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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Broken.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBroken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broken is Book Two in the Green St. Girls Series. After reading the first book I immediately dove into reading this one. I became heavily invested in the Green Street Girls and was anxious to read more about them. This story centers around a character by the name of Indigo who is part of the Green Street Girls. She has worked hard to give herself a good life but all of that is threatened when she starts receiving threats for a software she is developing. Her friend, and roommate, Gideon, steps up to help Indigo and protect her from whoever has been threatening her. In doing so, he realizes that his feelings for her are stronger than just friendship. Although Indigo has allowed her wall to come down enough to form a friendship with Gideon can she truly trust him? This book was beautifully written with a storyline and characters that I became heavily invested in. Indigo is strong, smart, and ambitious but because of her past has developed trust issues. Gideon is sweet, kind, and a good friend to Indigo. He wants to love her, protect her, and be there for her. Gideon does his best to prove to Indigo that she can trust him, but will he be able to penetrate the wall she has formed to protect herself? A great read full of drama, intrigue, danger, friendships, angst, love, romance, and hope. I highly recommend!

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Bared. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bared is Book One in the Green St. Girls Series. The story centers around a character named Athena who has had a hard time trusting anyone because of her past. She becomes a bit of a loner in a sense until she meets Tru who also has a hard time trusting anyone. The attraction between them is intense but having a relationship may be out of the question due to their trust issues. Athena makes friends with a group of girls who all have had hardships in their past. The girls call themselves the Green Street Girls and act as a support network for one another. Through tough times the girls lean on each other and help one another survive. I loved how the Green Street Girls helped one another through the hardest of struggles. Their friendship gave one another hope and a will to go on which I found endearing. I loved each one of the girls’ individual characters and felt their stories resonate with me. This book was beautifully written, and I could not help but feel an emotional connection with each of the Green Street Girls. I found myself cheering them on to find happiness, love, and a good life. I highly recommend this book!

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tequila Midnight is a fast paced, action-packed, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat, crime novel that will keep you riveted until the very end. The story centers around a tough as nails character named Jessica who works as a broker making real estate deals across the border. She has built hard walls around herself and has a hard time letting go of the painful past she had. Jessica’s trauma has affected her life and caused her to have a hard time moving forward. When she is asked to look for the missing daughter of a Mexican crime lord her true strength is put to the test. She finds herself having to rely on her strength, courage, and wits to survive the challenges that get thrown at her as she searches for the missing girl.

The storyline was engaging, the backdrop of the story was intriguing, and the character of Jessica was one that I found myself rooting for. Jessica’s past was painful, and because of her lack of love from her parents it affected her ability to love anyone as an adult. She learned to put up walls and be tough because she was given no other choice. This book had action, suspense, drama, danger, intrigue, love, loss, angst, betrayal, and twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end. I highly recommend!

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Planting Hope is a contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Holly and Kit. Holly is a nurse who is trying to move on after witnessing the murder of a colleague. The experience has left her feeling unsettled so she is living as a free spirit, choosing to work or volunteer where she can. Kit lives his life as a bit of a recluse with his attention focused on his garden. He believes that gardening can have healing powers and can help someone heal from experiencing trauma. As a child, Kit witnessed domestic violence and now wants to help other children heal through creating a garden. He needs a nurse to help him research the project and gets introduced to Holly. With her colorful hair Kit is a bit leery of trusting her but as the two-work side by side in the garden their friendship grows and the attraction between them builds. This was a beautifully crafted story with an engaging plot and wonderful characters. Kit and Holly have both witnessed their share of horrific violence and now find themselves wanting to help children who have witnessed domestic violence. Although their pasts still haunt them, they are not afraid of doing the work involved in helping children heal from trauma. A great read full of hope, love, trauma, passion, and empathy.

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Guarding the Crease: An Opposites Attract Romance (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9)Guarding the Crease: An Opposites Attract Romance by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Guarding The Crease is Book Ten in The Playmaker Series. It is a steamy sports romance that centers around the characters of Wyatt and Serena. Wyatt is a famous NHL goaltender who is a bit self-centered, egotistical, and used to getting his own way. Along comes Serena, a tough cookie in her own rights who is fierce, smart, strong, and determined. As PR Director of the Colorado Blizzard’s, she needs to be driven and not put up with any flack. She also knows Wyatt’s reputation so when he needs her help, she does not expect to empathize with him or his situation. However, as the two start to spend time together she sees another side to him. Serena now sees why Wyatt acts the way he does and before long the two are falling hard for each other.

This book was well written with an interesting storyline and great characters. Wyatt initially comes across as a bad boy, and an unlovable jerk. As his story unfolds, we see the reasons behind his behavior and start to see another side of him. Serena is to credit for some of his changes because she does not put up with his irresponsible behavior. She is tough as nails, strong, feisty, and did not back down from any challenge. It was easy to root for Wyatt to wise up and change his ways because of the love of a good woman. I wanted Serena to be the one he realized was going to be there for him and not give up on him. This book was full of angst, drama, hope, second chances, passion, and love.

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Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sage Advice is a YA Romance that centers around the character of a teenage girl named Pyper. Pyper is a bubbly, fun-loving, kind, and compassionate teenager who wants to help others and she fiercely protects those she loves. As the girl who writes the advice column for her high school newspaper, Pyper generally has all the answers. She is good at helping others solve their problems but when it comes to her own life, she seems unable to find the answers to her own problems. Pyper is worried about her upcoming prom and when she gets asked by Landen to go with him, she is reluctant. Pyper has been hurt before and now sees all teenage boys as immature. Landen wants to prove that he is sincere and not like the other boys, but Pyper is reluctant to let her guard down. Will Landen be able to break through the barriers Pyper has put up? This was a beautifully written, and realistic, look at first love and romance. The characters were relatable, lovable, and I found myself rooting for Pyper to give Landen a chance to show her he was not going to break her heart. A great read!

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Is What It Is was the first book that I read by this author, but it will not be the last. It is a contemporary romance full of passion, chemistry, romance, angst, bitter ex-lovers, rivals, and drama that all unfolds in a tropical location. When Toni goes on vacation with her new, not quite boyfriend, Clive, that she has only been seeing for three weeks she is expecting fun in the sun as well as between the sheets. Instead, she ends up in a dive of a motel with dirty sheets, broken bedsprings, and creepy crawlies skittling across the floor. Added to that Clive is being a total jerk to her and she regrets agreeing to go on vacation with him. Deciding to make the most of her trip alone, she leaves Clive sleeping and finds classier accommodations. While enjoying the new hotel she runs into Mickey, a drop-dead gorgeous guest staying at the hotel who comes to her rescue when Clive confronts Toni. Mickey and Toni are instantly attracted to one another and are enjoying each other’s company until his ex decides to interfere and ruin things for them. Toni falls hard for Mickey, but he is not keen on doing the love thing which breaks her heart. Can Toni and Mickey have any chance at a future together?

This was a great read with a beautiful tropical setting and characters that are easy to become invested in. Both Toni and Mickey have less than perfect track records with past relationships and the whole love thing. Past relationships also seem to be part of the present, interfering in any chance they have for love or a future together. It was interesting to see how Toni and Mickey navigated through these issues that popped up as they were getting to know one another. I loved this author’s writing style and the dash of humor that was sprinkled throughout. A great read that I highly recommend!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sliding Into Home is Book Three in the Playing for Keeps Series. This story centers around the characters of Kia and Jeff. Six years ago, they met and hooked up for a one-night stand. Afterwards Kia discovered that she was pregnant, but she was unable to find Jeff to tell him. Jeff went onto to pursue a career in major league baseball which explains why he could not be found. Kia did not let this deter her from having a future and she moved forward with her life becoming a successful tattoo artist. She is determined, smart, hardworking, feisty, and a great mom to Max. When she runs into Jeff at her son’s baseball game she is surprised and knows that she needs to tell him that Max is his son. Jeff is now Max’s baseball coach, and he is just as surprised to see Kia after all these years. When Kia tells Jeff the news that he is Max’s father the two must navigate through how they will co-parent Max as well as work through all the external forces that seem determined to create unnecessary stress in their lives. Jeff could have easily walked away but he is determined to be a good dad to Max as well as be there for Kia. As Kia and Jeff spend more time together, they begin to develop intense, undeniable feelings for one another. A well written story with a fantastic storyline and great characters. This book will draw you in and have you rooting for Jeff, Kia, and Max to get their happily ever after story that they all deserve. A great read full of family, drama, stress, love, passion, hurt, jealousy, lies, and love.

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Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taz is Book Three in the Devil’s Handmaidens MC Series. The series focuses on strong, feisty, smart, bad arse women who do not back down from a challenge. The women are part of a motorcycle club, and each has their own backstory that has led them to be part of the club. This story focuses on Taz, who was running with her young son Teddy from her abusive ex when she ran, literally, into Shadow. Shadow offered her and her son protection and the club took her under their wing. Taz first became a prospect, and then a member of the Devil’s Handmaidens and now is their accountant. Taz will do anything to protect her son Teddy from being hurt and so will the members of the club. When Taz’s ex comes back into the picture and enlists the help of a white supremacist club Taz and the Devil’s Handmaidens enlist the help of a male MC club known as the Intruders. Together they fight to protect Teddy and take down the white supremacist group.

This was another superbly written book in this series with a strong cast of characters and an amazing storyline that pulled me in from the very beginning. Taz was a colorful character with her multi colored hair and looked tough on the exterior but was a bit of a nerd deep down. When it came to protecting her son, she was fierce. The Devil’s Handmaidens and the Intruders were made up of strong men and women who believed in protecting their loved ones and bringing justice to those who deserved it. Travis, AKA the Enforcer, was willing to protect Teddy at all costs. This book was full of drama, action, suspense, danger, angst, intrigue, and twists and turns that will keep you riveted until the end. I highly recommend this book!

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Magic Calls is a collection of fantasy paranormal fairy tales that will surely sweep you away to magical places that are a bit out of the ordinary. This collection will have you looking at things differently and wondering if perhaps there is magic all around us in our everyday lives, in the ordinary things we overlook. Places like a magical museum for instance, that almost seemed to appear out of thin air because nobody could remember it being constructed. Ordinary tales that have taken a bit of a darker twist into something paranormal. This collection was beautifully written with wonderful characters and interesting stories that draw you in and compel you to keep reading. The author did a fantastic job of creating modern fairytales that combine creativity with fun while adding a spooky element to them. I highly recommend this book!

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The House of Arsceneaux is part of the Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures series. It is a vampire paranormal story that centers around the story of fated mates Caitlin and Evariste. All Caitlin wants to do is go on holiday, but her boss has other plans for her. He insists that she cut into her personal time for a meeting at a property that could mean a huge business deal. The owner is a no-show because he is not interested in selling the property. Caitlin meets Evariste, the owner of the property, at a dinner party being given by his sister and he immediately believes that she is the reincarnation of his late wife. She has no recollection of her past, but he insists that she is his soul mate that he was separated from centuries ago. Evariste encourages Caitlin to travel back in the past with him so that he can show her that they were indeed soul mates that were hopelessly in love. Caitlin is uncertain if she should trust him but if she does not then she risks losing out on the possibility of being reunited with her one true love. I loved the overall love story of Caitlin and Evariste and how it is a testament to true love overcoming being torn apart by time and distance. The characters were ones that I felt a connection to, and I found myself rooting for them to be together after being separated years ago. This was a great read full of action, suspense, danger, drama, secrets, lies, vampires, and love through the centuries.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Way Out is Book Two in the Rock Star series. It is a contemporary romance full of angst, passion, love, drama, family, friendships, dreamers, and of course a fledgling rock star. Maria is trying to bounce back from a bad divorce to a man that she only married because her mom approved. With nowhere to live and a need to get away for a bit she decides to leave town to visit her sister. When she arrives at her sister’s house, she discovers that her sister is in another state preparing to get married. A sexy stranger named Oz is in her sister’s home and Maria cannot help but be attracted to this fledgling rockstar. Both Oz and Maria are going to attend her sister’s wedding, so they decide to travel together. Along the way the attraction grows, and somehow Maria finds herself agreeing to fund Oz’s fledgling rock band. Now she is technically his boss and business and pleasure never mix. The problem is they are attracted to one another. Can they have both business and pleasure, or will they have to choose? A well written story with emotional ups and downs and great characters that you immediately feel a connection to. Oz has a heart of gold and will do anything to support his family. Maria has been through a tough marriage and she and her daughter have been kicked to the curb after a bad divorce. Their stories really tug at the heartstrings, and you find yourself rooting for things to work out for both Maria and Oz. I highly recommend this book!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Misery House is Book One in The House on the Hill Series. It is a sinister psychological thriller that will grab your attention and keep you reading until the end. The author does a superb job of keeping the reader’s attention throughout the story as the suspense and tension builds. He then takes us on a series of twists and turns that keep you riveted until the final pages.

The story is set in a small town and is told from different points of view of the Woods family. It starts off innocently enough as we are introduced to Cliff who is attending his son, Nate’s baseball game. Then comes a mysterious fire that takes place where two dead bodies are discovered. As strange things begin to occur, the townsfolk have noticed that strangers have arrived in town, which in itself is odd because no outsiders generally choose to live there. Cliff’s daughter Kaia’s best friend had just gotten married when her and her husband mysteriously disappeared. Then there is the creepy old house on the hill that must somehow be involved because of its reputation as being haunted.

This book grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end. I loved the spine-tingling vibes that gave me goosebumps a few times. The characters were well written, and the small-town setting was done superbly. The townsfolk, being so unwelcoming and weary of strangers was dark, mysterious, and creepy in its own respect. If you were not born there, it would be almost impossible to be accepted, which was weird and odd. Any newcomers were viewed as suspicious, and the townsfolk were standoffish in their behavior towards them. Throw in a haunted house and I was seriously hooked! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Smooth Hoperator is Book Two in the Love on Tap series. It is a contemporary romance that focuses on the story of Sunny and Carter, who are complete opposites but somehow find their way to one another. Sunny is a librarian who is all sunshine and lollipops with a wardrobe as colorful as her personality. She loves helping people and has a heart of gold. Carter has recently moved back to town after leaving his political career behind under suspicious circumstances. He is a bit broody but very protective of his loved ones. Sunny and Carter meet at the library that he frequents, and he catches Sunny’s eye, but Carter thinks she is too colorful and not his type. That is, until he spends a bit of time with her, and she manages to make an impression on him that leaves him wanting more of her in his life. As the two spend time together the chemistry between them grows.

This was a beautifully crafted opposites attract romance story with wonderful characters. Sunny was like a little ray of sunshine that did what she could to help those she loved. Although on the surface Carter appeared to be broody and detached, he too had a heart of gold. On the surface they appeared to be complete opposites but were well suited for one another. I loved the character of Sunny’s grandfather and the situations he got himself into, like the love column in the newspaper that he took over writing responses for. The letters and responses had me chuckling out loud and I could not stop laughing out loud whenever I read one. I highly recommend this book!

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Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hole in the Rock is a book for kids between the ages of 10 to 14. Although intended for a younger audience I feel that it is a story that anyone could enjoy. The story centers around the character of Lizza, a twelve-year-old girl living in Moab, Utah. Lizza is smart, funny, fun-loving, and a huge lover of animals which can sometimes get her in trouble. She often rescues animals that are abandoned or injured and brings them home. Lizza even brought home a tarantula, much to her mother’s horror once it got loose in the house! When her dad decides to become a Taxidermist Lizza is horrified and determined to save the animals, so she sabotages his billboard that advertises his business. Then things get even worse for Lizza when her dad moves their family into a cave that is a tourist attraction and has strangers constantly wandering through her home. Lizza is determined to live in a real home again so she involves environmentalists and animal rights groups thinking that they can help. What Lizza did not expect is for matters to become worse for her family and for her actions to have unintended consequences. This was such a fun read as Lizza manages to get herself into one humorous situation after another. I highly recommend this book!

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Duology Book 2) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Cycle 2)The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Hours is Book Two in the Coin/Hours Duology. This book is an intense, psychological thrill ride full of twists and turns that will keep you riveted to the end. Gabriela is a woman who seems to have nothing but bad luck which often leaves her feeling trapped within her past. She is stuck with the cycle of bad thoughts that run on a loop in her head, wanting to move forward, but something always seems to keep her from finding happiness. Her one true love is Richard, but surely after all the years that have passed, he will not still be waiting for her. Fear prevents her from pursuing the matter farther until he comes back into her life suddenly after hearing about mysterious accidents that keep happening to her.

Richard is still head over heels in love with Gabriela and vows to protect her from the man who is ruthless in his pursuit of Gabriela’s newest work. This man is determined to obtain The Book of Hours and will do anything to acquire it. The plot thickens and the suspense builds as Gabriela and Richard are faced with danger that lurks around every corner. With their entire future at stake can Gabriela and Richard stop the madman determined to acquire The Book of Hours? Can they find love through the chaos?

I really enjoyed this book and found the writing to be done wonderfully. The storyline, setting, and characters pulled me in, and I became completely invested in the outcome of their story. Gabriela and Richard are wonderful characters who I find myself rooting for as they fight to be together through distance, through bad relationships, and through all the chaos life throws at them. A love story of epic proportions as two people find a way to love unconditionally no matter what obstacle gets thrown in their way. I Highly recommend this Book!

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights, #1)The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Finding is the first book in the Berrycreek Heights series. It is a YA thriller that centers around the characters of Victoria and Logan and told from each of their POV. The two first met when Victoria was five years old, and Logan was aged seven. The two were neighbors and became fast friends, spending almost all their time together. Victoria’s mom passed away when she was young, and she was left with her abusive, alcoholic stepfather Zach. As Victoria got older, she reminded Zach more and more of her mom and he became increasingly more violent towards her. Logan swore to protect her but when the unthinkable happens he feels tremendous guilt, sadness, and remorse for being unable to protect Victoria when she needed him the most. Twelve years go by, and Logan has never stopped thinking about Victoria or what happened to her. He has never stopped looking and vows to seek out justice for those responsible. Will Logan ever find out what really happened to Victoria?

The author did a phenomenal job with this story, and it captured my attention from the first few pages. I was riveted by the storyline and unable to put it down until I completed it. The characters are wonderfully written, lovable, and relatable. Victoria is sweet, kind, loving, smart, and courageous. The abuse that she suffers at the hands of her stepfather and numerous others is deplorable and unimaginable. It made me cringe to read as she was subjected to horrific things that no person should ever have to endure. Yet, despite it all she never gives up and continues going. Victoria is a fighter who never gives up hope and looks to a brighter future away from the abuse and cruelty. Logan is sweet, kind, loving, and courageous. He has loved Victoria since practically the first moment he met her. He made it his mission to protect her from harm and keep her safe. When Logan feels that he failed at that he vows to find out what happened to her. After twelve years he never gives up, even though many others would have given up searching for answers. It was heartbreaking to think about how helpless Logan felt to protect the woman he loved and how he felt that he had let her down. It is heartwarming to see that the love between Victoria and Logan still holds strong no matter the time or distance. Their story really pulled at my heartstrings, and it took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Their story was filled with love, loss, betrayal, grief, sorrow, abuse, tragedy, drama, and suspense. I seriously cannot recommend this book enough! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Start is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series. If you have not read the rest of the books in this series, I highly recommend that you do. Each previous book lays the foundation for the ones after it and introduce characters as it gives their backstory. This one is a new adult romance, enemies to lovers, story that centers around the characters of Aspen and Phoenix.

Phoenix and Aspen are heading off to college soon and trying to make the most of their summer. After a steamy night of passion together between Aspen and Phoenix after a party, Aspen discovers that she is pregnant. She feels obligated to tell Phoenix but tells him that she will accept responsibility of the baby and he can move forward and live his life. Neither of the two have had ideal role models in their parents so they have no example to follow. Aspen’s parents chose to get married to do the right thing and have had a miserable marriage. Phoenix’s dad walked away when he learned of Phoenix’s mom becoming pregnant with him. With these kinds of role models in their lives neither know what love or a healthy relationship is so both Phoenix and Aspen have sworn off relationships. Whatever choice they make will forever alter the course of their young lives. Will they choose to work together to raise the child? Will they each choose to go their separate ways?

As with all the books in this amazing series this was well written, with descriptive scenes, wonderful characters, and a storyline that pulls you in from the first pages. The characters of Phoenix and Aspen are ones that you feel yourself rooting for. Both have baggage from growing up in toxic environments so neither really know what love or a healthy relationship is. For that reason, they have chosen to remain single. However, fate intervenes when the attraction they feel at a party is acted upon and Aspen becomes pregnant. The two are faced with some difficult decisions at a young age that affects the bright futures they both had laid out for them in college. The author takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with lust, passion, drama, bullying, dysfunctional families, angst, heartache, sorrow, secrets, lies, betrayal, and a teen pregnancy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sacrifice Bunt is Book Two in the Ground Rule Series. It is a sports romance full of drama, angst, passion, and chemistry. The story centers around the characters of Zara and Noah who appear to be complete opposites and for all outward appearances are enemies. Zara’s focus is on her career, and she has no need for relationships in her life. However, she does happily enjoy no-strings attached sex whenever and wherever she can. Noah has had the hots for Zara since college years earlier when he caught her in a rather compromising position. He has never stopped thinking about her so when he meets her again years later, he vows to swoon her and win her over. The problem is, Zara hates Noah and does not want any part of a relationship with him. She agrees to one night with him but that is all he gets. Will one night be enough? Will Zara realize her feelings for Noah?

This was a well written book that fully draws you into the story of Zara and Noah. It was easy to become immersed in their story and see if Zara would eventually be worn down by Noah. I loved the character of Zara. She is strong, smart, career oriented, and determined to make it in a man’s world. She was unafraid of going after what she wanted and may come across as cold. She is unafraid to admit that she enjoys having no-strings attached sex without the hassle of being in a relationship. When her and Noah hook- up she does not want to realize that she has feelings for him and tries to deny it. It was interesting to see the relationship between the characters develop and see if Noah would be the one man to win Zara’s heart. I highly recommend this book full of drama, love, sex, passion, sizzling chemistry, and enemies turning to lovers.

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Blood is Book Four in The Shadow Chronicles Series. If you have not yet read the first few books in the series, I highly recommend that you do, or you may feel a bit lost. In Book One we meet Tasha, who is a vampire with special abilities. She meets Levi, a Lycan by chance one night and the two fall in love. Their love was forbidden because vampires and Lycans are enemies, so their love remained a secret for a while. When their relationship was brought out in the open, they found a way to make it work and be together. Inevitably, war ripped them apart although they vowed to find their way back to one another. In the first book we were introduced to Tasha’s younger sister, Kimber. This book continues with the overall story from the first few books with the focus being on Kimber’s story.

Kimber is also a Vampire with special abilities that were utilized by her coven leader for years while he held her in captivity. She can see the future, the past, and sense the emotions of others which leaves her feeling fragile and vulnerable. A lot of these feelings come from Kimber always being treated as though she were fragile and helpless, which has inevitably left her feeling helpless and like a victim. She does not believe in herself and feels alone. Her family has kept her special abilities hidden until now when she is at the age to be conscripted into the Vampire army. When evil forces and dark magic threaten to crumble the barriers between worlds a Shaman is sent to keep the balance of the worlds and watch over the mortals. Fabian is the one person Kimber can turn to because he understands her and sees Kimber as more than a weapon against evil. He makes her feel safe and helps her to realize that she is a strong and powerful woman.

This story, and this series, were wonderfully written with detailed scenes that fully immerse you into the storyline. The characters of Kimber and Fabian complement each other nicely. From the beginning of the series, I felt as though there was more to Kimber, but she was treated as though she was fragile and needed protection. It was nice to see Fabian enter her life, protect her, guide her, and help her to realize she was not a victim. Fabian gives Kimber the confidence boost she needs so that she feels strong and powerful. A great read with dark magic, vampires, Lycans, shamans, danger, mystery, suspense, love, war, and good versus evil.

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The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sisterhood of Secrets is Book Four in The Gods’ Scion series. It is a YA fantasy book and part of a series that I recommend you read prior to reading this one. This author has a unique and beautiful writing style that is well worth reading. The author immediately immerses you in the lives of Arcelia and Prince Rodrick, who were an unlikely union from the beginning. Their romance and nuptials inspired many but left others feeling envious and betrayed. I immediately felt a connection to the characters and felt myself rooting for them. They may have come from two different worlds as far as money, culture, and upbringings but they found each other and fell in love despite the odds. Their love and devotion to one another was inspiring. As we follow Arcelia and Rodrick’s journey, we are taken through a world full of secrets that leave Arcelia questioning all that she knows about those she loves. This book takes some twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this fast-paced book full of secrets, lies, betrayals, broken promises, danger, intrigue, mystery, suspense, action, and the moral dilemma of right versus wrong.

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Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1)Twisted Oath by A. S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twisted Oath is Book One in the Bound by Blood Series. It is a fast paced, dark romance story that centers around the characters of Serafina and Salvatore. This story is beautifully crafted, with fantastic characters, and will pull you into the twisted worlds of Salvatore and Serafina as they are drawn together while simultaneously being torn apart. Serafina is the head of a powerful family in Italy and dreams of escaping but feels misunderstood by everyone except one man. That man is Salvatore whose sole mission in life has been to seek revenge on those that wronged him. Salvatore had to learn to be strong to survive after being orphaned at the age of four years old. He vowed that one day he would take his rightful place and claim his birthright. The chemistry and attraction between Salvatore and Serafina is undeniable but for Salvatore revenge must come first. He has sworn to take vengeance to gain what is rightfully his as head of the family. Serafina finds solace in Salvatore but must push aside her dreams and do whatever it takes to protect her family. The relationship between the two is intense and explosive as it progresses through the story. A great read full of love, hate, vengeance, justice, passion, angst, drama, chemistry, suspense, romance, and intense emotions.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grand Slam is Book Three of The Ground Rules Series. It is a sports romance story that can be read as a standalone, or as a part of the series. I highly recommend reading the entire series because this author has a fantastic writing style that will draw you into her stories and make you want to read more. This story centers around the characters of Grace and Heath.

Grace is working her dream job at the local animal shelter which she loves but it barely pays the bills. When she first meets Heath, it is during an event that she planned for the animal shelter, and she instantly dislikes him. She found him difficult to deal with as well as cocky. Heath is a professional baseball player who makes a lot of money and that also rubs Grace the wrong way. Months later Heath’s sister is having a baby and when he arrives at the hospital he is surprised to run into Grace. A woman he found bossy, rude, and who treated him like a child incapable of doing the simplest task while he was trying to help with the animal shelter event months earlier. Grace and his sister have become friends since the event which Heath was unaware of. Although Heath found Grace bossy and rude, he has not been able to stop thinking about her. Grace finds herself attracted to Heath as well but neither want to admit to their attraction to the other. Is there a chance of love and romance between them?

This was another phenomenal story by this talented author. Her writing style immerses you into the lives of the characters who you instantly feel a connection to. It was interesting to read Heath and Grace’s story and watch them evolve and grow as characters. The initial attraction between them slowly grows into more and you find yourself rooting for them to be together. Heath is a good-looking, professional ball player that makes a lot of money, but the fame and fortune have not gone to his head. He is down-to-earth, looking for the right girl and is not into playing the field anymore. Grace is smart, feisty, hard-working, and determined. She loves her job at the animal shelter and puts her heart and soul into her job. Although the two come from different worlds the attraction between them is undeniable. This book has love, romance, attraction, passion, humor, angst, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shalom Israel is a guided tour through the land of Israel and its culture. The author immerses the reader into the landscapes, culture, history, and beauty of Israel through poetry and colorful illustrations. As a photographer myself I must note that the photographer did an amazing job of capturing the history, beauty, customs, and culture of Israel through his photographs. I loved the colorful photos that capture the very essence of Israel and thought the cute little cartoon characters were a nice touch that added a sense of whimsy and fun. This book takes the reader on a journey from lush forest to deserts, beaches, The Dead Sea, graffiti, the food, and everything in between. The glossary at the end of the book with information on the words used and fun facts was a nice added touch. Although it is a children’s book, I feel that it would be a good read for anyone of any age that wants to know about Israel.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding up the Sky is part of the Giants and Monsters series by this superbly talented author. Colleen’s dad is a giant who walks around all day holding up the sky. The townsfolk think this is ridiculous and make fun of her dad to Colleen by telling her that her dad needs to get a job. Colleen’s feelings are hurt from being mocked all the time by the other kids as well as their parents, so she comes up with an idea for the kids to get to know her dad. The idea, however, involves her dad putting his hands down and once he does weird things start to happen. Was Colleen’s dad really holding up the sky? What will happen when he puts his hands down? This was a cute, entertaining, and funny story with beautiful, bright illustrations that really make the story come to life. As with all this author’s books the story contained messages for children to learn from. In this book children will learn about being kind, helpful, understanding, compassionate, and about not judging someone based on their appearance. A wonderful read that I highly recommend!

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1)Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twisted Eros is Book One in the Modern Mythica series. It is an erotica romance full of raw, unbridled passion, explosive chemistry, lust, and role playing that will have you gasping to catch your breath. Kay runs her own business and has no time for fun, games, or relaxation. Her sisters decide that she needs time away and pretty much force a vacation on her. They feel that the best thing for Kay is to have an “abduction” experience where she can have fun and walk away afterwards with no-strings attached. Kay is reluctant but once “abducted” by Eros she finds herself relaxing, enjoying herself, and actually getting into the role of her alter ego, Pysche. Eros is more than her “abductor” and has sinister plans for Pysche/Kay that are being plotted out by Kay’s rival. What neither Kay nor Eros expect is to fall for each other during the kinky role-playing sessions. The result is a rollercoaster ride of love, lust, passion, angst, drama, betrayal, and revenge, as the two try to come to terms with their feelings and maneuver through the family drama. This book will leave your reading glasses fogging up as the steamy sex scenes build between Kay and Eros. The characters of Eros and Kay are wonderfully written, and you feel drawn to each for different reasons. Both have baggage they are carrying around and that is what draws them to one another. Eros has clearly had a rough childhood with a less than ideal role model in the form of his mother. A fantastic read from beginning to end!

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Nights is the Fourth Book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This book continues with the story of Sky, Gia, and Damon that we met in the third book in the series. If you have not already read it, I recommend that you read it first or you may feel lost. Gia and Sky are best friends, or were, until they were both fighting over the same guy, Damon. Gia wanted Sky to set her up with him, but Sky and Damon instead became attracted to one another. The passion between them has intensified and could no longer be denied, which Gia learns the hard way when she walks in on the two of them. Gia not only becomes angry but chooses to retaliate by bullying Sky and enlisting others to help her carry out her cruelness towards Sky. Sky is devastated over losing her best friend and wants to win her back, so she pushes Damon away. However, Damon realizes that he really likes Sky, enjoys her friendship, and wants to be with her so he is not going without a fight. As the drama between the trio unfolds Sky is terrified that all her secrets will be revealed and that her whole world will collapse in around her.

I was riveted from the first few pages and wanted to see what would become of Sky and Damon. The passion, suspense, danger, intrigue, suspense, and angst are intense as Sky and Damon’s story reaches its conclusion. The characters were well written, and the storyline was attention grabbing, making you want to read until the end to see how things turn out. It was great seeing how much the character of Damon matured through the book and seeing a softer side of him. Gia is such a spoiled, self-centered, self-serving bully that I could not help but want to slap her. I admired Sky’s strength in how she handled not only the bullying by Gia and her friends but also the conflicts as they unfolded. A great read that I highly recommend!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams is a beautifully written and inspirational YA family book. Neyah and Abby live in two very different worlds but form a friendship as pen pals through a school project. Neyah lives in Africa and does not have water in her village. She misses a lot of school because of having to walk several miles to bring water to her family for bathing, cooking, and for the livestock. Neyah’s village struggles with diseases caused by the lack of running water and her daily life is full of dangers as she faces bandits on her way to get water. Abby lives worlds apart in Minnesota and has a good life in comparison to Neyah. She has clean, running water and modern conveniences but her life is far from perfect. Her parents have issues, and she has been diagnosed with having a brain tumor. The two girls work together to raise awareness and money for water in Neyah’s village. The characters of Abby and Neyah are well written and the strength and courage the two girls had was inspiring. Both girls were smart, independent, and faced challenges head-on. The unlikely friendship between Neyah and Abby will inspire and uplift you as they encouraged each other to follow their dreams. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the girls faced their own challenges and helped each other even though they were worlds apart. I highly recommend this book!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk Off is Book One in the Ground Rules series. It is a second chance romance story that centers around the characters of Celia and Kyle. Celia broke Kyle’s heart eight years ago but he has never gotten over her. When he sees her at the wedding of a friend all the memories come flooding back. He still loves her and even though she broke his heart his feelings for her have not changed. Celia still loves Kyle, but she lied to him years ago and has been hiding a secret from him ever since that could cause Kyle to hate her forever. Can Celia and Kyle get past the hurt, secrets, and lies and get a second chance at love? This is a beautifully written story with wonderful characters whose lives were easy to become invested in. You could not help but root for them to work through the hurt from their painful past and get a fresh new start together. Celia’s decision was clearly a gut-wrenching one to make for Kyle to have a chance at a future. The chemistry between them is undeniable and hard for either of them to deny. This book was full of raw emotions, love, loss, secrets, lies, betrayal, angst, drama, chemistry, passion, and second chances.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Master of Demise is a gripping and fast-paced psychological crime thriller about one man’s downward spiral into a path of self-destruction. Mitch had a seemingly perfect life with a loving wife and a great career as a well-respected professor. Then his life turned upside down when one of Mitch’s students took his own life and fingers were pointed at Mitch. As he slowly starts to lose everything that he had worked so hard for Mitch begins to make a series of choices fueled by desperation and his own narcissism. As Mitch becomes driven by his own ego, he makes one bad choice after another that lead to violence and betrayal. When other deaths occur, Mitch becomes the main suspect, and he is asked to leave the university. The author did an amazing job of keeping me hooked from the first few pages and building suspense throughout. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending took me by surprise. The characters were well written, and Mitch was someone that I loved to hate. It was hard to tell if he was a victim of circumstance or if he was more sinister than he let on. This book had action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, drama, secrets, lies, and twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end. I highly recommend this book!

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