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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (Italian Teens novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (The Italian Saga #3)Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian is the third book in The Italian Saga by Gaia B. Amman. This was my first time reading a book in the series and I was not disappointed. It was easy to become attached to the main character Leda. As she experiences high school drama, it brought me back to my own high school days of young love, hormones, angst, the whole nine yards.The emotional roller coaster that comes with teen hood was very evident in this story. I loved the Italian culture weaved throughout the story as well. I will definitely be looking into the other stories in this series, I’m hooked!

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Chasing Starlight: Cassandra’s Story (The Daughters of Night Chronicles) by Matilda Reyes & Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Chasing StarlightChasing Starlight by Jennifer Siddoway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chasing Starlight: Cassandra’s Story is a romantic fantasy story in The Daughters of Night Chronicles by Matilda Reyes and Jennifer Siddoway. Cassandra is a new 3rd grade teacher by day and a Dream Weaver by night. Just as Cassandra is starting to figure out her new day to day life as a teacher, her Dream Weaver duty of collecting the dust of dreamers starts to get dangerous. There are other Dream Weavers that are disappearing which brings much alarm to those around Cassandra, including her father, the Lord of Night. Cassandra must do everything in her power to remain safe, for herself, her students, her family, and her latest love interest. Cassandra feels torn as everyone is telling her not to return to the Realm of Dreams because she is in danger, but she also knows the importance of maintaining the illusion between the two worlds.

I will say it was refreshing to read a story where the main character dealt with anxiety. As someone who also suffers from anxiety, it was almost as if I was Cassandra as the authors described her panic attacks. The authors were very thorough and detailed which really helped paint the picture of the fantasy side of this story, such as the Realm of Dreams. I do feel that there could have been a bit more detail given when dealing with the main conflict. There was so much build up to it and it seemed to be over in a single chapter. Other than that I thought it was a very well put together story.

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Scoring Chance: A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Scoring Chance : A Mile High Miners NovellaScoring Chance : A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scoring Chance: A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin is an adorable short love story. Rhett Crawford, or Ford as his teammates call him, is a third string goalie on the Miners. Eden Snow becomes “employed” by the Miners team captain. A run in at the captain’s house leaves Rhett in awe of Eden, but the captain has warned Rhett that she is forbidden fruit. Eden has a damaged past that keeps her guarded and not capable of love, or so she thought.

This novella was a quick afternoon read. I loved the way that the author was able to portray the strong bond between the team mates and their significant others. It seemed like a tight knit family that only wanted the best for each other. The way that Rhett protected and wanted Eden was adorable, and I couldn’t help but root for them through the whole story. I really enjoyed Lane Martin’s work and look forward to future work.

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Taming Zane (Almost Perfect Series Book 2) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Taming Zane (Almost Perfect Series Book 2)Taming Zane by Lisa Lanay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Taming Zane by Lisa Lanay is the second book in the Almost Perfect Series. This book was a wonderful, loving, humorous book to read. The author did an amazing job captivating the audience right from the first chapter. This story gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings that I couldn’t put it down. The connection between the two main characters Shannon and Zane was amazing. Who wouldn’t want a handsome doctor to take care of them 😉 I will definitely be looking for another story by this author!

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A Sun So Bright (Reigning Hearts Book Three) by KG Fletcher – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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A Sun So Bright (Reigning Hearts, #3)A Sun So Bright by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sun So Bright is the third book in the Reigning Hearts series by K.G. Fletcher. The two main characters couldn’t be more different from each other when we first meet them. Fiona is a billionaire heiress who seems stuck up and too good for anyone, but all the loss she has experienced may be the reason for her behavior. Then Chris, the bartender who’s path crosses again with Fiona, seems to be the exact opposite. A family man, who has experienced loss as well, is hard working and down to Earth. When Fiona propositions Chris with a crazy offer where he could make some quick cash, how could he say no? Chris truly challenges Fiona as their relationship grows.

When I first started this book I was not a fan of Fiona and I think the author does a wonderful job portraying her social status. Then I couldn’t help but fall in love with Chris and all his charm. The author couldn’t pick two more opposite characters to start a “relationship” together and I was so against it. But as the story progressed I enjoyed seeing how they began to compliment each other. It seems Chris is exactly what Fiona needs, but will she stop being stubborn enough to let it happen?

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Ink’s Devil (Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #5) by Manda Mellett – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Ink's Devil: Satan's Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5Ink’s Devil: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading a story from the Satan’s Devils MC Colorado series, and it definitely won’t be my last. Ink’s Devil, chapter #5 in the Satan’s Devils MC Colorado series by Manda Mellett, is the perfect balance of romance and suspense. This story had me turning page after page, cover to cover. Just when I thought I knew how the story would go, the author would switch it up and go in a completely different direction. I loved reading the relationship of Beth and Ink play out, they seemed so different yet complemented each other perfectly. One of the many reasons I enjoy reading MC books is for the feeling of brotherhood among the club, and this book did not disappoint. Reading how a band of brothers stood behind Ink, and even Beth, in their time of need was truly inspiring.

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Kermode (Legends Series Book 2) by Maggie Adams – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Kermode: Legends Series Book 2Kermode: Legends Series Book 2 by Maggie Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kermode: Legends Series Book 2 by Maggie Adams is a wonderfully written story. I loved the blend of fantasy, romance, paranormal, and Native American legends in just a few chapters. The story kept me interested and I was able to finish this story in just one afternoon. The relationship between Piper and Nash was whimsical, with notes of humor, reality, defiance and playfulness. The ideas of shifters, as well as Native American legends, was interesting to read about as this was something new to me. I will definitely be looking into more stories by this author.

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The Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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The Fat Girl's Guide to Loving Your BodyThe Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body by K.L. Montgomery is a must read. It was refreshing to read from an author who is so honest and truthful. She even begins by not apologizing for the amount of swearing that will take place in the book, which I loved. The layout of the book makes it easy for a reader to pick up with whatever topic they may need, or read it from cover to cover. The writing that goes along with the topics help to drive the points home for the reader. This is not a “get thin quick” guide, this book helps the reader learn these lessons and be able to work them into their everyday lives. Rome was not built in a day and this same mentality applies to a positive body image. I highly recommend this story to anyone that isn’t feeling themselves, whether a “fat girl” or not, because we could all use a little more positivity in our lives.

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Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Rule The Larussio Legacy (#1)Rule The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Via Mari does a wonderful job telling the story in Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) through the eyes of 4 individual people. Though some of them are connected, like Katarina is married to Chase and is a cousin to Giovanni, and Giovanni is interested in Serena, I think the author did a magnificent job being able to blend each person’s story to make one cohesive story. Most stories I read have two characters that may go back and forth telling the story, but I have not read many 4 main character stories and I am amazed she was able to keep everything straight and flowing so well. I definitely will be looking into more books by this author.

This story has an interesting blend of a mob family, which can have its own mysteries and suspense intertwined into it, and romance. I was thoroughly intrigued to read the workings of a mob family and thought the author did a great job showing the differences between the American family and the Italian family. Katarina and Chase balanced themselves quite well. The submissive/dominant partnership they shared was romantic, as Chase wanted nothing to do but protect his wife in any aspect of their life, but then steamy at times as well. Then the “relationship” between Gio and Serena kept me wanting more, as every time Serena would turn down Gio, which was unheard of for him, it just fueled his want for her even more. But the mystery behind why Serena hates his family so much makes for an interesting conflict throughout the story.

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Singles and Other Singularities (The woman Scientist Trilogy 2- The Italian Saga Book 8) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Singles: ...And Other Singularities (Woman Scientist Trilogy 2, The Italian Saga)Singles: …And Other Singularities by Gaia B Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really appreciated reading this book for many reasons. One, being based in Buffalo and being a Buffalonian it was really cool to be able to put myself in the places these students visited. Secondly, I myself was a graduate student. I thought about going for a PhD after completing my masters and this book made me glad I did not go further with my education. The author was able to portray the stress that goes into graduate school perfectly. My older sister completed her PhD in NYC and I now have a better appreciation of what she went through. Yes, every person has a different PI or boss and different experiences, but the stress is still there. What I liked most was reading about the different cultures that formed these relationships/companionships/friendships, what ever word you want to use for them. The different cultures and personalities that came together to create such a tight knit group of people was amazing to read about. Though one of them may have felt alone, they were never truly alone. Having experienced it myself, the author does a fabulous job of demonstrating the complex relationship among competitive friends; the fine line of wanting your friend to succeed but also wanting to do better than them. I loved watching Leda’s rollercoaster of emotions and how she handled each situation with as much maturity and of sound mind as possible. As someone who suffers with anxiety and depression, it was hard to read the pain that she experienced but I loved reading her poetry/music and her emails to Andre back home. I think that every person that reads this book could walk away with some extra knowledge about life and relationships. School is not all about books and classes, it’s so much more than that.

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Jax Marlin – To Catch A Marlin by T.K. Toppin – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Jax Marlin - To Catch A MarlinJax Marlin – To Catch A Marlin by T.K. Toppin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jax Mariln – To Catch a Mariln by TK Toppin is the ultimate blend of sci-fil, mystery, thrill, and romance. Jax Mariin is a vigilante that keeps Special Inspector Michael Pedroni on his toes. The story is based in the future on Earth as well as other worlds beyond. As you read of Jax’s past, the reader can understand why she takes criminal matters into her own hands. Jax is a character I quickly began to fall in love with a strong lead female character. Then the mystery of Jax and Pedroni’s relationship begins to develop. Why is Jax leaving criminals for Pedroni to discover? Why is Pedroni not able to restrain Jax when he had the chance? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story by TK Toppin and look forward to reading others by her.

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Amy’s Santa (Satan’s Devils MC Second Generation #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Amy's Santa (Satan's Devils MC Second Generation #1)Amy’s Santa by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amy grew up around the Satan’s Devils MC and has been away from them for many years now. Christmas seems to be the only time Amy will visit but this year she is dreading the return. She is afraid of what people may or may not pick up on, as well as what they might think of the company she is bringing. But she knows she has to do this, because not showing up would be far worse in their protective eyes. As the story evolves you see Amy’s true colors start to shine through as she starts to gain back the confidence she tragically lost.

I thought this book would end up being just another MC book, but I was kept on my toes as the story went through some crazy plot twists and turns. The common theme of family and brotherhood was definitely present through this whole story which was heartwarming to read. However, readers should take heed to the author’s note about the story being dark in places and may contain triggers. While this could be a testament to the author’s descriptive abilities, there was one chapter that I found difficult to stomach while reading.

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Running In Snow: A Holiday Novella by Renee Regent – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Running In Snow, A Holiday NovellaRunning In Snow, A Holiday Novella by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These two stories were the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The author did a wonderful job illustrating how past experiences should not dictate current life experiences, which is a great lesson for readers to learn. The first character Noelle had to overcome her past anxieties to be able to celebrate new traditions with her boyfriend. I feel like I related with Noelle the most because I also deal with anxiety and the holiday season can be a very trying time. The second character Eve had to learn how to break her holiday bad luck by going to her neighbor’s New Years Eve party. These two stories were a quick afternoon read that left me feeling uplifted and in the holiday spirit.

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