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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the hottest and sweetest guy in town is crushing on you, what is a girl to do?
CeCe is an amazing and grumpy pastry chef at the Buckeye Falls diner. Well loved by the townspeople for her mouthwatering creations. And then there is Evan – sweet, optimistic, full of sunshine and big feelings for CeCe. He is learning the art of cooking with admiration in his heart and love hearts in his eyes. While they are navigating what they are to each other – enter a food truck competition that has CeCe in a state. This competition could mean so much to the diner as a business and CeCe’s hesitation comes from a place of broken hearts, her ex is the famous chef that is running the competition. Will CeCe and Evan find each other through the road blocks that keep popping up?

This was so sweet and heartwarming! The little town is filled with kindness and a dash of small town gossip. This story of CeCe and Evan’s friendship/ relationship is the cutest. The hesitation and the bravery between CeCe and Evan was captured with such heart and soul. I had already fallen in love with Buckeye Falls and its people during the previous book “Falling Home”, this just had me falling harder. I really enjoyed Evan’s relationship with his sister Malory – it really felt like a ride or die! And the “friends family” of the diner staff was uplifting and really embraced the true meaning of family.

Libby Kay is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and most certainly recommend romance readers give their heart to the Buckeye Falls crew! I cannot wait for the next adventure!

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ella has just lost her sister, Chrissy, to cancer and is now caring for her 2-year-old niece, Tessa. Life is challenging but Ella would not have it any other way, treating Tessa like her own. Ella receives a summons, in Chrissy’s name, to Taylor Law from a stranger claiming paternity and potential custody of Tessa. Chrissy never revealed who Tessa’s father was so Ella is worried they will take the little girl that her family cling to in loving memory of her sister.
Meanwhile, Jake is just protecting his family from being taken advantage of after receiving a letter claiming his cousin is the father. This story follows Ella and Jake as they work it out and their mutual attraction grows between them.

Jennifer Raines is now an author I will automatically read! This was a great read. Such depth and heart. Ella is strong and sassy, and I loved the banter between Jake and Ella. The Australian setting was fantastic. The story was so well thought out with a twist you don’t see coming and cleverly crafted characters – some with big hearts and others that I despised – a clear indication the Jennifer is amazing at this whole author thing! I definitely recommend!

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace is working towards her goals to take over her family’s farm, but this is sped up when Grace’s mum’s health deteriorates. The years she thought she had to buy her parents out has now turned into 3 months or lose the farm.
Ryan, Graces neighbor, has returned after 8years away and is ready to sell his mum’s farm.
With pressure from the bank, Grace is having to consider Ryan’s suggestions to buy some of her land.
Grace and Ryan are well outside their comfort zones – Can Ryan care avian? Can Grace accept the help she needs?

Jennifer Raines has done it again!
I really enjoyed this read! This expands on the first story of the Anderson family, Taylor’s Law. Another Anderson sister with strength, sass and determination.
Ryan and Grace have a vibrant chemistry that had me hooked from the first chapter! I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow. This was sweet and brave – I definitely recommend.

You don’t need to read Taylor’s Law before diving into this story. It is just as sweet, and you won’t be disappointed to give both books your time.

More from Jennifer Raines please!

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An arranged marriage to Prince Fidge has Princess Mora desperate for freedom, especially when she discovers Prince Fidge does not care for an alliance.
Darin is a an outcast rebel with a crush on Mrs Langley (aka Princess Mora).
Together they want to free the moon people and live a free life themselves. Will Darin feel the same way when he discovers the truth about Mrs Langley?

This was a good read, just needed to be longer! The story, world and characters were well crafted. I really enjoyed Darin and Mrs Langley/Princess Mora’s relationship.
An easy read that kept me turning pages.

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A murder mystery so cleverly crafted.

Daniel O’Halleran is left at the alter and starts a new chapter of his life as a village Coroners Physician. He is asked to investigate a two year old murder when he finds a second one at his feet… and suspects they are related. He is on the hunt for two killers, and no one appears to be telling the truth!

This historical murder mystery was just what I needed. Such a variety of likeable and unlikeable characters that were so well thought out. Daniel is such a gentleman with intelligence and a little sass. I really enjoyed the back and forth with his love interest and was so invested in the mystery. The historical aspect made this that little bit charming, and I found myself gasping and talking out loud all throughout my read!

If you are an Agatha Christie fan or just love a good mystery read with a few morally grey characters, then this is for you!

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Mandy Kneale

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A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rhia is about to marry the Prince of Wales. Sounds romantic if you like that sort of thing and Rhia does not. This is an arranged marriage by her father with hopes to negotiate a tax debt.
So, while Rhia is expected to save the town by convincing her new husband to erase the tax debt.
Unfortunately for Rhia and the town, the prince has been tasked with paying the tax debt.
How will Rhia and the prince navigate this new marriage, their fathers, the debt and an old enemy threat to their village?

This was so sweet and fun! An easy read!
Rhia is so strong and independent, and I really enjoyed the relationship between her and the prince.
The characters were so likable. The dynamics between Rhia and her brother were so heart felt and funny. Another fun relationship was between Rhia and the Princes personal staff – it had me laughing out loud!
Would recommend if you are looking for a sweet romance with charm and lots of mud and snails!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hungry Business is a short story of the dating scene in a zombie apocalypse where zombies and humans coexist. How hard can it be to find love?

Although short, it was such a fun read!
The different take on the zombie apocalypse was the highlight for me.
Definitely recommend for a little horror to get your heart pumping!

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The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Mandy Kneale

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The Hawke Family Complete CollectionThe Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can you say addiction!
This was such a great read and if i didn’t have the opportunity to read all six books in the collection, back-to-back – there would have been tears!

There is never a dull moment when your spending time with the Hawke family!
The Hawke Family Collection is a fantastic series including six stories:
Book #1 – Savage Collision
Savage and Danika
Book #2- Tortured Skye
Skye and Gabe
Book #3- Stone Sober
Stone and Nora
Book #4 – Building Storm
Storm and Landon
Book #5 – Tainted Saint
Saint and Caroline
Book #6 – Steele Resolve
Byron and Luca

Gwynn McNamee has written this collection with such passion and spice. Each book had me feeling all the heightened emotions from anger to empathy and unconditional love. I could not put this down after I fell in love with the characters of the Hawke family and friends.

Definitely recommend the collection! You will not want to wait to dive straight into the next book!

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sweet second chance Christmas romance!

Ginny is returning to her sleepy hometown of Buckeye Falls, to support her Dad after his hip surgery. The likelihood of running into her ex-husband, Max, is high but Ginny is determined to avoid him, help her dad recover and get back to work in New York City. Max has never stopped loving Ginny and realises that this may be his last chance to get her back.

I fell in love with Ginny and Max within the first few pages!
The friendships around both Ginny and Max were so endearing and really made the heart feels flow. This was so much more than I expected.

Libby Kay is now a must-read author for me!
Very much looking forward to reading the next in this series.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet and Steamy!

Susan Renee where have you been all my life!
I love me an enemies to loves romance and this was everything a girl would wish for.

Tenley is a practical woman and offers practical adult relationship advice via her anonymous podcast “TJ on PAR”. A lot of this relationship advice centers around her disapproval of love and the practicalities of being single.
Then along comes “the Love Guru”, Teagan, with his offer for Tenley to join him for a week in Hawaii at a resort and a deal that he will pay her ten thousand dollars if she doesn’t fall in love.
Of course, Tenely says yes to a free week in Hawaii and ten thousand dollars! Will Tenley walk away with love in her heart or a boat load of cash?

This just made my heart sing! Tenley is sassy and strong while and Teagan is fun and complimentary – it was so easy to want to ship them!
The writing and layout made it such an easy read. The relationships and friendships were the sweetest and everything you would want for yourself on a Hawaiian holiday.
The grand gesture that we patiently wait for in a Romance was the sweetest and totally worth it.

If Romance is your genre, then I recommend picking this up.
I am off to add a few more Susan Renee books to my TBR!

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Mandy Kneale

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And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The writing was incredible and what an ending!

Catherine’s daughter, Susie, has fallen from a balcony while on holiday.
It is suggested to be a drunk accident, but this doesn’t feel right to Catherine and she is not letting go, determined to find the truth. Who can she trust? What will she uncover?

The 10 possible outcomes were such a great premise, I suspected this was going to be a great read and I was not wrong! Such a well thought out story and characters. This was so gripping with the twists. I was hooked after just a few chapters.

Definitely recommend!

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Mandy Kneale

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t usually read short stories – they are just not my thing.
HOWEVER, Bernadette Marie is an Author I adore, and I do love a good Christmas Romance, so I gave this a chance. I was not disappointed.
This was fantastic. 5 Stars all the way!

My lack of knowledge of the individual stories made my experience an amazing one.
That being said, I do want to point out that as soon as I began to read each story, it was a one sitting read! I could not put it down!
Each author really delivers on character and relationship building, writing style and Christmas vibes.
There is enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden love and so much holiday cheer.

I strongly recommend you pick this up if you love a good romance read and a bit of holiday happiness!

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Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Revenge HoneymoonRevenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this!
Emily’s best friend, Ruby, is left at the alter on her wedding day. Emily and Ruby are now off on Ruby’s would be newly married couples honeymoon cruise and Emily is set on making her bestie enjoy herself as much as possible – including pose as her new wife. Emily and Ruby become fast friends with the dreamy photographer, Max and shenanigans ensue.

The premise was great and my favourite thing was the friendship between Emily and Ruby. The details of the cruise were spot on, felt like I was on the ship with them. The tension between Emily and Max was satisfying and the pacing was perfect.

I was hooked as soon as I started readying. Such an enjoyable read!

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The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Mandy Kneale

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The IntrudersThe Intruders by Brett McKay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dex is a struggling used car salesman just trying to make ends meet when he and his family are abducted by a group of armed men in the night. Even when they torture Dex he can think of no reason why he and his family have been targeted. When their captors assume they have to wrong guy, Dex and his family are marked for execution. They must escape the underground bunker and work out what is going on – who are they? And who did they think Dex was?

This was great! The pacing was perfect and the supernatural elements showed such creativity. Dex was such a likeable character. I was really invested in his family’s safety. All of the characters were written so well that they came to life and had me gasping when the intensity increased. Really enjoyed the action throughout and was satisfied with the ending.

If you enjoy a bit of action and badassery, then this is worth your time!

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again the Gave Digger Academy is full of adventure and shenanigans.

It’s Makayla’s second year attending the Grave Diggers Academy and they need participants for the inter-academy games. Win or lose, they are in for more than expected!

I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world! The magic just keeps getting better and the school setting is fun and full of excitement. We see more of Makayla’s family and I’m falling for the different characters all over again!

Definitely recommend!
Now for book number 3.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Mandy Kneale

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hester dreams of following in the footsteps of her great grandmother and becoming a respected herbal healer. Unfortunately, her mother has other ideas of marriage and babies to settle her wild heart.
With encouragement of strength and wisdom from the River, Hester’s journey has just begun.

This started slow for me and by the end I was mesmerised. The writing was beautiful. Hester’s strength and wild heart is gripping and I really enjoyed the magical elements and friendship in the story.

Would recommend!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Mandy Kneale

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

Magical academia – um Yes Please!
Makayla is desperate to find a way out of the Grave Digger Academy when her top three academy choices rejected her. With her new classmates, also wanting to get out, shenanigans ensue!

I really enjoyed this!
Makayla is sassy, smart and determined. The characters are well thought out and the magic/world is so intriguing – loved the urban legend and Makayla’s magical friends.
The ending was a bit convenient but I am excited to pick up the next book!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Badass Mage on a mission!

When badass Mage, Ava and her crew at the Black Cauldron Detective Agency pick up a job that screams “dangerous”, she is using all of her connections to solve it – including unsavoury mobsters. With the addition of a sexy temporary member, from the client, Ava and her crew have a big job ahead of them!

A fantastic plot in a great world. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the friendships.

I just wanted more of everything! Faster pace, details about the world, the magic and the characters.

A solid read and looking forward to the next adventure with the Black Cauldron Detective Agency.

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1)Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sherlock Holmes meets Jane Austen

Eliza is on her way from American, to a Darcy/ Bennet family reunion in England, where she will meet her extended family for the first time! Lucky she packed her Agatha Christie skills! She will need them to solve the estrangement between her Father and Uncle and also work out why dead bodies keep popping up. Eliza certainly starts off positive, with a very attractive Englishman sitting beside her on the flight!

I loved this! From the head scratching mysteries to the cheeky young romance, I was hooked! I felt like I was right there at Pemberley with Eliza and her team of sleuths and found myself really caring about the characters. The English/American terms comparison and the “Pride & Prejudice” entries added such a fun element.

If you love a cosy mystery lead by a gutsy lady then this is for you!

I will most certainly be keeping my eye out for the next “Eliza Darcy” instalment!

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Mandy Kneale

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A Quirk of DestinyA Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall

Genetically modified food is suspected to be the cause of an aggression sickness that is wreaking havoc on the majority of the population. Calum gathers his unaffected friends and they set out in search of answers, safety and a new beginning – if the authorities don’t catch up with him first.

The unconditional friendships in this book made this read well worth it. There were quite a few characters to follow but they all had such purpose and were well thought out. The details regarding genetically modified foods gave the story an intellectual edge that I really enjoyed.

Calum’s continuous explanations to new characters they met along the way, while necessary, were a bit repetitive and the pacing slowed my reading motivation down in stages. I really did enjoy Calum’s rebellious side and his caring nature.

The ending was really satisfying and I NEED to know what happens next! I will certainly be picking up the next book in this trilogy. This was a good read and I would recommend it if you enjoy a bit of action with your food science nerd facts!

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The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Mandy Kneale

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The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All the big heart feels!

Leona, the owner of the Happily Ever After Bookstore, sells books and “contributes” to the happily ever afters of those that visit her store.

This is an adorable story of love and loss, sadness and joy, coincidence and fate. The main characters were so sweet and thought out well. The small town vibes just added more soul to the feel good atmosphere of the book. I really enjoyed the way the writing style took you on the characters journey and the short chapter layout had me telling myself “just one more”!

If you need a book that will make you smile with your heart & clutch your chest with hope then this is a must read!

So I’m off to check out Bernadette Marie’s backlist!!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Mandy Kneale

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Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alice in wonderland meets Sherlock Holmes. This was such an enjoyable read.

Evaline’s mothers death has left her with questions. Just when she seems to be getting somewhere, a guest comes calling to seek magical assistance from Evaline’s father, an occult archaeologist. When he declines, Evaline’s curiosity gets the better of her. With her necromancy gift and detective skills, she finds herself on a mission in a mirror world – solve the mystery and get back home!

Evaline’s sassy and passionate personality made this book for me! The relationship with her childhood friend, Delbert, was adorable and Evaline’s determination to refine her skills to become a detective was refreshing, considering the setting in the late 1800’s.
The quirky characters we meet were a great addition to the story.

The pacing was good. I would have enjoyed more detail, especially about Evaline’s magic and the mirror world. This didn’t stop me having a great time.

The ending has me sitting on the edge on my seat for book 2!! Am looking forward to picking it up – this reader needs answers!

A great choice if you love a leading lady with some sass and enjoy a bit of mystery and magic!

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