Posts

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Katie Matthews

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1)Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing read. I absolutely loved every single minute of this book and what a writing duo these two are! This has got to be one of the best books that I have read this year. I loved everything about it. Olivia was just amazing – she was such a relatable and likeable character – I honestly adored her! I definitely want to be like Olivia! I could go on for ages about how wonderful this book is but I really don’t want to give away any spoilers but it really was just a wonderful read, light-hearted and real from beginning to end! I definitely recommend that you grab a copy today!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Katie Matthews

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I read a book by this author and I have missed Jake and Cody so I thought I would grab this book and remind myself why I love this series so much and as expected it didn’t disappoint. I was straight back into the action with Jake! He is such a great character to read about. The story is action from the very beginning and it doesn’t stop the whole way through. There is so much going on in this book I didn’t have time to put it down and read it all in one sitting. The authors writing is exciting to read and he is definitely skilled at weaving a creative and imaginative story!
These books can be read as standalone but I would recommend they are read in order!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Katie Matthews

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely story! It was really easy to read and follow and has a great meaning behind it. It is really important for children to understand that not everything is easy and sometimes we do have really persevere with things in life. I think using baking as an idea for this was great as baking can be one of those things you really do have to preserver with to get it right. There are lots of talking points in this book for children to discuss what is happening in the story and think of things that they have had to try hard with. I love that the recipe was included as well.

@katiem
View all my reviews

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

My Big Red MonsterMy Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice children’s book and would definitely be good for children who believe there is a monster under their bed. The story was very fast paced and would be very easy for children to follow and it is accompanied by lovely bright, colourful illustrations that are sure to capture children’s interest.
Another great book from this wonderful children’s author and a great addition to any child’s bookshelf!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC) Audiobook by Manda Mellett – Review by Katie Matthews

Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC) Audiobook

by Manda Mellett

5 stars

 

I was completely captivated by this story from beginning to end, I honestly could not stop listening at all. I have to say I am usually consumed by this authors stories but there was just something about this one, she really did take the story and characters to another level. She definitely brought the series full circle with this final instalment.
Truck and Allie’s story was so beautifully written, the emotional moments of the story really grabbed me at times. It’s been a while since a book had me in tears but this one did all within a few pages! I was so into what I was listening to, I could feel everything to characters did and I think that’s definitely what had me so emotional!
Truck Stopped was an amazing ending to this series and a story I cannot recommend enough. It could be read as a standalone but I would 100% recommend the series as a whole!
On top of a wonderful story were the perfect narrators that were chosen, they really did bring the story to life through their narration.

Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Katie Matthews

SargeSarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first read the synopsis for this book I decided to go in with an open mind. Its definitely not my usual reading genre and it’s also the first time I have read anything by the author. Overall I was pleasantly surprised, it was an interesting read that was well written and unique. It was actually nice to read something a little different. The main characters TJ, aka Sarge, was a really interesting character to read about. It was interesting to see what he went through in life to make him int the person he is by the end of the story.
This was a really unique story that I wouldn’t definitely recommend people give a chance.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Reckless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 4) by KG Fletcher – Review by Katie Matthews

Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book #4)Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here we are again with yet another amazing 5 star read from KG Fletcher. I honestly adore all of her books, she writes about such wonderful characters who are so relatable and likeable. The characters in this book were no exception. Becky was so lovely to read about, she was a really wholesome person who is willing to see the best in everyone and this included Glen. Glen was trying hard to become a reformed character and he was working really hard and righting some wrongs he made. I think Becky was right to be cautious of him at the beginning because of her sheltered upbringing but I was so glad that eventually she warmed to him especially as I was rooting for the two of them from the beginning!
As always I cannot recommend this authors books enough and I always look forward to whatever she may bring out next!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Katie Matthews

Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3)Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story. It was so easy to read, the pace and flow were great and I just fell in love with all of the characters straight away. Riley was a brilliant female lead, she’s a devoted mother to her son Dylan but also because of her past she is very guarded and that does come across early on in the story however I think its totally expected considering what has happened in her life. I liked Mitch, I was anticipating her would be grumpy but he really wasn’t, he was a genuine, down to earth person who’s overprotectiveness was seen as being grumpy.
There was a connection between the two characters even if it didn’t seem it at times.
This was a lovely story and one that I highly recommend.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7) by D.M. Earl – Review by Katie Matthews

Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7)Fractured Hearts-Prospect by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredible story this book was. I’ve read quite a few books by this author now and she never fails to amaze me with her wonderful writing, characters and storylines. She writes dark MC stories and she does it incredibly well. There was just so much going on in this book, the characters Dingo and Celee were amazing to read about. I really took them both into my heart and they definitely had me in tears at times. The chemistry between the two of them was electric at times, it wasn’t forced at all it felt so real and genuine.
I was hooked on this book from beginning to end and I think it might possibly be my favourite from this author so far! I am definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Katie Matthews

The Podcast ChroniclesThe Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really refreshing book to read and something a little different than I normally would choose to read. The way in which the book is written really did make me connect with the main character Sue. She was such an uplifting and positive character; it showed her embracing new times in her life and the things that were important to her. I loved the connection she had and friendships she had with the other characters that appeared in the book. I think there are probably themes in this book that people can definitely relate to. The author made the characters in this book really accessible and likeable, some more than other though to be fair!
I am really looking forward to reding more from this author in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Katie Matthews

Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Hannah and Doyle’s story. The author wove an exciting and intriguing romantic suspense story and one that I as fully invested in the whole way through. I liked the characters; they were both likeable and relatable. Hannah’s character came across well and I could feel her emotions regarding the loss of her brother, it was a loss she felt deeply and the author got this across really well. I liked Doyle and I have to be honest I could feel the attraction between the two of them straight away, he was determined to keep Hannah safe from her stalker.
A great read that will definitely keep your attention the whole way through! I’m looking forward to reading more from this series!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Katie Matthews

Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is probably one of the most beautifully written that I have read in a very long time. The author does warn of the content in the story but ye whilst I cried a lot it was also dealt with so sensitively and unfortunately it is something we all have to go through. The way the author wrote about certain things in the books she really did make me feel what the characters were feeling. I could feel that joy, happiness, kindness and also that deep grief, sadness and hurting of all of the characters in the story. The dual point of view was great I really did feel I was able to connect with both Hope and Adam and truly understand how they were both feeling.
It’s hard to write this review without giving away too much of the storyline and it is too beautifully written to be spoilt!
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough; it is truly a beautifully written story!

@katiem
View all my reviews

1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure (Mark Sutherland Adventures) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Katie Matthews

1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few books by this author now so when I saw this new release from her I was really excited to start reading and it was as I expected a really great read. It was entertaining from beginning to end and the authors wonderful descriptive writing felt like I was right there in year 1897! The genre isn’t my usual but I really like the historical accuracy that the author uses in her writing, you can tell that she clearly researches the time periods that she sets her stories in. I really liked Mark, he was a great lead character to follow. There were some great twists and turns in the story too. I’m definitely looking to reading more from this author again!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely story – I loved it and was completely hooked from beginning to end. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the main characters, they were both so warm and likeable. I really liked the storyline it was easy to follow and the authors lovely writing style was a pleasure to read. I loved Wynter, she really was such a lovely person, she had a warm heart and her passion in life was encouraging people to donate to worthy causes. I really thought that Caleb was going to be you r typical playboy but I could tell as soon as he met Wynter she was the one for him!
This really was a lovely read and one that I would highly recommend!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful children’s story from this author, a retelling of a well-loved story with a STEM twist! My little boy is definitely enjoying reading them. I love how many talking points the story creates, it really does get children engaged in the story. The illustrations in the story are bright and colourful and will certainly capture children interest.
A lovely children’s story that will definitely keep them entertained throughout.

@katiem
View all my reviews

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Katie Matthews

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic read from this author – I absolutely adored this book. from start to finish I was completely captivated by the story and everything that was going on. The authors writing is mesmerising to read at times, full of detail and vivid descriptions of what is happening, I LOVE historical romance but they are usually set in London so I love that I’m reading about a different setting for these books and I love s good enemies to lovers romance so this book ticked everything for me!

The characters Isabel and Henrique were so wonderful to read about they had so much passion and chemistry between them. I loved reading their story. Another huge point for this book is the dual POV which meant we really got to see and understand both of the characters but for me in particular Henrique.

I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future and 100% recommend this book and series!

@katiem
View all my reviews

The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Katie Matthews

The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Historical romance reads are y absolutely favourite – I love getting transported back to a time where the pace of life was so different to today. I’ve read a few books by this author now and I just adore her attention to detail – I can absolutely imagine everything that is happening in the story from the characters clothing to the scenery around them.

In this story Vanessa returns home to find family she is not expecting. Her Guardian, Jacob, is definitely not impressed with having to look after Vanessa and desperately tries to marry her off and I knew as I was reading this that this is certainly not what Jacob really wanted! I thought that they actually made a really nice couple and I was rooting for them the whole way through. This story was really good, it had everything I love form a historical romance with a few added ghostly extras!

I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Katie Matthews

Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another lovely read from this author. I really enjoy reading her books they are so easy to read and just an absolute pleasure. I love the covers for these books as well, they really suit the series well.

I really liked Alice and James – they both seemed like such genuine, likeable people. I’ve got to admit from the moment they entered into this fake relationship I just knew there was going to more to it – they were just so perfect for each other. I love the small town that these stories are set in although some of the residents can be a little overbearing at times!

This was another great read and one that I would highly recommend. They can be read as standalones however I would recommend that they are read in order.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Katie Matthews

Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much and it’s gotten me really excited for what is to come next! I thought Bella was such a great character, I really felt for her at the beginning of the novella with everything her husband did and the things she found out but I loved how she turned it around and found herself again. I was really laughing out loud during the last few pages – I may have also said you go girl at one point too!
This is a really entertaining novella – Bella the main character is likeable and she has a great set of friend who I hope will feature in the next stories too as they seem so much fun! I definitely hope Joel gets his comeuppance too!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this may be my favourite of the series so far. I really enjoyed the story and I love getting to know that characters a little bit more with each story. I actually loved that I learned a little from this story too, it really was a great read. I think what I felt most in this book was a shift in Logan’s character, she really did seem happy and that her life was moving in a more positive direction. I enjoyed the pace of this story it did feel a little slower but equally as exciting to read.
Although this is the third book in the series it could be read as a standalone however I would highly recommend that they are read in order just so you can fully understand the back story if the characters.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After enjoying book 1 in this series I was looking forward to seeing what Logan would be doing in this second book and I wasn’t disappointed. Again the author told an exciting, gripping read which kept me turning the pages. Her writing is engaging and exciting. I really like the main character Logan, she just has something about her that makes you like her instantly. I liked the differing POV’s in the book it meant that the story had more depth to it in my opinion. There were a few sensitive topics within the books but I felt he author dealt with them really well and respectfully.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Logan in the next book!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really exciting read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a little out of my usual reading comfort zone but it was nice to read something a little different. The pace of the story was really good and the characters were well developed. The book was easy to read and follow. The authors descriptions in the story are pretty vivid so it was quite easy to imagine what was going on – probably not a book to be reading before bed I have to admit! The main character Logan was a likeable and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about her in future books.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Katie Matthews

Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet holiday read and one that I really enjoyed. I liked the uniqueness of the storyline, it was really refreshing to read something a little bit different. I also love the front cover! It’s one of those stories that certainly gets you in the Christmas spirit! I thought Holly was really a sweet character going around collecting her Christmas cheer, it gave the story such a wonderful magical feel to it. I don’t want to give too much away but there are some really lovely moments in this story and the characters are likeable. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before I even start with this review you must read the first two books, Cruel Start and Cruel Hate before even thinking about reading this book!
So where to even start with this one, the last book ended on that intense cliff-hanger which meant I couldn’t wait to start this one and boy did it grab me and carry me off for its entirety! It so difficult to do this book justice in this review without spoiling it and I absolutely would not want to do that to any reader. The chemistry is still there between the two characters but there also this new deeper emotional journey throughout the book that really does grab you.
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and cannot recommend the three books about this couple enough!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story and it ending in that cliff-hanger I couldn’t wait to start on their full length duet and what a first part this was. This book certainly kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through the story with so much drama and angst going on with our main characters. Although Aspen’s initial plan didn’t really work out all that well I really came to admire her integrity and how she wanted to raise her child in a completely different way to how she had been raised. Phoenix’s character also really evolved over the story and it was great to watch them both grow but that ending! I literally cannot wait to get started on the second part of their story!

@katiem
View all my reviews

LIES-TRUTH-LOVE by Marina Hanna – Review by Katie Matthews

Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an introduction to this author! I have no idea why I have not found one of her books to read before. As soon as I started reading, I was completely captivated by Ethan and Olivia’s story. There was so much going on in their story and it is definitely not smooth sailing for them. There’s a few misunderstandings, some miscommunication but ultimately some extremely intense chemistry between these two characters. The author’s writing was brilliant, easy to read yet complex at the same time.
This really was a wonderful story, definitely up there in my top reads of 2023! I am very excited to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really great read. I was hooked into what I was reading quite early one. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I loved how engaging her writing style was. I really liked Blake and I did feel for her at the beginning of the story, for her husband to do what he did was awful but the sexual chemistry between her and Morgan was so hot! I was so, so hoping for them to end up together, in my opinion they were both what each other needed in their lives. I really liked all of the characters I the tory, well some more than others!
The story had a really good pace and flow to it and I would highly recommend it to other readers. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews

 

This Time Around Audiobook

By Jane Suen

5 stars

 

I LOVED this book so much! I have read lots form this author and I love how versatile she is but I have to say I think that this is definitely my favourite form her so far. I fell in love with the characters straight away. Katie was just an amazing character, I loved her so much, she was relatable, I connected with her – she was just a genuinely lovely person to read about and then add in Chase! Perfection the two of them! The way he stepped up and took in his nephew and the relationship that they had was wonderful. I loved every minute of this story and would highly recommend it to others! The narration for the story was wonderful, they both really brought the story to life.

 

@katiem

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Katie Matthews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit this book did have me shed a few tears. Owning pets is one of the best things but having to say good bye to them is heart breaking. Poor Shadow! The children in this book show such compassion towards Oscar and Emmy and they also did towards the stray cat Shadow.
This book is a great story to help explain to children about what happens when animals become poorly. The illustrations in the book are lovely as well.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Katie Matthews

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a lovely story. I love Amaleigha, she is such an insightful little girl considering her age. I love that she was able to make friends with someone who has a completely different life to her. Through writing to Vova and learning about the war in his country enabled Amaleigha to think about how she can support him and his country even from thousands of miles away.
This is such a great story to read to children to help them understand different countries in the world and what is happening there.

@katiem
View all my reviews