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A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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A Spell of RowansA Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book did not turn out to be what I was expecting, but I think I like it more than what I expected. Byrd Nash weaves a wonderful tale that has a dash of magic, as opposed to a magical fantasy land with mystical creatures. It is a much more contemporary read with talk of traumatic life events, murder, mystery, and a touch of romance.

Rachel Rowan used her magical talents to traumatize her neighbors, and used her kids as pawns to use their talents in her favor. When their mother dies, Phillipa, Victoria and Liam are left to fit together the pieces of the messes she made and the fallout her choices lead to.

It’s a little hard to put a genre that fits the whole of the book, but I was hooked and happily surprised my interpretation of what the book WOULD be turned out to be incorrect. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was wonderful from the first page! KW Wray does a fantastic job immersing you in the world of her book with her excellent story telling and in depth descriptions. I haven’t read young adult fantasy in a very long time, and it’s just as wonderful and beautiful as I remember.

Magic, beauty, tragedy, romance, battles, hope, elves, brownies and dragons are all enveloped in this book.

You will want to meet Zoe and Nix as they tell their stories. I really feel that there is some good points about life buried in this book that will speak to many people. Even if you’re not into young adult or fantasy/magic stories, if you like an engaging tale with a wonderfully immersive world – check out this book. I look forward to the rest of the trilogy!

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Check Out (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Check OutCheck Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed Check Out by Debra Parmley. It felt like I was treating myself to read it.

Betsy is a librarian in her local library. She has some trouble getting along with her family and struggles with her past. Nash is an injured veteran suffering from PTSD from his time in the military – he is new in town, jaded, and mysterious. They are interested in one another, but Betsy thinks it is best to wait to get to know each other better while she awaits a visit from her younger sister, Leeann. Once her sister shows up with news she may have a stalker, we find the catalyst that draws Nash and Betsy to one another.

I’d like to see where the relationship between Nash and Betsy goes, as the book ends pretty abruptly. That being said, this was a good read with characters that drew me in and kept me interested. It is pretty quick to get through, and the author has a 2nd book in the series that extends into a story with Leeann after this ends. I will continue to read Debra Parmley!

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Check In (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 2) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Check InCheck In by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Check In offers suspense, romance, camaraderie, a POV of someone with some past trauma due to being in the military and the things he saw, and great pointers on what you need to pay attention to in the case of a crime being committed around you. The characters are likeable and relatable. I didn’t care for the implication that the robbers were not sober, but it wasn’t overtly stated.

Len and Leann offered a lot of input via their inner voices, which was a nice way to explain a lot of backstory and former trauma, why they react the way that they do, as well as show the ways they complement each other. This is a quick, easy read – can definitely put it away in one sitting. I enjoy Debra Parmley’s use of detail to draw you in, and am looking forward to seeing more from this author.

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The Groomsman (Unexpected Series – Book 2) by Marina Hanna – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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The GroomsmanThe Groomsman by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marina Hanna pulls you in immediately with her style of writing and ability to build a story. Likeable and relatable characters, modern day stories and situations, wicked sense of humor.

The story opens after a one night stand between Mark and Lauren, and the chemistry is sizzling from the first page! There is sexiness, fun and flirtation, a touch of drama, and so much more. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death Under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke is a Jack and Frances mystery, book 4 in the series. I haven’t read the first 3, but with how much I enjoyed this book and its wonderful visuals of 1931 culture in Nice, I will be checking them out.

Jack and Frances are supposed to be on a relaxing holiday after their previous endeavors, and brought along Uncle Sal, the former vaudevillian performer. Their trip begins with a stop in London to see Jack’s mother, who reveals she told them she needed help. but really called them away to give them a chance to unwind and enjoy the European countryside. The visuals of the landscape, clothing, and cities drew a wonderful, clear picture in my head.

It has been discovered that Aunt Mildred and Tommy need help finding a spy! Jack and Frances have to take on characters to investigate from different angles and get to know the guests and employees, in addition to having to pretend they don’t know each other. Will their relationship be discovered? This Jack and Frances mystery was a fun book to read, had great visuals, and characters that are strong, smart, relatable and likable across the board. I’ll definitely be checking out the first 3 in this series!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a fast paced read, as well as a fast read. I really didn’t want to put it down! There are multiple stories to follow in this book, but it is easy to follow. Not all of the subplots come to a satisfactory conclusion, but overall I enjoyed the writing as well as the story.

Shelby Cooper is a scientist, mom of 2, and wife living with her family in a suburb near Boston – and she has secrets. When she starts gets strange messages and being pursued by vehicles, she knows her secrets are going to be revealed soon. Shelby isn’t the only person with secrets in this book – Will Shelby find out who knows her secrets and is framing her for murder? Will she and Jason be able to trust each other again? Will her family stay together? Stay safe?

If you like psychological thrillers, crime, etc – carve out a day or 2 and read this book. I really enjoyed it!

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Fight book 1 by Brittany Anne is a dystopian themed romance novel. When Hunter, a leader of the Resistance movement makes a last minute decision to risk his life taking on 3 UNR soldiers to save a woman being attacked, it proves to be a mistake…but maybe it is fate.

Hunter’s injuries are too much for him to fight through, and he collapses, ready for death, near a river to be found by Rain. Rain has a hard decision of her own to make. It’s been 2 years since she escaped her tormentor and has been hiding on her own. Does she take a chance on the stranger lying near death at the river near her bunker, or leave him to surely die? She decides to haul him back, and spends a long time nursing his unconscious form before he is healed enough to come around.

The rest of the story shows the build of their relationship in the midst of a dangerous world. Will Rain and Hunter be able to trust each other? Will they be together, or is there too much at risk?

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Decisions and Possibilities is a book that keeps things moving, with multiple team members and mysteries joining Emma’s story. Emma has turned 18 since the first book, and has a lot on her plate. With a business, solving mysteries, and a couple of men in her life, there is a lot happening for her!

It can be a bit tough to stay in the mode with the “Dear reader” and “narrator” asides at times, but this book is fast moving, drew a good visual of 1800’s era, while also having strong female leads with solid male support in their endeavors, which is a nice touch.

If you’re interested in a quick YA crime read, with an admirable female lead and twists and turns, you should check this out.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Decisions and Possibilities is a book that keeps things moving, with multiple team members and mysteries joining Emma’s story. Emma has turned 18 since the first book, and has a lot on her plate. With a business, solving mysteries, and a couple of men in her life, there is a lot happening for her!

It can be a bit tough to stay in the mode with the “Dear reader” and “narrator” asides at times, but this book is fast moving, drew a good visual of 1800’s era, while also having strong female leads with solid male support in their endeavors, which is a nice touch.

If you’re interested in a quick YA crime read, with an admirable female lead and twists and turns, you should check this out.

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