Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an intense read. I went through a wave of different emotions while reading this. The author’s attention to detail is amazing. The characters were relatable. I saw myself in this book at times. I highly recommend this book. I will be reading the first book in this series.
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great children’s book that I loved reading to my daughter as much as she loved hearing it. I can’t go without saying that the illustrations were amazing and initially a huge part of why I chose the book. That aside, the story was written really well and flowed nicely.I always love a children’s book that rhymes. I enjoyed the pages after the story with word searches and a focus on creativity. Plus, as a cat lover I loved seeing pictures of Lucas and Nemo.
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fascinating story! This is the beginning of a new series. Jasper finds that she has supernatural powers and goes to Manhattan where no one knows her. Unfortunately, she is kidnapped by the Order of Vespers, a league of assassins. The story is full of drama, action, intense suspense and a bit of mystery. I love the characters. The author wrote them full of teen angst and just how they would be seen. The plot had a couple choppy spots but it flowed so smooth. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. That ending…..Loved it! I’m hooked…have been since the beginning. An eagerly awaiting fan.
Dia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This is the most intense of the series. Dia is amazing strong. Trying to survive and hide to keep her family safe. The drama, action, romance ( even a bit of steam) keep it a definite page-turner. We have paranormal in the story. I loved how Dia is really trying to make a better world for the swans. An amazing the story. I found the writing superb. The characters were incredible. The descriptions of the locations were divine. This has been a must read series. I’m looking forward to reading the next.
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As the title suggests this is a book of poetry about life, love and challenges we face every day. This is the third poetry book written by Lily but the first I have read. I am looking forward to exploring some of her other work.
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry is a collection of colourful and lyrical poems will make you reflect and ponder and explore moods and emotions. Lily has the ability to make the words dance and speak to you. Written in simplistic style it is an easy and short read.
There is something that will resonate with whoever reads Lily’s work. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to see this. My family are big fans of Jake, The Growling Dog. Now we get Lucas, The Spy Cat. Lucas is a beautiful Black Cat that goes out prowling at night. His owners want to know what he’s doing so they hook up a spy cam to his collar. What do they learn? You’ll have to read it to find out. This author writes such an entertaining and informative story. The character is always fun. The pictures are bright and colorful. The text is in little bits so to not overwhelm readers. It’s a perfect storytime book. There are exciting learning activities and information at the end. What a wonderful addition this will be to our collection. I recommend you pick up a copy to add your collection. Well-done author.
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lucas the Spy Cat made myself and my son smile and reminisce when I read it my grandsons. My son had a cat that would go and traverse the neighbourhood. Imagine my sons surprise when he popped out of a drain near our local shopping centre. Anyway, I imagine him being a spy cat now the same as Luca.
The art work is delightful and I loved the cover with Luca and his glasses.
This fun feelgood children’s book is aimed at very young to 12 years old will not only fill kids with joy but adults alike with the antics these colourful characters get up to.
Enjoy the adventures.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Veil is a Christian biblical fiction retelling that is full of spirit and faith. This short story is around the time when Jesus was crucified on the cross. It is about a young 13-year-old teenage boy who becomes a man. He is about to start training with a priest inside the Jewish Tabernacle and together the witness a sacred moment in time what is believed to be the tearing of the Veil in the holy temple.
Wanda’s passion shines through as she invites the reader to reflect upon their own lives, prayers, and to repent. Which is not everyone’s cup of tea. Although I have my own beliefs many who share this faith, I am sure will enjoy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The story was cute and the characters were likable. The author tried to make their own world by borrowing from the real world, in a way that helped it feel familiar. I hope to get to know more about Gomez and Taylor in later storylines. I’m interested for the future books (if any are to come) to get into the power structure of the different supernatural communities and how they work together.
Wen is her own biggest obstacle, but aren’t we all at one point or another?
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63102322-better-gnomes-gardens” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Better Gnomes and Gardens is a magical book. I loved Bob, the main character, because of his optimism and how he interacts with the residents of Mysty Haven. When Bob gets fired from his job at the Weekender he is presented with a job from a local to find his missing gnome. Bob discovers more than he bargained for while trying to solve the case. This book is suitable for all ages and has good morals. I can’t wait to read the next book since it was left on a cliffhanger. Don’t worry the mystery of the missing gnome is solved and has a happy ending!
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Friends with Benies is an enjoyable, sweet, short read. Wednesday is a feisty techno witch, who happens to be named after the Adams Family due to her parent’s sense of humor. She has been best friends with Ryker since they were young and decides that she wants additional benefits from her friend. They can’t be together due to the complications of Ryker being a Panda shifter and having a mate that will be with him for life. The world-building didn’t really seem to be there but this is the seventh book in the series. It’s still a fun, sexy, short read.
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adrianna is a doctor in the Vegas strip, hired specifically to be at the beck and call of the Larussio crime family. While she also serves as the doctor to visitors of their hotel, her contract pays her extremely well and includes a glitzy apartment to keep the mafia family healthy. She has her reasons for taking this job, and the salary and amenities are strictly a bonus until she accomplishes what she came to do.
Salvatore Larussio is about to become the new Don to the family after his cousin stepped down from the position. As Great Uncle ages, he is preparing to retire very soon and hand the reins over to Sal. Sal was formerly an enforcer in their mafia family and is well known for his ruthlessness matching his cold demeanor. In reality, Sal has far more fears than anyone would ever realize. Being in charge meant everyone and their safety was his responsibility, now. It meant he could no longer enforce the punishments on their enemies, he could only make the call to do so. He lives in fear for his family and himself and has no time for love or romance.
However, Adrianna has caught his eye and he cannot help but recognize the pull he feels for her. He thinks of her constantly, even though any time they speak her distaste for him is evident. Will Sal take a shot at love? Will Adrianna’s secret and intentions ruin anything that might develop?
This is a fast paced read, very well written, draws a beautiful picture of their surroundings and has you rooting for Sal and Adrianna to be together in spite of everything. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I really liked this storyline, I was pulled right in.
Pippa is trying to move on from an abusive ex. She decides to go to a Halloween party with a friend, this is where she meets Bryce and they have a very intimate evening that leaves Pippa with a surprise. We jump ahead a couple of years, He comes back into Pippa’s life and discovers her secret. She is also dealing with her past, will Bryze be able to keep her safe?
Overall this was a really great read. All of the characters added a great element to the story. The author’s writing pulls you right in, I look forward to reading more from her. If you’re looking for a great read, 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
More Than by Diane Barnes is quite a relatable women’s fiction story about love, loss, family, lessons, denial, self-worth issues, journey of discovery/self-discovery, friendship, learning to live again, life, drama, and emotion.
Peggy is so relatable- her issues were true to life and made it easy to connect with her and invest in her story. That’s not to say that I didn’t want to shake her at times, but even in those moments she came across as very believable and ‘real’.
After losing her husband years earlier, and raising her twins as a single mother, Peggy had managed to ‘lose’ herself somewhere along the way. With weight issues and no ‘real’ life outside of her family, apart from her favourite TV show… about connecting with loved ones who have passed over. She’s a little lost, lonely, and partly living in the past. Her children have left the nest and moved on to the next chapter of their lives, which means Peggy really is at a loss. A gift from her children seemed like a slap in the face for Peggy, but is it really the key to unlocking the chains that have held her stagnant for so long? Does she find new purpose and learn to really live again? You should really read all the interesting details for yourself…
This may have been the first book that I have read by Ms. Barnes, but after discovering how well she writes, it certainly won’t be the last…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Diane Barnes!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Rainbow’s Red Poetry Book by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
“Collective Creativity
We paint from the palette of life –
use brushes of all sizes, old and new.
Sometimes other people
will add colours to the canvas.
Each image, unique in interpretation
Every one, a masterpiece.”
“Perfection
Roses,
tempting,
beautiful aroma,
delicate flowers.
Thorns
reminding us
beautiful things
have flaws.”
Rainbow Red’s Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson is a wonderful collection of poetry that, at times, reached right into my soul and spoke to me. Ms. Lawson seemed to effortlessly capture so many different emotions, as well as giving wonderful insight into our human experience. From beautiful and poignant, to emotional and complicated, shows a deep understanding of all aspects of the human condition…
I saw my own thoughts and experiences reflected in her words, but she also gave me some thought-provoking moments, words and thoughts to ponder on more…
A wonderful little book- full of meaning, emotion, inspiration, heart, and a little soul.
Thank you, Lily Lawson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was well written and a great precursor for what this series will hold! The characters were well thought out and held a great deal of heat! I found the story interesting and easy to follow. I have read many mafia romances but this one just had something a little extra. Great first read from this author!
Rainbow’s Red Poetry Book by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A lot of words about survival and rising out of the ashes like the Phoenix. Reflective poetry that make you contemplate your own stories of strength and how far you’ve come. Metaphorical language that engages the reader to continue to turn the page. Poetry tells a story and this book does just that! I look forward to more work from Lily Lawson.
Brandy Vaughn, October 2022
Review by @bilberrysweet
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just recently got into mafia stories. So when I saw The Boss’s vendetta I jumped on the chance to read this book, and I’m glad that I did. Via Mari had me from the beginning. This book has amazing main and secondary characters, personal revenge, danger,passion ect. She is a truly great writer. Definitely a must read. I’m looking forward to more in this Sicilian Gods series.
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so touching! Peggy had me laughing but still asking myself will I share her same feelings one day? I need more of this story! Part 2?
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the moment you open the book and start reading you are hooked! I was able to read this book from start to finish without putting it down and left wanting the next one right away! There cannot be enough good things said about it.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the humor and chemistry throughout this book! I did not realize it was the 7th in the series, but I wasn’t lost at all reading it with no background. I am definitely picking up the rest though because there is just too much to love!
Wednesday and Ryker are best friends, and you can feel that permeated through the entire book. They have both seemingly friend-zoned each other, but after a one-time escapade into the ‘benefits’ of being besties Wednesday may want more. They both think the other deserves more and takes a bit of intervention to help them see the truth.
I love the paranormal side of Friends with Benies as much as the romance! Like I said, I didn’t feel lost reading this as a standalone, but I recommend picking up the rest of the series because you will want more of T.B. Bond’s writing!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wednesday and Ryker have been best friends since they were 6 years old. At 18 years of age, they decided to take each other’s V card before they went off to college and they have been secretly in love with each other ever since. Ryker is a panda shifter while Wednesday is a mage so they know they cannot be together. They come from different worlds. The couple decide to be friends with benefits until one of them meet their intended mate.
The chemistry between them is intense. No one can compare to the other’s best friend. Ryker knows that Wednesday is the one for him but she thinks he has a mate somewhere out in the world so she is refusing to give into her feelings.
The book was steamy from start to finish. I loved both characters separately and together. They evened each other out nicely. I was cheering for them from the very beginning.
This book is book 7 in the ‘Paris in Springtime’ series but can be read as a stand alone.
The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Protector by Nicole Flockton is book four in the Freemasons series. Throughout all three of the other books, we’ve gotten a glimpse of what happened to Renee. In this story, we get to see how she takes back her life. Declan has always stayed away although Renee has always been in his mind. But now he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to protect her, to love her. This book was definitely a little hard to read, just in the sense of topics. I do think it was handled well and written well. The story between Renee and Declan was much more relaxed due to the nature of what she went through. Renee believes she’s not loveable after the horrible things that happened and Declan doesn’t want to push her but also has a hard time. I really loved this whole series and seeing each of the men get their girl.
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Warrior by Nicole Flockton is book three in the Freemasons series. Former military man, Jude has had a rough time accepting his sisters kidnapping. He is ready and willing to do anything to save her. What he doesn’t expect is to begin falling for someone. Sienna is so used to blending in that when she begins to stand out to one man, she almost blows her cover. I loved this story so much. The attraction between the characters was so well written. The book itself had so many twists and turns that I truly couldn’t predict how it would go. The perfect mixture of danger and steam. I’d probably have to pick them as my favorite couple, although I’m a sucker for a military story. Looking forward to book four and our last man standing!
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really fun story. Watching Ryker and Wednesday find their way from best friends to soulmates was fun. I like how they had each other’s backs. The story had a good rhythm and kept me interested in finding out what happened next. I have not read about a panda shifter before so I did find that interesting as well. I recommend this author and will look forward to seeing more from them.
Bycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rex Thompson is a man that just can’t seem to make good choices and stick with them. He is a soldier that can’t seem to get behind the war he is fighting in, and so takes an opportunity that is presented to steal money. He’s caught by a Vietnamese officer that is conflicted in how he should handle the situation. When it isn’t reported, Rex thinks he gets away with it. Fast forward years later and he’s now a fisherman hoping to do right by his two sons. However, as his bad choices catch up with him, he can’t seem to find his way out of the bottom of a bottle long enough to teach his sons how to live life the right way. When he loses his boat, he disappears for 8 months. His sons try to make sense of their purpose of life without the boat they’ve basically grown-up working. When Rex shows back up in town a changed, sober man, he finds out that his old boat was scuttled, and a man was killed on it because of it. That man is none other than the Vietnamese Officer that didn’t report him all those years ago. As the murder investigation progresses, his family comes forward with past information that could show motive for the murder. Can Rex come to terms with his past offense and how it affected the officer? Can his family forgive Rex for his past? Will his sons be able to make better choices than their father?
This was such an enthralling book to read. I have read about the Vietnam war in history, but this gave a whole other insight as to how it was over there. What caught my attention was their struggle in getting here and starting over. The story was well written, and the characters were down to earth and believable.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590974-the-serpent-awakens” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Serpent Awakens” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663174991l/62590974._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590974-the-serpent-awakens”>The Serpent Awakens</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14551692.Luna_Saint_Claire”>Luna Saint Claire</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5072385597″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story is a unique read in how it chooses to take an antagonist from the previous book in the series (the sleeping serpent) and giving him his ‘redeeming’ arc. In this book it is clearly conveyed the struggles that Nico has had, and how they made him who he is and why he makes the choices that he does. What makes this story even better is the spiritual aspects, and how important the journey of doing , as the age old adage goes, “talking the talk, and walking the walk.” I feel like this fits Nico as well because he really is all talk at the beginning of the story, but through out the reader really gets to see the growth and humility he gains.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/44107748-emily”>View all my reviews</a>
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wednesday Family is a witch, she is sassy, stubborn and best friends with a panda shifter called Ryker, they have been inseparable since the day they first met and spend pretty much the entirety of their time together.
Unfortunately for Wednesday, they also have some benefits attached to their friendship and this is where the main problem lies, Wednesday is addicted to those certain benefits.
She finds him adorkable, sweet and caring, but the thing she is most addicted to is his body and what he can do with it and now he has ruined her because nobody else compares and believe me, she has tried.
The only problem is that he has a mate out there somewhere just waiting for him to find her so they can make cute panda babies and she can be the awesome auntie, so she has to quit Ryker cold turkey so that he can find her, but can she do it and be the best friend without the benies? This is a cute, but spicy paranormal romance which will keep you hooked on the antics, both inside the bedroom and out of it as you speed through because you cannot wait to see how it ends.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is only for those over the age of 18 due to its adult themes.
Salvatore Larussio is a man who leads a double life, by day he spends time with the high rollers at his families casino, spending time with the big wigs, the high up and the social climbers, but begins closed doors, he is a ruthless heir to a mafia throne. Adrianna is a doctor with a past she would rather forget, but now she is working at the Larussio resort and is in charge of the urgent care there, but as well as the usual emergencies she has to deal with, add into that the responsibility of sewing the family up as well, she has a lot on her plate.
The two first butt heads over the treatment of a family member and when she doesn’t back down when faced with the devil himself, he is more shocked than anything, but when a family gathering which is supposed to be a happy one turns into a bloodbath, things take a turn for the unexpected for Adrianna. In the midst of triaging the casualties, a decision is made to whisk her away with them so that she can continue their care, but just what that means is something Adrianna is completely opposed to, but seemingly has no choice in the matter.
As they are being kept in close confines, things that Salvatore finds intriguing about this ice queen from the emergency room are the things he finds attract him to her the most, but when Adrianna is confronted with the realisation that she is attracted to those same things, she decides to tell Salvatore the truth of why she is there. Will the secrets she has been hiding make or break the tenuous bond she has is building with the family, or will it be her undoing? This is a Mafia suspense with plenty of action throughout, as this darkly romantic story pulls you into the the underworld and keeps you there, while you follow along this spicy story of retaliation and retribution.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divided Lives is a Historical Fiction story by K. R. Mullins. I am a big fan of the author’s Notebook Mysteries series and was very happy to see that the protagonist of this story is Emma’s niece, Lottie. Lottie seems to be influenced by her Aunt Emma. She takes risks at a time when women are not allowed and she is definitely her own person. Lottie is a lawyer who finds herself being blackmailed while being involved in a very high-profile case. I really loved the character of Lottie. She navigates her way through her troubles and comes out on the other side living her life the way she chooses to. This is a wonderfully written book full of suspense. The story is a must-read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction and mysteries.
