The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first read in this series and I really enjoyed it! This book was written so well and the world building was great. It’s not hard to read even though it’s apart of a series. The storyline is soooo good. It sucks you right in and makes you want to read the entire series.
Hit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars
When I say this book is good! From the first chapter I loved it. At times I had to go get a drink of water. She writes it in the way we go back and forth between two POV’s. I love that I can genuinely get to know both of them because of this. The connection between the two characters is just electrifying. A mix of hate, love, and lust with two very strong willed people is something to look forward to turning every page.
Hit on You really does a good job at keeping me on the edge of my seat because it really kept me kinda guessing what was gonna happen next. Was I going to hot and bothered, scared, angry, or left wondering why? The characters are greatly described to the point I really could sit, see, and feel every emotion, every word, and every touch. This is a great piece of work and I would love to see what more great books Ms. May will write.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book three in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery Series. It stands well on it’s own and the author gives tidbits regarding to the first two books. This is a gripping, keep you on the edge of your seat police crime triller novel. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning. The story keeps you guessing as to who is the guilty party. The novel is a fantastic storyline that keeps you hooked until the end!
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The Man In Black is the debut novel by L.R. Liverpool. It is a bit of a gritty thriller with drama, action, adventure, emotion, MM romance, mystery, history, suspense and more. It had a bit of a documentary/memoir-esque feel to it which gave it an extra element of interest, for me.
We follow as Fenimore (Simon) leaves home to become a famous outlaw. His adventures begin and the story takes off. Along the way there is plenty of action, while Fenimore also explores his feeling for one of the members of the outlaw gang. Romance brings its own complications to the situation. But where does the Man In Black fit into it all? You really should read all the intriguing details for yourself to find out about The Man In Black.
Curious to see what L.R. Liverpool does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, L.R. Liverpool!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Upon reading the description of True Colors, I thought it would be good for my 13 year old. I wanted to read it first, to see how it approached the topics outlined. I really enjoyed the story line, and it was relatable to middle school life for a girl. It addresses topics of parent separation, friend betrayal, jealousy, peer pressure, self esteem, first crushes, and more. I liked that the author showed how these things made Landry feel, and the different friendship styles among the girls she hung out with. Each girl had her moment, where she was supportive, or not such a good friend, and how each girl handled it. It made me remember how mean kids can be and how hard the teen years are. The only thing I thought was unrealistic was the financial aspects- Landry makes comments about her mom being tight on money, but then Landry is at the movies or mall every weekend. It was a well written book, and I will be suggested it to my daughter to read.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This delightful children’s book was a fun read with a great message! Our main character, Half-Pint, wants to hurry and go to Pirate School and leave the Poop Deck school behind! However, the new things that this entails are scary and hard to process for Half-Pint but didn’t want to listen to others who told her to be patient. The way the character’s dialogue worked was a little too different, but I understand it was a focused Pirate theme story. Otherwise, I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it for a young reader as it is very whimsical and touches on how difficult changes are even when we want them to happen!
The illustrations are just captivating! I find myself more joyful at the turn of each page to see how the artist brought the story to life.
Absolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dominic was in love with Juliana. When she disappears, he finds himself behind bars and charged with her murder. When he is released. he knows he must get away from Las Vegas and the man determined to make him pay for a crime he didn’t commit.
Whitney has a gift that she isn’t quite sure how to control just yet. When she begins hearing the voice of an insistent woman in her head, she just wants her to go away. But the voice wants Whitney to help a man find closure and provide the answers he has been looking for.
What follows is a story of love, heart break, murder, betrayal, and truths that will change everyone’s lives. Dominic and Whitney are determined to figure out what happened to Juliana, but feelings get muddled along the way. Can they ever be more than people who worked together to solve a crime? Or is their connection fragile due secrets they don’t even know about?
This was an interesting book that I enjoyed reading. I figured out the secret pretty early on…but didn’t know how it would come out. The story has a paranormal element that I found entertaining. Dominics anger was felt coming off of the pages…as was Whitneys determination to prove she was who she said she was! The back and forth was entertaining while the “bedroom” scenes were H-O-T! Overall, a good book.
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Half-Pint is an adorable little piggy who has some trouble deciding where to stay. First, she lived on the Poop Deck, where there were diapers and she had to take naps. She dreamed of one day being like her older siblings and going to Pirate School. This book has a nice lesson about being patient, and also careful about what you ask for. It also includes vibrant illustrations that add details to the words of the story. Kids would enjoy reading about Half-Pint and her journey to begin Pirate School.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book brought out all kinds of emotions for me! I have never been so curious, angry, supportive and so invested in a plot like this before! It was a rollercoaster from the start! A real page turner, you needed to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I could not put this book down till I finished it! A very captivating mystery thriller that kept you on the edge of your seat and wanting more! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a different mystery book that has you feeling for the characters and cheering them on to reach their ultimate goal! I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author soon!
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram. This book was so good. I devoured in 2 nights. Its the story of Jacklyn Stone who has just lost her husband of 37 years. She is still reeling from his death and struggling to get her life back on track. She has a business that is struggling to keep a float and her finances are not adding up. Learning that her husband has given a huge portion of their nest egg to their son for a business she knew nothing about shakes her even more. Her daughter is concerned but has her own life and isn’t as concerned as their son Dusty who eventually talks her into signing a power of attorney to him. He talks her into going to a “lodge” for some rest and relaxation and she finally gives in. She does not want to go but decides maybe it will do her good. When she gets there she realizes that its a psychiatric ward and she can’t leave until they release her. While trying to find out if her kids knew about this or were tricked as well she decides the only way to get out of this horrible place is to escape. Will she be able to get out and survive? Read this fast paced thriller to find out!
Hit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy Mafia romances! This was my first taste of Russian Mafia romance. Hit on You was good. I enjoyed it enough that I didn’t want to put it down. I’ve read this author before and she did not disappoint with this one. This author is creative and thorough so you know everything that’s going on. Not one to confuse because info is overlooked. She sucks the reader in. gets you invested in her characters. Which is what makes her good at her craft.
Luke and Nikolai are two people from different walks of life who happen to cross paths. However that path now has them forever connected, even if Luke isn’t aware. She runs away from Nikolai a year earlier when he uses the “L” word. Little did she know he knew where she was and kept tabs on her ever since. And when she becomes a witness to an unexpected incident gives him the opportunity to swoop back in.
Nikolai is a made man in his Seattle family. Doing everything his uncle asks of him, while his cousin does what he wants. But despite all that his wants for the one who got away never cease. It’s when protection is needed, does he jump on the opportunity to come back into her life. Protection that he may need to give against someone of his very own. He just doesn’t know who.
Who would be that careless? And is it connected to his sister’s death? Those are the questions he needs to answer.
Love, lust, anger, stubbornness, happiness, sadness, devastation this book has it all. I wanted to read more about these characters, I didn’t want it to end.
Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)
I was surprised by how much happened in this book. Life in New Orleans would be interesting enough, but then Selma heads to Africa to help out with medical care and there isn’t a dull moment for her. Definitely kept my nose in the book to find out what happens.
Hunter and Selma have known each other for a long time. Started as co-workers and that grew to a very close and deep friendship and somewhere along the way it shifted again.
I really liked being able to relate age wise to both Hunter and Selma. Life is so different when you’re close to 50 than what it was at 25 and I’m sure falling in love with someone is even more different.
I think this is going to be a great series to keep up with and I’m looking forward to see what happens next.
The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery is the first book in The Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery Series. This is a cozy mystery set in the small town of Snowflake Valley. Delilah is new to town and has always dreamed of moving to Snowflake Valley, a picturesque small town. When she opens her muffin shop, she hears stories about the bakery that used to be where her shop is located. Are the rumors true?
Delilah is smart and savvy with a heart of gold. She wants to fit in and make a place for herself in her new community. So, with her new friend and employee, she discovers the story of the previous business and some other odd happenings centered around her new shop.
I enjoyed this light read. It read quickly and filled a cold afternoon. There are a lot of quirky characters in this small town, and it will be interesting to see how they become more involved in future books. I’m glad I picked this book up and will keep an eye out for more from this author.
Hit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book pulled me in right from the get go and I couldn’t put it down even once. Luke is a character I think a lot of people can relate with and she definitely is a character people will remember. Nikolai is a wonderful match for Luke and they definitely have a chemistry that leaps off the pages. There’s romance, suspense and much more to love about this story. I found myself trying to read slower just to make it last longer but unfortunately I was too excited to read the next page. It’s well written and has great characters. Five stars all the way and highly recommended.
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was fun, I had my two nieces take turns reading it out loud. They each thought it was a fun and educational. They both found it easy to read their ages are 10 and 8. Reading this together made them both want to learn about different kinds of bees so it truly turned into a wonderful learning adventure also. My favorite part is the activity in the back it elevated the learning and I love getting to have fun and teach my nieces new things. Five stars all the way and highly recommend.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When your child(ren) turn against you and do what they think is in your best interest. What a page turner this one turned out to be.
When Dusty and Rose con their mother Jacklyn into going to a facility under false pretenses Jacklyn’s will to live and come out of all the grief she’s been under wins out.
Jacklyn puts herself in some rough situations in what turns out to be a secure psychiatric facility in order to get back to her home and cut her children off. She does it with grit and determination and comes out a survivor. She takes her life back and then some!
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book from Susan Specht Oram, but it definitely won’t be my last! I was blown away by this psychological thriller and couldn’t keep myself from the edge of my seat. I caught myself with a gaping mouth at different points in the story. Jacklyn lost her husband and is trying to deal with her grief but some of it is (understandably) getting over on her. She starts losing focus with her business and her kids nudge her in the direction of a short retreat. Jacklyn hopes that the vacation will help her through her multitude of feelings, but later finds out that this isn’t a temporary absence at all…it’s a psychiatric facility! There are so many emotions throughout this book, and I can’t sing praises enough to this author. I highly recommend picking up Shore Lodge and giving it a whirl. I am very excited to get started on the next book by Susan to get more of her brilliant storytelling!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored this book. I have read many steamy books lately, and this was the perfect palette cleanser I didn’t know I needed. This was my first book to read by the authors and when I finished I immediately went and looked for more. It is a small-town mystery with a strong female lead, gossipy old ladies, and what turns out to be good friends. Definitely recommend this one to others.
StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
ST and Sheri spend most of this book apart, and complete strangers as a matter of fact. But a dropped book leads to their time together being very explosive.
The story begins with StoryTeller as a club Prospect, almost a year in. He weaves a beautiful tale out of a much less pretty scenario and thus, you are introduced to the reason for his club name. After a very upsetting situation, he takes to the road as a nomad. He sees himself perfect for the position and has no ties except to his club – just the way he likes it.
Sheri considers herself a boring, unattractive, wallflower that no one ever has interest in. To be fair, a less than desirable home life holds a very large part of her self deprecating view, but she has learned to survive by staying quiet and uninvolved. She takes a leap to do something fun for herself, and ends up in a terrible situation.
The two of them are drawn together by a book, and while it may seem a bit farfetched, it was a lot of fun to watch the author weave the tale that brings ST and Sheri together. Many moments are loaded with emotion and strain. However, ST and Sheri seem to read each other and their situation well and mesh, becoming heroes when neither considered themselves as one. Fate seems to keep pulling the two of them together. Will they follow, or run away?
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bees in Loretta’s bonnet Is a nice and cute quick read for you and your family. You learn a Little about the Leafcutter bees. Which I didn’t know was a different kind of bee. I love all bees , they are super important and I’m excited to try the little project at the end to make a home for the bees. I like that the author Lois Wickstrom uses different styles when Illustrating.
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bees in Loretta’s bonnet Is a nice and cute quick read for you and your family. You learn a Little about the Leafcutter bees. Which I didn’t know was a different kind of bee. I love all bees , they are super important and I’m excited to try the little project at the end to make a home for the bees. I like that the author Lois Wickstrom uses different styles when Illustrating.
A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author did a great job creating interesting characters and weaving their story together in a way that was funny and unpredictable. I enjoyed how it spoke to the reader at some points. I loved how the characters were relatable and quirky; it was nice to see them not get hung up on their differences, but to recognize how that gave them added strengths.
Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read by this author but the synopsis of the book had me interested in picking it up. Was not disappointed at all! The book delivered everything it suggested. I was sucked into the experience and unable to put the book down. I devoured this read in one setting. I will absolutely be picking up more books written by Glenn Maynard.
A basis in this story focuses on the idea that a killer gene can be passed down through the generations. It follows our main character Troy who loses control and sets on a path to do unto others as they have done to him. His ex-girlfriend, Veronica, is pregnant. She learns about this killer gene found in his family history and makes it a priority to protect their baby. These characters are well written making it easy to connect with them throughout the story. How will the story end for Troy, Veronica, and their baby?
Talisman by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rowan has a lot on his plate: security firm by day (truly a cover) but under it all a Warrior fighting against a curse that was placed against his family by the Morrigan.
If Rowan can’t find his Talisman (also known as a protector) by his 28th birthday he’s left either becoming a slave to the Morrigan or a rogue warrior fighting for his life… and his 28th birthday is quickly approaching.
Alyssa is an overwhelmed graduate student trying to get through her dissertation on Celtic history. She’s recently had multiple losses including her fiancée just walking out on her and she’s at her wits end, only to come across footprints around her house suggesting she has a intended burgler or stalker. Knowing she needs a security firm she reaches out to Rowans firm but gets so much more than she bargains for… it turns out these two are the answers to one another’s needs and they didn’t even know it.
Rowan discovers secrets hidden from Alyssa and he also discovers who Alyssa is to him. Can Alyssa take on the role necessary to help break the curse of the Morrigan?
This story is full of adult themes and is spicy 50 shades meets Paranormal themes. There is a ton of dialog in some sections but if you can be patient it absolutely enriches the story but can go on in excess at times. This series will be intense and I’m intrigued for more.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 star read
I really tried to get into this book, the premise was good and I felt like it had a lot of potential but it me it just kind of fell flat. I didn’t enjoy the multiple point of views and the time hopping. Or or felt like time hopping to me. To me the events felt disjointed, and it was hard for me to connect with the story and stay interested. I really wanted to like this one because it sounded so interesting but I just couldn’t. The writing was well done though, I enjoyed the writing and when I wasn’t confused with the time hopping I was easily immersed.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this mystery/thriller!! Jacklyn Stone is struggling after her husband dies suddenly. When her children suggest she go away for a few days to work on her grief, she goes. She soon discovers that even your children will do evil things for money.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a hard book to read….but it was so incredibly well written!!
Jacklyn Stone has recently lost her husband. Of course, she’s absolutely heartbroken and things are happening that shouldn’t. The bank accounts aren’t exactly up to par, she’s had a fender bender, misplaced her keys….all these things could be due to grief, or is it something more?
Dusty Stone is a contractor and the son of Jacklyn. He’s recently convinced his mom to give him power of attorney over her health and finances. He’s concerned that she’s really losing it and needs help beyond what he or his sister Rose could provide.
Rose Stone is a hard-working single mother doing everything she can to provide for her son. She’s not been the most attentive to her mother but agrees with Dusty’s assessment to have their mom go to Shore Lodge for a short period of time to get some rest.
The situations that take place once Jacklyn becomes a resident of Shore Lodge are disturbing at best and horrifying at their worst. I really felt for Jacklyn in her grief and could see through several of these situations and why she reacted the way that she did.
This is my first experience reading a book by Susan Specht Oram but hopefully not my last. I’ll be looking for more books as I found this one very intriguing and well written!
Hit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Luke Williams is a force to be reckoned with. She knows what she wants and doesn’t let anyone or anything get in her way. When she witnesses something she shouldn’t have, she needs protection, and in walks a man she walked away from a year prior. She needed to keep her heart and her resolve safe but that may just start crumbling down with him back in her life.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shore Lodge made me aware of a fear I never knew I had. When Jacklyn’s husband of 37 years dies and she discovers he was keeping some heavy secrets from her she’s in shock and falls into depression. Luckily she has her son who stepped up and has started to help her get back on track with all of the things she’s been forgetful about. Even signing over power of attorney to him to make sure she’s taken care of should anything happen. Next thing she knows, she’s been admitted to Shore Lodge and has no contact with anyone in the outside world while her son runs amuck with her life and finances.
This was quite the thriller and kept my blood boiling the whole way through, every time things seem to finally go her way, we’re pulled sideways.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jackyln loses her husband of 37 years on their anniversary which is shattering all by itself. Deep into her grief she finds evidence of decisions and actions he made that make the loss more intense as he was keeping secrets from her.
As she spirals into grief she starts to make mistakes with bills. Her son recommends she signs a power of attorney seemingly to take some stress off her and to allow him to help.
When he initially reccomends a few days away somewhere peaceful she agrees but when she arrives she knows something isn’t right. This isn’t a weekend getaway at all!
There starts Jacklyns fight to regain her independence and get home to her beloved dog buddy.
This is a great book and the amount of anger I felt for this character was more intense than I was expecting and I was entranced from word 1.
Enjoy the read!
