Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My rating 5 out of 5 stars
Scarlet Princess is a tale of a princess, but not your average princess. It follows Rowan as she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. This story combines the use of amazing witty moments with those that make your hair stand on end in anticipation. A real binge worthy book!
Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a sweet young adult romance. It is a clean story that also deals with some deeper issues. There were times that I struggle to connect with the main characters, mainly Emme although I think the author does a good job of portraying the rollercoaster that is being a teenager. I liked that there was more to the story as well. With the family issues the characters experience it gave a little more depth to the book. This is an overall enjoyable book.
Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my this was so, so, so, good! I really enjoy just about everything that I have read from Ms. Lewandowski so when I saw the gorgeous teasers from Saratoga Roan on my feed I knew without a doubt that I needed this story in my life ASAP, so I one-clicked and dove right on it without a single hesitation. I was instantly swept away by this second chance love story and very real and raw portrayal of what it is like to live and survive the trials of watching someone we love and care for deteriorate before our eyes as well. Almost a reverse love story as well. As children we grow up and with a veil over our eyes shielding us from the pain that will come when our parents will inevitably be older and someday no longer be who they once were. In this case we see Rhett’s struggle with his father and Alzheimer’s, a devastating condition that had to be difficult to write about but Lewandowski did with such grace and a passion that was evident with every word. I was numbed with sadness and yet soothed with the romance that was at play too. This is a book that you don’t want to miss and one that I would be happy to re-read for sure. I can’t wait to see what will come next from Bree M. Lewandowski!
Review by @lizaileen
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Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I truly loved this book and how much it pulled at my heart strings, it not only made me feel a lot of emotions, but got me thinking on my own personal life, sometimes you lose something dear, but does lightening strike in the same spot twice? If you lost something but that bolt of lightening hit again would you embrace it or this time truly lose it forever?
Cassandra and Rhett had a good relationship from what I understood of their past. Cassandra ended things, and may have basically hurt Rhett when he needed her the most out of anyone he knew. It seemed she had put his heart more into darkness than he already was. Years go by and a surprise meeting of them spending time together makes them re surface. Can years of hard feelings be put aside or will they truly consume anything they once had? In truth something I believe they both realized, just because something is lost maybe, just maybe its not truly gone forever?
There was so much to this amazing book aside from just Cassandra and Rhett’s story. The characters surrounding them really brought everything going on to life in more ways than one! The story was real and so was all the emotional tolls of pain and sufferings, to happy and wonderful feelings, to tears I shed for the characters and how those characters affected others. The book was more than just a good read, it was a must read for me. I loved the work by this author how they completely sucked me in and made me feel well basically everything possible among these wonderful characters I read about!
All in all, this was an amazing book and I truly cherished every moment I read in this very engaging story. The author completely took my soul and made me on the same land as the characters I so very much connected with. It was beautiful from start to finish. I highly recommend reading this true treasure!
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are so many good things that I could say about this book! The first book in the Funerals and Weddings series by Bernadette Marie, Something Lost is a great start to what I assume will be a fantastic series!
When his college basketball coach dies from illness, Craig Turner goes to his funeral and reconnects with multiple people from his past, including the coach’s daughter Rachel. Ten years had passed since he had seen her last, but the chemistry between them proves to be strong as ever as they reconnect over the span of the book.
One of the things that I loved about the book was the focus on mental illness. It was interesting to see just how much mental illness can impact a family. I hope that the future books in the series also focus a bit on mental illness, because the author did a very good job at making the reader relate to and understand what the characters were going through.
Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyone can appreciate a badass heroine; and a hero that does not feel intimidated when she’s in her element. I enjoyed reading this novel. It sheds light on how guilt can cripple one’s ability to let go of the past and its negative effects. I liked the connection between the hero and heroine and appreciated that it was realistic. In that, Amy had to choose between holding on to her guilt and letting it continue to fester or be willing to let it go for something that brings healing and happiness. I also appreciated that the onus was on her to decide and know what is best for herself. This novel was a mixture of intrigue, suspense and romance and one that I enjoyed reading immensely.
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love and appreciate the concept of second chances. I cherish rectifying wrongs, healing past hurts and mending broken relationships. I thought that Something Lost was a typical second chance story- but imagine my delight when I found out that it was something more! While I understand the importance of primary characters, I also relished the interactions of the secondary characters. This novel encompasses broken relationships, not only intimate relationships but also friendships and family relationships. Something Lost has so many layers and beautiful complexities. There are some triggering scenes; however, it does not take away from the novel but adds a realistic point of view to the book. I wholeheartedly recommend Something Lost and hope that you too will have that second chance to mend that which is broken and turn it into something beautiful.
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bernadette Marie did a great job at creating her little world within this series. I have so far only read the first book but I absolutely adore books that follow character storylines from other perspectives.
“Something Lost” is a fantastic palette cleanser for someone who is in the need of a light hearted romance with a bit of a spin. The entire story has you thinking “what’s going to happen next?!”; each sentence is like a cliffhanger!
The minute detail that was included, simply to bring the scene together in the reader’s head was absolutely on point. 10/10 would recommend!
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Compelling? – Check
Engrossing? – Check
Original? – Check
Unpredictable? – Check
Amy knocked this one out of the park-with strong, relatable, likeable, and resilient characters and a complex plot. No Way Out grabbed and retained my attention the minute I started reading; I was anxious and excited to see how the story unfolded. I appreciated the similarities and the contrast between Max and Lil regarding their childhood and how it influenced them as adults. I also appreciated that they took the time to know each other regardless of the whirlwind of happenings around them. I’m a sucker for accountability- so I contented with the end result of the antagonist. READER BEWARE: Way Out will reel you and take you on a rollercoaster of a literary adventure!
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love how this story takes place in Australia. It’s so fun how it starts out and how the main character Pandora unravels her story of mistaken identity. This is book 2 of 3 in a series of the Australian Outback! The author Nicole Flockton builds great characters and story lines. I can’t wait for book 3.
Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a beautiful romance. It was heartbreaking in parts and the anger that is between Rhett and Cassandra at the start really hurts. But you can feel feel characters grown through this book and as they mature they realise that things aren’t always what the seem.
Cassandra and Rhett dated year ago but after several attempts by Cassandra to take their relationship physical and Rhett pulling back all the time she got annoyed and left.
Why if he claims to love her won’t he show it?
Fast forward and Rhett is now running his father’s stables and Cassandra returns determined to make Rhett hers and get the man back she loves.
However things are that simple and something that plagues Rhett could derail their relationship again.
Will they work it out this time? Or will one of them run away again?.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley was a captivating book from the first page. The book is filled with developed characters that keep you wondering what they will do next as the story plays out. It is my first read and not going to be my last read by Amy McKinley. The way she writes her characters it is easy to feel for them whether is it pity, hate, or love. I simply could not put the book down. I just had to keep reading to find out more.
Lilliana is a mafia princess, but not your average one. She is a strong female lead that is determined, skilled, and not a damsel in distress. With a rough life that holds no escape except as a pawn to ensure her father’s power. She has a group of girlfriends that are more like sisters to her and always there to support her. Under her father’s care she is nothing more than a pawn to be played at the right time for his selfish desire for power. She wants nothing to do with being his bargaining chip, but how will she find freedom? Trading one caged life for another to a man of his choosing? Or is there another way?
Life changing events for the ever-cruel Brambilla boss set a new start to things in the mafia world. Enter assassin Matteo Trambino the guise Max takes on with his plan of his own devised to save her from her dangerous father. As the new bodyguard to Lil, he witnesses firsthand the life the mafia princess lives. It drives him even more to follow through with his mission, even if parts of that may be changing as the story progresses. Will he succeed in what he has been sent to do or will he fail?
An amazing read that I would recommend to anyone!
Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the second book in the DAG team series by this author and was just as good as the first in my opinion. I would highly recommend that you read these books in order, so you are aware of the previous story and events as opposed to reading this one by itself. And believe me, the first one is a great thriller as well so you will be sitting on the edge of your seats reading them both. This one I felt had a little more romance than the first book did which I loved, but the drama and suspense is what makes this story. The author has an amazing knack for describing the characters as well as the events taking place around them, so I truly was able to picture this happening in front of my own eyes. This was another page turner for me as I couldn’t put it down, so I was reading past midnight to finish it. But it was all well worth it. If you love suspenseful books, you need to read this series.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in this series by this author. I am quite familiar with her writing as I have previously read books written by her for other series. I think she is a wonderful writer with some of the best descriptive writing I have read. She honestly keeps me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with every book she writes. This was probably the best book I’ve read by her to date. I immediately fell connected with the main characters and they did not let me down. This book was full of suspense and drama, but the romance was sizzling hot! I cannot wait until she releases the next book in this series to see where what happens next.
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adore the Bunya Junction series by Nicole Flockton that focuses on the Carruthers siblings and finding their match. In this second in the series, Runaway to the Outback, we find out more about Jonas Carruthers, the local pub owner of Bunya Junction. One day, a woman, Pandora Sebastian, walks into his pub in a wedding dress. Speculation of being a runaway bride leads to the discovery that Pandora is a model and has run off her photoshoot. She escapes to the small town of Bunya Junction and discovers that the small town is in fact a wonderful place full of people who genuinely care for others. We follow the tale of Jonas and Pandora and discover to trust in others along the way.
I enjoy the people of Bunya Junction and how the are all there for one another. This is such a rare thing these days that I instantly want to meet these characters in the real world. I appreciate the secondary story lines mixed throughout the main one, such as Ray, the sweet and lovable storyteller of the pub and town. Although sometimes I wanted to yell at Jonas for being a sulking and stubborn man, he is a great character and takes criticism well from his siblings. I also appreciate the tease into the 3rd book about Scott and now I anxiously await its release.
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Something Lost by Bernadette Marie is book one of the Funerals and Weddings series. Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and this book is no exception!
Craig and Rachel broke the rules when they dated in high school but that didn’t stop them from falling in love. As it does, the real world got in the way and they both went separate ways. Now they are forced back together. Craig and Rachel have both experienced some highs and lows since they’ve been separated but there is some rekindling of their spark when they see each other again. They definitely have hurdles in their way. Can Rachel face her traumas to be with Craig and can he handle the baggage or will these two fizzle out like they did before?
I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of emotion and the characters were well developed. It really felt like you were right next to them going through this story. I can’t wait to see what this series has in store for the rest of the characters!
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton
Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dating the It Guy is a young adult romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager. As far as stories in this genre go, it was not a bad story. There was a lot contained in these pages. Emotion, tension, insecurities, competition and a lot more. The characters were varied and each carried their own complexities. There was also the ever present teenage drama to add to the mix. The author penned a fairly decent story that was appealing, engaging and never lacking in dramatic flair. A great story for lovers of this trope. 4 stars.
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Book 2 in the series
Pandora is a bride or is she and canny famous who’s wanting to take a step back . I enjoyed this romance story. This author gives great attention to detail about her characters which makes the book an easy read. She decied to head to Bunya Junction for her break but what happens when life catches up with her in this little town. When she has to face some things and make a descion. Nice book and an entertaining read.
➹ ➹ ➹BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ➹ ➹ ➹ ➹
A.L. Morrow is the (naughtier) alter ego of a USA Today bestselling young adult author. When she isn’t writing clean(ish) YA tales, “A” enjoys dreaming up steamy scenes set in spectacular places–often along with a touch of magic or myth. She believes that love is love and likes reading and writing various genres of romance, especially stories involving MM and MMF relationships.
In her downtime (what’s that?), A finds delight in scouring for secondhand designer fashions. She briefly lived in a haunted mansion, once took a flight to visit Scotland for a day, and is prone to meeting minor celebrities in random hotel elevators. She resides in the eastern US.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out is book 1 of the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. I am a sucker for a good mafia romance and I am also a sucker for a great book by Amy McKinley. And WOW does she kick this series off right!
Liliana is born into this mafia lifestyle and knows that something is going on with her dad. He’s becoming more agitated and always angry. One thing that Liliana knows is that it somehow includes her. And not in a good way. The only problem is will she be able to find out what he’s up to in time to save herself?
Max (undercover as Matt) is working to take down the people who took what rightfully belongs to him. Even though Liliana is a part of the family that he’s going after, he swears to protect her.
I love the character of Liliana. She’s strong and knows that she has to protect herself from the monsters that surround her. And I loved reading about the relationship between her and Max. What a great story!
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Runaway to the Outback was a really good read! So far I can’t tell which one is my favorite but this one was just as good as the first! I did enjoy the beginning of this one more, it was more mysterious in a way and definitely more entertaining. I also loved that this book let us see what happened to Ryan and Sindy after the first book. This series is quickly becoming a favorite because the characters are so relatable. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series!
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton is the second book in the series A Welcome to Bunya Junction Romance. Jonas Carruthers runs the pub in Bunya Junction, a meeting place for the locals. One Saturday afternoon, the pub patrons cease their conversations when a bride walks into the pub. The bride isn’t a local resident and as the bride walks towards the bars and sits down in front of Jonas all he can ask is, “What can I get you?” It is scenes like this that Ms. Flockton does a wonderful job describing to bring you into the world of Bunya Junction that gets me sucked into reading her books. I love the way Jonas and Pandora Sebastian (the woman who isn’t a bride but is a famous model) begin talking to each other and finding they interact and work together well. I really enjoyed this book and had a good laugh at the last scene. I hope you love it as much as I did!
Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the DAG Team Series. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything not having read the first book. That being said, my enjoyment and curiosity has me wanting to go back and read the first book.
Amy Stuart feels she is to blame for her sister’s death and wants to avenge her death. Her work leads her back to where she is from and within reach of her sister’s killer.
Hugh Bainbridge IV hired Data Acquisition Group for help with a smuggling issue. Hugh is not sure if someone broke into their warehouse or if it is an inside job, but he is determined to find out. He does not make a good impression on Amy, but as time goes by, they find they are spending a lot of time in each other’s company.
There is a lot going on in this book, but it is easy to keep up. I loved the heat between Amy and Hugh. Amy is able to compartmentalize unless it is personal. Can Amy get over her own anger and fear and give love a chance? Or is she going to just walk away and not look back?
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
Five Stars
No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance is the first book in the Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. What a powerful read. Ms. McKinley is one of my go to authors and I have enjoyed everything I have read by her, but this is by far my absolutely my favorite. At first, I thought it was going to be confusing with all the characters mentioned before the story started. It turned out to be a good reference, but the story was gripping and held me from beginning to end. Max and Liliana have hot, hot, hot chemistry. I can’t wait to get the book in this series. Excellent, Best Read Of 2021 so far.
Review by @sunbarn
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Something Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book touched on some deep situations, grief being one of the biggest. Craig and Rachel dated secretly behind coach Diaz’s back, but things ended years before they reunited. Something Lost is a story that shows, the heart wants what it wants. I enjoyed this book because it was realistic. It was just fairytales and rainbows. Real life issues surrounding grief are very well displayed.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out (Mafia Elite #1) by Amy McKinley
5-stars
Wow!!! No Way Out is a truly phenomenal read!!! I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. Right from the get go I was captivated and intrigued by the characters and I just had to get answers to all my questions, and man this author did not disappoint!!!!!
I have read lots of this authors work but this book is by far my favourite!! It’s made its way to my list of faves for the year! I highly suggest this book to anyone looking for an action-packed, steamy, detailed, intense and unexpected Mafia read!! This book will not disappoint you!! I look forward to reading book 2 asap!
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1)
By Amy McKinley
I have loved everything I have read by this author, especially this book. This author never disappoints, this story is full of action, suspense, romance, deceit and so much more. I was pulled into this story from the beginning and I was kept entertained throughout. Max and Liliana had chemistry from the start and you could feel it jumping off the pages. There are a lot of changes coming for some of the Mafia bosses and some of them aren’t going to make it through those changes. This is a must read if you want to find out what happens, who makes it through and what happens between Max and Liliana and other characters as well. There are some great characters in this story. I highly recommend this book.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I love the complexity of this story. Liliana is my kind of heroine – strong, resilient, and demands respect. Another thing I loved about the story is the chemistry between Liliana and Max is palpable from the first meeting, and it doesn’t let up. I love this author’s writing style, and I feel this story is the perfect example of it. Looking forward to more books in this storyline!!
Reviewed by @vegatina20
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, so this series just gets better. I was so enraptured by this story! I love all the aspects of Greek Mythology that Hazel Storm adds to each book. The bow was not what I thought it was going to be! It turned out so much better and had twists and turns that I could not predict at all! I can’t wait for the story to continue! Would definitely recommend this series!
Review by @heather26
