The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twisted
This was a thrilling and unpredictable ride. The writing draws you in and the plot just keeps you guessing. The characters are well developed and are multi faceted and with the mysteries stacking up I had no idea how the story will end. Intrigue, suspense, revenge and imagery- everything that lovers of psychological thrillers could want. Highly recommend.
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightful
This cute picture story book would make a beautiful present to the teacher in your life. It shows that all teachers are different and have different approaches but at the core it comes from the heart. The illustrations are bright and colourful and the writing easy to follow. A really nice acknowledgment of a profession that wears their heart on their sleeve. Highly recommend.
Rise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Start of a new trilogy
This is the fourth book in the Blood Prophecy series but the first in the Tall Dark Man trilogy. It continues from where the previous book left off and has the Queen faced with another prophecy. The writing can be a bit hard to follow as it is written like short diary entries that the reader needs to keep track of. With multiple layers, characters and storyline’s all running at the same time it did get a bit confusing and I needed to stop several times and work it out in my head before continuing. It is an intriguing plot and that kept me reading until the end. It will be interesting to see how this prophecy plays out.
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant addition to the series
Back in Buckeye Falls with the third book in the series. I love this town and the characters. This is Anthony any Natalie’s story. Always there for everyone else and by all appearances they are perfect but behind closed doors they have lost their way. This contemporary romcom has all the feels. I love every book in the series and it was great to see the other side of Anthony and Nat. Even though each book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading them all as you get a deeper understanding of the characters, their background and Buckeye Falls.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Three’s not a crowd
This is the second book I’m The Perfect Number series and is a MMF romance. These 3 have a history and an intense connection. This is all about them getting their second chance. It’s a quick read with chemistry, sizzle, humour and the musical romance. I enjoyed the pacing and storyline and it didn’t get bogged down with too much detail. Recommend.
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The adventure continues
Second book in the Ruarnon Trilogy and this takes off from where book one finished off. It is worth reading book one to get the foundation of the story. This flowed a lot better than book one but maybe it’s because the story is at its peak. There’s a lot of depth and imagery to the story with some parts I felt overdone but this didn’t detract from the overall story. With fantasy, myths, magic, action & drama there’s a lot to sink your teeth into and enjoy. Recommend.
Huff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
STEM children’s story
This is a scientific adaptation of the children’s story ‘The three little pigs’. It has great illustrations and was cleverly executed. This brings mini-lessons in science and engineering for little minds to ponder. Thoroughly enjoyable and would make a great addition to a home or school library.
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute & fun
This picture story book is a fun story aimed for 4-8 year olds. It has an underlying message of cleaning up after yourself, even when it’s not your mess which is done thing kids don’t like to do. Chester is a great character that most kids would relate to. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the writing is easy to read and follow. Recommend.
The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The novella
This is the novella to the Crown of Stones Trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone but is so much more enjoyable when read with the other books. The writing is brilliant, with imagery and strong characters drawing you right into the pages.
Looking forward to more. Recommend.
Hope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For dystopian lovers
This was a brilliant read. The author has a flair for fantasy and builds a world that is unique and engaging. The characters are well developed and the plot was wonderfully executed. There are multiple layers and a world full of possibilities. I loved the world and the factions reminded so much of Divergent. I am looking forward to book 2. Highly recommend.
Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Mixed feelings
This was an interesting read – the cover and blurb drew me in. The story started strong with Dane and Mike looking to enhance their relationship by adding in a female. I think if the storyline stayed on this path it would have been enough. The story takes on some other aspects and I did feel a bit disconnected from the characters at times. I pushed through and the ending was not what I expected. Still worthwhile giving it a go.
Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun
This is the third book in the Kings of screen series and what an enjoyable read. With witty banter, flirtatious interludes and a guy who knows what he wants this contemporary romance is a quick read that is well written and draws you in. Carina and Nathan area great couple and I loved the dual POV. This is a great afternoon delight. Recommend.
Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great imagery and adventure
This is the second book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy and is so well crafted that I couldn’t put it down. The characters and world building held me captive right until then end. This starts off straight after book one and the reader is thrown into an adventure filled with action, uncovered secrets, drama, magic, suspense and loads of mystery. It is hard not to get swept up in this author’s writing. Definitely start with book one. I can’t wait for book 3. Recommend.
Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mysterious and dark paranormal
This was wonderfully put together dark supernatural story. I love my Grimm fairytales and this was a brilliant twisted version. Truly is an easily relatable character and soon has the reader vested in her story. The writing and imagery draw you in as the thrills and spills keep coming. This had me thinking long after I had finished the last page. Highly recommend
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets and Second chances
This angsty contemporary romance doesn’t pull any punches. The emotional roller coaster takes off and has you hanging on right until the end. The first book in the Ground Rule series has Kyle and Celia who have a painful past. They cross paths eight years later and find there’s many demons that need to be confronted. How their story ends is worth finding out. This is looking to be a great series. Recommend.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow-burn to healing
This is the third and last book in the Wounded Hearts series and it was a real treat. This author knows how to tie everything together in a nice emotional bow. Angelo is the son of Nicco and Destiny (book 1) and Lucia is the daughter of Enzo and Candi (book 2). These two are best friends from the start and it was wonderful to watch their relationship grow throughout the book as they face the highs and lows. Love this whole series. Highly recommend.
Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thrilling
All is not what it seems in this twisted story. Melody has so many things going on and add in a possible evil stalker, what’s a girl to do? I really enjoyed this story and was glued from start to finish. I have read a few books from this author and I enjoy the writing style. This book has romance, mystery, a billionaire and even a love triangle. Recommend.
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Sweet romance
This romance set in the Regency era quickly captures your heart. The sixth book in the Once upon a Widow series weaves a tale of jaded hearts, secrets and second chances. It’s a ‘clean’ romance and had some snippets of characters from previous books but not as overlapping as other books. With multiple POVs and engaging storyline this is a worthy read. Recommend.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Confronting and raw
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was a pleasant surprise. The author’s writing is engaging and quickly grabs at your emotions. The storyline is not for the faint hearted as it is deals with real issues in a sensitive and realistic way. There were so many times that I felt my emotions peak as the characters faced some pretty confronting issues. With characters leading a double life and choices (and consequences) need to be addressed, this thought provoking story is not for everyone (*trigger warning) but is worthy a read.
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Crime, self discovery and redemption
This was a deeply captivating read. Toby’s story just pulls you in and takes the reader on a journey inside the prison system and how she makes it out the other side. This is the first time I have ventured into this type of story and I’m so glad that I did. Glued from page one right til the end, I could not put this down. Amazingly insightful, well written and eye opening I highly recommend this book.
Twisted Proposal: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revenge with a twist
This is book 3 of the Central Florida Stories which can be read as a stand alone. Ethan and Siena are a formidable couple. Ethan is Dom who takes no prisoners but he wasn’t prepared for Siena. With BDSM, mystery and smoking chemistry this is a a well written contemporary romance that has the reader in suspense waiting to see how it all turns out. Recommend.
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantasy romance
This was an amazing adventure, with beautiful imagery and strong characterisation. The story has a good flow and quickly draws you in. Cressida and Caravahi’s romance is one for the ages. It starts out as a simmer and builds to a roar. Recommend.
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Actions and Consequences
An emotional tale drenched in suspense and lightened by hope. This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a great read. There is a rawness about the story, with the heart wrenching and confronting treatment of the boys but also shows the brotherhood that forms. I really connected with the characters and was vested in their plight. Highly recommend.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute and informative
This is a brilliant book for the budding scientist and inventors out there. I love this author’s books as they open a world of possibilities to children. This is a great picture story book for the classroom to introduce children to Inquiry. The text is easy to read and follow. There is so much to explore within each page and the creativity with illustrations is brilliant. Highly recommend.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The sleuthing fun continues
Taylor Browning is back with her cats and investigating the mystery around the president of the Sante Fe Wine and Crime book club’s disappearance. With lots of twists and turns and a race against time, Taylor has more than she bargained for. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters, especially Oscar and Cheddar. This was a fun, ‘whodunnit’ that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Recommend.
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging
What a fun story! This is an educational picture book that would make a great addition to any school or home library. Aimed at 3 to 7 year olds it follows Hudson as he learns new skills in self care. The bright illustrations are engaging and the language is easy to follow and understand. Highly recommend.
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hilarious rom-com
This original romcom had me laughing out loud way too much. The characters are likeable and Bailey grew so much over the course of the book. There is the kindhearted, compassionate & quirky guy and the self-doubting, sassy girl who have to find their balance to make things work which made this so more relatable. I really enjoy this authors work and can’t wait to see what she brings out next. Highly recommend.
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definitely twisted
This author is a favourite of mine and she did not disappoint with this twisted paranormal romance. Rose who is a wolf, and Titan who is the prince of the Dutchmen coven, are enemies that have an undeniable pull towards each other. What evolves is a battle of wills that will draw in the whole realm. With brilliant characterisation, world building and storyline this has something for everyone – highly recommend.
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hardcore
The title is spot on – this is brutal. Damon holds nothing back when it comes to Skylar, in more ways than one. I’m loving the Hidden Valley Elite series and this instalment did not disappoint. It’s a dark enemies to lovers bully romance and it packs a punch. The writing, characterisation and dual POV are on point. My only dilemma is the cliffhanger (which we are warned about). I need Brutal Nights now! Highly recommend.
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dark, enemies to lovers mafia romance
Book 3 of the Sicilian Gods series is about Lorenzo Larussio, the consigliere to the boss & underboss and Izzy Arden, a headstrong reporter. Their journey to happily ever after is far from easy and with so much on the line, will it ever be enough. This Is well written mafia series and each book delivers a punch (or two). Highly recommend.
