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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in a fantastic series by an author who has risen right up my favourites list in the last few years. I don’t think I have ever given any of her books less than 5 stars as they are just that good. And this is another 5-star read.
I was slightly worried before starting this book as it was a new character brought into the fold of a very tight knit bunch. My own fault for being such an anxious person as this author has never let me down before and still hasn’t. Luc was quickly accepted into the group of elite mafia leaders and Summer fit right in with the kick – a** mafia wives.
I loved Luc and Summer’s story. Both are fantastic characters that I immediately connected with and enjoyed reading about. This book is quite angsty, which I love, as they try to fight the attraction they obviously have for one another.
As well as the romance story, the author sure knows how to write a fantastic accompanying suspenseful storyline which keeps you gripped and not wanting to put this book down.
I loved this book as with all the others in this series and really hope that the author gives us more from this amazing mafia elite.

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Unchecked: A Steamy Love Triangle Love Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Unchecked (MetroGen Downtown Kiss and Tell, #1)Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a steamy new contemporary romance series. I have read this author’s work before and was hoping I’d enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed the previous one. Thankfully I did.
At only 176 pages, I devoured this book in a few hours. It’s a hot and steamy romp from start to finish. I’m surprised patients get better in this hospital as the doctors, nurses, surgeon etc are too busy having sex with one another.
I absolutely loved Stella as a character. She’s a recovering alcoholic and has a total IDGAF attitude to life. She’s pretty awesome.
I totally forgot when reading this book that it ends on a cliffhanger and I wanted to throw my kindle out the window when I got to the end and realised that the BIG question had not been answered!!!! How could the author be so cruel? Thankfully, I really enjoyed this book and would want to read more from this series anyway as now I’ll have to as I need to know the answer. I have my own preference for who I want the answer to be but others may have a different view from me.
I hope I don’t have to wait long to get the next instalment in this series.

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Love’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Love's Full CircleLove’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a sweet, clean, Christian romance novel. It’s quite a short book, so is good for a nice relaxing afternoon read. This author was new to me so I was unsure what to expect from this book.
It is a second chance romance. Kayden and Liam were high school sweethearts who split up when Liam kept pushing to move their relationship on to a more intimate level which Kayden did not want.
Years Later and Liam has walked into Kayden’s life again and this time wants to win her over but Kayden doesn’t want her heart broken by Liam again.
Teenage Liam, I wanted to slap but I’m sure he’s just a typical horny teenager who wants a more intimate relationship. Adult Liam I really liked. He knew he’s done wrong as was willing to di anything to make things work. Kayden, I just couldn’t connect with at all. She really exasperated me on so many levels, making me struggle to enjoy this book as much as I could have.
I like a second chance romance but struggled with this one. I liked the author’s writing style and the story flowed well but Kayden spoiled my enjoyment.

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #4)Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book we get the story of the 4th, and final, Carruthers sibling, youngest child Yolanda. We really didn’t hear much about Yolanda in the first 3 books until she appeared unexpectedly at the end of book 3.
Yolanda has been living in the city with her husband Michael and 3 year old daughter Jayne. Their marriage is going through a rocky patch so she decides to come home to Bunya Junction to get a break and to re-evaluate her life.
This is different from most other romance books in that the couple are already married. This is the very angsty tale of how Michael follows Yolanda and tries to win her back.
I really did enjoy Michael and Yolanda’s story. It’s very much a story of how a lack of communication can lead to such strife. If only they would talk to each other about how they are truly feeling. Although if they did that, we wouldn’t get this great angsty story to get our teeth stuck into.
I loved that we got to see all 4 couples from this series but I’m now gutted that this series has come to an end. I will definitely read this book (and the rest of the series) again.

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Karyn Taylor

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3)It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in a great paranormal romance series that I’ve really come to love. I don’t read a lot of paranormal romance but this book/series is leading me to want to read more of it. I have read quite a few of this author’s books now and have enjoyed all of them. I really enjoy her writing style.
In this book, the story flows really well and there is always something happening to keep you gripped to the story and wanting to read more.
We had met Macy and got to know her a bit in the second book, whereas Brandon only played a small part as he was away serving his country. In this book we get their story and it’s a great one. Having met their daughter Miranda in book 2 I thought I wouldn’t like her. Although she’s quite naughty, she’s actually a very loving little girl and she wormed her way into my heart.
I really hope there is much more to come from this series as I really need to know what’s going on with Miles and Alexa: and Roper surely has a story that needs telling.

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Call Of The Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in a great paranormal romance series. As much as I enjoyed the first book in the series, this one is even better. I loved Mason and Rylie’s story. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but I’d advise reading the whole series, in order, to get the most out of it. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.
One of my favourite tropes has to be single dads. In my experience of reading many, many books, single dads are usually awesome dads with fantastic relationships with their kids. I could have spent hours reading about Mason and his little boy/werewolf Archer. Archer is absolutely adorable and he totally stole my heart. The final chapter, which is told from Archer’s POV just pulls on the heartstrings. I also loved reading his growing relationship with Rylie as she and Mason progress through their relationship.
This book is quite a bit longer than the first book in the series and I’m so glad that I got more of Mason, Rylie and Archer is I was really enthralled by their story.
One thing that I really want now is Mason’s brother Miles’ story. I really need to know what’s going on with him and Alexa.
100% recommend this book.

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Karyn Taylor

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A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a paranormal romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. I have already started the second book and can see that the stories are running concurrently. This is an author that I have read several times in the past and have always enjoyed reading their books: and this was no exception. I really enjoyed this book.
As the title suggests, this is a second chance romance. Werewolf Derek let his true love and mate slip through his fingers many years ago, now she’s back in town as her father is very ill and he’s determined that this time he’ll get his mate back for life.
I really enjoyed reading Derek and Annabelle’s story. It’s quite angsty as you would expect from a second chance romance. I enjoy a good angsty read so this book was just what I needed.
Derek and Annabelle are great characters to read. Derek is a moody pain in the backside since losing Annabelle many years ago. Both believed that the other broke their heart and the hurt that both are feeling makes this a very good read.
The author did a great job of pulling me into the story from the very beginning and keeping me engaged and wanting to read more, right up to the very end.

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Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in a series that I’ve loved so far. I have read several of this author’s books and have always really enjoyed them and this book was no different. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, although the main characters from other books do make an appearance.
I really enjoyed this book. The writer had me gripped from the very beginning and kept me engaged and entertained throughout, leaving me wanting more of Mason and Rhyann. I loved both of these characters. They couldn’t be any more different: from their upbringings to their current lifestyles. But, as they say, opposites attract and these 2 are attracted to each other from the first time they set eyes on each other.
I really like this author’s writing style. The story flows very well and there is plenty of action, most of a very hot and steamy nature, to keep you wanting to read more.
I really look forward to reading more of this great series and especially seeing what the author has in store for Jonas in the next book.

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #3)Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in a series that I have loved so far. I have been looking forward to the third sibling Scott getting his own story and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
I have now read several books by this author and I really like her writing style. This story flows really well and keeps you engaged throughout. As I’d been eagerly awaiting Scott’s story, I was hooked immediately and totally engrossed in his story.
I loved the dynamic between Scott and Franceen. Both are skipping around the other, convinced that the other doesn’t have the same feelings, both scared to make that first move. Both have issues from the past that make having a relationship a bit harder for them but these two are meant to be together.
I also loved that we got to see a bit of Ryan and Sindy again as they become a proper little family with the addition of their twins.
This has been a fantastic series. Each book can be read as a standalone but if you are going to read the series then they should be read in order, for continuity and to avoid spoilers.
I already have book 4 waiting for me on my kindle and I’m so looking forward to reading the story of the 4th sibling.

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Karyn Taylor

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(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series by an author that is new to me. The cover and the blurb both appealed to me, so I decided to give this book, and the author, a try. I now have a new author to add to my ‘I will read again’ pile as I really enjoyed this book.
Gil (G) and Sophie (Shee) are both characters that I really liked, although I did want to slap G a few times. They are well written and their antics kept me engaged and entertained throughout the book. The book can be a little angsty at times as Sophie is unsure of Gil’s feelings towards her. But who doesn’t love a little angst?
For me, I enjoyed this book most when at Gil’s parent’s home in France. I really enjoyed the camaraderie between Gil and his siblings and parents and also how they welcomed Sophie into their family and treated her like one of them. At this point you see a very different side to Sophie compared to how you would think a millionaire actress would behave. She just wants to feel part of a family as she was never close to her own. It’s a very enlightening time for Sophie and I really enjoyed reading about this.
Definitely recommend this book.

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So Right (Love Grows Series Book 5) by Renee Regent – Review by Karyn Taylor

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So Right (Love Grows, Book 5)So Right by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in a fantastic series that I have loved so far. I’m pretty sure that I have given the previous 4 books a five star rating and this one is the same. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. The main characters from the previous books do make a brief appearance in this book but apart from it being nice to see them again, you are not missing any information needed to enjoy this book.
This book is a ‘fake fiance’ trope and also an office romance. Amara Gabriel is asked by her boss to play fake fiancé with colleague Petro Mikalos to visit a hotel that their company wants to buy to do an investigation. I’m a major sucker for a fake romance novel and this is a fantastic example of one.
Petro has fantasized about Amara since he started working at the company but she’s 10 years his senior and he thinks he has no chance of her liking him. The more time Amara spends with Petro, the more she likes him. She admires his work ethic and he’s pretty hot too.
I loved reading about Amara and Petro. I really liked both characters and found them very easy to read about and the storyline is very entertaining which keeps you engrossed in the story.
I really hope that the author continues with this series as I’ve loved all five books so far.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading this book made me realise that I don’t read enough crime books anymore and need to read more. This was a new author to me and I was unsure what to expect, but I really enjoyed her writing style. The story flowed well and had me engaged from the very beginning, right up to the end.
Reading about Cate and Patti made me wish that I had a friendship like theirs. These 2 women are totally devoted to one another and have the most amazing friendship ever.
If this book is anything to go by, then this author has an amazing knack of writing fantastic characters. I absolutely adored both Patti and Cate, Along with those two, Patti’s Mum and Cate’s Dad are both characters that I really enjoyed reading about. You could also add Jake and Andrew to this although they don’t play as large a role as the others.
This book is gripping and just when you think you know what’s going on, the author throws you a curveball and the story twists. There are quite a few twists and turns and I have to say that I definitely did not predict the ending.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other readers.

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Road Rage (Outlaw Series Book 4) by Karina Kantas – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Road Rage (OUTLAW, #4)Road Rage by Karina Kantas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first thing that I want to say about his book is, that although the author states that it is for 18+ in the blurb, I think it should come with a warning that it contains non-consensual sex as this could be a trigger for some. I know that MC books tend to be violent and most readers would anticipate this, I still think that a warning is required for non-consensual sex.
It took me a while to get into this book. I don’t think it’s anything that the author did. I have read many MC books but about 95% of those are all by the same author and this book was very different (but not in a bad way). Once I got into the book, I was gripped by the storyline and did really enjoy the book.
The author has done a great job in writing the characters. Some are very likeable and others I really did not like, but I’m sure that’s what the author had in mind. The main character, Gem, is a fascinating character and I could have read so much about her, especially her past which I think would be an explosive read.
I really did enjoy this book and I’d definitely recommend it to others to read.

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Doctor D’s Orderly Affair (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Doctor D's Orderly AffairDoctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At 124 pages, I was able to devour this novella in one sitting. I had read work by this author before and knew I’d be in for an enjoyable read. This is the first book in a new series and if this first book is anything to go by, then it’s a series I’m going to really enjoy.
Although a novella, the author manages to pack quite a bit of content into this entertaining read. It also has scenes that will seriously tug at the heartstrings.
Set in a hospital in recent times, this book also tackles the subject of the present pandemic affecting the world.
In addition to that, I loved the two main characters. Dr D himself, Des has been burned by having a fling with a colleague before and has sworn off having a workplace romance but that’s before he meets orderly Emily. That would be Emily who has named her new vibrator Dr D! This leads to some very funny scenes.
I really enjoyed reading about the shenanigans of those working at Eastport General and look forward to seeing what the author has in store for them next.

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The Billionaire’s Slave by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Karyn Taylor

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The Billionaire's Slave: Steamy Historical BWWM RomanceThe Billionaire’s Slave: Steamy Historical BWWM Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really good historical BWWM romance by an author that I have enjoyed reading several times now. Historical romance is a genre that I’m now enjoying more and more but this book is different from those I have read before. This book is set in America in the time that black people were given their freedom.
I have to admit that when I started reading it, I found the use of the ‘n’ word quite hard to read, even though it was coming from a character of colour. I did realise however that this term was used at the time the book was set in and didn’t have the taboo element that is does now.
I did really enjoy reading Leon and Penny’s story. It was very interesting and entertaining to read of a romance between a white man and a black woman at this pivotal time in history and how others saw their relationship was very enlightening.
This is a very hot and steamy read, as once they get together, Leon and Penny can’t keep their hands off each other. So if you enjoy a hot steamy romance then this book is for you.

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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a box set? Here we get 3 full length novels, almost 1,000 pages of awesomeness (is that a real word?) Having not read sci-fi/fantasy since my teens I was a bit wary before starting this series but it came highly recommended so I plunged straight in and…I was hooked.
The first book in this series is the author’s debut novel and I’m totally blown away by just how amazing and detailed his writing is. He must have one amazing imagination to dream these characters and the different universes up. I really am astounded by the way that you can imagine yourself in the various different universes of the MultiVerse as the author has done such a great job of describing them and setting the scene.
There are a lot of characters in these books and, during the first book, I did have a little difficulty in remembering who was who, who were the good guys and who were the bad guys but I soon got to know the characters better and especially loved reading about Matt, Julia and Dan. They were my favourites to read about but I did enjoy reading about all the characters. The books are very entertaining and keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is going to happen next.
The 3rd book does leave you in a way that, if he chooses to, the author can continue this series and I really hope he does.

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in this amazing sci-fi series and I have to say that it is my favourite so far. Sci-fi is a genre that I hadn’t really read since my teenage years (a LONG time ago) but this series came highly recommended by a friend and I chose to give it a chance. To get the most out of this amazing series you definitely have to start at the beginning and read them in order. They are not intended to be read as stand alones.
I had loved the first two books and was excited to be reunited with Matt, Julia and Dan again to see what amazing adventures they are getting up to now. For much of this book Matt is joined by his ancient twin Rashella, a character that I grew to like more and more as I read this book.
In it’s very simplest form this book is about good vs evil. But it’s far more than that. I am awed by how this author can create such amazing characters and universes that really pull you in. His descriptions are details and you can actually imagine yourself right there with the characters.
I loved that in essence the author answered the questions that we had but has still managed to leave it open to adding more books to the series. I for one will be right at the front of the queue to read more of this amazing series.

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow) by Cheryl Wright – Review by Karyn Taylor

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow #1)A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series by an author that is new to me. In the last year I’ve become a fan of historical romance which I never really read before and I liked the look of this book when I read the blurb. I’m glad that I went with my instincts as I really enjoyed Noah’s story.
Although this book is a novella at just over 100 pages, the author does a great job of packing plenty into this novella. I really could have read so much more about Noah and Mary.
This is a sweet, wholesome, clean romance. At most you get some hand holding and kissing. As someone who also enjoys reading erotica, it’s a nice change to read something so sweet. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy, in a nice way.
Noah and Mary are both really great characters. Noah is forced into marriage as a result of his father’s will and Mary is escaping a very poor life with her father who wants her to marry a man she really does not want to be married to. Mary jumps at the chance to spend a year with the lovely Noah and then can walk away from the lovely Noah. But does she want to leave after her year is over? Does Noah want her to leave? Read this great novella to find out. It’s well worth the read.

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Wildcat: A Steamy Firefighter Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Wildcat (MetroGen After Hours, #1)Wildcat by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before reading this book I had not read any of this author’s work but I was intrigued by the blurb and thought it looked like just the type of book I’d like. Thankfully I had made a good choice as I really enjoyed this book and if this is a typical example of the author’s work then I’m sure this will be a fantastic series.
Firefighter Leslie McClunis is a little ball of fire all on her own but despite this is the butt of cruel jokes and actions by her fellow colleagues at the fire station. Trevor Hampton is an NFL star who wants Leslie McClunis and isn’t used to women not falling at his feet and doing anything he wants.
I really enjoyed reading Leslie and Trevor’s story. When Leslie isn’t fighting fires, she’s creating fires all of her own, in the bedroom with Trevor (or any other room for that matter). This book is HOT and not just from the fires.
I loved how Trevor fought to get his woman and then fought to get her to allow him to fight for justice for her. He may be a big tough NFL player but he’s really a sweet guy who wants the world for his woman and isn’t scared to fight to get it.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this series.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Karyn Taylor

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I had not read any of the previous books in the series and did not feel as though I was missing any necessary information as the author fills you in with all information needed to understand and enjoy the story.
This is a great contemporary romance that follows one of my favourite tropes, and that is ‘wounded warrior’. Gina was badly burned in a roadside bomb while in active service three years previously. Her confidence is low and she hasn’t been with a man since and has no intention of letting any man see her body. That is until she meets, and gets to know, arson investigator Bryce. But how will he react when he sees her scars? Will she actually get the courage to let him see her as she really is?
I really enjoyed reading Gina and Bryce’s story. It’s filled with a great deal of angst, mainly on Gina’s part, as she tries to fight her growing feelings for Bryce but unable to see how such a relationship could work.
I loved the camaraderie between Gina and her friends, who have been the main characters in the previous books and in those still to come. They truly are a ‘band of sisters’.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the great first book in a new hockey series. I had never previously read any of this author’s work but I love a hockey romance so decided to give it a chance. I’m so glad that I did because I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.
It is a second chance romance which is also a trope that I really enjoy reading so that’s another plus point for this book.
I was pulled into the story from the very first chapter but was confused by one thing. I was sure this story was a bout Brynn and Levi, so why was I reading about Brynn and the very hot Bridger? I even went back to the synopsis to check. All was soon revealed. If only I had given the story a real chance to get started.
I really enjoyed reading Brynn and Levi’s story. Both are really great characters to read and I could have read about them for hours.
One thing I loved about this book is the cast of secondary characters: Brynn’s very feisty best friend Tia and the rest of Levi’s team mates. Their interactions make for some very fun and enjoyable reading. I laughed a lot while reading this book.
I really can’t wait to read Tia and Bridger’s story which comes next and then whatever else the author has in store for the Astoria Bay Thunder hockey boys.

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a five star read by an author that is definitely in my top 10 authors. I have absolutely loved everything that I have read of hers and this book is another shining example of her fantastic writing. I love reading mafia romance and this book, and the rest of the series, is probably the best mafia romances that I have read.
This book has so much to offer. It’s a mafia romance, it’s enemies to lovers and it includes an arranged marriage. What could possibly go wrong? Writing wise, absolutely nothing, story wise – anything and everything. To begin with Marco has thought that Elena had been killed 4 years previously. Marco also believes that Elena hates him.
What we get is a fantastic story that has you gripped from the very first page. In fact, I was gripped to the thought of Marco and Elena’s story when it was hinted at in previous books and I was hyped up to read their story. This book will take you on an amazing journey filled with death, drama, intrigue and some very hot romance. What else could you possibly need?
I love this story and the group of characters that make up this series. They are all intriguing characters with great stories to tell and I pray that the author keeps this series going. It’s one that I will definitely read again.

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, book 1) by Emily Bowie – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, #0.5)Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new Mafia series. I had high hopes for this book as I love Mafia romance books and I had previously read, and enjoyed, one by this author. I’m so glad to say that it totally lived up to my expectations and more. I absolutely loved this book.
I was totally gripped to Luca and Aly’s story. The story gripped me from the very first chapter and continued to keep me gripped and entertained right to the very end. As with most mafia romance books there is a lot of violence, danger, drama and intrigue. In addition to this, it’s also a fantastic enemies to lovers story as Luca and Aly belong to opposing mafia families who have hated each other for years.
I loved reading about Luca and Aly. Both are fascinating characters and I can say that the author has done a great job in creating these characters. I could have read about them for hours and hours. Luca isn’t used to women being sassy and answering him back and that’s exactly what he gets with Aly.
If this first book in the series is anything to go by, then this is going to be an awesome series. Definitely recommend.

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Rebecca Steele Living the Dream (Rebecca Steele series Book 3) by Joanne Patterson – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Rebecca Steele Living The Dream (The Rebecca Steele series Book 3)Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the third and final book in the series and I was looking forward to seeing how Becky and Chances life panned out as I had really enjoyed the previous book.
For the first half of the book I was really enjoying being back in Becky and Chance’s world. Then came the twists and I was like “WHAT?” No Way!! I won’t mention what the twists were as I won’t give spoilers but I have to say that I really didn’t enjoy the book after that. It totally spoilt it for me.
I have read a lot of other reviews and almost everyone is raving about how good the book is, so I guess I’m out on my own but I really didn’t like the direction that the book took from this point.
I will say that the book is very well written and the author does a great job of writing great characters, so it’s not all bad and I did love the first half of the book.

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Theodore’s Ring by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Theodore's RingTheodore’s Ring by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book didn’t quite live up to the action packed adventure that the blurb had me looking forward to but I still did enjoy reading it. There is still a fair bit of action in it, enough to keep me entertained and wanting to see how the story panned out.
I have to say that I hate Sullivan from the very beginning and I thought Lydia should have been more forceful in trying to push him away. I did like Lydia and Cam and was rooting for Lydia to complete her task and be reunited with Cam.
I did enjoy reading Lydia’s trek through the jungle, facing danger and putting up with the awful Sullivan. I have to say that I really did not expect the twist and turn that the story took. That really was a huge surprise for me.
The author has said that she may write more about Cam and Lydia’s adventures in the future and I’d definitely like to read more about this couple.
I would recommend this story.

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan #2)Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the series. It’s a great contemporary romance novel by an author that I have now read several times and have really enjoyed all of their books that I have read so far. I did find that this book was more of a slow burner to start for me but I soon got into the story and became very invested in the story.
In this book we get the story of Anton Kingston, successful Hollywood actor and his wife Elsa. To the outsider their life seems perfect but in reality life is far from perfect.
This book tackles the difficult issues of miscarriage, infertility and drug use. It is very dark in places but this males for a fascinating read. It’s a great example of showing that money can’t buy you happiness.
I really loved reading about Anton and Elsa. Having at one point suffered a miscarriage of my own, my heart broke for Elsa and Anton so many times during this book.
On a far lighter note, the author should get extra points for having my favourite model Kamil Nizinski on the cover.
This is a great book and I really can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the other ‘Titans’ in future books in the series.

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Face the Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 5) by Michele Sims – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Face the FireFace the Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in this paranormal romance series, although each can be read as a standalone. I had previously read the 3rd book in this series although I was unaware of this when I started reading, only to realise that I had read about these characters before.
I really enjoyed reading about Miles (Ari) and Bella again. Things have moved on a great deal since I last read about them and they are now the proud parents of twins who also have the same unusual power that their father has.
This book mainly revolves around their professional relationship with rap singer Pharoah, who in turn causes some conflict within their marriage. I was not a fan of Pharoah although I enjoyed reading about him and the troubles that he caused. He certainly was an entertaining character.
The author does a great job of writing an entertaining story that keeps the reader engaged, with a few twists and turns thrown in that I definitely didn’t see coming.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Karyn Taylor

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read this book I had no idea that it was the author’s debut novel. It was only by looking at a few other reviews before writing my own that I discovered this and it makes me admire the author even more. This is a really great piece of writing that I would have assumed was from a seasoned author.
Grace is a fascinating character. She an attorney who is really down on her luck. After losing her leg in active service she then became addicted to painkillers and alcohol, resulting in a DUI, which in turn led to her losing her job as an assistant state prosecutor and the end of her marriage. Could anything else go wrong in her life?
The book is a bit of a slow burn to start with but does pick up pace and soon has you on a dangerous journey full of twists and turns as Grace tries to prove the innocence of teenager Zoe who has been charged with murder and all the evidence points to her being guilty. Can grace prove that she is innocent? Or is she innocent?
This really was a compelling read and I was totally engrossed in it and did not want to put it down. Definitely recommend.

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Karyn Taylor

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No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great, thought provoking read by an author that was new to me. It’s not the usual type of book that I read but some friends had mentioned really enjoying it, so I decided that it must be worth a read. I’m glad that I took the chance on this book as I really enjoyed reading it.
In this book we get the stories of 3 teenage women in the 1960’s who ended up pregnant and had to give up their babies. I was very quickly engrossed in the stories of all 3 women. The author does a very good job of showing the pain and emotion that each woman went through during their pregnancies, immediately after the birth and throughout their lives trying to come to terms with what they had been through.
The three women all have very different backgrounds and very different stories, each as compelling as the other for different reasons.
What was also very eye-opening for me was the racial element of the book. One of the women was involved in a mixed race relationship at a time when race relations were very troubled and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this aspect of the story.
I’d definitely recommend this book to others.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great contemporary romance by an author who I’ve read several times before and always enjoyed their writing. Set in a high school it is a great example of just how terrifying and awful high school can be if you are not one of the ‘in’ crowd; even worse in this case, as the ‘in’ crowd are out to make her life as miserable and hard as possible.
My heart broke so many times for Kirsa during this book. I admired her amazing bravery to continue going to school every day not knowing what horrors awaited her. I do have one little misgiving with the story: I struggle with how Brock never gave her a chance to give her side of the story and chose to believe the rumours. If he truly was her best friend then surely he would have known she was not capable of what she was accused of. Of course, if that was the case then we wouldn’t have this great story that had me hooked.
The author does a great job of making the reader hate some characters and for me that is one thig that makes a good writer: the ability to make you really hate a character.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others.

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