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

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series is a great way to get a complete series all in one. I have read several in the series but this gives me the complete set so that I can read all the books in this series.
Book 2: Cold Bastard
The story is about Zoe Somersby and Archer Blackwood. Zoe had been brought in to work for Archer as an undercover agent.
The characters are well written and allowed the story to flow. There was lots of suspense and mystery as well as a little romance. I really like this is a well-thought-out story and the characters are interesting people. Everyone is not always what one would assume.
Book 4: True Bastard
Liam and Catriona are fascinating to read about. The contrast between the two characters is so good and really made me enjoy their story even more. This story is not a straight romance but also contains action, thrills, and twists.
Book 5: Dark Bastard
This story follows Sam and Ellie. Both of them are going through a really rough time in life but can they help each other see the light? This book is about the depths of the human soul and how some handle it. There are some sensitive sections of sexual abuse and suicide. I believe the author handles them well and uses them to develop the characters. I liked the characters and it was interesting to finally get to more of Sam in this book.

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

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series is a great way to get a complete series all in one. I have read several in the series but this gives me the complete set so that I can read all the books in this series.
Book 2: Cold Bastard
The story is about Zoe Somersby and Archer Blackwood. Zoe had been brought in to work for Archer as an undercover agent.
The characters are well written and allowed the story to flow. There was lots of suspense and mystery as well as a little romance. I really like this is a well-thought-out story and the characters are interesting people. Everyone is not always what one would assume.
Book 4: True Bastard
Liam and Catriona are fascinating to read about. The contrast between the two characters is so good and really made me enjoy their story even more. This story is not a straight romance but also contains action, thrills, and twists.
Book 5: Dark Bastard
This story follows Sam and Ellie. Both of them are going through a really rough time in life but can they help each other see the light? This book is about the depths of the human soul and how some handle it. There are some sensitive sections of sexual abuse and suicide. I believe the author handles them well and uses them to develop the characters. I liked the characters and it was interesting to finally get to more of Sam in this book.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Sheri Schrader

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Distant Heart Sounds is the first book in the Nurse Morgan Series. This is an excellent find if you are looking for a fun, paranormal romantic mystery. Nurse Morgan is a fun and understandable character. She is returning to work from a near-death experience and now sees things that no one else does. Her new psychic abilities have her questioning her sanity and causing her alarm, especially after she returns to work at the hospital. I liked her character and the other characters as well. The story is well-written and enjoyable. In addition, I enjoyed the mix of several genres. Though there were resolutions to the story, I’m excited to see where this story goes. I look forward to reading more from this author and seeing more of Nurse Morgan in the future.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Sheri Schrader

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Off is the second book in the Bake Believe series aimed at pre-teen and young teen readers. The story is a fun, baking magic story. Cat is learning more about her family and coming into her own as a baker. Will this new insight and information on her family help her succeed and excel?
I enjoyed this fun, family-orientated story. The characters are fun, and it is fantastic to see them developing more since the first book. The story is also interesting and will grab the attention of any young teen interested in baking and cooking. I enjoy finding new stories to hand to my niece to grab her attention and get her to read more. I look forward to the next book in the series and where Cat’s story goes next.

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Sheri Schrader

Ancient Reflections: A Mythic TrilogyAncient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy is a collection of three retellings of classic mythological stories.
A Pomegranate and the Maiden tells the story of Demeter and Persephone, Unsung Odysseys retells the story of Odysseus’ return from Troy, and Gilgamesh of Uruk tells the story of Gilgamesh. It is always hit and miss when authors retell the stories of old. However, the author does an excellent job of keeping the story’s integrity and changing the POV of the female characters. I enjoyed the stories and am now curious to read more from this author. I look forward to reading more soon.

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

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flame and Crystal Thorns is the first book in the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. This is an off-shoot series based on an earlier series by the author. I had not read that series but had no issues following and enjoying this book. The story is a young adult series but with a new type of hero. Chloe is not a warrior but a healer and does not live in her homeland of Faerie. She goes back against her will when her sister is in danger. I enjoyed the story and liked Chloe. She is intelligent and caring. I like that she isn’t your typical hero but still succeeds at helping others. I look forward to reading more from this series and seeing where Chloe’s story leads.

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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Wolf’s Shadow: An Urban Fantasy Thriller is the first book in the Lycanthropy Files. This is a different take on the werewolf mythology, coming from a medical outlook. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The main character, Joanie Fisher, is intelligent and exciting. Even though she is a research scientist, I enjoyed how she still has doubts about what she is researching. I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing the path the characters take.

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

Midnight MagicMidnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Midnight Magic is a collection of paranormal romance stories by many great authors. I started with Louisa Bacio’s Witch Switch (Bewitch Me Book 2). I picked a random story to read and was glad I chose this one. I don’t want to give anything away but think of powers, battles, magic, romance, and more. I loved the title, and it only got better from there. Cheyenne and Rafe are great characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I haven’t read a lot from this author, but I will look for more of her books.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Sheri Schrader

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Veil of Gods and Kings tells the story of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth. I enjoyed this fresh spin on this tale from mythology. I do not want to give anything away about the story, but this is an enemy to lover’s story, and well done. The story is gripping and drew me in. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and character development. The story was a quick read and left me wanting more. I look forward to reading more in this series and from this author in the future.

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Sheri Schrader

The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The True Purpose of Vines is the first book in the first book in The Winemakers series. Set during the 1870s in beautiful Portugal, we meet a widow struggling to save her winery. Griffin is a Brit who has gone to Portugal to chase down a debt. This is an enemy to lover romance. I always enjoy historical fiction, and the beautiful setting and characters did not disappoint. I enjoyed Julia’s character and how strong of a female character she is throughout the story. She has a lot on her plate, and she still keeps it together. Griffin is a typical 19th-century male character but seems to work for the story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and seeing what the future of this series holds in store.

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Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series (Books 1-5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Sheri Schrader

Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series (Books 1-5)Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series is a collection of five sweet standalone, full-length stories. Each is wonderful and swoon-worthy. I haven’t read the entire series yet, but only several of the books.
Book 1: Run to the Sea
Book 2: Stars Fall From the Sky
Book 3: A Sun So Bright
I was drawn in by the cover and had not read the synopsis, so when I started reading, I was unpleasantly surprised to meet the character, Fiona. I wanted to dislike this character because she is rich and snaps her fingers to get what she wants. But, let me explain, don’t give up because she proved me wrong. She is a good character who is more profound than I expected, so she surprised me. I wanted to see where this arrangement with Chris would lead and hoped for a happy ending.
Book 4: I’ll See You Again
This story focuses on Nicky and Reid. Once they meet, the two characters seem destined to be, but will destiny work in their favor? I enjoy the differences in their characters and how the story develops around them. I always want books by this author, and this is without exception. I appreciate that the story isn’t a perfect relationship and that there are highs and lows. Much more realistic to read than the ideal romance.
Book 5: A Cold Creek Christmas
The main characters, Amber and Gio, are a great contrast in personalities and feelings toward each other. Amber is a holiday grinch, and Gio is starting over as a single dad.
The two are lovely and had me falling in love with their story. The only downfall of this book is that I wanted more.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and getting caught up in the romance.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries: Changes and Challenges is the third book in this series. I do recommend reading the first two books in this series before delving into this book. Parts of the story pick up from book 2 continuing Emma’s story. I always enjoy a book set in the 19th century and this did not disappoint. The setting is in Chicago and we are reminded of how fast the world was changing but also how slow it was to travel or for some news to spread. Emma is feisty and smart as she works her way around a new mystery. She is fun to read about and everything going on around her. I’m glad I stumbled upon this series and look forward to reading more in the future.

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The Sound of Murder (Musical Murder Mystery Series) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Sound of MurderThe Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery

The Sound of Murder is the first book in the Musical Murder Mystery Book series. I was excited to find this new series by the author. I always enjoy her books and this did not disappoint. Ruby is part of a traveling theatre troupe and murder is afoot. Will Ruby find the culprit?
I love the theatrics of the theatre troupe and what this brings to the story. Also, I liked the character of Ruby. She really wants to succeed but seems to get overlooked often. It is a mixed bag when she gets to step up and take on a larger role. I look forward to reading more in this series and catching the prequel story that I had missed.

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Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Sheri Schrader

Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Until There Was You is a take on the fairy tale romance. Regan does not believe in the fairy tales she was fed as a child. She is ready to move on with her life and start over. Jeremy is trying to prove himself and does not need a distraction in his life like Regan. Will the two find their fairy tale?
I enjoyed this story and the challenges that come across the pair. There was a good tension between the two of them, which added to the story. The story is a fast-paced read and left me wanting more. I enjoyed that there was a realness to the story and characters. So many times, romance stories end up being too much fiction. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Shamrock & Clover: Field’s Apart by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

Shamrock & Clover: Fields ApartShamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King

Shamrock and Clover: Fields Apart is a sweet romance about love and luck. Clover should live a life filled with luck, but she has nothing but challenges. Shamrock lives a life of debauchery and has become complacent in life. What happens when Clover and Shamrock meet? Will they be lucky in love?
I always enjoy this author’s books, and this did not disappoint. There were some tears, laughs, and more as I read the story. This is a short but excellent read. I felt for Clover as she went through her challenges and could relate to her hurt and heartache. Shamrock was harder to embrace, but in the end, he won me over.
I look forward to reading more from this author.

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

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: 4 of 5 stars

My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match is part of the Welcome to Cupid’s Cove series. The series is set in Cupid’s Cove, written by different authors. I grabbed this one because I have read many books from this author, and they never disappoint. Graham is new to town and has a great dating app connected to a bakery. Lara works in her mother’s bakery and does not like the new competition.
This is a sweet romance that I read quickly and left me in a great mood. I liked the characters and their will they/won’t they story. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.

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Spring’s Showers (Romantically Seasonal Series) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

Spring's Showers: Romantically Seasonal: SpringSpring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring is the first book in a four-part series. I always enjoy reading new stories from this author and this didn’t disappoint. Cupid is having to prove to the other Gods and Goddesses that helping people fall in love is a worthwhile and important job. Will he prove his worth to all of them?
I really enjoyed this story and love the Valentine theme to it. The characters are fun and I like that we get a different look at the Gods and Goddesses. I needed a quick jolt of romance and this definitely hit the spot. This is a very quick and delightful read. I really am looking forward to the other books and seasons in this series.

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Vox Astra: The Black Box (Vox Astra Series Book 1) by James Chambers – Review by Sheri Schrader

Vox Astra: The Black BoxVox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vox Astra: The Black Box is an engaging, science fiction read. The book is my first book by this author but I’m glad to come across his work. The book flows easily and tells the story of stars and the crisis of political intrigue and humanity. I enjoyed the story and was drawn in by the descriptions and concepts presented. I do not want to give too much information for fear of giving away much of the plot. All I can say is if you enjoy an unexpected story and exploring new worlds give this a read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future checking out some of his other books.

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

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

Helm of Awe is the third book in the Anchoress series. I think this could be read as a standalone but I would not recommend it because there has been a lot developing in the first two books in the series. Van is dealing with a lot. She has a lot of normal high school angst but also trying to deal with the upcoming Jaychund Games. There is also a new mission with more involved than Van originally thinks.
I really like the story and the characters. Van is very relatable even though her life is different from the normal teen. Also, I like that there are no perfect characters. Everyone is dealing with life and the challenges it brings. I think this is much better than a lot of YA stories. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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

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

Plague of Death is the second book in the Anchoress series. It has been a while since I read the first book but was glad to get to read another installment in this series. This book can be read as a standalone book but I think best enjoyed when read in order. The story picks up with Van having to enter the Realm of the Living and Earth worlds to repair a cracked seal. Will this mission be successful?
I really enjoyed the story and character development in this book. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about Van and her team members. The romantic developments were also a nice part of the book. I like the story because it is a nice mix of fantasy, romance, and suspense. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Sheri Schrader

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claiming My Mate: A Forbidden-lovers romance is the first book in the Wolf Hollow Pack series. I enjoyed this book and the characters. Prince Jason is a significant romantic lead. Lily is a human servant of the pack. I wanted the best for the new couple, and I like the story and how it dealt with sensitive subjects. There is rape, so be warned if that might be a trigger. It is handled well by the author. I like the forbidden romance element of the story and am interested to see if some of the secondary characters will play a larger role in future books in the series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files)The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Killer Jack Mystery is part of the J.D. Pierson Case File Series. This is a fun, cozy mystery that takes place during the Great Depression. J.D. is trying to save her father’s detective agency and solve the Killer Jack Mystery. I like a good cozy mystery as well as historical fiction and this fits the bill. J.D. is a determined female detective who is trying to protect her father’s reputation by taking over his detective business without that information being made public. She has lots of challenges in a male-dominated world beyond just solving a mystery. I liked the characters and story and look forward to reading more in this series.

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Sheri Schrader

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

(Un)Loved is the first book in the Mixed Emotions series is the start of a new series. This is my first book by this author, and I was unsure of what to expect. The story is a sweet, realistic read of love and timing. I enjoyed the characters and story. I felt the story was dragging or a bit slow at different points. This just might be me and my timing of reading this book. I want to read the next book in the series because I liked the storyline and characters. I also loved the llama. What a great character in the story.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Sheri Schrader

Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book Class Clown brings a new meaning to the phrase class clown. I didn’t read what it was about and was thrilled to get a story about the clown apocalypse. Abbey is a fun, snarky teen who is a magnet for ghosts and is in part responsible for the clowns. I really enjoyed this paranormal YA story. I found out it is the second in the series but read easily as a standalone book. I will have to watch if Abbey’s story continues and catch up with what I have missed.
I think this book could be enjoyed by many young teens to adults. The teen angst is relatable, and the paranormal aspects add another layer that adds a lot to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Sheri Schrader

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

The Ghastly Gumball is a fun, eccentric read. I had enjoyed this author’s books before, which did not disappoint. It is a short, exciting read delving into an imaginative mind. I don’t want to give away anything from the plot, but you have to meet Clyde, the octopus. The characters are entertaining, and the story is fast-paced. I enjoyed this bit of laughter, magic, and romance. I can’t wait to read this author’s next book.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Sheri Schrader

Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divine VIntage drew me in with the name and the cover of the book. I am so glad I picked this one up. Set in the current day but brings in a mystery from the Edwardian period. How does someone solve a mystery from over 100 years ago? I love the premise, the characters, and the story. The book was engaging and exciting and kept my attention. I hope more stories are coming from the author soon.
I look forward to reading more from her in the future and will definitely keep her on my to-read list.

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Doctor D’s Orderly Affair (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

Doctor D's Orderly AffairDoctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Doctor D’s Orderly Affair is part of the Doctors of Eastport General series. This is a standalone book and can be enjoyed without reading the rest of the series. I always enjoy picking up a book from this author, and this book did not disappoint. It is a short, fast read full of hot steamy doctors, humor, and a HEA. I enjoyed the main female character, Emily, and her compassion for the children at the hospital. Unfortunately, Dr. Desmond Danielson has a reputation at the hospital among the staff as the hot one-night stand. So what happens when Emily and Dr. D meet? You have to read the book to find your answer. I look forward to checking out more in this series and more from this author in the future.

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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Sheri Schrader

Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 group together the debut novels of James Talisman. This is a fantastic way to get the series all in one place. I recommend reading these books in order to fully enjoy this wonderful series. This is a series filled with science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and multiple universes. The first book drew me in with a well-thought-out and interesting story that kept me reading and engaged. The characters are interesting and those from some of the other worlds harken back to mythology and our ancient history. I really liked the storytelling and the development of different locations. All of the books in this collection bring different aspects to light in this new universe and I am glad to have them all in one place. I look forward to what this author writes in the future.

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Solution is the second book in The Clockwork Solution. The book is the continuation of the story of Arabella and her magical power of technomancy. I enjoyed this book more than the first and could get into the story more. Though aiming for a YA audience, I think teens and older readers can enjoy this series. The characters have become better developed, which has helped drive the story. However, it did end a bit abruptly, so I hope there is more to this series in the future.
I look forward to finding more from this author in the future.

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Witch is the first book in The Clockwork Chronicles series. I enjoyed the Steampunk fantasy setting with the main character, Arabella, discovering that she does not have any typical witchcraft power but instead the power of technomancy. The book is written for a YA audience, but adults can enjoy it. The story is good, and I liked the concept. I enjoyed this book and am curious about where the story will go in the second book in the series.

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