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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Megan Pesek

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan has given up a career he was destined for to serve others. Callie is making a name for herself and trying to find her place in the world. Not all relationships are destined for success, but they’re willing to help each other through every obstacle they encounter.
At a time when mental health is at the forefront of so many discussions this story was well-timed. Toni Aleo shows the type of mental health support all people need and deserve. The characters were fun and loveable and their chemistry and love for one another is palpable. An easy read with a feel-good plot.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Megan Pesek

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The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathan is popular, but not because he’s overly friendly. Holly is the new girl and wants to fit in. Nathan and his buddies are mean to Holly and those who become her ‘misfit’ friends. That changes when Holly witnesses an event that Nathan never wanted anyone outside of his immediate family to see. In his 17-year-old mind, his secret is so terrible that he is willing to do anything to keep it his secret, even fake a relationship with Holly.

Nathan’s plan fails when he falls in love with Holly. In true teenage form, he thinks lying is better than telling the truth.

The characters were well-developed. You could relate to their feelings and how they changed throughout the story. There seemed to be quite a bit of repetition at times that took my attention from the plot.

Overall, it was a great story about the power of honesty, friendship, and love.

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie- review by Megan Pesek

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi is a retired Navy SEAL. He’s back to living on a ranch with his triplet brothers after their dad and step-mom were killed. The triplets have a ranch and a little sister to take care of now. Levi’s connections bring the perfect nanny to help care for their younger sister. Bella, the nanny, is a witness-in-hiding until she can bring down her mafia ex-boyfriend. The siblings and Bella learn to get along and get used to life together on the ranch. When disaster strikes they have to band together for everyone’s sake.
“Levi” would be a perfect Hallmark movie. It was a wholesome story with likeable characters that was an easy read.

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

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

JP is home from war, but the war continues to live within him. Sgt. JP Grimm lost some of his men in war and he doesn’t know how to forgive himself for not pulling the trigger. A hard-hitting look at PTSD and the horrors of war even after the soldier is home. The first 3/4 of the book was great for developing the characters, showing the horrors of war and PTSD, highlighting the mental health struggles our veterans face. The last part seemed like a completely different story as JP dealt with his changing family through electromagnetic changes. While it served the purpose of redemption and facing fears for JP it didn’t fit the rest of the story.
Overall, it was a great look at PTSD and the harsh reality many military member face upon their return home.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Megan Pesek

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun way to teach kids about overcoming worrying and fears. It’s perfect for those who are in the early worrying stages and get sucked into what may happen. Jake helps kids understand how to work through his fears and their own. Jake and his friends also model working together and apologizing to others. So many social emotional skills in a fun story! The activities at the back of the book provided meaningful ways to follow up with the lessons presented.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Megan Pesek

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IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Selena’s life has been a lie and she is determined to make it right. Wyatt is simply trying to help when he gets pulled into the drama Selena doesn’t even realize she’s about to encounter. In a world where nobody can be trusted two perfect strangers have to decide whether or not they should trust one another in order to stay alive.
The story starts slow, but you really get a chance to know the characters. Once the action starts it simply doesn’t end! From one suspenseful situation to another, you will find yourself reading late into the night.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Pesek

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fate brought them back together, but can they stay together?

Trey is a surgeon and in the mafia. Naturally, he’s the guy for the job when Hailey gets abducted. As they twist and turn through a botched abduction turned vengeance scheme they must decide how much they’re willing to risk for each other.

Collateral Damage was a great continuation of the La Rosa family series. Less action than others, but great character development. It’s easy to fall in love with Trey. He may be bad bay mafia, but he’s a good guy at the core. Hailey needs something to go right in her life. Now is their time to shine.

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Megan Pesek

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The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julia Costa is simply trying to save her vineyard and her land. She’s the best winemaker in the Douro and will do whatever she can to keep the land she loves in the family.
Griffin Maxwell is an Englishman who has no interest in Portuguese land or culture but needs to protect a potential partnership. When he uncovers Julia’s secret, he must decide what is more important… his potential partnership or his potential relationship.
When a plague threatens the entire winemaking industry Julia is unknowingly on the brink of a breakthrough that can save the region’s vineyards. Griffin must decide to help Julia or help himself. The history of the region and the culture, along with well-developed characters, keeps the reader fully invested.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Megan Pesek

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The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josie has found the perfect place to ditch her soon-to-be ex-husband, Eddie, and protect herself and their children from his abusive ways. Josie is finally feeling content with her life and even has a new love interest. Then things start to go awry and quickly! The ‘pink lady’ from her past comes back and brings a friend and paranoia.
Is Josie seeking vindication as a wronged ex-wife or is she being framed for murdering women around town? Who can she trust to help her without giving away too many details.
Set during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s a perfect contemporary thriller. You’ll think you have it figured out, but second-guess yourself at every turn.

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Megan Pesek

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Morgan and Vandana are both successful, breathtaking, and sharp. Morgan exudes elegance as a premier yacht designer. Vandana has her work cut out for her as the co-owner of a prestigious PR company.
As Vandana’s life falls into shambles she’s challenged with ensuring Morgan’s reputation doesn’t send his yacht business to shambles. Vandana must immerse herself in Morgan’s world, in Monaco, to land him the deal that will make his career. Remaining professional may be impossible with the steam between them, but there is still a job to do.
The characters are well-developed and the story moves at a quick pace. The Cruiser is a fun read that keeps you hanging on for more.

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Unabridged (Lovestruck Series Book 2) by Melinda De Ross – Review by Megan Pesek

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Unabridged (Smart & Sassy in the City, #2)Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is a second chance at love really too much to ask? He doesn’t know why she left. She had to leave to protect him. Angie thought she could start her life over without bringing anybody else down until the man she ran from reappears. Blade is Angie’s new boss! In a whirlwind of sass, comedy, and lightheartedness Blade and Angie must learn to communicate and decide if a second chance is worth pursuing. Add a cat named Rat, a loving mother, an overprotective mother, and a delusional ex-wife to the story and it’s a whole lot of fun!

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Mermaid and the Rainbow: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Pesek

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the mermaid and the rainbowthe mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mermaid and the Rainbow was a fun story! What a great way to get kids interested in science. It jumped from one experiment to another without explaining or connecting the experiments, but was still educational overall. The kids were still excited and wanted to try the experiments, which was the point. Lois Wickstrom did a great job making education fun!

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Doctor D’s Orderly Affair (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Megan Pesek

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Doctor D's Orderly AffairDoctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr. D’s reputation precedes him. He’s hot, sexy, and only available for one night. He doesn’t do relationships and everybody knows it. Emily, on orderly, is oblivious to the legend of Dr. D because she’s too busy chasing her dreams and working. The legendary Dr. D and Emily have a chance encounter that does not go as planned. Did she ruin her one night with Dr. D? Rules are rules!
Doctor D’s Orderly Affair is a fun and fast-paced quick read. The characters are relatable and easy to like.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Megan Pesek

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secrets everywhere! One night changed their lives and their friendship. It isn’t a shock that they drifted apart, Cate is a killer. So many twists and turns to keep up with as Cate and Patti’s friendship faces secrets unknown, even to each other, 20 years later. As the truth unfolds they can turn away from each other or lean on each other. The secrets keep you on the edge of your seat and needing more answers.

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The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Megan Pesek

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The Worry KnotThe Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Becoming a teenager is difficult. It’s even more difficult when you have a sibling with special needs. Rourke is trying to make with his way in school and life while also caring for those around him, especially Carson. Rourke feels deeply and is incredible protective of those he cares about even when it means giving up what he wants. In true fashion, Rourke’s parents are trying to do their best and have no idea the burden their son is carrying until it’s too late. A refreshing perspective on siblings with special needs.

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow) by Cheryl Wright – Review by Megan Pesek

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow #1)A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noah and Mary are the perfect couple. Rather, they would be if they were really a couple. A marriage of convenience is all they have and it leaves them both empty at the end of the day. They deserve a loving marriage, and are perfect for each other, but both are too scared to say what they want. An unexpected visitor has the ability to ruin what Mary and Noah do have together or send them their separate ways. A fun and lighthearted read.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Megan P

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gina’s insecurities are palpable; her previous life and career hold so much power of the life she’s trying to live. Anyone with insecurities will immediately feel her pain and frustration.
Bryce’s love is genuine; his heart is on his sleeve, but communication isn’t his strong suit.
They have undeniable chemistry! They’re both harboring secrets that have the ability to shatter everything they’re trying to build. Can they communicate enough to have the love story they both deserve?

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, book 1) by Emily Bowie – Review by Megan Pesek

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Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins, #0.5)Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intense and captivating!
What a great start to a new mafia series! Aly is the bastard child who isn’t accepted in the mafia world and Luca is lucky enough to join a prominent mafia family when nothing else in his life is going right. Sinful Vow is everything you’d expect from a mafia story… dark, twisted, and fast-paced! Luca and Aly fit together seamlessly despite being from rival families. Their story is raw and emotional with just enough steam to keep you hooked.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Megan Pesek

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great mix of history, fate, and self-discovery! Tragedy and grief can lead people to make serious changes in their lives, and Lizbeth is no exception. In her quest to begin living again, Lizbeth is forced to face her family history, even if it’s uncomfortable. Only fate can can explain the connections she finds.
Harriet Cannon makes you question everything you thought you knew about the American Civil War and leaves you wanting more. You will find yourself eager to learn more about the Confederate exiles!

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Megan Pesek

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Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Welcome to high school where nothing is as it seems and reputations mean everything. Blindsided has all the drama you’d expect from high school and friendships forged in unforgettable circumstances in one story. Brock is easy to hate, yet you’re compelled to not give up on him. Kirsa is easy to love; she just wants a chance to live the life she once had without the hate that follows her. You’ll feel so many emotions and possibly even want to knock some sense into a few characters along the way!

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