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Dare Game (The Irish Garda Files Book 1) by Melinda Colt – Review by Jonell Collins

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Dare GameDare Game by Melinda Colt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dare Game (The Irish Garda Files Book 1) by Melinda Colt, was a great little romance wrapped up in a mystery. I really loved that it is set in Ireland. I had to have a little help with a few of the words. I like that little bit of Gaelic thrown in. I like how the author brings out the emotional stress in teenagers when they have lifechanging events occur in their lives, most that they have no control over. I’m looking forward to more of the Irish Garda books.

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Fall of the Western Kings (The Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1) by J Drew Brumbaugh – Review by Jonell Collins

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Fall of the Western Kings (Tirumfall Trilogy #1)Fall of the Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Fall of the Western Kings (The Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1) by J Drew Brumbaugh, was non-stop action. From the first chapter to the last the battle scenes are excellent. This is a wonderful world with wonderful characters, and they are many. Our hero Gant begins a journey that he is unaware of his part in it. Not only is Gant an intriguing character but everyone he meets along this epic journey is just as detailed and interesting as he is. I guess we can find ourselves and our present world in every story we read, and I certainly saw enough of our present world in this story. My favorite line in the whole book…. “Too often he’d seen friends turn on one another over matters of honor. What honor came from killing friends?” Something to think about.

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THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How I love Madeline and Mike in THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton. These mysteries are the gift that gives more than you expect. I love the good solid personalities that these two have, their constant introspection, how they examine their motives, I just love the whole process they go through to justify their actions. I especially liked this mystery because of the deeper truths about the homeless and addiction. Things we know about but we don’t really think too deeply about. But we should. I love that the author weaves this into her stories. I have never been disappointed in any of Cynthia Hamilton’s stories and this was no exception. I think you will enjoy this one just as much as I did.

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Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jonell Collins

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Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler is such a lighthearted little mystery tale. I love these books featuring Karina Cardinal. She truly is a woman that trouble seeks. It is witty, sarcastic and sounds so much like plain ordinary people, except for the Silverthorne folk of course. This was a quick and easy read for me because I just enjoyed it so much. And when I thought it was over there were still surprises at the end. You can’t go wrong with this one.

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Tompkin’s School: For The Dearly Departed (A Supernatural Academy Trilogy Book 2) by Tabi Slick – Review by Jonell Collins

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Tompkin's School For The Dearly Departed (Supernatural Trilogy #2)Tompkin’s School For The Dearly Departed by Tabi Slick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tompkin’s School: For The Dearly Departed (A Supernatural Academy Trilogy Book 2) by Tabi Slick is a good second book for this series. The Torvik twins are back at the Tompkins School for another year. A school specifically created to kill them and others like them, as near as they can tell. Quite a bit going on in this story, it’s fast paced and there are quite a few details and lots of interesting players. There is the big mystery and it will keep you guessing. Can’t wait for the next one.

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Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High Collections Book 2) by Mina Chara – Review by Jonell Collins

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Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High, #4)Heartbreak Rebellion by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High Collections Book 2) by Mina Chara was kind of a slow start for me, but once I got to the halfway point it was really fast paced. Friday is just a young girl and doesn’t really know how she is supposed to feel about things. She has just reached the threshold of adulthood and she is trying to figure it all out. I did catch myself once or twice wanting to just grab hold of her and shake her real good. It’s a good little story with a little unique twist on the whole superhero/villain narrative. I think you might like it, I did.

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The Saint of Liars (The Lucky Devil series Book 2) by Megan Mackie – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Saint of Liars (Lucky Devil #2)The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! The Saint of Liars (The Lucky Devil series Book 2) by Megan Mackie was so good I read it in two sittings. Would have been one but my body betrayed me and forced me to sleep. So yes, it was that good. Excellent world crafting in this story as always. This one came with a new twist, not only do you get the clear visual of the magical world there is a new digital world too. The relationship between St. Benedict and Rune keeps me in a dither. I think Rune knows how she feels. An excellent story with in-depth characters that I became totally immersed in. You won’t be sorry with this one.

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The Crocodile Makes No Sound (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Crocodile Makes No Sound (Lord Hani Mysteries #2)The Crocodile Makes No Sound by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved it! The Crocodile Makes No Sound (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 2) by N.L. Holmes, was such an excellent read. This is the second book that I have read by this author. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy these books. These mystery stories set in ancient Egypt are just delightful to read from the first page to the last. Holmes crafts the story out of such beautiful use of the language. I almost forget that I’m reading a story because I get lost in her excellent writing. I almost feel like I am on those streets in Egypt. Like I’m a part of the story. An excellent story an excellent mystery and I’m already looking forward to the next one. If you love to see words used as if they were paint on a canvas this is a story for you.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Book 2) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jonell Collins

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It Comes From Within (House Valdis Book 2) by Naomi Valkyrie is one of those stories that you start in the middle and then you get the backstory later. Like Star Wars. In this second book of the House Valdis series, we finally get a taste of Xenobia’s backstory. In the house of Valdis there is a collection of imperfect misfits misplaced souls that are living and working together just trying to have a family like situation. To be sure there is a mystery to be solved and at the center of that mystery is Xenobia’s past. This is an easy quick read that will whet your appetite for more of Xenobia’s story. Do be aware there are some alternate lifestyle themes cause, you know, different strokes for different folks. This is a good second book and I’m expecting the next one to surpass this one.

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DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Jonell Collins

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Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe #5)Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan, I have really become a fan of this author. I really like action-packed stories and this one gives me all that and more. Almost from the first rattle out of the bag Jake is in deep and from there it’s a roller coaster ride of one situation after another. I love the subtle romance between Jake and his girlfriend she is truly his match and tough-as-nails. As qualified and capable as Jake is he is not a “just follow orders” type of guy, he made the only decision that made sense in the end. This is a timely book, (read coronavirus), even though it was written before the events of this year, so be sure to read the fact sheet at the end about what is real and what is not real, I really enjoyed them. This is a great read and I’d recommend this author to anybody.

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jonell Collins

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Accountability (Scope of Practice #3)Accountability by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall, is the third book in the Scope of Practice Series. It’s a well-written book with lots of introspection. I liked the story but Im not sure I like the way it ended. I’m on the fence about it. In one way it offended my sense of justice, but on the other hand, myself a victim of domestic abuse and violence, I can understand it. If you haven’t read Boundaries(Scope of Practice Book 1) or Confidentiality (Scope of Practice Book 2) you should go read those now before you start this third one. Although you can get the gist of the story with just one book it’s a much more enjoyable experience if you’ve read the first and the second one. This is a series well worth your time.

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Solstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller by Avanti Centrae – Review by Jonell Collins

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Solstice Shadows (VanOps, #2)Solstice Shadows by Avanti Centrae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Solstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller by Avanti Centrae, was such a pleasure to read. I’m a sucker for anything historical. There was so much in this book of a historical nature, I even liked reading the notes at the end, and was inspired to look some things up. Sometimes you learn some things from books like this and you learn it without even knowing you did. I love a save our country thriller. This is an action-packed novel, but it also has a lot of introspection. It was an exciting adventure and not only that there was romance. The relationship between Maddy, Bear, and Vincent surely was touch-and-go. In the end I think Maddy made a great decision.

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Alamir (Blood of Kaos Series Book 1) AUDIBLE BOOK TOUR by Nesa Miller – Review by Jonell Collins

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Alamir, Blood of Kaos Series, Book 1Alamir, Blood of Kaos Series, Book 1 by Nesa Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alamir (Blood of Kaos Series Book 1) by Nesa Miller, was an epic love story, epic action and adventure story and an epic save the world story. So much going on in this story. Mystery, intrigue, revenge, I am sure I’ve forgotten some. It’s a little difficult to pin this story down to a genre as it sounds like elements of several. Fantasy, science fiction, horror and more. The characters are fully fleshed, and the world is intricately constructed. The love story between Etain and Dar has all the tension of a tightly wound spring. A very creative, keep you on your toes story.

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Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress (The MacLellan Sisters Trilogy Book 1) by Lucinda Race – Review by Jonell Collins

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Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress Book 1 (The MacLellan Sisters Trilogy)Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress Book 1 by Lucinda Race
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress (The MacLellan Sisters Trilogy Book 1) by Lucinda Race, was really a great love story. There are so many things about this story that makes it a great love story. I think what I like the most about it, is the strength of the family, how the family bonds are threaded throughout the entire book. Not only with the sisters in this little tale but also the brothers. Because you know if you have a love story involving sisters then you also have to have brothers. This is a story about three sisters, Jamie, Kenzie, and Grace and their friends Steve and Caleb. It’s a love story that you will feel good reading and you will feel even better at the end. Do be aware there is one little mature situation but it in no way distracts from the story. When you need a feel good read this one will do the trick.

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes, is one of my favorite kinds of stories. I love a mystery. But her mysteries aren’t just any mystery. Her mysteries are set in history. Ancient history. More precisely the Hittite period. Not only does she write great stories, the language is beautiful, the world is very descriptive, the imagery is evocative, and her characters are so alive. N. L. Holmes is an author I will not tire of recommending.

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EverMarked by AJ Eversley – Review by Jonell Collins

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EverMarkedEverMarked by A.J. Eversley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, just wow. EverMarked by AJ Eversley, started out as a nicely paced story. I’m thinking yeah this is nice, I can just take my time with this. And really you can, until about halfway. From there on it’s a breakneck speed. I couldn’t put it down and when I got to the last page, I was lamenting the end of the book. I want to say there are two main characters Sienna and Jayla, but that’s not truly accurate because nearly every character in this book has a back story, stories within stories. Action, adventure, stress, and even romance. Did I mention I was inconsolable when the story ended? A great beginning to this series, I really cannot wait till the next one.

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House of Illusions by Pippa J. Frost – Review by Jonell Collins

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House of Illusions: A Dark Fantasy RomanceHouse of Illusions: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Pippa J. Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say, , House of Illusions by Pippa J. Frost, had me. And when I say it had me, I had no clue what was going on till very near the end. I did have my suspicions after the ice scenario, but if you are one of those folks who like to figure it out before the picture is drawn, (I am), that’s way too late. An excellent dark fantasy romance that I enjoyed immensely. Danger and tension in all the right places, love and longing, its all wrapped up in this book in a package you will enjoy. I did have a little anxiety going on because Nisse and Sixtus were both great characters and I was really worried about who Valentina would choose. I think she chose well.

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The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Trouble with Paradise (Madeline Dawkins #4)The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again I find myself at a loss for words. What can you say about The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton? I can honestly say that out of all the Mysteries that I have read since the beginning of this year Madeline and Mike have intrigued me the most. I love these little mysteries, it seems like there’s a different theme that runs through each one and it certainly was the for this one. But the most exciting thing about this mystery is that the romance between Madeline and Mike has been driving me crazy. They are, they aren’t, there might be someone else. You know it was just making me a nervous wreck. This story… well you’re just going to have to read it yourself.

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The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul RemembersThe Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers by Stuart Ledwith , was a delightful little piece of historical fiction. It seems like the narrative was a little stilted but that could be because, as the author said in the beginning, it was a repeated narrative. I enjoyed the story. Sarah Tarbell’s struggles were a great example of how not only to survive but to thrive.

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A Duke Never Forgets (The Duke Hunters Club Book 3) by Bianca Blythe – Review by Jonell Collins

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A Duke Never Forgets (The Duke Hunters Club, #3)A Duke Never Forgets by Bianca Blythe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading A Duke Never Forgets (The Duke Hunters Club Book 3) by Bianca Blythe. What a wonderful little romance. Genevieve and Sebastian’s story is so warm and cozy. It doesn’t start out that way. It’s light-hearted it’s funny it’s stressful and it’s tense. It’s a very easy to read very quick little book and I have to say it’s been the most entertaining evening I’ve had all week. This one is well worth a read.

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Flicker to Fire (Crimson Sash Book 3) by Amanda Marin – Review by Jonell Collins

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Flicker to Fire (Crimson Sash, #3)Flicker to Fire by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Flicker to Fire (Crimson Sash Book 3) by Amanda Marin, is the culmination of the Crimson sash series. I have to admit it didn’t actually go the way I thought it would, I think it went a whole lot better. I always like to be surprised; I always like it when the ending is a little bit different than what I imagined. Neve and Micah have fought a hard fight for love. You can’t leave this book unread. I have enjoyed this series for the wonderful story that it is, but also for the parts of it that reflect our present society.

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North to Nara (Crimson Sash Book 1) by Amanda Marin – Review by Jonell Collins

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North to Nara (Crimson Sash, #1)North to Nara by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

North to Nara (Crimson Sash #1) by Amanda Marin was a really good book. I think it demonstrates how many of us start out. We think we live in a wonderful world, everything looks perfect, everything seems perfect. Little by little we see the worms in the apple. Neve begins to see the worms in the apple when Micah catches her eye and suddenly nothing is as it seems. This is a great introduction to wonderful series.

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The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Slaughter of Leith HallThe Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a period piece of any kind but The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham , was especially good. Any mystery story is a good mystery but this one really had my mind in a tangle. It seems a little slow at first, and I wasn’t quite sure it was a mystery. Trust me what I perceived as a slow-moving story was the authors skillful craft of laying the foundation for everything that follows. Foundation is key, and it almost slipped my mind once I got into the story and believe me you get in deep. Many moving parts to this story and it was greatly entertaining. The most pleasant part was the many surprises. This is a tale that is well worth your time. I can’t think of enough good things to say about this one without sounding like I am gushing.

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In The Arms of Morpheus: A Speculative Romance (Antiheroes Series Book 2) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Jonell Collins

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In the Arms of Morpheus: A Speculative Romance (Antiheroes Book 2)In the Arms of Morpheus: A Speculative Romance by Gaia B Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to say In The Arms of Morpheus: A Speculative Romance (Antiheroes Series Book 2) by Gaia B Amman was not quite what I expected. That is not a bad thing I’m just saying it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It read like a mystery book all the way through it and I was trying desperately to figure it out before I got to the end. Needless to say, it didn’t end the way that I planned. However, the characters are very interesting, and their interactions are all solid. I think the thing that I like best about this book was the interactions between the characters. So much misreading of intention, so much fear of being clear about how you feel. The fear of rejection, the fear of commitment. But isn’t that what we are all made of. Watching Tasha and Josh come to grips with their feelings was quite the roller-coaster. I especially liked the historical notes at the end.

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Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

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Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries)Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes, is a book that I almost feel like I need to dig my Thesaurus out to review it. I can’t think of enough glowing adjectives to describe my pure pleasure while reading this book. Maybe it was my love of ancient history, or maybe it’s my love of language and a phrase well turned. I do love a good mystery and I can’t tell you how pleased I was that not only is this a confusing, twisting, hard to guess little mystery but the setting of Ancient Egypt was the icing on the cake. The lovely way that Ms. Holmes puts words together made me see the dust and feel the sun. Not only can she make you see the sands of Egypt but the characters she creates are so well described they take up residence in your head. This was a great introduction; I am so glad it is Book 1 because I will certainly board the train for Book 2.

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Confidentiality (Scope of Practice Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jonell Collins

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ConfidentialityConfidentiality by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Confidentiality (Scope of Practice Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall, is like a mystery story told in segments. Its hard to hear the stories of these girls without being sympathetic. Especially if you are a survivor of domestic abuse. I know I planned at least a hundred murders in the 20 years of my bondage. Because bondage it is. The ongoing introspection of Val echoes some of my own. Its hard, really hard not to want her vigilante justice. The darker rooms of our mind will go there. I guess that’s what books are for. That other world. This is a good book to read even if you have never been a victim. A little insight into what makes us tick it does a body good.

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jonell Collins

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The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella (Novella Series #1)The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider has done it again with The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1). Although not a part of the Crown of Stones trilogy it does feature some of our favorite characters. Having left Ian and Jarryd on a boat at the end of the trilogy we get to travel with them on their journey. Dealing with the past is never pleasant but Ian and Jarryd have a past that is particularly difficult. The new characters and the world the author creates is quite interesting and I think new and unique. C. L. Schneider will forever be on my read list.

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Into the Lion’s Den (Reverend Margot Quade Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Jonell Collins

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Into the Lion's Den: (A Christian Cozy Mystery) (Reverend Margot Quade Cozy Mysteries Book 1)Into the Lion’s Den: (A Christian Cozy Mystery) by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Into the Lion’s Den (Reverend Margot Quade Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Sarah Biglow, is a sweet little mystery. Very fast read. It was a great little book to indulge my reading habit with. You know that habit you have when you really should be doing something else. This little story is guilt free. It was a great little mystery, interesting characters, and a page turner for sure. If you are looking for a good story to scratch that reading itch this is the book for you. You can read this book and get the housework done before the kids get off the bus. Good clean fun, no surprises here.

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The Frontman by Lawrence Parlier – Review by Jonell Collins

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The FrontmanThe Frontman by Lawrence Parlier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Frontman by Lawrence Parlier, did not sound like a title that I was expecting much from. It just sounded kind of plain. Boy was I surprised. This is such an awesome book. On so many levels. The scenario in the book is unique, the characters are all marvelous, and there are many. Each one is so well described that they are firmly set in your memory, you feel like you know these people. Another very intriguing thing about this story is there are several stories going on and they all come together in the end. Romance, and who doesn’t like a little romance, without the icky factor, regret, forgiveness. This book has it all. This book is awesome and I just can’t say enough good things about it without sounding redundant. Read this book! I am hoping there is another book in the works, the way this story reads I think that could be a very real possibility. I would sure like to see Calliope and Harry figure things out.

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FALL: The Ragnarök Prophesies: #2 by A.K. Morgen – Review by Jonell Collins

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Fall (The Ragnarök Prophesies, #2)Fall by A.K. Morgen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At first it seems like this is a story that’s slow to get started. If you’re looking for a rock em sock em action infusion, FALL: The Ragnarök Prophesies: #2 by A.K. Morgen, is not that kind of story. The characters are each unique in their personalities and purpose. This story is all about the slow journey to purpose and destiny. Coming to terms with the things you might not like about yourself and others and finding a way to just “get on with it”. I do have to say I was somewhat moved to jealousy by the love Dace has for Arionna, and hers for him, but certainly not their destiny. Watch out for the cliffhanger, the anticipation is killing.

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