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The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 1) by India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

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The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance)The Debt Collector by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE DEBT COLLECTOR is not about a call center collecting overdue bills. Oh my gosh this one handed read was hot hot hot.

It has a bit of action and suspense and a whole lot of open door MMF, MFM, MM scenes. There is also a moral to the story…”One should always have adhesive yellow duckies in the shower to prevent slippage.”

There is also a story line that has substance and weight along with all the schmexy times. It is a very quick read and I look forward more of these characters in future books in this series.

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My One Love (The Brothers of Camelot Book 2) by Necie Navone – Review by Maura Harper

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My One Love (The Brothers of Camelot Book 2)My One Love by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is referred to as a stand alone and I have previously read the prequels to the series. When I first started reading the story, I was a little lost and wondered if I should go back and re-read. I carried on and was able to “catch up” and I think it would be a better reading experience if you read this series in order.

The author does a great job of world building and character development. There are a lot of secondary characters (it IS Camelot after all) and while each plays a role, they do not overwhelm the story of the MCs. Lexy/Aless is a “Warrior Princess preparing for battle” while Grayson is a man on a mission to do what needs to be done to make is life complete. This is a nice balance of action/suspense and romance.

This was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to more in the series (and will go back and re~read the first two stories.

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The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper

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The Trouble with Paradise (Madeline Dawkins #4)The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series and I think it should be read in order. There are continuing threads which tie them all together and will make it easier to read.

The author continues to build strong characters and puts them in unexpected positions. The plot line is suspenseful and I’m sure this series could continue for many more books – similar to the cozy mystery series we are familiar with but not so “cozy”.

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The Fire God Tour (Moore Family Saga Book 3) by Michele Sims – Review by Maura Harper

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The Fire God Tour (Moore Family Saga, #3)The Fire God Tour by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE FIRE GOD TOUR is the third book in the “Moore Family Saga” series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I think it would be a richer reading experience to read them in order. There is an overall arch to this series that carries important details.

This was my favorite book of the series. Watching how Miles/Ari is able to grow and mature (or catch up with his maturity) and see how he handles it all was a pleasure to read.

This is a series that is written pretty seamlessly. Introduction of new characters are timely and held my attention, the way the story ebbs and flows carries its own melody and overall is just an enjoyable series to read.
****

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Beau & Bett by Kathryn Berla – Review by Maura Harper

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Beau and BettBeau and Bett by Kathryn Berla
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BEAU AND BETT is a quick, multi-layered read that is labelled as a “retelling” of Beauty and Beast. While it does have some resemblance to the original fairytale, it absolutely stands in it’s own and I think it can be read by any ages reader.

I recommend this story.
****

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The Girls across the Bay (The Knox and Sheppard Mysteries, Book 1) by Emerald O’Brien – Review by Maura Harper

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The Girls Across The Bay (Knox and Sheppard, #1)The Girls Across The Bay by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it it is also the first book of a new series.

The two female leads are well rounded with strengths and weaknesses and are sisters by choice, not by blood. The writing is descriptive and I was able to visualize the story.

This was an interesting suspense told in a voice I have not read before. It is 1st person and 3rd person within the same paragraph so we have total insight into what everyone is thinking.

The ending sets up the next story in the series nicely and I look forward to reading more.

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Game Changer by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Maura Harper

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Game ChangerGame Changer by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy mother of David Beckham’s backside this book was great.

GAME CHANGER, has a sense of humor about itself that I found myself highlighting line after line. There are so many elements that are my favorites… Humor, great friends, loving family, a hot guy and a visit to MOMA.

AT 412 pages, this took a little longer than my normal Friday night read yet it was so good that it provided a wonderful escape after a pretty horrible week.

I have always enjoyed this author’s work and I do believe that this is my favorite. Told in single pov the story moves fast, secondary characters add a great element and the cadence is at a great pace.

I absolutely recommend this book

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Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever – Review by Maura Harper

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Scarlet Fever: A Crime ThrillerScarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SCARLET FEVER is one of those books that pulled me in from the very beginning. Each chapter is quick and to the point. I found myself visualizing the words as I was reading this story.

In addition to visualizing, I could “hear” their voices as I read. The female antagonist sounds like Kathleen Turner and the male protagonist sounds like Bob Hoskins.

The story is full of suspense and had a wonderful ebb and flow to it

I absolutely recommend this story

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Shattered Melody: A romantic suspense novella by Amy McKinley – Review by Maura Harper

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Shattered MelodyShattered Melody by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know how sometimes you just want a quick and addicting read without all the extra details that make books longer? SHATTERED MELODY is the perfect book that does just that. It has 1 fade to black sex scene so I could recommend this to my elderly friend’s book club. It has breathtaking suspense, back ground characters who don’t take up any extra time and a clever cat who knows to stay away from the cold.

I read this story in about 30 minutes as it’s only about 60 pages long. Like I said it is quick and right to the point.

I’ve always enjoyed this author’s writing and will continue to read and recommend the stories they write.

Definitely read this quick story, you won’t be disappointed.

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The Fisher Men X My Heart (The Fisher Men Book 1) by Rebel Nicks O’Dey – Review by Maura Harper

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The Fisher Men X My HeartThe Fisher Men X My Heart by Rebel Nicks O’Dey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the way this story was written. It is told in past tense with diary entries and through an “interview” with a friend and present tense through dialogue and the occasional blog entry .

One of the unique things about this book is that it has a trigger warning and what might trigger someone is set apart in such a way that you can skip those paragraphs. A great way to move the story along and keep the reader engaged.

The world bonding phenomenon. We are introduced to each brother in such a way that I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

My favorite line from this book is “I am the casual observer today. Its sounds better than stalker.

I very much enjoyed the book and recommend it.

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The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano – Review by Maura Harper

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The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale SeriesThe Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A refreshing change of pace, THE GAUNTLET is a tale of magical creatures who cohabitate in a way that helps keep the mystical secrets from the human world. Like the blurb says, it’s literally hidden in plain site.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I enjoyed the way ze wrote. Great world building, wonderful relationship development, humor, suspense and all around great writing.

I was able to read this in one sitting and absolutely recommend it.
****
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Moves by John Michaels – Review by Maura Harper

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MovesMoves by John Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MOVES is the first book I’ve read by John Michaels. I picked it up and put it down a few times because of the space I was in; I didn’t feel like reading something I had to put too much thought into.

This is one of those stories that you think you know, you think you know how it is all going to flesh out and while reading, things change – just a tiny bit, but it changes the way you look at things.

This story is told in present and past pov so the story unfolds in a very non-linear way that makes total sense. The writing flows naturally and the character development is on point. This was a real page turner and I will go back and read it again to find the nuances and see if it changes my view point.

I absolutely recommend this story.
*****
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Act II. Playing with Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 2) by Michele Sims – Review by Maura Harper

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Act II. Playing with Fire (Moore Family Saga, #2)Act II. Playing with Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the “Moore Family Saga” and I think it’s really important to read the first book to have an understanding of the relationship between the M/m and their families.

ACT II PLAYING WITH FIRE is a very detailed story that contains family “drama”, special abilities, music, sexy times, manipulation and a “free range child”. At times the story is so detailed, that I found myself skimming to find out what was going to happen. I always appreciate the effort an author puts into their work and the author of this book has plotted out an epic tale.

While this isn’t my favorite series of the year, I will read book 3 to find out how The More Family Saga concludes.

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The Fish that Climbed a Tree by Kevin Ansbro – Review by Maura Harper

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The Fish That Climbed a TreeThe Fish That Climbed a Tree by Kevin Ansbro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I had no idea what to expect. This was definitely out my normal wheelhouse so it took me a little bit to get the pacing of the story down.

It is like poetry. Sometimes it is literal and other times figurative, but it is always visually written. The character development is fantastic and I was invested through most of the story. There were a few times I sat back to think about what I read and then re-read it to understand where it was coming from. Again, definitely not my typical read.

I found this story interesting and thought provoking and I absolutely recommend it.

*****
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A Deal with Death (Crescent City Wolf Pack Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Maura Harper

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A Deal with Death (Crescent City Wolf Pack, #4)A Deal with Death by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is the fourth book in “Crescent City Wolf Pack” series A DEAL WITH DEATH is the first book I’ve read and it absolutely worked as a stand-alone. I.have added the other books in the series to my TBR list.

This story started and ended with the same strength that flows through the entire book. Told in multi POVs in past and present tense, voodoo and magic is essential to the story.

There are a few surprises along the way and it was an interesting read which I read in one sitting
My favorite quote from the story is: “A fate bound mate would never cheat, and he wouldn’t settle for anything less.

I absolutely recommend this book.

*****

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Irresistible Heroes – Heroes of Your Heart by Various Authors – Review by Maura Harper

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IRRESISTIBLE HEROESIRRESISTIBLE HEROES by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those fabulous anthologies that introduced me to some new authors and brought me new stories from favored authors. Each story is part of a series and can easily be read as stand-alones.

These are about different types of heroes. Some are obvious, others prefer to hang back.

A few of my favorites:

TWO UNLIKELY HEROES by Tamara Ferguson is a story about the small town of Crystal Rock which is home to a top rehab facility. Suspense, danger, romance and more. I always enjoy stories that come from Crystal Cove!!

SHE’S HAVING A BABY by Suzanne Jenkins is the first book I’ve read by this author and is also the first book of a new series. This book ~SIGH~ is short and to the point and filled with so many emotions that I won’t say anymore because I would give it all away.

This anthology has something for everyone. I absolutely recommend it.

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Jumping the Shark (Paranormal Talent Agency, #5) by Heather Silvio – Review by Maura Harper

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Jumping the Shark (Paranormal Talent Agency, #5)Jumping the Shark by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Urban Dictionary defines “Jumping the Shark” as; The beginning of the end. Something is said to have “jumped the shark” when it has reached its peak and begun a downhill slide to mediocrity or oblivion. (For further explanation please find S5E1 of Happy Days)

JUMPING THE SHARK is the fifth and the penultimate episode of the Paranormal Talent Agency. I disagree with title because I do not think this series has reached its peak – I feel like it could be one of those “cozy type series” that go on and on, but I also thought that about Happy Days so what do I know turns out Joanie didn’t love Chachi, but I digress…

As with the first four episodes in this series, this story had a sense of humor about itself, weaved a delightful tale of demons and supernatural underworld and was a quick fun read on a Sunday Afternoon.

I recommend this series, this book and this author.

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Ruin: The El Diablo Chronicles by Autumn Sand – Review by Maura Harper

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Ruin (The El Diablo Chronicles)Ruin by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think I’ve read all of this author’s books so I knew what to expect going in. What I didn’t expect was to gleefully clap when I recognized past character’s names & places (you don’t need to have read anything prior, so no worries).

I read this story in one day. It was one of those stories which I thought I knew where it was going and was prepared for being completely unprepared. FANTASTIC story line. Well plotted from beginning to end. There were a few times I had to sit back and think about who was who and why they were the way they were, but it did not take away from the enjoyment.

The author notes a trigger warning, I think it was deserved in this case. While these are not “triggers” for me, they are things I prefer to not read about and was able to skim over the triggers with no problem and was still able to follow along.

I look forward to reading more of this exciting series.

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Queen of the Warrior Bees (Natural Forces Book 1) by Jean Gill – Review by Maura Harper

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Queen of the Warrior Bees (Natural Forces #1)Queen of the Warrior Bees by Jean Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is so much to enjoy in this story. It is the first book I’ve read by this author and certainly not the last. The wiring is so detailed and descriptive that it is like watching a movie.

While this is considered Y/A Fantasy, it is also a political “thriller”. There is so much more in this story than appears on the surface.

I would recommend this to my younger cousins and adult book clubs alike.

*****

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Kingdom of War (Kingdom Journals Volume 4) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Maura Harper

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Kingdom of WarKingdom of War by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A couple of reasons why this book is 5 stars for me:

1. While it is the fourth book in the series, it is the first one I’ve read and I was able to follow the story because the author does a wonderful job of filling in the backstory.

2. The realism in the fantastical story makes it seem as if “they” truly can live amongst us.

3. The story grabbed me from the very beginning and I finished it in one sitting because I had to find out how it ended.

4. It has all of my favorite “supernatural ” beings.

I will be reading the other books in the series to go back to the beginning.

*****

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Maura Harper

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Murder CreekMurder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of the way Jane Suen writes. Each word is necessary. Each paragraph serves a purpose. Each chapter adds another piece to the puzzle.

MURDER CREEK is a quick mystery. There is no sex, there are no swears. It is a story I wish I could read again for the first time.

I absolutely recommend this book and this author!!

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RETURN (Rewind Book 2) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Maura Harper

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Return (Rewind #2)Return by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LOVE IS LOVE

Pan
Cis
Bi
Trans
Queer
Gay
Neutral

RETURN is the second in “The Rewind Series” and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. It is a full bodied romance that has a slow burn, angst, emotions, sexy times and friendship. The characters are complex and well developed and there are a few who are just downright evil.

The story line is well plotted and flows with ease. This was a quick read on a rainy Sunday afternoon and I would absolutely recommend it. There are a few terms that are “new” to some people’s vocabulary and I would just like to say this: It doesn’t matter what word is used – it’s still flesh and bones and heart and brains. No matter what pronoun or sexual identity someone is – we are all still human beings.

This was a great read during pride month (or any month for that matter).

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Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper

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Girl TrapGirl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GIRL TRAP is the third installment in the “Madeline Dawkins Mystery” series. I think this is a series that should be read in order. There are vital details from the previous stories that are mentioned within the first few paragraphs.

GIRL TRAP is two stories woven into one book. The author writes very detailed scenes and I often found myself reading only the first sentence in each paragraph. There are twists and turns and some obvious directions and results.

I would have rated this a 3.5 star but the last two pages intrigued me enough that I will continue with the series.

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Never Let Me Go (Bayou Devils MC Book 6) by A.M. Myers – Review by Maura Harper

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Never Let Me Go (Bayou Devils MC #6)Never Let Me Go by A.M. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in the “Bayou Devils MC Series” and while it is still set in the MC Club world, it is a bit of a departure from the series. There are still the common threads and characters, but this story was more of a sweet (as in awwww that’s so sweet, not “clean”) romance.

It is a quick and easy read from beginning to end. The characters are quickly developed and the story well plotted.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

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The Last Dance (The Sorrel Janes Mysteries) by Lonna Enox – Review by Maura Harper

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The Last DanceThe Last Dance by Lonna Enox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s midnight and I’m exhausted but I COULD NOT put THE LAST DANCE down. This is the first book I’ve read my this author and at 97% I thought I was in for a cliffhanger. Everything tied up neatly on the last 2 pages. For me it tied up too neatly and quickly although I’m grateful all of my questions were answered.

This is a clean mystery and I don’t even think there was foul language. It’s a clever who done it that held my interest (obviously) and I would a absolutely recommend this to young and old alike.

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Aiko (The Heartstrings Series Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Maura Harper

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AikoAiko by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super cute, clean, fun, awkward, charming, and romantic.

This is a fast read with a very clear direction (although I did think it was going to go a certain way for a whlle) and it was easy to follow along. Each character plays a vital role in the story and there is no filler taking up space.

AIKO is one of those books that I would recommend to lovers of any romance, including an elderly book club.

I look forward to the next installment of “The Heartstrings Series ”

 

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Dark (The Dark Series #1) by Paul L Arvidson – Review by Maura Harper

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Dark (The Dark Trilogy Book 1)Dark by Paul L. Arvidson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in “The Dark Trilogy” DARK sets up a whole new world the likes of which I’ve never read before. It’s a really cool premise. New explorations and discovery.

The writing is detailed and confusing at the same time. At times it is very visual, but I’m not quite sure WHAT I was supposed to be visualizing (I know this doesn’t make sense, you have to read the book to “get it”.

I will continue with the series and I look forward to having my questions answered.

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Too Hot to Handle (The Catch Series Book 3) by Avery Scott – Review by Maura Harper

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Too Hot to Handle (The Catch, Book 3)Too Hot to Handle by Avery Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book I have read by this author and while this is “volume 3” of The Catch Series, TOO HOT TO HANDLE can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.

This was a quick and easy read and I flew threw the pages. It had everything I love in a book; Romance, light angst, obvious connection, dual POV, humor and friendship. Oh and of course a hot fireman who can cook.

Both MCs where enjoyable to read and each was quirky in their own way. The flow of this story is very smooth and while there were times I wanted to yell at the female protagonist, I appreciated her dilemma.

I will absolutely read more of this author’s work and wonder what will come next.

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Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1) by Laura Hawks – Review by Maura Harper

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Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1)Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first story I’ve read by this author and the first few pages gave me a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and almost closed the book. I am so glad I did not.

This is one of those stories that I don’t want to say anything about because I feel like it would be spoilers. What I will say is that it is a whimsical, quick moving, well developed story that I think everyone would enjoy. I would recommend it to an elderly book club and middle school students alike.

I have always enjoyed stories that have a playlist… well this story has a cookbook at the end. Recipes of a meal that is served in the story. I have highlighted for a future family dinner.

I will absolutely be watching out for the next installment of this delightful series.

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Hidden Magic: A Sanctuary Chronicles Novella by India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

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Hidden Magic: A Sanctuary Chronicles NovellaHidden Magic: A Sanctuary Chronicles Novella by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure if this is my favorite of the series because; it is a full bodied novella that I was able to read from beginning to end in a short amount of time – or because we get to see what makes two characters click – or because we get to visit with previous characters. Well it doesn’t matter why, as long as we know it is.

This book moves at a great pace with abbreviated details which I very much appreciated. Even though this is part of a series, I truly believe that it can be read as a stand-alone as long as you know that it is about shape shifters and magic and witches.

I absolutely recommend this story, this series and this author.

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