Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series, of many to come I hope. You don’t really need to read the first book to read this one, but it would be an added bonus if you did. This was a great, friends to lovers book, that has the extra bonus of the BDSM story line as well. A define page turner for me.
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Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a huge fan of all things Pride and Prejudice, the moment I stumbled across this book I knew that I needed to read it! It didn’t take me very long to fall in love with Eliza, who the author did a fantastic job of turning into a modern-day mix of Agatha Christie and the lovable Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Bennet Darcy of the original book. I loved that the author put time and effort into the other characters, making it obvious to readers of the Pride and Prejudice book which descendants there at the reunion resemble the main characters of the original book. Due to the name of the book, I knew it would be a mystery novel, and the author blew me away with how she was able to develop the mystery while also throwing a bit of romance into the novel. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Clean & easy read. Would make a great hallmark movie! Lots of action, and lots of sweet moments between all of the characters. All of the main characters are loveable & you’ll be wishing for more.
KISS A THIEF by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hot and steamy contemporary romance. Yes please.
Mia and Dylan’s chemistry creates sparks from page 1. Both with past relationships that cause them to be weary to fall and love and allow themselves to open up to another. But from the first time they lay eyes on each other they can’t help their desire for each other.
When a large problem arises will they be able to work though it, will their love for each other persevere?
My only dislike was how quickly the book ended. I would have loved to have a bit more of the resolution to tue conflict to close it out.
Other than that I can’t wait for the other books in this series!
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twist on Romeo and Juliet. This book wasn’t what I was expecting, but in a good way! I love paranormal, so the celestial take on the story was a bonus for me. It is a MM romance with spice! Definitely grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A captivating contemporary romance. The author has created a extremely well thought out plot. There was a bit of everything in this book with drama, humour and angst. The characters were well written and have good development throughout. Overall a super enjoyable read, can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A dual POV emotional romance. This author does a great job of pulling you in, I was hanging off every word. The main characters TJ and Katrina are super relatable and likable, making you invested in their story. Drama, angst, romance and steamy- the perfect combination
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good historical romance set in medieval times and Love in the Roses definitely delivers. This book is well-written and gives a realistic depiction of a medieval romance. There is a nice slow-burn romance between Isabel and Sir William. They are a wonderfully written couple and I really enjoy watching them grow. The author pays great attention to detail and you can really get into the story. This story is steamy and sweet. I really enjoyed this book.
KISS A THIEF by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was insanely cute and was so captivating that I could not put this book down! The two main characters, Mia and Dylan had such a fiery chemistry that was palpable from the first moment that they met. They began to see each other and have a relationship and it was such a fun great read. The twist in this book was one that had me floored and was so out of the box unexpected and had me wanting more! I cannot wait to tell all of my friends that I read this book and that it is one that everyone needs to add to their TBR list! The author writes amazingly well, so much so that I forgot I was reading a book.
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Key to His Heart is a great romance story about two people who have had pain in the past and they fall in love. Katrina has had her heart broken. She meets TJ and there is an instant connection between them. Towards the middle of the book, TJ and Katrina realize that they are soulmates. They were destined to be together. This story has a great happily ever after ending with TJ and Katrina having a family. I love that TJ proposed to Katrina with a key necklace instead of a ring. That was a very unique way to show how much he loved her. I also like that the author used her own struggles with epilepsy in the story with Katrina. Not many people talk about the mental health issues that people have. I didn’t realize that there were four different types of epilepsy either. I recommend anyone that loves romance books and is a hopeless romantic to read this story.
Tale of a Body Thief by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This a great start to the series and a fantastic paranormal adventure. I really enjoy Rovena’s character. She is a very strong and determined lady with skills even she is not aware of. As a hunter her job is to stop the demons that are leaving the underworld before then can harm innocent people. However she senses there is something she doesn’t know about. Some secret to her past and who is really is that is kept hidden from her.
When Rovena is sent to a morgue to look at a body her job is to find out who killed the person and how. But things don’t go to plan. As she is studying the person they wake up.
Face with a dead person who doesn’t seem dead Rovena doesn’t know what to do. As time reveals that it’s not the soul of the deceased person in the body and demons trying to get at the soul that’s taken over the body Rovena has to do the unthinkable. She needs to protect a demon from harm instead of destroying it.
So we now start on a journey full of danger and surprises as Rovena learns its a lot harder to protect a demon than it is to destroy it.
I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After his husband left him, with just a note, Andy has worked hard to pick up the pieces of himself. Just as he is finally ready to dip his toes back in the dating pool, his ex, Stephan, comes back around wanting a second chance. Andy talks these things through with best friend and brother-in-law Fitz. In this process, Andy finds out that there is a suspected serial killer killing guy men in manners that suggest suicide.
Will Andy hear Stephan out? Will he allow him a second chance? Will Andy find someone new? Will Andy end up in the cross hairs of a killer?
I’m Not Your Difference is the fourth book in the Fitz Series by Theresa Sederholt. While this story can be read as a standalone I will note that I believe reading them in order would probably give better background, history and depth of the characters and how they came to be in each other’s lives. Many of the support characters seem to have been in the series from the beginning which is what led me to the read in order suggestion. I personally have not read the first three books. I did fall in love with many of the characters present in Andy’s story and cant wait to go back to read the other’s stories. I would absolutely recommend this book.
****NOTE I will note that there are some graphic non consensual scenes and violence in the story that may be a trigger for some.****
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you want a heartwarming romance that really tugs on the heartstrings then this is the book for you. It’s the 2nd book that I’ve read from this author and this one will also be getting 5 stars as I was totally lost in the story. It is the quintessential page-turner. The story is also based on some real life events. I’d really love to know exactly which parts of the story really happened.
Do you believe that your soul mate is out there? Is there someone that you are destined to be with? Have you had visions of this person and heard their voice? That’s what happened to Katrina. And what happens when fate steps in and you meet this person and it’s instant attraction on both sides? You really need to read this book to get the answers to these questions.
I adored Kat and TY’s story. I fell in love with both characters instantly and was swept along with their amazing story.
100% recommend!
Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amber Waves of Grace definitely caught me off guard. It starts in the middle of Corrie harvesting wheat when her hired man, George, starts causing a ruckus and quits. She ends up receiving some help from Luke and Aaron Tuttle, her neighbors who are also brothers. Corrie has a complicated and painful past with Luke and becomes attracted to Aaron even though she thinks he won’t even cast a passing glance her way.
Even though I believe EVERYONE will find this story relatable, I felt a kinship with Corrie as I am both a country girl and as stubborn as the day is long. She still has a soft spot in her heart for friends and family. There is nothing Corrie wouldn’t do to keep them safe and as a woman who tries to do it all herself, she finds that is a much bigger task than she anticipated especially upon bringing in a stranger into her home and under her wing.
I laughed, yelled, and cried reading this book and fell in love with all the characters. It hits on so many different levels of emotion that feel so raw and real. There is a good amount of drama and mystery in this book without feeling like the author is relying on it to carry the story and make it interesting. It may start out a tiny bit slower than some books, but it picks up fast and tells a beautiful story!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first-time reading SF Benson’s work, and I was instantly curious while reading the synopsis I had several questions that drew my curiosity. Firstly, Evaline’s character being the daughter of occult archeologists and being a necromancer. Learning of the similarities yet differences between London and the mirror world Londinium was also interesting. Doctor Death and the mythical artifacts that could stop them.
London, January 1888. It is a time in which magic is common knowledge, but in order to practice freely, outside of your own home you must have a license. Even so not all have magical abilities which leads to many being against or having negative feelings towards those who practice it. Evaline starts out being desperate to reach out to her mother using her necromancer abilities, the sudden loss a year prior, left Evaline with no closure, all she had left was her mother’s journal that she had snuck out of her belongings when her father wasn’t looking. She shares her mother’s love of mysteries and feels the draw to solve even the most bizarre. Reading the journal one night looking for answers she comes across the notes of her parents last expedition in Egypt, when her mother was killed. They were on the hunt for a rare mythical relic, the Firestone, her mother journeyed into a cave believing the relic to be in there. Though she did not find the relic she instead found a mirror, “It wasn’t an ordinary looking glass, my dear. It was a gateway to another world.” Reading of the Firestone and then the strange woman visiting her father the next morning and mentioning the same relic, Evaline feels if her father won’t solve the mystery she will. Admiring Sherlock Holmes, she sets off for the woman when she leaves, often thinking to herself “What would Holmes do?” when she is unsure of the “right” thing to do next. Meanwhile, when Evaline and her beau find themselves suddenly in Londinium, an open world where magic is practice and used frequently in the open by those with it. A world in which magic is the least of worries, creatures of nightmares also exist, such as vampires and werewolves (untamable). Being out after night is highly dangerous and if out death is expected. In the search to find the Firestones location Evaline and her beau stumble across other mysteries including one involving the Madame Governor, the leader of Londinium. Which leaves them no choice but to be out after dark to hopefully get some answers.
The story was a slow start for me, learning the characters world, who they were. Though the more I read the more I was drawn to Evaline, personally feeling and agreeing with how she reacts to things. While the mystery became more in depth and sometimes leading to more questions about those around Evaline and her beau, I wanted to read faster to find answers. If you enjoy mystery with an underlying love story, then the world Ms. Benson creates in this book is sure to entertain.
Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith
5 out of 5 stars
Wheels, born on the streets and learned how to take care of herself and those she cares the most about. Qadir, born to rule, everything given to him, yet knows how to work hard, and works to get what he wants. What happens when Wheels saves his life, and stays a mystery to him.
This book was so good. I literally finished it within 24 hours of picking it up for the first time. The mystery behind Aimee, made me keep turning every single page. Then how much love she showed to everyone in her area. Need a new dress? She found a friend and they helped pull a drop dead gorgeous outfit together.
Reading the love story between Qadir and Aimee is so heartfelt. I loved every single detail and the eloquent style of writing S.E. Smith put into this book.
The ending seemed a bit abrupt for me. Without describing a spoiler, big news happened and then one chapter later the book was over. I would love to read more about Aimee and Qadir, how they go through life and their new life changes. But, I cannot wait to read the second book and hopefully the bad guys are caught and things come together a bit more. Maybe we will also see Aimee and Qadir more in the next book.
All in all, this book was written perfectly, and my only complaint is small, and I am a sucker to see characters live out their lives in books, versus just seeing part of their life.
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a single mom, I became enamored in this book and the direction it went. I fell instantly in love with both characters. The way their inner thoughts were explored to their interactions and once they finally collided easily where we, as the reader, thought they should be all along, really made it worth the read! Check it out — you’re gonna love this as much as I did.
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third installment in a great series. We find out all about Krystina and Loukas’ journey to love. We see many generation’s tales of love in this story and watch as Krystina tries to over come the past unforgivable actions (her perception) of Loukas’ friends.
This novel can be read as a stand alone but you will miss all the cultural aspects and historical facts, as well as Krystina’s older siblings stories. I found this book to be as much of a page turner as the first two and look forward to the next in this series.
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a quick read with strong characters. As a second novel in the series I had hoped for more storyline and got it. I was impressed with the details, not only of what’s happening but the places, cultural references and a little history. Mia and Nick are a match made in hell it seems as they do nothing but fight. Both are bound and determined to get their ways. You will find a lot of romance, drama and even some steam in this book. I am excited for book three!
Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is a romantic comedy with all the fixings. Plus it has recipes. Now I don’t know about you but I love when a character is eating delicious food and I not only can imagine the taste I can go to my very own kitchen and experience it. There was elements of drama (especially the family kind), it was a little emotional, some heartbreak and of course comedy laced with romance. I loved the character development and would have rated this one five stars if the storyline was a bit more detailed. Kally and Max are the perfect main characters and you will continue reading despite those missing details for them.
Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Corrie has her work cut out for her. After an accident leaves her father unable to carry on the daily duties of caring for and running a farm, Corrie leaves her reporter job and comes back home. She’s out on the combine daily bringing in the harvest and when it’s planting season, she’s back planting in the fields. Tragedy seems to come naturally to Corrie though, not that she’s asking for it! Whether it’s firing her farmhand, running into an old love, the drama that comes with running a business, Corrie has her fair share of excitement, and it’s not all good. However, there are several facets of this story that do bring about good. Tragedy brings good to those who look for it!! Corrie has a beautiful heart and the love she has for people is the kind of love this world needs more of!!
I LOVED this book!!!! It is definitely in my top three reads so far this year and I’m pretty sure it’s number one! What Northern raised farm girl wouldn’t love a book about a girl running a huge farm!?!?! This book was so refreshing and different from the romances I’ve been reading lately. There are so many elements of this book….love, grace, peace, forgiveness along with tragedy, shame, and pain. This book seemed so real to me and the author weaves this story so beautifully. There are “christian” elements in this book but it’s not the sole focus of the story. I will be looking for more books by this author as I really enjoyed her storytelling and the style in which she writes!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My youngest loved this book. She was able to read it and learn at the same time. She loves science. It was done in a subtle engaging way that kept her wanting to continue reading until the end.
My daughter is 12 and a tad too old for this book; however she loved it. She does have trouble reading sometimes; which is why I encourage her to read all different genres of books. This was a book she was able to read well and she loved the graphics.
Having said this, this book would be more suited to a child up to 8.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm is easily my favorite read of the year thus far! Even when I was not reading, I was thinking about the story and wondering where it was going to lead to. I would sneak in a page or two while cooking, while I ate lunch on my work break, anywhere or time I could until I finished! The main characters were very well developed and I adored and sympathized with each of them in different ways. I was hooked by this story on both timelines- enjoying reading of Lori, Joel and Clancy and then going forward to Garrison and Molly. Their stories spanned between the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1991. Each jump was a smooth transition between the timeframes that wove together this addicting mystery. I never once got lost. It worked so well for this book! The story had so many twists and turns. I loved that just when I thought for sure I had the ending cracked, another curve ball was tossed in and proved my theories to be wrong. By the end of the book, I was completely satisfied. I didn’t feel like the author left any loose ends. I highly recommend if you like the mystery genre. I’ll be looking forward to more from Shanessa Gluhm!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this author as it’s the first time I have read her books. I noticed that it was Book 1 when I started – generally I will purchase all books in a series before reading any in case they have a cliff hanger that moves into the next book. This one intrigued me when I read the overview of it so I picked it up while the rain was pounding down outside and I didn’t have a lot to do in the house (a rarity indeed!)
I really enjoyed this book! it’s the story of Bella and Levi – there’s action, family and romance – what’s not to love? I loved the way the characters developed through the book.
The only sad part was that when I reached the end of the book I wanted more. I will definitely be looking for the next one.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an intense exciting story. You will not be able to put it down until you have finished it. Great enemies to lovers romance.
The Detail by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Romantic suspense
A detective story with suspense, intriguing storyline and lots of heartfelt interaction. I enjoyed this story and the characters. The writing is really easy to read and I devoured the pages. There are many layers to the story and I was never left wanting. I will definitely be checking out more from this author.
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a fan of historical fiction and thrillers, this book did not disappoint. The cover is beautiful to start. I am a teacher so I like to support other teachers. I was hooked quickly by the vivid language the author uses. The story is told using an alternate timeline floating between modern times and WWII era, which doesn’t bother me as a reader. I thought the characters were interesting and felt the author did a great job capturing both settings and the relationship between the characters. I found myself not wanting to put it down. Mystery books often are easy to figure out the twists, but this one kept me guessing much longer than usual. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this quick read by Jennifer Raines. It was my first of her books, but I would definitely read more. This contemporary romance had lovable characters that you become invested in. There is a unique twist to the story and I loved the setting of the book, which was also unique to my experiences as a reader in the US. As someone with a sister and a nephew of my own, I connected to the story and found myself hoping for a happy ending. Great summer read!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It has been a while since I have read a Mystery and I have to say I am so happy that I decided to read this fantastic book snuggled up on a cold winters day. I was completely hooked from start to finish! I loved the very creatively written story that takes us back in time so vividly you really can imagine everything as if you are right there with the characters. Speaking of characters I really liked Cora, as the lead character. She is smart and intriguing. The author added in some fabulous twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting at all. If you like YA mystery then this is definitely the book for you!
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second in the Antipodes series and I would suggest reading the first book prior to reading the second. This is my favourite of the series (although I’ve read it out of order), and this one made me more emotional than the others. Once again, the story follows Cam and what happens after the events of the first book. Cam is now living on the Island of Lewis, until he learns that someone he loves may still be alive. It was interesting to see how Cam grows throughout the course of the book as he now has a family to look after and all the dilemmas of a community that has to survive on very little because a pandemic has destroyed most of the earth. This one seemed slower than the others in the series but I enjoyed the emotional arcs more. An atmospheric read.
