Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
To be honest, this really wasn’t the book for me. However, the premise of the story was good, and it is well-written, thus the four stars. The characters have good chemistry, and there is some witty banter. It would be a great read for people who like sweeter romances and romcoms.
Second Glance by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoy their attention to details that pull me into the character’s world with ease. Their characters come to life on every page and keep me turning pages to the end. This is a well written story about Lord Patrick and Commandant Iseul. Patrick’s only responsibility is to take over for his father and get married someday. But he has a secret that could destroy everything for him. Iseul has a lot on his plate. He has given in to his passion once and vowed not to do it again. When fate throws them into the same tavern, will their passion reunite? You don’t want to miss this story for sure. These two characters are connectable and make the story easy to read. They have great growth as well as chemistry throughout. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
his story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy their writing style as well as their creativity that make their characters pop off the pages. This is a well written story about Maddy. She is one that always follows the rules until she turns seventeen and a DNA test changes everything for her. Now she finds herself in a fairytale that she has always dreamed of. Will she have to make a choice to be a villain or the happily ever after she has dreamed about? I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. I felt for her in parts and way to go in other parts. She made the story easy and entertaining to read. There is great growth throughout the story with Maddy and the plot that made it hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart
Percy’s Brides ( A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart is a Historical Western Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. This authors style of writing and attention to detail pulls you into their world and makes you feel like you are right there with them. The characters are relatable and fully developed make the story come to life. Percy is a businessman who is about to get more than he ever imagined. What will happen when he receives two mail order Brides instead of one? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m already looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very unique read, I really enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. It’s about taking a leap of faith on their journey into the unknown. The characters have shown their resilience and how they each handle the trials and tribulations they have faced in their own way. I especially like when Percy comes at crossroads, when he doesn’t know what to do, he goes to the church to contemplate the situation in peace and quiet.
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance which kept me happily tuning the pages. Set in a small prairie town, Percy Sutton is the proprietor of the towns hardware store. Percy is looking for a partner to share his life and his business with. He’s looking for love, but things get complicated when his family’s meddling results in two mail-order brides turning up to marry Percy. Clara arrives with a trunk full of books hoping to educate the town. Her and Percy share the same dreams and are planning on building a home and community together. However, when Amelia also arrives believing Percy is her match, Percy’s future with Clara is not so certain. When there is a tragedy at the community’s coal mine the three must put their personal dramas aside for the greater good of the town. Eventually Percy must choose between a life with Clara or Amelia. This was a heartwarming romance and both the characters and setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I found the added historical details transported me back in time, and the small ‘Western’ town feeling definitely came across. I was hooked by the storyline and I found that Percy, Clara and Amelia are all likeable and relatable characters. I was hoping for a HEA, no spoilers, pick up the book!!!
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Parker appears to have everything a motocross rider could want to have, women, money, drugs. But it isn’t the party it seems as Parker is hiding his past trauma. When Megan, the FMC, becomes pregnant and delivers a baby girl, Parker starts trying to deal with the past. But will the pressure of fatherhood and unhealed trauma cause Parker to spiral too far out of control or can he pull back before he looses everything and everyone he loves? This was book 6 of this series but you don’t have to read the first 5 to be able to read this. Great story line.
I wish I could read this over and over for the first time. I truly enjoyed every chapter. There are many life lessons that Maddy learns that make you think and consider your own actions. I definitely think this will be a book I suggest for my daughter when she’s older.
Maddy & Leo have such a fun friendship, and like in so many instances, they balance each other out perfectly. Maddy is thoughtful, serious and quieter where Leo is loud, spontaneous and silly. They truly are the best of friends.
Grams is so comforting and knowledgeable. Both by opening up about her own history and to help Maddy with what she is going through currently.
I look forward to reading more about Maddy and Leo and see where their relationship goes.
Holy Cow! I wasn’t even to the first chapter and was already wanting to clear my schedule because I knew this was worth a binge read.
I felt such a wide variety of emotions throughout this book. Pride, shock, devastation, heartbreak, comfort, relief, the entire array.
I truly felt connected to the character and was engrossed in the story. The desire for Lea to stay away from the media and politics, to live her own life and find her own way. The closeness that she felt with Max being the one person in her life to always protect her and help her however she should need. The joy and relationship she had with her grandmother.
I am anxiously awaiting the net book and look forward to getting to know Max better.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212183311-the-husbands” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Husbands” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1714147271l/212183311._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212183311-the-husbands”>The Husbands</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19564586.Naomi_Valkyrie”>Naomi Valkyrie</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6589982793″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I have read other books by her, mainly her fantasy book. The Husbands was a quick read with only 126 pages but it didn’t skimp on any details. She still gives us well rounded and well developed characters. Augustine and Dorian met when an assassin makes a mistake. Over a short period of time they developed some intense feelings but they love their wives and know it cannot go any further. Several years later their wives have a chance encounter and become friends, which in turn leads to the men meeting again. Will they admit what they once had or continue on like they never had a meaningful relationship?
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A story about man’s rise out of rock bottom. Whiskey Throttle has a lot going on. The author gives you a story of a man’s struggle and how he loses everything. It’s the growth through the story though that makes it. Nothing short of a good book. I’ve read quite a few books by this author and she’s one of my favorites. An author that no matter what the story is, I will always dive in just from seeing the name.
I was skeptical at first when I read the prologue. About what I was actually getting myself into, but I push forward anyway. Heavy topics of abuse are the minor storyline behind Parker’s alcohol abuse. He thought he was doing what he needed to be a good partner and father, but when Megan left him it all fell apart. Her and Lindsey were the light in his life. And now that they are gone he is consumed by darkness. When he ends up with a DUI it’s the final straw that wakes him up. That rock bottom makes him realize he needs to change not only for himself, but if he has any hope of getting his family back.
What steps will Parker take to change?
Does he succeed and get Megan to come back to him?
I can relate to Parker in so many ways. As I’ve hit my own rock bottom, but under different circumstances. But the results are all the same as long as you make an effort to better yourself for you. This book can be one big trigger warning. So be mindful going into it. It’s definitely worth it, just don’t take the story lightly. As it’s one a lot of people can relate with but could also trigger their own ptsd as well.
The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not much of a horror reader, but I freaking love this series. I love the writing, the story, the characters, everything about it. I love that it’s more thriller than horror, but it still just keeps you thrown on your toes while you’re reading. Of course, read the first books in the series before you read this one! I actually had to jump into a re-read of so i could keep everything straight. Fantastic books. Highly recommend!
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maybe I have been living under a rock, but I hadn’t heard of this author before. I am so glad I decided to pick this up and give it a chance because it is incredible! I can’t believe how often I felt like she was referring to me in this book which made it even more amazing. The author has a great way of providing facts but then also a story to paint the picture of what she’s teaching and why. I have always had a hard time with perfectionism even as a child, so reading this was a breath of fresh air. I feel like these are solid, concrete steps to assist with any situation that would arise! These tips could definitely help anyone even if they don’t procrastinate. I am excited to pick up other books by this author, but I’m keeping this close by for reference!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a good 5 star read. My emotions were all over the place. Loch is a Rockstar who needs a break. He ends up staying at a Bed and Breakfast. This is where he meets Hailey. Hailey runs the B&B with her friends. These two have some very heartbreaking pasts that they are trying to move forward from. Can two broken souls heal each other? I will warn you to have the tissues handy, I had many ugly cry moments. This story pulled me right in and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today on this emotional great read.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read other books by this author and they were amazing. Going into this book I wasn’t sure what to expect because it’s a different genre than what I’m used to reading from this author. I’m so glad I took a chance on reading this one because it was even better than I could have imagined. There is love, romance, betrayal, forgiveness, danger, twists and turns, and great characters. This was a quick read but full of emotions. While I was reading this story I found myself completely invested in the outcome of the characters, will love be able to overcome the hurt? I wanted Dorian and Augustine to be happy but I also wanted their wives to be happy because I know they loved their wives so much. It’s a tough position that they found themselves in. I think some of the situations they found themselves in were handled maturely. I thought this was a great read and I can’t say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend this book.
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart. This is such a good romance. Its set in the early settler days and Percy is determined to set up his homestead away from his family in the town he owns a hardware store in. He also hopes to find a woman who will be just as much a partner, friend and lover to live this life with. When Clara arrives in town with all the books she own ready to find love and teach the young ones all she can. Clara and Percy are moving right along with Clara being a little wild but also very educated and ready to share that knowledge with all she can. They are beginning to think things can’t get better until Amelia arrives ready to wed Percy. Clara and Percy are at a crossroads and Percy doesn’t know quit what to do and then tragedy befalls the community when there is a disaster at the coal mine in town. Percy, Amelia and Clara put their relationship woes to the side to see that the community gets all the help they need. In the end the question still is, who will Percy choose to be his wife? Read this fun historical romance to find out.
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adore Elinor! We are now in book 2 of the Madame Chalamet Mysteries series, Delicious Death. When Elinor attends the King’s Winter Feast, someone makes an attempt on the King’s life. Elinor, Dr. Charlotte, and Tristan try to find the culprit. This book has the same wit and fun as the first book. We get to see more of the friendship between Dr. Charlotte and Elinor. We also see more of the slow-burn romance between Tristan and Elinor and the issues that their class difference may cause. This is a well-written continuation of the series and can be read as a stand-alone story.
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Percy’s Brides by Ivy Hart is a western romance. In the town of Eldorado Creek, Percy Sutton has his hardware store, family, and faith. Percy’s mother and sister are concerned that he won’t find someone to go through life with. They have the idea for Percy to advertise for a mail-order bride, but Percy doesn’t know if it is right for him. This was a sweet and inspirational story about having faith. The characters were strong and honorable. The plot was well-written and believable. The author is creative in how events happen and are resolved. I loved the relationship between Percy and his mother and sister. They cared so much about each other and it made me smile. The ending was perfect.
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was never quite into political thrillers until the last couple of years. I really enjoyed this one. The author went into the historical facts for this one. I was pulled in right from the beginning. As a grandparent, I will say that the beginning shocked me and gripped me. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen. This thriller did not disappoint. The action and drama kept me going. I had my kindle app on whenever I had a chance. I would have read straight through if I could have put life on hold. The characters were well-written and I really felt that they could have been plucked right off the streets of our real world. This is a fascinating thriller, an amazing story and I can’t wait for book 2.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Children’s books are fun and great for our little ones. Soara, Lulu and Zanie are best friends. They spend their recesses together until Soara flies off on another adventure. Only rule is she must be back before recess ends. But when she spots butterflies, she gets side tracked. Can she find her way back to school? Will she get there before recess ends? Once again this author pulled out another fun story for our children’s enjoyment. The story was fun and opened up conversation and imaginations. Keeping our parents engaged in conversation with our little ones. Just one more grand story for us to have in our children’s library.
Review@cinful
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an entertaining story about a girl and the Beauty and the Beast story. I started off loving this. The flow and the characters were perfect. Maybe about half way through it seemed to slow way down. There was too much explanation and not enough movement. Then the story picked back up then slowed down again. So besides all that the story is cute. I really liked Leo and Maddy. They both do a good job and make the best of a bad situation. Secondary characters are plentiful. I really enjoyed Leo’s family and thought something might happen with all those kids and Itialian-isms.
Overall this book is creative. It has great moments that kept me turning pages.
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Love Burns series. This is a great rom com with characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with. The chemistry between Zach and Libby is instant and the fact that Zach is a hot fireman is definitely extra points for me.
This story is full of sizzling chemistry, emotions, and tension as you are left throughout the story wondering if they will or won’t get together.
Libby has just moved to the small town. She hasn’t met anyone but this definately wasn’t how she wanted to introduce herself with a fire started by her toaster.
When Zach arrives he expects this to just be another call out. He doesn’t expect to meet a woman who does things to him that he can’t even explain. He doesn’t know what it is that he’s feeling but he knows he can’t let her go.
But things won’t be easy as Libby tells Zach she doesn’t date.
Can Zach get Libby to take a chance on a relationship with him? What does he need to do for her to take that chance? And with so much chemistry between them how long is just being friends going to last?
I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little love story. I always enjoy a good love story and this one hit the spot. It had the romance of finding love and then a problem that seems like it will end the relationship. I enjoyed reading how Dorian and Augustine finally were able to work together and find happiness. I enjoy reading novels by this author and have liked everything I have read by her.
Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Percy’s Brides: A double Trouble Romance
By Ivy Hart
5 Stars
It’s been a long time since I have read Mail order bride story and never have, I read one where there is 2!! Loved this book, it was a joy to read. Percy a shop owner in a small town and single, has everyone including his mother asking him when he will settle down. Including talking about mail order brides. One day Clara walks in fresh off the train to discuss his proposal…. One he didn’t make. Elenor his mother had put in a ad for a bride and Clara responded. After a week of getting to know each other and not making any plans in comes Amelia who has also responded to an ad by his sister Lila.
The issues is 2 mail order brides and 1 groom who just wants everyone to be happy. Percy came up with the idea of getting to know both of them and letting them decide. Clara wants to stay even if it isnt with Percy, she was a teacher in her former town and would love to build a school there. Clara sold her shop to marry Percy and started a Seamstress shop in a room of Percy’s place.
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This reminded me of some of Naomi’s other writings I have read. She has a very unique story telling that I really enjoy. She creates these characters and settings that are complex yet she is able to tell her stories in a novela type style. They are short stories but give so much information and character growth in the short amount of time. I really enjoy reading them.
The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of Naomi Valkyrie’s that I have read and it wasnt fantasy. This one is a romance. I haven’t read one in a bit but I really liked it. It was really cute and had a sweet ending. I recommend this if you enjoy m/m romances since it is about two married men who meet and are drawn to each other.
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marika Ray’s Salt Love follows newly divorced Kenna as she moves to Sunshine Keys, Florida to handle her late aunt’s estate and meets her next-door neighbour with a big secret, Dec. Kenna starts off a bit judgemental and Dec seems like a sweetheart, then Dec seems a bit misogynistic and Kenna becomes really relatable, but eventually they start to sync and become much more likeable. The book was really well-written, including the ending, although I felt like the ending seemed too soon. My favourite character was Maeve, she seems like my kind of person. I recommend this book mainly because I found it inspiring. I feel like I really needed to read this at this point in my life. ‘An acknowledgement that the journey was better than the ending.’
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t know how the author manages to continuously write about big, gruff bikers that melt your heart. Chaz is just another example. He is a hard-nosed president of a 1% MC and all he does is make the ticker gooey.
Chaz has to be everything to everyone as president. So far, he believes he has been good at it. Chaz has led the Wretched Soulz MC Arizona Chapter for many prosperous years. Lately, the brothers are starting to settle down. StoryTeller has a pregnant Old Lady and a kid. Chaz has spent a little time thinking that maybe that is something he is interested in.
Helo is just trying to get by. She received a medical discharge from the military due to lingering PTSD episodes that make it so she can’t fly the helicopters she was born to fly. Now someone is after her, so she is living off the grid, barely making it by. Helo made a deal with an old man to help restore a motorcycle for room and board. To help the costs of the repairs, Helo has been quietly pilfering from the trash pile at the MC’s garage. She didn’t think they would notice.
One night while helping herself to some discarded parts, Helo gets caught. Chaz is instantly intrigued by this woman. He doesn’t know why. She almost bested him but didn’t. Then she escapes the confines he put her in for the night. Despite Helo’s disappearance, Chaz can’t stop thinking about her. When they find her again, he makes an interesting offer. When Helo takes him up on his offer, she manages to crack more than their security.
Helo explains that someone is after her. She wants to run. Chaz wants her to stay. When things get too hot at the MC, Chaz takes Helo and they run together. This puts Chaz in a really tough spot with the MC. The Soulz catch up with Chaz and Helo and decide to help Helo find out who is after her. Chaz hates the plans that are made. Chaz is finally able to tell Helo what he feels for her and that he wants her forever. Helo isn’t ready to hear these words until the shadow of bounty is off her head.
There is nothing like big, hard as nails, outlaw bikers. This author writes them too well. Cuz I am cheering for the biker to get his girl and so will you!! Break into this amazing series now! These bikers will ride away with your heart. Can’t love them enough. Can’t give it enough stars!!!!!!!!!
Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a crazy book! Very exciting, and extremely edgy! He’s a older, in charge biker guy and she is a damaged, strong, special ops girl, and they challenge each other like there is no tomorrow! Talk about an enemies to romance novel!!! Loved it!!
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
2.5 – 3 Stars
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About is the first book in the Porter and Midge Series by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada. I have come into the series a little backwards, starting on Book #4 and working my way back. Luckily each book in the series can be read as a standalone, as each one contains its own ‘adventure’/lessons.
I could tell right away that this is the first book in the series as it is a lot ‘busier’, ‘wordier’, and a bit of an ‘information’ and image overload. There was so much going on in each illustration, with so many smaller more ‘intricate’ details- as well as the ‘wordier’ story printed over the illustrations- making for a bit of a ‘cluttered’, chaotic look and feel.
While the information contained in the story was interesting, and helpful for people wanting to train/socialize the new fur-members of their family (vet checks, vaccinations, socialization, training, instilling confidence, building resilience etc)- unfortunately most of that was lost amongst all the ‘clutter’. And while the illustrations were neat- they don’t have the same cute and engaging quality of the later books (Books #2 – #5- and although Book #5 isn’t out yet I had a look at the cover, and it has the same ‘cute’ illustrations that we love). The illustrations that do accompany this instalment, I feel, don’t help to reinforce the ‘lessons’ in the book, or really ‘engage’ the reader. They are well-drawn and somewhat colourful, but because there is so much going on in them, with so much ‘detailing’ it felt more like a ‘Where’s Waldo/Where’s Wally’ puzzle book than a children’s puppy adventure story. I hope I am making sense here….
This instalment also lacks the great ‘rhyming rhythm’ of the storytelling in the other books, which makes them so much more engaging and enjoyable than this one.
I Thought that it might just be my opinion, but when I tried reading the story to my grandchildren (aged between 3years and 8 years), which I have done with all the other books in the series (and they have loved)- they didn’t even make it to the second page before they lost interest with this one, and started talking over the story, wondering why Porter, Midge, CJ, and Lora didn’t ‘look’ the same as the other books. That’s all they seemed to focus on…
Looking forward to getting back to the ‘Porter and Midge’ style we love- with ‘Paws and Pastries’ (Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats – Book #5).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
