No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I rather enjoy a good mafia romance. This book is a fun read. The story was fast-paced and action-packed. Max and Lil are so cute together. The plot kept me entertained without the book. McKinley created a great world that I look forward to seeing expanded on.
Reviewed by @awesomelyamber
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction #1) by Nicole Flockton
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Flockton. Flockton has a way of writing any of her books that capture the attention real quick. Home to the Outback is a wonderful start to a new series.
Sindy is a nurse and has to make a difficult call when it comes to losing her boss. When Ryan comes back to town her heart starts feeling things that it shouldn’t. When she realizes that a panic attack is sneaking up on her, Ryan steps up. The quote I chose for Sindy is: “Really? You think? I seriously don’t. The townsfolk expect to be able to go to their local doctor. They’ve done it for the last however many years. They don’t want to drive one and half hours to Waratah River. Not to mention the people in the towns surrounding us who looked forward to Colin’s visit. They’re not going to be happy to find out they no longer have a doctor who will visit them. That’s what’s going to happen if Ryan doesn’t stay and we can’t get a new doctor. Someone isn’t going to want to buy half a practice. They’d want to buy me out and they probably wouldn’t want to keep me on as well, so I’d be out of a job too. So, no, I don’t think Colin knew what he was doing.”
Ryan doesn’t want to move back to Bunya Junction, but does after his mentor dies. Meeting with Sindy and finding out that she now owns part of The Practice. Falling in love was never on his agenda, but it happens. The quote I chose for Ryan is: “Sindy, I don’t know what’s going on here. Something is bothering you. I can see it in the tenseness of your shoulders. I’m sorry that you had a boring day today. But I don’t know what else you want me to say or explain.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whew! This book has you all over the place trying to figure out what happened to Grant’s wife when she mysteriously disappeared one morning. Everyone around her seemed to have a motive to make her disappear, and her own behavior has you trying to guess if she just took off on her own. Cammy, who’s worked as a PI in Boston, but decides to take a break from that to spend the summer with her brother’s family, gets caught up in the mystery as her police officer brother works to solve the case. The way the author unravels the story with twists and turns along the way draws you in and keeps you completely engrossed until the very end. There’s also a bit of romance, which weaves into the story naturally. This book is like an onion with the different layers to it, and the author does a fabulous job of peeling them back little by little to build a story that makes it difficult to put down.
Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Karina has some jacked-up things going on in her life. Good thing she has friends like Rick at Silverthorne to help her. After having the FBI roust her apt and, tada, plant bugs after thinking her ex would contact her after “stealing 1.2 million dollars,” she starts on a big mystery to figure out what is going on. She unravels threads which lead her in this direction to that direction to some of the big deals in D.C. and the walls come down…over what? Can’t tell ya. You’ll have to read the book. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This was a ‘suck me in from the start’ and ‘I couldn’t put it down until the end’ book. So much action and characters that you really enjoy because they feel 3D and like they are part of the action. The whole story is so well done that it just flows smoothly together. That is so rare nowadays that it is a treat to get a story that runs like that. I highly recommend this one.
Potager Plot: A witty cozy mystery with a hint of romance. by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WOW, what a great book. I truly wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book quite like I did. In fact, initially when seeing the book cover I thought that it was going to be a kid’s story. It’s not at all. What I found was a very romantic cozy mystery with laughs galore. It turns out that this is the fifth book in a series, and I haven’t read any of the previous books. Let me just add that I do plan on it. However, I don’t think it would be a must to read them in order. This was a great book on its own and I was able to dig right into the characters and the story. It was a quick read for me as I finished it in one night. Then again, I couldn’t put it down so that could explain why. If you want laughs, romance, and suspense please pick this book up to read.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rocky and his girlfriend Olive are back and Rocky is awoken one day by a smell which can only mean a special breakfast is being prepared, but he is not sure why, that is until his mum announces that she is going to get married to a guy called Ted, this is news to Rocky, but it is not welcome news in the slightest. His mind is whirling as he thinks about this momentous news, he has seen Ted around the house a lot, with his eyebrows which are constantly on the move, a beard that looks more like it should be on the devil himself and black beady eyes which scream suspicious behaviour, but he thought it was just work related and as if that isn’t enough, she announces that he is coming to watch Rocky’s football game that day too. Rocky is stunned and upset by this turn of events and believes that one big life change is enough for one kid and he has already had that, so why has he got to have another one?
Rocky immediately talks to Olive about the situation and what he can do to stop it, she gives him some ideas and Rocky starts working on his sleuthing prowess immediately, well, after he has played in the football game anyway. As they head to the game, Ted peppers Rocky with questions about football as he knows nothing about it, but as he plays, Ted shouts something from the bleachers and then it comes true, but this makes Rocky even more suspicious and angry that it causes them to lose the game. As the next few days progress, things keep happening to Rocky which coordinate with Ted saying something related to it before it happens, it is after one of these events during an award assembly as school, his teacher mentions that there is a letter for his mum in with his award, it turns out that it is an invitation to attend a creative writing camp over summer, but it is at the same time as soccer camp, which is way more important, unfortunately, Rocky is unable to attend the soccer camp and ends up going to the creative writing one in the end anyway and he is now convinced that it is Ted causing all the issues with his evil magical powers.
When Rocky’s mum tells him that although she is proud, she will miss Rocky terribly, so arranges to go with him, as does Ted, but plans change and it is only Ted and Rocky who go, but things do not go smoothly and Rocky is again in trouble, but will he be able to prove his innocence and convince everyone that he didn’t steal anything from anyone, or will things just go from bad to worse when he bumps into an old hermit living alone in the woods near the summer camp and will Rocky and Olive be able to prove his suspicions about Ted and stop the marriage between him and his mum? This is another fast paced mystery for all ages where suspicions are raised and secrets are all around, as events play out and things are uncertain for everyone involved.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rocky is your typical twelve year old kid, but he has had a string of unfortunate life changes recently, his dad died and he and his mum have moved away from his childhood home in Whitman, to live with his grandpa in Tucker. They moved straight after the funeral, away from everything that he knew, where all his memories were made and he couldn’t understand why and whenever he asked about it, instead of answering him, his mum would just shut down and ignore the question.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Rocky is trying to come to terms with his dads death, he also has to start a new school mid way through the school year and so has to go and meet with the new school counsellor, but he doesn’t engage as much as she wants him to, his mind is too filled of memories to concentrate, especially a specific memory where he overheard his and his best friend’s mum talking about what to tell him about the way he passed away which makes Rocky determined to find out what that secret is. However, his day doesn’t go smoothly when he suddenly hears a vey familiar voice as he is walking to his first class of the day, it is his dad’s voice, he runs into the nearest bathroom to try and calm his racing heart and has a conversation with the voice in his head, but should he be doing that and is it even possible?
He eventually gets to his class and after finding out how behind he is in this subject, he is paired up with a girl called Olive to help him catch up, she is a force of nature and completely steamrolls with a confidence Rocky wishes he had and he agrees to swap numbers and meet with her later. At lunch he comes across a kid who is rude and leaves him alone at his table before finding another and is joined by Olive, as they get to know each other and agree to meet up after school, they develop a study plan, but when they start really talking, Rocky opens up about the mystery he is trying to solve and Olive is more than happy to help him along the way. Will Rocky and Olive be able to reveal the secret haunting his past, or will they be stumped at every turn and how does his dad’s disembodied voice come into it, will it be a help, or a hindrance? This is a cozy mystery for all ages which deals with a lot of themes in an easy to read way which keeps you entertained while engaged throughout in this fantastic story of a young boys life changing after a very sad event.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun read! Kind of a romantic comedy mixed with international heist. The chemistry between Max and Lucie is combustible. They do crack me up. I mean Max’s family needs to take a chill pill. Prophecy, schnophecy, pshaw, haha, what will that do, says Max. Lucie just goes along with what she thinks she is supposed to do and they have the adventure of a lifetime. They also have some steamy times on their adventures. As I mentioned, this is a quick read that is quite entertaining and a bit steamy in spots. You won’t be disappointed. It’s well-written and laid out. I’m looking forward to seeing how things are laid out for Max’s brothers. i’m hoping for more fun adventures down the road.
A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Reveiw: A Natural Passion
Author: Tammy Mannersly
Four Stars
This story is slow to start. The main female character is torn between really liking two male characters. Kyra Shine is an intern at the Mon Repos Turtle Center.
Dylan is her direct supervisor and mentor, he has lots of interest in Kyra and is trying to fight it. Several years her senior, he cannont get her off his mind.
Jake Merchant is the son of the owner and founder of the Merchant Marine Science Center.
The story is centered around the poaching of eggs from turtle nests. And Kyra being attracted to and pursued by both Dylan and Jake. This is a quick read, but real slow to start.
KLH
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield
3 Stars
The first thing that drew my attention was the cover. It’s beautiful and creepy at the same time. I hadn’t read a ghost story in a while so I decided to pick up this book. The concept of the story was interesting enough. Did I get creeped out or scared? No. Luci inherits Stormwood estate after her aunt dies. Her and her fiancé, Beckett, decide to head out there after signing the papers. Strange things happen. There is more to the estate then they both realized.
For the main characters, I liked Beckett but Luci got on my nerves. She was all over the place; hot, cold, happy and angry. It’s like I couldn’t keep up with her emotions. I feel like the story had a predetermined page limit. The author had an idea and rushed through the main points to fit it all in. I think that if the story had been longer, the author could have had a more intense build up which would have made the story scarier. There was no real climax because there was no build up. The story is good if you are looking for a fast read.
Review by @AnnaHirsch
View all my reviews
Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have ready by Meghan O’Flynn and I am so happy that I did! I think that I have found a new favorite and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. There were some twists that I did not see coming! And I found myself completely lost in this suspenseful story and could not put this down! I absolutely love how the author writes in the perspective of the main character taking you on this journey back and forth from past to present timelines.
Poppy’s father is in prison for murder. On top of everything, he is believed to be a serial killer. She moves on after he is imprisoned, only to find herself pulled right back into another murderous plot. Can she find the answers can she so longingly deserves and needs?
Camille is looking to take a break from her highly stressful PI job and decides to stay with her brother and his family. He had been trying to get her to live with his family for years and she is finally ready to take him up on his offer. When a neighbor goes missing her brother and his partner take on the case. She can’t just sit by and not help can she? This was a great book that kept me on the edge of my seat. The equal parts suspense and romance balanced out this book very well and the writing style of the author was great. The characters came to life and they felt so real. I will definitely be finding more books by this author.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow, reading long after lights out. A life of travel led to degrees in Anthropology and a pervasive interest in people. She lives on the Oregon coast with her husband, John, and their new puppy, Finn. When not working on her latest book she is probably in the kitchen, cooking up a storm for family and friends.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Coffee is wonderful. Coffee spurns my writing. I’m a married lady with four furry babies and my day job is teaching dance. I eat noodles like they’re vegetables and I can’t swim. Bios are weird to write.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Award-winning author Seelie Kay writes about lawyers in love, sometimes with a dash of kink.
Writing under a nom de plume, the former lawyer and journalist draws her stories from more than 30 years in the legal world. Seelie’s wicked pen has resulted in nineteen works of fiction, including the new paranormal romance series Donovan Trait, as well the erotic romance Kinky Briefs series and The Feisty Lawyers romantic suspense series. She also authored The Last Christmas, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The President’s Daughter, Seizing Hope, The White House Wedding, and participated in the erotic romance anthology Pieces of Us.
When not spinning romantic tales, Seelie ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. Currently, she resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys opera, the Green Bay Packers, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie
BUY NOW – https://amzn.to/3E6e6bu
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Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – folk horror, Gothic fairytale, dark fantasy
Page Count – 127 pages
Cover Designer – Rachel Ross
GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58796428-weep-woman-weep?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=vUyeTHCgwy&rank=1
A compelling gothic fairytale by bruja and award-winning writer Maria DeBlassie.
The women of Sueño, New Mexico don’t know how to live a life without sorrows. That’s La Llorona’s doing. She roams the waterways looking for the next generation of girls to baptize, filling them with more tears than any woman should have to hold. And there’s not much they can do about the Weeping Woman except to avoid walking along the riverbank at night and to try to keep their sadness in check. That’s what attracts her to them: the pain and heartache that gets passed down from one generation of women to the next.
Mercy knows this, probably better than anyone. She lost her best friend to La Llorona and almost found a watery grave herself. But she survived. Only she didn’t come back quite right and she knows La Llorona won’t be satisfied until she drags the one soul that got away back to the bottom of the river.
In a battle for her life, Mercy fights to break the chains of generational trauma and reclaim her soul free from ancestral hauntings by turning to the only things that she knows can save her: plant medicine, pulp books, and the promise of a love so strong not even La Llorona can stop it from happening. What unfolds is a stunning tale of one woman’s journey into magic, healing, and rebirth.
CW: assault, domestic violence, racism, colorism
Dr. Maria DeBlassie is a native New Mexican mestiza and award-winning writer and educator living in the Land of Enchantment. She writes about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and all things witchy. When she is not practicing brujeria, she’s teaching classes about bodice rippers, modern mystics, and things that go bump in the night. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at www.mariadeblassie.com.
The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book truly tugs at the heartstrings. How is it even possible that Book 3 in this series is even more amazing than the other 2??? Hazel Storm really outdid herself with part 3 of this series and has quickly become one of my very favorite authors. This book is both heart wrenching and absolutely heart-warmingly, hauntingly beautiful at the same time. My emotions were on a roller coaster the entire time and was one ride I did not want to get off of for even one second. Time absolutely flew when I started reading this book. There is a twist the likes of which I didn’t see coming and I absolutely adore! This book will stick with me for a very long time to come and I am absolutely counting the days down until the final part of this series is released. This one absolutely blew my mind and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for the next one.
Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was so interesting! It was an amazing cross between Suspense and romance and it pulled me into the story and didn’t let me go until the very end. I enjoyed the main characters and the mysterious element that the story had. This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last! I would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes a good mysterious suspenseful Romance!
Happy Reading!
The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot say enough good things about this book!!! How is it possible that Hazel Storm made this book even more amazing than the first in the series? She absolutely blew my mind with this one. It has a very Alice In Wonderland quality to it which I absolutely love and was not expecting at all! PK and Gargonita are both amazing new characters that are introduced and the heat between Vanessa and Grey is out of this world. There is so much symbolism woven throughout this book that just added to my enjoyment of it. Much like the first book in this series, this one pulls at all of the heartstrings, and all of the emotions and had me absolutely glued to it from page one! I am so ready to start the next book in this series and see what else the amazing author has in store for Vanessa.
Forever Valentine by Diana Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading Professor Valentine by Diana Vale, I couldn’t wait to jump into her sequel (book 6 in the series) Forever Valentine. The continuation of Diego and Cassie’s story. I love what Diana Vale has done with their love affair. Starting out as advisor and student, to a story about twin flames/love. The way Diana Vale develops her characters is done beautifully. The digging deeper into Diego and Cassie’s love is memorizing. With a wonderful supporting cast of minor characters throughout, Diego and Cassie have the love everyone wants. the undying and unyielding kind. I also the way the characters were able to persevere with all the obstacles presented to them, to test their love to the ultimate limit. I look forward to reading other books written by Diana Vale in the future!
Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gone Country by Katrina Marie is a cute and sweet small town love story. I do enjoy how Katrina brought her characters to life.
Stella, a workaholic, has been given the opportunity to go to the small town of Asheville TX to get the new company distribution center up and running. I enjoy Stella’s independence when it comes to her job, but outside of work her codependency on her cousins Audrey and Tiffany is disappointing. As the story moves on we witness her growth in independence outside the workplace. As someone who is all about one’s independence it brought a smile to my face reading through her journey.
Then there’s Johnny, a tall dark and small town man handsome. He not only helps Stella in her disaster on arrival, but he has his own demons to deal with when it comes to intimate relationships. Being scorned by his high school sweetheart he reminded me of a lot of people in this world who have insecurity issues but want to put that behind them and move on. Though never an easy task.
I loved the sweetness of this story as well as the growth of Stella and Johnny, not only individually but also together.
The way Katrina Marie presents her character development, I will definitely be looking into more of her books in the near future!
Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first novel I’ve read by Linda Burson, but it certainly won’t be the last! I love the way she writes. The characters are all so well fleshed out and I enjoyed getting to know all of them. Typically I’m not a fan of much romance, but she made it work very well. I will definitely be reading more of her work!
Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was literally captivating. A serial killer also known as a psychopath dad passed on to his daughter. It questions whether she grew up this way because what she witnessed or how she was raised. Or the combination of the two.
The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Bow was a great read! This book was interesting, entertaining and enthralling. It felt like a really quick read as well. There were so many steamy scenes, that is definitely an 18+ read. I still can’t tell which book so far has been my favorite, but I enjoyed this one much more than the second one so far. I absolutely love the world and characters that Hazel Storm has created in this series. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Home To The Outback by Nicole Flockton is the first book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series. As usual, Ms. Flockton writes a beautiful, realistic story about relationships. Some are easy and others aren’t but it is part of life and I appreciate that the Ms. Flockton writes in this way.
Ryan Flanagan studied hard to become a doctor and ultimately became a very good plastic surgeon. After years of success working on rich people, Ryan found that he wanted to help those in need like burn victims. Unfortunately, he found that his business partner didn’t agree. Soon after cutting ties with his business partner, he receives a call that his mentor Colin was in a very bad accident. Sindy Carruthers returned to her home town of Bunya Junction after a bad relationship. Colin helped her regain her confidence and mad it possible to share her experience with her family. Sindy is working as a nurse in Colin’s office when the accident happens. After the funeral, Ryan and Sindy find themselves part owners of the medical practice Colin had owned. Will they be able to work together in their hometown? To The Outback by Nicole Flockton is the first book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series. As usual, Ms. Flockton writes a beautiful, realistic story about relationships. Some are easy and others aren’t but it is part of life and I appreciate that the Ms. Flockton writes in this way.
Ryan Flanagan studied hard to become a doctor and ultimately became a very good plastic surgeon. After years of success working on rich people, Ryan found that he wanted to help those in need like burn victims. Unfortunately, he found that his business partner didn’t agree. Soon after cutting ties with his business partner, he receives a call that his mentor Colin was in a very bad accident. Sindy Carruthers returned to her home town of Bunya Junction after a bad relationship. Colin helped her regain her confidence and mad it possible to share her experience with her family. Sindy is working as a nurse in Colin’s office when the accident happens. After the funeral, Ryan and Sindy find themselves as part owners of the medical practice Colin had owned. Will they be able to work together in their hometown?
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Stormwood is hauntingly scary, and I couldn’t put it down! Such character building and story telling all rolled into a neat, almost sorrowfully short, book. Luna Mayfield uses romance to spice up this paranormal tale, but the haunting elements remain the focal point. Mayfield also includes a little familial history along the way. Intriguing and original, I recommend Stormwood to those brave enough to weather the chills and goosebumps. I can’t wait to see what other tales Luna Mayfield spins.
Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Easy-going, lighthearted read! Gone Country by Katrina Marie is a sweet, east read romance!
Stella is a city girl who picks up and loves to the country for a job and meets country boy Johnny! Though they are from two different worlds, the collision of their worlds into this romance was sweet and fun —and funny! I found myself laughing out loud during parts and enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Katrina Marie has a comfortable, easy-to-read writing style and this book entertained me and was a pretty fast read! I’ll look out for more by this author.
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stormwood by Luna Mayfield is a great paranormal romance, but it will give you a definitely creepy vibe, and maybe even some goose bumps. There are so many twists and turns you can’t even begin to predict what will happen next. The characters are wonderful, the plot intriguing, and the over all story left me looking for my by Ms. Mayfield. The characters are very relatable and help draw the reader in from the very beginning, but much like the main character in this story once your drawn in will you be able to get out? You’ll have to read Stormwood by Luna Mayfield to find out for yourself.
A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweet contemporary romance with a little bit of mystery that I definitely enjoyed reading. The romance in the story involves 2 men that vie for Kyra’s affections. Dylan is a marine biologist and also I love how he was devoted to preserving the turtle nests at the beach and more mature. Jake, whom is the son of Dylan’s boss, is a bit more irresponsible. At first, Kyra’s attraction to Jake was undeniable, but she also feels more sparks with Dylan. The bit of mystery that happens is whom is raiding the turtle nests at the beach and taking the eggs for their own greed. I really loved this story and how it flowed all together. I loved this sweet romance.
A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly is a short but lovely book. It was easy to feel connected to the main character Kyra, a beautiful, smart young woman working as an intern at the Mon Repos Turtle Center. She has caught the eye of two men she works with – the “bad boy” and the “good guy” and navigates through the situation well. The story takes a turn when the scientists and conservationists find that someone is poaching the turtle eggs. This can devastate the sea turtle population. Can they work together to find the poachers and find love?
