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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Rayne East

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Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unique
Thi book shares insights into the world of Tarot. With 78 reflections based on each card, I found the content interesting. I have always had a fascination with Tarot and this author has a way of presenting a depth of information in a creative way.If you have an interest in new age spiritualism, this is a worthy read. Recommend,

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Rayne East

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Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick suspenseful romance
A beautiful storyline, this book had all the feels. Derek finds a compatible spirit in Melinda. Together they need to face several obstacles. The writing draws you in and the characters keep you glued until the end. A wonderful read fir a lazy afternoon. Recommend.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rayne East

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Friends to lovers sweet contemporary romance
This is the fourth book in the Bluestone Series and it was a great addition. Summer is back in Bluestone County as life has not turned out as she planned. Teddy, retired from the Navy, returns to Bluestone County and buys the local bar. Both Summer and Teddy have a history and what unfolds as these two rekindle and work through some obstacles is an engaging and well written read. It was a treat to be back in Bluestone County and to cross paths with characters from previous books. This book, and the whole series, is totally not to be missed. Recommend.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story about inclusion
I Am An Outer Space Alien is such and engaging and fun read. The author cleverly weaves the educational message about inclusion, acceptance, and diversity through a cute fantasy adventure story. Aimed at early childhood ages, kids can easily connect to the concepts and illustrations. Another great addition to a home or school library. Recommend.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Rayne East

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book to share with all kids
This brilliantly illustrated picture story book tackles anxiety in such a sensitive way. I really loved the easy to read language and how the ‘heebie-jeebies’ were illustrated. What Lilly goes through is very common and the solutions presented are realistic and practical. This would make a great resource for any classroom and home library and a great introduction to a social emotional regulation lesson. Highly recommend.

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant!
This standalone was really engaging. It’s a billionaire with a bit of bully romance. So many twists and turns that kept me on my toes. There’s family secrets, so much history, and drama. I found the characters easy to connect with and loved having each of their POV. The emotions throughout the book – I laughed, I sighed and I actually shed a tear or two. Definitely not one to miss. Highly recommend.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review byRayne East

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rom com with a taste of the best era!
Back to the 80s is an awesome trip down memory lane. Blaine Reynolds is a great character who loves the 80s and owns a shop to prove it. Eric is a business man with an agenda to keep. What follows is an emotional comedy of errors and discovery of what is most important. This is well written, with characters I was totally invested in and imagery of an era that I loved. Highly recommend.

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Rayne East

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Short historical romance
3.5 stars
This quick read is the fifth book in the Studs of Clear Creek County Series. It’s a historical romance based in western times when interracial relationships were unacceptable. There’s forbidden love, age-gap, interracial relations, class divides and more within the story. Recommend.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creative storytelling
The second book in Soulbound Journey Series, Fortune’s Favorite is an engaging tale. Ian and Jarryd have escaped only to find themselves adrift. What follows is a compelling adventure, told with brilliant imagery and layers of intrigue. I am totally hooked and eagerly await book 3. Definitely read book 1 first. Highly recommend.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Rayne East

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unpredictable
With a strong lead character and suspenseful writing, Mr Lucky is the first book in the Trentbridge Tales series. The story just draws you in and has you questioning, what would you do in this situation? To have it all, lose it and then to only gain more than you could ask for, Detective James Sheldon has so much to look forward to. In a twist of fate. Life does not go as planned. The author has a really engaging writing style and takes the reader on a thrilling journey. I enjoyed the fast pace and originality of the story. Recommend.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Rayne East

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Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sizzling, Hot, Scorching

This collection of spicy stories about hero saviours has some hidden gems.

The first book in the collection is Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie.
This story is MM romance and is a quick burn, with sizzling chemistry between Elijah and Jude. The characters are well developed and it was easy to be vested in their HEA.

Another great story was Into the Flames by Dawn Luedecke. This romcom was brilliantly written and was hilarious. With witty banter, love lost and trust issues, it is an endearing tale that leads to a HEA.

The third story that really appealed to me was Quin to the Rescue by L.A. Reminicky. This is well written and draws the reader into the world of Quin and Mirra – oh and Rufus. Told in dual POV, this engaging hero romance has issues from the past, multiple rescues, animals and of course a HEA.

A worthy collection of over 40 stories. Recommend.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Rayne East

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Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The reluctant one
I love love love this series. The Hawke Family Second Generation series continues with book 2, Reticent Hawke. This is Jude and Angelina’s story and it was brilliant. This story really tugs at the heartstrings and shows the raw side of the characters. Jude, who is an adopted Hawke, and Angelina, Hawke by blood, have grown up together and have always felt chemistry. This book and the whole series is a must read for contemporary romance lovers. Bring on Book 3! Highly recommend.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Rayne East

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Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping
This suspenseful thriller will have you guessing til the end. The fifth book in A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series, Leaving No Traces is an intense, action- packed murder mystery. With twists and turns at every corner, there are a lot of layers to the story. This was a race against time, intriguing story that suspense lovers would enjoy. Highly recommend.

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East

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Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Different type of story
The first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series, Flowers of Evil is an engaging tale. Set in ancient Egypt the author takes the reader on a mysterious adventure. There’s murder, danger, drama and secrets all centred around a crime. The writing was engaging, with well developed characters and imagery that painted pictures of the past. I am interested to see what the next book entails. Recommend.

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Rayne East

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Informative and engaging
This is a great educational yet entertaining story book that teaches children about responsible pet ownership. The message is about the TNR program and the importance of controlling the stray and feral cat population. The language is easy for children 6 years and over to engage with and the illustrations are so cute.
A great addition to a school or home library. Highly recommend!

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Rayne East

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Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliance
The seventh book in the Masters of the Consulate series and I am still hooked. With each new book I am just blown away. Vampires, witches, alpha males, steam and such a strong storyline keeps the reader glued from start to finish. This is Master Campania’s story and he is so headstrong and as alpha as they can get. Even though this can be read as a stand alone, it would be a shame not to read all the books in the series – they are just sinfully delightful. Highly recommend.

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Rayne East

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful series continues
With brilliant characters, engaging storyline and excellent world building, the Protector Wolf series continues with Marked Wolf. Tamaska and Kodiak have to work through their differences, find the blood opal and keep the pack safe. There is so much within the book that kept the pages turning. Lots of action, drama and chemistry. Highly recommend.

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Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Rayne East

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Regaining IntegrityRegaining Integrity by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable second chance romance
The 4th book in the Code if Honour Series is Chase and Angelica’s story. This is an entertaining and sweet second chance romance story told in dual POV. Angelica grows so much throughout the story and it was heartwarming to see. This can be read as a stand-alone but this author’s writing is awesome and the whole series is a worthy read. Recommend.

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The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly – Review by Rayne East

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The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderfully written
The Anchor Knot is a story that grips you at the start snd holds you emotionally right until the end. The story is unpredictable and so fulfilling as we follow Gabby as she transforms within the pages from an uncertain, self sacrificing person to an empowered, strong woman. With romance, suspense, secrets, family drama and wonderful characters there is something for everyone. Recommend.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imaginative retelling
This fun and clever story is a twist on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk. This will appeal to so many kids as it is told from the POV of the giant. This author, as with all her books, has cleverly interwoven educational aspects within the text. Another great addition to the bookshelf. Recommend.

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Rayne East

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Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raw, truthful journey
Love, Only Better is an honest, confronting story that faces issues head on. This is my first book by this author and I loved her refreshing approach and writing style. The characters are easy to relate to and the sensitive subject matter is interwoven throughout the story in a tasteful way. The romance was there, but not the shining star of the book. I am looking forward to seeing what book 2 has in store. Recommend.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Rayne East

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful, magical read
A great fantasy read for young and old, this brilliantly written book has a unique storyline. The author weaves a story filled with imagery and quirky characters that keeps the reader engaged right through until the end. With an easy to relate to MC and nostalgia of the carousel ride, this story would appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommend.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Rayne East

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love the illustrations
This engaging picture story counting book is brilliantly presented. With so much to engage with on each page from the illustrations to the language, this book would make a great addition to a home or class library. I really like the wide range of descriptive words used as it can appeal to older children too. Recommend.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rayne East

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

YA suspenseful drama
What a roller coaster. This book sinks its hooks in and doesn’t let go. The raw emotion just drips off the page. Claire is a head strong character that has to face so many things beyond her years. Absolutely loved Chad and his total commitment to Claire. This book has it all and brings to light the good, the bad and the ugly that comes from family drama, keeping secrets and transitioning into adulthood. A well written, totally intriguing story. Highly recommend.

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The Secret Humankind (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1) by Gloria Oliver – Review by Rayne East

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The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1)The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant!
I had been looking for a ‘sink my teeth into’ series for awhile and then I came across this book. Filled with all the best aspects of an urban fantasy this book takes the reader on a journey into the world of Julia Xero. She’s had a lot thrown her way and has become pretty jaded. I love the author’s style and imagery as the story is delivered in a way that immerses the reader in narrative. I can’t wait to continue this series. Highly recommend!

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Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Rayne East

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Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fated mates
The third book in the Darkness & Light Duology series has suspense, action, drama, steam, magic and adventure. The author recaps certain specifics such as who the ElineFae are, which would allow this book to be read as a stand-alone. With a male triad relationship this is slightly different to the first two books but just as engaging. The imagery is really well done and the author creates a very impressive world. Recommend.

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Tempting Fate (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1) by Bella Faust – Review by Rayne East

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Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1)Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark, love triangle with warnings
What a brilliantly executed book. This has everything from psychological thriller aspects (including a psychopathic character) to an enduring love and romance. I didn’t realise there was a prequel, which I am going to have to rectify immediately. This is book 1 in the Duplicity Trilogy and with the way this finished I am hoping that book 2 is not too far away. With well developed characters and an intense and engaging narrative this book draws out all the emotions. Highly Recommend.
*Trigger warnings for real**

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Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Rayne East

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Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
Short cozy mystery
This entertaining quick read was engaging as it was quirky. With fun characters, interesting plot and intriguing mystery it was a brilliant way to spend a lazy afternoon. The humour has a sharp edge at times, which I appreciated and also adds that extra layer. Recommend.

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Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Rayne East

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Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fast paced suspense
This enthralling romantic suspense is a drama filled roller coaster of twists and turns that almost gave me whip lash. With edge of the seat moments and a mix of action, romance, disturbing behaviour and captivating characters, I was hooked. The writing contains excellent pacing and a well thought out plot which made for an amazing read. I’m not giving anything away – just read it. Highly recommend.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Rayne East

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging contemporary romance
This is a well written romance that centres on Ali and JJ as they work towards their HEA. This book has it all – drama, secrets, chemistry and mystery along with well developed characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive writing and storyline. Recommend.

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