Myths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing book! 7 different short stories all revolving around love. Each story takes you to a different setting with different myths and legends and tells you a tale of pure romance. It was such a fantastic read I actually read it twice.
My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not what I was expecting when I read the synopsis. BUT not in a bad way.
Did not expect all the emotional ups and downs. WOW so many feelings. I would say that this book is a mashup of a taboo romance and coming of age book and added to that there’s also some mystery sprinkled in there with it all. So basically an ice cream sundae kind of book.
I really loved the storyline of the book, the only negative aspect is that I found it a bit “wordy”, some of the parts were a bit repetitive. But it doesn’t take away from the story.
I’m definitely getting book 2 and I’m excited to see there’s already 10 books in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It was action packed from beginning to end and really kept me hooked.
Mari has escaped her old life and is trying to get to the US. She has been betrayed and ends up near guerrilla territory, but is then helped escape again on the understanding that she looks after Chris, who has amnesia. So she looks after him to help ensure her safety, hoping that they can escape before his memory returns.
I liked Mari as a character, she was brave and competent in looking after herself, certainly not someone who would normally need rescuing. Chris has to rely on Mari but desperately wants his memory back.
The slow build to their relationship happens with a drip feed of Mari’s past and Chris’s memory returning, I certainly added to the suspense.
I enjoyed the tie-in to the previous book, although this one can certainly be read as a standalone.
The narrator, Regan Brown, does an excellent job and I loved Mari’s accent, it definitely helped with defining the characters. I would absolutely listen to more of her narration.
Reviewed by @MrsR
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is your Enemies to Lovers story. Love by Design is the second book in The Meraki Series by Effie Kammenou. In this story, we follow Mia Andarakis as she takes on her dream job of Creative Director of the luxury magazine Opul. This position will take her to ultimate goal that is until her boss is none other than Nicholas Aristedis. Mia has watched him from afar and had the biggest crush on him. However, Nick has put a wall up around his heart and refuses to fall for another woman. That is until he meets Mia, but he refuses to fall. It turns out that Nick is almost nearly impossible to work with. What do you think is going to happen when these two start working with each other? Will these two last being enemies? These characters are pretty awesome. I couldn’t put the book down with it being such an easy read. I love this series. You can read this book without reading the first book. However, like I always say…you should read the series in order. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Review by @vegasdaisie
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Passionate* Playful* Paranormal
International Bestselling author, TK Lawyer writes sexy and heartwarming paranormal and contemporary romance. Her books often toe the line, straying from traditional ideas and opening readers’ minds and hearts to unlimited possibilities.
When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely spending time with her husband/best friend or catering to their lovable American Foxhound misfit who steals all the attention in their house.
You can connect with TK on Facebook at facebook.com/tklawyerauthor or on Twitter @tklawyerauthor. You can also visit her website, https://tklawyerauthor.wordpress.com/ and connect with her on Amazon at amazon.com/author/tklawyer.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Mia Andarakis has just been promoted to Associate Art Director of a new luxury magazine called Opul. She will be working directly with the man she has been admiring from afar, Nicholas Aristedis, the owner of Aris Magazines and her boss. The version of him she has painted in her head is nothing like the man she has come to know through work. As she quoted, “how can someone be so beautiful on the outside and yet so equally ugly on the inside?” At first their relationship is hostile and they bicker over a lot of things, but once their relationship grows they become a great team. Nick has been hurt over the years, but maybe his luck has changed with Mia? Several misunderstandings and a lot of hours put in to make this magazine a success could lead to more than just a work relationship. Is Mia ready for more? Is Nick ready to let go of his past?
Myths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a collection of short stories very loosely based on the common theme of Myths and Legends.
All the stories were little romance stories, some were sweet and a couple were raunchy. The raunchy ones had very explicit sex scenes. A couple of the stories also had frequent use of the “F” word.
Trigger Warning: one of the stories briefly describes self harm in the form of cutting and drug use.
There were a couple times that a story would jump in time without a smooth transition, but it wasn’t enough to detract too much from the story line.
Most of the stories were really great and would make great full length books if expanded
Reviewed by: @kygarner4
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was quite an interesting read from the very beginning. The Earl draws you in with his gallantry and then his misunderstanding of the workings of the female mind! (I feel like the author captured how men think eloquently!) Emily is someone you want to be friends with because of all the misfortunes that happen to her. You want to cheer her on and encourage her.
This was a romance novel without being over the top explicit. I appreciated that, too!
An Unexpected Bonding by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An Unexpected Bonding is the first book in The Unexpected Trilogy by Lilly Rayman. This is an original paranormal romance with vampires, shifters, Fae, Egyptian mythology, a secret society, drama, chemistry, interesting characters, and intriguing developments.
This is my first read from Lilly Rayman, so I really didn’t know what to expect- but the blurb intrigued me, so I took the chance and one-clicked myself a copy. What I discovered is a well-woven and richly descriptive story that held my attention the whole way through.
This story definitely has its own flair. It’s an interesting blend of vampires, shifters, mythology, fae, and spice. I enjoyed the authors original take on the ‘lore’. There were a few minor issues with the story- but nothing that detracted too much from my overall enjoyment of the book.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Rayman’s work.
Thank you, Lilly Rayman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Meraki series and I really enjoyed it. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing.
Mia is finally getting a chance at her dream job. Only problem is Nicholas, they have chemistry but yet things can also be a little cold at times and they come at each other. When they have to go to Greece for an assignment things take an interesting twist.
Will these two finally get it right and connect?
Overall this was a great read. You can read as a stand alone but I suggest reading book one first, it will help you connect better with the characters. The characters added a great element to the story and I really liked them. My emotions were all over the place. If you’re looking for a great series 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was sucked into the story immediately. Drama, tension, drug cartel, and a daughter caught up in being a pawn among all the secrets. Can Ramone whose job is to keep Katie safe after being shot save her from a life that she has no control over? Katie suffers PTSD and anxiety attacks after being shot, can Ramone help her become the strong woman that her father expects? It is the only way to keep them both safe from her father, a drug boss. The book ends without satisfying all my questions. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
My Sweet GI by T.L. Wainwright is a romance story taking place in England during WWII. It is a beautiful story that captured my heart from the start. Jenny is a sweet young woman who meets Teddy when he comes into the shop she works at looking for candy. Even though they’re from different countries, they find a connection that pulls them tougher quickly. What will the war do to this connection?
The narrator Rooke Kingston is wonderful at helping the story along and easily makes us realize each of the characters. Thank you Ms. Kingston for the beautiful narration.
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love By Design (Book Two in the Meraki Series) by Effie Kammenou was a great read! I feel like this series can be read as a standalone, as I enjoyed it that way. This book was very interesting, and kept me interested and enthralled from the first page. I really enjoyed the first book in this series when I read it, and I’m very happy to say this book was just as good if not better than the first. I also loved all the destination stuff that was involved throughout this novel. It added another element to this story that made it even better. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cursed Whispers is the third book in the Broderick Coven Series by A.J. Renee. I know I said this for the previous book in this series- but this is definitely my favourite, so far. The series just seems to get better and better with each new instalment.
This is a wonderful paranormal romance with witches, shifters, chemistry, danger, drama, magic, and more. I was hooked right from the beginning and read the entire story in one sitting.
Max Broderick gave off Dr. Dolittle vibes, as he can literally ‘talk to the animals’. But he’s in for quite a life changing surprise when he rescues a dying wolf. The wolf turns out to be a beautiful shifter by the name of Claudia- who has a complicated story to tell. When everything is revealed, Max will do everything he can to help and protect Claudia. What happens makes for a really great read!
Can’t wait for more.
Thank you, A.J Renee!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson is a tale of a young woman of noble birth who is put up as a wager by her stepbrother due to his gambling problem. When we first meet Emily Brumville, she is in considerable distress because the situation her stepbrother has put her in. Outwardly, she strives to not look so worried & scared. Emily cannot believe all of the gentleman at the table are actually going through with this wager.
This story and how the main characters, Emily Brumville and Phillip Beckely Benton, Earl of Lenbridge start learning about each other and interacting caught my attention right away. I couldn’t wait to read more about the newlyweds and how they build their relationship to each other’s benefit and hopefully eventually to love each other. To add to the mix, Phillip’s family members, the woman Phillip had planned to marry, and Emily’s stepbrother, all seem to be under suspicion as the one causing mischief against the newlyweds. Who could be so against this union? What would be their motive?
I really enjoyed this book. I hope you do too.
Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I give Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder 5 out of 5 stars. This book hits the ground running and is a page-turner for sure! When spoiled daughter Katie is under attack, her father puts Ramone in charge of keeping her safe with one very important rule – keep your hands off! Ramone and Katie butt heads, so he thinks this will be no problem…boy, is he wrong! It’s not hard to get wrapped up in the lives of Katie and Ramone and these two are characters you will love to root for. The pace of this story keeps your attention and is well-written. The best part? It’s book 1 of the Losing My Heart series, so there is definitely more romance and action to come! Highly recommend this author and this book.
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager, by Wareeze Woodson, is a historical romance you won’t soon forget. When Emily is used as a wager in a bet, she can’t believe the men would follow through and allow it. It becomes all too real when Emily’s stepbrother loses the bet and she is now the property of the Earl of Lenbridge.
What is in Emily’s future? Will she be traded again? Will she be forced to marry this man. Worse yet, will she be his mistress? I love the way this story played out and can’t wait to delve into more stories by Wareeze.
Review by Carly Vogler
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As with her first book in the Meraki series Love by Design is amazing. While it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading Love is What you Bake of it first for context, reacuring characters, and some family details. Just like the first book Love by Design is a fun, light, and slightly funny book, but don’t let that fool you. While Miss Kammenou gives us a lighter romance story it is still full of adventure, mystery, and drama that will keep you furiously flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Once again Miss Kammenou gives us wonderful character descriptions, great scenery, and overall a wonderful story. I know I for one can’t wait to see what Miss Kammenou gives us next.
Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love light, funny, romance novels then you will love Miss Kammenou’s first installment to the Meraki seires. Love is What You Bake of it has great characters, beautiful descriptions and a great flow to make up a wonderful story. Honestly the first thing that drew me to this book was the front cover, but once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. At only 280 pages Miss Kammenou gives us a story with a lot going on but its not your typical hot and steamy romance novel, instead Miss Kammenou gives us love with a humorous side. So if you are looking for a light, easy read then I highly recommend Love is What You Bake of it.
My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1)
By Carmen Richter
This book is full of emotion. There are alot of things going on in this story. Zoe’s boyfriend goes missing and she is having a hard time dealing with this so her family leaves for the summer. When she comes back she still feels the same until she meets Elijah. What these two have is forbidden but can they make it work anyway? This book is full of loss, tragedy, friendship, romance, family, hope and more. I laughed, cried, got angry, and all the emotions in between while reading this book. This book may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster this book put me through and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book.
Chased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although I was not a fan of some of the scenes within the novel, I have got to admit that Felicity does have a way with words and is a creative storyteller. I was escorted out of my comfort zone and invited to take a ride on the literary wild side. That is the beauty of story writing – although the reader and the author may have opposing views- the author is enticing, alluring, and engaging enough to capture and maintain the readers’ attention and interest; Felicity did just that. A short, spicy, and delectable read.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was awesome. It is well written and an attention grabber. I took a chance on this book, being outside my comfort zone of reading. I am glad I did. I was taken on an amazing adventure. I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. I can’t wait to read more from T.S. Simons and this series.
An Unexpected Bonding by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in The Unexpected Trilogy. This is a Paranormal Romance and is 430 pages. This story follows Livvie and Darius. There is a centuries old fight between the vampires and the wolves. Livvie has been living in Texas and running an inherited ranch for the last decade. Her fiancé died and she continues to run the ranch in his memory. Darius is a wandering vampire whose wife died a few years ago and so he wanders trying to escape her memories. He ultimately comes to work on Livvie’s ranch. The attraction between these two are undeniable, but can they overcome the past of their kind?
Try Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyone loves an underdog. I enjoyed that Jill did not stick to the script. Try Right is fun, witty, breezy, whimsical, romantic, and downright compelling. I was rooting more so for the ‘underdog’ as opposed to the ‘lost love’. The characters are relatable; the fear of Henry’s perceived inadequacies resonated with me and made his and Claudia’s relationship more touching and special. I will always be a fan of the girl/boy next door finally being enough and getting their deserved happy ending.
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love reading historical fiction and am pleased to have discovered a new author having thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Wareeze Woodson. This wonderfully written story is full of historical detail and time period social niceties all of which added to the feeling of being immersed in this story and the era. Both the characters and the setting were bought to life by the authors descriptive narrative and I felt engaged with the characters, especially the likeable Emily. Emily Riventon is pledged by her stepbrother and guardian as collateral for his wager in a game of chance. Emily is shocked that both her stepbrother and the other gents involved in the game are willing to use Emily in a bet and tries hard not to show her terror, especially when her guardian looses both the bet and her. The handsome Earl of Lenbridge is the winner and wins Emily, but what does he intend on doing with his prize. Emily does not know what her future holds and whether she will become a mistress or a wife. The storyline flows well and the exciting plot kept me happily turning the pages and I was hooked from page one. I definitely recommend this enjoyable and engaging page turner.
Myths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this collection of stories each one by a different Indie author and all based on myths, legends and love. There are stories about, knights, dragons, mythical creatures, curses, magical moments and dashing quests for love. The Anthology includes tales about Egyptian Gods, stories from Arthurian legend and Robin Hood to tales of myths and Hades. There really is a story for everyone in this ‘Indie Love Anthology’. I enjoyed reading all the stories and have discovered some new authors but one of my favourite stories was, ‘Dragon’s Heart’ by Carrie Austin Malone. Set in Wales, the authors descriptive narrative really brings the setting and the characters to life which made me feel engaged in the story from start to finish.
Dragon shifter Geraint lives in ‘Tref Dreigiau’ along with his brothers and is a guardian of ‘Dragon Town’, a refuge for people with Dragon blood and who are hunted by a secret society. This society wants to bring back Dragons and use them as weapons. A dragon has a ‘Mate’ who they can wait centuries for and Geraint is hoping he will find his. Meanwhile, Mary has been dreaming about dragons and is a ‘dragonmate’. On her twenty first birthday her dream changes and she dreams of a man alone in a cell being tortured. This man haunts her dreams and through them talks to her of a future together. When she starts to hear him when she’s awake she can not refuse when he asks her to find him and help him. This is a wonderfully written love story featuring dragon shifters and their mates. Geraint and Mary are both likeable characters and I enjoyed following their love story and reading how they found each other through the Mate bond. I was hooked from page one of this story and felt the storyline flowed well and the plot had plenty of drama along with the romance.
I recommend this whole Anthology as an enjoyable and engaging read and perfect for some escapism into fantasy, myths and legends.
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson. This book was so good. Its the story of Emily Riventon who is of Nobel Birth and she is put up for wager by her stepbrother due to his horrible gambling problems. The Earl of Lenbridge has rightly won Emily in this game all due to her stupid stepbrother who is her guardian. Emily is terrified. Phillip Beckley Benton is the Earl of Lenbridge and he can’t believe the luck he’s having. If he wins Emily’s as his prize he will be in seventh heaven. As the two get to know each other they realize they might actually like on another. The only question is will Emily be his wife or his mistress? The two realize that even thought they got together thru very unconventional circumstances they might actually have a chance at love. Will Emily realize her stepbrother may have done the best thing ever for her? Read The Earl’s Scandalous Wager to find out!
Myths & Legends was not at all what I was expecting. Although I did enjoy some of the stories, I felt as though several of them did not really fall into the category of myths or legends. I was expecting amore updated version of classical mythology. While some of the stories delivered this, such as Queens of the Underworld, others did not come close. Each story is written by a different author, which made each story unique. Focusing on differing ways of falling in love, the stories make for an interesting read, but some stories felt rushed at the end and needed to be expanded further.
My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter is the first book in the Sealed With A Kiss series. This is a book that is full of emotion and heartbreak right from the word go. It felt like you went on the journey with the character and experienced those emotions right alongside her.
I did think the story could have done with a little more depth to it. The basis was brilliant – boyfriend mysteriously vanished and announced dead, dealing with the aftermath of that. However it felt like at times the story became a little repetitive instead of detailed. I think if a bit of that had been stripped out and a little more flesh added to the story then this would have been fantastic. However it is the first book in a trilogy so it could be that it is just setting everything up for the next two. I will certainly be willing to give them a go!
