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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Mandy Ott

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SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like fantasy mixed with drama and romance, Sanctuary is the book for you. Bree Lewandowski is a first time author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover art caught my attention and the synopsis pulled me in. I enjoy fantasies and the added elements of battle, along with the slow-burn romance and drama of life in a royal city made this a very interesting read. It did start off a little slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down! The world building is delightfully descriptive; I could picture myself in the Cloistered City with Petra, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the many places she is exposed to. I felt Petra’s confusion, horror, and rejection upon learning of the circumstances of her brother’s death. I felt the connection between Petra and Rand grow and change as the story went on. The characters are fantastical yet realistic, believable, and lovable. I do hope there will be more to Petra and Rand’s story and Sanctuary will not be the last I read from Bree Lewandowski.

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Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Mandy Ott

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Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ellen Butler is a first time author for me, but I can’t wait to read more of her books! Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn is a cozy mystery full of drama, intrigue, secrets, murder, and a nod to historical events. The world building is great, allowing the reader to be transported to 1958, where our strong main character, Ariadne Winter, finds herself in the middle of a reunion of sorts. The other guests at the Ivy Tree Inn are all connected to the owner. The characters are all realistic, believable, and oddly lovable. The story did start off a bit slow, but picked up fairly quickly. Overall, a great, medium-paced read, full of interesting characters, many secrets to be had, and lots of twists and turn. I was left guessing till the very end! I look forward to reading more books by Ellen Butler.

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Mandy Ott

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn is one of my current favorite authors and I never hesitate to pick up one of her books. Her newest series is the Fall Lake Ballers Series, centered around college football players and their love lives. The first of the series is Quarterback Keeper. Isla Vaughn’s writing and world building is superb, throwing the reader into the middle of Chicago, home of Fall Lake University. Kylian is the star quarterback, juggling football, his mother’s illness, and his father’s ruthlessness. Gia is the stowaway he finds on his private boat who is running from a violent past. Kylian and Gia’s connection is immediate and just continues to grow, despite several setbacks. The characters are realistic, believable, and I found myself rooting for Kylian and Gia. This fast-paced read was still packed full of drama, romance, secrets, suspense, and a little bit of football. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the Fall Lake Ballers Series!

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

L. J. Evias is a first time author for me, but after reading The Discovery of Magic, it certainly won’t be the last. The Discovery of Magic is the first book in the Intrigue of Magic Series. This Young Adult Fantasy book is lengthy, 545 pages, but has so much included; drama, mystery, danger, friendship, “normal” teenage angst, and of course, magic! The world building is amazing; I could feel the tension and confusion as Alice and her friends navigate the magical world of Parsa, see the desert sands of South Parsa, and experience the opulence of the palace in North Parsa. The characters in this book are all well-constructed, realistic (even the magical characters), and believable. While Alice, Jamie, Jordan, Emily, Yasmin, and Darien are the main characters, there are many other engaging individuals who make the story complete. Told from different point of views, The Discovery of Magic has plenty of twists and turns that connect to one another in an oddly satisfying way. I cannot wait for the next book in the Intrigue of Magic Series.

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Mandy Ott

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A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper is such a feel-good, fast-paced, clean Young Adult romance. I have fallen in love with Cooper’s YA novels over the course of a few books. As with the previous books I’ve read, A Tale of Two Crushes captures the “angst-y,” dramatic, teenage world of high school. My Adult brain kept thinking, “Why doesn’t Holland make the obvious choice?” Then I remembered my high school days and the stars in my eyes whenever a cute boy showed interest in me. High school hormones are no joke! The characters in this book are perfect in their roles. They are so realistically flawed, believable and lovable. The bond between Holland and her family is so wholesome and something we all strive to achieve. And the friendships between Tenley, Dara, Asher, Holland, Ethan, Ryker, and Bryan are amazing! They each bring their own unique, seemingly uncomplimentary personalities and make it work beautifully. Another wonderful read by Cori Cooper!

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Mandy Ott

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Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decisions Matter is the third book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. Buddy returns at his new home, with new siblings, Salem and Donut. There is a mystery afoot as someone is getting into the trash, but no one can figure out who it is! A series of mishaps places Buddy in the line of fire and his new owners think he is the trash culprit. When Buddy finally catches the real offender, he stays quiet. The lessons in this book center around not lying, and to stick up for yourself. As a preschool teacher, I could see myself using all three of the books in this series as social-emotional teaching tools. They can also be used with older children. My 10 year old daughter thought they were cute!

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Mandy Ott

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #2)Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Things Take Time is the second book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. This book again finds Buddy in a tough situation, beginning the process of getting adopted. Buddy’s brothers and sisters are all getting adopted, yet Buddy still waits. He finds himself the last puppy left, but finally gets adopted. This book discusses the importance of having patience and knowing that good things are coming. Another cute Bible verse connects it all together at the end.

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Mandy Ott

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #1)You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You Are Special is a children’s book by Suzanna Lynn. It is the first book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. The book follows a brand new puppy navigating the big world and wondering why he looks so different from all the animals around him, even his own siblings. Buddy is made fun of for being “strange” but his mom tells him that he’s not strange, only unique, and that it’s not a bad thing. This colorfully illustrated children’s story explores the importance of being kind to others, but also knowing the things that make you special. The added bonus Bible verse at the end was a cute touch.

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Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx – Review by Mandy Ott

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Corpse PixieCorpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by Sinister Styx, but it will certainly not be the last. Corpse Pixie combines amazing world-building with fantastical, yet realistic characters. There is so much information packed into a short 89 pages. Belladonna, Rene, and Seraphine create a unique team of otherworldly beings set on bringing down groups of corrupted Hunters that have murdered innocent humans. The world building is detailed and immersive; I found myself living the dreams and nightmares along with Rene, feeling the need for revenge with Belladonna, and experiencing the beginning of feelings Belladonna and Rene begin to feel for one another. I wish there was more to this story so I could see what the future holds for our 3 friends.

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An Ember of Hope (War of Destiny Series) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Mandy Ott

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An Ember of Hope: War of DestinyAn Ember of Hope: War of Destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Ember of Hope is the Theresa Van Spankeren book I didn’t know I needed! This book is part of the War of Destiny Series, and is more or less a companion novel, as it is Matthew’s story, taking place between books 2 and 3 of the main series. Van Spankeren creates the same amazing world full of vampires, historical figures, and other fantastical beings. I found myself, once again, immersed in the conflict between Valentino and the Resistance, told from the unique perspective of Matthew, recovering from his time in captivity. I found Matthew’s nightmares following his dilemma brutal and heartbreaking, yet honest and realistic. Some of the same great characters emerge in this book, as well as some new ones. There is so much detail in this book, but it is woven together so seamlessly that it only adds to the overall drama of the story. What an amazing addition to the already great War of Destiny world!

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Mandy Ott

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara Barnett continues the story of immortal apothecary, Gaelan Erceldoune, first introduced in The Apothecary’s Curse. I felt like this could be read as a standalone, but reading the first book was beneficial in understanding the characters. Alchemy of Glass explores the connections between magic and science, myths and reality, past and present. Written in the same dual time period style as before, Barnett’s writing draws you in and doesn’t let go! Alchemy of Glass has just as much world-building detail as The Apothecary’s Curse and the same oddly lovable, realistic characters. There were so many things happening in this book, from the apparent delirium of Gaelan following his attempt at ending his immortality to the time travel to the medical interventions requested of Anne, but all were somehow connected and none overpowered another. Overall, another great historical fantasy by Barbara Barnett.

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Mandy Ott

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City #2)Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading, I was unaware Falling for a Star in the City was the second book in a series. However, I didn’t feel like I missed out on much information by reading this book first. The world building was adequate but nothing spectacular stood out for me. The story seemed to go back and forth a lot with Paige not really knowing exactly what she wanted or how she was feeling. She seemed very conflicted throughout the book. Her feelings for Walker were hard to stomach, as the reader could see through his façade rather easily. He was a character I couldn’t quite hate completely as I feel like he believed his heart was in the right place. Paige’s relationship with Viktor seemed more genuine, even with their back and forth inner monologues. Overall, the story was fairly well-written with realistic, believable characters. I would like to read more by Krysten Lindsay Hager.

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Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow – Review by Mandy Ott

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Rock Crush and RollRock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Hunter Snow so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The synopsis sounded promising so I gave it a shot. Overall, Rock Crush and Roll was okay. There was a lot of reference to Canadian culture that I didn’t really get, but the music connections made for a fun and interesting read. The characters fell a little flat for me, lacking genuine personality, but Tyler’s close relationship with her family was so heartwarming. The book started off very slowly and finished almost too abruptly, like there was a word count the author didn’t want to exceed. It seemed like a lot of time was spent working through Tyler’s insecurities, only for most of them to end up being unfounded. Tyler and Cary’s relationship seemed rushed in places, yet stilted in others. Although this was not my favorite read, I would like to read more by Hunter Snow, as I feel like there is definite potential for an amazing book.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara Barnett is a first time author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was surprised, in a great way! The Apothecary’s Curse combines fantasy, myths, science, and history into an fascinating story spanning centuries. The story follows Gaelan and Simon as they traverse the world, as immortals. Written from dual time periods, this book is well-written and seemed carefully researched. The world building is amazing, full of visuals of Victorian London and present day Chicago. The characters are realistic, believable, and oddly lovable. The connection between the past and present is palpable and engrossing in The Apothecary’s Curse. The story started off a little slow, but the pace quickly picked up and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to read more by Barbara Barnett.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Mandy Ott

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Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This very short, quick read is packed full of character development and immersive story telling. It takes a great author to accomplish these things within a mere 28 pages, but Sinister Styx doesn’t miss a beat! There are many elements packed into this book: deceit, revenge, murder, and a curse (to name a few). And the ending had me surprised and wishing the story didn’t have to end. I could see this being a full-length novel filled with even more drama. That is my only “negative” about Glass Houses, that I wish it had been longer. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

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The Sins of Men (The Peter Smith Chronicles) by Danny J. Bradbury – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War DramaThe Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Danny J. Bradbury is a first time author for me, but I really enjoy historical fiction. The Sins of Men, the first book in the Peter Smith Chronicles, was no exception. This story follows a young Peter Beale through his impoverished childhood, life of crime and subsequent prison sentence in 18th century England. He is forcefully conscripted into the British Navy and finds himself in the midst of even more horrific circumstances. His service takes him to America, where he escapes, is adopted into the Smith family, and begins a journey of self-discovery and growth. There are so many things going on in this book, but it is well-written with great world building and is easy to follow. Through reading, I was transported on board a naval man of war, I could smell the cannon and rifle smoke, and feel the anxiety of battle. The characters are realistic, believable, and lovable (even the ones I loved to hate). I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

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The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Love Ties Us Series by Nicolette Terry is The Music That Ties Us. I didn’t think it could get better than the first book, but I think it hit the mark! Some of the same great characters are in this book and portions of the storyline overlap. This book is centered around Cadence and Damien and their chance meeting at a concert. The Music That Ties Us is just as emotionally charged, but full of more drama and suspense than the first book in the series. Cadence and Damien have an obvious chemistry but many forces, along with their own inner demons, are intent on keeping them apart. Well-written world building and the same amazingly flawed characters are something I’m coupling with Nicolette Terry. I can’t wait to read more from her!

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The Story That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Story That Ties UsThe Story That Ties Us by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nicolette Terry is a first time author for me, but she quickly had me falling in love with her words! The Story That Ties Us is the first book in the Love Ties Us Series. It is a heartfelt, second chance romance full of drama, heartbreak, friendship, and includes the death of a close friend who was killed in combat. This book was so emotionally charged and beautifully written. The world building was spot on; I could feel the fear in Jamie’s heart, the confusion Blakely encounters, and the excitement of all towards the end of the book. The characters are so realistically flawed, believable, and lovable. The life of those serving in the military is discussed while exploring what emotions and feelings they go through upon returning home from deployment. Jamie and Blakely’s chemistry and history is undeniable and oh-so-swoon-worthy. What a great read from Nicolette Terry.

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Mandy Ott

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series #1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying, “Wow!” I did not know what I was getting myself into by reading Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals. Book 1 of the Protect and Honor Series by Lynn Wood is an amazing political thriller that I simply couldn’t put down. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. In light of the current political situation in the US, this book is chilling. There is so much going on in this book; suspense drama, danger, romance, secrets, and much, much more! Lynn Wood weaves an intricately chilling tale of conspiracy theories, political extremists, assassinations, and secret identities. The characters are all realistic and believable, although my modest lifestyle reeled at the thought of the many private jets, stunning homes and palaces, and security measures being utilized throughout the book. Michaela’s journey and growth throughout the book, despite the obstacles, heartbreak, and opposition intent on keeping her down, was truly inspirational. The story is so well-written and imaginative that I could picture myself at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, overlooking the ocean in California, or listening to the gentle waves in Cape Cod. This was my first time reading a book by Lynn Wood but it will certainly not be the last!

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Mandy Ott

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Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broadstone is a first time author for me and I am hooked! Puzzleman is horrifically original, macabre, and full of so many twists, turns, and a crazy interconnectedness. Broadstone weaves such an intricately detailed story and delivers it in such a way that the reader can smell the pipe world, feel the heat of the puzzleman’s breath, and see the nauseating, deformed “bodies” of the grumemonsters. The characters are realistically flawed and believable. This book combines history, mythology, horror, mystery, and gore. There were a few places where the writing seemed a bit disjointed, but it did not detract from the story one bit. Overall, an amazing horror read by a great author. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Broadstone.

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Mandy Ott

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for the third book in the Evil Sushi Series, Wasabi. The first two books were so intricately detailed and very well-written, as well as double the length. While Wasabi is just as well-written, I felt like something was missing from the story; where did Wasabi come from? Was is it created or did it evolve from something else? And how does it connect with the other creatures? The same realistic, believable characters return in this installment and are still fighting for their survival while also coming to terms with their own mortality as those around them begin to perish. There is still drama with a lot of different kinds of evil (the mutant kind as well as the completely human kind). Overall, C. A. King still delivers a solid, quick story that draws you in from the very first page.

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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short StoriesThe Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K. S. Gantt is a first time author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I grew up reading King, Koontz, and many others, and absolutely love horror and suspense so I was really excited to read this book! While not detailing the phobias overtly in the stories, K. S. Gantt does a great job telling the story in such a way that the fear is presented but much is left to the reader’s imagination (and that is often the most scary place of all)! I love that each phobia was briefly explained prior to the start of the story so the reader would know what was to come. While some of the stories were not really my cup of tea, some of the others really put me in a horror kind of mood! I felt like some of the stories could be continued as well (ending on a little bit of a cliffhanger, if you will). Overall, each of the eight stories is unique and well-written, with drama, suspense, intense fear, and lots of twists and turns. The characters are realistic and believable. I haven’t read much in the horror genre as of late, so The Book of Fears was just what I needed!

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Mandy Ott

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cori Cooper’s YA fantasy, One Quarter Villain, is such a fun, exciting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read. I fell in love with the characters, who are well-rounded, humorous, and fabulously flawed. I fell in love with the world building, the added elements of well-known fairy tales mixed in with unique and adventurous new places. The drama, secrets, friendship and family dynamics, touch of magic, and additional challenges kept me guessing until the very end. Maddy’s world, and her belief in only good or only evil (very black and white existence) is turned upside down when she learns she is one quarter Villain by blood. There is so much going on in this story, but it all flows well together and creates a one of a kind story that I couldn’t put down.

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Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr – Review by Mandy Ott

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Finding Love (The Oath Series)Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in The Oath Series, Finding Love, caught me by complete surprise. This is the first book I’ve read by Lacey Furr but it will definitely not be the last. I thought Finding Love was going to be your typical rock star story, but was wonderfully surprised when it turned into so much more! Loch and Hailey’s instant chemistry was mesmerizing, but there was so much more to their story. There is heartbreak, mental health struggles, healing, drama, romance, and so much more! I like that Lacey Furr was not afraid to touch on some sensitive topics in this book. She tackled them with relative ease and sensitivity. The other members of Loch’s band, The Oath, also played a major role in this story, which I liked. Overall, the world building was amazing (I felt like I was jumping into the cool water or picnicking on the rocks) and the characters were so realistically flawed, believable, and lovable. I can’t wait to read more from The Oath Series as well as more by Lacey Furr.

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Mandy Ott

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kathryn Dodson’s Five Tries to Get It Right is not my typical read of spice, fantasy, or mystery. But, it did not disappoint in the journey. Hitting rather close to home, the story begins when Kate ends up in the hospital after attempting suicide. Her best friend, Lydia, is there to pick up the pieces. A crazy idea surfaces and they begin a journey to five different countries they traveled to in their twenties. The world building in this book is amazing! I felt all of the emotions coursing through me and saw (in my mind) all the wonderful places they visited. The characters are perfectly imperfect and tragically believable. There is so much going on in this story; there’s love, friendship, heartbreak, loss, romance, and mental illness. I love how Dodson explores sensitive topics and urges those who are struggling to seek help. Overall, a great read that will have you turning pages quickly. I can’t wait to read more by Kathryn Dodson.

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Mandy Ott

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isobel Reed is a first time author for me, but when I saw “hot firefighter” I had to pick it up! Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series. This was such a feel good, quick story but was still fun to read. Libby and Zach’s relationship begins when he rescues her from a burning toaster, and only gets more entertaining from there. Libby and Zach have instant chemistry that Libby attempts to resist for fear of getting hurt. This book has very little drama, lots of humor and wit, and an instant connection. It was a lot less spicy than I am used to, but it was also refreshing at the same time. The characters are realistic, believable, and oh-so-lovable while the world building is well written. I am looking forward to the next book in the Love Burns Series as well as other books by Isobel Reed!

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Mandy Ott

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

C. L. Schneider delivers, once again, with Troy! It is the prequel to the Crown of Stones trilogy and incorporates the same amazing world building, breathtaking storytelling, and perfectly flawed, realistic characters as the other books! Troy has so much adventure, distinctive magic, suspense, drama, and more. I found the character growth very touching as Ian Troy learns that some preconceived notions about him have changed over the course of the book, as well as some of his own beliefs changing. There are so many emotions swirling around, mistrust, danger, and bloodshed. But there is also a rawness and closeness formed between the mishmash of companions chosen for the Queen’s secret mission. There is a lot of backstory, not only concerning Ian Troy, but also about the other nations fighting alongside the Rellan army against the Langorians. Exactly what I wanted in a prequel! C. L. Schneider is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Mandy Ott

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first read the synopsis for Just Ducky, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But, C. A. King is an author that I won’t hesitate to read so I dove right in. What an unexpected, well-written, original, shifter romance. There is drama, adventure, and a bit of motherly intuition and meddling. Ducky (aptly named due to her fuzzy, two-legged, web-footed alter ego) finds herself in the midst of conflict between humans and shifters. This is where she meets Lord Kobreon and his mother, Trishia. C. A. King’s characters are so interesting, entertaining, and unique! The world building in this book is great. I could see the opulence of the human kingdom, feel the greed of the human general, and the connection between Ducky and Kobreon. Overall, a quick, entertaining read that I would recommend for anyone who enjoys a touch of the peculiar.

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4 R’s: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced (4 R’s Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Mandy Ott

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4 R's: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced4 R’s: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced by Julie Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 R’s is my first read by Julie Castle and I will definitely be checking out more books by her. This 4 book collection is full of drama, intrigue, suspense, danger, and plenty of romance.
The first book, Fool’s Gold, finds Rafe and Sarah in a battle for their marriage, as well as their land. The undeniable chemistry between the two can clearly be felt through the amazing writing of Julie Castle. This one had some twists and turns that took me by surprise.
The second book, Her Heart’s Desire, introduces Samantha and Jake and their love/hate relationship with one another. This one definitely packed in the suspense.
The third book, Serena’s Web, finds Serena and Mark entangled with the mob. This was a lot more suspenseful than I was expecting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Forced proximity tropes always seem to exceed my expectations.
The final book, It Had to be You, finds Candy and Greg, past adversaries thrown together after many years apart. This one still has some drama but was a lot less suspenseful; a little more relaxed.
Julie Castle’s world building in this series is great and the depth and personality of her characters is amazing! I love that each story had its own style and story line and wasn’t just a generic, boring narrative. Each book is unique and exciting. I can’t wait to read more by Julie Castle.

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Drag Me Down (Full Throttle Cyborgs Series) by Landra Graf – Review by Mandy Ott

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Drag Me Down (Full Throttle Cyborgs, #4)Drag Me Down by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  1. Drag Me Down can definitely be read as a standalone. I did not read the first three books in The Full Throttle Cyborgs series, but felt like I wasn’t missing out on much background information. I did, however, enjoy this book so much that I would love to go back and read the previous three in the series. Drag and Bridget’s story is full of passion, love, betrayal, distrust, and a whole lot of drama. This particular sci-fi series takes place on Mars (so many questions regarding that) and seems almost as if humanity has backtracked in their way of thinking and living (not wanting women to hold power or participate in any manual labor). However, Drag and Bridget think a little differently, which is refreshing. Landra Graf’s world building is great; I could feel myself in the heat of the day on Mars or the middle of the dome watching the car races. And the characters, while a little out there (it is sci-fi after all), are realistic, believable, and I couldn’t help but feel a connection with them. There is such a deep connection between Drag and Bridget that goes beyond the purely physical and it is, at times, heartbreaking to see the war that rages inside them both at their fear of being betrayed by the other. Overall, a great read for fans of sci-fi and romance alike. And I’m definitely going to pick up the rest of the series!

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