Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tropical Date
Post Script Island, a place of second chances
By R.S. Jonesee
I received an ARC of this book and so glad I did!! This is Book 3 of 3 in a series but can be read as a standalone, which is what I did.
I loved this book and it did not disappoint!! Page turner, quick easy read! Now I’m going to go read other books in this series!
Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars!
This is a great anthology of stories and with he proceeds going to a good cause, I appreciate all of the authors that have participated and all the work they put into giving readers something amazing.
The first Story I read is Clara’s Story by C.A. King. This story really broke my heart. I can imagine it is any parents worst nightmare to find out their child has been in a car accident. Where I can see how Clara’s husband was upset with them not spending time together anymore, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Wouldn’t any parent do whatever they could, and sacrifice whatever they had to be with, and try to save their child? The ending was very sweet and was very happy to see how Clara’s life turned out
The second story I read is Headliner by A.L. Morrow. This is a MM romance short story. Skye and Jet both have been through some things in life, and their meeting may be what the other is looking for. Skye has lost someone dear to him and Jet has been tossed around by his love interest, but neither can fight the spark that is developing between them. They are both so sweet and deserve each other, and all the happiness.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Norse mythology, Sessrúmnir is the goddess Freyja’s hall where her chosen ones live in their afterlife. For the residents of Lewis, it is no different. Six years after the end of Caim, life in the sustainable community has settled into a sense of routine. But when children are attacked by an unknown enemy, Cam and Freyja must reunite to save their family and protect their children.
The couple is forced to take drastic action. Joining with friends new and old, they rush to discover who is behind the threat to their peaceful existence and eliminate it before it claims more lives. Crossing oceans and spanning continents, they know they must journey to seek out the danger, and put an end to it, once and for all.
Love, loss, and relationships are challenged in the fifth and final installment of this romantic science fiction series.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons
T.S. Simons is an Australian-based author of Scottish heritage. Living in the alpine region of Australia, she believes in the values of sustainability and community in a world where we place greater value on possessions than people. She enjoys posing philosophical questions that make readers think, and reflect on the world we live in. The Antipodes series addresses the question—if we gave young people the opportunity to start over, would we replicate the mistakes of the past?
Her desire to assist others saw her working in international development before realising that her passion lay in education. She holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from Monash University and enjoys reading, travelling, mythology, snow skiing, and attempting to live as sustainably as possible. She is owned by two, rather bossy, standard schnauzers and two rescue cats who co-manage her household.
The Antipodes series comprises Antipodes, The Liminal Space, Ouroboros, Caim and Sessrumnir. She is developing a related series, The 45th Parallel, which extends on the Antipodes series. This series comprises The 45th Parallel, Orenda and Bifrost.
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The penultimate novel in this amazing series takes us to Cam and Freyja, now happily together, with their growing family and putting their focus on new efforts in the ever-changing world. They have been slowly learning of the true origins of the new colonies and antipodes and the intentions of repopulating the Earth after the devastation of the water infestation. As these new discoveries unravel, so are other secretive possibilities which set off Cam and Freyja on another journey to Clava, the main hub of technological and medical expertise.
As the novel series continues, I brought to flashbacks of some of my other favorites, Lost (TV Series), Hunger Games and Divergent series (books and movies) that gives its reader the thrill of wanting to know what will happen next. One of my favorite parts of this series so far is watching these characters go from their young adult selves to active adults within their working community and striving for the best outcome for the newly expanded families. As the readers, we see how they interpret and accept their new world and its vastly secretive objectives as they take their own stance in fighting for what’s right. What would you do to understand the circumstances they face?
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caim is the fourth installment of the Antipodes series, and I am completely obsessed with all of the characters still. T.S. Simons makes you really feel every single moment throughout the story.
Freyja and Cam are in a blissful bubble with their friends and family. They have all gone through incredibly tough times in the previous books but now they are living peaceful lives. When individuals from their past show up, things begin getting a little tougher until they all realize they have even more scary times ahead. Will they make it back to their joyful lives or will this journey end in nothing but tragedy?
I highly recommend picking this series up and absorbing each installment. This was an emotional read, but you definitely won’t be disappointed!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute read! This is a (sometimes morbid) re-telling of the classic story Cinderella. It’s set in a modern time, with a teenage pop star instead of a prince. This is definitely a YA book, you can tell mot only in the content but also in writing style. I enjoyed reading this book as it was different than other reimagined stories I’ve read in the past. This is the first time I’ve read this author before and I’m excited to read more stories from her in the future.
Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good paranormal romance book! Our lead characters are written well but could use a little more fleshing out. I feel like they are just on the cusp of being spectacular! Raven has the charm of a witch coming into her own and her power. She has gone the road of “being normal” and now has been pulled in to the world of her family and ancestry. Romano is an old master vampire with a long-standing hatred of witches. He is tasked with finding the traitors in the midst of his people. He catches Raven spying on his home and is instantly captivated with her. Poof! He is over his hatred and mistrust.
The world is well-written but could also use a little more fleshing out in the details.
Overall, the book is really good! It just feels a little rushed and like a few more details could be added to really knock it out of the park!
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cam and Freyja are happy. Blissfully so. They live in Lewis with other like minded people and enjoy their peace.
However strangers are about to shatter everything they know and every reason they thought they were chosen when those strangers show up with a kid that is essentially a clone of their own.
Super breeding ethics and dark dark intentions come to a head in this story and Freyja and Cam have one more mission and this one is for family.
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Laugh out loud funny! Made me imagine I was sitting beachside with my toes in the sand, book & beverage in my hand!
Quick, easy, enjoyable read! While book 3 in the Postscript Island series is a stand alone novel, I do wish that I would have read the other two prior! Loved the author (R.S Jonesee) and their writing style! I will DEFINITELY seek out the other novels to go back and read!
Marissa & Weston were high school sweethearts until one day, Weston decided it was “too much” and left the island to pursue his dreams. Weston eventually returns home to the island, as he mom attempts to lure him home permanently with a business offer that he can’t refuse.
A nudist colony, a condom company, lots of laughs, some romance, and a mystery to solve…..all in a gorgeous, tropical setting. It doesn’t get any better than this! 5 stars! Highly recommend
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Captivating love story—couldn’t put down!
Book 1 in the trading places trilogy was phenomenal!! I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! Beautiful love story depicting a second chance at true love, leaving the reader hoping for happily, ever after! Full of emotions at every turn! Great read—I CAN NOT wait to dive into book 2!
Mavis & Josh were high school sweethearts—head over heels in love, until one day Mavis just walks away without a word or explanation to a devastated Josh. Josh had big dreams of becoming a doctor and when Mavis found out she was pregnant with his child, she thought it best if he didn’t know and could live out his dreams. Fast forward several years—Josh is currently getting divorced and is looking to find Mavis, as he realizes that he has always loved her and wants to know where she is, what she is doing & if she ever married or if there is someone special in her life. Imagine Josh’s surprise, when he finds out that his twin brother had always known where Mavis is. When the two of them finally reconnect, there is a lot of secrets revealed and hard truths that each need to face, before they can move past the past and obtain their happily, ever, after ♥️
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the first few pages of this book I knew I would love this book! The first in the series always sets the tone for what else is to come, and this one proved the same, also ending with the perfect setup for the second book in the series.
I loved how the author first introduces us to Josh, giving us an inside look at how his life has been for him all of these years since last seeing Maeve. I fell in love with both him and Maeve early on in the book, and throughout the love triangle between him and Maeve and Austin, I was cheering for him to be the lucky guy that Maeve chooses. I can’t wait to see where the trilogy goes and am excited to read more!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A second chance, opposites attract romance with some really good character development. Kylee and Jayson had a strong chemistry between them, even though they really should stay away from each other. Their worlds clash in a big way and yet they find themselves drawn to each other.
I thought the overall story was pretty good. I found the switch between 1st and 3rd person to be a little confusing at times. I think the story would have been stronger for the author picking one POV to tell the story in. However, I enjoyed the idea behind the story and found myself engaged in what I was reading. This is a good book with some great characters.
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book four in this gripping dystopian romance series, and having read and enjoyed the previous three books, I was looking forward to this fourth instalment, and I was not disappointed. I would recommend reading the novels in order as the storyline continues where the last book left off. It was nice being back with the wonderfully detailed main characters, Cam and Freyja, who are now happily living with their family and friends on Lewis. They are finally feeling safe and content within their isolated and sustainable community, having gone back to their Gaelic roots. The community are getting used to living their ‘new normal’ lives, calling on the circle of protection and security that the Caim provides.
However, it’s not long before their frightening adventures continue, when old acquaintances arrive with shocking news, forcing Cam, Freyja, and a few trusted friends to leave their homes behind once again. The couple will also discover the truth about why they were chosen, and what the diabolical plans are that the scientific community has planned, especially for Freyja. Yet again the descriptive narrative brings the setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story. The plot twists kept me hooked and the storyline is a mix of drama, mystery and romance, which ensured I was happily turning the pages, late into the night! I look ‘impatiently’ forward to book five!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashley is in her senior year at Redmond High School. Her father passed away a year prior leaving her to live with her step mother and two step sisters. Her father left her a trust fund to go away to college but with one stipulation, she must graduate on time. Ashley’s step mother, Veronica, will stop at nothing to get that money for herself. She puts Ashley to work in the family funeral home and only gives her the bare minimum time to complete anything else outside of work.
Harry James, a famous pop star, has gotten into a lot of trouble. His sentence included finishing high school with no more trouble and out of the spotlight. Redmond High School has a really good basketball team so that is the school he decides to serve his sentence out.
Cue the meet cute in the funeral home no less. Instantly there are sparks but the universe seems against them being together.
Everyone loves an old fashioned fairy tale, especially the classics. This book is a modern take on Cinderella and I loved it. Cinderella was one of my favorites when I was a child but this book made it more relatable.
Ashley and Harry are so different from each other yet so similar at the same time. Ashley is hardened by the loss of her father, she no longer believes in love and has so many walls up that she seems indifferent to everything. She is sassy, honest and will say what’s on her mind even if it will get her into trouble.
Harry is a charismatic guy who has trouble disappointing people. He will go out of his way to make everyone else happy, even at the expense of his own happiness. Being thrust into the spotlight at a young age made him lose himself and he has become a shell of what he once wanted to be.
Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This anthology is filled with stories for anyone and everyone no matter the genre you like to read. I loved to see new to me authors along with authors I’ve come to love reading. C.A. King being one of those. Her story hit home as a mother myself and doing anything you can for your child no matter what.
The others in this anthology are all so great as well and I can’t pick another to pinpoint as they were great in their own ways.
Pick up your copy today and help support this anthology charity.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I read the blurb about this story, I was kinda interested and thought I would take a chance on something a little different for me. Well, call me hooked. The story is fabulous. I love the way the threads of the classic are woven into the modern. It is not a simple retelling, it is more of reinvention of the fairytale genre.
Ashley Jones is still lost in the grief of her father’s recent death when her step-mother moves her to Washington State for an investment opportunity. Ash starts working for the family funeral home. This makes high school super fun (note the sarcasm). Ash is isolated until Laura moves to town.
Harry James is a pop star. Harry and his best friend accidentally burned down their high school chem lab. As part of Harry’s probation, he must attend and graduate from a normal high school. Guess whose school he attends. From the moment Harry first meets Ash, he knows she is different. She doesn’t care about his superstar status. He can be himself, the real him, with her. As their friendship develops, obstacles and people try to prevent them from being together. It looks like disaster for Ash and Harry.
Like the magic in this modern reinvention, any reader will be put under the spell of this author and her fantastically woven tapestry. Awesome series!!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a Story! I Loved it! It moves along at a great pace! That was one of my favorite things. I was leery of the Part 1,2,3 but it actually flowed very well. The characters! Woo Wee do I love them! I was able to “get into” the characters head and thoughts. I felt right along with them. Happiness, frustration, disbelief and anguish. Her parents are saints! In fact I wish they could adopt me. They really have their family at heart. All of the main and secondary characters had forward movement or growth.
I actually really enjoyed this and read it in a couple days. This is my first book by this author. I will keep an eye out for more from her.
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While I generally enjoy second chance romances, something was lacking for me with the characters in this story. We meet Josh and Mavis, high school sweethearts with future plans until Mavis unexpectedly leaves to protect Josh’s future. In her years away, she reconnects with Josh’s twin, Austin where these two form a relationship. Mavis eventually returns home to mend ways with Josh, Austin and her brother which leads to emotional breakthroughs. I found myself drawn more towards the storyline of Mitch and Lauren. While the storyline is enjoyable, my intrigue for the main characters was just not there and I found Mavis selfish in her decisions.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a modern-day telling of Cinderella. There have been dozens and dozens of Cinderella themed books over the years. I can’t say I’ve ever come across one where the girl that is comparable to Cinderella works in a funeral home doing makeup. The singer/dancer for Prince Charming has been done.
Ashley is an outcast at her high-school….mainly for one reason. That reason? She works in a funeral home giving makeovers to the newly departed. Harry is the Prince of Pop with the bad boy image to go with it. He’s sent back to high-school as part of his probation. His crime? Setting a school chemistry lab on fire. At least he has his best friend, George Sparks, there to keep him out of trouble…. or can he?
Ashley is a relatable character. She isn’t flat and monotonous. She has character, attitude which comes out more than once and a great personality.
Definitely a good read.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance Suspense story. It is a story that is full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The author does a great job with the characters. Both of them are very strong characters and their attraction to each other leaps off the page. I also love how the author has given them so much depth by including all their past history. It makes the characters more realistic and their story more believable.
In this story we follow Kaylee and Jayson. Both of them have history from high school. Feelings and emotions that were denied at the time and crossed wires turned them against each other.
Now their lives collide again and yet again then are on opposite sides.
Kaylee is a police officer. She loves her job and is determined to be the best officer she can be. However a routine capture of a drug dealer will turn her life and everything she thought was right upside down.
Jayson is the guy she busts and even after all the years apart his feelings for her come racing back to the surface. He couldn’t be with her when they were younger but he will stop at nothing to get her now. But will Kaylee be able to see past who he has become and his life of crime to find the boy that stole her heart at school? And what will the consequences be if Kaylee starts getting close to a suspect that police want to catch? Will they get their HEA or will Kaylee’s job and Jaysons life be too much for the attraction to survive. This story will keep.you gripped and the twists in the story means you definately won’t be able to stop reading
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes is a great modern day retelling of Cinderella. Ashley doesn’t believe in love. She pushes people away before Ashley can be rejected. This story still has the evil stepmother and stepsisters from the original Cinderella. This time, they are more diabolical by using baked goods to kill people. Thankfully, Ashley meets Harry, her prince charming. I love that their relationship survives all of the obstacles that are thrown their way. Also enjoyed the fact that Ashley’s friend Laura was actually a fairy that helped her find love. Ashes is great for anyone who loves fairytales and romance books.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1)
This a modern day Cinderella with a much darker vibe and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Ashley lives with her step mother and step sisters who do everything possible to make Ashley as miserable as humanely possible plus a little more for good measure. But the suffering doesn’t end there, she has to deal with it at school as well.
Harry isn’t perfect, he doesn’t stand up for himself or his happiness. He meets Ashley and all of that changed for him.
You would think the story would go as expected but I think that would have made a pretty predictable story and this was anything but.
I can’t wait for the next book to be released, I need to know what happens next for Ashley and Harry but also need to read how George finds his happiness.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. It was well written and a quick read. Jake and his friends agreed to select a blind date from an app for each other. Jake is the first to be set up. The typical girls they have dated are always after their money or status. The App is suppose to be a way for them to meet someone on literally a true blind date. I really loved the concept of the app as it is definitely unique. Lauren’s friend who is rich wants to set her up using the same app. The biggest issues Lauren has with her friend setting her up is that she doesn’t want someone who has money. Who she ends up on the blind date with is the last person she expected. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this modern twist on Cinderella. Ashley has such a good heart. I rooted for her and Harry from the moment they met. Every time something happened that made it harder for them to be together I groaned lol. Ashley step family shocked me the most. The lengths they went through to get her trust was insane. I cannot wait to read the next installment. If you’re into fantasy, fairy tales, action with a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fabulous story! I loved the characters, I laughed, and I cried with the characters. There is young love, with all the ups and downs that accompany teens on the cusp of adulthood. There is suspense, an evil stepmother, a pair of evil-in-training stepsisters, and a funeral home/ crematorium. Throw in a fairy godmother and a charming prince of pop- I can see where the series derives its name. I definitely can’t wait for more installments in this series.
Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claire’s Story C.A King
This story was full of despair and grief, effecting a whole community. A parents worst nightmare, feeling helplessly not being able to help. Tragic back to back, a woman’s worst nightmare. This strong mama, finds the strength and faith to hold on. Her life turns around and is able to find love again with not only her but also her daughter. Great story! Fast read, author draws you in and does not disappoint.
Happy Hour by C. L Collier
Great romantic love story. This one is short and sweet, but has it all. Fast read and great characters. Would recommend for anyone looking for a happy ending. Love endures and wins every time.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A retelling of Cinderella and I LOVED it! The main character is Ashley Adams. After her dad passes away she is stuck with her stepmother, Veronica, and her stepsisters whom she refers to as the M and M’s. Veronica decided to open a funeral home where Ashley does the make up for the deceased and tried to keep to herself. She is an outcast at school except her one great friend Laura. Harry James is a pop star who caught his chemistry lab on fire and now has to attend regular school to finish his senior year. As he is running from a mob of girls he runs into Ashley and into the funeral home. They hit it off, but then school starts and there are many things that go wrong. The characters are so likable and I was rooting for them through the entire book. The setting is in Washington, my home state, so I always love that connection! There are twists and turns and it is a total page turner. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good second chance romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book to the trading heartbeats series. I was hooked on the first chapter. I could not help but to fall in love with these characters. It only took me a few Josie to devour this amazing story.
Mavis and Josh were inseparable when they were teens. They knew they were in love but something happens and they are torn apart for years. Mavis is living her new life in Chicago. She wants to move on but Josh comes back to love her once more. Mavis left her old life for a reason but she can’t help the feelings she feels. Will Mavis get what she wants or will the past come back to bite her in the end?
Review @heatherbass
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Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this vampire romance story. This is the fourth book in this series which keeps getting better and better with each new installment. This is a series that needs to be read in order. I highly suggest reading the previous books first before this one to help with your enhancement of the characters and the author’s writing style. This is a well written story where we get to see Master Romano in action. This is a dark vampire fated mates story that is hard to put down. It is full of action and romance that you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story not only realistic but also made the characters come to life. They have great growth as well as the plot throughout the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read which had me coming back for more. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Five Years ago, after a pregnancy scare that ended his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Marissa, Weston left his hometown of Postscript Island for college and refused to go back. Now that his mom has suddenly been offered a substantial offer to buy out her shop in town and needs his advice, he goes back and must face his past in hopes of creating a future with Marissa.
Marissa is afraid to trust herself or Weston after their past, and struggles to move past her own pain and fear, until she realizes that things on the Island aren’t adding up and people she thinks she knows and can trust aren’t who they seem to be.
This book is a guaranteed happily ever after set on a beautiful island.