Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read the prequel and absolutely loved it. This book couldn’t come fast enough. I could not put this book down. I read it very fast, in about 1 day because it was too good. This book lacks nothing. This is a must read! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book blew me away! The second of the series, this one is incredible. Female MC club and these women are insanely strong characters. This book took me on a ride through all the emotions in my wheelhouse. I felt wrung out after reading this, and was struck by how profoundly this author was able to reach me as a reader and allow me to feel, and almost experience this storyline alongside the characters. Panther and shadow were amazing and their dynamic was powerful. Great book!!!
saving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can never rave enough on how much I love Lois’s books!!!!!
This one is the cutest play off of the original children’s story of Hansel and Gretal that I have ever read.
I read this one out loud to my 18 month old daughter. And she just sat and listened. She also really liked the pictures. Kept pointing out the animals.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable short novella in the Studs of Clear Creek County series. These can be read as standalones; you don’t miss anything if you choose not to read the first book.
I have previously said that I enjoy the fact that the author does not shy away from the racial divide and difficulties faced at the time this series is set. I find this quite refreshing as I have often come across the typical idea portrayed that the wild west was a brilliant time.
I love the writing style the author uses, its flows so well and makes the reading experience more enjoyable. The descriptions bring the scenery and mannerisms of the characters to life and I feel as though I am transported there standing alongside the characters as they navigate their surroundings and relationships.
I was a little concerned prior to reading that this book would be similar to the last and I would have difficulty separating the two, but I’m so pleased to have been wrong! The storyline does have some similarities, but the characters and their story are vastly different, and this makes the characters more alive in my eyes.
Their personalities and ‘quirks’ really shine through in the way the author is able to portray the emotions and circumstances of the characters through description alone without the need to state it outright. Greta Fay is a strong female character, and I absolutely loved her attitude and passion for the fight for the rights of the black community.
I do wish the book was longer but I’m happy to have been able experience Christopher and Greta Fay’s story unfold.
Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good grump & sunshine trope… and this book did not disappoint! This was my first time reading Belinda Williams, but I loved her style of writing and found this book so easy to breeze through. I will definitely be looking at the rest of this series! This book, however, was perfect as a standalone too. I definitely recommend this if you like HEA and easy-to-read books.
The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a short but enjoyable historical romance with cowboys, what more do you need?!
I found myself drawn in within the first couple of paragraphs. The scene is set, characters briefly introduced and the danger that Lovely Jo is in is make clear very quickly – I was gripped. I found myself needing answers to my questions about what happened. I could not put the book down until I knew everything.
The desperation Lovely Jo feels about her situation is portrayed well through her body language and actions which I liked, it built the tension for me.
It is a talent when authors are able to show you someone’s emotions or circumstances without outright saying it.
Dusty’s own situation is also made clear I don’t know what it was about him but I loved him instantly. As the story progressed, the love I had for him only grew. I found his reactions and thoughts relating to his predicament and the options available to him believable and I pondered whether I would make similar decisions in his place.
Their chemistry was clear and the way they both grew/developed as people made sense in relation to their growing relationship and their individual circumstances.
I love the writing style used in this novella, it was easy to follow and flowed so nicely. The vivid imagery created by the author was able to convey so much and I was transported from cold wet England in 2023 back in time to California in 1895. The racial divide was not overlooked to make it an ‘easy’ love story, so it was refreshing to see that the historical time portrayed was shown not just as the amazing, great wild west often seen in films.
I wish the book wasn’t as short, so I could enjoy their story a little longer, but honestly it is written so well that the book isn’t lacking even though the story is a short one.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a western feel to it. The storyline has interracial, age gap and forbidden love themes, and cowboys! Rancher Christopher falls in love with the much younger Greta Fay, but unfortunately for him he’s already marrying socialite Minnie Locke. To complicate things further, Greta Fay is a black activist fighting for the rights of Clear Creek County’s black citizens. Christopher has to choose between his growing love for Greta Fay, and the fact that if he marries Minnie he will become a very rich man. Meanwhile, Greta Fay’s dreams of fighting for Negro equality have put her at odds against her parents and the law. However, it’s her growing attraction to Christopher that threaten everything she stands for. I felt the chemistry between Christopher and Greta Fay, and liked how their relationship developed. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
5 Stars
The Thieves (The Millersville series) Audiobook by Susan Specht Oram
The Thieves is the second book in The Millersville Series. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely a fan. I read the first book in this series and I definitely recommend reading or listening as its just as great as this one. I listened to this in one sitting,the narrator’s voice lured me in and kept me glued to the story till the end. This is a fast paced thriller about recovery mission and determination to save her father. I highly recommend listening to this book to find out what happens next.
How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I do not normally read non-fiction books but this one piqued my interest. I have always wanted to write but never knew where to start. I have always enjoyed historical romance books and wondered what the process was like to write one. This author did a wonderful job at laying everything out for you and what the process looks like from start to finish. There are even examples of making your writing better. They are also very encouraging throughout the book which I really liked. This book is a great resource to utilize regardless of where you are in the writing process!
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is very good for the little ones. The characters have a lot of curiosity and intend to find out the answer. The characters are very relatable to young children. I love how certain words are more artistic than the regular words. It makes the words more noticeable and very appealing to the eye.
Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars!!
CeCe LaRue is familiar with the heat of a kitchen but she’s not about to be burned by another man in her life. She’s quite content working at Max’s Diner in Buckeye Falls. When an opportunity comes up to enter a cooking contest, CeCe is hesitant but interested.
Evan Lawson is that friend that everyone wants to have. Always a smile or hug to share, Evan is a remarkable guy. Is he perfect? No…show me a perfect guy please and I might change my mind. Evan is finding an attraction to CeCe though as they work side by side at the diner everyday. He’s actually been crushing on CeCe for quite some time and when the cooking competition comes up he’s hoping it’s a chance to get even closer to her.
A past flame in CeCe’s life could scorch any hopes of this relationship ever going anywhere if things don’t change fast!
I loved this second book in this series. I did read the first one as well and equally loved it. This can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy the style of writing in this series and the stories come to life before you as you read. I found myself tearing up and angry and then the next minute I was fist pumping and hollering for a victory! I’m excited about the next book but was a bit surprised as to the characters in the next one!! I was just sure it would be someone else featured but hopefully their story is coming soon too!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A retelling of Cinderella that is intriguing with a surprise ending! The author, K.L. Small, does a fantastic job of deviating from the original fairy tale to captivate your interest, while still keeping enough elements of the original fairy tale (magic, bravery, saving people you love) to keep it fresh.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, is the characterization of the main characters. I grew to really like the growth the Cinderella character, Princess Zarina, exhibits as the story unfolds. She is not a stagnant character by any means!
Another aspect of the book I thoroughly enjoyed are the believable twists and turns to get the story from point A to point B. Nothing seemed “forced,” and a truly magical read.
saving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a lovely take on the traditional tale Hansel and Gretel. Again as with other books by this author the story was well written, a nice pace and beautifully illustrated. This would be a great addition to read alongside the original tale and see how the two stories differ and how the characters were different in each one.
This was a fun and engaging read and a great story for young children to enjoy!
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoy this authors writing. She creates such likeable characters and I find the time period in which she sets her stories as well as the places really interesting to read about. I loved the characters Christopher and Greta, I was really rooting for them the whole way through, they had such passion and chemistry between them. The books in this series are only short novellas but they certainly don’t lack anything. With easy to follow storylines and fast flowing writing they really are a pleasure to read although I admit I would happily read a full length novel about The Studs of Clear Creek County!!
Another fabulous read from this author and I am definitely looking forward to more from her in the future!
Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve read quite a few book from this author and I am really enjoying this new Doctors of Eastport series. The stories might be on the shorter side but they certainly are full to the brim of great characters, dreamy doctors and definitely some steamy moments along the way! I loved the characters Frank and Barbara, they might not have had the best first meeting but they had a good connection and definitely some humours moments between them.
I would definitely recommend this book, series and author! I can’t wait for more to come!
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. A nobleman’s daughter has went missing and Elinor and Tristan team up to find out why. As she investigates, she finds that an old rival may have something to do with it – so she decides to go it alone. Elinor stumbles upon something amiss with the Society. Tristan finds out Elinor has now gone missing, and he needs to find out who and why. If you love ghost mysteries, this series is for you!
A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A stranger in disguise…. the title is what truly piqued my interest. I didn’t know when I picked up the book that it was part of a series…as a matter of fact it is book #4 in the series! I read this book as a stand-alone book, and it didn’t disappoint at all, I actually plan to go back and read the other 3 book at some point in time. This story is centered around multiple murdered bodies as an actors’ troupe is set to perform the cursed play, Macbeth. I mean come on…Macbeth…nothing good ever comes from the play Macbeth!
This book was a fast read, yet very interesting. I have never read anything from P.J. Mann, and I will say that I wasn’t disappointed! The author had a great way of leaving enough hints to keep you hooked, but not too much to where you figured out the mystery! There were plenty of twists and turns in this book and it kept you wanting more!
The banter was another cool thing, P.J. kept the book original by introducing how you think the banter would be…especially between Inspector Scala and his colleagues, to me this was highly realistic! There were times when I felt like I was also a detective working right beside them trying to solve the mysteries! I don’t think that anyone will be disappointed reading this book!
Mary Espinoza, March 2023
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an awesome book with a crazy good character dynamic between the MCs. With conflict and chaos, danger and excitement, this book had it all! The supernatural aspect really brought it home for me and i found this to be a really enjoyable exciting read. It was a nail biter for sure and I was in a race with no one to the end.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one might be my favorite of the Clear Creek County series. I love Greta Fay’s character, she is a strong black woman, fighting for not only her family and their future but the future of other black men, women and children. I love her fight, and that Christopher and Minnie are some of the people who support her. My heart clenched when Greta Fay is at the engagement party and everything started to fall apart right in front of her eyes, but Christopher redeemed himself in my eyes. I can’t be anything but happy that her best friend Minnie stuck by her, and stood up for her no matter what. Beautiful historical romance.
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Still on the hunt for her father’s killer, Elinor Chalamet and the Duke de Archambeau, Tristan Fontaine work together to solve the mystery of who is behind the kidnapping of a noblewoman’s daughter.
I love this series. It gives me a Sherlock Holmes type mystery and vibe with a supernatural twist. The slow burn romance is also an aspect that is well written.
I love Elinor’s character. Even when someone tells her not to do something, she still does it. It is really interesting seeing her communicate with ghosts such as when she takes in the grief of the ghost she is talking to. Thinking it over, as a medium it does make sense that she would.
I read that there will be more novels released this year. I can’t wait to read them.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another romance from The Studs Of Clear Creek County series. This a short story but it is packed with some much action, angst, Romance that you can’t stop turning the pages. This is a BWWM interacial romance which is set in a time when interacial relationships weren’t accepted or approved of.
Christopher is a rancher. His father wants him to follow the plan and marry the richest woman in town to secure their future. However Christopher doesn’t want to lie and con his way into a marriage like that he wants to marry for love and when he meets Greta Fey he realises he has found the one.
Greta Fey is a determined young woman who won’t stop until she gets a equal lifestyle for her people. This had lead her to gather some enemy’s among the white people. She doesn’t have plans for falling in love. Especially not with a white man.
However you can’t help who you fall for and even though Christopher and Greta Fey have to face some battles to be together they are determined that they will win and their love will survive.
This is a short read which I read in one sitting. The characters are really well written and the story was captivating
Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eeek! I absolutely loved this story. When I think of a romance novel this is exactly the type of story I’m looking for. The “bad” guy that has more to him, the small town, Christmas themes, drama, and some steam. This book ticked all the boxes and then some. Throw in a loyal loving family, guy gets the girl, and I’m sold. Easily a new favorite and I cannot wait to part two.
Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay so part two was even better than part one! It has all the same themes and points that I like but with the black sheep of the family. The middle child with anger issues. Ugh I loved Walt finding love and cannot wait for the other siblings to find theirs. I hope we get to see Teds and Robyn’s wedding soon. Maybe James and Sam will figure out their issues and another proposal can be on the horizon. I’m also hoping Roy may find new love. I know it would be a lot for the kids to take in. Especially Ted. But I think Roy deserves more love and happiness too. Hint hint….😅.I cannot wait for book 3!
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruthless Hawke: A Second Chance Secret Baby Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)
Oh my goodness, where do I start? If you read the Prequel (which I highly recommend) then you know the history. If you thought that was good wait until you read this book.
Some books take me some time to get really into, but not this time and not with any books by Ms. McNamee. She grabs me from word one and refuses to let go and I find myself thinking about her books days later.
I don’t even know where to start but there are some moments you will have to stop to pick your jaw up off the ground.
I’m so glad I have the Hawke Family back in my life and I’m counting the the time until the next book is released. You absolutely must read this book.
Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shameless Love: A Small Town Opposites Attract Romance (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2)
You can’t get much more opposite than Walt and Elyse, he is a true Southern gentleman and she is a city girl through and though but they work so well together.
All of the Bennett boys are great men, but Walt seems to be something incredibly special. He loves his family with his whole heart and then some. But when he and Elyse meet lightening strikes.
Elyse is only doing her job as a producer and she gets so much more than ever could have expected.
I really enjoyed every moment while reading this story. Ms. Fletcher is one of the authors I will read without looking at the synopsis and have not been let down.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
This book was such a great read! I’m not one to gravitate towards historical fiction, but this is worth it. Not only is it well written, it’s entertaining. I found myself being able to imagine the time period of 1665 in Scotland. The storyline is excellent and draws you in from the first chapter.
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Lilliana Rose, and I was excitedly surprised at how quickly I was entranced. The synopsis grabbed my interest as I am a big Twilight fan so I wanted to give it a chance, only to be blown away. Tamaska Lane is an event planner with big career goals, that depend on tonight and the Blood Opal sale being a success. Kodiak Day is the Beta of the Shadow Pack; the wolf shifters have gotten into security to earn funds to live and provide for their pack.
The moment Tamaska and Kodiak first see each other it is like an invisible tether is linking them together. Each of them fighting the magnetic pull as they try to do their jobs. In an instant everything changes and becomes more complicated, Kodiak gets a whiff of a vampire blood scent. Suddenly on high alert and looking for the source he and his team are more interested in the Blood Opal. For years the shifters and the vampires have had a treaty, they each stick to their own boundaries and don’t cross so why are they suddenly on shifter lands now. After speaking with a stranger Tamaska finds herself off kilter, and her mind a haze with details slipping her mind about him. The lights flicker once, twice and they are plunged into darkness. When the lights finally come back on the Blood Opal is gone and chaos begins, Tamaska determined to blame the “hot guard” that was more concerned with her safety than staying next to the opal. Being a last minute hire for the job Kodiak is confused about the importance of the Blood Opal, and why the vampires would want it. He is also angry at the fact his mind is drawn to a human, when he is known for his hatred of humans. Both Tamaska and Kodiak have one goal, to find out who stole the opal and return it. Kodiak wants to find it to prove his innocence and prove his competence to Tamaska. Tamaska wants to find the opal to secure her job and make things up to her boss Carlene for losing it in the first place though it couldn’t have been expected.
Why do the vampires want the Blood Opal? Will Tamaska and Kodiak succeed in finding the precious gem? How will their magnetic pull affect the outcome? The world, the characters, the plot everything about this book pulls you in leading you deeper into the world of the author determined to find answers. I couldn’t put it down and sometimes found myself trying to guess what or who the thief was. I can’t wait to learn more about Tamaska and Kodiak in the next book in the series Marked Wolf, May 11th, 2023.
The Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The cast of characters will definitely catch your interest. Since they’re basically competing against each other. This book is really fast paced. So hope you have time to read beginning to end with no break in sight. I’m really enjoying this series can’t wait to read the next one. As book one and two didn’t disappoint.
Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kai and Byron seem like a very unlikely pair. Kai is an angel sent to Earth to take out demons that are destroying the world. Byron is a demonic material arts expert, and as luck would have it, he’s also one of Kai’s targets. Even though they are separate sides of the battlefield, they are still drawn to each other.
Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I knew that after reading the first book of this series I wouldn’t be disappointed. I absolutely love the Bennett Family. Walt is the middle brother of the siblings in the Bennett family and came up on a vineyard and Christmas tree farm. Elyse is a television producer who is originally from New York. These two couldn’t have seemed more opposite but the attraction is fierce from the beginning. This book is a roller coaster of emotions and action just like the first one. While this book can be read as a stand-alone I can’t wait to read the next one and if you’re going to read this one read the one before it first.
