The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love to read and watch westerns on and in books. This book is no exception: I enjoyed watching as Fenimore transform into Simon. This grew into unexpected storytelling as we see the relationship and environment interchange with the character and his life. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams is available now in eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Lizzie hates Christmas (making this book right up my alley), is down on her luck, and an opportunity to skip town for the holiday is knocking on her door. After buying an unused plane ticket from a friend she is on her way to Australia. What’s better than spending a nontraditional Christmas with your toes in the sand? Lizzie meets Jaz, a single dad, who carries a lot of baggage. Will she leave opportunities behind when she returns to the UK, or has a ball to the noggin knocked some sense into her?
This Holiday Rom Com will give you all the holiday feel goods. In its short 129 pages I promise you will fall in love with every single character in this novella. Each character is lovable, relatable, and full of spunk. This is my first time reading a novel written by Williams and I will not hesitate in the future to pick up another. I highly recommend The Christmas Escape to anyone who is looking for a short, quick read full of laughter, romance, and warm beachy Christmas vibes. I even recommend it to those who despise Christmas!
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Man in Black is a historical, LGBT romance. Fenimore James is a young man who is bored in his life. He is a dreamer and believes he should be more, however, that more is running away from home to become an outlaw named Simon Shaw. Simon believed he was going to be able to rob his way through life living his best life. He joins a gang, but he comes to find out that joining this gang is no joke. This is a life that is a bloody one and there is a mystery person out there after the gang’s blood. Many of its members are being murdered. Simon has dreams at night where a “man in black” visits him. He doesn’t understand why this man is in his dreams but he thinks it is important. However, he is dealing with other “issues” as he starts to question his sexuality – at the beginning, he has always questioned this but was engaged to a woman. However, his feelings for men are too strong and he ends up trying on this experience with another gang member. He and his new “friend” start to try to help the gang figure out who could be hurting them, and the leader gets scared and starts to think it could be someone they are all close to. This is a thriller and has a good plot, but will Simon find the life he has always dreamed for himself, is the killer someone close to them, and will he figure out where he belongs amongst all of this?
This was an interesting story. It has been a while since I read a historical setting piece, but the fact that it was a thriller made is worth the read. It was a little slow to start, but if you can get through the beginning it will be a good read. There are many exciting parts, the aspect of taking on a puzzle, outlaws, and it was nice seeing a man trying to figure out who he was. If you are looking for a different take on an LGBT story and love thrillers, this is the story for you.
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable wild west thriller which I enjoyed. I’ve not read a book based in the Wild West for a long time, so I was pleasantly surprised when reading this by just how much I was enjoying it.
The plot was intriguing and unique, and the book was written well – the descriptive language used painted vivid pictures of both the scenes and characters.
Fenimore/Simon was an interesting character. Leaving a small ton life for the ‘glory’ of life as an outlaw was an interesting plot point. Then the mystery thriller elements, the character truly develops as he navigates sexuality and life within the gang. I love seeing character development so this was a great thing to see.
I liked that this wasn’t the typical western story, there was a lot more to it. The length of the book didn’t put me off, I adore long books, but feel like this may put some readers off. Give it a chance, you may surprise yourself.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Madria is a sassy, defiant young woman who absolutely hates vampires. Years ago her mothers ancestors were murdered by Vampires so she grew up hating them all. When shifters cause havoc in her fathers club and Master Sardinia comes to the rescue, instead of being relieved, she blames him for the shifters being there in the first place. She shows him disrespect and he is not going to let her get away with that.
After bringing Madria down into the basement to talk to her about her attitude, shifters brutally attack Madria. After discovering that they may need her psychic powers to help them track down the rogue vampires, Sardinia has no choice but to change her to the one kind of creature she hates. Madria realizes that if she doesn’t help these vampires, even more evil vampires will kill more humans so she reluctantly agrees to help. As much as she wants to hate Sardinia for who he is and what he made her become, she can’t help but feel intense attraction to the blood sucker.
Sardinia knows he shouldn’t cross any lines with Madria, her being under his care and all. It’s just she is so innocent and pure, yet also full of fire. She isn’t afraid of him and that makes him want to punish her…
I love The Masters of the Consulate series. I have read a few of them so far and every time, Sylvia Black is able to have me hooked from page one. Each book is a stand alone love story with a different vampire master but it also has an underlying plot tying all the characters together. The author has a magical way of bringing two unlikely personalities together to create a perfect couple.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is part of the WaterFyre Rising series and is probably my favourite so far. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. It was instant and so strong, it really carried on through the whole of the book. I was captivated by their connection and was desperate for them to find a way to surmount all of the obstacles they faced.
The book is so well written and I loved the storyline. It was a gripping read and I could not put this book down. This author has become one of my favourites with such ease. I don’t bother to read the description of her books anyone, I just pick them up and start reading. This is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a cute, quick read and what can be better than the holidays at the beach! Lizzie ends up traveling with her heartbroken best friend to Australia for the holidays. After being let go of her job, she decides to take a break from it all in a new environment for the holidays. After arriving and taking a clumsy tumble, she ends up meeting Jaz, a single dad living in Australia. They start connecting and hitting it off. Lizzie at first is hesitant about getting involved but then switches her mindset to just enjoying this short term romantic holiday fling. Williams has definitely created such a great enjoyable story and also added a text prior to starting the book on the type of English being used in the book. Wish more authors would do this if it is needed for their story.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a fun holiday read, though it almost feels like summer as our heroine is in Australia and has surf and sand weather for Christmas. Do you think fate can hit you in the head like a ball? Well, this is what Lizzie has to figure out after she meets hunky father Jaz, whose son just happens to clock her in the head with a ball as she was trying to enjoy the Australian beach. She had told her friend Shona that holiday romances are nice but never last, so should she have a little fun while she can or should she cut her losses and run, considering she lives thousands of miles away from Jaz and his two children. Their story is sweet with some drama thrown in and a little bit of spice. Basically, this book has everything you need, making it a great read. I can’t tell you how relatable and friendly all the characters are, even the secondary characters have such a wonderful feel to them that I want to be their friend. If you like fun, fast, sweet summer-ish style holiday romances, you should definitely check this one out.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining holiday read. I have read several books by this author and I have always found them enjoyable. Part of the reason I love them is because the characters are so believable we all know someone who is like the character being portrayed in the story. This is a short read but it doesn’t feel like it’s unfinished in anyway. I was just a little disappointed that I flew through it so quick but that is because of the brilliant writing of the author and the fact I was so invested in this story.
Lizzie is having a tough time, she has just been made redundant and with Christmas coming up the last thing she wants to do is spend it with her family. So when an opportunity arises to help her friend by buying her flight to Australia off her Lizzie jumps at the chance. After all its just what she needs a break far away from family and in the sun. What she does expect or plan on is meeting someone.
Jaz is a single father who has his work cut out looking after his kids that romance never enters his mind. That is until his son accidently hits a woman on the beach. Now their paths keep crossing and he finds he likes spending time with her, he even invites her to have Christmas lunch with him. He knows she’s on holiday and will be leaving soon but wheres the harm is a little holiday fling.
Because in Lizzie’s mind that’s all this could ever be right? There’s no way it could progress into something more meaningful is there? Will common sense win or will the magic of Christmas sprinkle just enough magic to grant them a Christmas wish?
I loved it and even though its set in a sunny place the magic of Christmas still came through. This is definately a book to read curled up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams. This is such a fun Christmas love story. Its the story of Lizzie who has just lost her job and her apartment. This is right at Christmas too so when her best friends loser boyfriend doesn’t come thru on a vacation ticket Lizzie thinks “why not” so she goes with her girlfriend to Australia. While there she thinks she should have a fling with a hot guy, that might make her feel better. When she meets Jaz/Jasper who is enjoying the beach with his kids she thinks he is good looking. He would make a good fling. Jaz feels bad for her spending Christmas alone so he invites her over and the chemistry takes over. They both know this can’t be a long term relationship because she has to go home but when they both catch feelings what will they do? Read this fun Christmas time romance to find out! Such a fun romp!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fast paced cute holiday romance book! I loved the main characters a lot and the side characters were all amazing too. Very welcoming and heart warming. Super fast read but I really enjoyed it. Jaz is so sweet to Lizzie and I loved reading their love story. Made my heart happy! They’re so cute together. This will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.
Lauren Turner had a very difficult childhood until a social worker adopted her for good and made her a wonderful professional. Now becoming a good social worker, just like her mom, was all Lauren could think while in college, until she met Jake, who after a horrible action lost her forever, or did he?
Jake Kelly is an official who, after being inspired by a girl he met at college, wanted to dedicate his life to saving children from the government foster program. And one night a very tough case came up and oh boy destiny did as well, he found not only a pair of twins in need along with their mother but also a certain lady from his past.
A romantic second chance story about how not all things seem what they are at first look.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Please please read reviews for content warnings. There are some very sensitive topics that need to be noted. This was a good story, although not a favorite. I did enjoy these characters and story building. I wanted more I think out of this but that could just be a me problem. However, Kate and Noah did have good chemistry between the two of them and that did keep me going throughout this story.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lizzie and her best friend Shona are deciding how Shona should handle having a ticket to Australia that has already been paid for and is non refundable. Lizzie has just lost her most recent job that she didn’t really like and she has decided this will be her chance to get away and not have to deal with her family and their disappointment. She gets to Australia and realizes this is the best decision she could have made until her first day on the beach. She wasn’t expecting to truly have to watch her surrounds on the beach until a ball almost knocks her out. One of the most gorgeous men she’s seen comes to her rescue because it was his son Lachlan that kicked the ball that almost took her out. Jaz is a retired professional surfer and now owns his own cafe. He tells Lizzie to stop by the cafe sometime and to let them know that he sent her. To her surprise when she stops by he is there, that’s when she learns he owns the cafe. Since his son is the reason for her injury he does feel a little guilty and wants to try and make her holiday better so he invites her to his Christmas with friends and they begin to fall for each other but neither truly want to admit that they have, because it was only supposed to be some fun. After she tells him she feels they shouldn’t see each other any more she spends her last few days alone and heads back home to the UK. She decides when she gets home that she get a new job working in a law office again and come to find out her boss is actually friends with Jaz and it just seems like fate has stepped in again. Will she allow herself to finally be happy or will she miss a chance of a life time?
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sylvia Black is an old time favourite author that I have not read for a while and I will certainly be catching myself up on all her latest works ASAP.
I read this as a stand alone novel but I wish I had known prior to starting Master Sadina that it is the 8th novel in a “The masters of the Consulate” series. I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series as it will give you a greater understanding of all of the characters of the book and their individual stories and how we ended up at the point in time where this book starts.
Master Sardina is a pure bred “player” vampire whom falls in love with his newly turned charge Madria. Some extremely HOT and steamy sex scenes. Madria is the link with the help of a stone that can see powerful visions that help them in a quest to shed the island of rogue vampires and shifters?
My only gripe – the book ends abruptly but I guess that just means I have to read the next book?
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the story of a young man that leaves his family with the hope of becoming a famous outlaw. On his journey, he joins an outlaw gang. This book contains mature content, such as violence and a M/M romance. This is not the type of book I usually read, but I did like the basic storyline and the mystery of the man in black.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the WaterFyre Rising series. Even though it is part of a series each book revolves around a different couple so you don’t need to read them in order, however I guarantee once you’ve read 1 you will want to read more. The author’s writing is so captivating that it grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go.
This book has everything I love to read. From a strong protective alpha with dark secrets, danger, lies, passion, intrigue, human trafficking, and twists and turns i just didn’t expect for me it was definately a thrilling page-turner.
This story follows Forrest and Kiera. A chance meeting brings them together and even though the attraction is there they think nothing more of it. Until Kiera is kidnapped and placed up for auction to the highest bidder. Scared and alone she panics until she spots a familiar face in the crowd.
Forrest has his own demons to deal with and he is on a revenge mission to get rid of the people who murdered his family and he will stop at nothing until the last person has gone. When he meets Kiera she is like a Ray of light in his dark world and even though he knows he shouldn’t he can’t help but be drawn to her.
When she sees her at that place he knows he needs to do whatever it takes to protect her but by doing so has he just put an even bigger target on her back from the people he is trying to destroy.
Can he protect Kiera whilst still going after revenge?
This story is so detailed and I love the way it is told from both POV so you can get a complete picture of what each character is thinking and feeling, the turmoil they both go through as they try to navigate the dangerous path in front of them.
Even though it is over 400 pages long I read through it so fast because i couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen and if they would get their happy ever after
Although it took time for the action and climax to really get going in this book, I enjoyed it! The characters were detailed and the names were unique. Not a name heard often, Tanjie, is just learning of her destiny and that she is special. Tanjie is said to be on earth for one reason and one only and that is to save the witches and the other beings from pure destruction. Although she has other thoughts on what her life should be like and how she should live, her destiny says something completely different. Then she meets Al or as he is better known to his pack as Alaric. These two have a destiny together yet it is unknown in the beginning and they are drawn to one another which is forbidden. How will they survive their drawn attraction to one another? Will their destinies win or will they find that their own stands to tear them apart? These are questions I had during the entire time reading and couldn’t put it down. What will happen in the next book? I can’t wait to know more and read about the lives of Tanjie, Alaric, the coven and pack!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thank goodness this is book 1 in this series because I certainly want to read more! I hope there is more magic and wolf transforming in the next book(s) because that is part of the magic! This story ends with a cliffhanger, not a happy for now ending but an actual cliff hanger…ugh what are all the secrets! What is going to happen!
Wolves and witches don’t mix well in this story until Tanjie the witch and Al the wolf meet. They have a connection. Seems like it might be a lust connection but maybe it’s something more.
Tanjie has just discovered she is a witch however she doesn’t know what that means in the grand scheme of everything. She is learning but not fast enough for her liking.
Alaric, Al, has always known he is a wolf and is next in line to be Alpha if he can figure out his allegiance and prove his strength and intent to his pack.
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This paranormal romance had everything I could ask for in a great first book of a series. Witches, wolf shifters, intrigue, forbidden romance, and so much more! We first meet Tanjie when we learn about the death of her parents and the bond that she has with her two best friends, and her elderly neighbor in her apartment building with whom she spends a day once a month chatting about things of her past that her parents held dear. When Maria, the elderly neighbor, is found to have passed on by Tanjie and her friends, it is such a shock and a sad reminder of the loss of Tanjie’s parents. Leaving her with so many unanswered questions about her life, and the path that she is supposed to take. To Tanjie’s surprise, she starts hearing Maria’s voice in her head, which reminds her to get the envelope that was left for her to open upon Maria’s death. This envelope contains Maria’s last will and testament, which will change Tanjie’s life in so many ways she could never imagine. First of all, Tanjie must move away to take care of the bookstore that Maria has left for her, and this is where Tanjie meets Alaric, the boy she is advised to stay away from because he is a troublemaker. Of course, this makes him all the more appealing to Tanjie, who is in denial of anything that is starting to happen to her, wanting everything to go back to the way it was before Maria’s passing. Tanjie learns quickly that life as she once knew it, will never be the same, and that she needs to learn to embrace change or lose her own life. This book was such a great read, I am impressed with the extensive attention to detail that the author has put into her writing. This book was such an exciting experience, I cannot wait to see what comes next in the 2nd book in this series.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As the boys from WaterFyre Rising continue to take on the criminal network that threatened their lives when they were young, Forrest takes care of some personal business. In this thrilling addition to the series, Forrest discovers that beauty is more than meets the eye.
Forrest is on a mission of revenge with the men that killed his father. He is two-thirds of the way done when he is distracted by a woman that he can’t seem to get out of his head. Forrest has known her for ages as she mingles in his friend circles. On a photo shoot with her, their chemistry takes over and they share one night. She disappears and Forrest doesn’t know why.
After the best night of her life, Kiera receives a phone call that her mother is in the hospital and she takes off. Her mother’s declining health has been Kiera’s sole focus for the last six months. Kiera takes a photography job in Texas to ensure that she can pay for her mom’s treatment. Kiera runs into Forrest while in Texas and they reconnect. Kiera wants to keep her distance but Forrest won’t let that happen.
As Forrest and Kiera rediscover each other, an outside force is trying to keep them apart. Kiera is kidnapped. She appears in a special auction. Forrest bids and wins her. It doesn’t end there. As the outside force is revealed, it creates different problems. Hearts are broken.
This author takes the reader on another outstanding, intense thrill ride. Find the time to read this one.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Talk about long distance and long term relationships. Fun book to read, a concept we all imagine. Read this book if you like romance, plot twists, and fate.
The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Inquisitor: A Second Chance Romance (WaterFyre Rising) by Nadia Han- 5 out of 5 stars
Someone set off the smoke alarms because this book is on fire! Oh man, Opposites attract could not be more true for these two. Forrest and Kiera’s paths keep crossing in this fantastic, romantic, suspenseful novel. This second chance romance will have you stuck to the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book.
View all my reviewsThe Inquisitor, WaterFyre Rising Series, Nadia Han, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Romance, Suspense, 2023, Elisha Johnson, November The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Elisha Johnson
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler – 5 out of 5 stars
What would you think if you went to a place named Christmas Cove around Christmas only to find it Christmas-less? Travel editor, America Greene, had a hard time learning that Christmas is much more than just a place. Christmas is about the traditions and bringing loved ones together. This book gives off Hallmark vibes. I highly recommend.
The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is part of the two-book in The Ocean. The Ocean in His Veins can be read as a companion to Where the Ocean Meets the Sky or as a standalone novel. This was interesting to read about Cal age 16 to 45. We find out what his back story is and I’m not sure if it changes my mind about him from book one. The Ocean in His Veins is executed at a literary fiction level with deeply fleshed out characters that makes the reader curious about Cal. I found myself thinking about the characters when I set the book down. If you like literary fiction with romance then you don’t want to miss this series.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Christmas books and I love romance books. I was so glad this story was a well written Christmas romance. It definitely made me excited for Christmas magic and gave me the feeling of love. Lizzie and Jaz are everything and watching their love unfold was magical.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance
If only their story had been as easy as I was expecting it to be. Noah meets the girl he wants to marry at 13 years old in a bookstore, and can’t forget her as time passed until they run into one another 5 years later.
Kate’s life was the exact opposite of easy and has some pretty dark times over the years, but the one light was Noah.
I found myself getting frustrated with both of them for various reasons through most or the book and aside from the interactions as children their time in Dubai was probably my favorite interaction.
This was my first experience reading anything by this author and overall enjoyed the book. Looking forward to reading her develope and evolve as an author.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren- 5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book of the Lake Juniper Series. The story does contain some sensitive topics such as abuse that may be a trigger for some readers, but I encourage you to give it a go. Overall this was a very well written MM romance novel with some spicy scenes. What else would you expect from two complex and completely loveable individuals who have such great chemistry? Eli, a writer, and Austin, a chef, simple yet oh so sexy. I recommend and can’t wait for more.
Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This was a quick read for me and it was cute. The storyline is very romantic and cute. The main characters pair so well with each other and flow throughout the book. It’s a great standalone in the series.
Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lauren and Jake accidentally run into each other after years since they’d broken up in college. Lauren is a social worker and Jake works in law enforcement. They’re brought together by fate when they’re assigned to the same case. CA beautifully developed their love story in this quick, fun read.
