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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one started out good and held my interest. Sadly it really went downhill after that. The relationship seemed rushed. Maybe more time spent on character building would have taken care of a few of these issues. She did not seem interested in him romantically but all of a sudden she loves him. Also there is a grand gesture at the end and I am just thinking..nothing was mentioned in reference to her liking baking.

I was very interested with this story due to the storyline. The author did an good job with Frank’s story. I did speed through this as it does have a nice flow.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series. At times it seems very slow moving. I did do some skimming periodically and did not miss any of the story. In here we see if Evan and corral CeCe into being more than his friend. I really did like both of these characters. Each one gets stuck on social norms which impedes their moving forward together.

My one issue is the complication with Eric. I do wish the author would have brought him into the story way earlier as it would have added another element for both main characters.

I do like the all the added time we get with characters that were introduced in book 1. Overall the pace of the story was slower but it still a good read.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Its been a bit since I have read a book by this author. After reading this one I can see she still has it. This is loaded with an amazing storyline and filled with outstanding characters. Luckily since this is the Hawke second generation stories the first generation is highly visible and always involved.

Overall this is a book that filled me with hope as well as left me surprised and shocked a time or two. The characters have nice growth plus the bond they share is easily felt coming off the pages. I look forward to more in this series.

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about this story! I don’t even know where to start to tell you all the amazing things about this book! The story is wonderfully done. It is filled with cuteness and adorable comments, gestures as well as laugh out loud moments. The characters are incredible. Each one is built to make the reader fall in love with them..no matter which one they are. I fell for the whole family and could hardly take my eyes from the pages. It has antics between the two main characters which I enjoyed but one of my favorite things is the lyrics when they sing. I just shook my head at them and chuckled to myself.

Ms Sylvie has knocked this one out of the park in my opinion. I will be doing some backlog reading on a few couples that show up in here while I await the next in the series.

Kudos to another families adventures that has become a new favorite for me.

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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really ended up becoming invested in these characters lives. It was a slow start and a bit choppy at the beginning but as the story moved along I really had hopes for these two.

The back and forth between these two is one of the things I enjoy about this book. They are snarky towards each other until sparks happen when they touch. Then the friendship becomes a quest and could turn into a possible relationship. Each of these characters is resisting the growth they need to become open to love.

This book has a great romance but also there is a best friend story mixed in. This is usually a side story and while it is in here too the author does a great job showing the difficulties of a bestie being the opposite sex. There is also a nice group of secondary characters. They are involved enough to become likable and possible future books.

Overall I ended up really enjoying this story. Its one I read quickly and in the early morning hours. I do look forward to the next in the series. There is a sneak peek in the back of this one.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy (Pierce Brothers Book 4)Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one was a little tough for me. I like the Pierce Brothers but the execution of the story was a struggle. There is a lot of introspection with one character in particular but it isn’t the only one. It just seemed too much and took me away from being in the moment with the story. Honestly I did some skimming during these times to keep the story moving along for me. This one deals with grief and denial for the most part. Sure there is the unknown baby element but it really takes a back seat to the problems that occur with the two main characters. This is listed as a rom com. I really don’t see that maybe smidgens but the darker side overtakes it all.

As stated I do love these brothers and their women. They are great support for whomever the story is about. I liked the breakdown of each of them from Noah’s POV.

I also enjoyed the growth that Noah’s character made. He had hard decisions to make but he did them smartly and I applaud him for that.

Overall this is an okay read for me. Not my favorite of the series but still good.

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMGosh! Another heartwarming showstopping story in this series and from this author. I could not love this series more! The writing is impeccable and filled with emotion that flies off the pages. The characters are full of heart and emotion. I love the whole family dynamic. I completely bonded with Elyse in here as she has not seen her family in years and is surprised at how together the Bennett family rallies. Seeing her watch his family and learn how to count on them as her own makes her yearn to reconnect with her own family. I love that Walt tells her that “the power to make that change is all hers”. Very strong words.

These books are some of my favorites to read. I actually devoured this one in a day.(24 hrs). The family together is one of my favorite things. Also that they run a Christmas tree farm but also grow wine that we always learn a bit about. Very cool as it covers year around financially. Plus Walt smelling of pine..who could turn that down. That epilogue really made my heart pitter patter and tears to my eyes! Well done!

I can’t wait for the next!

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Shadow (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 2) by D.M. Earl – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shadow (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book Two)Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic story from this author! This is darker and grittier than the last. This one is Shadow’s story and not for the faint of heart. She has obviously had a difficult life but I did not know the half of it until I read this book. I enjoyed watching her change a bit, grow and want more out of her life. I loved meeting the new peeps. They are a couple of guys who have been through a whole heap together. They are dangerous and sexy alphas who are more than what they seem.

The action and suspense that fills the pages of this book are off the charts. There are high highs and low lows that kept me turning pages. Good second story of the series. I look forward to more!

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates #2)Evan by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book! The story flows and the romance moves right along. The book kept me engaged and I could have read this in one day but I had to break it into two because you know…life. I enjoyed the characters.

Kayla and Evan had a hard time getting together. Multiple things stood in their way or jumped in their way as the story moved along. I was rooting for them the while time. That first kiss!!! WOW! It gave me chills! Soo Sexy! There is nothing better than a good first kiss. It grabs the reader’s attention.

The ending seemed kind of rushed to me. I was surprised neither of the MC had a problem with the way things went down. Feathers ruffled at least. I wish that could have been fixed earlier then time could have been spent on the suspense part and not doing both together.

Overall its a wonderful and enjoyable story. Filled with a lot of lightheartedness, suspense and fun characters. I look forward to more in the series.

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yikes! This is a story that scares the crud out of me. I can easily see this happening. That being said…I Loved it! I have already recommended it to a few people. I easily felt empathy, anger, sadness and frustration. I was shocked at the behavior of a few of the characters and could feel the betrayal deep in my bones. The main lead impressed me with grit, determination and inner strength. I could not help but root for her with every page I turned.

This is a first time author for me. I immensely enjoyed this. The writing style kept me engaged and the story moved along at a good clip not getting caught up in unnecessary wording.
Again…highly recommend!

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an okay read. I liked the idea of the story but the execution was a struggle for me at times. Sometimes it ran smoothly and others it was very choppy and cryptic. When a character asked “What do you mean?” To another..I was wondering the same thing but what they said did not make sense. Ear the end this seemed to get worse.

I liked the characters but my favorite is Bluey when it shouldn’t be. He is a secondary. The main female had a lot of issues to work through (personal and job). I see the author was touching on a couple touchy subjects. The family farm is a rough one and I can see the responsibility and pressure one could feel.

Overall its an okay story. The cover is cute and thats what pulled me to it. The blurb sounded intruiging. It fell a little flat for me.

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an okay read. I liked the idea of the story but the execution was a struggle for me at times. Sometimes it ran smoothly and others it was very choppy and cryptic. When a character asked “What do you mean?” To another..I was wondering the same thing but what they said did not make sense. Ear the end this seemed to get worse.

I liked the characters but my favorite is Bluey when it shouldn’t be. He is a secondary. The main female had a lot of issues to work through (personal and job). I see the author was touching on a couple touchy subjects. The family farm is a rough one and I can see the responsibility and pressure one could feel.

Overall its an okay story. The cover is cute and thats what pulled me to it. The blurb sounded intruiging. It fell a little flat for me.

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another masterfully woven story for this series! There is a lot of action, suspense an interesting love story. This story drew me in and I held on til the end. While this is a stand alone I highly recommend reading the others in the series first. There is good background information in them about the different people in the stories that comes into play here.

The characters have some deep stories. My favorite thing is how the author weaves everyone together. This is Hagen’s story but we met him in previous books. I liked him then and even more now. Fazia is a different leading lady and I admired her thought process and what she has accomplished in her life.

Overall this is a good story. The author does a good job projecting the characters and their intent making this a fun read.

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another masterfully woven story for this series! There is a lot of action, suspense an interesting love story. This story drew me in and I held on til the end. While this is a stand alone I highly recommend reading the others in the series first. There is good background information in them about the different people in the stories that comes into play here.

The characters have some deep stories. My favorite thing is how the author weaves everyone together. This is Hagen’s story but we met him in previous books. I liked him then and even more now. Fazia is a different leading lady and I admired her thought process and what she has accomplished in her life.

Overall this is a good story. The author does a good job projecting the characters and their intent making this a fun read.

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite PrequelSavage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is a shorter story it does pack a punch. I got to meet the Elite boys and a few or the girls. I got a deeper look into the background on Cole and Damon. It has some shocking and irritating moments. A little look into Riley’s life as well. She has led a very interesting life.

This one captured my interest and hung on til the end. I look forward to the next or first book in the series as I am wondering what is going to happen next.

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage Book 4) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage, #4)The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a glorious addition to this series! I loved every Single Second! I started this and struggled to put it down. Yes, it is that good! It is filled with action, drama, suspense and kept me highly entertained. It is a well done story that pushes all the characters to their limits and shows what they can really do.

I really thought Soleil was barking up the wrong tree with Tripp. He’s mean to her and really shows no interest. Luckily this story has some chapters from his POV so we get a peek inside his head.

I loved all the times with his brothers, wives and their family. Their camaraderie makes me smile. Red Cage activities always intrigue me and keep me entertained.

I eagerly look forward to that sassy Tillie getting her story and finding out who can handle her.

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage Book 4) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage, #4)The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a glorious addition to this series! I loved every Single Second! I started this and struggled to put it down. Yes, it is that good! It is filled with action, drama, suspense and kept me highly entertained. It is a well done story that pushes all the characters to their limits and shows what they can really do.

I really thought Soleil was barking up the wrong tree with Tripp. He’s mean to her and really shows no interest. Luckily this story has some chapters from his POV so we get a peek inside his head.

I loved all the times with his brothers, wives and their family. Their camaraderie makes me smile. Red Cage activities always intrigue me and keep me entertained.

I eagerly look forward to that sassy Tillie getting her story and finding out who can handle her.

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Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

❤️❤️LOVE this one!! That beginning? Outstanding! I was shocked, disgusted and thrilled at all the same time! The meet-cute between these two is Soo different and I adored it! Add in the back and forth banter, which is like fire/ice, and that sets the scene for the book.

This is the second book in the series. Both are amazing! I enjoy the baseball theme in these. The author does a great job pulling me into the story with the wonderfully interesting characters and the dynamic storyline. I wished, hoped, freaked out and was sad all throughout this story. I dont want to forget the chuckles. I wish I could read it for the first time again! Anyway it will be on my re-reads list to enjoy over and over.

I eagerly look forward to more from this series and this author!

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This has its crazy good moments and its not so good moments. I liked the idea of the story but the delivery left me with a lot of thoughts. I struggled to stay focused in the middle and actually keep reading after that. There are so many times I thought “what is wrong with these characters?” because they keep starting sentences telling someone information then just run away after the first few words. Does the Sheriff even know this town and its occupants? Why is a Deputy running the show and telling the higher ups what to do and how to act? Some of this one I understood but not her mean streak, secrets and just overall pushiness to her senior officers and others. The ending felt like the author was going for too much shock factor and trying to tie loose ends up that just don’t make sense. I did mention good moments and those were the beginning while trying to figure out the original murder. I thought this book is going to be good! The ending also brought action, suspense and drama that really picked the pace back up.

Overall this is an okay story. It held my interest for a bit but mostly I just wanted it to end. I have not read the other books in this series. Maybe that would have helped with some of the actions of the characters.

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Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute story with a nice message. It give some good information about the leaf cutter bees for an adult and younger child. The illustrations are nice but I wish they were a little clearer since I knew nothing about these bees and wanted closer looks. In the back it gives information about making a home for these bees with every day products. This is a good story as well as informative.

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Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series and it is just as addictive as the first. I enjoyed the playfulness of the characters and the strong storyline. These two main characters have such a connection it was wonderful to watch them navigate their togetherness and lives. I was kept on the edge of my seat once the suspense started.

I enjoyed this one immensely and look forward to more from this author and in this series. This has a nice flow, suspense and many happy times.

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Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this story! It might be shorter but it is mighty! It encompasses a full story of the main characters including back flashes. I got the feelings and emotions of not only the main characters but the secondary as well. I liked them all and am curious about some of their stories as well.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I was easily drawn in by the way this story was presented. Witty banter and that hold your breath attraction make this one: Thoroughly enjoyable!

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok I had a lot of feelings about this book. I liked the idea of it. I struggled at times with the ages vs actions of the two main characters. She seemed very childish one min then adult-ish the next. He seemed amused about his bride then became sullen. The storyline rolls along nicely but at times it felt too slow. I stuck it out and decided I was glad I did as the ending is kinda fun.

Overall this would be a good story for a younger audience. I think they could identify a bit with both main characters. There is some nice humor in here. I did have a good feeling after finishing the last page.

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Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another smashing story from this series and this author! I loved the passion, the excitement and the actions of these characters. I was enthralled from the first page! Honestly that activity held up through most of the book dazzling me more as the story went on.

I really liked Emelia as she is everything a woman wants to be. I only wish she was a bit older because some of the attitude and fiery passion comes with age. Maybe about 7 yrs older but not a lot. My other only complaint is the overuse of the word “Capiche”. It just felt unnatural with it ending every sentence in the beginning.

Overall a captivating storyline and amazingly well done characters. I look forward to the next in this series.

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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story was a huge struggle for me. Getting into the characters and feeling for them was virtually nonexistent. I did a few but there is way too many characters (with code names and military titles) introduced to remember who is who and which name they go by. Flynn is one of the few who pulled my sympathy and worry.

I have read this authors books in the past. In fact some of these characters were in the stories I read. Some I love and others are like this one. If you are in the medical profession and military you will probably understand the lingo used in here. I am neither and was left thinking like I was at the doc office and they are talking a foreign language.

Overall this one is over my head and it struggled to hold my interest because I just did not care. The suspense part was well planned but thats the best I can say. Pick this up if you like medical and military jargon with characters galore.

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Lisa Helmick

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story! The writing is smooth and moves along at a great pace. I was easily drawn into the story and characters. I eagerly looked forward to picking this up every night and diving back in to Jasmine’s life wondering what was going to happen next. All the characters are well done. I liked some and others I could hardly stand. Which is as it should be.

This is my first book by this author. I liked the writing story and how she moved the book along at a quick pace. I look forward to more from this author

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this one is a huge let down for me. I grabbed it from the blurb expecting a girl and a fae world story. That is not what I got. I got a kid who tries to solve a mystery and make adult decisions while traveling with aunt. There is a small touch of fae mentioning but mot at all what I felt the blurb led me to believe. It also seemed slow moving and there is a lot of narrative which led me to skimming.

Maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I picked it up but it was a let down for me. The cover is wonderful as is the title but it took way too long to get anywhere.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story interested me since its a divorced couple and their second chance. It is a very slow moving story told during the holiday time. I struggled with all the internal thoughts they had and a bit with the timeline. I did enjoy the relationships between couples, friends and family. There is a lot of thought provoking comments about relationships that really made me think twice about them. The father /daughter relationship is very well done. They joked and had serious conversations.

Overall there is a lot of good stuff in here between relationships in a variety of forms and the advice given. its an ok holiday story.

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 1) by G.K. Brady – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers, #1)Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this one took me a while to read. I feel it was just overlong and to much internal dialogue for me. I liked the characters and was easily able to empathize with them on one hand. The other is frustration with the way they act and react. I understand Beckett and his downward spiral and Paige’s unhappy marriage but out of the two she is my most irritating. She has morals(to an extent) and is smart but she walks a gray line in the marriage side. So she frustrated me a lot. Beckett is honest and open about his past and doesn’t hide from it.

A few things I did like is the honesty of Beckett he really owned his mistakes. Also the advice from his Dad and brother is priceless. I wish there would have been a bit more of them.

Overall this isn’t a favorite one for me. Its an okay read but if you like a drawn out romance with a lot of angst this could be for you.

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A couple things I love about this book. Firstly, the title is adorable. The cover is sweet too. It is a shorter story but told perfectly and smoothly. My attention was drawn in and held due to the nature of the wonderful story.

Secondly I love the storyline..skiing competitively. I don’t run across this subject too often. While there isn’t a ton of skiing in here it has some of the drama that goes along with being in a competitive sport.

Lastly the characters are wildly different from each other. They both are hot to trot and have large reputations. She is the Golden Child of skiing and he is the former bad boy of motocross. I felt there would be a lot of time spent on why they are in the Paralympics but it was more about the feelings these two felt and their lovely romance.

Overall it is a wonderful holiday and winter themed story. It is a lighthearted fun book to read on a cold day.

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