Posts

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship #3)A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne and Andy have both had their hearts broken and still yearn for the right person to give their love. In this sweet story we watch their interest for each other bloom, but there are barriers to a possible relationship between them. Family is important to each, so they have to be careful to not hurt anyone else in the process.
This is book 3 in the series, but is easily read as a standalone. It is a shorter book that is just enough for a sweet feel-good romance.

View all my reviews

Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devorah has had more than enough trauma to last a lifetime. After leaving her abusive husband she is on a mission, albeit not too quickly, to regain control of herself and her life.
Woman Unbroken was an emotional read. The main character, Devorah, was easy to like and relate to. I love that in seeking a new life Devorah didn’t take the easy route. The author did a great job truly making this a story of rediscover and working through the tough stuff.

View all my reviews

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shane and Winter have a lengthy history, and as they start to put the pieces together everything falls apart. Shane is willing to leave their storied history in the past, but it will take time to convince his family. Winter’s past will come back to haunt her yet again, which will subsequently haunt Shane and bring skeletons from his family closet. Winter and Shane will need each other, but they’ll have to learn to trust each other first. I have been hooked on the characters, suspense, and storylines from the very beginning of that series. No part of me wanted this series to end, but it was the perfect twisted and happily ever after ending I craved!

View all my reviews

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Regan and Pavlo are both authors, yet neither wants to associate with the other on their book tour. When things start to go awry with the tour requests, Pavlo and Regan have no choice but to put their trust in each other if they have any chance of ending the chaos with minimal damage. I was immediately drawn to Pavlo because of his strong commitment to doing the right thing and Regan because of her ‘do it myself’ mentality. The characters are so likeable! Mavery Ellscott does a great job keeping the reader in suspense and constantly upping the stakes in an already high-stakes situation.

View all my reviews

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forget raining cats and dogs, Lois Wickstrom took an odd natural phenomenon, a waterspout, and made it into a fun story about raining fish and frogs! The illustrations are just as much fun as the text. My children laughed throughout the story and asked many questions afterwards. Be sure to read Raining Fish and Frogs when you have time to look for actual pictures of waterspouts, entertain questions about natural phenomena, and preform science experiments!

View all my reviews

Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quick Affirmations for Children is great for a quick boost to start the day or as needed. The affirmations are short and sweet and written so 3-6 years old’s can understand what they mean. My children like the illustrations too as most helped show what the affirmation meant.
These A to Z affirmations would be perfect for little posters or trading cards too!

View all my reviews

Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute RomanceThemes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Themes of Kismet has so much potential! It has an interesting plot with great characters that you really grow to love (and hate) because they’re well-developed.
Noah and Ebun feel destined to be together after many chance encounters, or maybe it is kismet. Time after time, something gets in the way of them being able to live they lives they so desire. Communication has the ability to make or break their relationship.
Kismet and meet cute really are fun underlying themes. As far as the story goes, it is an easy read. At times, the actions and lack of communication are quite juvenile, but so are the characters.

View all my reviews

The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool tells the story of Fenimore James. Young and naïve, Fenimore leaves home to pursue his life goal of becoming a real outlaw. First, he must choose a new identity, and he successfully becomes Simon Shaw. Being an outlaw takes a dangerous turn when Shaw joins the Red Evans gang because they start getting murdered one at a time. Despite the circumstances, Shaw falls dangerously in love. Nothing about being an outlaw or love is as easy it it seems. Part one is extremely detailed and slower going to setup everything else that happens in the book. Part two really picks up the pace and suspense.

Liverpool’s character development is leaves out no detail and the world building leaves no stone unturned.

View all my reviews

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Winter and Shane… they’re wicked!
Shane remembers how terrible Winter was to him in the past, yet he’s drawn to her now and he can’t explain why. Add this to the issues Shane can’t seem to shake with his granddad and father and it’s enough to send his mind reeling. Throw in a jealous fling too. Nothing about Shane’s life is normal right now.
Winter has lived a life filled with trauma and it doesn’t seem to be getting better anytime soon. Eventually she may need to face her past, including those she wronged.
Like the rest of the series, this book ends in a serious cliffhanger! And I’m anxiously anticipating the end of the series despite not being ready to let go of the characters anytime soon. You could start with Wicked Games, but you really should start at the very begging of the series.

View all my reviews

Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brian owns Six-Pack, the hottest nightclub, and is the perfect bachelor. He is Mr. One Night and won’t even entertain anything more with someone. Brian is about to act on his impulses when he sees Amanda for the first time. Until he finds out she’s his best friend’s younger sister that is. Amanda is a successful entrepreneur and knows Brian is off-limits, even if she feels their chemistry and longs for more than friendship.
Can Brian set his fears aside before he destroys every chance for happiness?
Beyond Friendship is emotional and pull on your heartstrings for so many reasons. Marlyn Love does a great job making the reader feel so many emptions and getting drawn in to the relationship between Brian and Amanda.

View all my reviews

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

When We Fell AgainWhen We Fell Again by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some relationships are doomed to fail until those involved grown up. Alexis and Jordan have a deep past, but haven’t seen each other in years until Lex is tasked with managing the tour for Jordan’s band. Old feelings and chemistry are palpable during the tour, but neither is sure if it’s the right answer. In the end, they have to decide if ghosts of the past or a chance to start fresh will win.

Jordan went through a lot of trauma and change throughout the book. He matured not only in his relationships, but also as a person. Alexis is driven, but rarely puts herself first. There were some heavy topics, but it was well written into the storyline. I was hooked on this book early and it never let up.

View all my reviews

Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chasing Cheer is a sweet and wholesome Christmas read. It isn’t the typical small town strangers meeting and falling in love type, but it still has all the best elements.
The cheer in Emerald Hollow is something Holly can’t seems to put her finger on, so she works to investigate what makes it so cheerful. As she falls in love with the town and the people, Holly keeps finding reasons to visit again. Ash is selfless, constantly chasing dreams to better Emerald Hollow. He stays busy, but always makes time for everyone else, especially Holly, only he knows so little about her. Only when things take a turn for the worst do Holly and Ash have to be honest about their feelings for each other.
The writing is very descriptive, which seemed to slow the story down in some places, but it always picked up again. The twist on the classic Christmas love stories was fun and even unpredictable at times.

View all my reviews

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn did it AGAIN in Cruel Love! This book is part of a series, and while you don’t need to read all of them to get it, you do need to read Cruel Hate and Cruel Start.
Phoenix is volatile, moody, and has a chip on his shoulder, but all that is striped from him in the accident. His family has dark secrets, many unknown to Phoenix, and will stop at nothing to ensure they stay hidden. Only after the accident does Phoenix start to put the pieces together.
Aspen is pregnant with Phoenix’s baby and is just hoping to be able to parent this baby with him. They’ve tried a fake relationship and it failed miserably, so there’s really no hope of a real relationship.
In Cruel Love, Phoenix and Aspen learn to let down their barriers despite all their past hurt, disappointment, and heartache. They overcome so much to deserve their happily ever after.
But… family drama is just heating up, so I’m anxiously awaiting Wicked Games and Wicked Ends!

View all my reviews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ignite My Heart was an easy and engaging read. Blake is smart as a whip, but can’t land a permanent teaching job. Morgan is a single father looking to find help with his daughter after relocating. Blake’s brother has the perfect plan to get Morgan to hire Blake as a nanny. It’s a tempting job, but Blake has a lot of baggage that may prevent her from fulfilling all the duties of nannying. Especially when Morgan is nothing short of stunning.
The story was easy to follow. The ending was a bit rushed, but still exactly what I needed from this book.

View all my reviews

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Though You Were Mine touches every emotion on the spectrum. Love, loss, joy, heartache, turmoil, and so much more.
Julie is figuring out how to grieve the loss of her brother while also learning how to parent his now orphaned children. Except, they’re her biological children, so this should be an easy transition due to biology and all. Never mind that the family dynamics Julie is accustomed to aren’t anything even resembling normal.
As though there wasn’t enough to deal with; enter Grant! He’s the kids’ uncle, and their biological father, or maybe he’s a Sperm Whale! Julie and Grant have to find a way to best care for the children who have lost everything while trying to figure out their own turmoiled lives.
As Though You Were Mine is deep, complex, and emotional. It is also a fantastic read that will have you up all hours of night reading. Go ahead and pick it up now!

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaugh did it again! If you’ve read the previous books in this series you knew Cruel Hate would get your blood pumping and she did not disappoint!
Phoenix and Aspen are connected forever after a one night stand left Aspen pregnant. Now in college, they decide to start a fake relationship that should be mutually beneficial. Phoenix is still a hot head with NFL dreams. Aspen is an artist with dreams of opening her own business. A baby may complicate things, but both are determined to be their best for the baby.
Cruel Hate also brings in some family drama that was previously only alluded to. The cliff hanger means I need to read the next installment now! Can’t wait to see how their HEA happens!

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like the rest of the books featuring this duo, Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a great teaching tool. While the book does have a well developed story, it is not a light read. Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend provides a story about a loveable cat in child-friendly language to help children learn about end of life practices for pets. This book would be a great way to introduce children to the topic of pet/animal loss if you know you’ll be faced with it soon.

View all my reviews

The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Suitor is a contemporary romance novella which is part of The Studs of Clear Creek County series. While it can be read as a standalone, the characters are best understood when read in order. The Reluctant Suitor is Fisher and Billie Jean’s story in the series.

Fisher Hines is wealthy and he does all he can to earn the respect of his family. Overseeing the employees at Locke Farm is one way to keep their respect and propel himself forward in their eyes.

Billie Jean is visiting family in Clear Creek County from college. What she never expected was to fall for Fisher when she visited home. Billie Jean finds herself conflicted after learning that Fisher works for Locke Farm. She is determined to do what is best for her family and the Black people who work for Locke Farm and she’ll do it with or without Fisher’s help.

Stacy-Deanne does a good job tackling the tough issues. The story between Billie Jean and Fisher was partially eclipsed by what was happening with Sue Ann. I would have preferred more development between Billie Jean and Fisher, but still found it to be a good story overall.

View all my reviews

The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gabby lives the life her father has always dreamed of for her. She’s engaged to the frontrunner for the next governor of Texas, has a baby boy, and comes from great wealth, what more could she possible want?
Gabby has faced significant loss in her life and she has secrets that others can’t find out. Through all of life’s troubles, she’s always been able to rely on Stan, her rock and voice of reason. When Stan encourages Gabby to question what she really wants from life she is caught off guard and really doesn’t know what to do.
The Anchor Knot is a great story of self-discovery and following your heart. It is the final book in the series, but could be read standalone without issue.

View all my reviews

Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca has everything she needs, except confidence. She has let others dictate what she needs to do and who she should be for so long that she doesn’t even realize she has lost control of herself. On a quest to feel like a woman, Rebecca gets much more than she bargained for, if only she can convince herself that she deserves everything good coming her way before it all falls apart.
Love, Only Better is a story of empowerment and taking your life back. With a strong female lead character who discovers that she is worth more and deserves better, she is unstoppable! Paulette Stout nailed the insecurities that draw a person down and challenged them head on in this book, well done!

View all my reviews

Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kia has to come clean with Smitty, but she isn’t fully prepared for the toll bringing him back into her life will have on her heart. Kia will do anything to keep Max safe, even if it means denying herself love and happiness.
Smitty and Kia are both strong willed and fiercely protective. Sometimes, too much is simply too much though. When forced to step back and see what the other sees they may have a fighting chance of happily ever after. Sliding into Home was raw, spicy, and an emotional rollercoaster. Lauren Fraser knows how to dial up the heat, and she did not disappoint!

View all my reviews

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A clever retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with a twist you won’t expect. This book is great for problem solving skills and discussions about what others would have done differently. And the twist at the end is unexpected and fun!
The bright illustrations do a great job enhancing the story.

View all my reviews

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claire is in an almost impossible position as she navigates her senior year being nothing like she expected. Instead of being with friends and enjoying a carefree life, she’s parenting both her baby brother and her own mother. Then Uncle Patrick throws her a lifeline, if Claire gives up her baby brother, Patrick will give Claire her old life back.
Claire’s oldest friendship is tested beyond measure and new friendships are forged as she settles into her new life. Only time will tell which choices Claire makes and which friends stick around to support her.
Nyman hit it out of the park with an emotional read sure to grab the reader from the very first page and not let go until the last.

View all my reviews

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Goldilocks and the Six Simple MachinesGoldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines is a fun remake of a classic story! It is a great way to introduce the science of simple machines to younger children or even in a middle school classroom. It would be a great introduction to the unit. It really is a fun story with a more responsible Goldilocks! Kids are drawn in by the fun pictures and finding ways to solve the problems encountered.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn is the start of Phoenix and Aspen’s story. This short prequel starts with a bang and does not let up! It’ll be tough waiting for the rest of their story. I need to know how it unfolds from here because Phoenix is resembling his own father’s path in this prequel.
If you’re just starting the Hidden Valley Elite Series you could start here, but I’d highly recommend starting from the very beginning to get the full effect of the plot lines and characters.

View all my reviews

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the second half of Skylar and Damon’s story, they have been discovered in a compromising fashion. To say Gia is livid is an understatement. Gia is somehow still popular despite Damon not choosing to date her. Gia does all she can to ensure Sky’s life is as miserable as possible. Instead of seeking revenge, Sky has decides the only way to redemption is to stay away from Damon and endure Gia’s tormenting actions all while dealing with complications from her father.

Damon fights for Skylar and their happily ever after. Meanwhile, Skylar is making herself miserable by fighting Damon’s pull. Once Sky is honest with Damon about matters in her personal life, Damon will do all he can to keep Sky. Will Damon and Skylar get their happily ever after or go separate ways to find love?

View all my reviews

Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underneath The Whiskey is gut wrenching, emotional, and heartbreaking in every way possible. It is not for the faint of heart as this story contains many difficult subjects, such as alcoholism, suicide, sexual assault, violence, and mental illness. The issues seem so real and the author, Chelsea Lauren, does a great job writing about all of the issues at hand.
Underneath The Whiskey tells the story of Benjamin, a closeted gay man, who is living a lie with his wife and children. He tried so hard to hide and cope with his pain, but can’t do it forever.
The characters are flawed, well-developed, and easy to hate because we witness all their struggles and demons. Once the characters find their truth they become lovable despite their flaws and harsh reality.

View all my reviews

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaugh did it again! Brutal Days: Hidden Valley Elite book 3 kept me hooked from page one. It helps that I have read the prequel and the first two books in the series, but you could start here if you really wanted to. It’s worth it to grab the others first though!
Skylar hates sports and athletes without hesitation. She is dumbfounded when her best friend, Gia, falls for the biggest jerk in school, but will do anything to help her friend get the love she so desires.
Damon is NFL bound and elite to the core. He’s a dark, moody, and has a reputation that precedes him (good and bad). Every girl wants him, but he only wants exactly what he wants… and he’s used to getting it.
Isla Vaughn does a great job pulling the reader in and not letting go and Brutal Days is no exception! The characters are mostly privileged teenagers and she does a great job developing their personalities and attitudes. And with that cliffhanger? I need the next book now!

View all my reviews

Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lap Baby was my first book by Amy Q. Barker, but it won’t be my last. She has a way with words and intertwining stories that can’t be overlooked. It was of special interest that Lap Baby was inspired by a segment of a TV show.
Lap Baby tells the stories of Julie, Paige, and Marie; survivors of a plane crash 20 years ago. The characters are so well developed that it was easy to follow each individual story as well as they connections to each other. The characters were easy to connect with and the story was captivating. Each of the women face challenges they need to work through rather than keep festering, but don’t realize that just surviving wasn’t enough.
Lap Baby is an emotional read that will remind you that you never know what others are carrying.

View all my reviews

Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Megan Pesek

/0 Comments/in /by

Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elle has been a shadow of a person since leaving Sweet Valley six years ago. The horrors she endured at the hands of her husband were unbearable and she finally finally escaped back home just in time to save her grandparents’ ranch. She’s determined to live life to the fullest, even if past skeletons haunt her.

Blake hasn’t done anything worthwhile since his heart was broken six years ago. He wants to move on, but the pain of losing his first love was too much. But now she’s back and he’s hit rock bottom.

Elle and Blake have a rocky past and their current relationship is turbulent at best.

Raising Elle is a story of love, loss, redemption, and perseverance. The story keeps moving at a good pace throughout and keeps you on your toes. The emotions are raw and the love is deep. A great read that covers the not so great sides of relationships and the best they have to offer.

View all my reviews