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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So I enjoyed parts of this story and others not so much. I liked a lot at times because of the Interaction between her and Trey but the other times was a lot of descriptive paragraphs and to me..filler. There is something to be said for setting a scene but overdoing it just leads to boredom.

The tension and suspense perpetuated between these two in intense and has that “hook” appeal. That is what keeps the pages turning. When will they see each other again? Or what will happen if they do? Seeing them together is what makes the story go…..well also Leo.

Overall it is an okay read. I could easily put it down and had to force myself a time or two to get back to it. Once I started skimming the descriptive pages it went much faster. I feel the story needs more. I did not feel for the characters when injured or worry about them when in tense situations. The title fits in here nicely.

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Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Though Yoga by Janice Pratt and Lenora Degen – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Through YogaPlanting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Through Yoga by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this! I like how the author makes a connection between yoga and plants. Very cool! I loved reading the lesson plans. The author puts ideas for different ages and details everything very well. I could easily picture it all in my head. This shows how to have a 6 week class for kids.

There are great affermations and breathing techniques throughout. Plus games and songs! I am enjoying this as its is giving me all kinds of ideas to do with the grandkids.

My only issue is that I wish they had included pictures of all the different yoga poses they suggest. Some are self explanatory (like the frog) but others like mountain, fish, star and windmill are unknown to me. I have only done a few yoga poses do I will have to look them up.

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not as a huge fan of this one as I have been of the others in the series. I just didn’t like how James was portrayed. He has had a solid gf through most of the series but in here he falls for a completely different girl. His antics and thought process just was not favorable to me. I fid like the whole way that Sara and James officially met. She surprised me with her “momma bear” attitude in her employers home. But anyway the there was plenty of stuff that kept me reading as well. I always love time being spent with the Bennetts. Seeing where everyone is at in their relationships and lives. Sadly this is the last in the series. I know that every series needs to end and I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

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The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride Series Book 3 and LumberCats Series Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride)The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These stories always bring me joy. I enjoy the storyline and the characters all have their quirks. In here I was frustrated at the female lead more than once over her negative attitude towards mating. Life throws curveballs..just embrace them. I did get irritated while reading since frequently things were repeated. Usually either in the same paragraph or the next one. That leads to me skipping areas here and there. I have read this author multiple times. Usually I either really love the book or struggled with it. This time I felt about half way between the two. It isn’t great but not horrible either in my opinion. I do enjoy this series and am looking forward to Sheridan’s mating call.

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3)Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just LOVE these stories! This was just as thrilling as the previous in the series have been. I read this in a couple days. The story is action packed with a suspenseful side. This just Wowed me! I loved how we dive right in and the story really entranced me. The main characters are nothing short of extraordinary. Finlay is so confident and strong! She won’t let another push her around or treat her poorly. She is not afraid to stand up for herself and the way she finagles her way in and out of tight spots is impressive. Drake is one of the team we learn a bit about in here. He basically has one job to do but does not realize who he is up against. Then he has to reassess the whole situation.

Secondary characters are plentiful. They all had a purpose and they served it well. My only issue is it seemed that once they were off-page they disappeared to either never be heard from again or until their purpose was served. I get the main storyline is about whats going on between the MC but a line stating they made it to safety or something would have sufficed.

Overall this is an exciting and thrilling adventure we tag along on. I look forward to more in this series!

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another superb story from this series. Cray goes on an adventure that would be unknown to him if he had not befriended Hay. Leaving the beach he sets off for the woods. This one covers how one can be brave and asking for help as both animals need to learn to utilize that in here. There are great tips for building courage in the back of the book.

As always I want to mention the illustration in here. Between the wonderful story and the brilliant illustration this is a winner for kids and adults! I look forward to more adventures with Cray.

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an okay story. I really wanted to like it as I love a workplace romance. This one moves along very slowly and honestly I found myself flipping pages and did not miss anything. Bailey is an intricate character as she has had a difficult past and had kind of become a new woman. I liked the connection between them but again there is a lot of thought processing in their heads thats the author is using to connect the characters to the reader. I am not a fan of too much of that. So this one was a struggle for me. Others might enjoy but to me its just okay. I fo love the cover though!

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Out of Bounds (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Out of Bounds (Game Time)Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two! O MG could they be any cuter! They each have a background story but Piper’s is a little heavier. Not sure I could forgive and forget for any of her family. I feel she reacted exactly how she needed to and her feelings are validated. Bax is the fun side of the story. He made me smile. I did love how his friends called her his “unicorn”. The razzing that Bax gets from his friends made me laugh. It is nice seeing all the boys from the team interact through the series. I look forward to the next in the series.

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Perfect Office Pact (Perfect Romance Series) by Maria Jane – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Perfect Office PactPerfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one is was rough for me. Mostly because I did not care for the actions of both characters throughout most of the book. She is very combative and he seems restrictive and obviously has some sort of issue. Just their interaction through a large portion of the book was off putting. Him secretly wanting her and she is basically clueless for years. Too many breakdowns and tantrums for the story. There is very little romance and when they do she always has her foot half way out the door. Arg! I really felt for Declan numerous times. Just with his attitude and struggles he has to go through daily but he offers hope because never seems to give up trying.

Overall this is just an okay story for me. I think I wanted more pleasant interaction as time went on between them and it just doesn’t really happen.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one made me smile! The rhyming was done much better so the story flowed along. We meet another new friend of Cray’s who lies so he won’t get into trouble. The meaning behind the cute story in here is clear. I can’t say enough good things about the illustrations! Each page is a delight to look at. I look forward to more adventures and life lessons from Cray.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute story with great meaning. I enjoy reading and discussing these with my grandkids. We meet a few new friends in this one. The illustration is well done and makes looking at the book very enjoyable for the younger kids. I look forward to more of Cray and his adventures.

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Delayed Redemption (The DAG Team Series) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Delayed Redemption: DAG Team Series: Book 3 of 4 Special Ops Romantic SuspenseDelayed Redemption: DAG Team Series: Book 3 of 4 Special Ops Romantic Suspense by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another smashing action packed romantic suspense story in this series! This one falls under the best friend little sister category, which I love. The characters are well done, believable and made me fall for them. We get to see a lot of the team which makes them more “known” quantities instead of just a flat one dimensional until their story pops up. This is very well done and I look forward to seeing more in this series.

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CUTTER (Devils’ Spawn Daddies Series) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Cutter: Devils' Spawn DaddiesCutter: Devils’ Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay this was the something I did not expect. It has Daddy/little girl play. I really have not read anything like this before and this was a struggle for me. The actual storyline was pretty good. I like the whole MC v MC and then have the cartel thrown in makes for some exciting things and action that happen. I would recommend this if you are aware of the lifestyle that I mentioned above.

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Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace #1)Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story covering a lifestyle I really know nothing about. I am not a huge fan of BDSM books and was unaware this was one. In here we follow Ashton on a journey of self discovery. I think I learned as much as she did. Ha ha! She is surrounded by Doms unbeknownst to her. Each is learning how to deal with each other in this new role from her besties, old classmates and family.
This is an okay story but just not for me.

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Resisting Nature (Powder River Pack Series) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Resisting NatureResisting Nature by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good story! I struggled a bit with the timeline for a couple different situations. It seems this one runs alongside the same timeframe as the previous books. The ages and time from when she left did not seem long but the characters acted older/more mature. These situations were confusing for me since I have read the previous books. I do like the characters and the whole situation of Alexa. We have insight into her psyche so I could see it being tough on her. Miles and the pack are always a good time. They have wonderful camaraderie and are fun when they get together.

Overall its a good addition to the series.

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate Book 9) by Sylvia Black – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate #9)Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one kept me turning pages. Simply a wonderful addition to the series. You would think the by book 9 things would be getting stale but..Nope! This is just as engaging at the beginning of the series. I loved how much this incorporated the characters from past books because it is always nice to see them.

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Fade into the Night (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fade Into the Night (Philly Heat series, #5)Fade Into the Night by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yikes! This is one story I could only read during the day! Everything is described so well that I struggled sleeping if read before bed. Creepy and scary! I really liked the pace and the suspense surrounding the main characters. I kinda suspected who “did it” so I wasn’t totally surprised. But it still rounded out nicely. The last chapter is one of my fav. as we see a change in a few people for the better.

Overall a good story that kept me engaged. This is book five in the series but can be read as a stand alone.

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel)Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This woman goes on quite the journey. I enjoyed reading this fast paced story. Never really knowing what would happen next or who I could trust. I like stories that make it difficult for me to figure it out. I always had hope just like Margo does and was not disappointed in the ending. I could easily see myself reading more by this author.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day for Cray by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute quick story! I understood Cray and could feel for his dilemma. He is a bully and thinks just because he can that means he should. Luckily for him he actually has great friends that he didn’t realize until an accident. The meaning in this book is easy to see. It makes a good story to read to and discuss the actions and consequences of certain behaviors with children.

The illustration in here is wonderful! I would recommend it on that alone but add in the adorable rhyming story and it’s a winner!

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Good Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 1) by Nicole Craig – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Good Enough -- The Deadman's Tribe Book 1: A Protector Romance / Romantic SuspenseGood Enough — The Deadman’s Tribe Book 1: A Protector Romance / Romantic Suspense by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I was hesitant about this one after the beginning I ended up loving it! Kai and Waters are wonderful characters. They made me laugh and cry! They both are deep and have a lot of secrets between them. Not only are these two unforgettable characters but the author created a team that hold up to the high standards of the two main characters. I enjoyed my time with them and seeing them work together was great.

This is a incredible first book for this author. The story is well put together and moves along at a good pace. It enthralled me and kept me engaged. This has a lot of cute little pieces that make this enjoyable as the author carries them throughout the whole story. Example: backpack of death or the list of creative words. Thinking of those just makes me smile.

Overall this brought me much enjoyment. I look forward to more in this series and from this author! But I really want all these boys..Ahem men to get their special someone.

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Book 3)Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A good story but not my favorite of the series. This is a runaway bride story and the meet cute is exactly what I expected. From there it gets interesting. I really enjoy this family and all the extenders that come with it. The fun this family has together is what everyone wants their family to be. I liked the wonder and freshness that Bear brought to the equation.

My major concern or dislike about the story is maturity. Miller is a guy who gets into trouble even unintentionally so I expected a lot of hijinks in this one. It was pretty tame on that front. I almost wish this was set a few years later so Miller would be older and 22 and be ready to settle. He just seemed so wild then to drop like a fly is just weird. Now Maisy is even younger than Miller. The difference is she has had to be “older” her entire life. Between piano and Bear she needed to always be the more mature than a normal 20 yo. So with her I get the whole “found the one”.

Overall this is a good story and nice addition while setting up Lynn’s storyline. But the answer to the question of “Where is Larry?” will haunt me

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderfully complex story. It has a slow start but once it gets going I was completely hooked. This is a fantasy story with romance and a lot of suspense. I was held captive while reading and struggled to put this one down. The world building is phenomenally done. The different layers of fae and how they all interact was superbly done. I was excited to meet new and figure out their powers and how they are involved. How everything someone says or does has an underlying reason or hidden agenda would drive me crazy because the characters have to always be on their toes and thinking of different angles. Tiring for me but great for the story.

The female MC impressed me immensely. She is portrayed as meek and a follower but once she makes her move she is the complete opposite. Her growth is huge! Watching her change and learn for every situation always left me wondering what can’t she do. The answer is Nothing! She has learned from her family more than she ever thought she did.

I hope there is more to come in this series.

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderfully enjoyable story! I loved the world and character building. The ran a bit slow at times since it is giving information from a variety of sources. Not a lot of action but lots of suspense. Thay necromancer…..such a troublemaker!! I enjoyed the fantasy theme and that each book will be about a different child and kingdom but filled mostly with characters we have already met. Very cool!

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this is a cute story I did struggle sticking with it. I just could not identify with the characters. I would recommend reading the first book in the series. I did not and was frustrated with the many references to book one in the beginning. It is a nice mystery with suspense and a few twists. It also has a few moments that made me chuckle.

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King- Review by Lisa Helmick

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel this is a better story than the last couple. It was a little sporadic in the beginning but once it got rolling it was wonderful! I was completely glued to the story and trying to figure out what is going to happen. The secondary characters are starting to fill out and become full of life. Plus we are seeing more out of Makayla. Who can she trust and who is part of the problem? I was unhappy with the way the story stopped but it leaves me wanting more!

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good story with a lot going on. I did not love it as much as book 1 in the series but it is still enjoyable. I just feel the unknown of a few things was too vague to actually care about it too much which led to me not being completely invested in the character. I did like the interaction between the two main characters. Why they were that way with each other I wasn’t completely sure. Each one has a few secrets and as they are forced together they slowly come out. I liked the action in here….and there is a lot! As for secondary characters the future story between Drake and Finlay had me awaiting with bated breath.

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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Lisa Helmick

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UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting story as we follow along with Nick and Claire. Both of them are so easy to read and guess what they are thinking most of the time. She is high class and he is low class so they nothing feel nothing can come of their dalliance. We really get to know them both so well. Secondary characters are fleeting and only her BFF is briefly memorable as the story focuses solely on the two main. I read this fairly quickly and the story flowed nicely. The epilogue rounds everything out nicely.

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To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Lisa Helmick

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To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice Suspenseful story! I was thrown off at the beginning but I realized that the author was setting the stage. It also made me become involved in the storyline and the characters. I was not surprised at anything that happened but that elf sure gave me the creeps! Not sure if I could stand that in the room either even unknowing as she was. The story has good flow and moves at a quick pace. It easily kept me turning pages until I got to the end.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LOVE the illustrations! So detailed, colorful and there are hidden gems all over! No offense to the story (which is good itself) but I had more fun looking at the pages to see what I could find. Then imagine my surprise when I got to the end and it has all kinds of neat things! A child of any age will easily enjoy looking at all the pages while an older child will like both and get the meaning behind the story. Plus this will help a parent to chat about being kind to others and self.

I really like the “Sometimes we make mistakes and thats okay” little paragraph. The next couple pages are wonderful learning opportunities for all (adults too). This is such a good book all the way around that I can see sending this to families in my circle to help spread the kind word.

Well Done!

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series)Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a great story! There are many reasons I enjoyed it! Characters that are easy like and a smart and fun storyline. The cute little nicknames the MC’s have for each other is so adorable. The way Callahan kept going after the girl and wooed her until she changes her mind about possible playboys. Just made me swoon! Then the way he is secretly smart along with athletic. Or even when he explains football to her in a way that she can get excited about it and like it. See what I am talking about?? There is all that and so much more!

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