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Moonlit Mirage: A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Moonlit Mirage - A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series)Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fan of Amy McKinley’s ‘Gray Ghost’ series I was looking forward to this first book in her new ‘Moonlit Destination’ series and this novel definitely did not disappoint. A fairly short book at only 80 pages it is packed full of action and has a great storyline. Nadia Bennett has Cade Malone under surveillance when she acts against her orders and rescues him when he has a car accident. They both share a once in a lifetime connection but although the chemistry between the two is instant and reciprocated due to the reasons why Nadia was there at the time, saving him will have to do and she has to walk away. However Cade never forgets the ‘underwater angel’ who saved him all those years ago and so when a chance encounter under the moonlight brings the couple together again he is determined not to let her get away this time. Nadia also recognises their chemistry and can not walk away again and so risks everything to be with him, unfortunately a dark secret from her past could destroy their relationship.
This novel had me gripped from page one and I could not put it down, full of adventure, excitement, suspense, past secrets and romance it is a fast paced read, all with the breathtaking Cook Islands as it’s backdrop. The author takes you on an emotional rollercoaster but thankfully it does have a happy ever after ending. For readers of the ‘Gray Ghost’ novels there is a crossover between the books however you do not need to have read them to enjoy this book. I look forward to reading further books in this series by Amy McKinley.

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King & Hunt: A Lust / Hate Story By Brienne Dubh – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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King & Hunt: A Lust / Hate StoryKing & Hunt: A Lust / Hate Story by Brienne Dubh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great enemies to lovers fun, dirty, steamy read which is intended for 18+ readers.
As it’s an novella it’s a quick read but has a full story, Brienne Dubh’s ‘King & Hunt: A Lust/Hate Story’ features Christian Hunt and Gabriella King who hated each other on sight and over the years things have just gotten worse. Unfortunately for the two of them Gabby’s best friend Amy is Christian’s twin sister so they keep having to meet, like at the twins 30th birthday party where they both promise Amy they will behave, but can they manage it?
I really enjoyed this story, you could feel both the hatred and the chemistry between Gabby and Christian or ‘Gobby’ and ‘Hunt’ as they call each other. I love lines from the author like,” “Hunt,” Gabby greeted briskly. It was clear by her tone she meant Hunt with a C”. The book is full of great one liners, mostly insults between the two main characters which had me laughing throughout the book. It also has its steamy moments following their ‘truce’ at the twins party and some emotional moments too as the pair realise that it’s a fine line between love and hate or at least hate and lust, so a bit of everything all in a short read. I loved it and definitely recommend it. I’m eager to read more from author Brienne Dubh.

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Lisa: Coming Of Age (Book 1 of The Guardian Shifters) by KM Lowe – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Lisa: Coming Of Age (Guardian Shifters #1)Lisa: Coming Of Age by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A paranormal romance featuring wolf shifters based in Scotland, Lisa: Coming Of Age had plenty of action and suspense which kept me hooked from start to finish. This is the first in a new series, ‘The Guardian Shifters’ by KM Lowe and it has wet my appetite for the rest of the series.
Seventeen year old Lisa was abandoned on the steps of a hospital and has no information about her past at all. Having found a loving and stable adoptive family Lisa is content, until her world is turned upside down when her biological families secrets are discovered, and she has to accept who she really is. Turning to best friend and soul mate Marcus, Lisa ends up being part of the biggest fight of her life.
The author has written some great characters, Lisa, her parents, Marcus and Jasper are all likeable, realistic and each have their own part to play in the story. I like how the relationship between different characters change and develop, especially as Lisa learns who she is and starts to accept it. The chemistry between Lisa and Markus showed and I like how he was her constant throughout the story. There are enough twists and turns in the plot to not be a predictable read and I cared about Lisa’s fate as I felt immersed in the story. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this book. I thought it was an enjoyable first book of a new paranormal series and I’m looking forward to reading Jasper’s story in book two soon.

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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (Italian Teens novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (The Italian Saga #3)Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forget Nico, by Gaiai B Amman is an Italian teens novel centred around the main character Leda and her relationships especially with sexy teen heartthrob and bad boy Nico. This story is full of teen angst, emotions and changing teen feelings along with Italian gangs, romance and redemption. The story is more poignant in my view as it’s based on a true story and is interwoven with real Italian culture and Italian words (although mostly swear words)!
When a fire is started in the library at Leda and Nico’s high school the evidence points towards brooding Nico but Leda can’t believe he is behind it, but is she right to fight for him?
I love the character Leda, she’s referred to as a tomboy throughout the book, so much so that when she does wear a skirt everyone is shocked and comments on it. Leda is a very likeable and realistic teenage girl and one I could relate to when I was a teenager. She has the usual teenage girl worries, complicated friendships, hormones, puberty, weight issues and peer pressures as smoking weed is mentioned a lot. Sadly early on in the book Leda self-harms, I felt this was dealt with very sensitively by the author. The book is full of great characters all of which have enough of a back story that you feel involved in their lives, Nico is a typical attractive bad boy teen, then there is Leda’s friend Alex with his own problems and a host of female friends.
Amman’s detailed descriptions of the Italian landscape really brings the Italian summer to life, I found myself escaping into the sights, sounds and scents of Leda’s Italy. This book is part of a series but I felt it also worked well as a stand alone story. Although set in 90’s Italy it reminded me of my own teenage years and the dramas we all face at that age. It is beautifully written and the narrative flows easily making it an addictive book to read. I look forward to reading other books in her Italian Teens series.

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Brutal & Raw: Mafia Romance & Psychological Thriller (Beneventi Family Book 1) by Sonya Jesus – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Brutal & Raw (Beneventi Family, #1)Brutal & Raw by Sonya Jesus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I was literally hooked from page one until I turned the last page of this psychological mafia romance thriller. This was a fast paced attention grabbing book by Sonya Jesus which I could not put down. The story centres around the Beneventi Family, a dark, powerful and dangerous mafia family. We are introduced to a female known only as 327, “327. That’s what he called me. That’s all I was to him”. Breaker Beneventi a handsome, powerful but extremely dangerous man with a dark side and a damaged soul takes a liking to 327 and tells her his secrets, secrets which could bring down his whole organisation if she ever gets free of him. Having ordered her death she is let go. However 327, knows this is just another twisted way of Breaker trying to control her with fear, knowing that he will be sending the ‘Butcher’ after her. Breaker searches everywhere for the, on the run Lyla Vaughn, but is that who she really is? No spoilers, you just have to read this book.

This is more a suspenseful psychological thriller than a romance, any romance there is has an underlying dark essence. The book is packed full of great characters, even if you don’t and can’t like them, such as the main alpha character, Breaker. It has an action packed storyline which had me holding my breathe in anticipation in parts and it is full of plot twists which keep you guessing so it’s definitely not a predictable read. Jesus is so detailed in her writing that the dark, twisted and dangerous world of the Beneventi family and the mafia as a whole is bought to life. “Breaker’s world is not light-hearted”, and I would say this book is not for the faint hearted either.

A great read which will have you up reading all night, I recommend it and I am looking forward to further books in the Beneventi Family series.

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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Career driven Biologist Rylie Press returns to her hometown and meets single dad and alpha of the Powder River Pack, Mason Fischer and neither can deny their sizzling chemistry. Rylie’s scent alone is enough to convince wolf shifter Mason that she is his ‘mate’. Rylie however is unaware of Mason’s ‘kind’ and so he must convince her that it is fate that they are together.
I loved this paranormal romance featuring wolf shifters who are part of alpha Mason’s pack. The chemistry between the main characters, Rylie and Mason was steamy and instant. I liked how the author wrote the story from both characters points of view and having a detailed backstory of both of them gave real insight into the characters, both of which I loved.
I have not read book 1 in ‘The Powder River Pack’ series but this story worked well as a standalone read, but I’m keen to read book one as I enjoyed this book. A great read.

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Mountains Climbed (Mountains Series #2) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Mountains Climbed (Mountains, #2)Mountains Climbed by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lt. James McAllister and Sociology Professor Dr. Sarah Lynde’s story is continued in ‘Mountains Climbed’, having begun in ‘Mountains Wanted’. This series by Phoebe Alexander just gets better and better. The books do need to be read in order, “The first three Mountains Series books must be read in order, as it is James and Sarah’s continuing saga”.
This is a steamy contemporary romance and it is recommended for age 18+, the sizzling chemistry between the characters definitely leads to some steamy sex scenes!
This book continues where the first one finished with James deployed and engaged to childhood sweetheart Maggie and a devastated Sarah moving on with handsome Garrett Stone. Although Garrett is a good distraction for Sarah, when her and James meet up when he’s home from deployment they can not deny their attraction.
This is a well written story with great characters that I fell in love with in book one and continue to feel part of their world. I am probably bias, but I was cheering Sarah and James on as it’s obvious they should be together but author Phoebe Alexander sends us on an emotional rollercoaster and as there is a third book in the series, we do not discover their fate in this book. I can not wait for Mountains Loved, and I hope that Garrett will get his own story and a happy every after as well.

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Scoring Chance: A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Scoring Chance : A Mile High Miners NovellaScoring Chance : A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scoring Chance : A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin
4 of 5 Stars
I enjoyed this novella by Lane Martin, it’s a contemporary sports romance and is a fairly quick read at only 138 pages. Although it’s a short read it is a full story with no cliffhanger ending and the author has ensured the novella is action packed. The story is based around the team members of the ‘Mile High Miners Hockey team’ and in particular goalie Rhett Crawford, who is left ‘twiddling his thumbs’ when not playing with his team mates on the ice. Rhett admits that he is a ‘player’ and enjoys the attention that being in the Miners gets him from the ladies but this changes when he meets Eden Snow. Unfortunately as the live in nanny to his captains children she is ‘forbidden fruit’, as his captain has made it clear she is off limits to his team members. Eden has also been told there is a ‘no boys in the house’ rule, which is fine by her as after a difficult childhood she is focused on her job and in getting an education. However neither Rhett or Eden can deny or ignore the sizzling chemistry between them from the first time they meet.
I loved the two main characters and how their relationship developed over time, with both their troubled pasts playing a part in keeping them apart. I did find the story a bit confusing in part as there were so many secondary characters, mainly Rhett’s Miners team mates and their partners but the guys were all called different names as they were either referred to by their first name, surname or a nickname and it did make it a bit confusing. A list of characters at the beginning would have been helpful.
It didn’t matter that I’m not particularly a hockey fan as I was hooked from page one based on the characters and their storyline. As a novella I read it in one sitting and I’m hoping Lane Martin is going to continue writing about the Mile High Miners Hockey Team. A great read which I definitely recommend.

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Before the Second Show by Thia Finn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Before the Second ShowBefore the Second Show by Thia Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before the Second Show by Thia Finn
4 of 5 Stars
Before the Second Show is a rock star, second chance romance between Emmy and Alex. Alex is the rock star guitarist and he and Emmy meet and fall in love at sixteen when she sneaks out to see him at a gig and they meet backstage but Alex soon has to move on as he has more gigs to play. Emmy is aware that falling in love with a rock star and at sixteen is not a good plan and she tries to forget her encounter with the sexy guitarist. Five years later Emmy is happily in a relationship with Marcus and works as a realtor. Marcus who is working with Alex and his band, and has no idea that Emmy has a past with Alex recommends Emmy when Alex and brother Adam need a realtor. Emmy is then annoyed when Alex seems to have no memory oh her and shows no recognition, however although he does not remember her he does feel a pull towards Emmy and finds her intriguing. Emmy has also never forgotten Alex Trace and has never really felt the same chemistry with anyone else. Fate brings the two back together and a change in circumstances in Alex’s life brings the two closer together and makes Alex realise what and who he really wants.
I’m not usually a rock star romance fan but I loved this book by Thia Finn and fell in love with her diverse range of characters. I was cheering Emmy on as a giggly sixteen year old with her first crush, sneaking out to a gig and falling in love with sexy Alex Trace and was fascinated by her change through the years to a more mature women, with a good job and stable relationship but who still had a bit of the sixteen year old Emmy in her when it came to her feelings for Alex, her first love.
Rock star and rock god guitarist Alex was a fantastic character, obviously good looking and a typical young man who has had women throwing themselves at him as he toured the world with his band. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Emmy and Alex developed especially after fate seems to bring them back together and give them a second chance at love. I found the dynamic between the two and how it changed from their first encounter was very realistic. The secondary characters, such as Alex’s brother Adam and the rest of his band were all fascinating characters in their own right and I would have liked to have seen them have their own stories but this is a stand alone book.
A complex rock star, second chance romantic story with a twist and with a great range of characters and a storyline that kept me hooked from page one until the last page, I definitely recommend this book.

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In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Series Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1)In Other Words by Pamela Q. Fernandes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes
5 of 5 Stars
Pianist Trish Holt, lives in Maine in picturesque Boothbay Harbor. Trish was adopted from Korea as a child and still suffers with abandonment issues and finds it stressful trying to fit into the ‘All American’ stereotype. Following the betrayal of both her long term partner and her manger, who she discovers are having an affair, Trish’s old issues surface and she blames her self for not being the perfect ‘All American’ girlfriend. Moving to a new house still feeling bitter but wanting to move on Trish meets new neighbour and potential love interest Michael Quentin, a local chef who’s restaurant she plays a gig at. Although Michael ‘romances’ Trish he has his own childhood issues and a dark family past which his holding him back. Michael is also helping his widowed sister to bring up his niece Hannah and is not particularly looking for a long term relationship where else Trish is looking for love and commitment.
This was a really emotional read and a romance which was a case of opposites attract. The author transports you into the lives of her characters and by giving them such a detailed backstory you really feel as though you know them personally. Trish and Michael are both interesting characters and very relatable and realistic, both with good points and bad. As I was reading I felt I was invested in their story and couldn’t stop turning the pages until I found out their future.
This is the first in a new series of books by Pamela Q Fernandes and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

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Chasing Starlight: Cassandra’s Story (The Daughters of Night Chronicles) by Matilda Reyes & Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Chasing StarlightChasing Starlight by Jennifer Siddoway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chasing Starlight (Daughters of Night Chronicles) by Jennifer Siddoway and Matilda Reyes
4 of 5 Stars
“The boogie man is real, and Cassandra Williams would know—she’s seen him”
Cassandra Williams is a elementary school teacher in Southern California, she is a likeable character and very relatable with her relationships with her family, a potential love interest in Henry and her concerns at starting her new job. All very normal until we then learn that as well as her day job as a teacher Cassandra also moonlights at night as a ‘Dream Weaver’, oh and her father is the ‘Lord of Night’.
This is the first book in the fantasy series, ‘Daughters of Night Chronicles’, by Siddoway and Reyes. I am new to these two authors, and I really enjoyed this fantasy read, with mystery, adventure and a touch of romance thrown in. It is well written, and the authors set the scene with their descriptions, bringing their fantasy world, the ‘Realm of Dreams’ alive. As a Dream Weaver, Cassandra must “collect the dust of dreamers to maintain the illusion between our worlds”.
The storyline had me hooked form page one and follows Cassandra as she learns that Dream Weavers are disappearing and that she maybe next, for in the shadows lurks a demon who wants to prevent Cassandra from leaving the Real of Dreams. Therefore Cassandra must find a way of defeating the ‘Shadow Demon’ and return to her daytime life as a elementary school teacher.
This was a lovely fantasy read, and it was so engaging that it kept me turning the pages well into the night as I was cheering Cassandra on. I look forward to the rest of the series.

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series Book 1)Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander
4 of 5 Stars
Dr. Sarah Lynde is a University Sociology Professor and a single mum to a teenage daughter and younger son. Having given a speech one evening at a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Panel event’ Sarah meets Army First Sergeant James McAllister. They both feel some chemistry but neither one is looking for a relationship and so agree to being friends, with benefits. However the more they see of each other the more complicated their feelings for one another become and they start to wonder if they could ever have more of a relationship than just meeting each other’s needs.
This is a romance with a difference, it is not your usual ‘normal’ committed and monogamous relationship but something a bit more complex but just as real. I love the main characters of Sarah and James, and how their relationship develops during the story and how honest the characters are about their feelings and their more open relationship based on great sex.
The book states it is for 18+ and the sex scenes are ‘hot’ and explicit but are part of the overall romance between Sarah and James. I love the fact that the main character, Sarah is a modern obviously intelligent Dr as well as a working single Mum who is not ashamed that she likes sex. It is refreshing to read a book in which the women isn’t afraid to go after the man she wants and lay down her terms, basically sex but with no commitment, at least that is what Sarah wanted at the beginning of her relationship with James.
I read this book in big chunks as I could not put it down and even when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about the storyline, always a sign of a good book. This is a modern romance with likeable and realistic characters, which portrays ‘real’ women and has a great storyline to follow as well as scorching sex scenes, what’s not to love!
I’m looking forward to continuing Sarah and James story in Mountains Climbed and Mountains Loved.

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Covert Threat (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Covert Threat (Gray Ghost #5)Covert Threat by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Covert Threat (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 5) by Amy McKinley
4 of 5 Stars
Covert Threat is book 5 in Amy McKinley’s ‘Gray Ghost’ novels featuring members of the Gray Ghost Team. Workaholic Infectious Disease specialist Jules Moretti works at an elite research facility and following a security breach which puts Jules at risk, former Navy SEAL Trev Shaw is assigned to keep her safe. As Jules continues to work on top secret research projects she starts to have strange ‘mishaps’ and as her safety is put more and more at risk Trev must keep her safe. After a boating incident the two discover that there is more to one another than they initially thought and sparks begin to fly. What began as a simple assignment for Trev turns more dangerous as he falls in love with Jules and wants to discover who the culprit is and whether the danger is personal, or merely a smokescreen for biowarfare.
This is an action packed thriller, mystery and romance. The storyline is fast paced which kept me hooked from page one. I loved the main characters and how Jules and Trev’s relationship developed. The novel can be read as a standalone book, however characters from the previous books are mentioned, and having read and enjoyed this book I am now keen to read the rest of the series.

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Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash Book 2) By Amanda Marin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash, #2)Sky to Sea by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sky to Sea: Crimson Sash- Book 2 by Amanda Marin
4 of 5 Stars
Sky to Sea is book 2 in Marin’s ‘Crimson Sash’ series. It continues the story of Neve Hall and Micah Ward which began in the first book, ‘North to Nara’. It is set in a dystopian world with two waring factions the ‘New Republic’ and the ‘Nation’. Neve and Micah find themselves in a refugee shelter trying to convince the immigration officials that they are worthy of citizenship to the ‘New Republic’ but as a Sufferer, an empath Micah is wanted back by the ‘Nation’. Torn between the two places the couple find themselves in the middle of conflict and are kidnapped and held hostage, but underneath it all they just want to be together and find the freedom to love as promised by the New Republic. Sadly for the couple the myth and fantasy is not like the reality.
I loved Neve and Micah, I found the couple likeable, realistic and ‘normal’ in this dystopian world. I was cheering them on throughout the book and I really cared about their outcome.
This is a well written book with a solid storyline, great characters and it moves along at a fast pace. I was gripped from page one and found myself immersed in Marin’s dystopian world.
Although this is book 2 of a series, I read it as a stand-alone book and was able to enjoy it and understand the storyline, however I think if I had read book one, I would have had more of the characters backstory and their reasoning behind certain decisions they made. I am keen to read, ‘North to Nara’ now.

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The Wicked Wolves of Windsor: and other fairytales by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Wicked Wolves of Windsor: and other fairytalesThe Wicked Wolves of Windsor: and other fairytales by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Wicked Wolves of Windsor: and other fairytales by Byrd Nash
4 of 5 Stars
This is a book containing eight separate stories, each one a modern day fairytale. Described as, “Feminist fairytales, timeless stories” and “A Dash of Magic, and a Hint of Wicked”.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories, each story is completely different to the others but they all have a strong female lead and feature a women who is intent on saving herself. The stories include, a pack of wolves who are not what they seem, a talking horse who lies, a humble milkmaid who is a stunning sorceress and a king who is a bit reptilian in nature. My favourite story was, the third one in the book, ‘The Queens Favourite’, the title story, ‘The Wicked Wolves of Windsor’, was also a favourite.
Each story by Byrd Nash is well written with an exciting and unpredictable storyline and although these are short stories they all have a plot and a satisfactory ending, which often left me speechless. Nash, herself calls this book a “collection of fantasy fairytales”, and they do not disappoint.

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A Sun So Bright (Reigning Hearts Book Three) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Sun So Bright (Reigning Hearts, #3)A Sun So Bright by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sun So Bright, (Reigning Hearts Book 3) By K.G.Fletcher
4 of 5 Stars
A Sun So Bright by K.G.Fletcher is book 3 in her Reigning Hearts series but can be read as a stand-alone story. When socialite and heiress Fiona Merrill finds herself alone without a date on New Year’s Eve she decides to takes matters into her own hands. Set in New York, Fiona propositions Chris Ballard a bartender who is living with his mother whilst saving money to finish renovating his crumbling farmhouse. Being offered a large sum of money and being able to make some ‘quick cash’ Chris accepts Fiona’s offer. However although the pair find posing as the next Manhattan power couple easy, their relationship becomes blurred when Chris dares Fiona to explore life outside of her normal ‘pampered life style’. “Is it possible for the heiress to change her ways and discover a bigger purpose”?
I loved this book and enjoyed how the relationship between Chris and Fiona developed the longer they spent together in their fake relationship. It wasn’t predictable as some romances can be and the storyline had me turning the pages well into the night. I am now keen to read the other books in Fletcher’s Reigning Hearts series.

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Ink’s Devil (Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #5) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ink's Devil: Satan's Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5Ink’s Devil: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ink’s Devil:Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) Book 5
By Manda Mellett
4 of 5 Stars
I am a fan of MC romance books and really enjoyed this one by Manda Mellett. Ink is a member of the Satan’s Devils MC, based in Colorado, he’s a typical good time biker not looking for a long term relationship. That is until he meets, Beth, the girl with blue hair and who is almost as tall as he is. Beth is not part of the biker world and leads an ‘ordinary’ life but is drawn to Ink when they meet at a wedding. They both plan on having one night together but fate had other plans. When Beth gets into trouble due to her estranged brother it is Ink who comes to her rescue and takes the fall for her. Beth doesn’t understand why he sacrificed himself for her but she feels guilty as it looks as though Ink will get a thirty year sentence.
The storyline had me hooked from the first page and I liked Ink and Beth as characters and how their relationship developed throughout the book. Although it works well as a stand-alone book, I did get a bit confused in the beginning with all the different names mentioned especially those of the MC as they have ‘real’ names and ‘road names’, obviously these characters had been introduced in previous books. However I soon got to know the characters and got swept along in the exciting story. The book was written from both Ink and Beth’s point of view along with Satan’s Devils Enforcer Mace, and this works well giving each character a voice.
I am now keen to read the previous books in this series and look forward to future books about the Satan’s Devils.

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The Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Fat Girl's Guide to Loving Your BodyThe Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery
5 +++ Stars
Wow, just Wow, I really felt like this book, this author was really talking straight too me! K.L. Montgomery who refers to herself as Krista in her book is a ‘Kindred Spirit’. This is definitely not just another self-help book, it is much more than that, if like the blurb says, “Do you wonder if you’ll ever be happy with your body? then I recommend this book.
It is written in the first person almost as though Krista is talking to you personally, just chatting as friends as it has a casual feel to the writing which I liked and felt was right for this book. The book is divided into bite size chapters with clear headings and each one deals with a particular subject at the end of each chapter is a journaling assignment for the reader to work on.
Krista introduces us to ‘Journaling’ in an early chapter and this is what makes this book unique, as it is gives the book an interactive feel and gets us, as the reader involved and thinking about our own experiences and how we can change for the better. Krista is very clear throughout the book that, “it’s indeed your mind that needs to change, not your body”. “IT IS NOT YOUR JOB TO BE PRETTY” is another saying which is repeated throughout the book. She reaffirms her positive sayings throughout the book.
Krista talks us through ‘deprogramming’ in one chapter and she introduces us to ‘Body Positivity or ‘BoPo’ as she refers to it. I love the fact that Krista is honest and talks openly about her own experiences which made me feel as though I was not alone in my thinking and that someone felt the same, this kept me engaged in the book from beginning to end and I read it in hours not days.
I have also referred back to certain chapters and feel that having read it cover to cover the use of easily identified chapters means the parts that are specific to you, you can refer back to. I love the fact that at then end you can download and print a certificate to, “remind yourself of your commitment to loving your body”. You can also join Krista’s ‘Fat Girl Tribe’, on Facebook and the book ends with a section of daily ‘BoPo’ Meditations which enables the reader to continue their journey, each day has an affirmation to be read and reflected on.
As Krista observes at the end of her book, changing ones mindset and learning to love your body is not an overnight thing. The, “meditations are meant to keep your focus on all things body positive”. I could go on raving about this book for hours but really you need to read it for yourselves to understand how inspirational Krista is and how her advice in this book can really help you.
Therefore I can not recommend this book highly enough, a definite must read for anyone wanting to achieve a more positive body image!
So if as the blurb says, “Have you ever struggled to love your body? then yes I definitely agree that, “YES “YOU NEED THIS BOOK. NOW”!

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Game of Fear – A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Fearless Series) by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Game of FearGame of Fear by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Game of Fear (Fearless Series) by Glede Browne Kabongo
4 Stars
“Sometimes good girls do very bad things”, and good girl Abbie Cooper may have done something very bad indeed. Abbie has always been an overachiever especially academically and her goal is to get into the Ivy League, Princeton. However at her current school, St. Matthew’s Academy the pressure is immense and is also full of wicked games and dirty secrets.
One day Abbie receives a package from ‘The Avenger’, the package contains photos exposing Abbie’s worst and hidden secret, this not only puts her chances of attaining her goal of Princeton in jeopardy but also puts the life’s of her family at risk too. The Avenger, says her secret will be kept but for a price, and Abbie must play the game to find out who the Avenger is, if he exists at all. All Abbie knows is that someone knows her secret and is out to ruin her.
I was hooked from page one until the last page, however I did find the book a bit slow to start with but once I got into the story I found it flowed well. I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller and found it was full of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end and it’s shocking conclusion. The novel is part of a series and I look forward to reading further books by Glede Browne Kabongo.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman
5 Stars
I really enjoyed this exciting and fast paced debut novel by James Talisman. Set in the ‘MultiVerse’ of multiple worlds scattered through both space and time this sci-fi/fantasy story was out of my comfort zone and not a genre I have read before. Honesty I had never heard of the term MultiVerse, but I am so pleased I gave this book a chance. The blurb states it is, “an exciting journey of adventure and discovery”, and it did not disappoint. The story begins with a mysterious voice which is heard in the mind of a selection of inhabitants across the multiple worlds within the MultiVerse of space and time, who’s voice is it and what does it want? The world building is so well done I felt as though I was on each world, and through Talisman’s descriptive writing the sights, sounds and smells all came alive.
There were a lot of different characters introduced from the various worlds, each with their own stories. I did struggle to remember them all in the beginning but the list of main characters at the beginning of the book definitely helped and I did refer back to this at times. The story was told from each characters point of view which I liked and the characters were likeable and relatable, from Hirisho, the sword master’s son from the Dameon Province world, Queen Neferities of the Isonian Empire, Matt Larson, a college student on EarthVerse world, the reptilian humanoid scientist, and a leader of an utopian world. Along with their mentors, who seemed to have ‘godlike’ powers, each character embarks on an adventure and joins the battle between good versus evil.
I highly recommend this well written debut novel which has an exciting storyline even to readers not familiar with this ‘MultiVerse’ genre. It is book one in Talisman’s, ‘Journeys Through’ series and I look forward to the next instalment.

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Dagda’s Daughter (Raven and Hummingbird Book 2) by Nikki Broadwell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Dagda's Daughter: Raven and Hummingbird Book 2Dagda’s Daughter: Raven and Hummingbird Book 2 by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dagda’s Daughter (Raven and Hummingbird Book 2) by Nikki Broadwell
5 Stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel by Nikki Broadwell, it was full of Celtic mythology and mystical beings, surrounding the tales of the Celtic all father god, Dagda.
Dagda although a god has decided to live on Earth as away of giving himself maximum power and as a way of controlling his daughter Katel. Katel is herself on the brink of developing her immense power as a half-goddess. Due to Dagda’s actions on Earth, he has broken all the rules regarding humans and gods, the light snatchers have appeared and will leach the colour from all worlds if not stopped.
I could not turn the pages quick enough when reading this story it was fast paced and had great characters, I found Katel particularly likeable and found myself caring about her fate. The storyline really swept me along, and I was immersed in Broadwell’s magical world of gods, goddesses and magic.
I found the use of Celtic and Norse mythology fascinating and used alongside the fantasy worlds created, like the Otherworld and with our human world mixed in it made this a captivating story.
I have not read the first book in this series but this novel works well on its own, however I so enjoyed this book and the magical settings that Broadwell conjured up that I will now read book one and am looking forward to reading the third one in the ‘Raven and Hummingbird’ series.
A five star read, and one I will definitely recommend.

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Kermode (Legends Series Book 2) By Maggie Adams – Review By Jennifer Gordon

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Kermode: Legends Series Book 2Kermode: Legends Series Book 2 by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kermode (Legends Series Book 2)
By Maggie Adams
4 Stars
A fantasy shifter romance with likeable main characters Piper and Noah, and a host of secondary characters that you get to know as well. Although this is book two in Adams, Legends series, it works well as a standalone read (although I enjoyed this book so much I have now read book one as well).
The story focuses around Piper, who has been having strange dreams, of fur, claws and magic and even finds herself waking up naked in a field one morning. Noah, who’s job is to get rid of the rouge shifters that have appeared in their small town of Grafton then enters Piper’s bakery and instantly falls in love, ‘imprinting’ on her. This is the start of a lovely romance and a great read. I liked how Piper and Noah’s relationship developed throughout the story. Noah soon realises the new power he has been feeling actually comes from his soulmate Piper, however she doesn’t know it herself.
This was a book full of romance, mystery, suspense and humour, it really had it all and it kept me turning the pages well into the night.

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