Posts

Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shannen Kern

Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I pick up a new book in this series, I am just speechless. I love each one more than the last and that’s saying something! This author has such a magical way of weaving these stories that pulls you into the world. It feels like an immersive experience instead of just reading about something happening to a character. Speaking of characters, Logan is one of my favorite people of ALL time. She seems to have a knack for finding trouble, or vice versa. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but reading the previous ones gives you so much more depth with our main character, Logan. I promise you’ll end up picking up the rest of the series afterwards anyways! If you’re looking for a thrilling crime read, look no further. This book (and series) is the one for you!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Shannen Kern

Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author and to say that I was blown away would be the biggest understatement! I love all things weird, so this obviously caught my eye with just the cover. It isn’t overwhelmingly weird either, but more endearing as the author captures you with their way of writing the characters. I felt invested from the very beginning and that’s no easy task. I loved the mystery aspect, and the scenes of New Orleans were captured perfectly. I am hoping for more books from this author in the future and will keep my eye on their website. I highly recommend picking this up even if it doesn’t feel like it’s up your alley because you might just be pleasantly surprised!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Shadow Bringer (Raven Academy Book 1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Shannen Kern

Shadow Bringer: Raven AcademyShadow Bringer: Raven Academy by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and what a way to start! It was such an addictive book, and I couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the entire thing in one day. The beginning can feel a bit slow, but I promise you’ll want to soak up all the information and dive into the rest of the book. Riley was raised in a very safe community which seems what you’d hope for yourself and your family. But she is completely and utterly bored and that can make for a dangerous position. Will Riley be able to stay safe, or will she finally find her way out of this boredom? This suspenseful fantasy is one you won’t want to miss! I am on my way to pick up the second book and continue this adventure.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shannen Kern

Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 (Logan McKenna Series)Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an amazing book and an incredible addition to the series! I have enjoyed each of the books I’ve read by this author, but this may be my favorite so far. While it started a little slower than the others, it more than makes up for it with the thrilling mysteries that follow. Logan is looking forward to meeting her half-sister and enjoying her life…until a murder intervenes. Will her half-sister be able to assist with investigating in the way we know Logan can, or will she stand in the way? I could not figure out what was happening as I was reading and just when I thought I had, the author threw another twist in the mix. I highly recommend picking this book up and getting lost in Logan’s world filled to the brim with lies, drama, murder, and more!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Shannen Kern

SargeSarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one as I’d never read anything by this author before. I was pleasantly surprised by this quick and interesting dive into military adventure with TJ/Sarge. Sometimes I get a bit worried about short books as I feel they can leave out too many details that could’ve connected the reader to the story, but this author pulled it off very well. I have not read the related book, Mission 3047, but I plan on picking it up since I enjoyed this so much. I was pulled in from the very beginning as the author knows how to create engaging characters that have you invested very early on. I highly recommend picking this book up and reading about a determined Sarge!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern

Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a quick and fun read! I have enjoyed many books by this author, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me that this one would follow suit. You can read this as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it that way. You will find much enjoyment, depth, and background from the rest of this series! While this is a shorter story as it is a prequel, the author spares no details. It grabs your attention and checks all the points for a longer book while taking you half the time. Reading about Lynnette and Riley will fill you with every kind of emotion as we are immersed in a world of danger, suspense, and the paranormal. If you think you have the story figured out, the author spins you in a new direction. I highly recommend picking this series up, you won’t regret it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Shannen Kern

House of Blood and WhispersHouse of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am absolutely blown away by this book!! I have enjoyed every book I’ve read from this author, but this one was the most captivating yet. The flow of the story is flawlessly magnificent with a special spin that is so refreshing. There is drama, action, and a rollercoaster of emotions that will pull you in from the very beginning. I was immediately invested in each character and couldn’t read fast enough to find out what happened. If you love romantic fantasy books with twists and turns as well as plenty of action, this is a must read for you!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great story from a wonderful author. My kiddos love it when we get to read these together, and this was no different! I loved that this was more based on STEM than some others. Both of my kids (7 and 11) enjoyed reading this and sparking conversations on finding solutions and how you can make a bad decision without fully realizing. The illustrations are incredible, and I feel they definitely add more to the story. While you can read this as a standalone, I highly recommend picking up others in the series for the young ones in your life because they are all amazing!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shannen Kern

SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5(The Logan McKenna Series)SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Each time I read another book in the Logan McKenna series, I find a new favorite! There is plenty of danger, suspense, and action which follows suit with the others in the series. I always enjoy the way this author vividly paints the scenery in each book. I find it incredibly easy to picture myself in these locations without ever having visited, which is not an easy feat by any means. Logan is always such a strong and independent character who seems to find herself in the middle of very mysterious (and dangerous) situations. You can read this as a standalone, but getting to know more and more about Logan through each book is definitely worth picking up the entire series. I can’t wait to get my hands on more from this author.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shannen Kern

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a few books by this author, and this one may be my favorite. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked it up as it isn’t my usual genre, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The vivid description of imagery alone was enough to make this stand out, and I really felt surrounded by each scene. You get pulled into each character’s life and feel incredibly invested in such a short amount of time. There is plenty of action and danger, but also passion and strength throughout this book. I highly recommend picking this up even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea. I believe this author will pleasantly surprise you with the wonderful world they create surrounding the emperor’s daughter!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shannen Kern

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book I have read by this author, and it is far from the last! I absolutely enjoyed the thrill ride they always take me on. The Logan McKenna series is definitely one to keep your eye out for. The first book I read from this series blew my socks off, and I can still vividly remember it a year later! I always love the imagery this author paints with as well as it makes the experience that much more real. The flow of the story was engaging and smooth, never once did I feel jolted out of Logan’s world. This was definitely a psychological crime thriller, so if that is up your alley, I HIGHLY recommend picking up not only this book, but this series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Shannen Kern

What We Never Say: Bold Journeys Book TwoWhat We Never Say: Bold Journeys Book Two by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely captivated by this story from the very first page. I did enjoy the first book in this series, Love, Only Better, and I feel it gives more depth to the story. I highly recommend picking the first book up before diving into this one. That being said, the author does try to bridge the gap a little so that you won’t get lost without the first in the series. The story wastes no time with preambles as we plunge into the first chapter where we learn of Kyle’s haunting past. He can no longer run from it, and though his girlfriend is shocked, she wants to help him. Can she aid Kyle with healing his past, or is it too daunting a task for either of them to take on? I believe the author did an amazing job covering a tough subject that isn’t much talked about. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the next book!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shannen Kern

Devil's Claw: Logan Book 3 (The Logan Series)Devil’s Claw: Logan Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an incredible read! I also appreciate the research that this author put in about otters because they are seriously one of my favorite animals. It made for a perfect combination of learning and thrilling mystery. The way the background is painted for us throughout the book brings such vivid scenery to the forefront of my mind. I will say this definitely had me thrown for a loop with all the twists and turns. I loved the flow of the story, which is absolutely important, so you aren’t jolted out of the world you’ve immersed yourself in. You won’t want to miss this installment of Logan’s mysterious series, and I’ve already picked up the next book because I can’t wait!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always get so excited when another book in this series comes out because I’ve loved them all, but I also get a little bit scared that the new one won’t be as good as the last. This book put all those fears to rest instantaneously as it sucked me back into the Hidden Valley Elite world. This one picks up to tell Phoenix and Aspen’s story, and it is not one you want to miss! There is drama, angst, and all the steam that comes together to create the perfect story. The flow is again, flawless, and I am beyond excited to see what the author has in store for us next. Please don’t skip out on this book because you’ll regret it! It’s worth mentioning that this is not a standalone either, so be sure to catch up before going on the adventure with Aspen and Phoenix!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern

Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have absolutely loved this series, and somehow the author has stepped up their game with this book. It’s an emotional ride with plenty of tension, drama, and steamy scenes. Each book really gives you more background for each character, so I recommend beginning with the first book in the series for the full effect. Getting to see Dakota and Annabella go back and forth with each other was incredibly entertaining. I may have yelled at the book a couple times out of frustration, but that is a sign of a truly engaging book. The flow of this story is magnificent just like the ones before it. I highly recommend giving this series a chance and getting to know all of the band members!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Shannen Kern

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While non-fiction isn’t my go-to genre, this book was absolutely astounding! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, so keeping an open mind helped. I feel like I gained a substantial amount of knowledge from the way this author presented information. One of the reasons I don’t read non-fiction as much is because it can feel like information overload. This author did amazing in presenting a great amount of knowledge, but tying other things in so that it isn’t dry. I really enjoyed learning about the history and science behind nuclear weapons. It definitely gives you plenty to think about! I would recommend this book to everyone, even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea!

Reviewed by@shannlynn

View all my reviews

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Shannen Kern

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing addition to the series! I am a big fan of the crime and thriller genre, so this was right up my alley. The author has such a way of transitioning through the book that you don’t notice a shift which is incredible. I thought the flow was marvelous! This book will have you on a rollercoaster of guessing what will happen, taking you through twists and turns until you realize you’ll just never be able to guess so you enjoy the ride! I highly recommend picking up the first in the series to get the background, and then continue the thrilling story with this installment. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Vixen: (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter) by D.M. Earl – Review by Shannen Kern

Vixen: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Vixen: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To say that I have loved every single book in the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, Timber Ghost Montana Chapter series is the biggest understatement of the year. I enjoy this genre already, but this author has a way of going above and beyond with each new book that is published. This one happens to be my favorite so far! Though you can probably read it as a standalone, I wouldn’t chance it as it ties in well with the previous books in the series. This story will pull every single emotion you could possibly have from anger to fear, love to pride. Can Vixen learn to trust Ironside again, or will it be the biggest mistake of her life? There are wonderful steamy scenes, but there are also very tragic moments. Reading about these women always makes me feel a certain level of bad-to-the-bone. They are forces to be reckoned with, especially banded together. Please do yourself the biggest favor of the year and pick this up! It is worth every moment you’d otherwise be doing chores anyways.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Shannen Kern

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never fails to amaze me with their capability to write creative and unpredictable suspense novels! I was once again completely absorbed in this book from the very first page. I’m not sure how she does it, but I have never experienced that ‘warm-up’ in the beginning that other books typically have. The flow of the story is incredible, and the twists always kept me on my toes! You definitely won’t be bored with this one as it is a rollercoaster of guessing what will happen next combined with the drama, intense action, and emotions of Violet and her mother. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance to steal your attention for the day!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Shannen Kern

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never fails to amaze me with their capability to write creative and unpredictable suspense novels! I was once again completely absorbed in this book from the very first page. I’m not sure how she does it, but I have never experienced that ‘warm-up’ in the beginning that other books typically have. The flow of the story is incredible, and the twists always kept me on my toes! You definitely won’t be bored with this one as it is a rollercoaster of guessing what will happen next combined with the drama, intense action, and emotions of Violet and her mother. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance to steal your attention for the day!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will I ever tire of this series? The answer is a resounding NO. I have loved each and every book in the Hidden Valley Elite series, and somehow each one keeps me on my toes and excited for what’s to come! I was immediately caught up in Phoenix and Aspen’s back and forth verbal jabs, and the unplanned pregnancy added a whole different level of tension to their story. The flow of this book was flawless which makes it that much easier to get lost in this alternate reality. Don’t miss out on this wonderful addition to the series or you’ll kick yourself later. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Shannen Kern

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story had me feeling every emotion under the sun! I couldn’t put it down and read the entire thing in one sitting, which wasn’t good news for all to-do lists. This author drew me in by the first chapter and felt like I was in the book with our characters. Julie made an incredible decision to help her brother and sister-in-law have kids. Who knew this selfless choice would leave her a parent some years later? This was my first book by this author, but it is far from my last for sure! I highly recommend picking this up and going on the emotional rollercoaster.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannen Kern

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our family has always been centered around many different animals, so I was a little worried about picking this up but kept an open mind. I’m so glad I did because we just went through a situation almost EXACTLY like this, so it was timely. Even though we read this after the fact, it still helped my two kids (7 and 11) really get a better understanding that it’s a universal occurrence. It also gave us another chance to open up another discussion and let them know that they aren’t alone. I loved the compassion the author showed and how the rainbow bridge was detailed with grace. I would most highly recommend picking this up for the kids in your life on this difficult topic.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We love bringing these books home because this author is amazing! We are also a bunch of stargazers, so it was quite fitting for us. I love that we continue to learn about Eee-ahh and Shirl. They learn about all of the different constellations which I absolutely love! The illustrations are fabulous and definitely add a bit more to the story. My kiddos are 7 and 11, and they both thoroughly enjoyed it. It even started an evening of laying outside on a blanket and seeing which constellations we could find. We also may have made some up as well, so it was a memorable time. I highly recommend picking this up and share it with the younger ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shannen Kern

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this installment of The Olympic Peninsula series! It pulled on my emotions in multiple different ways, and I found myself captivated by the storytelling from this author. I was invested in the characters almost immediately and was kept on my toes throughout the entire book. I felt like this had quite a good flow and never felt pulled out of my book daze at all. You’ll enjoy the way the author so artfully creates Teresa and Liam’s story! I highly recommend picking up this series and also suggest reading them in order to get a fuller experience.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Shannen Kern

Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For such a quick read, I was absolutely blown away by the 7th book in the Masters of the Consulate series! I love this author and am always excited when I get to pick up another magnificent work of art from her. If you have responsibilities, take care of them before you pick this book up because you will absolutely neglect them after you get lost in this story. The way the author is able to craft such a dangerous, magical realm with characters you can’t help but be invested in is unbelievable. Campania and Willow have such an intriguing chemistry and the author keeps you engaged with them the whole way through. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shannen Kern

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never hesitate to pick any book up from this author! I loved this one more than the first (Royally Complicated), and that’s a rare thing! Lev and Daphne have such a captivating chemistry that you’ll feel the tension jump right off the pages. The level of emotions you feel from them is incredible. I love how strong (and stubborn) Daphne is throughout this story because Lev sure doesn’t know how to handle her at first. Also, there are steamy scenes in here to die for. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance, but don’t forget to pick up the first as well to get a little more back story on everyone involved!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shannen Kern

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have followed this author through many stories and am pleased to find that this book is just as wonderful as the others I have read! Bridget is going through it right now. Her fiancé cheated, and now she’s on “their” honeymoon because who wouldn’t want to get away after an earth-shattering revelation like that? She finds a surfer, Fyn, who turns out to be a prince. Could this turn into a real-life fairytale, or is this just a simple rebound? I really enjoyed the flow of this story as I was sucked into this reality before I realized it. I sat down to read a couple chapters and looked up to find it was hours later! This has romance, drama, steamy scenes, and plenty of other emotions, so go ahead and pick it up to get lost for the day.

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Shannen Kern

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read quite a few books by this author, and none of them disappoint! This one is slightly different as it is non-fiction, but I still absolutely loved every bit of it. I enjoy her point of view on magic, the Tarot, and spirituality in general. It’s no coincidence why I’ve picked up so many of her books! She writes a poem with each card she draws and really leans into how you should reflect on yourself and your situation in order to best receive answers. Instant knowledge or persistent questions will not lead you down the path you’d like with the Tarot. This author will not be losing me as a fan anytime soon, and I urge you to give any one of her books a chance. If you find yourself drawn to Tarot, spirituality, or magic, this one is definitely for you. Even if that doesn’t seem like your genre, you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Shannen Kern

A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it really took me by surprise! I hadn’t heard of this author before, but I am beyond happy that I decided to pick this up and give it a shot. The amount of depth and development of each character was wonderful, and it really made it easy to connect with them all. There are so many emotions entangled in this story! It’s definitely not your average rock star romance, but I was still incredibly entertained. The flow of the story had just a couple of bumps here and there, but overall was great. The tale of Adrian and Hastings’ friendship is emotional and absolutely one-of-a-kind. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us because I’m already anticipating the next one!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews