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The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book gives so many happy vibes. I enjoyed it so much. Leona runs the happiest bookstore in town. The story of Ellen and Charles romance has become a romance put on paper thanks to Price (Fiona’s ex-husband) sharing the story with her. This story has created a multiverse of romances that Leona matched up starting with Sadie and Charlie. They came together over the Christmas holiday by way of a package mixup. Through funny mishaps, the sweetest romance is created. We move on to Fiona and Price. They are a divorced couple that had heartbreak split them apart. Through a series of events, they both arrive in town and at the bookstore. Leona again sets up something. They talk and try to work through their issues. Then amazingly, Leona finds love and her dream comes true on the location for her shop. The story is funny, entertaining, so very romantic, and clean. The story had me giggling because of its sweetness and cuteness. Ellen, the grandma, plays a role also. She is the sweetest. The characters are so well developed. I felt like this town was Mayberry in today’s world So small town and cute. The plot was so sweet and adorable. A great idea for a Hallmark movie. I would give this more than 5 stars if they would let me. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard. And I’m a bookworm, so any romance in a bookstore, I’m hooked. I was enthralled from the beginning and had to finish before I put it down. It’s that’s good. A must for all romance readers.

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This is an intense book! Secrets abound with Remi and Audri. Friends since their youth, they are brought together again when Remi buys the company she works for. All is not quite as it seems with Remi. He has a gut feeling something is not quite right. He feels his stepmother and stepbrother are up to something. Audri has been through a traumatic experience. They both have an immense attraction to each other. The big catch is she is his best friend’s sister. The suspense and drama unfolds as the try to see where the relationship goes. I fell in love with this book because from the beginning the author engaged me in the story. It kicked right into the action. Remi started right off. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I had to see what happened next. The characters were great. I do wish their friends had a little more supportive role in the story. The plot, being kind of a mafia tough, was terrific because their were a few twists that you just didn’t see coming. I also liked the fact that Audri is also strong enough to take care of herself to, not always being so needy. It’s a terrific romance that I’d recommend.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most intense and suspenseful romance novels I have read this year. Right up there at the top of the list, this author is vastly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. The stories are well-developed and researched. They feel like you are in there with the main characters. I find myself feeling all the emotions as Ellawyn is going through the major drama in her life. When Beckett comes into her life, you can feel the peace and comfort he brings. Benji is my favorite character. He could be anybody’s grandpa. The emotion coaster is felt throughout the whole book. I dare you to put the book down. Ellie and Beck both bring baggage to the relationship. What’s refreshing is they admit it. Can they work through it and make their relationship work? The force is strong between them. You’ll have to read it to see. The plot is strong. So smooth that it just flows between characters. I am a fan of how personal the whole story feel. Great read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This box set is original and the most action-packed, romantic suspense you’ll find on the market right now. This author has written six of the best books I’ve read and the best part is they are all in one set:
Lost Bastard, Cold Bastard, Wild Bastard, True Bastard, Dark Bastard,
King Bastard. Each of them is well-written and well-developed. The characters are individually defined. Though your classic battle of good and evil, it’s modernized and sexy. Finch is the evil bastard out to twist plans. The good guys win but they also hide secrets so the challenges abound in the battles. That is the best part of the story. Nothing is as it seems yet all is well. A plot that goes all over the place yet has no choppiness. The story is very engaging. I felt myself getting pulled in right from the beginning and it didn’t stop until the end of the story. I loved this set. I know you will to. Hit that one-click. You won’t regret it.

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The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Prospect of Death (Alyssa Chalmers mysteries, #2)The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been an intriguing cozy mystery. Alyssa and the ladies she is traveling with have to a rural town in Canada to find a husband. Well, Alyssa is hoping to move on. The problem is…the hotel owner has been found murdered and Rosie, one of the ladies (troublemaker) is a prime suspect. Alyssa, the Matron, and a couple of the men from the trip are investigating who did it. What makes this book so fun and entertaining to read are the characters: Peg-Leg, the injured in an accident hunting gold and grumpy as heck; Fred, the local moonshiner drunk that runs the stables and has a big secret and a few others. It does seem that there are a few secrets hidden throughout town. They have nothing better to do. Alyssa and the ladies are the first ladies to be seen in the town since the town was set up. This is the time of the Gold Rush. Bert, the hotel owner, was killed over gold nuggets. The book is well-written. The characters each have their own quirks and well-developed personality. Watching the romance between Alyssa and the doctor develop was my favorite part just because it was so obvious yet so subtle. The humor, mystery, and suspense kept you from wanting to put the book down. You were pulled in from the beginning. An excellent book that I recommend to all historical cozy mystery lovers.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Shelly Kittell

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intense! Original! Hauntingly realistic! This has become my #1 favorite so far for the year. JP Grimm is a soldier returned from the war having to deal with PTSD and its real effects on him and on his family. It’s taking a devastating toll on him and his family. He and his wife are both trying to save their marriage and their family. Adin looks like the little boy that turned out to be the suicide bomber that took out his unit. JP was not able to shoot the bomber in time and is dealing with that guilt. This is the part that made the book hit you like a gut-wrenching punch. I felt all the feels. All the emotions came out when reading this book. It may be fiction, but a lot of the emotions felt are real. The research done for the story is there and you felt it. I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in finding out what happened with his grandparents and what has going to happen next for him and his family. The plot felt so well-developed that is naturally built in. It was smooth and silky flowing. The check-ins with Richardson were always nice, even if they were sad due to realistic events (such as suicide, DV, etc.). The solar storm events, etc. is a nice add-in because it could happen, and it was a way to maybe help bring JP back to his family. It was such a heartfelt and heart-tugging story (even being a thriller). I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait for the next book in the thriller. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend!

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brody comes back to Parker nursing his wounds after a workplace incident in NYC. Not sure whether or not he still has a job, he spends the holidays with his family, which has grown to include some familiar quirky characters. Carrying his own emotional baggage, he runs into Karen, aka “Raven”, a teacher friend of his sister’s. She has her own set of emotional baggage. As the family tries to get through the holidays, can these two work through their issues to come together to realize they make a beautiful couple? I found this book brought out all the feels. You can relate to their relationship issues. They have the spark, it builds over time. Even Kelda can’t kill their romance. Speaking of Kelda, who can’t relate to crazy relatives like Kelda and Burt just popping in and talking about bathroom habits, sex life and they are the elderly? I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard as I do when I’m reading about these two. All the wedding talk and romance is just beautiful in the story. The author truly has a figt for making ift feel very real. The people of Parker, Oklahoma could be from your town. The plot was great. It’s a real issue and it was handled well with no choppiness. A wonderful in a series that is one I’ll read over and over. A must for romance lovers everywhere.

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the trilogy. Finn and his family are on adventures again. Agne and Cub are at the battle of Wessex. This is a large and hard fight. Many are lost, including family, and many are taken for ransom. Finn and Raga are out with Uncle Karl and the crew to help them. On the way, a troll on the boat traps Finn in between realms to perform a task for him. What an adventure this is. Most of the time the crew do not know what is going on. Kara and the rest of Finn’s family have been left at home and are dealing with blood feuds, being driven from their home and other misadventures. This is another excellent book in the journey of Thorafinn. The plot is adventurous. The excitement is on every page. There are three plotlines going and the author does a great job of intertwining them together so that they do connect. I enjoyed the storyline of the womenfolk That was my favorite because they overcame big odds. The characters are really written well. Martine is a sneaky character that I would love to see more of so I hope she is written in more in Book 3. That cliffhanger grabbed me. I can’t wait to read the next book. I recommend this trilogy to fantasy lovers.

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Romance Under AquariusRomance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun romantic adventure this book is! Kasper and Maris remind me of an adult Little Mermaid (not quite so wholesome). Kasper is trying to find a way that will heal his brother’s cancer and comes across Maris, a mermaid. The two of them continue the search for the healing jug with a few misadventures. Maris’ friends try to help her but end up messing up and causing their own ruckus. This book is laugh out loud funny! My family wanted to know what I was I was giggling at. The chemistry between Kasper and Maris was so well-done. It felt so natural. Her flirting with Owen and making Kasper jealous was awesome. The sibling rivalry fun was a nice touch. Pasha and Ryn’s betrayal of Maris and further misadventures seemed just right. I didn’t see that plot twist coming. Perfect! It fit in so smooth. I would have loved to see more of Pasha’s mom’s backstory. It was so intriguing that I had to keep going and couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was coming next. An engaging read that will have you waiting eagerly for the next book in the series. A quick and entertaining read that I recommend for romance lovers.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very well-written book about adoption and the feelings that kids may have. Not only does it cover how an adopted child may feel but it also talks about how children may feel when they are mad at their parents and might wish they want a different life. I appreciate how the author approached the topic and made it a fun story that is entertaining yet covers real and important topics. This is a story that I will be sharing with my grandson. We have custody of him and it will help us explain some of how he feels is normal. Big feelings are okay. Great book that I recommend.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Shelly Kittell

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story has an intensity and feeling of realness that could be scary. It feels like a story ripped from the headlines. People are ending up addicted or OD’ing on their medications. Grant and Josh from the DEA catch the case. Greg and Anne are an engaged couple that end up helping. The problem is that Anna has ended up hooked through B12 shots. The story is full of mystery, secrets and some aren’t who you think they are. I love it! The characters all felt separate and had their own either creepy or good personality. They could be people you bump into on the street. They are so relatable. The plot runs smooth with some twists. My favorite interactions are among Grant and Anna. They are friends but their interactions sound like siblings. This was a book I could not put down. I had to find out what was going to happen next. Excellent book that I definitely recommend.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My grandchildren were so excited to hear another mermaid story. Fig, Mia and Trezzie always have fun adventures and teach about science. The lessons about water and ice cubes was fascinating. Hearing about the ice cubes and how they are larger in cold water and smaller in warm water was fascinating and an experiment that we had to try. Reading about Mia’s rescue brought questions about using ice cubes to rescue. Bright pictures and a fun, entertaining story make reading time special. There are so many ways that the story can be used. I’m a fan of the mermaid stories and this one is a winner. Highly recommended for families.

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Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassius came to New York to help his brother, Christian, one more time. Unbeknown to Christian, Cassius already knows about the hit put on him by his brothers. He is just trying to find out who the assassins are. Christian, and his other brother, Damon, are involved with drugs and planning bad things with Lorenzo, the drug lord. Sera, his daughter, is the assassin assigned to kill Cassius. She has a neat little drug, Devil’s Breath, that can take your breath away. Cassius and Sera have some downright flaming sparks but can they work through some nasty baggage? The fact that she has to kill him may be an issue….. This book is an action pack, suspense thrilled, adventure ride. Nothing is quite as it seems. Many secrets to unravel. There are some plot twists to keep you on your toes but the characters are entertaining and feel downright personal, even Lorenzo. Cassius knows what he’s doing. I’m rooting for him and Sera. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You should definitely read this if you love romantic suspense or thrillers. I highly recommend this one.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Shelly Kittell

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my, who hasn’t been in Bree’s place. This book is an entertaining look at the world of romance from the point of someone trying to keep an eye out for commitment. Bree wants a real relationship and all she finds are jerks. Stephen comes along. He’s a fellow assistant coach and sounds like he has great qualities. She dates him for a bit but then his real side come out and he’s so not who she wants to be with. Bree finds the dating pool such a challenge from Stephen to judgemental vegan farmers. The right man might be under her nose in the form of Nate but he’s been relegated to friend territory because he’s…..too good looking. Will she ever come to her senses and realize what’s there in front of her face? Nate has it bad for her and is patiently waiting. This author has done a terrific job of writing a romance that feels realistic. This feels like something a lot of women have felt. The humor, the pain and the romance all mesh together to create the perfect romance. The characters were perfect. Bree and Nate had spark. Chloe felt like the best friend being ever so helpful. The annoying brother. Mom and Dad doing there part. It all flowed together and I loved every crazy minute of it.

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Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona ChapterTickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was quite entertaining. Dwarf was just taking a short cut home along a dirt road and out came a dark thing crossing the road. He ended up sliding his bike and twisting his ankle. The dark think ended up being a scantily clad, beautiful woman named Raven, scared and fearful. Who knew Dwarf would end up fighting ghosts with her? This book had me on the edge-of-my-seat a bit terrified of this ghost. What was going on? Of course, having a hot biker to help rescue you always helps. The problem is: he’s got a hurt ankle, cell phones are dead; the satellite phone won’t work; the road is a logging road…As their adventure unfolds, it gets even better because he finds an old shelter and repairs the ham radio. The MC club to the rescue. The mystery has the whole club scratching their head but once everyone gets the snot scared out them, some answers may come together. They say trauma brings couples together. Raven opens up about her trauma and Dwarf loves her even more. He is willing to wait and be there. They have a slight spark that ignites and will bloom as the story unfolds. They are both my favorites because they bring issues that they are both willing to bring to the table and work through together. The flow of the story went so smooth. Each transition built into the next one. It built upon the next well. Great story that I highly recommend.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Shelly Kittell

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IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the best edge-of-the-seat, romantic suspense book I’ve read this month. Selena finds out that she’s in the U.S. illegally. She is trying to do the right thing and go back to Mexico and get the right paperwork. Turns out her life has been a big fat lie. She has been set up for some big trouble and Wyatt, an employee with the state department, just wants to help. Oh my, this could have been ripped straight from the headlines. I caught myself holding my breath at times because the action is that good. You find yourself going “just one more page, I have to know what happens.” The action started with the first page and doesn’t quit until the end. The story is very engaging. There are a few plot twists that keep shock and surprise. The chemistry with Selena and Wyatt is great because it is a slow burn. The characters feel real because they have attitudes that I would expect from those type of people. The descriptions of crime lords and corruption in Mexico seem to fit what we hear. The story is engaging and will keep you wanting more. I want to read more from this author. You need to read this story if you love romantic suspense.

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nora is a pretty strong and courageous woman. She had just moved to the Cayman Islands and started working with the PD. She got sucked into a bad case involving a vengeful husband that couldn’t handle his wife’s death. This book pulled me in right from the beginning with the action. I absolutely loved the feeling of suspense with it beginning with the professor’s death. That was breath holding, edge of the seat thrill. The action never stopped. It kept building throughout the whole story. Suspense, thrills and mystery made the book an absolute winner. The characters just made it feel even more real. A lot of badass in this book. I love a book with cops with attitude. Weak cops kill the story. The plot was perfect and didn’t have any choppiness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. This was a new author to me and I’ll have to read more of his work.

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Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Coyote's Road TripCoyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coyote Jim is a shape shifting coyote stuck in a world that has gone to heck. Climate change has ruined his desert climate so he’s taken off on a journey from Nevada up towards Washington. On the way, he sees how much the climate has been ruined by the humans. Though fiction, the perspective of seeing the world through the eyes of a nature spirit puts a new spin. Like the myths of the coyote, he gets into mischief, good and bad, just to get by. He tries to help others. I found the ghost characters really fascinating. Every book from this author leaves me wanting to dive more into all the topics I find in these books: myths, climate change, etc. The book was incredibly profound. I feel there were so many little things to pick up. The characters all felt like they each had their own quirks to their personalities. TJ was a messed up teen that Jim made sure went were she needed and didn’t end up in the wrong hands. He made sure Jane and her dad were well taking care of. The community that Raven had made was just ripe for making friends. It seemed to be just what Jim needed. The plot was fairly smooth, a little choppy in spots, but that may have been interruptions on my end. I loved the tone and the descriptions were incredible of all the sunsets and the ocean. The desert and the mountain descriptions made it so easy to picture them just like I was there. It is such a descriptive book that you feel like you are experiencing it with him. A wonderful book that I highly reccomend to all.

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

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SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Levi is just an grown up manchild. His dad calls him out and cuts off his funds. Time to get a job and be a man. After getting an STD, Levi has to depend on his law career, he goes into his dad’s firm. Miss Kindle James is his supervisor. It turns out she’s the hotty out who’s not into him and has no qualms telling him off. I loved this story. The chemistry is there. The sparks are so hot that you could start a fire. Dad is a little overbearing. His friends are awesome. All the hard-time giving and wives teasing him was so entertaining as I watched him grow up. Kindle was just as into him as he was for her. She just wasn’t giving up her career goals. The plot was well-developed. Levi matured as we got to watch him develop into a real man who realized what he wanted and went for it. Now, the crazy roommate, that was insane. I’d have run her over. Stalk much, she was nuts. Plot twist at the end was excellent, didn’t see that. This author writes really great romance. So realistic and feels like they could be twisted right from today’s love lines. The characters felt real. I loved Mom with dropping hints for a shopping buddy. I loved everything about this story. Well done! You must read this.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is full of adventure and spicy romance. True is a womanizer with severe ADHD. Lonny is a badass PI with a lot of baggage and some badly damaged emotions. A year ago they had a week long fling in the woods, now they end up together again to work at Red Cage. WTH, he’s a twin and they look-alike. Lonny is in over her head at times.
To hide his feelings, True hides as Trent, his look a like brother. The games have started. Lonny is reckless with the investigations. Someone is out to hurt her and True wants to find out who. These two have MAJOR chemistry and try to fight it. We find out what is behind their closed off walls. Can their damaged hearts be brought back together to make this work? Can they have a good life? Will they get through these challenges thrown at them? What a great story!!! Emotions run high throughout the whole darn story. I felt like I was there. Lots of twists and turns to follow but the plot, amazingly, stays fairly smooth. Those characters, they are so real and three-dimensional. I found myself rooting for them and yelling at some of the characters like Jules, Tripp, Tor, and Lexi. Curious to see what happens with Brook. (I feel like there’s another story there with her and the Castellos). You have to read this book. It’s breathtaking, exciting, and unforgettable. I was pulled in right from the beginning and I only just put it down. Outstanding! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The power is strong in this one. After trying to provide for her mother and younger sister for so long by holding down 3 jobs, one of which is underground fighting, Grace is finally noticed by some recruiters for UFC fighting. This leads to an adventurous path of discovering herself. After making sure that her mother’s need and little sister’s needs are met, Grace takes steps to learn what it means to be with herself; to find out who she is. She has always been taking care of others after promising her dad that she would. (She saw him fight at an underground fight when she was 14). With the help of Carl, Johnny, Dars, Sabrina, and a cast of others, Grace will learn that she is no longer caged. She has the power to rescue herself. I loved this story. Not all girls will participate in the UFC but the story reminds us that it’s okay to be alone. We need to believe in ourselves before we can others. We need to love ourselves before we can love others. That’s a really important message that I have never seen come across in a fiction book like this but the whole way it came across was total self-care and very helpful. She had always been helping others, now it’s time to help herself. The characters felt very real. They felt like they could have been people I knew. The tone of the book was very positive even with it being a UFC book. The plot felt very smooth with no choppiness. It was really a great book. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. You should give it a shot. It’s a TKO!!

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the cutest children’s books I’ve read this year. I don’t want to be spaghettified. Two elementary students and Mrs. Brooks, the elderly librarian (at least that’s what they thought) were trapped in the library when the Wartians attacked looking for glorp. Bubbles, ray guns, and secrets came out. Could old Mrs. Brooks save them? The adventures began…I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard. My grandson wanted to know what I was reading so I started reading this to him for bedtime. He’s loving hearing about kids like him helping to save the world. What little kids don’t like reading stories where they are the hero of big problems? I found the primary characters strong and brave. They had fear but worked through it. I loved how a little MIB attire was in there. I found the story fun because it reminds that somethings aren’t quite as they seem. You have to read the story to find out what I mean. This is a story that even adults will get a giggle out of. The plot is humorous. The characters can remind you of yourselves. Overall entertaining book. Loved it.

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Heart Broken (Satan’s Devils MC #5) Audio Book by Manda Mellett – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Oh my! The author always writes such heart wrenching and heartwarming books. This is another winner in the audio files. The narrators again do a terrific job of presenting Hear and Marc’s story. I was on the edge of my seat at time’s. Heart did such a good job staying straight edged when she gave her updates and surprised when he found that Drummer paved the way for him to get through the time on the road. Heart really was going through a very tough time. Marc tried to help him and to also solve this murder. The whole dang department seemed on the take. She gets an A from me for perseverance.. They had challenges to face and face them they did.. These two sure seemed meant to be. Strong emotions, heart felt pain made this story so raw and vulnerable. The narrators brought it out and I give it a bit 5 stars.

Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trey and Hailey’s story, one of my favorites in the series, has brought out the emotions as I’ve read it. This story will have you riding the emotional roller-coaster as Trey is the mellow, doctor, brother of Marco, Nico and Sophia. He gets to fix up the injured and he works as a surgeon at the hospital. Hailey has a naughty side and gets herself caught up in a big problem at the hospital. Trey rescues her but there are still big issues. Plot twist that noone sees coming. This author writes phenomenal stories that have you feeling the action, drama, mystery, romance, all of it like you are right there. It’s the only series that I yell at the characters in the book like I yell at the TV. I am so engaged that it makes the book a winner for me and that’s how it has been the whole series. The characters are so full of human personality and quirks that they feel real and you can empathize with them. The plot flows smooth, no chop, even with going back and forth between characters. The story feels so real One of my favorite authors because of the fact that she can keep you engaged all the way through. I would give it more than a 5 if I were allowed. It will be on my Best of 2022 list.

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic TrilogyAncient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar

I found this book to be an interesting take on the myths from the female viewpoint. The author felt that the woman’s POV has been stifled and she is correct on that point. I very much enjoyed reading this fiction novel witch 3 stories based on the myths: Homeric Hymn to Demeter, the Odyssey, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. It was different to read them with a feminine view. I had never quite realized it had ever been the other way. The stories were written in such a way that the classic of the myth was still there but it felt modern enough to keep you reading. I’m glad that the cast of characters was included for each story. I had forgotten most of my mythology. The stories were easy-to-read. It’s a book I would definitely make sure to have my teen read or young adult read when they hit this in school. This other perspective will be nice to just have. It will also be a nice read to sneak in amongst all the boring dry. An enjoyable read that everyone may like.

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Witch Switch (Bewitch Me Book 2) (in Midnight Magic Anthology) by Louisa Bacio – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Magic of Midnight AnthologyThe Magic of Midnight Anthology by Gina Kincade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read Witch Switch by Louisa Bacio in this anthology.
This book was intriguing. Love, mystery, revenge…toss in hidden powers, unknown siblings and losing yourself and having to refind yourself, you have the makings of a good tale. This is a novella but the author didn’t quite leave us hanging. It is the start of a series. HOORAY! I can’t wait to read more. This was like a bad fairytale that you can root for good to win. Rafe, Cheyenne, and Jupiter can kick butt with the best of them. I loved the fact that Cheyenne and Jupiter are strong and can basically do things on their own (together-sister power), there’s another sister later in the story. The characters have strong personalities. Meredith may have evil powers yet she’s pretty much a spoiled brat not getting her way. The plot had a really good flow. The story wasn’t choppy. My favorite part was the scene in the forest. The whole tone of the story kept you on the edge of your seat. It’s a very romantic tale with some spice scattered throughout so there’s a little of everything for everyone (if you love romance). I think you need to buy this book and check it out. It’s a new favorite for me.

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Shelly Kittell

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Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a Viking tale that will have you following along wanting to know what happens on the next page. You follow along the travels of Thorfinns family as they irritate a witch who places a curse on the family. Thorfinn may be the only one who can break it. The action is there. It is a little wordy but that is because it’s based on Viking times and land area. I found it fascinating to follow. The people and the land sound so amazing, intriguing and mysterious. I follow everything Viking, whether on TV or book, and this is one of my new favorites.

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is exciting and full of fantastical adventure. Chloe is up against time. Somehow, people in her town are turning up with scarpus, which is affecting her baby sister, Grace, also. Quintus, is an annoying fae come to bug her to come back to Faerie to save them from the mortals attacking. Her older sister, Elora, has been captured. What a predicament! What shall she do? The adventures abound for Chloe and those around her. She must make tough decisions. She is strong and courageous young woman. I love how she is not afraid to put Quintus in his place. She stands up for family. She tries to do what’s right. The other characters are well-developed. Grace’s personality fit her to a T. Her description just matched how she moved through the story. Quintus reminded me of a chauvenistic male. The plot had really good flow. For adventures flowing from the beginning, there was no real choppiness. Toss in a few twists and you really have a terrific story. I found this book fascinating and I’m looking forward to reading more.

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers, #1)Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hybrid angel/vampires meet their mate. This was a fantastic story. I loved the paranormal erotic romance twist to the story. To go centuries trying to find your mate and then finding she is a mortal. You have to keep a demon from getting her. The characters are so well-written. This author writes such well-developed stories that you feel right from the beginning that you are in it with them. It’s intriguing and quite enthralling. A story that you can’t miss and once you start it, you can’t put it down. It would get more than 5 stars if I could give it. You must read this one.

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A Long Kiss Goodbye (Onyx & Mercury Book 2) by H.D. Thomson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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A Long Kiss GoodbyeA Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one of the most original, intense, and intriguing, paranormal romance stories that I’ve read so far this year. It turns out that nothing is as it seems. Avery is attacked by what is thought to be a serial killer but turns out to be something else (read it and find out, you know you want to). Twists and turn, suspense at every corner had me holding my breath. I loved every minute of this story. The characters all had that are of mystery about them. There was just something off. I felt like everyone was suspicious. The plot flowed well even with all the twists and turns. The tone was like watching a great psycho thriller from the 80’s (my generation). I’d give it more than 10 stars if I could. It’s that could and you should hit that one-click button. Book two of series.

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