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Antipodes (Antipodes Book 1) by T.S. Simons – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Antipodes (Antipodes, #1)Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Antipodes
Antipodes Series: Book 1
By: T.S. Simons
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

What would happen if you were chosen to help establish a new community after a viral Epidemic threatens to desolate the population? How would you survive or even begin to start anew? That’s the question T.S. Simons poses in her first installment of The Antipodes Series.
Wow, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the second one! After the past few years and our own pandemic still fresh in our minds, you can’t help but compare the situations. This book was really gripping and makes you think of the what ifs, what I would do in that situation. Would I be chosen? I couldn’t help but feel emotionally connected to the main character Cam and everything he goes through in this story, everything he loses and finds, including himself. He is such a relatable character and his relationship with Freya is written so genuinely you can’t help but root for them. Very well written with such intense detail you can see how much research T.S. Simons put into her craft. I highly recommend reading this series and continuing this eye-opening journey with me!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death and Mirrors
All Things Dark and Deadly: Book 1
By: SF Benson
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

Sherlock Holmes meets Alice in Wonderland in this delightful supernatural mystery! Evaline Wainwright just wants to be able to practice her magic and detective skills in peace and live in a world where she can marry for love. When her father, acclaimed occult archaeologist, pushes for a betrothal to their neighbor who is 10 years her senior, Evaline is less than pleased. Especially when a childhood friend Delbert catches her eye. Everything changes one night when a robed stranger begs her father for his help to find a mythical artifact of great power. Thirsting to prove herself as a detective, Evaline follows this stranger, farther than she ever thought possible. Into the Mirror World where she learns of the hideous creature by the name of Doctor Death and the danger both their worlds are in!
This book was so much fun! I will be looking for the next book in the series ASAP! The mix of magic and detective skills made the story so engaging. The characters are well written and relatable. Evie and Delbert’s relationship is so genuine you can’t help but smile at how supportive they are with each other’s dreams. The whole story just has a really great voice and tone. The narrative is emotionally gripping, suspenseful, fast-paced, and wonderfully whimsical! Everything you want in a mystery and then some! I highly recommend this book!

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Between Darkness and Light
War of Destiny: Book 3
By: Theresa Van Spankeren
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars

After completely betraying the ones she loves to the Vampire King Valentino, Julia is ostracized and thought insane from apparitions only she could experience. While she tries hard to fix her broken relationships, a sudden disappearance forces her to seek help from a once close friend, and ka-tet member Matthew. His hostility towards her is apparent but the danger they are facing will force them to put their differences aside to figure out what is happening to Destiny Itself.
I loved this installment! This series just gets better and better and is able to build on itself so much! It was so emotional there were parts that had me in tears! A very realistic show of depression and what one needs to get through it. Julia is by far my favorite character and her struggles feel so real to me and so relatable. Spankeren did such a good job developing her characters and her world. I cannot say enough about this series! It’s unique, gripping, emotional and creates a world you just get sucked into. I highly recommend it! I know I will be reading the next book ASAP!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit Into Darkness
War Of Destiny: Book 2
By: Theresa Van Spankeren
Review By: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars

Set 70 years since Julia had accepted Samuel’s deal to become a vampire and help the resistance overthrow the Vampire King. Julia’s vampire abilities have developed greatly, even though she is still a fledgling, and her new family, the ka-tet have been able to live peacefully. This all changes when Valentino learns of this resistance and the rising threat to his power. He seeks to destroy them all. Knowing Julia is still too young and inexperienced to defeat the Vampire King, Samuel’s decision is to run before it’s too late. With her ka-tet’s safety in jeopardy, and new dangers lurking around every corner, even her mind, Julia must find a way to stop Valentino or lose everything.
Such a Uniquely wonderful series! I love Spankeren’s twist on the traditional vampire tale. This installment was just as gripping and addictive as the first. Her writing style and use of language really made me feel like I was transported into her world. Spankerens’s characters are well thought out and developed. I really liked seeing that this book took place 70 years later, and how Julia and Adam were doing. This Fast paced second installment is packed with plenty of action, adventure, vampire politics, and a little blood, with twists you’ll never see coming. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into book 3, Between Darkness and Light!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cave Of Ruin Arsa
The Cross Of Ciaran: Book 3
By: Andrea Matthews
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

While trying to put his past behind him and move on with his new life, his wife and unborn twins, Ciaran is plagued with dreams of the long dead priest Ruadhan stealing it all away from him. As Aodhan plans a wedding of his own, the two brothers try to decipher the meaning of these dreams that are causing Ciarans anxiety and inner turmoil. Surely there is no way that Ruadhan, the chief priest, loyal to his goddess, suffered the same fate as they did and arose to tell the tale? Until an empty tomb is found by Aodhan and the other archaeologists, and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Will Ciaran be able to save his family and his new life? Or will his forgotten past come to steal the present as well?
I am so happy that there will be another book in this series. I love Ciaran’s and Caitlin’s story and was so easily swept into their lives. This installment was so exciting and has plenty of suspense, mystery, with twists and turns you never see coming. I loved learning more about Aodhan and seeing that he found someone like Niamh. This series is just so captivating and heartwarming and the characters possess so much realism. I thoroughly recommend starting this series at book 1, The Cross of Ciaran, and joining Andrea Matthews as she takes you on a 1500 year adventure!!!

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The Book Of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book Of Carraig
The Cross of Ciaran: Book 2
By: Andrea Matthews
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

With the help of Father Mike, Ciaran has been able to keep his 1500 year old past a secret from Caitlin and others for almost a year. With two out of three of the entombed priests missing, the rumor mill is flying, and Ciaran and Caitlin embark on a new expedition to Ireland. To the site of the tombs where Ciaran lay still all those years, but the homeland that Ciaran remembers has vastly changed, the land and water engulfing most of what he used to know. He can only think of his lost wife Aisling, the chance he has to find her body and finally put her to rest properly, and of his brother Aodhan, who was entombed next to him, the only priest left whose body never vanished, sleeping as he was. His plans for them must be put on hold however, when a serial rapist and murderer starts roaming the land. Something about the attacks are familiar to Ciaran, a 1500 year old memory he long thought buried. The book of Carraig is the only thing that could answer these burning questions he has about himself and his old life, but can he find it before someone else does? He will have to risk his life and his secret to bring an end to this turmoil.
Great continuation of the series! This installment ups the tension ten fold as Ciaran struggles more and more to keep his secret!!! I seriously could not read fast enough to find out what happens to Caitlin, Ciaran, and Bradiegh. This series just keeps getting better and better. There are so many strong emotions in this book as Ciaran looks back on his former life while wrestling with the guilt of his new found happiness with Caitlin. It really struck a chord with me. I can’t wait to dig into the final book! I highly recommend this series has it all! Great world building, action, suspense, romance, and wonderful characters!

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The Cross Of Ciaran (The Cross of Ciaran Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cross Of Ciaran
Cross Of Ciaran Series: Book 1
By: Andrea Matthews
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

After a gruesome ritual for his goddess leaves him entombed, comatose in a cave for 1500 years, the Celtic Priest Ciaran, is finally unearthed by Archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell. The exquisite find turns from amazing to extraordinary when two other tombs are located in close proximity to the first. Before even the first tests can be done however, the priest’s body disappears without a trace leaving Ms. O’Connell with more questions than answers.
Awake and Wandering the streets of New York Ciaran finds sanctuary in the only thing he can find familiarity in, the Church. There he finds Father Mike who helps him get accustomed to this strange new world. Moonlighting as the new handyman, Ciaran tries his best to deal with his past, that is, until his present comes knocking at the door in the form of Father Mike’s niece, Caitlin O’Connell. Still distraught and determined to find her missing Priest, she is very suspicious of her Uncle Mike’s new handyman. Will all of Ciaran’s secrets unravel because of this persistent woman? What would happen to him if she found out?
I loved this book. It was so engaging and fun to read. I really loved Caitlin’s character, her stubbornness and her spirit. The pace and the flow seemed so effortless that I just got absorbed by the story not even realizing how long I was reading for. It was so easy to get emotionally invested. Such a unique and heartwarming tale with great character development. You really root for Caitlin and Ciaran! I really enjoyed seeing Ciaran react to the present and to the way people spoke. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!

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Pilot Who Knows the Water (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Pilot Who Knows the Waters (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6)Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pilot Who Knows The Waters
Book 6 of 6 : The Lord Hani Mysteries
By: N.L. Holmes
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

The Lord Hani Mysteries is a wonderful series full of Ancient Egyptian culture, politics, and historical facts wrapped up in entrancing mysteries that will keep you glued to the pages. In this final installment of the series Pilot Who Knows The Waters, N. L. Holmes takes us on a new and dangerous adventure that will put Lord Hani’s Skills to its final test.Tasked to find a Hittite bridegroom for the Queen, he must go through opposing factions and even Egypt itself on the brink of war.
Everything you want in a mystery! Truly captivating, this book made me feel like I traveled back in time. I loved the vivid ancient Egyptian culture and politics. I found it so easy to fall right into the plot. Each character was written with such depth and intrigue that you really don’t know what to expect. You can really tell the amount of research that Holmes put into this work on every page. This is a great series to get into and I can’t wait to journey with Lord Hani through all of his other adventures starting from his first one!

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vardoger Boy
The Forerunner series (Book 2)
By: Jay Veloso Batista
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 stars

The Agneson clan faces more challenges than ever in Book 2 of The Forerunner series. A blood feud forces Gurid and her children from their house across the lands to a safe haven. Cub trains on the battlefield for the war against King Alfred’s men. On the high seas Thorfinn the Forerunner faces many creatures of the Nine realms, including the were-beast who’s plotting his revenge, and Karl suspects his nephew might be more than what he seems.
I am going to find the rest of the series ASAP! I absolutely loved this book and felt like I was living through it with them! I started with book 2 in this series and found it pretty easy to be caught up on the plot and the characters which I thoroughly appreciated. The immersive action and lifelike battle sequences had me gripping the book in suspense! I felt emotionally connected to even the most minor characters from the very first line due to Batista’s vivid portrayal of them. This series is the perfect blend of historical, fantasy, and a beautiful mythology that will keep you entangled in the story. I highly recommend The Forerunner Series!

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Susan Ratchford

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

Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy
Written By: Tamara Agha-Jaffar
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

A wonderfully written trilogy where the voices of Ancient Greeks’ most powerful women take center stage. A fresh new perspective on the mythical tales that have entertained us for centuries!
Amazing! I highly recommend this trilogy! As a lover of Greek Mythology I thought the change of perspective from male oriented to female oriented was genius and eye opening! The stories became different, even more engaging and emotionally convincing. It really made me realize how the voices of even the strongest and most known women have been diminished or even silenced over time. Tamara Agha-Jaffar also creates a really nice flow that is fast paced and makes the pages fly by without ever getting dull or drawn out. These beautiful stories have characters that are so easy to connect with who face struggles that are still so relevant today!

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

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

A Veil of Gods and Kings: Apollo Ascending Book 1
By: Nicole Bailey
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Half-Mortal and Half-God, Apollo has always refused his ascension to Olympus to become the god of the sun, preferring the company of mortals and the mortal realm. Summoned by his Father Zeus he is given a choice, take his position as a god on Olympus immediately, or mentor under Prince Hyacinth for a year before his inevitable ascension. To protect the people and village he cares about from Zeus’s wrath, Apollo agrees and is sent to Hyacinth. Together for a year, their relationship changes from a mutual hatred to one that might just destroy everything they love.
I’m definitely looking for the next book ASAP! Nicole Bailey creates a fabulous ancient world full of vivid and beautiful imagery that pulled me right into Apollo and Hyacinth’s story. Her twist on this Greek myth was fresh, engaging, and romantic with plenty of tension and buildup. I could not put it down! The sibling relationship between Apollo and Temi was so endearing and realistically portrayed I couldn’t help but think about my own brothers and sisters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance full of captivating characters, Greek Gods, and ancient secrets.

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Scent Of Gardenias: A Strong Woman Overcoming Circumstances
By Lorraine Haas
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Inspired by her mothers true story, Lorraine Haas takes you on an emotional roller coaster of one Twentieth- Century woman’s battle against society and a life full of misfortune and catastrophe. After escaping a domineering father and losing her husband in the throes of WW2 this single mother has to try and find a way to support her child after having to quit her nursing job. Desperation drives her to a man who takes her situation from bad to worse. Will Margaret be able to live out her dreams and rise above all the heartache she’s had in her life?
This book brought up so many powerful and raw emotions. The fact that it was inspired by a true story made it feel all the more real and made my heart ache even more. It was so well written I was immediately drawn into Margaret’s story and moved by her strength and courage. This story brought me to tears multiple times, it was sad and I loved every second of it. I highly recommend this book!!! I haven’t stopped thinking about it!

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

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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

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1)
By: Kay L. Moody
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody tells the story of Chloe, a mortal living in the human world as an apothecary. She is one of the best at her trade not only because of her wonderful skill but because she used to live in Fae, a magical land with unique remedies for illnesses. She is confused when a new sickness strikes her home town and many end up feverish and dying within hours, and the sickness seems to be one of Faerie. Only then does a Fae from her past, Quintus, arrive, needing her to go back to the place she swore to never return. It is only when she finds out that a group of mortals armed with iron have taken the castle and all the Fae inside hostage, including Chloe’s sister Elora, that she agrees to accompany him. Will Chloe and Quintus be able to save all of Faerie or will old memories and feelings get in their way?
This book took me on a wonderful adventure! It was so emotionally gripping I was invested in the fate of every single character both human and Fae! I honestly felt so immersed in Moody’s universe. I felt myself trying to read faster and faster just to find out what happened to Chloe and Quintus. Beautifully Written and such a fun read I can’t wait to read the next book! I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to fall into a delightfully unique story with relatable characters and a fun, fast paced adventure!

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This Night Has Ended (Vampire State Book 5) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Susan Ratchford

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This Night Has EndedThis Night Has Ended by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Night Has Ended: A dark Supernatural Fantasy (Vampire State book 5)
By: Alexander Charalambides
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

In this last installment of the Vampire State series Rowena continues to go through her transformation. Her body is wracked with pain, betraying her at every turn, and her humanity is teetering on an edge, all the while the empire is ripe with discontent and malice. Rowena’s fate and the fate of all of Sanguinia’s human population rests on one crucial election, it is Rowena’s final test.
This was a beautifully written end of the series and I can not wait to binge read the rest of the books! Alexander Charalambides brings a wonderfully creative new take on the Paranormal/Vampire story with a unique portrayal of vampires and their politics. It was engaging and powerful with dynamic characters like Rowena and Vincenzo who you can’t help but like. This book had me reading as fast as I could just to find out what would happen to them. The detail he put into this series gives it a sense of realism that anyone at any age can enjoy. This series has everything you could ever want with vampires, action, danger, and politics. Definitely worth it!!!

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy) Book 1
By Elise Carlson
Review By Susan Ratchford
4 stars

After assassins try to strike the non binary Raurnon down, the heir to Tarlahs perfect King, and their parents are abducted, they must assume the throne and try to be the worthy ruler that they always challenged them self to be. In the face of untrustworthy allies and a war that has stained their entire history they know they need more than brains and battle strategies to end this war. To do this they need a bargaining chip.
After traveling through a portal Linh and her friends happen upon a strange world they do not recognize. No longer in Australia they are in the world of Ruarnon and the people of Tarlah. Trapped in a time of civil unrest and a growing plague of monsters Linh will do anything to find her way back to her own time and place. Even pretend to be someone she isn’t and travel to see the heir Ruarnon herself and risk a plan for home. Will Linh be exactly what Ruarnon needs to end this war and secure everlasting peace or will their plan fail and with it the fate of them and their people?
I loved this book and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!!!! I really enjoyed the inclusion of a nonbinary protagonist it made me focus on other aspects of the story that were so engaging and emotionally gripping! This book took me on an emotional roller coaster with every twist and turn. I felt like I was there with Linh and Ruarnon through every struggle! Elise Carlson did a wonderful job of creating a complex and detailed plot that is constantly surprising you as well as fast paced. This is definitely a great YA series that anyone can enjoy and highly recommend you give it a try!

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Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Melodie Boxset (Melodie #1-2)Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finding Melodie and The wedding: Boxset
By: Laura Rossi
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Opposites attract in this fun loving, quirky rom com. Based in the streets of London, our artsy heroine Melodie, is lovestruck as soon as she lays eyes on Office Guy, Isaac. Discover their budding love story high and lows in “Finding Melodie” and the hilarious continuation of meeting their families in“The Wedding”. With plenty of Laugh out loud moments and tear jerking emotions this series is a perfect feel good romp.
I absolutely loved this series! It was a quick, charming, easy read. Melodie is such a relatable and lovable character. The relationship between her and “Office Guy” really made me smile and was so heartwarming I couldn’t get enough. It was so easy to fall for this duo and root for their relationship! I recommend this boxset to anyone looking for a date night book that will make you feel good!

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evil Sushi
By C.A. King
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 stars

Within the last five years, global warming and the decline of the environment have made people rethink the way they eat. Fish is the new hot commodity and Treacle is a perfect town to be a fisherman, until over-fishing and big corporations leave little to nothing left. Rod, a local fisherman with a knack for tinkering enlists the help of his friend Ned to go test out his newest gadgets. What they find in the murky depths shocks them, but what they think could be the end of world hunger might just be the start of a new source of food on the menu, us…..
This book was really fun to read with such a unique concept. The characters were really engaging and relatable and it made me want to find out what happens to them. What stuck with me the most is the things we do to our environment and what would happen when we take more than the earth can give back. I recommend this book to anyone looking for something fresh and exciting that will give you an adrenaline rush!

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last Cabin Girl
By; Tom Swyers
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars

After finally escaping her abusive husband Eddie, Josie starts to feel that she and her two children can be safe staying in her parents’ old cabin, due to Eddie’s superstitions. As a single mom working as a waitress she strives to move them all out of her small hometown where everyone is hiding something and nothing is the way that it seems. With the looming fear of Covid 19 and the pandemic that only Josie seems concerned about, and the Pink Ladies (murder victims) floating offshore by her cabin that keep popping up, it doesn’t seem that she and her children will be going anywhere. Especially when the FBI think she is a serial killer and charge her with one of the murders. Can Josie rely on anyone’s help? Her family that has kept a dark secret from her all her life? Or the town that has mocked her since childhood? Will Josie be able to clear her name, or will she forever be separated from her children by a life sentence?
I need more!!! This book had me transfixed from the first page to the last! It was gripping and riveting with the perfect amount of twists, turns and real world aspects that make you never want to put it down! Josie is a wonderfully strong protagonist who goes through so much in just the first few pages. I felt really emotionally connected to her character and how the town viewed her. I really appreciated the setting of Upstate New York, being from the area it was so easy to picture the beautiful landscapes Swyers wrote of, and the river I grew up next to. It made it feel all the more real to me. I’ll admit it was strange reading about Covid 19 and the start of the pandemic through the eyes of Josie, and Swyers, it almost feels like something that should have only happened in a book and not what we have been going through the past few years, it really put things in a new perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a really great read!

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Beelzebub: The Gift of Gluttony (A Sinful Seven Novel) by JC Brown & Lena Lane – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony (Sinful Seven, #2)Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony by J.C. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beelzebub: The Gift of Gluttony
A Sinful Seven Novel
By J.C. Brown
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Beelzebub is one of the Seven Princes of Hell and the demon of gluttony. He is charged with tempting humans with this sin, to mark their souls forever. He revels in his job, savoring every moment of the sweet experience, a job he finds quite easy to do. Until he meets Clara, an Empath with unique gifts of her own, who thwarts his every advance. Still he persists, needing her to give into him, and wondering why this beguiling woman affects him so. With a Civil War brewing in Hell both Beelzebub and Clara are pulled into a fight for something even bigger than they could ever imagine.
I am addicted! This book took me on such a wild ride!!! Twisted, Sexy, and Unique!!! It delivers everything it promises with twists and turns that had my jaw on the floor! Perfectly paced for the maximum amount of sensual tension between the characters! The civil war and hierarchy of Hell was really engaging and I can’t wait to find out what happens next! I am definitely going to be reading the other book in this series! A must read for paranormal romance lovers!!

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

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Hunted (Vampire Navy Seal: Sam and Layla Book 1)
By: S.B. Alexander
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 stars

While tailing a target, Sam Vampire Navy Seal meets Layla, a vampire hunter with a target of her own, him. Sam is immediately drawn to her and her unique scent, and she is both thrilled and terrified at the intensity she feels for him in return. When her sister’s lives are in danger she has no choice but to face the vampire that sets her nerves ablaze and beg for his help. Can she trust Sam to help her? Or is her family right about vampires?
I could NOT put this book down! I got sucked into Sam and Layla’s story from page one! I love the snarky banter and the enemies to lovers romance!! Very sexy!!! Great new twist on the vampire genre!!!! So suspenseful and gripping I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the paranormal romance genre like I do!!

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Susan Ratchford

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

Class Clown
By Allan Evans
Review By Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

Abbey has never been normal, she sees and attracts ghosts like it’s her job, and this job sucks!. After going to the circus with her family she starts to notice the terrifying figures of different ghosts following her everywhere, from her school to her home. Not even normal ghosts no…. Creepy ghost clowns!!!! When two of her friends go missing she realizes she is the only one with the abilities to possibly save them. Will Abbey be able to stop the Clown Apocalypse and save her new friends?!
This book gave me chills!!!! Wonderfully vivid, whimsical, and creepy. I loved it!!! I really enjoyed Abbey’s story and the relationships with her friends and teammates that grew along the way. I also enjoyed her relationship with her father. Class Clown by Allan Evans kept me turning pages just to find out what happens next! It’s really nice when a book surprises me and this one had so many parts that were really unexpected! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a frightening tale with unbreakable friendships!

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale About Ancestral Hauntings
By: Maria DeBlassie
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Even a whisper of the name La Llorona is enough to chill the bones of the women of Sueno, New Mexico. The Weeping Woman who stalks the waterways come nightfall waiting to drag her next victim into its murky depths, to baptize them, and leave them with red rimmed eyes and tears unshed. Sorrow is what attracts her, the generational traumas that mark themselves on a woman’s soul, making her a perfect victim for La Llorona. Mercy has already escaped the watery clutches of this Weeping Woman once while trying to save her best friend. She lost her best friend and part of herself that night but Mercy knows that La Llorona wants the rest of her as well. Will Mercy be able to break free of her bonds of generational trauma and reclaim her soul from the hauntings of La Llorona or will her sorrows drown her?
The tale of La Llorona is as eerie as it is engaging. This book was so beautifully chilling and suspenseful. Such a powerful read from the first line to the last!!! I felt such a whirlwind of emotions throughout. It moved me to tears. This book makes you think about how easy it would be to let our sorrows rule our lives. How only through hard work and patience will the pain subside. So many good metaphors for holding on to pain and finally letting it go and building your own future. It filled me with such overwhelming hope. I also loved Santos and Mercy’s relationship and how it naturally developed over time. I can’t say enough about this book. It is a must read!!!!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Susan Ratchford

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

Lost Soul
War of Destiny : Book 1
By: Theresa Van Spankeren
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 stars

As a daughter of a wealthy family in 16th century London, Julia is expected to act accordingly and follow the wishes that her father and brother have for her life. Neither of which wanted her to fall in love with Adam, the son of a servant, a kind boy though he was, and she dreamed of being with him forever. The dream doesn’t last however, and Julia is forced into an arranged marriage to the cruel and powerful Gregory. Heartbroken and trapped in a life she never wanted with a man whose mercilessness knows no bounds she is forced to make a decision. Stay in her current life or join a kind stranger who offers her everything she’s ever wanted: Freedom. Freedom comes with a catch, the need to drink blood, and to join the Vampire Resistance to fight the King.
This book was so intense it kept me up all night!!! So exciting and fast paced I didn’t want to put it down!!! I really felt for Julia’s character and couldn’t imagine going through the things she went through and the decisions she had to make to stay alive. There were parts that moved me to tears. I also loved her character development and how it showed it really does take time to heal, maybe even centuries. I also really liked her relationship with Samuel and how patient he was with her through the difficult times. Such a powerful read with great action!!! I highly recommend it for any paranormal or dark fantasy lovers !!!

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Reverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Reverence of a RoninReverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reverence Of A Ronin
By Bree M. Lewandowski
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Ono Aia has always lusted for the life of a geisha even through all the hardships her sisters and her face everyday at the Okiya. It is all she knows in these uncertain times until chance brings her Nen, the deadly swordsman with obsidian eyes who seems entranced by her. She too feels a special connection with him and his larger than life size that overwhelms and excites her. With Nen, Aia learns of a mythical world and Japanese spirits that could threaten the balance of their very existence. Will man’s reality be lost? Or will the balance be maintained?
I have never read anything like it! I absolutely enjoyed every second! Bree M. Lewandowski created a beautifully vivid story with characters that are relatable yet otherworldly. I am a big fan of cultural mythologies and love to see them woven into a story so effortlessly and believably. This whimsical and unexpected tale will stay with you long after you finish the last page. I highly recommend this book!

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review By Susan Ratchford

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

Divine Vintage
By Sandra L. Young
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

After opening up the vintage shop of her dreams Tess Burton is asked to model a dress for a prominent family with a stain in their history. Wearing the beautiful dress from 1913 brings about flashes from a murder suicide from a hundred years past. She sees visions through the eyes of the murdered bride that may clear the rumor that the groom was the killer. Trey Dunmore, a great great great grandson of the suspect, will do anything to clear his family’s legacy, even explore the past through these non conventional means. As the list of suspects grows so do their feelings toward each other, and the deeper they delve into the past. Will they solve the mystery that’s been waiting a century?
This mystery had me guessing until the last page!!!! I loved being able to look back on the fashion and the intrigue of the early 1900’s. It was really cool to see what life could have been like back then. This book had me on edge the whole time and was paced beautifully to build up tension!! Speaking of tension, I loved the amount of tension between Trey and Tess!!!! Very sexy! There were also so many OMG moments that had me audibly gasping!!! Such vivid and great detail to make such a satisfying and fun read!!! You should make Divine Vintage a staple in your closet!! I definitely would recommend it.

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Susan Ratchford

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

The Clockwork Solution ( The Clockwork Chronicles book 2)
By Michelle D Sonnier
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

After surviving The Trials that almost killed her, Technomancer Arabella Leyden, has finally gotten her greatest desire, to join the sisterhood of witches. The deaths of two witches in the Shortilage line gives her her first assignment, to find the root cause of the famine that’s sweeping through Ireland. As the first ever Technomancer her future and her life is on the line. Will she find a way to blend their old views with her new powers?
I love this story! The Technomancer powers that Arabella has are so cool. I also really liked her twist on covens and The Trials that she had to take! Very exciting, great action and suspense! I also really loved the political intrigue of the different councils and of the Investiture itself, it really kept me reading on to find out what happens. Sonnier’s vivid and detailed writing also paints a beautiful picture, that is not in the least bit boring or drawn out. Would definitely read it again!!!

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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Susan Ratchford

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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)
By James Talisman
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Book 1: Six very different people from vastly different multiverses (including but not limited to, a sword masters son Hirisho, a reptilian humanoid scientist Tysson, a Co-councilor for a Utopian world Rashella, and an ordinary college student named Matt) all hear the same mysterious voice inside their head. Godlike mentors appear to each of them and all must embark on separate quests and use their newly acquired wisdom of all creation and reality to fight for and protect the sanctity of all of their worlds.
This book was enthralling, a must read! James Talisman truly transports you through different worlds with his vivid imagery and thought provoking characters. Each one so different but expertly brought to life through his imaginative writing. This fast paced novel had me captivated from the first page with twists and turns I never saw coming. His blend of ancient ideals and futuristic concepts bring a delightful duality to the genre. I can’t wait to read the next book in such a creative series!
Book 2: With the final battle approaching, Matt and his two friends must learn to travel throughout time to obtain powerful artifacts needed to defend their world from an oncoming attack. The reptilian humanoid leader and his followers are planning total destruction. Traversing through many famous and dangerous eras of Earth’s past, and even its future, Matt and friends try to collect what is needed for a secret organization’s plan to save the planet.
I absolutely loved this book! James Talisman has a way with detail and imagery in a series with such vastness, that he makes it so easy to picture everything! I could really feel the bond between the characters! The time travel segments to different eras had me reading as fast as I could just to find out what would happen next! The incorporation of mythology and Atlantis as well as the way that the ending reveals itself is as unexpected as it is satisfying. It really makes you think!
Book 3: The multiverse is in danger, entire universes are to be erased from existence. Ancient twins Matt and Rashella must journey through vast worlds, universes, and even their own spiritual consciousness to stop an ancient prophecy and rescue their mentors from a grand illusion. Tensions rise as the pair prepare for their biggest battle yet. Will the power of unity triumph over the former celestial ruler, the devil who believes that only the truly supreme shall rule? Or will universes collapse, crumble under the weight of the crimson “god’s” greed?
What a wonderful read! I love this series so much and as always I was hooked from page one!!!! Such an engaging story makes you feel like anything is possible!! I really liked seeing where the characters are and how they have grown throughout. I felt really connected to them through James Talisman’s writing. He builds beautiful and vast worlds with such striking characters. My favorite part was how the Spirit Servitors were described! Just a fantastical book that blends the Ancient with the Futuristic in a fun and unique way. It’s both an epic and satisfying read!!!! I cannot say enough about this book, I highly recommend it!!!!

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through AllCreation
By James Talisman
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

The multiverse is in danger, entire universes are to be erased from existence. Ancient twins Matt and Rashella must journey through vast worlds, universes, and even their own spiritual consciousness to stop an ancient prophecy and rescue their mentors from a grand illusion. Tensions rise as the pair prepare for their biggest battle yet. Will the power of unity triumph over the former celestial ruler, the devil who believes that only the truly supreme shall rule? Or will universes collapse, crumble under the weight of the crimson “god’s” greed?
What a wonderful read! I love this series so much and as always I was hooked from page one!!!! Such an engaging story makes you feel like anything is possible!! I really liked seeing where the characters are and how they have grown throughout. I felt really connected to them through James Talisman’s writing. He builds beautiful and vast worlds with such striking characters. My favorite part was how the Spirit Servitors were described! Just a fantastical book that blends the Ancient with the Futuristic in a fun and unique way. It’s both an epic and satisfying read!!!! I cannot say enough about this book, I highly recommend it!!!!

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder on the Moor Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder On The Moor Book 3)Shake Loose the Border by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shake Loose The Border (Thunder On The Moor series book 3) by Andrea Matthews
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Lovers Maggie Armstrong and Will Foster have fought border reivers, their own families, and even the dreaded gallows to protect their forbidden love.It seems as though they may finally have there happily ever after until they stumble upon Johnnie Hetherington’s body found brutally murdered close to their home a week before they are to be wed. Will and the rest of his family are ruled out and the wedding proceeds. Only then do the Armstrong’s attack in force determined to bring Maggie back to them whatever the consequences. Fearing for Maggie’s life, Will implores Dylan to get her to safety. Even if it means taking her 450 years into the future back to her own time, while leaving his own love Annie in the process. With a degrading amulet and two broken hearts will either of them ever see their true love again?
This series just keeps getting better, Andrea Matthews has done it again! I really loved the mystery aspect included in this installment. I think it was really cool seeing almost a side by side comparison of the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. It makes you realize how different things were back then and makes you wonder what lengths you would go for your own love. There were so many moments in this book that had me excitedly gasping and nervously biting my nails! The characters are so well written I could feel each one of their emotions like they were my own. I feel the NEED for Maggie and Will to have a happy end! I also felt there was a message of non toxic relationships and getting through traumas with love and support from those you choose to love. Another wonderful read!!! Definitely recommend!

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Ride With The Moonlight (Thunder on The Moor Series book 2) by Andrea Matthews- Review by Susan Ratchford

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Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor, #2)Ride with the Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

Running for their lives Maggie Armstrong finally admits the love she has for Englishman Will Foster. He completes the void in her heart. After already saving Will’s life from her family’s brutality, she feels all hope is lost when Will is charged with treason for trysting with a scot. After news of their wedding plan is leaked to the warden, Maggie is forced back to Scotland to her uncle who continues wedding arrangements,the wicked Ian Rutherford the man that murdered her father, all while Will answers to the gallows for his crimes. Will Maggie be able to thwart her family’s plans or will her heart die along with Will?
This book was the perfect continuation to the series, it had a really nice flow.you could really feel the emotions between the characters. It really tugs at the heartstrings. I didn’t think this book series could get any better but I was so anxious throughout the whole book!! I needed to know Will and Maggie’s fate. I also really love the relationship that Dylan shares with Maggie. It makes me think that family is not always people who are related by blood but by people you choose. Definitely a satisfying read that gives all the feels and much more!!!!

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