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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven Series Book 4) by AJ Renee – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven, #4)Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read by this author as well as a jump into the series (this is book 4) and this book was beyond words can describe of how good it was! The writing was perfectly, done and the way the words and things that happened flowed though out the story, it was impossible not feel that character connection or that feeling of holding tightly onto words wondering what would happen as the pages turned!

First off the two main characters instantly gipped me for who they were and things I did not know about them! Carter was a character that I easily could have fallen in love with in real life. He was a gifted healer more than ways of just medicine. He had a special gift to heal, and it truly made his heart flow as helping people was very much on his priority list. It made him feel whole and complete. But, perhaps there was room for more than just healing patients he met at his hospital?

Bring forward Vanessa. A delightful character with a curious mind I would say, who lands in the hospital where patients are in the care of Carter. She is there with another patient who truly had what was thought to be a dog bite. It was far from that though. She was a normal human species and did not carry any gif that was above average. Though she sold jewelry and she loved what she did for a living. Where she is from though, things are more in line with what would be paranormal. Though for the longest time it seems she did not suspect it. But, Vanessa was as curious as a modern day Alice In Wonderland…she dug for information on the odd things she had going on in her town, but perhaps some doors are left closed? Perhaps some things want to be left unknown, and those who dare to push past those boundaries will find themselves in grave danger?

Carter and Vanessa had both intrigued one another in many ways just by their meet and conversation in the hospital. Believe me I was screaming in my head for them just to go at it! Though both of them had different boundaries… Boyfriend, or work etc. But maybe the universe gives guidance or signs when we at least expect it? Perhaps the lives that enter and leave us in our life time have a bigger plan than just a random bump in? Perhaps there always has been more to it?

She learns through her findings the life she thought she knew was anything but! I could only imagine what she was going though and having a lot to progress in terms of information. In realty she learns that the person who is her closest friend for as long as she can remember, is not of a human species at all! This truly overwhelmed her and there was a lot to process, I sure would have needed some strong wine to process a lot of this information!

As things progress, Vanessa has basically put herself in the line of harm. And truth is can she be protected for the danger she had brought on herself based on her own curiosity? The caring tender touch that Carter gives her, is it enough for her to evade what could happen to her? Is there more than just a caring healer? Was she destined for something beyond her imagination? Is she truly human or something else that not even she believed to be possible in this world or even a paranormal world?

Really fast and easy read! Was a good flow of words and events and tying all ends and things together. I loved the characters I got to meet and interreact with! They were all fun and interesting in different ways. The characters alone and the ties into the truth (as I expected there was more than meets the eye) when it was in relation to Vanessa was very intriguing and I wanted answers. I was saddened when it ended as I wanted to spend more time in the story as well with the characters. Was truly enjoyable!

Loved this author’s writing and loved this book. Amazing work as well as character and story development. Highly recommend picking a copy up and reading it! Once you TOUCH this book you wont be able to put it down. Take my word for it!

Loved it truly! Amazing work again to this truly gifted author!!!

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Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How could I not fall in love with this book? The author had a talent I will say upfront on how to grasp the reader as well as make them feel EXACTLY what the characters are feeling. I felt so emotionally involved and I truly felt I was right there with the characters in the book.

This book was focused on a group of girls whom were friends, who needed one another as much as they strived to live. They called themselves The Green Street Girls. Instantly, I felt so connected to each of them, they all went at a time before anyone should have to endure, to survive on their own. They were one another’s hope and reason to stay strong as well as go on with every day. What they had been through, was really powerful in sense of how it made me feel. You felt those moments You felt those emotions. And you defiantly felt those hardships.

The girls Athena, Charlie, Gwyn & Indigo were all different but still very remarkable characters. Hardships had shaped their form to whom they are today. Especially Athena I would say. You can say she was in resemblance with a mule with terms when it came to her beliefs to love. She truly felt it was something not meant for her and it was just a load of crud basically. Truly my past self defiantly related to her.

This was everything she stood by with good reason, till Tru comes into her life. And everything she ever believed came into question. Plus she found someone that truly challenged her mind and her heart. It was indeed not all sugar canes and lollipops for when they first met and interacted. Athena knew though this was a different feeling, one even though how hard she tried she would not be able to let go or escape, no matter how hard she tried. They endure a lot together, Athena and Tru, I felt everything really. It was impossible not to feel their emptions or their pain or their stubbornness basically. I kept wanting more and I could not put this book down. It was good like eating a fresh chocolate strawberry. You could not stop at just one bite or in this case, one page turn.

I loved this book for everything it is. And I truly am already dying for the next books in the series. I really want to see what happens to the other girls and what life throws at them or tests them with. The novel was truly enjoyable and I loved being able to feel all the emotions this book brought on!

Highly recommend. Its really good and it certainly delivers an amazing story. It was my first read by this author, now I must go obtain all their other books 🙂

Again, truly had a great time reading this novel 🙂

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An Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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An Enduring LoveAn Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this book to be another beautiful work of this amazing author I have come to adore so very much. The story alone was captivating and kept me interested in the sense I wanted to know what would happen next for the characters. I will admit freely, there was some down falls to the one character Rhys for me, but that alone is a personal opinion and does not reflect on my love and enjoyment for this book!

The story follows the love story of Rhys and Rebecca. A married couple. But to me they seemed at times on different levels of one another. Rebecca seemed to me anyway very supportive of her love and anything he was to under go. Rhys on the other hand (again personal opinion) was someone who needed more compassion for his wife and let alone make her feel more than just an object in the room. He at the beginning of the book before events happened and a departure for family events happened…he could have easily been more of a caring husband, and perhaps a more genuine human being,

Life happens and Rhys is called away on duty to see his father. Of course, as I knew right away, Rebecca, would easily agree to his dutiful need to go. From then on though, a lot of things happen and not in a good way. They are separated. In Rebecca’s mind I truly believe she never expected things to go the way they did! But, this made her a more determined character and someone quite strong willed. Truly a character you want to root for and see them succeed. Chaos and and war truly go hand in hand. And the years count on and Rhys has come to a conclusion that Rebecca is no longer with him. While Rebecca is unknown to these assumptions

Over the time Rebecca is working her hardest to get to her husband. She loved him truly and she truly was defining all odds, and she had the heart full of wants and love for Rhys. No matter my personal opinion, he held her heart dear. As I read, I truly felt all the pain and the emotions she felt. Everything she was going through, would it all be for naught? Their future was truly unknown? But, she truly believed he would be waiting there for her with open arms.

At long last, Rebecca has found her love Rhys….but sadly the timing she does I felt was the most heartbreaking moment of her entire life. He was announcing his marriage to be with another woman he had fallen in love with over the course of believing she had been dead. I felt her pain and shock. I felt so much for Rebecca. She had gone thorough so much an to come back to this? I can not even imagine what was going through her heart, it was as if she was holding a vase, in slow motion it began to fall at the news and truly felt like all the love and hope she held dear was shattering between her finger tips.

But as I read on…its a true fact you endure for what and who you love. You put your best forward to overcome any obstacles because in the end, love is and always be worth it. In truth even though it was not a instant moment of realization, Rhys comes to see this. He fell in love with another woman yes and was preparing a marriage to her. But in all that one person, you love with all your heart, that makes you feel whole, and gives you the reason to get up every day, to strive to be the best you can be, for him…it most certainly was Rebecca.

Love truly can define all odds you just have to test the grounds of what you are willing to do to achieve it. And never give up, not even for a second.

Wareeze Woodson is an amazing dedicated author to work. Every book she writes, I entail a adventure of emotion and heart felt feelings. And one thing is for certain I always have hope for the main characters I am reading about. Her writing is classic, the detail and scenery is perfect and spot on and she knows how to swoop her reader in and hold onto them as they turn the pages yearning for more and what is to come.

Well done and amazing book. Highly recommend!

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The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Third NannyThe Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was beyond amazing and I have no words to truly the describe the impact it gave upon my soul. It lured me in as if a child after a free toy. From there it bought my mind to its darkest corners and made me visualize and see things I never thought I could reach in limits of my mind. This was a psychological thriller that can not compare to my past readings. I can not describe how much I loved this, and yet, I wanted more at the end. I did not with any ounce of me want this novel to end! It was that good!

Reading at first we get our main character whom was named Janey getting a letter from no where from her sister, who everyone believed was out of the picture. But the letter doesn’t seem to add up and Janey questioned everything and wanted the truth to what happened to her sister and why she disappeared. Why make contact now? When all whom cared of her thought she was gone forever?

Story unravels and her sister was a nanny for a family. So maybe the truth was within those walls/ At least that was the high suspicion Janey had. Could she be correct or never more right? But perhaps it was possible to dig too deep? Are some things left buried?

In those walls, came so much more than Janey ever bargained for. It left me more than convinced, shocked, fearful, and so many emotions. Nothing was what I expected. I never was ale to guess anything. And that is what I loved so much about this book!

The book was a fun puzzle, figure out what happened and case closed right? Wrong! The things Janey learns not only unravels but makes the true fear that creeps in your heart come alive and make you question everything you perhaps thought you knew?

There was clues as well as secrets that were best left undone. Janey showed strength that she loved her sister dearly and only wanted to bring her home and find out her side of the story of basically what went down. But the lines that cross for the truth are more than ever expected, and the suspense it brings alone is more than I think any of the characters or the readers ever saw coming.

Again I loved this book more than words I can every say or express. I live for a book that can make me question things and keep me so involved, to the point where I am up most shocked to how the story plays out. Plus, to add the characters were beyond perfect! The family that had Janey’s sister for the nanny, let me say even I did not put two and two together. The author is extremely skilled and I am still in disbelief how things went about, it was like eating a good banana split, finish that last bite, but again you still year for more!

This was actually my first book by this author. It was so good and I truly regret not knowing more of this author till now! I happily will read all the books this author reads. Needless to say, this first book I have read by them, reached beyond and back of any expectations I might have made. As well as a made a first impression that can never be erased

Thank you to the author for this wonderful book and amazing story you brought to life!

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Sign Steal Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Sign Steal Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC)Sign Steal Deliver by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always been a fanatic for anything pertaining to Greek Mythology. So when I saw this book, I was instantly drawn to it and knew this was one I had to read!

From the cover to the character introductions I was basically hooked! To note from the start, I personally loved how the authors writing style was. they did a great way to keep the reader invested, and the humorous lines and events was more than needed to keep me reading. It was super well put together and there were moments I certainly did not expect!

Hermes is the God of messenger. He meets a cat burglar named Kat who has some deep personal reasons to which she feels in her heart she must rob him…I found her reasons heartfelt and convincing.

But in truth the most convincing of all was when thunder struck and Kat and Hermes first laid eyes on one another. The passion and what was there, was more than needed to be said, something struck when they met at the event they were both at, which were Mardi Gras. And there was no denying what happened even if both of them were so bent on not believing what they experienced.

As things lead on it is Hermes so seems to have completely fallen for Kat. She seems to be everything he ever dreamed of, or is she?

As things continue for more of a drastic turn. Kat succeeds in what she came to do. But was the costs really that worth it in the end? Fate had bought these two together, but will fate decide they are not destined for one another?

As more went on I fell more in love with this book and the adventure Kat and Hermes had to undergo. It was truly impossible to be cheering and wanting to know what would happen next for these two souls, or do I date to say fate crossed lovers?

The writing again was amazing! Was an easy flow and had moments full of love and laughter. And besides my love for Mythology I was entranced and fell head over feels in with the characters and events of this book. I loved it truly, and I loved especially it goes to show true love always conquers all 🙂 I will be sure reading the other books in the series, with a happy dancing heart

Amazing story and book. Truly is a worth while read 🙂

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The Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Forsaken: WraithThe Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew I had to read this book. I love fantasy and yes I play World of Warcraft as well as Dungeons and Dragons and Magic The Gathering. Personally I saw the cover, and I instantly thought it resembled one of my characters on WoW! Fantasy books truly make me feel like I can be myself. So this was an easy question, pick the book up, gather my horse, and bag of coins/money and prepare for the adventure that awaited at sunrise!

I have a lot of fantasy novels in my life time thus far, but this one was one that completely entranced me and kept me reading. I loved the story line and the fine details made. Plus the lead character Alena, was a super awesome character. She was strong, fierce in fulling the things she must do, and even when things did not go her way or proved to be a challenge, she never one gave up. She used all her inner skill and strength to keep going. She was very admirable and seriously I was rooting for Alena in my head especially in a scene that involved a Siren.

Again, the fine details and the adventure it self truly sucked me in a positive way. I was captivated by the journey Alena had to undertake I believe she always knew her path was set for her When she was younger, she lost everything and everyone. Well, not everyone except for her dear uncle. Because of him she survived a terrible night where everything she loved was taken from the palm of her hand, I truly believe this event itself helped shape and grow her into the woman she became. It gave her strength and power as well as self will that she may have had to seek longer to game perhaps?

As story progression develops, she must find her place and gain acceptance in The Guild. To be accepted she must beat impossible odds. and I will say she does that again and again!

As I drew near to the end of this book, I knew this would not be an end for me reading adventures of Alena and her Guild. Me being the WoW player I am, I can envision myself and the characters I met and got to know, a light nod to one another as we ride horses separate ways till we met again and I read the next books in the series.

This was my first read by the author. Seriously though was I asleep for a 1,000 years? I found out they had written books and I am not very much in need to read them. The writing was very well done with the descriptions and the fine detail as I have mentioned.

Loved this and this made my inner geek heart very happy! Thank you to this awesome author!!

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Out of Time (Westbeach Series Book 4) by Toni Denise – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Out of Time: Westbeach Series 4Out of Time: Westbeach Series 4 by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly loved this book. it is a 4th in a series, and I had not previously read the others in the series, but still was super easy to follow. Needless to say the book just sucked me right in from the beginning and made me curious quite much, to how the story and events to follow would play out. What can I say, Ima girl whom loves romantic tales with a double dash of suspense mixed into the pot!

The story has the location of the character and a love interest, named Jessica. Sweet lady and owns a bed and breakfast! She reminded me of myself a bit. She had a tough boundary when it came to her heart, but yet even I knew from reading it was only a matter of time before those walls broke on down.

Bring forth Will. He is a awesome uncle who is watching over his sisters kids. She had some hard times and he stepped in to care for the two children. This made him very commendable in my opinion. He adored those kids and quite frankly, they meant the world to him. Was there more room in his world though to let someone else in?

Lives collide and Will ad the children are staying at Jessica’s bed and breakfast. Instant chemistry and they both had walls up I found (Will and Jessica) But, eventually, like anything that can stand it has the possibility to fall. And to me this was a passion ignited and a need like no other. But was this paradise meant to last?

Things start to happen that make things known that all is not all perfectly ok. Events that happened at the beginning that lead Will and the kids to Jessica’s bed and breakfast collide and all makes sense. And realization comes even if the place your at is truly happy, are you safe from the danger that lurks outside the walls itself?

As more of the story presented itself, more suspense and gripping moments occurred for me and I wanted to go deeper and know what would happen next. Loved it truly. It was very well put together and I enjoyed it form start to finish. I wish I could have spent more time with the characters and see where their paths take them next. It was really good, but still saying just that is an understatement.

I am so glad I got to discover this author, and this new series I can go back to and also fall in love with the other books in the series. It is a series not to be missed, and most certainly a author not to miss out on. I really enjoyed this book and the story line for Jessica and Will. The author surely does not disappoint!

Loved it!!! And I think you will too 😀

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Snowflakes and Holly (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a person who loves Christmas galore. I literally am the person who will sing Christmas songs while cleaning the kitchen and dress an elf to deliver presents. I wasn’t always like that though. I strayed from the idea of feeling happy as hard times I have been though. Then I met the love of my life. So when I read the plot story line for this amazing book, I knew I didn’t have to just read it, I knew I was attracted to it in sense of maybe finding a bit of who I am inside the pages?

This book is around Christmas time and you have two characters that could not be any more alike. Or were they? Holy was like who I used to be. Closed off from the feeling the festivities of Christmas gave off. She was a a modern ice queen. That said she had endured devastation that truly impacted her. But deep down that heart of hers was loving and warm, and had a passion for helping people. And would never let anyone fail on her part. Overall tough she had trust issues I found quickly that she was a commendable and likable character.

Blake, he was snowboard winner in the past for the Olympics. Unfortunately a medical issues arises and he loses one his very legs. This just doesn’t depress him…it really kills his self worth he feels for himself and brings a dark cloud over him like probably a lot of us never had. Imagine the thing you loved doing most and being told you can never do that again? That your life was forever changed and no matter how you looked at it or tried, there was no going back?

On both the ends of Holly and Blake I felt for both in different ways. Not just sadness, but a urge in my heart that felt quite devastated and they needed help in their lives. Or did the doctor just write a prescription for a Christmas miracle?

When they meet and their lives collide. Maybe love and fate had the upper hand at play here? There was instant chemistry, though, neither of them wanted to accept or even consider it at the first meet. They both came from painful walks of life and had reasons not to open up to one another, but when you find a connection such as that would you pass it up?

Reading on I learned more in depth of how they were and how they got to be where they are in life. As well as myself, the two characters seemed to form a bond that was deniable. And most certainly did not give them an icy chill, but more of a warm fire on a cold winter day. They were opposites perhaps at first but maybe the whole thought of peanut butter goes with jelly is true? Different in aspects of life, but when put together, its the perfect combination!

I loved this book more than words. It made me smile a lot as well as laugh at times. The author wrote a very wonderful and happy story. I was convinced, and fell in love. At the end I was able to finish reading and smile knowing I got to visit a wonderful time of Christmas and live through the shoes of others lives that started off on a bad foot, but ended up with a blissful happy feeling. Exactly what I always seem to read when I experience anything associated to Christmas 🙂

This author always is amazing. I have one of their other works, and it was just as good and amazing. I look forward to more books in the future from this author. For they truly play the right song on my heart strings with their writing, their characters, and the feelings their books bring 🙂

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AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Awakening the Gods (Rise of the Celtic Gods #1)Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a wonderful read, and not just only for the story line. For the music, the scenery, the characters, and so much more. I enjoyed being apart of this book and I was truly captured instantly into the depth of the plot.

I loved reading a story as such as this. I am a Harp player, so this made me think back to happy times of playing the Harp with my grandfather. We always placed Celtic or Folk music.

To me all of the aspects that add to the plot were amazing, but truly the history lessons I received of the Gods truly fascinated me. I felt I knew a lot, but the more the story continued the more I learned and the more I intrigued. I know the next books in the series will more than likely educate me more and that’s more something I truly look forward to!

Saoirse is the main character whom has a special gift to play music. She receives some bad news that truly changes her life forever. Little did she know, fate had an upper hand in the dice it rolled, and her destiny was being set for her on the path she was always meant to walk.

Her adventure truly begins when she goes to visit a family member. I instantly was lot with happy feelings in the town of which her grandmother is residing. I loved the music they spoke of and there was many tales of the music and the joy and happiness the people of the town felt. I swear my heart was dancing with the folk of this beautiful happy town. I was under its spell truly at this point and I went down the path even more as the adventure was set out before me, and when she meets Smithy the story plot truly begins to unfold in ways I did not expect or anticipate and that made me fall in love even more!

Saoirse was a wonderful character to get to know and live in her shoes. She was quite relatable and a breath of fresh air. She had a gift within her. And she could weave music like a beautiful tidal wave. As well as that, for when fighting for what was in her heart, she was a fire that could not be tamed or put out. She was someone strong at heart and would not give up to the end no matter what costs. Even if it meant not being apart of this world anymore..it was a risk she was more willing to take as she knew what was on the line.

Saoirse and Smithy were meant to meet. And not just that their paths were planned basically from the rules of destiny to intertwine. The connection between them was not sheer luck, it was something that was always meant to be. When you know something as strong as that, you just know You don’t need to define those feelings. Some things don’t need a definition and this was one of those things.

As their time together went further down the tunnel…I was more and more captivated. The danger they were to embrace together. Knowing a lot was on the line. Knowing the consequences for the land their very feet walked on…they knew this was home and it was worth everything to them at all costs.

I will be happily awaiting for the second novel in this series. I was in love with every aspect of this book. It was a delightful treat that my common words can not express in simple writing.

I loved the book that this author, Kristin Gleeson, has written for her readers. She captivated me as if I was hearing a new song for the first time and my feet just went with the music.

Truly was happy I read this book and got to meet some new characters, I m going to be looking forward to know even more as the series progresses.

Amazing book, and its very easy to get lost into the story and lose track of the time in your every day life. No regrets here. Just sheer enjoyment!

Pick up this book and read it, I’m pretty sure you will love it as much as I did 🙂

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Sex on Fire (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1)Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read by Ashley Bostock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read by this author, who certainly knew how to use words and how to play upon getting the readers eye and mind with characteristics, the characters looks, down to the undeniable chemistry between Poppy and Turner

I loved Poppy so freaking much. She reminded me of myself, a geek and dress attire was something I would totally do. And having a neighbor as hot as Turner…she certainly had a strong will as far as she made it I must say.

The scenes where they first talked before the BBQ, seriously the chemistry was leaping off the page and I wanted them just to give in so very much. The author knew what she was doing, she wanted us as the readers to wait in anticipation because we all knew it would be worth the wait in the end! And oh heck yes it was!

As the story progressed and the events that made Poppy insecure were also what bought them together knowing they had the real deal in the end. And lets not deny the amazing fun in the bedroom. They were both so likeable characters and both put on show that was steamy and I personally think all of us who read this book were left with our tails wagging.

Loved it. It was a short and hot read with lots of steam and feeling a little bit warm in here moments. I loved this first book in the series. I can not wait truly for the next one in the series. This is a great read to go at and read before bed especially if you have some time to yourself

And it wasn’t just the sexy aspects of the book I loved the two love interests and how well they meshed together. Truly enjoyed this book for everything it was 🙂

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For me, I picked up this novel originally as I am one who truly enjoys true crime. And I always like to see what goes through the mind of a murderer when it comes down to it. But, with this novel I was not only left surprised, but often totally swept into different emotions as well as I read through this who truly was the real villain in all of this?

The main characters Lillian who is the one who committed to acts of murder and the crime writer specialist named Allision who personally was selected by Lillian to write her story were not only very well written, but I will be honest both of them really pulled at my heart strings and I could feel what and who they were. I felt Allision was surprised to be selected as she is in her writing , taking the victims side and to tell their story and not the opposite. But without knowing the things I would learn, maybe she was still assigned to do just that? Early on I found truth in that there is always two sides to every story. And sometimes the truth is darker than I actually thought it could be…and in truth was I really prepared for what I would find?

The novel gripped me, and I didn’t want to stop reading even when some of the scenes were a bit graphic. I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Reading what Lillian had gone though made me feel so much, I wanted to scream in my mind for her father to leave her alone, to cry for her to what she endured. To cry and scream for the empty pain she went through and the silent tears no one heard. It was graphic and it provided quite the visual, but I would not have it any other way. The dark descriptive scenes made you not only feel for Lillian, but put you in her shoes and saw life through her and you really got to feel who she was as a person. It made the motives so much more clearer, and yet so much more darker and deeper compared to what I ever expected or imagined.

As I read Allison was also on the edge of her seat and I could truly tell she was moved by the stories and events. When I say moved, I don’t mean in happiness, I mean in shock and filled with so many emotions she as well as me could not wrap her heard around it. It seemed to make Allison question all she was doing and really made her debate with her crime story she was to write, who really was the one who committed the original crime? Who was the true victim?

The story progressed more emotions and a friendship was established between the two women like no other. As the book neared the big climax to me with the two in the jail cell. I honestly didn’t see it coming But perhaps Lillian was finally free from all the pain and torture she went through. She told her story. She left in good hands knowing what was next for her. She made request to Allision to do something in her life. And Allision didn’t only vow to do it, but in the books end she chose to live what she promised.

Allision wrote the story of Lillian and the murders. With the emotions and pain and suffering. She told the truth and nothing else. It was not just only the right thing to do, but its what was meant to be. The plan from the start perhaps.

Again, gripping story and made me get a thoroughly different perspective on now when I read true crime. Maybe there is inner truth to what motives that are present on people who murder? Was it the only way the people who commit these crimes can truly service justice knowing it will cost them the ultimate price in the end?

By the end leading the epic end of Lillian’s story I did not only understand why Lillian did the murders she did. I also why she felt she had to. And not just for herself, for anyone that could across these people, She truly was a heroine in her own mind, knowing she was commending herself, but she was saving others from experiencing anything close to what she had already gone through.

This author did not just only write a book that captivated my soul and heart, but it was also FREAKING amazing good. I was so lost in the words and the events, and the trauma that was endured. The friendship made between the two women was unquestionable. Though with Allision and Lillian, two different paths were set out for each of them I believe from the moment they first met. But, perhaps that was their own personal story all alone? Maybe one was already written and the other was still yet to be defined?

Loved this book. It was so amazing I am recommending this to all my true crime fanatic friends. This so good that it could easily pass for a true event true crime novel.

Well done to this amazing talented author!

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Alterations (Alterations Trilogy, Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Alterations (Alterations #1)Alterations by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book as the story interested me with different characters and I was curious how it would come about as the story progressed.

No questions asked, right from the start, I was more than intrigued. I related to the women of the novel called Ellen, Lilly, and Gigi. All of them had truly different desires and wanted a change and a chance to be happy. This basically from the moment head first intrigued me. The desires were so common as I feel a lot of us feel this every day. One lady wanted to be thinner and her personal body appearance bothered her. Another went through a time in her life where she got divorced and she was unhappy in life and desired to feel joys of living her life again. And last, but the least, the 3rd woman is suffering from a medical illness and she strongly desired to beat it.

All 3 women I found to be very likeable characters and defiantly very relatable. I found myself rooting for them right when I learning about the aspects of their characters.

Dr. Kite, the is the doctor who says he can help them reach their dreams and desires. To be right from is introduction, I was getting the strong vibes he is a doctor mad with power…but how far does that power go? The ladies of this novel wanted their happiness and didn’t care the cost, as they truly thought was there to help them reach their inner motives to be happy.

Sadly, as I would expect, these desires and happiness the ladies wanted come with a price. And it turned out to have dire consequences…probably more than and me as well would expect truly! The book was a very fast read, and the author kept the suspense raised up high. I honestly didn’t want to put it down. I found there was no pages of filling in with info to carry the story alone. I found every page connected to the one before and the page after it, I hung on to the pages to see what would happen.

Its gripping and will suck you in to say the least. When I got to ending, it was indeed a suspenseful cliff hanger. Now I desperately need to read and get my hands on the rest of the series

I’m so glad I came across this novel and read this this book, and plus now I have a new author I can adore and await more novels from 🙂

Honestly pick this book up and read it. Its different and original. The story progresses in ways I did not expect or was prepared for. Its visionary it unfolds is strikingly suspenseful, you will only regret not reading this sooner.

Well done to this gifted author 🙂

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Death of a Coupon Queen (Sophie Parker Mystery Series) by Jenna Harte – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Death of a Coupon QueenDeath of a Coupon Queen by Jenna Harte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am one who loves anything of a mystery. People who know the real me know I am in fact a Sherlock Holmes at heart so when I came across this cozy mystery I just had to pick it up and see how the mystery unfolds!

Sophie the the lead in this book, was a wonderful character. She was very strong and I would dare say she could hold her own ground no matter what life throws at her. She is caught in this mystery we have before our hands, when there was a murder of her loving coupon club…which was also in her very own home! Questions arose. Why? how? when?

Sophie wanted answers and she was going to stop at nothing to get those answers. She was very much a girl with a “nothing will stop me now attitude” and strong willed and I loved how she pretty much lead the book. She didn’t back down even when things got really well trouble some or dangerous. She had a secret passion it seemed to get to the bottom of the truth, and to be honest she was rather good at getting the information as the book and plot continued! She truly was an admirable character and I love it when authors portray the skills a female can bring in these sort of situations 🙂

Sophie had to undergo a lot. There was a lot of characters and all seemed to basically be suspects. She had to go through a lot of stuff such as ambitions and could she absolutely trust them? But the main question was up in the air my dear friends, why did the murderer commit the crime? What did they seek to gain from this violent act?

As the story continued I will be honest, I was pretty sure who the murderer was, but what got me was the inner reason to why they did it. I was a bit surprised to that striking conclusion. Needless to say that was a good surprise. It made the book so much more complex and addictive. Though it already was right from the start for me!

All in all, really enjoyed reading this! And to my delight discovered its from a series, so I will defiantly be going back to read the others in the series. This book was great to sit in with my drink of hot coca and relax and get lost in the mystery beforehand!

Highly recommend, if your like me who is a sleuth at heart you will not be disappointed in the least. The author has a great writing method, the book was east to follow, very easy strokes to get to know the characters, and most defiantly very easy to get sucked into and turn those pages like your life depended on it!

Again loved it! Thank you this wonderful author for such a wonderful mystery that I truly enjoyed reading 🙂

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The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Heart of Baker BayThe Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book with the words that leapt off the page, were beyond beautiful with words alone. But to me this book was similar to a beautiful song being played on a piano. It was so easy to get lost in the story, the characters, and the love the book brought to life!

This one had a lot of feelings and emotions brought onto the reader in a good way. It kept you not only interested, but rooting for the main characters Jody and Adam

Both were different but at the same time they were like musical notes that come together and make not only a beautiful song, but also a beautiful melody.

I find what’s meant to be always will find its way no matter how much you may pul against the strains of the universe, and that is exactly what happened in this story.

Adam he was a person who strong minded. He had closed his heart off. He had been hurt very badly, so personally I could not blame him for his feelings of not wanting to feel or to trust. Or let alone bring down his walls and allow himself to care, and risk giving the person his heart not knowing if he would get hurt again.

Jody to me made me think at times, was this character secretly based on me? Jody hasn’t had a very easy life. She constantly seems to be let down in life be it relationships, jobs, as well as her own happiness. I find she constantly was trying to find herself and most importantly find a place where she belonged. But where did she really? Is that such an easy question for us to have as a goal not knowing how long it would take to achieve?

Jody and Adam meet and spars fly I would say, but their walls push each other away. Jody was different and Adam was very much drawn to her, though he gave himself every excuse in the book to while he shouldn’t, but when the heart truly knows, can you do anything really but listen to it?

What I loved about these two was not only how much chemistry they had, but how much they deserved each other. They didn’t have an easy life on both their sides. And being together was not as easy as basically black and white. There was some cryptic code and splash of colors swirled together. But, I find as it is with life, in the end if you really want something, you work for it every day. You never stop trying. If you stop you could very well lose it forever. And how could you go on knowing you got a taste of happiness and let it go because you didn’t try the amount you had to?

And especially I loved how at the end everything made sense and was a like a big comfortable bed. It was like a painting that was done and you could gaze upon and smile. And feel nothing but true bliss.

The author wrote a truly beautiful novel and I will be looking to read more of their work for sure. I really enjoyed this and made my heart happy and connected all the way reading through.

Highly recommend, read this and let your heart feel things from this beautiful book more than words can say. Remarkable writing would be an understatement.

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a new series for me to begin, honestly, I should have had some popcorn by my side as I read through it, it was very well written the characters were very likeable, and the events that take place made this a fast read through, and easily gets the reader under the spell! I went to read this at first as I’m a female that identifies in a goth sense love. Plus I love ravens with a passion. So the cover truly drew me in, and then as I read on, I truly fell in love with this wonderful book!

This was a very fun read with a lot of surprising twists, I did not expect at random times. Lucy I cant not say how awesome she is enough. She is a tough cookie, but saying that to describe her is a understatement She is her own person who stands her ground, doesn’t take crud from well anyone even her family. She goes through a traumatic event towards the beginning that forever shapes her path, and though there are two sides she can choose depending what she is drawn to she wants to make her decisions her own. Not what’s right or what’s best and most certainly not what someone else is deciding for her.

For me what truly started my captivation amount the story line for Lucy was the love triangle. I grew up being obsessed with Jacob and Edward from the novel Twilight, but this one went so much on a deeper level and so much extreme. The two love interests, Marcus and Dylan really added a lot of twists and turns. I was instantly drawn to the one interest based on the relationship and ground shared with Lucy but as I read on, I swayed to the other team, and later back etc. The author knew how to keep you interested and make you really think before making a decision. This is only a small fraction in relation to what Lucy was going through.

I must say though, when it comes down to it what I loved the most on this novel, though I loved the heroine, the love interests…all in all what truly captivated my love for this novel and my senses and truly intrigued me was why Lucy is wanted on all ends. Everyone seemed to want to turn her to their side, and use her as a powerful ally against the other sides. Be it witches or demons etc.

Leading up to the well put together ending, I was left beyond interested to put a small word. I was shocked for me personally by how things all came out in the soup pot at the end, some things I kin of expected, or something similar and others I was blown literally out of the water. All in all, this author wrote a very captivating book! And yes I will be happily awaiting for the next in the series for what Lucy and her companions will face next. If I learned anything about Lucy, its that she can handle anything that comes her way! She will be ready, always!

Thank you to this wonderful author for giving me a thrilling, entertaining, and fun read! I look forward to the next one. I truly enjoyed this book, and I’m so very happy I got to experience the adventure. 🙂 It was a well worth reading book, and I cant stress that enough to everyone else. Please, read this and see what I am talking about, as this is not a book series to be missed 🙂

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a series I am going to have to finish from start to finish. I loved it truly with all my soul. The characters were beyond relatable, and that normally is something I will go out of my way to find for representation in my self when reading a book. And I basically was more than drawn with relations both to the main characters. This story was beautiful, emotional, and worth every page with every word I read.

I must have a say in the way the story flowed, the author knew certainly how to draw her readers in, tease them with some nice treats, and lead them more down the rabbit hole of the book. I had a few nights of not sleeping so I went to read, I told myself again and again just a few more pages, and those turned into a few more chapters, and that turned into oh would you look at that, I fished the book!

SO Yes Indeed Wyatt and Annabelle were relatable to me. They had hardships, but not just any hardships, it was events they had each gone thru in their life times that shaped them to be who they are today along with their wounded hearts. The ability to prevent themselves from finding love and trust in someone, or let alone using those two words in the same sentence. They did not have a fairy tale romance experience, but perhaps this second encounter of coming back into one another’s life, perhaps there was something stull burning that they felt was burned out long ago?

Yes they had their similarities, and both were quite strong willed. I found they both were also as fragile as a fortune cookie. But what both of them didn’t know, is not how much they wanted, but how much they needed one another Not just in their lives, but to fix their hearts that both have been wronged so much before and to finally, give their hearts a chance to heal and feel again.

This book helped me reflect on my past relationships. The memories they brought me, the the sad and emotional times, and the hurt and trust issues I had gained from them. And how it made me not want to find love as I felt it was easier not to get hurt. I met my now husband by a sheer chance of fate, and I learned when you have a chance to male a leap and feel all you need even how afraid you are, just hold your breath and take that jump.

Annabelle and Wyatt had to do just that. It wasn’t easy to gallop or walk down the road from both their ends, but in the end they had a connection they could not deny and they chose the path that was best for them and learned from this experience, not just about themselves, but about life, love, and to trust their hearts, for when its telling you something, even though how scary and crazy it may sound you are best to trust your heart fully with no doubts.

This was a inspirational, beautiful, captivating, as well as moving series. It brought on a lot of smiles and emotions for me. I’m so happy I read this book and walked in Wyatt’s and Annabelle’s shoes, I learned a lot not just about them, but about myself as well as realizing how lucky I am to be married to the love of my life.

Amazing start to a series. I can not wait for the next one as I will be anxiously waiting for the next book. This author knows how to write and bring forth beautiful writing and a beautiful story.

Thank you Olivia Sherwood for this beautiful start to series, that truly has captured my heart!

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just wow. I could not put into an opening line for words to express what I had just finished reading. This book had everything I could have wanted in this novel, it gipped me, held me tight, even if I wanted to pull away, I wouldn’t have been able to I had a strong need and desire to read the next page..

In my younger years I took high school courses and some college on true crime and forensics. Needless to say the Lizzie Borden Murders always strongly intrigued me and not to how she did it, but why. What flipped that switch that led to the ax murders…so when I heard of this amazing novel, and read what the story focused on, there was not a simple hesitation in my mind, I HAD to read this book and read the take on it and the characters the story line surfaced around. Needless to say, this was beyond anything I could have hoped for, it was dark and very much perfect for this fanatic about things as this!

I will be honest and upfront, for the first time ever I would say, me connecting to at least one character did not happen. I was so withdrawn from the characters that they did not represent a piece of me. But this just made them all and the story line that so much captivating!

Another note to add which I truly loved about this group, there were many story lines and they get woven with the main character the novel circles around. There was more than meets the eye with this novel, I didn’t only test the water of my own thoughts while reading this, there were moments I was in disbelief, and shock to the twists and turns the author had done, which was extremely dark and gripping in every which way I would say.

The lead character Troy, is a character you can not put into short term words. He has issues, but not just issues people may face on a daily basis, but issues in sense where they are quite worrisome and he doesn’t even realize the help he needs…He strongly needed some therapy for his mind but is doing anything but that…leading up to what I believe would have caused his psychosis is the murder of his mother. He feels guilt I believe based on fact he could not save her from the torment and abuse his father had done to her, which resulted one night in him killing her.

Lets talk on the story line of Veronica. She was twisted and messed up in her own ways too, do I dare say perhaps she was actually worst in the cognitive mind from Troy? One word to describe my first impression of her? Stalker….not just any either…she appears that she is having Troy’s child. A lot of events spiral over this…leading to another big thing that came of Veronica, she dug into Troy’s time line of his family, but she dug farther than perhaps she should have bringing forth the Lizzie Borden gene that has been passed down from family to family….when you put two characters with minds that are maybe of more ill intent thank you think, and bring this news, you know all too well, something was to happen. I got to say, this was more than I expected, it brought forth a lot of feelings, and shock and the darkness that was leaping off the pages. Which made me love it more!

Honestly, how the story line goes for Veronica until the plot around her is wrapped up, is what very much made this book. Honestly you need to read it and then ask me to have a discussion with you about it. I was left more than speechless, I was gripped and tossed against the wall, and left wanting more as this story was wrapping up.

The story was beyond perplexing and the author is crazily talented with their writing skills, character writing and how they went thru the story and how the plot unfolded.

To say I am impressed is a understatement. I can not express enough how much I enjoyed this This was a first time read by this author, but now I must obtain the rest of the books and see how my mind of what I expect and think I know…can truly be tested.

Again pick this book up and read it. Let your mind wander and get lost into the pages of the book. I can not stress enough, you will not be disappointed or let down in any way.

Amazing read. Well done to the author Glenn Maynard !!!

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Captured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Captured by the ViscountCaptured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Personally I love stories or novels set in the time frame where this beautiful novel takes place. Instantly I was drawn onto it, and let me say I loved the ambitions and personality of Isabel right from the start. She reminded me of myself, someone that more is a fighter for the greater good, doesn’t care what she has to do to achieve it, she will make it happen. Perhaps not weighing in the costs to get there?

I loved the story and not only how it progressed, but also the other characters, they all seemed more realistic in a sense that one may actually expect. I was time transported to where these events of the novel took place.

Isabel wanted what was right. She went for it, but didn’t succeed in her mission. Or did she? I got to say the sparks were literally jumping off the page when Isabel and Matthew first met, maybe the gun point was an add to the chemistry that Matthew held in his hand…though they seemed like two very different people but had a same ambition in a way at heart..in truth they needed one another more than they realized or that they dare would be willing to admit!

As I read on, I had shock, sadness, excitement, intrigue, and so forth! There was more to this novel than meets the eye, It wasn’t just a story of marriage to satisfy the characters wants …it had so much more than that. Not everything that happened between all the characters, was peaches and cream. there was a lot of hardship and suspense. Honestly the events that unfolded at a lot of times, left me in total disbelief. I said to myself, often actually, that I did not see that suprise coming.

This was a easy read, it was fun, full of twists and turns, and more! I loved it. I do love books in this era, but this quickly became a personal favorite. The author is superiorly talented, knew how to captivate the readers, and deliver a story, that where you think you know the drill on how it will progress, but in truth, you are quite wrong

Again, loved it. And to add an ending note, I loved how I got to see the characters grow of Matthew and Isabel, not just what they had between them but themselves. From the beginning to the end of the book, they did not end as whom they started as.

Truly, a very entertaining read. And it has everything I would think you would want in a novel and more. Pick this one up and read it. It will not disappoint, but make you long to see what the next plot twist is, and see how everything turns out 🙂

Bravo to this wonderful author. This was my first by this author, now I must go find more they have written, because I have had this book entwine my body and soul, and I cant just stop here, I need more. Its a longing that I must fill!

Thank you Wareeze Woodson for writing this wonderful read 🙂

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Manifested Dreams by Dr. Yvonne Johnson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Manifested DreamsManifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book that was written, it was more than just heart felt, its a book of truth, and honesty, and all the emotions and feelings that go along with it. I felt so much from reading this, I felt sadness, hope, the need to help, the want to make the world to change into something more than what it is, we can all hope and dream for a change, for improvement, or the whole idea to make the world a better place, but how is that ever going to happen if we keep the world going in the same repeating matter, we need all to stop and think and take actions now….

Again, I loved reading this, it was amazing and it really can open ones eye to a glimpse to what others have to live and still live to this day! People should not be provoked, out casted, or be treated different just because say if their skin color is not the same as the person whose is provoking. Its more than wrong its down putting, and needless to say unfair is a simple word to say that this needs to stop happening.

the stories of the characters in the family, what they went thru, what they had better hopes for, for what they wanted, they had to fight and be strong just to live every day. I thank this author for amazing collection of stories, I will defiantly be reading this again and again and defiantly going to have my husband and recommend to others.

The book is full of feelings and its all truth. I honestly wanted more when it came to an end. I longed for more. It truly touched me in a positive and a emotional way. I thank this amazing author for writing this, as I know this is not an easy thing to talk about and to put down on paper.

I will defiantly be reading more from this author. I highly suggest you grab a copy and read it, open your mind and heart, its something we should all read, it certainly leaves you to think when you finish it

Thank you again, Dr. Yvonne Johnson, for creating this beautiful book, I’m truly happy I got to read it and walk in another’s shoes 🙂

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel was amazing beyond words. Instantly I was drawn into a journey like no other, it became very easy to get sucked in and truly feel you are among the characters you meet through out the book.

What I loved truly about this book is the characters and how they grow and as well as how they start out. Each character seemed to come from a different part of life. And each person was different in their own special ways. I found their were qualities in everyone that was admirable. And the words and how the author describes them from personality, to strengths, to how they rely on one another in more ways than one, etc.

I have always been a fantasy and a sci-fi lover of novels and especially novels that make me question the ways of science to what I think I know, I’m always a person up for debate and to broaden my horizons of my mind. I’m a science nerd for life. This book gave me that “fix” I love so much.

This novel was truly unlike any other that I have truly ever experienced. The worlds the characters visited and uncovered together, was not only described in a way I never believed an author had the power to, but it truly made me feel I was right beside everyone and I was living through the moments with them all experiencing the fun, the back stabbing they had felt at times, the whole we have no idea how to do this sort of thing, the questioning they all faced, the mystery of well basically everything, etc.

There is no single word how amazing this book was and is. It was so easily to get lost in and it made my weekend greatly pass by. I was so intrigued by this book from when I first started reading and all the way till I had finished it, it left me with a strong desire fore more.

All in all, this was truly a very enjoyable read. I would defiantly love to revisit the worlds I did this past weekend and get ready for yet another adventure.

My fellow readers, pick up this book, and prepare for an amazing read and journey and let your mind take flight on things you never thought possible to imagine!

Again, amazing read, I truly enjoyed it, and certainly will not be my last read through!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this book and needless to say this is a start to an amazing series, and was very well done and I’m quite eager for me! I loved the authors techniques in writing this amazing novel, from the characters and how they grew and changed, from how words played to describe not only the events and the scenery, but as well as the minds of the characters very thoroughly, this was a rare gem and left me very impressed and happy to pick up this novel and look forward to where the characters are at, to what hey will face next, with it be good intentions or perhaps something more of a more darkening sense?

The main character which to me is so relatable in more ways than one is named Makayla…she is to study at what is called The Grave Digger Academy. Trust me, she was deeply against being there in the first place more less, although perhaps she would learn soon enough that the the old saying the universe has a plan always, maybe there was more truth in the sentence than she was willing to believe?

Makayla is very headstrong, and doesn’t want her life mapped on a star collision for her life. She wants to choose her own destiny and make her own decisions that will make forth a path that only she can follow as it will be the one she has chosen and willingly made. People she meets quickly choose a side to love or hate her. As much as people she could trust join one more side, the ones perhaps with less good intentions quickly make a side. But will this dividing up impact her more than she believes or again is this something the universe is planning as if all the students of the academy are more less like pawn sin a chess game? waiting till one is knocked out to reach the one piece that is desired most?

The novel ends at a good standing point as well. It was a fast and brisk read for me. It didn’t drag or make you feel bored, but more less the complete opposite.

I loved this book for so many reasons, and I truly am eager to see what Makayla will go through next. Again she makes her own path, but is there truly any way to escape destiny? Sometime we can evade but some things no matter how hard you try, you cant run from some things that tru1y have a way of finding you.

I cant wait to see how she progresses and more of her path and what is already chosen and set for her. As well as how she is to be “shaped” for the continuation of the series. I always loved reading, understanding, as well as witnessing the growth of a character. And I already know with Makayla there is to be anything but slow motions. She truly is set up already to a force that if reckoned with, well you may have doubts for doing that in the first place.

This was my first novel/series I have read by C.A. King …my only regret is I have not gotten to enjoy more books by them until I discovered this one! This was a fun and brisk read, and I will be eagerly awaiting for the continuation of the series

Well done C.A King, you have truly left me wanting more, and needless to say, very impressed!
Do pick up this wonderful book my fellow readers, and join me in attending the “orientation” for The Grave Digger Academy…surely we do not want to be late do we?

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again this amazing, wonderful, and talented author has made such a impacting, gripping, and wonderful novel filled with so much!!!!

I have been hooked on this series since the first novel in the series was released in the Antipodes series, Each installment has left me with more and more wants, questions, and the need to know what will happen next plus with the events that happen will it impact the wonderful characters I have grown such an attachment to and what and how will this affect them?

In this one my two personal favorite characters Cam and Freyja are happy. They have gotten a wonderful little family and are living peacefully with acceptance of things they have gone thru and looking towards to a brighter future to what ever they make of it. Honesty from where they started out together and the journey to where they are both now was defiantly far from easy, or a smooth to get there. I love them personally and they are such commendable characters.

But alas a rainbow only can appear so long, before the storm may start again. This was not just any storm though. This bought on someone they knew before, and it was a shocker and unplanned really in reality to see the return of them. This threw the couple for a loop as well. I can say based on how the event happened they were not prepared for it and for sure not for what the return bought for them as well as their life together.

What happens next is a story of questions and more questions, as well as for myself and them seeking these answers but knowing what the truth is again? Or is it a truth they already know but they refuse to accept? Not only will these answers change their happy life but it will define these characters not just for the time being but forever…

Honestly this series is so unpredictable in a good way, what you think you know, is it really what you know? What you doubt, is there more under the table than you realize?

Again I’m so happy I came across this series with the first novel. This author is truly amazing and if I ever get a chance to meet them, I will truly be a happy fan full of curiosity about their writing. They truly know how to write an amazing series and keep the reader hooked, not only in the current book installment, but truly anxiously awaiting for the next novel in the series.

I for one can not wait to see what happens in the next novel. I’m pulled in every time, and I never want to leave this rabbit hole. I have questions as Cam and Freyja do and I want my answers no matter how happy or satisfied I may be with them when I go to seek them out!

Honestly, please pick up this amazing, gripping, awesome series. Its a series that I have truly fallen in love with and when the sad day comes and the series ends I will be re reading them. I truly hope this series gets made into a movie 🙂

Amazing novel and characters again . Seriously every time, every novel, I’m pulled more into the rabbit hole and no want to return to where I once was!

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The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological ThrillerThe Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok this was a new type of novel for me I will gladly say from the start. I had started it reading oh cool a thriller. I got so much more than I bargained for in a good way, honestly, this book was almost impossible to put down I loved this novel and I feel a strong need for more. Even after completing this story it is far from leaving my mind and still is making me think and wonder…

First reading this I getting a feel for sure about the character named Jamieson He had a rough time with his father being out of the picture and his mom working quite a lot. But Jamieson had a darkness in him like I never thought would be so extreme. He loved to burn things and watch what ever it was burn and I mean really burn the more torture the better it was and enjoyable for him. He later reads an old journal which was his fathers and this just fuels his odd obsession with the love of burning things, creatures you name it. i found as I went on Jamieson I felt for at times and other times he wickedly scarred me and made me worry about these things if this is something that could go on in todays world.

Introduce Pete, whom at first seemed like a sweetheart to me, Pete goes thru something very horrid and his mind set is on revenge and nothing more. And the way he progresses and develops truly is even scarier than Jamieson I think

All in all this was a page turning book and it gripped my soul and left me wanting more. And don’t even get me started on the ending. It was so shocking for me, I didn’t have any inkling to it coming, I feel some of the things could have been for shadowed but this novel was a wild ride of questions and living on your last breath to learn what is happen to next.

Honestly a ride like no other. This body took my body and soul and asked me at the end “wanna go again?” I cant let the thoughts and impact of this novel just go. Its really a imprint made on the reader, and I highly suggest you pick it up and prepare for sleepless nights, and your sanity tested in a good way, this is a novel not to be passed up or forgotten!!

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Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A MemoirTravels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading a memoir as it tells me a story thru the author through themselves to what they experienced and how they would describe things rather than having someone else describe it for them.

Reading this I certainly felt so many emotions reading the very well written memoir thru the eyes of Mary. I believe we all have had ups and downs in life and its hard and difficult to understand what exactly the person had to undergo when they tell their story. But with Mary and their story, I truly felt I was there living every moment, feeling emotion, what they experienced and endured.

Mary didn’t have an easy childhood to say the least. She had been born with Cleft Palate and I find thru reading , as I would expect, it was not easy as she often felt she didn’t belong and had no place in the world, This stirred a lot of emotions for. I had a illness as a teenager that I did conquer, but I still can remember the kids making fun of me as I lost some of my hair through treatments.

If that wasn’t enough to have to live through her mom had a mental illness and it often impacted Mary and how they felt and it wasn’t always easy as anyone would expect. On top of all this her father who was a part of the church as a preacher revealed he was in fact gay. This greatly impacted Mary and how their life would develop.

As I read on the emotions and things I felt in my heart were very much real. Mary rose above everything in the end that life had thrown at her. I don’t know her personally but if I did I’d look her in the eyes and tell her that I’m proud of her, through out her memoir there was a lot of pain, and hard times, and emotions for sure. But all in all it tells you no matter what you are going thru, you can beat anything and everything at all costs. You can achieve more than you ever thought was to be the path you were mean to walk. Mary never gave up and was a wonderful person who believed in going against the odds. In the end, despite it all, she became victorious. Though it was a hard struggle, of hardships and even a uncertain future, Mary pushed and conquered everything, She truly triumphed and is a remarkable person.

I loved this memoir from start to end. Defiantly going on as one of my personal favorites. I highly recommend, This memoir does anything but disappoint the reader. I dare you to read it and walk in Mary’s shoes and see what she felt, and went thru, and the courageous woman she became.

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The Rise Of Manifesto The Great (Planet Hy Man) by Kerrie Noor – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers (Planet Hy Man)The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers by Kerrie Noor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly with this wonderful witty book I’m not sure where to start haha. I could basically let my thoughts flow and there would be many thoughts all scrambled

So lets start with the basics. I picked this book up, more or less it was about civilization starting, I guess to me I d think the characters would have had some sound minds to what they needed to do. Nope! I did love the characters though as I read on and they were very easy to connect with I found.

The biggest thought I had was while reading more towards beginning was if your starting a new civilization why kill your sources of food, land, or even chances of survival? As this wonderful novel portrayed it showed the women themselves who were quite undervalued had to step in and they took charge and eventually, though I found it took some trial and error got the men to agree and see their points of views

And truly they are the main reasons why the mission or so to call it was successful and civilization could be restarted. But it wasn’t an easy task to get there and I find that’s a issue that’s always in the growing world/

This book was nothing what I expected , but it so much more better! It was different and I have never read anything really like how this was written in its context.

I quite enjoyed this book and I would defiantly read more by this author. It was humorous, and made me think years from now if the world ends, how would life go on? How would the world begin again? Would the human race be able to survive with their instinct and skills?

Again really enjoyed this different take on being able to rebuild and build a life and civilization again 🙂 Highly recommend. Pick this up! I assure you that you will enjoy this as much as I did!

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House in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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House in the WoodsHouse in the Woods by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel itself is the reason I have lost sleep the past few nights. I love thriller and suspense novels. But this one gripped my heart and soul and teased at so many moments and scenes in this gripping book, it reeled me in basically from the beginning to the very last page.

I started reading it thinking…excellent this is going to be fun a mystery to figure out, But it wasn’t just figuring out the basics, who to trust, how to match up clues and subtle hints, there was and is so much more to this novel. Honestly a few times I thought I had figured it out and really, in all honesty every single time I was off and more questions I deeply wanted answers for arose more than I actually could keep up with!

This story was a mystery like no other. It had suspense, wonder, questions, accusations, proof, unsureness, doubt, disbelief, and so very much more.

I can not get over how well written this story developed. Reading it, Molly is taking care of her ill mother. Things take a unseen turn to a flyer for a woman that had gone missing. But so many questions arose in that moment such as why is Molly so connected in a sense of feeling? Molly had felt they knew them in a way or seen them, or knew them better than they thought possible? This was literally just a small taste of the mystery that was about to unravel and unfold.

Again every time I thought I was close to getting some where with this mystery, I was off and wrong every time, I honestly couldn’t get enough. I was left wanting more as I said, and I’m still left wanting more.

Saying this is a well written novel is certainly an understatement! Pick up this book and be ready to lose sleep and be captivated by this amazing written novel. I certainly was. I have no regrets, only in the sense I did not get to this amazing sooner than I did!

Amazing novel and I loved this book beyond words are ever capable to express into feelings!

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honesty, this book was so amazing from beginning to end, I pretty much read it thru a 24 hour day, I just kept wanting more and more and to basically be in Venice! The author truly has a natural talent not only for an amazing story and novel but the descriptions they use to describe the art and landscapes of Venice is truly what captured my heart and my mind from the very start.

I love romance stories and anything of the sort. This novel was my first time reading by this amazing author. And this most certainly will not my be my last.

It wasn’t just the art descriptions that hooked me but also the characters! Gianna and the man who she meets in perhaps dare to say random act of being heroic. But is life really that common where you meet someone thru an even that you may never have met other wise? Is there truly reasons behind why things happen to you that you may be unable to explain?

I think the characters Gianna and Sergio had these thoughts from when their eyes first met in their daring encounter. I think based on what I felt they felt they knew some how even though at the time they could not explain it they had felt these exact feelings in that moment before. But the question was how?

As I continued to read on, the story just captivated me to read more and more and I yearned for more and what was to come. This was a work of art itself. The story of how it progresses thru the tale of the time in Venice it was honestly so amazing and beautiful and I was truly sent to another world…perhaps dare to say not even in this life time.

This author truly is amazing and I have no words to describe their creative and artistic ability that would do them justice.

This will not be my last but more less my first of many. I want more and I already want more novels by Amy McKinley.

She has an gift to touch an reader, in a way that feels like a beautiful painting being made with every stroke made, more beauty just keeps flowing form the brush to the paper or canvas

Pick up this novel and read it! You will fall in love over and over again. That is a promise 🙂

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Tally and the Angel: Book One India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Tally and the Angel : Book One IndiaTally and the Angel : Book One India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was truly a heartfelt story and beautifully written. I personally loved the story the background, the characters and how the story progressed.

Reading this I found it very touching and sweet as well as a book to shine light even for those of us who are facing the darkest times of our life.

The girl in the story who is named Tally, had recently lost someone very close to her and though she knew she needed to be strong in spirit, you could tell a heavy weight was being carried in her heart. (I had a strong relation to this as I too just suffered a great loss in my life and reading about Tally I often taught to myself that is how I feel…its hard, really hard, but you have to be strong and keep going on even if you don’t know what you are going to face next because things feel so unknown.)

Through a surprise and yet beautiful inheritance of this necklace from her late mother, whom was the loss she was had recently experienced and was working though. I felt upon reading that Tally was immediately drawn to it. At that time there were reasons unknown. Further reading, I learned as well as Tally did that it contained a wonderful gift, an angel whom had the name of Jophiel.

Right away I got the sense of there’s a reason to why Tally has an angel. But what was the reasons for this? I had to continue on to learn more.

Continuing on Tally realized she had to face a great adventure and she was basically destined for this task. There was an issue of the people and children of India being in undergoing danger. And Tally knew in her heart she had to help them and not stand by and allow this. Things happen for a reason and Tally felt she was chosen for this path as well as adventure and she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from finishing her chosen role.

More reading, you could see how Strong of a character Tally was and is! She had to face dangers and uncertainty. There was powerful moments in the journey of the adventure Tally faced with Jophiel. Tally was and is a character that is very commendable and able to be a great role model for young children. Not only did she have to go thru grief, but also take on a task that was not only dangerous, but it was also a task not knowing what the true outcome would be. There was basically many tests and positive and negative occurrences that Tally and Jophiel faced. They did what they had to do in the end.

All in all, this was a beautiful and well written story. It was a impact and a great read, and I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. I look forward very much to the next part. I will defiantly be getting a copy to read for myself.

Wonderful job to the author, who has written a very creative and well written story. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What is there NOT to love about this wonderful novel? I for one was able to jump right into this story that truly captures my heart.

First off I must say i am a lover of romantic suspense and this one went above and beyond I found and I loved the suspenseful moments for sure.

From the first bit of the story I wanted more. I wanted questions answers even though I knew it would be a bit of a wait for those to come to me. But that was the joy of the book, it kept me interested and I wanted to keep reading to find out more info!

I love the characters the story surfaced around. Kayla and Jaxon. These two to me at first could NOT be more alike. But as I read on its true, they were more alike than I actually saw at first. They both came with a past. And I will say it wasn’t always pretty. But their qualities that were alike as well as their differences made them who they are. From differences being cast aside to finding the very common ground they walk on they found a shared ground and a story being written between them that they never actually thought possible. I think to both of them it was shocking and beautiful at the same time,.

To me this story really was wonderful as it wasn’t just about love, not just about second chances, and not just about allowing yourself to feel something you put up walls to make sure you don’t. It also had the pure danger or not knowing can this love be safe? Will it protect me? Will our love be the downfall of us both?

This was on the line for Kayla and Jaxon pretty much at every turn. Wondering if they were safe from the danger or was it just the beginning?

This was a wonderful fast read for me. It didn’t keep me just interested, it made me give up my sleep to see what would would happen next. I live with no regrets!

This was my first time and I know for a fact in the future I will gladly re read this novel. Its a story I wont forget and I do truly want to revisit again soon!

Do yourself a favor and read this amazing book. I assure you on my heart you will not be disappointed.
Wonderful work Amy McKinley 🙂

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MORNIN THE SUPER BIRD – FINDS A WAY TO FIGHT EXTINCTION by JULES HEARTLY – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop ExtinctionMornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book with all my heart. I am a bird fanatic and I am a person who enjoys sketching and watching birds from afar for a hobby. So this one being about a friendly, smart bird named Mornin I was immediately intrigued.

From reading on and reading the wonderful story. I was deeply touched. As Mornin takes his photos and realizes what he sees and does not like…is something I actually think about often!

Mornin the special productive bird he was saw signs that worried him about his family, friends, and other species. He called forth then a meeting with other birds in the community how they can stop this growing problem which is extinction of other species. The community worked together tremendously they planted trees, recycled, avoided the use of plastic, an even planted some brand new trees into the ground! They did so much more as well! Anything possible to help the world and the environment.

Other birds and families in different communities learned of what Mornin had done and they all began to follow in his tracks! It was truly wonderful to read this book and learn what the world can do if they work together to make the world itself a better living place.

Again this book was truly touching to me as I m one who feels if we don’t take care of the environment now we wont have one to live in. And reading it showed thru support and love if everyone works together how much can truly be accomplished!

Thank you to this amazing author and illustrator. This was such a cute story and truly everyone of all ages should read this. Its truly heart felt and an eye opener!

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