The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am so glad I have found this series. Also, you do not have to read the prequel but I highly recommend it. Xenobia is one warrior of an alien. I truly love the multiple points of view in this book and cannot wait to get to the second one. If you like adventure and SciFi definitely try this series out.
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read a few books by this author, but this is hands down my favorite so far! I read the prequel, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia, and it was such an amazing teaser that I was chomping at the bit to get to the official start of the series. Once I opened the book, time no longer existed (sorry to my responsibilities) as I was absolutely captivated and read straight through! The story became a movie in my head as the flow of the story was perfection. It also has multiple points of view which is an automatic brownie point for me! Xenobia is a force to be reckoned with, and definitely not someone you want to cross. There are scenes of meditations and dreams that are hard for me to explain, but some of my favorite parts of the book! If you enjoy sci-fi mixed with paranormal, then you will fall in love with this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh-em-geeeee!! 🤩 I absolutely ADORED this STORY! I am a huge, HUGE fan of HEA 🩵 just saying 😃 I opened this book for reading hour and bam I was pulled into this sweet story from page one. The small town reads are a favorite of mine. The characters were amazing, and that storyline was 5+stars (perfect). Highly recommend giving this story a read!
Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just love when I read a book and it actually feels like I’m right there in that very location with the characters ! It’s like I just want to grab my passport , pack my bags and go 😉
Jorja arrives at Istanbul airport and her best friend isn’t there to meet her and when she arrives at the hotel all her things are there and nobody can reach her and nobody has heard from her in a few days 🤷♀️😱 has Gabriella been abducted !?
The hunt is on for Gabriella but Jorja has her hands full with a foreign country , foreign language , strange culture and customs , bribery , corruption , greed , lies and dangerous characters .
Despite the feelings of anxiousness , fear , suspense and everything else there was a strong sense of the value of friendship and friends are the family we choose , our family not by blood and Jorja went all out for hers , she’s someone I’d want in my tribe 😉
Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am never, ever disappointed by this author, so I grabbed this book up as quickly as I could! I wasn’t really into the sports romance genre until I came across Tam DeRudder Jackson came along and provided a whole new perspective. Piper and Wyatt are two of my favorite characters, and as expected, the author did a brilliant job captivating every single facet of their personalities. Piper has had such a difficult time lately, and her ex isn’t making it any easier. Wyatt steps in to help because he has a different kind of attraction to her…but Piper has pulled the plug on any relationship possibilities. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but will it be enough to change her mind? I absolutely loved Wyatt in this book. If you enjoy sports romances, this should be your very next read!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A delightful read! A boy with his pet rat that he is training to become a spy. We enjoyed partaking on the adventure with Timmy, his grandmother, and Hildegarde. It was a quirky good time that me and my children enjoyed reading together. There were lots of laughs throughout the story. It is good to be able to continue enjoying the imagination of Lois Wickstrom in chapter book format. She is a favorite author of my family.
The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve read a few Phoebe Alexander novels over the last couple years and I’ve always loved the ability each book had to open my mind and even teach me more about myself. I was ecstatic to learn there was a new book out and even more so to learn it exceeded my expectations. The Scottish Play is the first book in the Polyam Fam series and I’m so excited to know that there is more to come in this genre. This book was well written with several great characters that you came to know and love as though they were your own friends. The romantic element was steamy and exciting while maintaining a rich storyline. I really enjoyed this book.
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark Sky at Dawn is the first part of a five book series and quite a solid start to the story line! This is a well researched historical fiction, set in the early 1800s and the beginnings of the nation. The characters are so well written, it is like reading a real memoir or telling of things that actually happened. Dark Sky at Dawn is full of struggle as the characters battle through life in an unbearable time, living and experiencing things like slavery, war, spies, and corruption. This is a lengthy book, but a well paced and hard to put down story that makes it a fast read. I am not typically a fan of historical fiction but this one won me over and I will be continuing on with the rest of the series.
reviewed by @zoltrixes
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read one book from this author before which I loved, so I picked this one up even though it wasn’t my normal go-to genre. I am so happy that I did because Laurie L.C. Lewis has such a magnificent way of crafting their stories that I haven’t found anywhere else. From two books, I have moved her to my watch list so I can pick up more! I cannot believe that I felt completely immersed in the 1800s, as silly as that may sound. The world around me ceased to exist as I invested myself in the characters. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout reading about the War of 1812. You can truly feel the amount of heart that was poured into this work of art, and even after finishing the book it stays with you for quite a while. I highly recommend picking this up if you enjoy historical fiction!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was able to finish it rather quickly. I loved everything about Wyatt and Piper. How they met, what they went thru trying to navigate their hookup / friendship / relationship. Piper had recently broken up with her boyfriend who cheated on her. She has no one she can trust aside from a few close friends. Wyatt is nothing but a perfect gentleman who tries to give her space to figure her stuff out but he’s really
Into her. When Piper feels a bit of Deja vu as she walks into a party to see Wyatt and Pippa close to eachother talking, all her insecurities come front and center. Will she give Wyatt a chance to explain or will she walk away from him without looking back ?
Can I just mention….the names of the sisters were really sooo annoying. Who does that?? Who names them Piper and Pippa? Once I got over the annoying name selection, I loved the book. Cannot wait to read more. I love Callahan’s book and loved Bax….cannot wait for Finn’s book this summer!!!
Review by @xchellex
Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Butterflies Fly Free series, and I loved it just as much as I did the first! I know when I pick up a book from this author that I need to cancel my day because I will be completely absorbed in reading. From the very beginning, I was transported to the 1920s with scenes being perfectly set from outfits to the dialogue used. Suki is a dancer who has had her eye on a gentleman, Frank, that keeps coming to the club with his boss…Al Capone. The chemistry between them is sizzling from the moment they meet and only gets better! I read this in one sitting and loved the mafia action and romance throughout. Although this is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone with no confusion. You’ll likely circle back to grab the first anyways as this one will keep you entertained for sure!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I do not usually read novels in this style but thought what the heck, it sounds interesting so I will give it a try. I was not disappointed. The story was intense and surprisingly good. It was really interesting to read about part of America’s history from the viewpoint of people living in that time, even if they were fictional characters. It is a good story and I recommend it for those that enjoy reading historical novels.
The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Molly has to stage a play she wrote for her final project for grad school. She wrote a play where the main character is a rugged Scottish man. When all of the people who auditioned didn’t suit the part, Poe, Molly’s girlfriend, suggested Lachlan since he was a handsome Scotsman working in the school. Poe convinces Lachlan to go hear Molly out. He agrees to help her out with the play but has little experience in acting. Lachlan is instantly interested in Molly’s look. She’s bright, colourful, and curvy. When he finds out she has a girlfriend, he is disappointed and tries to be good.
Molly is a bi woman in a polyamorous relationship. Although she has not been with a man since highschool, she can’t help but feel attracted to Lachlan. At first, Molly tries her hardest to maintain a director-actor relationship, but the tension is strong between them plus her polycule keep cheering her on to go for it.
After she gives into her feelings, sparks fly. The couple work well together. Although Molly had some trepidations about being with a man again, he exceeded her expectations in more ways than one.
I loved Molly as a character. She is sweet and her childhood/teenhood actually resembles mine a lot which made me feel connected to her as a person. I have always been on the curvy side while my best friends were skinny. I was bypassed by some boys because of this. I also cannot be myself with a lot of my family members. I found myself rooting for Molly.
To be honest, I didn’t really like Poe that much. It seemed like she wanted a polyamorous relationship that mostly benefited her. When Molly started opening up about her time spent with others, it was like Poe was constantly trying to one up her or something. Then again, it could just be their dynamic. To each its own.
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Missing Red Envelopes is a fun and engaging read with wonderful illustrations to go along with the story. This book is more toward ages 7-12 but can truly be enjoyed at any age…not only did my great nieces and great nephew enjoy this story but I learned something about the customs of the Lunar New Year as well.
Lorie and Weina are celebrating the Lunar New Year with family as this is a special holiday to celebrate and this includes the gifting of special red envelopes…but when they go missing…Lorie and Weina need to retrace their steps to find their envelopes as they have special plans with the contents inside.
This is a wonderful story..and I highly recommend.
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn is a Best Friend’s Brother, Billionaire Boss Romance. Ashton is a widow who has to hide a piece of herself due to the taboo nature of her desires. Zachary is a Billionaire Businessmen who works hard but plays harder when at Shattered Embrace an BDSM Club. When she goes to work for him the attraction is electric. But he is off limits for so many reasons. She decides to join Shattered Embrace to explore her kink. These characters are complex and well formed. Their story is steamy and intoxicating. Can’t wait until book 2. 4 out 5 stars!
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
fantastic!
I’m a huge fan of Naomi’s. I just started this series and I’m hooked. I cannot wait to read more about Xenobia. If you like this one definitely check out her other stories.
Cutter: Devils’ Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a Daddy dom/Middle book and my first time reading this trope. There is ageplay in this book. I found the dynamic between Cutter and Emily intriguing. She is a cop and he is in a MC. There is lots of suspense as well as a fair amount of spice.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 9th book in the Masters of the Consulate series. This is a fated mate’s book. Botosoni and Catina’s story is compelling and their attraction is instant. They both need the other. She is a seer and can help with the upcoming war. She needs to get away from her family before they can sell her. This series is fast paced and spicy.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Titans of Chicago but this series is in the same world as the Titans of Manhattan series. This was a great second chance romance. Harper and Gabriel thought they would be together forever until the unthinkable happened and she was ripped from him, then she destroyed him. The dynamic between these two is explosive when they meet up again. I love the world that has been built in these series.
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is an interesting take on shifters and mates. It is the first one that I have read where there is a second mating and I loved the idea of it all. The author has taken a well done trope and played with the concept that true love doesn’t just happen once.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They had an obvious connection right from the start, despite the obstacles they were facing. I thought it was great watching their relationship develop and I loved getting to know them. This is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to seeing what else is to come.
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39679616-dancing-butterfly” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dancing Butterfly is Book Two in the Butterflies Fly Free Series. It is a historical romance set in the 1920’s and full of action, suspense, mystery, drama, intrigue, passion, dancers, gangsters, and love. The story centers around the characters of Suki and Frank and is told from each of their POV. Suki, AKA Susan, is a dancer trying to make money to pay her rent. She is strong, fiercely independent and used to only having herself to rely on when times got tough. Frank is one of Al Capone’s right-hand men that Suki finds herself attracted to, but she is uncertain what to do with that attraction. As fate would have it, Suki and Frank are thrown together when gunfire opens in the club Suki is dancing at. When she tries to escape through the underground tunnels, she becomes injured and must rely on Frank for help. With her injured foot she is unable to dance so Frank makes her his girl and vows to protect her at all costs. The chemistry between them is undeniable and Suki finds herself uncertain where their relationship is going or if they have a future together. The author did a great job of pulling me into the story with the descriptive scenes. I felt as though I was there in the 1920’s, alongside Al Capone, the gangsters, and the dancers. I could vividly see the dresses, hear gunfire, and feel the chemistry between Suki and Frank. A great read and I look forward to Book Three.
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Missing Red Envelopes is another fun and heartwarming chapter book that will captivate young readers by Yobe Qiu with lovely illustrations by Kris Fulk. It is an Asian kids story.
Follow along as Lorie and Weina solve the mystery of the missing red envelopes and share in the ancient custom of gifting and receiving red envelopes. This cultural tale makes it an interesting read and a learning experience all in one. I for one have learnt something new.
Discover the joy of Lunar New Year festivities in this lovely tale where young gather around their elders and family to share wishes for good health, before they receive bountiful gifts.
The book is aimed at those between the ages of 7 – 12 years of age.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
The Mating Chance is a fantastic second chance romance tale and the second book in the Long Claw Pride series. I really enjoyed the first book The Mating Call in this series and couldn’t wait for this book to come out. Make sure you read the first book because like this book it is full of paranormal goodness. It’s my first love in genre.
The world that Brooke has created is one that makes you want to be there and experience what they do. It is so easy to imagine and get lost in.
This captivating paranormal romance story is set in a small town where mountain sexy lion shifters live, and soul mates are eagerly sort after. They are wild, absolutely crazy, and most definitely a lot of fun and you can’t help but fall in love with them.
With plenty of passion, action, drama, hopes, needs, wants and love and mix it up with fate and you have one explosive read that you just can’t put aside until you have devoured every inch of it.
Cricket had it all then it was horribly ripped away from her. Now when a second chance with fate comes along, she doesn’t believe it is true.
Boone just wants what everybody has and that is the answer to the Call. Now that it has happened, he must convince them that fate has given them a second chance.
I can’t wait for what comes next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This has been one of my favorite series to read. The concept of getting another mate after the one you were lifemated with was really interesting. Cricket is a fiercely independent single momma that was settled into her thinking she would be alone forever now, then BAM, here comes the pull. Boone is trying to avoid his cousin, Sheridan, the bikini-clad wildcat that always needs her jeeps repaired when his pull comes. He takes his leave and follows his pull. I find that amazing because they take such faith and go (yes, it’s just fiction but still). When these two meet up, the chemistry and sparks are there, he just has to get her to accept. I loved reading this story. These prides are full of personality. The elders that the characters talk to are wonderful and wise. When Cricket takes her little one out for a run, I couldn’t help but think of a certain movie. It’s a bittersweet romance that comes with a happy ending that has beautiful characters and always brings a smile and chuckle. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Afton’s turn.
Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up with her. I enjoy her writing style as well as her attention to details that make her characters come to life on every page. This is a well written story about Jed and Hannah. Their story takes place during the War of 1812. He is the heir to a plantation with a family with secrets. She comes from a family that holds the key to a riddle. What happens to them you do not want to miss. They take you on an emotional journey that you don’t want to see end. They are great characters that are connectable and pull you in from the start. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as the chemistry between them. This is a fast paced, engaging, hard to put down story that I highly recommend. This is a must read for sure!
Review by @bjwagner
The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rise of House Valdis is my second time reading work from author Naomi Valkyrie. I started with the prequel to this story, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia. While not ‘necessary’ to read the prequel to this book, it was a quick read and I think worth it to really get to know the background of the main character, Xenobia.
I loved the way this story came together. With the descriptions, character developments and getting different points of view of the characters involved, it was so easy to feel the same feelings with them. The pages didn’t stop turning. This story seemed to have a little bit of everything! The author is incredibly imaginative and keeps you locked in until the end. I highly recommend to book lovers who love a strong female lead, where supernatural fantasy meets with sci-fi. It works!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205525593-out-of-bounds” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Out of Bounds (Game Time)” src=”https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111×148-bcc042a9c91a29c1d680899eff700a03.png” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205525593-out-of-bounds”>Out of Bounds</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19849371.Tam_DeRudder_Jackson”>Tam DeRudder Jackson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6304831446″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh my gosh where do I start? Wyatt is a football player wanting to go to nationals. Him and his football buddies are at a bar, when Wyatt runs into Piper. Piper does not want any commitments. Wyatt and Piper hook up and Wyatt is not pushy at all with Piper and her boundaries. Piper has had to raise her sister as their parents were pretty much absent, and very toxic. Why Piper just kept the relationship with her parents I don’t get because that relationship hurt my heart for her! And when Pippa decides to try and crush her sister’s heart AGAIN!! Oh I was raging!! Wyatt and Piper have gone through the wringer and they always come back stronger than ever. Wyatt was always so so patient with Piper. She would second guess herself. She would go radio silent, do everything to wreck the relationship and Wyatt just wasn’t having any of it.<br />This was such an amazing book. Had me in tears laughing or in tears because of the toxic relationships Piper has had to go through.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Basil ( Silver Springs Pets book 9)
By: K. Rose
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
The first thing I absolutely love about this series is that each book can be read as a stand alone or in whichever order the reader wants. As someone who would always be looking for the first book in a series, and sometimes not be able to find it, this takes a lot of that stress off the table. Basil is a quirky and fun rom com packed with the supernatural! As a curvy girl myself I absolutely loved the body positivity in this book. I will definitely be looking for more Silver Springs Pets books! I highly recommend giving this series a try!
The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging romantic comedy which kept me happily turning the pages. Molly Rose is completing her final grad school project; having written a play she now has to stage it. Her girlfriend Poe has found the perfect looking man for the kilt-wearing Scotsman role but unfortunately, he cannot act. The ruggedly handsome Lachlan is not sure how he’s ended up helping Molly but apparently, he has the perfect accent. Although Molly is happy with Poe they are in a polyamorous relationship, and she can’t help but feel an attraction towards Lachlan. Despite not having dated a man since high school Molly is keeping an open mind as her and Lachlan have a real connection. They all believe that once the play is over their fling will be too, but they are all keeping an open mind. I love the characters in this story, Molly, Poe and Lachlan are all likeable and relatable. The chemistry sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. I loved the fact that the storyline centres on a polyamorous relationship, and I love the idea of this series chronicling a polycule’s romantic adventures.
Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping murder mystery which had me hooked throughout. Trueman “True” North is a retired homicide detective who is very familiar with death and thinks that his next case will be just another ‘by-the-book’ investigation. However, when the case involves St. John Skidmore the richest man in town, he knows it’s not going to be easy. He’s been asked to find out who murdered the son, Stoddard Skidmore but must contend with both the meddling daughter Kitty and Skidmore’s ruthless business competitor. True finds himself in the land of the uber-rich among people who presume he can be paid off, warned off or seduced. True is determined to find the truth as if he does not find the real killer than an innocent man will rot in prison, and the murderer will be free. The characters and the setting were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I found that True is a great main character, and I look forward to investigating further murder mysteries with him.
