The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had a hard time connecting to this book. There were facets that I enjoyed (the cute cats!) and other tones. I do not enjoy conspiracy stories so I think that played a disconnect role for me. Audri was also a little too nice. I wanted a bit more fire. Some good spice, though!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I like multiple point of view books. This was really a very sweet read. Being less of a spicy read was refreshing in this genre. I enjoyed the characters and the way their stories worked. I would read more by this author!
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Ellawyn was a relatable character. Her friendship with Benji was beautiful as was her developing relationship with Beckett. There definitely were some trigger themes in this book that tugged at parts of the heart and mind. I really like dual point of view stories. I would definitely read more of this series.
Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the fourth installment of this series. I’ve enjoyed the others but I think the storyline of this one was my favorite. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Karen. Brody was a great pairing for her and it was enjoyable to watch their story unfold. I am glad to have read the others in the series first but it could be read as a standalone in my opinion.
The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. Lonny was hard for me to connect with at first but once I did, I appreciated her character. I really enjoyed True, however, from the beginning. I liked the pace of this book and the overall story. I would definitely pick up more books by this author.
The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a good story. I could see some of my students enjoying this book especially those just starting to read chapter books. I thought the plot was easy to follow and the illustrations were cute as well. It is a good introduction to the sci-fi genre. It was definitely a story that students can relate to. I would recommend it to kids.
The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a nice story that I could see using in the classroom. I really appreciated the simplicity of it but the way that it could encourage interesting discussions. I found the concept of the hat very interesting and loved the connection to his grandpa. The format of the illustrations was interesting and I think that children would enjoy it. Overall, this was a cute book.
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a very cute story! I’m a cat person but found myself rooting for Toby at times. The first few chapters were well thought out. As the story progressed, I’m not sure if the details were added to plump the story but I didn’t always feel it was connected. I was also frustrated by the ending. Overall, this was a cute story that kids would enjoy reading.
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a cute book. Definitely not something I would normally pick up but I enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting that Cat’s moods while baking were influential of others. This is definitely a good book for middle school age/pre-teen and would recommend it. I also appreciated the recipes!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a fun sequel to Bake Believe. Again, loved the recipes after each chapter. The relationship of the grandmother with the granddaughters was really special and something I can connect with. This is another book I would definitely recommend for middle school age/pre-teen. I look forward to book three to see where the story goes.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I always like books like this one. The story of Kendall and Pete was good and had just the right amount of spice. I definitely think I needed the first book since there were some situations that were alluded to but it didn’t take too much away. As nice as Pete was, I had a difficult time connecting to his character. I enjoyed the storyline and it was a nice, quick read.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was definitely a little different than what I’ve been reading lately. It did start slow for me. However, the characters of the story are well developed and the plot keeps you invested. It was a nice vampire interpretation mixed with some other depths of mythology. The story did not always pan out the way you think it will which is refreshing from the predictable nature that this genre can have.
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a quick, spicy read. I like when books jump between the perspectives of the characters. The author did a good job crafting the plot in a short amount of pages. I could have seen this be a little longer to expand on some of the plot lines but then again that could have drawn it out essentially taking a way from the arc. I liked the characters but didn’t really connect with them. Overall, I would read more by this author.
The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a good book. I did like Josie and her story from past to present. The added element of COVID conversation really gave a deeper sense of unease. The pace of the story was good and the development of the characters. Definitely would read more by this author.
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I always love a second chance romance kind of book. I liked the layers of spice in this one. The element of loving kittens and books was another big sell for me. The chemistry between the two characters was well crafted. I would definitely read more by this author!
Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a pretty good book! It held my interest which is sometimes something I struggle with when reading new authors and when I haven’t read the first book in a partnership series. Lila being a survivor of a serial killer attack added a depth to her character for this genre. Her teamwork with Elizabeth was well crafted and connectable. I definitely will need to go back and read the first one!
The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick, enjoyable read. I really liked Ruby’s character and thought she was clever. It was fun to follow her along, solving the clues and trying to solve the murder. I would like to go back and read other books of hers. I look forward to seeing more in this series.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a cute story. I think that my second grade students would have a good time discussing what their “know it all pencil” would write. I had to read the story a few times because I felt like some of the plot was rushed and didn’t always make sense. I would be interested to see other writings by this author.
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was really engaged by this story! Clark was such a driving force for me. I was so angry reading this story because of the torture he was enduring. I felt awful for Kally and was glad that she had someone like Clark. The mother… I can’t even with her. Can’t wait until the continuation because I need to see what happens!
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a pretty good, quick read. The romance and chemistry between Ian and Grace which made you root for them. They way they were able to resolve their pain from the past as their love grew was a good, connectable piece. I especially enjoyed viewing it from the perspective of both characters. I really enjoyed this debut book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I did like the small town girl goes to the big city. It is one of my favorite themes of this genre. I’ve read others in this series and this one was not my favorite compared to those. I did think the chemistry was good between Mason an Rhyann. I would read more books by this author.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a book that is a little out of my comfort zone due to being a little darker than my usual vampire reads. I did find this story engaging. I am a sucker for vampires and star-crossed lovers which is what drew me to choose this book. The characters were very interesting as was the plot. I love new spins on vampire lore. I definitely look forward to the next installment.
Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I haven’t read the first three books in this series. I do not feel that it interfered with my enjoyment/engagement. I really thought the telepathic communication was an interesting aspect of this romance. I cannot imagine the frustration Russ felt hearing a voice in his head. I found the characters easy to connect with. This was a very original, different read for me.
(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I ended up liking the book but I had a really hard time coming to terms with Sophie’s character. Sometimes when a character’s internal issues overtake them as a character, it gets in the way of my enjoyment of the story. While this is personal preference, it happened during the first half of the book for me. I understood that a lot of her issues stemmed from her parents but it just took away something for me in connecting with her. Gil was the best part of this book for me. Overall, I liked this book and would read others by this author.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between Jeremy and Regan was well developed. You rooted for them with every obstacle. There was a good balance of steam and emotion. The author provided really good support in the development of the characters. I would definitely read more by this author.
So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good story of a well known plot line with a twist. Usually stories like this would be the younger female pursuing the handsome, older man. This story turned the tables and featured an “older” woman. As a woman approaching 40, I appreciated the perspective in this story. I felt that the relationship was plausible and I also liked the slow burn and build of their romance. I would definitely read more from this author and other books like this.
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the story of Cate and Patti. The plot was engaging and full of twists and secrets that kept the reader’s attention. I had a hard time putting the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen and how the truth would be set free. There were so many layers folding into the story and it was a different crime book than the types I normally read. I would recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I appreciated that I could follow the story without having read the first book. I enjoyed the Tree of Life and the weaving of mythology that comes along with it. The time old good vs. evil is well played in the storyline as well. Seth’s need to make impossible choices really helped deepen his character. I did not like jumping between characters but that is just a personal preference. I thought this was overall an interesting book.
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I always find dual timeline stories interesting. This was a love story and mystery entwined in one. I absolutely loved the description of the garments and the vintage aspects. While I do like paranormal, sometimes the psychic thoughts got in the way of me staying engaged. It was a good debut novel by this author.
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a sucker for second chance for romance stories. I really liked Levi’s character and who he was. Bryn took a bit for me to connect with and understand.. Part of that could’ve been her mothers influence. Levi, however, he was a success in the story as well as how it was written. I look forward to reading others in the series.
