Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seen was a very good book. Mouse is a few months away from turning 16. She is interning for the news paper. She would love to work there after she graduates. She is out recording a story when she sees one of her own family members doing something terrible. She gets kidnapped before she can figure out what to do. She must get out before her family closes in on her.
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good start to a new series! Fast paced but we get a lot of needed info of backstory on both main characters without it feeling rushed or that anything is left out either.
I love a good second chance romance and this has a twist to it also that is one I like also.
Celia has a great support system in her sister and best friends and when life decides to throw a huge curve ball her way she’s going to need them more than ever.
I did enjoy these 2, Kyle and Celia, they had great chemistry but they just went from 0-100 in a couple pages and while I know it is fiction it was super quick for me (thats just me though)
Great story and cannot wait to read more of this great group of people.
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1)
By Debra Parmley
4 Stars
This is a short historical romance. It takes place during prohibition in the 1920’s. After Bethany’s parents pass away, her aunt and uncle raise her. Being very strict religious people, they cloistered her away from experiencing life. Wanting to partake in her inheritance, they had plans for her. Bethany would soon turn eighteen and she had plans of her own. She wanted to travel and experience life. They travel to Arkansas to experience the medicinal baths for her aunt’s condition. Having a very sheltered upbringing, Bethany is way too innocent and gets herself into some trouble.
I enjoyed the time era the story took place in. The author did a great job world building with the flappers and the gangsters. The descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I understand that the main character was sheltered but Bethany was a little too naïve for me. I did like Paul a lot and the tenderness he felt for Bethany was sweet.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Boys of Alpha Block as it is the first book I’ve read by this author. The cover grabbed my attention, and the synopsis sealed the deal, so I gave it a go. This is an emotional read as the author really does their best to show the realities of a correctional facility for young boys. The drama will have you flipping pages as quickly as possible to find out what happens next. The boys will do whatever is necessary to escape, but will any of them make it or will they all suffer the worst consequences imaginable?
I couldn’t put this down as I was completely invested in these characters. I am definitely keeping an eye on anything this author releases as their writing style is mesmerizing and engaging. I highly recommend picking this book up to go on the emotional and dramatic rollercoaster that is The Boys of Alpha Block.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love science fiction and romance, then this anthology of the two genres merged together will be right up your alley.
Earth is the birthplace of humanity and even though we may not look after it in the best way, at least it is our home, but what would happen if aliens came down to Earth as well and are these the friendly or unfriendly aliens?
Aliens come visiting from every corner of the galaxy and beyond, some are just visiting, some have made deals that work in everyone’s favour, some have been exiled and for some it is the other way around.
Wherever they have come from and why doesn’t matter, but there is one thing they all have in common and that is romance. When fate comes calling and mates are found, what adventures will they find and where will they lead? This is a collection full of action and adventure, all while the spice heats up in this entertaining and immersive collection.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE to read sci-fi and dystopian books, so I wasn’t going to let this one pass me up. I was blown away by how quickly I was absorbed into Mouse and Meph’s world. I read this in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. It’s filled with action, drama, suspense, mystery, and kidnapping! I thought I was in for another run of the mill dystopian world with a storyline that would be easy to guess, but this is an absolute original with twists and turns throughout. The author did a fantastic job with developing an incredibly detailed world, in-depth characters, and gripping suspense. I highly recommend picking this up even if it isn’t your usual genre because it will take you by surprise. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The story of Mouse and Meph started out as two siblings quickly turns into a fight for their lives. The well written book keeps you wanting to turn pages and find out what happens to Mouse next. This may have been written in a different time and technology, but it still feels very real. This easily could be made into a thrilling movie!
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really fun read right from the beginning. I read this as a standalone and felt like I had a good grip on the storyline, but I am sure going back to pick up the two previous in the series. I found Editor Kill Fee to be very entertaining the whole time and never felt a lull at all. The author knows how to weave humor into this whodunnit, and the cats absolutely add to this read. It’s interesting to become attached to these effervescent and whimsical characters. I hope you pick this up and enjoy the mischievous mystery Taylor and her cats find themselves in.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When i started reading this book I did so based on word of mouth. I didn’t read the description or look at any reviews, I just started reading. So to say I was surprised by the story is an understatement. This book is emotional and heart wrenching. It is so easy to n imagine this group of boys and everything they have experienced. It felt b like this book had me b on the edge of my seat the whole way through. It was fanatically written and simply captivating. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Boys Of Alpha Block
By: Nancy Nau Sullivan
Holy Cow! This book was absolutely phenomenal! It features a group of boys who are in Juvenile Detention who have made the decision to break out. This book shows what is happening with the boys and the hopelessness, desperation, and tension. However, it also features the adults who are there to help and work with the boys. This book reads like some of the absolute best books and movies that feature adults working with troubled youth. As a teacher, I felt both groups of characters jump of the pages. I was kept on the edge of my seat because I definitely wanted to see what would happen next. I definitely saw myself thinking indepth about how society can fail complete groups of people. It got me thinking about the education system and it tugged at my heart strings. I definitely recommend this book, but be prepared to keep reading from the time you start until the time you finish! Its one you won’t want to put down!
Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is a great forbidden romance book. Ad the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone however I think it is worth reading all of the books in the series. The characters in this book are great. They clearly have a strong connection from the start, but with so much to overcome you have to question if it will be enough. They v are v easy to engage with and I enjoyed getting to know them.
The overall story of this book was great. I wanted to see how everything would work out. This book had left me excited to read the next book in the series.
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seen
By: Lori Nelson
Let me start out by saying that this is a genre that I don’t usually gravitate toward. But something about the cover of this scifi dystopian novel was calling for me to read it. I most definitely am so glad that I read this. At times the book got dark, but I know that dystopian books can go that direction so I did not let it stop me from reading. I felt like the beginning felt a little clunky, but it might have been because I was slow to pick up on the connections between Mouse and Meph. Once I did though the entire thing made so much more sense. This book is so very good and I felt that Meph’s emotions jumped right off the page. This book had literally everything but the murder suspense plot line literally kept me reading and I definitely see how this book could be made into some sort of TV Show or Movie, it definitely would be well received.
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An entertaining and engaging historical romance set in Hot Springs, Arkansas in the 1920’s. Bethany is keen to celebrate her eighteenth birthday at the Arlington Hotel, she wants to raise her hemline, cut her hair into a bob, and learn to do the Charleston. Unfortunately, her aunt and uncle keep her, and her inheritance extremely close and control every aspect of her life. They want her to return from her holiday engaged to her uncle’s new business partner. However, their stay at the Arlington changes everything for Bethany when one of Al Capone’s men takes a shine to her. Detective Paul Tollick is determined to keep Bethany away from the dangerous gangsters and keep her safe, but he didn’t expect to feel instantly drawn to her himself. Bethany is caught between deadly criminals and an oppressive family, but maybe Paul can help her gain her freedom, and she can then follow her heart. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the storyline, whilst the added historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back in time to the roaring 20’s. I loved the mix of characters and I found Bethany a very likeable and relatable young women, who I felt engaged with. This was an enjoyable read and one which I would recommend.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Editor Kill Fee
By: GG Collins
This is such a fun cosy mystery! This features Taylor Browning who is a sleuth, even if she is an accidental one. The two main characters however are the cats, Oscar and Cheddar. The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the setting. GG Collins does an absolutely amazing job describing the Santa Fe region. She describes the weather, scenery, culture, food, etc with such detail that I almost forgot that I have never been therein real life. It was so detailed that I really truly felt that I was there.
This is the third installment in the Taylor Browing, but I read it as a standalone. I think it would be even better if the other books were read first as it would give Taylor even more depth as a character than she already did. I also think it would have given me more of a closer connection to the cats. But overall I truly enjoyed watching them solve this mystery of the missing book club leader!
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great collection of stories. They are short romances by various authors which is a great way for you to read new authors. All the stories are romances with various degrees of steamyness. All of them are uniquely different and as the title suggest they all revolve around a alien encounter.
I enjoyed pretty much all of the stories in this book. They are all fast paced and engaging reads.
My favourite has to be The Alien and The Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie.
Naomi is definately a favourite author of mine and I have read lots of her work. What I particularly loved about this story is the fact that I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. There was danger from the crime bosses fighting for control, and also the danger that Leilphun is when his warrior takes over. For a time i was concerned that Kasper was just going to use Leilphun for his abilities. I don’t want to give too much away but it is a story that gripped me from the beginning and didn’t let go.
Overall there wasn’t a single story in this book that I didn’t enjoy and reading each authors unique take on romance and Alien beings kept them all interesting. No two stories were the same. I loved not knowing what i was going to be getting next.
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping sci-fi dystopian story which has an original storyline and some wonderful characters. Mouse, is nearly sixteen, at which age she is a legal adult. She works at a local newspaper as an intern, along with her older brother Meph who drives her around and protects her. Mouse’s aim is to write a news article that will get her hired once she graduates, and thinking she has the perfect story she heads to a dark alley to record. However, she wasn’t expecting to witness a member of her own family murdering a young girl. In disbelief Mouse hides the recording, but is then kidnapped, she learns from her captors that it was her father who arranged it as part of a ransom insurance scheme, and he doesn’t want her back. Following her rescue, she doesn’t trust anyone and is trying to get evidence of her story to her mentor at the newspaper. Her father meanwhile is trying to find Mouse in order to kill her before she can release the video which will ruin him. The descriptive narrative brought the dystopian setting and the individual characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I loved Mouse and thought she was a great heroine and very relatable. The storyline had me hooked and the plot had plenty of twists and turns which kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story.
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really struggled to connect to characters. I understand the struggle they have with the authority figures in their life. The kind versus the overbearing who run unchecked and because of their power many lean toward abusive and humiliating to the boys. About 60 percent the story picked up and moved along. We left the teacher and was more concentrated on what the boys were doing. There is an element of “will they or won’t they” that kept me turning pages.
Overall I felt this was a slow moving story which led to a lot of page turning. I was initially drawn to see about the life of these boys. I fid get some if that but its a snippet into their life and what they are doing. Good story but not great for me.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Despite that, I decided to give it a chance and delve into its pages. The story it presented was undeniably captivating, but it often got tangled up in excessive details of Shibari and sexual encounters. It was difficult to reconcile the characters’ deep intimacy with their underlying secrets, which constantly undermined the trust they claimed to have. However, amidst these complexities, the author’s vivid descriptions of the aerial routines were simply breathtaking, transporting me to a world where I could almost witness them firsthand.
Reviewed by @daree222
View all my reviews
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bree Kraemer’s Walk Off is a great romance read! I love the tale of a past love reconnected but with a twist. The characters are so realistic, and the situation that they are in is something that happens more often than we’d like to think about. The love that Kyle Dulanay has for Celia Mullen is so deep, I felt like I was a bystander watching their story unfold before my eyes. There are so many ups and downs, tears were definitely shed over the fear that Celia has in keeping her daughter close to her, as a mom this resonated with me so deeply. You’ll want to read this in one sitting, it was so hard to put down once I got started, I was invested in the lives of the characters and couldn’t wait to see what the outcome would be for our heroine Celia.
Brandy Rymer
06/2023
The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Wandering Isles by C. L. Schneider was a fantastic roller coaster of thrills. This story starts right out with a mysterious ship of people who board Ian and Jarryd’s ship and cause all kinds of mischief to our two main characters. I love that we relive Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane’s past trials and the mind games they experience without even knowing that it’s not reality. If you have read any of The Crown of Stones books you will not want to skip this novelette because it adds so much to the character’s development and understanding of the bond that they have built. Is the experience that Ian and Jarryd going through reality or is it just a bend in reality? You will not want to skip this amazing book in The Crown of Stones series, it will have you invested from the very beginning of the story.
Brandy Rymer
06/2023
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123750579-seen” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Seen” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679681770l/123750579._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123750579-seen”>Seen</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32614463.Lori_Nelson”>Lori Nelson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607146477″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book was so action packed. It was a little slow in some parts, but then it picks up very quickly. Mouse has to choose between family members when she discovers a murder in her family. The ending was so sweet, it almost felt like Mouse was so relieved after all that had happened, and could move on to something better for her and her daughter.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins. This is such a fun cozy mystery series about Taylor Browning and her cats, Oscar and Cheddar. This installment begins when the President of the Santa Fe Wine and Crime book club ends up taking a wrong turn and finds herself lost. She has ended up on a road nicknamed by the locals “Devils Road” one of the deadliest roads in the area. Getting her car stuck in a ditch she decides to walk back to town. When she doesn’t show up for the meeting, Taylor a member begins to investigate. Lots of mayhem and madness occur during this investigation and Taylor and the cats are in the big middle of it. You can read these as standalones but I always enjoy them more reading them in order. This fun short mystery was just what I needed!
Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher. This is such a fun, sweet read. Its the 3rd installment in the Langston Falls series. This story focuses on Hank, Ella and Travis. Ella is the sister to Travis who is a famous country singer. Ella is on tour with her brother and working a merchandise table when a good looking cowboy falls into her table. Ella is smitten but Hank is a want to be country star and she doesn’t want him knowing who she really is but inevitably she tells him and invites him on the last few tour dates with them. When Ella and Hank spend more and more time together they begin to have feelings for each other. Will they be able to make a realtionship work or will the hustle of tour life and a very needy brother ruin things. Read this sweet Western Romance to find out what happens.
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson. This is the second book in the Ruarnon Trilogy and I highly recommend reading them in order to better understand the characters and story. This is a young adult fantasy read and its a sit down and buckle your seats read. Ruarnon is about to be challenged like never before by the sorcery king. Having to figure out who he can trust who he can’t trust is going to be key in this battle. There are battle after battle and the action is ongoing from the get go. The main character is non binary which is new to me as well. There is danger, murder, lies and love all wrapped up in this fast paced story. This is a fast paced fun read!
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the first book in the series. This is a middle grade kid’s series. It was a fun read. It pulls you right in with the great characters. The plot also pulls you in and you just can’t wait to see what happens next.
This is a good book for kids who enjoy the adventure and mystery aspect. It gives off Harry Potter vibes and that’s always a win. Now that I’ve read it I’m going to recommend it to my son! Can’t wait to see the remainder of the series!
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book of the series. It can be read as a standalone but it references characters and some things that happened in the first two books. Honestly, the whole series is so good you should just start at the beginning.
Gia wants a memorable senior year. Best year ever and all that. Sky, as Gia’s best friend, wants to support her and help her achieve whatever it is she wants to do. Sky doesn’t realize that Gia’s list includes Damon. She’s not happy about it but she does the only thing she can think of and that is ask Damon for a favor. Damon is intrigued by Sky and the best way to get to her is to help her out. What could go wrong?
I absolutely loved this book!! I can’t wait for the next book. It was so well written. The characters are great. You can really feel the turmoil Sky feels she’s in regarding her feelings about Damon. I couldn’t read this book fast enough!
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins
Editor Kill Fee is the third book in The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries and can be read as standalones as well. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I’m definitely interested in the first two books as well. This is a fast paced story that will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. The characters were fun and developed plus they made the story come to life I laughed at some and shook my head at others. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Can Taylor solve the mystery? I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was different that anything I’d read recently which was great. It wasn’t what I was expecting but that’s a good thing, it’s original and had me gripped beginning to end.
There are well placed twists and a sense of danger and betrayal throughout. I was on the edge of my seat desperately reading to find out what would happen next.
I loved mouse, her name seemed to fit so well for what was expected of her but she overcame the obstacles which were presented to her and showed great determination to survive the ordeals. She developed as the book progressed from a little naïve in regard to her family, to a more aware and strong young character. She was well written and although mature for someone her age, it worked well for her passion and personality.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the author brings out next.
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Isla Vaughn created Brutal Days to continue her Hidden Valley Elite series. The book features Skylar McCormick and Damon Savage. Skylar has promised to help her friend, Gia, to get her senior year goals: get invited to the underground fight club where all the cool kids were; get a popular boyfriend; lose her virginity; and become prom queen. However, Skylar knows that this will not be as simple as Gia attempts to make it sound. The following day, Skylar is watching the football team practice since it assigned her to write an article for the school’s blog. Damon approaches her and tells her to come to the barbecue with him. He wasn’t asking since he knew almost every girl in Hidden Valley Academy wanted him. Skylar told him no. Unfortunately, Gia zeroed on Damon Savage as who she wanted to date.
Skylar had propositioned Damon on behalf of Gia. She offers to do all of Damon’s homework as long as he dates Gia. Damon told her for every date he had with Gia then she would have to pay him back by doing him “favors.” Skylar thought she could resist Damon’s charm, but find it attracted her to him. She finds she will go further with Damon than she ever imagined.
The story has several steamy moments, however; I had struggled with what actually made Skylar decide to lower her guard. I couldn’t imagine how she could claim to be loyal to Gia when she was happy with paying Damon with her own body. The end of the book was perfect in leaving readers hanging and wanting to read the sequel. I felt bad for poor Tucker- Cole beat him up for being around Riley and then Damon beat him up for being friends with Skylar.
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute & fun
This picture story book is a fun story aimed for 4-8 year olds. It has an underlying message of cleaning up after yourself, even when it’s not your mess which is done thing kids don’t like to do. Chester is a great character that most kids would relate to. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the writing is easy to read and follow. Recommend.
