At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At once is just as good as the first book. It’s steamy, funny and romantic. It is a must read feel good book. I could not put it down.
Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
I fell in love with Hartwood in Moonlight and Belladonna, so when I saw there was a Valentine’s Day themed one I knew I needed to read this story soon! I love how Jae Dawson has created this sleepy and perfectly sweet small town that I feel like would be perfect for me to live in. It just takes you away with her descriptions and each of the stories that take place there. This one brings us the story of Rose and Liam. Rose is the perfect hopeless romantic and uses that to her advantage with her matchmaking skills. Liam has come home because life threw obstacles his way in his career as a surgeon. These two will make you fall in love as they do and love every moment of it. This is one you don’t want to miss and I can’t wait to see what other books we get in Hartwood.
Review by @lizaileen
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This was an interesting listen, can’t say as it’s the type of thing that I would normally go for, but when I got into it, I did find it enjoyable. This is the first book in the Gray Ghost series and follows the characters, Alex and Olivia.
So, Olivia is from a well to do background full of political maneuverings and arseholes in suits just waiting for some other arsehole in a suit to slip up and show their weakness, and she wants out (can’t say as I blame her really). She sees her marriage to Alex as the pot of gold at the end of the shitty political rainbow and her ticket out from under the stifling thumb of her family. Olivia had no fears that her plans would ever be foiled, except Alex’s career plans go from being a police officer to getting involved in the political world that she has so desperately tried to steer herself away from.
There are some great twists that I genuinely didn’t see coming, and while I didn’t feel overly attached to the characters, I was intrigued to find out where the story took them, so there’s something. I don’ know how I feel about listening to the rest of the books in the series, as and when they come out, simply because, as previously mentioned, this isn’t really my cup of tea, but I might just give them a go. McKinley is an adept writer who really keeps the reader hooked so I don’t suppose it would be all that bad.
One problem I did find was that the narrator had a really soothing voice, so much so that I found myself dropping off. Still, I managed to blink myself awake in order to get to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller with plenty of twists and turns and intrigue and all that jazz. McKinley’s work will not disappoint.
Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I always know that I am in for a treat when I pick up a book by Manda Mellett. This one is the second installment of the Satan’s Devils MC Utah chapter, you should be okay to read this as a standalone because it does recap fairly nicely in the beginning of the novel. I personally would recommend that you start with at least the series first book before diving into this one simply because this is a series that does a lot of interweaving and we even see some of the older series characters pop up. I feel like I am visiting family at this point when I dive into a Satan’s Devils book and that is a feat that I have only found in a few other series I follow. I won’t divulge much more than this is Stormy’s story and it sure does not disappoint one bit. I think details matter here so I won’t give much more for fear of ruining things. This is one you do not want to miss out on though and will knock your socks off with some intriguing twists and turns.
Review by @lizaileen
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License to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 1 in the series and I listened to this as an audiobook.
I really enjoyed this book, it was light-hearted, full of humour and a little romance.
Jane can’t stand the sight of blood, which becomes a problem when she is turned into a Vampire by Ethan.
Ethan was convinced Jane was his reincarnated fiancee but soon discovers that wasn’t the case, in fact, she’s the complete opposite.
Jane was what I imagine to be a southern belle. With her fathers position in politics, she was able to talk her way through any situation, which seemed to frustrate quiet and reserved Ethan. I loved the chats with her best friend Sophie and the way she handled every situation.
The narration by Hollie Jackson was brilliant, the accents and the delivery really added to the listening and helped immerse me j to the story.
Reviewed by @MrsR
Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy Pete this book literally took my breath away so many times while reading it! I was unaware this was the second book in a series and will now be going back to devour the first in the series as soon as possible, but it really didn’t hinder my ability to enjoy and understand this one. I am a fan of Abbie Roads and her other works but this book has to be my all time fav of hers now. I could not put it down until I knew how this beautiful disaster would turn out. Do not expect this to be your typical romance because it so is not. This sucker throws all the punches and takes your mind to a whole new level. The characters are deep and draw you in that much more. I can’t really give details in this review because I will not ruin the thrill of the ride for anyone. This is one I promise you do not want to miss though. I can’t wait to see what comes next and what the first book will hold for me as well.
Review by @lizaileen
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Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have had the chance to check out a holiday novel by Evelyn Sola a few months ago, and I enjoyed it. I knew this might be a bit different but holy cow the angst was real and the drama in this book was not only thick and entertaining it was full of a meaningful topic both to myself personally and the rest of the world right now. I loved how this interracial couple faced the obstacles and tribulations head on together. It was blatant this is a topic close to Sola’s heart because she never once shied away from the things to sugar coat and make it an easy read. I was gripped from page one and could not put this book down until I knew how it ended. The Clark family along with Jacob and Sandy will draw you in and hold you captive as you cheer for them to find their happily ever after. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in the Clark Family Series.
Review by @lizaileen
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Twisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I normally enjoy this authors work. This one I struggled to connect with the characters and the story just didn’t do anything for me. Well the mystery side of thing did surprise me. Not sure what the problem really was with the rest, Just that I felt bored while reading at times.
The idea for the story is a good one and throw in a little mystery and BAM an nice read. The characters each have their own lives before he “hears her voice” and they come together. I did like the honesty that Riley had and used frequently.
Overall this is an okay read but just not for me.
Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Capturing Fate is the second book in the Fatal Truth series. It can be read as a standalone. Somehow, I missed the first book in the series but I was able to pick this one up and read it without getting lost or feeling like I was missing anything.
I’ve read other books by Abbie Roads and loved them so I picked this one up without even really paying attention to the description. I was not disappointed. This book sucks you into the story immediately and keeps you turning the pages. Capturing Fate is full of suspense, danger, and mystery as you trace the threads that connect all of the pieces together.
I love a gritty, dark, romantic thriller, and this book checks all of the boxes.
Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stormy’s Thunder is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC Utah series. It can be read as a standalone.
For anyone new starting the series with this book, the background recap in the first part of the story will catch you up. If you’ve been following the series for a bit, you might find the first part of the story slow during the recap parts.
I am so glad we finally got Stormy’s story. It was driving me nuts not knowing what was going on with him. Poor guy had a hard life. And, Cat – oh my heart.
Honestly, I’d like to say more, but I can’t without potential spoilers because it’s all so interwoven together.
If you have triggers around violence toward women, proceed with caution.
After this story, I’m interested to see if Pip gets a book in this series or if he’s going to show up in the Blood Brothers series.
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of my favourite retellings so far! The way she writes this story is magical and I loved it. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come, it was a good story. I really liked that we have the regency period and it has the full beautiful ball gowns, chivalry, and proper etiquette. Melinda was a really interesting character and I love the interactions she has with other characters. It’s certainly a good story and when fairy blood meets tall, dark, and handsome you know it’s going to be good! Really enjoyed the book can’t wait to see where it’s going to go in the series.
Reviews by @samanthajayne96x
Happily Ever After by Piper Rayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You by Marie Skye
Five Stars
Happily Ever After Anthology includes books by 21 authors. This review is specifically for Marie Skye’s Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You.
Don’t Worry I Still Love You is a short contemporary romance by Marie Skye. This book is completely amazing. It had me laughing out loud one minute and bawling my eyes out the next. To me that is the true measure of a book. This is that book.
Perrie and Ash have have a tumultuous relationship, to say the least. They have known each other since university. On again off again, but no real communication between them, until they become roommates. That is as far as I go, you will need to read the books order to find out what happens…..It is definitely worth it. And that is just one book in this anthology, so what are you waiting for?
Review by @sunbarn
At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
At Once by Mindy McKinley is book two of the Adams Brothers series.
Gabi is working really hard to make sure the first big project G&K Designs works on is great. To do that she needs some really great furniture. Kylie takes her to AdamsMade and that’s where she meets Mason for the first time. Gabi is still healing and doesn’t expect meeting Mason to stir feelings in her. She’s just going to have to keep him out of mind. That would be easy if they didn’t end up working together on this project. Mason didn’t expect Gabi to say no but the more time he spends with her the more he wants to spend with her. Can Gabi and Mason work together and work on their connection as well or will everything fall to pieces?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great and I found myself chuckling every now and then. It was such a great read I think I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down!!
Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crave is book one in the Clark Family series by Evelyn Sola. I was inquisitive from the very first moment I laid eyes on this book. Then my desire for more became insatiable the further I got into the story. The author sated my appetite for perfection with this amazing, emotional and soul deep love story. Crave had every emotion imaginable and then more. It had just more everything. This story was about captivation from the very moment Sandra and Jacob set gazes on one another. The story was about not looking for love and finding it at the most unexpected moment. It was about betrayal, family, friendship and forgiveness. Anticipation was a feeling I was very familiar with while on this journey with the Clark Family. Jacob and Sandra were from totally different worlds, yet despite their different upbringing and lives, formed such a connection, that it makes my heart so full just reliving their journey. Their love was endless and absolute. Their struggles and differences just made me fall for them more. They fought for each other. They fought with each other. They conquered their world together. I absolutely loved each characteristic of every player in the game, and cannot wait for more in this series. Evelyn Sola’s deliverance of this unforgettable love story is commendable. I applaud you, dear author, as you have given me as a reader a special gift, and it’s one I will never forget. 5 stars.
Askew Ever After by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re like me and you don’t have a specific kind of book boyfriend that’s your favorite this book is for you…. it has it all.
One of my favorites was definitely Paper Love by Aubrey Wynne. The totally scatterbrained female MC was so relatable and I saw so much of myself in her.
The whole collection of short romances are a must read. Read it to find your favorite….
Night justice by India Kells was such a pleasant experience.
It had everything in it…..
Take no nonsense Female MC…. Check
Vigilante with an obscure sense of justice…. Check
Common goal that brings them together….. Check
Two people with out of this world chemistry…..Check
India Kells did an amazing job writing this story. It felt familiar but also brand new at the same time.
Dan Price’s narration of the book definitely brought this book to life.
I can’t wait for the next installment.
Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Review: Crave: Clark Family Series
Author: Evelyn Sola
FIVE STARS
This story has very well developed characters and story lines. There is a family conflict as well as inner conflict in the individuals. You get a feel for everyone and while the story is unfolding you see the many layers develop and come to life. This is a first time read for me by this author Evelyn Sola and I sure hope to read many more.
KLH
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. I was definitely looking forward to this one because the others have all been so good. And I liked this one a lot also. This one got me a little more emotional invested than I was expecting, I definitely felt a need to have a talking to with the characters but sometimes that’s when you know it’s a good read. I do suggest reading these in order just for an all over better enjoyment. The characters are complex and I found myself drawn in from the get go. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. This author definitely has a way with words. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers next. Four stars and highly recommended!
Happily Ever After by Piper Rayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read Don’t worry I still hate you by Marie Sky. The concept instantly intrigued me and after the slow/ confusing beginning, I really enjoyed it. Ash and Perrie’s story was a very funny, short read that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Review by @rochelle
Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder on the Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews. This is the second book in this series and I highly recommend reading the first book before this one. This is the continuing story of Maggie Armstrong a time traveler currently in Scotland. She has declared her love for a man that is forbidden but they are now together. Will is now declared an outlaw so they are on the run from Maggie’s family. When they catch up with them Will is sentenced to hand and Maggie is sent back to her family. Maggie’s uncle is still planning on Maggie marrying Ian the man who murdered her father. She is determined to not go through with it. Will’s family is trying to figure out a way to save him. Will they succeed in time to save Will? Will Maggie and Will find their way back to each other? Will Ian’s true self come out to Maggie’s family? Read Riding with the moonlight to find out!
Flipping the Bird by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not only was this my first Carrie Pulkinen book, but it was my first ever shifter book. Not knowing what to expect I went into it with an open mind and I absolutely loved it! Alice and Maggie are two light hearted fun loving girls that made it feel like the friendship I have with my best friend. They made me smile and laugh out loud several times. Enter Donovan and his mongoose and it was so “stinking” fun to read. I felt engrossed in the story, the characters were extremely well developed and everything flowed smoothly. This is one of the best books I have read over the past 6 months and I can’t wait for more. The story has a happy ending, but leaves a wonderful opening for book 2 and for the characters to grow even more. If you have never read a shifter book, this could not be a better choice to start with, it’s fun, not too serious, romantic, and overall a kick b*tt way to spend a couple of hours.
This is a great, funny story. Jane and her best friend Sophie are in New Orleans. Jane is a blogger and she is there to blog on the Mardi Gras. What she didn’t count on was running into the very sexy and handsome vampire Ethan. Ethan is a vampire, he has a strong reaction when he meets Jane, something that has not happened in a very long time. Thinking she is his late fiancée reincarnated he clams and turns her into a vampire. Jane wasn’t made for this lifestyle. How is she going to adjust will she? It’s a really fun listen as well.
At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
At Once
The Adams Brothers
Book 2
By Mindy McKinley
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length contemporary romance story.
Gabi is starting her life over. Freshly divorced she has moved to a new town, new job and new journey. She is buried in her job. Working to design and complete an old Victorian home for a picky client. With that being said there is no time for wandering fantasies about Mason. Mason has a furniture shop. All of his pieces are hand made and designed by him and his employees. His heart has been broken once. Once was enough! He has no time for romance or relationships! Wood designs are all he wants to think about. No time for wandering fantasies with Gabi.
Mindy McKinley has written this contemporary romance. Her story starts, and you become sucked in to it. I love the characters in this story. Gabi and Mason are the perfect couple. Their friends are great supporters. Strong women and hard working men. OK yes there are some hot interludes. That is what makes a great story by a creative writer. I for one will be diving into Book 3. Job Well Done Mindy McKinley! WELL DONE!
Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ride with the Moonlight by Andrea Matthews a fantasy of a four-star read. This is number two in the Thunder on the Moor series and it’s a good idea to read them in order as this one does follow on from the first. This is an imaginative and interesting story, watching Maggie and Will with their struggles and believe me there are some real struggles, maybe a little too much. The setting is lovely and tells its own story, and it’s a great story, for me the struggle was just a little too much.
Review by @saraoxo
Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It is another version of the classic story of Cinderella. I loved how it had the elements of the classic story, the orphaned girl, a prince, and lots of magic. However what I found endearing is that it is set in more real life situation. Although there is some fairy magic it contains more realistic elements such as the respect that Miss Wychwood had for her family who took over her home when her father past. Even though they treated her as a servant she was always respectful to them.
It was a charming story which I really enjoyed.
At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At Once is book two in the Adams Brothers series by Mindy McKinley. This story was an enjoyable one. Gabi and Mason meet and sparks fly. Gabi is very reluctant to get back into the dating game after having her world ripped apart. Mason is not ready to settle down and is having fun just staying casual in his interludes with women. I git a real kick out of their journey. Their attraction was instant, but the development of their love story was beautiful with a slow burning intensity. I positively admired their passion and tenacity. A riveting read that I recommend. 4 stars
At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Adams Brothers series. This story follows Gabi, a divorcee who is starting over, and Mason, the local carpenter. Gabi is also an interior designer, and as such, is looking for custom furniture for a client. She ends up walking into Mason’s business. Mason wants to go out with her. Gabi says no and Mason will stop at nothing to change her mind.
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story follows Emma as she runs from her ex. She ends up in a small town in England where she meets Toby, an innkeeper, but he also has secrets of his own. They get their start when he saves her from being mugged. Turns out, Emma has a stalker and Toby will not let anything happen to her. What made this story pop for me is that both main characters are strong, and I loved that it was set in England. I have never been, but the descriptions of scenery were detailed nicely.
Four out of five stars
I thoroughly enjoy the books McKinley writes and was looking forward to an audio book from her to take it to the next level. I always appreciate the interpretation I receive of a book when I’m able to listen to it read. I felt the narrator did a fantastic job telling the story with emotion and connection. I feel like I appreciated the storyline even more having been able to listen to it unfold. Highly recommend the book and audio version. Both are worthwhile additions to all libraries!
Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson is the second story in A Hartwood Holiday Romance series. This can be read as a standalone story and enjoyed without the first book. The story has romance, second chances, and more to it. I liked the idea of someone going back home and there being a continuation of their story but also the idea of new beginnings. This hit well because of the theme of Valentine’s day and gave me a little jolt of love and romance. I like the characters and wanted the best for them. I look forward to reading more in this series and from the author in the future.
