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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a heartwarming romance with a festive feel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Schoolteacher Joy Stewart is looking for a Christmas miracle following the death of her grandmother who raised her dies, leaving her with debts to pay. When the man she owes money to says he will take her as payment Joy needs to find another option, and then discovers that her Grandmother already had a plan. Meanwhile, Marshal Jack Bolling is left bringing up his four year old twin niece and nephew following the tragic death of their parents. He’s struggling to find a nanny especially on his Marshal’s salary, but then his friend Pastor North suggests that he look for a wife instead. With it being so near to Christmastime he could also do with a Christmas miracle to find a suitable wife and quickly. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline as both the characters and setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative. I look forward to reading the next book in this new series. This romantic story also had a lovely festive feel about it which has put me in the Christmas spirit!

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and engaging contemporary romance which had me captivated throughout. This heartwarming romance features a mysterious letter, a secret history shared and a loveable rescued mutt. Both Wynter and Caleb have given up on love but that was before they had met each other. Wynter used to think of herself as a female Robin Hood, as a professional fundraiser working for nonprofits she enjoyed schmoozing with wealthy people, in order to talk them into donating their money to good causes. However, having fallen for a charming liar both her heart and her career were shattered, and she’s now sworn off all men. Meanwhile, Ex-Navy SEAL Caleb is fine with one night stands but he’s not looking for love. Following his last military tour, he feels that parts of him are dead, including his heart and he’s done with trying to be anyones hero. So he now makes big money selling high priced yachts and having easy flings with women. Then Wynter and Caleb meet and suddenly love is an option after all. Both Caleb and Wynter are likeable and relatable characters and I loved their developing relationship throughout the story. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone story.

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Reckless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 4) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book #4)Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable, engaging and heartwarming romance set in the small town of Langston Falls. I love being back with the Bennett family, and I really felt for Becky Bennett who has four very fiercely protective older brothers. I loved this slow burn, forbidden love story between YouTube sensation Becky who’s cooking show, The Farmer’s Daughter is a big hit, and lumberjack Glen. For Becky although she loves being an online success and the queen of Bennett Farms, she still daydreams about working in the garden of her own house wearing her big floppy hats and overalls. Glen and Becky’s family do not get on, not surprising after Glen nearly killed one of her brothers, and she never expected to develop feelings for him but now that he’s sober, he’s more humble and is easy to talk. When their secret pining is exposed and knowing her family will never approve Becky leaves town, followed by Glen. The two frenemies can’t fight their feelings any longer which results in a steamy and passionate night together, however, as their relationship develops a dark secret is revealed. As usual the descriptive narrative brought both the small town setting and the characters vividly to life, which made me feel fully immersed in the story. The chemistry between Becky and Glen sizzled off the page and I liked how their forbidden romance developed throughout the book. I was hooked from start to finish and the promised HEA!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic comedy with added Christmas magic! Lizzie already hates Christmas and then she loses both her job and her apartment two weeks before the holiday. So when her best friend Shona’s boyfriend cheats on her and leaves her with a non-refundable ticket to Australia, Lizzie decides to spend her redundancy payout and buy the ticket. Lizzie heads off to Australia with plans of forgetting Christmas, however she soon discovers that even in beachside Sydney the festive spirit is alive. Lizzie keeps bumping into Jaz, a surfer guy who she finds attractive and is even tempted to except his invite to Christmas lunch. However, Jaz is a single father with a lot of baggage and she’s only looking for a holiday romance, isn’t she?! No spoilers, I recommend picking up the book and reading this heartwarming and fun holiday romance, which will put you in the Christmas spirit.

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7) by D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7)Fractured Hearts-Prospect by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gripping read in this series about the Grimm Wolves MC, and once again I loved being back in their world. For Dingo laughter is the best medicine, and he’s very good at hiding his pain behind his fun and crazy personality. As a prospect for the Grimm Wolves MC he works hard to prove himself to his MC brothers. Celee needs help and somewhere safe to go when her father’s enemies go after her, and a chance encounter in a chat room might be the answer she needed. Dingo along with his brothers are determined to keep Celee safe once she’s under their protection, even if it means going up against some really dangerous criminals. The more Dingo tries to protect Celee and the closer they become, she realises that she’s not the only one with a difficult past and that he’s hurting too. As usual the descriptive narrative brings the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters. The chemistry between Dingo and Celee sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story, and I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read.

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The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Podcast ChroniclesThe Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a heartwarming and inspiring read which had me captivated throughout. Set in Durango, Colorado, fifty year old Sue Cleary worries that she’s lost her mojo having left behind her career as a high powered forensic accountant to raise her four boys. Now her sons have left home and with a touch of ‘empty nest syndrome’, Sue is bored. When she discovers that her beautiful town and its idyllic community is about to be destroyed by the plans of a New York developer, she is determined to defend her picturesque hometown. In order to stop it from becoming a tasteless tourist trap Sue goes about recruiting an environmental attorney and even gets her tech-savvy son to help with podcasting. However, it turns into the fight of her life as she confronts corrupt politicians and a conniving businessman, whilst contending with online trolls and unexpected betrayals. As Sue regains her passion and her mojo she becomes her hometowns champion as she stands up for a good cause, and realises the strength of her friendships. This was a wonderfully written novel with a great main character who is both likeable and relatable, the smart and feisty Sue with her inspirational personality, and I love that she’s a ‘later in life’ heroine as this is rare in novels. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life and I felt fully immersed in the storyline. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, and one which I definitely recommend.

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The Mating Haze (Long Claw Pride) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Mating HazeThe Mating Haze by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance which had me hooked throughout. For mountain lion shifters fate exists and comes in the form of the mating call, which brings two people together who are perfect soul mates. Laramie and Trigger feel the mating call as soon as they meet, however Laramie has always had a sense of responsibility and has put her dreams aside to help her family and Trigger has been raised among humans. Trigger is determined to help the shifter community that Laramie is part of at Long Claw. There is a reason why mates should claim each other straight away, and that’s to avoid the mating haze, a fog that consumes the couple until they are carrying each other’s mark. The mating haze hits Laramie and Trigger, clouding Laramie from the truth behind her new mates arrival in the pack. As secrets are revealed and truths told the couple’s new relationship is tested and for Laramie it’s too reminiscent of what happened to her Mum. The descriptive narrative brings the setting of Long Claw vividly to life along with the members of the Pride, which made me feel immersed in the story. I loved Laramie and Trigger and their chemistry really came across in the narrative. I look forward to other books in this series.

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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure (Mark Sutherland Adventures) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining historical adventure set in 1897, just on the cusp of the 20th Century. We are introduced to a intrepid reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Mark Sutherland, who lives an adventurous life travelling and reporting on the odd and inexplicable and anything new and novel. Mark wants to go to Yukon and witness the gold rush, having read all about the 1849 California gold rush. However, he’s not the only one with gold rush fever, and as he travels to Yukon he meets new friends along the way, all of whom have their own reasons for undertaking the journey. As he makes his way north, Mark encounters many adventures and there is even some romance. This was a real page turner which kept me hooked throughout. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The added historical details also transported me back in time, and I felt that I was travelling alongside Mark and experiences the gold rush firsthand. I look forward to going on another adventure with Mark Sutherland soon!

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Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3)Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging festive contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the series I was looking forward to returning to Marietta, Montana and ‘catching up’ with the millers, however it can also be read as a standalone story. Single Mum Riley O’Sullivan lives in Portland with her young son Dylan, she isn’t one to complain and definitely does not believe in miracles, even at Christmas. Having traveled to Marietta to spend Christmas with her family, the last thing she needs is maddening Mitch Miller coming to her rescue and surprisingly awakening her senses. Mitch moved to the small town with his two sisters having left a successful financial career behind him, but he’s definitely not looking for love, until Riley. Riley seems to captivate him like no woman ever has, of course she thinks he’s overprotective and a grinch.
Meanwhile Riley is also having to deal with Dylan asking questions about Dads and what they do. Mitch thinks that both mother and son could do with a little Christmas magic, not thinking that he could be about to loose his heart to them both. Neither Riley or Mitch know that Dylan made a Christmas wish, which if it comes true will bring them all together, as a Christmas miracle! As usual the descriptive narrative brings the characters and the wonderful Marietta vividly to life, including the small town feel. The chemistry between Riley and Mitch really came across in the narrative, and I loved the relationship development between both them and Dylan. This was a perfect book to read to get into the Christmas spirit!

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fast paced and entertaining crime thriller with detective Cade Dawkins as the main character, and once again I was gripped. Dawkins thought one killer was bad enough but now thanks to famously stopping a serial killer he has multiple killers targeting him. Having discovered a dark website for serial killers, Dawkins learns that the website is used by serial killers to share their exploits, brag and offer challenges to each other. Unfortunately his fame at stopping a serial killer in the Twin Cities has resulted in a new challenge being issued, “Come to Minnesota and outsmart the detective who stopped the Blonde Killer. Come and kill”. Time is against Dawkins as he tries to stop the killers, but he also has the media turning on him, the terrified public and the governor threatening to fire him to contend with, oh and the serial killers trying to kill him! All of which makes for a real page turner of a novel. I like how the story is told from multiple POV’s, even though being in the mind of a serial killer is unsettling, but it made me feel more engaged with the overall story. The storyline is full of drama and suspense and the plot twists kept me hooked until the last page. It can be read as a standalone story, however having read it after ‘Killer Blonde’ the story does continue and I understood Dawkins backstory. An enjoyable and exciting read.

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining crime thriller which has a gripping storyline and an interesting main character in celebrated investigator Cade Dawkins. When Dawkins is given a difficult case to solve, he soon discovers that a serial killer is on the loose and that he has a type. Virtually identical blonde women are being murdered in Minnesota, causing the public to panic and resulting in political pressure to catch the killer. Dawkins learns that the serial killer has his own plan, one that is part of a larger more dangerous agenda. It soon becomes a cat and mouse game between the killer and the investigator but Dawkins realises that he might be the mouse. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and the characters to life making me feel immersed in the story. The dual POV narrative from both the killer and Dawkins worked well and made me feel engaged with both of them. The suspense that was building chapter by chapter did disappear slightly for me when about half way through we learn the identity of the killer. However, the cat and mouse game continued and the main mystery was still to be solved. Overall this was a fast paced and exciting read.

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderfully written novel with an emotional, empowering and inspirational storyline which had me hooked from start to finish. Former teen actress and model Devorah Fields had a chaotic upbringing with her father being a former Hollywood heavyweight turned con artist who is now in prison, and her English born actress mother, who has returned to England. Devorah is now in hiding from her estranged and abusive husband at her family’s old house in the Malibu hills. However, with every creak of her childhood home she fears that her husband has found her. Devorah has been left feeling scared, lost and lonely with only her precious cat Fergie for company, as she tries to come to terms with her past. She is determined to revive the talented young woman that she was, but first she has to come to the realisation that she had abandoned herself. This took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this as the narrative really made me feel totally immersed in the story. The setting and the characters came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I felt particularly engaged with Devorah and felt what she was feeling. The story does deal with some sensitive issues involving domestic abuse, but does so with sensitivity and honesty. Overall the message that comes from the story is one of inspiration and woman’s empowerment.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Having not realised it was part of a series I happily read it as a standalone story, however as I enjoyed this story I will be reading the previous books in the series. Max Rosen is a diamond dealer in New York and when he’s offered a ‘cursed’ diamond he buys it as he does not believe in curses. That is until the wife of the famous jeweller who sold him the ‘cursed’ gem ends up dead. Max’s daughter Mimi, a journalist and amateur sleuth decides to investigate along with her policeman boyfriend. The couple are soon drawn into the jewellers powerful family’s rather dark history, which includes bitter family feuds and long buried scandals. Mimi ends up at the family’s opulent mansion where she is rather surprised to find evidence that not only is the curse real but that it might kill her next. This was a fast paced story with an intriguing storyline and quirky characters which kept me happily turning the pages. It was a fun and at times humorous read, and the mystery element kept me guessing as the plot was full of twists and turns. An entertaining read.

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No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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No AmendsNo Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a gripping read which kept me hooked until the very last page. This was a real page turner of a psychological thriller, with a dark F/F romance and plenty of mystery and suspense. The mystery element comes from not knowing who the stranger is who was in the fatal car accident at Hangman’s Bend. Meanwhile, writer Tang Young is suffering with writer’s block and also feels guilty for something she can’t tell anyone, even her girlfriend Layla. Tang and Layla’s relationship is going through a difficult spell, when Tang begins a forbidden romance with Dee. However, Dee is not being very honest with Tang and isn’t exactly who she says she is. Once the stranger is identified other truths are revealed, no spoilers, I recommend reading this book!

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What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women's Fiction (Bold Journeys Book 2)What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an engaging and emotional read which had me captivated throughout, and yet again the storyline focuses on a delicate subject, but does so with sensitivity and honesty. The story continues with Kyle and Rebecca’s romance journey from book one, but this time it focuses more on Kyle’s past traumas. Kyle had been keeping his past in fashion hidden from Rebecca, but when her blog for women becomes a global sensation in one particular magazine, Kyle comes face to face with his painful past. Kyle has tried to forget Jane, who was and is the most powerful woman in fashion publishing, for the past eleven years, but the world famous magazine editor now has Rebecca’s career in her hands. With Janes outrageous demands putting both Kyle and Rebecca’s reputations and careers at stake, as well as their relationship, the couple decide to go public with the truth about what happened between Jane and Kyle, but they are unsure if anyone will believe them. Having read and enjoyed book one I was looking forward to being back with Kyle and Rebecca, who are both likeable and relatable, and I was not disappointed. I liked how their relationship changed and developed throughout the story, and their chemistry was definitely still there and came across in the narrative. The plot kept me hooked and this was a real emotional rollercoaster of a read, but one which I definitely recommend.

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House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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House of Blood and WhispersHouse of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author but it definitely will not be the last, as I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting fantasy romance and it had me hooked throughout. The independent and feisty Cahki was kidnapped in order to warm Emperor Min’s bed. However, this turns out to be the worse decision he made, after all inside her lives the strength and ferocity of a fjord dragon! Prince Sung-Jin is the sole heir to the throne of the Southern Kingdom, but his father believes in ruling by fear and that applies to his son as well who carries the scars. The Prince plans to free his people from his father’s cruelty and when he meets the white haired Cahki he believes she can help him, and in turn he can free her. Cahki agrees to marrying Sung-Jin even though he’s a stranger and her enemy if it means no longer being a slave. The couple set out to rescue the kingdom and it’s people who live in fear from a cruel Emperor with no morals and unsavoury appetites. Even though the court hates it’s ruler, the odds are against Prince Sung-Jin and Cahki, but they are both willing to try, and either win or die! The setting and characters were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters. This was a real page turner and it had me captivated from start to finish, I definitely recommend reading it.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved being back in Buckeye Falls, the small town in Ohio and catching up with all the familiar characters from the previous books as well as being introduced to new ones. As usual the descriptive narrative brings Buckeye Falls vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline and I felt engaged with the likeable and relatable characters. Alice Snyder comes from the town’s First Family and as the Mayors sister has a reputation of not playing by the rules, and now that she’s back home after a decade away she just wants to relax. However, her well meaning but nosey neighbours think she needs to settle down and so are determined to find her a husband. When Alice meets artist James Gibson, who has runaway from New York for some peace and inspiration she gets an idea, if she ‘fake dates’ James that will stop all the matchmaking. Meanwhile James who was excited to start painting again is having artists block and has a collection of blank canvases, but then he meets Alice and she could be his muse. James is keen to spend more time with Alice and so agrees to the ‘fake dating’ plan especially as she seems to inspire him. However, after a few weeks of pretending to date, when they were going to move on, all the time they have spent together, their laughter and the stolen kisses, have made their relationship feel real. As the couple find it hard to be honest with each other about how they feel they will either find their HEA or breakup for real, no spoilers, I recommend picking up the book!

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a friends to lovers theme which held me captivated throughout. Brian Fox has a reputation for being a bachelor who guards his heart, however no one knows the heavy secret he has or why he has vowed to keep women at a distance. Then Amanda enters his life and her beauty and charm instantly get his attention. He thinks she could be the one, until he discovers that Amanda is his best friends sister, and so is off limits. Amanda returned to Boston with dreams of pursuing her business aspirations, and she’s as determined as she is romantic and so also dreams of an enduring love like her parents have.
When she first meets Brian they share an undeniable instant connection, but she then learns that he’s her brothers best friend and so they decide to remain just friends. However, as each year passes the couple struggle to fight their attraction and chemistry and the limits of their friendship gets tested. This took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this, and I felt completely immersed in the story. I loved the characters and I really felt for Amanda and Brian, who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. I look forward to reading the previous books in the series having thoroughly enjoyed this one.

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You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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You and Me Equals LoveYou and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Kate and Jenny have been best friends since they were sixteen, and for ten years they have been through thick and thin together, but then a boy came between them. The storyline follows Kate’s journey which includes many trials and tribulations, whilst her past experiences have left her with a fear of relationships and trust issues. Kate then falls in love, although she’s done everything she can to avoid doing so, but has to decide if she will trust her boyfriend or her best friend. I found the characters likeable and relatable and I liked how the story was told through the multiple characters POV, which made me feel more engaged with them. I liked how Kate’s relationship with Ben developed throughout the story and how their chemistry came across in the narrative. I did find the storyline was a bit predictable, however I felt immersed in the characters world and thought it was a fun, heartwarming and romantic read.

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Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ross: Central Florida StoriesRoss: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a standalone romantic suspense story in the Central Florida Stories, Club Nexus universe and the first book in the series I had read. Although I am now keen on reading the previous books as the characters and setting do crossover. Ross Michaels knew that Hadley Keller, with her innocent sweetness had his heart even if he knew she was never going to be his. He hadn’t seen her since she took off on the back of his younger brother’s motorcycle four years ago, and Ross now works at the members only Club Nexus. When he receives a letter from Hadley begging him to rescue her daughter from the outlaw MC they are both trapped in, he realises that she still has his heart. Ross is determined to not only rescue her daughter but also Hadley, especially once he sees her bruises and the helplessness in her eyes. The Daddy Dom in him also recognises that Hadley is a Middle and that she needs his help, however her experiences have left her traumatised. Ross also needs to keep her safe from the MC who want her back, and will do anything to silence her as she knows the MC’s secrets. This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking romance took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. I really felt for Hadley, and I liked how her relationship with Ross developed throughout the story and that their chemistry really came across in the narrative. The story contained DDLG dynamics which not everyone may enjoy, but it did add an extra element to the storyline and was part of Hadley and Ross’s relationship. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a paranormal twist which kept me captivated throughout. As usual the authors descriptive narrative brought both the setting and the era vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story, and transported back in time especially with all the added historical details. The storyline focuses on Vanessa who on leaving ‘The Academy for Young Ladies’ is returning to her home, Hill House. However, she was not expecting her guardian to be residing in her home, or for her aunt by marriage to have taken charge of the household and moved her relatives in.
Vanessa expected her guardian, Jacob, Earl of Danville to continue looking after her interests from afar, so is surprised to see him at Hill House. There is something about her handsome guardian which awakens Vanessa’s senses, and she doesn’t think that the attraction is just one sided. Meanwhile, more disturbing than her Aunt and her relatives living in the house, is the ghost which also appears to be living there and who fills her with dread and unease. I loved the main character, Vanessa and enjoyed how her relationship with her guardian developed throughout the story. The plot had plenty of drama, a hint of mystery, plenty of twists and turns, and of course romance, and even a paranormal element, all of which kept me hooked from start to finish.

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging cozy mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Set in the New England seaside town of Langford, nurse-midwife Maeve O’Reilly Kensington works at Creighton Memorial Hospital. Maeve loves her job and enjoys helping women bringing new life into the world, but sadly her wish to have a child of her own with husband Will is yet to happen. Whilst supporting Will with his new catering business, Maeve attends the very extravagant wedding reception of the daughter of the Chief Obstetrician at Creighton Memorial. To everyone’s shock the doctor drops dead, and when Will’s catering is blamed Maeve starts her own investigation to find the killer and clear her husbands name. Along with her wealthy and acerbic sister Meg and her quick witted Irish mother, Maeve is determined to solve the murder, but as she try’s to stay one step ahead the killer is ready to strike again and this time Maeve and her loved ones are all at risk. This wonderfully written cozy mystery has well developed characters, a setting which comes to life through the descriptive narrative and a storyline which kept me happily turning the pages. Maeve is a great amateur sleuth as well as a nurse-midwife and I look forward to future books in this new series.

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series: #4)Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gripping read in this series set in McIntire County, and once again the setting was brought to life through the descriptive narrative. It was nice being back in Eider for another standalone story, which had me hooked throughout. Eider’s sheriff Shane Hamilton is dealing with the fallout over his recent re-election, a rash of arsons and two homicides, alongside his own personal grief, so he definitely does not need a determined FBI agent looking for vengeance in his County. FBI agent Liza Bartholomew is tracking an elusive scam artist which results in her returning to Eider, but is surprised when the town’s sheriff is decidedly unhelpful. However, Liza is looking for justice for the scam artists victims and her career is also on the line so is determined to stay. Shane and Liza are then forced to work together when they realise their cases are linked, but as their professional relationship turns into a more personal one, the body count is mounting. The couple find that it’s not just their lives at risk by their continuing investigation but also their love ones, but they continue to try and stop the cold hearted killer before he stops them. I loved the main characters and how their relationship developed throughout the story. The storyline and plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the investigation and I found this a real page turner!

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging novel in this contemporary rockstar romance series. Having read and loved the previous books in the series I was looking forward to being back with the members of Balefire, and I was not disappointed. This is band member Dakota’s story and his second chance at love with Annabelle, who he had a one night stand with two years ago. Whilst touring with Balefire Dakota has had many one night stands and Annabelle should have been just another one, however she wasn’t and even after two years he’s still thinking about her. He’s shocked to see her again at the rehearsal for his drummer’s wedding. Annabelle had convinced herself that her night with Dakota Perri from Balefire was just a fantasy, and that she was just one of many to him. However, when they meet at Jack and Clio’s wedding, Dakota looks at her like he definitely remembers her and their night together.
Annabelle then scores a management internship with the band, with an opportunity guaranteed to lead to a scholarship with a top graduate programme, the only problem is it means seeing Dakota every day. They definitely still have chemistry and it gets harder for her to resist him, especially as it’s obvious he has no intention of resisting her, but Annabelle doesn’t want a reputation for sleeping her way to success. The chemistry between Annabelle and Dakota sizzled off the page and lead to some steamy scenes. I loved both these characters and how their relationship developed throughout the story. The storyline had plenty of drama, angst and romance to keep me hooked, whilst both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in Balefire’s world!

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gripping read in this series of books, and once again I was hooked from page one. Jolie Murdoch is a newly pinned deputy in McIntire County and her first big case is to locate a missing girl. The case gets even more complicated when the girl’s father is found murdered, seemingly by the local bartender Xavier Hartmann who was also found at the crime scene. Jolie has to work out why Xavier, with no apparent motive would suddenly bludgeon a man to death. However, the former marine who has a traumatic brain injury has no memory of what happened or why he was there. Xavier was in Eider to confront his past and is shocked to be the number one suspect in a murder, meanwhile Jolie is working hard to investigate whilst fighting against mounting pressure to get to the truth. Jolie realises that Xavier might be innocent and he finds himself drawn to her, but someone seems determined to stop both Jolie’s investigation and her developing relationship with Xavier. Once again the setting of McIntire County was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the story. The storyline and plot twists along with the great characters all kept me happily turning the pages, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the books in this series I was looking forward to this Christmas novella, and to being back with super sleuth Emma, and I was not disappointed. It’s Christmas, and everyone is in a festive mood despite being busy not only getting ready for Christmas but also planning a Christmas Eve wedding. However, Emma is suspicious when an invitation arrives invitingly them all to a party as she doesn’t understand why it’s in Chicago and not New York City. She doesn’t know if she’s just overreacting, but her gut feelings usually turn out to be right! This is a fairly short read, but I enjoyed being back solving mysteries with Emma and Jeremy. As usual the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot had me hooked throughout, and I thought this was a great addition to the series and it put me in a festive mood!

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming contemporary romance story which kept me happily turning the pages. Morgan owns a national protective company which trains and places bodyguards, however it’s his toxic ex that he needs to protect his daughter from. Whilst he’s dealing with the custody battle, he needs a live in nanny and so hires the sister of a friend. Blake is more used to teaching the ancient classics than being a nanny, but having lost her job and with her savings running out, she can’t really say no. Morgan wishes the arrangement wasn’t just temporary as his daughter adores Blake, and so does he! However, Blake is unable to have children of her own and so does not want to be a nanny forever, but both Morgan and his daughter have got into her heart. I loved the characters, Blake and Morgan are both likeable and realistic and their chemistry sizzled off the page! The storyline had me hooked throughout and I was fully immersed in the story.

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging romantic suspense story in this exciting series which I’ve enjoyed reading. This was a real page turner of a story, as Detective Doyle Murphy has to protect Public Defender Hannah Patel from an obsessed and terrifying stalker. Hannah’s brother was tragically murdered and for the following year she withdrew to the comfort of her family and career. However, as time passed she realised that the man who is obsessed with her is now a real threat. Meanwhile, Doyle was doubting his future in law enforcement following a fatal error, but being put in charge of protecting Hannah could be his redemption. However, they didn’t expect to find each other attractive and then their forced closeness results in their genuine feelings to develop. Their relationship seems to annoy the stalker though, making him even more dangerous and putting both their lives at risk. I was hooked from start to finish and the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and setting to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story, and I felt invested in the likeable and relatable Hannah and Doyle’s relationship.

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ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Alterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal WillAlterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This really was a trilogy of thought provoking sci-fi thrillers, which kept me gripped throughout. I loved having all three books in one collection as I could then ‘binge read’ the series! The intriguing storyline follows Gigi, Ellen and Lilly who all want to change their lives in some way and so take the drastic decision to go to Dr Kite. He has developed a mind controlling chip which the three women agree to have implanted, however although this gives them an easy and quick fix it comes with consequences. Gigi, Ellen, and Lilly were prepared to risk everything for love, health, and happiness, and Dr Kite’s novel chip implant offers them a mind controlling solution. However, Dr Kite is a secretive figure and when the city is plunged into chaos by unforeseen issues his warehouse is destroyed. It is then discovered that two of the implanted chips are defective and suddenly his plans go horribly wrong. In the aftermath of the disaster one of the woman seeks revenge for Dr Kite’s failings, but she may also have found an opportunity to save herself. I was hooked from start to finish by this original story, and was kept happily turning the pages to find out if Gigi, Ellen, and Lilly get their happily ever after. The characters and the setting were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative and I was fully immersed in the story.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As usual with a historical fiction novel in this series I was hooked from start to finish. Once again I was transported back in time through the wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative which sets the scene, and the added historical elements which bring the era vividly to life. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me happily turning the pages, as we are introduced to the eldest daughter of the Hittite Emperor, Ehli-nikkalu. She is married to a vassal of her fathers but as she’s unable to produce an heir she is not respected at court. Then at a time when the loyalty to the Emperor is questioned, Ehli-nikkalu’s secretary is murdered whilst delivering a message to him which would indict their loyalty. Ehli-nikkalu then adopts her secretary’s children as she feels guilty at their fathers death.

When her young cousin becomes a pretender to the throne and begins to mobilise roving armies her loyalties become questioned further. She then discovers a terrible secret that could ruin the present regime if the pretender knew about it, and so along with a kindly scribe, her young ward, and a former soldier Ehli-nikkalu goes on a journey to prove herself to her father and save the kingdom. She may even learn about love along the way in this well written and obviously well researched story. Each of the characters have their own backstories and add to the overall story, my only concern is that there are a lot of them to remember. I found the brief authors notes at the end of each chapter a little off putting as it took me out of the story, I would have preferred a longer section at the end. Overall this was a gripping story full of historical details and intriguing characters and I definitely recommend reading it.

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