Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Author does not disappoint once again! This captivating and sexy read is so worth it. Angelina is an artist with exceptional watercolor experience living a regular life. Apart from that, she’s having wet dreams of two guys. Little does she know that she’s about to actually meet them. The rest is worth you to get the book and read away!
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a steamy paranormal story that was a true delight to read. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. The dynamic between these three characters was amazing. I was completely bought into them and their story. I thought the author handled the complex relationship so well and, although it is not something I ever imagine experiencing, I still found it so easy to relate to them. This is an exciting and sexy story that I loved from beginning to end.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such an emotional story about survival. I was taken on an emotional roller coaster ride from the very first page. Grace has had to fight for everything that she has if she wants to survive, even putting food on the table for her and her family is a struggle. She’s such a strong woman that she does what it takes, which means fighting hard to become a ufc fighter.She meets some really great people along the way and they help each other to grow and become stronger. I really enjoyed the realistic aspects of the book, and the reality that life isn’t easy for most people. Her journey takes her places she never imagined and I was cheering for her the entire time. This is one book that you won’t want to miss.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is not your typical romance. Grace is a very brave and courageous young lady. At 20 she is working three jobs to take care of her younger sister and ailing mother. She gets fired from one of the jobs but an opportunity falls in her lap. Grace is a very determined young lady who has fought all her life now this could be the way to a better life. In Grace’s world, there is no room for failure because failure means the end of life as she knows it.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Outstanding! This one had me at the first chapter. It was a quick read, with all the feels and heartbreak. Full of strength, faith and redemption. I would recommend this one to anyone who wants to escape their own struggles, to walk alongside someone else with their own struggles. I will look forward to reading more from this author.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new to me author and boy am I so glad I found this story. From start to finish I was completely drawn in and the characters are so well written you truly feel you’re a part of their story and not just reading it. It’s a story that I connected with at this time in my life and sometimes that’s just what someone needs to clear their own mind. This is truly a story that you can’t help but love and you won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. It’s well written and the characters are complex and relatable. I honestly can’t wait for more from this author. And I’ll be adding to my read again list for sure. Five stars and highly recommended!
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book packed a punch! Not your average fairytale though it was in there under a disguise. Grace was an amazing character easy to love and feel for! This book held me hostage until the last words left the pages. It was an amazing read that makes you feel so many emotions! You spend the book just hoping that they get the ending they deserve but, no spoilers here! The Grace series is sure to give us more amazing books!
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. I enjoyed the author’s writing skills and how they made the story come to life with their details. This is a story that is emotional in parts and it is truly about finding yourself and learning to love yourself in the process. I found the characters to be relatable and supportive of each other. They made the story easy to read and entertaining. This is a great story that is fast paced. A story that will show you that a prince isn’t always the one to save the day, a princess could. This is a great romance story that had me coming back for more. I highly recommend this story. You don’t want to miss this one for sure.
Review by @bjwagner
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Struggle and responsibility seems to be the theme of Grace’s life. It’s all she’s really known, working three jobs and still barely getting by. But she can’t and won’t give up, there is too much at stake. So, what happens when she gets an unexpected opportunity- could it be the boon she desperately needs. Well, you will need to read the story for yourself to discover the true fighter that Grace really is…
Caging Grace is Book One in the Grace series by Carsen Lane. It is an emotional women’s fiction story- with a sports/cage fighting element, underground fight scene, family, self-discovery, responsibility, determination, and overcoming obstacles.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Carsen Lane!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am in love with everything greek mythology. I live and breathe it, and it makes for an amazing story generally. This book was no exception – Apollo, Hyacinth, Temi, all of these were my favorite characters and a spectacular novel coming to life on the page. Throw in a forbidden romance, punishment from the gods, and tense familial affairs and you have yourself a complete package. Seriously, though, this book is well worth the read.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new author to me. I was really excited to see her spin on the Greek Mythology with Apollo. I love her storytelling ability. She captured my interest with the first page and kept me engaged until the last word. Her character building is amazing. I fell in love with Apollo. He is the son of Zeus, and his father expects him to accept his fate and Apollo is thinking something else. Zeus is forcing him into mentorship under Prince Hyacinth.I love the chemistry between Apollo and Prince Hyacinth. The plotline is engaging; it is filled with drama, danger, and emotions. Will Apollo enjoy his mentorship? Will Prince Hyacinth be as helpful to Apollo as Zeus wants him to be? I highly recommend this story. I cannot wait to read more books by Nicole Bailey.
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read. The authors writing was really gripping, I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster and faster so I could find out what was going to happen next. The action starts with Avery waking up having no recollection of how she’s been cut open and sewn back up again. I enjoyed the story and its unpredictable story line. The characters were well thought out and developed well as the story progressed. Although this is the second book in the series I read it as a standalone and encountered no issues. I would definitely recommend this to other paranormal romance lovers!
The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
What an excellent, entertaining and imaginative book! I loved it! The story is so cute, aliens invading the library and Sophia and her brother Aiden helping the school’s librarian, Mrs. Booker, stop aliens from taking over. I like that the book encourages reading and showcases Aiden as having asthma. It goes to show kids that any child, no matter what they’re dealing with in their life can do anything! I can’t wait to pass this book along to my nephews.
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I haven’t read the whole collection, but Witch Switch really took me for a ride. We meet Cheyenne and Rafe. Cheyenne doesn’t want her magic much to the chagrin of Rafe’s family. Since he is already promised to another witch, Meridith, they don’t think Cheyenne should matter much anyway. Will Meredith go after Cheyenne when she finds out Rafe does not want to marry her? Will Cheyenne be able to call upon her magic to help them? How far will a scorned lover go to keep them apart and can they survive the storm about to be thrown at them?
I really enjoyed the writing of this author and will be adding some of her other books to my TBR pile.
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We got a dog four months back and I picked up this book because of its story . I could do relate to it . The author has captured the dog behavior and the human canine binding really well . It is a nice little book and very easy to read . Paul Ford rescues a stray dog and finds about how he got separated from his family . So he agrees to transport Toby back to the owners . The story is the travelogue of their adventures together as they travel to Illinois.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could so relate to it . And surprise, our dog is a pitbull mix too !!
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Moto X series. I really enjoyed this romance story. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. The author does an amazing job with the characters really making them coming alive for the reader. This romance is full of angst and drama and will keep the reader guessing whether or not Levi will get the woman he wants.
I love Levi’s character. From the outside he seems like a lovable cheeky chap who likes a good time and can have his choice of women. What we don’t see at first is the pain he has suffered which is why he doesn’t do love.
When he is told he needs to change his partying ways at first he rebels before he realises how right his family is. Now focused on getting his life back on track, however there is one woman he can’t shake from his mind. And he doesn’t know why because she has rejected him several times. When Kindle comes into his life she turns it upside. What is it about her that keeps him hooked? Is it because he can’t have her that he wants her even more? Or could it be that this woman is the one to break the walls around his heart?
The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I liked: The characters were well-written. Plenty of suspense and mystery. I liked the overall story line and world building.
What I didn’t like: After dealing with all of the discussion around vaccines for the last year and a half, I could have done without that mentioned in the story. However, the author does address this in an author’s note.
Note: If you are triggered by cheating spouses, know that this subject matter is included in the story. Danger to children is also part of the story line, although there are not any graphic descriptions on-page.
On the whole, it was a great read and I’m definitely interested in book two.
The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is full of adventure and spicy romance. True is a womanizer with severe ADHD. Lonny is a badass PI with a lot of baggage and some badly damaged emotions. A year ago they had a week long fling in the woods, now they end up together again to work at Red Cage. WTH, he’s a twin and they look-alike. Lonny is in over her head at times.
To hide his feelings, True hides as Trent, his look a like brother. The games have started. Lonny is reckless with the investigations. Someone is out to hurt her and True wants to find out who. These two have MAJOR chemistry and try to fight it. We find out what is behind their closed off walls. Can their damaged hearts be brought back together to make this work? Can they have a good life? Will they get through these challenges thrown at them? What a great story!!! Emotions run high throughout the whole darn story. I felt like I was there. Lots of twists and turns to follow but the plot, amazingly, stays fairly smooth. Those characters, they are so real and three-dimensional. I found myself rooting for them and yelling at some of the characters like Jules, Tripp, Tor, and Lexi. Curious to see what happens with Brook. (I feel like there’s another story there with her and the Castellos). You have to read this book. It’s breathtaking, exciting, and unforgettable. I was pulled in right from the beginning and I only just put it down. Outstanding! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book really brought on the WOW factor truly. It brought on emotions and feelings I was able to pick up between the characters. I was really invested into everything as I read, I was surprised at times and the tense moments really held my gip. The book was amazing start to finish!
The characters London and “The True Garza” both really brought a lot to the table. Garza had stuff from his past he had walls up over and issues that came to be because of his past. Lonny was a woman who was strong wiled. Despite her strength, sometimes we all need somebody. I loved that despite how much they really needed one another, they both had to work through scars and stuff they had endured to get to that point. The story was captivating and there was a lot of things learned through the insight f these two characters I was not sure how the book was going to turn out, sometimes no matter how bad you want something, pulling at that line certainly does not work out. I was very captivated and had my emotions all over as I read. I could not put this one down! Loved this book and the words it possessed!
Amazing book from start to finish! More than a well worth read. I highly recommend it. I would also recommend the others in the series prior to this one. This author is very skilled at all that they create and write. It is seriously a must-read book, and I do very much recommend it with all my heart!
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book had so many of my favorite elements: historical fiction, amazing food, powerful love, beautiful culture, powerful emotions, and vivid language. The author did a great job with the beautiful descriptions and I felt like I was transported into the 1800s and into this gorgeous, exotic place (compared to where I live haha). The characters were complex and I am so glad that this is going to be a series. I have never read a book by this author, so hoping to find more to read. I will definitely be reading the next book!
The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The True Garza is the first book I have read by this author. I saw it was book three to the series and a complete standalone so wasn’t worried I had missed out. I will definitely make sure to go back and read the first two though. I enjoyed this book immensely and want to know more about the other characters. The characters Ms Cole writes are complex and fully developed and secondary characters are still able to shine through just as much on their own.
This contemporary romance is intriguing and a little mysterious with a few twists and turns. With alpha characters both men and women, emotions and a little humour thrown in in some of the details the author writes it is an engaging read.
He has commitment issues. She has baggage but together they have seven hot and steamy Well that was all it was meant to be.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns #1) by Kay L. Moody
4 out of 5 stars
This is my first book that I have read written by this author. I always love to read paranormal fantasy and this was a great book. The characters are amazing and well written. The story line was different and great. The description and background made it feel like I was there. This book also leaves you with a cliffhanger. I cant wait to see what happens.
Chloe is a young woman and vowed to never return to Faerie again after the dangerous, frightening, and life-threatening events of the past, not to mention the betrayal of someone close to her. She is quite happy in the mortal realm that she even becomes the town apothecary.
When Quintus a frustrating and annoyingly handsome fae from her past shows up she learns that a group of mortals threatens her sister and the other fae, and she may be the only one who can save them. Reluctantly, Chloe packs a bag for what is supposed to be a short trip to Faerie.
When she gets there she realizes these mortals are not ordinary they are fueled by revenge and have weapons.
Can Chloe save Faerie? Will she get the help she needs to overcome the mortals? Will Chloe stay in Faerie and return to the mortal realm?
You need to read this great story….
Tracy
@tracy
Taming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I’ve read from the author, and I was not disappointed. The storyline is amazing and the characters each had a dynamic that went very well with the plot of the story. I recommend this book to anyone. I was able to read the entire book in one sitting. I’m excited to read the second book in the series and see what the author has in store for us readers.
Taming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a breath of fresh air. It is different then any other books I’ve read. I love how you get thoughts from every character but it gets kind of hard to keep up with what powers everyone has. Overall this book is definitely worth the read.
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Squid is the fifth book in the Moto X series. Is another great romance by Brooke with a bit of everything to keep glued to the storyline. The story is full of angst and drama and is hot and steamy. You will fall in love the characters and want more of them. This is a great series.
He is fun, loveable and relatable and women love him but deep down it’s a different tune. Only problem is that he wants the one woman who doesn’t want him. Levi and Kindle are two people who need each other she just doesn’t know it.
Like Motocross and partying? Then party boy Levi Crowe is your man. I am looking forward to the next book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
McKinley doesn’t disappoint with the fourth installment of this Mafia series. I got to find out about new characters Elena and Marco. This book has a lot of twists in it, and I was unable to put it down. I was glad to see answers from previous books, all while leaving it open to keep the story going. I am really loving this series. It is interesting how each of these characters find true love. These men love these women and will lay their lives on keeping the save and that includes Elena and Marco. This book can stand alone but I would recommend reading the previous books to better understand the other characters. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Phoenix’s Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Hera Force series.
I found Nadia cunning, unstoppable and a true fire cracker and I loved her relationship with Mitch. Personally it was good and the character development and the relationship between the characters is what made me enjoy the book more.
Phoenix’s Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Phoenix’s Ascent is the second book in the Hera Force series by Winter Austin. It is a second chance military romantic suspense- with covert operatives/agents, action, danger, agendas, assassins, sinister intents, an unhinged enemy, intensity, tension, chemistry, betrayal, adventure, mystery, secrets, and more.
Ex-special forces operative, Mitch Edwards, who was previously framed for treason comes face to face with the one enticing woman he has never been able to forget? Sparks fly and danger looms, threatening more than their reunion. Nadia Roth- aka ‘Phoenix’, is a member of Hera Force, a black-ops military group. She suffers from amnesia as a result of a previous mission-gone-wrong. She has no recollection of Mitch, or their time together, but there is no denying their simmering chemistry. With secrets, sinister plots, danger, and a traitor in their midst- what ensues certainly makes for an exciting read.
When I got this book, I didn’t realise that it was the second book in the series, and even though it could be read as a standalone, I really feel that I would have appreciated the story even more if I had read the first book before diving into this one, as there are parts of this story where I felt I was ‘missing’ something because I didn’t know what had happened previously.
I am off to explore book one, before continuing with any further instalments.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Winter Austin!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out by Amy McKinley is the first installment of the Mafia series. I really liked how the series started. This was a book that left opens for more stories to come. I hope the continue reads will answer the questions that are left unsaid in this book. I was surprised at how things twist in Max and Lil’s story, it made interesting to see what was going to happen next. I couldn’t put this book down once I got past the slow begin. I am ready to continue reading this series to find out what happens next with this character loaded book.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Illegal is the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Ms Gillenwater has given a thrilling ride with action and adventure, danger and intrigue, secrets and fear, romance and chemistry. This captivating story sees one young woman finding her whole life is a lie.
Selina finds herself thrown deep into the darker side of a strange country facing a past she knows nothing about. A language that is foreign to her, dangerous drug cartels and corrupt law enforcement. The suspense is palpable as she finds the truth is worse than she ever thought.
I highly recommend this book it is a must on the TBR list!
Reviewed by @jennadb
