Thoughts: As several states deal with the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene and the COVID outbreak over the last few years, this book rang a little tooThoughts: As several states deal with the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene and the COVID outbreak over the last few years, this book rang a little too true. In this one, the storms called Elprimo have devastated the US, as has a virulent disease that no one expected. Thousands dead, no electricity, no running water, towns devastated by both and cut off from everything because of storm damage.
Olivia and her friend, Brian, go to check on her horse, Shadow, at a nearby farm, but when they get there, Olivia discovers that Shadow has died. Given no chance to grieve, the elderly farmer sends them to a nearby farm to get hay for the remaining horses. Along the way, they find an abandoned 4-year-old girl, and thieves who steal their bikes, then accost them for the horses they’re riding. At the hay farm, they’re tasked with going to a nearby town for medicine for the family. They have to make their way through treacherous roads, a blizzard, and more, then get back home before more people die. I loved the dog with the rips. And how much they depend on the horse not just for transportation, but heart as well.
The two of them learn what it is to depend on each other for their lives and what desperate people are capable of. And that they are stronger than they thought. This is a story about friendship, survival, and strength of character.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone. ...more
Thoughts: This was an intriguing book. It didn’t immediately draw me in, but I found I couldn’t put it down. I just kept reading…and reading. And wondThoughts: This was an intriguing book. It didn’t immediately draw me in, but I found I couldn’t put it down. I just kept reading…and reading. And wondering what was going to happen next to the characters as I was drawn into their world(s). Not only were the characters well done, but the imagery was so vivid that I was there with Charlotte in Sy’s home on the bay. Or in her cottage as she took down the shutters and fought with the wasps.
Charlotte is a widow. Her husband, Jared, was killed in an auto accident that nearly killed her. But she came away from the accident with a new ability to understand involved math and physics. And memories of something different. Something she can’t explain—and doesn’t try. Nor can she explain her instant attraction to Sy when she meets him at a bar. The two develop a strong relationship and she begins to understand that the love she had for her dead husband wasn’t really love at all. Then her ex-father-in-law comes back into her life and she finds out things about both Jared and Simon (Sy) that rock her world to the core. She’s not sure which man is the hero and which one is the villain, but she knows where her heart lies. She also discovers that the multiverse is real and she, Jared, and Sy are connected through them all.
I loved the ending, but then the author added on an epilogue and we know that the universe isn’t done with these three. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Thoughts: At only a hundred pages, this was a short, quick read. Thor and Michael are good characters who have family issues—mostly with their fathersThoughts: At only a hundred pages, this was a short, quick read. Thor and Michael are good characters who have family issues—mostly with their fathers. But the two of them work well together. Thor is a DEA contracted agent searching for drug runners in a small town north of San Francisco. He meets Michael while staking out an area where the ships might meet and the two have an instant attraction. Michael helps Thor out and the two draw closer. The heat levels build nicely and the intimate scenes are well-written.
What I had a problem with was the length of the story vs. the subject matter. I really wish we could have found out more about why Thor and his father didn’t get along. And what happened between Michael and his father when he confronted him. I mean, it all worked out nicely in the end, but there could have been a lot more to flesh this story out. And the ending was more a “happy-for-now” rather than a HEA that is the way the author’s books usually end. This one just seemed rushed to me.
Recommended with the caveats above.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” ...more
Like most books, there were parts of this that I loved, and other parts not so much. The first part of the book seemed slow to me. TheA Magical Garden
Like most books, there were parts of this that I loved, and other parts not so much. The first part of the book seemed slow to me. Then the ending felt very rushed. We’re going along, with Naomi waffling between staying in her newly inherited grandmother’s home, or going back to Sacramento and her life there. That got a little old after a while. And all the angst about not having kids. In other words, I wasn’t overly fond of Naomi. But… the paranormal stuff was really good. Brownies helping around the house, a magical garden, the white stag, a griffin… perfect.
There were just too many things that didn’t quite add up to a great story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a “good” story, just not a great one. But I’m still interested enough to look for others in the series to find out what happens next.
Recommended for the magical parts of the book if nothing else. ...more
Wow. Just wow. This should really be a TV show - or a movie. I’ve read the entire series and this is the perfect conclusioThrilling Action and Romance
Wow. Just wow. This should really be a TV show - or a movie. I’ve read the entire series and this is the perfect conclusion to the series. In this one, Cassandra (the head of the Victory group) and Iain are finally finding the answers they’ve been looking for on who is trying to destroy Victory, and them. All their friends are back to help them figure it all out. And the answers are surprising - not just to me, but to the team as well.
I love the interaction between all the team members. They’re not just colleagues, but friends who do actually care for one another. Even when they’re angry at one another. And there’s just enough hope at the end that this might not be the complete end.
If you like thrilling adventure with your romance, definitely pick this one up - and all the rest of the books in the series as well.
I would have given this story 5+ stars except for one thing. They left me hanging. This isn’t a series so much as a serialized story Not a Stand Alone
I would have given this story 5+ stars except for one thing. They left me hanging. This isn’t a series so much as a serialized story - meaning it’s not a complete book, but just part of a larger book. It stops in the middle of action, leaving you dangling on the edge of a cliff. And I hate that.
Still… the story is really really good. The writing pulls you in. The characters excellent, the world building very well done. Fiona is perfect as the main character. She has issues - a lot of them. When her dad is kidnapped, all she can think about is finding him and getting him back. But her newly developed powers make her a dangerous weapon if she’s caught and used by the wrong people. And her father is the bait for a trap.
I loved the interplay between Fiona and the shapeshifter Declan and the mage Adam and vampire Connor. She has a lot to figure out, hopefully before she’s caught by the Literati and used as a weapon.
Definitely recommended with the caveat that you understand it isn’t a stand alone book and you’ll have to get the others for the full story....more
Thoughts: This is a mixture of hot romance (level 4 out of 5 on the flames) and murder mystery — which made for an interesting read. But I will say thThoughts: This is a mixture of hot romance (level 4 out of 5 on the flames) and murder mystery — which made for an interesting read. But I will say that it got a tad long at times. It seemed that when Austen and Suzanna weren’t jumping each other, they were trying to avoid Haley (Austen’s publisher’s wife), they were figuring out the whodunnit. So, three things going on, but all interwoven (nicely done!) into a final conclusion.
Austen has dreams of being a thriller writer. While on a murder mystery cruise, he meets up with the publisher he sent his manuscript to and they discuss a contract. He also meets – and is teamed up with – Suzanna. They’re supposed to be trying to solve the cruise murder mystery that was put on as a skit. Instead, they are instantly in lust and spend most of the weekend in bed. Meanwhile, the publisher’s wife has set her cap for Austen and is determined that nothing and no one will get in her way. Unfortunately, Austen doesn’t see things her way so she connives to get him any way she can.
Fast forward a year… Suzanna owns a bookstore in the Outer Banks and is a sponsor of a mystery conference where she hears Austen will be the keynote speaker. She was devastated when he broke up with her and has no idea why. She just knows she will never trust him again.
But… this is a romance. And a real mystery. The two team up again (and fall into bed again) to solve the mystery and live HEA. The only thing I was unhappy about was at the end – when there’s so much angst about Austen meeting Suzanna’s mother – but we didn’t get to see that. It was like a big thing and then nothing. Still, overall a good — if a bit long — story.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not solicited or paid to write this review. ...more
This was a good story with lots of angst and trouble for Maddie. This time, she has to figure out how to prove that her mother is iAntiques and Murder
This was a good story with lots of angst and trouble for Maddie. This time, she has to figure out how to prove that her mother is innocent in the death of a local antiques dealer. Maddie’s police detective husband wants her far away from this investigation, but that doesn’t happen. With the help of her friends, Dana and Marco, they look into various antique dealers and the things that go on behind the scenes—not all of it above board.
Maddie and her husband Jack have two-year-old twins who keep them running. I laughed at the antics of the boy who plays a game of “hide the cell phone” - which causes problems for everyone.
Maddie manages to get herself in serious trouble as she hunts down the real killer, but eventually, she does win (thanks to her best friend, Dana).
A fun addition to the series.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone....more
Thoughts: This is a short (novella length), sweet romance that takes place in the 1950s. Katie has finally landed her dream job in the big city—teachiThoughts: This is a short (novella length), sweet romance that takes place in the 1950s. Katie has finally landed her dream job in the big city—teaching dance at an “Arthur Murry” type studio. When she goes home to her small town to tell her family, she finds nothing but turmoil. Her mother has injured herself, the family might lose their business and their home unless Katie takes over. So she says goodbye to the city and stays home to help. Chaz, Katie’s high school crush is back home as well and the attraction goes both ways now. The author’s world building is very well done. You are back in the 50s with record players and jitterbugs. The story is a quick read and has a satisfying ending that will make you smile.
What I liked: Katie’s can-do attitude. The author did an amazing job of building the character. Even though it’s the 1950s, Katie is a strong female who doesn’t let obstacles stand in her way.
What I didn’t like: Nothing. This is a cute, sweet story with a HEA that satisfies.
Recommendation: Grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream and enjoy this quick read.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.
Merged review:
Thoughts: This is a short (novella length), sweet romance that takes place in the 1950s. Katie has finally landed her dream job in the big city—teaching dance at an “Arthur Murry” type studio. When she goes home to her small town to tell her family, she finds nothing but turmoil. Her mother has injured herself, the family might lose their business and their home unless Katie takes over. So she says goodbye to the city and stays home to help. Chaz, Katie’s high school crush is back home as well and the attraction goes both ways now. The author’s world building is very well done. You are back in the 50s with record players and jitterbugs. The story is a quick read and has a satisfying ending that will make you smile.
What I liked: Katie’s can-do attitude. The author did an amazing job of building the character. Even though it’s the 1950s, Katie is a strong female who doesn’t let obstacles stand in her way.
What I didn’t like: Nothing. This is a cute, sweet story with a HEA that satisfies.
Recommendation: Grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream and enjoy this quick read.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything....more
Thoughts: This was an interesting book, though I will admit, I was confused as to “when” it happened—I should have read the blurb! I kept thinking it Thoughts: This was an interesting book, though I will admit, I was confused as to “when” it happened—I should have read the blurb! I kept thinking it was earlier in the century and had to keep revising my thoughts as I read. It reads a little like a Regency, but it isn’t.
The characters of Mary Claire and Neil are interesting. As soon as they get together, you know how the story is going to turn out (after all, it is a romance), but it takes a while to get there. Mary Claire’s aunt is a bully, hands down. There is nothing redeeming about her at all. And I could have done without Jane, but there had to be a problem for Neil to overcome. Mary Claire is both shy and naïve but also stubborn at times—especially with Neil, who often gives into her demands.
Mary Claire and Neil form a fast friendship through their love of books and it is Neil who gets Mary Claire to stand up for herself against her aunt.
Recommendations: for a sweet romance that has a satisfying HEA ending, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Merged review:
Thoughts: This was an interesting book, though I will admit, I was confused as to “when” it happened—I should have read the blurb! I kept thinking it was earlier in the century and had to keep revising my thoughts as I read. It reads a little like a Regency, but it isn’t.
The characters of Mary Claire and Neil are interesting. As soon as they get together, you know how the story is going to turn out (after all, it is a romance), but it takes a while to get there. Mary Claire’s aunt is a bully, hands down. There is nothing redeeming about her at all. And I could have done without Jane, but there had to be a problem for Neil to overcome. Mary Claire is both shy and naïve but also stubborn at times—especially with Neil, who often gives into her demands.
Mary Claire and Neil form a fast friendship through their love of books and it is Neil who gets Mary Claire to stand up for herself against her aunt.
Recommendations: for a sweet romance that has a satisfying HEA ending, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”...more
What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Sheriff Riley Patterson proWhat was supposed to be a quiet vacation in Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Sheriff Riley Patterson promises Hannah safety, but that was just from a murderer.
Who would protect her from her heart?
This is a nice little romance with mystery, suspense, murder, mayhem, and, of course, lots of love. Like many category romances, it is predictable, but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story.
If you love romantic intrigue, happily ever after endings and cowboys, you’ll love this story.
Merged review:
What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Sheriff Riley Patterson promises Hannah safety, but that was just from a murderer.
Who would protect her from her heart?
This is a nice little romance with mystery, suspense, murder, mayhem, and, of course, lots of love. Like many category romances, it is predictable, but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story.
If you love romantic intrigue, happily ever after endings and cowboys, you’ll love this story....more
Thoughts: Tessa Treslow’s is ex-army and now works with her aunt Edna doing car engine repairs. Tessa is in her 40s and is a no-nonsense kind of persoThoughts: Tessa Treslow’s is ex-army and now works with her aunt Edna doing car engine repairs. Tessa is in her 40s and is a no-nonsense kind of person and when vandals start messing with businesses in town, she is called up to organize a citizen watch. Broken windows and stolen gifts are only the beginning as the events increase to include arson and murder. It’s up to Tessa and her cohorts to figure out who the perp is before things get even worse. But doing so, puts her and her aunt into danger.
This was a good mystery with clues and suspects sprinkled throughout the story. But I have to say, my favorite character was Magnus the Moose, who kept eating their Christmas decorations (the pine/fir boughs used to decorate the truck). Tessa and her family and friends attempt to have a great holiday while thwarting the perp(s) with clever ideas on tracking and stopping them.
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