Posts

The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla) by S.B. Alexander – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was certainly a book that grabs you right from the beginning. Bloodsuckers and humans, always an unfair fight. Layla gets herself tangled in web that raises red flags she just ignores. Sam Mason is the hot vampire target that she’s after. He’s a hot, Navy SEAL (yes, and a vamp) that’s got spice, romance and makes Layla and the reader fall in love with him. Can they work through the species difference? The books was engaging. It was a touch spicy with the romance and adventure. The characters were well-developed and well written. I even loved how sassy they were at times. My favorite part was when one of Layla’s sisters ends up compelled. It’s a chuckle moment. The plot seems a little much at times but it works overall. I recommend the read. I think romance readers will love it.

View all my reviews

It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

It Just Comes NaturalIt Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 of the series and I think it was my favorite. Brandon and Macy had a history and to see them meet up again and deal with that history and the challenges it brought (including a mighty active one), gave hope that everything could work out. I really enjoy the author’s writing as you feel like these are your neighbors. They are well-developed and the story is well-written. They are just going through the struggles we all do (with a little inner wolf thrown in). With every story, I have been pulled in and fully engaged. You find yourself wanting to know what’s next in the story. I loved it. This was a great story to read. I recommend you check it and the other two stories out.

View all my reviews

A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First we got Mason’s story. Time for Derek, his best friend. Derek grew up hearing stories of how werewolf’s would find their mate, for life. It was a once in a lifetime thing. He always wanted his parents thing. Annabelle came into his life in childhood. Her momma liked him. Her daddy hated him from the get-go. Annabelle knew what he was and loved him anyway. Derek was heartbroken when Amos told her she had moved on. Fast Forward ten years later, she comes back for her daddy’s death, can they pick up where they left off? There is a lot of history to deal with? This is an excellent book. The story plays out terrific. It goes along so smooth. There is no choppiness. The characters feel just like a small town. Derek is relatable with his frustration over his feelings. Annabelle is just totally relatable for being in a relationship and trying to deal with daddy issues. They go through some heavy stuff, and with him being a werewolf on top? Boom, issues for sure. I loved this book too. Totally engaged me. On to book 3. I highly recommend you read this one too.

View all my reviews

Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mason is a single father just running his ranch and bar while waiting for his mate to come. His wolf is making him crazy wanting to find her. Rylie enters their life when she comes to town to work as a wildlife biologist studying wolves. The embers start to burn. Mason’s wolf knows she the one. Now, will Mason and Rylie accept it? They endure the adventures life throws in their way. This is such a good book. I was sucked in at the beginning by the tale of how Mason became of a father and I just couldn’t leave. I had to stay because I wanted to know what happened next. The story engages you. Well-written and well-developed characters make for a story that will keep you right there and devouring it. I can’t wait to read more. Here I come book 2. I highly recommend you push the button and buy this one.

View all my reviews

Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Cosplay WorthyCosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a romance that I fell in love with. Layla is a personal assistant to Max, real estate agent and local cad. She dreams of being an artist. Her idol is Diablo, a comic book hero drawn by Vic Williams. She loves the strength and confidence Diablo shows. Turns out, Layla is a badass creator herself and creates a cosplay costume of Diablo that has even Vic Williams and Daisy Jones themselves noticing her. She and Vic start a long distance romance. Can this work? This was a fantastic book. Having a plot around a Cosplay convention was such a fun story because, as I mentioned, Layla doesn’t realize she is strong and confident. She tends to feel self-conscious around what social media says. I can relate. Long distance relationships are hard and can be a struggle so this was totally relatable. Vic and Layla did a good job of building the friendship but Alex would throw wrenches in the mix. The plot twists were great. They fit into the story just right. Well-written, lots of romance and adventure, and so much fun. I would definitely give this book more than a 5 if I could. I hope the author will do more romance along the cosplay line. Fantastic!!!!!

View all my reviews

Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhyann came to New York from Kansas to go dancing school. She got the chance of a lifetime scholarship. Mason is a Titan of Manhattan. These two meet up at a nightclub and it’s an explosion of chemistry. Rhyann’s roommate gets her a job at Mason’s club as a stripper so she can make some money for school. Mason falls for her and that throws a wrench in the works. Oh my goodness, the spice is hot and sexy. The romance is fun and entertaining for the most part. Because of the job and being a strip club, there are some issues. But can Rhyann and Mason work through this? These two are perfect for each other if they would accept it. The author creates really interesting characters that feel like they are people you may have crossed paths with. They are very relatable. You have friends, enemies and just plain schmucks.

View all my reviews

The Prisoner of the Dead (Dead World Book 1) by Megan Mackie – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia (Dead World Book 1)The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a sweet change from your usual end-of-the-world zombie tales. Baron is just trying to survive a zombie apocalypse and finds himself prisoner to Thalia. Once you start you just can’t put it down. Baron is just trying to lay low but once he finds trouble all hell breaks loose. The characters are fantastic. Baron is rebellious, yet he’s just trying to survive. Thalia is a bit badass, yet just trying to save her people. The supporting characters cracked me up. They just all meshed together. The plot all came together. I found it to be refreshing. As I said, a nice change from the usual zombie plots, thank you! I would give more than a 5 if I could. Now, from one reader to the other, get out there and buy this book. You’ll love it.

View all my reviews

Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cow! I thought I could read this and not be scared. Nope, I’m afraid of clowns (ever since another clown from the sewers). I did make it through the book though. Fantastically scary, well-written! These clowns will give you nightmares. Abbey brought one home from the circus and it went to school with her. Her friends then started to disappear. Creepy mystery with a touch of horror just right for the teens (and those of us old people too). I love the fact that she and her dad look into odd things. The story fit so well together. Her friends were just your average teens. Great story that I would give more than a 5 if I could. I just found out this is a series so I look forward to reading more. Terrific book I recommend (as long as you aren’t afraid of clowns).

View all my reviews

Unchecked: A Steamy Love Triangle Love Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Unchecked (MetroGen Downtown Kiss and Tell, #1)Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book just broke the rule on cliffhangers! I fell off waiting for the ending…..only to find out that its coming in the fall of this year (2022). Well played, author!! I love this. Better cliffhanger than Grey’s Anatomy could ever come up with. Dr. Stella Magi, newly sober, has a naughty habit of getting what she shouldn’t have. Now that she’s sober, at least they’re single. She just can’t stay away from trouble which has come in three’s: Dr. Doye, Dr. Alex, and Dr. Glazier. I can’t help but chuckle as I’m feeling bad for her because she has to go through these problems. At least she has a posse that has her back, go Eliza!! Well-written, with some hot spice throughout, the plot is pretty spot on and flows smooth the whole way. As a former health care worker, her characters are spot on for the hospitals. The gossips chains are just like the book. The author just slams the door right before the end and is going make you wait a little bit to find out what happens. I will be hear eagerly awaiting and catching up reading her other Gen216 books. I highly recommend you read this one. It would get more than a 5 if I could.

View all my reviews

Love’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Love's Full CircleLove’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful story! Yes, the beginning had a rough start for Liam and Kayden. Fifteen years later, they are reunited by a radio show. They have a lot of past hurts to work through. Can they do it? Oh, nice try but I’m not to going to give it away. You’ll have to read it and find out. The story is beautifully written. I am partially to the story because I’m from Denver and love trying to figure out all the places mentioned. I do want to know what a Colorado Crushie is. 🙂 The characters are so relatable because they feel real. They feel like they could be your friends. The issues are real. The descriptions are spot on. The plot is so very smooth. There is no chop going from spot to spot. Well written and very well-done. I would give it more than a 5 if I could. Another best of 2022.

View all my reviews

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files) by C.H. Sessums – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files)The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jenny has her hands full trying to keep everything together. She’s running her father’s agency, taking on odd jobs, trying to not starve to death and figure out who murdered her cousin. Oh, and it’s during the Great Depression…. This book shows what an amazing young woman Jenny is. She does many of the things men do, herself. And then her father is requested to the prison by her mother’s brother to help save her cousin. Her father is an alcoholic that can’t function so Jenny stands in. The characters feel relatable even with it being the 1930’s. They are very well-written. I really enjoyed how much the story pulled me in with engagement. You felt a part of it from the beginning and it stayed that way until the very end. She is a character that any woman could be. I look forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Juliet’s Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1) by Elsie Davis – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Juliet's Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways, #4)Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a romance to add to my Best of 2022. Clean, inspirational and heartwarming, the story is so challenging yet wonderful between Jake and Juliet. They each have a troubling past. The questiion is can they work through it? The chemistry is there but the troubling past can overrun it. Grizzly Jake was there when Juliet got sick with her friends on the Appalachian Trail. The whole story just pulled me in from the beginning to the end. You find yourself wanting to know what is going to happen next. Each character is so relatable. I could see little bits of myself in each. I do love romance stories that include God. This gives it so much more. I would give it more than a 5 if I could.

View all my reviews

Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Checking BoxesChecking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredibly intense and wonderful book! The story of Grace and Ian starts out with a devious twist. They have both been through rough romantic pasts and come together with some new challenges to work out and through before they can make this relation ship work. The chemistry is definitely there. The tension is palpable. The characters are so relatable. Grace owns a flower shop and struggles to maintain her independence and heal from past trauma. The struggle is real. Sheila just needs to grow up. Ian just wants to love Grace. The plot was so beautiful and brought tears at times. You feel all the emotions. Fabulous book. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was awesome. Sophie is an actress with a case of “I want more in life.” She wants G but he’s a tad commitment shy. She takes us through her journey to get him to commit. This story leaves you laughing because there’s a grumpy llama, the French countryside. G’s parents are a bit more sexually liberated so you have some spice, ooh la la. And the big finish, lots of chuckles. The struggle is real for Sophie, and oh, can I relate. The characters are real and relatable. The plot, at times, feels a little out there but that’s what makes it a fun romance. You’ll feel her every emotion and just want to commiserate with her. It’s a quick read and so enjoyable. Give it a read. Highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Behemoth (Grimm Wolves MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Behemoth (Grimm Wolves MC #1)Behemoth by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Frances and Grace have rocky pasts. They meet by way of Grace’s son, Damien. A kindred soul, Damien takes to Frances. Through a series of misadventures they come into a romance that defies all thought. Frances is a nomad which allows him the freedom to be with Grace a bit more. Can they work through the MC challenge and the histories they have? The tension is thick but the romance is there. Toss in some spice and it’s ripe for the picking. A book that makes you think. A plot that flows well between the two lives of Francis. The characters are very relatable. The struggles of the main characters are real. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

View all my reviews

So Right (Love Grows Series Book 5) by Renee Regent – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance (Love Grows Series Book 5)So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author does such a fantastic job of writing with this series. I have read each book in the series, which are readable as standalones. This one does not disappoint. Petra and Amara are taking a week trip to a California Inn to check it out for purchase. The hitch: they have to be fake fiancee’s for a week. Amara doesn’t think it will work because he’s younger. Can love conquer all? She’s on a side mission for her boss? The chemistry is there and part of the fun is watching them try to fight it. The details are in the story which make it feel like you are there (a little fly on the wall) if you will. The supporting characters help make the story so relatable. I would highly recommend this story.

View all my reviews

Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a terrific romance!! The chemistry is off-charts crazy. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I had to prop my kindle and read doing whatever I could. The balance of spice and romance make the story so much fun. The characters are written with such detail and personality. The plot runs smooth all the way through. It’s a fun, quick read that I would recommend to any romance reader.

View all my reviews

Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection Book 4) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection, #4)Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazingly original! This author always does a knockout job with this series. You feel like you are there with the characters. Your heartstrings are pulled. The characters are totally relatable. The plot runs smooth, not choppy at all. This one was a winner also. It is always good to read these because the author always reconnects you with previous characters from the other books in the series. The stories end up feeling like a community. It’s a great feeling for a book. From start to finish, you just don’t want to put it down. I would give it more than a 5 if I could.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an excellent book that sucks you in right from the start and just keeps you right until the end. A tale of trying to do the right thing and making the right choices. The story is very detail oriented and character directed. I loved the way that the story develops and the plot has a few twists. The author did an excellent job of keeping the story engaging and driven. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I would highly recommend to other sci fi/fantasy lovers.

View all my reviews

My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match (Welcome to Cupid’s Cove) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

My Valentine's Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids CoveMy Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lara and Graham are two people thrown together in the goodness of romantic goodness (bakery goodness, that is). He’s opening a bakery/dating app; she’s coming home to heal from a bad breakup and to help her mom with the family bakery (his competition). Between the witty radio station conversations, the yummy recipes included (have to try some of these), and the just plain funny, romantic story, this is one story you just can’t piss. The chemistry is there. Her parents are your typical parents: Mom is chill, Dad is a grump. The town is Cupid’s Cove. The plot is simple and makes for a quick weekend read. Relatable and you’ll love the story. I recommend this book to all.

View all my reviews

Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Kiss of the SwanKiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this twist of several fairy tales. Cathal and Eala are just wanting to live a life together. He’s a prince and she’s trapped (and did I mention Queen of the Swans) in a cage. Well-written and engaging, the characters in this story will either win you over or you will hate them. You’ll find yourself rooting for our couple to get through their challenges. The characters in the story are described so well that you feel like you could know them. Like every fairy tale, your emotions will go up and down as the tale progresses. Loved it. I recommend this book.

View all my reviews

The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Worry KnotThe Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This author did a spot-on job of describing the worry knot of living with special needs siblings. I grew up with 3 brothers with special needs and that worry knot was intense. Though written for middle school readers, adult readers can still read and relate. I have now also raised 1 autistic child and am raising my autistic grandson so I can relate to both boys and the parents. Intense emotions throughout the whole book. The characters are relatable. The plot choppiness was actually part of the story because that isn’t a life that runs smooth. Again, the author did a fantastic job with writing this. I did read the author notes and I just want to say that this is high up on my favorites for 2022. I would give it more than a 5 if I could. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

View all my reviews

Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #3)Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an romance that will touch your heart. Touching on a sensitive topic or two, this author writes in a way that speaks to your both your emotions and your heart. The two main characters are both dealing with rough times in their pasts. The question is can they move past those to be together? Or can they work together to heal? It looks good for them but you must read to find out. This author is one of my favorites because her plots feel realistic. They are made from things that people have gone through which makes everything pretty relatable. I have never been to Australia but her descriptions in the book make you feel like you are in the story. She is a wonderful author and I look forward to reading more from her. I would definitely give it more than a 5 if I could. Highly recommend. You should read the whole Outback series.

View all my reviews

Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has two beautiful stories full of hope and inspiration. Both characters face challenges yet they both overcome. The details are described in such a way that a clear picture just forms in your head. The stories are well written. The characters are so beautiful done (very relatable). You just can’t stop the stories once you start. I highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book will hit every emotion from happy to sad to anger back to happy. It’s the roller coaster of emotions. Cait and Patti have been the best of friends since high school. Something happened the night of prom and they have never really dealt with it. Now Cait’s father is dying and Patti comes back with Cait to help her. Old secrets come out and feelings are hurt. Cait, Patti, and their friends are left to deal with those memories and the aftermath. Sensitive topics, well-written characters and plot that ties everything all together and runs so smooth make for one of the best books I’ve read in 2022 so far. Cait and Patti could be anybody. They are so relatable and the issues they dealt with are very real. I highly recommend this book. It would get more than a 5 star from me if I could.

View all my reviews

Guardians of the Garden (Guardians of the Garden Book 1) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Guardians of the GardenGuardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An intriguing tale of myth, folklore, and the end of times! Definitely a story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting to know what’s going to happen next. Seth is “recruited” to look for a “special” person in Edenia. Could Miriam be that person? The characters are well-written. Secrets abound in most of them. I love the fact that everyone is hiding something. The plot lies around that fact. A little choppy in parts but overall, a fun read.

View all my reviews

Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series #3)Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 of the series and just like the previous two, intense adventures and danger lie ahead. (Read books 1: Shock of Fate and Book 2: Plague of Death first). Vanessa finds herself thrown into the Jaychund Games fighting for her life. Twists and turns everywhere you look. Fast-paced thrills that will have your emotions riding up and down like a roller coaster. If you loved Hunger Games, I believe you’re going to love this series. Van and her troop of friends take you on the adventure of your life from the first page to the end. Another 5 star, I’d give it more if I could, winner for me. I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Plague of Death (Anchoress, #2)Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, book 2 of the series ups the excitement factor. Van, as she is now called, is the anchoress and has to protect the border of the two worlds. She has demons trying to get in, a basically wicked stepmother and a few other issues to deal with. Holy moses, talk about adolescent pressure. Oh, and she loves Brux but can’t have him. Dang, I have all the teen emotions just from reading it. Again, I loved book 2 just as much as Book 2. The action was intense and picked up right from where they left off in Book 1 (read the first book). The characters are so intense, relatable and POW! You just want to kick the bad one’s butt. The plot is wonderful. It has twists and turns. I love how it’s set out just right for the story. Again, I would give it more than a 5 if I could. I’m looking forward to book 3. I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Shock of Fate (Anchoress #1)Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of my favorite types. The action begins right at chapter 1 and you are sucked right in. I couldn’t put it down but life and my family just kept needing me. Lol. The plot progresses quickly and keeps going. Those are the best kind of books. Vanessa is a teen who takes a large risk to find her father. Who does every teen take with her on a journey? Even if there are risks to life and limb? Her bestie, of course? These two have some wild adventures in an alternate world looking for an important relic. They meet some incredible characters along the way. Strong main characters and a fast plot line make for an 5 star rating in my book. I’d give it more if I could. I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren. I highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Lock and Brix were two characters that you could relate to even with them being so different. Just remember, watch out for those gumballs. It all started with a gumball. This author is one of my favorites. She writes fun stories that have plots with twists and turns. This story did not disappoint. A quick read for those snowy weekends. I recommend you give this a shot.

View all my reviews