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Sea of Demons (Blood and Sand Book 5) by Heidi Stark – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia RomanceSea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sea of Demons is Book Three in the Blood and Sand Series. This would be the Fifth Book in the series because the Second Book in the series was previously sold separately under three different titles but has since been combined and released under one single title. Sea of Demons is a dark romance with drama, suspense, intrigue, action, danger, murder, mayhem, violence, passion, chemistry, and complicated family dynamics. As the first book that I have read in this series I wish that I had started with the previous books to gain a better understanding of the characters and their backstories. The storyline focuses on the character of Devon who is confronting her abusive father who sold her to pay off debts he had incurred. She was rescued by four brothers who would do anything for her and will go to great lengths to protect her. Each brother is deeply in love with Devon, and she is in a unique relationship with each of the four brothers. After exacting revenge on her father for his atrocities they decide to deal with the man that bought Devon. However, things do not go as planned and their lives are in danger at every turn. This book was action packed and full of twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end. The characters were intriguing, unique, and engaging. Each was smart, tough, brave, and not afraid to confront danger as it came at them. The reverse harem aspect with Devon and the four brothers was unique and it was interesting to read the dynamics between her and each of the brothers. Overall, a great read with some spicy scenes, tense moments, an intriguing storyline.

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Egg Won’t Hatch is a kid’s book designed for children between the ages of four to eight years of age. It tells the story of a Mama Warbler who is waiting for the last egg to hatch in her nest. The first egg was too large and turned out to be a Cuckoo that was laid in her nest. Mama Warbler decide to accept the Baby Cuckoo as her own and treat it as she would if it were one of her own eggs. The last egg, Timid Chick, will not hatch because the baby is too scared to come out of her shell after being told by the Baby Cuckoo that she should stay in her egg because it is no fun inside. One day while Mama Warbler is off getting food to feed her babies the Baby Cuckoo kicks Timid Chick out of the nest. This gives her a whole new outlook on things. Mama Warbler is very patient as she tries to coax Timid Chick out of her shell. This was a beautiful story with cute characters that teach valuable lessons in patience, understanding, love, kindness, family, bullies, confidence, and overcoming fear. The illustrations are fun, bright, colorful, and really bring the story to life.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart. This is such a great werewolf, shape shifter, romance. It’s the story of Jasmine who is a good college girl and she has saved herself for her fated mate. When she meets Blake who is mourning the loss of his mate sparks fly and she is more than tempted to give up on saving herself. She finally figures out who her mate is and its Luke, her best friends boyfriend. Not a good combination. Blake is the soon to be Alpha and Jasmine loves spending time with him and they vow to always be friends even if they don’t end up together. Lucy is her best friend and Luke’s girlfriend. Lucy is not the best friend, she is always leading Jasmine into bad situations and I had a hard time liking her. Will Jasmine end up with Luke staying true to her fate and ruin her friendship with Lucy or will she stay follow her heart and give Blake a chance? Such a fast paced love triangle.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwendolyn is not your typical 12-year-old girl. At night when she goes to sleep, she can shift into the shape of any animal that she dreams of. Usually when she wakes up, she is human again. Up until the day there is a fire in her home and a fire alarm wakes her up in the middle of the night. Now Gwendolyn is an elk and is unable to shift back to human form. She is anxious to shift back to human form because she has Journalism camp that she wants to attend. Oh, and there is the problem that it is elk hunting season.

Gwendolyn asks for help from a magician, but he seems to be unable to shift her back. The magician does give her access to his magical library in case there is a book that can help her. Of course, the book she needs has a magical spell on it and she cannot get anywhere near it. Will Gwendolyn shift back to human form before Journalism camp begins? Will she be able to keep safe as an elk from the hunters?

A very cute story geared towards 8–12-year-olds. This book contains magic, drama, and adventure with some twists and turns along the way. Gwendolyn is a remarkable young girl who is smart, funny, and brave despite the odds she is faced with. She knows want she wants and will not be deterred by obstacles that get in her way. A beautiful story about self-discovery and the importance of not giving up.

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruby, Lisa, Tina, and Mindy have gathered once a month since college for Rom Com movie nights. Their informal club is an opportunity to get together to unwind, share some laughs and de-stress from their everyday lives. On Rom Com Movie Club nights, the four girls use face masks, paint their nails, drink wine, and watch their favorite romantic comedies. Of course, they all want their happily ever after but for most of them it seems to be an unattainable dream.

Then Tina becomes engaged to be married and a chance encounter has Lisa falling head over heels for the brother of her best friend, Tina’s fiancée. Tina does not take it well and feels Lisa is going to ruin her wedding. Lisa is devastated and the friendships she has with the girls feels as though it is in jeopardy. Lisa feels as though these girls are her family so it takes an emotional toll on her to think she may lose them. Now Lisa feels that she must give up her happily ever after or risk losing her best friend.

This was a cute book about friendship and love. The girls had an unbreakable bond until romance was involved and then their friendship was put to the test. A misunderstanding between friends almost came between Tina and Lisa and came close to breaking up the friendship between the four girls. Thankfully, Mindy and Ruby were not willing to let something so trivial come between them. I loved all the characters and the bond they had. I loved the banter the girls had between them and could not help but laugh out loud when there was some name calling involved between them. Knowing it was all meant in a loving and fun way they laughed as well. I enjoyed the character of Ryan and how he fell in love with Lisa, seeing past the wet nails and face mask to see her true beauty.

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Lucy Machard

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And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d heard a lot about this book in some of my friend’s circles, and I knew I had to give it a try. What a book. This is one of the most riveting books I’ve read, honestly. It’s a story of clarity, mystery, and a search for truth. I’m not someone who reads a lot of psychological thrillers, but this one was so hard to put down! I loved watching the development of the characters as the story went on. The determination, the suspense, just everything about it is utterly fantastic. Highly, highly, recommend this book, and this author!

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