Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute and educational story about a couple friends having a picnic next to a river and along comes a mermaid.
This story will teach kids about ice and how it stays ice. Kids will really enjoy the illustrations and the colors used. The story is short and to the point and will probably draw them in .
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1)
By Kay L. Moody
4 Stars
Chloe has become the town’s apothecary and with her love of reading, is very good at it. Happy to be back in the mortal realm, she has made a life for herself. So when a Fae from her past shows up demanding that she return, she refuses. Quintus states that there is a war happening and claims that she is the only one that can help. A strange illness is spreading through her village and Chloe realizes that for her to save her people, she’ll have to return to the Fae realm to get the antidote. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.
I liked that the one to save the day was a human. No superpowers at all. Chloe wasn’t strong or brave but she continually found the courage to persevere. Although she did annoy me on numerous occasions, she learned and grew throughout the story. I adored Quintus. He would never admit how much he cared for Chloe but his actions spoke volumes.
This is a magical, fantasy story filled with action and drama. My kind of book! I was a little disappointed that although Chloe and Quintus were great, the secondary characters had no substance, they were flat. The book ends on a cliffhanger which means waiting for the next book.
Review by @AnnaHirsch
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Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So this is the second book that I’ve read by this author. I actually forgot how much I enjoyed this authors writing. From page one I was immediately hooked. Chloe is such a selfless caring person. Even if it hurts herself to save others. I think she is also brave despite her fears of fighting. Sometimes brain is more powerful than brawn. Quietus is proof that people or in this case fae, can change. Together they make a great team. When humans threaten both the fae and mortal world will these two be able to put aside their differences to make it happen? The world the author has built us amazing. I can picture every detail in my mind while reading. It’s packed with action, romance, grief, surprise, and lots of conflict. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Flame and Crystal Thorns intrigued me from the start. Chloe is not your typical heroine of the fantasy world. She is not the brave warrior running into battle, or manipulating her enemies to bend to her will. Chloe is, however, an insecure healer with quick wit and a sassy spark. While Chloe is all too familiar with the fantasy world, she is perfectly content living amongst the mortals as a town apothecary, and would be just fine if she never had to return to Faerie. Fate doesn’t spin that way this time….does it ever? A fae from her past shows up with some somber news – the castle where her sister dwells has been taken over. Although reluctant, she decides she has to save her sister, so back to Faerie she goes. I have never read anything from this author, so no previous reads are needed to get into this series at all, but I will be grabbing the other books to see if it helps in any way. The world building and characters were well written and easy to follow, definitely worth the time!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wanted to start this by saying Kay L Moody’s “Flame and Crystal Thorns” (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) is a spin off from Kay L Moody’s “Court of Bitter Thorn” series. I was able to read this without reading court of Bitter Thorn but went back and read it when I was done. Chloe and Quintus are not your typical main characters, but you can’t help but love them. When Quintus shows up from the Fae realm needing the help of kindhearted Chloe, Chloe world is once tipped on its axis. She must find the strength and confidence inside herself to believe what Quintus does, she is the only one capable of saving their world.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have always been a big fan for anything paranormal, but this one was impossible not to love. It had that cuteness vibe, and was very engaging right from the start. I enjoyed the character strengths and progression as I read. The author wrote a very much perfect book and story that I really enjoyed!
Morgan is an was a great character. She had such strengths, but also at the same time was well, human. She had a good heart, and when something “gift” her ability to do what most cant it changes her. Is it for the better or for worst? I find gifts always come with a price. I loved watching her grow as a character and how her new gift made her as a person and character. The book had those moments that very much made me laugh more than a few times! How could I not love this book It had everything I loved within its contents! I loved the writing technique of the author! Very well done and engaging as I read.
For sure this a a book I highly recommend. Read about Morgan and her adventures. I for sure am looking forward to see what Morgan will face off to next It was a fun and comforting read with all those warm fuzzy feelings! I highly recommend this must read book! It is not one to be passed up by any account!
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Distant Heart Sounds, the first novel in A Nurse Morgan Series, was absolutely delightful! It had the perfect mash up of romance, mystery and the supernatural! A well composed novel with a little bit of something for everyone! I enjoyed how well the book flowed and felt as though I could lose myself for a while in the story line. It is the PERFECT book to cozy up on a rainy day and read! The author exhibited great imagination and an easy to read style that left me wanting more.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my goodness this is such a fantastic read. I have never read anything by this author and when I saw the synopsis it piqued my interest. I absolutely loved the complex characters and the story. Definitely worth reading and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Devil’s Breath is the debut novel by Lang Johnson. I didn’t expect to get so swept up in this romantic suspense- but loved that it did- the author certainly produced a captivating and action packed adventure that surprised me, in the best possible way.
We have a feisty female assassin, who also happens to be a genius when it comes to chemistry. She’s developed a new drug that is set to explode onto the market. Then we have the billionaire investor who’s funding the show, who has a price on his head. What happens when chemistry ignites along the way? We get a very intriguing story that will ensnare your attention right from the get-go!
Looking forward to more from Ms. Johnson.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Lang Johnson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definitely not what I was expecting but was hooked from the very beginning! You can tell from the start that Grace has been through a lot in her life but that she hasn’t let it stop her from taking care of those that matter most to her. Her journey to becoming an UFC fighter is inspirational, I love how no matter what is thrown her way she is able to work through it and come out stronger on the other side. The connections she made with people she has met on her journey show that she is loyal to a fault, which becomes an issue for her at times throughout the book but made her that much more admirable. I’m excited to see what comes next in the series, and plan to read it soon!
Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deadly Sommer had me hooked from the beginning and only got better. Nora Sommer is the new constable in the Cayman’s and has quite a bit on her plate from the very start. Coupled with recent loss and grief and new beginnings, Nora has her work cut out for her. Taking on the new job, Nora expected a change in pace and a bit of time to relax, but that just isn’t the case. She is thrown into a kidnapping case almost immediately and it only escalates from there. It isn’t long before she finds herself in the middle of a sick mind game, where she has to solve four challenges and race against time to rescue the kidnap victim. As the author slowly feeds you clues, you find yourself more and more involved with the plot and the characters. This is a great page turner for those who love murder, mystery, and mayhem. I will definitely be grabbing the future books in this series to see where we go next!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Coyote is a nature spirit, a shapeshifter who lives in a valley in the Nevada Desert, he watches life in his territory with a distant interest, he has seen many people pass through his home, but he has never seen as much change in the desert as he has these last few years, so when the last two people he was friends with pass away, coupled with the heat and the drought, he decides to leave the one place he has ever called home.
He sets off North on the only road out of the desert and even though he doesn’t have a destination in mind, something points him in the right direction, just as he is about to leave the desert, he stops for one last look and then turns towards the future.
As he travels, Coyote meets people and experiences different places along the way as he tries to find somewhere new in the Pacific Northwest, but will he find what he is looking for and a new purpose for his existence? In this dystopian sci-fi meets fantasy tale, where the future has been affected by the climate change scientists are just now predicting, this is a journey of self discovery and talks about hard subjects in a manner that all who enjoy this genre of book, it is charming and pulls you through the story to find out how it ends.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Collateral Damage is the sixth book in the Mafia Elite series. This is a great series, with plenty of fun characters to get to know and a good mix of romance and suspense.
In Collateral Damage, we get a chance to learn more about Trey, who has been in the background of the other books. Balancing his role in the mafia with his ER duties is pretty all-consuming, and Trey has been losing himself in his work after his girlfriend died from a bullet meant for him.
One of my favourite characters in this book is Katherine, a family friend who Trey is helping get the treatment she needs. She’s certainly a force to be reckoned with, and I hope we see more of her in the future!
I would recommend reading the series in order, starting with No Way Out. There are a lot of characters and backstory to get to know, and the stories are all very enjoyable.
This book gets five stars from me! I always look forward to these books and can’t wait until the next one comes out in the fall (and Nico finally gets a chance at romance…)
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book six in the series and true to the nature of these books can be read as either a stand alone or as part of the series. We focus our attention on a minor league player in these stories up until now. Hot and steamy ER Doc Trey. We don’t know much about him from the previous books, but we learn a lot in this one. After he meets Hailey, she ends up getting kidnapped and adventure, anxiety and plots ensue. True to her nature the author makes sure the reader is on the edge of one’s seat with a death grip on the book. She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
One of my favorite sports is MMA Fighting and this story seemed very surreal of the struggles to make it into the UFC. Not only was this story about a MMA Fighter trying to make it the main character is a female and I LOVED every bit of this book. Grace is all about trying to make ends meat to help her mother who has medical issues and her younger sister. She struggles, she is a fighter, she is strong and I totally admired Grace throughout the entire book. When chance opporunity comes knocking at the possibility of making into the UFC….Grace and her team work so hard and I totally admire her strength and determination to make it. She is like water……
This book was fantastic from beginning to end!!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Off is the second book in the Bake Believe series aimed at pre-teen and young teen readers. The story is a fun, baking magic story. Cat is learning more about her family and coming into her own as a baker. Will this new insight and information on her family help her succeed and excel?
I enjoyed this fun, family-orientated story. The characters are fun, and it is fantastic to see them developing more since the first book. The story is also interesting and will grab the attention of any young teen interested in baking and cooking. I enjoy finding new stories to hand to my niece to grab her attention and get her to read more. I look forward to the next book in the series and where Cat’s story goes next.
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Off was such a good book! Cat bakes at the family bakery and has some questions about her abilities. When her family gets together, GG is ready to share the stories of the family. The book is so much fun and has a recipe at the end of each chapter.
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! What can I say? This has to be the most enjoyable book that I have read this year. Moreover for once I didn’t (and couldn’t) guess the ending. That happens all the time; I get part way through the book and can already tell how it would end.
This book had a sneaky, twisty plot that kept me guessing to the end – loved it!
I also loved the imagery that was created by such descriptive writing. I’m a visual person and I could see the scenes playing out in my head. The writing was so descriptive it put me in the time and space with the characters.
So of course I had to do a bit of digging and guess what I found – Oh my goodness; there’s another book. This one happens to be the second one. Having said that; there wasn’t any cross over between them. Reading this second book first, didn’t leave me at a disadvantage at all. I can tell you that I am hot footing off to read the first one though.
I highly recommend this for a good read – but watch out – it’s one you won’t want to put down until the very end!
A woman looking to escape her past.
A man returning to his roots.
And someone just beneath the surface, watching their every move…
Quimby Grove, Pennsylvania is the perfect place for a fresh start. After leaving her old life behind, Ellawyn Calloway is finally able to breathe a little easier. She spends all her time at Starlight Books, a quaint bookstore café, and develops a friendship with the elderly shop owner, Benji.
But everything changes when Benji requests that his grandson, Beckett Walden, return to Quimby Grove for a visit. When Ellawyn learns of a devastating threat to Starlight Books, she doesn’t think twice, offering to help Beckett run the store.
Ellawyn finds herself letting her guard down piece by piece. But as those walls fade away, an unwanted presence finds a way to slip through the cracks and into Ellawyn’s life. With a stalker on the prowl, Ellawyn is in more danger than she ever imagined.
Through tragedy, Ellawyn and Beckett begin to find love within each other, both oblivious to the real danger that is lurking in the shadows, desperate to get Ellawyn alone.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
What if your life was turned upside down and you suddenly had the ability to see, hear and communicate with those on the other side? How would you handle the situation? Distant Heart Sounds takes a look at what Morgan Cutler encounters after an unexpected near-death-experience leaves her with psychic abilities. As a 40-ish, skeptical, heard-it-all-before, metro Detroit emergency center nurse, Morgan believes she has seen just about everything in her 20+ years on the job, but then one day, she feels someone she cannot see.
The new Morgan opens herself to a relationship with a hunky doctor at the emergency center, who has some psychic ability as well. Romance, humor, mystery, and being connected to others bring peace and joy into her life. But what happens when Morgan witnesses the evil inside one man’s heart? Some secrets are better left unseen.
Michigan-born and raised, Kate earned a BA in Journalism at Oakland University and Master’s in American Culture at the University of Michigan-Flint. As a professional writer for more than 20 years, her career has included freelance newspaper features writing and fundraising writer for hospitals. This provided an opportunity to hear many stories from nurses, doctors, visitors and family members about unusual activities and miracles that occur without a clear-cut, scientific explanation. She also claims to have had her own share of unusual experiences, some of which are shared in this book.
ﻬ)ʃ COMING SOON ƪ(ﻬ)ʃ
Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s been awhile since i read a book by this author and I honestly can’t remember why it’s been so long? This was a great MC romance filled with fantastic characters, interesting plots, and did I mention swoon worthy bikers? I enjoyed learning about Dwarf- and seeing his relationship with Raven develop was *chefs kiss*. My favorite was the beginning though- i love being captivated in the first few pages and this. Did. That. The second i started it- i couldn’t put it down! I’m excited to read more!
Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a lot of the Satan’s Devils series by Manda Mellett and have loved every one of them however, I really liked the change of pace in this book from the others. The supernatural element was a great addition and it felt really refreshing. Raven has to return home to her childhood home after the death of her grandfather, however the cabin holds some ghosts from her past that just wont let her rest, when she literally runs into Dwarf on the road he is there to help her get past her demons. I liked the dynamic between the two main characters and feel that it would be good to get to know the rest of the brothers in the MC as they find their old women. I enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Janel Bernotas
Wonderful book! I personally love Norse mythology and history so this was one I couldn’t put down. It was a little difficult at first to keep the names and families straight. Thorfinn inherits the generational curse imposed by a witch and receives the ability to morph between being a human, and being a ghost. As a ghost he can eavesdrop on conversations. He can learn of planned attacks on his family, as well, in his ghost form. The tale leaves you turning pages late into the night. I really loved this one, and look forward to reading more books by Jay Veloso Batista! Highly recommend!
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A YA book, Viking Style!
If you like Norse Mythology or were a fan of the TV show Vikings, this is a great YA book! This book is really in depth into the entire Alfenson clan. The story switches between the family homestead, mostly focusing on little Thorfinn the youngest son and his special gifts, and Karl Alfenson and his Viking crew on their journey.
The story touches on the everyday life on a Viking homestead without feeling like it bogs down in mundane details. Then throws lore from the Gods and magic into the story to really add something extra. I feel like younger readers with a love of Norse mythology and even adult readers will really enjoy this one!
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was an amazing start to the series. This author is a hidden gem and this book proves it!! The story is set historically and we are met by the Norse, Vikings, and descendants of old England.
Thorfinn our main character is only a young boy being just 10, but he truly cements his place in the story. He develops so much within the story and his transformation of boy and ghost send him on many adventures. The supporting casts and multiple POV mixed in with the the vivid details really feed the readers imagination. This was a book I think all would enjoy and book 2 is already on my TBR.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I struggled getting into this book. I couldn’t keep track of the characters or what was going on. Once into it, it does get better. I would recommend this to an older reader. It’s a little confusing at first getting through all the names. Very interesting story of a young viking boy. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dwarf is part of a MC gang; woman are always attracted to the bad boy as he thought but it seems he is always the stepping stone to his other brothers. As he has been trod on too many times, he is a little jaded when it comes to woman, but he all he wants is to settle down and have someone love him for him.
One night while riding back he is distracted by a shadow running out of the side of the rode, trying to miss the animal he crashes and wreck not only his bike but his ankle. Upon trying to find what he missed he discovers much to his angry a woman.
Struggling to try to understand why this woman would run away he approaches with anger and frustration to notice that this woman is physically shook up and then trying to understand why she has run, when he hears her story his protective nature kicks in and tries to help her with her story.
But can you really believe in ghosts, and do they exist?
I loved this book; it was not your typical MC Romance from this author, but the paranormal twist made this story even more intriguing, and I could not put it down. The story weaves with twists and turns making you want to carry on reading more and more. I loved the fact that Raven was the perfect woman for Dwarf and although there first meeting was rocky, how he then protector her just made your heart swell with his support and utter trust of this woman.
The characters are endearing and relatable, which just drives this well written story along. This is not my first book by this author and this will definitely not be my last.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse is a wonderful exploration into myths, legends, folklore, history, and magic! Jay Veloso Batista creates an amazing world with his descriptive words and wonderful characters. I felt the book started a little slow with the introduction of many of the characters, but picked up quickly. Overall, this is a delightful book full of adventure and great storytelling. It draws you in until the very last page and leaves you wanting more! I can’t wait to read more from Jay Veloso Batista.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel, to be honest. As an avid romance, mafia, dystopian, and suspense lover, this one was chosen by chance only, and of course, I was absolutely drawn to the sweet cover of this novel, and the fact that I hadn’t yet read anything by this author. I adore finding new others to binge read, as it’s getting to be summer, and what better way to exercise than to do so while having your kindle read to you? I can’t think one. Ultimately, this novel was something I am glad I picked up, and found it very heartwarming, and brought on a whole slew of emotions from start to finish.
With it being based well before our time, I love how the author was able to harness the energies from the characters, and to bring to light how important the idea of community is, no matter what your status, nor what time period we might be in. Family is important, as is our chosen families, and throughout this novel, Finn and his brothers and all others embark on a wild mystery, and it takes a village, for all things. The suspense, mystery, love, adoration, intrigue, character and world building all brought together made for an incredible adventure, this author makes reading/listening very enjoyable, and I am very much looking forward to seeing where the Viking seas take us to in the next installments. Well done!