Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Review: Second Chance Ex-Mas
Author: N.D. Jackson
FIVE STARS
A short story about love lost and second chances. Can Ally and Archer let the past stay in the past or will they never be able to reconcile.
Great short love story.
KLH
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great first read from this author and I can’t wait to read more. This was an engaging fast-paced, action-packed paranormal fantasy read that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved following these characters journeys and seeing where their story would take them. I was on the edge of my seat with this read, as it had me wondering what could happen next. This book grew with each chapter and had me captivated until the very end! If you want a read that gives you a rollercoaster and gives you a range of genre then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this read and can’t wait for more!
Reviewed By @tillytillzz
Evil’s Whisper by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Evil’s Whisper (Evil Saga Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth is a dark fantasy. The story is well written and the world building is done well. The characters are well developed and it is a compelling dark story. Darkness and lies, secrets and hopes, immoral treatment of women and questionable actions are just some of the things Sabiya is so desperate to get away from but what is there out there for her? Will she find the one thing she seeks or will her life become something she doesn’t recognise? I did have some issues with the story but in general it was an interesting read.
3.5 stars
Reviewed by @jennadb
Revel by Alden Elway
Revel (The Howl Series Book 1) by Alden Elway. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it will not be my last. I loved this fast paced Paranormal story. It kept flipping pages well into the night. Its the story of Revel Finley who is 22 and is a werewolf shifter. She lives with her family in a cabin in the woods and tries to stay hidden from most people. One day while in the woods she accidentally sees a human and her brother Soren is furious. The guy she saw is Soren’s coworker Jamie and she is smitten. Never having had these feelings before she is confused. Revel gets a job at the local farmers market and is busy with that but it throw her in Jamie’s path more and more. She begins to lie to her family in order to spend more time with him. When hikers start to go missing she and her family are worried their true identity will be figured out. Will she be able to find out what is happening to the hikers before her family is found out and will she open her heart to Jamie no matter her family. Read Revel to find out!
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Revel
By Alden Elway
This was a very enjoyable read for me. As soon as I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I found this story to be original in many ways. This book has secrets, romance, danger, suspense, great characters and so much more. Revel is a strong, independent character that I grew to like and I found myself at the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen with her. Revel is very close to her family and there are certain expectations for a female wolf, she can’t help but feel different and want more. What happens when all her secrets come out? There are other great characters in this story that you don’t want to miss out on. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am glad I did, this author wrote with such vivid detail that I felt like I was right there in it. I can’t wait to read what’s next. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I highly recommend this book.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ally is a single mom working hard to get her grow her business so her and her daughter, Glory, could live comfortably. However, he quiet life is thrown into chaos when Archer comes back to town. Archer has been serving in the military and is moving back to his hometown. He hasn’t seen Ally in years and hopes that she is happy. However, his mother gives him news on his first day back home that will change his life forever. He has a daughter. Now Archer is determined to get to know his daughter and, hopefully, get to know her mother. Ally isn’t going to make it easy for Archer…but sometimes old flames don’t completely die out.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Ally is a strong, independent woman and I love how she handled Archer coming back into her life. I can understand where her feelings were coming from and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve since they are adults and not the children they when they last saw each other. This was a cute story of reigniting old flames while coming to terms with the changes life has thrown their way.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson was a great 5 star second chance romance.
Ally was left 5 years ago by Archer, he didn’t even look back. Now she is back in town working to have her own business. When she finds out Archer is returning home, she knows she won’t be able to keep her secret much longer. What will he do when he learns the truth?
Archer is determined to get Ally back. All his feelings for her came rushing back when he saw her. Will she understand why he left? Can he get her to come back?
Overall this was a great 2nd chance romance and I LOVED all of the characters. We have secrets, steamy moments and rekindled love in this book and I felt like I was right there with them. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I had some LOL moments and one character really tugged at my heartstrings. If you’re looking for a great 2nd chance romance this is the book for you. 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this sweet and steamy Christmas romance which had me hooked from page one. Although a fairly short book it was packed full of, romance, emotions, family dramas and wonderful characters. Set in a small town called Blissful, childhood sweethearts Ally and Archer get a second chance at love when Archer returns to his hometown after leaving the military. Archer is determined to win back the women who he left behind but has always loved but Ally can still not get over the heartbreak she suffered when he left her. Archer gets a big surprise when he meets Ally’s daughter Glory and realises that when he left Ally she was pregnant. Although Ally is happy for Archer to spend time with and get to know his daughter she is less keen to spend time with him herself, despite his best efforts and that of his Mum who is a doting Grandmother to Glory.
When a steamy kiss leads to an even steamier night together they both recognise that the chemistry they shared is still definitely there and as they spend time together as family leading up to Christmas Ally realises that she has always loved Archer and still does. Archer has a Christmas Eve gift for Ally that he hopes will ensure that they can both let go of the past and have a happy future together that lasts beyond Christmas Day.
Full of Christmas magic and the festive spirit this is a lovely lighthearted and heartwarming novella. I loved all the characters and they all added to the overall story. The chemistry between Archer and Ally sizzled off the page. The author made both the characters and the setting of Blissful at Christmas time really come alive. The narrative flowed well and I felt immersed in the story. An enjoyable and engaging Christmas romance with a real feel good factor.
The Last Christmas by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dave and Joan Wright are given an amazing Christmas miracle a cure. Whilst santa is giving this miracle to this couple they have their doubts. What can santa do that modern medicine cannot do. Upstairs is full will they belive santa or find a cure with medience themselves.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author is new to me and one that I look forward to reading more from. This particular work was a very interesting YA dystopian/apocalyptic work that was set in Australia. I appreciated the social awareness that immediately was present and felt that this story was very timely and relatable to our present day condition. I was invested into the storyline quickly and had difficulty putting it down before it was finished. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for a second chance love story and this novella packed quite an emotional punch in a few short pages. I have enjoyed this author’s writing in the past and this novella further cements my appreciation for her skill with the written word. I love holiday romances, slow burn storylines, and second chances – this story will be one I will gladly add to my book rotation to enjoy often. Loved it.
The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Nearness of You by KG Fletcher is a beautiful love story between a singer who loves the oldies, like Frank Sinatra, and loves the 60’s style, and a very handsome model from England. Lauren can’t believe she’s met and connected with David at the hotel where she works weekends singing at the bar. David is mesmerized by Lauren in a way he’s never expected. The two connect so well, they both seem to know they’ve met the one but will they follow it through?
I love reading books by Ms. Fletcher. I connect with her characters pretty quickly. The books are well written and you can’t help but continue reading until you are finished.
Fighting for Us by Bella Emy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fighting For Us is the first book in the Love Is Worth Fighting For series by Bella Emy. It is a really great contemporary romance by an author that was new to me. I’m being braver and trying out a lot of new authors and I’m so glad as I’ve found lots of exciting authors out there, including Bella Emy.
The author had me in floods of tears from the very beginning as Lorenzo loses his beloved wife. I was heartbroken for him and his baby daughter. Lorenzo is a character that I fell in love with from this very first chapter and I went through every emotion with him: his despair at losing his wife, his angst at having feelings for Carissa and not wanting to sully his wife’s memory.
Carissa is another wonderful character. She’s had a tough time and I just knew that she and Lorenzo would be perfect for one another. I adored reading their story as it had so much emotion throughout. I enjoyed how they originally got together, continually randomly bumping into one another and both being unable to get the other out of their minds. The author does a great job of building their relationship up and keeps the reader engaged with the story.
I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Antipodes is a young adult dystopian novel by T.S. Simmons that will interest teenagers concerned about building a sustainable and socially richer society.
If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from our current world with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this is not it. The apocalyptic event that drives the initial plot is based around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. But if our pandemic has got you speculating and wondering – what if the disease was spread differently? If you were in a position of power, how might you manage the threat? This book will engage and fuel your imagination!
I was at times reminded of Lord of the Flies – this would make a particularly good read for young adults who’ve read Lord of the Flies and wondered about how the characters could have taken the opportunity to build a better society.
I really liked the links to both Australia and Scotland – it’s so fun to get to travel to different places through the pages of the book! Personally I found the way that the Scots was written out a bit exaggerated and jarring but I think that would be more effective for Australian readers who would otherwise imagine characters’ voices in their own accent.
This is an enjoyable, five-star book. It’s the first book in a series, with others to come (and a prequel already available) so it will give readers plenty to look forward to!
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good book. It is faced paced and contains a little bit of everything from paranormal to mystery and romance. The characters are really well written and I was gripped by Revel’s story.
Revel is a werewolf and part of a pack. Being a member of the pack means she has to abide by certain rules. One of the main ones being no falling for humans. So imagine her trouble when she finds herself doing just that. She can’t explain her attraction to Jamie but it’s definately strong. Can she keep their budding relationship a secret? Will she get punished for even thinking it? Revel’s life is full of secrets can a relationship with a human work when she has to hide so much?
Also added to these problems is the fact that hikers are disappearing in their wood. Are Revel and her family in danger? Why are the hikers disappearing and by who’s hands?
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revel (The Howl Series Book 1) by Alden Elway
4 Stars
This is more than just a book about werewolves. It is a story about a young woman figuring out who and what she wants to be; accepting it and embracing it. Being a woman in a pack means being loved but being controlled. The men have freedom and make the rules while the women abide by them. Revel has always walked a fine line between obedience and insolence. Running in the forest is her only freedom until she is spotted by a hiker. Unfortunately for her, this hiker happens to work with her brother and mentions it to him. Caught within the depths of Jaime’s blue eyes, Revel wants to taste the forbidden fruit. So the lies begin because being with a human is against the law.
As bodies of dead hikers start piling up in their territory, Revel realizes how hard it is to live a lie. With evidence pointing to animal attacks and wolves spotted closer to town, the pack needs to be careful. The pack finding out about her human boyfriend is the least of her worries. She needs to admit who she truly is to protect her pack.
This is an intense, action packed story. It was easy to connect with the characters and live the story through them. I was intrigued to learn more about Revel and her background. The story left me hanging and now I can’t wait to read part two.
Review by @ Anna Hirsch
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Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking to read a good second chance magical Christmas love story, then this book is for you. This is not my first book by N.D. Jackson and it will not be the last one either. Her attention to detail is what makes this story on my list of books to read. This story is about Archer and Ally. They were a couple and then they broke up. Archer moved away and Ally stayed. Archer came back to town because he knew what he did was not right and truly not the decision he did not mean to make. Can Archer use the Christmas magic to help get back with Ally? Does Ally want Archer back after he had left her in the past? I highly recommend reading this book.
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a unique and intriguing story that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it. I loved the whole concept of the three characters and how they interlinked with each other. Told from the three different perspectives the book had a depth and complexity about it that, for me, made it more interesting to read.
This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wildfire by Ashley A. Quinn is the second book in the Broken Bow series. This is the first book that I have read by this author so didn’t really know what to expect when it started it. What I got was a well written story with strong characters that really drew me in. I liked the suspenseful element to the book and how that was combined with the great chemistry between the two main characters.
After reading the description I wasn’t sure what direction the author might take with the book but I loved the track she went down. It was intriguing and gripping while also having an emotional side to it. I very much enjoyed this book and as the first by this author I thought I was a great was to be introduced to her. I will definitely be checking out more of her work in the future.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson is a quick holiday romance that will really have you rooting for the characters. It is a great second chance story with just the right amount of holiday magic to make it feel special.
Although this is a pretty quick read – it is a novella after all – the book doesn’t feel like there is anything missing or it has been rushed. The author has managed to create a short story with a full storyline to it. I loved that I could really get behind the characters and couldn’t wait to see how they would work things out. Even with so much between them it felt right that they should end up together in some way!
This isn’t the first book that I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last either. She really has a great way of creating brilliant stories and this one is no exception. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who was a nice quick read to get them in the holiday spirit.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is considered a Young Adult book, but I think any age will enjoy this book. I found that the attention to detail was amazing. I did not have any trouble visualizing any parts of the book. I felt that I could stand on August Island with the characters in the book. This island is off the coast of Australia. The setting of the book has the premise that they are in a post-apocalyptic Australia The characters are unique as well. Cam in the last year of his science. Then there is Freja who is the love interest of Cam. Then there is Lewis Island. Cam finds Fraser and Laetitia who become friends. Can Cam set up August Island to have a thriving society? Will Cam find Freja? I highly recommend this book as I feel you can enjoy the content and the personal relationships you may gain in the journey.
Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease is just a cute little novel that gives your brain a breath of fresh air after you’ve been reading all them psycho mysteries. A sweet (literally) little Christmas mystery. Although our heroine doesn’t actually solve the mystery it’s more an accidental revealing. I love the running commentary about the cookies in the bakery and I love all the characters in this novel and I especially love the recipe at the end, a unique little addition. This book gives you more than just a good story I’m looking forward to more of these little books.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Revel by Alden Elway a five-star read you will revel in. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last, there was a glut of stories about wolves a while ago and I started to avoid them, but I am glad I decided to give this one a try as the descriptions is so well done you can smell the dew on the forest floor. This was so good, it brings a refreshing take on the story, if you like action and romance with a great story then don’t miss this great story.
Review by @saraoxo
The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series. I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I highly suggest reading the first book before this one to help your enjoyment of this series. This is a well written story that the author’s attention to details made the story feel realistic. The characters were connectable and kept the story engaging. Uqntum is a singer who has lost her husband and one of her children. As the story goes on, she becomes dangerous and will need to find her strength. I felt bad for her in parts but she made such a great character. I wanted to see what happened to her. This book kept me turning pages to the end. I highly recommend reading Uqntum’s story and if she finds her inner strength.
Review by @bjwagner
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Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cade Malone and Nadia Bennet are two people from completely different worlds, but who shared an unexpected connection in one fleeting moment in time, when one of them rescued the other from certain death. We start with Cade as he is driving home at night when a car swerves in front of him and into his lane just as they are about to cross a bridge, there is a loud crack, but nothing to worry about, it was just a rock thrown up by the car, so he opens the car windows to get a breeze in to help him keep awake after the long day he has had. He is nearly across the bridge and nearly home and safe, until another car comes up behind him and speeds up, the car is straddling both the lanes on the bridge and although he has sped up, the car is still gaining on him and as they are starting to pass him, this one actually hits him and sends him careening off he bridge and into the freezing cold river below.
As Cade is sinking and the water is pouring in through the open window, he realises that the seatbelt is stuck and he can’t get free, as he takes his last breath and hopes that someone has seen and is going to rescue him, someone does, he sees a young woman swimming towards him, she is small, but she is about to help him, she smashes the window and on being unable to open the door, she disappears. Just as Cade is thinking that she has left, she reappears and moves to kiss him, when she does, that is when the connection is made and he goes with it, when he realises that it is more than a kiss and that she breathes into his mouth when he eventually opens it, she keeps doing this until help arrives and she leaves him.
As she leaves the Cade in the water, Nadia gets out and meets with another person waiting at the water’s edge, she hands over the keys which were her objective in getting to the car, but she also cut the seatbelt to free Cade at the same time, all because she has been thrown by the connection she felt with Cade while underwater. She hands over the keys and then her mission is completed and she could get on with her life as far away from Cade as possible. That is until one night years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again on one of the Cook Islands at a resort party, they are both as surprised as the other, but that connection they felt is still as strong as ever, but was this a planned meeting, will their pasts return to haunt them, or will they be able to make the most of that connection and strengthen it?
This is a romance with a twist of danger and an emotional ride with twists and turns throughout, but the ending is well worth the ride.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this short Christmas romance story. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life. This story reads like a fairytale in a way that makes it entertaining and fast paced. The characters are connectable and kept me turning pages to the end. They heated up my night as much as they heated up the pages. This is a story about Viola. She has been locked up by her aunt with the only freedom is Christmas Eve. Percy and Lord William are not only cousins but they also have a special relationship. They need a special woman but what they are not expecting is Viola. I enjoyed their chemistry together and how they made the story come to life. Will Viola get a fairytale ending? This made such a great Christmas story and fun to read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
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Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story about Ally and Archer, childhood sweethearts who had it all, the looks, the hope and the future as well as every chance for it to come true, that is until Archer left and never looked back but also never knew what he left behind until he returned home and found out.
It is Christmas in Blissful and Ally is busy preparing orders and making deliveries for her customers and as always is running late for her other responsibilities, but when she finally arrives home with everything she needed to complete her work before she can relax and enjoys the holiday season properly, she receives a piece of news which shakes her to the core, Archer is coming back to Blissful. Archer who left her, Archer who hurt her, Archer who she had learnt to live without and survive the wounds in her heart which he gave her and Archer who she would not let back in no matter what he tried to do, she had just gotten her life to a position where she could look at the future and be hopeful, despite the time and energy she had spent to get there and she wouldn’t let that future slip away.
Archer is thinking about coming back to Blissful and what that means, he is thinking about the day he left and the decision he made which led him to do so, it is a long drive from the airport and it is giving him more time to think than he would like. He knows that she probably hates him and has a life without him, but he doesn’t want to see it if she has, he is remembering all the places in the town as he passes them and some of the memories of Ally which are associated with them, as he thinks about turning the car around, but that all fades into the background when he pulls up outside his mother’s house. He sees the shutters and thinks about his siblings and how they each chose their own colours for them, he then sees his mother bounding down the steps and into his arms for a hug and to know if he is home for good, his reply is as long as she will put him up for and with that out of the way, he goes to eat what she has cooked for his homecoming meal and they start to catch up on what the other has been up to since he left, including exactly what he left behind and it is the shock of a lifetime.
This information leads to Archer and Ally meeting again and Archer trying to mend all that he broke when he left, he knows now what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it, but will he manage to reform these bonds, will the magic of Christmas be able to help, or will the past be too much to overcome? This is a story of second chances, but what they look like is not always what people plan them to be.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly going in. This is a Young Adult Dystopian that is packed with mystery and romance and is set in a present – day post – Apocalyptic Australia. This isn’t my normal go to genre but im glad I picked up this wonderfully written story this author did a fantastic job with the details and the characters make you feel as if you are right there with them. Cam has finished his degree from Melbourne University and has been offered an opportunity to create a complete sustainable community near Australia on an island, along the way he meets Freyja and falls in love. Everything is going well until she goes missing. Will he find her? What does his future look like. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revel by Alden Elway is a fast paced story with a level of intrigue thrown in for good measure. The story is mysterious and engaging and really keeps your attention from start to finish. My favourite part of the book had to be the main character Revel. I thought she was so interesting to read about, a strong and independent character that seemed to be really going on a journey.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed the writing style throughout. The author knows just when to push the story forward and when to dive more into the detail. She has created a complex and interesting character in Revel and has definitely found the perfect way to leave you, as the reading, wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to see what is coming next.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love reading shifter romances so I was instantly interested in this book. The mystery and secrecy kept me captivated to the point I could not put this book down. The perspective of Revel gave an interesting look into pack life and emphasised the danger of love that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Review by @rochelle
