Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Continuing on from where the first book left off this story just continues to get better and better. I can’t wait to dive into the next book!
▽ )˖°°˖✧ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ( ▽ )˖°°˖✧
Blu
My entire life is my music—and all the trappings that come with it. Sex, booze, and rock ’n’ roll is all I ever wanted. Touring the world as the lead singer of Balefire, I have it all. Until on hiatus, I meet the girl next door.
Ashleigh Baker is nothing like the groupies and celebrities who usually have all my attention. In her cute floppy hat with her knees stained with dirt, she spends her days creating a flowering show piece from her rented yard. She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met, and she acts like she doesn’t want a damn thing to do with me. But from the moment I laid eyes on her, she’s all I can think about.
Ashleigh
Growing up the only child of an Air Force Colonel, all I wanted was to stay in one place for more than a minute. When I score a pretty little house with a long-term lease, I just want to grow my flowers and my freelancing gig as a music reviewer. Then a loud Harley wakes me from a sound sleep and I discover my neighbor is Blu Connolly. Yeah, that Blu Connolly, lead singer for my favorite band Balefire. With his killer good looks and panty-melting voice, he’s a walking temptation to sin. Though I do my best to avoid him, it seems Blu has other ideas. He’s on a mission to wear me down, let him in, but what happens when he stops wanting to sing for me?
Tam DeRudder Jackson’s love of all things Celtic led her to write the Talisman Series. Steeped in Celtic mythology, these steamy, fated mates, paranormal romance adventures are set in the mountains of Tam’s native Montana and the Highlands of Scotland. Rogue, the most recent book in the series, was named a best romance of 2022 by the Independent Book Review.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
..••°°°°••.. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ..••°°°°••..
No stranger to adversity, Liam Ryan has also cheated death. He kept himself and his twin sister safe through a tough childhood in the foster care system. Then, at age twenty-four, he took his first trip abroad and was blown up and presumed dead in a terrorist attack. Three years later an investigator locates him working as a security guard in Jerusalem.
Scarred mentally and physically by his ordeal, Liam needs space to decide what comes next. So he agrees to join his sister Ali and her new husband Joe at their sprawling estate in Port Townsend. Joe’s sister Teresa, fleeing a broken engagement and her controlling mother, also comes to stay. Liam mistrusts rich people, but Teresa, the kind of society princess he would normally avoid at all costs, is hard to resist. Especially when she becomes suspiciously accident prone and in need of a protector.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold
Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.
Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.
Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.
Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.
She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.
For more information, go to www.CatTreadgold.com.
..••°°°°••.. AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ..••°°°°••..
No stranger to adversity, Liam Ryan has also cheated death. He kept himself and his twin sister safe through a tough childhood in the foster care system. Then, at age twenty-four, he took his first trip abroad and was blown up and presumed dead in a terrorist attack. Three years later an investigator locates him working as a security guard in Jerusalem.
Scarred mentally and physically by his ordeal, Liam needs space to decide what comes next. So he agrees to join his sister Ali and her new husband Joe at their sprawling estate in Port Townsend. Joe’s sister Teresa, fleeing a broken engagement and her controlling mother, also comes to stay. Liam mistrusts rich people, but Teresa, the kind of society princess he would normally avoid at all costs, is hard to resist. Especially when she becomes suspiciously accident prone and in need of a protector.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold
Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.
Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.
Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.
Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.
She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.
For more information, go to www.CatTreadgold.com.
‿☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆‿☆
Growing up on the proverbial “wrong side of the tracks” gave me a long list of bullies and a short list of friends. I spent most of my childhood days thinking of creative ways to escape the dirty pit that was Palmer, Georgia, until a new kid showed up on the first day of fifth grade and gave me every reason to stay.
But as my rotten luck would have it, he disappeared two years later without a word, leaving me with a million unanswered questions and an irreparable hole in my thirteen year-old heart.
Fast forward to five years post-betrayal, and I’ve gone from Palmer trailer park to Atlanta mansion, secondhand clothes to straight off the runway, and bullies now kiss the ground beneath my Gucci-covered feet.
Reigning supreme at my new prestigious high school, I was counting down the days until graduation when the keeper of all my secrets walked back into my life and threatened to knock this queen right off her throne. What he doesn’t know is that I’ll gladly retire my crown. All he has to do is promise me forever.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris
Carrie Thomas is the author of young adult and new adult romances. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her traveling or going to concerts with friends. Museums, theater, and music are at the top of her list when traveling to a new place. Writing romance is her favorite genre to write because everyone can relate to it. She lives in the South with her husband, two sons, and a dog named Oscar De La Hoya Meyer Weiner. She’s a firm believer that book lovers should stick together.
Melinda Harris is a wife, mom, author, caffeine addict, and ice cream aficionado. She currently resides in the great state of Georgia with her family, and when she’s not writing, she likes to spend rainy nights with her nose in a good book and sunny days on a hiking trail with her husband and son. Melinda is a sucker for a “happily ever after” and likes to sprinkle some of her Southern roots into her love stories.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Rogue Wolf is the third instalment in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series by Lilliana Rose It is a wonderfully woven protector turned lover urban fantasy with paranormal romance, shifters (wolves), vampires, action, adventure, danger, dramatic developments, chemistry, tension, mystery, emotion, politics, high stakes, agendas, suspense, the supernatural, threats, abduction, and much more.
Each book in this series follows on from one another, so I highly recommend reading the first two books before starting on this instalment so you have all the important details on board that will help you fully appreciate this book, as well as the series as a whole.
Kodiak has sworn to protect Tamaska at all cost, but what happens to her if he’s not there to do so? Now Tamaska is on a mission to rescue Kodiak who has been captured by the vampires. But to do so means she will need to take drastic action- and will need to find someone willing to ‘turn’ her- but there is no guarantee she will survive the transformation. Yelp, you guessed it- things are about to get dangerously complicated. Buckle up for an intriguing read.
Excitedly awaiting ‘Cursed Wolf’ (Book #4)!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lilliana Rose!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
OMG these two have done it again!!! I absolutely love these two authors individually- but put them together and magic happens!!!
With the upcoming release of the second book in this series, I thought I would do a re-read of this one in anticipation of Book #2. I adored this book the first time around and love it just as much this time.
Royally Complicated is the first book in The Crowned Hearts series by the talented duo of Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson. It is a sublime forbidden romance with a secret identity, a bad boy prince, a holiday fling, electric chemistry, plenty of hot sizzling encounters, a little suspense, a splash of angst, emotion, and more.
This is Fyn and Bridget’s story- she’s on a holiday with her best friend, a holiday that should have been her honeymoon, that’s if she hadn’t found her fiancé cheated. A holiday fling is just what she needs to get her ex out of her system. He’s the sexy surfer that snares her attention. But there’s more to him than first meets the eye. What happens when secrets are revealed? You really should read all the entertaining details for yourself- you are bound to love their as much as I have.
At this rate, I am going to have to add another wing to my fantasy book boyfriend mansion as I keep having to add more ‘residents’ to it, especially considering every one of Ms. McNamee and Ms. Anderson’s heroes (both individually and collaboratively) have been moved into my BBF Mansion, all because they are so delicious that I can’t help but want to ‘keep’ Every. Single. One. Of. them.
Now I can’t wait to devour Russian and Royally Complicated (Book #2)- the countdown has started, a couple more sleeps and it will be here!!!!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose is the second book in her Protector Wolf Shifter Series. It is the continuation of the love story between Tamaska and Kodiak. This book starts EXACTLY where the last book stops and, I must say, I love that. No flashback or skimpy version – just keeps going!
The odds are greater and the way more muddled for our main characters. This book answers some of the lingering questions of the first book left. I expect it will wrap up in the last book nicely. Definitely needs to be read in order and still includes some steam. If you like an urban based supernatural book then it will be a hit!
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. If you like billionaire romance/forbidden romance you will enjoy this one. Melinda and Dereks story pulled me right in. Melinda is hired as Derek’s assistant, at first he isn’t quite sure she will work and she is not thrilled to be working for him. As they work together and get to know each other sparks start to fly. Of course life throws them a few curveballs to add a great element to the story. All of the characters also added a great element to the story. Will these two get a HEA? The author does a great job with her writing and I can’t wait to read more from her. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I LOVED every page of this book. I grew up in the 80’s and can I say I love how the authors brought me back to simpler times of neon colors, aquanet, Journey and brat pack movies. This is a very enjoyable a bit of enemies to lovers rom-com with some drama, laugh out loud moments and so much nostalgia. I very highly recommend this book, espeically to anyone who loved growing up in the 80s.
Blaine Reynolds wants to keep her mother’s legacy and honor her by having her shop “Back to the 80s” remain open, even when the threat of tearing down the mall where the shop is located at to build a new brewery and behind it all is Morales Construction. Blaine fights hard to keep her shop afloat, but with the likes of Eric Morales, hoping that a bet of 30 days, he may change his mind. What Blaine did not expect was the more she got to know Eric personally, her walls came down and saw so much more to him than just his need to tear down the mall for a new business.
Eric Morales wants to make his father proud and make partner at his family Morales Construction Company by closing a deal to tear down a local mall to make a new business venture. What Eric does not expect is to lose to a bet with Blaine to try and fight and keep her nostalgic shop. Eric is all work and no play, but once he gets to know Blaine on a deeper level…..feelings come into play, his attraction to Blaine becomes undeniable.
Will Eric and Blaine be able to see eye to eye on a decision that may impact them both on different levels?
I loved this story so much and this was such a fun book book to read. I felt like I was back in time growing up and reminiscing the good times that the 80s brought.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story about finding love and what you would do to keep that love. It was nice to see the way Donna and Antoine’s relationship takes shape. Donna has had a hard life and when she has had enough it takes Antoine’s intervention to save her but will it be enough? Their story is an engaging read. I like the idea of the Angel and vampire hybrid. Antoine and Donna are strong characters and both have dealt with a lot but are ready to fight for a future together. This book has a mix of everything, the author does a good job of mixing the action and the romance. Emotions play a strong part in this book and I enjoyed seeing Donna blossom with the support and help of Antoine.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading a book by author Lilliana Rose. What intrigued me was the cover, then I read the synopsis and was sold. I love a good werewolf book but this wasn’t good… It was A GREAT ONE!! It’s got everything you’d want in a supernatural story;danger,action packed, vampires, wolves, amazing characters, romance, and nail biting suspense that’ll leave you guessing. And don’t forget about the cliffhanger the author leaves you on. Like omg what is Amdis going to have in store for them next. I need to know I hope it only brings Kodiak and Tamaska closer together and to the pack. I got this invested and I started on this book ( the 3rd one )can you imagine, I still have the other two books to read (but i also highly suggest y’all read those two first before this so you’ll have a better understanding of whos who) Im sooo excited for the next book. I can’t wait!
Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Love, love, loved this book!!! Reticent Hawke the 2nd book in the 2nd generation about the Hawkes and it maybe my favorite so far! Gwyn Mcnamee seriously is sooooo good at getting me hooked and unable to put her books down! I’m not one to give up info on a book as I LOVE to read a book with very little info to start with. I just love Jude!! I think I’m going to go back and re-read all the other Hawke books while I impatiently wait the next one to come out. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was thoroughly enjoyable. This was an intriguing story that kept me glued to the pages. At a young age Jude had been through some horrific things. The trauma Jude has lived through has made his anxiety and panic attacks debilitating at times. Angie has always had a special place in her heart for Jude ever since the day she met him while he was sitting in the closet with her sister Allie. Jude has always felt something for Angie as well since the day they meant. There is an age difference between these two but that’s not the only obstacle, Angie is a Hawke and Jude doesn’t feel like he is good enough for them or to be with Angie. This story is an emotional read and has a lot of great characters. This is a great series and this book is another great one added to it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great book. The plot was very well developed and thought out.
This book follows the story of Ava and Matthias. Ava is a bubbly young woman who enjoys the small things in life. Especially when it involves being around one of her best friends. Matthias is a man who walks around like he hates the world. He has a lot of pressure to be the best and follow a plan that was laid out for him.
Matthias and Ava have known each other for Ava’s entire life. Ava has always wondered what she did to anger the eldest King brother. Little did she know it would take one snowstorm and two days to find out what she had done to anger him. After thinking she figured him out everything changes at the drop of a hat.
Five years later and they are back in the same boat as before. Ava not knowing what she did and is being treated cruelly by Matthias.
What made Matthias start hating her again? Does time change people? Will they work through their problems or will this last fight keep them apart?
Read to find out what happens with Matthias and Ava. Have some water on hand to handle the heat between these two.
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. It begins at the exact moment book 1 ends.
Kodiak and Tamaska are both still actively looking for the stolen Blood Opal. Tamaska wants absolutely nothing to do with Kodiak, but she can’t deny the pull she has towards him. Kodiak tries to protect her as much as possible, but it seems to be an impossible task. Their relationship is a forbidden love.
I think the characters in this book are a little bit more tolerable than they were in book 1. I do think this book is definitely better than book 1, and I am eager to read book 3.
Tamaska puts herself in more harm’s way (The Vampires) and Kodiak is having to answer to the pack.
What makes Tamaska so special that the vampires keep coming for her? Will they be able to put away their fears and succumb to their intense connection? Even if they embrace their relationship, will the pack accept her?
I recommend reading this series, but the characters put a damper on the storyline for me. I will continue to read to finish the storyline!
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series.
It is in dual POV of the two main characters, Tamaska and Kodiak.
Tamaska is a woman who is on the path to success. She is an event coordinator, and the auction of the Blood Opal may be her ticket to her own company.
Kodiak is the beta in the Wolf Shifter Pack. The pack is having to learn how to adapt to modern times. They have created the Shadow Protection company to earn an income as security. In addition to their modern job, they are meant to protect all humans. Everything had been smooth with the vampires, or was it all a smoke screen?
Kodiak and his team were last-minute security added to Tamaska’s event. Immediately, they had a strong distaste for each other, but neither could deny the immense attraction. During the event, Kodiak notices the presence of vampires. While his sole duty was to stand guard at the glass case, he left his post for a mere second in order to save Tamaska, who was drugged by a vampire.
Will they get the blood opal back? Is it even possible for a relationship to blossom between Kodiak and Tamaska? One is a wolf shifter who hates humans, and the other is a human who hates dogs.
What is so special about the blood opal that makes everyone want it so badly?
I love the storyline and plot. It is a wonderful mystery of who is lying, who is on whose side, and ultimately what is everyone’s motives. The heated scenes with Tamaska and Kodiak are amazing.
With saying all of that, I strongly dislike ALL of the characters…. they are all insanely immature and slightly annoying. I completely understand the push/pull dynamic with Tamaska and Kodiak, but when it is explaining their thoughts, they are very whiny and sometimes don’t even make any sense. The entire Shifter pack I dislike as well. It seems that literally none of them care for each other.
I will continue to read the next book because of the storyline, and I hope the characters get better along the way.
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ahhhh okay so excited for this book. Love paranormal romance even more so when it’s forbidden love! Things get super exciting between Kodiak and Tamaska as she tries to wrap her head around Kodiak’s secret and her feelings meanwhile Kodiak is dealing with pack issues. Despite Tamaska’s unease with the supernatural one things for certain, they must get the Blood Opal back. This story was well written, entertaining, and leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait to read book 3.
Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Family isn’t just blood, Al. It’s our love for each other. It’s what we’re willing to do for each other that makes us family….” Angelina
Oh this Hawke family, has my heart, even this second generation of Hawkes! I am not sure which Hawke member this title refers to more, Angelina, Jude, or Allie.
So many secrets. The additional trauma each character has gone through adds to their angst. The fear of not being accepted has all three unable to express themselves. Luckily this author doesn’t make the characters or the readers suffer for very long!
Even with the unanswered concerns relating to the family, this was a great story! Can not wait to see what this author brings in the next story!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sexy as sin King brothers, sweet naive Ava. I love the relationship Ava has with Theo. Being best friends certainly has its advantages to a happy healthy life! While I was reading about them my heart was full, I felt content and peaceful. Enter Matthias. While most of the King family is friendly, helpful, and just plain nice, Matthias is the oldest and by far the meanest, grumpiest, most vial person Ava has ever encountered. She simply cannot understand how he can be related to her best friend Theo. What we don’t know is that they both secretly are attracted to each other. What we also don’t know is why there is so much anger and hostility between them. And while I had warm fuzzies reading about Theo and Ava’s relationship, Matthias and Ava are on a completely different level of explosive. Both angry and sexy! I also did not expect all of the twists this story contains! I can’t say I loved the ending, but I totally loved the story. Looking forward to the rest of the brothers’ stories!
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the idea of this book as soon as I saw it and knew I had to read it. I was born in the 90s so unfortunately missed out on the 80s and experiencing all the media (music etc.) I love first hand. This book almost made me feel nostalgia that I didn’t even have the ‘right’ to.
This was a brilliant and fun rom com to read with a great plot and wonderful characters, Eric and Blaine. There was plenty of cheese and not in a cringey way – I love a bit of good cheesy fun!
This book reminded me of the enemies-to-lovers, developer enters the scene to destroy a small business Hallmark film. I cannot get enough of these types of films, so I automatically couldn’t put this book down, it absolutely required my full attention!
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Protector Wolf Shifter series, and I cannot recommend reading the first two books highly enough. This book follows on from the previous two, so I urge you to read those two before starting this one.
The plot of this one took expected, yet also unexpected turns and I loved every second of it! I won’t give any spoilers but my cold feelings towards Tamaska may have thawed a bit. Kodiak still holds my heart in his hands so I’m not one hundred percent happy with her (no jealousy here at all!).
I love the direction this series has taken improving from the great start book one already was.
Tamaska has improved on me, she’s still headstrong but her eyes seem more open to the realities of the situation.
The world continued to grow in a well-constructed way, giving the feel of being able to step right in and experience the adventures alongside the characters. The plot was set up very well and I adored feeling so immersed in the story.
I’m eyeing up another couple of series by this author to ward off the book/series hangover I currently have!
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Protector Wolf Shifter series, and I highly recommend that you read the first book as this one follows on from that one.
I loved the first book, but this one is even better. I loved the plot and the character developments a lot. It follows on well from where the last left off. Tamaska is as determined/stubborn and strong as ever and although I felt for her situation, I must say that I still found her attitude infuriating at times. Kodiak has had my heart from book one, so I could be a little bias. Just a tiny bit.
I really felt for Kodiak and his situation, how he must have been feeling. I felt so bad for him but continued rooting for him as he powered through determined. Again, as with the first book, I wanted to knock some sense into them both occasionally, but it just goes to show how immersed I was in the story. I enjoyed the developments with the Blood Opal, the vampires and Kodiak’s pack and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I’m so glad the third book has been released as I don’t think I would have been able to wait!
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m not sure why I expected this series to only be a three-book series, but I realized about halfway through that the book wasn’t going to wrap up all of the drama created in the first two books, which left me both excited and dismayed!
Tamaska and Kodiak continue their romantic song and dance, now including Tamaska’s desire to be changed into a shifter, and their battle for Alpha dominance (Tamaska is unfamiliar with how to not be the dominant leader in her own life). She seems to repeatedly put herself and Kodiak’s pack into compromising situations, partially due to her own stubbornness, but also because the pack has trouble opening up to an outsider. I’m particularly excited to see what happens in the next installment of the Protector Wolf Shifter Series in relation to further developments of Tamaska’s heritage as well as her future within the pack. Definitely a fun read!
Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is book 2 in the series, but can definitely be read as a standalone, though I don’t think you will want to. Jude had a rough childhood until he was found and adopted by the Hawke family. He slowly, but surely, learns how to be a part of a family, but still keeps the family at arm’s length. Angelina is 12 years older than Jude, and the older sister of his best friend, Allie, another Hawke family member who upon meeting him for the first time, helps him through the panic and the rough adjustment of being in their family. Then, suddenly Jude locks himself in his second story loft, and quits showing up or even going outside at all. Nobody is sure what caused the change, until he explains that one of the people whom made his young life so hard had suddenly reappeared in a place where he didn’t expect him to be and it caused him to retreat to what he felt was safety. When Angelina and Jude are forced to spend time together one-on-one due to Allie becoming unpredictable, they finally let down their guard and allow their feelings to flow, without fear of protecting themselves, the sparks fly.
The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Silent Woodsman had me on my toes for quite a while! Almost the whole book I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I kept hoping Ali would find her way back to her woodsman somehow, but man was it hopeless!! Ali was told that her brother was killed in an explosion, but she refuses to believe it. She FEELS that her twin is still alive and out there somewhere. In an attempt to get a sign from him, she goes for a hike in the rainforest. They loved to hike together, so she finds a fitting area to hike. Getting trapped in a sudden storm she seeks shelter in the only random remote cabin around. Fortunately for her JJ (Joe) isn’t an ax murderer who has people cut up in the walls! Unfortunately for them both though, JJ can’t speak due to his vocal chores healing and being under orders to completely rest his voice. Trapped together for a couple days with only paper and pen, charades, and facial expressions to communicate the two get a little closer. Ali is the main speaker, but JJ keeps his identity a secret and with much regret he never tells her who he is. She leaves back to her life after an unforgettable kiss and he slowly gets back to his own as well. He searches for her, calling every coffee shop he can, but never finds her. She dreams of him, but knows it’s hopeless with only knowing his nickname JJ. When she runs into his double she has a spark of hope, but it’s quickly dashed away. Can either of them move on? Will they forever pine for the one who got away? There are a few twists that will have you wondering how this book will end, but I don’t want to give an hints. Very up and down with the storyline that will keep you guessing. You just have to read it yourself to see how it ends though!! I can’t wait to read the 2nd book to the series soon, which is about her twin brother!!
Firewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Imagine working hard and earning the IT security job you now have. Then being a woman you have to work much harder. Now you have a CTO and CEO who thinks you’re a joke. That is where Veronica Clark finds herself one unforgettable day. She has had a bad day and it will only get worse. Then there is Cara’s brother Angus, who has worked hard to make fire chief. Checking in on Veronica has just added more problems to their lives. They are in the fight of their lives. Can they survive? Will they find romance? This is an outstanding romance with plenty of suspense. Another new author for me and I am pleased I gave this book a chance. It is fast paced as well as engaging. I could not put it down. I feel the strong characters are perfectly matched in this romance. Great story!!! This is one worth reading. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Review@cinful
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I went into this story kinda expecting to know how it goes. I don’t mean that in a mean way just you know a regular feel for how everything may play out but this author definitely took me by surprise. Matthias and Ava will probably always hold a piece of my heart. From page one I was hooked even though Matthias definitely had me giving him the stink eye for a bit. Ava is sweet and so easy to connect with, you can’t help but love her character. This book truly gave me all the feelings. It’s well written and had me completely hooked. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!!
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers rom-com. The author did an amazing job with this book with added elements that makes it stand apart from other enemies to lovers stories. The characters were well written and relatable and you feel totally invested in their story. The connection between Blaine and Eric was interesting to watch grow and develop. But for me the main thing i adored was the flash back to the 80s. There was so much nostalgia that it made me want to get my leg warmers out and neon bangles out. This story made me smile, and laugh out loud in parts. I love the fight and determination Blaine has to save her store and her mother’s legacy.
Blaine has a very unique store in a shopping mall. Her story in my dream place as it sells everything you can imagine from the 80s. From toys and games to fashion and music Blaines store has it all. It was passed down to her after her mother passed away and she is determined to make it successful. It goes well until the shopping mall is sold to a construction company who wants to redevelop the area and that means moving Blaines shop.
When Blaine makes a bet with Eric (the son of the development company) does she stand any chance of saving her store? And if she wins what will that mean for Eric? Can he really pick her over the demands of his family? Could Blaine actually be the one to show him there is more to life than work? What happens as they spend time together and their connection grows.
This was such a sweet funny nostalgic story that I loved every second of it.
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie- 4 out of 5 stars
First book I have read from this author. I found the book to be really sweet and entertaining. The characters and their personalities were well developed but at times I struggled to get past some parts. The book follows Liz as she discovers her grandmother’s hidden life after she passed away. All in all it was an easy read.
Review by @elishajohnson