Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crazy fun to read! If you love doctor shows and crime shows, this is the perfect mix of a book for you! I love both and loved reading this story! It keeps you on edge until the very end.
•°•☆ PREORDER ☆•°••°•☆
Welcome to Woodvalley Pines…where hunky firefighters save the day! It’s time to turn up the heat and hope this smokin’ hot fireman can control the blaze.
Libby hadn’t even been in Woodvalley Pines a day and she was already freaking out. Her kitchen had just set on fire. From toast of all things! That’s right, she was the victim of the elusive toaster fire. Yes, a toaster. Who knew they could just spontaneously burst into flames? She certainly didn’t. If that wasn’t enough to ruin her day, a swarm of hot firefighters seeing her in her pink pajamas would do it.
Zach tried his hardest not to laugh as the woman in the Disney pajamas accused him of keeping toaster fire safety a secret. He didn’t know where in the world this angry green-eyed princess had come from, but he had to admit that he was intrigued. After all, if she had this much passion when it came to talking toasters, what other kind of flames could he stoke in her?
Libby and Zach’s spark was instant, but will the fire burn out or can they keep the flames blazing?
Isobel Reed’s snarky humorous romances have fans fanning themselves as they devour the stories. Her books are one-clicks for readers who love Lori Wilde’s – The First Love Cookie Club and Jennifer Ryan’s – At Wolf Ranch books. Readers will struggle not to fall for the sexy small town heroes and the sassy women who claim them!
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• ~ RELEASE BLITZ ~ • • ~Bookbub – What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
Leslie Kain writes “Psychological Fiction With Heart”, about flawed people whose greatest barriers to happiness lie within them.
Leslie was always writing something as a kid — fantasies, poems, secret plans, culminating in running away cross-country at fifteen, never looking back. Her careers in psychology, Government Intelligence and nonprofits limited her writing to professional and research pieces, but life has so many stories! So when she returned to fiction during spare moments, her short stories found their way into literary journals and anthologies. She developed personal relationships with her characters, who relentlessly nagged her into longer stories. After her Sept.2022 debut novel ‘Secrets In The Mirror’ (which has won numerous Gold and Finalist awards), the main character told her what the sequel must be! ‘What Lies Buried’ — already receiving early praise —launches May 14 2024. Kain leverages her education, training and experience in psychology to write stories about complex dysfunctional people and families. She earned degrees from Wellesley College and Boston University. Originally from “all over” the U.S. (although a piece of her heart remains in Boston), she now resides in Mexico with her husband and 17-year-old cat Sheba.
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Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
“ War had raged in Mirra’kelan, on and off, since before I was born. These lands were soaked in blood. War is raging now. Endless days and nights of clashing swords and dying men. It troubled me how quickly their faces blurred. How easily we moved among the dead, tallying their numbers, relieving them of valuable supplies. So little time had passed since I was sent to join the queen’s command. Just over a year. I’ve changed so much since then. A year of being sprayed and splattered, of slogging through fields drenched in Rellan and Langorian remains. It feels like ten… ”
“ I’d been eager to wield blade and magic… to turn the tide for Rella and represent my people. I was the only Shinree magic user to ever be allowed into the Rellan army. There were healers, of course, but their lineage was prolific, their service common. Shinree soldiers were exceedingly rare. The magic of our line was too unsafe to be bred anything but sparingly. As far as I knew, in hundreds of years, no other but me had been allowed off the drug. Not since the elixir’s ability to suppress our magic was discovered, and the slave laws written. Certainly, none had been expertly trained in all aspects of soldiery, magical or otherwise. Long ago, I promised myself I wouldn’t squander the privilege. I would rise in the ranks faster than any other, regardless of race. I would be the queen’s right hand. With the help of my magic, Rella would one day be victorious. Langorians would weep at the sound of my name. My expectations died the day I reported for duty; my hopes crushed by the sound of her voice, as she cut me to the quick. “No spells in battle, Troy. Ever. Not without my direct order.” …. I had no choice but to acquiesce. It’s what my people did. ”
Troy is the prequel to, and the origins story of The Crown of Stone Series by C.L Schneider. Having loved The Crown of Stones trilogy, there was never any doubt that I would be snapping up a copy of this to find out how it all started.
Ian Troy is such a complex, dynamic, damaged, and somewhat enigmatic character (and more) in the trilogy- so this book was great as it allows us to be able to ‘go back’ and see what ‘shaped him’, the events that made him the man we met and followed through the series. We not only get his history, but that of the realms, and that of the magic/ magic lore as well- which builds on the what we already knew- filling in his history in a way that allows for a more ‘high-definition’ image and understanding.
As expected from Ms. Schneider, this is another intricately woven, and action-packed high fantasy- with originality, magic, adventure, intensity, superb world building, dramatic developments, intrigue, suspense, tension, and challenges. I love how original Ms. Schneider’s stories are, and how she cleverly crafts her world/s in such a way that it is entirely realistic and believable- so richly painted with attention to detail- and this story is testament to that- brimming with all the elements that bring her stories to ‘life’ and set them apart from most- the characters, magic lore, adventure, culture, backstories, history, and so much more.
This is a fantastic story/series- and I really recommend it to anyone who loves an epic, action-packed fantasy!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, C.L. Schneider!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this book to be very engaging and it kept me guessing until the end. This is book 2 in a series and I did not read book 1 first, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything by not reading book 1. I enjoyed the military aspect as a veteran myself, so that just added to the intrigue. Lots of characters with many layers to the story. This was a complex story line and at times was a bit confusing to follow, but overall it was a great book and I enjoyed it. I have some family that spent many years in the Denver area so that also added an extra layer of enjoyment to this book. Well done to both authors, they were well researched and did a great job with this story.
Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story is a captivating prequel that sets the stage for the Crown of Stones trilogy. The story follows Ian Troy, a young Shinree slave born with magical abilities, as he navigates the treacherous world of war, politics, and prejudice.
The author masterfully weaves a complex tale of intrigue, exploring themes of identity, power, and the struggle for recognition. Troy’s character is expertly crafted, with a rich backstory that slowly unfolds as he faces challenges and setbacks. His struggles to prove himself as more than just a “witch” are relatable and heart-wrenching, making it easy to become invested in his journey.
The world-building is impressive, with a deep history and mythology that adds depth to the story. The magical system is well-defined, and the author’s use of descriptive language brings the fantastical elements to life. The setting of Rella and the neighboring kingdoms is vividly portrayed andI felt immersed in a richly detailed world.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Ghost Talker: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Volume 1” by Byrd Nash is a delightful and engaging read that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance. The story follows Elinor Chalamet, a talented medium with a penchant for solving mysteries and communicating with the dead in 1910 France.
The plot is cleverly crafted, with a unique blend of ghostly encounters, witty banter, and suspenseful investigation. Elinor’s character is well-developed, with a strong sense of determination and independence.
The setting of Alenbonné, a coastal city with picturesque canals and a rich history of ghostly activity, is vividly described and immerses the reader in a world of wonder and magic. Nash’s writing style is engaging and evocative, making it easy to become lost in the world of the story.
What Eyes Can’t See: Spicy contemporary fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG… this book does not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end. The author does a great job with bringing out issues people don’t like to discuss, and having a good outcome. Highly recommend this series!
A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Corisande is a Siren who’s been home schooled her entire life finds herself at Magwitch academy specific for Sirens to learn to control their song and keep the secrets of the sirens. She didn’t want to come here in the first place after only knowing her mom as a teacher but she knows as a young Siren she’s dangerous and needs to hone her powers, and control her song so she stays despite her reluctantance.
Corisande and her roommate/new BFF Sera follow all the academy rules to the letter whenever they head out of the academy walls. One day they head to the ocean cliffs to practice their song. Corisande has checked everywhere and the coast is clear so she’s horrified when she starts singing that a small sailboat appears on the horizon and is heading for a very rocky shore. Corisande cuts off her song but it’s too late and the boat heads to the rocky shore and crashes.
Horrified Corisande and Sera rush down the rocks to safe this poor soul from certain death. While freeing him he mumbles the Siren song he heard Corisande sing shocking her into silence.
Once they free him they rush back to their car and get back to the school before they are discovered as ems arrives, but before she leaves Corisande finds his wallet and his name Noah and she immediately can’t get him off her mind and finds herself googling him for more information, turns out he attends a human prep school nearby.
From there the story that unfolds is a beautiful ya Paranormal Romance story with Corisande feeling a pull to Noah she doesn’t understand and the same happening for Noah. I don’t want to say much more as this is a wonderfully done set up for more stories and anything else would give it all away.
Extremely well done ya romance 👏
View all my reviews
A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Corisande is a Siren who’s been home schooled her entire life finds herself at Magwitch academy specific for Sirens to learn to control their song and keep the secrets of the sirens. She didn’t want to come here in the first place after only knowing her mom as a teacher but she knows as a young Siren she’s dangerous and needs to hone her powers, and control her song so she stays despite her reluctantance.
Corisande and her roommate/new BFF Sera follow all the academy rules to the letter whenever they head out of the academy walls. One day they head to the ocean cliffs to practice their song. Corisande has checked everywhere and the coast is clear so she’s horrified when she starts singing that a small sailboat appears on the horizon and is heading for a very rocky shore. Corisande cuts off her song but it’s too late and the boat heads to the rocky shore and crashes.
Horrified Corisande and Sera rush down the rocks to safe this poor soul from certain death. While freeing him he mumbles the Siren song he heard Corisande sing shocking her into silence.
Once they free him they rush back to their car and get back to the school before they are discovered as ems arrives, but before she leaves Corisande finds his wallet and his name Noah and she immediately can’t get him off her mind and finds herself googling him for more information, turns out he attends a human prep school nearby.
From there the story that unfolds is a beautiful ya Paranormal budding romance story with Corisande feeling a pull to Noah she doesn’t understand and the same happening for Noah. I don’t want to say much more as this is a wonderfully done set up for more stories and anything else would give it all away. Definitely ok for multiple audiences minimal adult themes.
Extremely well done ya paranormal story.👏
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Madame Chalamet is a ghost talker who assists the police with their investigations, helping to solve cases and move spirits to the other side. In this particular book, Madame Chalamet helps the Duke de Archambeau solve the murder of the king’s cousin. I could not tell where and when the setting was, but it was definitely a period-style piece. The characters were very well developed, but the duke confused me at times (I couldn’t tell what he really wanted in the story). It was very fast paced, easy to read, and comical at times. Overall, this was a great story, and I cannot wait to find out what Madame Chalamet goes through in the next story. I am on to Delicious Death now!
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Breaking Apart is book 2 of 2 in a series written by an author duo, Wanda and Mary Rae, they are uniquely knowledgeable/equipped to write in a genre such as this. Medical Thriller/Murder Mystery is kind of a new genre for me that I don’t usually pick up, but the premise of this book is what really pulled me into it. We start this book off with a veteran suicide, or was it really? PTSD, veteran suicide, addiction, etc, can all be triggering subject matter to some people, but nevertheless is a very real issue. I felt like the authors handled it very well and went on to write a gripping novel. I enjoyed this much more than I thought. Im interested in reading more novels written by this duo.
Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kris comes to the rescue when Bart the cattle rustler steals Patches (a cow). This kids books tells a good story while educating the reader about cowboys and the lives they lead. Kris is the hero in this book and she helps the reader learn many valuable lessons. Kids will enjoy the adventure!
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An amazing mix of murder, mystery, Vets, and PTSD. This story grabbed me from the start and held onto me until I finished it. I couldn’t put it down. A great story, with great characters and world-building.
Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson. This book was amazing. It is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year! It was fast paced and thrilling and left me guessing every page I turned! I can’t wait to read more by this author. This is the story of Erica who was raised by her aunts and once she left home she vowed never to return. She is a newlywed of 9 months and her husband is away on another of his business trips. While home alone some thugs show up telling her Terry, her husband, owes them money. Erica was left a inheritance and returns home to see if she can cash it in to pay her husband’s debts. When she returns home she finds out she has to be 25 to get her money and then she will be really rich. The only problem is some bad people want her gone so she can’t cash in on that inheritance and will do anything to get rid of her. Her life is in danger and Erica is going to have to figure out who she can trust and who she can’t. Such a fun fast paced Thriller. I was sad when it ended!
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han. This is my favorite genre, romantic suspense and this book was every bit that. It’s the 5th book in the WaterFyre Rising series and can be read as a standalone but I always recommend reading them order to get the most out of the story. This is the story of Vivian who is a dentist and a martial arts teacher. Vivian has had a hard past and is ready for a happy life but with her past the way it was she is very closed off and doesn’t let many in her circle. When she meets Arrow, a retired Navy Seal, he is smitten and insists she goes out with him but she shoots him down. Arrow is not giving up though, he’s determined to get her go out with him. He goes so far as to buy the apartment block she lives in and plans to wear her down. Vivian finally starts to give in and they find out they are more alike than they thought. When Vivian tries to find a missing girl and Arrow has his own danger in the midst. This book will keep you turning pages late in the night to find out what happens!
Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This an intriguing murder mystery, involving so many aspects, and I even found the medical research parts interesting. I found myself attached to the characters and the world-building was very well detailed and vivid. I thought the pacing was great and it really held my interest, look forward to reading more by this author.
Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read a few books by this author before, but this one is definitely my favorite so far! My oldest kiddo is 12 years old, so this was right up her alley. We read it together and really enjoyed it. It took us a bit to find our groove, but once we did, we couldn’t stop! Even though this is targeted to the 10–14-year-old range, I found myself just as immersed in it as my daughter was. This author did an incredible job with the flow of the story. Amese was wonderfully relatable as a teen girl finding her way. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store because we are hooked! I highly recommend picking this up for the young ones in your life.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
I can’t say enough about this book. I read it as a standalone but will be going back and reading the first one while I eagerly await the next to come out.
Marnie & Louise make an amazing team. Their friendship and support of one another both personally and professionally shows what true friendship is. The conversations they have between the two of them are real and caring while also sometimes being the tough conversations that close friends have.
The mystery of the investigation with its twists and turns kept me interested the whole way through.
The background regarding the VA and bringing real life concerns and challenges that surround the VA as well as veterans and suicide rates is a very real problem across the US that needs to be brought to light and talked about more often. We can not make change unless we are educated and looking for ways to truly help.
I truly enjoyed and definitely recommend this book.
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C.L Schneider follows the early life of Ian Troy. We get to dive deeper into his life as a slave to Aylagar in the Rellan army. This version of Ian is so different than the one we know but some similarities still exist. This Ian is hopefully, he has something to prove and he believes his loyalty and actions will win him favor. He longs to be accepted and form friendly bonds. My heart aches for this Ian. Learning where Kya (his horse) came from was interesting. If you haven’t already read A Crown of Stones, I’d recommend you start with this story although it’s not necessary to the series. But knowing what lies in store for Troy kind of placed a shadow over this one. I think reading this prequel first will give you a different view.
I enjoy C.L. Schneider’s work. I’ve read every single story that has come out. So if you like this series definitely check out her other series Nite Fire, and her zombie novel Necrosis.
Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping murder mystery which had me hooked from start to finish. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Louise Finnerty and Dr. Marnie Liccione a paediatrician team up to investigate the death of their friend. Dr. Gennifer Drake’s body washed up on a beach on Galveston Island and the pair soon discover that Gen was researching a deadly new form of dengue fever. This mosquito borne illness, known as Break Bone Fever was threatening the United States, so Louise and Marnie must discover the truth about Gen’s murder whilst facing a coming epidemic. Wondering if Gen’s transgender status was a factor in her murder, and with the help of an unconventional police detective and an editor, they learn there may be a connection to Q-Anon conspiracists. Meanwhile lies are being propagated by a cabal inside the Environmental Protection Agency putting lives at risk. This is a fast paced story with an action packed storyline and plenty of plot twists. The main characters, Louise and Marnie are both likeable and relatable and they work well together. I look forward to the physicians teaming up again soon in the next book in this new series.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is the first in a series. It is set in 1813 and is about Margot Keating. She travels to London with her sister Elspeth to meet her biological father. No one knows that the Duke of Ashmore is her father, and no one can know. Margot follows an intruder and meets Lord Silvester Beresford, the Earl of Langley. From there, Silvester and Margot embark upon an adventure together. I enjoyed the mystery of the story but not its “steaminess” as it seemed a bit far fetched. Overall, an enjoyable historical fiction.
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping medical murder mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Physicians Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty have teamed up again, this time to investigate whether the violent death of a patient whilst at a Colorado VA Behavioral Health clinic was suicide or murder. The pair must discover if young veteran Josh Baker is another victim of the suicide epidemic or if he was murdered. As Marnie and Louise investigate in order to give Josh’s widow some answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme with a link to those involved in the illegal sale of the deadly opiate krokodil. Getting closer to the truth surrounding Josh’s death puts both their lives in danger. This is a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns which kept me guessing as to the outcome. Marnie and Louise are once again a great team, and both the characters and the setting of a VA Behavioral Health Clinic came to life through the descriptive narrative. I thought the issues raised in this story regarding PTSD were dealt with honestly and sensitively. I look forward to the physicians next investigation!
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Don’t let the cover fool you. This paranormal fantasyish tale is original and intriguing. It has a Cinderella feel with a twist to it. C.A. is known for writing a variety of genres and why enjoy them. You never know what you are going to get. I have said it before and am saying it again C.A. King never fails to deliver great works for her readers. She is one of my favourite authors. I love her unique and eclectic writing skills and the array of unusual worlds and characters that she creates.
Ever wonder where the name Vampire came from? There is a definite line between humans and paranormals if only they could get along. A treaty is to be signed but will it be upheld? She has always been looked down on as lesser than the fiercest, the bravest and the strongest yet she may just win his heart.
This imaginative and creative short story is one not to be missed for paranormal lovers.
Reviewed by @jennadb
What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When writing a review I find myself often saying if characters draw me into their stories and lives because for me if while I am reading I can be made to truly see what’s going on in the characters lives in my minds eye and can feel what they are going through then to me that’s a damn amazing book and an extremely talented author. This book and author had me doing that and more right from the very start. I was connected with and cared about both Barbara and Sebastian right away. They’ve had such very different lives but their inner core of striving for Justice is very much the same. There is so much emotion, pain, drama, steamy moments and even laughter that will have you turning page after page as that need to know what’s going to happen takes you over. Get reading now you won’t be disappointed!!!
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars
Troy is where it all began for Ian Troy and is the prequel to The Crown of Stones Trilogy. This trilogy is one of my fav’s. I had to snatch this book up straight away when I saw it.
I love a good high fantasy tale and CL does not fail to deliver. I love the darkness, the unique magic, the rawness and the grittiness of the world, time and setting of the story. It is a cleverly woven piece of work set 15 years before the trilogy starts from when Ian Troy was a young man and still learning who he is and what the world is about. What is a story without slavery, war, death, danger, battlefields, action, drama, and lots of suspense.
Ian a young man treated so badly just because of what he represents. In slavery to a horrible Queen who sends him om a death mission. Will he be their salvation, or will he lose himself?
If you love fantasy this is a must need read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the beginning. This is one of my favorites for sure. I enjoy this author’s writing skills and her attention to details that not only make the story pop but her characters as well. This book is no different. It is a well written story about Ian Troy and his magical honor to protect the kingdom. What will happen when he is sent to enemy territory? Will he prove once and for all that there is so much more to him than just his magic? I enjoyed this character and what he brought to the story. He is my favorite and had me turning pages fast to see what would happen to him next. I enjoyed watching the growth of the plot which made the story easy to read. This is a fast-paced, fantasy story that is hard to put down. This is one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book as well as the other books in this series.
Review by @bjwagner
Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a wonderful prequel story that shows how the whole series started. This couple is one that I wanted to know more about, having seen glimpses of them. I loved watching how their relationship started and developed as the book went on. Their connection was undeniable.
I thought the story was a great addition to the series and was really well written by the author. I found it engaging and I was pulled into the story right from the start. Although this book is a novella, it didn’t feel rushed or like anything was missing. This is a fantastic book from start to finish.
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book number two in this series and we have another murder mystery for Dr Liccione and Dr Finnerty. This time, a young veteran dies by suicide and his wife believes something else is up. The doctors must figure out if there really is something evil at play or if there are rampant suicides happening. They once again, get involved in something people don’t want them involved in and it becomes dangerous. This was another hit for me. I love how descriptive the authors are. I hope they continue this series.
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just Ducky kept me interested from start to finish! It was a nice change from the typical shifter and vampire story. It kept me guessing and wanting to read more with each chapter. The ending was unexpected and I loved it! It’s the kind of book that makes you sad that you’ve finished it. I will definitely be reading more in this series.