Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intriguing characters, a well written story, very diverse and well developed. This is the 1st book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author, definitely won’t be the last.I did find myself staying up later than normal to read. I suggested it to friends. I strongly recommend this book.
Review By @Manda Kelly 2023
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This book pulls you in and just crushes you but brings you up with the characters’ daily fight. I have to say this is one of my favorite m/m books I’ve ever read. It has a ton of feelings and they seep out. A great read! Find out what happened to Kyle and Lyle.
Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This fun story is about Ivy and Ace. Complete with pretending until pretend is real. Read this quick paced book and watch Ivy fall for Ace while Ace has loved her all along. What challenges will they face?
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fast paced story that packs a punch. It has mystery and romance which will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time reading this. The steam in this book may make you blush a little, maybe even have to fan yourself. It’s good. What I really liked was the leading female had a role that is normally given to male characters. She has grit and whit. I love a strong female lead. Don’t think that just because the female lead is strong that the male lead isn’t. He is just as strong and who doesn’t love a good looking firefighter in their stories. This book is semi-relatable because everyone has a crazy ex out there, maybe not to the extreme of his crazy ex. These are just glimpses of what lies ahead for you when you read this story. The suspense and drama that unfolds is completely worth it and will keep yo turning the page to see what happens. It is really well written and flows seamlessly. I can’t wait to read more in the series. Trust me you won’t be disappointed by picking this up to read. It is worth it.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story follows Lorenzo, consigliere to the Larussio crime family, and Isabella, a journalist who is determined to spill the dirt of every crime family in Vegas. Lorenzo realised the Larussio family could use Isabella’s skills to their advantage, but he doesn’t expect to fall in love with her. My favourite character is Isabella and my least favourite character – it’s the same every single time, evil man – is De Rosa. I recommend this book because I’ve now read the three of Via Mari’s Sicilian Gods series, and I’ve loved all three of them. Each one is full of angst and passion, with a different take on mafia romance each time, and I can’t forget the strong, independent women featured. I can’t wait to read her next book. I know this quote isn’t romantic, but it felt important to share: “Sometimes it feels like we deal with more sharks on the legitimate side of the business than when dealing with the men who sell arms to the highest bidder in the dirtiest of alleys. Perhaps it’s because we expect differently of them, but they are just as dirty if not dirtier than the rest of us.”
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lorenzo is in Vegas to help the family exact revenge n the De Rosa’s after the blood shed of his family Larussio, but he has a thorn in his side as consigliere, a reporter is telling the secrets of the mafia and he must stop her before more family secrets are print across the papers.
Isabella is determined to expose the dirty under belly of the Mafia in Vegas, from the De Rosa’s feud to the revenge of the Larussio family, so when she gets access to to the inner sanctum of the VIP floor of Larussio’s hotel she sees things which would make a great story, upon leaving she is stopped by him, The Consigliere, he should scare her but with his dark soulless eyes and his alpha present she is attracted to this fascinated man who in one order could have her killed. But there is something there she can’t quite understand, but she has learnt not to trust these powerful men.
Lorenzo see’s her and instantly is drawn to her, once he makes her a proposition to work with them, she is his not just in work but in body too, can he get Izzy to trust him and love him back?
OMG, I love this series. This book although the third book in the Sicilian Gods Series you can read as a stand alone as each book focuses on one member of the family. This happens to be Lorenzo’s book which what a fast paced brilliant read. Lorenzo in the other books has always been a fleeting character and it was nice to read his “Forever Love” story. The character of Izzy was a brilliant equal to his character with fight and sass and it seems all your woman have the strength running through which makes them brilliant alpha ladies to these violent alpha males.
The only regret I have is not getting more of the Izzy’s relationship with “Families” in Italy as there is certainly a back story there which would be fascinating to read, also to understand the secret her father is keeping as that really peaked my interest but that may be in a different story relating to other characters we will see.
The story was well written and the two characters where just the right air of illusion to each other and to see the trust and chemistry build was brilliant to discovery.
Please, Please make Sergio your next story, he needs calming down with the love of a good woman, LOL.
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Two young boys who had nothing but each other growing up. As they grow so do their feelings but one-night changes it all. Kyle and Lyle have no idea what to do about the emotions that they have been denying since they were young. Now that a tragedy brings them together again will they stop ignoring what they truly feel?
Their story is an interesting and painfilled story. Both men must learn to deal with their feelings and find a way to happiness. This is an emotional read and will pull on your heart at times. While I found the plot to be compelling, I found that I did not connect with the characters. I had a hard time liking Lyle, while I understand his actions, he is not very likeable in this book. As this is the first in the series, I hope that he becomes the man that we see glimpses of in this book.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very good dark paranormal romance. You have Rene who tragically lost his twin sister, and is desperately trying to solve his twin’s murder, when he comes across a strange murder. A corpse in a bone circle. He then encounters Belladonna. The pixie whom the bone circle belongs to. Their romance starts off on an interesting note, and then blooms into something else. Belladonna wants to exact revenge on those who ruined her sacred circle, but Rene somehow curbs her want for revenge and her wrath. I would definitely find myself rereading this short story multiple times when I can’t find something to read!
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a super hard book to read. It’s not at all what I expected but I did finish it and I’m glad that I did. However, the subject matter is difficult and the language is super strong, neither of which I was thinking this book would include.
Elle Sullivan has had a horrible six years. She’s been through situations that no person should ever experience. She’s back home now and is looking forward to fixing up her grandma’s ranch, not realizing all that goes into being a rancher.
Blake O’Conner is a loser who’s lost everything, including himself. He’s been in the bottom of a bottle for quite some time now and has burned a lot of bridges. No one wants him around and he’s run out of chances. That is, until Elle comes back to town.
This is a story of redemption and forgiveness, a story of lost loves and a loss of self. New beginnings are welcome here. Overall, a decent read, but as previously mentioned, a hard one to read. This book will not be for everyone and I honestly almost gave up on it due to the content.
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first read this book I had Cinderella vibes from it. You had the daughter Ella whose father has remarried an evil stepmother and has bespelled her and her father and Ella is spelled into servitude, and the spell must be broken by midnight on New Year’s Eve. While it does has the same similarities that is where they stop. Benjamin is a character every girl would love to fall in love with. He would do anything for his best friend to help her break the spell that is placed on her and her father. I love the steampunk treats that are thrown in here and there and it is based in the 19th century. You can tell that a lot of research was done into this era because the knowledge absolutely shines. I loved reading this book, and hope there will be more to come by this fantastic author!
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt
Brave Kids is a Anthology of twenty-four short stories by various authors from around the world. I loved everything about this collection and the powerful message that comes with each story. This s is intended for readers ages 6-12 years old. I would say children as well as adults can take away something from this collection. We learn different ways to be brave,how to not give up on our dreams, go after what you want. We learn different things to deal with different sensory situations ,to be kind and how courage can help overcome diversity. I really enjoyed Amaleigha Tames a Bully: Kindness can change a hard heart by Janice Pratt. This story shows bravery by being herself and asking for help when you need it and standing up to the meany bully. My son is five and we are working on different ways to express our emtions,how to use our words to ask for things and how to deal with different sensory situations. He asked questions about why each of the kids showed bravery and courage to face different things. I love that he loves to read and he was sad for some of the kids in some of the stories.I highly recommend reading this collection and who knows you might find a few new authors.
Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a different choice for me. Not really into historic romances. This one was not exactly what I expected. It was good. Some surprises along the way.
Isaac and Walter have been friends since Isaac jumped into Walter’s wagon. They journeyed across the country together and settled in San Francisco. Together their friendship has grown. They are firefighters. They are business partners. They are BFFs. Isaac doesn’t know that Walter is also secretly in love with him. Walter doesn’t want to tell him in case Isaac doesn’t feel the same.
Suzette wasn’t even supposed to make the journey to San Francisco. She was banished to America with her brother, a rogue, to avoid scandal. Once in SanFran, Suzette falls for both Isaac and Walter. She won’t choose. Suzette believes she will never have love. Isaac and Walter don’t make her choose. They offer her a new option, love them both. Suzette explains that she can’t. She may or may not be married. Neither Isaac nor Walter care. They just want to be together.
When the missing possible husband from France shows, drama ensues. Problems arise. Pistols are drawn. Threats are made. When Isaac and Walter have to rescue Suzette from a ship bound for France, tragedy occurs. It is beautiful chaos.
This might not have been my normal but there was enough steam and fun to keep the pages flipping. If you like historical romances, you will like this one.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in what will be an incredible series. It was filled with paranormal, action, a little romance, secrets that kept me intrigued until the end. This book had everything from action, drama, suspense, it took me on an adventure that didn’t stop and had me wanting to know what happened next. I found this book well written and easy to read. The characters in this book really had me wondering if it was going to work out with them, the way they were so opposite each other but, in the end, it really made for a good friendship and more. An entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. I could not put it down once I had started reading. This is a brilliant book, and I cannot wait for the next.
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One arching theme that I am finding throughout this series is the need to balance one’s dreams with someone else’s. Rowan says it best when she says that she is putting herself first, not taking a backseat to anyone else’s career, and will not expect anyone to take a backseat for her dreams. Finding that balance between the partner’s goals is important. I think that each person is willing to find ways to make both dreams/goals work is HUGE!!
Rowan has a lot going on. Her father disclosed that he has a secret daughter that he abandoned right before he died. He asked Rowan to find her sister. Rowan and her father were working on restoring the family’s seaside inn and is now doing it alone. Rowan recently quit her ‘big city’ job to come back home to run the inn. She also walked away from a 5-year relationship because he was diminishing her. Now she has a limited amount of time to get everything up and running for a family wedding.
Chris is on a mission of sorts. He is on vacation to help out a friend and make a trek to his father’s place for a visit. Chris is actively trying to avoid going to his father’s, hence the favor for a friend. This favor has him checking out a small seaside inn. The friend? The half-sister of the current owner’s. When Chris gets to the inn, he realizes that his preconceived notions of his friend’s half-siblings were all wrong. Now he has volunteered to hang out at the inn and help Rowan with the wedding.
Sparks fly…figuratively and literally. Massages are given. Rings are exchanged.
I have enjoyed each installment of the series. I think Rowan’s fiery nature is one of my favorites. Worth the read! The whole series is. Add to your TBR.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Elle Sullivan comes back to Sweet Valley she’s bruised and hiding a big secret, but she’s determined to start her life over and prove to herself she’s strong and able to do anything. She wasn’t expecting to run in to her old high school love Blake O’Connor, nor was she expecting to find that healing takes a whole lot of more work than she could’ve expected.
I chose this 100% because the title was punny. This book was great! There is definitely a trigger warning for Domestic Abuse and I’d toss one in for Eating Disorders as well, although I’d say it’s related to the abuse. It was well written and despite some hard stuff was entertaining and funny in places.
Elle is a strong woman who is ready to start over back home. She got out, a little later than she wanted, but she is a survivor.
Blake has hit rock bottom and can’t seem to dig himself out alone. Thank god for old friendships and the healing of love.
The characters were fun and their story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. I definitely recommend reading this and I’m excited to see more from Sweet Valley.
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have become a huge fan of this author and her Millersville Series….and while each book could be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading this series in order and this book was so hard to put down. I was sucked in anticipating each turn of the page of what could possibly happen next.
Miranda Diggs is struggling….she is struggling with past demons that haunt her and her guilt. Miranda’s mother suggests to take a much needed break to at a motel to journal and hope to get past her memories that haunt her. When an unfortunate accident happens and Miranda sets the motel on fire……this is another situation that has her feeling weighed down by hopelessness. When an opportunity arises for Miranda to get away from it all within a cabin in the woods…Miranda checks in and is ready for some clarity to get past her guilt of the motel fire and from an accident from long ago. When Miranda ignores signs of “No Trespassing” on an old barn…then trap is set and fight for survival is real. Weird things are happening, meeting new people along the way, digging up the past as they have known Miranda and her past…..will Miranda be able to save herself as she fights through this maze of trials?
Twists, turns, facing your phobias, secrets and technology…this story had it all and I was all in on the ride. What a great book that really had me at the edge of my seat and at times I felt panicked and out of breath!!
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich: The Silver Blood Knight by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have said before that I am not usually a fan of shorter stories BUT this one is so damn packed full I just have to shut my mouth. Story length in no way matters with this fantastic book. I unfortunately started this series on book 2 which I will be rectifying as soon as possible as well as exploring this amazing authors other books. How much she managed to pack into this book is truly amazing. It’s filled with such unique, wonderful characters and is such a creative storyline that you wont be able to put it down. You will want to see how this battle unfolds! I am hesitant to comment on the actual storyline itself because I just know I’ll give away something that I shouldn’t. Just do yourself a favour and get reading!!
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful quick read with great characters, steamy moments and a captivating storyline. It was the first book I have read by this author and it definitely will not be my last! I am excited to see where this series will take us next.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion (Gemstone Massacre Book One) by Julia Goldhirsh is a captivating story about an expansive Magical world. If you like dark fantasy, mythology, enemies to lovers, and LGBTGIA+ representation this book is for you. The main character Amy is on the run from their past. Hiding in the Human world from their vengeful leader, Amy is trying to protect those they care about by staying hidden. But when running is no longer an option Amy must do what it takes to stand up their self and their people. Can Amy prevail over the Evil Opal before it is too late? This book will keep you engrossed in the action-packed story. The best part about the LGBTQIA+ representation of the book is that it is so organic to the story that it just fits seamlessly. 4 out of 5 Stars recommend giving this one a read!
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a good read. This is book 3 in The Millersville Series and these books keep getting better and better.
This story is definately not for the faint hearted. There are some hard hitting truths our main character has to come to terms with as well as uncovering a underground secret testing facility.
Miranda has had a tough time of things lately. With the passing of her friend playing constantly on her mind she has become a bit of a rebel always ignoring warning signs or rules.
The term curiosity killed the cat springs to mind with her and that becomes the situation she finds herself in after entering a barn with a no trespassing sign.
What follows is a twist and turning tale full of secrets, deceit, lies, not knowing who to trust, and facing your fears and past traumas. Miranda has to go through all of this if she has any hope of escaping the secret lab underground. Will she be able to escape? Or at the end of it will she know too much to be allowed to leave back into everyday society?
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
4 Stars
Being a short book, you would expect it to be over quickly. This story has everything you would expect from a longer novel yet the author packs it into 82 pages. I’m amazed. There’s drama, magic, the supernatural, a dark romance and a murder mystery to be solved.
Rene can’t move past the grief of losing his sister. Swearing to find her murderer, he visits the crime scenes of the other victims. Relying on drugs and alcohol to get through his days, now he’s hallucinating if a woman visiting him during the night. What exquisite pleasure!
Many years Belladonna has spent in solitude in the forest. Her serenity has been broken by the desecration of these women. The otter disrespect for the dead infuriates her. The only thing able to calm her is Rene; her new obsession.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. It’s truly amazing what she puts into her stories. The ending left off in a perfect way to turn this book into a series. I’m looking forward to more.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lauren knew at 6 that Mitch was her soulmate. After he got out of the Navy, they eloped in Vegas. A few years later, Mitch suddenly pulls away and Lauren finds her marriage in shambles and not sure how they got there. A family trip to Vegas seems like the perfect place for Lauren to try to get her marriage back. But a fire burning down her restaurant sends them going backwards again. Can they find their way back to each other? The book is written in both Lauren’s and Mitch’s points of view per chapter. I didn’t read the first 2 books and didn’t feel like I missed anything
monster for meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I appreciated this book had a character whom is blind, something atypical for children’s picture books. I also loved the line “Monsters are so big they bump their heads on the ceiling….” opening up the discussion of what a child’s monster may look like and how everyone’s monsters can be different.
I also appreciated how Lois interweaves the use of other senses in order for the characters to play the “guess what a monster is” conversation or game they are entwined with. The ending is sweet, and overall, the story is fast-paced and engaging for kids of all ages.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is yet another hit from a brilliant author. Our whole household looks forward to a new book from Lois Wickstrom and this one was no exception. We loved this book and the story that has been created. As usual, the pictures were engaging, the story was interesting and we enjoyed the characters we were reading about.
This book has been read multiple times, along with all the others, and we are already in countdown to the next book that we read from this talented author.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an original and interesting story that I enjoyed much more than I expected when I started reading. Although it is predominantly a romance story there is a supernatural element to the story that really adds such a depth to the book. I really connected with the characters and enjoyed the intricacies of them.
The author managed to pack a lot into this book without it feeling like it was rushed or too much. All the elements worked well together and made for a fantastic book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to read more.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did is a really cute story about a girl who receives an orange tree from her grandmother but realizes it has a few problems. Loretta discovers that the orange tree has aphids, an insect that could kill it. Loretta decides since she loves insects that she’s going to keep the aphids, even though they can hurt the tree. Throughout the story, she learns about the aphids and how they can both damage and protect her tree.
I thought this story was a great learning tool for younger children. Lois has a knack for writing great children’s books that teach about different things and keeps it entertaining.
Mary Espinoza, May 2023
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought that the aesthetic was a driving force for the book. It started out well for me but I lost the connection around the mid point of the book. I thought that the plot lost a little of its spark for me. The author’s writing overall was beautiful in the area of description specifically with the aerial acrobatics. I will definitely be interested to read the next book.
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just love these dark mafia romances by this author. In this particular book, we get insight into the Lurussio’s family’s consigliere, Lorenzo. He is a dark, private, intense man, but on the inside, he is more caring then he lets on, but only for Isabella. Isabella is a reporter that is trying to secretly get the scoop on the mafia families of Vegas. However, Lorenzo, as consigliere, he knows all and calls her out when caught in one of their private clubs. The chemistry between the two is instant. In addition, they are both familiar with circumstances because Isabella’s father use to work for the family. Because of the attraction and her father, the Lurussio family offers her a deal to be their reporter and write the stories they want to be published. Isabella takes the job because, well does she really have a choice? It definitely starts as a love-hate relationship that quickly advances to love-love. However, being someone who is trying to spill the family’s secrets, will need to try really hard to gain her trust, but she needs it from him too, the lady’s man. Can the two of them find common ground to do what is best for all families involved? Can they learn to trust each other, even when love is clearly present?
As all the other books in this series, it was a great, quick, sexy read. The author has a great way of just getting to the point – I am not a slow-burn lover and this author never keeps you waiting. Both characters were quite loveable and you can see the growth of love they both portray for each other. I also love that you can see the trust unfold through the story on both sides – it just makes the love story seem more believable. I am not sure if this is the end of the series it seemed like yes, but I know there are more characters that can become important pieces for the family so I hope to continue to read more on the Lurussio family.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in what will be an incredible series. It was filled with paranormal, action, a little romance, secrets that kept me intrigued until the end. This book had everything from action, drama, suspense, it took me on an adventure that didn’t stop and had me wanting to know what happened next. I found this book well written and easy to read. The characters in this book really had me wondering if it was going to work out with them, the way they were so opposite each other but, in the end, it really made for a good friendship and more. An entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. I could not put it down once I had started reading. This is a brilliant book, and I cannot wait for the next.
Three Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a well written story that has a lot of emotion including funny parts. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story come to life on each page. This is a story about three women and a man. A story of a man who just keeps getting hit with disastrous women, one after the other. But what will happen in November and what fate has instored for these characters are something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed how connectable the characters are. They brought laughter and other emotions to the story. They made it easy to read and made it hard to put down. They made the story for me, for sure. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
