Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Roxanne takes a job as a ghost writer for Claudette who is a best selling author. Roxanne lost her husband and son in a horrible car wreck. She continues to have trouble dealing with their deaths. Things begin to change for her as she hears the stories that Claudette wants her to write. Such an amazing story!!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this cute series that mixes science with mermaids. Trezzie finds rocks that have patterns on them and her friend Fig teaches her how to make a magnifying glass to see them better. The pictures in this book are very pretty.
This audio was fun to listen to. Enjoyable story and likable characters as we are thrown in after the Great Chicago Fire. Emma is all about adventure and has a keen sense in her way of thinking for sure. Emma is helping to run her family bakery and also help deliver as well…Emma discovers when helping deliver bakery goods is there a robbery being taken place?? Mystery, adventure and a notebook this story is fun and enjoyable!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a different way to tell a story! I was surprised and thrilled at how the stories intertwined. The characters…well I loved them! They each have their own drama or story and I enjoyed how they figure it out and move forward. My biggest dislike was the last story because it felt a little rushed but again it was tied perfectly with the others.
I liked how creative the author is to come up with this book. This one has something for everyone. Characters of all ages and a little mystery in each one. Also it is a great title and name of a book store!
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my typical type of story. I usually skip ghostly books. I have read this author before and I love how she is able to bring a story to life so I decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed! I was actually surprised with the twists this one took. I know I had to re-read lines a couple times because of my shock. I enjoy how the author made me believe in these characters.
I really liked the story and the characters. Just goes to show..read with an open mind. In the back there is a short story about finding your happiness. It is a good bonus read.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an imaginative story. I actually got caught up in the story near the end. Sadly this ends unfinished so the next book is needed to continue the adventure. This story felt kinda slow to me for the first half. Luckily this has short chapters which helps the story move along at a quicker pace. The second half is when things speed up and get interesting. We meet a lot of new characters and the world is just different. I felt like Dorothy who landed in Oz trying to figure out the reasons and customs of the new realm.
Overall I struggled with the first half of the book. I kept plugging along and the second half kept me entertained. We end with a lot of unanswered questions.
Isabella, Bride of Ohio by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Isabella knows that bad things happen in threes. First her parents die, leaving her alone in America. Then a fire takes the factory she worked in. What could happen next? It wasn’t uncommon for bachelors, in the 1800’s, to search for a bride through advertisements. Isabella answered such an ad in hopes of finding someone to love and who would love her back. Mr. Donald Jenks sweeps her off her feet and gets her to agree to head to Ohio to meet him. Her travels to Ohio didn’t come easy, her wedding day to Donald came quickly. So, did she find true love? Yes, but not where you thought she would.
This a a sweet historical fiction love story. It is a quick and easy read with very likeable characters (well, the nice ones anyway!). If you are looking for an adventure, Isabella will give you that!
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Blood & Vengeance is the second book in the Casket Girls series. It’s a great series – vampire-hunting paranormal romance set in 18th Century New Orleans. I love the setting – a lot of attention has been paid to historical detail making for a vibrant and interesting world to explore.
It’s definitely worth reading this series in order. Although from a romance perspective each story focuses on a different couple, the paranormal plot that runs through is developed from book to book. The background of Blood & Ravens will really help readers appreciate Blood & Vengeance.
With Greer off in the Underworld, the focus in this book shifts to Desiree. She’s determined to eliminate the remaining vampires that were preying on her and her companions. This determination is heightened when she learns that the vampire that was assigned to her – who got a taste for her blood – may still be out there. Desiree is a good foil to the pining Theron, and steps up to the mark to advocate for Jaxon as he proves his willingness to change. It’s good to see characters who were previously in a fairly powerless position gain agency and learn to stand up for themselves.
This is another five-star book, and I’m excited to see that the series will continue! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the previous one, and would recommend the previous one to all fans of paranormal romance and anyone with an interest in New Orleans’ history.
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Levi had me hooked from the first page. The author has a way with words and I hardly put my kindle down while reading this book. The book started right in the middle of the action. I thought Levi was a jerk in the beginning and was happy to learn the reason why, and start to see a transition to him mid-book. His brothers are fun and very loveable so I can’t wait to read their stories. Bella is not at all what I expected. She grew up an aristocrat, but somehow ended up with a Russian mob boy friend. I wish there was more back story there, but it gave us enough information to go on, and we discovered more of their past relationship as the story went on. The ending was abrupt but at the same time was kind of a perfect happily ever after. I am glad to know the story continues in book two though. Happy to have found a new author and series!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enchanted in Time is a great story filled with romance, suspense and mystery. Roxanne has dealt with loss in her life. As a distraction, she goes to live with an elderly woman who is a writer named Claudette. I loved the conversations that the two had about writing characters as a fellow author. This was not a typical romance because the story wasn’t just about two people falling in love. Roxanne did meet and fall in love with Phillip but the book also dealt with her relationship with Claudette. This was an interesting change of pace for me. Also, Phillip is from a different time period which gives the story a science fiction aspect. Overall, Enchanted in Time is about people who have suffered great loss in their lives and how they overcome said loss. This story also showed that you can have hope when things seem bleak. I recommend this book for anyone who is into romantic science fiction. Reviewed by @cw31
The Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected to, however that is mostly my own doing. I didn’t pay enough attention to the categories this book is listed under and missed the fact that it’s a coming-of-age story (and probably could have surmised that from the blurb, but didn’t for some reason). Those are not my usual reads. In addition to that, it’s under a romance category, but it’s definitely more of a love story due to how things play out (which isn’t really clear by reading the book description). I don’t usually read those either. The writing style took a little getting used to as well.
That being said, if coming-of-age and love stories are your thing, you’ll likely enjoy this book very much. I like the overall concept of the book and the author did a great job of creating the characters. The world building was also great. You will experience many different emotions while reading this, and the tension keeps things interesting.
Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As an avid hockey fan this book is what all my dreams are made of. I mean who doesn’t want a hot hunky hockey player at their beck and call. This series is a must read if you want steamy romances with burly hockey players being brought to their knees by the only woman that can tame them.
Bridger is the playboy hockey hunk whose reputation precedes him, and not in a good way. Even possibly being labeled a liability to the team and one that could cost him the one thing he loves most in this world, playing hockey. He is put in touch with a social media manager to give him a new image even if that means making sacrifices. In walks Tia, who voluntarily is helping with a photo shoot, but she knows Bridger’s type and is not interested. However, they agree to a wild weekend as long as they both follow the rules and leave the strings unattached. Now Bridger will take Tia anyway he can get her even if it is just as friends. When Tia’s past comes into play which could ruin Bridger’s career will he fight to keep Tia in his life? Can Tia move past her past experiences to even see a future with Bridger?
When everything is on the line it is time to play all the cards and see who ends up on top. This is a frenemies to lovers romance that has all the steamy interludes you could want. I can’t wait to be introduced to the rest of the team as this series progresses and see just who turns these hockey players into putty in their hands.
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW. Where do I start with these wonderful brothers?? This box set blew me away. As I had not read anything from India Kells before, I had my reservations committing to the entire set. Those qualms were blown away mere pages into the first book. The author has such a way of grabbing your attention and writing the stories so well that they just envelop you. I love each of these boys for slightly different reasons, but they all have such strong qualities that you just root for automatically. My favorites are probably a tie between Aleksei and Archer, the Lost Bastard and the Cold Bastard, respectively. Though these brothers will all do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love, this box set is full of strong women as well. This series is fast-paced and suspenseful with plenty of steamy scenes that you can’t get enough of!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
I’ve read her other books, and didn’t realize there was a first! SO of course I had to come read this one as well! I use audibles at work, so I did this one! Emma is such a smart and observant girl. It all started with her mother. Her mother always taught her to be aware of her surroundings. Unfortunately, her mother passed away during a massive fire. Years later, Emma is a very curious teenager who tries to keep observant of her world. Thanks to this, she discovers and helps solve many mysteries and many more. Please try this series out! So worth it!
Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wiches, Vampires, Demons, humans… What more could you want!
Part 2 of the Casket Girls was as good and if not better than the first book. Desiree and Theron are trying to take out the remaining vampires that escaped in book one. Desiree hates vampires and will not stay on the side lines. She ends up in the presence of Jaxon and although she is trying to hate him she finds she just can not. There is a pull between the two. Will Desiree have a change of heart and fall for Jaxon? Will Jaxon succumb to his old Mistress in order to keep her safe? Read this amazing part 2 to find out all the details. You will be kept in suspense and hoping all is what it seems.
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love to read firemen’s stories. This one is just what I needed to read. Sol was injured and forced to retire from his firehouse. He has a long battle to find himself. Starting with the demons within. Ember is a new firefighter, and her secret crush as well as her mentor has been forced out. Will work pull them apart? Or are they so much more? Even though there are years between them, could they possibly build friendship and more? This story is quite the rollercoaster of emotions. While the story is short, the author has packed it full of reading enjoyment. Even Though I started with book 4 in this series, I’m Going back to the beginning of the series. This story is well written and very much worth your time. I hope you enjoy this series as I am.
Review@cinful
One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was actually the first of the Pierce Brothers books that I read. Now i will absolutely be going back to read the others! I loved this book so much and I couldn’t put it down once I started. Victoria and Seth were perfect characters and also perfect for each other. Also, Pip was one of my absolute favorite characters. I can’t wait for Noah’s book!
The Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Second Alpha Heir by C.L. Ledford
4 out of 5 stars
To say I related to this book is an understatement. The main character, Nolen, went through so much and still persevered. To never feel good enough, to think your mate would have rejected him, and to think he could never be accepted as the pack leader, yet he still went through all the training.
Being a person who was bullied, and never thought I was good enough, this book brought me to tears on multiple occasions. Then in the next chapter I was shouting and dancing and yelling, “Go Nolen!” Very few books make me feel this way, and I was pleasantly surprised that this book got me to this point. The Second Alpha Heir, was an easy and quick read, being only 175 pages, but left you wanting to read just one more chapter before bed. Next thing you know you are finishing the book, it’s 4 am, and you have to get up for work.
If you want a book that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions; happy, sad, angry, and easily relatable main character, this is the book for you. I cannot write enough good things about this book, so thank you C.L. Ledford for writing such a fantastic book!
What pushed me to give 4 out of 5 stars if this book was so good? A couple of things, but I want to point out, that if I could give half stars I would. I definitely would rate this 4.5 instead of 4, but alas here I am only able to give 4 stars.
Reasons for deducting one star are a few minor things that hopefully can help the author grow and keep writing books as amazing as this one! The first reason would be, which was towards the beginning and very minor, was that the female lead character, her actions seemed off for being at age 10. For example, she hid behind her mom’s skirts. If she was 10, how was she that small? I picture “hiding behind her mom’s skirts” would be a little toddler scared of new people, not a 10 year old. Another writing option would be, she was hiding behind her mother’s frame. I feel that type of description might have made more sense. I also felt that some of the scenes were a bit rushed, and could have been described a bit more. Some of the battle scenes, fasting forward to 90 years old, etc. Like I said, very minor things to help with constructive criticism.
I cannot wait for more books to be published by this author!
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always love a good retelling and this book was a great example. It is unique take on Alice in Wonderland and the book has all the fun chaos that ia associated with it. I loved how dark and intense the story felt. It was so similar and yet at the same time completely different. I was pulled into the story easily and had to find out what was going on.
This is a new author for me and what a great way to be introduced. If this book is anything like the rest of work then I can’t wait to discover more.
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be one of my favourite books by this author so far. I loved the story and how well the author developed it. The bond between the two main characters was so convincing and real. It was lovely to see it play out over the pages. The book was full of twists and turns. You never quite knew what was going to happen or how things would end and I liked that the author kept ne guessing. This is a brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would highly recommend it.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren. This is a great Vampire Paranormal read. Its set in the 16th century Elizabethan London and its about new and old vampires! There is a fight against Valentino the strongest Vampire of them all. Samuel and a new vampire Julia are leading the fight against Valentino. The battle is intense and seems to get very risky. Samuel and Julia know they are outmatched but they have to use their brains to figure out how. This story would be enjoyed more if you read the first book. The author writes so well that you truly feel like you are in 16th century England. This isn’t my favorite genre but I have really enjoyed this series so far! Beware when you start reading be prepared to finish because you won’t want to put it down!
Isabella Bride of Ohio, American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun story! Historical romance is one of my favorite genres and this book fit right in! I do with the length had been a little longer as there wasn’t as much growth in character development and parts of the story felt rushed but it was a quick easy read perfect for summer vacation!
Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the Nurse Morgan series and the fun adventures keep continuing. Nurse Morgan has started to really accept her new found gift and the ghosts that have taken resident in her home. It’s a fun light paranormal story with romance sprinkled in! Recommend this for anyone who wants to dip their toe into paranormal and enjoys innocent romance.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evaline receives a black clad stranger at her door. She follows the stranger into a very depressing dark mirror world. Dark, twisted take on Alice in Wonderland, and I loved every second of it.
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie. This is such a good clean western romance. Its the story of Levi who we met in the very first The Brothers of Creekside Ranch book. He has been put in charge of Bella or Beccy the nanny ( her secret identity) who has been sent to the ranch for protection from her mob ex boyfriend. He is in the Russian mob and when she got him arrested she thought she would be free but not at all. He’s determined to kill her. Levi has grown up taking care of all his brothers and little sister Allie. He doesn’t really want the responsibility of looking out for anyone else but the more time he spends with Bella he’s liking her. She is also becoming a pain in his behind but he’s promised to look out for her. When Allie gets kidnapped Levi is furious and Bella is devastated. Will Levi and Becca make a relationship work out and will Allie be found safe? Read this fun, clean romance to find out!
Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great mystery, love how the author gives you history first so that you can follow along with the story. This gives you more detail for your minds eye. This one is action packed and fast pace. I loved so much about this book from character to all the adventures it took me on. Looking forward to reading more of this story.
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge – Review by Codi Parham
This is a sweet little story about a sweet little pup. Everyone that met Kingsley fell instantly in love and the author makes readers fall in love as well. The story of a family learning and growing through tragedy is a symbol of hope for others and a message about the power of love. If you have ever loved a furry friend, you will understand the turmoil of witnessing their struggle. Although they do not use words, they speak volumes every day. This book is one I will remember for years to come.
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World. Alli Eldridge, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Non-Fiction
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fitz has his hand full with this one. The kids are having issues. Andy is talking to Stephen,who is having issues. He has a case to solve. MJ is his rock and partner during it. He is turning into a “dog with the bone.” He is going to solve these problems and work all these puzzles out. There is drama. suspense, mystery, with a dash of romance and intrigue. The storyline pulls you right in. You are going to not want to stop reading. MJ, Andy, Gail and everyone else are so great to work with. They are so realistic that they could people you know. There are plot twist that will get you every time you think you know who did it. What an original series and such a wonderful read. I’m looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommend. I would give it more than a 5 star if I could.
It Will Always Be Us by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow!!!! This has to be my favorite of the Fitz series yet. He has become a P.I. now and is on his own at an agency. Gail has brought him a case from her friend. This case involves a sudden death, mysterious numbers and many secrets. Again, so well-written that the plot with several plot lines and plot twists tie together so smooth that there are no glitches. The characters bitch and fight like they could be your friends. The book is written in a casual tone that it feels good to read. I can feel emotions come off the page. Fitz and his friends and family are pretty amazing at solving these cases. Gail describes Fitz as a ”dog with a bone.” Yep, I would agree. He will find out what’s going on. This is a new author to me and I’m loving this series.
Silent Innocence by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intense! Thrilling! This is one of those books you find yourself holding your breath while you’re reading it. Fitz has his hands full this time. He’s supposed to be on a 3-month vacation but gets called in to consult on a case. Well, we all know how that usually ends up. He gets enmeshed in a high-profile case. Little Stella becomes a very important person to him as he tries to unravel this case. The intensity of this case has you wanting to keep turning one more page to find out what’s next. Who did it? I love the plot twists? Oh yeah, and MJ is due with the baby soon, so that’s on his mind during this. Man, his plate is overflowing. Another well-writing knockout story that I loved. The story pulled me in right from the start. The characters are like your friends. They just feel like buddies. The whole tone of the book has a casual feel (for a romantic suspense). It’s perfect and a wonderful book.
