The Detail by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The was a very enjoyable read that kept me interested! It was fresh and new in the romance department but it was still a mystery! The author does an excellent job of writing tension between the characters and keeping the page turning because readers need to know what happens next! I will definitely be finding more titles by this author!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Murder in the Lightning Room: A Historical Mystery by A.D Brazeau
This is another great read by the author. Living in Colorado this book instantly captured my attention. Colorado Springs is an interesting place to be and especially in the late 1890’s early 1900’s.
Cora is in her final year in high school and will be heading to university in the fall. One of her professors tells her of an opportunity. She will be the assistant to a researcher that is in town. Can she uncover what is going on? Will she be in danger? The quote I chose for Cora is: “I’m sure it will get better. Science isn’t only exciting experiments. There’s a lot of preparation and planning. Calculations need to be made, materials gathered. We’ll get to do something fun at some point. I’m sure of it.”
Highly recommended for YA Historical lovers.
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is fiction, but it is filled with so many factual things that it makes it even scarier. Could this happen? Could the overpopulation of the world and our reliance on genetically-modified foods create the end of the world?
Catherine Greenall used real research and stories in order to build this very real, very intense world where society as we know it can no longer exist. There were so many twists and turns – and I did not see them coming!
Knowing this is a trilogy, I cannot wait to see what is next for these characters. I fell in love with so many of them, and I was always rooting for humanity to win.
Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I often find fantasy/sci-fi books more difficult to get into while trying to learn other-worldly creatures and scenery, but the author did a great job of seamlessly introducing different species into the story line without taking away from the gist of it. Having not read the first book in this series, I was still able to easily assimilate the characters and worlds depicted.
Mia, having been tortured and sold into slavery as a fighter, struggles to hold onto any hope of escape from a world that’s become kill or be killed. When Castor shows up and says he’s come to rescue her on behalf of her old crew, who were presumed dead, she’s lost and out of trust for others. When he’s tossed into the fighting scene, as well, in hopes of helping Mia find a safe escape, the two learn it’s going to take them both to get out of the mess they’re in.
As a big Hunger Games fan, I found a few themes that were definitely very similar: Mia is forced into fighting for her life and excels at it and then becomes a “favorite” among spectators who can watch live or via feeds from cameras buzzing around; the planet on which she’s held captive is populated by creatures who are known for “enhancements” to their appearance; Mia and Castor are forced into a “contest” on a different planet with rumored beastly creatures that they must survive along with fighting the other competitors to the death. Despite those obvious similarities to the Hunger Games, Castor’s Kiss has a lot more to the story than those themes.
I found the book to be engaging, more action-packed than expected, and quite thrilling to read. Both Mia and Castor are unaware of a soul bond between them until they meet, and all of the fears, insecurities, and trying to decide how they feel about the bond and what it means for them individually and as a couple in the future felt very realistic for anyone experiencing a strong romantic connection with another. The entire book, although obviously fictitious, had a realness to it that speaks volumes for the author’s ability to weave a story that’s believable in completely unbelievable circumstances and situations.
5 stars
For any fans of epic fantasy and beautifully created worlds, you will NEVER go wrong with a book by Tricia Copeland. This book and series is very familiar to me and I was excited to be able to listen to a favorite. The story came to life in a brand new way and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the story and universe powerfully. The narration only added to the richness of the story development. Run and get a copy of the book and audio as quick as you can. Worth every minute!
Let It Be Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance story. This isn’t the first book I have read by this author. Each one is unique but I have never been disappointed and I wasn’t with this one. I love the author’s style of writing. How you feel completely drawn into the story and the lives of the characters. The storyline isn’t so far fetched either so it feels realistic and relatable which helps you connect to the characters even more.
Our two characters in this story are Kiki and Eric.
Kiki is a pop starlet. Her career is going well and she never saw herself falling in love but she did. She falls in love with a normal guy called Eric.
Eric falls madly in love with Kiki as well but he had trouble coping with all the gossip and rumours that surround his famous love. Are the stories true? Does he need to doubt the woman he loves?
Together they need to find a way to protect their love and work to make sure that nothing comes between them. But with Kiki’s agent and meddling paparazzi trying to tear them apart do they even stand a chance.
You will fall in love with this couple from the beginning and you will be cheering them on all the way through this story. But when the odds are stacked against them does their love stand a chance of surviving?
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this one. I found myself laughing and not being able to put it down. The struggles of Morgan’s newly found gift(s) grow and she faces those challenges with an open mind. Caleb is amazing with her and so patient. I loved the trunk part of the book with the toe theory, I’d definitely never heard that. Esmey was a thorn in everyone’s side, to say the least, and I was hoping for the best for her but she wasn’t pleasant. Jonathan, he is who I laughed at the most with all of his characters. There were so many more details and mysteries and just MORE in this book. I hope there will be a third post-wedding.
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Nurse Morgan series by Kate MacInnis. This book is a spooky romance and has a storyline so great, that if you didn’t read the first book, you won’t feel left out. It has ghosts, drama, mystery, and lots of laughs. The characters are described wonderfully as well as the different settings in the book. There were plenty of emotions that took me on a roller coaster ride. The story moves at a fast pace and doesn’t stand still for one moment. Morgan, our main character is an RN who works in the ER and has the ability to ghosts who get her in trouble a just a bit. She is dating a handsome MD and the chemistry between them is pretty hot and spicy, but just when she thinks everything is going her way…she finds herself involved in another mystery with some of her ghost friends. I highly recommend this book! Nurse Morgan is a refreshing, funny character and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next!
July 2022, Mary Espinoza
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder in the Lightning room by author A.D. Brazeau takes place in Colorado Springs in the late 1800’s and focuses on a teenager named Cora Croft. In the blink of an eye, Cora’s life goes from completely normal, to trying to solve murders and locate stolen documents of Nicola Tesla’s work. With the help of her friend Marshall and Harrison, a boy she cannot seem to get rid of, she tries to piece together clues that were overlooked by the police. But will the information they have found lead them to the perpetrator, and find justice for the victims?
From the very first page, I was completely enthralled in this story. I loved the characters; their personalities matched the timeline so well. The setting of Colorado Springs was beautifully descripted to the point that I felt like I was there, smelling the snow and fresh air along with Cora. I also loved how some of the history and personality traits of Nicola Tesla were accurately entwined. I adored Cora for her bravery and stubbornness, especially when it came to Harrison Byrne. All in all, Brazeau writes beautifully in this story and I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast paced, cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Five stars.
This is a go to author for me, one I always enjoy reading. And I was thrilled to find my first audiobook release from Ms. Suen. This was a story I had previously read and I thoroughly enjoyed having the story unfold for me in a new way by hearing the narrator bring life to the author’s words. Truly a great story from start to finish only enhanced by the talented narrator. If you are looking a for a well developed story with twists and turns, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this selection.
Reviewed by @hnlovelace78
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing. I did not read the first two books but I really enjoyed this one. The author made it unique and captivating. The way the story twists and turns keeps you on your feet. The characters were well developed and entertaining. The author truly tells an amazing story. I felt like I was inside the book while reading it.
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The story idea is good. But it is very hard to get into the actual story. I struggled connecting with the characters. There seems to be chunks missing that interrupts the flow of the story. This is also is a very descriptive or narrative story. I really enjoy more dialogue to get a feel of the characters. Like I mentioned above the idea is good and after finishing it I was able to get the gist of what the author was trying to say.
I loved the idea of rescuing horses and I admire Mark of doing what he did. He does have some nice staff and friends that I enjoyed getting to know.
Overall this is an okay story. I really wanted to love it. Sorry
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really great young adult story. It is a historical fiction story which includes loads of elements such as mystery, Suspense, murder and danger. The author does an amazing job of mixing fiction with historical reference especially with regards to Nikola Tesla’s secret labs and the experiments that were conducted.
I love the main character Cora Croft. She is a very determined young woman who isn’t going to settle for a life of marriage as is normal for that time period. She is determined to make something of herself so when this mystery happens she will stop at nothing to solve it. What she doesn’t realise is how dangerous trying to unravel these secrets can be and how much danger she places herself and her friends Harrison and Marshall in.
This mystery will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end and the history references make this a really unique story.
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those have to reads ❣️📕
Paige has been burnt and is still healing after her narcissistic ex Kyle and is focused on her job which she is brilliant at just by the why and she seems happy with her rescue kitty Chloe and best friend Camille but she has so much love to give , she has such a beautiful heart and I kept all fingers and toes crossed that she’d give Mark a fair chance
Mark , where I start with this beautiful man , yes I called a man beautiful and I can because he has more money than he knows , yet he’s humble , he’s been hurt yet he yearns to win Paige’s heart , he saves horses so what is not to fall in love with ….also the man is a gifted artist
They say you know a persons heart by the way they treat animals and that’s why these 2 truly are a match base in heaven ❣️🙏
There were a few times I just wanted to shake Paige and tell her to snap out of it but Camilla best me to it 😱😂🤦♀️
I loved Paige , Chloe , Camilla , Steve and Mark and I’ll share them with a happy heart ❤️
P.S. Storm Cloud you own my heart ❤️🐴
Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Undeniable is the second book in the Central Florida Stories. It is a romance story and a thriller. Victoria has given us a bit of everything to make this a page turner, with action, tension and suspense which jumps off the page. There are secrets and lies, kidnapping and assault, running from the cartel and a sex traffic ring and PTSD.
Victoria’s vivid narrative paints a picture and seductively draws you in with a BDSM club, Doms and Subs and hot and sexy ex-marines.
Arley known more than her fair share of pain in her life. After escaping she is on the run and hiding out in a BDSM club of all places. What she finds is more than she ever thought she would get.
Kurt suffering from PTSD he is just getting by but when his past comes back into his life, he realises he has not been truly living. He vows that he will do whatever he has to keep her safe and protected.
Reviewed by @jennadb
5 Stars
Murder Creek (Audio Book) by Jane Suen
Murder Creek (Audio) is a Mystery that is packed with action, murder, mystery and suspense. I truly enjoyed listening to this fast paced story as much as I did reading it. The narrator did an amazing job of bringing the story and characters alive. Her different tones pulled me in and I found myself lost (caught up) in the story and nothing else got done. I’m a huge fan of this author and I’m definitely going to check out more audio from her. Get ready to be taken on a journey of mystery and suspense in Murder Creek as Evie tries to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Lacey Walker. Evie doesn’t stop until she has the answers and some are where she never expected them to be. Will she uncover the truth of what really happened? Will she uncover why Lacey Walker disappeared? I highly recommend listening to this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to listen to more books by this author.
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~ PREORDER ~ • • ~
When the German march across Europe reaches France, young Michelle Naget and her family join the throngs fleeing for safety. But their flight ends in capture by the Nazis, with one member of the family taken, while the rest of the family is sent back to their village of Braquis, France, to serve the enemy who has commandeered their home.
For the next four years, the Nagets live in the crosshairs of the enemy living under their roof and of the neighbors who question the family’s loyalties. Every day becomes a test of faith for Michelle-in God, in family, in the hope that the Allies will come, and in the letters from a young French rebel named Légère who promises Michelle that she will be free again.
But when the Nazis’ torment increases, and the razor-thin line between life and death narrows for the Nagets, the family’s motto, “We do what must be done,” and Michelle’s faith in God, give her the courage to face her enemy and do whatever she must to protect the family she loves.
➹ ➹ ➹ PREORDER ➹ ➹ ➹ ➹Jace has spent his entire life on the run from the Messengers, celestial beings from another realm who hunt his kind: Watchers, the fallen angels responsible for corrupting humanity … Then he meets Cyrus, the handsome Messenger with an easy smile who finally makes him want to stay in one place. The problem? Jace is the last descendant of the first disgraced Watcher, placing him just one rung below demons on the Messengers’ most-wanted list.
But Cyrus isn’t like other Messengers. He came to Sin City—the center of the angelic conflict—seeking peace, not more war. He doesn’t count on falling for the moody, dark-winged Watcher from the wrong side of town. Nor does he count on learning that his true enemy lurks closer than he ever imagined. As tensions rise between the celestial clans, will love or vengeance rule?
Romeo and Juliet gets a celestial spin (and a happier ending!) in this duology featuring forbidden love, a ride-or-die demon, a supernatural casino heist, bar brawls, and banter. Intended for readers ages 18+ and best enjoyed when read in the following order: Watcher (Book 1), Messenger (Book 2).
Note: This book ends on a soft cliffhanger and contains some sensitive content. Readers may wish to check the Author’s Note for details.
The Detail by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into when I picked this book but I think I found myself a new favorite author. This was the perfect combination of suspense and romance. Detectives Foster and Hamilton are sent to retrieve an inmate and bring him back to Dallas to face justice. They had spent many months hunting the man down and he was hauled in for something minor. The inmate has plans for Ms. Foster and none of them pertain to having a nice chat over coffee. In the meantime these two detectives are fighting to maintain a professional relationship instead of giving in to the sexual tension that runs between them. After picking up their ward they are heading back to base when things take a wrong turn. The killer gets away and he is hell bent on getting his prize, Detective Foster. How will things play out between the detectives? Is there a happily ever after in their future or will she become the victim of a sadistic man?
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love this historical romance set in 15th century. Anything medieval makes me take a second look, but this is truly an amazing book. The dialogue, the way the author sets the scene, and the vibe of the book is 100% what I would think and what I do know from history, it was like in that time period. If you have any issues with any of the words in the book, there is a glossary at that back that I thought was an excellent addition. The book revolves around an arranged marriage, honour, scarifies that have to be made, and also finding love in the most unexpected way. This is the book for you, if you love historical fiction with romance! I always love T.L. Clark’s books, and I look forward to reading many more!
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was just as compelling as the first one in the series! I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Desiree is such a strong-willed, yet compassionate person who has the courage to stand up and face the true monsters while understanding those who were forced into being. Jaxon is such an interesting character, and the two of them have so much in common yet so many differences too, making them perfect for each other. I adore the dynamic between Desiree, Fosette, Sylvie, and Theron – made families are so beautiful! Everything about the way this book was written was amazing and I can’t wait for the next one!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the best book I have read by this author. It does NOT disappoint in any way! I absolutely love how the author centers it around Nikola Tesla and his research, and the historical importance of his competition with Thomas Edison. It adds a bit of tension to the mystery! It starts out hot, and immediately you dive into trying to find out who stole Tesla’s missing papers, research, documents. Very fast paced book, which I love in a mystery. This is definitely in my top 5 of historical fiction books. While I did guess who the culprit was before it was revealed, it was still not a solid guess. But it did not deter me in any way from continuing reading the book.
Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved this book! Elle, also known as L, is just like most kids, dreaming of being a prince or princess, and even more so being an orphan dreaming that one day someone will come by and tell you that your parent was royalty and so are you. Now your life changes upside down from the feeling of not belonging to finding out about where you come from. I love the timeline that the author gives us, where it is explanatory or what is going on but not giving to much information. While immediately you know that Elle (L) is going to most likely find out her heritage, the journey the author takes you on is nothing short of mysterious and twists. Locan, the warrior for the Royal Guard, is everything you want in a fantasy, and remind me of the Hulk, that he grows in size where he senses danger, especially if that danger includes the woman he loves, even if he won’t accept it at first.
This is a super fun and light book to read. Great for an in-between series, or getting you out of a book slump, or honestly whenever. I did not put the book down, start to finish. I definitely think we need a second book to give us a little closure on what happened to L, Locan, and everyone else involved.
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I truly love a great fantasy story and this was definitely one. This YA Fantasy is something that will appeal to all ages and anyone who loves a good elven adventure. Yarissa was a strong and amazing character, and I felt a connection from chapter 1. As she ventures into the Night Realm she becomes everything she did not think she could be doing things she did not believe she could do. She will be taken upon an amazing magical adventure with plenty of laughter, action, excitement, and life lessons attached. This tale brought to life is not one that should be missed!
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia is a sweet contemporary romance with a western element, angst, drama, and animal rescue. Being the first book that I have read by Ms. Garcia I didn’t know what to expect from her work- but the blurb intrigued me and seemed to promise something different to what I had been reading of late- so of course I had to buy a copy to find out what happens.
Paige Liston absolutely loves her job as a curator at a popular art gallery. She takes her job very seriously and is always on the lookout for artists to add to the gallery’s collection. So when she stumbles on a striking painting that really moves her, she is determined to hunt down the artist and sign him to the gallery. But the artist isn’t going to be the easy assignment she thought- especially with the instant connection and chemistry she that begins brewing. Keeping things professional is going to test her work ethics to the core- not to mention having to endure the wilds of Montana- what more does this city loving woman need to endure to win her artist? You will really need to read all the interesting developments for yourself….
While I did enjoy the story for the most part, I did feel that the dialogue and character interactions were a little stiff or stilted in parts. It is well written, but the ‘connection’ between the characters, and therefore with me, just didn’t seem to gel. Maybe I was just having an ‘off’ reading day, or maybe the more ‘intense’ stories I have been reading of late have distorted my perspective a little. So, I will wait a few weeks and then go back and reread this story to see if I still feel the same way, or not. The way the blurb read with the artist/art curator element, rescued animals, a gorgeous homestead/ranch in Montana, and everything else should have been enough for this to have earned five stars from me- and believe me, I really wanted to LOVE this book, so I am a little disappointed with myself that I feel this way. Stay tuned for my re-read..
Thank you, Darci Garcia!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Quirk of Destiny is the first book in this trilogy and a unique dystopian Sci-Fi Thriller. It is action packed and fast paced with a zombie (‘genies’) type apocalypse, global conspiracy and a world on the edge of ruin. Where toxic food is a reality and being vegan is the best option. Ironic for me as I am allergic to most fruit and veg.
Catherine’s passion for animals and the environment shines through in her narrative of this tale that could in all possibility become a reality one day. Scary thought.
With a deadly sickness, mortal danger, mutants with paranormal powers you are in for a ride of your life.
Callum soon finds himself in a fight for himself and the world but who can he trust? Just who is behind this terrible conspiracy and is bringing destruction to the world?
If post-apocalyptic sci fi thrillers is what you like then you will love this.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very well-written, fast-paced, clean romance. Levi and his brothers are triplets left to care for their sister after the death of their parents, but Levi’s past still creeps in. He also agrees to help a friend and moves Bella in to be a nanny for their sister, while also protecting her. Their love story is unusual.
This was a very good story and character development, especially if Levi and Bella, was excellent—especially considering the shorter length of this book. The story flowed well and there was romance, action, and tension, keeping the reader engaged. Excellent, quick, easy read!
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is about three college friends. Imani, Melody and Lance have very different personalities but they are there for each other. This story gives you a variety of different college experiences, partying, friendship, studying, meeting new people, and making romantic connections. This may be a trigger for some people because of a relationship that becomes abusive. This book was well written and the characters are well developed. This book brings out different emotions while reading. I was kept captivated throughout the entire story. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in the Lightning Room is an interesting YA murder mystery set in the past. The story line is set in 1899 and is well-developed and the world-building is done well. The characters are interesting and the mystery of the tale drew me in.
This intriguing fast-paced tale is full of mystery and secrets, danger and murder, suspense and gripping tension along with a dash of romance.
I enjoyed the historical information and the research AD based on Nikola Tesla the engineer and physicist and his work.
Cora is steadfast and headstrong and loves mysteries and solving puzzles so it’s a no brainer for her and friends when Tesla has problems. But she needs to beware in her search for answers!
A good read for YA fans of historical fiction and murder mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Author has given us an engaging plot and a great start to the trilogy with a mix of action, suspense, romance and family drama. You are thrown into the book and storyline just as the characters get thrown into their current situations.
Along with loveable and relatable characters, the Authors vivid writing style will have you hooked to the very last page. You can feel every bit a rage that Levi struggles with and the confidence Bella is struggling to gain back.
This is my first read by this author and will not be my last, I am looking forward to reading the next books in this trilogy.