Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story reminds me that you never know what someone else is going through. Both Petty and RoseLyn have some serious situations going on, but neither want to be seen as a victim. Expertly written, could not put it down – I was emotionally invested. Once again, the author has given us a gem!
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful read for anyone who enjoys the mysterious and paranormal. Well-written, I found the author’s style different, and it makes me want to pick up another one of her books. Great characterization, great plot, and a great setting – what else could we ask for? This is just the beginning of a series. So glad I picked this one up! Looking forward to reading more from this author!
The Hunter by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, and this book just confirms that once again to me! I love the chemistry between them, and the plot was great as well. I love the world building the author did here, and I want to read more. The fact that it is Freemasons just really caught my attention. This was my first book to read of the series, but I could still hang with the story without feeling lost. Of course, I will go back and catch the first book.
Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The whole thing, every book in the series is an amazing read. World building, depth of characters, and “keep you on the edge of your seat” plots!
#4
Finally Elena and Marco!! This is the fourth book and while you can jump in here, you will miss the lead up to these two characters. A lot of background is covered in previous books. So the Mafia is tough and the Mafia sons are even tougher, but these Mafia daughters are no joke. They have not just seen the danger, but lived it. You immediately know when they are strapping weapons to their thigh that things have gotten out of hand before and they learned to be prepared. We know Elena’s name. She was often referred to in the other books but now we get to know her. She was definitely my favorite. Danger, secrets, and loyalties collide. I could not put this book down!
#7
Wow, this plot…it’s just fantastic! I mean we have a mafia princess, a human trafficking ring, and a marriage of convenience. What’s not to love? Mia is taking charge of her life. She decides to get away from her father and the human trafficking, but she knows that will be the ultimate betrayal. She needs protection so decides to go to her family’s rival. She approaches Nico with a proposal of marriage. One that will benefit them both. Nico is the epitome of quiet strength. Their arrangement may be of convenience but their chemistry is undeniable. The author’s grasp on this subject is absolute. She is queen of mafia romance.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Jake” started off as more of a slow burn than I expected. Beginning felt awkward even more than just blind date awkward. The concept of the way relationship started was interesting. As the story progressed, it definitely picked up speed and steam. The bumps in the road didn’t feel like real challenges to their relationship. Overall, great plot and sweet romance! I’m reading the next ones definitely!
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anyone who loves dinosaurs will enjoy these stories. Not only are you getting two stories, but colorful illustrations and educational elements. The author often incorporates science and friendship into her stories. In Dinosaur Friends, we get to meet Spike and Conifer as we follow along with their adventures. Love the stories! Looking forward to more of her children’s stories!
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this plot…it’s just fantastic! I mean we have a mafia princess, a human trafficking ring, and a marriage of convenience. What’s not to love? Mia is taking charge of her life. She decides to get away from her father and the human trafficking, but she knows that will be the ultimate betrayal. She needs protection so decides to go to her family’s rival. She approaches Nico with a proposal of marriage. One that will benefit them both. Nico is the epitome of quiet strength. Their arrangement may be of convenience but their chemistry is undeniable. The author’s grasp on this subject is absolute. She is queen of mafia romance.
Blood Sector by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this book will have you on the edge of your seat! I loved the plot and the twists! Great main characters, and I found myself loving the secondary characters as well. I thought Kieran and Quinn had great chemistry. She’s a little hard to like at first, but grows on you. This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This time around is a novel about second chances. This is probably my second favorite trope to read. Katie and Chase were high school sweethearts. I absolutely loved Chase. I loved their backstory, loved their chemistry in the book. The meetup after several years was great! I also loved Katie’s turn around. Characters are well developed even the secondary ones. I did struggle to connect with Katie. I didn’t understand her choices of breaking it off with Chase like she did or not coming to see her dad. It just didn’t feel explained enough I guess. I also felt like Chase needed more of an explanation of why she did it. I also felt like I went from intimately knowing characters thoughts to just being an acquaintance close to the end of the book. Ending felt rushed. Overall, a great story and great character development. Looking forward to more from this author.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I was not expecting this amazing plot when I picked up this novel. It’s just different in a great fantastical way. It delivers in so many ways – think suspense, shadows, gothic, desperate times, siblings/family ties, and supernatural powers. Leo isn’t the typical main character and I love that. I can’t wait to see what else this author brings us.
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a sweet slow burn romance! If you prefer clean romances, then this is for you. Levi brings that hard rugged military guy we all love, and Bella seems like the spoiled princess who hasn’t had to cook or clean when we meet her. Along the way, we see more of her character and find her more likeable. I love the characters in this book, and the touch of danger and suspense really makes it all the better. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love these stories with their mixture of magic and science. What a great way to teach the kids who maybe don’t really enjoy science! This book is beautifully illustrated and easy read. I was wondering myself why Fig couldn’t see Tressie. The question was answered at the end of the book on an informative page which talks about magnifying glasses a little more. Looking forward to more of Tressie, Fig, and Maia’s experiences.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Its the third book 9f the series and the author is still catching me off guard. As things gets even stranger the emotions run high. Her writing style still amazes me. It reminds me alot of the old gothic novels which I really love. One of the best paranormal series!
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love how the author opens up her books. Very unique. After reading book 1 i was nervous about what author was found to put me and her characters through. If you want unpredictable and original, this series is for you. I love the character development and the plot as well. Great writing style.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good fantasy story, and this is one of the best I’ve read. A different time, Vikings, and a compelling plot make this story original and exciting! The characters have depth, and the plot keeps you guessing. I loved how detailed scenes were as well as the historical significance. A great read you will not regret picking up!
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Premeditated is a novel full of suspense and great storytelling. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened next. If you love a good crime story, great characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is the book for you. First book by this author, but def not my last.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great read about a woman who is determined to make it. Working three jobs to provide for her mother and sister and she still struggles. One of those jobs is fighting in the ring. On a lucky break, she gets noticed which gives her an opportunity to better her family’s life. We are down in the trenches with her rooting for her to win. The author created a character that is admirable and strong. It was a great read with an inspiring theme.
The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lonny and True have great chemistry, and I love the plot. The author’s writing style is also great. I found characters very believable. Really good job with the ADHD symptoms. I did struggle with the games they played with each other. Just lessens the romance to me. Otherwise, a great read!
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trezzie is a mermaid that visits her friends on land. They share a love for science and how it can seem like magic. These books are fun, colorful, and educational. Great job showcasing ice in this book. Loved it!
This Night Has Ended by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A paranormal series that will turn upside down whatever ideas you had about vampires. It’s a page turner for sure! Great world building and great characters that you grow to love. One of the things I really loved about this story was the originality. Yes, give us a different spin we haven’t read before. Please keep writing great stories like this one!
Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just wow! A wonderful last book to this unforgettable series. I’ve never read anything else like it. Paranormal but with an original plot and fantastic world building. She doesn’t belong to our world, but kicks butt saving it. Looking forward to more series from this author!
The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First book by this author and can I just say “Wow!” Just to be clear there is plenty of steam in this book, but it is so much more than that. I love a good “down on my luck” story. We can all relate to feeling like a failure at something or things just going wrong at every turn. It’s great to read about the characters overcoming obstacles and facing demons. Great characters and a great plot. Looking forward to going back and reading the rest of the series!
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful emotional retelling of one woman’s life story by her daughter and I’m just floored. Having my own struggles of childhood poverty, I struggled reading those moments in the novel. At the same time, sometimes those reminders are good for us. I’m so glad the author was inspired by her mother’s story and wanted to put it on paper. So many times, I’ve wondered if we would look at others differently if we had walked a mile in their shoes. This author took us for a walk no doubt. I loved the author’s writing style, loved some characters and hated a few, and loved the era. What a story of carving a better life, being tenacious, and a backbone that life couldn’t break.
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved the exotic setting, the chemistry between Morgan and Vandana, and the element of mystery and intrigue. Author did a great job of creating complex believable characters. I really liked Vandana’s perspective when her personal life had taken a nosedive. While we can relate with the heartbreak of an ending relationship, she decided to get away and take on a major professional undertaking at that moment. Life keeps going. She kept going. I found that inspiring. I also love the professional side of this where we have two people really good at what they do coming together for this project. So many angles to look at in this romantic read. Looking forward to more from this author!
Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well this story starts off right in the middle of a bank robbery. I love how the author just grabs us right from the beginning. Marvel climbs under a desk which is where he meets Virginia and it all begins. So many good themes in this story – finding love at an older age, trusting someone again, and that appearances are not always what they seem. Wonderful story, great characters, and great series!
A Tormented Man’s Soul by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! A heartbreaking story of childhood trauma and the love that transcends that trauma will leave you shocked and emotional. Chains was in the foster system and endured severe trauma. This isn’t for the faint of heart. Not all of it is a good feel read. It seems like his life is so full of suffering. While it isn’t a fun read, I am glad I read the story. This was my first book in the series so I will be going back and starting at beginning of the series. I want to know everyone’s story now.
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! To say I love the heroes and hate the villians would be an understatement. Great characters and an even better plot! A warning – there is a sexual assault. It doesn’t go into detail , but the aftermath is still difficult to read. The author isn’t scared of putting her characters in difficult circumstances. I look forward to reading more in this series!
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this to my son. It is a sweet story with an educational element as well. The illustrations were beautifully done and really add to the enjoyment of the story itself. I loved the little characters and how they interacted with one another. If your child loves bright pictures and science, they will love this one!
An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love sci-fi & romance, you will love this one. Vanessa is from Earth and still suffers anxiety from an abusive relationship although she is now on a different planet entirely. Arkon is a star being and one of the aliens who rescued her. Their chemistry and their pasts make them so relatable. I enjoyed the plot, and now I want to read the entire series.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just want to say that the opening lines of this novel make you feel like you are delving into a true story. Kudos to the author for giving us those feels right off. The writing style reminds me of some of my favorite authors in my early years of reading. Just enough mystery and action to keep me on the hook. When I read the blurb I wasn’t really expecting just how horrible Juliana’s marriage was to Gregory. Seriously, I was shocked by the events that took place and maybe a little traumatized. Knowing it was a paranormal read kept me going at this point. Juliana is a strong character, and the other characters that are presented in the story all have depth as well. I’m glad this is a series so I can stay in this world a little while longer. Looking forward to next story!
