Posts

Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Kerry Baker

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a story about determination and the ability to rise above. Grace is one of those characters that you can’t seem to help but root for. There is something about her that has you connecting instantly. I enjoyed the fact that we got to see a bit of her history and how everything started.
The story was engaging. There were a few times I wished it had a bit more pace but I still found myself enjoying what was going on and wanting to know how things might end. The overall storyline was well written and showed some great development. This was a great book that is definitely worth reading.

View all my reviews

Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jess Engel

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! A new favorite for me! This was a wonderful read and story about a girl literally fighting her way through life.

The author does an amazing job crafting this story and building tension through her storytelling. The cast of characters, especially Grace, is well-developed and “real” enhancing the story and the readers connection.

Grace carries the world on her back and we follow her story of life’s trials, opportunities, and successes. She is a character you root for and will keep you turning the pages!

View all my reviews

Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Emily Beehler

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our main protagonist Grace has had to grow in very poor conditions all her live. She had to survive the streets, the mental tole of growing up at a young age and taking responsibility for her ill mother and younger sister. For as long as she’s been alive, she’s known struggle and poverty. She found strength in these conditions through learning how to fight at a gym that her father introduced her too. This is a great story that show cases how hard-work, perseverance, and believing can help a person change their circumstances. I highly recommend this read!

View all my reviews

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kay Stritesky

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again Amy McKinley has written such a great book! I love that the Mafia Elite series can be read in order or by themselves and the entire book still makes sense! The character overlap and development is perfect!
Amy grabs readers attention from the very beginning and never drops it!
In this story we meet Em and Stefano and why they have every reason to call it quits and find safety they find safety in each other! The way readers are able to live the story as your read it is so well done and the book can’t be put down!

View all my reviews

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kay Stritesky

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having been hooked from the first book, this one sure did not disappoint!
Whats even sweeter than high school sweethearts is childhood sweetheart. In the second book in the Mafia Elite series we meet Sophia and Enzo and instantly we fall in love with each character. Amy McKinley does such a good job of bring every story to life and having the readers feel like the story has come off the page and we are living every part of it! Two characters who haven’t had it easy but have every reason to fight against all the odds!

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Kay Stritesky

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute coming of age story that does not disappoint by Cori Cooper! Bake Off is the second book following Bake Believe, back with the same wonderful characters and introduced to new ones! As we learn the family secrets and see some competition this is the perfect book for a teen coming of age and looking for a clean read with humor, a little romance, and tons of twists and turns to keep the readers attention!
The recipes are a nice added bonus as well!

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Faith Jackson

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very fun and easily readable. I love the story is interesting and holds your attention. Multilayered and fast paced. Get into this series.

View all my reviews

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Kay Stritesky

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very cute coming of age story! The characters were lovable and the family dynamic was relatable. Everyone remembers those awkward coming of age years but to add baking that immensely messes with peoples feelings to the mix, who would have thought!
Throughout the story you find yourself wanting to know more background on each characters and longing to understand how each character fits into the story! The author did a great job of keeping the readers attention!
The only complaint is I wish the author would have incorporated the pretzels more that were so important in the beginning!

View all my reviews

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Jamie Truex

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a good preteen book. It starts with Cat’s last day of summer vacation. Cat grew up in a house where no one bakes. At all. Ever. Her mother seems a bit odd and Cat seems to be a bit much. But I love her character and remember being like her at that age. I love that there are recipes in each chapter, which do not skip over them. They are just as good as the rest of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out more!

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jamie Truex

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat is back! This time her and her family travel to meet GG and her aunt for Thanksgiving vacation. She learns about the family bakery and why her mom refuses to cook. Again there are recipes at each chapter, which really are part of the book! Love the writing style and the characters. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lauren West

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adored this book! I feel like everyone can relate to string of bad relationships and then guarding your heart to protect it from future disappointment. This author told a wonderful story that was heartfelt and light at the same time. From the outside looking in you truly wanted all the characters to see where they should be, but its not how it works in the book world. Lol

Bree has picked one too many bad men in her life and decides rules are now needed if she will ever find anyone to be happy with. Upon these rules 2 men appear and 1 catches her eye more than the other. As she navigates through what she believes to be the perfect man who checks all the boxes she soon finds that her Mr. Right may not be what she wants and the boy on the sidelines just might be,
This story was cute and I loved all the characters and the dynamic they shared. Its well worth the read and I will definitely pick it up again.

View all my reviews

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Julie Johnson

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bree can’t seem to catch a break in the dating world. She’s created her dating criteria list and vows to never deviate from it again. After all, the list is a compilation of those men who have crushed her! She is trying to put herself out there and enjoys playing tennis. While playing, she meets Nate and they become best friends.

Nate is everything on Bree’s “do not date” list and then some. She keeps him friend zoned while dating a couple of other guys. Nate is always there to pick up the pieces though! Bree’s dad sets her up with Scott and she meets him at one of the basketball games she coaches. They totally hit it off and Nate backs away to give them space. However, the reader can sense that he is totally heartbroken!

After a few family get-togethers, dates, out-of-town excursions, Bree is finally starting to see what it is that she wants out of life. Can she ever find her perfect man?

I enjoyed this contemporary romance novel and read it in two sittings. It is a fairly fast-paced read that will keep the reader entertained, always wondering what will happen next. The characters are very likeable and relatable.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jennifer Gordon

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a heartwarming storyline and great characters. Having been burned by a string of jocks before, Bree creates a hard rule-no dating athletes. Bree also comes up with a list of guidelines so that her heart does not get broken again, “As per the rules, coffee meetups don’t count as dates, lunch doesn’t count as a date, there will be no physical displays of affection until after a real date, and no sex until he commits to an exclusive relationship”. When she meets the tall and muscular Nate, he is basically a clone of all the guys that have hurt her before. Then, Steven comes along, and it’s as though Bree has ordered the perfect man, yes he’s muscular, but not too tall, and he’s definitely more mature, and is focused on his career.
When Bree finally gives into her feelings, she can’t deny the chemistry between them, and they are happy as a couple. However, they soon discover that being a couple is more than just the two of them. With family, religion, location, and money all becoming factors in their relationship, the pair need to meet in the middle, but can they? I definitely recommend you read this book to find out! I loved the likeable and relatable Bree and the chemistry between her and Steven sizzled off the page. I was cheering them on hoping they would both get their HEA.

View all my reviews

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bree has sworn off dating the “jock” type. She’s looking for someone mature and responsible who wants a long term relationship. Nate, Latvian and a jock, pursues her. Bree continues to brush him aside as just a tennis partner, perhaps a friend, but definitely not dating material. Steven, on the other hand, checks all her boxes. Which man will make the best partner for Bree? Read to find out. I love the characters in this book! I especially enjoy the friendship Bree and Chloe have. This book is a great romantic comedy read that I recommend for anyone interested in a feel-good book.

View all my reviews

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Amanda Meady

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This easy to read romantic story brought me back to my single, college days. The author did an amazing job balancing relatable heartbreak with the perfect love story, while mixing in just enough doubt. The uncertainty and skepticism throughout the book was realistic for any twenty something who dated and experienced heartbreak. The secondary characters were introduced just enough to allow for further development and spin offs should the author decide to continue this storyline.

View all my reviews

No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Kimberly Filer

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A true account of what happens to individuals during war and when they return home. PTSD is so common, yet people fail to acknowledge those who suffer from it. It was heart retching reading some personal accounts at the beginning of the story from true solders who currently suffer from this mental health disorder. Raised as a little boy playing war on his grandparents’ property, he and his grandparents were very close as is he with his wife and child but that was then. When Seargent JP Grimm returns home from the war he is different, he couldn’t save them, and the baggage weighs heavy on him. He couldn’t shoot the bomber who resembled his young son the one he sees every time he closes his eyes. A truly riveting story of what some soldiers go through each and every day when they return home from war.

View all my reviews

Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Heidi Sturgess

SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well what’s not to love when one of the main characters has the name “ Kindle” ❣️📕😉

So Levi is more than just what’s in his trousers and his philandering ways he’s quite bright actually but he’s lost his way a bit and I’m proud of his dad for making him work his way up as opposed to having everything handed over on a platter !

So Levi is used to woman falling at his feet so when Kindle doesn’t take kindly to his advance he has a bit of a reality check and even more so when he has to work under her in the company ….

Levi hides behind his hurt and he does mature along the way but I must be honest when I tell you I had a soft spot for him from the start and Kindle’s sure to follow in my footsteps 😉❣️

Kindle , girl I love your name ! I love your sass and heart ! You’re one in a million 😘

View all my reviews

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood Bethany Rollins

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read all books in the Parker Lake series and I’m happy to finally get Karen’s story. She has always been the mysterious character and now we finally get the story of who she is how she came to Parker, Oklahoma. Karen is a math teacher and friend of Breckin who’s brother, Brody, has finally returned home after years away. Karen, not wanting to get close to anyone, cannot resist her attraction to Brody and soon begins to open up to him after years of internal turmoil. Brody is at a crossroads in life trying to decide if New York is truly where he belongs or if the love of Karen is worth leaving his career and what he’s known for years behind. I love this book series and the way they make me happy. The only character I am getting strongly annoyed with is Griff’s grandma. I began liking her but her antics are just getting too much and no one wants to take a stand against her. Other than that, this book and series is worth the read!

View all my reviews

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood by M Policicchio

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brody Cooper slinks home in disgrace. Thinking he has nowhere else to go, Brody figures he can hide out at home until he decides what to do with his life. Brody didn’t fit in with Parker growing up. Now he is no longer the scrawny kid that read all the time, he is eye candy. An incidental meet at the grocery store has Brody drooling over the most unavailable woman in town, Karen Posey. When Brody starts breaking down her walls, Karen finds that there is more to Parker than just work and the occasional hang out with Breckin. The only problem is the secrets that Karen keeps. Can the secrets ruin everything before Karen and Brody have a chance?

Great read! The banter better Brody and Karen is fantastic, laugh out loud funny. The author takes you to Parker every time. Once you are there, you feel the second-hand embarrassment caused by Kelda and her ways, you sense the nosy neighbors, but also feel the love that this family, this community has to offer. I can’t stay away. I will return to Parker anytime! Love this series.

View all my reviews

Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona ChapterTickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was not at all what I was expecting, in the best way. This is not your typical MC romance but I was hooked.

Dwarf is part of the wicked Warriors Arizona chapter. He has a whole club of brothers and he knows he can’t compete, in the sense that he’s shorter than most. He’s pretty self conscious about it and realizes that if a woman could choose they would usually choose one of the taller brothers. He’s been burned in the past. Then there’s Raven, who he’s trying to help with whatever she’s running from. It isn’t until he meets Raven that he realizes there’s more to the world than he thinks.

This book had a little bit of a paranormal twist that I wasn’t expecting but it was good nonetheless. I really felt for Dwarf and his lack of confidence. It was really relatable and I was glad that it was included in the story. This was an interesting twist on an MC romance and I’m glad I picked it up.

View all my reviews

Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Taylor K Stephenson

Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

~ Excellent Viking Read ~

As a huge fan of YA and all things fantasy, this is a delicious read. Super easy to pick up, get into the story, and follow Finn around for the whole ride. There is plenty of character building, world development, and the author leaves you with just enough to be begging for the next book to be in your hands. If you are a fan of Vikings, fantasy, YA, dark intrigue, or the like then you definitely will want to check this one out.

Happy Reading!

Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson

View all my reviews

Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Angela Hayes

Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona ChapterTickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

Tickety Tock is the second book in the Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter series by Manda Mellett. I have mentioned this often, but Ms. Mellett really has a knack for producing a great read, and this story showcases her talents beautifully.
It is the second book in a brilliant new series- one that is a little different from her other MC books, which I wasn’t expecting, but was definitely an added boon. The story could be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything, but having said that, expect to develop an addiction to Ms. Mellett’s stories- you will probably find yourself on a one-click spree to get your hands on more of her books just to satisfy your new cravings.
This is a sublime MC romance, with suspense, danger, and a fantastic spooky vibe added with a bit of a supernatural spin. There is a great dynamic between the main characters that you really should read for yourself. I recommend going into the story a little ‘blind’ and let the author, characters, and story surprise and entice you. I don’t want to give away too much and spoil anything for you.
As expected from Ms. Mellett, this story is entirely riveting, and I can’t wait to read more of this series- or anything else she may release!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Manda Mellett!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Amy Brennan

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another must read novel, and another new series to indulge in for this reader. London Bridge is one hardheaded leading lady, and she knows that she is willing to fight for all that she wants in life, personally and professionally. Her personality and traits swirl off the pages, and I felt as though she was justified in her feelings when it came to all that were in her circle, and was elated, sad, heartbroken, and concerned throughout the story. True, wants for nothing but everything at the same time. He craves the attention of women and has developed many different interesting traits as a sure way to obtain said attention, which I can also relate to.

This novel had a touch of action, a huge gulp of sexual tension and lust, not to mention some very hot intimate scenes, and a whole lot of yearning for the one(s) we feel we can’t harness for ourselves, and only ourselves. This author made sure to keep the reader’s attention by adding more intrigue to the whole thing via some side stories through supporting characters and I so look forward to reading more by her. I especially love that they are all standalone novels, though will make much more sense with more information regarding the other folks in the Garza and Red Cage bubble. If you are looking for a hot read to tuck into bed with at the end of the day, this one is for you!

View all my reviews

The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Allison Davis

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an awesome read! True Garza is a player, he only interacts with women for one thing. And True has severe ADHD. London (aka Lonny) is a PI and has a bit of baggage from her past. After a horrible moment in her life she met True Garza and they had a wonderful week together, but she knew him by another name then. Now she has moved back home and doing a job for the Red Cage and run into him again. I absolutely loved the back and forth between Lonny and True. The portrayal of having ADHD and being with someone who has ADHD was very well written and hit true to home with my own experiences. Will absolutely be reading more from this author.

View all my reviews

The True Garza (Red Cage #3) by S. Ann Cole-Review by Amanda Kimble

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

The True Garza (Red Cage #3) by S. Ann Cole

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. It’s also the first book in the series that I’ve read. The True Garza is a fantastic read and leaves you wanting more. It’s the third book in the Red Cage Series.

London, Lonny, is back in LA for the first time since her dad has died. The fling she had in Denver follows her home. London falls hard for Trueman but does not want to get hurt. The quote I chose for London is: “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were avoiding me, True Garza.”

Trueman Mateo Garza doesn’t do dates, and he doesn’t buy women things. He’s known as a womanizer. He has ADHD and can’t focus on much. That’s until London comes back into his life. The quote I chose for True is: “They know that I’m madly, truly, insanely, out-of-breath, irrevocably, inconceivably, ridiculously, unequivocally in love with you, Lonny Bridge.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

View all my reviews

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maia and Fig are beside the lake, having a picnic of lemonade and sandwiches, as they are eating, Trezzie the mermaid comes over to see them and asks about the ice cubes in their lemonade, when she sees how pretty they are, she asks Maia to make them into a necklace for her. As Maia does this, Fig cannot see Trezzie and becomes jealous when Maia gives her the necklace and because she thinks it is just floating away, she goes into the lake to rescue it, but when she does, Fig gets a leg cramp and nearly drowns, but Trezzie comes to the rescue.

Will Fig start to believe in Trezzie now she has rescued her? This is a charming book with lots of facts, as well as a lovely message which is a joy for all ages.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another story engaging Maia & Fig. This time we also meet friend Tezzie who sees ice in their drinks at their picnic and thinks its shiny, sparkly and wants a necklace! so the trio set off to make a necklace out of ice cubes.
This author engages kids into a fantasy story full of color and fun while also teaching them science. Very well done!

View all my reviews

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace is part of the Mermaid Science series. What a cute and educational children’s book. My four year old son loved it . He loved it so much we read it several times in a row. I’d say its for the younger group like 3 and up but honestly believe any age would get enjoyment from reading. This is a short story about Maia and Fig who are enjoying a picnic when Trezzie the Mermaid arrives, the beauty of this is only one of them can see her, while the other isn’t quite sure. So they make a Necklace out of ice cubes. This is a cute story that I enjoyed reading and there’s a little science lesson at the end. I highly recommend reading this children’s book. I forsee it being read many more times in the future. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

View all my reviews

Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Amanda LaMiller

Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you love fantasy, conflict multi character views, this book is for you. I have to say the cover art drew me in at first sight. Taming of the Few: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel is book one in the Guardians of the PHAE series by Rowan Dillon. Rowan did a fantastic job of bringing Anna a teacher trying to figure out who she is, Max a solider working to overcome his PTSD, and their world to life. Make sure you have a comfy place to relax and all the snacks you could ever need because once you pick this book up you won’t be putting it down till it’s finished, enjoy the ride!

View all my reviews

Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Angelina Frazzini

SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book of the series. It can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read any books prior to this one and I didn’t feel like I missed anything but I’m assuming supporting characters were introduced in the other books.

Levi thought he had it all until it all went wrong. He decided no more relationships. He would play the field and party like the best of them. That is until he meets Kindle and is knocked on his butt. She’s sassy and independent. She’s also the first one to turn Levi down – multiple times. He can’t get her out of his mind. After a chat with his dad, it’s time for Levi to grow up. He was reluctant to go into the office but he ended up with quite the pleasant surprise.

I couldn’t put this book down! I loved every minute of it. There were some chuckles and some holy crap moments which only added to the story. I definitely recommend reading this book. I am going to go read the rest of the series.

View all my reviews