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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Rayne East

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Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slow burn small town romance
We’re back in Buckeye Falls and I couldn’t be happier. I love this series (and the town) and this addition just made it all the more sweeter. This is Alice and James’ story. Alice is Anthony, the town mayor’s, sister and has been labelled the town’s “wild child” – for good reasons. She has been feeling a bit lost and has made her way back home for a bit of reflection. James is a struggling, fairly famous, artist looking to get his mojo back. When these two meet there is instant chemistry. What unfolds has both characters having to face some truths. With fake relationship drama, gossiping town folk, interfering well meaning family and friends, and so much more this book will have you glued from start to finish. This can be read as a stand-alone but it’s so worth reading the previous books. Highly recommend.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Rayne East

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Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantasy, enemies to lovers action adventure
This was an unexpected find. I wasn’t really sure what I was delving into, but I was glad I did. Told in dual POV, Hearts Rescue follows Rowan and Arryn as they navigate the Lands Below to access the Worlds Above. What unfolds is an intriguing story filled with action, romance , monsters, magic and mayhem. A well written first in a series that has me eager for the next book. Highly recommend.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Rayne East

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action adventure
A wonderful fantasy adventure that takes the reader into a multilayered world of mad scientists, elemental powers, pirates, twists and high emotions. With intrigue that builds steadily throughout the book the author executes an original storyline. Recommend.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Loved it!
Book 6 and I am still totally vested in this series. This is the continuation of Phoenix and Aspen’s story – so defjnetly read Cruel Hate first. Pheonix is recovering from the accident and is a different person. Aspen is having to make some hard choices for her, the relationship and the baby. This story is the conclusion of their duet and is brilliantly executed as is the whole Hidden Valley Elite series. I eagerly await the next duet in the series Wicked Games and Wicked Ends. Highly Recommend

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ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Rayne East

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Alterations / Game Changer / Primal Will (Alterations #1-3)Alterations / Game Changer / Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flanks the line between fantasy and reality
This trilogy was fascinating. As always this author delivers a brilliant suspense thriller mystery. Gigi, Ellen and Lilly along with Dr. Kite bring their POV to the story. Micro chips delivering dreams or false hopes. It took a little while for the story to take off and once it did I was hooked until the end. The character’s stories are interwoven well and the suspense built across the books, so it is worth reading them in order. Recommend.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Rayne East

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magical Christmas romance
Chasing Cheer is the first book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series and had all the feels. It was a brilliant read with a captivating light hearted storyline, relatable characters and tonnes of Christmas magic. As I was reading, the pictures just flowed in my head and I could imagine every moment between Holly and Ash – so much like a Hallmark movie. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

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Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Rayne East

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Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun & relatable rom-com
This was an absolutely delight to read. Bella was so easy to connect with and don’t get me started on Joel – urgh! This the first I have read from this author and the writing is brilliantly executed as it draws the reader in and you just feel like you are right there. I am so happy to know that there is so much more to come and can’t wait to continue this series. Highly recommend!

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The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Rayne East

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The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pain, frustration and emotionally charged
This twisted psychological stand alone thriller will leave you speechless. It is a fantastically delivered tale with action, drama and intrigue. Violet is a strong character and her relationship with her mother is intense. A fast paced gripping read that takes the reader on a heart stopping roller coaster of emotions. Highly recommend.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Rayne East

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Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adventurous fantasy fiction
This is the third book in the series and there is a lot going on. Rose and Micah have so much to figure out with their clans and lands as well as each other. This author creates a world that is complex but delivered well. There are twists and turns that build the suspense and as answers are revealed more questions come to light. There is a dreaded cliffhanger but I am looking forward to the next book. Recommend.

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Rayne East

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Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The lead guitarist’s story
This is Dakota and Annabel’s story. A hot as hell one night stand that leads to so much more. I am really enjoying this series and even though each book can be read as a stand alone, there is a common thread connecting them. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go as I didn’t like Dakota in the first two books, so it was great to get a different side of him. This book quickly changed my mind. With good characterisation and a mix of fun, romance, drama and chemistry. Highly recommend.

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Rayne East

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Contemporary crime thriller
The second book in the Trentbridge Tales, Lucky Break brings another investigation for James Sheldon. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone there is an ongoing sub-plot that carries over from book 1. James finds himself thrust into a dangerous underworld where danger lurks around every corner as he tries to solve a murder. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, with the unpredictable storyline and engaging narrative. Looking forward to the next instalment. Recommend.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant
What a delightful addition to the Notebook Mysteries series. Emma, Jeremy and the gang are all back in this novella to celebrate Ethan and Savannah’s Christmas Eve wedding. An invite arrives for a party which immediately sends Emma’s instincts into overdrive. I love this whole series and each book just makes me feel like I’m amongst friends. I hope there is more to come. Highly recommend.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging and education
As always with this author’s books there is wonder amongst the pages. Rocketship Made of Stars is an entertaining and educational book that teaches children, aged 4-8 years, about the constellations in a fun and engaging way. The illustrations are bright and detailed and the writing easy to follow with the added message about acceptance of differences interwoven. Recommend for any home or class library.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Rayne East

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pulls at the heartstrings
The second book in The Olympic Peninsula series, The Guardsman tell the story of 2 lost souls trying to find their place in the world. Liam and Teresa have been through so much, on different levels and were not looking for love but the chemistry said otherwise. This well written contemporary romance has everything that makes for a great read. Looking firearm to reading more from this author. Recommend.

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When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Rayne East

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When We Fell Again by Julie Archer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Rockstar, second chance romance This book was full of angst. It’s the first book I have read from this author and it was a good read. It’s a roller coaster of misunderstandings, insecurities, chemistry and drama. When Jordan has a chance to […]

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Rayne East

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick cozy mystery
This was a short mystery that was fast paced and entertaining. Eve, an aspiring journalist, stumbles upon a twenty year old missing persons case and uncovers more than she bargained for. It’s an easy clean read, with enough depth to sink your teeth into. This was a good first book of the series and I look forward to book

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rayne East

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Multilayered children’s story
A different book from this author but still has the educational creatively that one has come to expect. Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a chapter story book that tells the story of Xenia whose mother is arrested and facing deportation. The story has some fantasy, lots of emotion intermingled with family drama and the reality of a controversial situation. As always this author handles this with sensitivity and presents the writing in a way that can be shared with children of all ages. Recommend.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rayne East

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mystery, Games and Secrecy
This fun and gripping read is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It’s a fantasy aimed at middle grade readers and follows gifted twins Frank and Jon Reed. The story is well written and gives some backstory without the info dumping. The characters are likeable and relatable and the magical mystery is interwoven to keep you interested right until end. Definitely one to check out. Recommend.

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That ending is just cruel!
Love, love, love this whole series. Please read the books in order or at least read Cruel Start before this one. Phoenix and Aspen had me tangled in knots. Aspen’s character is amazing and is exactly what Phoenix needs. The angst is off-the-charts in such a good way. Just prepare yourself for the ending – ugh – how I despise cliffhangers. Now the waiting game begins for Cruel Love. Highly recommend!!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Rayne East

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Touching multilayered story
What a wonderfully touching story. From the first page, this book draws you in and holds you there right through until the end. Julie is a strong FMC and tells a very real story. The roller coaster of emotions is raw and confronting at times. The way the author draws all the threads together is commendable. Highly recommend.

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Rayne East

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Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5stars
Second chance Romance with a twist
This contemporary romance had a really good premise with the childhood best friends hitting road block upon road block to their HEA. This is told from Mia’s point of view and I would have really loved to have had Mitch’s POV, as it would have added another dimension – I’m a sucker for dual POV. There were only a few minor let downs for me in the persona of Mitch and the delivery with granny it all just seemed a bit clunky. The twists with Lacey were well developed though and she had strong characterisation. Overall, for me, this is a solid first read from this author.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Rayne East

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my heart 💜 😢
This book deals with the heartbreaking life event of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. It was so well and sensitively written. It’s a very emotional time losing a pet and it can be difficult to find the words and this story would be a great way to broach the subject with young children and to help explain the process and get the discussion started. A wonderful addition to any home or classroom library. Highly recommend.

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Rayne East

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire #2)Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unpredictable Revenge Mafia
Deadly Vengeance is book 2 in The Vaccaro Empire Collection. It can be read as a stand-alone, even though it is the next generation after book 1. Valencia finds more than she bargains for when she comes across her mother’s diaries. Luca gets more than he bargains for when he decides to seek revenge. The story draws you in and is a good balance between action, dark themes, light moments and steamy romance. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Recommend.

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Rayne East

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Melinda Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All the feels
This YA/NA contemporary romance is slow at the start, but takes off about a quarter of the way in. The emotions are raw and the issues all to real. The MC has had a hard life which comes to light throughout the story but she endures. With angst, heartache, suspicions, hard held secrets and betrayal there is so much between the pages and it is not all smooth sailing. A worthy read.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rayne East

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Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This contemporary romance is chortle but sweet. With a quirky MC and her furry travel companion on a road trip to honour her grandmother. The journey turns out to be more than Liz bargains for. An uplifting and entertaining story, told in dual POV which adds a better dimension, this story has highs and some emotional lows. Recommend.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Rayne East

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Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly emotional and steamy
The second book in the Sweet Valley Series, Granting Katelyn, is a wonderful contemporary romance. Based in a small town with a western theme, the book follows on from book one with Elle’s younger sister Katelyn. Her journey to happiness and Grant is full of emotion, angst, drama, chemistry, soul searching and healing. A brilliant story and addition to the series. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend.

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Rayne East

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Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Royalty, Romance & Ruckus
The first book in The Crowned Heart series and it is a forbidden romance with mysteries to solve and lots of chemistry. Fyn and Bridget make a great couple and the author writes the story in such a way that had me vested in their success. A fantastic story that will appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommend.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Rayne East

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

More than just a paranormal romance
The third book in the Protector Wolf Shifter series has Tamaska fending for herself as Kodiak has been captured by the vamps. To survive, Tamaska need to face her fears and risk possible death. There is so much within this book to love but it is better enjoyed as a part of the series as there is a continuing storyline. If you love shifters, vamps, suspense, fantasy, romance and action, this series will not disappoint. Looking forward to book 4. Highly recommend.

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Dead Keen by Anise Eden – Review by Rayne East

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden

Hook, line & sinker
This is the second book in the Things Unseen series and just like first book it grabs you and doesn’t let go. From one breath taking minute to the next, the author weaves an intense tale of intrigue, suspense and mystery. As the clock is ticking and with danger around every corner, Neve and Con have the odds stacked against them. What unfolds is an unpredictable tale. Highly recommend!

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Rayne East

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A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heartfelt, genuine, real
This is a well written, interesting story that draws you in from the start. The characters, interactions and plot line are well orchestrated to bring a story filled with raw emotion, drama and rock & roll. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that make this story so real. Looking forward to seeing more from this author. Highly recommend!

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