Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m usually not a Historical Romance fan but this one left me wanting more. I can’t imagine having to be forced to marry your enemy and actually find happiness. Sir William and Isabel’s banter and relationship truly warmed my heart.
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second instalment to this series. Like the first I loved every second of it.
While Greer is dealing with things in the underworld, this story focuses on Desiree and Theron. These two are dealing with the vampires still in New Orleans. A new vampire comes along to help, Jaxon. He wants to help rid them of all the bad vampires and learn how to survive without killing. Jaxon also has a witch, called the Mistress, that wants him back no matter the cost. I’m ready to see how this continues.
Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This story is exciting, intriguing and steamy! Arely is a courageous and strong woman. She just speaks her mind as she thinks about it. Kurt finds himself falling for her. Can this romance survive the challenges she faces? The characters are all butt-kickers. They are strong and not afraid to fight to protect one another. The plot is strong and feels realistic. It felt like there was a twist in there. I loved being so engaged in the story that I couldn’t put it down. I gave the family stink eye if they bothered me. You can feel the emotion in the story. The anger, the happiness, the sadness, the lust, it’s all there…totally recommend this story.
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance. Its a very sweet story about 2 people from quite difference lives but with 1 thing in common. Art. The author does an amazing job writing the characters. I especially love Paige. She is a very determined woman who knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. Mark on the other hand isn’t as keen to enter the artistic world and would rather stay on his ranch rescuing horses.
When they meet the attraction between them is instant. However Paige wants to keep things strictly professional. We shall see how long that last.
When Paige turns up to ask Mark to paint for the gallery he is very reluctant. He paints for pleasure not profit but when Paige makes him an offer he can’t refused he gets on with the task.
To help assist him and check on his progress Paige relocates to Montana to be near him and this is where we see the attraction build and the connection grow.
The characters work well together. Both have pasts and history’s which make embarking on this relationship anything but a walk in the park.
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is in the YA genre and I feel that anyone would appreciate this book if they like supernatural stories. This book is a very quick read and can be finished in a day. The characters in this story have great depth and feel real emotions that any teen would feel in this type of situation. Moving to a new town can cause anyone some anxiety but throw in missing kids and it just hits different emotions. This is also a prequel to the series and I am hoping it will give some more background into the characters as the series continues. I felt a little disconnect with them during this story but not enough to make a huge difference. The mysteries in the book keep you hooked throughout and turning the pages to see what happens. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series to continue to build on these characters and to continue the mysteries. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a quick read with lots of mystery.
Reviewed by @bbohls
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Twilight’s Spy (Twilight Realm Trilogy Book 1.5) by K.M. Wray
Twilight’s Spy is a amazing YA/ Fantasy story that is fast paced and hard to put down once you start. I love that this author is giving us this story which is in-between books one and two. This introduces us to new characters and gives back story which I love. I highly recommend reading the first book if you haven’t already as its just as good as this one. This is a fairly new author to me but I’m a fan already. This story is packed with adventure, action, magic, drama and so much more. Yarissa just finished her training and wants to be apart of the Elites. What happens when she’s sent out on a spy mission to the Night Realm? Being a spy really isn’t what she wants to be but the amazing friends she meets along the way . She really wants to keep her people safe. I highly recommend reading this fast-paced story to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well Seth is a little different to his brothers that have featured in this series so far but that doesn’t mean he’s not a nice guy too! Victoria certainly has more guts than me with her bravado and plotting – I was cringing in anticipation of her being discovered! A sign of a great author creating great characters when you empathise with them like that! Looking forward to book 4!
Review by @sparkinside
Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love that the tag line mentions not being funny because the banter between Nadia and Luke was so entertaining! I love that Nadia is not one to back down and neither is Luke so when you put them together sparks fly! Another great book in this series with another nice guy – it must run in the family!
Review by @sparkinside
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Set in the year of 1484, this story begins with Lady Everett teaching her daughter, Isabel, her role as a woman. Isabel learns how to manage her home as well as how to receive guests. When her father arrives home, she learns she is to be married to Sir William Ward of Rocham. Her upbringing showed her family had an allegiance to the House of York, and yet her father was to have her marry the opposing House of Lancaster. Despite this betrothal, Isabel does as her mother instructs her and lays her faith in her father’s wisdom.
Upon her wedding day, Isabel become Lady Ward. She was quite nervous and, despite being a knight, William appears to be so as well. Two days pass, and they begin a long journey, upon which, Isabel notices that, Sir Robert does not seem to be fond of the union. She learns that her husband was not in full allegiance to the House of Lancaster as much as Sir Robert. When Sir Robert is not following them further than Baron Sanford’s estate, William confides in Isabel that their union was also a test for the angry knight. He failed by his behavior and was to be tried for treason.
The couple becomes more solidified in their relationship, but soon they both discover there is much to learn. When her Uncle Walter appears, Isabel was careful to remember her mother’s words, “Being a woman does have its benefits. You sit and observe, unnoticed by others.” Those words became a strength for Isabel throughout the remainder of the story.
Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first book I’ve read in this series and the first by this author but it definitely won’t be the last for either. I fell in love with Tom and Chelsea straight away – maybe I’m just a sucker for nice guys lol. The supporting characters also provide comic relief and I look forward to reading some of their adventures in the coming books!
Review by @sparkinside
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When reading a series of books you always hope the next book is just as good or better than the last but you’re never really sure till you actually read it. Let me just say book #2 in this series definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The author did a great job again with the storyline and the characters. I really liked being able to “see” some of the characters from the 1st story.
The little “extras” at the ends of some of the chapters were nice little surprises I enjoyed.
The language, culture and history of the characters were nice to see as well.
If you need a reminder that fate & destiny are real then you definitely need to read this story.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Someone Exactly Like Me is the first book in the Wounded Hearts series by Debbie Cromack. This is my first book by Ms. Cromack, and as I am always on the look out for new authors to add to my TBR list I happily snapped up a copy to explore.
What I found was a sweet, enjoyable, slow-burn, contemporary romance with a bit of a friends-to-lover element, some angst, push-pull, heartache, chemistry, and drama. I connected with the characters right from the get-go, which made it so easy to invest in them and their whole story.
I am happy that I stumbled on this book, and author- and I will certainly be keeping a look-out for more of her work in the future.
Bring on Book #2…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Debbie Cromack!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read! It was enthralling, emotional with a happy ending and steamy! Definitely an 18+ novel. It was quick paced and short, and very well written. I could hardly put it down. The characters were lovable and showed a lot of character and depth. This was a great read and I can’t wait to read more like this in the future!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Levi was a great 5 star read. I love that he was one of three hot triplet men. I loved his brothers, they added a great element to the story. I can’t wait to read their stories.
Levi has returned to the ranch to help his brothers raise their little sister. Fate steps in when he gets a call from an old friend who needs a favor. This is where we meet Bella. Bella is in hiding and has been sent to stay with Levi and his brothers as a nanny/housekeeper. Things get more interesting from here, Levi is very stern and hard on Bella. However there is an attraction between them. Will Levi let his walls down and allow Bella in? Can he keep her safe?
Overall this was a great read. I devoured it in one sitting and I can’t wait to read more from this series. All of the characters were great, and loved the little sister as well. My heart went out to her and her loss but her brothers took great care of her. If you’re looking for a read that pulls you right in this is the book for you. 1-click and get started today.
Review by @mab54615
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One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Belinda Williams has truly developed a lovable series with the Pierce Brothers!
Each brother is different and each lead female is 100% relatable.
In this book we meet Seth who we know a little about from previous installments but we truly get to know the real Seth in this book!
Then we have Victoria who has a deadline, professionally, and hardlines, personally! Can the two mix?
I love how easy to read these books are but they still keep the readers attention from start to finish! Each character is well developed and relatable!
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book brings out all kinds of emotions but was written so well. There are triggers in it but it’s like the author is talking about your friends. You fall in love with the three main characters and you feel like you are right there with them. Lots of twist and turns buts so good.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! This book sucked me right in and I finished it in no time! A great intro book to a new series. Evaline is a headstrong female who knows what she wants and isn’t going to stop until she gets it. I can’t wait to see what happens next with her and the strange world of Londinium. Also what an amazing use of vocabulary in this book! It’s not often I read books where I have to look up what words mean.. I absolutely loved it!
Reviewed by @darianamee21
Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Belinda Williams has done it again in the next installment of Pierce Brothers Series!
In the second books readers meet back up with Nadia and Luke who we briefly met in book one and get to follow their second chance story. But are second chances really a thing?
Nadia is fierce and everything in her past tells her to protect herself.
Luke is determined and that includes all areas of his life. So can Nadia and Luke get past their first time and the turmoil that surrounds it?!?
Passion and tension flood this second book in the series and leave readers always wanting more!
The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I have to say is WOW! The Colors of Friendship is a very powerful novel. With some very dark themes. Be mindful going into it, I was hesitant but I’m so glad I took the leap. Three friends meeting at college orientation for different things.
I felt at that age I related the most to Imani. I was that friend, still am. No nonsense, tell it like it is, but will always be there for you. Unfortunately I could also say I related to Imani even more based on what her character went through and fought for. I’ve been in those situations. Outside looking in, in a terrible situation. Letting the one you care for go for someone else in your circle.
Then there’s Lance, I’ve known quite a few Lance’s in my life. People like Lance, you want on your side, unfortunately till they grow up they only make good friends.
Now there’s Melody, the main focus of this novel. Unfortunately my best friend growing up was a Melody when it came to relationships. Just takes us back to the outside looking in, knowing that no matter what you do or say it doesn’t matter it won’t get through. Which is exactly why Melody believed everything boyfriend Kevin said and challenged Imani.
If you’ve ever been in any type of abusive relationship, approach this book with caution. The author does a phenomenal job with each character, and setting the themes throughout.
They always say you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. My friends are my family. I want friends like Imani and Lance in my life. I hope Melody sees that going into book 2, she’s going to need them. Especially with how book 1 ended, and no I’m not telling. You are just going to have to read it for yourself!
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
This is the first book I have read by S.F. Benson. It’s very dark which is why I was drawn to read it. I love reading about paranormal things as well as fantasy. Danger, adventure, family, magic is just part of what see in this series, these are all things that I love about books like this. I can’t wait to read more of this series and her other stories as well. I am fascinated by S.F. Benson and her imagination that she allows us to enter into. I can’t and see what’s in “Death & Shadows” (Book Two).
Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fantastic read! I haven’t read Belinda Williams before but this was a great series to start with!
Belinda allows readers to feel like they are living the story with the characters. The characters are well written and relate to someone we all know! Its easy to get attached, pick sides and live vicariously through each character.
Chelsea is that girl we all know. Bad boys are her style and she doesn’t understand why each one is worse than the last.
Tom is the nice guy that everyone is friends with but never really sees. He’s the genuine nice guy.
So what happens when a friends suggests the nice guy show Chelsea what she’s missing?!? Belinda takes us through every step of the story and leaves us wanting more!
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3)
Another Pierce brother has fallen and I loved reading how it happened. From their interesting first meeting they and their interactions were anything but normal or what you would expect.
Victoria and Seth are great as friends. They had amazing chemistry but it was so much more than that. It’s hard for me to put into words, but they just work.
Seth is much deeper than I expected and not your typical Billionaire and I might have started crushing on him just a bit.
Victoria has her life pretty together, not going to lie, little jealous. She has a great best friend and professionally things are not perfect but not horrible.
I really enjoyed every moment spent reading and I cannot wait for the final brother to fall in love.
Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seductively Yours, Titans of Manhattan Series, is the 3rd installment by Anise Storm and it is by far my favorite. Not only does Storm have a wonderful way with words, but she crafts her books in such a way that you feel as if you’re right there with the characters as they go through the ups and downs of love and lust.
Mason Steele, is seductive, sexy, and successful so it’s no wonder he’s one of the most eligible bachelors around. As he’s grown his empire and became the owner of the hottest new nightclub in the city he has followed two cardinal rules: always keep sex casual and never mix business and pleasure. These rules have always kept his heart and assets safe until he realizes that the recent girl who caught his attention is actually a new hire at his club. Will he recover from breaking his own rules or will he finally find a reason to leave the rules behind?
Rhyann Ward
Is a small town girl from Kansas with big dreams. Rhyann has been awarded a ballet scholarship to an exclusive arts school, so she’s ready to make those dreams a reality. She knows she must maintain her scholarship while she studies and tries to land a spot in a world-wide production. It doesn’t take long for her to realize going after your dreams takes passion and money. While trying to make her way through dance school, her girlfriend and her decide to get jobs as exotic dancers. It isn’t until later that she finds out Mason, her one night stand is the owner. Rhyann struggles in this big city, as she tries to follow her dreams, and find herself amid the new dangerous world.
As I said Seductively Yours is by far my favorite in this series, the steam, chemistry, and romance between Mason and Rhyann is phenomenal. Grab a good seat because when you start this book you won’t want to quit until the final page.
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a charming little romance story. The characters are both unique and well written. You won’t want to put the book down.
Turning 30 in a month, journalist Victoria, also known as Tori, has set herself a career altering goal. Score a major article for a promotion or quit journalism all together. What is bigger than scoring an interview on the private billionaire Seth Pierce for her article? Nothing, but getting to question him is nearly impossible. A twist of fate scores her a chance meeting with him under the guise of an interview as an employee candidate that isn’t her. Leaving when she is outed she gives him a false name, Tori Verity. Will Victoria find her article piece and get her promotion? Will Seth figure out who the woman was? What lies ahead for these two individuals? Read the book to find out!
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a delightful book it had me hooked from the first page. The characters are well and strongly written and I can relate to Roxanne’s tragedy. This is an emotional, magical, loss. I just loved the plot and the description of their surroundings I could imagine myself there.
Roxanne Ferris is suffering from a great tragedy and she takes a summer job as a caregiver to bestselling author Claudette Grayson. The ailing 93-year-old woman doesn’t have long to live but wants to spend the rest of her days in the house she’s fond of.
Claudette recognized Roxanne is an old soul and they bond over delightful stories and fictional characters that feel so real. These women use these stories to escape tragic memories. When Roxanne see’s mysterious things happen, she wonders with her grief that she has lost her mind and went crazy especially when she begins seeing one of the fictitious characters in the house.
Could taking this job help Roxanne heal? Will she be-able to move on? Who is this man? Will this summer bring these two-woman peace and closer could go one or destroying what’s left of two women’s tormented minds?
You have to read the story to find out the answers…
Tracy
@tracym
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Victoria is set out to get the biggest story of her life, an interview with Seth Pierce. Seth does not give interviews to anyone. She is set to get this interview before her 30th birthday otherwise she is going to quit her career as a journalist. Seth is very private and doesn’t usually give out any personal details of his life. Victoria has made her way into his company under false pretenses, but will she get what she wants in her career or will she find love in the process.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass, Mermaid Science, by Lois Wickstrom, is part of an interesting series of books that help the readers see that science is all around them, not just in a classroom. This is the 3rd book I’ve read in this series and I’m completely smitten. These books are not only a fun, fast read that can teach both children and adults about science, but they also have beautifully rendered illustrations, with fun colors and scenes.
Trezzie (the mermaid) collects trash people leave on the lake shore. With the help of her friends Maia and Fig they use a plastic fruit box to make a water magnifying glass so they can identify the rocks she found with unusual markings on them. It turns out that the rock is actually a fossil, which gives a great way to open a chat about what fossils are, where they come from, and even animal/ fossil classifications.
The author continues to write about easy science experiments/ projects that you can recreate and talk about while having a fun learning experience with children of multiple age levels. I think parents, teachers, and kids alike will love this book and learn from it. The last page goes into more scientific details about the science behind magnifying glasses, so even adults or older children can learn or refresh their knowledge. Do yourself a favor and get this series!
Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I listened to this via audiobook. Around three hours of listening time, this is a great audiobook. The length is perfect for a day of listening while puttering around the house on summer break. The narrator does amazing character voices! A twenty-year-old crime set against a backdrop of historical tragedy, listeners are drawn into a mystery. I was not expecting the book to wrap up the way it did, so I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 1.5 of the Twilight realm trilogy and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with the first book and now I’m in love with the second. I love this authors way of writing. The way she can bring the plot alive and write the characters beautifully. It’s like you are right next to the characters, experiencing everything the same way they are in that moment. This book is for you if you like strong female leads who aren’t afraid to face impossible opponents.
I’m excited to see how the author continues this trilogy in the near future.
Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. I think it’s one of those stories I could reread over and over again. It would definitely make a good “Hallmark Movie” or “Lifetime Movie “.
I liked that the author used the language of the characters. I had to do some research on the meaning and pronunciation but it added some authenticity to the story that I really liked.
I don’t wanna give anything away so I won’t say exactly what it is but there were little surprises at the end of some of the chapters that I really really enjoyed. I can’t wait to see what Book 2 has in store.
