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MORNIN THE SUPER BIRD – FINDS A WAY TO FIGHT EXTINCTION by JULES HEARTLY – Review by Rayne East

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Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop ExtinctionMornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a gorgeous book. I read this to my 9 year old son and he absolutely loved it. The illustrations are brilliant and the story masterfully written. The message is indeed an important one and the way it is delivered is engaging for children of all ages. This would make a very good edition to a classroom library and could be used as a platform for discussions about the environment and sustainability. I really likes the links for further information too. I highly recommend.

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Tally and the Angel: Book One India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Rayne East

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Tally and the Angel : Book One IndiaTally and the Angel : Book One India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet tale about a young girl discovering who she is with the help of a guardian angel. Tally is only 13 and after the death of her mother travels with her father to India where the adventure begins. This is a well written paranormal mystery recommended for pre-teens and up. There is decent world building and character development and Tally was very easy to relate to. A very strong start to what looks to be a terrific series.

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Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Rayne East

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Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I highly recommend this series. This is just blowing me away and I am so enthralled it is scary. I am so excited to know that there is still more to come. Each of the books so far has just exceeded my expectations. These are not quick, easy reads. Each book must be read in order, savoured and understood. The world building is exceptional and it reads so much like a movie playing in my head. In this book we get to hear from Freyja’s point of view and it was an eye opener. Connections and assumptions that I had made in the previous books were shattered. I can’t wait to see where the author takes Cam and Freyja’s story next.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Rayne East

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me ugly cry. Not just the lone tear that I normally shed but actually sobs. The emotion bleeds off the pages and I was drawn straight into the world. I love the writing, so easy to connect with and raw. This book takes off right where book 1 ended and it didn’t take me long to be swept away into Cam’s life. This was not an easy ride and every blow felt so real. The creation of the world, the character development and the whole concept just comes together flawlessly. Can’t wait to launch into book 3.

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Rayne East

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains #1)Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an escape book. One that you pick up when you are looking for an easy, romance read without too much drama. There is a little bit of angst and a fair bit of steam. I enjoyed that the FMC was self-assured (most of the time) and that the characters owned who they were. There is a fair bit of detail and inner monologue but it helped to understand the characters motivations better.

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The Don (Her Three Immortals Book 1) by Hazel Storm – Review by Rayne East

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The DonThe Don by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slow burn with a twist on mythology.
I like strong, female leads and interesting love interests each with a personality of their own. The Don by Hazel Storm did not disappoint. The story setting is strong, characters unique and enough action to keep my interest. There were times where I laughed out loud and other times I was huffing in frustration. This is definitely a slow burn – so don’t expect Insta-love or major hook-ups just yet. This book has left a lot to still be discovered – but is a solid first book to set the scene. I can’t wait for book 2.

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Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor – Review by Rayne East

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Blue Summer Part TwoBlue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This takes up where pt 1 finished. Another brilliant instalment- written exactly how the second book should be – without the info dumping. So, I recommend reading Pt 1 before delving into this one. The action starts straight away and as Lillie comes to understand the Zayed she discovers more than she bargained for. The writing and world building is fantastic and Lillie goes from strength to strength. I really enjoyed her character and how she stayed true to herself. I highly recommend this series.

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Dragons by Ty Drago – Review by Rayne East

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DragonsDragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing, intense and intergalactic
This is definitely a case of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. I hesitated going into this book and I was so wrong. This is wonderfully written and takes the reader on a journey through self-discovery and the unknown areas of space. The author creates a whole new world and species and does so seamlessly. I was riveted from page one and didn’t want the story to end. I connected with Andy immediately and was so vested in his survival. A brilliant piece of writing – kudos Ty Drago!

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Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Rayne East

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Courage of UsCourage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Friends to lovers and second chances
This was an easy, quick-read with good character and story development. Told in dual POV, I connected with both characters. The author does a brilliant job of putting a unique twist on what could have been a predictable romance story. This is the first book I have read from Brooke May and I will definitely be checking out more of her work. She does a fantastic job of drawing the reader into the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Nightfall by TK Lawyer – Review by Rayne East

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NightfallNightfall by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a first for me from this author and was an ok read. A shifter-romance, the characters are complex. There are some really cute moments that keep the story flowing and kept me reading until the end. The storyline was slow moving for me though and I wanted to connect more. Not a quick fire romance but sizzling enough.

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Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes (Kiss Me Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Rayne East

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Dirty Kisses and Conflicting WishesDirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a soft spot for the brother’s best friend romance stories. This had a bit of a different twist as the best friends were no longer friends. I really liked how the author took a predictable storyline and put a unique flavour to it. The writing is really easy to read and the characters are well developed. There’s a bit of steam and adult themes. I will definitely be checking out more from this author.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Rayne East

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The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adventure story with a message. The story is told from the point of view of eleven year old Lou as she discovers who she is and journeys to find her way home. The author weaves a story filled with magic, mystery and self-discovery. This has the feel of a timeless classic, a storybook that would appeal to people of all ages. The imagery is clear and the characters relatable. I really enjoyed it and this would make a great addition to any home or school library.

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CHAMELEON by Zoe Kalo – Review by Rayne East

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ChameleonChameleon by Zoe Kalo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deception, mystery and suspense.
This is a very intriguing paranormal. A unique storyline, this had me waiting for the other shoe to drop. There was a constant layer of suspicion throughout the whole story. I wasn’t overly fussed by the ending (I think I just wanted more) but the rest of the story makes up for it. The characters are well written, with the author cleverly offering a depth to each of the girls without info dumping. This is a really engaging read and I recommend this book.

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THE DEVOTED FAN (21ST Century Courtesan Book 5) by Pamela DuMond writing as P. S. DuMond – Review by Rayne East

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THE DEVOTED FANTHE DEVOTED FAN by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twisted, intense and heartracingly brilliant. Devoured in one sitting. This book is the stunning conclusion to an epic series. All the breadcrumbs that were so skilfully laid out throughout the series are finally revealed and come together in a final showdown. This story drags you in, tumbles you about and squeezes your heart. I was so enamoured by the characters and the suspense had me holding my breath, I just kept turning the pages right til the end. A must read, I highly recommend this series.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Rayne East

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Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 cup of teenage angst, 1 tablespoonful of baked goods, 1 teaspoon of romance and a pinch of magic is the recipe for this hilarious YA read. With a typical teenager that questions everything and her quirky sidekick BFF this was a set up for an entertaining read. This book is a good balance of sweetness and drama and kept my interest. The writing is easy to read and the recipes were an added bonus too.
Recommend for pre-teens and up.

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An Unexpected Bonding (The Unexpected Trilogy Book 1) by Lilly Rayman – Review by Rayne East

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An Unexpected Bonding: Book One of The Unexpected TrilogyAn Unexpected Bonding: Book One of The Unexpected Trilogy by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was beyond my expectations. I was hesitant going into this book as I have come across several books that have approached the vampire/wolf relationship saga and was loathe to go there again. Boy, was I wrong. So glad I gave this book a go. The writing style allowed the reader to connect with every single character, as you get snippets from their point of view. I love multiple POV books but this is a first where the point of view swaps several times within a chapter. The ranch style setting was perfectly unique and the mix of shifters, Gods, fae and Egyptian mythology drew me in and kept me entertained to the very end.

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder – Review by Rayne East

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart #1)Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intense, confronting and brutal. This author does not hold back. Once you dive in, you better hold your breath because you won’t come up for air until the end. I felt such a connection to Katie and Ramone and the world that the author creates is so tangible and real. Slow to build but that just adds to the essence of the storyline. With that ending I am in need of book 2.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Rayne East

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AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing, thought-provoking and brilliant. This book had me questioning so much about how long the current world can keep existing. I really connected with the main character and was quickly emotionally vested. The setting (my backyard) was so easily visualised and the messages of survival, sustainable living and inclusion were so craftily interwoven in this dystopian sci-fi based in our own world. This book had me questioning so much, even when I wasn’t reading. There is a lot presented in the pages but being the first book in a series this is expected and by the end it will have you wanting to know even more.

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Blue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor – Review by Rayne East

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Blue Summer Part OneBlue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This walks the line between sci-fi and paranormal and does it brilliantly. The story is told in multiple POV – which I really like. The FMC is so easy to relate to and I enjoyed her inner monologue. The world building is good and the story is fast paced with a underlying message of acceptance and not judging a book by its cover. There is a slight cliffy that had me really wanting to move straight onto part 2.

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Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna – Review by Rayne East

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Love UnexpectedLove Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author and it was a very enjoyable steamy quick read. I have a bit of a weakness for alpha male romance books and this did not disappoint. I really liked Jules and her no bull approach. The story moved along at a good pace and there was some added plot lines to keep me vested. The connection between Jules and Adam unfolded easily and did not come across as forced. I recommend this book.

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Walker Pride (The Walker Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rayne East

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Walker Pride (The Walker Family, #1)Walker Pride by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great start to what is looking to be an awesome series. Strong characters and a family that I can’t wait to get to know. This is a sweet romance story built within a well developed story line about pride, trust and family values. I connected with Eric and Susan straight away and I loved the setting. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Rayne East

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Myths & LegendsMyths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this collection of short stories as they were all different romances based on myths or legends. My favourite was Dragon’s Heart by Carrie Austin Malone. This is a steamy paranormal romance with a strong female lead. The character development is intertwined within the story which keeps the story moving. It is fast paced and entertaining with a unique twist on dragon lore.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Rayne East

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Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A brilliant piece of writing. The story draws you in from the start and immerses the reader in a world where everything is not what it appears. So many twists and turns had me drawing conclusions that ended up shattered in the next chapter. The author is a natural with imagery (plenty of ‘show, don’t tell’) and the characterisation was on point. A powerful storyline full of secrets, deceit and betrayal, had me turning the pages late into the night. I highly recommend this book.

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Rayne East

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a charming, cozy mystery that had a feel good vibe. A clean whodunnit that is suitable for teens and up. With relatable characters and a good flow to the writing, it was a quick read for me. I loved the quaint little town that the author creates and the mystery is intriguing. This is a strong start to the series and I am excited to check out book 2.

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an exquisite piece of writing. The story grabs you from the opening line and takes you to another place in time. The author is on point with the world building and characterisation. The plot line had me turning the pages and I really enjoyed the mystery. Historical fiction is not a usual genre for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed N.L. Holmes’ writing style and I will be definitely checking out more of her work.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Rayne East

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a well written children’s book with a very important message of friendship and courage. Not just for little ones, this book is interactive, the illustrations are so detailed and the language is well chosen. It would make a great little addition to a home or classroom library, as it would suit multiple ages and could be read many times over. The added activities at the end are well thought out and makes the book so much more special.

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Rayne East

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler is a brilliantly written paranormal story that is a perfect book for early teens. With relatable characters, great world building and a strong storyline that draws you in from the start, the authors take you on a journey of discovery of friendships and abilities. I like that it is told from multiple POV as it makes for a deeper connection to the characters and the writing flows so easily that when it finished I just wanted more. I can’t wait to read the next release from this fantastic writing duo.

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Rayne East

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This had a very different feel to the first book of the series. It has the same cast of characters, with a few extra thrown in and we get chapters from differing POV. The writing still drew me in and I was intrigued by the story line that I sat up way to late reading. The twists kept coming and when I thought I had it all figured out, my theories would become unravelled. I recommend this very cleverly written paranormal mystery.

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THE HUSBAND (21ST Century Courtesan #4) by Pamela DuMond writing as P. S. DuMond – Review by Rayne East

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HUSBAND (21st Century Courtesan Book 4)HUSBAND by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really intense and continues right where book 3 finished. I just flew through the pages and couldn’t soak up the words fast enough. Evie has gone through so much and is becoming stronger. Things are starting to line up and the stage has been set for the final book; I can’t wait to devour that too. This series is a masterfully woven mix of lust, greed, envy and pride. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book.

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won’t Wait Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Rayne East

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won't Wait Book 1)Queen Of My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Queen Of My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett is a solid first book to the Life Won’t Wait series. This is an endearing story that follows two lost souls who are trying to escape demons from their past. The writing is easy to follow and the characters are slowly developed as the story unfolds. A quick heartwarming read that held my interest from start to finish. This is a stand-alone but a little bonus at the end sets the scene for the next book in the series.

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