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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King Review by Tia Martel

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new year begins with Helpers banned from campus and a whole new look to Grave Digger Academy. A new headmistress, new curriculum and a whole lot of new staff and students means you can’t trust anyone…

Makayla now has only herself to fully rely on for any answers about what’s happening in the magical world and trying to find help is proving to be hard. Can she survive year 4 without too much trouble?

This book starts out a little before term starts with a lot of rules that Makayla is having a bit of trouble following, but that’s nothing compared to what’s waiting for her when she makes it back to the academy…

This one, like the previous three just loves so fast! I want to keep going and then suddenly I’m at the end. It’s both refreshing to be pulled in so much that quickly and sad because I keep running out of pages!

It feels like I keep getting more questions to ask and far from enough answers. How will book 5 be enough to give me an ending?! Happy reading!

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Tia Martel

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Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We’re back for year 3 and it just might be the last year at Grave Digger Academy. After last year, it’s a wonder there’s anyone left at this specific school, but what can you do when they refuse to let you leave.

While some things are best left buried, it’s impossible to keep anything hidden long when there is no one left to trust.

Makayla starts out this story with the start of term. It’s year three and maybe this year they’ll actually learn something, but when she arrives with two of her brothers in tow, it seems like things are getting grimmer at Grave Digger Academy.

I enjoyed book three just as much as the first two! It’s fast paced, and quick to follow. My only complaint is how quick it ends! Onto book Four!

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tia Martel

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Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Karina’s grandmother passes away she asks Karina to return home and run her cafe. She makes her promise that while she’s doing that she’ll find and read her journal. Turns out running the cafe is more intense than she anticipated and she couldn’t get her hands on the journal immediately. So when a little red journal is found in the dining room Karina is determined to start reading, but when she turns her back to take care of a customer the journal vanishes.

Now Karina has to find the journal and hunt down the flies inside of it to uncover the past (and maybe a few secrets) while rumors are spreading like wildfire around town. In a suspense about families and secrets things are likely to never be the same.

This is unlike anything I’ve read in a while! With twists and turns and all the determination of a granddaughter missing her grandmother, this is a story I won’t forget. It was fast-paced and kept my attention from start to end. If there’s more like this, I can’t wait to find it.

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Tia Martel

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries #1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maeve (pronounced like Brave but with an “M”) has an exhausting but rewarding job as a midwife/nurse. She’s surrounded by people in all walks of life and gets to help them bring new life to the world. Her husband, Will, is in a new life of his own while his catering business gets up and running.

When the Chief Obstetrician (Maeve’s coworker/boss) dies suddenly at a wedding her husband is catering, her world is suddenly plunged into more chaos. Suddenly Will is il under suspicion and Maeve is trying to find out who killed the doctor and clear her husbands name.

I’m a race against time, she’s got to stay ahead of the game and pray the killer doesn’t catch up.

You’ll jump right into action with this book. It moved at a very fast paced and I was definitely surprised along the way. It’s not my typical read and I found the blurbs at the beginning of chapters to be very interesting.

While I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series, I was pleased with this book and definitely recommend it for someone who enjoys cozier mysteries.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Tia Martel

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the new(er) head of the Claus business, Holly has to work hard for the cheer to power the North Pole. It doesn’t help that she has to work harder than her father to gather cheer leading her to being out of range for most if the year.

When Holly visits a small Oregon town on a Cheer hunting whim, all she thought she knew about collecting Cheer goes out the window. Emerald Hollow is full of it. Cheer that is. So now she’s determined to figure out why and how she can use the small towns abundance of Cheer to help the North Pole.

Emerald House is more than just a business to Ash Hayes. It’s his world, and everything he’s ever known. After taking over the family business, Ash is determined to bring tourism up in Emerald Hollow, even if it means entering their tiny town into a Hallmark contest.

Holly’s not planning on staying but the amount of Cheer in Emerald Hollow could put Christmas at stake and leave her wanting more at the same time. Ash doesn’t want to love someone who leaves. Neither of them have a choice anymore.

I really struggled at the beginning, I felt that it was written in a very roundabout, odd manner for the first few pages, but it really cleaned up after the first chapter.

It turned out to be a super sweet and adorable holiday read that I’m really glad I stuck around for. A fast-paced storyline once it was in motion and plot that reads like a Hallmark movie and this girl is sold.

I loved the characters and I can’t wait to see what lore we can get from Emerald Hollow and I can only hope it’ll be a bit more holiday fun!

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Tia Martel

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Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arryn has to rescue the Prince. I mean, when a girl is born and raised to marry said prince and then he just vanishes into the Lands Below what do you expect? She’s not some damsel in distress who’s not going to at least try to save him…but this Land Below is not what she expected.

Rowan cares about one person and when his brother is injured, he’ll do anything to make the culprit from the Worlds Above pay. But when his brother asks, he’s forced to help a second person from that world and do what he can to get her back…

What happens when they get to know each other? Can he let her go when they find the barrier? Will she go back home and happily continue on with her life?

This book starts right in the action! I love when I get pulled in right away and this definitely did that for me. It is compared to ACOTAR and I can definitely seem some similarities in the way the story feels.

Typically this would be a book I’d have flown through, but I don’t think I was in a good space to read it fully. Despite that, I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait to try again when I’m feeling more in to it.

It has a good level of spice without being too overpowering to the story and enough to bring you back for book 2. Definitely would recommend this for any fantasy romance readers!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Tia Martel

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy love playing with their friend Shadow through the window every night. Th play hide and seek before Shadow goes to the front door to get some food from the family.

However, Shadow begins coming straight to the door, then eating less and the kids notice that something is wrong. Mom and the kids take Shadow to the vet and they’re told she’s sick and will die.

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is such a sweet and lovely story about their friend getting sick and passing away. I definitely cried but I will be getting a physical copy for my child when he’s older since we have cats that will be old before he’s ready.

I think it explains euthanasia is a very kid friendly and age appropriate way for young kids. It has a sweet tribute to the cat lost and opens up conversation if more discussion is needed. I love Oscar and Emmy so much!

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tia Martel

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted isn’t like other schools. At West Hills, they take in students with special gifts above and beyond what the normal student can do. They have classes for telepathy, telekinesis, and more!

Franklin and Jonathan Reed are two students (and twins) at West Hills and this year is big! The school is taking part in a competition amongst houses and if they’re lucky, they get to participate.

Jon is struggling with being the only student with his gift, while Frank is worried that he’ll fall victim like the others with a similar gift. The boys must work together and try to save the school.

I found this book really hard to get into. It may be because I didn’t read book one or that it just wasn’t a book in my usual middle grade genre.

I felt there were missing parts (these may become clear when I go back and read book 1) throughout and several areas where more information could’ve been helpful in hammering out some storyline. I also struggled with the changes in perspective with this book. It goes from Frank to Jon to others in third person without much transition so I found it hard to know who I was reading as on several occasions and had to go back and find out.

It has a ton of potential and I loved the zodiac games and the suspense for the boys to figure out what was going on. I can’t wait to try again once I’ve read book one to see if that has helped me pick up on where I struggled with this one.

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Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Tia Martel

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Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals, #3)Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riordan O’Rourke has a reputation of being a dangerous man. He swears to protect his family no matter what and to keep his heart guarded.

When a meeting with another underboss goes wrong, a woman from his past lands bleeding at his feet after a bullet meant for him hits her.

Until now, no woman has ever captured his attention like she does. Every fiber of him screams she’s his, while every thing she is says she’s the enemy. Riordan forces her to marry him and keeps her in his bed demanding the truth, but even that won’t make him happy.

But, by now it’s too late and he won’t let her go without a fight.

Sleeping with the Enemy was a very different read for me. I normally shy away from Mafia Romance because they just aren’t something I typically enjoy. This was different.

I love the idea the Riordan is only a bad guy because he has to be. In a world where you’re born into royalty it’s hard not to follow in your family’s footsteps, even if that royalty is Mafia royalty.

The characters were interesting and I found myself rooting for the not-so-bad bad guys, which definitely is where you want to be with this kind of book.

If you enjoy possessive, but well meaning, men you should really enjoy this book. Pay attention to the trigger warnings though, because they won’t go easy on you in the pages. Happy reading!

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tia Martel

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

Holly Cooper loves being a nurse, but when she witnesses a murder during a shift in the ER she needs to find herself again. With childhood fears fast on her heels she’s following music festivals around Australia working and volunteering.

Kit Silverton is one piece of a research project about gardening as therapy. The project is working with children who have survived domestic violence. As a survivor himself, Kit has a lot of pain and guilt and he struggles to form and keep relationships.

When Kit’s partner in the project, and Holly’s grandmother, is injured, Holly is suggested as a replacement. She’s qualified, but Kit is finding it hard to believe with her pink hair and free spirit.

While working together, Holly and Kit can’t help but fall together, so when something goes wrong Kit is confronted by his worst fear: the violence inside himself. What will it take to prove he’s wrong?

This was a sweet, emotional read. I loved almost every step of the way, as it started out a bit slower than I anticipated.

I love the dynamic between Kit and Holly and Mona. The love and determination they have to help the children is evident in all the moves they make.

I think the only thing I’d love more is pictures of the gardens they’ve created!

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Tia Martel

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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: 4 of 5 stars

A girl in Nee Mexico steals a magical artifact. A man in the Rocky Mountains studies a girl in the wild. A raging storm wakes a boy. What do they have in common?

Fairy tales are everywhere and are constantly being altered to match the modern world. Watch closely because you never know what fairytale you might find yourself in.

“When Magic Calls” was far from what I was expecting, but in a good way. I love a fairytale retelling, but this took telling tales to a whole new level. It was a magical twist and turn in directions I never would’ve predicted with each story told.

This collection of fairytales is different than the usual tales we hear and was truly engaging and magical. You won’t want to miss it!

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Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tia Martel

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Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Goldilocks comes up to the home of the Three Bears, she’s there to fix things. Now that she knows how to use six simple machines, she’s doing everything she can to help fix the stuff she broke and more!

It’s still Goldilocks like we know it, because the tools she has are too big or too small and she’s got to find what’s just right. When the bears come home to Goldilocks sleeping in the bed, they use a simple machine to lift her out.

Baby bear asks Goldilocks for help with her project, but can Goldilocks figure out how to use the six simple machines to help her?

This is such an adorable take on a fairytale. It would be a fun introduction to the simple machines or even just to help identify in a lesson.

A great little story for kids who love fixing things, teachers using simple machines, and homeschooling parents with science lessons!

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Tia Martel

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

Maria has finally gotten something she wants: a divorce. Unfortunately, that divorce leaves her with no plan and no house. Her family is a traditional, no nonsense nuclear unit so going home won’t work. Her next best option is going to LA to spend some time with her sister the rock star.

Except, she’s not in LA. She’s run off to Missouri to plan a wedding that Maria is supposed to be at.

Thank goodness for Oz Garcia whose house sitting for her and lets Maria crash while they’re away. Suddenly he’s offering to go to Missouri with her for the wedding, she’s offering to sleep with him, all the while, Maria is now financing Oz’s band…so she’s his boss.

Things are about to get messy…

This was a fun, upbeat and romantic rock star romance with a second chance vibe. I found it to be a whole lotta fun, and I’m excited to see what else this series of books can bring to the table.

Highly recommend if you love fast read romances and rock star tropes!

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tia Martel

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Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hudson is always helping everyone else until one day he doesn’t want to do anything. Follow along as Hudson learns that to help others, you have to help yourself.

This is such an adorable book about taking care of yourself. It’s great for those littles in your life that are all about helping others and helping them not to burn out too quickly. I’d definitely set it up with some great, creative self care ideas for a small lesson about the topic.

Looking forward to using it to teach my littles about taking care of themselves!

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Tia Martel

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zara doesn’t do relationships. No plans at any point to be with anyone long term, and with her job she swears off athletes. She’s living the life she wants.

Noah Ashe is a threat to her lifestyle though.

Ever since he walked in to her naked on his couch, Noah hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, Zara hates him.

One night, that’s all her friend needs her help for, but that one night changes everything. Can they make it work or is someone walking away injured?
I found this book to be sweet and enjoyable. There were some really fun parts and Zara is pretty amusing. I found that one of her “quirks” was mentioned too late in the storyline though and I feel that it would have been more understandable if it had been used in the beginning and throughout instead of right near the end.

I definitely plan on reading more in the series despite not being a huge sports romance fan. I like the spice.

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tia Martel

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catrina Sinclair is a no nonsense lawyer and her firm has one major rule: not to sleep with your clients.

Easy enough. Until her one night fling walks into her office Monday morning. Now he’s her client and she’s got to keep her hands to herself. If only he’d do the same.

Nathan Logan has everything: power, success and fame. But he’s lacking someone in his life he can share it with who won’t turn around and sell him out.

When he meets Catrina all bets are off for the night, then she’s gone and he’s left wanting more, so when he walks into the meeting with his new lawyer and it’s her? He’s determined not to let her go even if it means losing everything he’s worked so hard to get.

I enjoyed this book in the King of Screens series almost as much as I enjoyed Married Blind (which I devoured in a day)! It’s got a ton of bantering and a whole lot of what ifs involved.

Enjoyable and definitely a hilarious read, I’m excited to read the rest of the Kings of Screens titles and sink my hands into more by this author.

If you’re a fan of one night turning into so much more, or forbidden attraction, or sexy men, then you’ll likely love this book too. These men are all tall, handsome, and YUM!

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Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl – Review by Tia Martel

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Healing KissHealing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lillian Milano isn’t like most paranormals in her world. She takes energy from the healthy to help heal the sick. This power puts a target straight on her back and puts her and everyone she loves in danger. All of her fears are put on hold when her sister becomes deathly ill, and she’ll do anything to help heal her.

Tristan King is, in short, a billionaire. After being burned by his ex, and with his mother dying, he doesn’t want or need another relationship.

Tristan is so full of life and energy, exactly the energy Lillian needs, and she’s got something he needs as well: a single night with no attachments to get his ex off his back.

I devoured this book. It was so fast paced, emotional, humorous, and full of excitement. I really hope this is the start of a series, because I’d love to read more in this universe!

Lillian is so loving and caring for everyone around her and Tristan is so calm and collected. The two balance one another out nicely. Definitely a great read, I’d recommend to anyone who loves the paranormal!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Tia Martel

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Elle Sullivan comes back to Sweet Valley she’s bruised and hiding a big secret, but she’s determined to start her life over and prove to herself she’s strong and able to do anything. She wasn’t expecting to run in to her old high school love Blake O’Connor, nor was she expecting to find that healing takes a whole lot of more work than she could’ve expected.

I chose this 100% because the title was punny. This book was great! There is definitely a trigger warning for Domestic Abuse and I’d toss one in for Eating Disorders as well, although I’d say it’s related to the abuse. It was well written and despite some hard stuff was entertaining and funny in places.

Elle is a strong woman who is ready to start over back home. She got out, a little later than she wanted, but she is a survivor.

Blake has hit rock bottom and can’t seem to dig himself out alone. Thank god for old friendships and the healing of love.

The characters were fun and their story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. I definitely recommend reading this and I’m excited to see more from Sweet Valley.

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Your Trainer Says Hi! (Vengeful Vixens Book 2) by Indie Sparks – Review by Tia Martel

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Your Trainer Says Hi!Your Trainer Says Hi! by Indie Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who goes into business with someone they’ve only been dating for six months?

Nadine Garrison realized too late that a good opportunity isn’t always the best opportunity…when she and Heath both put in the same amount, she thought it’d be okay, but now Heath has made a huge, unauthorized withdrawal. From the business. For what?

Heath is determined to make money in every way possible, but his current “instant money maker” is a HUGE red flag. Now Nadine has to cover the business at her own expense.

In order to start getting back the money he stole, Nadine takes over Heath’s personal training sessions.

Wick is a no nonsense gym trainer determined to push Nadine to her limits…in multiple ways. He’s arrogant and it drives her mad, but they can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other.

This was a fast, upbeat read with a whole lot of laughs. Heath’s character comes off as 100% the jerk he is, and definitely leaves you wondering how she ended up with him in the first place. Wick is infuriating and sexy with all the fun things in between.

I enjoyed this spicy, sweet, and fun romance. Might have to go back and read book 1.

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Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Tia Martel

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Streets of ShadowStreets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The year: 1665.

The problem: 15 year old Kenna has watched her sister die. She suspects her sister’s husband and thinks if she stays, she’ll be next.

So she runs. During her escape she is kidnapped and locked in at Stewart’s Close, an alley trapped in the poorest section of the city and there’s only one way out.

She’s accused of leaving a home struck by the plague and a guard is set at the gate to make sure no one enters, and no one leaves. Kenna wants nothing but to avenge her sister, if she can survive.

I found this book to be well written, however, it wasn’t my usual style of a read so I wasn’t fully involved in the story. I enjoyed Kenna’s determination and love she has for her sister. I think she’s a well done character with a heartbreaking story. You definitely find yourself rooting for Kenna and the misfit band she gathers along the way.

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Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tia Martel

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Chicken Little investigatesChicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Almost everyone knows the story of Chicken Little in one way or another. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” is probably the most famous part of the story. But, what happens when Chicken Little decides to experiment with things to see if the sky is falling or if something else fell instead?

Chicken Little Investigates is a cute little twist in a classic tale. Follow Chicken Little, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Loosey Goosey, and Turkey Lurkey as they learn how different things fall to the ground and travel to ask the King what it’s called when something falls. Keep an eye out though, because not everyone is there to help them learn.

Thank goodness the friends are paying attention during their experiments and are able to use what they’ve learned to escape Foxy Woxy!

This is a cute, fun story with changes in font based on the sounds of words and other fun pieces of information. It’s a cute way to introduce gravity in a way that also introduces a classic story.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Tia Martel

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy has decided she needs a career change and to do that, she’s headed back to school. Like anything, that’s a bit hard to do when you need money to survive, so she’s planning on working as a nanny while she takes classes. A bright, happy optimist, Amy is always looking for the bright side of a situation.

Noah Pierce is NOT a bright, happy optimist. In fact, his dark, brooding and silent nature are a complete contrast to Amy. So when he unexpectedly becomes the caretaker for his best friends daughter, he needs help. He has no idea how to take care of someone else, let alone suddenly being a dad and no one knows who the father is so it’s up to him to care for her.

Noah hires Amy to help care for Amelia and she sees what Noah can’t: he can be a great dad. If he only chooses to see it. Can Amy help Noah recognize his family man potential without falling in love in the process? Can a relationship survive when the line is crossed?

When I saw another Pierce Brothers novel, I squealed! I’ve loved all of the ones I’ve read so far and this one is no exception. Belinda Williams writes a man just like you want him! Tall, handsome, irresistible, slightly naughty, and a heart of gold.

I am so sad to see the Pierce Brothers storylines end because they are the perfect romance to me. I laugh, I cry, and I want more from all of them.

The characters are well-written, the story is heartbreaking but lighthearted enough that you don’t dwell on the pain too much.

If you struggle with stories about loss or COVID is a tough topic for you, this story may be one to avoid for now.

Sooo, the Pierce Brothers have friends, right? Can we get some of them next?

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Tia Martel

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

History is repeating itself in Eckardt County. A young woman has been found murdered with similar circumstances as a death from 25 years ago. Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister was the victim of the past, and now with files of clues and determination to prove the former sheriff’s involvement, it’s going to take a whole lot of work to put the cases to rest.

Deputy Detective Lila Dayne knows there’s something she’s missing with this case, but can’t put her finger on it. Suddenly, people are disappearing, and despite having a personal stake in the case Sheriff Benoit can’t stay out of it now, especially after one of the missing people is her sister.

This book jumps right into the trouble and gets digging you deeper and deeper. It was a fun, suspenseful ride most of the time.

It is well written and thought out. I found a few spots at the beginning that I kept sticking to, but it’s a me problem, not a book problem. This is the first of the series I have read and I definitely think reading the others could give me more information and insight into the characters, but overall, I think it’s not a huge deal to jump in right here.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from the Eckardt County Sheriff’s Department moving forward and seeing how Benoit and Dayne solve the next crime!

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Tia Martel

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Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A lot of people have dysfunctional families and Chatroom with a View delves deep into the dysfunction of the Cullen Family.

Troy Cullen has a tortured past that is still hanging on tight is his present. When his father takes his abuse a little too far, Troy is left with many unresolved issues he has to make tough choices on.

Suddenly another wrench is thrown into his current situation when his ex-girlfriend, Veronica, announces she’s pregnant with his child. Troy spirals and plans to keep the trauma going.

When Veronica learns too much about Troy’s past, she finds that there are too many skeletons in the Cullen closet. She’s fighting for her desire to keep a family together and keeping her child safe. Who will survive and who will crumble?

Chatroom with a View has a unique, and terrifying storyline. However, something about it fell flat for me. I’m unsure if it was the story being told in third person or something else, but I really struggled to get into and stay engaged with this book. I’m willing to try something else from the author, as it was written well, but I will definitely pay attention to the POV prior to starting.

The book opens up with a bang and then slows down for a bit before hitting back harder and harder. If you are sensitive to topics about abuse, you may need to stay away from this book.

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Tia Martel

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stella is a designer for plus-sized clothing. She just needs to find an investor to get her line into production. When she’s pushed into being a nanny for a month, it seems like things are falling into place.

But it might be a little hard, since the father is the first guy she ever crushed on, and also her stepbrother…

It can’t be too hard when an adorable baby is involved, but with three gorgeous men under the same roof, it gets hard to think. Suddenly, Stella has her hands full with two of the men almost nightly.

Her stepbrother keeps his distance while his friends take their time and energy out with Stella, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t looking. It’s only one month. One month and everything, and every one, goes back to the real world. Right?

Sharing His Nanny was a spicy, steamy, taboo filled read. I went in expecting one thing and this was not it. It was well written and I enjoyed the characters (in and out of the bedroom). Every person had some growing up and learning to do and the growth was evident.

If you enjoy spice, taboo, and more men than you can handle, this is a read to definitely check out. If none of those are your thing: stay away, because PHEW! It’s hot in here.

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Tia Martel

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jasmine and her best friend started Divine Events, so all her time is split between organizing events and keeping her best friend happy. She has nothing to complain about until James Conner and throws her world into a frenzy. Only to turn around to announce his engagement to her best friend…

The Conner family is old money and full of success, but James has a past that is a bit different. With a string of poor choices behind him, drinking and business decisions alike, he’s determined to fix things up. Unfortunately, that means marrying Cadence to get the money to start his new business and then followed by a divorce both are happy to move forward with.

Jasmine, however, wasn’t part of the plan. He can’t keep her out of his mind and wants nothing more than to be with her. Can he convince her that she has his heart while Cadence has his last name?
This shot book has so much potential. I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters are beautifully done. There were several errors that were hard to get past, though, and I wish we could’ve had a bit more detail on the relationship with Cadence and Jasmine.

Overall, I enjoyed this and found it to be a fairly quick read. I’d definitely read more like it.

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tia Martel

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abi is too busy for dating. So when an opportunity to get married instead of dating falls into her lap, she takes it. Takes the break from work, and takes a break from all the stress in her life. Or as much stress as you can when cameras are on you and you’re new marriage.

Finn has messed up one too many times and now, at the push of his agent, he has to get married. On tv. To a stranger.

For an actor, playing the loving husband on camera for three months is nothing, right? Except, Abi seems like the perfect woman for Finn. So now? He’s struggling to find balance between tv and reality and holding on to his heart.

I devoured this book. It’s basically everything I love in a quirky billionaire never-met-before romance. Toss in a hunk with an accent and it’s swoon worthy. It was fun, witty, sarcastic and an absolute blast to read. Every attempt to make it last longer didn’t happen and I was done in a day. I’m excited for more in this series of stories for sure.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Tia Martel

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ginny is returning home from New York to take care of her father after he has surgery. She’s not looking to do anything outside of taking care of him during the Christmas holiday. This includes no time for her ex-husband, Max. That gets a little hard when he becomes her planning partner for the Christmas Jubilee.

Max has spent the last two years missing the woman who got away and broke his heart. He’s done everything he can to put his heart into the diner that may have played a part in their split in order to forget her, but when Ginny comes back home, it’s hard to put all the focus where it belongs. Now he’ll use any excuse he can to spend time with her.

Max can tell she’s starting to warm up to the idea of staying in town. He’s only got to convince her that he’s worth another shot.

Falling Home was a sweet story about love lost and finding love again. I don’t normally go for second chance romance when it involves marriage ending, but I thought I’d take a shot and I’m glad I did.

Ginny is stubborn, determined, and loves her father with every bit of herself. She’s willing to sacrifice so much in order to do what is best for her family. Max is also stubborn and determined to find a way to get back the woman he loves. The only mistake they both made was not communicating when it felt like things were falling apart.

This is a sweet romance that makes a great holiday read. But with a main character whose constantly cooking, you’re bound to get hungry.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tia Martel

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the perfect gift for a new parent. It includes wishes of happiness and love as a magic wand is passed from mother to mother in a stunning visual of colors and inclusivity.

This was such a sweet book about love and wishing the best for your child. The rhymes were well done and the pictures are beautiful and inclusive to women of a variety of cultures and religions.

This would definitely be a book that would be good in a child’s collection for a mother to read with them.

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Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Tia Martel

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FaidaFaida by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The idea of Cupid using arrows is just a myth. He has help. Faida is one of the six assistant cupids. She’s been doing this job for forever and after too many jaded love stories she’s over love. It’s kinda hard for a Cupid to be done with love so on to the next assignment she goes.

Robert Peters has been hurt by past love and has sworn off all women, except for his daughter. Will Faida be able to soothe her own hurt in order to help Robert find his true love?

This was adorable! Faida realizing she needs to find out what love is really about grabs your heartstrings if you’ve ever been hurt before. I felt this book flowed nicely and was a great read. It’s obvious the author has reached a strong groove in the storyline of these cupids in this book.

I enjoyed reading this and how we see a limitation in the cupids powers to hide from children. This one was less confusing and I found it to be more entertaining as a result. There were still a few errors that could use some ironing out, but nothing that wasn’t a complete turn off from the book.

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