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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Jess Engel

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! This second chance romance was an amazing page-turner; I read it in only a couple of sittings! The author brings the cast characters to life, allowing the reader to envision the story unfolding right in front of them. While it is a second-chance romance, leading the reader to surmise what will happen, there were so many twists and unfoldings from the past that there is still mystery within the story. The authors writing style is engaging and she really knows how to tell a story! Brynn and Levi’s story will leave you breathless; can they overcome their past to find love again? Pick this one up! I cannot wait to read the next in the series!

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan #2)Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t think it could get better than the first book, but this one did it! This was such an unexpected story and varied from your typical romance, starting with a couple already together and in love, rather than a developing love story. The author tackled very difficult life situations and cultivated a story of marriage that felt real (outside of the elite social status of the couple). Elsa and Anton have a storybook romance that is threatened by real life loss and struggles that could occur in any marriage. This is an emotional ride of a story.

As in the first book, I felt the author did a wonderful job developing the characters throughout the book and built upon the story in way that made it difficult to put down. I really am enjoying this series and this author and can’t wait to see what she brings us in the next one!

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hooked! What a great book and story! The author has an effortless writing style that is engaging and reels you into the story. I really enjoyed Paisley and Caspian’s unique story and the unfolding of their personal stories as the book progressed. From the same roots and with a history that time has changed, Paisley and Caspian literally collide. Each facing their own very different challenges, Caspian helps Paisley realize they can can help each other. Though they entered into a marriage of convenience their steamy attraction can’t be denied…could it ever be anything more? This page-turner left me wanting more from the author and had me picking up the next installment quickly!

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jess Engel

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Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A reliably good series! This installment in the series was just as good as the previous two. The author does a wonderful job building upon both the characters and the overall story, keeping the reader engaged. I love the relatability of the characters and the ties to the previous books, while also being able to standalone. The world building is excellent as well. Though there is definitely timely conflict, this book, as well as the previous books, just give you an overall feel-good, romantic read. In this story, we follow CC—the more eccentric and unlikely to find love friend of the trio and Brant—an eligible bachelor in town with little ties and a temporary job. Much to her chagrin, CC’s friends are determined to make the match, but their past experiences and wounds may hinder the connection. I highly recommend reading on (and picking up the rest of the series if you haven’t already) to see what will become of their romance.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Jess Engel

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a well-written page-turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s cast of characters. The author did an incredible job building on the story and each of the characters throughout the story, helping the reader unravel the mystery. I really enjoyed the main character, Grace, from whose point of view this was written. The depth to which we come to understand her, while she is trying to defend her teenaged client Zoe, puts the reader in her shoes, so to speak, and yearn for justice with her. The details provided place the reader in the midst of it all and keeps you turning the page all the way to the end. I can’t wait for another in this series!

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Jess Engel

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Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An engaging, well-written romantic suspense/crime novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of sittings. It was hard to put down; the story was fast-paced with fully developed characters drawing the reader in deeper. The world building was also excellent, making the reader feel like they are in the middle of the story, with vivid details. The author tackles many difficult themes in the story, including suicide and loss of child to murder, which makes the book feel a bit darker and could make it challenging to read, but I found her writing flawless and her ability to capture emotion of characters excellent, doing proper justice to difficult subject matter. Overall, this was an excellently written book and I look forward to more from this author.

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book1) by Anise Eden – Review by Jess Engel

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting! Neve, who just returned to work after a traumatic near-death experience, finds herself at the center of a chaotic and apocalyptic threat…but could it really be? This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read before and was quite intriguing. This was a romantic suspense meets psychological thriller type read full of twist and turns. It kept me interested throughout and the characters were well-developed and likable. Though it was largely suspenseful, I loved the bits of humor thrown into the story. This book really has it all and is an original work that is worth the read. My mind is still twisted with this story and intricacies crafted by this author.

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Jess Engel

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet children’s read! This book could provide a great read for parents and children struggling with the question of whether or not Santa Claus is real. This book tries to capture the spirit of Christmas and translates a positive message. It was an easy, fast read. I’d recommend for older kids and families who may be trying to help capture the spirit of Christmas and address questions about Santa Claus.

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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Jess Engel

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A Sweet ChristmasA Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful, easy read! I read this sweet novella easily in one sitting. The author creates a beautiful whirlwind romance with lovely characters. The attraction between Ben and Thea is palpable from their first meeting and the beginning of their journey is something you’d expect in a movie! As with many novellas, I wished for a little more deep character development, but you still get a really good feel for the characters and their lives. This is a sweet, no pun intended, romance with the slightest hint of drama, but mostly a sweet, easy read. It was well-written and easy to follow and I’d be interested in other stories by this author!

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Unlikely to Fit (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jess Engel

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Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2)Unlikely to Fit by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A romantic comedy smash hit! I LOVED this book. The author develops relatable, funny characters with depth. You really get to know all of the characters, but deeply understand the hurts and joys of the main characters, which keeps the reader engaged with the story. I love the world created by the author and the relationships and friendships on display in her books, especially in this series. I laughed out loud many times— Meemaw’s character is something else!

In this story we dive deeper into the lives of Breckin and Griff, who have each had their heartbreaks and given up on love; however, they have caught one another’s eye. Will they take another chance on love? Could it ever work?

This is the second book in the series, so if you read the first, you already know many of the other characters in the book, which makes it even more engaging—though it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book and Breckin and Griff’s story even more than the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the third!

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection #3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jess Engel

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection, #3)Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deeply emotional and captivating. Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection Book 3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett hits hard. We pick back up in the lives of Scott and Zelda’s love story, when tragedy strikes again; this time in a deeply personal way.

This book was every bit as good as the previous two and once again I found myself crying, but this one felt even more emotional than the others. Scott and Zelda go through everyone worst nightmare, but their love for one another and the strength of their friendships are on full display in this installment of their story. Barrett does an amazing job creating a connection between the reader and the story and characters; she constantly takes my breath away and this has been a phenomenal series!

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jess Engel

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Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford MysteryShadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit! Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine is an excellent second installment! We pickup following small town court reporter Lauren, who is closely tied to another murder in town. When someone is arrested and tried, she just isn’t so sure they have the right man. Can she help unravel the mystery?

I really enjoyed this story and again found Racine’s writing style to flow so well, keeping me engaged and turning the page. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up (and any others she writes)!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jess Engel

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns. Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo didn’t let me down. Honestly, it took several chapters to really get going, but once the stage was set in the first 10% of the book, things really picked up and I couldn’t put it down!

Shelby has hidden her past from everyone, but it may be catching up with her—then she is accused of murder! Fearing for herself and her loved ones she sits in jail wondering if her name will ever be cleared.

Browne Kabongo creates an addicting story, as usual. I love the intricate details that bring the story together and keeps surprising the reader. Not my first by this author and certainly won’t be my last!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jess Engel

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Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fast-paced crime mystery! Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman is an engaging, thrilling read. You’re drawn in right from the beginning with non-stop action.

Cady, an attorney vying for partner, from a tumultuous background, finds herself in a predicament when she shoots and kills a known drug dealer one night. Was it self-defense or something more?

I enjoyed the unraveling of this story and the night in question throughout the book. It kept my attention and kept me turning the page.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jess Engel

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Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one packs a punch! Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine is a page-turning whodunnit. Drawn in from page one, you won’t be able to put it down until you solve the mystery.

When Lauren, a local court reporter, finds her boss dead and finds herself as suspect number one, she wracks her brain for alternatives to offer the police to stay out of jail! But who really did kill the judge, with a growing suspect list but nothing seems to stick?

Racine has an effortless flow to her writing that draws you in as a reader. She weaves a story with excellent detail that keeps you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read more from her!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jess Engel

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Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just lovely. Something Lost by Bernadette Marie is a beautiful, second chance romance! This isn’t my first by Bernadette Marie and as always, she delivers a well-written story with great flow. I just love her writing style and character development. This was a page-turner for me for sure.

A group of friends and teammates return home to mourn the loss of their high school coach. Rachel, the coach’s daughter is there and we begin to learn that she and one of the friends, Craig, have history. Is there too much history? Or can they rekindle love from the past?

I just loved this book. It was full of nostalgia, friendship, and romance. I felt the characters were relatable, helping me invest more in the story. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

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Gone Country (Gone in Love) by Katrina Marie – Review by Jess Engel

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Gone Country (Cousins Gone #1)Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Easy-going, lighthearted read! Gone Country by Katrina Marie is a sweet, east read romance!

Stella is a city girl who picks up and loves to the country for a job and meets country boy Johnny! Though they are from two different worlds, the collision of their worlds into this romance was sweet and fun —and funny! I found myself laughing out loud during parts and enjoyed getting to know the characters.

Katrina Marie has a comfortable, easy-to-read writing style and this book entertained me and was a pretty fast read! I’ll look out for more by this author.

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BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Jess Engel

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Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Boy Released is the gripping sequel to Boy on Hold, by JD Spero. We pick back up with the Trout family years after their ordeal. We learn more about each of them and how they, especially Tyler, are coping with life now and Tyler’s diagnosis. Then, tragedy strikes again, but this time it’s Marcella, Tyler and Hen’s mom who is attacked. Again, Tyler is suspect number one! What really happened? Will there be justice?

The depth of the character and world development makes this one truly special. The light shed on mental illness and how it affects individuals, as well as those around them make this book different than others in the genre. Another great, page-turning read!

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Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Jess Engel

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Boy on HoldBoy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boy On Hold by JD Spero is a suspenseful, engaging story that reels you in from the beginning.

Spero writes the story from multiple points of view and carefully crafts this mystery. The characters are well-developed throughout the book and you can’t help but endear yourself to most of them. The reader immediately finds themself engulfed in a mystery witnessed by small little Hen (who sees monsters come the crime against a beloved neighbor and friend) and it all unravels from there. Could it be his brother, his brother’s best friend, or someone else entirely? Spero’s storytelling is excellent. The development of the mystery with special attention to the characters and shedding light on mental illness make this must-read. It will have you turning the page to the very end.

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Death of a Coupon Queen (Sophie Parker Mystery Series) by Jenna Harte – Review by Jess Engel

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Death of a Coupon QueenDeath of a Coupon Queen by Jenna Harte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophie Parker returns and there’s another mystery in town when her couponing friend and club member is found dead! Found in the middle of mystery again, Sophie is determined to figure out who could have killed her friend. Could it have been her nemesis?

This cozy mystery, Death of a Coupon Queen, by Jenna Harte is another hit in my book! This is a light-hearted, fun mystery read. Harte does an amazing job developing characters and storyline. This story kept me entertained, made me laugh, and had me turning the pages until the mystery was solved! I love this one as much as the first and can’t wait for the next Sophie Parker mystery!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jess Engel

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The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Insanely good! The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik unfolds like you’re watching a movie. This fast-paced, page-turning read is full of action, suspense, and deep characters. I felt fully engulfed in every scene as it unfolded and the seemingly effortless writing by Van Schaik creates vivid scenes and connection to the characters. I picked up this book and finished it the same day—I couldn’t put it down!

Allison, a true-crime writer, is solicited by a convicted murderer to write her story. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, but Allison is in for much more than she bargained for with this assignment. Lillian tells her story in a way that keeps Allison (and the reader) wanting more in an effort to understand her crimes. I won’t say more because I don’t want to give anything away, but this was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Highly recommend!

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Remember His Name (Remember My Name Series Book 2) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Jess Engel

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Remember His Name (Remember My Name, #2)Remember His Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hoffman does it again! Remember His Name picks up with a new story following the painful life of empath Wren.

Wren endures ridicule and abuse for most of his life-never feeling wanted, much less understood. Still, his compassion and kindness are ever present, even with darkness all around him. After experiencing much loss, will he find happiness or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Although Hoffman’s books can be difficult to read with the many dark elements, there are always just enough little elements of light and happiness to keep you going. The suspense woven into the story keeps you turning the pages on this one too. I felt it all in this one, anger, sorrow, hope, and angst—I cried a few times. As with the first book, we’ll developed, likable characters and gripping storyline. I’m yearning for a third book (I hope there is one the works) to see how this saga may resolve!

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Jess Engel

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Remember My NameRemember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dark drama with mystery, love, and complicated relationships! Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman follows Shane, a young man with a tortured soul and sorted past. Shane has secrets, many secrets and won’t let anyone in…except maybe Cal. He loves Cal, but is it safe for him to love anyone?

Hoffman develops the character of Shane, as well as those of his family, friends, and lover throughout the story, keeping you turning the page. As the story unravels, more and more secrets and darkness comes through. This was a fast-paced read and ends in a way that will have you reaching for the second book immediately! If you enjoy a book with a bit of mystery and darkness that intertwines in the lives of the characters, this one is for you!

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House in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jess Engel

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House in the WoodsHouse in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Attention-grabbing pager-turner! This is a great standalone read by Aiken-Hall. As with others I’ve read of hers, she entices the reader with a well-developed storyline and likable characters that keep you turning the page until the very end. I love a good mystery and this story oozes mystery and intrigue. Though I had a good idea where the story was going, I couldn’t wait to see how it would all unfold.

Molly finds herself in the middle of a mystery, just like all of Datelines she enjoys watching. We follow along with Molly, her family, and new friends as they unravel a decades long mystery that just may change all of their lives for good!

I highly recommend House in the Woods to anyone who likes a good, thrilling mystery!

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jess Engel

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Page-turner! Moonlit Kiss: A Venice Romance by Amy McKinley is another installment in her Moonlit Destination Series and was my favorite yet! I wasn’t quite expecting this to be a romantic suspense, but I’m so glad it was—I was enthralled with the story all the way through!

Gianna is on assignment for a mural project in Venice and from the moment she steps foot there, finds herself feeling a strange familiarity she can’t explain. The feeling only gets stronger when she meets Sergio! Can she find love amidst these strange feelings? Why does everything feel so familiar? Read on to find out!

McKinley has a way of transporting you right into the scene with characters and, as always, develops the characters in a way you feel you really get to know them. The unraveling of this story made this an excellent and highly recommended read!

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