Posts

Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan and her cases are like aging red wine , it just gets better with time 😉 also each book deals with subject/s that many won’t touch as they’re seen as taboo and they’re dealt with in a honest yet empathetic manner which makes reader see things from a different view , we “ see” what people are going through and their very real struggles .

Logan and Ben have just bought their first home together and there’s a lot of TLC needed ( that can make or break a relationship 🤣🙈)Logan is also going to meet her sister for the first time but before they can even really start their sibling journey , a young woman is found dead in the pool of their family hotel and they set out to investigate what happened to her …..

Well o tell you what I walked away from resting this with a very strong reminder that secret’s never stay that way , they have a way of coming out wether in your life time or generations later and fond of the forefather are passed down that’s for sure ! Logan ,girl you’re a magnet for trouble , it always seems to find you and you always seem to walk away reasonably unscathed 🤷‍♀️😉 till next time Logan 😉

View all my reviews

Safe Harbor: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 5 by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5(The Logan McKenna Series)SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan hasn’t been in a holiday in a long time and heading to Oregon with Ben is just what they need.

Logan and Ben seem to be having a good time and life seems “ normal “ but death seems to find Logan wherever she is , she’s like a magnet for it 🙈 this time she’s not only trying to investigate the homicide but now she’s a suspect 🤷‍♀️🙈

The worst things about our past is sometimes we have to face it and Logan finds herself in a predicament , a decision has to be made but it’ll effect not only her but others as well …..

I was lucky enough to have read the previous books but for those that haven’t , it’s written so well that you don’t feel lost but as I said I read them all so I say go for it 🥰📚

Again , I enjoyed every page and again I’m looking forward to the next instalment, what can I say if you’re good then you’re good 😉

View all my reviews

Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

I’ve enjoyed this series so far but I must be honest this one has been my favourite so far !

So Logan’s new neighbour and her daughter are definitely hiding and or running from someone or something and she’s concerned for them ….

Lori was married to a nasty , narcissistic, abusive bully but she’s on the run and she’s got her daughter with her but she also has something to hold over her husband and he knows it and he’ll do anything to get his hands on it and he wants his daughter things escalate but lucky for Lori and her little girl they have Logan on their side and she’s a tough cookie our girl 😉 even in the face of danger

This was really a good read , I was in the edge of my seat quite a few times and I appreciate that the author dealt with the subject of domestic abuse in an honest yet sensitive way 🥰

Looking forward to the next instalment ❣️📚

View all my reviews

Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries #1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s not to love about being part of bringing new life into the world !? Being there when there’s a struggle to conceive and then it happens!? Holding a parent while they mourn a loss ( you have to have a big heart for that ) being there when a prognosis is made ….

Maeve and husband Will live in Langford , a small seaside town where Will is a caterer and Maeve is a midwife , life seems idyllic , that is until the chief of obstetrics drops dead at his daughters wedding and Will did the carrying ! Oh my goodness this is a disaster 🙈

Maeve is determined to prove her husbands innocence . Look I like Maeve she’s a real gem and she’s got so many facets to her character and can be witty , sarcastic , funny , serious , empathetic and sympathetic , she’s a good wife , sister , friend , midwife and sister 🌸

Just having finished the series “ Call the Midwife” I really enjoy the midwife side of this book but I also enjoy that issues dealt with were done so in a sympathetic and honest way , real and honest .

This is a series that has potential to be a good series for television 😉🥰

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Collier

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

This is the seventh book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I am completely in love with this series. I am trying not to think that this is the last duet of the series because I just don’t want this all to be over. So finally we get Shane’s story. He has been such a mystery since the beginning of this series. At last his story begins to unravel. His and Winter’s story is so compelling. There is so much to dig into and uncover. I flew through this book and am now sitting here waiting until I can read the conclusion to this story even though i just really don’t want it all to end.

View all my reviews

Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh man how precious is this cover !?🥰📚🐾

I’m blessed enough to work in a library at a local primary school so I had the opportunity to share Kingston and his friend with my little friend and there’s a bonus they have you get siblings so you can just imagine the stories that were swooped put amongst ourselves 🤣

Kingston has such a love for dogs and when mummy shows him other animals and calls them “ dog” she starts to worry just a little as any mother would and I just wanted to grab her hand and say “ don’t worry mum , he calls everything he loves dog “ 😉 and their journey of discovery is quite the adventure 🥰

I love how we get to meet different animals , breeds , shapes and sizes 😍 I loved the old colours ! A real treat 📚🥰

View all my reviews

What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Heidi Sturgess

What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women's Fiction (Bold Journeys Book 2)What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loving the cover art ! However , don’t let it me do lead you there’s something very different in between those pages and having read the first book in the series “ Love, only better” I was more than eager to get started on this read 🥰📚

Usually it’s woman who suffer at the hands of others wether it be at the hand of their loved one or employer and while it does happen to men it’s not something often women of so this was a big attraction for me ….not because I’m a sick puppy but because I appreciate that a taboo subject is being broached …..

We met Rebecca and Kyle in the first boom and Kyle was Rebecca’s saving grace and this time tomes are reversed 😉look I know he knew she’d support him but I also felt his anxiety and fear to share his experience….

So Kyles past meets up with his present unbeknown to them and when the dots are connected boy do we get fireworks and I typical fashion the aggressor looks for a scapegoat and tries to target Rebecca and name get out to be the bad guy but she who I shall not mention picked the wrong girl to pick a fight with !

I loved how supportive these 2 were of each other , i loved how a taboo subject was approached without emasculating Kyle but making him and his emotions and experience a very real thing and this is really a read I’d love to share with men and women alike 🥰📚

View all my reviews

Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Michelle Collier

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the North Fork Series but it is the first one that I have read. Caleb and Wynter are brought together when they help rescue a stray dog. They both make assumptions about the other but they also just can’t seem to stay away from each other. Neither one is wanting a relationship after the disasters of their past relationships. There are forces beyond their control that keep pulling them back to each other. This story was well written and kept me wanting more.

View all my reviews

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles Book 3) by Pamela Gibson – Review by Christine Baranek

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles #3)Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet Vengeance
By: Pamela Gibson

This is the type of book that really sucks you in from the first sentence and really keeps you engaged throughout. This book takes place during the San Francisco Gold Rush. This book has romance elements, however, the real plot movement is in Elena seeking revenge for the death of her little brother. She will give up anything to get her revenge. When she finds out who it is, it turns out it is someone who has always wanted to be with her. This allows her to really seek her revenge and find a plan that may actually work. She seeks him out to exact her revenge, however her plan doesn’t go as she expected and so very many twists and turns during the story. This was honestly such a fantastic historical fiction novel. It reads as a standalone but it is part of a series. I definitely will be going back to read the first well. Pamela Gibson has really written an engaging story with fantastic characters. I highly recommend it!

View all my reviews

Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Themes of Kismet
By: A. Akinosho

This book was honestly really good. This focuses on two people who met the person who is your true love when you were a young child / teenager. But it isn’t enough for them to meet once, they kept meeting over and over again. But not only is there this, it has a focus on a multicultural romance. This leads to much of the story line – there are cultural differences, racism and tension stemming from all that. However, the two main characters find their way back to one another. This book does focus on the importance of clear communication. These two lost a lot of time together because of miscommunication. I definitely recommend reading this story! It is sooooo very good!

View all my reviews

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Inquisitor
By: Nadia Han

Each and every book of the WaterFyre Rising Books has been absolutely phenomenal and this book definitely fits the mold. This is a second chance romance that is wonderfully well written. This book focuses on Kiera and Forrest and has a major focus on what happens when one is faced with having to choose between getting revenge and saving someone. This added a very interesting element to the plot that made it impossible for me to put down. I loved watching Kiera and Forrest together and seeing them navigate their complicated situation. Both characters were well developed and believable. I definitely found myself really rooting for them both. I definitely recommend picking this one and the rest of the series!

View all my reviews

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Innovator
By: Nadia Han

This is enemies to lovers done right. Each of the WaterFyre rising book is better than the next. They are filled with spice and well written characters and this does not disappoint. Grayson and Natalie have such fantastic chemistry that the tension between them just jumps off the page. Their banter is absolutely enjoyable and really makes the book move at a fast pace. I loved how these characters just jump off the page. I completely recommend picking up this one and the rest of the series! I definitely cannot wait for the next book!

View all my reviews

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 2) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising, #2)The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Daredevil
By: Nadia Han

This is the second book in the WaterFyre Rising Series. It is such a good book that really has it all and is impossible to put down. It has romance and mystery. It also has a plot that sucks you in from page one and really doesn’t let you put it down until the last page. Royce is such an interesting character. He is such a thrill seeker and really is a protective alpha. Michelle is a very relatable character. She has such depth to her and is really flawed in a relatable way. This book is filled with adventure and sexual tension. It also is filled with twists and turns. I definitely recommend picking up this book, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as this was such a good read to me!

View all my reviews

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Christine Baranek

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes
By: Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart
This is such a fun book! I love a good sports romance and this definitely delivers on that. This book features amazingly well written characters who really are relatable and just enjoyable to get to know. The authors do a fantastic job with character development and moving the plot ahead at a pace that keeps you sucked in. Olivia and Roman are just really fun characters and I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other. I definitely enjoyed this book and am glad to know that it is a part of a series as I really want to read more from both of these authors!

View all my reviews

Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Katy winter

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

I absolutely loved it. I had a serendipity (90’s movie) feel to it, which I also loved when I was young. There were even some twists in it which I was not expecting !
It was super cute, I now plan to read more of this authors work.

View all my reviews

Yesterday’s Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade – Review by Angela Shirley

Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat series, #3)Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Assistant Medical Examiner Trudy Beasley loves her job, although the tragedies and heartbreak come through her doors everyday, Trudy enjoys giving answers to the victims families and hopefully be able to bring peace in some form. Until one day an explosion rips through the city and uncovers bones that may be beyond her expertise and requires help to answer the questions.

Ben Roberts is an expert in the world of Anthropology and when he receives a request to help with the Medical Examiners office this peaks his interest especially when the examiner is Trudy. Ben and Trudy start to work on finding the identity and the reasons behind the death but as they investigate more and more it becomes more intense, but when they uncover secrets and things people want to keep quiet but as they become more involved in the case there chemistry increases and in the end can they solve the mystery?

I loved all the books in this series so far and this one is just as good, although this is the third book you can feel comfortable reading as a stand alone story, although previous characters are referenced it does not take away from the story or the relationships.

The drama building in this story was well written and the book flowed with the thrilling twists and turns. I have loved Trudy as a character in the other books but you really get to see her tick in this story and Ben adds the chemistry of passion and love for her in the best possible way. I also love the way Trudy truly cares about the dead, always wanting to help with the narrative and story of how they ended up where they did which means at times she wears her heart on her sleeve.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and hopefully more to comes.

Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Ashley Phillips

Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a fantastic love story. There are times when I simply just listen to certain songs to feel certain feelings that don’t exist in my life at the time… Until SaintCon! I fell in love with the description of this wonderful book and i was so ready to keep every page continuously turning! I can’t wait to get more from this author. I’m usually not a romance novel fan but this book was magical and very inspiring! Happy reading!

View all my reviews

Master Sardinia (Masters of the Consulate Book 8) by Sylvia Black – Review by Michaela Massie

Master SardiniaMaster Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying that this is the 8th book in the Masters of the Consulate series by Sylvia Black, and it is AWESOME. This can be read as a standalone like I have read it, or it can be read in chronological order. I plan to go back and read the rest of the series.

Master Sardinia will do anything to keep the order and halt the dark plans of the traitors from coming to fruition.

After a brutal shifter attack, Master Sardinia is left with no alternative but to turn Madria Benalli, a 21 year old woman who just happens to be the daughter of the owner of Club Benalli, and a psychic in her own right.

Madria sees Sardinia as the enemy, and Master Sardinia views Madria as an infuriating psychic. They are very different people, but one thing they share is an unquestionable and electric attraction to one another. How will they cope with their growing attraction and feelings for one another while fighting against the dark forces that threaten them? Take a moment to read this jam-packed book and find out!!

View all my reviews

Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just want to start off by honouring the author for her acknowledgments I love and appreciate her faith and the fact that she doesn’t shy away from it and gives glory to Him 🙏🥰

I really have enjoyed being in McIntyre county and yes there’s , murder , drama and a bit of romance but I’m kept on my toes all the time ….

So Julie’s dad was the town sheriff years ago and get brother Ian and his girlfriend went on a murderous spree and then held his family at gunpoint , Jolie took her out while Ian is in jail , let’s just say their family dynamics are a little twisted ….

A young woman goes missing , hee father is dead and the local batman and military vet , Xavier ,is the prime suspect , he can’t remember anything so things aren’t looking good but Jolie feels it in her bibes , he’s innocent and she’ll going to all ends to prove it …..

Something doesn’t sit well with Jolie and this case she has a strong suspicion that it’s linked to a case many years back , when her dad was still sheriff, a girl by the name of Grace went missing and at the end of the day the case was closed and it was decided she ran away ! At first I was like come again !?
But as the story unfolds you realise the manipulation that actually went on and it’s a shocker I tell you .
I kept thinking it was one person and only near the very end I find out who it is and I’m like WHAT!?

Well done on Jolie for following Xavier’s advice , following her instincts and not giving up 😉 another brilliant read😉

Also it was good to catch glimpses of old friends from previous book 📕🤗

View all my reviews

Reckless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 4) by KG Fletcher – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book #4)Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh it’s soooo good to to be back in Langston Falls and among old friends and family 🥰it really is like coming home 🏡

Becky has always been a firm favourite and I’d love to call her friend . She’s a selfless person and serves her family with love and humility and it was good to see her put herself first for a change and it was hard for her but she did it 😉

We know there’s hectic history with the Kirby family more so Glen that anyone else but there was forgiveness and redemption but to me it felt like there was boundaries to that forgiveness, it’s easy to forgive but not forget and that’s why this story hits home and hard because that’s real life and I appreciate that the author went there and didn’t shy away from it , it makes this read real and relatable 📚🥰

So Glen and Walt are working together on a wine that would combine apples and grapes and that alone is a massive win for Glen because he’s not tempered to sample the wares and doesn’t that just speak volumes of how far he’s cone !?

Becky and Glen didn’t have an easy journey to their HEA and there were a few times I actually had to put my kindle down because I was crying so hard ! Glen had me weak at the knees with his chivalry, he wanted to do right by Becky and when she pushed he’d stick to his guns , such a gentle man , again proving his worth ❣️

I loved each book but this one will hold a special place in my heart because of the power of forgiveness and redemption 🥰

P.S. I love that our purring furry friend isn’t forgotten, sending butt scratching hugs Garth 🐾🤣🥰

View all my reviews

Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Christine Baranek

Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3)Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Merry Christmas, Montana
By: Elsa Winckler

This is such a heartwarming Christmas story. It is amazingly well written with characters that know how to hit you right in the feels. This is a fantastic story that takes place in a small town. It features Riley, who is a photographer who is living in Seattle but whose whole family has moved to Montana. She heads there to photograph a wedding where she meets the bride’s brother and feels sparks fly. This is the third book in the series and it is the third that I have read. I definitely enjoyed seeing Riley’s story happen in this book. I felt that this story was perhaps the best in the series I’ve read so far. Which is saying something because I truly loved the first two. I definitely recommend picking up this one – its a good romance but it will also begin to put you in the Christmas Spirit.

View all my reviews

Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spectral Revelations
By: Ellen Butler

Holy cow! This Karina Cardinal mystery is the newest and just when I thought I couldn’t love the character and series any more Ellen Butler delivers with a book that blows the others out of the water. This book has some supernatural elements which is a new element to the series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this addition, but in true Karina Cardinal fashion it fit right in with the amazing cast of characters that already existed. This is also added to what I have come to expect from Karina Cardinal – a mystery that keeps me guessing from the very start, suspense, drama, amazing dialogue and characters that add to the depth of the plot.
This book is absolutely fantastic. When Karina’s aunt goes missing – she has no choice but to really investigate what has happened. Yet, as with all of the previous books, Karina has bitten off more than she chewed. And she discovers that finding her aunt is going to really involve more than she ever expected.
Once again, I truly believe that each of these books would function as a standalone, however, I truly recommend reading all of them. There is some character overlap and also there are so very many amazing mysteries to be read. Definitely don’t miss out on this one!

View all my reviews

Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swindler’s Revenge
By: Ellen Butler

I have been a fan of every last one of the Karina Cardinal mysteries. But let me tell you that this book has definitely become one of my favorites. It takes the mystery, suspense, and political intrigue that I have come to expect and really ups it by making it hit close to home for Karina. This time its the FBI who are involved, but she is being accused of harboring a fugitive. Also known as her ex-boyfriend. Who she is definitely not hiding, but who also is accused of taking off with over a million dollars. However, this doesn’t fit anything she knows about her ex-boyfriend. So either, she didn’t know him like she thought she did, he has lost his mind or there is something else going on. Of course, Karina needs to begin to start this out for herself because not only is her name attached, but also none of this is making any sense. So she jumps head first into another case that kept me reading long into the night. I cannot recommend this or the other Karina Cardinal books enough. I love every page and the characters are all so interesting and really add so much depth to the plot – they keep the plot moving. Definitely pick up this book!

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Pharaoh's Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharoah’s Forgery
By: Ellen Butler

I truly feel that each and every Karina Cardinal book gets better than the last. I have found that she has become one of my favorite main characters. She is strong and independent and all in all just a really relatable character. In this book, the setting is moved away from Washington, DC and the United States. This move makes the focus of the book shift – previously each of these book had to do with U.S. government and politics, however, now this book is much more focused on ancient things. This gives the book a refreshing makeover that really made the experience even better. This book gives us better looks at characters that were mentioned in previous books but really gives us a good feel for them – like Mrs. Thundermuffin and Rodrigo. It was really great to get to know these characters in a different light.

The Karina Cardinal Series is really an excellent mystery series that is filled with suspense and twists and turns. Each book is a standalone, however, I highly suggest reading each one, as it is a fantastic read but also because there is some character crossover between books. I definitely suggest picking this one up!

View all my reviews

Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery, #3)Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Diamonds and Deception
By: Ellen Butler

This is the third book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery story. Although it is the third book in the series I think it is important to note that it can definitely function as a standalone. You could miss the earlier books and not be lost at all. I do recommend reading them all, just because each and everyone that I have read so far have been fantastic reads that I highly recommend. It contains all of my favorite elements in a mystery – drama, danger, action, suspense.
Katrina Cardinal is such a great character. She is multi-layered and helps to drive the plot a rate that had me not wanting to walk away from my book. She is a lawyer who is now a lobbyist in Washington D.C. This gives her all the qualities you would expect – especially for the lead character in a mystery series – she’s smart, independent and hard working. Her sister reaches out to her to help her with a friend. And this leads them both wondering what they have been pulled into as nothing is as they originally thought.
This book is absolutely fantastic. I love the characters and how fast paced the plot is. This mystery is definitely original. I cannot wait to read more from Karina Karina Cardinal. Definitely pick this book up!

View all my reviews

Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fatal Legislation
By: Ellen Butler

This is the second book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series. This is a fantastic political mystery the features action, suspense, drama and of course, an FBI investigation. This book is a complete page turner that definitely is intense at parts and really sucked me in.
Karina Cardinal is a lawyer who is not working as a lobbyist. She has a new boyfriend who is also an FBI agent. Karina is in the wrong place and the wrong time and ends up being a a person of interest in a murder investigation. Karina is determined to not only prove her innocence but also find out what is going on. She doesn’t want to become the next victim.
These characters are amazingly well written – they have flaws and depth to them. They really seem like 3 dimensional people, not just characters on a page. And the story is told with such craftsmanship. As much as the story kept me on the edge of my seat – I wanted to solve the mystery before Karina did – I also didn’t want it to end. I definitely recommend reading this book – it will not disappoint!

View all my reviews

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting
By: Ellen Butler

This is a fantastic fast paced mystery. This book introduces us to Karina Cardinal who is just at the wrong place at the right time to put her in the middle of a mystery. Karina is a fantastically well written character who drives the plot (which happens to be based on a real life mystery). This story sucked me in from the first page and it really delivered. This author gives enough detail to make you feel like you are there but not so much that it bogs down the plot of the story.
I definitely recommend this story and I cannot wait to read more by Ellen Butler.

View all my reviews

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Moriah Venable

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With a title like this, how can I not want to read it?

After reading Prisoner of Night by J. R. Ward, I was in the mood for a different genre.

Birdie Harper has a problem. She likes to collect things. And she prefers to go dumpster diving to see what she can find. One may refer to her as a hoarder.

The way Birdie thinks of herself is a lot different from what others would call her and she is just fine with that.

One day while dumpster diving in the dumpster of her favorite hobby story, she uncovers a dead body! Unfortunately, she finds the body of a young woman that she knows.

Birdie resolves to catch the murderer of her friend and drags her sister and recently deceased husband Walter, to assist her.

The title and cover caught my attention. I just had to read it. The overall world and characters are refreshing to me.

Reading this just made me think of watching an episode of Hoarders mixed in with a murder mystery.

I don’t know if the author has any plans to make more in this series, but if they do, I am looking forward to reading them.

View all my reviews

Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Michelle Marlow

Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this wasn’t what I expected HOWEVER I was not disappointed! My first read from this author but this novella is super catching! The description had me thinking specifically mystery and thriller. But the romance is this was written so well!

Reviews by @michellerenee6590

View all my reviews
Read more

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone

I start most of my reviews for this series off the same way so bear with me please. If you have not read the previous books in this series I highly suggest you go back and start from the beginning.

This author has spent alot of time building these relationships and overall stories throughout the first 7 Novels it’s crazy to see everything formally coming full circle, I could read 12 more books in this series and still not have enough. I’m not sure I’d have to look into but I believe this is the beginning of the end of this series, which sounds a bit weird, but this is the final character for us to really explore.

This book is about Shaneeee, and it is some intense drama, every book we get a bit more and I cannot wait to see where this all goes for him and Winter, their chemistry is so spicy, so far I think their dynamic and relationship/not relationship is my favorite. The back and forth between them, the angst the sizzling betrayal and everything in between them makes my toes curl.

I will say that Winters personality at first felt a little forced on me, but she’s grown on me, now she just needs to grow on shane.
This book starts out 100 an hour an keeps that pace basically through the entire book. I’m so excited to read the next part to their story.

Definitely 100000% recommend this series, if you’re looking for a “universe” to get stuck in, this one I highly suggest.

Wicked Games, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, October 2023

View all my reviews