Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a cute book for toddlers and pre-kindergarteners. Each page contains beautiful illustrations of ocean creatures like star fish, crabs and the beach as the children learn to count from one to ten. The rhymes in each of the book are very entertaining and easy for children to grasp. I would definitely recommend this book.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In a cute twist of Jack and the beanstalk this author retells the well known story but from the giants perspective. He lures boys by selling magic beans and a harp. Etc. As the story goes on Jack climbs the stalk and the giant thinka hes trapped him but Jack manages to outsmart the giant in the end.
This is a cute story with engaging illustrations that my daughter loved and may open up conversations about topics that may be harder to address with kiddos.
How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a pretty cool retelling of Jack and the BeanStalk. This is told from the perspective of the giant.
The giant lures little children to come to his castle, and sells them the magic beans, the golden harp and golden eggs. When Jack comes up to the castle, the giant tries to play the same trick on Jack.
But Jack plays a counter trick on the giant. He offers to do an infomercial for the giant to lure more little boys to come up the castle. The giant believes him , oblivious of the tricks Jack has up his sleeve.
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of my favorite fairy tale with bright illustrations.
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 stars
This book gave me all the nostalgia of young love! It’s well written and enjoyable even though I’m not in high school any longer. It’s a great read for both older adults and young adults. It’s sweet and entertaining and a nice break from adulthood.
When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A girl in Nee Mexico steals a magical artifact. A man in the Rocky Mountains studies a girl in the wild. A raging storm wakes a boy. What do they have in common?
Fairy tales are everywhere and are constantly being altered to match the modern world. Watch closely because you never know what fairytale you might find yourself in.
“When Magic Calls” was far from what I was expecting, but in a good way. I love a fairytale retelling, but this took telling tales to a whole new level. It was a magical twist and turn in directions I never would’ve predicted with each story told.
This collection of fairytales is different than the usual tales we hear and was truly engaging and magical. You won’t want to miss it!
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an adorable YA romance book. It follows the main character Pyper over senior year with Prom as the big focus of her year. She wants it canceled, but her efforts backfire. For Pyper having all the answers is normal, but this moment of not having them is breaking her. With the help of friends and family she works through this dilemma called Prom and learning that it is okay to not have the answers. It was a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages. It was easily a one day read. A great story with likable characters in a familiar highschool setting that makes connecting to them easy. I would highly recommend picking up this YA romance! I cannot wait to pick up another book by this author.
Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Guarding the Crease is part of The Playmaker Series by G.K. Brady. I’ve enjoyed other playmakers books so I was excited for another. But this book can be easily read as a stand alone. Wyatt is honestly…. Terrible, a jerk, not someone you think you’ll like. It’s pretty known he uses who he is to his advantage. Serena is in PR for one of the high ranking hockey teams. And she just so happens to meet the one who is Wyatt on a night out. Though they are clearly attracted to one another, Serena isn’t so sure she can help his image, plus just because it’s her job, why should she want to? Except she owes him. And now it’s going to get messy. I enjoyed these two characters. The redemption was there and the chemistry between them was evident. Things could have moved a bit faster but overall I liked the book and hope there’s more!
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Complicated Choices will reel you in fast and not let go. My heart burst with emotions from page to page. This is a story of strength, determination and growth. Claire is a teenager with typical high school drama, but home life weighs heavy. As someone forced to grow up a little faster than I should have, I resonate with Claire. The complexity of her character is beautifully woven, and you connect to her as she develops throughout the story. I did not want to put the book down and found myself a little sad when it ended. This was the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author, but it will certainly not be the last!
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book in one sitting and I imagine many others will as well.
We meet Russell right away. He’s in the 5th grade, and well, it’s just not his year. So many changes have occurred over the past year that it’s really affected his performance in school. Grandpa moved in, resulting in his room to change, his dad starting drinking more, and Tyler became a bully. That’s a bit much for a young man to have to take on.
Grandpa loves going to the carousel everyday, much to Russell’s chagrin. One day, that all changes for both Rusty and Grandpa though. Things will never be the same again…and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
This book is pretty deep and one that teenagers could likely relate to. There are some intense topics covered and there are ways to help those issues throughout the story. I’ll also admit, I cried at the end!!! Have a box of tissues handy if you’re soft hearted!!
When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very unique and enjoyable collection of fairy tales for adults. The author was extremely vivid in her characters and you definitely could feel the magic within! Some of the stories I couldn’t quite place how they related to other fairy tales, but it did not make them less enjoyable. My absolutely favorites were, “Letters from a Wu”, “Borrowed Skin, Borrowed Year”, “A Love to Sleep for”, and “Bones of the Soul.” This was definitely a wonderful collection and I greatly enjoyed all of the stories. If you are a lover of fairy tales, this is a diverse collection of magical tales.
Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable rhyming book that counts from 1 to 10. The illustrations fit the rhyme and adjectives can stretch your child’s brain (bashful, unique, majestic, and basking).
The only “complaint” about the book is I use the word sea star, instead of starfish, because they are not fish, but understand the term is widely used (and explained at the end). I did appreciate how it discusses not all have 5 arms. At the back of the book there are some search-and-find activities as well as a QR code to the song that corresponds to the text.
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadowed Obsession by Mavery Ellscott is the first book in the Shadow Defense Security series. I felt like this book had a perfect pace as the story of Keira O’Ryan unfolded. She is a PR representative with a bit of a past she’d rather forget, and a stalker who is trying to work their way into literally every nook and cranny of her life to spy on her. She has a neighbor who happens to be a very attractive ex-Navy SEAL and owns his own security company. Cade tries to help keep Keira safe and get to this stalker before harm comes to her. Tension, thrill, and wonderful writing accentuate these well-fleshed characters and plot. I absolutely recommend if you are interested in a fast-paced, but well written thriller. I look forward to see what is next for the Shadow Defense Security series!
Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a sweet little book. It makes a great bedtime read for the tiny humans. It was original, well worded, and beautifully illustrated.
Great story, full of twist and turns. Strong characters, great story line. This book will draw you and not let go to the end and you will still want more. Recommend to anyone who loves a great story full of suspense and action. Looking forward to the next one.Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story, full of twist and turns. Strong characters, great story line. This book will draw you and not let go to the end and you will still want more. Recommend to anyone who loves a great story full of suspense and action. Looking forward to the next one.
The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lots of trigger warnings you have been warned. This story is about Logan and Victoria. Victoria’s mom died when she was young leaving her with an alcoholic step dad. Logan comes into Victoria’s life by moving in next door. Logan is there for Victoria anything she needs he plays role perfectly. Thanks to Logan’s mom Victoria gets to escape some of the abuse she endures.
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the seventh book in the Masters of the Consulate series, this time focusing on Master Campania and Williow. Each book can be read as a standalone, focusing on different couples, however I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning to understand the underlying storyline running through each book and the recurring characters.
Once again, I enjoyed the author’s writing style it flows nicely and is easy to follow, enhancing the reading experience. The descriptive writing paints vivid images of the setting and characters, bringing them to life.
I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers aspect between Williow and Master Campania and the strain this causes as difficult decisions are made.
I don’t think I will ever tire of this series, and I’m always left waiting impatiently for the next book. This time will be no different!
Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bared
By: ND Jackson
This is the first book of the Green Street Girls. Athena, Gwyn, Indigo and Charlie have all grown up with absolutely difficult lives but they have managed to overcome them and are now successful young women.
Bared is Athena’s story. She is definitely a very complex character and the author does a fantastic job of writing her with the amount of depth that she deserves. She was abandoned at age 13 and had to fend for herself. This gave her a toughness about her that is always on the periphery of her character. Additionally, she has a pain that is deep inside her that also colors her interactions with others. She has managed to make something of herself and is now a club owner. A career choice, that I feel fits the character of Athena that the author developed, it needs a type of deep seated toughness to deal with owning a club. She meets Tru and realizes that she may need to let her guard down to have the man of her dreams. She is hesitant to open up, but just maybe her pain in her past isn’t so bad that she can’t let someone in.
I definitely enjoyed this story, so much so that I read it in one day. I cannot wait to read the stories about the rest of the girls!
Love Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Watchers and Brothers-in-arms, Elan and Arwyn along with Pryderi made a vow years before to never become romantically involved. Their bond is worth more than just a night of pleasure. When Pryderi returns with his mate, things start to shift. Elan and Arwn feelings for each other begin to emerge more with the two thinking that the feelings are one sided. A new man also appears stirring up more trouble.
I have read at least two books in this series and really enjoyed it. Elan and Arwn pinning for each other while in close proximity just made me want to scream ‘just talk! You will learn that the feelings are mutual.’ The oath they made may very well be the same thing that keeps them apart. With so many factors within their relationship, I was hoping for a happy ending.
I do love the characters and I hope there will be more in the series.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this while traveling for work this weekend. It was a great airport/plane read. I really enjoyed the story line of the daughter helping her mother overcome a really difficult situation. Mental Health, postpartum depression, divorce, unplanned pregnancy, coming of age, friendship and transitions are all themes in this storyline. Claire finds herself realigning her future as her mom faces a very difficult time. She begins to understand the power of family, supporting one-another, asking for help and love. While it may seem a far fetched storyline, I think this happens more often that we realize. It is important to check in on one another and really dig for what is most important in our lives.
The Secrets they Hide by P.J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Commissario Scala Mystery series. Even though it is part of a series they can be read as a standalone read however I think it helps you understand the characters better if you read them from the beginning. However if you don’t it won’t take anything away from this story which is a great murder mystery. This book had me gripped from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. This is a crime story set in Rome which was different. When Inspector Scala finds a note in his car he knows something is going on and when 2 weeks later a dead body turns up with another note he realises its a race against time before the murderer strikes again.
This is a fast paced murder mystery, full of twists and turns, secrets and lies and so much confusions and peoples dark pasts that you have no clue who is behind the crimes. With police procedures, drama and corruption the author drags you into this world and you feel like you are solving the case alone with the Inspector.
I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66213424-sage-advice” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read “ Ways to improve Bailey” I was looking forward to another fun filled read and I was NOT disappointed 😉
So Pyper is a little ray of sunshine , she’s bright , preppy , peppy but she also has a wee flaw , she wants to cancel prom ….she also realises she doesn’t always have the answers and she doesn’t know it all #surprise😉
Pyper is the girl you want to befriend and she herself has a beautiful and supportive tribe 🥰
I loved Pyper and friends and this is something I’d love to share with my teen daughters ❣️📚
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m just loving this cover art !!!!❣️📚 get your pinna colade , settle in and enjoy 😊
Once bitten , twice shy !? I think not , hesitant yes but shy NEVER 🔥😉
Toni is about to vacay with her latest beau but things don’t go the way they were supposed to but she decides she still going to enjoy it She lays eyes on Mickey and she starts thinking a holiday fling may be just what the doctor ordered and I mean hello the man is a delectable speciMAN😉
Mickey is up for fun but no commitment and after meeting his ex I can’t say I blame him sheepers that woman is a drama queen but that’s what was so entertaining at times anyhoo Lori brings out something different in him 🥰
This is a read made up of sweet and spice and all things nice ❣️📚
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been waiting for the second installment to this series and I could not be more happy with the results. Tamaska kind of irked me in this book, I can understand her fear of dogs due to a past trauma, but I feel like Kodiak more than proved over and over that he would never hurt her and would always protect her. Shota, I could tell he was going to be a problem for the couple, he seems just so angry and has tunnel vision when it comes to Tamaska. There is still no reason as to why the vampires want her so much and what is so special about her blood, but it seems to me that Tamaska may not be all the way human. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There’s a saying that goes “ If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.” I couldn’t agree more and despite the fact that I’ve not a green finger I do try but on this instance this really is a healing garden ……
Holly is a born nurse but after a very traumatic experience in the emergency room she has to take a sabbatical to heal and get over the sense of not belonging so she travels across Australia following music festivals where she either works as a nurse or volunteer , she travels in her trusty “steed”!Norman and I must say he’s rather decorative but the meaning behind his art work is a lot deeper ❣️🚙
While finishing off at a festival she gets a call that her grandmother Mona is in hospital and she heads to Bendigo to be with her and that’s where she meets Christopher….let’s just say his reception was rather chilling ….
Christopher has demons of his own and he has misconceived ideas of Holly and who she is and her story let alone her relationship with her grandmother but there’s no mistake both of them love Mona ….
So Mona and Christopher were working with children on a garden , but the children all come from abusive backgrounds where the mother has died at the hand of the abuse and more often than not they saw it all go down and man my heart broke into a million pieces but there’s healing here and Holly is so good with the children and the gravitate towards her but Billy and Sophie have a special place in my heart and the relationship they share with Holly is just amazing 🥰
Watching Christopher ( Kit) discover Holly and the magic they share was beautiful but even more amazing was the garden and it’s healing and yes I cried alot but I also laughed a lot ( Jaffa reference 🤣🫣) there were some rather stressful and mail biting moments where I held my breath !
These characters are so endearing and climb into your ❤️ a brilliant read
Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Content Warning: child abused/paedophilia. Indigo is a girl with a haunting past but a bright future. Gideon is her best friends brother, who is new to town and living in her guest house. When Indigo begins to receive threats regarding a new contract with work, her ex-army guest is the perfect person to keep her company. It’s got the best friends brother trope and the bodyguard trope! Indigo and Gideon have so much in common and have a really lovely friendship, which makes their love story all the better. The only issue I found was that sometimes it felt like the writing was telling rather than showing, which wasn’t needed because you could understand what was happening without it being explained. My favourite character was Indigo, although it’s hard to choose between her and Gideon. My least favourite character was Oliver. I recommend this book because Indigo’s story is an important story to tell and it’s inspiring to see her overcome her past. I also love a friends to lovers story. ‘He was my comfort spot, my safe space. My home.’
Forbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Wolf is about a pair of star-crossed lovers. Tasha is a vampire and Levi is a Lycan and unfortunately their species are at war with one another. The punishment of being caught together is death yet they cannot stay away from each other. Most of the book is set in Tasha’s point of view with a few chapters from Levi to tie it together. They are both realistic characters that have a strong drive that will not stop. I enjoyed their blossoming forbidden romance and hoped for them to run away together. I originally thought that this book was going to be extremely predictable, but this was not the case. Amazingly the twists and turns in the book and the ending were even better than I hoped for. Can’t wait to read the second book Forbidden Mate!
Forbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spoilers for the previous book, Forbidden Wolf, are ahead. Tasha and Levi are finally able to be together due to an uneasy truce between the vampires and lycans. Both species have a common enemy now – the hellspawn. More secrets are revealed about the unlikely but destoned pair as they uncover more secrets of the vampires and lycans. I love Tasha and Levi finally being together and further building their relationship, they are perfect for one another. Forbidden Mate has several twists and turns starting about halfway through the story. The ending caused me to pick up the next book, Forbidden Moon, immediately.
Forbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highly recommend Forbidden Moon and the whole series The Shadow Chronicles. This book is an amazing way to close Tasha’s and Levi’s love story. Their relationship is pushed to the limit with having to lead an army against the hellspawn while protecting their daughter. It is by far my favorite of the trilogy due to learning more about the creation of vampire, lycans, and witches. I was at the edge of my seat until the very end. The ending is everything I hoped for and more, it gave me goosebumps reading it! I can’t wait to read the next in the series Forbidden Blood.
Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbidden Blood takes place during Forbidden Moon but with the different viewpoints of Kimber and Fabian. Kimber is Tasha’s younger sister who has never felt like she belonged anywhere. Fabian is a guardian of the world to ensure balance and order. They bring out the best in one another and heal their pasts. I love this series and can’t wait for the next book!
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Marked Wolf is the second book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series by Lilliana Rose. It is an intriguing urban fantasy/paranormal romance with shifters (wolves), vampires, a precious gem called the ‘Blood Opal’, a quest, action, adventure, danger, drama, chemistry, tension, mystery, emotion, politics, high stakes, agendas, suspense, the supernatural, the threat of war, and much more.
This picks up where we left off in book one. Tamaska has been targeted by the vampires and Kodiak must answer to the pack- so things are about to get ‘interesting’… I was avidly reading, immersed in the story, following along to see how it all played out. Excitedly awaiting Book #3!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lilliana Rose!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
