Posts

Who: A Stalker Series Novel by Megan Mitcham – Review by Lisa Helmick

Who: A Stalker Series Novel (Volume 1)Who: A Stalker Series Novel by Megan Mitcham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! The best was HIM. He is just so SEXY and alpha. Some of the things he says….I loved it! The second best is the stalker story. I really struggled most of the book to figure it out. There are also other lines of suspense that filter in throughout the story. I did struggle at times with the wording placement and the beginning seemed dry. The main character, Larkin, at times was strong and others I just didn’t understand her. She seemed so stiff and unlikable. Slowly she gained and became more than just her tears and being afraid. This story did really pick up its pace in the middle and towards the end.

This is my first book by this author. Overall it’s a good story. It has elements that are enjoyable as well as unknown. I will look into Why, her next in the series

View all my reviews

Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Lisa Helmick

Love is What You Bake of it (Meraki, #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author. I love how deeply we get Into the characters and their lives. The story was great! It easily kept me entertained and really surprised me now and then. The little sayings on the aprons is genius! I liked it at the beginning. But it was carried throughout the story which makes it lovely. I enjoyed each of the characters. There is a lot because…Greek family :). I liked Max a lot. He seems genuine. He has completely changed his life and his devotion (his would not give up attitude) is inspiring.

Overall this is a wonderfully book. I liked the story and the characters. Some more than others. The secondary characters really added to the story. Best Friends can really help make a story come alive and that’s what happened in here.

View all my reviews

Red Riding Hood (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Lisa Helmick

Red Riding HoodRed Riding Hood by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice collection of stories. They are fun because they all have a common theme running through them. They have genres from horror to erotica and others in between. Some of these were enjoyable. A few of them seemed a bit short and I wasn’t a big fan of the insta-love.

Little Red’s by Darlene Tallman was a favorite. Wolf packs are a story i enjoy and this one filled that void. The characters were believable and the story cute.

Cloaked by Lia Fairchild really drew me in and was very inventive. I liked the characters and enjoyed the twists and turns. I really could have read this one over again.

A few others were Ruby by Autumn Sand and River Runs Red by Kay Elle Parker. I liked them…they were pretty sexy. I just wish there was more to each of them.

View all my reviews

Devil’s Spawn (Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #6) by Manda Mellett – Review by Lisa Helmick

Devil's Spawn (Satan's Devils MC Colorado Chapter #6)Devil’s Spawn by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! There is really no other way to say it. Stunning, shocking and emotional are all rolled into this outstanding story. Tears…be ready for them because they are gonna roll. Every book this author writes seems to get better and more complex. This is a series that I can’t wait to dive into and I love but hate getting to that last page.

These characters are being broken down. It’s heart wrenching to watch…err read. I can’t imagine what Vanna has been through. She’s had to become strong….only to be lifted higher…then dropped back down to the bottom. The camaraderie and brotherhood between these men and heck even their women is admirable. I enjoy all their times together.

The anger/fear can be felt through the words on these pages. The characters have those emotions just for different reasons and it comes out of them differently. They are worried about the past, the present and the future.

I literally CAN NOT WAIT until I get to read more words from this stunning author. Until then….its rereading stories of this MC life and characters.

View all my reviews

Imposter: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 7) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Imposter (Ash Park, #7)Imposter by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This is eye opening. I am almost speechless about what to write. The story just really…really makes you think. I was sickened as well as freaked out on numerous occasions. Then something would happen that would make me laugh. Usually it’s a crazy Petrosky comment or action. Even Jackson a couple times a some good zingers.

This isn’t my first story by this author. Ed is getting back into being Detective, sleuthing
and annoying suspects. I love his go getter take no crap attitude. Jackson smoothes out his rough edges. Morrison is tough to replace but Jackson is getting there.

This is a great thrill ride. One that will shock and surprise you.

View all my reviews

The Bar Next Door (Barflies Book 1) by Katia Rose – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Bar Next Door (Barflies, #1)The Bar Next Door by Katia Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully delightful story. The story takes you on a ride through the life of a dive bar. We see wild decor, crazy workers and fun patrons. There are French words and French guys. It covers life and death and a Yorkie with a literary name. I enjoyed all of this and more! I struggled to put this down and was awestruck by the “Red Wine Guy”. I loved the learning and growing period each of these characters went through. They are equal parts wisdom filled and emotion filled.

This is a first time author for me. I really enjoyed the heck out of this book. The words flowed and while I had some trouble with the French words..I liked the addition of English to make me understand. The characters are warm and inviting. I look forward to more from this author. I see Dylan gets his chance next. I really feel like he deserves it and more.

View all my reviews

Rockin’ It Home: a Lawson Family Novel by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Lisa Helmick

Rockin' It Home (Lawson Family #3)Rockin’ It Home by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another sweet story from this author. The story is very smooth and had me reading late i to the night. The characters are deep and lovable yet they have their flaws. The author delves nicely into the life of a rock star. How things are always great until they are not so great. But then we meet Danielle. She is a bright and shiny star on her own. It just takes a while before Ben realizes why he needs her to be around so much.

It’s nice to see a bit of the family from the previous stories. Touch base and see how they are doing. It’s funny how this family seems so perfect but once you really look at them your perception is changed.

This is the third book in the series. In this one I really felt the heaviness of the story. Addiction is a serious subject but some light hearted moments are always a nice reliever as well. There is a teaser for Carly’s book and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this adventurous girls story.

View all my reviews

Lisa: Coming Of Age (Book 1 of The Guardian Shifters) by KM Lowe – Review by Lisa Helmick

Lisa: Coming Of Age (The Guardian Shifters, #1)Lisa: Coming Of Age by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story that drew me into It. the writing is smooth and reading it felt easy. It is told from different characters POV which is nice. That way we get to know what each is thinking. At times it did get a little tedious listening to the drama in their heads over and over. Lisa is being taken on an emotional journey. Her life as she knows it is changing forever with a few words to her best friend.

Overall this is a nice story. It didn’t wow me but I didn’t hate it either. It had enough action to keep me interested in her plight. This is a new author to me. I see Jaspers story Is next. I will probably give it a go.

View all my reviews

TWO HEARTS UNLIKELY HEROES (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 8) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Lisa Helmick

Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance #9)Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful story. The story flows very well and the characters are intriguing. These two characters have met previously under dire circumstances. They have been looking for each other in the past two years. They are thrown together in a rehab program. Although all is not what it seems. I love the connection these two have. It’s easy to feel it coming off the pages. I enjoy seeing some of the characters we have met in past stories. This is a nice easy to read filled with danger, intrigue and love.

View all my reviews

2am Secrets by M. Piper – Review by Lisa Helmick

2am Secrets2am Secrets by M. Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMGosh! This book! These characters! So sexy! I absolutely LOVE the connection these characters have! I can’t get enough. The emotions are just flying off the pages! I literally stayed up late finishing this book! It’s full of drama, tension, love and a secret. This is going on my list of favorite reads to be re-read over and over.

Sadie, Archer and Sam. They have that bond of trust between them. Sister, brother and best friend. It’s a thin line to walk when two of them start to blur that line. I really loved the new couple then started to dislike the remaining one. We all want to protect the ones we love…but how far will they go?

This is a first time author for me! I loved her writing style. It drew me into the story and characters effortlessly. I look forward to more from her. Hopefully Sam’s story.

View all my reviews

Around Midnight by Zarina Macha – Review by Lisa Helmick

Around MidnightAround Midnight by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fully immersed into her teenage life that includes playing her saxophone this privileged girl is ignorant of many of life’s pitfalls. She gets to meet some of those head on and they begin to disrupt her dream. She is lost and unsure but she can’t seem to move forward and forget.

This is easy to read and deals with complex situations. There is the surface of each situation but always look deeper. This is an okay book that I took at face value. Girl, dream, bad boy, regrets and struggles. I just looked at it as a typical section of a young girls/teen book. But upon reading the authors note I am reflecting back and I can look at it a bit differently. So if you give this a go make sure you read that as well.

View all my reviews

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Lisa Helmick

Out Of The ShadowsOut Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I want to start off by saying I LOVE the quote on the last page. It’s by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He summed up the reason for this book perfectly. Sadly, domestic violence is a problem. This story tells an unusual tale of the male being the victim. It shows his shame and embarrassment as well his loss of what to do. He seems to flounder a lot just trying to survive every day. Luckily there are people out there to help it’s just getting the courage before it’s too late.

This is well written and it makes me think. It drew me in from the beginning and I was hooked until that last sentence. The characters seemed real and I was concerned for them. I have read others by this author and she seems to never disappoint me.

View all my reviews

Moonlit Mirage: A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Moonlit Mirage - A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series)Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story filled with action. These two characters met in the past made a connection then met again in the future. Not sure if they will be able to overcome their past when all the cards are laid on the table.

Each of these characters have depth to them. More than I even thought. The story flowed along smoothly and drew me in. Overall it’s a easy read with suspense mixed in. I have read the Gray Ghost Series and this easily falls in line with those.

View all my reviews

REWIND Boxed set (Rewind Series Books 1-4) By Rowan Shaw – Review by Lisa Helmick

Rewind Boxed SetRewind Boxed Set by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful collection. All of these books have the same group of friends involved. So you are really get to know them. All four books are good but I do have a couple that just slayed me and have become favorites. The love and betrayal that this group encounters just shocked me. Some of these things I can’t even imagine but I’m sure they can easily happen in the real world. The friendship that encompasses this group is second to none.

As stated briefly above these stories bring out all kinds of emotions. I enjoyed reading these and getting to know the boys. All of the stories move along at a good pace and make you really *feel* for the characters.

View all my reviews

Scoring Chance: A Mile High Miners Novella by Lane Martin – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

This is a wonderful story. All about second chances and really living every day. In here we meet Eden and Rhett. Both have a tragic past but one has learned from it and the other hides from it. Will they be able to meet in the middle and find each other?

The characters in here are a lot. We have the two main ones then a bunch of secondary characters. The couples (Devin/Kassie and Barrett/Adelaide) each really peaked my interest. They both made me wonder about their stories. The adopted family of Eden was great as well. They gave nice pushes to Eden when she needed them.

Overall this is a good story. The characters were nicely done. This is my first book by this author. She does a good job with the stories flow. The characters have depth to them that make them interesting.

View all my reviews

Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is impressive! It surpasses the first book by a lot. The author has made interesting and relatable characters. The story moves along and easily kept my interest. I loved it! I loved Rylie’s job and the element of danger it brings, the protectiveness and sneakiness of Mason as well as the playfulness of the story.

The connection between Mason
and Rylie was *felt* and at times coming off the pages at me. Well done! Even the relationship between Archer and Mason was great to watch/read them together. I could really feel the vibe they were putting out!

All the characters were wonderful. The pack together at the bar was fun. The bond between brothers(Mason and Miles)or Carter and Rylie was great. The teasing and being there for each other was perfect. Archer at times seemed a bit old for his age but I guess he is future alpha so maybe that’s expected.

This is the second book in this series. I really enjoyed this one and could hardly put it down. I am glad I gave it a shot. This can be read as a stand alone. I look forward to more from this author and from this pack.

View all my reviews

Covert Threat (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Covert Threat (Gray Ghost #5)Covert Threat by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story that is filled with action, suspense and thrills. I just loved it. It’s one of those books that is hard to put down. It grabbed me from the beginning and next think I knew it was two AM. This really just got better the further along it went. Trev is a hottie with a great attitude. He is sure to bring in all the girls. Jules is a nerd who works as a scientist of the highest order. Crazy and I mean crazy things start happening to Jules and Trev gets hired as her babysitter….well bodyguard depending on who you ask.

Overall I loved this book! Although it’s part of a series, this book can be read independently. The story is fast paced and Is full of surprises. The characters round out nicely and are interesting. If you are looking for a book that won’t let you sleep or it will keep you on the edge of your seat? This is the one for you!

View all my reviews

REBOUND (REWIND BOOK 4) By Rowan Shaw – Review by Lisa Helmick

Rebound (Rewind #4)Rebound by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this is Noah’s story of heartbreak, lust and love. When this started I didn’t feel it was one of the better stories in the series. It seemed mostly sexual and not much story. I get that Noah sexual and not afraid to show it. It just seemed like the focus was on that part of him. Not the side that wants love as well or the worry he won’t find a partner who accepts all of him. That being said In the ending it really came around. I loved the last chapter! I am so happy for Adrien and Raphaël. A couple times I thought this would take a wrong turn for them. I was almost more invested in their story instead of Noah’s.

This isn’t my first story by this author and it isn’t my favorite. In most of the other books the characters made huge growth improvements and overcame horrendous issues. I just didn’t see that in here. I liked Noah but again it seemed to go from sexual encounter to sexual encounter. That’s not for me I need some story to round this out.

View all my reviews

Brutal & Raw: Mafia Romance & Psychological Thriller (Beneventi Family Book 1) by Sonya Jesus – Review by Lisa Helmick

Brutal & Raw (Beneventi Family, #1)Brutal & Raw by Sonya Jesus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you want a dark story that will keep you reading into the night? How about on the edge of your seat? Well I couldn’t put this one down! The story left me Brutal and Raw! This isn’t your normal hearts and flowers read. It is dark, suspenseful and thrilling. The characters are evil, difficult and manipulative. I couldn’t get enough of them! Being inside Breaker’s head…I am twisted up! I can’t even say whether I like or hate Breaker for his choices and decisions. 327 is strong! She struggles with herself over thoughts and feelings, living or not living. Does she want to be free of him or free with him?

This is not my first book by this author. Each one is better than the last. This story blows me away! The characters are so hard and difficult but yet a small glimmer of softness. But Day-Um she knows how to manipulate my heartstrings with them. I will tell you she doesn’t give all the answers. I can’t wait for the next one!

View all my reviews

Landing the Lawman (Hills of Texas #5) by Kadie Scott – Review by Lisa Helmick

Landing the Lawman (Hills of Texas, #5)Landing the Lawman by Kadie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not what I expected for Carters Story. This is better! I love the humor and attitude she has. I don’t think I could love this family any more than I do. They make me laugh, cry and just smile a lot when I’m reading.

Now I have many favorite parts of this book but DAYUM!….Who knew Lawyer talk could be so HOT! Logan knows just how and when to use those words! I don’t think I could be in a courtroom with him after that and not be *uncomfortable* (if you know what I mean)

Logan….Logan….Logan…I love how straight laced and focused you are! But the winds of change are upon you. It’s nice to see you start breaking your mold. That last scene with you and the family??? I would have been sweating bullets or peed my pants…but you hung in there like a champ!

As always I loved seeing and hanging out with all Carters family! The brothers are a hoot in this one. Glad their wives are there to reign them in.

Overall this his highly enjoyable! The writing is so smooth. I am captured from the first paragraph and I can hardly do anything else until that last page is read. Of course then I am sad it’s already over. I will miss this crew until I pick up a book for a re-read.

*nod to the author*
I LOVE the play on words with the title. Very cute! Also the jobs these two have were interesting to learn about. Thank You for these great stories!

View all my reviews

Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash Book 2) By Amanda Marin – Review by Lisa Helmick

Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash, #2)Sky to Sea by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG this author is amazing! She makes me really *feel* the emotions of these two. I am totally involved in their plight! I want them to have a hoppy ending. Just not sure that is going to happen. So every time it goes south for them…my heart plummets I am scouring my mind to see what can be fixed or changed so that doesn’t happen. Then everything just seems to go right and my heart soars! Happiness! But inevitably down… down we go again.

If you can’t tell I really empathize with these characters. The writing is so smooth I can’t believe how easy I get caught up into this story. The characters draw me in and really don’t let go. I think about them even when I’m not reading. I love these two!

View all my reviews

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

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

These two have a lot of learning to do. Compromise is the platform of marriage. Each of them is so stubborn. I could see the changes in Zane since he started as a player. Shannon I struggled with her growth. She had small steps. Her family or more accurately her brothers….they are definite future books! Protective, annoying and they just seemed to be sexy men. I also loved the tie in to Taming Jake (Book 1).

My only small issue was the child. He seemed nonexistent. I don’t think a woman (with child) would consider marrying a man without making sure they all formed a good relationship (including the child). I’m pretty sure all three had never been in the same room until the end. So that’s my bump in the road. The author did a nice job smoothing the situation over and it glossed up nicely.

Overall this is a good story. It rolls along nicely and has some surprising elements. The emotion between the characters is felt. There is also some humor that adds charm to the book.

View all my reviews

THE RUNAROUND: A Single Dad Romantic Comedy (CAROLINA CONNECTIONS BOOK 6) By SYLVIE STEWART – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Runaround (Carolina Connections #6)The Runaround by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has done it again! She has the sassy, snarky, fun loving characters down to a T. This is one of my favorite series. I love these characters. I thought I had this book figured out but then a 14 yo dropped in and woosh….everything changed. Great Story!

There is an array of funny fast talking scenes. My favorite is the fortune telling texts between Ari and Jax. I also have many passages highlighted. Words of wisdom and other amazing thoughts by the characters.

I loved seeing all the characters from this series. They still make me laugh with their antics. It’s always a good time reading one of these.

View all my reviews

A Sun So Bright (Reigning Hearts Book Three) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

This is a sweet story that brought me to tears. I’m not sure how this author does it. But again she wrote a smashing story full of entertaining characters with love to mix it all together. Fiona I was not a fan of early on because I knew her from Run to the Sea (Book 1 in this series). So the author took me on a Trip filled with all things Fiona. Some I knew…others I didn’t but she didn’t surprise me with her proposal to Chris. She did surprise me as the story went on as she finds her purpose.

Another great story to add to this series. The author knows how to write and weave a story to make me feel things. Happy, sad laughing and yes I mentioned tears.

View all my reviews

Never Date a Siren (College Fae Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

Never Date a SirenNever Date a Siren by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sirens are trouble. They trick you to loving them, leave you and then syphon the energy out of you all the while keeping you in their thrall. Sad right? Logan had no idea what he was getting into when he met his girlfriend Sybil the Siren. She has moved on from him and now he is feeling less like himself and stuck…until his chance run in with Brigit, dryad Fae, and she owns him for saving her. Can she get Sybil to release him from her clutches? Sybil doesn’t want to release the human and holds on tight. This journey takes them around the world and we meet all kinds of fun characters.

This is very imaginative. I liked it and the characters were intriguing. The monsters under the bed and in the closets as well as the kelpies and Brigit’s amazing talent of talking to everything were interesting. The door mat was neat! I liked the brownies too.

View all my reviews

Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3)Lillie by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the end of the trilogy. It’s a perfect ending. I was really concerned that Bruce and Naomi would continue to be together. They have been through ups and downs in their relationship. We start this book on an up…..and it progresses down and then even lower. The title is Lillie and she is a high ranking star in the book. I think Naomi still overpowers her and is the shining star. While it’s not necessary to read the previous two. It will help in understanding Naomi’s gift and a few other things she refers to in here.

View all my reviews

The Istanbul Conspiracy (Code Raven Book 7) by Lynda Filler – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Istanbul Conspiracy (Code Raven #7)The Istanbul Conspiracy by Lynda Filler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a on the edge of your seat story. This involves a couple different weddings that are put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances. That starts a whole bunch of action and drama that continues out the story. These characters are strong and the story is fast paced.

This isn’t my first book by this author. I liked seeing these characters again. It’s great seeing them progressing with their lives.

View all my reviews

Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set: (Books 1-2-3) Vigilante Justice Thriller Series by Mark Nolan – Review by Lisa Helmick

Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set (Jake Wolfe #1-3)Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been enamored with these books since I read the first one. They are full of Action and thrills! I love watching these two (Jake and Cody) work together. Their interaction provides me many hours of enjoyment. I love this whole series and highly recommend.

View all my reviews

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

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

Another wonderful story by Manda Mellett! These characters are evolving with every book she writes. This one Involves Ink and we met Beth in the last book. She is friends with Mel. Beth is a shy girl who is unusually tall for a female. She has found ways to cope hence the blue hair. She knows what she wants and goes after him. Then something happens and she is not sure her relationship with Ink will ever be the same.

This is enjoyable and easily kept my interest. The story took me on a few ups and downs and is very unsuspecting. I love it when stuff surprises me and this story did it. As usual I love these stories and I can’t wait for the next one. Not sure who it will be about….maybe Lizard or Mace?

Also I want to say I love this cover! It goes perfectly with this story!

View all my reviews

Kermode (Legends Series Book 2) by Maggie Adams – Review by Lisa Helmick

Kermode: Legends Series Book 2Kermode: Legends Series Book 2 by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick read that covers shifters, witches, shaman and humans. We meet a group of friends who are all paranormal. Then me meet Piper who runs the local bakery and is not quite human. We get to watch her come to terms with not only the paranormal world but also being one herself. This is cute and inventive. I enjoyed the characters and their bond to each other. This is a first time author for me. I would be interested in more of her stories along this line.

View all my reviews