Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a romance story, the chemistry between Connor and Fiona is on fire. It did leave me wanting more as I read it quick being a short story. But totally worth the read.
IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS – PETS TO THE RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Irresistible Christmas – Pets to the Rescue by Tamara Ferguson is a collection of Christmas stories from a variety of different authors. Each of these stories brings a bit of holiday cheer as well as a well written novel to sink into.
This collection of authors have worked together a few times and I like how they always manage to differentiate their stories from each other while still completely nailing the theme. Every book is different and distinguishable from the others. I like them all for such different reasons.
If you are looking for some Christmas magic then this anthology is definitely the one to go for. I am already looking forward to what else is next from these authors.
Echoes– by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Echoes: Lucifer and the Dark Goddess by Nikki Broadwell is a dystopian fantasy story and is a strong start to what looks to be a great new series. When you start reading this book you are immediately transported to a new world which an amazing character right at the centre. I was hooked as soon as I started reading, the whole image just fascinated me.
I really enjoyed the way the main character was written – she was interesting and strong, with a depth about her that carried the story. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen as the story progressed and see what character development took place.
This is a strong start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what else is to come.
Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by Ashley Quinn. I didn’t realize this was a book 2 before I started reading. I couldn’t stop reading once I started and LOVED this story. Ashley Quinn has a way with word building and creating great stories and characters. I WISH I had realized there was a first book, but you can bet your last dollar I’m headed to that book now. I loved these characters and can’t wait for more of the stories that come with them. This one was Tara and Jace’s story. It was full of healing after a severe tragedy. Found myself a new favorite author and a great new series to be obsessed with!
Flipping the Bird by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fun paranormal story! It really took me on an adventure and I couldn’t be happier. I really couldn’t figure out an answer to their problem until near the end. I loved that little mystery aspect. The characters are wonderful. Watching Alice and Megan goof around it’s easy to see why they are besties. Then there is Donovan Drake…that name alone just inspires me. He is an interesting character and I loved his story. His little sidekick is annoying, helpful and a perfect fit for the story.
For a good time while reading enjoy this little beauty! I look forward to more!
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Moonlit Whisper is a novelette in the Moonlit Destination series. It can be read as a standalone.
This book is a quick read. It’s a little bit angsty, which I’m totally on board with because it offsets the tender moments nicely. It took me a minute to remember that soccer outside of the US is called football so I was little confused right at the beginning when it was talking about a football field but kicking to score a goal, lol. (*facepalm*)
I like that, even though this is not a full-length novel, you get the full-length feel. The characters are well developed and you get the background of the characters woven in so the picture is complete by the end.
Overall, good read!
Echoes– by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was not easy for me to get into initially. The prologue had an excessive use of descriptors and didn’t really tell you anything that you couldn’t figure out as you read the main story. Now, having said that, the world and character building in the main story is really well done. My suggestion would be to skip the prologue altogether and just go straight to the story because that’s where the magic happens – literally.
Echoes has a good mix of suspense, mystery, danger, and magic as you follow Feirin on her journey to figure out who she is and what purpose she is to serve. For me, this was not a quick read because of the writing style so you might find it takes longer than usual to get through, but it’s worth it.
Two broken hearts, ripped apart their loved ones. They come together and help each other cope with their loss….. with this heartwrenching romance, it gave me all the feels and I couldn’t stop listening. The storyline was amazing and these characters where even better then the first book in the series.
The narration was again great, I’m really happy that the same narrator was used.
Ps. the little twist mmmmm…….
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Fiona was asked to help out a transfer student, little did she know a blast from the past would come back and haunt her.
Fiona has been asked to help a new transfer student out from the football team but when she meets him for the first time she can’t believe its Connor, the boy who she had feelings for all those many years ago but he went away and she thought he was gone forever.
Connor had to leave to help support his family, now that he is back in Dublin can he rekindle the love he had for Fiona or has she moved on.
I really enjoyed this story, I have read many stories from this author and love them all, this does not disappoint. The interaction between the two characters was brilliant and although you feel the heartache for both of them the story developed into a great book.
I felt like I was transported into the story with each turn of the page and my only disappointment was the book was not long enough. I recommend all of Amy’s books you will not be disappointed with the well written stories and well developed characters. Give her a go.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is the year 1816 in Rutland at Knasebrook Hall where Viola Marsh is a young lady with little freedom and even less prospects to change that, she is kept inside her nursery after an incident and can only leave on christmas eve to go wassailing and then to the ball later that evening, but only with her brothers escorting her. Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy Gilling are two men looking for a specific woman to cement their very specific bond.
Viola is looking out of the window at the snow falling to the ground on Christmas Eve as her aunt helps her get ready to go out into it, it is the one night she is allowed out and she is not going to miss out, whether it is in a blizzard or otherwise, it might be the one night where people might not look at her like they usually do and she may be able to experience the normality of the festivities. She intends to sing, dance, be merry, stand beneath the mistletoe on the boughs of the old oak tree and then go to the family’s annual Christmas Ball with the rest of the invited, dance with her brothers and show off her new dress, it will be a change from eating with her aunt in the nursery, that is for sure.
As she leaves with her brother to go to the village, he is having to be courteous to her due to the weather, even though he does not want to, he assumes her intention is to go to the kissing bough as usual, although he feels there is no need as nobody would come up and will want to kiss her after the scandal and she responds that it is not likely that it would happen any other way either, so she will do it again this year as it is a tradition now and that the incident was not what it looked like or here fault in the first place.
Later on, after Viola’s brother has joined his friends, two of whom are Lord Ricborough and Percy Gilling, he sees her standing under the tree and is immediately taken in by her beauty, she is perfect and just what they are looking for, but finding the kind of woman they needed was something both thought impossible until Viola. As they separate from the others, they go and approach Viola under the bough and she is surprised to be kissed on the cheek by both of them at the same time and further by their proposition to her.
Will their proposition be accepted and will this trio be the pairing they all hope for, or will the innocence of one of them be the end of something which hasn’t even begun? The only way to find out is to read along and follow the path with the three of them.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really do adore this author. I get lost in her books so easily and they are always a pleasure to read. Moonlit Whisper was a lovely second chance romance novella, I read it quite quickly but that was definitely because I was so swept up in what I was reading. There were a few times I was a little confused with the flashbacks but it didn’t take me long to figure out the writing style Ms McKinley had adopted for this story. It was emotional at times and I definitely felt for Fiona.
Overall a lovely story, with wonderful characters and a nice storyline with a few twists! I definitely recommend this story to other readers!
IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS – PETS TO THE RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Overall this was a wonderful collection of Christmas time stories. I’ve read stories by most of these authors previously so it was great to read more from them again. There is definitely something for everybody in this anthology and I would highly recommend it.
TWO HEARTS CHRISTMAS RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
I love this author so much so I grab her stories be it long or short! As always I love any addition to this series from her. The characters are always connectable and real. I loved Kinley and Jake! I could really feel the emotions that they were feeling surrounding this time of year. I was really rooting for them, both lovely and genuine characters!
The other stories were also brilliant reads! All 5 stars in my opinion!
Faida by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Faida is a well written story and one that I really enjoyed. I liked the first book in the series so I was looking forward to the second and it didn’t disappoint. I liked Faida, she had a past that had made her the way she was and it was interesting to read her story especially given her role and see how she was going to or even if she could change her ways in order to help Robert. I really liked Robert even if it did take me a little to warm up to him, he was similar to Faida – they had a great connection and I definitely enjoyed reading about them.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and the series so far!
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this short story. It was well written and the characters worked well. I really liked the taboo subject of two men and a woman. In the era that the book was written in that was unheard of and very taboo.
Viola was the daughter of a wealthy man. She was set to be find her husband, however a turn of events meant she ended up being seen as a disgrace and no man wanted her. Every Christmas eve she waits under the kissing bough in the hopes her husband will find her. He never does.
Until Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy come along. Lord Ricborough needs a wife but the wife needs to understand the special relationship between him and Percy.
Could Viola be that woman? Will she be able to understand and accept their relationship? Is it possible to love two people?
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a historical romance where Viola Marsh is shamed by all. Four years ago she was found in a closet with two men and since then everyone has shamed her. Her family doesn’t treat her well and neither does anyone in the village. Her Aunt Clara is just about the only Person believes her honesty but is that enough?
One cold night she goes to the Kissing Bough even though everyone thinks it is pointless. Viola dresses warm and heads out with her brother Tom who is so mean to her. She doesn’t care though, the thought of a prospect, she heads out the door and stands under the kissing bough for hours nearly freezing to death.
Not only one man but who men approach her. It seems to good to be true. Maybe it is. Everyone thinks she has been with two men at once before so she is considered damaged goods. Percy Gilling and Lord Ricborough have a proposition for Viola. Will she accept their proposition or will she decide tell them the truth and decide it is to much for her. I thought the book was well written and had good characters even though, every member of Viola’s family is mean and rude aside from sweet Aunt Clara.
review by @xchellex
Faida by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May is a sweet paranormal romance story that is a fun and quirky read. I love the passion that you can feel Brooke put into the words and the world she creates. Throw in a little history and you have winner. I’ve said it before with the first book, Aiko, that this is a wonderful original idea and a well executed plot and storyline.
Love is never easy and Fraida knows that more than most. As a cupid she has seen it all.
You need to grab a copy of this clever and interesting story. You will fall in love with the cupid’s past and future.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance by Amy McKinley
Five Stars
Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance is another short story in the Moonlit Destination series by Amy McKinley. These short stories are all standalones featuring different couples in different places so they can be read in any order. I highly recommend them because they are short enough to read in an evening, and they are great HEA love stories. This one features Fiona, Lachlan and Connor. Growing up as kids they were the best of friends, but when Connor comes back after years away, will they be able to still be friends? You will just have to read it to find out.
Review by @sunbarn
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Kissing Bough is the first book in the Forbidden Loves series by Madelynne Ellis. This is an erotic historical romance- a menage with MMF which is set at Christmas time- this story has enough sizzle to scorch the pages as you read.
This is a novella length story- making for a very quick and easy read. And while there were a few issues right off the bat- with the use of wrong words such as using ‘imminent’ instead of ‘eminent’, missing words, using singular words instead of plurals, and the use of muslin as the fabric of choice (which is normally a summer fabric) in the middle of an incredibly cold winter, that had me unsure of whether I would enjoy the story- but surprisingly it drew me in, and I ended up enjoying it much more than I initially thought I would.
I do wish the story had been longer, because the characters and the story drew me in, and I wanted to know more- but in a good way.
Madelynne Ellis is a new-to-me author, but after reading this book I will definitely look at exploring more of her work in the future.
Thank you, Madelynne Ellis!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves #1) by Madelynne Ellis was a good 4 star read.
Viola was caught in a compromising position that has put her in a predicament in regards to finding a husband. She still had hope that someone would come and kiss her under the kissing bough, so she continued to go each Christmas Eve.
Percy and Lord William heard about Viola and were hoping she was the one for them. They have a unique relationship and with the rumors about Viola she would be perfect for them. Will they be able to convince her to be with them? Will she finally get the husband she desires?
Overall this was a good quick read. We get some steaminess and all the characters were great. Although, I would have liked to see the story be a little longer and include the compromising incident so that we could better understand why it happened. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Who knows? When I catch her, I might never let go.
A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.
Author Interview With Evelyn Sola
Flipping the Bird by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Flipping the Bird is the captivating first instalment in the new Shift Creek series by Carrie Pulkinen. From the moment I read my first book by her, Ms. Pulkinen quickly become one of my favourite authors- her books never failing to deliver a completely engrossing and addictive read. But I have to be honest here, I reallly wasn’t sure that this book would have the same impact, as this is the first shifter book that I have read where one of the main characters ‘shifter animal’ was non-predatory. I really wasn’t sure that a crow shifter held the same appeal as a wolf, big cat, bear, or dragon. But colour me WRONG!!!! This story was superb, and Alice’s crow really added mischief, humour, and plenty of enthralling entertainment- so I really should never have doubted Ms. Pulkinen, and I definitely won’t make that mistake again.
This is a brilliant paranormal romance, with shifters, warlocks, magic, mystery, secrets, tension, lies, discovery, small town spirit, chemistry sizzle, fate, prophecy, drama, humour, a little mayhem, funny banter/ quips/ antics, wonderful characters, and a fun and intriguing storyline- not to mention a flatulating familiar that added an extra element of humour and interest to the storyline.
Shift Creek may seem like your quintessential small town- but there is so much more to the picturesque town than meets the eye. Especially when a large part of the population is made up of shifters. Then add in a magical creek and things are anything but ‘normal’. But, there is a problem that is threatening the survival of the town- the magical creek is drying up and if something isn’t done very soon to fix it- the repercussions could spell disaster.
Alice Crawford loves her town and is willing to do whatever it takes to ‘fix’ the creek. So there is a lot riding on her finding a solution to their problems. Her hopes are lifted when a hot new wizard arrives in town- who might be the key to restoring the creek to its former glory.
Donovan Drake has come to town with an agenda of his own. His secrets weighing heavily on his mind. Meeting Alice is an unexpected bonus to his trip. But, what happens when secrets are exposed? With time running out, things look quite dire for the creek, Donovan, Alice, and the town. How does everything work out in the end? This book is so worth the read to find out!!!
I can’t wait to see what happens in Book #2. It looks set to be fantastic!
Thank you, Carrie Pulkinen! Sorry I doubted you 😁
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance by Amy McKinley is part of the Moonlit Destination series. This is a short read which left me wanting more of the story. The story concerns Fiona who has been asked to tutor a footballer, little does she know it is someone from her past. What will come of this reunion? This is a sweet romance with a HEA and can be read in one sitting. The best part is it can be read as a standalone story. I always enjoy a story from Amy McKinley and this certainly did not disappoint. I look forward to my next read from this great author.
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley. This book is super short and super amazing. I also love Amy McKinley so I knew it would be great. I read it in a super short amount of time but it was so good it kept me thinking about it long after. Its the story of Flo whose dad is a football coach so when he asks her to tutor one of his players she doesn’t think much about it until she figures out who it is. Its none other than Connor who used to sneak in and out of her room at night, the Connor who broke her heart when he left. The main reason Connor came back was Flo and to finish out his Senior year but now he has to not only win Flo back but he has the added competition of his ex best friend Lach. Will Flo choose Connor or Lach? Read Moonlit Whisper to find out!
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A short Christmas Romance. Wonderful historical story that brings the characters to life in a way I didn’t expect. Viola has been shamed ever since she ended up hiding in a closet where two men happened to be intimate. It brought shame to her family and she has been cloistered in the “nursery” with her aunt except on Christmas Eve. Viola hopes that one day she may meet the one by standing under the mistletoe. I really loved where the story went from here. It’s definitely a sexy story!
IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS – PETS TO THE RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This collection of anthologies is the romance we all crave with the added love of our animal friends. This also is the perfect holiday binge for you. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down. So grab a nice cozy spot and get started.
Finders Reapers by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finders Reapers is book 5 in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. I love all these books, they are hilarious! This book can be read independently of the series, but the characters do cross over. Each book focuses on its own couple, this book being a Grim Reaper and a necromancer. Asher and Jasmine are the perfect couple, one can raise the dead, and the other escorts the dead to hell. They had a thing for a hot minute in the past, but it ended badly. Now they avoid each other at all costs, but are thrown together when the stuff hits the fan. Asher tries to take a vacation and it all breaks loose, leaving a mess in his return. They must team up to fix the problem and escort thousands to the devil. Highly recommend this book and all in the series. They are quick reads and are super funny.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Stars Fall from the Sky by K.G. Fletcher Audiobook
Narrated by Kelly Genelle Fletcher
Five Stars
Stars Fall From the Sky is the second book in the Reigning Hearts series by K.G. Fletcher. K.G is one of my go to authors and this book is one of her best. This book could be read/listened to as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that you read this series in order. Both books are fantastic and you will get more of the storyline and character backgrounds if you read/listen to Run to the Sea first. This is Ginger’s story and it is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. This book flowed well and had me hooked from the very beginning.
This book is narrated by Kelly Genelle Fletcher who also did the first book. I love her voice. She really brings the characters to life. I believe this narration is better than the first one.
Overall this is a great book, series and author. I look forward to read/listening to the rest of this series.
Review by @sunbarn
IRRESISTIBLE CHRISTMAS – PETS TO THE RESCUE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read only the first story in this anthology and will be reading the rest soon, but this is for Tamara Ferguson’s book, Two Hearts’ Christmas Rescue
This was a great story about falling in love, romantically and with Christmas again. I loved all the animals in this one. And being able to see those from previous books. You don’t have to read the previous books to read this one but it helps just a little to know who is who.
Cant wait for more in this series as they’re so good!
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis was a steamy and cute quick read. I loved Viola, she was so young and innocent of what she had been accused of. Percy and William were well developed and you could easily tell who was who. The steam did not disappoint. A great set of characters that I would love to follow into the rest of their lives.
Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance
Amy McKinley
5 out of 5 stars
I am always thrilled to stumble across writing by Amy McKinley that I haven’t read yet. When I found Moonlit Whisper, it was an automatic download. I read this story in two sittings, only because I started it so late the night before. As always, the writing was strong with characters I effortless loved. Both Fiona and Connor were great, heck, I even appreciated Lach as a character. I could go on and on about how I loved the story, but rather than vaguely ramble, I just encourage you to read Moonlit Whisper on your own.
