This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable! It was sweet reading about mama warbler and her chicks. The cuckoo baby made me mad trying to steal food but I guess I understand since it was a bigger bird. I was happy to see the timid bird and mama able to finally bond. Lovely artwork.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great concept. I was excited based on the colors of the cover but was sad to see the inside is black and white. While that is also appealing, color usually catches children’s eyes. I do alway love the end of Lois Wickstrom books because, there is always a scientific lesson to be learned or something to teach, and in this case we get to learn about waterspouts. I think this book also gets kids interested in what trout would taste like.
Quick 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
Not only is the book beautiful it is very helpful for adult and kid alike. Giving yourself daily affirmations is good for the should, young and old. This book has an alphabet full of helpful affirmations for kids to use in their own lives, as well as empty pages at the end to write some extras down. Again beautiful book.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. I can’t say enough how visually this book caught my eye, with the colors, style and the characters. Luna is a sweet husky who can’t howl and is kind of isolated from the other huskies at the home. Luna meets a cat that can’t meow and they become best of friends. Love can conquer all, including helping a young husky find her howl. I love that this book shows Luna getting adopted even being different. The extra fun pages at the end for kids makes this book so much better.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a older lady Olivia is thinking she is past all the dating game and is happy with her chaotic life at the moment, but when her Ex-husband is remarrying and is is invited to the wedding Olivia decides that she is happy going to the even single, but her grown up children decide to enrol a friend as a “Fake Boyfriend” for her.
Having check into her Island bungalow a knock arrives at the door and when she open’s it, there standing in all his glory is Hockey star Roman all muscles and hunky. How is she suppose to navigate the situation when she is instantly attracted to him?
Roman is starting to feel his age, although in other profession being 41 would be the pinnacle of life but with his body feeling the pressure of a professional athletic he is starting to doubt how long he can go on. So when his friends convinced him to play the role of the “Fake Boyfriend” so when he arrives and starts seeing they have more in common and an attraction, can he just be platonic or push for more?
I love Sylvie Stewart books so with her name on the cover as well as Marika Ray I knew I would not be disappointed and I definitely wasn’t. The story is well developed and the characters were brilliant to drive the story forward. I so related to the character of Olivia with the start of the menopause I feel the insecurities and the hilarious commentary had me laughing out loud.
I loved the character of Roman who was a perfect equal to Olivia’s character as the doubts and vulnerability of growing older and finding the love they deserve. The way he stuck up for her and understood the insomnia and being that support that she had not had was lovely to read. I could not put this book down and can’t wait to read more from this partnership.
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For fans of spicy historical romance with a twist—set in Spain/Portugal—but with all the crucial elements that make me love this genre. It’s got period details, romance tropes, and a plot that isn’t only about a love story. The characters are well-developed, although sometimes the writing took me out of the story a little. I haven’t read the other two books in this series but I’m sure I’ll be picking up a book by this author again in no time.
This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is great for kids with anxiety, and to some extent even for those dealing with bullying and misinformation. Mama Warbler is waiting for her last baby to hatch. Sadly, the cuckoo that was the first egg in the nest to hatch is being selfish and is telling the last baby warbler that the outside world is no fun and is scary. The baby warbler doesn’t want to hatch because it’s afraid. The baby cuckoo is only thinking of himself. Thankfully, nature helps baby warbler along, and it realizes that the world isn’t as bad as they were lead to believe. This book has beautiful illustrations and is good for elementary age children.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Within the first few pages I was drawn in and I could not put it down at all. I love how the author uses the other previous books in the series to intertwine what’s going on with this one. Also, there is a backstory on the history of Shane and Winter which is very well thought out. The story does flow very well together, goes from one character’s point of view to the other, very easy to follow.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124944068-wicked-games” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680523680l/124944068._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124944068-wicked-games”>Wicked Games</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5982920486″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Shane and Winters story is here! In this story Shane and Winter meet up again at Thane University, but Winter doesn’t recognize the boy that she once tormented on the playground. Shane on the other hand recognized her immediately. He has revenge on his mind but after they share a kiss he is having second thoughts. All of these books have been great and they all build on the one previously. If you intend on reading any of them you DEFINITELY have to start with book one. The twists and turns of this story will keep you hooked and wondering what happens next. It looks like the next installment of this series could be the conclusion and I can’t wait to see how the author ties it all up.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first read by this author. Despite the fact that she gets too wordy sometimes but not wordy enough others, overall a delightful read. There were enough twists and turns, curves out of nowhere to keep you reading.
Noah is your typical 13 year old boy, but even moodier because his vacation is getting cut short because of his little sister’s accident. When his mother decides to take him on a walk in the airport to improve his mood, Noah doesn’t expect to find the love of his life. She was reaching for a book on a high shelf, Noah grabbed for her and when she appeared too distraught to read, Noah read to her. That chance meeting in an airport sealed their fates together.
When Noah sees her again, he remembers her. She remembers him. Ebun can’t believe her luck. When things are falling apart around her, she crosses paths with the one person that seems to calm her storms, if only briefly. Ebun’s life is not what it seems to be. When her mother died, she thought she would be going to live with her father only to discover that he was appointing a guardian for her and she was going to remain in London. Ebun and her father visit and spend time with each other but it is not the same. When her father dies unexpectedly, Ebun is left without family except for the half-brother’s she didn’t even know she had.
Life gets more complicated for Ebun when one of her brothers threatens her life and tries to steal her inheritance. This causes Ebun to lead a life of constant movement, never staying in one place for very long, constantly changing her looks, using colored contacts as part of her disguise, and limiting the number of people close to her. When she crosses paths with Noah for a third time, she takes the chance and spends more time with him. As they get to know one another, Noah and Ebun quickly fall in love with the other but never say it. Ebun’s life is still in too much flux for her to settle down or want to bring Noah into her drama.
Over the course of the next several years, Noah and Ebun travel to be with each other across the globe. When Noah pushes for more, Ebun runs. She is too afraid of the family drama to allow her heart what it desires, a life with Noah. As family and friends stick their noses into Noah and Ebun’s relationship, drama and chaos ensue. Hearts are broken. New bonds are forged. Long, lost family is discovered. Stalkers issue threats. Can Noah and Ebun ever find happiness? One can not deny the pull of kismet, the strings of fate.
Take the time to cross the globe in love and adventure with Noah and Ebun. It is worth it.
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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
Buy Now – https://amzn.to/3u3sUXI
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #LunatheHowlingHuskyFindsHerHowl #SamanthaShannon #Kids #kidspicturebook #cutehuskypuppy #childrensbook #childrensliterature
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Genre – Kids
Page Count – 29
Cover Designer – Lei Yang
Goodreads – Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
Bookbub – Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
Luna the Husky cannot howl like her brothers and sisters,
And she can’t howl songs about the winter wind.
But something magical happens when she finds she’s not alone.
When she’s loved and understood, will she find her voice then?
You’ve seen Luna the Howling Husky in the Jake the Growling Dog series, but you don’t know her story! Introducing Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl, the heartwarming tale of a little puppy who discovers her true voice in a world filled with love. This charming story follows Luna’s journey as she embarks on a new adventure, finding her howl and her forever family along the way.
Looking for books about accepting others, shyness in kids, and making friends?
Luna is soft and fluffy with big brown puppy eyes and loves to play in the snow. She’s different from the other huskies, because there’s one thing they say she can’t do right—howl. The quiet and fun-loving husky longs to find her unique voice and the happiness of truly expressing herself, but she doesn’t let it get her down. She plays and practices each day, but it just doesn’t come out.
Luna meets a shy friend and her world begins to change. There friendship helps them both, and Luna discovers the power of unconditional love and support as she is welcomed into a loving family. With their love, Luna’s confidence grows, as does her desire to unleash her howl upon the world.
From playful yips to joyous howls, Luna’s voice emerges, resonating through the hearts of her family and her new friend.
Interactive, Colorful, and Fun
Follow along with Luna’s adorable story while enjoying beautiful interactive illustrations. Each spread includes a seek-and-find and counting activity to find the three Kindness Critters, colors to spot and learn, and cute characters everyone will love.
Includes socio-emotional topics to help families, counselors, and schools start meaningful discussions
Along with Luna’s story, this picture book includes a conversation starter for parents, teachers, and counselors to engage with their kids and students. This activity focuses on speaking with kiddos about being kind to others, that it’s okay to make mistakes, and how to use their voice to stand up for themselves.
A Positive Story to Promote Empathy
Luna’s story encourages children to be kind, appreciate nature, find the good in different situations, and accept others who are different from them in a subtle, sweet, and impactful way.
Ages and Grades
While kids ages 6-10 may be able to read this story independently or with assistance, parents and grandparents will enjoy reading the story to baby, making it the perfect baby shower gift. Pre-teens to adults will also appreciate the illustrations, story, and talking with the kiddos about how to let their kindness shine.
The Perfect Gift
Need a gift for a baby shower or birthday party? Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl is the perfect gift for the mother-to-be, a child’s birthday party, holidays, and graduations. Plus, the ebook is FREE when you buy a print version.
Social-Emotional Learning Resource for Elementary School & Family Counselors, Social Workers, Elementary Teachers, and Families
The Jake the Growling Dog series includes gentle stories about kindness, friendship, accepting others, disability awareness, creativity, stress relief for kids, facing fears, trying new things, and other socio-emotional activities. The books are integrated into multiple school counseling programs in districts across the United States.
An ongoing interactive and fun series for families, kids, and schools!
Don’t miss the other books in the Jake the Growling Dog series! Each book will focus on social-emotional topics and activities for the whole family.
~ AMAZON ~
Samantha Shannon is a top-selling, American children’s book author and licensed educational counselor known for her Jake the Growling Dog picture book series. Ms. Shannon uses her background in education, love for nature and animals, and experience aiding in the healthy social-emotional development of children to create fun, impactful, and award-winning books.
With Samantha’s background in educational counseling, Jake’s stories focus on fun while also including important socio-emotional and character topics such as: friendship, kindness, mindfulness, diversity & inclusion, gratitude, sharing, disability awareness & loving-kindness and more. Each story includes fun and impactful activities for children, families, schools, & counselors centering on pure childhood fun, the topics touched on in the book, and encouraging creativity and imagination. Jake’s stories speak to all of us about accepting, and appreciating, the differences in others–both caring attitudes we need in our diverse and beautiful world.
When Samantha had her first child in 2009, she wanted to write a picture book based on her sister’s dog, Jake. While visiting her sister in the Pacific Northwest, Samantha realized that Jake growled all the time. He growled while playing frisbee, getting an ear rub, running, and even when he was sleeping! Despite his unusual choice of noisemaking, Jake is a sweet dog, which makes him the perfect character for a children’s picture book.
Samantha’s love for creatures great and small has led her to incorporate animals in all of the books- from eagles to cheetahs! Throughout her life, Samantha’s family has always included a dog, and they’ve always been more than pets. They were fur-brothers, sisters, and babies.
Samantha has also published multiple books under her pen name, Parker Sinclair, in the fantasy and YA genres. Samantha is not the UK based epic fantasy/YA fantasy author “Samantha Shannon” of the Bone Series.
Visit: parkersinclair.net & jakethegrowlingdog.com for more information or find all books on Amazon and Ingram Content. (Children’s picture book author, Samantha Shannon, and not the UK-based fantasy author, Samantha Shannon, of The Bone Season series)
Author Interview with Samantha Shannon
~☕️~📕~🔎 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~☕️~📘~🔍
The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden
Amazon – https://amzn.to/45GSJKu
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #TheCannibalCaper #SparkyofBunkerHillMysterySeries #RosalindBarden #Historical #CozyMystery #historicalmystery #historicalfiction #historicalcozymystery
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Genre – Historical, Cozy Mystery
It’s the hot, end of summer days in gritty downtown Los Angeles, 1932. A cannibal with gourmet taste is on the loose. Can Sparky, an eleven-year-old former street punk and amateur girl detective, crack this crazy case?
Sparky gets no crime-solving help from former silent screen star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, who’s always busy cooking. Sure, Sparky’s found a home in their spooky mansion stuffed with old costumes. But Tootsie decides it will be great publicity if the press thinks she’s the cannibal.
What?
Sparky’s only help comes from a mysterious twelve-year-old boy who works at a peculiar pet shop. Wait a minute—what if he’s the cannibal?
Sparky faces tommy guns. She faces fists from tough girl Petunia (a cannibal?). Worst of all, she faces going back to school. No!
Adding to the mystery is the pair of missing priceless jewels.
The rub? This mess might all be Sparky’s fault.
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery follows award-winning The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery. This zany, 1930s historical mystery series is a fast-paced, humorous read for fans of historical cozy mysteries and historical fiction.
~ AMAZON ~
Rosalind Barden has long been fascinated by the history of Los Angeles’s lost noir neighborhood, Bunker Hill. Cold Kid Case, the first in her zany, 1930s Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series has been awarded multiple accolades, including the Firebird Book Award 1st Place for Cozy Mysteries and the Literary Titan Gold Medal Book Award. Over thirty of her short mystery and horror stories have been published, including her inspiration for the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series, “The Monkey’s Ghost,” part of the FAPA President’s Book Awards Silver Medalist anthology, History and Mystery, Oh My! She writes and continues to explore lost history in Los Angeles. Discover more at RosalindBarden.com.
🔶 .•°*°•.🔶 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🔶 .•°*°•.🔶
Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu
Amazon – https://amzn.to/47mCHX4
Author Website – https://authorkimann.com/product/quick-affirmations-for-children/
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #QuickAffirmationsforChildren #QuickAffirmations #ChildrenAffirmations #KimAnn #YobeQiu #Kids #PositivityBooks
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Genre – Kids
Page Count – 36
Goodreads – Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu
Bookbub – Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu
Let’s learn ABC affirmations! This book is designed to help young readers feel happy, brave, and confident.
Could your child use a pick-me-up to help them overcome worry and choose happiness? Is your child searching for a daily boost of positivity to remind them how special they are?
Talented co-authors Kim Ann and Yobe Qiu have teamed up to create this helpful affirmation book designed especially for young readers ages 3 to 6! Help your child feel strong and powerful by reading these A-to-Z affirmations every day.
Quick Affirmations for Children is perfect for readers aged 3 to 6, combining positive words with colorful illustrations. This resource is a chance for you to help your child overcome feelings of anxiety or uncertainty.
Help your child learn their ABC affirmations—amazing, brilliant, confident! Daily affirmations can support your child to do their best and reach for the stars.
In Quick Affirmations for Children, you and your young reader will discover:
Ready to help your child on their journey to a happier, more motivated life? Quick Affirmations for Children is the perfect resource! Discover more of the happy collection as your child grows.
~ AMAZON ~ WEBSITE ~
Kim Ann is a 10x bestselling and award-winning author whose fun, imaginative books help young readers develop a love of stories. She has published many children’s books, including Ninja School Rules and Ten Little Sandpipers, as well as the popular Ruby the Rainbow Witch®, Goldy the Puppy®, and the Go On Vacation book series.
Kim has sold 90k+ units globally on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in various other locations. Always working on her next story, she looks forward to sharing many more books with her readers.
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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith
Buy Now – https://amzn.to/49rQKMY
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Genre – Clean Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 240
Cover Designer – Charli Childs
Goodreads – Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith
Bookbub – Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith
Mysterious guests, a threatening letter, and a murky murder to solve.
Everything is looking up for Ivy Stone, Hotel LaFontaine’s new headmaid.
Her first date with her new beau and boss Mr. Humphrey, was a smashing success. Now, she’s ready for any mess as London’s elite arrive for a business conference – except for a murdered guest.
Armed with mid-West grit, insatiable curiosity, and fabulous friends on staff, Ivy tightens her apron strings and dives right into the whirlwind of intrigue.
Cryptic letters and secret codes reveal everyone is hiding something, even trusted staff no one would suspect.
When a direct threat is made against Mr. Humphrey, even Ivy’s best fluffy friend, Monty the Great Dane may not be able to sniff out the clues in time.
Ivy must make sense of this muddy mess soon because the greatest threat in the hotel isn’t against her new sweetheart..it’s against her.
__________________
The Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Books are standalone books in a series for all ages who love an unputdownable whodunit full of heartwarming friendships, puzzling clues, and darling pets.
~ AMAZON ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading for Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith
Hazel Smith is the pen name for an introverted homeschooling mom who lives in small-town Canada. Faith, family and food bring joy, hope and occasional drama to her life. In between taking care of her family & home, her free time is spent creating cozy mysteries on the porch with her laptop or in her favorite wingback chair whilst nursing the baby and typing with one finger.
Author Interview with Hazel Smith
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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi
Buy Now – https://amzn.to/3snhlu0
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #BeTruewithMe #BewithMe #CAMiconi #womensromancefiction #romance #fiction #interracialromance #smalltown
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Genre – Women’s Romance Fiction
Page Count – 100
Cover Designer – Cover Me Darling
Goodreads – Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi
Bookbub – Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi
Lauren
She learned the hard way that not everyone is who they appear to be. Following years of bouncing around foster homes, Lauren was able to trust again thanks to a special lady who took her in. Everything changed in an instant when her first love betrayed her in the worst way possible.
Jake
He learned the hard way that not everyone is who they appear to be. When a classmate asked to borrow his phone, nice guy Jake didn’t hesitate. Everything changed in an instant when the jerk violated his trust by publicly sharing something meant for Jake’s eyes only.
Almost ten years later, Lauren and Jake are assigned to the same case and must work together to give two kids the Christmas they deserve. Will they be able to break down the wall between them and give love a second chance?
~ AMAZON ~
CA Miconi began reading at the age of five and has never stopped. Her childhood was filled with multiple readings of Gone with the Wind, the ultimate tragic novel. CA got her own happily ever after when she married her retired military hero, Gary, in 2010. She began her author services company, Lucky 13, in 2015 as a result of her love of reviewing, sharing, and talking about her favorite books, mostly romantic suspense and stories featuring strong alpha heroes, especially law enforcement and military. CA also hosts and sponsors author and reader events, and never dreamed she’d one day attend as a signing author. When she’s not reading, writing, or working with authors, CA enjoys traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, golfing, and cheering on her beloved Baltimore Ravens.
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
‘I had no idea how to be a witch, but I would learn. I couldn’t wait to get started and discover everything this new world opening up for me had to offer.’
Dark Moon Secrets is the first book in The Witch Moon Series by Lilliana Rose. After reading her ‘Protector Wolf Shifter’ series, I was really excited to dive into this book as soon as it hit my Kindle. As expected, it was a superb paranormal romance with the rich and vivid world-building and scene-setting that I have come to expect from Ms. Rose. With a bit of an enemies to lovers element, witches, wolf shifters, agendas, secrets, destiny/fate, action, adventure, tension, intrigue, high stakes, chemistry, spice, and plenty more- I couldn’t put the book down- reading it in one sitting because I was so immersed and invested in the story.
Tanjie though she was a ‘normal’ human- but with the death of her friend and neighbour, her life takes a strange turn, and she discovers that there is much more to the world than she had believed. Now she must claim her birthright and accept what destiny has in store for her as the future of the coven depends on Tanjie- as they balance the power and actions of the ‘magical’ and supernatural world.
Again, Ms. Rose weaves a gripping story with plenty of suspenseful, intriguing, and mysterious elements that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going on. The story ended with things still unresolved – so everything is set to continue in the next instalment ‘New Moon Fate’ (Book #2) – and I can’t wait.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lilliana Rose!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Games: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7)
Just when I think I can’t get more addicted to these characters and this series I end up even more so then with the previous books. I have been involved from the very beginning and will there until the bitter end. These cliffhangers are killing me, but what a way to go.
Shane isn’t having the best year between what happened to his twin Phoenix, dealing with his grandfather and dealing his issues with his father and unfortunately it doesn’t improve from there.
Winter transfers in to Thane after a semester at her local community college not expecting to know anyone outside of her brother Jaxon. But runs into an old friend she hadn’t seen in several years.
So many things to discuss and questionsto ask, but won’t since I’m expecting all of it to be cleared with the next book. Though the thought of having to say bye to this group makes me sad.
I’m once again impatiently waiting for the next book to be released and have no doubt I will finish the same day as I have with each and every book before.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1)
I have found characters that I could relate to in one way or another, but nothing like the way I related to Olivia. I love my romance books, but so many the characters are the same age groups as my daughters. Olivia is close to my age and dealing with the next phase of her life as a empty nester going through the change.
This book had me laughing out loud with some of what happens, like when Olivia and Roman met.
Roman is a single dad to Hannah, she and her roommate Holly talk him into playing fake date to Olivia. Their initial meeting isn’t ideal but I found it very funny.
The kids are in the background most of the time, but when they are there they are entertaining and pretty dead on what adult kids are like with their parents. I can think of a few lectures my daughter has given me.
I have read several books by Ms. Stewart and enjoyed each and every one of them. This was my introduction to Ms. Ray and I will be looking for more by here.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn is book seven in her Hidden Valley Elite series. I would absolutely read them in order because they do all tie in and follow the same group from high school to college. After the way the last book ended I was shocked and so nervous for Shane. I’m glad to see things wrapped up but boy did he have quite the story with Winter. And Winter herself, she’s had a rough go with life and the things that she has seen and what happened to her sister. Without realizing it, Winter walked right back into Shane’s life and she can’t remember him. Shane on the other hand sees red when he looks at Winter, remembering the lowest point in his life. And yet, the attraction and pull between them is hard to ignore. Truly, I love this series and look forward to how everything plays out. But come on with these cliff hangers! I mean I’m going to keep reading so you don’t have to do that to me!!
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 7th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, and it can be read alone, but I would recommend reading all the series and the prequel in order as you get to know the other characters and see glimpses of who they are. As for this book, I have to say, “Wow, what a read!” This book has so much emotion mixed with highs and lows that I didn’t know whether to grab a tissue, or scream bloody murder during parts of it. Shane and Winter have a somewhat tortured past, but only one of them remembers, as the other has been trying to deal with things that completely altered her life. To me, this book by far has the most complex and well-written story yet! The way Isla Vaughn has interwoven such a storyline that evokes so much through the written word is so amazing and such a talent. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens. Be aware this, like the rest of the books in this series, is a duology with the next book and ends in a cliffhanger that you definitely want to know more about.
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dark moon secrets
Lilliana Rose
Dark moon secrets by Lilliana Rose is a paranormal romance about forbidden love. It’s a quick read that will leave you wanting more. Tanjie, a girl living her own life path after losing her parents before her 18th birthday before everything changed. Alaric, who loves stalking the night and prowling to do what he wants outside of the pack. Until they meet.
This beginning installment to the series is a real treat. It compliments the paranormal genre quite nicely. The world building was very well thought out, and the plot was written articulately. The end of this story will make you wish it hadn’t ended. I really enjoyed the forbidden romance and the pull the characters had for one another as if they couldn’t help it. I’m looking forward to book 2.
My only takeaway is I felt the books ending left me feeling incomplete, and I hope the second book gives me the closure that I’m craving. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this book we get Shane and Winter’s story, well at least the first half of their story as this ends in a cliffhanger that I didn’t see coming! Defiantly read the other books first as everything is intertwined. Winter has been raised by her foster parents and is now attending Thane University. She has memories that bleed through as nightmares that she can’t quite figure out. Her dad’s death, her sister’s murder. She meets Shane and she feels familiarity, but she can’t quite place it. She has been warned to stay away from Shane because he’s dangerous. She tries her best to stay away, but she can’t help the feelings that draw her to him. When Shane see’s Winter, all of the painful memories come back to haunt him as he sees the girl, now woman who nearly ended his life. He vows to get his revenge, but when Winter doesn’t recognize him, he starts to question if it’s really worth it. He has his own demons to deal with. I do not like his dad one bit. I think he’s got an ulterior motive and is up to something. I can’t wait to read the second book in their story. I have so many questions that I need answers to!
Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is pretty funny considering the deep underlying emotional issues that are addressed in this mystery. Loss, hoarding/collecting, and loneliness are the major themes.
A dead body is found by Birdie and it’s someone she knew and was close to. She decides she is going to solve this murder and her sister and dead husband will help her out.
This one is a great short read!
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m really picky about my age gap books. If it’s more than a 10 year difference I usually don’t read the book. But, after reading The Ocean In His Veins, I really wanted to see what happened after Cal met Annie. At first knowing that Annie was 25 and Cal was 45 I was really leery, because of the maturity differences is astronomical. But reading this book about Annie and seeing that she has endured so much with the loss of her brother, she is basically an old soul in a young woman’s body. There are times where Annie acted her age, but other times she acted beyond her years. The communication failing between Cal and Annie was so frustrating. I want to yell at them, and put them in a room and tell them to talk it out instead of shoving things aside. But seeing their relation start from rock bottom and then build their relationship into a rock solid foundation was really satisfying. I felt I understood Cal a lot more in this book knowing his background and the demons he faces. This was a long book like others have stated, but if you stick it out till the end, it’s completely worth it.
The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this duology, I decided to read this book first instead of reading Where The Ocean Meets the Sky. Wow, it was not kidding when at the end of the blurb it says “this may change your view good or bad of Cal depending on the reader.” I felt reading this book first I got more of his background, what made Cal, Cal. There were a lot of times I was so frustrated with Cal i almost didn’t finish the book. But, I gave it a chance and I’m glad I did. Cal definitely goes through a lot of highs and lows in this book before he meets Annie, and your heart just goes out to him. Being a teenager when you have lost your whole world is difficult. Seeing how he copes was hard, and the trigger warnings are not kidding. It is a hard read, but at the end absolutely worth it!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading this book about Tanjie and Alaric was very amusing, but at the same time I wanted to throttle them both. Both were stubborn in their own ways. Both very ignorant at first, but watching them work through those ignorance’s, and having their lightbulb moment had my shouting “Finally!” I loved that this book was based in Australia, and had a modern twist to it. The supernatural aspect was a little different and it was a breath of fresh air. Trying to do something new when you already have a very set supernatural world that everyone knows, is a feat in it’s own right. The storytelling was very well done and I can’t wait to see what this author bring to the table in her next book!
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite books. Wicked Games is a stand alone but it’s still amazing to know the backstory of Shane. Watching Shane and Winter fall is the best ever especially knowing his ex. I do hate her cliffhangers but just builds anticipation and Isla always delivers. I definitely recommend this story and all other Hidden Valley Elite stories!
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When her ex sends her an invite to his wedding, Olivia is forced to go when her kids set her up. Roman only wants to rebuild a relationship with his daughter so when she asks him to act as Olivia’s date for the wedding, he jumps. What neither of them expected was the feelings they would find.
Opinion
This book is pretty funny with a moderate spice meter. I particularly enjoyed reading about Olivia’s hot flashes and menopausal symptoms. I honestly feel this series will be a hit because it hits home with a large population. For a lot, even though they aren’t there yet, reading about menopause, even in fiction, will give an insight into the future. Great book.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 7 in the series an still does not disappoint! It is not meant to be read as a standalone. This book is about Shane and Winter. Shane’s story especially is rough, holds a grudge an has a soft side we dont always see. Another cliffhanger leaves us waiting for the next…
Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Karina’s grandmother’s diary disappears. Now she is on a hunt to find it and fulfill her grandmother’s wish for her to read it and solve the mystery. Easy read and good book.