Sea of Demons by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sea of Demons by Heidi Stark is the fifth book in the Blood and Sand Series. This is the perfect book for those who like dark romance. The characters are passionate and intense. The plot is action-filled with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s romance and spice for those who like it. I really got drawn into the world of this book. Very intense!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren is the first book of the Lake Juniper Series. The story follows Eli, a writer, and Austin, a chef. Eli goes on a writer’s retreat and meets Austin. There is mutual attraction which leads to them ending up in a fake dating situation. I really liked this story. I really connected with Eli and adored Austin from the start. The characters had great chemistry. The characters are both complex and completely loveable. I feel that the theme of abuse was handled well and was very realistic. I’m not really sure that we needed the fake dating trope because there was plenty there to give the characters a good struggle. Nevertheless, it was fun to watch these two together. There was a nice winter/holiday backdrop that made me feel content. This is a really good story.
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Truth About Myths is book 3 in The Winemakers Series by Giovanna Siniscalchi. In this story, we go along with Viscount Henrique as he is tasked with accompanying Princess Isabel on a trip to Spain. Isabel is Henrique’s best friend’s sister and should certainly be safe from his rakish ways, right? I really love this series. Giovanna has the ability to make even the rakish characters attractive. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Isabel and Henrique. I’m a sucker for opposites attract. This book carried all the beautiful writing and vivid detail that Giovanna’s stories are known for. I adore this series. There is plenty of passion, steaminess, and political intrigue to keep you entertained. Everything is well-balanced.
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Taste of Light is book 2 of The Winemakers Series by Giovanna Siniscalchi. In this book, we follow Pedro and Anna. These two are brought together by fate as they have to flee from false accusations from a truly vile enemy. This book is a historical romance with just as much intensity and forbidden romance as the first. The emotions and passion along with the vivid detailed writing of the author make this an engaging historical romance. The continued world-building is outstanding. The well-written plot and chemistry between Pedro and Anna will keep you hooked.
Sarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sarge by Stuart Ledwith is a novella by Stuart Ledwith. This is a short but very sweet about a young man named TJ who delivers packages to help put food on the table. His life takes a very different turn and he becomes the man known as “Sarge” from Mission 3047. The story is inspiring and right to the point. We see how the kindness of another can lead to a life Sarge had not headed towards. It was also nice to see the romance between Sarge and his wife and how they came together. The book is a very entertaining backstory to this character.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dobson is a really inspiring story. Sue Cleary is a 50-year-old married mom of four, who is trying to figure out her next steps in life. Her last two children are leaving home soon and she is trying to figure out in what direction she wants her life to head. When she gets wind of an out-of-town developer who is planning to build a resort in Durango, her hometown, she decides she can’t let that happen. Sue was a very relatable character. Listening to her struggle with finding her place after motherhood and trying to reconcile who she was then to who is now is something so many women and mothers struggle with. It was nice to see that despite her flaws, Sue benefited from major character development. It was frustrating to listen as she ran away from her issues and projected a lot of judgment and blame. However, by the end of the story she had resolved these things and learned a great deal. Sue proved that you don’t have to have all the answers, even later in life. She also gave a lot of inspiration for how to follow your dreams and start something new at any stage.
1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
1897: A Mark Sutherland Adventure is a new historical fiction by Kimberly Mullins. In this story, we go on an adventure with Mark Sutherland who is investigating crashes of a “flying object”. He finds himself meeting a cast of characters and getting into some dangerous situations. The story is full of great detail and an intriguing plot. There are plenty of twists and turns that leave you hooked. The characters are engaging and I found myself wanting to go on more adventures with Mark. Kimberly Mullins does mystery and historical fiction very well. You will definitely enjoy this book.
Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker is an emotional, heartfelt story about loss. love and healing. In this story, we follow Hope and Adam. These two have wonderful chemistry. Watching Hope give her all to help Adam was heartwarming and also heartbreaking. The author really pulls you in and you feel every emotion. This story made me cry more times than I care to admit. I fell in love with Hope and Adam and wanted the best for them, whatever that may be. This is such a good romance. It is very hard to put down.
The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N. L. Holmes is a historical fiction story about Ehli-nikkalu, the eldest daughter of the Hittite emperor. She is married to one of her father’s vassals in a political alliance. When Ehli-nikkalu discovers some dangerous information she does her best to try to get it to her father. Along the way, she adopts her scribe’s children who were left orphaned when he tried to deliver Ehi-nikkalu’s message. This story was a good read. It has so much information as well as plenty of twists to keep you engaged. I felt so much sympathy for Ehli-nikkalu. Times were so hard for women who could not bear children, especially queens. In her new adopted family, she finds the love that she’s been craving and you just hope everything works out for her. The story does take a bit of time to get going but it is well worth the read.
Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. In this story follow Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh. Shirl and Eee-ahh go on an adventure to his home planet to taste Zibs, the best treat in the universe according to Zee-ahh. When Shirl accidentally steals one she has to make amends. This is a good story. It is a STEM book that helps children learn varied lessons. The book shows kids how to face challenges, problem-solve, and make the right decisions. The illustrations are fun too.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider is such a fun Christmas story. This is book 1 of the Emerald Hollow series. We follow Holly Claus as she comes to Emerald Hollow to figure out why it has such an abundance of cheer. In the process, she meets Ash Hayes who is trying to build up his tourism business. These two are so sweet together and it is obvious they have a spark from their first meeting. It is clear these two are made for each other but there are obstacles. I really enjoyed this story. It has such a Hallmark movie feel, that has you ready for Christmas movies, crackling fires, and hot chocolate. I loved the whole new spin on the North Pole and Santa Claus. The world-building took me by surprise. I expected the same ole same. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read book 2.
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wondogfilled by Dr. Kimberlie Harris is such a fun, sweet book. This story follows Kingston who loves dogs so much that he calls all animals dogs. This was a blast to read with my son. He really enjoyed the fun bright colors. He also enjoyed naming all the animals that weren’t dogs. I loved that this story really engaged him. This is a great book to read with your children.
Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Falling Again is the third book in the Buckeye Falls book by Libby Kay. In this story, we follow Natalie and Anthony. These two have a picture-perfect marriage but behind closed doors, they are like ships in the night. These two are very sweet together. I really love how the author gives an accurate portrayal of marriage. I love how everyone rallied to help these two. This book also keeps the sweet small-town feel which is such a draw of this series.
Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Falling for You is the second book in the Buckeye Falls book series by Libby Kay. This book shows that a cute cozy small town is something that she does well. In this story, we follow CeCe and Evan. CeCe has left her jerk of an ex-boyfriend, a famous chef who still causes guilt and confusion in her life. Evan is the 25-year-old co-worker of CeCe at the diner she works in. He is trying to find his own way in the world. These two are attracted to each other but Max is trying to give CeCe time. I really enjoyed this story. As usual, the plot is sweet and the couple is adorable. We also get to spend more time with Ginny and Max. This book is a great addition to the series.
Falling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling Home by Libby Kay is a small-town second-chance romance story. Ginny is back in Buckeye Falls to help her father recover from surgery. While she is there she is roped into helping with the Christmas Jubilee and her ex-husband, Max is her planning partner. I really enjoyed this story. Max and Ginny are awesome and I love the small-town Christmas feel of it all. Libby Kay is a wonderful writer that sets the scene beautifully and makes you fall in love with these characters. This book is like a comfort. It makes you feel warm and content. It is the perfect Christmas romance read.
Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Faking the Fall is book 4 of the Buckeye Falls series. In this installment, Alice Snyder has come back home to Buckeye Falls after going to school while traveling. Alice has put her wild-child ways behind her and is looking to settle down in her hometown. Unfortunately, the residents of the won’t mind their business and are trying to find her a husband. When an artist named James Gibson moves to town, he and Alice strike up a deal. James finds inspiration in Alice and Alice needs a fake boyfriend to get the town off her back. I always enjoy books that employ the fake dating trope. I loved James and Alice. James was a good guy and Alice and he were sweet together. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. Watching them navigate their feelings together was fun. This series by Libby Kay is truly engaging and enjoyable.
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher is the first book in the Heart & Hand series. I absolutely love fantasy romance; especially if it is set in a medieval setting. This book is a wonderful addition to that genre. Wild Lavender follows Aubrianne and Larkin and the story is wonderfully written. The plot is strong and the world-building is detailed and vivid. I absolutely loved and sympathized with Anna. The author brought a good balance between plot and romance. I really look forward to reading more from this series.
Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade is the first book in the Philly Heat Series. In this book, we follow Hannah Patel and Detective Doyle Murphy. After taking some time from his position as a police detective, Doyle Murphy becomes a bodyguard for Hannah Patel. Hannah is being stalked. As Hannah and Doyle get closer, it pushes her stalker close to the edge. I really enjoyed reading this story. There is a perfectly balanced romance and mystery. There are so many twists and turns that the story keeps you hooked. I found it hard to put this book down. The characters are very relatable and the plot is wonderfully written. I really enjoyed this story.
A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Death on Fools Lane is a mystery by Jane Suen. Eve Sawyer is on winter vacation with her two friends at her Aunt’s house. Her fun is cut short when a dead body is found in the yard. Eve cannot resist when the victim’s mother pleads with her to help. This story was a nice little mystery. The plot is well-written with plenty of twists to keep you intrigued. The characters are great. I really enjoyed getting to know Eve. I would have loved it if it was a bit longer. This is an enjoyable mystery.
Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Born to Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone. In this book, we follow Cassy Rivers. We first got to know Cassy in the first book Atonement. Cassy is investigating a series of robberies that led to the death of a fellow officer. She finds herself having to work with FBI agent Boyce Hunt, the man who broke her heart. This is such an engaging story. There are plenty of twists and turns. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the case. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Cassy. The interactions between her and Boyce draw you in. Another great mystery by Winter Austin.
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Atonement by Winter Austin is the first book in The McIntire County Series. In this story, we follow Nic Rivers, a former Marine and current deputy, as she is brought in to stop a killer who may be causing people to commit suicide. Nic comes with a lot of baggage from her father and PTSD from her days as a Marine. Con O’Hanlon is a detective brought in to assist Nic with her case. I really enjoyed the suspense of this story. I also enjoyed the characterization of Nic. Her PTSD and issues with her family ring very true. I also enjoyed the attraction between Con and Nic and the effort he put into trying to build a relationship with her. This was a very intriguing and engaging story.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As Though You Were Mine is a novel by J. Marie Rundquist. This story follows Julie Mercer, a woman who has donated her eggs to her brother and sister-in-law so that they may have a family. After the couple dies in a car crash, Julie is named guardian of the 4-year-old twins. This was such a wonderful story. Following Julie, you really get to experience her plight. Julie doesn’t want to be a mother but she tries her best to provide a home for her niece and nephew. I really sympathize with Julie mourning the loss of her brother while trying to raise his children and deal with the trauma of losing their parents. When Grant enters the picture, we see them both do all that they can to give the twins a good home. I loved that Julie finally had someone in her corner. They both could relate to each other. This is such a great and complex story.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a sweet story by Janice Pratt. Amaleigha is a third grader whose class started writing pen pals letters to kids in Ukraine. Amaleigha’s new friend is named Vova. As Ukraine and Russia go to war Vova’s father goes to war and Amaleigha worries for her new friend and her family’s safety. This was a very good story. It teaches small children about learning about and embracing other cultures. It also helps to introduce topics of war in an appropriate way. There are also plenty of beautiful pictures for the children to enjoy. This is a very good book to teach young children about current-day events.
A Forever Kind of Thing by Melinda Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Forever Kind of Thing is a YA novel by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris. Mina and Wes are two kids at a prestigious high school from two very different backgrounds. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in high school but reading this story brought it all back. The authors do a great job of taking you along for the ride of the ups and downs that these two experience. Despite going through a lot, these two have each other and it is a beautiful, well-written relationship that we have the pleasure of witnessing. I loved Mina and Wes together. I was especially surprised at how much I enjoyed the character of Wes. This is a very good read for YA fans.
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Back to the 80’s by S. E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan. This book is a fun little Rom-Com about Blaine the owner of the shop Back to the 80’s and Eric a developer that wants to develop the mall where her store is located. This is a story with a cute plot and sweet characters. Blaine convinces Eric to give her 30 days to show him how awesome the 80’s are and takes on a fun, nostalgic little ride. I really enjoyed all the 80’s references from my childhood. Blaine and Eric have wonderful chemistry. They are both lovely characters and you know reading the story that they won’t be able to resist falling in love. This is a quick and fun read. You won’t be able to resist the nostalgia and the cuteness.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is an intense and powerfully told story. While the typical high school senior is worrying about high school troubles, Claire Jackson has to worry about taking care of her baby brother. It was heartbreaking to watch this young girl give up her life to care for a baby that wasn’t even hers. Claire is such a well-written character. She is loyal and the strength she shows as a teen is inspiring. The story is rich and complicated. The choices that Claire is presented with are complex and there are plenty of twists and turns. If you want a book that will draw you in, I highly recommend this one.
Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Broken is the second book in the Green St. Girls Series by ND Jackson. In this book, we get to follow Indigo and Gideon. This was a lovely story. I really enjoy getting to see more of the girls’ friendships. You get more of the well-crafted narrative. There is just the right amount of steam with the romance. It is lovely to see these young ladies get the love from each other and their love interests that they didn’t get in the past. These are some very emotional stories told in this series and I love every word of it.
Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bared by ND Jackson is the first book in the A Green St. Girls Romance. This first book follows Athena who has been on her own since she was a teenage girl and is now a millionaire. She meets Tru and their romance takes off. This is a nice contemporary romance. The author does a very good job of pulling you in and making you feel for these characters. I love the closeness of the Green St. Girls and their found family relationship. The romance and chemistry between Athena and Tru are nice also.
Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Flowers of Evil is book 1 of the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries by N. L. Holmes. This story follows Neferet (the daughter of Hani) and Bener-ib as they open a medical dispensary. At first, business is slow but soon the young ladies receive their first customer, a dying florist that only leaves behind mysterious last words. The ladies decide they must find the killer and their adventure begins.
This was a fun and original historical mystery that takes place in ancient Egypt. The characters are so detailed and well-written. Neferet and Bener-ib are absolutely lovely. It is fun to witness their relationship. The story is very richly written. You are able to dive into the story and feel like you are along for the ride. The world-building is incredible. This story is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries~Parisian Intrigue is the sixth book in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. In this book, we follow Emma on an all-expenses paid trip to Paris along with Jeremy, Dora, and Tim. Although this trip is suspicious to them, they cannot resist the opportunity to experience the city of Paris. As usual, this is a wonderfully written story. There are two mysteries starring a young and bodies turning up. This story is full of mystery, intrigue, and twists. Emma is one of my favorite characters and it is fun to take a look at how her relationships have deepened and how she constantly gets better as a sleuth. I love this series so much!
