(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book in a new series and also the first book I have read by Katy Hunter. It is a sweet romance story that flows nicely but it is just that a sweet romance, theres no steaminess whoch i love in a book. Its about a couple who take a break to work on themselves to then see if they should end up back together happily ever after or go their separate ways.
Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Doctor in the Outback was a great story! I loved the strength of Franceen, she has such an amazing soul. The dance between her and Scott throughout the book is so cute and I just love the relationship they have. This is the first book I have read by this author but I can’t wait to read more. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cute romance with a touch of hardships thrown in.
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a great read! I’ve never read anything from this author, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but had high hopes because of the synopsis. I was not disappointed! Lock is hilarious, from his perspective and mental voice to how he deals with his new reality, I loved him. The magic in the book is so wonderfully introduced and fantastical that, for a little while, I was utterly speechless. This story took me on an unexpected kind of adventure that kept me transfixed and allowed my imagination to run wild. I loved the pace of everything, though the book was short, it felt just right.
Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in a series that I have loved so far. I have been looking forward to the third sibling Scott getting his own story and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
I have now read several books by this author and I really like her writing style. This story flows really well and keeps you engaged throughout. As I’d been eagerly awaiting Scott’s story, I was hooked immediately and totally engrossed in his story.
I loved the dynamic between Scott and Franceen. Both are skipping around the other, convinced that the other doesn’t have the same feelings, both scared to make that first move. Both have issues from the past that make having a relationship a bit harder for them but these two are meant to be together.
I also loved that we got to see a bit of Ryan and Sindy again as they become a proper little family with the addition of their twins.
This has been a fantastic series. Each book can be read as a standalone but if you are going to read the series then they should be read in order, for continuity and to avoid spoilers.
I already have book 4 waiting for me on my kindle and I’m so looking forward to reading the story of the 4th sibling.
Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, what a sweet story! Characters face the realities of living in the Australian Outback- a rural area lacking some modern amenities we all seem to take for granted. Topics unique to rural medical care are explored. The bond between adult fraternal twins is visited. The main characters must both face and overcome past betrayals, and take a chance on each other, as well as love. This is a stand-alone story, but also part of a series centering around four adult siblings.
Love’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful story! Yes, the beginning had a rough start for Liam and Kayden. Fifteen years later, they are reunited by a radio show. They have a lot of past hurts to work through. Can they do it? Oh, nice try but I’m not to going to give it away. You’ll have to read it and find out. The story is beautifully written. I am partially to the story because I’m from Denver and love trying to figure out all the places mentioned. I do want to know what a Colorado Crushie is. 🙂 The characters are so relatable because they feel real. They feel like they could be your friends. The issues are real. The descriptions are spot on. The plot is so very smooth. There is no chop going from spot to spot. Well written and very well-done. I would give it more than a 5 if I could. Another best of 2022.
Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Thrilling five-star read. This is number three in the Journeys Through series and this is possibly the best of the series, I adored that we had the recurring characters that you could keep you with, and catch up with them like old friends, but then new characters were brought in and they added to the story in a way that made you want to know more about them instantly, It was such great character development and that added to the whole story. The characters development was done well, but honestly it was the world development of the whole thing series that is what has won me over all-round. This whole series has been so much fun to read, and I am so excited to see what they will come up with next.
Review by @saraoxo
Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having not read anything by this author before, I was quite excited to start down this new path of authors to be discovered when I happened upon this series. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint at all. I am very glad that I read the first installment, however, new characters are introduced, and character building continues throughout these novels as the adventures rage on. To me, it appears that there are lots of lessons to be learned through the main character, Van’s explorations and missions, not only for her, but for the reader as well, and it was mind-boggling, to say the least, how this author has us digging deeper into our own self while on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens next.
There was a lot more action in this installment, for sure, yet we still have time for more romantic connections to be made. Not only that, but Brux remains a great character and protector of Van, and along with Paley, would do anything to help Van navigate the ups and downs that come with being a young Anchoress. Getting to explore more of their world was so much fun, and I can say that I won’t stop now, and can openly admit that this is one series that I will be reading over, and over again as new installments are added. Onto the next adventure! Highly recommend!
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I was definitely sucked in.
Grace and Ian meet by chance. She agrees to stay with him when she’s in need of a place and in return she just has to cook for him. She doesn’t know how to take him. He’s got and cold but slowly but surely he starts checking off all of her boxes. The only problem – Ian has a secret and he is determined to keep it that way. What does the future hold for these two? Will Ian’s secret tear everything apart?
I couldn’t put this book down! It’s so well written and I really enjoyed the characters. I couldn’t get enough!
Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really hope I don’t have to wait long for the next installment to come out, I haven’t been able to think about much else other than this series and Van’s world since I started reading about them last month. One of the things I love most about this series is that you never really know what’s coming next. It appears Van and her crew have sorted things out, both with their internal and external/physical struggles, and the next thing you know, there is more! Not overwhelmingly so, but the perfect amount to keep this reader on the edge of her seat. My favourite quote from this novel (without ruining anything) should be taken into consideration by all, in my opinion: “Anger incites ego. Without control of your anger, any move is premature and will bring disaster. Anger is not a source of power.”
In this third installment, we spend a lot of time out of the groups comforts of home, or their territory, and Van quickly realizes that she is not always going to be the strongest, smartest, or most clever, and that that is okay. I love how these novels build on the idea that teamwork makes the dream work and that first impressions aren’t always the end all be all. A job well done by this author, once again, and I will be refreshing all my sources in hopes that the next adventure comes sooner rather than later. Highly recommend!
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Fantastic four-star read. I really enjoyed this story and was so close to giving it five-stars but there was just something that stopped me, it was just something I couldn’t put my finger on. This story sucks you in, it makes you wonder and worry, each piece adds another layer to the story, the history these characters have will drag you in and you will be feeling the past, it’s a great journey that will keep you guessing all the way through. Cate Silver and Pattie Thomas will leave you wondering, as they have kept secrets and so many more than you first realise. This one will keep you guessing and have you wondering all the way through.
Review by @saraoxo
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was amazing! It drew me in from the first chapter. I seriously couldn’t put it down. Grace and Ian’s story is a really unexpected one. But the heart knows what it wants and who are you to deny it? Especially if it is something that makes you happy.
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!!
What a cute book! This story is perfect, it makes me feel like I’m living in a small town in a hallmark movie. All the elements in this book were excellent, and nicely thought out, the banter between the radio hosts, Tom and Jenny, and the growing attraction and romance between Lara and Graham. The age difference between Lara and Graham was sweet, I hated the waiting game with them but understood her parents point of view. Their love was a little bit spicy with a whole lot of sweet. I really enjoyed how each chapter opened up with the radio hosts setting the scene and the fact that there are dessert recipes throughout, I can’t wait to try them out. A perfect and quick read, definitely recommend!
The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this suspenseful mystery. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their writing skills as well as their attention to details that made the story entertaining to read. This is a well written story where the twists and turns had me turning pages fast just waiting to see what would happen next. The characters are connectable and bring the story to a new level. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and easy to read. A story where a missing necklace turns into survival of life. There is great growth of the characters as well as the plot throughout the story. This is a really great story that is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed this author’s books from the first one I picked up from her. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help your enjoyment of this series. This is a well written story that pulled me in from the beginning. This author did a great job of details to make the story realistic. This is a paranormal story about Brandon and Macy. Brandon finding a life mate the night before he is shipped out wasn’t part of his plan. Now he is faced with finding Macy and making her his life mate. Macy does her best to be a good person. She has one passionate night with a stranger but the problem is she cant forget him and that changes things for her. Now she feels something is missing and she is about to find out what. I enjoyed their chemistry and growth throughout the story. They are strong, creative, connectable characters that truly made the story for me. I found this story to be fast paced and engaging. This is a hard to put down story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jenny has her hands full trying to keep everything together. She’s running her father’s agency, taking on odd jobs, trying to not starve to death and figure out who murdered her cousin. Oh, and it’s during the Great Depression…. This book shows what an amazing young woman Jenny is. She does many of the things men do, herself. And then her father is requested to the prison by her mother’s brother to help save her cousin. Her father is an alcoholic that can’t function so Jenny stands in. The characters feel relatable even with it being the 1930’s. They are very well-written. I really enjoyed how much the story pulled me in with engagement. You felt a part of it from the beginning and it stayed that way until the very end. She is a character that any woman could be. I look forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend it.
Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a romance to add to my Best of 2022. Clean, inspirational and heartwarming, the story is so challenging yet wonderful between Jake and Juliet. They each have a troubling past. The questiion is can they work through it? The chemistry is there but the troubling past can overrun it. Grizzly Jake was there when Juliet got sick with her friends on the Appalachian Trail. The whole story just pulled me in from the beginning to the end. You find yourself wanting to know what is going to happen next. Each character is so relatable. I could see little bits of myself in each. I do love romance stories that include God. This gives it so much more. I would give it more than a 5 if I could.
Doctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great story. It was my first by this author and I enjoyed it. I loved the hospital and the romantic sense in it. I felt myself playing this in my mind when I wasn’t reading it to see what could happen next. The author wrote this book beautifully.
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Omg what a story. I read this book in one sitting. The author does an amazing job with the fast paced story and I loved the characters. The Cliff hanger at the end has be dying to read the next book to find out what happens. I really can’t wait for it.
In this book we read about Stella. She works at the hospital. She’s a fun loving gal with a live in the moment attitude towards life. This way of living leads her to have a couple of friends with benefits. Glazier, and Marcus were her fun friends nothing more and all parties were happy with that.
Stella was too until she meets Alex and finally sees a chance at a future with someone she cares about. However her past relationships come back to bite her in the butt and a shock discover.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great collection of stories about space travel, monsters you would never imagine existed and an insight into how our future could look. The author does an amazing job of taking the reader on a journey our of reality and into space and the possibilities are endless. Each story is unique and has a unique plot. They were all really enjoyable and I really enjoyed the differences in each one. Some of the stories contained twists I didn’t see coming until it happened which made them even more enjoyable because you don’t know what’s going to happen and they keep you guessing. These stories are a glimpse into the future of human race and how we maybe see and portrayed in the future. Each story contains a variety of things from hard choices, to political reasoning for events which make you start to question life today.
Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a sweet inspirational love story. The author really brings the story to life with her vivid descriptions. She paints a picture that drew me right into the story from the very first page and made me feel like I was a part of it. Faith and Nico come from such different backgrounds but they find themselves drawn together when he takes on a job as her uncles apprentice. It isn’t fair how class differences can come into play so dramatically when it comes to relationships. This book does a good job of showing the obstacles that a couple from different backgrounds can face. Nico finds him self in trouble through no fault of his own and Faith really has to lean on her beliefs and those closest to her to make it through the storm. This is a sweet romance that you won’t want to miss. I am definitely looking forward to reading future books in this series.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading anything by James and see he has a few works I need to go and check out. I am not a huge Sci Fi reader, but I have to say I am becoming more of a fan. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but the cover looked intriguing, and I never look at covers. Let me tell you it was nothing like I thought it would be. James has quite an eclectic taste in genres with his writing. This Military Sci Fi book is unique and original, and the details immerse us as readers in the worlds and characters that he has created. With action and a lot of emotions and so much more this book is something that I can guarantee that even if you don’t like Sci Fi you will enjoy it after reading this.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book seriously blew me away because this is such a good book. Grace finds herself immediately drawn to Ian when she answers his offers to stay at his apartment rent free and she only has to cook dinner for him in return. He burns hot and cold with her constantly and he won’t open up and share what he’s hiding beneath the surface. Grace does her best to hold back emotionally from him because she fears he loves another woman. They just can’t seem to stay away from each other though and the secret that comes out absolutely blew me away! They both have so much hurt in the past and they just might be able to heal each other if they can only get past all the secrets and truly trust and let each other in. This is a book that you definitely are not going to want to miss and I am so looking forward to reading more books from this author.
The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Cozy Murder Mystery set in the time of the Texas depression era. It is a classic whodunnit story that is well-written and there are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. It is interesting to read a story set in this time period. There is a cast of many interesting characters. This is one book of many in this series but the first one I have read and found that I really enjoyed it but didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
Not all is as it seems.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Four doctors, three men, one woman and a surprise.
I love that Carina writes female characters who know who they are and what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. The one thing I don’t like is that the stories are so short. This is book one in this series and is a quick read. It has passion and drama, romance, some humour, and a whole lot of sizzle.
Damn those cliff-hangers.
Stella is juggling more than her busy work as a doctor. Now she must decide if she wants more and what that will be.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What do you do when you need a new place to live? Take up the offer your neighbor has going of course. Grace finds herself unable to put up with her roommates lifestyle any longer. She remembered seeing a neighbors note about wanting a roommate and decides to look into things. All Ian wants is someone to cook a meal for him every evening in return for living in his second bedroom rent free. Too good to be true right? What will happen when things turn into more than either of them bargained for?
Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This inspirational romance is so sweet! Faiths kind heart does not go unnoticed. Even though she was born into a comfortable life she has such a kind giving heart. When Thomas comes into her life a friendship blooms over tragedy. Fast forward and in comes Nico with his handsome looks and sweet nature. As Faith learns that tragedy can strike in any family she begins to understand and grow more. Can Faith overcome all of these challenges and continue to keep her kind heart?
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book has a bit of everything – drama, mystery, suspense, romance, social justice, ghosts, visions, and breathtaking imagery.
The story begins by the introduction of the characters, Phoebe and Edward. This young couple is constantly surrounded by dramatic events, most brought on by themselves. While the opening includes only a brief introduction of these two, you only receive tidbits of information throughout the book regarding the pair, which adequately builds up the suspense as you try to piece together their lives.
The author also introduces you to the main characters, Tess and Trey. Their instant connection is electric and reflects a heavy hand of fate. I found myself rooting for them to push past the “getting to know you faze” and decide if they felt any sparks.
Both couples are captivated with each other but drama stirs the pot yet helps expand the suspense and drama throughout the story.
You can immediately conclude that the author has an unbelievable love for vintage fashion. When the lead character, Tess begins the story with the opening of her new vintage boutique, Divine Vintage, you are immediately transferred into masterful descriptions of what can only be described as classic exquisite pieces that told a story of the time in which they were created. She describes the many facets of the timeless pieces decorated with beads, sequins, and delicate lace. She also paints a magnificent picture of show-stopping sweaters, frame fitting dresses, flowing fabrics, dazzling statement pieces, sparkling jewelry, chiffon layers, and gorgeous gowns from all eras.
I think the reader will enjoy this book and perhaps peak their interest in vintage fashion. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a good paced story between Grace and Ian. It starts out Ian follows Grace to work everyday and then ends up offering her a better job and place. Grace reluctantly agrees and then thy become friends that grow into something more. The writing was done beautifully and it felt like I was in the story with them watching as a spectator. This author does a wonderful job portraying what secrets can do to a person when they aren’t explained and revealed. I loved reading this book and look forward to reading her other books!
Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Plague of Death, we get to see a matured Van, or at least that’s what she thinks. Poor Van has gone so far in the other direction. She’s taken to her new role a little too well and is trying to harden herself. It broke my heart to see Van repress her emotions. She’s suffered so much and you just want to give the poor girl the biggest hug. This makes the moments where she makes bad choices so much more understandable. She’s still just a teenager. I do question some of the adult decisions sometimes. Again, great adventure. It was good to see another side to some of the other characters. My heart aches for these kids that are doing the best they can to save their people. They all give up so much. Although I think it’s more beneficial to read the first book, the author does a great job of recapping it so that you know what’s going on if you opt not to. The only thing I could have done without was another love interest but I supposed that’s par for the course.
