Posts

Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been a bit since I have read previous books in this world. This is a nice story that incorporates characters from the previous stories but could also be read as a stand alone. I had met the main characters of this story previously but knew little about them. I kind of wish there was more to their individual stories other than watching, eating and time spent in the Den of Sin. There really wasn’t too much else until the third came Into play. I was slightly disappointed as I was expecting another great story in this world filled different characters. I did not feel much of a connection between the two Watchers but I did with their respective partner.

Overall This did not hold up to what I was expecting. It is an okay story without a lot of angst or action and not my favorite of the series. It was nice seeing the old characters and their familiars again.

View all my reviews

Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome story! I loved this one! It is action packed with suspense, drama and MC goodness. This one covers a problem I have not read about before so that intrigued me. The author does a good job at weaving a story from beginning to the end then tying it all up in a web. The story flowed really well as it is told from different characters perspectives. The author does a good job of putting me in the moment. I was really worried and freaked out just lije the characters..I even felt their panic and was many times just “ go, Go, GO!”

Overall this is a great story incorporating multiple clubs with its large cast of characters. I felt Taz’s story was told on point and she did not get pushed to the back for the overall storyline. This easily could be a stand alone but I would suggest reading the series to get how connected all these characters are. Plus it was wonderful seeing the boys from Grimm Wolves MC as a cameo. This one I highly recommend if you are a person who enjoys MC reads with a spin on them and crazy good characters with depth. Well done!

View all my reviews

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance (Love on Tap)Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story in this series! Not as fun and funny as the first but still a good one. I love the family and all their quirks and of course I cant wait for Miller’s story as he seems the most rambunctious and entertaining of the three boys. Carter is more stoic and serious but his little librarian has all the stuff he is missing including but not limited to the outrageous octogenarian. I think I would have liked this more with less political entanglements as that seemed to pull out the more serious stuff.

Overall this is a cute story with fun sprinkled throughout. I look forward to Miller’s story and seeing what he has gotten into this time.

View all my reviews

The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Lisa Helmi

/0 Comments/in /by

The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1)The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This premise of this story sounds intriguing but the execution was a struggle for me. I was continually drawn out of the flow by the timeline and how the sides of the story don’t match up with what we previously read. The story is broke my heart a time or two and I really felt for Logan. I liked how focused he was on finding her and how his anguish filled the pages.

Overall it seemed appealing but honestly I lost interest as the time dragged on. Maybe a shorter story and adjustments to the timeline would have helped me enjoy this story.

View all my reviews

The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a enticing story and easily kept me flipping pages. I finished this in a couple days. I was anxious watching the percent of book left verses where the story was going. I wondered if it was going to reach 100 percent before the story ended. It was a close call! I know this is only nook 1 in the series and I am hoping the next one will give me some closure to unanswered questions. This one spends time getting deep into the characters and build the story with a lot of unknowns and suspense. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series.

View all my reviews

Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read that easily held my interest. This is a cute story that made me smile. I enjoyed the flow and the characters in here. There are some interesting characters and word choices about them. That Lizza gets herself into quite the pickle. I liked all her antics as she thinks about what is best for her and causes havoc with a lot of others. This is a good YA story with a nice message for the readers.

View all my reviews

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was sooo happy to see this book come out! I love the world this author has created and missed these wonderful characters. It is full of danger, suspense and paranormals. The first half was a little slow for me. I liked the insight into the male lead but got bored. The second half is all fire and brimstone and action filled and I could not read it fast enough!

I got to see some new characters and hang out with old friends. Dominic is stll a treat to watch and when he hangs with the gang he becomes feisty, crazy and curious. His dialogue made me laugh so many times but he also shows his serious old soul a time or two. I really saw Kimber grow in here. She went from a whiney loner to a strong woman. I could really *feel* it near the end just rolling off the letters.

Overall a great addition to the series! I loved so much about this one. One of my favorite scenes involved his house. Its alive! It shifts, rejects or welcomes people. I liked it a lot. I can’t wait for more as I am hoping more elemental sorceress will be found (hopefully for Dominic haha).

View all my reviews

Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood #1)Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So I really wanted to love this story but honestly it was a struggle for me. My biggest issue was the marriage between the two. She was sixteen and felt the wedding night felt like child porn. Blech! I skipped past this scene. The rest is very slow moving with broody characters. All the introspect and such was just not for me. I was also expecting a lot of mafia jazz and again its very minimal. The story focuses on the connection between the two. So after all that what did I like? The family development between the two rival families. This is a good love story with angsty moments. The secondary character I really got to know them more than just a little bit. I have read other nooks by this author and really enjoyed them but this one did not fit that bill for me.

If you want in depth characters with a lot of thinking in their heads this one’s for you. I am interested in Dante and Gi’s story.

View all my reviews

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story that drew me in slowly. I think its the whole siblings running a vineyard and knowing all of their stories will be coming. I really liked Laurent. He seems down to earth, kind and easily forgives. I actually felt sorry for him different times throughout the story. Phoebe is so frustrating! She is so nice to him them leaves like a thief in the night time after time. Luckily for her that Laurent is a forever kind of guy and his heart is set on her.

The secondary characters are great. The town-folk to the siblings and friends. I feel there are some amazing upcoming stories. They all have a wonderful camaraderie with each other.

This is a good story that grew on me. At times it seemed a little slow and I admittedly skipped forward to the conversations when the author was scene setting or reminiscing with characters. I do look forward to more in this series.

View all my reviews

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love this one! It is my favorite of the series! The storyline is really good. I laughed or smiled mutiple times while enjoying this read. The characters are well done and fun! I love all the back and forth Heath has with his friends about his love interest. Those guy friends are just as nosy as the chatterbox girls/wives of them. Its good to have friends who want the best for you though.

The only part I struggled with was her family issues especially the one involving her brother. I feel since that could have been fleshed out better to make it seem more than just a point of contention that was solved with an OK..no problem. I know that is cryptic but I dont want to give anything away either. I was just disappointed in that whole scene.

Overall this a good easy read that left me turning pages. I enjoyed the way the title is worked into the story. Not sure if there will be more in this series but I would grab it if there are. Fun baseball themed storyline!

View all my reviews

Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice addition to this series. We have seen the mayor and his wife in previous stories. They always come off superior and less than human. In here we see another side of them ad we fet a sneak peek behind their closed doors. Uncomfortable in their life together and each not know how but wishing they could reconnect and always too busy with their business side and kids.

The author does a good job of bringing me around to liking and even feeling sorry for each of these two. I feel the story itself does move slow and I found myself easily putting this down. I am saddened by that since this is a good series with wonderful characters.

View all my reviews

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good story in this series. I was super excited for these two’s story. I struggled with Zara a bit since she is so wishywashy but eventually I understood her though and reasoning. Noah is just the best guy every. Yes he has a few hangups but overall he is a forever guy. He is kind, patient and a all around nice guy that everyone likes. I loved the Auction scenes! Very humorous. We do see characters from previous books in here as well as from other series (which I have not read) a few scenes seemed the same with just different secondary characters.

Overall this is a good story. It has characters that did some growing and changing. I look forward to the next in the series.

View all my reviews

The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a weird story. Not what I was expecting at all. I was looking for a psychological thriller and this just seemed to be a story of a guys life in the span of 5 weeks. It started out great but once chapter two hit I thought I was in a different story all together. This is also told in the first person and while most chapters are told by the MC a few are not and it is confusing since the chapter isn’t labeled as another character. The end arrives and all the twists and changes are told to the reader. This just seemed boring throughout and I kept wondering why I was getting this guys story especially after chapter one is so intriguing. This is a first time author for me. I give these stories a try since this genre usually entertains me. This is not a favorite but its not horrible either.

View all my reviews

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew! What a quick read! One day was all it took since I struggled to put this down and it flows along so nicely I just kept turning pages. I love the storyline. I really felt the emotions of these two characters. They lost so much but could regain it if they can get past..the past. One of my favorite things in here is the pow wows he has with the other men. Their ideas and insight made me laugh. Along with their bickering all in the name of helping their friend.

This is a smashing start to a new series! I loved every second and am secretly hoping the next book is Zara and Noah. She seems like a spitfire!

View all my reviews

Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I feel this is a good story. Were there times I thought it was slow and flipped pages? Yes. Were there times it was soo good that I kept flipping pages? Yes. I liked the beginning up to a point. She acted more like a teen instead of college age kid. I did not like her attitude or thought process. She just seemed mean. The relationship with her brother was trying at times. I really loved the date Tanner took her on! So creative!

The ending seemed rushed. So much (way too much) was put into the buildup that their ending was just left unattended. An epilogue would have helped close those doors that were left open and rounded out the story.

Overall I really liked the idea of the story. I was completely surprised near the end and wish that more time was given there and less during the buildup.

View all my reviews

Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I feel this is a good story. Were there times I thought it was slow and flipped pages? Yes. Were there times it was soo good that I kept flipping pages? Yes. I liked the beginning up to a point. She acted more like a teen instead of college age kid. I did not like her attitude or thought process. She just seemed mean. The relationship with her brother was trying at times. I really loved the date Tanner took her on! So creative!

The ending seemed rushed. So much (way too much) was put into the buildup that their ending was just left unattended. An epilogue would have helped close those doors that were left open and rounded out the story.

Overall I really liked the idea of the story. I was completely surprised near the end and wish that more time was given there and less during the buildup.

View all my reviews

Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved how this started and was curious to see where it would go. A lot about Rose and Titan was kept a secret and it leaked out a little at a time throughout the story. That definitely kept me turning pages and always wondering and they do have a twisted bond.

Rose is a good character. She has tenacity, grit and secrets. She doesn’t seem to have a lot of growth. She keeps doing a lot of the same actions throughout the story. Titan is also full of secrets and family obligations. He has his moments of clarity and I enjoy watching him trying to figure out Rose.

I felt there are a few loose ends that maybe could have been turned Into other stories Instead of just dropped. Towards the end a lot of things happen at a quick pace. Again I am not sure the necessity of a few of those options.

The secondary characters do invoke some interest(I liked their names and powers) but they are left behind like yesterdays laundry as the story moves forward.

Overall this is an good story that draws the reader in. I like the idea of the story but not a huge fan of the execution near the end. This is not my first book by this author nor will it be my last. I do like her characters and story ideas.

View all my reviews

The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really struggled to connect to characters. I understand the struggle they have with the authority figures in their life. The kind versus the overbearing who run unchecked and because of their power many lean toward abusive and humiliating to the boys. About 60 percent the story picked up and moved along. We left the teacher and was more concentrated on what the boys were doing. There is an element of “will they or won’t they” that kept me turning pages.

Overall I felt this was a slow moving story which led to a lot of page turning. I was initially drawn to see about the life of these boys. I fid get some if that but its a snippet into their life and what they are doing. Good story but not great for me.

View all my reviews

Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy Smokes! This author did it again! Another story that brings all the emotions and gave me chills! I am talking a tears streaming, snot flowing kind of read and I don’t cry while reading. This storyline is ..man just amazing! I loved it from the beginning all the way to the end. She really give her all to these characters and makes them pop out of the pages, become three dimensional and enact the story right in front of the reader. I have so many highlights and favorite passages

While I like Ella Mae…I loved Hank. He is a character I didn’t give much thought to in previous stories. He wasn’t too exciting and kinda did his own thing. In here I got a look into his thoughts and ideas. He has a lot going on. I LOVED when he met his idol!! How he went fan crazy and googly eyed with his big goofy grin plus the way he acted when he went to that infamous cafe in Nashville…same just in awe! His excitement was palpable! I can’t even imagine!

I really went through ALL the feels with this story. Even had chills..it is soo good! I love this one so much! I have so many passages highlighted in here! One of my favorite that I think encompasses the theme of this story.

“Family they are like a reflection of the WORST and the BEST of you”

I look forward to the next in the series….please don’t make me cry again 🙂

View all my reviews

The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one crazy mind bending story! I never knew what was up and what was down. Between the violence and the sacrificing adventures I was freaked out and ended up skipping pages. This is not my kind of read but I gave it a go as I loved her Dahlia Nite series. Since I have not read the Crown of Stones series this one was very all over the place and I am assuming rehashing things that happened in that collection of stories. Confusing to me but I did want to know about his drink so I kept going. I am not likely to read others in the series as I was unable to connect to the characters.i do like the cover though.

View all my reviews

Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Punk (Popov Boys #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful book in this series! I enjoyed the secrets, the unknown and the storyline. We really are able to dig deep into the thoughts and lives of this couple. Not everything is as it seems as we learn the “whys” of a few things and the “hows” of others. I really liked that Miranda is a strong businesswoman that started her own company. That showed her gumption of sticking even when things get tough. Efrem is the hollywood sexy guy and has a determination to redeem his past and cross boundaries with his new boss.

Overall it is a good story. We see characters from the past stories as they become involved with Efrem or just cameos. Either way its always nice to see them. The story seemed overlong at times with all the introspection of their own feelings over and over but it did give no doubt to what each was thinking. I did like the title especially when the definition(s) popped up!

View all my reviews

The Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The Serpent and the FireflyThe Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great read! It is entertaining, engrossing and delightful! I absolutely loved the story and the characters. The idea for the story is enticing but the execution of the story is out of the ordinary. The author did an amazing job creating these different planes of existence for the reader to travel to. This is set mainly on earth but with visits to others spaces. Their realms are creatively done. The antique store that Jade moves into was interesting to say the least. I would love to browse upstairs and downstairs for hours. Seeing who or what treasures are around.

The characters are imaginative! I loved Jade! She is smart and snarky. She doesn’t knows everything but is willing to learn. Baal is sneaky and keeps a lot of truth to himself. We meet different shifters, fairies, elves, witches and many others. They all have depth and are wonderfully written.

Overall this is a engaging, entertaining story and I throughly loved! The story is well written and easily kept my interest. The characters are delightful and inviting ( well most of them). I would love more in this realm!

View all my reviews

Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1) by Amabel Daniels – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1)Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked a lot about this but disliked the repeated unknown answers and slowness. I felt a lot of time was spent on secret agendas and us not getting a lot of information because it was being withheld from the main character. That frustrated me. I liked the world these characters live in as it is different. Also the magic and wildly creative creatures that come out as the story moves along kept me engaged.

The characters are plentiful and likable. Some more so than others but with all the duplicity you never know. Maren makes huge leaps and bounds in growth of herself. She starts at a town healer and meets a stranger who changes the course of her life.

Overall this is a good and action filled story. I feel it could have been a lot shorter with the same information. This foes end in a cliffhanger just as it we are getting a few answers to major questions so that bummed me out too. I have read other stories by this author but this is my first fantasy from her.

View all my reviews

Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Consigliere's Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy this series. This book is no exception. I love all of the ups and downs, the different lifestyle and the danger that these bring. Lorenzo was not what I thought. I expected him to be a thin wiry guy with a pencil thin mustache. Not a muscled tattooed strong male. He is the thinker, the solver a Puzzles and a strategist. I enjoyed getting to know him better, and watch him grow as the story rolled along. I liked Izzy (or Isabelle to Lorenzo) but she was not a fav until we got closer to the end. I felt she became not herself as she became more embroiled in the Larussio particularly Lorenzo’s life. Near the end she really showed her true self which was nice to see.

View all my reviews

Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) (Teenage War Survival series)Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one was a huge struggle for me. The story seems disjointed at times and filled with displaced random thoughts. I struggled to stay focused and did a lot of skimming as the book moved along. I could not become invested in her life as a result of this. I don’t read a ton of memoirs and maybe thats the problem with my struggle to connect. I expected a timeline and not just randomness.

I did enjoy the last line or so at the end of each chapter. They seemed thought provoking. Chapter 23 was my favorite because it was written with feeling and it evoked feelings in me. The pictures at the end were a nice addition.

View all my reviews

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Non VerbalNon Verbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story that show a snippet of what it is like to be the autistic person. The struggles within herself to control her actions and words and the struggles of society. I liked how the words were placed giving me the feeling of her loss of control when an episode hits. It helps me look at a situation a little differently now. Also all the the things her parents did for her safety or to protect her (which I could under) we got to see the other side and what she thought of them but could not articulate her reasons. It was an interesting read as it gave me insight to this life she and her parents lead.

View all my reviews

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The is a shorter story that packs a punch! There is also quite a few bits of danger that show up in here. I enjoyed the book and the flow which makes it easy to read. The characters are few and they have interesting jobs. The two main personalities are just adorable when they see each other. Their chemistry is electric and I could feel that first kiss to my toes.

Overall this is an easy to read first book in a new series. Interesting characters and a suspenseful storyline make this a good book.

View all my reviews

A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a twisty turny mystery! I enjoy the way this author writes her book. It is a lot of flash bang then the mystery that follows and explains the Bang. Everything is not as it would seem. I enjoyed all the crow analogies..very interesting. There are quite a few characters but the story revolves around just a handful. So many times I await the other shoe to drop especially in the second half. I keep thinking I know what happened or is happening…sometimes I was right and others I was wrong. I had mixed feelings about who I feel sorry for and who I disliked or liked. It really fluctuated up and down as the story moved along. I really have a lot to say about all the characters but I can not without giving something away.

Revenge never hurts only one person because secrets always rise to the surface.

View all my reviews

The Thieves (The Millersville series) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

The ThievesThe Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story that moves along at a good clip. This one is written with a different look than book 1. Almost made me think it was a different author. It starts off good then when the action starts..it just threw me with the words and actions of all of the characters. They were made to be like bumbling idiots. It just seemed weird to me. The idea of the story was good. I guess the best way to describe this is entertaining.

View all my reviews

Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one is a huge struggle! I was expecting a book like Shore Lodge but it is more along the line of Thieves. The character of Miranda seems like she has a good head on her shoulders. She is dropped into the most unbelievable storyline. I just really had a hard time keeping interest. Sorry I wanted to like it.

View all my reviews