Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery: A scientific method book by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, teaching children science in a fun and approachable way. The story was engaging with lovely illustrations to accompany it. Highly recommended for parents and children to enjoy!
The Rebirth: Part One by Crystal Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Crystal Dawn’s “The Rebirth Part 1” introduces readers to an intriguing new/old world of Atlantis. This is the first book of the Planet Amazon series. The book kicks off with a fresh and captivating premise involving an isolated society of strong. This is a new author for me but I enjoyed this book a lot. With well-developed characters, action, Romance, drama,and with the just right amount of steam scenes just had to know more of what happens in the rest of the books i cant wait to finish reading them 🥰
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first time Lucy meets her childhood crush (you know…the one we all had growing up) at the airport, she isn’t sure what do or say. Fast forward, Lucy is grown up now and she and her sister are going do a music video with Falling Down…and her longtime crush, Jesse Kingston. Jesse feels the spark roar to life when Lucy is in the room. He wants just one weekend with her…but will that be enough?
What ensues is a story of following your dream…and your heart. It is a reminder of what you can accomplish when you have the support of everyone around you. I loved the characters and found myself unable to put it down. It was funny, romantic, and H-O-T hot! Anne Mercier is an author I have read in the past and they have blown me away again with this story! Can’t wait to see what happens next.
The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is not my usual read, but I thought I’d try something different since the book description sounded intriguing. A lot of people skip the prologues of stories, but I started there, and I was hooked. Honestly, I can’t tell you what exactly grabbed me, but I was sucked into story and lost several hours watching it play out like a movie in my head.
I enjoyed the switches in time periods, getting glimpses of Gaelan’s past as he’s also navigating the present. It takes talent to be able to switch between past and present and not make it feel jarring to the reader.
The worldbuilding is excellent without being excessive, and the characters were interesting.
This story is a mix of Gaslamp fiction, mythology, alchemy, and science, and would be a good read for people who love that type of blended fantasy.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella. This is such a cute read for kids around 3 to 9 or so. My 6 year old nephew loved it. Its the story of a boy and a dog and when the dog scratches his ear the boy thinks he has fleas. He looks the dog over but can’t find any flea but he still believes he has them. The boy and his friends come up with all kinds of remedies for the fleas and they try them on poor Shank the dog. They have doused this dog in all kinds of potions and nothing works. Its a great lesson of sometimes there is nothing when you think there is. The whole neighborhood came together to try to help Shank the dog even when he didn’t really need their help. Finally giving up they take Shank to the Vet who confirms there is no flea! Such a fun book for all the kids in your life!
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Falling Down (Rockstar, Book 1)
Lucy’s life was one that so many dreamed of as a kid. To meet your favorite musician and to make it big in Hollywood. She achieved both by her early/mid 20’s, she could never have thought the two would cross over.
Jesse the lead singer of Falling Down has been on top for a long time. Had his share of women and lots of success. He goes in with his band to shoot a video and walks away with so much more.
This was a nice break from the books where they don’t communicate and end up breaking up for some stupid reason that could have been avoided if they had just spoken with one another.
The intimate scenes were worth reading slowly so I didn’t miss a word. I also developed some shower envy for Jesse’s shower.
I’m fully invested with these characters and plan on working my way through the series as quickly as I can.
The Rebirth: Part One by Crystal Dawn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Rebirth Part 1 is the first book in the Planet Amazon Series. The story follows Andrea Stanton, an Army Colonel from planet Earth. Andrea wakes up on Planet Amazon after going through a doorway from Earth. She is immediately pulled into this new world she has worked hard to find. Andrea soon discovers that life on this planet is much different than life on Earth. She is immediately thrust into a new life as she finds herself drawn to two slaves. Andrea wants to do whatever she can to give these people a better life. This story has a very interesting premise. The world-building is good. There are a lot of action sequences and you get to see the author’s original spin on this world. While the characters seemed likable enough it was difficult to connect to them. I also felt that the story would have benefited from more detail and more show than tell. All and this was a good read. If the Sci-Fi/Romance genre is one you like, then you will enjoy this story.
No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story that younger kids will enjoy. It helps teach problem solving and how not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes an itch is just an itch. This book is beautifully illustrated and the storyline well thought out.
El Diablo: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series and loved the independent, tough, stubborn, determined Jessica Watts. Once again I was hooked by this gripping and fast paced story which had plenty of suspense and drama. Amateur detective Jessica investigates following a teenagers confession about a youth pastor’s disturbing behaviour towards her. Jessica soon finds herself trapped in a twisted psychopath’s brutal game of cat-and-mouse. Not only is Jessica following her suspect through the unforgiving desert but she’s also battling her own demons. However, if Jessica is to defeat the monster she’s perusing then she has to embrace her ruthless side. I literally could not put this book down! Once again the characters and setting came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. Whilst the plot twists and turns kept me impatiently turning the pages unsure of the story’s outcome. I definitely recommend picking up this book and the previous one!!
Shadowed Storm by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will have you diving into the shark infested waters as well as protecting our environment. Alexis and Seb make a great team. Seb an ex seal and Alexis an oceanographer. Both love water and both enter into a fight for their lives as well as our ocean life. WOW this story is fast paced and loaded with many twists. Which makes for a great suspense thriller. The characters have a strong will, that’s for sure. The author, although new to me, has me wanting to read so much more from her. Her story holds an emotional rollercoaster as well. Great read for those who enjoy diving and underwater activities. I really enjoyed reading this series and can’t wait to read more. Well Done!
Review@cinful
Malice by Melissa Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Malice whose real name is Corey. He doesn’t mean to be a hero but that’s exactly what he is. Bonnie’s ex boyfriend doesn’t want to give up. Goes as far to attempt to kidnap Bonnie. Then that’s when Malice intervenes. I highly recommend this book. It’s such a fast and easy read.
Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the King Brothers Series. I enjoyed this first book and was looking forward to meeting the next King Brother and I was not disappointed.
In this book we meet Kellen. He is your typical bad boy, always having a eye for the lady and finding trouble whenever he goes. Wanting to escape his last mistake he takes a 3 day break and while he’s away he meets a stunning woman who is up for some fun, no questions asked or names given. Kellen thinks he’s won the jackpot but how wrong he was when Fate plays her hand.
Salem was captivated by Kellen and she thought if she kept things anonymous then she would keep herself safe. After their few days together she believed that would be the last she would see or hear of him but how wrong she was.
When she is hired to help clean up the reputation or a certain King Brother she finds herself face to face with Kellen all over again.
Now she has a choice does she get her revenge or does she give into the attraction that they shared?
This is a enemies to lovers romance. I loved how different they were but also how Salem was prepared to put Kellen in his place when he needed it. Could Salem be just want this bad boy needs to change his ways?
Shadowed Storm by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another wonderful story in this series. I honestly could not wait for this one. We saw the two MC in Finlay’s book and I wondered if something would happen between them. Now I know! This one is filled with action, suspense and drama with of course the romance between these two. The thrills really ramped up the last couple chapters and I kept looking at the page number vs how much story was left. I was nervous it would end badly or a cliffy but nope it was done well.
I love Alexis! Her job is intriguing and she seems unstoppable. I was hoping the ending would have her going back to Holt’s daughter since she idolized her so much. I feel this gal can do anything in any situation. Seb is a lucky guy and I see he realizes it as the story moves along. There are numerous other characters that pop in and out that add a lot to the story and help it get moved along. Some I wonder about others are gone as soon as I turn the page.
Hopefully there will be at least one more in this series.
Word Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Joe was excited to learn how to read. But when he went to school, his teacher didn’t teach him to read. So Joe left in search of someone to teach him how to read. In the end, Joe was reminded that sometimes we have to slow down and learn patience.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
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Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kellen was expecting to spend the weekend away from work, and maybe find a woman to spend it with. Salem was enjoying the last days of her own vacay, when Kellen sets his eyes on her. Things seem to be going well, until Kellen ghosts Salem. Things really get interesting when Kellen has to work with a “PR fixer” when a former coworker claims he sexually harassed her. That fixer is Salem. A great, fast read that has you hoping for the happily ever after. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, and cannot wait for the next one!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
The Taste of Treachery by Emily Bybee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Taste of Treachery by Emily Bybee was a fantastic romantic, military, suspense thriller, and thrill it did. Harper studied computer science which makes her a uniquely qualified candidate to handle a situation she finds her self in. When her brother disappears and no one is doing anything about it due to his past and mental health history she finds it’s up to herself and her brothers best friend to unravel this government conspiracy she suspects is going on. It’s full of twists, turns, manipulation, mystery, high stakes, and I couldn’t put it down.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Soul Sacrifice had an incredibly interesting sounding premise. I mean living off souls, half souls, what? This romantic, dystopian tale starts with Ebony, who is trying to find her soul mate with the other half of her soul, so she hires Lark to find it. Definitely thought provoking when considering different worlds. The characters were well written, complex, and perfect for the storyline. Overall this was a good read.
Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the London Detective Agency. I did not read book 1 (but will be next) so there are a few things I feel like I’m missing as far as background but that doesn’t in any way change the flow of the story. You can read it out of order and still love this book! Tessa is a bakery owner who doesn’t expect to be thrust into the limelight the way she is with her new bakery and has to go to James for help when an over zealous stalker will not stop. For his part he tries to follow his don’t date clients rule but, well he fails. This book is funny, well written, and a great story. Like I said before I’ll be going to the first in the series next!
An Ember of Hope: War of Destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
An Ember of Hope (War of Destiny Series) by Theresa Van Spankeren
An Ember of Hope i( War of Destiny Series) is a wonderfully written Paranormal story that will have you turning the pages till the end. I’ve read several books by this author and this one may be my favorite yet. This is a story of the struggles and trauma one might have after imprisonment and the betrayal you feel. Matthew is struggling to move forward and having serious issues with trust and not knowing who he can and can’t trust. Those he thought he could turns out he can’t. He’s trying to find himself and in the process gets a new persona but what will happen when it’s threatened? I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend reading it to find out what happens next? I can’t wait for more from this Author.
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dark is the Wood is a Young Adult, Dystopian, Romantasy novel with Witches, Dragons, and Dragonborn galore. Gillian, in desperation, to save her brother, ventures into the Shadowlands to hopefully find a cure for a sickness that is plaguing her people. It also had similarities to some older fairy tales like Red Riding Hood, a little Beauty and the Beast. Some tropes that I thought fit were definitely an enemies to lovers, found family, and forbidden love. I read a lot of fantasy and I can attest that sometimes it can be wordy, or hard to follow, but that wasn’t the case here. It was confident, well worded, immersive writing, with wonderful character development throughout. Enjoyed reading.
Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance by Erin Brockus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hope Collins is stuck in a rut, but when she is passed over for a promotion which should have been hers, her sister Sara decides to take Hope’s future in her hands. So when Hope confronts her boss and quits she is plunged into a world of darkness but Sara has the answer.
So when Sara announces that Hope has won a raffle and it’s a beach resort in the Virgin Islands Hope is not quite sure it’s legit until she speaks to the owner Steve and it seems above board. So Hope packs up her life and makes her way to her new business Half Moon Bay Resort.
Alex Monroe is trying to regain his life back from his past, being the Divemaster at New Moon Bay Resort has calmed him but when his boss decides to retire and raffle the resort Alex thinks he has gone mad, so when the new owner is about to arrive they discover Steve can’t stick around and vanishes leaving him and Pattie to welcome Hope. U Pom seeing Hope something stirs in Alex that he thought had gone away so as they continue to become friends, can they resist the attraction and chemistry or will they delve straight in.
This is the first book in this series and what a book, the main characters are wonderful and Alex and Hope’s chemistry jumps off the page with each turn.
I loved the sassy nature of Hope and her determination to make the resort a success but the internal thoughts that she was having regarding Alex kept you on your toes. Alex’s character although strong and Alpha has a vulnerability which I love in alpha characters which is lovely to read and as you gone he become more beautiful inside and out.
The secondary character make this book a joy to read and you feel at times as being a part of this wonderful family the author has created.
I definitely can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the author takes us in the relationship of Alex and Hope.
Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kellen King is on a spiral in his life since his brother Theo died, but with his brother at the top King Industries where he should be he is angry with the world. When he summoned to Matthias office and was lectured about his behaviour he decides to shut up shop and get away for a long weekend in the Caribbean. Once he arrives while dining in the restaurant of his hotel he spots her, the most intriguing woman sitting on her own, so Kellen being the charmer tries to pursued this stunning lady to have a drink with him.
Salem is just ending her trip away, needing to decompress she runs into a stunningly handsome man who asks her for a drink, although this not her usual style she throws caution to the wind and they spend an incredible night together, both not wanting it to end she arranges to stay a little longer and share his villa only to find that during the day he has vanished, the only problem was the only stipulation was that the were nameless.
Arriving back into the states, Salem is hired as a fixer for a top company as one of there VP’s has been caught in a sexually harassment and needs to regain his reputation but when Salem walks in sees her dream nameless man her mind goes wild.
This is the second book in the series and although there are story arc’s which intercept you can read this book as a stand alone book. The characters are brilliantly written and they jump off the page ,you instantly engage with them and route for them.
Although Kellen is not a great person you get to see the person as the story goes on and understand why he acts and says what he does, to also see the vulnerability in him when he is with Dalem is just lovely and breaks your heart.
Salem’s character although determine and strong also has the vulnerability underlining her and with the two of them just connecting is wonderful to read. I have warn you the is a cliffhanger at the end and can’t wait to see what happens there.
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved Falling Down!! The author sucked me in immediately with the way the book was written. What are the chances the guy you’ve been lusting over is the guy you met at the airport as well? This book to me is the gift that keeps on giving. Now it’s your turn to find out.
Luci is determined and driven but stuck in a job she doesn’t love. With a chance to vent to get things off her chest, Sera has no reason not to love. Well maybe the disconnect being she’s being forced and needs to hear both. She is her best friend after all. Which means she also knows what Falling Down’s lead singer Jesse does to Luci. What happens when they end up in the same room?
She’s here! Jesse wants his one who got away. There’s more to her than being a hot actress. He knows they are connected, he just needs to convince her of that very thing. Working together seemed the opportune time. However when she makes an announcement, how will it impact what he wants?
Career changes can be difficult. New potential relationships could be causality, well he needs to convince her otherwise first.
Will they weather the storm?
Does he finally get the girl?
All that and so so so so much more during this wonderful book.
If you like fun rockstar romantic comedies, this is definitely the book for you!!
Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who knew keeping it anonymous could go so wrong and so right. I love this series by K.M. Scott and can’t believe it’s been a year already since book one. Dual perspectives of Kellen and Salem.
Since the loss of his younger brother Theo, Kellen has been on a war path of his own destruction until it finally catches him in more ways than one. Salem is a public relations firm owner with her sister and when she is on her last night of vacation a stranger walk in and sweeps it off her feet and into a dream land. Suddenly reality smacks Kellen down with a mighty force, come back now and handle his mess with a hook up, Gina, or lose everything until he decides to finally man up and be an adult and “behave”. With no choice he must return to the city. The fixer his brother hires comes in and shock hits harder when it is none other than his mystery woman from the island. No names. No truths. But now everything comes out and the twenty-four-hour dream seems a lost memory plagued with reality.
Can Salem achieve the unthinkable? Will Kellen succeed at changing his image? How will he get the girl without losing everything? I loved the first book, but this one is an entirely other beast. Wild and free are two things Salem has never allowed herself to be until that night with a stranger on the islands and now she must fight a war between herself and her professionalism. I cannot wait to read more about the King brothers.
Malice by Melissa Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Malice is running errands for his club when he goes to a diner for dinner where he meets Bonnie, whose ex can’t seem to understand they are no longer a couple. Malice sees a man who is only going to escalate, he decides to protect Bonnie. Malice doesn’t expect anything to come of befriending Bonnie, but an undeniable chemistry builds between them and they find themselves falling for one another. Can they find their happiness or will Bonnie’s ex succeed in taking Bonnie back?
New to me author, I will definitely be checking out more in this series. I was pulled right in with this story and couldn’t put the book down. I am so curious about some of the other characters, really enjoyed Bonnie and Malice together.
Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
This is a sweet, second chance romance that involves a bit of a love triangle. This is geared more towards young adults but us more seasoned folks can find some moments of enjoyment in this as well. My favorite part is the hockey aspect, as I’m a huge fan and love reading stories about hockey players.
An enjoyable read for a quiet day!
Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Blood and ravens by A.D. Brazeau and I was truly pulled into and enjoyed this paranormal story. I found this story to be well written and showed off the writers knack to showing the author’s writing skills and attention to very intricate details…. which really made the story come to life on every page. I also enjoyed how A.D. made the characters have a very creative feel and that kept me engaged throughout the book. I found this to be a fast paced story that was full of action and even some romance here and there. Greer and Theron are the main characters and I felt like they had great chemistry and growth. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two. I really thought that they were really great characters that made the story entertaining. I found that this was story that was hard to put down. I’m not always too much into paranormal books but this great paranormal story that took me on an unexpected adventure that had me coming back for more! I truly recommend this book..I don’t think that you will be disappointed!!
Mary Espinoza, August 2024
The Rebirth: Part One by Crystal Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Rebirth Part 1 (Planet Amazon Series) by Crystal Dawn. This was a good sci-fi with danger, romance and mysteries. Its the story of Andrea who is a researcher from Earth and when she finds a door to another portal she enters and realizes she may be stuck here forever. Trying to navigate her way in this new world she is not sure she made the right decision but nothing she can do about it now. While she is still getting her footing she meets to hunky men and she feels a instant attraction kinda like fated mates. She uses her training to fight for this new world she is in and she gives it all she has but will it be enough. There is a Medieval Society that are fighting wars that seem to never end. While she was in her previous world she was around 40 years old and in this new world she seems to age in reverse. Will she be able to learn to live, fight and love in this new world that she has found herself in. Read this fast paced fantasy, sci-fi to find out!
Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Book 2) by Stephanie R Caffrey. This is James and Tessa’s story and it can be read as a standalone but I always recommend reading them in order. Tessa has just opened a bakery and has become very successful overnight and thinks things are going quite well. Someone begins to send her threatening letter and photos she realizes she has a stalker and is very concerned. Tessa decides that she needs to hire James a Private Investigator and his crew to help her find who is stalking her. The threats get more serious and even include photos where someone has been looking in her windows. There is a growing attraction between James & Tessa but James has sworn off not dating his clients. Will they find the stalker before he actually hurts Tessa and will James & Tessa make a go at a relationship. Read this fun mysterious romance to find out!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries-Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins. I love this series and say I love each book more than the last. This one finds Emma & Jeremy helping her old flame Tony and his pregnant wife Peggy. Peggy’s brother has been murdered and she is next on the list. Emma & Jeremy actually take on the role of other people to investigate the murder before another murder occurs. Emma is a different kind of women with it being in the 1800s Chicago and she is the lead PI, Jeremy is her boyfriend and he follows her lead. They uncover all kinds of unsavory things as they investigate this murder and put themselves in all kinds of danger. Fighting all kinds of dangerous criminals Emma is a woman beyond her time. This book is such a fun young adult mystery that will keep you turning pages until you are finished. You don’t have to read these in order but I always recommend doing so to better understand the characters and story.
