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Out of Time (Westbeach Series Book 4) by Toni Denise – Review by Tina Vega

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Out of Time: Westbeach Series 4Out of Time: Westbeach Series 4 by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read previous books in the series, but I had no problems getting into this one or feeling like I interrupted a series. You get a little romance and a little suspense with this novel. The author did a great job getting your attention right off the bat. I really like how fleshed out the characters are. I also appreciated that there is a sister in rehab. Bringing in that very painful element makes the realness move up a notch for me. Life isn’t always pretty, and it can be hard to let someone in when you have something like that going on. Great read!

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The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn – Review by Tina Vega

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The Myder Bird TattooThe Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I was hooked from the first page. Something about this author’s writing style just grips me. I loved the world she built. It’s very different, but still has a fantastical feel that reminds you of other stories in the fantasy genre. Elfern, an Ellysian royal, has been in the background and invisible really to everyone including her family. You will love getting to know her, and trust me, you will be rooting for her too. I also loved the Cadians – the other race of people. They reminded me of hobbits with their love of family and theatrics. I will definitely be watching for more from this author.

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Tina Vega

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love to read a book with some lively characters, this is for you. Granny Sophie is a hoot! The plot was great with plenty of romance. I really liked the characters, both the male and female lead. I loved them together. Their chemistry jumped off the page. Even the secondary characters leap off the page. I commend the author on her excellent characters. I will be watching for more novels from her.

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Captured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Tina Vega

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Captured by the ViscountCaptured by the Viscount by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the way this story started. Just go ahead and open it up in this unheard moment of a lady robbing a viscount. Pure genius. It hooks immediately, and you just have to keep reading to find out what happens. It’s easy to love the hero, Matthew, but personally couldn’t stand many of the characters. Maybe that was intentional. I will say that there were instances where I felt like the main characters did not stay in character. Overall, great plot and real characters.

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen – Review by Tina Vega

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short StoriesBeginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories. The stories pull on your heartstrings and have a depth that comes through even though they are short. These stories deal with love, loss, and hardship. I enjoyed this author’s writing style. Hope to read a full-length novel by her as well.

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Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tina Vega

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Grumbler's Ride (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #2)Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read by Manda Mellett that deals with some issues that teens face today. I like that she tackles the issues bringing awareness to them. I was not crazy about the female lead in this story. I realize she acted like a lot of people probably would act, but I just didn’t relate to her. The romantic relationship wasn’t my favorite as much as the parental relationship that develops – don’t want to give too much away. One of Manda’s talents is her development of relationships in the story, and she doesn’t disappoint in this one.

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Being Lost (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tina Vega

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Being Lost (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #1)Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite Manda Mellett book so far, but I have a feeling she will keep surprising me. Everything, the characters, the plot, and the action sequences seemed so real. Lost, man, I loved Lost. I have dealt with that voice in my head and could totally relate. It will be a while before I forget his character’s story. I loved the way the MC was kind of dragged into the situation instead of being in it to begin with. I also loved that the hero/heroine are older. I enjoyed the fresh perspective and being reminded that growing old isn’t the end of new relationships or new experiences.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Tina Vega

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Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be prepared to take notes because a ton of plotlines and different settings are involved. It took me a little time to get into the story. Soon though, I found myself getting emotionally invested with some key characters. The author’s strong suit is characterization. I connected with Cassius who’s going to defend the helpless, no matter the consequences. I saw myself so much in this character. Also, Hirisho was a favorite with his love of family. At the same time, the villains in the story are truly awful – like I can’t stand them with a passion. Some things reminded me of Star Wars. However, some of the dramatic elements reminded me of Lord of the Rings. Overall, a dramatic sci-fi that will introduce you to some new worlds and characters you love.

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tina Vega

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read books 1 and 2 in this series as well, but this one was my favorite. I am a big fan of Ty. I knew I would be when I read first two books. His intuition – loved that characteristic. I also didn’t see a few things coming. I really liked Malina’s backstory which felt fresh and different from any book I’ve ever read- just a different take on civil unrest. I also liked that the conflict she experienced in her country influenced decisions even years later – felt like a realistic reaction. I was into the plotline that began in book one and continued in this book. I was definitely invested in the outcome. The takeaway from this story for me was how grief is different for everyone. Grief can be messy. Grief can be silent. It depends on the individual. I think the author does a great job of portraying that emotion in this story.

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The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler – Review by Tina Vega

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” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological ThrillerThe Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Arsonist’s Handbook – so not a fun happy read.   Author does a wonderful job of conveying the thoughts of her characters – actually so well it’s hard to read.  I felt like I was in someone else’s head most of the book.  No doubt,  freaked me out a few times. An excellent read for someone who likes a psychological thriller.  The overall theme of this book – “He who seeks revenge should remember to dig two graves…”

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Book 1) by Misty Hayes – Review by Tina Vega

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Shield & Shade: Ascended Guardians SeriesShield & Shade: Ascended Guardians Series by Misty Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shield & Shade: Ascended Guardians 1 is one of those books you pick up not really knowing what you’re getting into. I want to mention that yes this is the first book of the series, but this series is a spin-off of another one –The Blood Dagger. I didn’t realize when I started it. Well written with twists and suspense, I didn’t know what to expect when I turned a page. I loved the way the book started with the mystery around Zoey’s disappearance when she was a little girl. Definitely built the suspense. I thought the author did an incredible job with the characters and the wide range of emotions they went through. Several times, I found myself audibly muttering “what???”, “oh here we go”, or “I can’t believe that just happened.” I did feel I landed into a different world, and in the middle of the action. After getting several chapters in, I looked it up and found that indeed a prior set of books was written. If I had known, I would have started at the beginning with that series. This book was great, but I feel like reading the previous series with prior knowledge of characters and situations would have made this one an easier read. It’s a lot to take in at once. This book isn’t a sunshine and roses kind of book. It’s a guts and gore survival kind of book with good vs evil save the world kind of characters. Speaking of characters, can we get to know Nakir better?

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Turning Wheels (Satan’s Devils MC #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tina Vega

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Turning Wheels (Satan's Devils MC, #1)Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew! Plot was well-developed and definitely an original storyline with tragic circumstances at the beginning. I was definitely hooked from the first chapter. We get to watch our heroine develop and grow. I really enjoyed getting to know Wraith. I loved the way he was with Sophie. I enjoy stories with multiple characters especially if I know I can look forward to their love stories. I will be reading the next books in the series. The author did a great job of bringing some issues forward that are overlooked when it comes to a disabled or handicapped individual. I’m interested to see if this was something she wanted to do with just this story, or if other stories in this series deal with issues or trauma. Overall, great read!

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tina Vega

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Jaxon and Kayla’s story. I typically love the stories where there’s some unfinished business. If you didn’t read Twisted Secrets (Book 1 of this series), read it first. While the romance has its own storyline, one of the plotlines starts in the first book and continues in this one. I loved how the author made Jaxon to be a quiet kind of guy, but still a powerful force to be reckoned with. Without spoiling, I loved the way she presented Kayla’s brother as well. You will have to read to find out. The suspense is good, and the romance is great!!

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tina Vega

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops #1)Twisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been a while since I read romantic suspense. I actually felt a little jumpy after this read. I love the main characters in this story as well as the secondary characters. My heart bled for the heroine. I felt every emotion and smelled every scent she did. The author did a great job with the descriptions and atmosphere. I thought the way hero/heroine’s situation was a little different in this novel than other romance novels I had read. I enjoyed that change of pace. The plot is fast-moving and imaginative, well developed with twists. Great read!!

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The Hunter’s Heart (Love After Earth Book 1) by Astrid Sharpe – Review by Tina Vega

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The Hunter's Heart (Love After Earth)The Hunter’s Heart by Astrid Sharpe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

World building! I was blown away with the descriptions of a new world, the creatures, and the panthers. I don’t know that I have ever enjoyed discovering a world as much as I did this one. I hope author continues writing because I want to read Burok’s story. He jumped off the page, and he wasn’t even main character. I love how real the characters were to me, some great and some flawed. I seriously had a hard time putting it down!

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Secure Decision: Chase Security Series # 5 by R.L. Dunn – Review By Tina Vega

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Secure Decision (Chase Security Series Book 5)Secure Decision by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very impressed with the plot of this book. The author has a well-developed plot with a ton of details. Many twists are revealed as you read, some I didn’t expect. My favorite character was the hero, Wes. He was perfect for the troubled heroine of this book. I will say that sometimes scenes were so detailed that I bogged down with the medical and military terminology. I’m a fast reader, and the author definitely made me slow down. I felt like I was going to miss a detail, even going back and re-reading a few paragraphs. Overall, a really good read with a plot that keeps you guessing.

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