Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Charming Romance
A contemporary romance filled with secrets and reveals. The fourth book in the Parker Lake series and we get Brody and Karen’s story. It was so good to be back in Parker and catch up with characters from previous books. It’s like coming home to old friends. So many chuckles and laugh out loud moments. Totally recommend this whole series.
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Zodiac, paranormal and romance
This was such an engaging read. Very well written, with mer people and treasure hunting, it was a brilliant mix. Every character was highly developed and the world building was amazing. I love the zodiac aspect and was intrigued with the spin on Greek mythology. Told from multiple POV this book is one not to be missed. Can’t wait for book 2.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Making learning fun!
This colourful scientific tale was a delight to read. Aimed at early childhood readers, the bright illustrations and simple language convey an important science lesson. Interwoven is also a message of friendship and trust. A beautiful resource for a home or school library.
Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thrilling suspense
This unexpected find has blown me away. I absolutely loved this book – it had everything a reader could ask for – amazing relatable characters, a fast moving unpredictable plot line, drama, action and excellent world building. This is a first from this author for me, and I can’t wait to read more. Highly recommend.
The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An Unusual Unbirthday gift
This is the 6th book in the Invisible Magic Wand series. Such a magical picture story book that would suit early childhood readers. The illustrations are well done and the storyline creative and engaging. Caspian is a character that children can relate with and who wouldn’t want a hat that can read minds! Another brilliant book to add to the collection.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quick fun read
This is a sports based, best friend’s little sister romance book. It was a quick read for me. It had a decent base of a story but seemed to lose traction a bit towards the middle and then took off again. The attraction at times didn’t sizzle as much as I thought it could. (I do enjoy a bit of steam in my books). Kendall and Pete are a great couple and I really loved the dual POV. Overall a good read for a lazy afternoon.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Paranormal, hybrids, passion and fated mates
This was a smorgasbord of steamy delight for fantasy romance fans. This had a little bit of everything all rolled into one. The first part of the book took a little bit to get into, especially the chapters from the brother’s point of view. Then I felt a shift and I was fully vested in the characters and their story, especially Angelina. This is my first book from author and it was written very well. Looking forward to continuing this series.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweet, clean romance story
This is a story about soul searching for ‘the one’. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. Bree is an overly conscientious character, that comes across a bit obsessive and selfish at times. This did make her a bit more real. Poor Nate had his work cut out for him. I enjoyed this book and following Bree as she navigates love.
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brilliant Suspense paranormal
This is my first book by this author and the second book in the series. Though I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, I must go back and read the first. I was totally gripped from start to finish, the characters, world building and story line were well executed. The book has a dark, edgy feel with twists and turns that was very appealing. Recommend.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 6 and still going strong
Mafia mayhem continues with book 6 of the Mafia Elite series. I absolutely adore this series. With strong alpha males and equally strong females, this whole series has gripped me from the start. In this book we get Trey’s story. We have met him in book 2 as Sophia’s brother. He has been mentioned a few other times and along with his brother Marco. This family, being mafia, has several people gunning for them. Trey has his hands full but once he meets Hailey, all bets are off. The author brings a brilliant twist to this second chance romance. A must read – but please read from book 1, you won’t regret it.
Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fiery action and finale
The fifth and final book in a brilliant series. I have loved and engrossed with every single page of this book and the whole series. The characters, world building and storyline have been superb. With suspense, shifters, action and even an apocalypse this book had it all. Totally recommend but you must start from book 1.
Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Action, suspense and shifters
Another fantastic instalment in the Nite Fire series. This is book 4 and the brilliance continues. Dahlia Nite, 1/2 dragon shifter has so much more on her plate as she navigates the ‘things that go bump’ in the night and desperately tries to stop the blight. The author brings so much more to the story as twists and turns has the reader making links across previous books. This series must be read from book 1 to really connect the dots. Now onto book 5, Exit Strategy.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantastical brilliance
Absolutely love this series. The writing is spot on with a mix of paranormal, action and fantasy drama. This is the third book in the series and is just as brilliant as the previous two books. Best to read them in order as it does help to know the backstory and the characters more deeply. Dahlia Nite is a strong, talented and relatable FMC with snark. In this story she is faced with complex cases, unraveling lies and encroaching doom. So much going on and delivered seamlessly. Bring on book 4.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magical faerie adventures
Absolutely loved this book. Chloe is a strong character and has quite an entertaining relationship with the Fae. This is a fast paced read, brilliantly written and engaging from start to finish. I didn’t realise that it was a spin off from another series, The Fae of Bitter Thorn, but now I am keen to read that series too. With action, suspense, Fae, magic and a touch of romance this book is an absolute winning read. Really need book 2 now!
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magical collection
A stand out in this collection was Witch Switch. This was a fast paced short story that grabs you from the start. Everything unfolds fairly quickly but the author has a way of including all the necessary details. The characters were easily relatable and the world building well done. I enjoyed the twists and magical adventure of the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Historical coming of age fiction
A wonderful journey with relatable characters and exceptional world building. This book is based in the 1940s and follows Margaret as she grows from a teenager to a young woman. Politics, war, inequality, affairs and death this story covers it all. Highly emotional and thought-provoking, I was quickly swept along for the ride. The author has delivered an exceptional story.
Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant box set
This is a wonderful compilation of 5 books based in the quaint town of Cold Creek.
Book 1
Run to the Sea
A heartfelt love story of two souls searching and finding their happily ever after. Thomas needs to discover what is important and Emmy needs to face feelings from the past. I adore Thomas and Emmy. The author skilfully delivers a captivating second chance romance.
Book 2
Stars Fall from the Sky
Love, loss and finding happiness again. This book had it all. My heart broke and soared as Ginger navigated all life threw at her. Jonathan also had to work through his grief. The author once again brings out all the feels.
Book 3
A Sun so bright
Different worlds collide
A billionaire Princess hires a bartender to be her fake boyfriend. Discovery, desire and destiny. Cold Creek didn’t shine through as much in this instalment in the series but the journey that Fiona and Chris went on was enthralling nonetheless.
Book 4
I’ll see you again
Nicky’s story comes to light when a rockstar meets a wedding planner. This was a highly emotional read and really pulls at the heartstrings. Such a roller coaster of a journey. Opposites do attract but not without some road blocks along the way. A wonderful instalment to the series.
Book 5
A Cold Creek Christmas
Sweet small town romance
This was a beautifully written romance based in Cold Creek. Amber struggles with Christmas and Gio loves the season. The author delivers a wonderfully heartfelt story and as always makes the reader feel as though they are within the pages. I could feel the atmosphere of the town and magic of Christmas. Highly recommend.
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute sweet story for dog lovers (and more)
I adored this story, it had me in stitches. Toby is a gorgeous character who is battling against his feline neighbour. He is so easy to love and his ‘voice’ is one that kids will easily relate to. The author has written in a way that is accessible for children transitioning into chapter books. There is also an underlying message of honesty and trust. This would make a great addition to a home or classroom library.
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magical baking
Book two in the Bake Believe trilogy – Cat and Robyn are up to more crazy mischief. Their magical baking is becoming stronger and family secrets are being uncovered. The story is a fun read with twists and magical mayhem that I have come to expect from this author. The story takes off from book 1, so it does help to read that first. This is aimed at anyone from early teens and up that loves magic and baking. More great recipes in this book too. Bring on book 3.
Taming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantasy at its best
This was a brilliant first book in the Guardians of PHAE series. Based in the wonderful setting of Ireland I was taken on an epic journey filled with magical talents and gripping action. The author weaves a tale based in fantasy but still has everyday issues such as prejudice, racism and mental health. I connected quickly with the characters and I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple POV. I eagerly await book two. Highly recommend.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Paranormal romance with twists and turns
After a slow start, this story comes unto its own. Greer and Theron, each have their past struggles to contend with if they have any hope of a future. The story line has a unique twist and the mix of mythology, romance and the paranormal is well done. The romance starts off slow and heats up to a burn. Each of the characters were developed and the world building on point. A worthy read.
The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wolves, inheritance and discoveries
This was an unexpected surprise. The story was well written and had a good flow. It was a very different take on werewolves and a very interesting plot line. The characterisation was a bit hit and miss, at times I felt disconnected from some of the characters. Overall a fast-paced read filled with mystery, drama and twists.
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quick romantic comedy
A great afternoon escape romcom that had me chuckling. Told from Angelina’s POV we are led on a journey full of self-talk, witty banter and hope of a second chance. I love dual POV books – unfortunately we don’t get that here. I would have loved to know Blade’s thoughts. Though this is a quick read – there is some depth to the story and the characters are well developed. Recommend.
The Curse of a Faeblood by M.K. Lorber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magical Fantasy adventure
An enchanting adventure about an orphan who finds herself on the run trying to hide her magical abilities. Along the way she discovers more than she bargained for when she meets an unlikely ally. Ember and Gavyn are great characters, each possessing a strength that resonates throughout the whole story. I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to check out more from this author.
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sailing, seduction and steam
This is the first book I have read by this author and boy did it make things hot!
Morgan and Verdana ooze confidence and charisma and their story is filled with witty comebacks and sizzle. This is a full length romance and the first in The Hustlers Trilogy with each book focusing on a different couple. A brilliant read – recommend.
Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short but descriptive
This was a quick read enemies to lovers romance with passion, fire and chemistry. Zenni and Colton have their fair share of emotional hang ups that they needed to deal with. The start had me frustrated as the couple worked through their differences but from the second half the story had me thoroughly engaged. A great afternoon escape.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun read
Aimed towards 6-8 year olds, The Know-It-All Pencil is a brilliantly written imaginative story. The author creates a magical and entertaining storyline that children will find fascinating. The illustrations are well done and there are many opportunities for educational discussions. Highly recommend for home or class library.
Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Feisty romcom
Boxsets are the best! I really enjoyed both of these books and best of all I could just read right on through. Melodie is a beautiful soul and Isaac just completes her. So many laugh out loud moments and times that made me reflect, especially with Melodie’s positive rules to live by. A feel good refreshing romantic read that gripped me from page one and left me with all the feels. A must read.
Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seasonal romance with a twist
What a delightfully fun read! A well written rom com with a dash of paranormal. I enjoyed the mix of gods, mythology, immortality and romance. Even though it was a short read it was well fleshed out and had me vested from start to finish. The world created by the author is wonderful and each of the characters well thought out. With lots of laugh out loud moments, I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magic, prophesies and mysteries
This book has an intriguing take on magic and loved the interwoven crime aspect. Ezri is a strong female lead and very easy to connect with. The book builds slowly towards the climax but then quickly races to the finish. This is the first book in the series and has set the pace for the rest of the books. There is a little teaser of things to come which I am very keen to check out.
