Love Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is definitely a one of a kind one. It was a step too much for me but I would never rate it just on my preferences. It was spicy, paranormal, suspenseful,and romantic. A great story if you are into more than one guy involved. Three isn’t a crowd in this one.
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping Italian murder mystery which had me hooked throughout. Set in Rome and Detective Maurizio Scala has sworn to protect its citizens and deliver justice to any victims of crimes. In this fast paced story Scala has to find and stop the killer of a young man found dead in a cemetery, before he becomes a victim himself. Along with the body a note was found which mentioned his dark secrets, and as the Detective digs deeper into the victim’s life he discovers a tangled web of lies and corruption. Scala’s investigation hits a breakthrough when other seemingly unconnected murders have a link to the latest one. Scala then needs to identify the killer before there are anymore victims. The storyline is full of drama and suspense, whilst the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I liked the relatable Detective Scala, who as the main character really brought the story together. The descriptive narrative made the Italian setting come to life and I felt immersed in Scala’s world. An entertaining and engaging novel, and I look forward to future books featuring the Detective.
The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the first book in an new fantasy series. It is fast paced and a brilliant story. I was pulled into it right from the start and really connected with the main character. The book was action packed and really exciting to read. As the first book in a new series it really kick starts things with a bang.
This is a new author to me and I hope that her work continues just like this book. I could have read this book for so much longer and I cannot wait to see what the next installment brings.
Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a unique and refreshing twist on a classic story. I was excited to read this with my kids as it seemed like a great way to visually show them anyone can do anything. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I thought the author did a great job at not only reimagining a classic but at doing so in a way to captivate the audience and educate them at the same time.
Lois Wickstrom is one of my favourite children’s authors. They are always so fun and entertaining. This book has been read multiple times, along with every other book we have read by her. This is a great story that I would highly recommend.
Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enjoyable read that easily held my interest. This is a cute story that made me smile. I enjoyed the flow and the characters in here. There are some interesting characters and word choices about them. That Lizza gets herself into quite the pickle. I liked all her antics as she thinks about what is best for her and causes havoc with a lot of others. This is a good YA story with a nice message for the readers.
The Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very interesting book. At times I was confused with the changing points of view, and some of the vocabulary, but was able to quickly adapt and understand once I got about a paragraph in on each chapter. Princess Arcelia and Prince Rodderick are fighting for their love, their families and their people. Rodderick’s mother annoys me in that she gives her son and ultimatum regarding his prince title. Arcelia’s family are something else. All of the lies they tell and the secrets they keep, I am proud of Arcelia for standing up to them finally. I don’t see them moving past the most recent debacle quickly but it seem like her mom is devastated at the turn in their relationship. Arcelia’s aunts can go jump off a cliff with that nasty behavior. The world in which this author creates is interesting and gives the story life. This is my first book in the series, and while I was lost on some aspects, and missing out on some things, I was still able to grasp the story. I recommend reading this series in order.
Notebook Mysteries Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emma is back with another edge-of-your-seat, intelligent mystery. This time, she is offered a trip to Paris, no charge; however, something seems suspicious to her. Set during the Paris Exposition of 1889, the French landscape comes alive, as well as marvelous inventions of the time. As with all the Notebook Mysteries installments, I am pleased with where this story took me. It is a well-researched, intricate series that will whisk you away to Emma’s world, as if you are trying to solve the mysteries right along with her. Emma remains one of my favorite heroines and this author has become one of my favorite authors of historical fiction. This sixth book in the series can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend checking out the entire series. I will be eagerly anticipating more installments!
Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson. This is a great series and I can’t wait to read the next installment. This is Indigo’s story. Indigo is a gamer who ran away from home at the young age of 15. She was abused by her step dad and she just couldn’t deal with it anymore. Gideon and Indigo are roomates, nothing romantic just friends but Gideon is beginning to feel more and more for Indigo. Gideon is sweet, takes care of Indigo and is always there for her. When Indigo starts working on a government program that she is about ready to give to them someone tries to stop her. Her life is threatened and they obviously do not want her to put that program out. Gideon vows to not let anything happen to her and when you are with someone 24/7 its hard not to get feelings for one another. Can Gideon get Indigo to let down her walls? Read this great book to find out!
The Secrets they Hide by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann. I love this series. Its so good and my favorite mystery, crime genre. Its the continuing story of Detective Scala in Rome, Italy who’s main job is to keep the people safe in his town. When a new murder victim is found in the local cemetery with a note in his hand Detective Scala is on the hunt for the murderer before more victims appear. Finding a poem in the hand of the victim is his first clue. When his family becomes targeted he is especially determined to find out who is behind this horrendous crime. The more Detective Scala digs the more secrets and shocking information he finds. There may even be more victims of this murderer once more information comes to life. Will Detective Scala be able to stop him before the people he love are in danger? Read this fast paced thriller to find out!
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love it when authors do prequels to their next full story – it’s a great introduction to the characters and for me gives me a deeper understanding of them and also makes you want to read their full story because you need to know what is going to happen and I am so excited to read Aspen and Phoenix’s full story. This was a brilliant read and having met Phoenix in previous books I was already highly anticipating his story and this taster has made me want it even more. I really loved meeting Aspen in this book, she is a nice character who is dealing with lots of stuff at home. I thought her and Phoenix had this genuine connection and I am looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops over the next two books!
Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines is a fun remake of a classic story! It is a great way to introduce the science of simple machines to younger children or even in a middle school classroom. It would be a great introduction to the unit. It really is a fun story with a more responsible Goldilocks! Kids are drawn in by the fun pictures and finding ways to solve the problems encountered.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh man, the drama! This book is about Phoenix and I’m so excited about it. This is a short prequel but my goodness SO much happened and it’s blowing my mind lol. I can’t wait for the next book to know what happens with everything! Highly encourage you to read the other books before this one! Because they’re all so damn good! I can’t get enough of them.
The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Discoveries of Julia Xero series which was a great start to a potentially amazing series. I thought the premise of this book was interesting and that’s what initially drew me in. The world-building was great and the character’s job, was very interesting to see incorporated into the book. I enjoyed the characters, even the ones I couldn’t stand (because of their personalities/actions, not because they were written poorly because they weren’t), they fit the story well.
I look forward to reading book 2 and finding out what happens next.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna. This is a fun holiday romance. Its the story of Toni who is currently seeing Clive. Clive is ok but Toni is not convinced he’s the one. When they decide to go on a vacation together she is thinking it will be ok. Good food, great sex and fun together couldn’t be that bad. One they get there the motel is a dump and Toni leaves as soon as he’s asleep and checks into a nicer hotel. Checking in she notices a hot guy and they lock eyes. Things are looking up already. Toni meet Mickey(the eye locker) and they have a steamy fun time. Clive ends up showing up at the new Hotel and he and Mickey talk and Clive leaves. Fun in the sun and sand with no feelings involved is doable right. Mickey made it clear he’s not up for a relationship but Toni is starting to catch feelings. Will they just say goodbye at the end of the vacation or will Toni make Mickey see they can make it work?
The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the The Discoveries of Julia Xero series. This was a really interesting read. I loved the twists and turns and the mixture of mystery and magic. The author does a great job of writing a story that is unique and that twists and turns so you never know what is coming and what to expect. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved Julia’s character. She has had a hard life being brought up in the care system until she was deemed old enough to be on her own, and after losing the friend she considered her own family she is fighting to carry on. Now she is a dead end job that she hates and wants a change so she applies for a job cleaning up crime scenes.
Julia is surprised when she gets offered the job but she soon becomes aware that isn’t not just a straight forward job. As secrets start to be revealed and non human creatures start to emerge Julia starts to have her eyes open to alien beings when her employers show their true colours and have a unique way of insuring Julia’s silence and co-operation.
All through the story you can feel Julia’s struggle as she tries desperately to survive in a role that becomes more dangerous than she originally thought. What happens when her ideal job turns into a job that could take her life?
Can she survive the assassin that is on the lose?
With Mysteries to uncover, secrets to be revealed and dangers that come from a unknown source this is one book that is sure to grip you. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the next book in the series.
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series. I haven’t read the first book but was still able to follow the story and main character without detriment however I will be going back to read to first as I feel I’d have a better understanding of Detective Scala.
The author’s writing was descriptive and clear, painting a clear picture of the scenes and characters throughout and I enjoyed the storyline, trying to solve the mystery alongside Scala.
Scala seems to be a reliable and determined detective and with high stakes building the suspense, this is the kind of detective you need on the case. He’s also a father who loves his daughter and this adds another layer to his character that helps to make him relatable.
I’ll be going back to read the first, but I also look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series. They can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading the previous book as it is just as great as this one. It will help your enhancement of Detective Scala’s character as well. Scala is back in another suspenseful mystery with the same determination we have seen before. I enjoy his character and what he brings to the story. He is connectable, supportive and has a determination like no other. He pulls you into his world with ease and keeps you there until the end. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it hard to put down. This is a great story and I look forward to seeing it next for Scala. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Love Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed this author’s writing style and how they bring the story to life with details. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story that is engaging, creative that has adventure and romance together. A story about an oath that was made long ago, friendships, and destiny that can change relationships forever. This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss. It can be read as a stand alone but I highly suggest reading previous books by this author. It will help your enhancement with the characters as well as this author. There is great growth and chemistry with these characters which made the story easy to read and entertaining. I enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My second Inspector Scala book, and I enjoyed it. The plot was a little easy to figure out (I read a lot of mysteries) but the book was still very interesting due to the consistent antics of the main character- from the love of his daughter to the love of his sandwiches to his love of work.
The best part of the mystery was the poetry left by the killer that helped the Commissario solve the mystery, as well as his daughter helping catch the culprit. The beautiful setting descriptions and day in the life of a police officer continues in this book of the series. I can’t wait to read another one.
The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scala is one detective that I would want on my case if I needed one. He’s trying to protect his family from a possible psycho but seems to be losing it a little. Romizi is just trying to help him but ends up with a few mishaps like a pop in the nose but as friends, he forgives him. He understands. I find these books so interesting because Scala is a no-nonsense cop good at the dettails. He lets a little slip in this one because its his family and that affects him.Like a dog with a bone, he is relentless and he won’t let this go, he will figure out who’s trying to hurt his family and who’s killing the others. I love how the author just leads into the next books at the end. Such great writing and wonderful characters. Even with the story based in Italy, it is still easy to understand for us here in the US. A must for mystery lovers.
The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this book to be entertaining. Ending up at a crime cleaning service which isn’t quite what it says it is. Learning that not everything is as it is is kind of the lesson of the book. For the first in the series, I find the author set up the book in a perfect way. I was drawn in by the characters right from the start. I am a fan of urban fantasy. This is one of my favorite genres becasue it can go in a few different ways. The story is quite fascinating. I can’twait for the next book to come out.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are following along, you will know that this book is a prequel and a CRUEL START to the story of Phoenix and Aspen! It is also part of the Hidden Valley Elite, which started following this group of people when they were in high school. Several have now moved onto college but their situations, drama and angst have followed them there.
These two characters have lived in the shadows of their siblings and even their neglectful parents. Phoenix and Aspen are risk takers and care little about the damage they may cause to themselves. However, a little surprise addition begins to change things, but we really don’t know just how much as this story does end on a cliffhanger!
Looking forward to more of their story in Cruel Hate.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser
Sliding into Home is the third book in the Playing for Keeps Series. This is a Sports Romance that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down till I finished. Although this can be read as a standalone I do suggest reading this series in order as some of characters crossover plus they are just as good as this one. This is Kia and Jeff’s story, he’s a professional baseball player and he lives and breathes the game. She is a single mom who is a tattoo artist barely scrapping by. Things are going ok until she comes face to face with her one night stand from several years back. These two have attraction and there is definitely chemistry between them. Kia has a secret that is fixing to change Jeff’s life . I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
4.5 Stars
Sleeping With the Enemy is the third book in the Astoria Royals Series by Deborah Garland. This story is every bit as wonderful as I had expected from Ms. Garland, as she certainly knows how to weave a riveting story. It is a gripping contemporary Mafia romance with a second chances element, forced marriage, action, violence, chemistry, steam, danger, drama, tension, mafia politics, intensity, emotion, and suspense. Also keep in mind that there are sensitive subject matters contained in the story (abuse, sexual assault etc) so if you have triggers make sure to read the TW before diving in.
OMG- I can’t believe that this is the third book in a series, and I have only just discovered it and am yet to read the other two books. I have read and adored many of Ms. Garland’s previous books, so I will definitely be going back to devour the other two books asap before continuing the rest of the series.
The story certainly starts off on a very intriguing note that hooked me right from the outset. I was soon engrossed in all the developments, glued to the pages as I followed along to see how everything would play out in the end. I have always said that one of the things that Ms. Garland does really well is that she’s able to get her reader to completely invest in her characters and their story, whilst also crafting her story with palpable tension, as well as plenty of emotion..
I can’t wait to explore the rest of the series now. Highly recommend this gripping story, especially if you love a great Mafia romance.
Happy reading…
Thank you, Deborah Garland!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Tempting Fate is the first Book in the Black Shamrocks MC: Australia series by Bella Faust. OMG- this series!!! It’s quite edgy, raw, dark, intense, and twisted! I seriously recommend reading ‘Craving Control’ first before starting on this book, as “Craving Control’ is a prequel to this book/series and sets the groundwork and lays out the backstory that sets everything here in motion.
I won’t go into the story here, as I really don’t want to give anything away that will spoil it for you. But I will say that there are a lot of potential triggers in this book/series, things do get quite dark at times- and the story/series isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure… so if you are looking for a light-hearted read, hearts and flowers, have triggers, or don’t like having your emotions toyed with- then this probably isn’t the book for you. For everyone else, strap yourself in because you’re in for a bit of a wild ride as Ms. Faust takes a dark turn, with shocking details that will strips you bare, then toy with your emotions, unbalance you, and twist your mind- all with an evil grin on her face and a sinister cackle echoing around her as she unleashes the tsunami of angst that’s brewing for her readers. Ms. Faust certainly proves her writing prowess with this dark tale.
Bring on Book #2!!!
Addictive Reading…
Thank you, Bella Faust!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Flowers of Evil is the first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series by N.L Holmes. It is an intriguing new series which is a direct spin-off from The Lord Hani Mystery series that I love, so it was a given that I would be diving into this as soon as it hit my Kindle.
It is a cozy historical mystery, set in ancient Egypt- with plenty of vivid detailing and descriptions which brought everything to life. There is a definite ‘crime and investigation’ aspect to the story, a bit of a murder mystery that has all the ingredients that kept me avidly reading to find out whodunnit.
As I have come to expect from Ms. Holmes, the story is woven with wonderfully rich historical details, texture, depth, interesting characters, intrigue, suspense, dramatic developments, and emotion—- which made for an engrossing read.
This first instalment certainly sets this new series off to a really great start, and if it is anything to go by, Hani has some stiff competition.
Looking forward to seeing what adventures await in the next instalment…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, N.L Holmes!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
TW; abuse mental and physical, rape, abduction, etc
HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!
This book keeps you intrigued and highly motivated to finish. Cheering on cherub to overcome her battles the 2nd book ends on a cliff hanger that has me HOOKED. I cannot wait for the third book to arrive. I am prepared to find out what happens to venom, cherub and slash. Will it in polyamorous relationship? Will it stay monogamous.
Cherub has been apart of the gang since before she was born raised around the club she lives breathes and emulates SHAMROCK. But what happens when her life has been twisting into an evil journey. Will the shamrocks protect her?! Who’s behind all of this treachery.
Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Definitely a good read! A perfectly
Told tale that twists pasts with the future; unfolding perfectly. The plot is moderately paced with a good burn.
He was the love of her life and she was the one that got away. Forced together in the most auspicious of times a wrench is thrown in when it’s revealed she’s an agent for the FBI and he’s running the family MOB.
Steamy scenes, hilarity, mystery and intrigue. This is a quick jaunt in the park that leaves you excited for more.
The Ring of Eagna by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Ring of Eagna is the fourth book in The Cross of Ciaran series by Andrea Matthews. This is a paranormal romantic suspense teeming with adventure, action, mystery, magic, time travel, history, danger, family, intrigue, a treasure hunt, an ancient manuscript, powerful rings, dramatic developments, and plenty of tension.
As this book follows on from the events in the previous book/s, I highly recommend reading them before diving into this one, as there is a lot of pertinent information, details, and back story contained there that will set you up to better appreciate this instalment, as well as the series as a whole.
Ciaran and Aodhán embark on a bit of a treasure hunt with the aid of an ancient manuscript. But things aren’t going to be easy as they soon find that there are others intent on finding the treasure, too. With danger, twists, and plenty of drama- things get quite intense. Ms. Matthews certainly ramps up the intensity with each new instalment and puts her characters to the test every time. What happens makes for a gripping read.
Intriguing and well-woven…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Andrea Matthews!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Paula J. Mann lives a double life. She is a geologist by day and a novelist by night. She’s best known for writing mysteries and thrillers.
She also experimented writing historical fiction, and paranormal suspense.
