I found Eve’s psychic visions really added a different layer to the overall story. The author really bought the sinister setting of Murder Creek to life with her descriptive narrative and I felt engaged in the story. I was hooked from page one and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the end as the suspense built. I look forward to further books in this series.

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Moonlight and Belladonna: A Small Town Halloween Romance (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Moonlight and BelladonnaMoonlight and Belladonna by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An engaging and enjoyable read, this is a standalone story set in Hartwood Falls at Halloween. Belladonna Pagano has to put on a Halloween production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in order to wow the school board or loose her job at Hartwood High. Following her fiancé leaving her behind for his burgeoning music career she has sworn off men, especially rock stars. Meanwhile indie rock frontman Cade Owens, a chart topper with his band ‘Burning Umbrage’ returns to Hartwood Falls, a place which holds dark memories for him. A rash choice by Cade results in him doing community service with Belladonna and soon they are both risking not only their careers but their hearts. I loved the two main characters in this story as they were both very likeable and relatable. Dawson really made the characters and the setting come alive with her descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in Belladonna and Cade’s story.

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable “Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance” standalone novel by Jae Dawson. The author took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this story of Rose and Liam and their second chance at love journey. Set in Hartwood Falls, florist Rose is also an unofficial matchmaker and she has bought many couples together at her annual ‘Secret Valentines’. However Rose still thinks about her childhood sweetheart Liam who left town and left her. When cardiac surgeon Liam Bradley returns to Hartwood Falls when his career is at risk and his relationship in trouble he didn’t expect to find love especially not with the girl who he left a secret message for and never heard from again. This is a heartwarming story in which Rose and Liam have to confront their past and take a chance at love, and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their happy ever after.

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel had me hooked from start to finish and the author took me on an epic, emotional rollercoaster of a journey which I have kept thinking about long after I finished the last page. Due to Turchin’s wonderfully written and detailed descriptive narrative I felt that I was alongside the main character, Anna as she embarked on her adventure. The storyline flows well and the numerous plot twists kept me gripped throughout this intriguing and original novel.

The authors obvious immense research shines through in the historical details making the time period of the story really come alive along with the various different settings, adding to the feeling of being immersed in the story and being there with Anna. Anna Venu of Arizona has to use her traits of being cunning, perceptive, and witty to survive the journey she finds herself on having accidentally discovered a very surprising family secret. Anna’s thrilling and sometimes scary adventure sees her crossing Vienna, Paris, and Berlin in the hope that she can unravel a mystery that takes her back to the final days of WWII. However, Anna soon finds herself involved in a modern day European political conspiracy and when she becomes a target she is determined to not only survive but to also uncover the truth that she set out to find.

“Told in a unique storytelling style, this book stretches across several generations and time periods”, which kept me reading late into the night. Despite this novel being fairly long I found I had read it in no time at all as I literally could not put it down. I fell in love with Anna and thought she was an amazing main character who really bought the whole story together and I felt engaged with her, and almost like I knew her as her character was so well defined. This was a very different novel to read and much more than an historical novel about WWII, the author definitely gets the reader thinking whilst reading. I definitely recommend this enjoyable and engaging novel and I look forward to reading future books by Maria Turchin.

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Askew Ever After: A Limited Edition Romance Collection Anthology – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Askew Ever AfterAskew Ever After by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Paper Love’ by Aubrey Wynne is a sweet and heartwarming romance which had me happily turning the pages hoping that Joss and Ben would get their happily ever after. Love is the last thing on Joss Palmateer‘s mind following the sudden death of her mother. Joss is a shy and gentle women who grew up in a Papua New Guinea mission and as well as the death of her mother she’s getting over an ex boyfriend’s betrayal and a house move. So when Joss is introduced to her friends brother, Ben at a party although the attraction is instant she politely declines his offer of a date. However physical therapist Ben Montgomery is determined that Joss will not ignore his advances for long and although usually known as a player, Ben finds himself falling in love with Joss. With the aid of a stray homing pigeon and an old origami legend Ben does all he can to win her love. This is a fairly short read but one which has a real feel good factor. I liked how the author has included an explanation about the importance of the origami at the beginning of the book. I loved Joss and Ben who were both likeable and relatable characters and they were really bought to life by the descriptive narrative. Their chemistry also really came across in the story as did Joss’s trepidation at risking her heart for love. A lovely, enjoyable and engaging read.

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Stormy’s Thunder (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stormy's Thunder (Satan's Devils MC Utah #2)Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a big fan of Manda Mellett’s ‘Satan’s Devils MC’ series and I always look forward to the next book coming out and I was not disappointed by ‘Stormy’s Thunder’. We are back with the Satan’s Devils MC, Utah Chapter and this story focuses on Stormy. In the first book in the series ‘Road Tripped’ Stormy had walked away from his Club and his brothers and this storyline continues with him being haunted by his past mistakes. Stormy jumps at the chance to become a new man when he gets the opportunity but before long his past catches up with him and his life is in danger. He has to stay alive as he needs to protect the woman he loves in order to save her life too. As usual this is a fast paced story with a plot full of action, drama and great characters but there is also a romance element with Stormy meeting Cat. I loved Stormy and Cat and how their relationship developed throughout the novel. I also enjoyed both catching up with, and meeting new members of the MC. As usual Mellett’s writing style had me hooked from page one and the story being told by different point of views, Stormy, Cat and Swift’s works really well. The characters and the setting really come alive through the descriptive narrative making me feel both engaged and immersed in the story. This was an enjoyable and exciting read and I will now be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

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Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You by Marie Skye – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Happily Ever AfterHappily Ever After by Piper Rayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the story by Marie Skye, ‘Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You’, it was an enjoyable and engaging read. When Perrie advertises for a roommate her requirements were simple, they must be clean, not smoke and won’t touch her things. Perrie definitely did not expect her new roommate to be the man she had a one-night stand with whilst in Vegas and who she briefly dated during University. Ash is just as surprised when he find himself face to face with the women he last saw after a steamy night together in Vegas, when answering an ad for a roommate. The fact that Ash had been married at the time and did not tell Perrie just complicates the situation further. Perrie and Ash’s chemistry literally sizzled off the page and the tension between them also came across in the narrative. ‘Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You’ has a fun and lighthearted lovers to enemies and then back to lovers again storyline and characters who are likeable and relatable, which kept me happily turning the pages.

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Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Unbroken VowUnbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging fantasy romance by Bree M. Lewandowski which had me gripped from beginning to end. Following the death of Ada’s husband, Markus, his brother-in-arms Glaive gives his word to protect Ada. Ada followed her heart even though marrying a Paladin is forbidden and so now risks more than a prison sentence. For her safety she is hidden away as a servant to the king but after an incident with a man of power, Ada is sent across the ocean to work for an illustrious crazed queen as punishment. Glaive, is a high ranking Paladin and a knight of Ardara but he is determined not to break his pledge and is willing to risk his own life to save Ada.
The storyline flows well and the descriptive narrative really brings both the characters and the setting to life making me feel fully immersed in the story. The plot kept me hooked and happily turning the pages, as it has plenty of drama and romance.

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Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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FaidaFaida by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second in the ‘Heartstrings’ series introduces us to Faida, one of the six beings who help Cupid guide us mortals to love. Faida has grown jaded after eons of helping humans find love and as a result now has an ice cold heart. “Assassinations, infidelity, and betrayals of her past haunt her present”. However, Faida meets her match in ice king Robert Peters who has also been disappointed in love. Robert is cold and ruthless with everyone except his young daughter. Faida needs to soften her own heart towards love if she is to help Robert find love. This is an engaging and enjoyable sweet paranormal romance and the author really brings the characters and setting to life with her descriptive narrative. It’s a lighthearted and heartwarming romantic story which had me fully immersed in the story from start to finish. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone story but some of the characters do overlap. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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A Kiss Under A Blue Christmas Moon (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock ‘N Sweet Romance 4) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A KISS UNDER A BLUE CHRISTMAS MOON (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock 'N Sweet Romance Book 4)A KISS UNDER A BLUE CHRISTMAS MOON by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this heartwarming and sweet romance with a second chance at love theme. I always enjoy a Tamara Ferguson novel and this one definitely did not disappoint. The added festive feel added to the storyline making this an enjoyable and engaging read. I loved the two main characters and was really cheering them on hoping they would get their Christmas happy ever after. Mia Michaels and Noah Erickson first met as teenagers whilst they both lived in Crystal Rock and attended the local music camp one summer. Mia is determined to have a career in music whilst Noah although being both musical and a scholar, is going to be enlisting in the Air Force to help support his grandparents who have raised him. One Christmas Mia and Noah arranged a romantic rendezvous at Mistletoe Lodge before Noah is sent to Iraq but Mia’s overly controlling father sabotages their plans. Six years later and having escaped from her father Mia returns to Crystal Rock to learn that Noah, now Lieutenant Noah Erikson never stopped loving her. However, over the years Mia has given up on love and so Noah needs to break through Mia’s hardened heart if they are to spend Christmas and forever together. The storyline flows well and the descriptive narrative brings both the setting of Crystal Rock and the characters to life which gave me the feeling of being immersed in the story. I found Mia and Noah likeable and relatable characters and their chemistry really came across in the story. The novel was full of the Christmas spirit and left me with a real feel good feeling. A lovely read.

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Flipping the Bird: A Paranormal Chick Lit Novel (Shift Creek book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Flipping the Bird (Shift Creek, #1)Flipping the Bird by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, lighthearted paranormal romantic comedy novel. The authors descriptive narrative really bought these quirky, likeable and relatable characters to life and I could not help but feel invested in their story. Alice Crawford is a salvage artist in Texas, who is also a crow shifter, whilst Donovan Drake is a Warlock and they both find themselves in Shift Creek. Alice believes the sexy Warlock can solve all her problems but Donovan has many secrets including the fact that his connection to Shift Creek runs deeper than anyone knows. When he feels himself falling for the feisty bird shifter he knows he needs to be careful. This fairly short story was definitely action packed, full of romance, comedy and mystery, all of which had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the developing relationship between the main characters and the story was heartwarming with some real laugh out loud moments. An enjoyable and engaging read and a great start to a new series.

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