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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author hit it out of the park with this one..hmm wrong metaphor..she scored the game winning touchdown with this one! Kylian and Gia meet in an unorthodox way, but quickly figure out they can help one another and begin a “fake” relationship to meet one another’s needs….but things aren’t always so simple. Gia’s past and the danger it brings lurks beneath the pages throughout the read and Kylian’s mess of responsibilities add to the complexity.

I’m very familiar with this author and have read previous series from her, so I knew I had to pick this one up and I was not disappointed. The author, as always, put together a page-turning read with excellent characters. She has an effortless writing style that pulls you in as a reader from the first pages and makes you keep going until you’ve devoured the whole story. She has excellent character development, slowly developing and adding complexity to them throughout the story, but giving you everything you want and need as a reader. There is suspense, a bit of heat, and just an overall excellent start to a new series. I’ll be picking up every book as it releases!

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells – Review by Jess Engel

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love. Love. Love. The author put together a fast-paced engrossing story with wonderful characters. I couldn’t put this one down and devoured it in just a couple of sittings. The writing is seamless and the author really builds up the story on the foundation of amazingly written characters. The main character, Sabrina, is just great. Her character development and personality largely made the story for me—there are many qualities of her that are relatable for adult female readers. She has a couple of alternate personas she takes on in the story, first the seductive emcee Nightshade, as well as a dull secretary. When she finds herself in the midst of danger both personally and at work, she and her boss, Brent, are caught in the middle…. with feelings brewing and hidden identities, this story just delivers! Can’t wait for the next one!

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jess Engel

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A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a generally cute story about a pig scramble. The illustrations are beautiful. The story covers themes of determination, showing kindness, mild bullying, and forgiveness. The story jumps right in with the pig scramble which made me wonder if I had missed something, so I admit I read the book twice in a row to make sure I really got the whole story. I really appreciated it so much more the second time. This would be a great book for older elementary aged kiddos.

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Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Jess Engel

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Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet, easy-to-read children’s story. The author covers a number of fun and sweet things an older brother can do for and with a little brother. This would be a great story for a parent preparing a child for a new little sibling coming along. The illustrations were cute and matched up well with the story. It encourages kind and playful interactions between siblings and is just beautiful, light-hearted, and colorful book!

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago #2)Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author delivers again! This has all you come to expect from this author and this series: ALL the steam, some suspense, and great characters. I couldn’t put this one down and read it it nearly one sitting. This is an engaging story that follows Nicole and Callum. Callum a Titan and Nicole the daughter and sister of a Titan (ahem not to mention the student of Callum) find themselves in the middle of a forbidden romance—but with danger lurking around the corner can Nicole trust in Callum?

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Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jess Engel

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Where's Gramma?Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun story! This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book following Gramma and her grandsons. “Gramma” is an adventurous and fun lady who is always found doing some new fun activity and inviting her grandsons along. Anyone would love this Gramma and I hope one day I’m just like her! This is a sweet, easy to read children’s story and would be enjoyed by most children, especially if read to them by their Gramma!

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jess Engel

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Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls)Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent! I really enjoyed this dark, paranormal romance! The author writes a seamless story that is engaging and easily flows. The characters and story really come alive through the writing and keeps the reader turning the pages. This is told from alternating points of view following main characters of Greer and Theron—whose stories intertwine. They are an odd pairing of characters, but I was intoxicated with reading their story and really loved the development of each of them. I also quite enjoyed the setting, both the time period and the city of New Orleans within that time period. I was unaware of the story of the casket girls prior to reading this, but I really enjoyed the take on those stories. This was an out of this world read that I highly recommend!

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

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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: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a wonderfully unique and well written story! I had no idea what I was getting into with this one, but I’m so glad I picked this one up!

The author crafts a story full of action and suspense m, as well as a little romance that keeps you turning the pages—it really has everything. The content is so unique and the characters are likable and the story is told from multiple points of view, which I loved. On her way to visit her sister, Claire ends up in a strange small town, Allenville and isn’t heard from again—her sister Moira goes to find her and things aren’t as they seem. Will the secrets of the town be discovered? What happened to Claire?

This was my first by the author and I’m so pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this story. Run to pick this one up! I’m looking forward to the rest of the 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 Jess Engel

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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: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit in this series! The reader finds themself in the middle of another mystery in need of solving and Sparky is hot on the trail!

I have just loved this series and this third installment is no different! It is a fun and engaging read! Sparky is such a wonderful character and I love seeing her development throughout the books so far and loved her growth in this one. The setting and cast of supporting characters really bring depth to the story. Sparky’s interactions with the supporting characters and the various relationships she has with those characters provide for a range emotions and experiences with the book. She is, at her core, such a kind and caring young girl, but carries the reader through the book and story with her unique spunk. She always finds trouble and lives life the way she wants. I just love her as a character. I also really enjoy the setting and that this series takes place in, bringing in the grittiness of LA but set in during the depression. Can Sparky vindicate her crime boss and find the real murderer? Read this one to find out!

This cozy mystery series is among the best I’ve read and I greatly look forward to the next one!

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

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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

Loved this page-turner! This is the second book in the series and I may have liked it even better than the first. This series is amazing and I highly recommend it for all thriller lovers!

The author develops relatable characters and a plot that sucks you in. The author is particularly skilled in creating suspense and a story that will haunt you. I really enjoyed the alternating points of view, similar to the first book and the depth the author creates to the characters and the story. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through (and past) the end. I can’t wait for the next one

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jess Engel

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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: 4 of 5 stars

This is probably my favorite from this author so far! This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read with many unexpected surprises along the way. The storyline picks up right away and keeps you turning the pages to the end. We find ourselves following longtime group of friends and a child with intertwined relationships on boat for a day trip when two go overboard and only one comes back—but the story that unfolds quickly becomes way more complicated!

I really enjoyed the pace and development of the story. The author developed the characters well and I found them to be mostly relatable—I really enjoyed the depth of the character of Irena in particular. I’m looking forward to the next one!

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Jess Engel

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an overall engaging and easy read. Even with reading the synopsis and reviews, I wasn’t quite expecting what I got with this story. The writing style was surprisingly simple, making the story flow and easy to turn the pages. It was fast paced and unique. The setting was intriguing to me and helped setup the story. We find Ned, Rod, and Sally —our main three characters—in an east coast town during a time where people mostly think only of themselves and where food supply, especially fish, is depleted. In a town where fishing is a primary occupation, many are struggling due to the scarcity of resources. Then Rod and Ned make a discovery that will change their lives—little did they know just how it will change their lives as well as the world around them, placing them in the middle of a nightmare.

While the story was engaging and unique, I personally felt the overall story and characters were lacking some depth. Aside from that, the uniqueness really drew me in and I found the main characters to be likable. Ultimately, this was a fast read that I’d recommend!

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jess Engel

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Troy (The Crown of Stones)Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What an amazing story and writing. Though this is a prequel to an existing series, it is the first I’ve read in the series and first by the author and I was blown away. I picked this up on a whim as it isn’t the genre I typically go for, but I now plan to read the rest of the series.

The writing style is engaging and the author does a wonderful job with both setting and character development. The author provides details, but doesn’t distract from the story so it all flows very well. There is plenty of action mixed with the story and character development that it keeps the reader turning the page.

I very much enjoyed Troy, the titular character. Of course, the author focuses on providing backstory, telling us more about his people and where he came from, as well as follows his development through the journey of the book. I also really enjoyed meeting the other characters, especially those who are on mission with him.

The introduction of those characters as well as the context for the different lands and understanding of the war they are fighting really made for a well-rounded story. I highly recommend this one!

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Texas Winds by Dana Wayne – Review by Jess Engel

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Texas WindsTexas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this one! Lexie and Jake’s story is a page-turner! Jake rescues Lexie and the two are pulled together after each experiencing the ending to relationships. For Lexie, vacation didn’t quite turn out how she thought it would, but it could change her life forever.

I really enjoyed this story. It is heartwarming, but also has tension and keeps you turning the pages until the end. I loved both main characters and the author’s development of their individual stories as well as their relationship. The author has an effortless and engaging writing style. I’ll be picking more up by this author!

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Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Jess Engel

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Mermaid TailsMermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun, colorful book with a different take on mermaids. Each page talks about a different kind or mermaid and how unique they are and with different tail designs. It is a beautifully illustrated book celebrating the uniqueness of each mermaid tail as well. In addition to a fun story coming through the pages, the author also included facts about the ocean and other sea animals, so there is also a fun educational element! I believe this would be enjoyed by parents and kids alike!

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jess Engel

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Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing, well-written mystery, though long-winded at times. I generally enjoyed this read and felt the author tied the story together well. There was plenty of intrigue and ultimately loved the way everything came together in the end. The author really pulls the reader in with the engaging writing style and with action right away.

Retired detective and curren private investigator Trueman North is a likable character, with a past, that will make a great cornerstone for this series. He is on the case to discover the killer of timpanist—even though someone is already in jail.

While the story was engaging and the main character is likable for a series starter, I did feel there were parts of the book that were wordy and read slowly and I found myself urging the story along. This isn’t overwhelmingly negative and could also be a reflection of just wanting to know what was going to happen next, but nonetheless I did feel it could be a bit more succinct in places.

Overall I recommend this as the plot and culmination of the story was very well done.

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Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago, #1)Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good start to a new series. I really enjoyed the other Titans series by this author and was excited to start this one!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The author sets up a great plot with characters you want to root for. There is a lot of tragedy and some darker themes, but they are important pieces to the plot and really create depth to the character arcs. The author has an engaging writing style and I found myself engrossed in the book and turning the pages to the end, having to know what would unfold next. The attraction between Gabriel and Harper is palpable and there was steam coming through the pages.

While I really enjoyed this overall, I did feel there was a lot of repetition throughout the book. It is told from alternating points of view and frequently the reader would receive the same information several times as the characters rehashed events. There were moments I felt myself urging the story to just move forward because I had anticipation for what was going to happen next, but had to deal with the rehashing first.

Gabriel and Harper have a wild ride and there are wounds that run deep…can their relationship survive this wounds and the danger lurking around every corner?

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a page-turner! This I was the finale of Riley and Cole’s story and I couldn’t put it down. The previous two installments built to this finale and it was full of suspense and steam.

I really enjoyed that character building that took place throughout the story, as well as the romance building. The heat and attraction between Cole and Riley easily come through the pages and you as the reader want them to stop fighting it by trying to hate each other. While this is a romance, the mystery and suspense woven throughout keeps the reader engaged and the author has an effortless writing style. I really enjoyed the way the story comes together, but it was a bumpy ride and well worth the read!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues! I couldn’t start and finish this one fast enough. The author continues building the world around Cole and Riley, engulfing the reader in the story. The attraction between them is palpable, despite hating one another. They couldn’t be from more different worlds and they each have their own secrets, so what happens when they are forced to live in the same world?

The author crafts an intense, engaging read that keeps you turning the page. I quite enjoy the world building. There are times I read books set in high school that aren’t believable or read as if they are adults instead of teenagers and while these teenagers deal with adult themes, I feel like the author does a great job bringing in typical teenage issues that make the setting feel authentic.

I devoured this book and the author has me on the edge of my seat to start the next one!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a great, fast-paced read to start a new series! This prequel introduces us to main characters Riley and Cole, as well as a host of supporting characters like Riley’s mom and Cole’s brother and cousins. The author does an amazing job setting the story and starting to create depth and mystery into the characters and beginning their development through the story. The author sets up an intriguing plot following Riley and her mom, who never stay in any place for long, and also following the super elite Cole and family, riddled with problems of their own. What happens when these two collide?

The author has an engaging writing style. If you’re looking for your next series, get ready to be consumed by this one!

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

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The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a smashing sequel! The author delivers again with an adventurous mystery with our favorite child sleuth, Sparky!

The author does a wonderful job with setting and storytelling. The story is engaging, fast-paced, and incredibly unique. You’ll feel transported right into the action with Sparky working to solve the mystery and keep her friends safe.

These books continue to surprise me with their ingenuity and likable characters, especially Sparky. This has been an unexpectedly wonderful series so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jess Engel

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Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a lovely cozy mystery! If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable read, this one is for you. Though it is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the first and enjoyed it just the same).

The author creates a fun, yet suspenseful, story with likable characters. I particular enjoyed the humor throughout the book, making it feel that much more “cozy.” My only complaint is there isn’t much depth to the characters, though I suspect more and more is revealed throughout the series—and truly, in this genre I expect it to be a bit lighter in character development.

This read was just what the doctor ordered—an engaging read with enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages, while also light and humorous.

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Renewed (Fateful Justice Series) by Sara Vinduska – Review by Jess Engel

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Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an action-packed, suspenseful romance! I was impressed by this author and story—especially with how much was packed in to a shorter page count. The author really developed the two main characters fairly well. The author also gave depth to the story and it reads at a quick pace starting with action from the get go and through the developing, steamy romance between Ruby and Hayden and the suspense of lurking danger. This was a somewhat predictable, but entertaining story that kept my attention throughout. Though it is part of a series, it is easily read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a page-turning suspenseful romance, this is for you!

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

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The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I’m not even sure quite how to describe the experience of enjoying this story. The author puts together an intriguing and unique story told from the perspective of the 11yo Sparky. I honestly expected a more juvenile story with a writing style to match for this type of cozy mystery—instead what I got was a compelling story and witty dialogue. The author also did a wonderful job with character development and creating unique, but believable characters to help Cary the storyline. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the story and incorporation of the culture of the 1930s which helped transport me directly into the time and story—a proven talent of this author’s writing style. I honestly can’t say enough good things, just pick this one up and be prepared to be transported into the mystery and helping Sparky clear her name!

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

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

This is an engaging cozy mystery with likable and relatable characters! The author provides a lot of detail with their writing style and crafts a wonderful story and mystery that actually keeps you turning the page.

The story is fast-paced with a protagonist in Maeve and a cast of friendly, fun characters that keeps the reader engaged in the storyline. It had all the makings of a cozy mystery in some of the lighthearted, laugh-out-loud dialogue, but with mixed in intrigue and uncertainty in what will happen next. If you’re looking for a well written, entertaining, mysterious cozy, this is for you!

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Jess Engel

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Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an emotional, intense at times story following Devorah, a woman who has been broken in just about every way but ready to take back her life.

Though not everyone will be able to relate to her story directly, this is a powerful story with reminders that despite the many heartaches and traumas we encounter in life, we may have the opportunity to grow and find ourselves again. The author does a wonderful job developing Devorah’s character and connecting the reader to her story. The writing style is simple, but engaging and effective. If you’re looking for an emotional read with some redemption, look no further!

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jess Engel

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

I was so pleasantly surprised by this story! From the very beginning, the author draws you in with suspense and intrigue. You’ll also find yourself drawn to the main character, Vanessa, from the first pages. She is such a wonderful character with amazing strength displayed as she is figuring out her life through the book as she returns home following the death of her uncle to find her uncle’s wife running the show. Jacob is also there and not so keen on being responsible for Vanessa..or is he?

Though this is a historical romance, the story also has a great deal of suspense and a paranormal twist, all making it very difficult to put down. The setting and concept was so intriguing and just not what I expected, but I loved this story! It was very well written and engaging and I highly recommend it.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jess Engel

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What a sweet, cheery (pun very much intended), unexpected story! I loved this from beginning to end. The author does a wonderful job creating setting, as well as lovely characters making you feel like you’re plopped right in the middle of your favorite holiday romance movie…you know the ones I’m talking about. 😉

Holly Claus find herself looking to fill her cheer meter in Emerald Hollow and unexpectedly finds an attraction to Ash, the owner of the quaint inn she is staying in. You’ll fall in love with Holly and Ash, as well as the creative take on the Claus family and North Pole in this sweet story.

This was a page-turning, easy to read story that will get you in the holiday spirit! I highly recommend it!

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Jess Engel

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read!! This is a sequel, but can be read as a standalone. The author has an engaging writing style that draws the reader in and the storyline is captivating. We join Neve and her boyfriend, Con, on a trip to help Cons brother and his fiancé with a medical mystery, but it soon unravels into much more!

The author develops plot and characters well and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The author gives us everything in this story and keeps you guessing throughout. This is a well written, engrossing psychological thriller!

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Jess Engel

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

A quick, easy cozy mystery. The author puts together nice little story that is week developed, even in its short fashion. It is an easy read with very straight-forward writing and is engaging enough to finish in one sitting.

While I enjoyed this story, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the story and characters, but understand if the author was trying to write a simple cozy mystery. It was at least enjoyable and I’d pick up another by the author in the future.

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