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Blurring the Lines & Extras (The Blind Rebels Series) by Amy Kaybach – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Blurring the Lines & Extras (The Blind Rebels)Blurring the Lines & Extras by Amy Kaybach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging novella which acts as both a prequel to the series and provides extra scenes. It is written for adult readers due to the mature content. Blind Rebels are the most popular rock band in the world, with platinum albums and sell out concerts. To the onlooker the members of the band have it all, however, behind the scenes they are falling apart. Mavrick Slater is the lead singer and he is worried that guitarist Callum is on a path of self-destruction. Callum knows his best friend is concerned for him but he’s tired. He’s tired of the constant touring and of being the one who cares and so he uses drugs to give him an escape. Meanwhile, living a dismal life in Chicago is Becka. She wants a new start preferably in the arms of a rock star, and to have songs written about her. Having read this prequel and been introduced to the main characters, and felt immersed in the bands world, I am keen to start reading the Blind Rebels series.

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Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Unexpected HeroesUnexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging M/M Romance which introduces us to Elijah and Jude, who meet when Elijah and his baby son, Griffin move in next door to Jude. Jude helps out with the crying baby one night and a friendship develops between the men, and despite both of them having troubled pasts they can’t deny their chemistry or their instant connection. When Griffin is in danger both men are determined to save him. This fairly short story has plenty of drama and suspense which kept me hooked throughout. The chemistry sizzled off the page between the likeable Jude and Elijah and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

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Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Series Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) (Alienville Series)Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable sci-fi romance which had me hooked throughout. When Dr. Moira McCann’s twin sister Claire doesn’t turn up for a visit, she gets concerned. Claire’s last text came from Allenville, a small town in the North Carolina mountains, so Moira travels there to find her. Arriving in the remote county of Allenville, Moira seeks help from its Police Chief, Seth Call. He knows that being early summer its mating season in the mountains for certain vicious species, meaning that anyone who wanders off the known paths becomes prey. However, despite Seth’s instant attraction to Moira, he must keep the secrets of his town, his people and their history. Although Seth keeps the truth about Claire’s true fate from her sister, Moira starts to think there is more to the little town than the sexy, but secretive Police Chief is saying. Moira is determined to discover her sister’s fate, even if the truth is unearthly. I found the characters to be likeable and relatable and the chemistry between Moira and Seth came across. The setting came alive through the descriptive narrative making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists, element of suspense and of course the romance all kept me gripped until the last page.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This enjoyable and entertaining romance can be read as a standalone story but is set in the Central Florida Stories/Club Nexus universe. It’s definitely for mature readers as it has explicit and erotic BDSM scenes as part of the story. Storm and her best friends, cousins Marcus and Barrington Laurier share one steamy night together lost in mutual desire. However, the wealthy Laurier family make it very clear that Storm does not belong in their world. Storm leaves to join the secretive DEA without saying goodbye. Five years later and Storm is left traumatised and scarred mentally and physically, after a mission to bring down a Colombian drug lord went horrifyingly wrong. Meanwhile, Doms Marcus and Barrington have cut family ties and built a life at Club Nexus. When they discover Storm is home they are determined to finally claim her and tell her they love her. This romantic suspense story had me hooked throughout, and both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative.

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance set within the ‘Club Shattered Embrace’ world. The storyline revolves around a steamy love triangle involving Justine, Jordan and Derek. Derek Ingram is an ex Navy SEAL, who having joined Ingram Enterprises is now a billionaire corporate mogul. Whilst playing at the BDSM club he finds himself attracted to two very different but independent women. Justine is using the club to help her with her doctoral in authenticity, as Club Shattered Embrace is perfect for people-watching. She never expected to get involved with the emotionally distant playboy Derek. He teaches a class on power dynamics but the lines between academic and personal get blurred.

Meanwhile event planner Jordan loves going to the club to experience adventure, passion and pleasure, with multiple partners. One of those is Derek but she starts to want more than a casual relationship with him. Derek thought he had left danger behind him, but then the head of a powerful family, Lucian targets his brother Zachary and his sub. Derek needs to take Lucian down whilst keeping those he loves safe, including Justine and Jordan. As usual the BDSM Club Shattered Embrace is brought to life through the descriptive narrative. The characters are likeable and relatable. The romance between those in the love triangle came across in the story. Whilst their chemistry sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. This is an entertaining series.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third novel in this series and we’re back with Sparky, the plucky eleven year old amateur super-sleuth. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and this historical cozy mystery, set during the 1930’s in Los Angeles, had me hooked once again. Sparky is determined to prove that his boss Bookie who is a crook is not a murderer. She wants to convince the police that he’s been framed for the murder at the ratty tourist trap, Monkey Island. Sparky also has to cope with going back to school and being forced to volunteer for the police. She will be working for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie, but it’s the police station’s bunny who gives Sparky an important clue.  Meanwhile, back at Sparky’s home, the Creepy House and her guardian Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert are preparing for an audition, which could revive Tootsie’s career as a silent movie star. The quirky characters and fascinating settings came vividly to life due to the description narrative. Whilst the historical details transported me back to the Prohibition era. Once again, Sparky is a likeable and relatable character, who I felt engaged with throughout the intriguing story. I love the humour along with the mystery element of the storyline and I was gripped throughout.

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By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake, #1)By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and heartwarming contemporary romance which captivated me from the start. Adeline is a widow who was not looking for love when Owen came into her life. She hires her neighbour Owen as a contractor to help her renovate her house. Thinking him grumpy to begin with, she soon discovers that although he’s a man of few words, he’s the only one to make her grieving heart beat again. Owen knows of Adeline’s loss and thinks of her as a force of nature. He was only being neighbourly when he agreed to the renovations, but as the weeks fly by he finds himself falling for her. This is a sweet second chance at love story and the chemistry between Adeline and Owen really came across in the narrative. Set within a small town the main characters are likeable and relatable making it easy to feel invested in their love story.

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The Fallen Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This heartwarming holiday romance is the final book in this wonderful series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books about the O’Connell family and this one was just as enjoyable and engaging. Set in the 1990’s we get to spend Christmas with the O’Connell’s! Having lost his faith in the Catholic Church and having left the priesthood, Edward O’Connell unexpectedly returns to Port Townsend for a family Thanksgiving dinner. Edward meets Lisette Manegold at Café Lisette, which she owns. As the couple get to know each other Edward’s family tell him the rumours that Lisette is a former call girl and a man-eater. However, Edward who is happy with his own fresh start is willing to overlook any dark secrets. Meanwhile Lisette can’t forgive herself and move on from the ghosts of her past. What Edward doesn’t know is that Lisette has buried her shocking past identity, which would horrify the wealthy and respectable O’Connells. I was kept happily turning the pages by this captivating romance. The characters and the setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the story. The added festive feeling to the story would make this a great book to read both now and at Christmas time!

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. With four older overprotective brothers Lynn Brooks is fed up with ‘alpha males’. Professional baseball star Joey Martel is definitely an ‘alpha male’, and so when he makes a play for her she turns him down, not wanting to be his latest conquest. Lynn is surprised when Joey turns up for treatment on a possible career changing injury. With trouble brewing again for the Brooks family Lynn has to contend with her star patient and an unwanted bodyguard. Lynn soon wonders if a fling with Joey isn’t such a bad idea, after all he’s not her type, and he’s not looking for a relationship? However, Joey is determined to win the game! Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was pleased that past characters ‘pop up’ in it. Although it can be reads as a standalone story, as the background story continues throughout the series I would personally recommend reading the books in order. The intriguing storyline with a mystery element and a twist in the tale, along with likeable and relatable characters and an immersive setting had me hooked from start to finish.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging story in this series of standalone novels. Kincaid Ranch’s lead cowboy, Ted Stirling settled in Herd, Montana following a devastating loss over ten years ago. He’s not looking for love but if he was then he would choose kindergarten teacher, Stephanie Patricks, but she is much younger than him. Stephanie has a crush on Ted and gets nervous around him, but when he needs help with his five year old niece, she is happy to help. When an emergency occurs it makes Ted realise how fragile life is and that he needs to decide if he’s willing to give love a second chance, with Stephanie. This is a sweet, heartwarming, clean romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Stephanie and Ted are likeable and relatable characters and I loved how their slow burn romance developed throughout the story.

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging story in this series and once again I was hooked throughout. Sylvan Jones is a romance novelist and a ‘good’ girl whilst information-specialist TB is definitely a ‘bad’ boy. When the two meet their chemistry sizzles off the page, leading to some steamy scenes. TB and the team are hired by a wealthy Silicon Valley tech mogul when his daughter goes missing. She’s the fifth girl to have been taken from a local club, and the team must investigate to find her. It becomes personal for TB when Sylvan becomes the abductor’s next victim. Both of them are keeping secrets and must decide what to do when these are discovered. I found TB and Sylvan to be likeable and relatable characters and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. This fast paced story had plenty of drama, suspense and of course romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. I felt invested in TB and Sylvan’s relationship and was hoping they would get their HEA.

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Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Vague Directions: Into the WoodsVague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable urban fantasy romance with a mix of the medieval and the modern. The intriguing storyline had me hooked throughout, and I read this novella in a couple of sittings, keen to find out the ending. Heather goes to a medieval reenactment weekend with her friend Steph and meets Sir Roland. He turns out to be a Special Forces Ranger called Rylan and their instant chemistry came across in the narrative. The story gets a bit darker when Heather is nearly kidnapped by ‘rat men’ and along with talking owls, the fantasy elements merge with the world of medieval reenactment. I found Heather and Steph to be likeable and relatable characters and I liked their friendship. The sweet romance between Heather and Rylan developed throughout the story. I found that the book ended just as the story was getting going and there were too many loose ends left, maybe there will be a sequel? Overall an entertaining and engaging fantasy romance novella.

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Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Whiskey Throttle (Moto X #6)Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I had been introduced to Parker Bartin before and I was looking forward to ‘his’ story. To the outside world Parker has a perfect life, fame, fortune and a family. However, his life is far from perfect, his party boy days might be behind him, but the traumas from his past still haunt him. Parker is about to loose it all and must decide between the whiskey bottle or ask for help. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which had me captivated throughout. As usual the author does a great job of making both the setting and characters come to life through the descriptive narrative. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and engaging romantic comedy which kept me happily turning the pages. Kenna finds out that her husband’s been cheating on her. Then her boss gives her promotion to Kenna’s work nemesis, resulting in her threatening him and then being escorted from the building. She then learns that her Aunt in Florida has passed away, and with her life in such a mess she decides to fly to Sunshine Key to deal with her Aunt’s estate. Kenna learns that she will inherit her Aunt’s oceanfront house and half of the boat club, but only if she lives on the tiny key for a year. She meets her new neighbour the handsome but scowling Dec, who owns the other half of the boat club business. Kenna and Dec develop a love/hate relationship which becomes more love than hate as they share boat rides, sultry nights and gator encounters. However, Dec has secrets and despite her best efforts Kenna can’t get him to open up to her about his past. As secrets get revealed and old family wounds are exposed, Kenna must decide whether to stay or go when her year in Florida is up. This is an enjoyable second chance at love story with plenty of emotion, romance and laugh out loud moments. I was hooked from page one until the guaranteed HEA.

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with a feline twist, which kept me happily turning the pages. ‘Fairytale Forest’ is an amusement park where Catherine (Cat) is a night-shift custodian. Along with a clowder of feral cats the custodial staff keep the park neat and tidy. When one of the less liked and mean-spirited custodial managers is found dead, Cat finds she is the prime suspect. Cat decides to investigate so she can find the real killer and clear her name. She is helped by her co-worker Gloria and the cat colony led by Zoe. The cats who catch the vermin in the park lead Cat to the dead body, where she discovers her first clue. It is up to Cat, Gloria, Zoe and the other ‘Fairytale Forest’ felines to solve the murder. This is an entertaining cozy mystery with an intriguing storyline and a mix of quirky characters and cats! I enjoyed solving the case alongside Cat and her furry felines, and I felt immersed in the story due to the descriptive narrative. I’m looking forward to book two in this fun new series.

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an epic historical romance which held me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative along with the added historical details made me feel both immersed in the story and transported back in time to WW2. Main characters Mariella and Jack are so likeable and relatable that I felt invested in their journey. Mariella is living in Rome and has had to grow up quickly due to the war, having been denied an education she has had to care for her siblings. Mariella is also haunted by a horrific childhood trauma, and then the Germans occupy Rome. Along with the other Italians she then lives in daily fear whilst starvation and brutality have become normal. Mariella is dreaming of a new life when she meets an American GI Jack and despite the language barrier they have an instant connection, but they only have one day together before he ships off to Japan. Although they promise to keep in touch they are both aware that anything can happen during a war, but they will both try and get back together once the war ends, if they both survive. This really is as the blurb says, “a gripping, romantic, and emotional novel” and the mix of the storyline, the characters and the historical elements all had me gripped from page one. Life for the Italians in Nazi occupied Rome and the horrors they suffered really came across in the narrative. However, despite it being a difficult read, emotionally, at times the overall feeling of hope and the pursuit of true love makes this a heartwarming and inspirational read.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully detailed historical romance which kept me captivated throughout. Having met American Jack and Italian Mariella in the previous book I was keen to continue their journey, however you can happily read this as a standalone story. The storyline picks up nine years after Jack and Mariella’s fateful meeting in Rome, and now Mariella is ready to leave her beloved city to start a new life with her husband in America, but it means leaving her family behind. Having arrived in America Mariella has to cope with a disapproving mother-in-law and gossiping housewives, whilst Jack is working nights at the restaurant so she is not even spending time with him. Moving into their own house in Wanamassa Gardens is a new start for Mariella and she starts to settle into life in America and as their family grows the couple are hopeful for a better future. However, Mariella is soon called home to Italy having received a heartbreaking call, and once back she has to confront the decisions which led her to cross the Atlantic. Mariella struggles with having to say goodbye to her family for a second time but if she stays and does not return to America she will loose the life she always wanted with her husband and children. This really was a tale of “hope, sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit of women who shape their destinies”. I was hooked throughout by this enjoyable, emotional and engaging story. Mariella and Jack are such likeable and relatable characters and I felt invested in their journey. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life whilst the added historical details transported me back in time. I felt fully immersed in the story and found it hard to put this book down!

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Tess Browning has the nickname ‘Little Vixen’ and she has earned it! Playing by the rules just resulted in her having been trapped in a loveless marriage. Commitment and faithfulness are not important to Tess, preferring to keep things ‘fun, flirty and sultry’. Meanwhile Ryan Prescott has been left emotionally damaged and with a broken heart by a past relationship. When Tess and Ryan meet they share an instant connection and Ryan manages to charm his way into her heart. But Ryan is wary after his last relationship and when the details come to light, Tess knows he won’t like her past indiscretions. Therefore, she will do anything to keep him in the dark, but Ryan hates dishonesty and if he finds out her secret it may ruin both their chances at true love. I liked how the story was told from multiple POV’s, but I wasn’t keen on the third person narrative. However, over all I enjoyed the heartwarming and emotional storyline and I found the characters likeable and relatable. Ryan and Tess’s chemistry came across in the narrative and I was hoping they would get their HEA, No Spoilers, I recommend reading this romance to find out the outcome!!

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series I was looking forward to reading this one, and I was not disappointed. Rachel Prescott is unlucky in love having always dated the wrong men. Miguel Rodriguez is the new owner of restaurant, Pier Ninety-Two and he’s also had difficulties finding love in the past. Then they meet each other at the restaurant, but Rachel is wary of dating again and Miguel is still suffering with a broken heart. However, over a drink or two they get chatting and find that they have an instant connection. Leading them both to start thinking that it may be time to move on after all. Although some of the characters from the previous book ‘pop up’ in this one it can be read as a standalone story. I found both Rachel and Miguel likeable and relatable characters and I was hoping they would both get their HEA. I liked how the story is told from multiple POV’s, as it made me feel more engaged with the characters thoughts. This is a sweet and at times steamy romance which kept me happily turning the pages.

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Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble RomancePercy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance which kept me happily tuning the pages. Set in a small prairie town, Percy Sutton is the proprietor of the towns hardware store. Percy is looking for a partner to share his life and his business with. He’s looking for love, but things get complicated when his family’s meddling results in two mail-order brides turning up to marry Percy. Clara arrives with a trunk full of books hoping to educate the town. Her and Percy share the same dreams and are planning on building a home and community together. However, when Amelia also arrives believing Percy is her match, Percy’s future with Clara is not so certain. When there is a tragedy at the community’s coal mine the three must put their personal dramas aside for the greater good of the town. Eventually Percy must choose between a life with Clara or Amelia. This was a heartwarming romance and both the characters and setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I found the added historical details transported me back in time, and the small ‘Western’ town feeling definitely came across. I was hooked by the storyline and I found that Percy, Clara and Amelia are all likeable and relatable characters. I was hoping for a HEA, no spoilers, pick up the book!!!

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Purrfectly Framed (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with a feline twist. Having read and enjoyed book one it was lovely being back with mobile cat groomer Molly and her feline friends Percival and Jasper. Molly’s friend Evan is taking photographs of her new feline clients for her. However, Molly has to turn amateur detective again when the body of Evan’s old art teacher is found in Evan’s darkroom. Luckily they spot some suspicious activity in the background of one of his photos. Molly receives an anonymous phone call threatening them and their pets, so she decides to find the murderer without the police. Once again I was hooked by the intriguing storyline and kept guessing by the plot twists. I still love Molly and her furry friends and love solving the mystery alongside them. I hope there will be a book 3 soon!

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Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery with cute cat companions-a purrfect read!
Molly Stewart loves her job as a mobile cat groomer and being able to pamper purring felines. Until one of her pet parents is found stabbed with a garden implement in his own backyard. When her own Uncle, Russ becomes the main suspect and with the sheriff not looking for anyone else, Molly decides to turn amateur detective. Luckily she has help not only from the very handsome vet Hank but also Molly’s cats, Percival and Jasper. Together they must hunt for clues as to the real murderer and prove Uncle Russ’s innocence, before Molly becomes a victim herself. I loved the mix of different characters, as a cat lover I particularly loved Percival and Jasper. I liked how they all added to the overall storyline, even the cats. The intriguing mystery kept me hooked throughout and I am already looking forward to book two in the series.

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Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding Love (The Oath Series)Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me captivated throughout. Loch Mackenzie, lead singer of ‘The Oath’, a successful rock band, is in need of some R&R following the death of his sister. He reluctantly goes to spend a month at a small B&B, but then meets Hailey Prescott. Hailey is definitely not looking for love, she’s happy as she is running her business and having her two best friends near by. The first time Loch sees Hailey she is sprawled on her kitchen floor and once he picks her up and ensures she’s ok he is instantly intrigued by her. Hailey is confused by her attraction to the rockstar especially as he starts knocking down all her barriers. As the couple give into their connection and learn to love they also start to heal from loss. This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking romance which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. I loved the main characters and Loch and Hailey’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill Book 2) by David Kummer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill, #2)The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second gripping psychological thriller in this chilling series, which has kept me hooked throughout. The story continues from book one, it’s been a few weeks since Kaia Woods best friend Allison went missing. New Haven is still recovering from their tragic summer and are in mourning for their dead. Everyone has given up looking for Allison except for Kaia, and her search has led to some answers. As more townsfolk go missing and unsolved cases pile up for the Sherif a new discovery in the forest offers hope. However, it also threatens the discovery of all New Haven’s darkest secrets. Kaia must face her fears and the mysteries of the ‘Misery House’ once again if she is to save her friend. Whilst the Woods family’s lives and the town may never be the same again. The suspense once again built chapter by chapter. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, especially the atmospheric woods and haunted house. I am looking forward to book three now. I literally could not put this book down!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill, #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping psychological thriller which did keep me on the edge of my seat! Set in the small rural town of New Haven and told from different characters points of view, this unsettling story was one which I could not put down. The Woods family have lived in the town forever and are as shocked as everyone else when a string of tragedies occur. First the local store burns down with two bodies inside and then a newlywed couple go missing, and there does not appear to be any leads, leaving the townsfolk worried. When the close knit Woods family’s own children and their friends are put in danger they are willing to risk everything to find out what is going on. Throughout the story the abandoned, creepy and known to be haunted house sits on the hill, this seems to be where the secrets of the town might be discovered. However, it may be too late for the Woods family and the town. The likeable and relatable Woods family had me captivated from page one, whilst the claustrophobic feel of the setting along with the chilling haunted house were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I felt completely immersed in this novel, the suspense and terror really built chapter by chapter, and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. This was a real page turner and as it ends with a cliffhanger, I am now impatiently waiting for book two in this trilogy!

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping American Revolutionary War novel which had me hooked throughout. It is set in South Carolina, during 1778 as the war rages on. We are introduced to the strongly determined and independent Lily Thompson, who is not going to let the fact that she’s a girl, stop her from joining the fight against the British. Lily takes on the guise of a man and joins a raid against the British army only to be captured and held for ransom. Following her release Lily takes advantage of the British captain’s growing infatuation, seeing it as a weakness. She joins a local spy ring in order to help the militia’s overthrow him, but this means Lily having to play a dangerous game of intrigue. The author does a great job of setting both time and place, and the descriptive narrative and added historical details transport the reader back in time. I felt immersed in the story and engaged with the characters, especially Lily as I felt invested in her journey.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking YA novel which kept me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed description narrative transported me back to the summer of 1976, making me feel immersed in the story. Twelve year old Scoob is a musical prodigy who dreams of becoming a jazz legend. Having lost her parents her older brother RC looks after her, but they have ended up on the streets and don’t even have money for food. Just as Scoob gets a paying gig and a chance of getting the attention of a famous band leader on tv, RC drags her off on a mysterious road trip. The siblings find themselves stuck in the small town of Rexburg, Idaho.
Within the idyllic farming community the residents are divided over the safety of a newly built dam. Meanwhile the well-meaning locals want to help Scoob and RC, but she just wants to return home and to her audition. Scoob is heartbroken when she learns that RC has not been honest with her. She decides to return home on her own, but then the dam springs a leak. Soon a wall of water is heading for the town destroying everything in its path. As Scoob fights for her life she has to decide what really matters to her. This story literally took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I found it was a real page turner.

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging fantasy romance which kept me happily turning the pages. This is a fairly quick read as it’s a novella and is set in a world where magical and non-magical people live in harmony. Jordan is a seer who owns a coffee shop where she serves coffee with a special twist, however she’s been in a rut since her boyfriend Nathan dumped her. She now has to watch him with his new fiancé in her coffee shop everyday and it’s suppressing her seer emotions. Then Cane who is grouchy with an awkward smile and curled horns makes her body come alive again. Cane offers her a deal, for her to perform a Wiccan vision quest for Nathan and his fiancé and in return she will have a steamy night wrapped in his muscled arms. I liked the chemistry between Jordan and Cane and also how their relationship developed throughout the story. I felt the magical setting was brought to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story.

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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another gripping MC romance by an author who I love and who never disappoints! I was excited to be back in the ‘Wretched Soulz MC’s’ world once again and this time the storyline focuses on the Clubs Prez Chaz. As the Prez he is responsible for keeping money in the Clubs coffers, keeping his brothers out of jail and his enemies at bay. The MC have a reputation and so can’t show any weakness by ensuring men who cross them don’t live long. So Chaz is surprised to learn that someone is stealing from them, and even more shocked to discover the thief is a woman. Chaz is then torn about how to treat Helo, if she had been a man then he would have killed her for this crime but should he treat her like a man or not. To complicate things further Chaz is attracted to Helo and is actually impressed by how she stands up to him, challenges him and beats him fighting hand to hand. He soon learns that she’s not invincible and that she has her own demons, but with so many of his own battles Chaz doesn’t know if he wants to take on hers as well. As usual the characters and setting are brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative making me feel fully immersed in the world of the ‘Wretched Soulz MC’. The chemistry between Chaz and Helo sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The storyline is full of excitement, drama, suspense and of course romance which made this a real page turner. I will now wait impatiently for the next book in the series!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this small town psychological thriller which had me hooked from page one. Single Mum to a teenage daughter Irena Fishbone is owed ten years of child support by her ex-husband, Jack. Having built up a thriving business which she now runs along with repairing boat engines and her daughter she leads a hectic life. Both Irena, her new boyfriend and Jack are invited to a celebration onboard a ship with a group of their high school friends. Being his usual stubborn self Jack refuses to wear his life jacket infuriating Irena. When they are both swept overboard by a rogue wave and swept away only Irene returns to the boat. Whilst the Coast Guard scours the sea Irena organises her own search party. With Jack still missing Irena becomes suspicious when she discovers damning financial records, furtive friends and obscure messages along with a web of lies. This was a gripping page turner of a read with an intriguing storyline and lots of plot twists. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and I felt fully immersed in the story as the characters and the setting were brought to life through the descriptive narrative.

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