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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Powder River Pack Series is a knock your socks off story. There seem to be stories inside of the main story and the author does a wonderful job bringing them all together.

Rylie is an outdoorsy biologist, not afraid to work and get her hands dirty. After heading back to her hometown eager for the career prospects she might find, she runs into someone that could alter the course of her entire life if she lets him of course. Who is this charmer that she can’t get out of her head? His name is Mason, and he just so happens to be the alpha of the Powder River Pack, single dad and bar owner. Mason has almost all but given up on finding his fated mate and the prospect of raising his son by himself. That is until he catches Rylie’s scent on the dance floor of his bar and is inexplicably drawn to her, but it seems he is not the only one who feels their connection. The unfortunate thing is Rylie has no idea about Mason’s kind and Mason has no idea how she’ll react when she finds out. Can Rylie open herself to the possibility of not only mated to a Werewolf but also the leader of his pack and help him lead? This book gave me all the feels and you can’t help but pull for Mason and Rylie. After all they were literally made for one another, can they get out of their own heads to find their happily ever after? If you love shifter romances, this is one series you should jump on reading!

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Vanessa Watts

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A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all kinds of shifter books and most of them have a fated mate, sometimes things go according to plan and other times not so much. This book will send your emotions on a roller coaster ride, sometimes cheering for Derek and Anabelle and other times yelling at them for being so blind.

Derek and Anabelle find love in each other at a very young age, but even the best love sometimes falls apart. At one point finding themselves apart and broken hearted, each with the same feeling of discontent in future relationships. Annabelle goes off and makes a career for herself, but finds she must return as her estranged father is dying. Out of a sense of guilt and duty she finds herself pulled back to fetterman, Wyoming. Where she must face Derek again except he is no longer the young man she once loved, he is bitter and angry and confrontational. Can Derek and Annabelle find their happy ever after together or is the past too much to overcome? Will Annabelle sacrifice the career she has built for herself for the love of a man she has never gotten over? This is a book all about how we don’t always know the full story when it comes to relationships. It is about overcoming the past and working to build a future worth living for. I loved this book and am super excited to read what comes next for the Powder River Pack!

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #3)Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This third book in the Bunya Junction series follows Scott and Franceen’s story. Scott, who is Sindy’s twin brother, has been feeling all the pangs of his twin sister’s pregnancy issues. He is the hunky doctor at Waratah River where he meets Franceen who is coming on as an OB for the hospital.

Franceen who is clearly not ready for any romantic entangles meets Scott the hunky doctor at Waratah hospital. Sparks instantly fly between the two though Franceen is not ready to dive into another romance anytime soon. The longer she works with Scott the more she realizes that not all men are the same and Scott seems eager to prove just how different he is, definitely not shallow and unreliable. Can Franceen put the past behind her to build a future with a man eager to give her the world? Or is the past doomed to repeat itself? This is a happily ever after story that will make you fall in love with being in love all over again.

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #2)Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Bunya Junction series and we follow Pandora and Jonas’ story. Supermodel Pandora flees her taxing life as a model and ends up landing in the small town of Bunya Junction. In an unplanned event she lands in Jonas’s pub looking for a safe refuge from her life.

Jonas does not expect the model Pandora to be kind and compassionate. Though a knight in shining armor he realizes the only one that can fix Pandora’s PR disaster is Pandora herself. Pandora knows she cannot hide out in Bunya Junction for the entirety of her career and she must face what she left behind. Will it all be too much for Jonas to handle or will he choose to stick by her as she cleans up the mess she made? I definitely enjoyed their story more than Sindy and Ryan’s story. If you liked the first story then this one is a must read book that will leave you pulling for them to find their happily ever after!

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #1)Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a lovely romance novel that not only touches your soul but steals your heart along the way. Everyone leaves home at one time or another, most vowing to never head back. However, Ryan must return to his old hometown to pay respects for not only his mentor but the man who took him in. Finding out then that he left half of his practice to him. With Ryan;s life seeming to implode in Sydney maybe a fresh start is exactly what he needs.

The other half of Colin’s practice has been left to nurse Sindy Carruthers who is Ryan’s best friend’s sister. Sindy is sure that with Ryan’s success that there is no way he will stay in Bunya Junction. However, Ryan may have other plans, now that nothing is holding him in Sydney. Can they take a chance on love and find their happily ever after? Or will owning this clinic tear them farther apart? This is a story for the romantics at heart, those that have always thought of the what ifs. And just what could happen when the puzzle pieces of fate fall into place!

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Behemoth (Grimm Wolves MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Behemoth (Grimm Wolves MC #1)Behemoth by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So this is a new to me author and sometimes you just never know what to expect. However, this was a hit out of the park book that pulls at the heart strings and suggests that though we can see all our flaws that doesn’t make us unloveable.

Francis has two lives: that as a firefighter and that as a biker known as stitch. If this is all there is to life he feels complete with the families he has chosen because his biological family is anything but a family. That is until he meets Damien who is the only child he has met that is not afraid of his scars and that he senses has some underlying abilities making him similar to Francis. He goes on to meet Grace Sinclair and really starts envisioning the family he could have rather than his lonely current existence. Is it too much to overcome or can they overcome all the obstacles to achieve their happily ever after? This is a must read book if you love romances mixed with intrigue and mystery. This book will tug at your heartstrings and pull you in from the get go!

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Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Plague of Death (Anchoress, #2)Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book picks up a year later as Van is training to use her light to protect the world. It starts with a brush by her greatest fear: the quasher, the dark to her light, that lives in the shadows. She trains herself and her team hard, and hardens her inside to be the best warrior for her people.

Unfortunately this summer sees her on a new adventure filled with even more risk since her powers are awakening and the enemy tribe have outlawed her traveling through the other world. With a new team along for the ride Vanessa must try to stop a mysterious illness that is turning terrigens into demons. Along this trip they run into long though lost friends and foes that may be allies in disguise if they can move past trusting each other. New tasks and trials for the anchoress to face to determine if she is worthy to possess other elemental items will lead to more death and self discovery. The anchoress must face the darkness within herself and open herself to feelings that she has suppressed for far too long. Can she trust her team and a prince to keep his word and finish the mission? This is definitely another journey that you should take with Van and her team, filled with battles and tribulations and new characters you;ll either love or hate. Either way the only regret you’ll have is if you don’t pick up and read this book, it is that good!

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Helm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book ThreeHelm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book Three by D L Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had high hopes for this third book after devouring the first two in one sitting and Ms. Armillei did not disappoint. We start back out with the Jaychund games which should be a slam dunk thanks in part to Vanessa being the anchoress. Yet when an outside player enters the games everything is up in the air, leaving her to guess what scheme is in play.

Vanessa along with her team is sent on another mission for the elders, but this time she needs to check the third seal to verify for sure it is not cracked. With her powers on the fritz and deep in enemy territory she breaks a Balish rule and is thrust into their own games. With old enemies that are still alive, a virus turning people into demons, a cloaked assassin, and a royal prince she hasn’t heard from in ages, Vanessa learns more about herself and suddenly the reason for this mission is uncertain. Can Vanessa get her anchoress powers under control in time to ensure herself and her team make it out of this mission alive? Is she any closer to finding out who the spy might be in her own tribe? Romance, battle, and games that are reminiscent of the hunger games, what more could you want in a fantasy book!

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress #1)Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book starts our journey with the anchoress and eventually discovery of herself and why she was created. I had a hard time putting this book down from the description of the characters to the scenery and the plot. It hooked me from line one.

We start off meeting Vanessa as she is struggling with who she is as a 15 year old girl in a wealthy family but not knowing her own path. She faces the typical bullies in school and yet favoritism by elders on the island. When all of a sudden her world is upended by the disappearance of her father, the elder’s belief that he is a traitor, and new information about why Vanessa attends certain special classes on the reservation. Vanessa is then selected to partake in a project, read mission, that she refuses to go on without her best friend Paley. Through breaking rules Vanessa manages to get Paley to the alternate world where they are discovered by the elder and sent on a mission that will forever change the course of Vanessa’s life. This journey is fraught with danger, unknown enemies and self discoveries. Can Vanessa uncover her ture mission or is she doomed to risk her friend’s life in an escapade that ends in failure? This is one journey you must take after all not everything is what it seems!

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles Book 2) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Vanessa Watts

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles, #2)To be a Fae Guardian by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment in the realm chronicles series by Tricia Copeland and after having read the first book, “ To be a Fae Queen” I was ecstatic to finally be able to dive into this book. If you haven’t read her first book that I mentioned above you definitely should before reading this one. It provides insight into the characters as they are introduced as well as the start of the storyline so you know what they have been through which makes them do what they do.

In this second book there are some changes at the high council and some disbelief at things Titania says happened. Now it seems that not only is Titania trying to protect her fae kingdom from the evil below but also herself from those who should be her allies. This book brings more of her family into the fold and we definitely still see the younger side of Titania as she tries to figure out not only ruling a kingdom, defending it from evil, but also growing and maturing into an adult.

This book leaves Titania questioning everything about what she is doing and her faith that it is right. Can she overcome the insurmountable odds to prove not only to herself but also high council that she is a right and just ruler of her fae kingdom? I cannot recommend this book enough to those that enjoy a fantasy adventure. This is one action packed book by an author who clearly knows how to knock it out of the park!

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Vanessa Watts

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles, #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have recently found a love of mythical/magical stories and so when I came across this one with the amazing cover art I knew I had to give it a try. This is a beautiful coming of age story of a fae princess named titania.

The book starts off right in the action with finding out the fae kingdom is under attack and King Oberon dismissing Titania to keep her safe as she is his only surviving child after losing his sons in the war. Eager to prove herself, Titania takes some carefully calculated risks and ends up securing a little bit of peace from their current enemy. After having proven herself King Oberon decides to give up his reign to Titania even though she is only 15 making her not only the only female ruler but also the youngest. However, her reign might be short lived as it is being challenged by those that have served her family for generations. Titania must overcome many challenges and stereotypes during her reign. Is she the best ruler for her kingdom or should she find another to take her place? What about this mystical power that her mother and Titania possess and what does it have to do with her family?

This is such a detailed storyline and possesses amazing descriptive scenes that make you feel as if you are right there in the book with Titania as she chooses the path not only best for her family but also for her fae kingdom. For thoses like myself, who have daughters, this book struck a chord and added a level of emotion as I can picture the things my girls may have to overcome simply for being female. It is amazing to see such a well written female led book that I am so excited to read the second book in this series and find out what is next for Titania.

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I have never before been so excited for a book to come out as I was for this one. If you haven’t read the first two books in this trilogy then do so because it makes everything easier to understand, especially as you follow the characters through their trials and tribulations!

We start out by discovering a new peace accord between the vampires and lycans and while most are on board there are old enemies of Tasha and Levi who don’t believe the laws should apply to them. Not only do Tasha and Levi need to defeat old enemies, they are faced with more questions than answers as they pursue war with the hellspawn. New magic entities appear to help out in the war but which side are they fighting for? How is the magic connected to Tasha and Levi and their love story? They are stronger together but can they withstand the storm of so many trying to pull them apart? This book is full of so many twists and turns I had no chance in trying to predict how it would end. If you love paranormal romance books then this book is perfect for you. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and the scenes are so vividly described it is almost as though you are right there with them!

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Vanessa Watts

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

First off this story is a wild ride full of emotional and physical suspense. The cat and mouse analogy seems to tame to even describe what the author has pulled off with her writing. Our main character Lexi is deemed a loose cannon at work, someone the bosses are trying to force out before she damages the reputation of the force or costs them a lot of money. Meanwhile Lexi is just dealing with past traumas that she can’t seem to outrun from the loss of a kid to her husband who committed suicide in the home they shared. Enter Xavier Knight who is brought in to test Lexi’s demeanor and see whether she is truly fit for duty or the loose cannon that everyone thinks she is.

Xavier is assigned as Lexi’s new partner in his undercover work with internal affairs as he evaluates Lexi. However, their first case throws them and their relationship into a tailspin when it is the body of a young boy. Once again Lexi has to confront the same man that her husband lost his battle to Book. Tempers flare while the investigation is happening and to avoid further lawsuit after a confrontation at the station with Book, Lexi and Xavier are pulled from the investigation. Xavier finally starts to realize that the department is forcefully trying to remove Lexi even though she is a good detective. He also finds that she may be right about Book’s involvement in the boys murder and agrees to investigate him with Lexi in secret. Both Lexi and Xavier are trying to hold their secrets close to their vests but what happens when they come to light? Will the ticking time bomb they are tiptoeing around implode taking them down with it? Or can the bring a murderer who has bested them to justice? This is one of the best books I have read this year and will look for other titles this author has written. Her characters are dynamic, the storylines explosive and the twists and turns keep you coming back for me trying to put all the pieces together before the characters themselves do.

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you made it to this book hopefully you read the first one titled, “Silent Gavel” first. The book can be a standalone but it ways make more sense if you read the first one before this. You can get a better feel for the characters and understand why things are happening as they are.
In this second installment we once again follow Lauren Besoner as she tries to rebuild her life after past events left her with too much trauma and needing to seek professional help. This time she is doing freelance work after leaving her last post of official court reporter due to the fact that she could not see working under her ex-husband Tony. She gets called in to report for a deposition of contested mental capacity of the chief of police’s mother regarding the ranch and all her assets. Shortly after she receives a call because the report is no longer needed to to the death of Ms. Archer. The police arrest a suspect quickly but after talking to her friend Dominick Lauren believes that once again the police have the wrong person. Lauren gets called in to be court reporter for her ex-husband in the case as the official reporter is on maternity leave. From the start things are not adding up for Lauren and she decides to do some sleuthing because she believes justice is owed and won’t rest if someone innocent is locked up. Throughout this book things about Lauren’s past are brought to light and she must learn that they do not define her, and she shouldn’t be judged for the actions of others. In this case is Lauren right about the accused? Can she make it through this trial without getting put on another killers hitlist? Put your sleuthing hat back on for this installment to see if you to can figure out who the killer is in time!

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Check In (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 2) by Debra Parmley – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Check InCheck In by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first book in this series before picking this one up which made the book easier to read and understand the characters. I recommend reading the first book before this one because it allows you to understand the characters better and follow the storyline. This book is a relatively short read, having finished it in an hour myself. Although short the character development is stellar even though I would have liked to see a little more drama to the storyline.
This book is Leann’s story that picks up where the first book left off. She ends up starting a new job at the bank and dating Len who happens to be a police officer. He is the sort of man every girl hopes to catch which makes you fall in love with him super quickly in this book. He calls or checks in with Leann to make sure she is doing alright. The one time she doesn’t contact when she should he finds out she’s in the middle of a bank robbery and is using every skill taught to her to survive. Can Leann survive another run in with a bad guy? Can Len save Leann in time? You’ll have to read to answer those questions and more.

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Check Out (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Check OutCheck Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love military romances probably because I have been connected to the military in very personal ways my whole life. It takes a deep understanding when service members come home sometimes with injuries that are invisible like PTSD. The author does a brilliant job depicting Nash’s military persona from being physically injured and the issues when it comes to dealing with the VA hospital.
Betsy is downright terrified when she meets Nash for the first time. Not only is he big and intimidating but is also missing an eye. The first time they meet he is not pleasant; he is angry and snaps at her over books. However, he changes her perspective of him when he waits to make sure she gets to her car okay as she is the last to leave for the night. He cleans off her windshield of ice, and then after noticing her flat tire offers to drive her home. From there he continues to attempt to woo her but feels shut down even though it’s unintentional because her sister comes into town. They have many battles as Nash feels like Leeann her sister is just as drama filled as his ex-fiancée was. But when trouble comes calling in Leeann’s campus stalker Nash fulfills his protector roll ensuring both sisters are taken care of. Can Nash make Betsy see him as not so scary? This is a must-read book if you like military romances. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and even make you lose some sleep for wanting to know what comes next.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the synopsis of this story I was intrigued and decided then and there to give it a go. I find for me fantasies and dystopian novels can be hit or miss. Some are easy to get into almost like receiving a hug from a good friend, others not so much. The author hit this one on the head with a beautifully written masterpiece that left me hunting down the second book to read what happened next.
We start off meeting Talise and her aunt Marmie as they journey through the gate so Talise can be tested and gain entrance into the academy. The guard initially dismisses her, after all she is from the storm and people their do not typically can shape any elements. The storm is more about survival than making their way out of it. Talise surprises the guard by being able to shape all four elements fire, air, water, and earth. She works hard at the academy to become master shaper, after all it is the only way out of the storm. Everything is on track until her Aunt Marmie passes away and a newcomer showcases his skill in shaping abilities.
All seems lost after conflict with Aadan at the competition in front of the emperor sees them both held in a room unsure of their fates. They decide then and there to work together, escape the chamber and hold audience with the emperor. He then does something unprecedented and decides to select two master shapers from this class. Training begins and is unconventional in what Talise and Aadan have read about what other master shapers went through. Slowly but surely secrets start unfurling and they are thrust in a war they may not be ready for. Can they both make it out alive and protect the emperor? Can their relationship survive the secrets? This is a very long read having condensed so many novellas to build this trilogy. Yet, it is one book you may have trouble putting down. Be careful with reading at bedtime, as that one last chapter seems to go on forever!

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the mafia elite series and this one completely knocked my socks off. While it is a stand alone book the characters and their interactions make a lot more sense if you read the first book first.
Sophia and Enzo have history a lot of it, but as adults he is contracted into marriage to someone else. Mafia marriages tend to lend them to the best outcome for the families whether it be alliances, money, or power. Enzo just cannot get Sophia out of his mind and knows that as heir to a throne marriage would put her into a dangerous situation. Now Sophia’s well being is being threatened by an outsider who knows she has secrets about Enzo’s missing contracted bride. With Sophia being an up-and-coming fashion designer she jets off to Milan for the fashion show with an entourage of body guards and the hope that she’ll be safer. Only trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. Will the secrets tear Enzo and Sophia apart? Can Enzo protect Sophia from a madman determined for information? What about Katya, can she even be trusted? Read this book to find out all these answers and more. This is an action-packed page turner that you will get lost in.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Vanessa Watts

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has proven once again that she is one of the best romance writers out there today. The way the characters interact gives the reader the ability to perfectly imagine them in real life. The scene set up is so realistic and thought out that the events seem to be happening right in front of your eyes.
Arranged marriages are a way of life in some cultures especially for those with daughters looking to increase their family fortune or power. So, it is no surprise that Benito Brambilla only keeps his daughter around for just that purpose, after all the mafia is a dog-eat-dog kind of world. Though enter Max who comes in with a suspicious background looking to mess up whatever plans Brambilla and is dad Antonio have in the works. At first it was a save Liliana scenario and reconnect her with her grandpa on her mother’s side and bring Antonio down for what he did to Max and his mom. As the tangled web starts to unweave more secrets slip out and more truths come to light. After all who really is Max? Who killed Liliana’s mother? Are Max and Liliana destined to be another casualty of a long-standing mafia war between two of the five families? This is a must-read book that will answer all these questions and leave you hungry for more. I cannot wait to dive into the second book in this series, they are that good!

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10) by Louisa Bacio – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10)Sea Mage by Louisa Bacio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have never heard of this author before, but after reading the synopsis I decided to give it a go. It’s definitely a quick read that took just under two hours to read cover to cover.

This book pulls you in right from the start with action and maintains that perfect pace from start to finish. The characters are well thought out and the scene description makes it feel like you’re right there with the characters.

We start out with Serena having to take over nanny duties for the elven princess orphan whose parents were murdered. She runs into trouble as soon as the shadows close in. Add to that toddler tantrums with severe weather phenomenon and that spells a recipe for disaster. What about Peder? Can Serena trust him with her secrets or does he have to many secrets of his own? Can the guild figure out who killed the elven rulers while defending the heir to the throne? You’ll have to read this book to answer those questions. Having just finished this book myself I want to read them all so I don’t miss a thing in this enchanted world!

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

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

Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray is the first installment in this series and all I can say is wow. Filled with dragons, elves, action, drama, and of course magic this book has everything a fantasy reader could want. Ms. Wray’s word building is original and her plot and story line flow beautifully. Combine that with her amazing characters and scenery descriptions and you have a fantastic adventure. Ms. Wray tells her story wonderfully and has a way of pulling the reader right in. So if your looking for a great weekend read then I highly recommend Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray. I know I for one can’t wait for Book two.

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The Girl and the Demon (The Girl and the Raven Book 3) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Girl and The Demon (The Girl and The Raven, #3)The Girl and The Demon by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It breaks my heart to write this review as we conclude this wonderful series. If there was ever a series that made you wish for more this would be it. Having a teenager of my own it has been wonderful following Lucy as she grows comfortable with who she is and the forces that have shaped her.
In this last book Marcus must go out of town due to a familial obligation and her father Jude is still out of town on his own mission. You would think that with these powerful men out of her life temporarily things might slow down for a bit. That doesn’t happen as one of the mean girls in her friend group performs a séance and accidentally unleashes an evil entity on their city. Lucy must reveal her secret powers to save her friends after coming to the realization that they are like family to her even the ones that don’t like her all that much. While Lucy tries to protect her friends and they try to protect her she catches some unwanted demonic attention. Can she protect her friends or is their city going to hell in a handbasket literally? This is a must-read series that will leave you hooked through the very end!

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven, #2)The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book in this series leaves off with the first as Lucy comes to terms with her father and maybe he’s not all that evil for a demon that is. But what about her other half, the witch side of her bloodline, it hasn’t had it’s awakening yet and what will happen when it does.
In this book we’re introduced to some new characters and new dimensions of the characters from the first book. First off, we finally get to meet Marcus’ parent when they come back into town, but their ulterior motives arise when they meet Lucy for the first time. As Marcus’ father lets the news slip about coming to town to kill Jude Lucy is faced with her own mortality. Now Marcus must put his hatred for Jude and Dylan aside in order to protect Lucy again except this enemy is his own blood. Add in some surprise characters that may tip the scales, but which side will come out on top? The next step in every great relationship is meeting the parents but did Lucy and Marcus bite off more than they could chew? This book should be on everyone’s must read list right after the first book in this series, they are that good!

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven Book 1) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is definitely a modern retelling of good vs. evil with twists and turns that make this one book you won’t want to put down. This book reminds me of a coming-of-age story for Lucy who not only survives a difficult childhood but has to come to terms with things not being what they seem.
The characters in this book are well thought out and multi-dimensional. The way they interact with each other through the book is witty and emotional. Lucy who loses her mom and moves in with her two uncles into her grandmother’s flat comes face to face with a new reality she never knew existed. Throw into the mix a father she has never met, the crazy aunt upstairs, a brooding boyfriend, a friend group that at times are more enemy than friend, and Dylan a guy that only seems to bring trouble and you have a recipe for disaster. But when Lucy falls into danger can they all come together to save her life? Is everything always good vs. evil or does some grey in between area exist? This is one book you definitely need to read; you won’t regret it.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title of this book doesn’t quite do the authors storytelling any justice. This is a truly powerful novel that every female should read once in their lives. As we follow the main character Mercy through all the sorrows her life contains, we see that it is all too easy to become wrapped in the sorrows of our past.
Mercy loses her very best friend to La Llorona and almost herself. It seems living in their small town of Sueno all the females are within her grasp and once she pulls you under no one can escape her. That is until Mercy chooses to defy her by not letting the sorrow of the weeping La Llorona to pull her under and instead focuses on happy thoughts to save her. This is a big about growing to be more than what your past dictates in a retelling of the story so beautifully written that you are feeling everything the characters feel. This brings about sadness, despair, depression, love, and hope for a better tomorrow. With a good moral of the story that we are only limited by what we chose to give a piece of our heart and soul too. It is all to easy to play the woe is me card, but it takes an inner strength to stand your ground when things get tough. Most females have gone through or experienced what the main character goes through and that is truly what makes this book so impactful. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to take this journey with Mercy, this is one book you don’t want to miss.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the synopsis I was a little nervous that I would not like this book after all I have never read or watched anything to do with vampire diaries. However, I am adventurous when it comes to reading and am willing to pick up a book not fitting within my normal selections. I am so glad I did just that because once started I could not put this one down.
Alena is so relatable with all the trials and tribulations she must go through as a teenager, add in being half vampire and half witch this just spells disaster. She already knows that her kind is forbidden because having no dominant side to her abilities and not having any weakened human qualities makes her someone that vampires and witches were taught to fear. This leads her on a journey of discovery of not only her powers but her own significance in this world which is relatable to everyone on this planet. When she meets someone like herself known that there are two forbidden children out there and the age-old battle of good vs. evil. Who will come out on top? As soon as I finished this book, I went out looking for the second one in this series. They are beautifully written, completely bingeable books that will leave you on the edge of your seat never expecting what might come next. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you won’t regret it.

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Wild Desire (The Protectors Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Kerry Baker

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Wild Desire (The Protectors, #1)Wild Desire by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wild Desire by Toya Richardson is the first book in The Protectors series. This is a good story with some likeable characters. There is a great mix of paranormal and romance, neither one seemingly to overshadow the other.
There were a few times in the story that I wish there has been a little more detail or it hadn’t felt quite a rushed but I think overall the author has created an enjoyable story. This book has set the background for the next books to follow. I thought this was was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I am looking forward to next one.

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THE GOD (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 2) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The God (Her Three Immortals, #2)The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book pulls you in, and the second makes you never want to get off this journey with Vanessa. It seamlessly picks up where the first book leaves off akin to gift wrapping a perfect gift that was the first book.
So now Vanessa is dead, stuck in the underworld with Grey who she has already deemed insufferable as if she wants to be there too. But alas it was a must for him to save her from the gold dusted arrow Aroz fired at her. She does make some new friends and the one that caps off this stellar book is Gorgonita, she is just awesome and sooo hilarious. I especially love how we see a new side to the chemistry between Grey and Vanessa. The character development and world building in Hazel’s writing is absolutely superb and if I keep discussing the book, I might give something away. That is the last thing I want to do to anyone because these books are just so dang good. If you haven’t read the first book “The Don,” do that as quickly as possible and if you have, I don’t know why you’re wasting time reading reviews just get the book and have fun devouring it!

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THE Don (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 1) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The DonThe Don by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely ensnared by this novel, that the pages seemed to race by and next thing I knew it was over and I was looking for the second book. I am a sucker for books about the Greek gods and this one did not disappoint.
Vanessa is your typical squeaky clean good girl that in the grand scheme of things just wants for her brother to beat cancer. However, thanks to her less than stellar neighbor, who is bound for Tartarus one day, she comes face to face with Grey. Grey is the Don of the underworld and the only God that can negotiate deals after the initial deal of a soul. Things go awry when she also meets Raef, his brother, and Aroz who is on a mission to ruin her with a cursed arrow. With her brother only having months left to live is Vanessa ready to trade a soul for a soul. This is a must-read book that flawlessly combines the Greek Gods into a new type of Romance novel that’ll leave you wanting more!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must start this review by saying not everything is as it seems. We all have our own versions of what happens to us but often everything ends up being not fully ensconced in truth.
This book starts out with Cady, our main character, riding home after a dinner to evaluate who to make a partner at the law firm. When she enters the basketball court, and her life is threatened by Mingo to which she must defend herself with lethal force to survive. Everything seems black and white at first it should be a successful stand your ground defense. However, we come to realize that not everything is as it seems as Cady’s past acts come to light, and more videos and pictures are released from that night. Slowly throughout this book the truth unravels like a ball of yarn and we’re left riding this rollercoaster that you just can’t get off because you must know what happens next. Is there such thing as a bad hero? Can someone do something bad but be forgiven because it is for the right cause? These are some questions you just might be asking yourself by the end of this book. The only thing I can add is that this is one book that will leave you on the edge of your seat unable to predict what comes next, or how the other shoe will drop!

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