The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very descriptive cozy mystery
This intriguing cozy mystery is a fun read. Lots of imaginative suspense and delicious muffins. The story draws you straight in and I really liked the eccentricities of the characters. A good quick read.
Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Short but sweet
This is a very short contemporary romance. The author has very detailed writing which makes for a fulfilled read, even though the story is short. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the strength of Zarifah and protectiveness of Cutter. The author handles the sensitive storyline around domestic violence very well. A good read.
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strong characters and baseball
Really enjoyed this sports based romance. The author has put a little bit of everything in this book about a fake relationship turning into something more. The banter between Ryan and Peyton was brilliant and their chemistry was well written. My favourite character obviously would have to be Rayne – lol! Highly recommend.
A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Historical romantic comedy
This was a well-written light hearted romance that had me smiling. I was glued as the strong storyline unfolded. I became so vested in the characters and their plight. Such an easy read, with great pacing and imagery. Recommend.
Hit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good mafia romance
This was a great book. Luke and Nikolai have a rough journey in becoming a couple. Luke has a strong, independent streak and doesn’t trust easily. Nikolai is Mafia and alpha all the way. Their chemistry is off the charts and made for some steamy passionate scenes. Will be looking for more from this author.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging
This is Storyteller’s and Sherri’s story. It is captivating from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing style and their previous works, and this did not disappoint. Storyteller is a very interesting character – his journey has not been an easy one. The road to Sherri was filled with heartache and demons from the past. This book is a stand-alone but forms part of The Mayhem Maker Series – Motorcycles, Mobsters and Mayhem. It’s not flowery romance but dark and gritty. Highly recommend.
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short but intense
This novella introduces Cole and Riley and gives a bit of their background. There are hints of what is to come – family toxicity, romance, bullying and some darker themes. It is a very short taster of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I can’t wait to read more.
Absolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sizzle, heat & steam
This contemporary romance, with a dash of paranormal, follows Dominic and Whitney as they navigate demons from the past and danger in the present. This is a well written book but it did feel a little repetitive at times. Besides these little bumps the book had a strong engaging storyline and a helluva lot of steam. Recommend.
Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Extremely hot
This novella had me fanning. This is the prequel to The Hawke Family Second Generation series and it was such a tease. I thoroughly enjoyed the first series, The Hawke Family, and I just know that this series will have me just as engaged. The writing is brilliant, the characters relatable and the storyline captivating (and steamy). I can’t wait to delve into this series. Highly recommend.
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant!
This series is one of my favourite sci-fi series and just goes from strength to strength. The 45th Parallel is the sixth book in the Antipodes series but is more of a spin-off. This book follows Cait and Sera, children of the main characters from previous books, as they navigate the new world. Discoveries are made, lives are threatened and ambitions are questioned. Each of the characters has depth and it was great to see characters from the previous books through the eyes of others. This series needs to be read from the start to really appreciate the dystopian world that the author has created. Highly recommend.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intriguing and suspenseful
This crime thriller had so many twists and turns it had me in a spin. Brilliantly written, with well developed characters, the author dropped crumbs throughout the story and it wasn’t until the end that it all clicked into place. This is the first I have read from this author but the third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series and I loved it. I must go back and read the other books. Highly recommend!
My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5stars
Mixed emotions
My Pearl Heart is a short contemporary romance that follows Jasmine and James. It was an easy story to follow but I did struggle at times to connect with the characters and their relationships, especially Cadence. The rest of the storyline was entertaining enough to keep me vested until the end. The author’s writing style and imagery was spot on, so I will definitely be checking out some of her other books.
Things are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shake, rattle and roll!
This brilliant picture story book is the second book in the Invisible Wand Series. Caspian is back, bringing his cousin, grandpa and of course his trusty wand. What are they going to do when there is an earthquake?
This engaging story has terrific illustrations and has embedded educational aspects. Aged for 4-8 year olds it would make a fun addition to any class or home library.
Fear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brilliant!
This is book 3 in the Fear Inc series and it was amazing. The storyline was engaging and the characters were easily relatable. Even though this can be read as stand-alone, I loved seeing characters from the previous books and knowing their story. There is romance, witty banter, a deep brotherhood, best friend’s sister angst, and a bit of steam. Highly recommend.
Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightfully naughty
I absolutely loved this book. The banter, characters and steam kept me glued from start to finish. There’s a lot going on but it creates more interest and develops each character in their own right. There is a high amount of steam and kink between several characters so be warned. I really enjoyed the multiple POV as this made me more vested in the characters. So much fun to read. Highly recommend!
The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good collection and this was brilliant.
Book 1 – Savage Collision
This is Savage and Danita’s story. A brilliant start to the series and a great introduction to the Hawke Family.
Book 2 Tortured Skye
This is Skye and Gabe’s story. I totally loved Gabe in book 1 and wasn’t sure about Skye – but by the end of this one she had won my heart.
Book 3 Stone Sober
Up until now Stone had always been in the background in the previous books. Finally he gets his story and we get more of Nora., Danika’s sister. Their story is intense.
Book 4 Building Storm
This is the eldest Hawke daughter, Storm’s story. This cut deep emotionally. We also get to meet Landon and together these two have had their fair share of heartache.
Book 5 Tainted Saint
This is Saint and Caroline’s story. Caroline is Danika’s best friend and Saint is a new bouncer at the club. This is their story.
Book 6 Steele Resolve
This is Byron, the manager of Savage’s club and Luca “Steele’s” story. It’s an enemy to lovers M/M romance. It’s different, in a good way, to the rest of the series.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. It was fantastically written and my interest was peaked in every book. Highly recommend the whole series and best read in order.
Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Medical military drama
3,5stars
This story follows Hunter and Selma and is well written. The chapters are short and it flicks between past to present in a time lapse fashion to cover backstory. I enjoyed the storyline and characters and there were some intense moments.
Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Contemporary blind date romance
A well written great fun read. Abi and Finn are adorable. A relationship formed from convenience it was amazing to watch their connection unfold. But Finn has some issues from his past that he needs to deal with and Abi needs to work out her priorities. Told in dual POV this is Book 2 in the Kings of Screen series and even though each book is written as a stand-alone I love how there are characters that appear across each of the books. I am keen to see how the rest of the series develops.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mythological fantasy
This is the third and final book of the Servant of the Gods series. Evan is at the final stage of his journey and is up against some fantastical creatures. This story has everything to keep the reader’s interest – paranormal, mythology, action, gods, magic and great world building. There is a vast range of characters throughout the series so it is best to read from book 1. Recommend.
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Supernatural delight
Delicious Death is the second volume in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. It was just as good as the first. A Gaslamp fantasy tale that has murder, mystery, ghosts and romance. Elinor is a medium and finds herself needing to solve an attempted royal murder. I love the layers of humour and the slow burn romance. Looking forward to book 3.
Falling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second chances and small town romance
This is a sweet romance based in the small town of Buckeye Falls. Max and Ginny are a great couple who deserve happiness but there are so many issues that need smoothing out. Loved Buckeye Falls – quaint small town. This book has all the feels and is a nice quick read during the festive season. Recommend.
What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Peculiar and unusual
A curious tale that takes the reader on an unusual adventure filled with magic, paranormal, mystery, alternate worlds and a roller coaster of emotion. The story is offbeat but delivered well with Isaac finding himself in a fantastical world. I was engaged from start to finish and enjoyed the quirkiness of the story. An unexpected find, this is a great read. Recommend.
Much Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel by Rowan Dillon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Irish beauty
Set in beautiful Ireland this is the second book in the Guardians of the PHAE series. The story does not lack in detail, to the point that I found it cumbersome at times with a lot of information to process. The story itself is interesting and once I sorted through the layers I was engaged in the fantastical world. The mystery, action and adventure is woven through and kept me engaged.
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute and colourful
Another stand out magical adventure from this author. The Sneaky Kitten brings a fun storyline with amazing illustrations and imagery. Even though the writing is simple there is so much more within the pictures. As with the previous books in the series, Caspian and his grandpa are having a magical time with a very mischievous kitten. The story will very easily provoke imagination and discussion among young readers.
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging and suspenseful
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was fabulous. I loved Jorja Knight. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, I could easily pick up information about Jorja’s past. I am keen to go back to book one and start from the beginning. If you love a good suspenseful read, with a mystery to solve, curses to watch out for and action, then this is the book for you.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Post-apocalyptic survival
This is the second book in the Quirk of Destiny series and it is amazing. It is set two years after book one and so much more has happened. I highly recommend reading book one first as it helps to understand the dystopian world and key players so much more. The story is just as in depth as the first and though this is a long book the writing style kept me engaged. The action, paranormal twists and links to real life made for an intriguing and thought-provoking read. There is a cliffy so I eagerly await book three.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun holiday Rom-Com
What an enjoyable read. Teagan and Tenley are a hoot. What starts as rivalry ends up as fireworks. This rom-com had me laughing, shaking my head and cheering at the shenanigans of these two. I loved the island setting. The author has balanced the romance, wit and steam just right and has a delivered a strong dual POV story that will appeal to a wide audience. Recommend.
I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Highly charged emotions
This is a contemporary romance that just tugs at the heart strings. Austin and Casey’s story is raw and real. Austin has been through so much and Casey is such a free soul. Together they are amazing. It is well worth reading book 1 to get the backstory and to get the full experience if the trilogy. The author has a way of drawing you in, that makes you feel part of the story. Can’t wait for book 3.
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A cyclone of emotions
This book was like being on an emotional roller coaster. I absolutely love books set in small towns where the township is embedded in the story. This did not disappoint. All the characters are likeable and Lily and Jake are such a great couple. Their story had me bouncing between the lols and the tears. I am so looking forward to reading more of the Bluestone Series.
Highly recommend.
Revenge Never Rests by Laurie Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing!
The second book in the Tallie Brown series and what a brilliant suspenseful read. Even though I hadn’t read book 1, the author does a great job of tuning the reader in. I will be going back and reading book 1 though, as I feel there is much more to know about Tallie’s past. This book has it all – drama, suspense, mystery, crime and action. It is delivered seamlessly and I was gripped from start to finish. Highly recommend.
