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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an awesome story! I was easily drawn in because it’s a step-brother romance. But the story and characters captivated me and kept me turning pages. There was so much tension between the two main characters. I could t get enough! I LOVE it! The dislike from Beckett and the peacekeeping from Greer are just a perfect set up!

The secondary characters…I love them!
OMG the talk David just had with Beckett in his office. Puts all step dads to shame. I want David to be my step dad. Not for the money but because he is so sincere and nice and protective of theses two women. Then there is how it’s so easy to see his love for Viviene and by association Greer. I also adore the relationships each parent has with their child. Just makes me go “ooooo” when there are those scenes. Even the FB players were a fun to watch/read.

This is a first time author for me. Her character building was crazy good. While a few things bothered me I wouldn’t let it stop me from picking up this book! It’s a definite page turner and filled with so many wonderful characters. I almost can not wait to re-read!

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To Kill a Fae (The Dragon Portal Book 1) by Jamie A. Waters – Review by Lisa Helmick

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To Kill a Fae (The Dragon Portal Series, #1)To Kill a Fae by Jamie A. Waters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am SO glad I picked this up. It is attention getting right from Start. The writing in here seems to appeal to something in Me. I love the intrigue, the bits of information given and the relationships between the characters. It all keeps me going and wanting to know who, what, when, where and why.

This is filled with a plethora of wonderful and amazing characters. Pixies, witches, faeries, goblins and demons among others. I rarely say this but I came to enjoy meeting each one of them. Their relationships are so interwoven I couldn’t wait to figure them out. Who controls who? Whom are friends/hates who? Who is stronger? Who is lying and why? I was so happy to get these answered among others throughout the book.

The story is fast paced and is intricately woven to give me some Information. But I am a puzzler so I need to figure out the unasked questions. Therefore I could hardly put this down. Because just when I figured out one thing…another would catch my interest and I’m off again. Everything was explained so well and at the perfect time. Not too much background information at any given moment.

This is a first time author for me! I am impressed with the quality of work done on this book. I think she hit ALL the marks for a story well done. I absolutely LOVED it and highly recommend to all Paranormal lovers! I look forward to more from this author but especially these characters!

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Hitting The High Note (A Four Horsemen Novel Book 3) by C A King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Hitting The High Note (A Four Horsemen Novel Book 3)Hitting The High Note by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third story In this series. Flowers and writing have been found but music is Uriel’s story. This is full of action, suspense and some fun. I enjoyed this the more I read. It has been a bit since the last one and I forgot all about Dante and his quest. I am back up to speed with everyone and their mates as well as what Dante is planning. This is a fast moving enjoyable story filled with wit, fun and suspense. I liked getting to read Uriel’s part in all this and how he reacted to his mate.
I see Raphael’s story is last and we get to read the conclusion of this four part series.

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Lavender Fields by Natalina Reis – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Lavender FieldsLavender Fields by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was so much more than I thought it would be. Sky is an angel who seems to find trouble. All accidental of course. His job to collect souls is one he struggles with. We meet Caleb aka Mr. Lavender Fields. They have an unbreakable connection. That is until Caleb get his mind erased.

This story was fun and creative. I loved learning about Sky’s job and what he had to do. Calebs sister, Joan, was witty smart and a wonderful addition to the story.

I loved the insta-connection that Caleb and Sky had. I seemed to be able to feel it coming through the pages. I was hesitant to read this because of the material. I am glad I did. It was so much more. This is a well written story with lovable characters.

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SAN DIEGO DEAD (Jake Wolfe Series Book 4) by Mark Nolan – Review by Lisa Helmick

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San Diego Dead (Jake Wolfe #4)San Diego Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can not get enough of reading and visualizing Jake and Cody “working” together. When an officer says she need volunteer DNA sample from a suspect. Jake and Cody say “no problem” and proceed to “scare” the man til he pees his pants. Then smile and say Thank you for your donation. Stuff like this are what make Jake and Cody so much fun to read. Plus all the personable time with Cody wanting bacon or huffing in agreement or laughing(pant, pant, pant) at what Jake says. Cody is a star in his own. He helps make this action adventure story.

Jake ….well Jake is the brains of the operations. He is smart on his own. I love how his brain works to figure things out. He must get that from his Marine days. Think fast and on your feet. He is not afraid and steps right up to danger. His friends are as important as his dog are to him. I love love love his dedication to Cody. I am surprised all the places he takes Cody during the book. When Cody is added to him they are an unstoppable team.

The secondary characters are all helpful in moving the story along. Roxanne, Terrell, Pez and even the agents all have light hearted moments that make this story not quite so heavy. Add in Jakes sarcasm/wit and Cody’s dogginess and it’s a perfect recipe.

I have enjoyed all of these books so far. This one is no exception. It is full of action and moves right along. The characters are fun, dangerous and interesting. It’s easy to forget daily life and just keep reading about Cody and Jake. My only wish is that these would come out on audio.

PS. Thanks for the wonderful new gear I was able to read about. As always I love the Dear Reader at the back so I can find out what is real.

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Friend (What Happens on Campus Series Book 3) by M L Sparrow – Review by Lisa Helmick

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FriendFriend by M.L. Sparrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally Terri and Jet get their story! She has been after him for soo long but has been friend zoned. He gets a wake up call and thing start looking up. The only problem is she is skittish after her attack. She isn’t sure she can handle more with him. Wish granted —but not.

This is a lovely story. I enjoyed catching up with these two as well as the rest of the crew. Seeing Terri figuring out how to move forward along with how Riley and Cam are doing is wonderful. My fav part of the whole story is Ben. I loved how she didn’t shy away from him even before he protected her. Then to help him and Jester out was so nice!

This is a tough story but it’s not my fav in the series. It seems a little drawn out and not drawn out enough. I would think she would be changed after the attack that would take time and not only a few months. Just me thinking and probably incorrectly since I have not been in those shoes.

This is my third in third in this series. I really love all these characters. Maybe Dawson and Payton could be the fourth? The stories are a little harder/edgier and easily keep my interest. Another solid story from this author.

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Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful second story in this series. While this deals with a heavy subject and it was done very nicely. Each of the two MC have dealt with abuse in one form or another. As they came to terms they realized they held an affection for each other. I liked seeing these two deals with their problems and figure out how to move forward. It takes friends and the love of family and these two have both.

It was great seeing The other Lawsons and finding out how Jamie and Kira are doing. Plus we get a look at Ben and how he is dealing with his life now. I look forward to Bens story.

This is the second book by this author for me. I like how she puts the story together and deals with major issues. It’s nice that they don’t dominate the story so we can feel for these characters and enjoy them moving forward.

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy Book 2) by Lexi C. Foss & J.R. Thorn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Elemental Fae Academy: Book Two (Elemental Fae Academy #2)Elemental Fae Academy: Book Two by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this continuing reverse harem series. As more bonds are made danger becomes stronger. Just when they think they have Claire protected..BAM! Something happens they didn’t think of. Claire is starting to feel settled but something happens to Exos and they can’t seem to find him. See what i mean? In the search for Exos we do get to find out who the other elements are that will join this group. Earth, water and air become either attached or on the verge of attachment with Claire

Another great story from this author. My only issues is that when Claire found out that Exos was missing that she didn’t immediately start searching for him? Who would do that? I get she is emotional but if he was that important she would have hopped out of bed and went looking for him.
That is really my only gripe everything else is pretty good.

I normally don’t read reverse harems. I did pick this up because I like this authors other books. I am still not a fan of reverse harems but this author did a good job weaving “time” in for all the bonded males. The story is very creative and I look forward to reading the last next in the series

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy Book 1) by Lexi C. Foss & J.R. Thorn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy, #1)Elemental Fae Academy by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could NOT put this book down! It’s a late into the night read! This is filled with wonderful loving and crazy characters. I enjoyed how this is told from various characters as the story moves along. I loved going through all of this strangeness with Claire. Learning about the Fae life and the power and the men.

I am not a fan of reverse harem books. I have read this author before and love her work so i figured i would give it a try. (Go KU) The love portion is So HOT….beware it will burn your fingers turning those pages!! When these characters get together..the elements and emotions are flying high. Titus?!? And his fire magic in the kitchen?? I need ICE CUBES! STAT!!

The author does a great job making me look at these relationships differently. I can easily see the burning heat and raw passion from Titus and it seems that Exos is more pure. Not saying he can’t heat things up but he loves kissing her forehead and touching her…much more cuddling. I wonder what her other relationships will be like.

The book ends on a small cliffhanger…only if you read the Epilogue. If you stop after the last chapter everything ends just fine. The author is gearing up for book 2.

Overall this is much more than I thought it would be. The story is very good and interesting. The idea is novel and the characters are alpha, sexy and smart. This is a good start to a new series.

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Rebel Jewel (The Jewel Chronicles Book 3) by Natalina Reis – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Rebel Jewel (The Jewel Chronicles, #3)Rebel Jewel by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third and final installment of this series. These two characters are going to be coming back to where it all started…Natale. They have not had an easy life together and things don’t seem to be looking up. I almost feel sorry for these two. They almost seem like puppets being maneuvered by a higher power. But it’s clear to see that everyone seems to be rooting for these them to accomplish what they set out to do.

Many questions are answered as a few new one arise. They will be wishing to change the rules of a nation. But to do that they need many on their side against the Elders.
I enjoyed seeing these characters again. To find out where they are in life and what is coming up. There are quite a few of secondary characters that add some fun and danger elements to the story. This is a fitting conclusion for this series. I would recommend reading the books in order to prevent the reader from having any conclusion.

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SECRETS NEVER DIE by Laurie Lewis – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Secrets Never DieSecrets Never Die by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a tale that has a slew of misdirection and incomplete information. The story while interesting seemed to move forward very slowly. There are two stories unfolding. I struggled with this one holding my attention. I could easily put it down for a couple days and not really rush to get back to it. It does have its page turning moments but most of the middle just seems to be information gathering and not too much happens. We get to know more of the towns people and try to figure out Jackson’s reason for being there and who his contact really is.

This has a ton of characters. Some are helpful others are secretive and not helpful. Even the not sharing can be helpful to this story. Tallie has an analytical mind and is able to work through because of her upbringing.

This isn’t my first book by this author. For some reason this one just didn’t work for me.

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The Time Traveler’s Magic (Magic Bound Saga Book 1) by Anna Applegate – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Time Traveler's Magic (The Magic Bound Saga #1)The Time Traveler’s Magic by Anna Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one wild ride! It is full of action that doesn’t seem to stop. I was worried about this book because i do not read time travel stories. I gave this one a go because I have read other works by this author that have been grand. I was pleasantly surprised over that element in this book. There is also an undercurrent of attraction that helps to keep me turning pages. Will they or won’t they? *Turns page* OMG they are so close *Turns Page* That Look…That touch *Turns page* …ARRG!

That sweet romantic attraction isn’t the main story. It’s about finding out about your powers and learning to use them. Saving people and also being glad you are not paranoid hearing all those voices in your head. As well as learning there are Paranormals in this world…Oh and easily hating the MacGregor! This is chock full of many many things.

I love love love this book and read it late into the night. To say it consumed me is an understatement. Just ask my neglected family and my groggy AM brain :). This author is wickedly good at writing this suspenseful tale. The story flows so perfectly and I wasn’t bothered by the time jumps at all. The ending does have a kind of pause button and she is using that as a lead in to the next book. I am not pleased with this as this author writes well enough she doesn’t need to use those ploys to get people to read the next book. The characters were wonderful to get to know. I mean who wouldn’t want a privateer or a vampire to hang out with?
Next please!

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Rogue Wave (The Inland Seas Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Rogue Wave (The Inland Seas #2)Rogue Wave by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is just as entrancing as the last book! The author easily draws me in and traps me with her words. I can’t let go until I have finished this book!! She makes me care about these characters. After the last book I couldn’t WAIT for Cutters book. I wanted to know more about him and WHAT type of woman could handle him. Let me tell you…it was worth the wait! He is a scary, angry, hard and a bad attitude kind of guy! This is not your normal lovable alpha man.

Hanging out with the crew is great as always. They have a wonderful camaraderie and trust in one another. Having War on Cutter’s case about certain things (involving a woman) made me laugh and chuckle.

Another knockout by this author. The writing is so smooth! Easy transitions from one scene to another making it flow so nicely. Everything is just perfect.i can’t wait for the next. Preacher!

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The Bad Twin by Avery Scott – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Bad TwinThe Bad Twin by Avery Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story held me entranced. I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then I wanted to see the blow back because of the switch. And Oo La La did it drop! Not quite what I was expecting but HeLLO….talk about embarrassing and devastating. I had many feelings about these characters. They made me wonder and brought me joy. I also was frustrated at the situation along with fascinated with the art aspect. Hudson…Hudson..Hudson you are a wonderful man. I didn’t like you a first because of you womanizing ways but you redeemed yourself a couple times over. Abby I was concerned you would be too much of a pushover but you showed me that responsibility can pay off.

This is a first time author for me. I loved the idea of this story. It held up to my ideals. The story flowed along nicely and the characters were what kept me coming back and wanting more. This is a wonderful story that kept me guessing.

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Not So Wrong (Love Grows Book 2) by Renee Regent – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Not So Wrong (Love Grows series, Book 2)Not So Wrong by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this because it’s about an mid-age couple. Something that you don’t see every day. They are living their life and one chance meeting will alter the course. I loved the idea of Spencer writing music. I can’t even imagine the talent it takes so this always impresses me. I hope the career takes off for him as it seems he has been doing it a while. Singing is great as well (something I only do in my car or alone). I can’t imagine putting myself out there for many years over and over. Melanie seems to have the singing career but is struggling to make that last step. They are both wanting to follow a dream.

This is the second book in this series. It can easily be read as a stand alone. This is my second book by this author. She does a good job on making the characters well rounded and get better as the story moves forward. It was nice to see characters from the first book.

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Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC #11) by Manda Mellett – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Truck StoppedTruck Stopped by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is going to be a short and sweet review because I have many emotions running through me after finishing this treasure. Melancholy…that’s my major emotion. Manda Mellett laid it all out and everything fell into perfect place. I am happy, sad and felt myself tear up more than a few times. Some of it is saying goodbye to characters I have seen grow from prospects to old men. They have spent their lives with me. The other is because the main characters rock their story hard! I expect no less from Manda and in this one…with characters we have known for quite a while now?? Well she couldn’t have done them any better.

Allie, a character we have loved to hate, is now one we learn to love. What a turn around! And Well….. Truck? We have loved him from Prospect. Two different characters put through a ringer and come out reshaped on the other side.

I also want to say I appreciate the mention of the body changes to Allie. That is something a woman would be concerned about. Then what Truck did? Was simply perfect!

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…said many times by the Prez.

We’re a family and that’s what we do for each other. We have each others back, Brother….said many times by multiple Satan’s Devils

It’s Club Business…said to a woman or Ol’ Lady

CHURCH…

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A Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A Perfect FitA Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a first time author for me. This seems to be the third in the series. I haven’t read the other and I had no problem following along with this one. The story was good and at first we seem to zing right along. I loved the whole looking for Cinderella part. Then something happened. I’m not sure if it was all the puns but the tone of the story seemed to change. It was all fun while he was looking for Cinderella but once he found her and they went out. It was too much. Who wants to hear about other women when you are with a guy? And what he has done with them? No thank you. After that hiccup it seems to straighten back out and take on a romantic tone.

The writing seemed fairly smooth. A few times I needed to go back and reread trying to figure out what the author meant. I did love the bro time that Dunk had with Aden. That was nice and bro talks are always enlightening. The characters had some fun and had depth to them. Overall this is a nice read.

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Fisher Men X-ing Lines (Fisher Men Book II) by Rebel Nicks O’Dey – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Fisher Men X-ing Lines (Book #2)The Fisher Men X-ing Lines by Rebel Nicks O’Dey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a relationship done mostly through texting for about the first year. No meeting in person. They share the same apartment but one is always gone. I thought this was a novel idea. I only wish they could have come together a bit sooner. While apart the story focuses on the story/book that Rika is writing.

I love all the family! Their interactions are really what make this a great read. The razzing, the betting, the head slaps and the teasing. I was really looking forward to reading this after book one. Just to be able to hang out with all these characters and all their zaniness again. But this one just fell flat for me. I struggled getting into and caring about the two main characters. My problems were the subplot-too much and too distracting and choppy and I felt there was too much overlapping from book 1(now it’s from Rika or Connors perspectives). I just found my mind drifting while in these areas. Other than those couple items I enjoyed the book.

This is my second book by this author. I was over the moon with her first in this series. I struggled a bit with this one. It’s a good story and she weaves in the sub plot. The characters are good and we do find out more about the Fishers. I read the Epilogue where we find out who the next book is about….it sound great!

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The Flood by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The FloodThe Flood by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok this is NOT what I thought it would be. I thought it would be about a group of people who all ended up at the same place for shelter. Well I guess this is that but this so much darker or maybe evil is a better word. This story embodies the question of what would you do to survive. Everyone has limits but some are a little further down the line than others. Needless to say the character construction was really good (typical of Meghan O’Flynn). There are layers upon layers with each character. Just when you think…i have it figured out! Guess what? You don’t!

This isn’t my first Meghan O’Flynn Book and It is not my favorite. This was a little gruesome for me and there was too much narrative(too much time spent in Victoria’s head). That’s not to say it’s not a good story because it is…just not my kind of story.

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Dangerously Close To Extinction (Knollville Legends Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Dangerously Close To Extinction (Knollville Legends Book 1)Dangerously Close To Extinction by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a story of werecat shifters. Tawny is a werecat but has no clue. Her father disappeared and now there are a bunch of people looking for him. Werewolves and werecats are the two main shifters here. I like the idea of this story but it seems unsettled. There is just something about this that doesn’t seem to flow. The conversations or the actions of the characters. I felt the “mate” situation need more time to grow. There were harsh words/actions between the two MC’s. Then the next page all is lovey dovey.

This isn’t my first book by this author. Normally I enjoy stepping into her world and seeing what she creates. I love reading shifter stories but this was just fell flat for me.

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Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Out BadOut Bad by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wasn’t a favorite at the beginning. There was too much inter thinking and over thinking. I can see why the author did this but it got old for me fast. All the I’m not good enough or I want to be better thoughts. Some are fine but too much just becomes mind numbing. This is not to say I didn’t like the book because I did. The characters were very secretive but I enjoyed them. The dynamic between Heath/Gabbi and Joe/Gwen was fun. The teasing and advice were great for the story. Heck even Niko, the plumber apprentice, peaked my interest.

Joe is sweet. He tries every day to redeem himself for or past. It was interesting how he tries to show Gwen all that he can do for her. Make her need him…want him….love him. I loved the whole farmhouse idea. He really seemed to see what he wanted. Then do anything to go after and acquire her. He is probably the nicest, sweetest tough guy out there. Is Joe a Sinner or a Saint?

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Simply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love Story by Jennifer L. Allen – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Simply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love StorySimply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love Story by Jennifer L. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is perfect! The title not only fits each main Character but it fits them together. They are Simply Irresistible! Each their love of 80’s/90’s movies and music that sparks more than One heated debate. I have so many highlighted passages it’s crazy! Here is one example:

Tyler is trying to date Melanie exclusive and he says this
“Wanna feel my shirt? It’s made of boyfriend material 🙂 “

ha ha ha I chuckled at this so hard. This is just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many more cute passages either said by Tyler or Melanie. I don’t even want to mention what they say when texting each other. Again..so many highlighted passages.

This is a first time author for me. I loved her creative ideas in this book. The story flowed so easily and i was quickly turning pages to see what was going to be said next. The characters were fun and wildly imaginative. Even the secondary characters were flirty and heartwarming. This is a wonderful feel good story that had me smiling and chuckling while reading. It will be a great re-read for when I want that sweet romance.

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Game Changer by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Game ChangerGame Changer by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Small town girl..big city boy. One open emotionally the other is closed. One silly and the other is Intense. Can they ever match? This was a slow starter for me. I understand why later it’s because the author has a lot of setting up to do for the end of the book. That’s where thing really got happening. It all seemed to come full circle. Poppy’s job and Mac’s job. Poppy’s family and Mac’s family. Poppy’s friends and Mac’s friends. Look who is matching now!

This is listed as a romantic comedy but I honestly didn’t feel it was. There were a few times but mostly it seemed darker and more serious. That could be attributed to the male lead. He is a alpha male who is dark and broody. She refers to him as a dragon or King Kong multiple times. He says he doesn’t have a word limit a day but between you and me…I think he does. So getting his story out of him is like pulling teeth.

I enjoyed the sister, Iris, and a co worker, Naveed of Poppy. They both added some flair to the story. Even Bunny, Bobby Lee and Cookie were some nice additions.

This isn’t my first book by this author. I love her Carolina Series. This just seemed to reach quite that high. The story was good and the characters had growth. The author did a good job relaying the intense attraction the two MC’s had for each other. I was saddened and irritated a few times while reading. Then I did get that big “O” of shock. I didn’t see that coming. This is a good story to me though not a rom com

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Monty and the Monster by Rhonda Smiley – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Monty and the MonsterMonty and the Monster by Rhonda Smiley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazingly adorable story! The story…the characters are all great! I love how this reads! I really feel like I am in the head of a thirteen year old. And the interactions between Kyle and even his Dad are so spot on! Name calling, wrestling, frustration with the parent, mad scientists even the bullies at school..Perfect!

I loved Monty! He is what I think of when I think of a thirteen year old. Magic, skateboarding, pushing boundaries and a smart mouth. He struggles making friends after moving for the sixth time, now he is in a new town, old house with no friends. Then he decides to make one. Enter Houdini! Scary at first but they become best friends. I love all of the cool things that Houdini can do. He is a monster anyone could love.

All of the secondary characters were crazy good! From the mad scientist to his brother and even their dog. They did well adding to the story but not overstepping. I loved them all!

This is a wonderful story of family, dealing with your past, bullies and new friends. I really *felt* for Monty and even Houdini and let’s not forget Watson. This is a first time author for me. This caught my attention from the beginning. I devoured it pretty quickly. It brought me chuckles, smiles and frustration. It is easy to read and flows very nicely. I don’t want to forget the cute little “adds” at the beginning of every chapter! Loved them!

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Love Me, Dreamy (Love Me Series) by Laura Burton – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Love Me, DreamyLove Me, Dreamy by Laura Burton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So….this book..was difficult to like for the first half. I got frustrated at Toby. Always evading answers and he just seemed too happy. That frustrated and confused me. I struggled because the scenes flitted from one to the other and again…Toby is acting weird. I wonder if this could have been a little written differently to make it more palatable to the reader. But if surprise, wonder, confusion and suspense is what the author is going for…nailed it! So along comes the second half and i was pleasantly surprised and shocked a bit. This easily kept my interest and i wanted to know more about what was happening This half gave me what I was missing…answers.

This is a first time author for me. I struggled with the first half because i felt it was jumbled and that frustrated me. The second half outshined the first. I never suspected a thing even though I was racking my brain trying to figure it all out. The characters were done very well. I enjoyed them and their time together. Overall it’s a nice story.

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OF WAR AND TATERS by Ashley Chappell – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Of War and TatersOf War and Taters by Ashley Chappell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a thoroughly engaging story. Each character has their own Individual story going on with their larger than life personalities but it’s how they all come together that makes this so good. It’s full of humor, wit and don’t forget sarcasm. This takes place in basically ANY town USA. Except there is murder, mystery, mayhem and….the circus. These characters and situations are something that happen could happen to anyone and that makes them easy to identify with as well as chuckle at. I personally loved listening to the fourth grader gangs divide the town with their “map”. The names of the places reminded me of my youth. Ah…looking through a child’s eyes.
This is my first time reading this author. I find her story tricky but smooth. Easy to follow and the characters…colorful.

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Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L Moody – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria 1)Ice Crown by Kay L Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story! It had me riveted from the beginning! I didn’t even realize that I was at the end of the book until…it happened! This is a short story but man it packs a punch! I loved the idea of shaping the elements. Very cool!
This is told from Talise’s POV. So we get to see her thoughts and designs when she enters this new city. She is from the lowest of the low cities and if she can become a Master Shaper she can finally leave her poverty ridden home.

This is not my first book by this author. Although I like this one the best so far! This story drew me and and before i knew it I couldn’t believe I was at the end of the book. I want more!
My only sadness is that it didn’t end with the competition. That would be a good break then the next story could have moved on from there. I feel kind of incomplete with the ending. Wind Crown….hurry up and get here.

P.S. Beautiful Cover!

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The Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Arrangement Duet Box SetThe Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful story. It drew me in at the beginning and didn’t let go! I think I read it in a couple days. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Then I started the second book and WOW things went a bit crazy for a while. Even though Nichols lives in a different world I am shocked at what they can do when money is no object. Luckily Kenzie is down to earth and remains that way. I loved all the sweet gestures he does for her and how she staunchly tries to refuse gifts from him.

While I love the slowness and tension building in they story it is a bit too long. Listening to the characters berate themselves over and over for certain situations is getting old. I understand they both had traumatic lives and learning to trust is difficult. But once that path is started rehashing for each new circumstance that comes up….I hate to say it but I start to lose Interest.

That being said I actually loved it when the action finally picked up in Book 2 and the story moved to the conclusion. So many questions were answered.

This is a good story despite it being overly long. I enjoyed all the characters and it was easy to connect with and care about them. I do want to mention that the prologue in Book 1 just about killed me. Great start!

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The Season Finale (Paranormal Talent Agency Book 6) by Heather Silvio – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Season Finale (Paranormal Talent Agency, #6)The Season Finale by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story of the Paranormal Talent Agency Crew. Liz…who has been thorn in everyone’s side now meets her man. Can she keep him is the question. It’s great to see some of the old characters get involved with her story. Well not only hers…Catherine is deeply involved as well.

This is the last installment of the Paranormal Talent Agency. These are some fun and other-worldly characters. The author does a good job with the story. It seems to flow nicely and the wonder of what was happening next filled me. I read this fairly quickly.

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17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore – Review by Lisa Helmick

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17 Marigold Lane17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So Surprisingly Good! I am beyond glad I picked up this book. I originally wasn’t sure because it said the Mc had cancer and she is a teen. I wasn’t wanting to read a sad story. This one isNOT that! Yes it’s there but it’s in the background for a large portion of the story. Prudence Penderhaus is a wonderful name! I loved it from the get go. Her change in life started a rollercoaster of events….some good and others bad. I saw her growth, strength and fearlessness as the story rolled along. I was very proud of her! Cassius Shooster( again excellent name)..not only did I feel sorry for him but I also felt hope for him. I loved his character and his growth as well. So many changes from beginning to end.

I have to give a “HEY” to Bonnie! She is a girl who gets thing done and seems to always be in the right place at the right time. At first I didn’t care for her but as the story changed she became a large part in this wonderful story. Especially after we met her BF.

This is my first book by this author. I can not tell you how much I was glued to these pages. I even thought about it while I was away and couldn’t wait to get back so I could continue. It’s full of action, suspense and friendship. I Flipping Loved It! With the ending hopefully there will be another one.

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