Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a first for me from these authors and I was not disappointed. This was a beautifully written book. Absolutely loved Rowan’s character and the fire/sass in her. Can’t wait to read the second book!
Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)
By A.L. Morrow
4-stars
Entwined is by far my favourite retelling of the classic tale of Cinderella. This is the most original retelling I have read to date, it’s exciting, dark, touching, surprising and action-packed. There was truly never a dull moment, I did find this story to be a shorter read then I was expecting but I am highly intrigued by the storyline and am really excited to read Book 2 as soon as I possibly can.
I really appreciated how this author wrote with so much detail, from the characters, their emotions, their surroundings, even the smallest of details was there, making it very easy for me to follow along and picture everything playing out. This is a book I would recommend to any fans of the original tale of Cinderella.
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Runaway to the Outback is Jonas and Pandora’s story. We start out with Pandora coming into Jonas’ bar in a very small town. Pandora is dressed like a bride, but it turns out she is just a model for the dress who stormed off the set.
Instantly, the two have a spark between them and it is hard not to feel excited for the two. I kept screaming in my head for Jonas to make a move! These characters are pretty relatable and their actions are things many others have seen in their lives. Jonas reminds me a lot of my husband by saying things that come out wrong or things he shouldn’t have said at all. I really did enjoy this book of the series and cannot wait for book 3!
Kiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn is a spin-off from Trident Security Series by Samantha A. Cole. You don’t have to have read the Trident Series to be able to enjoy this book. I hadn’t and still really loved reading Kiss Me Before Flight.
The first thing I will say is that this book has triggers. There are particularly brutal scenes of domestic violence and non-consensual sex.
Callie and Conrad’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. The book is intense and really keeps the reader on their toes and fully engaged throughout. My heart just broke so much for Callie and the horrific life she lead before meeting Conrad. I have to say that Conrad is one of the sweetest tough guys you are ever going to meet and I just adored him throughout the whole book. The world needs a lot more guys like Conrad in it.
Apart from Callie and Conrad there is a great cast of secondary characters who bring so much to this book: from the evil Bodine, Callie’s husband to the lovely Jane, Conrad’s feisty sister in law.
This book is very well written and flows very well. The storyline is fast paced and keeps you entertained from beginning to end.
I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book up, as I have always had a strong interest in the oceans and sea life, animals in general, but mainly animals that live in the water. I was very much interested in reading this wonderful novel, for all the education it gave upon my reading, and the strong urge to know what would happen as well!
I enjoyed reading about animals of the ocean especially of the dolphins and wales. I found this book can really be an eye opener with wanting and needing to protect the sea life and for all that it is worth. I found the book was educating in more than one way. If I was a teacher, I would be showing the book to my class and the photos it contained as well. I believe this is a wonderful book that a lot of age groups or really anyone with interest at heart of sea life, would dive right into , and really enjoy reading!
The book was a very insightful and fun read. I was very much interested in what would come to the sea life animals, so I kept on reading easily. I very much enjoyed it by the end of the novel, and I think to a lot of people with children this would be an amazing book to recommend to have them read to their kids!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a mystery that will grab you from page 1 and keep you reading until the very end. Lauren finders her boss dead when she picks arrives to pick her up. From there, the adventure and mystery begins. Lauren has a cast of characters around her that are so well-written as support. They each have their role to play from the ex-husband, who conveniently stops by to check on her and try to make a move; to the Detective, who has an attraction to her (and where will this go). I loved the fact that I just could not pick who the killer was. I thought I knew but then I was wrong. Great first novel and I’m looking forward to reading her next book in the series. There is nothing like a good legal thriller. Highly recommend!
Forever by Ivy Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forever is the final book in the Diamond Doms series by Ivy Nelson.
Ivy does a fantastic job at tying up all of the loose ends in this final story (no one wants to end a series with their questions unanswered). Russel and Gemma were a brilliant couple to end things on. I really enjoyed the tenderness and loving relationship between them, as well as the BDSM elements. I felt a little disappointed with Gemma at times, she fell into the background several times when she should have been upfront as the leading lady. Russel, however, did not disappoint. The man is seriously HOT!
This book is steamy and sex is a major part of the storyline, so this series might not be for everyone. The books in this series are best read in order to enjoy them fully.
Wrong for Him by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wrong for Him is book three in the Love Lottery series by Christi Barth. I haven’t read anything by this author and while I enjoyed the story, I believe I would have benefited by reading the first two books. Although I felt a little left behind, the story was an easy to read and entertaining one. I love a brothers best friend love story, and this one delivered all the good elements that make these stories unputdownable. It was really good and the characters were easy to relate to and the storyline believable. Engaging and lovely, this sweet romance had just enough edgy passionate moments and wit to keep the intrigue at a high. Great cast. Great depth. Great writing. 4 stars.
Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Fool Me Twice is another one of Gledé Browne Kabongo unputdownable and enthralling psychological thrillers. This tale is as chilling and intriguing as it is suspenseful, and your butt will be on the edge of your seat. You don’t know if you should sit or stand but you know you can’t put the book down even though the clock says you are not getting any sleep and you have work tomorrow. You will need the light on as you want to know what is hiding in the shadows. Your heart will be pounding, and goose bumps streak your body.
This is definitely Gledés niche, and I enjoy her works immensely.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Engaño by Lance Charnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Engaño: A Carson Action Thriller (The DeWitt Agency Files Book 3) by Lance Charnes is fast paced and a page turner. It is as intriguing as it is suspenseful, and mysterious. There are gangsters, drug dealers, car chases and deception and action, and our lead is as sassy as her badassery is well known. She takes no prisoners and is sexy and makes no apologies just as one Russian cabinet ministers’ elusive daughter is about to find out. Lots of twists, violence and a little steam will have you glued to the pages and completely engrossed and enthralled.
If you enjoy strong sassy women and suspense thrillers, then grab a copy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle is a great little read. This beautiful tale is also educating us about ocean life, whales and in particular my love Dolphins. It is fiction but based with facts and made it all the more interesting. The information at the back of the book is a great bonus. The story is aimed at Tweens which I think is just the right age for them to respect the message of the story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞¨* BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE *¨¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞¨*
Tricia believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, a beautiful sunset, or a book that transports us to another world. She aims to write stories that show what can be achieved when one dedicates themselves to finding their own brand of magic. 2020 Readers’ Choice Gold Award Winner and 2019 Colorado Independent Publishers Association Winner for fantasy, Tricia has fifteen published novels. An avid runner and Georgia native, she now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. You can find all her titles from contemporary romance and fantasy, to dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stranded is the first book in the Cetacea Chronicles by Feather Chelle. This was a really sweet fantasy woven with lots of interesting and educational facts about dolphins and other marine life.
The story was well woven, with enough intriguing developments to keep you flipping the pages. I especially loved the interesting facts that were incorporated into the story. This would make a wonderful teaching aid for children’s marine studies in the classroom, or at home.
The photographs and information at the back of the book were particularly interesting. The only thing that I felt would improve this book, and take it to a whole new level, would be the addition of (more) illustrations to accompany the story. This would bring the story to ‘life’ more and help to fix the story (and facts) into the children’s mind.
Thank you, Feather Chelle!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First…if you haven’t read the first two books…go back and do that before beginning this book…you won’t regret it!!
This book starts where Book 2 left off. Vanessa is given a task by the queen of the Underworld…who doesn’t seem to like her very much. While the task doesn’t seem too difficult…it is Vanessa’s soul at stake if she fails. After a series of mishaps and unexpected events, Vanessa finds herself whisked to the Upperworld by Aroz. However, with the time quickly dwindling down for her complete her task, she is unable to find a way out. Will her love interests be able to save her in time? Or will she fail?
I find myself immersed in this story as much as the first two. All the characters and all the different worlds make for a fantastic read. This book is a littler steamier than the first two…but so worth it. I am already looking forward to the next book!
The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let me give you a little backstop. After being asleep for 1500 years, 5th century Ciarán, an ancient pagan priest in Ireland , awakens to find himself in 20th century after being found as a pristine specimen by archeologist, Caitlin O’Connell, who transported him to New York. When he awoke and the amazingly intact specimen went missing, mystery and magic ensues and the story begins to unfold.
If you read these books out of order you will find yourself adrift. You really need the background created in book 1, The Cross of Ciarán, to fully appreciate the continuing mystical escapades of Ciarán and Caitlin.
As a continuing tale I fully expected that it would be filled with the history the author put in her previous novel, however she exceeded my expectations. I love the addition of the hunt for a serial killer, on top of the hunt for the book that may actually be the key to stopping the serial killer. Again I was a little disappointed in the romance between Caitlin and Ciarán, but in this book it was fully understandable because of the memories Ciarán is seized by. Memories of his wife and his brother, memories of the Ireland he loved and the wicked clash between the way it is now.
A story about finding yourself, finding long abiding love and about enchanted mystery will keep you hooked to the very end! I cannot wait for book three!!
Forever: A Diamond Doms Novel by Ivy Nelson
Russell and Gemma have the type of chemistry that will burn up your kindle!
Russell is left in charge of Elijah’s wife, Holly, and her best friend, Gemma, while Elijah is away. Should be easy…until he sees Gemma’s bratty side that has his dom side taking notice. While Russell has played with club members before…this is a whole different story. And, what starts out with some S&M play quickly becomes something more…something that Russell wrote off years ago when his marriage ended.
Both Russell and Gemma have secrets that they keep hidden deep within them. But, with a threat against Club Solitaire getting closer and closer, those secrets won’t be hidden for long. Can both of them move beyond their pasts? Are they willing to see if there is a future together?
I did not know this was the conclusion of a series when a started this book…so I can say that this can be read as a standalone. However, I will be going back and reading the rest of the books because I want some of the backstory on other characters that play a part in the story. I really enjoyed Russell and Gemma’s relationship. Yes…it was a brat/dom relationship full of kinks and S&M…but there is so much more to it. I enjoyed them and definitely want to know more about the other members.
The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For me this book started off a little slow, however the further I read the more interested I became. The author, Andrea Matthews’, use of a historical and archeological foundation really made this story pop for me. The tale is a paranormal, time travel, romance with some great characters and one main character, Caitlin, who is very unlikable. I do feel like there is more to her than we are getting, but that remains to be seen in book two. This novel is filled with quest-like adventures, history, mystical happenings and a little strange romance thrown in.
I had some difficulty initially keeping up with the story, because it time travels in the memories of Ciarán back to the 5th century and then back to the present day. Nevertheless, this back and forth developed an epic background that is building this narrative for great things in the future.
During an archeological dig in Ireland, Caitlin finds a pristine human specimen, an ancient pagan priest who unbeknownst to Caitlin was entombed alive. Magic and mystery weave there way throughout the story and once back in the states, the pristine specimen goes missing. He finds his way to the only sacred ground he knows, a church. Where we meet Father Mike and my favorite character!! Again we find things mystical and enchanting weaved into this tale as the truth begins to unravel. We won’t know the all of it until book two. If you are going to read this book make sure you have book two or you will be so upset!
Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was completely not what I expected in a Cinderella retelling but I absolutely LOVED it. Steamy, fast-paced, action packed, what a delight! It is quite a short read, which left me wanting more. The Character and World building is phenomenal, I especially liked Ashling’s strength and how this isn’t just your typical damsel in distress retelling. I picked this book up, and didn’t put it back down again until I had finished (its that good!).
*I don’t want to give away spoilers, but its worth noting that the book has M/M explicit scenes.
The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely love this series, what a fantastic 3rd instalment to this story. Keeping up with the first two books, The Girl and the Demon is another Fast-Paced read and completely unique- truly captivating. With an array of paranormal characters, just the right amount of drama, some mystery and a bit of romance, what’s not to love? Pauline Gruber does such a great job at world building and character development as Lucy’s story continues. Definitely a must read.
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
High-profile model, Pandora, lands herself in an out-of-the-way pub. She just wants a break from the stress of her job and needs a place to hideout. The fallout from what she’s done will catch up with her soon enough.
Pub-owner, Jonas, can’t believe what has just walked through his door. A runaway bride. Should he be concerned who else might be following her to the pub? This will be the talk of the town for weeks and really not something he wants to get involved in,
Runaway to the Outback is a heartwarming story of mistakes made and coming to terms with the past. I would really like to see all the books in the series become Hallmark movies!!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After the Fall, the UNR came to power and took over everything. Submit and follow along or be executed, that was the law. Anna escaped and has been hiding out for two years. Life was simple all alone, but then she saw him. She could tell he was a soldier, but he was also about to die. Anna drags his body back to her safeplace to help him. What is she thinking? She doesn’t even know who he is. One thing she is certain of, he is not UNR, but who is he? Could he be one of THEM? Could he help her? She had heard stories of the Resistance, but never believed they were real, until now. Born to Fight is a post-apocalyptic story of fighting for what you believe in. It is the first of the Can’t Resist You series by Brittany Anne.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I waited patiently (sort of) for The Bow (Her Three Immortals Book 3) by Hazel Storm, and I was not disappointed. After becoming hooked by the first two (I started with 2 and then went to 1 and still enjoyed it immensely), as soon as I got my hands on Book 3, I hit the ground running with it. Vanessa is back and is sent on a mission by the mother of the God of the Underworld, who doesn’t seem to like her all that much. Due to Vanessa’s new abilities, she is the perfect one to complete this task, and we get to follow her along the way. Like the first two books, this book contains just enough steam to fog the windows and more than enough intrigue to keep you hooked until the end. This author writes vibrant and lively characters that you won’t want to miss. I highly suggest this book (and the first two, if you already haven’t read them).
Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III tells the horrific tale of the length’s a mother will go through to keep her son’s love. Mother Juana de la Cruz is a devoutly religious woman and Superior of the Orphanage of the Holy Innocents located in the community of Atzlan del Norte. The Nunnery and Orphanage is a place of closely guarded secrets, one where evil and darkness lurk behind every door. Mother Juana de la Cruz’s son Gabriel de LaTierra is a psychiatric healer who has devoted his life to helping the children at the orphanage. When Gabriel starts uncovering secrets of supernatural happenings and missing children, he becomes suspicious of the true motives of the nuns running the Orphanage of the Holy Innocents. The one person he trusts within the orphanage and nunnery is his beloved Mother Juana de la Cruz, a woman who is a true saint in Gabriel’s eyes and could harm no one, especially a child. A woman who is also considered a saint by the devoutly religious community of Atzlan del Norte.
Gabriel’s wife Consuela, however, suspects otherwise and attempts to get Gabriel to see the true person his beloved Mother Juana de la Cruz is. Consuela has powers of her own as a seer and knows that true evil is smart, often hiding in plain sight. She tries to warn Gabriel that his beloved Mother Juana is pure evil. Gabriel finds such thoughts unimaginable because his Mother Juana is devoutly religious and he refuses to see how Mother Juana keeps him, her beloved son, brainwashed and under her spell. To shed light on what Mother Juana de la Cruz’s true intentions are, Gabriel is shown through visions from Consuela the blood sacrifices of children that take place in the desert late at night. A ritual that has been taking place for centuries and one that gives Mother Juana de la Cruz and her nuns immortality. Gabriel is horrified to think that his beloved Mother could be capable of such horrendous acts of pure evil and finds himself conflicted between the love he has for his wife and the love and devotion he has towards his mother. When his beloved wife Consuela is viciously attacked, and his young son is kidnapped, Gabriel is forced to act. Will Gabriel be able to find the strength and courage to save his wife and son? Will good triumph over evil?
The Goddess of Everything is a new twist on the age-old tale of good versus evil, and the darker side of religion. From the first page Paul deBlassie III pulled me into the story and held my interest with tales of the supernatural, magical powers, religious rituals and sacrifices, and the dark realms of true evil. This book was action packed throughout and delivered from start to finish. Great read that will give you goosebumps and will surely haunt your dreams!
View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes
Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is absolutely hands down one of my top five favorite reads of 2021! Now that isn’t easy considering this is the 150th book I have read and reviewed this year alone. This book is absolutely amazing. I was swept away to a timeless feel of love story romance that made me want to watch all my favorite old movies again when this book was done. It just exudes that nostalgia and that is just the world building and the character presence yall. The love story will blow your mind. These two, Phillip and Kat, will make you want to be them, or find a love like theirs or hope your love is like theirs. I am so excited to get my hands on book two and will be waiting for it like its rare gold. I wouldn’t wait to run and grab your copy now!
Review by @lizaileen
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Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a cute story for young readers and their parents to enjoy reading together or separately. I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures included along with the descriptions of the marine animals and their environment. There is a lot of knowledgeable information included in the story. So not only is this a wonderfully written story, but it’s like a little encyclopedia of information as well. Even as an adult I thought that this was a learning story. I learned quite a bit of information about our ocean inhabitants that I was not aware of. It made me think about how important the ecosystem is to our world. I highly recommend purchasing this book for children. I think this would make a wonderful gift to any school classroom or library in addition to homes of our kids. Even more so if they are into mammals, oceans, and biology.
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Bow (Her Three Immortals Book 3)
By: Hazel Storm
Genre:Mythology & Romance
Pages:260
Where oh where is book four?! This book was so good I enjoyed books two and three the most but I have to say this is a very enjoyable series. The bow is steamy and romantic and not for children.
I will always be a Grey and Vanessa fan, such an innocent soul Vanessa is a character favorite and an amazing female protagonist.
Why did the book end like that though?!
This book makes me want to grow wings!
Five stars for this quick and addictive read your not going to put it down.
I read it all the way through.
Hazel Storm has done it again with book three such a good series.
The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Book of Carraig is the second book in The Cross of Ciaran series from Andrea Matthews, and I would very much recommend that you read the first book in the series before diving into this one. You will find yourself in a much better understanding of what is going on as this book picks up about a year after the first with the same main character, Ciarán returning home to Ireland. I really enjoyed this one and the attention to details was just as beautiful and vivid making the story even more enjoyable. I look forward to seeing what will come next!
Review by @lizaileen
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Forever by Ivy Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a gripping read from start to finish. The is book 9 in the Diamond Doms series. If you do read the books in order it builds the characters and the storyline, however it can be read as a standalone and is just as enjoyable.
This is definately an adult romance based around the dominant male and submissive female. However there is an element of danger, and adventure as they try to bring down the people who are looking to harm their friends and family.
The relationship between Gemma and Russell is very intense not only when they are embracing their roles but also in everyday life. Russell has definately met his match with Gemma, she is fiesty and determined and full of sass. As much as she is willing to submit to him in the bedroom in everyday life she isn’t going to make it so easy.
All Russell wants to do is protect her and keep her safe, but how can he do that when she is making plans of her own to bring down their enemy’s.
Their relationship needs to be built on trust but can it survive when one of them breaks that trust by putting themselves and everyone else in danger?
Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was hooked from the start and finished this book in one sitting! A post-apocalyptic story after “The Fall” where the UNR controls the communities and the people live like slaves. Hunter, one of the main characters, is part of the Resistance, which is trying to help the people. Rain, the other main character, is living a solitary life hidden in a bunker. When they meet the story takes off and is full of action, fighting, humor, and steamy romance. I liked the flashbacks to learn more about the characters. I liked picturing the bunker, the resistance HQ, the UNR compound, and the forests. An overall great read!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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