Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very cute kids mystery book. I remember reading all sorts of kids mysteries as a child and this would have been one of my favorites. The characters are relatable and the mystery is believable. I would recommend this for a child.
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
Debbie Sullivan is a children’s author who released her first book at the age of 49. She truly believes it’s never too late to follow your dreams! Debbie is happily married with one beautiful son (who has inspired many of her stories), and a lovable cavapoo. Debbie started Little Pumpkin Publishing, Inc. in 2023, with a mission to create books that parents can relate to, and children love.
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~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ AMAZON ~ APPLE BOOKS ~ KOBO ~ SMASHWORDS ~ FABLE ~
Having lived all her life in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, author Bree M. Lewandowski incorporates all aspects of her life in her writing. A ballet dancer at a young age, continuing to teach ballet through her career as an author, she often turns to the tumultuous world of dance to find threads of a story. In love with classical literature, her writing not only pays homage to the style of writers like Dumas and Hugo, she also believes in creating main characters who are larger than life. Yet, struggles with body image, mental and emotional health, and the strained relationships so many have also play in and out of Lewandowski’s writing. In the end, all these attributes combined, she loves to tell a love story.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 Stars
The jaws of the fox snapped shut where Anastasia’s head had just been, the right canine tooth catching the tip of her long left ear. A lick of pain raced down her ear and her heart banged against her ribs. The fear burn rushed through her, and her powerful legs hurled her forward. The fox’s jaws closed again, so close to her neck that she could feel the hot breath.
Heart hammering, the brown yearling rabbit flung herself through the small bushes and over the dead leaves and twigs. The fox came behind, paws casting up a welter of leaves and dirt. His eyes were bright, his teeth shone. Anastasia heard his excited whine rising over his harsh breathing.
Why had she left the area near the warren, again? Why couldn’t she be obedient and follow Warren Mother’s commands?
War Bunny is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John. This might have been the first book that I have read by Mr. St. John- but after finishing this book in one sitting, it definitely won’t be the last time I dive between one of his covers.
This book is refreshingly original- but also gave me some ‘Watership Down’ vibes- which I love. Here, Mr. St. John depicts a postapocalyptic world where humans have been wiped out, and now the animals rule the planet. But the way their world is ‘governed’ makes Anastasia start to question things- such as why rabbits have been relegated to being prey- why not more? But rocking the boat leads her to being cast out of the community, where her battle for survival, and adventures begin.
This is a fantastic tale- a YA fantasy with dystopian elements, action, family, friendship, honour, politics, agendas, societal structure/class, culture, community, staying true to yourself, journey of discovery, a coming of age, intriguing world building, wonderful characters, drama, danger, and more.
There is also a detailed map at the beginning of the book, which really helps to put everything in perspective and helped me visualise where everything was, so much more clearly. I LOVE a good map!
I can’t wait to continue the series with ‘Summerday’ (Book #2) and ‘City of Oom’ (Book #3), which are both available now. A fourth book will be released next year (2025).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Christopher St. John!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series! It’s a quirky sports romance. These authors hooked me with book 1, but I feel like Night Sweats & Hockey Nets is my favorite. Which is also book 3. It may be a series but you don’t have to read them in succession, they work extremely well as standalone novels. The authors bring us another story where another one of the Storm Chasers falls for an older woman.
It’s All Star weekend which finds Chloe and Niko in Toronto for different reasons. He’s taking part and she’s spectating, but when they meet at a bar they can’t resist one another. Chloe is out trying to find herself. She had a long and trying past few years and it’s time to move on. Which puts her right into Niko’s path. However Niko’s path is a dangerous one, dangerous for one’s heart. However Niko wants this stranger and after they share a kiss they are both done for. But they’ve agreed to only remain anonymous. Unfortunately it’s easier said than done, because she’s not a stranger at all. She is the coach’s daughter. Which makes her off limits. Not that stops them from flirting and such. Especially since she’s now closer than ever because she’s helping him try to win his custody battle for his daughter.
Will they give in to temptation?
When will they realize their feelings are true it’s not??
Easier said than done.
If you enjoy either of the authors and/or are looking for a fun quirky romance novel this book is for you. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump right in.
Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love and Fate: A Braebeach Rockstar Romance (Book 2) (Braebeach Rockstar Romance Series)
I can usually get a feel for a book pretty early on. This one caught me off guard. I didn’t expect to cry at all, but definitely not before chapter 3.
Tommy and Angie’s story is not a fast paced story, this one takes a long time and several things before they get their happily ever after. But it was well worth the wait for them.
I couldn’t imagine having to start my life over after being with someone for so many years. But both Tommy and Angie do it while making it look fairly easy.
Definitely didn’t like Chelsea and feel like she got off too easy, hoping karma comes for her soon.
Please let Max be the next one of the boys to fall. I have a good feeling about his story and I can’t wait to see if what my mind is coming up with is close to what happens.
Cam Creates a Hero by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cam has a big heart and a big imagination and lives with his Foster family. While listening to the news one day he hears about another girl in Foster care who’s mother hurt her bad enough that the girl needed to be in the hospital and he wanted to help, but how?
Cam had a school project coming up due,and he decided he was going to build a robot to protect other children for his assignment. He worked hard on his robot but wasn’t happy with its outcome, especially when it hit him in the head hard! He had to go to the hospital to be examined and while he was there he met the little girl from the news.
In his dreams that night his robot who he named Giorgio and the robot told him he had to believe in his ability to make him come alive.
After that dream he starts drawing the robot and makes a book all about the robot adventures. He brings this book to the kids in the hospital and there Giorgio comes alive!
Such a cute story about perseverance, compassion, believing in yourself. Imagination and so much more. My daughter who is 6 loved it
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This enchanting, full of heart, beautifully illustrated children’s story is about Gadrella, a 300 year old witch, who always does what she is told. She’s curious, steadfast, and strong, always wondering why this and what about that. She is most definitely prepared to take matters into her own hands and make those decisions and answer those questions herself. We loved reading this the month of Halloween.
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla Vaughn is one of my current favorite authors and I never hesitate to pick up one of her books. Her newest series is the Fall Lake Ballers Series, centered around college football players and their love lives. The first of the series is Quarterback Keeper. Isla Vaughn’s writing and world building is superb, throwing the reader into the middle of Chicago, home of Fall Lake University. Kylian is the star quarterback, juggling football, his mother’s illness, and his father’s ruthlessness. Gia is the stowaway he finds on his private boat who is running from a violent past. Kylian and Gia’s connection is immediate and just continues to grow, despite several setbacks. The characters are realistic, believable, and I found myself rooting for Kylian and Gia. This fast-paced read was still packed full of drama, romance, secrets, suspense, and a little bit of football. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the Fall Lake Ballers Series!
Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unmasking a Cowgirl is the 3rd book in the Match Made in Montana series. I have read one other, but not the entire series, and while some characters overlap, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. Abby Whit has recently moved to Herd Montana, and has a big secret. She is a descendant of the Whittier family, a family that has all but been exiled from town. She is back, hoping to reclaim a small plot of land still in her family. But, she is afraid of the negativity surrounding her family’s past. Joe is a teacher, as well as trying to develop his standing as a historian. He doesn’t hit it off with Abby, but is paired up with her to help with the food at the biggest event in town. Joe and Abby must learn to put their differences aside and work together. Will Joe be her biggest supporter, or biggest enemy? Time will tell.
I liked both characters, as well as the supporting characters within the story. There isn’t much romance in the story, but I am growing to love Herd and all its residents. Looking forward to the final book in the series.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kylian is working hard on the field to get an NFL contract that will allow him to care for his mother. Kylian’s mother is dying, and he wants to make her happy…by making her believe that he has found love. The opportunity arises when he finds Gia, a stowaway on his boat. The two believe that they can help each other out via a fake engagement. Kylian will be able to bring happiness to his mother while Gia will have a safe place to stay. However, with Gia’s secrets, and Kylian’s father and Gia’s ex there to add some drama…can these two find something real in their web of lies?
This was another great story by Isla Vaughn. The characters are enjoyable, including the supporting characters. Kylian is so caring and protective of the women in his life….which came through the pages of the story. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series!
Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Night Sweats and Hockey Nets is the third book in the Hot Flash Hookups series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. Chloe has been having a relaunch of her life since the death of her husband, and she wants to enjoy everything. Nico is a single dad who plays professional hockey with a bit of a grumpy side. Will the two find common ground?
The story is told from their POVs, alternating each chapter. I enjoyed reading both of their versions of the story because, as often happens in a romance, there are miscommunications and other issues. Chloe is relatable with her hot flashes and outlook on life. Nico made me laugh with his grumpiness and unwillingness to see the potential in a relationship with Chloe. I enjoyed the story and the hockey storyline. I will now read the books I missed in this series.
I look forward to more from this series and to meeting more characters. It is rare to have a romance with a 40-something woman dealing with the lovely changes all women go through at this period in life.
Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by this author and it was marvelously heartfelt! The characters are by far some of my most favorite that I’ve read this year. The strength of this story definitely lies in its character development. Tasha, a bird enthusiast and a nurse, finds herself drawn to Caleb, a biologist with a captivating knowledge of whooping cranes. She is deeply caring while he is charming and vulnerable. I was fully invested in both of these characters almost immediately as the author pulls at your heartstrings. The flow of the story is magnificent as everything unfolds naturally. If you are looking for a touching love story filled with charm and depth, this one should be your next purchase! It is sure to leave you with a renewed appreciate for the beautify of the natural world as well as the fragility of relationships. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kylian had almost everything he could want. A penthouse with his two best friends, a promising college football career with the high probability of an NFL contract. Yet his personal life is crumbling around him. His mom is dying of cancer and his father is a S*B. If Kylian doesn’t do as his father demands his mother’s treatment comes to an end. All his mother wants is what is best for him, all his dad wants is what will make his political image look great. All Kylian wants is the open waters on his sailboat! Little did Kylian realize that he had a stowaway on his boat. Gia/ Aurora was running for her life and finally found a place to hide out. No one had been to the boat in over a week so she felt safe until she wasn’t. Kylian realizes he has someone on his boat but realizes so much more! Gia needs a place to stay and Kylian needs his mother to believe he has found love. However, could there ever be a happy ending with Kylian’s father and Gia’s past catching up with her? Could a deal of convenience end up with these two actually in love?
This is yet another example of what an amazing author can do with a computer and a great ability to make characters and stories come to life!! Keep them coming because this author is AMAZING!!
Reviewed by @alape
The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found book two before I found book one, so I back tracked to read book one first and what a wonderful start to a series it was. Hailey, a health inspector, and Noah, a bar owner meet unexpectedly in the middle of a snow storm which starts their romance simmering. I enjoyed reading about how their relationship played out, the side characters, and the puppy of course. I can definitely say I’m looking forward to visiting Fall River again in book two.
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quinnlan has been given a second chance from the paranormal gods – if he can find a mate that accepts him in the next 3 days, he will not have to return to purgatory. When he is dumped at a motel in the middle of nowhere, his chances of finding a mate are bleak. However, thanks to some werewolves wreaking some havoc, he is forced to choose on saving a man’s life and potentially creating a bond with someone who could reject him. Does he save a life and risk returning to purgatory? Or letting him die and continuing on his quest before time runs out?
This was a quick m/m paranormal read that I enjoyed reading. It is a different twist in the paranormal realm that was unique and made for a good story.
Sarge: Going Deep by PhD Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Return to the science fiction genre with the author’s latest installment in this series. Imagine that aliens exist. Imagine that people are kind to one another. Further imagine that humans and aliens work together. If you can do all that, you are in for a treat!
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quarterback Keeper by Isla Vaughn is a modern fake romance.
Kylian is willing to do anything to make his dying mother happy in her last days. Her one wish is to see him happy in a relationship. He runs into Gia, as a stowaway, on his boat. Gia has lots of baggage from her previous relationship and is very skittish. They agree on a fake engagement to show Kylian’s mom he is happy and Gia gets a place to sleep and a sense of security. Between Kylian’s shady father and Gia’s ex, their relationship is very messy.
Isla Vaughn did not use a lot of dialogue in this book. It was more mental thoughts that portrayed the scenes. Because of that, you didn’t get a strong connection between the characters. It felt like the main characters had more of an inner battle with themselves that outshined their external feelings.
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars
Unconventional indeed. Weird and fascinating, you bet. Quirky and unique, YES. Sign me up. You had me at sentient curse. I must say I have never read anything quite like this. The premise is brilliant! It is an original, and remarkable tale. I was determined to see where it would go. I love when I come across something new, fresh, and intriguing and that is what Kay has done. A sentient curse.
This complex yet simple tale has thrown the normal fantasy genres out the window and twisted them to create its own.
Whisper is young, naïve, and growing but which way will it truly go? The character development was spot on. The story is set in one day, so the pace was quick but definitely never lacking.
I cannot recommend this book enough. With curses, conspiracies, sorcerers, death, hope, there is much to discover but I will not be sharing in any spoilers. It is that good that you need to find all that there is for yourself.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Being an aspiring female reporter during 1958, when the workforce is predominantly male is not easy for Ariadne Winter. As a writer for ‘Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine’ she is sent to stay at the Ivy Tree Inn, to interview a Hollywood starlet whose royal marriage is hailed as the “Wedding of the Century.” When Ariadne discovers a dead body she sees the opportunity to prove she could be the investigative reporter she dreams of being. As she investigates the lives of the inn’s inhabitants she discovers intertwined relationships along with long buried secrets amongst both guests and staff. With a murderer on the loose and multiple possible suspects Ariadne must both solve the murder and make her magazine deadline. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the stories outcome and I found it to be a real page turner.
A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A can’t put down story that masterfully intertwines themes of trust, trauma, and the quest for safety. Meet Kat Anderson a 15-year-old runaway who witnesses a gruesome murder. She is brought to the local police station for striking an officer. It is there she meets Maddi O’Hara a Social worker who is called in to provide emergency housing for the flight risk teen while they try and locate her next of kin. In this gripping book, you can’t help but fall in love with all the characters. This is the 6th book in the series and each one before is well worth the read.
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new series by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by this author. I enjoy this author’s writing style and her creative, steamy characters. Lies and secrets tear relationships apart but will this happen to Gia and Kylian? Will they find a way to build a future or tear one apart? I enjoyed both of these characters. They took me on an emotional rollercoaster like no other. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry throughout the story. They are connectable, relatable and kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. This is a hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing what is next for this series. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Alright prologue, sucking me right in. I struggled to find a favorite character, and throughout the book it was probably Edward.
I really expected there to actually be more flirtation between Ariadne and Johnny because of a few of their interactions and then there were other times where I felt like I couldn’t really get a read on him. He has a solid desire to help those around him. He has goals and even though his relationship with his half-brother Frank is tense, he does his best to accomplish what needs done without too much squabbling. But obviously feels slighted by Frank.
Edward is just simply adorable. He is smart and caring, working at the Inn and helping his mother. He is really trying to make a name for himself both in sports and in studies.
Kitty intrigued me, as she’s acquaintances with the other ladies staying at the Innb it doesn’t seem to really be close with anyone. Dottie and Connie almost gang up on her a few times with the ways that they act.
They all seem to be doing Frank a favor by staying at his newly opened Inn, And Ariadne is the outsider, as she doesn’t know any of them previously.
However, Aunt Ruth knows everyone. She is really the glue, being a hair dresser and salon owner in town, she knows everyone’s backstory and all the most recent gossip Plus she’s stylish and Ariadne’s biggest fan.
Oh and Gavin, what a sweet guy.
I loved the multiple points of view and learning more about the characters and their interactions in that way.
I look forward to reading more about Ariadne’s story and am excited for more books in the series.
London Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a new to me author this year, and I couldn’t get enough of this series. It’s a great suspenseful romance with some laughs and twists.
Book 1 is Evelyn and Patrick’s story. Evelyn meets Patrick at the airport when she is mistaken for someone else and Patrick ends up holding her captive, making her miss her flight, while things are sorted out. I loved the London setting and the British banter between characters. Was on the edge of my seat and staying up late into the night reading to see what happens next.
Book 2 this one follows Tessa and James. James and Patrick were roommates and run a P.I business together. So when Tessa comes to the office for help with a stalker after the police turn her away, James takes on the case. But while he’s trying to keep things professional he’s also falling for her quite quickly. When the stalker escalates, James has to race to save Tessa before it’s too late. This was another story I thoroughly enjoyed and had me hooked.
This author has quickly become a new favorite of mine. Give this series a try.
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5stars
This was a really great read. My first from this author. Poor Aurora and Kylian. Both are dealing with some heavy issues. Deep enough that they both have trust issues. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The Man Who Dealt in Death by Marlena Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To my current recollection, this is the first book I’ve read by this author, so I went in with no expectations. Let me just tell you, I was sucked in from the beginning.
I loved that the werewolves in the story are closer to the actual werewolf lore, not just shifters. It’s rare to come across a book that follows more traditional lore with all the shifter/fated mates type stories that are out there. (Don’t get me wrong, I love a good shifter story, too).
In contrast to the more traditional werewolf, the vampire in the story had different vibes than you would expect. It took me a minute to adjust to the character. But all the characters were so well-written that you can’t help but appreciate them.
There’s a splash of romance that I hope develops a specific way as the series continues because the set up at the end of this book is perfect for it to go that direction. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Great story – suspense, action, danger, drama… it’s got everything to keep you turning the pages.
A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really cute, clean high school romance! Holland moves to a new town and is starting a new school. Her grandma hurt herself and so the family moved from Colorado to Arizona to take care of her. Holland is running late on her first day and luckily runs into Asher. He shows her around the school and they sit and talk during first period in the library. He ends up giving him her number and she texts him a few times without hearing back from him. They are both a bit nerdy and she is totally overthinking every text. Then she meets Chandler a few days later when she is fighting with her locker. He helps her open it and stays until she can do it on her own. He asks her out with his friends later that night which turns into a bit of a disaster. But when he invites her to hang out at the lake with his family she goes because he is hot and so sweet. Well, turns out Asher and Chandler are twins and are always competing for something, this time it is her. I loved the story line and all the quirky characters, I would definitely recommend!
A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Safe Place by Becky Flade – 5 Stars!
This is my first read by Becky. I started with her 6th book in the series and now I HAVE to go back and read the rest!
Becky had me glued to this book from page one! It’s a romance but add the feeling of a now a day crime story. You have a murder, twists and turns and a real feel of what today’s society could be like for kids in the system.
You have Maddie, a former foster kid with no family turned social worker that is trying to protect Kat who witnessed a murder. Kat went into the system after her grandmother passed and they are trying to get in contact with her now legal guardian; her older brother Nate who is currently overseas.
In this book you will see not only romance blossom (very minimal spice) but also friendship and family. You’ll witness the tragedy and betrayal. Just wait for the shocking turn of events towards the end. My husband jumped when I yelled “what?!?”!
I could not put it down! Thank you Becky! I am hooked with your writing and style!
The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This mystery continues the adventures of Sparky, our unconventional protagonist, who finds herself amidst a tangled web of intrigue aboard a cruise ship filled with former Hollywood legends.
From the very first page, Barden skillfully immerses us in the vibrant atmosphere of the era—complete with the unmistakable glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the palpable tension of a murder mystery. Sparky’s voice is refreshingly authentic for her age, capturing the wit and resourcefulness of an eleven-year-old who has had to fend for herself in a tough world. The premise of a stowaway escaping the confines of school sets the stage for a lively narrative filled with both humor and suspense, and it was a quick but enjoyable read.
A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love Becky Flade’s gift for story telling. I’m always hooked from the first few lines.
Although this story is about love it isn’t just the romantic kind. We also see friendship and family form. Maddie and Kate bond is just as important as Maddie and Nate. I think Becky did a great job with showing the side of foster care that most of us never experience or hear of. There are some sensitive topics so fair warning before you start.