Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
YA fantasy adventure story
This intriguing quick read is book 1.5 in the Twilight Realm series. The author creates a fantastical world with elves, magic, adventure and even dragons. There is a unique flavour to the writing that I enjoyed and kept me engaged from start to finish. I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intriguing and engaging fantasy
Absolutely loved this book. It drew me in from the start and kept me enthralled til the end. It is a sci fi fantasy, unique it’s its story telling and full of action, mystery, aliens and lots more. I will definitely be looking for more for this author. Highly recommend.
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sweet contemporary HEA
3.5stars
This was an engaging book with angst, humour and drama. It is an easy read and the characters are likeable. At times I felt the story was missing something but that could have just been me. The writing did not lack in description and the romance was slow burn. Recommend for lovers of sweet romance stories.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Paranormal mystery and otherworldly
Intriguing tale filled with adventure, mystery and magic. It’s almost like Through the Looking Glass meets Narnia. The storyline is unique and well executed. Evaline finds herself in another world which is on the brink of death and must endure trials to defeat Doctor Death. This looks to be the start of a wonderful series.
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Romance, history and adventure
This engaging historical romance takes the reader on a journey back to a medieval time. The dialogue used was brilliantly executed and there was plenty of depth to the storyline that kept me intrigued. The events that unfolded around Isabel captured the essence of the era and was balanced along side the banter and personalities of the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drama, healing and romance
This was a captivating read. The author captures the setting of the family farm accurately and takes the reader on a journey filled with drama, soul-searching, family commitments and romance. Corrie is such a believable character and Aaron is wonderful. Recommend if you love strong female leads and an easily relatable storyline.
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frenemies to lovers
The third book in the Meraki series and still going strong. This is Krystina’s story, the younger sister of Mia and Kally from previous books. The family drama, banter and connections are all present in this instalment. Absolutely love the way the author creates the charged atmosphere of the family dynamics. Loukas brings the emotions – his story really tugged at my heart. This can be read as a stand-alone but there are threads that run through from the previous books that will help to create the full picture. Highly recommend.
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unique, magical and soulful
This was an endearing story filled with mystery and soul-searching. The writing draws you in and the characters well developed. There are twists and turns that kept me guessing as I turned the pages. As Roxanne navigates her emotional past, she meets Claudette who has a similar past and they form a connection. There is drama, romance and highly charged emotions. This author never disappoints, totally recommend.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5stars
Secrets, lies and drama
This book is interesting and deals with some tough issues with sensitivity. Holly and Nathan felt genuine and the romance aspect was well done. There were moments within the story where I felt disconnected and the story lulled but there was an emotional undertone that kept me reading. YA romance with a little bit more.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow burn romance with depth
This is Niccolo and Destiny’s story. It was a heartfelt read full of self-discovery, romance and a bit of steam. All the characters are well developed and the storyline has a great pace. This is the first book in the series but there is no cliffhanger. I will definitely be checking out more from this author.
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wounded souls
This is book 1 of the Creekside Ranch series and is Levi and Bella’s story. It was an easy afternoon escape read with a clean and slow burn romance making it a treat. The story has a strong plot line and well developed characterisation. There is a HEA for our couple and an opening to book 2 for Amos’ story, which I will be sure to check out.
The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adventurous, clever super heroes & super villains
This was an unexpected find and such an engaging read. Loved the characters and the anti-hero theme. This draws you in from start to finish. The writing is polished, world building and characterisation spot on and plays out just like a movie. There’s action, super powers, mystery and loads of humour. If you love comic book universes or just a well-written sci-fi supe fantasy – this is your book.
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emotional and beautiful
This book has all the feels. Absolutely love Evan and Callie’s story. This is the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last. I see that this is book 7 of the Bellevue Bullies series and I can’t wait to check the other books out. Well written, I was quickly swept up in the emotion of the story. The banter flies easily and there is a rawness to the story as it tackles some real life issues. Highly recommend.
Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Soulmates, warriors and universal battles
An interplanetary adventure of a different kind. This is book 2 and even though I haven’t read book 1 (which I will have to rectify soon) I did not feel lost. Brilliantly written, this book had me anxiously turning the pages to get the answers. Castor and Mia are amazing characters and their emotional pain permeates from the page. There’s battles, lots of drama, a splattering of romance and a hard to accept soulmate bond to deal with as Castor and Mia fight to keep alive. Highly recommend.
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marriage, Mystery and Murder.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. The author is very easy to read and the world building of the mining town and the era was spot on. It felt as though I was there in amongst the characters. I connected instantly with Alyssa and her strength of character. The historical aspect is well researched and it was woven well within the storyline. The emotions of the girls comes through as they embarked on their journey to discover a new life as a miner’s wife. A brilliant cozy mystery for an afternoon escape.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Edge of your seat thriller
Emotional, confronting and brutal at times, this book is not for the light hearted. The author holds nothing back and has produced a brilliant story that holds the reader captive from start to finish. I didn’t even realise I was holding my breath for most of the book. The plot is well developed and deals with confronting issues with sensitivity. The emotional vulnerability of PTSD bleeds through the pages. A must read.
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drama, emotion and soul searching
This is the fourth book in the Firehouse 13 series. I have read several books by this author so I was excited to dive in and I was not disappointed. Some parts are highly emotional and the romance isn’t a bed of roses either. Sol takes some getting used to as he is so full of angst and pain. A highly charged read.
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Witty rom com with paranormal twist
The second book in the series and it is just as good. The story picks up straight away and Morgan has made great progress with her house guests and things start to change with her abilities. I really enjoy Morgan’s narrative, with the laugh out loud moments interwoven with mystery, drama and romance. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Feisty, flirty and fun
I really love this series and book 3 did not disappoint. This book focuses on the billionaire Pierce brother Seth and journalist Victoria. It’s a rocky road but a fun ride to their HEA. The little snippets from the other brothers scattered throughout were a treat too. Eagerly await Noah’s story.
Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strong, steamy and sweet
This is the second book in the Pierce Brothers series and is just as good as book one. I loved Nadia in the first book and she did not disappoint in this one – though at times a bit OTT, she kept true to being strong, funny and fiercely independent. Luke is steadfast and serious due to his past. It takes lots of bumps and turns (and some compromises) to get these two anywhere close to their HEA. So looking forward to book 3!
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Romance with a thrilling twist
This was brilliantly written. Remi and Audri are amazingly characters – well developed and with underlying flaws that made them so real and relatable. The story is multilayered with suspense and drama that kept me vested right until the end. Starts as a best friend’s sister romance but moves in to so much more. A strong first book in the series (can be read as a stand-alone) and I can’t wait to read more about the Waterfyre Men.
The Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Werewolves, fated mates and alphas
This is a slow burn, alpha prophesy story line with lots of action. Nolen is an easy character to like and I was quickly drawn into his world. The writing is easy to read and the storyline well developed. I love werewolf stories and this did not disappoint.
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enthralling thriller
This book takes you on a roller coaster of events and keeps you guessing right til the very end. Took me by surprise. The writing is good and I was quickly drawn into the story. The twists were delivered seamlessly and had me searching for the breadcrumbs. This is clean in the romance department but does touch on murder, guns, and drug use.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark Vampire Fantasy
This is the 2nd book in the War of Destiny series. Set up years later, Julia and Samuel have their hands full with the threat from Vampire King. The writing is spot on and draws you in from the start. The characters are well developed as is the world building. Unique twists and turns gad me turning the pages well into the night. Highly recommend.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Entertaining introduction
This was a fun read with paranormal and a touch of romance. An original spin on the paranormal aspect I was entertained from start into finish. Morgan is a straight forward, matter-of-fact character especially being a nurse, nothing seems to surprise her until events start to unfold and drama abounds. Will definitely be checking out the next instalment of Nurse Morgan.
Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Original and interesting
Brilliant original storyline with twists that keeps the reader guessing. There’s suspense, romance and drama with action woven throughout. The Queen of Hearts is an interesting character, well developed and easy to relate to. Highly recommend.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweet contemporary romance.
This little gem of a book has 3 stories that are interconnected and built around a very special book store. This is a clean romance with a bit of comedy, drama and HEA. Very cleverly written so that there is a natural flow from one story to the next and the timeline doesn’t miss a beat. A brilliant quick read.
Victoriously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
2nd chances
The Titans of Manhattan series continues with Jonas’ and Mackenzie’s story. Jonas is a playboy living the high life with no plans of slowing down. Mackenzie has her own story and is looking to make her career. Just as with the previous books, this author knows how deliver the romance and the steam. Another great addition to a brilliant series.
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant box-set
The whole series in one place. This is one not to be missed right up to the last book where dark and broody meets impulsive and snarky. I really enjoyed all their interactions. A roller coaster ride of events filled with high stakes emotions from the start to the bittersweet end. The author has done an exceptional job creating an intriguing and suspenseful series and keeping true to the characterisation throughout the whole series. Highly recommended.
Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Intriguing adventure
Unique story with shapeshifters, drama and mystery based in a dystopian world. Coyote’s Road Trip is the prequel to Raven Woman’s Tavern, and takes the reader on a journey told by Coyote. The author has done a fantastic job of bringing the reader into Coyote’s mind and interweaving the world as interpreted by him. There are a lot of layers to the story that will appeal to many readers from climate change to grief and finding happiness in the smallest of things.
