My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so cute and I loved everything about it. I enjoyed Graham and Lara’s characters and loved following along on their journey. I really liked Tom and Jenny at the beginning of each chapter, so funny! I can’t wait to try some of the recipes, such a cool idea. Overall this was such a good book.
Santa…Nope the Grimm Wolves by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series as they are just as awesome as this one. This is an author I have loved reading from the first book I picked up. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into the story by her writing skills as well as her attention to details. This story is no different. I was pulled into the story by the creative characters. They not only bring the story to life on each page but also keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced paranormal story that is easy and entertaining to read. I enjoyed how the characters are connectable and their growth throughout the story is great. This is a story about what happens when the past comes knocking at your door. Beast is faced with making some choices that just may take what little control he has over his life. What will he do when life throws in some threatening danger to his family? I enjoyed the twists and turns that had me coming back for more. Beast is my favorite character as he is strong and really made the story for me. This is a great story that I loved reading and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Well written, good world building and characters you can connect to. Very fast paced and really unique. Very funny and crazy, I loved it. Will be keeping an eye on this author.
The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very entertaining and adventurous. I love the rebellious character of Baron. Thalia is also a kickass heroine. The world building was fantastic and I am so looking forward to the next in the series. Will definitely be reading this author’s books in the future.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance story. It is fast paced and the chemistry between the two main characters is pretty much felt from the beginning of the story and increases as you progress.
One thing I really enjoy is the realistic stories about Ian and Grace. Both of them come into this situation / relationship with a background and wounds from previous relationships. Like most new relationships it’s hard to find the happy ground so there is a bit of drama and some issues around trust however the passion and chemistry between then is amazing.
Grace needs to leave her current home so when she sees her neighbour Ian looking for a roommate she is interested. The ad says there’s no rent as long as Grace is prepared to cook him a meal every night. How hard can that be right.
Neither of them expected the connection between them to grow as it does but with them being new to each other and roommates on top of that does their budding romance stand any chance at all?
This story is full of twists and turns and things you just don’t see coming which keeps the reader hooked
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was AMAZING!
Now I love historical crime novels but this was a masterpiece.
The author kept me encased word for word, it is addicting the more you read.
This has everything you want …a twist of time travel …love …and murder.
This was truly an adventure and this should be on everyone’s to read list this year.
Perfect for book club or just a good read.
Finding out this is a series has me so excited for more.
If I could have any super power, now I want premonition.
This was so well crafted with the words and vision jumping of the page. This author knows what they are doing and I need more.
Five stars isn’t enough for this.
One of the best books I ever read.
Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Started really slowly but eventually got into it. I liked the twist on fairytales but found the cursing a little uncomfortable to deal with. The book was an okay read and I’m sure others will love it but it just wasn’t for me. Unfortunately I won’t be continuing the series.
Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Quite enjoyable start to the Cliff Walk Cousins series. Even though this features characters from another series it also reads as a standalone. I felt I could follow along quite easily. I liked the world building and how close the characters are. For me personally I wish it would have been a little more in depth.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book came with all the feels and was a nice slow burn relationship which is a nice change from all the insta love stories out there. I really got to grips with the characters and the storyline was excellent. I’m excited to pick up more books by this author.
The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maddie Hawthorne, teenage witch, has a life which is far from dull. At just 15 years old, she fought a battle against the ancients with her older sisters, binding their collective magic to save her town from certain ruin. Now, in year two at Thunderbird Academy, she has to navigate not only her newfound infamy, but doing so without her bestie, and oh yeah, the Ancients are back to threaten their world again. Thus, the trilogy begins, and it is quite the ride. Heart-pounding action and lots of supernatural powers at work in this awesome collection of books. I loved the authour’s voice in these books, they have a way of gripping your attention immediately and not letting go until you’ve completed the set. High drama, epic battles, and even a romance in there, with a devilishly handsome hero. Definitely, happily, recommend.
The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a really fun murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. J.D. Pierson (Jenny Dee, that is, not the famed PI, but his plucky daughter) is a great investigator who proves herself to be smart, daring, capable, and talented. Even though she isn’t meant to be looking into this murder, she’s unable to resist when her father is in hospital and money is tight. That isn’t the only reason however – like her father she has a nose for danger, and her natural curiousity, bravery and stubbornness don’t allow her to back down until every clue has been chased down. This book is written superbly, and is engaging and quick-witted. It is a shorter book, but the plot felt appropriately brisk and well-timed. I found it very well planned-out and a pleasure to read.
The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy Boxset contains all three books in The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind. As soon as I laid eyes on the cover of this box set, I knew I needed to read it. It promised all the ingredients I LOVE to find in a story- and to have all three books in one great package was the icing on the cake for me. So even though I had not read anything by this author before, I happily grabbed a copy and jumped right in- excited by what I might find.
What I found inside the intriguing cover was a superb YA fantasy, full of imaginative and clever paranormal touches, magic, witches, shifters, supernatural elements, adventure, action, angst, danger, friendship, family, romance (enemies to lovers), good vs evil, high stakes, agendas, betrayal, and so much more. I was hooked right from the beginning and ended up reading the entire trilogy in one sitting. #sleepissooverrated
I really enjoyed my introduction to M. Lind’s work and am so excited to see she has plenty of other books for me to explore. I am so happy her book popped up on my recommended book feed, otherwise I may not have discovered her books till much later, or at all.
There is one thing that I will mention though, and that is that this trilogy is set in a ‘world’ that has already had other series/stories released from it. From what I understand is that The Thunderbird Academy follows on from the Hawthorne Chronicles, and as such, there are many references to the events that occurred there, which did make me wish I had read the Hawthorne Chronicles before diving into The Thunderbird Academy, because I really think if I knew what happened previously I would have better understood and appreciated this trilogy. Don’t get me wrong, this trilogy could be read and enjoyed as a standalone- but having so many references to past events made me feel like maybe I was missing important backstory and information.
A fun read nonetheless!
Looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Lind’s work.
Happy reading!
Thank you, Valia Lind!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Santa…Nope the Grimm Wolves by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The books in this series are quick reads but they are packed full of everything you would want in a MC paranormal story. This the third book in the Grimm Wolves MC series and each book gets better than the one before. I suggest reading them in order because they have intercrossing characters in each book.
The story is an emotional one, but it also had me laughing out loud at times with the comradery and banter. There is danger and drama, angst, and suspense, lots of love and some Christmas spirit. It is engaging and intriguing and I am invested in these characters as we follow along on their journeys that these brothers and Old Ladies find themselves in.
Beast thought he could do it all himself but what he soon realises is that no matter what his brothers are his family too and they will do anything to help those they love.
We meet with old friends from the first book. The characters are well written and easy to connect with.
There is so much on the horizon for the Grimm Wolves MC and I can’t wait.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gumball, that’s right a gumball is all it took for Lockwood’s world to be set on its side. The book has love, humor, good guys, bad guys, shifters, fae, a sea witch, an oracle and a bit of suspense mixed with a whole lot of humor. As Lockwood and Rex’s relationship is explored there were a few places in the book where it took me a minute to realize there had been a small jump in time, but it in no way distracts from the story. With each facing their own set of challenges will they be able to overcome them and get their happily ever after? This was the first book by Naomi Valkyrie that I have read but I will definitely be reading more and hoping to see more of this world. I absolutely recommend.
Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Some books just need more stars… this was just as engrossing as book one in the series, and I couldn’t put it down. Seth is still the best, and will do what he has to. Would absolutely recommend this to my friends to read.
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A trip to the circus with her family brings Abbey a lot more than she bargained for. When all hell breaks loose, and dead clowns overrun her high school, she must scramble to put a stop to it before it’s too late. I liked the pace of the story and the plot brought some interesting twists and turns. I liked that Abbey had a bit of a gift in regards to the supernatural and an quiet intuition that those around her lacked. I had trouble really resonating with her though, and feeling fully pulled-in by the story. It seemed like it was happening at a remove. At any rate, a decent read.
Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderfully sweet read! I loved Jake and Juliet’s story; it had everything a reader could hope for: a small town, likable characters, a faith-rooted, clean romance, and a serendipitous meeting of lovers.
The author developed both characters and story well, building tension throughout the story by slowly adding depth. It was a fast and easy read that kept my attention and had me rooting for Jake and Juliet throughout. I look forward to additional stories in this series and by this author in general.
Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Faith is a woman of intelligence, integrity, and privilege. Her best friend since the age of 12 Will, has been her constant companion and confidante since the day she met. So when Will takes a stand against her new (and first) love Nico, she shocked and dismayed. How can the two disagree so fundamentally, when they have always agreed on most everything? How can Faith choose between their loyalties, and make the decision that is best for her life and her family?
I liked Faith’s character, that she was thoughtful and giving, despite being raised with every comfort. Will I also appreciated, though he was a bit unknowable in a lot of ways. I found the story a bit detached and surface-level, which made it hard to get invested in for me. Not a bad read, once I committed to finishing.
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book drew me in from the beginning. This story had some pretty big twists and turns that had me turning the pages needing to know what was going to happen next. Cate and Patti have been best friends since they were young. They have been through everything together and then one night changes everything. They have carried a big secret for so long and now everyone might find out. The author did an exceptional job creating an emotional, suspenseful read that I couldn’t put down. This is one of my favorite books by this author so far. I highly recommend this book.
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Allan Evans delivers in Class Clown! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and he did not disappoint! This book was difficult to put down, full of twists and turns. Class Clown is full of ghosts, hauntings, mystery, intrigue, and typical teenage sarcasm! The characters are well developed and extremely realistic and relatable. I found myself wanting to be friends with Abbey and her team of soccer athletes. They all seem to take the paranormal events that follow Abbey with relative ease, which I thought was maybe a little atypical. The way Allan Evans builds the world in this book so that the reader is transported to the scene, creating a sense of relative calm or foreboding based on the happenings of the story, was absolutely amazing. Beginning Class Clown, I was unaware of other stories featuring Abbey, but found that I didn’t really need to read the other books to fully understand this one. But now, I cannot wait to read more about Abbey and read more books from Allan Evans.
Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, so I’ve read all of the books in this series thus far, but this has got to be my favorite. This author is officially one of my favorites, right up with SJM. This book is a fantastic story of a Midwestern girl who goes to find her dreams in Manhattan. Rhyann and Mason make the PERFECT couple, and I NEED more of their love. I *cannot* express just how much I loved this book. This entire series will be joining my shelves this year, and I know I’ll be re-reading the series again. This book was a very quick read, just like the other two and I am BEYOND excited to read the next book.
Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Juliet’s story was fun to read. I was excited to hear more about her journey leading her group through the mountain trails. I personally think that this alone would be enough of a tear jerker for me to try and accomplish! You meet Juliet and her friends, and a tragic incident leads to a need for help! This romantic story feels realistic to me. I found myself looking at my own relationship, and the differences in my walk with Christ vs my husband’s, and I see that there is hope for love. The author does a fantastic job of teaching the principles of Christian living within the pages of this book. I found myself smiling big at the close of the story. I believe you will love it just as much as I did!
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Abbey is a magnet. A magnet for ghosts. She’ll be the first to tell you it’s not glamorous or fun. I mean, how much fun is it when you lose friends and have your life in danger? After a night at the circus with her family, someone, or something, has followed her home; that something is bad. Now with dead clowns at her new high school and friends going missing Abbey is the only one who might be able to help, but she could also be the reason for the craziness…
This was such a fun read! It’s well written and leaves you wanting more from Abbey. She’s strong and independent and you can feel how much she cares about those around her. I haven’t read the first book (Abnormally Abbey) but definitely plan to go back and read it now. It’s not needed in order to read Class Clown though, so no worries on feeling lost!
If you are one to listen to music when you read, an 80’s playlist is what you’ll want for this story. Abbey’s internal song list is bound to get something stuck in your head.
Class Clown is a fun, spooky read and is an exciting twist on Young Adult. Now that I’ve read it, I want to find more Young Adult books in a similar fashion because while we didn’t have ghosts, being a teen was definitely hard work. Throw in some spookiness, and high school gets a lot tougher.
The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of the Dead (Dead World Book 1) by Megan Mackie. This is not my typical genre but I really enjoyed it. It’s a dystopian, sci fi read full of zombies. Its the story of Baron who lives in a world where a virus has made everyone begin to turn into Zombies. Every corner Baron turns he finds more and more dead people and more and more zombies. Baron wants to try to find a cure for this virus but his main concern is staying away from getting the virus. While trying to law low Baron is captured by a woman who is an immortal. Being at the mercy of this woman Baron is her protector and companion and the more time he spends with her the more he realizes she may be the key to ending this virus. The hard part is going to be surviving to be able to find the cure. This is a fast paced, can’t put down read that is very entertaining. Do yourself a favor and read it today!
Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely one of the best books I have read in a while. It is so hard to find a really great clean historical romance. Faith is a strong and caring woman but very sheltered in her world. There are multiple gentlemen vying for her attention. Who will win her heart? Will Faith be able to overcome the obstacles in her path? She will have to stand on her faith to find all that is in store for her.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
5 out of 5 Stars
Emotionally wrung out! Thoroughly delighted and enchanted. Angry and yelling at characters. Nearly in tears (and I am not a crier). There is not a single emotion that this author didn’t put you through. It was a fantastic, amazing, exhilarating, exhausting ride!! I would do it again.
When Grace can’t take her roommate’s random behavior and random friends showing up at the apartment anymore, she takes an offer from the guy across the hall. If she is willing to cook dinner for him every night, she can live rent free. It is a strange deal. One that has Grace curious. When Grace decides to think about it, Ian, that is the neighbor, walks her to her apartment to get her phone. When Grace and Ian get to the apartment, there are random people coupled in the living room and Grace’s bedroom. Ian decides that she is coming to stay at his place right then.
Grace can’t deny she has chemistry with Ian. Grace feels him fighting their connection at every turn. One night, they kiss and things start popping off from there. The only problem is Ian doesn’t tell Grace the truth.
Let me tell you, these two get into some messes. When the secret and the truth come out, gasp!! Shock! I am not kidding. The author had me hooked into this story, these characters, this drama from nearly the first word. All I can say is BRAVO!!! Let me know when your next one is coming out. I want to be 1st in line. This book was so good, and left me so emotionally attached to the characters that I could not read another book for the rest of the night.
Seven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset by P.L. Tavormina
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I picked up this book, I was not sure what to expect initially….and I enjoyed this book very much. I love a good book with a futuristic YA sci fi feel. I was really pulled toward Celeste, even though she is young, she is strong and she wants more in life then helping to run an inn that her family has. Celeste jumps at a great opportunity to leave her home, but unsure it is all what is cracked up to be. Her family has powers and those powers can lead to danger. I would like to see more of what is to come in this series for sure.
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lockwood King is just a young man trying to find his place in the world, he has a steady job as a barista with his best friend, but he still lives with his parents. One day he has been working late and is tired, so when he stops for gas, he decides to grab something to keep him awake, but this plan backfires in the most spectacular way.
All he knows is that the next day strange things start to happen to him with no reasonable explanation, things which appear magical even, but as he is trying to figure out what is going on, something equally magical happens, he meets someone who turns his head. As Lockwood is trying to get a handle on things, he finds out more and more about a magical world he never even knew existed, but it is a world which he might have to get used to.
As things progress there are shifters, there is humour, there are mishaps and mayhem, even a cigar smoking octopus called Clyde who turns up out of the blue. Will Lockwood be able to Kew his sanity as his world changed around him, or will outside forces meddle in his life to such an extent that it isn’t even his anymore? This is a hilariously magical paranormal romance, which will keep you laughing throughout as the chaos reigns and mayhem ensues with curses, maybe fated mates and inconvenient tentacles?
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read this book…but I found myself drawn into the story and didn’t put it down until the last page!
Abbey is trying to navigate high school and making friends…while dealing with the ghosts that she can see and communicate with. She has had such a hard time making real friends in the past, so she is excited when she joins the soccer team. However, after a trip to the circus with her family, she has brought back some unwanted souvenirs…ghost clowns! On top of that, her soccer friends are disappearing. Are those events connected? And can Abbey figure out what the ghosts want and find her friends?
I loved Abbey! She is quirky and unique…and her love for the 80’s sealed the deal for me! She deals with a lot for only being 14, which I admired in her. The story dealt with real life issues, such as friendship, high school, and the fear of clowns, but in an entertaining way that I enjoyed reading!
Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a fan of the ‘Logan McKenna Mystery series’ I was intrigued to read these two companion stories, which are a prequel to the series. In the first novella the storyline is set in the Appalachian hills, over fifty years ago, and we are introduced to Logan’s great grandmother, Norah and Giovanni. Giovanni is a young Italian immigrant who is skilled at making hand crafted violins and he creates his masterpiece, Bella. Bella becomes a treasured family heirloom that is handed down through the generations and will eventually be given to Logan.
In the second short story, we are introduced to Logan but in a period of her life before that in the series. Logan’s storyline begins in the final days before the fatal accident where she will loose both her husband, and her comfortable illusions. This is the start of her reinventing herself and the beginning of her adventures. I was gripped by both wonderfully written stories and the descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life, especially that of the Appalachian hills.
Norah and Giovanni were likeable and relatable characters, and theirs was a real love story which I felt completely immersed in. The second storyline gives a much more in-depth backstory to Logan, which made me understand her character better, and therefore I feel more engaged with her. I look forward to reading more of Logan’s adventures as she investigates mysteries in future books in the series.
