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 The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy WalkerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is an enchanting and nearly lyrically written story. I was captivated by my immersion into the world Ms. Walker has created. At times I felt as if I were walking the forest paths with Issylte, gathering flowers and herbs. Issylte is a young princess when we meet her. Because of dark machinations, she flees her home and those she loves. But evil is relentless, and Issylte is never safe. Tristan is a chivalrous knight. He struggles to overcome what he considers his failings by a grueling way of self-denial and seeking to become the strongest of warriors. The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is not an immediate meeting and falling in love kind of tale but a sometimes leisurely, sometimes frantic adventure through magical realms. Magic, good and evil is at odds. Elves, druids, and mystical Avalon bring together the two fated lovers but not without heartache. The story finishes not with a solid 'The End' but with the satisfaction of knowing the second book is soon to follow, and I, for one, can’t wait. Oh, and I must mention Issylte’s love of horses really spoke to me. Highly recommended. View all my reviews 
Arresting Benjamin (Onyx Book 3)
By Amber Daulton Romantic Suspense Steamy This is not the first book I’ve read by Ms. Daulton, and won’t be the last. I love her Onyx series. After a one-night with the sexy musician on the brink of stardom, Belle, Benji takes the low road and disappears. Repentant and realizing he may have missed his chance at happiness, he tries to make things right. When he does, Benji becomes the man we all need in our lives. Belle thinking she’s on her own with an unplanned pregnancy, does what women all over the world do. Moves on with her life even though not the one she’d planned. Though trust has been broken, she allows the father of her baby the chance to make amends. Things are tough, though, and regaining trust is difficult. Add to the difficulties is a well-fleshed-out cast of secondary characters with their own opinions on the matter, a deranged stalker, street gangs, and a police force that, at every corner, is stymied by funding and staff shortages. This is a fast-paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until a harsh but satisfying ending. I highly recommend this novel which can be read as a standalone, but the reader will be well served by engaging with the entire series. 
Sound of a Wylder Silence
by Marilyn Barr This is an easy read with a deeper message for all of us. Some sensual content I fell in love with Ikshu Sagebrush while reading Ms. Barr’s previous Wylder story, Dance to a Wylder Beat. The silent brother struck a chord with me. I was thrilled when I found out Sound of a Wylder Silence was soon to follow. Ikshu’s trauma as a young boy left him without a voice. His artistic heart couldn’t handle the savagery of an attack on his people. And even before then, as a gentle soul, he was judged on his lack of ferocity. Not believing he deserved happiness, he was satisfied to live nearly as a hermit on his brother’s homestead. Ava Wylder, daughter of the town of Wylder’s founder, hates the big city. The noise and shallowness of society have made her miserable. As a hearing-impaired person, I can relate what overstimulation by sound can do to a person, and I found her very relatable. She is also a woman ahead of her time. The romance is fun, and, at times, laugh out loud as Ava pursues the shy Ikshu. The world-building is terrific, and I could imagine myself being right there with them. This is an easy read with a deeper message for all of us. I highly recommend Sound of a Wylder Silence. 
Polly's List
by Kim Janine Ligon A sweet contemporary cozy mystery. A fabulous read from start to finish. Polly’s List is an engaging and fun read. All of the characters were delightful, including the basset hound, Rhett. From the opening scene to the ending sentence, you’ll enjoy this book. Mikal is a single mom raising a precocious son, Will, who is both sweet and intelligent. She loves her small town and her neighbor. When Polly is injured, what at first seems an accident turns into a deadly who dun it. The book interweaves the crime with a sweet romance with a rocky start when CJ, Polly’s grandson, returns to town. The twists and turns kept me engaged from page one to the end. One thing that surprised and pleased me was the integration of the characters’ faith without proselytizing. This is done organically, and in a way, most of us can relate to. I highly recommend Polly’s List as a well-written, surprise-filled, action story with a happily ever after romance.
Fatal Hunt
by Michelle Godard-Richer Crime/Thriller/with light Paranormal elements Fatal Hunt is a non-stop thrill ride. Just when you think you can breathe, another twist, and a family on the run and back in danger. Who’s out to get them? The bad guys, of course, but who are the bad guys? The mob boss? The assassin? The FBI? The friend? The mysterious woman? Pregnant Jessica, her husband, a retired FBI agent Jon and their 8-year-old son Bryce are all targets running from their home, to a hideout, to a safe house. Even their relatives are in peril. I love Jessica’s Aunt Debbie, who takes matters into her own hands in one showdown. Just when you think you get it, the ghost of Jessica’s decease husband shows up. The world-building and descriptions pull you in, and don’t let go. I highly recommend this hang-on-to-your-seat thriller with a loving couple and son. 
Fury of Destruction
by Coreene Callahan It's a 🦉🦉🦉🦉Review I am a fan of Paranormal Romance, especially dragons. A large percent in this genre are steamy and use rough language. I gloss over these when reading, so my review will be based on the story, worldbuilding, and characters. Fury of Destruction is a familiar world since I've read many of the previous books and looked forward to revisiting the Dragonfury world. One of the things that stood out to me from the beginning and carried throughout the story even more than the romance was the brotherhood. Gage is the primary male lead. He and his two fellow metallic dragons have been damaged by the enemy who held and tortured them. (This is a previous story not detailed in this book) The relationship between them connected me to the main character more than any previous books. Gage is tough, no-nonsense, and a fierce warrior. But he is a warrior with heart. A huge heart. Not only do his friends count on him, but his leader respects him. Samantha is the female lead. I adore her bright sarcastic wit, tender heart, and sheer courage. Sam has had a tough life, but she is an overcomer and someone you want to have a happy life. She rolls with the punches, and even when a scene overwhelms her, she recovers and keeps her humanity. Worldbuilding and action are well done, never being too much or too little. The pacing keeps you rollicking along and often laughing out loud at the dialog between characters. The main characters get a satisfactory ending. So much room is left in this series, especially with the multiple antagonists. Fans of paranormal romance will enjoy this book. I highly recommend Fury of Destruction. You can probably figure this out without reading the other books, but for the full richness of the Dragonfury world, start at the beginning and binge. 
Looking for something a little steamy for the cool September evening? A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: AIDEN By my friend and colleague, Peggy Jaeger is releasing Book 2 in the series on 9.8.2021. This is a Romantic suspense/women’s fiction/contemporary romance/NYC Romance and she's giving us a peek Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister's death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn't believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn't know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered. Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client. When their investigation puts Lexi's life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her. Grab a copy today at one of these digital book stores https://books2read.com/u/braGJZ 
This is a D. V. Stone 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 review
I kind of stumbled across this book looking for something fun and it sure was. As a lover of fantasy and fairytales, I found this book delightful, well-written, and engaging. The stories give the reader a quick yet thorough escape from their day. I read all of them in one evening. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0188R7MU2
Book Review
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 A Witch's Quandry by Tena Stetler * Steamy * Brewed together are love, betrayal, struggles for power, and family ties. First, a disclaimer. *I receive a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review* That said, I finished the book in two days. Captivating and engaging, it grabbed me from the start and held me with twists and turns. The beginning starts with a broken-hearted Gale surrounded by her friends after a breakup. She pulls herself together and owns her decisions. Dillion regrets his impulsive anger and ensuing behavior but can’t find a way back. His family is in trouble and counting on him to help. I love that Gale is more potent than most of the other characters, including Dillon, who accepts it without blinking. The secondary cast is fun and engaging without stealing the story. If you are looking for a magical love story, I highly recommend A Witch’s Quandary. https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Quandary-Demons-Witch-Book-ebook/dp/B095291TGN |
Sled on over to and read about my Editing Thoughts in Lessons from the Holly Bush at https://writedespite.org/
"I love sharing this story about my husband, Pete. It’s an apt metaphor for the editing and publishing process."
"I love sharing this story about my husband, Pete. It’s an apt metaphor for the editing and publishing process."
These three books are all quite different and that's the way I roll. I enjoy books from across many genres and here are two paranormal and one contemporary. As usual, I'll never post something I don't enjoy. There's no hard and fast rule about who enjoys what. I'll always give you reviews on those I like. The other's well my momma always said if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all.
Woke- by Peggy Jaeger 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 Contemporary with a nod to Sleeping Beauty
I loved the story. Waking up from a coma, Aurora faces struggles physically and emotionally. She's such a strong character. The world around her has changed so much. She needs to reconcile her girlish and immature past to the more mature woman she's now is. What happened to her friends? Who drugged her and why. There's so much mystery and suspense to keep the reader hooked. Especially when she bumps into the handsome Kincaide Enright. What secrets does he hold? The secondary characters were also well written. I recommend Woke by Peggy Jaeger and think you will enjoy it.
https://www.amazon.com/Woke-Peggy-Jaeger-ebook/dp/B087NVX52Q
Cursed Prince- by D.N. Crawford 🦉🦉🦉🦉 Paranormal Romance
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2020As a fan of fantasy and especially elves, I downloaded this book. Immediately, I was caught up in the story. To me, it is a unique telling in a dystopian, modern manner. Both main characters are well developed and engaging. There is subtle humor. The world-building is exceptional. There is some minor cursing, and no explicit sex scenes, which I appreciate. I read this book in two days on a camping trip and thoroughly enjoyed it.
https://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Prince-Night-Elves-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B087JYDH1K
Midlife Magic - by Victoria Danann 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 Paranormal Romance
I loved this book. I'm a fan of Ms. Danann's Knights of the Black Swan series and she didn't disappoint me with Midlife Magic in this new series. Sometimes poignant, sometimes laugh out loud I enjoyed this book about a woman find herself on her own but then given a second chance at an exciting and adventurous life. A page-turner from cover to cover, I look forward to reading the next book.
www.amazon.com/Midlife-Magic-Paranormal-Womens-Fiction-ebook/dp/B086RTMD5Q
Woke- by Peggy Jaeger 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 Contemporary with a nod to Sleeping Beauty
I loved the story. Waking up from a coma, Aurora faces struggles physically and emotionally. She's such a strong character. The world around her has changed so much. She needs to reconcile her girlish and immature past to the more mature woman she's now is. What happened to her friends? Who drugged her and why. There's so much mystery and suspense to keep the reader hooked. Especially when she bumps into the handsome Kincaide Enright. What secrets does he hold? The secondary characters were also well written. I recommend Woke by Peggy Jaeger and think you will enjoy it.
https://www.amazon.com/Woke-Peggy-Jaeger-ebook/dp/B087NVX52Q
Cursed Prince- by D.N. Crawford 🦉🦉🦉🦉 Paranormal Romance
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2020As a fan of fantasy and especially elves, I downloaded this book. Immediately, I was caught up in the story. To me, it is a unique telling in a dystopian, modern manner. Both main characters are well developed and engaging. There is subtle humor. The world-building is exceptional. There is some minor cursing, and no explicit sex scenes, which I appreciate. I read this book in two days on a camping trip and thoroughly enjoyed it.
https://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Prince-Night-Elves-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B087JYDH1K
Midlife Magic - by Victoria Danann 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 Paranormal Romance
I loved this book. I'm a fan of Ms. Danann's Knights of the Black Swan series and she didn't disappoint me with Midlife Magic in this new series. Sometimes poignant, sometimes laugh out loud I enjoyed this book about a woman find herself on her own but then given a second chance at an exciting and adventurous life. A page-turner from cover to cover, I look forward to reading the next book.
www.amazon.com/Midlife-Magic-Paranormal-Womens-Fiction-ebook/dp/B086RTMD5Q
Middle Ageish
by
Shirley Goldberg
I took a step outside of my usual genres because I'd heard about and was intrigued by this book. Thank goodness I've been happily married for 26 years. I fear I wouldn't survive today's online dating. That said, I have someone close to me who has been through this. Let me tell you, this story may be fiction, but knowing what I do through this person, it can all be true. Middle Ageish is at times funny, at times poignant, at times heart-wrenching, but at all times interesting and entertaining. I love Sunny. She is smart, funny, strong, yet vulnerable. Even when her sometimes snarky mind is mean (she is a bit judgy with weight), you can't help rooting for her. The men she meets you think can't be for real, but they are. The situations far fetched? Nope. Ms. Goldberg seems to know what she's talking about. I love the world-building and the food descriptions will have your mouth watering. When she finally gives sweet Luke a second chance, you'll be rooting for both of them.
by
Shirley Goldberg
I took a step outside of my usual genres because I'd heard about and was intrigued by this book. Thank goodness I've been happily married for 26 years. I fear I wouldn't survive today's online dating. That said, I have someone close to me who has been through this. Let me tell you, this story may be fiction, but knowing what I do through this person, it can all be true. Middle Ageish is at times funny, at times poignant, at times heart-wrenching, but at all times interesting and entertaining. I love Sunny. She is smart, funny, strong, yet vulnerable. Even when her sometimes snarky mind is mean (she is a bit judgy with weight), you can't help rooting for her. The men she meets you think can't be for real, but they are. The situations far fetched? Nope. Ms. Goldberg seems to know what she's talking about. I love the world-building and the food descriptions will have your mouth watering. When she finally gives sweet Luke a second chance, you'll be rooting for both of them.
Book Review - The Fudge Ripple Effect by Nick Greenwood
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 It's sure tough to go back home as an adult child especially when you feel like a failure. Jaz is an artist who's life in Arizona has fallen apart. She heads home to Rhode Island an overbearing parent who wants to mold her into the perfect high-class daughter and fold her into the family business. Sawyer is a great guy. He's the generational owner of Henny's Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, a town favorite with deep roots and history. An accident shatters not only the historical front window but hopes for a profitable summer season. When Jax, a glass artist, answers the advertisement for someone to fix the window, neither expects to not only have the window mended but both their hearts. I thoroughly enjoyed this small-town story, it symbolism, and of course the ice cream. Fudge Ripple is one of my favorites. |
Book Review- The Haunted Purse by Kimberly Baer
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I eagerly grabbed The Haunted Purse as an advanced reader copy from Booksprout after reading the description. It wasn’t what I expected. It was so much more. Certainly, the book was about a purse that was haunted and leaving clues about a murder, but as I read, the bigger story of a neglected child facing the dangers of the world went straight to my heart. At times the story was funny, tension-filled always, heartbreaking often. Engaging me from page one and holding me captive until the end. The author does a great job of character development, world-building, and an unexpected storyline. I appreciate near the end that not all things can be neat and tidy. That the villain is not the obvious, and help can come from unpredicted places. I believe you will enjoy this book. |
You can’t ask for more from a story.
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I haven’t had a flavor yet I didn’t like from the One Scoop or Two series but Always, Almond Fudge really touched me. There is a scene with the main male character, Anthony, that made me pause, put my hand over my heart and go, “Aww!” You can’t ask for more from a story.
The main female character is Merry and even though young, she is quite admirable with a work ethic, happy disposition, and loyalty to family, and yet doesn’t let go of her dreams.
I also like the style where the present day mother is handing down the oral history of their family to her son and the connection he finds with his relatives.
I loved this short, sweet story of a world I didn’t know, but now miss. Read this book. You won’t be sorry and you’ll dream of a time and world of care, innocence and love. And maybe begin to crave a bowl of Almond Fudge ice cream and someone to share it with.
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉
I haven’t had a flavor yet I didn’t like from the One Scoop or Two series but Always, Almond Fudge really touched me. There is a scene with the main male character, Anthony, that made me pause, put my hand over my heart and go, “Aww!” You can’t ask for more from a story.
The main female character is Merry and even though young, she is quite admirable with a work ethic, happy disposition, and loyalty to family, and yet doesn’t let go of her dreams.
I also like the style where the present day mother is handing down the oral history of their family to her son and the connection he finds with his relatives.
I loved this short, sweet story of a world I didn’t know, but now miss. Read this book. You won’t be sorry and you’ll dream of a time and world of care, innocence and love. And maybe begin to crave a bowl of Almond Fudge ice cream and someone to share it with.