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Theodore’s Ring by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Tia Martel

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Theodore's Ring: BWWM Action Adventure RomanceTheodore’s Ring: BWWM Action Adventure Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lydia will do anything for the man she loves including going into the jungle to save him after he’s been kidnapped. When Cam’s life is threatened, Lydia must go into the jungle and retrieve Theodore’s Ring. A ring that Cam buried after his fathers death in order to keep it from Efrain. But at least she doesn’t have to do it alone.

Sullivan York is Lydia’s ex-lover and says he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back. No. Matter. What.

So now Lydia is dealing with a crazy man threatening her boyfriend, an obsessed ex, and all the craziness that comes with traveling in the jungle. With a deadline of only a few days, Lydia needs to find the ring and save Cam. And fast.

Theodore’s Ring was a quick, fun read. A great novella that stands alone enough to not feel like you’re missing information by not reading the series that it’s spinning off from. I feel like it could easily become a full length novel about Lydia and Cam and how they got their start. It’s a fun little teaser to get me intrigued about other books from this author and I’ll definitely be checking out more!

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Tia Martel

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No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sandy has run away from home to escape her mother’s abusive boyfriend. Faith is dealing with the aftermath of a terrifying attack. Becca has fallen in liven with the wrong kind of guy. Three situations that have been heard time and time again, but in the 1960s the world was a different place. These three young girls with three different circumstances all find themselves pregnant and unwed in a maternity hospital in New Orleans.

However, nothing ever stays completely secret does it? 25 years after giving birth, these three girls, now women, are coming back together because someone knows. Someone wants to tell and if they do, it could ruin the lives they’ve put together and have an effect on so much more than anyone could ever expect.

No Names to be Given is beautiful and enticing. I knew within the first three chapters this book would leave me with so many feelings and it didn’t disappoint. It covers the tough, yet touching, topic of adoption and shows how much pain can be in any decision.

I’m so happy to have a copy of this book for my shelves and plan to pass on copies to others. This is probably the best debut novel I’ve ever gotten my hands on and is 100% the best story I’ve read in a long time. I’m itching for more from this author. Thank you for such a beautiful story!

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade- Review by Tia Martel

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Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexandra “Lexi” Danvers is a no nonsense detective. She may struggle a little with authority, but the most important thing she can do is keep crime off the streets. So why is her department working so hard to get rid of her?

Xavier Knight is brought in to be her new partner check Detective Danvers fitness for duty after the tragedy she’s endured. But on day one, they’ve hit a big case and he’s determined to see it through.

Keeping quiet about their motives may get difficult when they start their own investigation into a potential child murder. An investigation that may cost them their jobs, but it could also cost them their lives.

Fall to Pieces was an exhilarating read and kept me wondering what might be next. This book touches on hard topics that may be hard for some readers so read with caution. These topics were very gently and kindly done to show that these situations happen, even if it’s hard to talk about. It paints a picture of grief, anger, and hope for change while being just suspenseful enough to not be thrown across the room.

I hope to see more about Lexi and Xavier and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tia Martel

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living focuses strongly on how magic takes place everyday. When practicing magic it’s important to realize that it’s not always complex, but it’s also never easy work. Magical Living also discusses how each of us hold different magic inside of us based on our ancestral and cultural magic so it is important to have a strong recognition of where we come from and what we are wanting from our magical selves.

The book is broken into sections of Everyday Magic ranging from self-care to exploring for the unexpected. However, the book itself is a lot of the unexpected. I went in thinking I would be finding ways to live in my magic, grow in my magic, and overall strengthen my magical through everyday living. What I got is definitely different. It breaks down what we think we need to know, what we need to unknow, and how we can break free from some of the things tying our magic down.

It definitely falls more into a self-help style of writing for the busy, exhausted witch offering small ways we can alter our lives to live more magically. This title helps show us ways to create balance between the mind, body and soul as well as the life around us. It offers guiding questions to help process the reading and gain stronger insight to your thoughts and desires about what you want.

In the Introduction, the author states immediately that if you’re reading this book it’s because the book called to you. As I was reading the chapters, it became clear that while I’m not mestiza, this book is definitely written for witchy individuals in similar situations as me.

This book has definitely made it into my rereading pile for the times I need a refresher in believing in myself as well as the idea that I can do hard things. I am looking forward to taking in the information I can find in the other Practically Pagan titles.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Tia Martel

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nix is the Crown Prince, but only one other elf and the brownies from his palace know. He’s in hiding after the brutal death of his parents at the hands of the current regents in charge of the Twilight Realm.

Zoe grew up being poked and prodded by her mother to see just what her magic could do. Eventually, she escaped and is now living with an elf in the woods trying her best to heal herself and other children her parents have hurt.

Both Zoe and Nix have a plan to break into the fortress. Nix to save his sister from the regents; Zoe to save the children from her parents. It’s when they’re planning that they realize just who the other is and where they come from. Will this effect how they work together? Can they trust each other?

Twilight’s Curse is absolutely magical. I struggled a little getting into it, but I think that mainly is because I don’t typically fall into this style of fantasy when reading. It turned into a fun, entertaining read that made me laugh out loud in several places while also keeping me in suspense during others.

Nix is a young elf trying so hard to find out how to be the best king for his people but also keep himself alive while he finds his sister. Zoe is determined to right so many of her parents wrongs and save the children from the pain she was handed. Their chemistry and frustration towards one another is palpable and fun to read.

I look forward to seeing what K. M. Wray has in store for these two and all of the Twilight Realm.

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers Book 2) by Belinda Williams – Review by Tia Martel

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers, #2)Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give Spoilsport 4 out of 5 stars.

Nadia is a no relationships-let’s have fun kind of woman. She knows what she wants and refuses to let anything stand in her way. Even her past with Luke Pierce.

Luke Pierce is a divorced father who takes life seriously. He’s the glue that holds his family together and if you ask anyone, they’d tell you he’s responsible. But being responsible didn’t stop Luke from falling hard for Nadia in just one night.

Now Nadia is agreeing to hire Luke to help save the house she bought all while Luke has to keep his heart safe from her. They’re spending more time together, he’s seeing her let loose and she’s learning that sometimes you may not be able to hold back…no matter how closed off your heart may be.

Spoilsport is book two in the Pierce Brothers series. It takes place in Australia and Belinda Williams is straight up about it in the introduction to the book. The book uses UK English so there are some discrepancies towards US English but they’re common and easy to forget while reading.

Nadia is a riot! She’s all sass and fun with a little obsession with shoes. Sometimes it’s hard for the people around her to see who she is and she can seem a little mean if you’re not careful. She’s all about balancing work and play but she’s cautious about stepping too far into relationship territory. She’s opposite Luke in nearly every aspect. He’s serious and responsible and has a lot to deal with. But recently, Luke has been told he needs to have fun.

Spoilsport follows Nadia and Luke in the quest to restore her home, have fun, and try not to fall in love. It’s full of laughter, emotion, and you might find it gets a little steamy.

This was a fun, quick read, and I have one question. Where can I find me a Pierce brother?

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Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour) by Victoria Zak – Review by Tia Martel

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Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour Book One)Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars.

Joe Grace is the drummer in the rock band Gracefall that he found with his brother and two of their friends.

Melody is the daughter of a rock star and vowed to never fall into the lifestyle that destroyed her parents marriage. She is also Joe’s best friend.

When Joe invites Melody to run his tour she accepts because everything else seems like it’s following apart. Just when it seems like things might be looking up, Melody realizes she is falling for her best friend. As they find who they are together, Melody has to decide if she wants love or to follow her dreams.

Victoria Zak’s Rock Me to the Top was a fast, fun read!

While Rock stars aren’t always a trope I lean towards, I am a sucker for friends to lovers so I had to give this a chance! I wasn’t disappointed. The book was very well written, however, I feel that in some places it moved much too quickly. I wish there was more background story for the characters relationships, but watching the progression of these relationships moving throughout the story was definitely well done.

Victoria Zak did a great job with the romance and friendships throughout the story. I’m looking forward to reading book two in the series to see if we get more development and see where we go from here!

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The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Tia Martel

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The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2 by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give this a 4 out if 5 stars.

The Last Danann starts by dropping us off back in time to learn a little more about Kailen, the mysterious and unique healer that resides with the Titan, Soren. We learn about the love he had for his people, the losses he’s suffered, and the pain he’s gone through for centuries to get him where he is. But one thing remains constant, Kaiden refuses to love again.

When Talaith resurfaces in Kailen’s life and they are pushed together to help save the people they care about, he has no choice but try and keep his distance. Talaith gave Kailen her heart years ago, and is prepared to do whatever it takes to show him she’s there, but not too close.

Working together, they search and find answers to the problems that are popping up in the world, but when death magic hits, can Kailen protect her or will he lose her forever?

After reading Victoria Saccenti’s first Titanian Chrinicles (Titanian’s Phoenix), it left me wanting more so I picked up The Last Danann to see if any of my questions and desires were answered. And they were! I loved how we were able to learn about Kailen’s past and why he is how he is.

The way Saccenti wove the storyline to encompass the vampire, Eachann and his lost mate really helped to suck me in and make me wonder what else may happen. I can’t wait to see what Victoria Saccenti does for the next part in the Titanian Chronicles, but I’m here for it!

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Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Tia Martel

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Deadly Words (Born Bad, #1)Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Words was a fantastic read!

Poppy Pratt is just a normal person, right? I mean, so what if she turned her dad in for killing her boyfriend? So what if the police think he’s murdered more people, specifically women? There’s no proof he committed those other crimes, and if you ask anyone, they’ll say that her dad was a great guy. One mistake. He made one mistake to protect his daughter.

Fast forward to Poppy as an adult. She’s moved from her hometown, where that terrible experience happened. Now she’s a doctor, she’s getting help, and she’s doing her best to move on. Until someone writing a book about her dad shows up in her driveway. He claims he’s being stalked and thinks it’s her father.

Soon Poppy finds that the way of life she’s created is falling to pieces. Growing up with a psychopath as a father, she recognizes that whoever is now stalking her, is also a psychopath. Now she’s got to find out who it is and how to stop him before it comes out that she knows more about her father’s crimes than she’s shared.

Meghan O’Flynn has weaved a tale of suspense and surprises for her readers that keeps them on the edge of their seats. This first book in the Born Bad series makes you wonder, do our parents actions have such a strong hold on us and what are the odds there are two psychopaths in the same car?

This is a must read and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tia Martel

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma is a young, upstanding girl in the 1880s but she’s also determined. Determined to help women be equal. Determined to solve crimes. And determined to do what she can to make a difference. Notebook Mysteries Decisions and Possibilities follows Emma as she sleuths her way through a variety of unusual activities.

I found the idea to be intriguing, following a girl through journeys of crime isn’t new, but the idea of following through her journal entries is. While this book started out in this sense, sort of falling back into written accounts that Emma made, it didn’t stay like this. The reader starts out with Emma reminiscing about a previous case after stumbling onto the notebook where she writes about the case.

As we move forward we are introduced to other characters including her partners in business and others. One thing I found interesting about this book was the use of the Narrator as a character, a character with its own thoughts and comments, mostly directed to another known as Dear-One. We don’t get many inserts from these two characters, but I feel if there were more I think the story could gain a lot of details.

Throughout the course of the story, we hear about three different cases and a separate account that is related. For me, as a reader, I felt that three cases in a short book was too much and that it would have been more beneficial to the story and characters to spend time on one case and perhaps introduce a second one to entice readers for the next installment.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kimberly Mullins had a strong grip on an amazing idea. I’m excited to see more from her as she continues to write and become stronger in her style.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Tia Martel

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Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern spins a tale of shapeshifters, outcasts, corruption, and more.

Raven Woman’s Tavern was a delight to experience. From the beginning when we hear about Warrentown through the eyes of the Raven to the story lines of Rachel, Valerie, Baylor and the others, this story is told in a way that is beautiful and enchanting. While reading most of it, I could imagine sitting around a campfire or in large room listening to a tale of how the world came to be. It’s a quick, interesting read but leaves me wishing for a little more to the story. I wish to hear more about the birth of Warrentown and how the Raven pictures the world’s growth. This book feels more like the start of an in-depth novel or series and I really hope to see more about this world of shapeshifters, Rainier, and Warrentown.

As you read, it brings a lot of thoughts to mind about what you’d do if in different situations, many of which may feel a tad too close to home in some parts of the world. How willing are you to break the law to make the world a better place? How far are you willing to go to protect the ones you care about from a justice system that’s corrupt? Raven Woman’s Tavern takes a look inside the minds of Warrentown’s remaining citizens and the lengths they’re willing to go to survive. I definitely think you should take a chance on this story and then beg for more!

Ready for more from Laura Koerber!

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