Category Archives: Review

NA, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Witches, YA

#Review – 13 Ways to Midnight (The Midnight Saga Book #1) by Rue Volley

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13 Ways to Midnight : (The Midnight Saga, Book #1) by [Rue Volley]



TWILIGHT meets PRACTICAL MAGIC with a dash of SUPERNATURAL.

You’ll never miss the sunlight until it’s gone.

Sixteen-year-old Echo Navarri, daughter of world-famous archaeologists, Alice and Peter Navarri, has spent her life traveling from one expedition to the next as her parents unearthed lost civilizations. On their thirteenth dig, Midnight, Echo’s twin sister, disappears without a trace. This prompts a year-long search that leaves the family nearly broken. In an attempt to find some closure they reluctantly host a mock funeral for Midnight without ever recovering her remains. Nearing the one-year anniversary of Midnight’s assumed death, Echo is sent to live with her eccentric Aunt Luna who is the caretaker of the centuries-old Navarri Estate in Port Royal, Maine. Echo attempts to settle into her new life in Port Royal, but soon finds that she’s destined for adventure as the mystery of her family’s history, the sunless town, and its oddly intriguing people teeter on the supernatural.



Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

First and foremost, I LOVE THIS COVER! Second, I have no idea why it took me so long to read this book!

“Curiosity is for the devil and fairytales.”

 I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the world that this author has built. It is intriguing, compelling and truly captivating. A beautiful story of loss, love, and some crazy, sprinkled with the perfect amount of humor and teenage angst.

“You’ll be okay. Embrace the journey, little one.”

The fresh take on the paranormal world was amazing. It teetered on paranormal for a good part of the book, so it really kept you guessing and turning the page to figure out what is happening.

“Then I closed my eyes. I could feel a dark presence behind me. Something ancient and evil. Something that hunted without mercy. I turned to face it, and my mouth lay open.”

I sort of started to roll my eyes when it started to go in the direction of Twilight, but the author stopped almost as sudden as it started and went in a completely different direction. This again had me turning to the next page. This is the type of story that kept me saying, “just one more chapter”, well into the early hours of the morning. I truly love Echo’s Aunt Luna. You can always sense that something is a bit off with her but she is an amazing character in the story. The same can be said about Echo’s new friends. There are still so many secrets to unravel that I can’t wait to continue Echo’s journey. Bravo, Rue Volley! You have yourself another fan!

 

Rue Volley

Connect with Rue:

Website: http://www.ruevolley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruevolley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rue-volley

Twitter: @RueVolley

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Rue-Volley-146299465525490/?fref=ts



Apocalyptic, Reverse Harem, Review, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 #Review – Creepy: A Post-apocalyptic Reverse Harem Romance (The Zombiepidemic Book 1)  by Morgan Jane Mitchell

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Creepy: A Post-apocalyptic Reverse Harem Romance (The Zombiepidemic Book 1)

Welcome to Creepy, Louisiana, Population 1.
Sissy outlasted the Zombiepidemic, but when other survivors arrive, she finds herself with another dilemma, too many men to choose from. Sounds like a good problem to have if it weren’t that a parish over, her ex has become the king of a gang of savages called the Stayers. Dillon is hell bent on making her his. Can her new suitors save her from an old one or can she really have them all?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

There were many different aspects of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sissy lives in Creepy and is the only resident. She has a routine for scavenging, stock piling, and keeping safe. Her ex has assured her that no one will mess with her but he has to give him some ‘Miss Mary’ in return. They have quite a past and the way he changed really has her messed up inside because she doesn’t understand it. She keeps him sated so he will keep his thugs away from her. Then one day, a new neighbor comes to town. But this neighbor is hawt! Then another! All of a sudden, it’s a party, LOL! There is a lot of tension and angst that is built up throughout the book with a good storyline. It really makes you think about what you would do if you were in the same situation and how you would handle it. I imagine that I would be a lot like Sissy. She is a great female lead for this story. The push and pull between her and her men is delicate but just blooming too. There is a lot more to develop on this level and I imagine it will explode. Now, I generally use books as my escape so I must say that the only thing I didn’t care for is that the handling of the Zombie pandemic was very similar to the handling of the Covid pandemic, and I am sort of over it. Other than that point (and it was not dwelled on long) the story was great and has me looking forward to the next in the series.

 

Morgan Jane Mitchell

www.morganjanemitchell.com

www.facebook.com/themorganjane

www.twitter.com/morgijane



Contemp. Romance, NA, Review

#Review – The Fisher Men X My Heart: Book 1 by Rebel Nicks O’Dey

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The Fisher Men X My Heart

After the incident, four brothers vowed to love, but never date her.

Morgan made her chicken soup to feed her body and soul.
Connor taught her what love is during their weekly movie date.
Xander held her when the demons wouldn’t let her sleep.
Zack made her a badass who is no longer afraid of the dark.

The girl next door is coming home, all grown up, and ready to claim one of them. Has it been long enough?
Separating the girl who needed them, from the woman who wants just him, will make navigating a relationship through the hooks of the Fisher Family, and the mysteries that surround them, difficult at best.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Girls, I’m hooked! This is the first book I have read by this author but it most certainly won’t be the last! I need more of the Fisher Men in my life! I don’t normally get too into romance stories but this one, let me tell ya, is soooo much more! This isn’t your normal romance. There are some reverse harem aspects but nothing that crosses the line. Basically, these guys all protect her but have a pact to not date or claim her. They will do anything to make sure she is safe and protected. These boys were raised right! There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book that the author outlines stupendously. She even has it marked in the book so that if you are uncomfortable, you can skip that part and not miss the story. The Fisher’s parents founded ‘Safe Space’ and help people that are victims of abuse or are in cult type situations. But when Kateri (the Fisher’s sister) and Samantha are assaulted, both need very different things. These boys are fixers and Samantha needed that. This book takes place after Samantha left for college and comes back to town as a woman. When she and the Fisher’s collide there is a different type of tension that grips your heart. I mean this will give you ALL the feels! I don’t really want to say a lot about the story because I don’t want to give anything away but you absolutely NEED to read this. There are quite a few characters that are very important to the story which is told from many of their points of view. The author did this seamlessly and it makes the story just that much better! This is an amazing story of self-discovery that is heart wrenching, panty melting, swoon worthy, but wholesome with a ton of the feels! Boy, I never thought I would put those words in a sentence together but this author, Rebel, you made me do it! Bravo! Can’t wait to put my hooks in the other Fisher Men!

Rebel Nicks O'Dey

Age Gap, Review, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 #Review – Twisted Ink by Naima Simone

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Twisted Ink

Many women have fallen in love with the wrong men. I’m not the first. Hell, history is full of them.

Helen of Troy.

Anne Boleyn.

Bonnie Parker.

Elizabeth Kendall.

Oh, I’m far from alone. Now, I didn’t fall for one of America’s most notorious serial killers but still… Being in love with Jericho Fox, my mother’s ex-boyfriend, has doom written all over it.

Eat your heart out, Juliet Capulet.

Goodreads

Prolific Works

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I received this book from Prolific Works.

Love me some Jericho! And if I was in Eurydice’s shoes, I think I would have done the same thing!

“…fairy tales are for books in the public library, not for kids south of the train tracks.”

I have no clue how Eurydice’s mother and Jericho ended up together because momma is a hot mess…like gone off the rails of the crazy train mess. Well, Jericho wizened up and left (thank the gods) but he kept in touch with kids. He noticed an art talent that they had and tried to cultivate it. Well her brother followed in her mother’s footsteps but Eurydice keeps on keepin’ on and Jericho mentors her at his tattoo shop, and ultimately gives her a job. These two have been close and no one can come between them. But slowly things between them become “more than friends”. They both can feel this tension and have no idea how to handle it. But when that line is crossed…fireworks explode! This is a very well written story with the perfect amount of tension and angst all leading up to the grand finale of awesomeness. The only thing that I didn’t like about this is the fact that it ended! I so hope that this story continues…fingers crossed!

Naima Simone

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

M/F/M, M/M, M/M/F, New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance

#Review #NewRelease – In Between – An MMF Romance (Love is Love Series) by Andi Jaxon

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I’m the preacher’s daughter.

Dylan is the punk son of the bigoted sheriff.

Julian the new kid in town everyone talks about in whispers and avoids like the plague.

Dylan and Julian shouldn’t want each other.

It’s dangerous.

This town won’t accept them and yet I run towards the fire because love deserves a chance.

It’s not just them that’s in danger this time.

They both want me too.

I crave them and all they can offer me.

But I can’t have them.

It’s wrong. Perverted. Immoral. And I’m a good church girl.

At least, that’s what everyone thinks…

Can we hide who we are from a town who’s against us or will we be burned by their hatred?

*This is Mary’s story and can be read as a stand alone but will be best enjoyed after reading Bully King. This is an interracial MMF story and will have triggering language and situations due to racism and homophobia. If you would like a list of triggers in this book, please visit www.andijaxon.com/trigger-warnings

This book. Man this book. It felt like going home. I love this world and these characters so so much.

In Between is about Mary, Julian and Dylan. It’s an MMF story and man, once the sexy times start happening, they’re highly explosive.

Now for the review: We first meet Mary in Bully King. She’s Jonah’s sister – if you’ve read that book, yay! If not, grab it now! – She’s strong and fights for what she believes in. I wish I was half as strong as she was when I was her age. It would have made highschool so much easier. Anyway.

Julian is the new kid in town but isn’t taken well, based on the colour of his skin.

Dylan is a local bad boy, who says exactly what’s on his mind and uses sarcasm to mask his emotions, since he doesn’t know how to deal with them in the first place.

Attraction blossoms between the three of them. Things start getting hot and heavy first between the boys and then once Mary is involved, wowza.

But of course, things aren’t all flowers and puppies as time wears on.

Someone wants Mary. Apparently he thinks her good girl act is just that, an act. He’s dangerous and the boys try and do what they can to protect her but of course, they aren’t always around.

One thing leads to another and the boys have to rescue Mary before things get really bad. I won’t say exactly what happens but make sure to one-click this story to find out!

Add to the fact that both Julian and Dylan are dealing with their own personal issues. Man, it was heart breaking to read. Andi sure knows how to write grumpy boys. I thought Roman from Bully King was bad. He’s a kitten compared to Dylan in my personal opinion. Don’t tell him I said that.

If you love MMF type books, be sure to grab this one. It does deal with triggering situations. ex. racism, homophobia, etc.

Andi Jaxon writes these difficult subjects expetionally well. I’m in awe of her and her bravery to take on something that unfortunately still happens quite a lot on this world.

If I could keep these characters safe, I would. If you’re reading this, know that you are safe with me. Always.

2nd Chance, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries #standalone Perfect Problem (Mason Creek 20) by Cary Hart  

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Growing up, I spent my summers in Mason Creek.

From chasing fireflies to falling in love, it holds a lot of firsts for me.

Including Jase Jackson.

My first kiss.

And my first taste of heartbreak.

The cowboy next door stole my heart that first summer, and he’s had it all this time.

We made a pact to stay in touch, but like all best laid plans, they fell apart. By the time I made it back, he was long gone traveling the world, and I was left picking up the pieces.

Now, we’re both back to say goodbye to my beloved aunt. And in true, Aunt Shirley fashion, she goes out with a bang and plays Cupid from the grave. I need his help to fix up my aunt’s place. And he needs answers. If we can play nice long enough to forgive, maybe we can work together and both get the closure we came for.

If home is where the heart is, being back in Mason Creek with Jase isn’t just a coincidence, it’s the perfect problem.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59735369-perfect-problem

Amazon https://amzn.to/3xx2ahY

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book by the author for an honest review

Savannah has been coming to Mason Creek to spend time with her aunt every summer and she may have had her eye on an older cowboy there when she was visiting. One summer she said screw it and let him know exactly how she felt and he just happened to fell the same way about her. Their summer romance lasted as long as they could let it but it was time for Savannah to go back home to get ready for college and 8 years later they still had those feelings they had for one another but they was too much hurt there or so they thought. When Jase starts to fight for his girl and Vanny slowly starts to lower her walls will their fire start to burn with passion that they had all those year ago or will it fall off a cliff and they go their separate ways. There are so many ups and downs, happy and sad moments you felt it all. And i mean Cole is still stealing the show but Jase with his essential oil knowledge woah, cowboy take me away.

Cary Hart hails from the Midwest. A sassy, coffee drinking, sometimes sailor swearing, Spotify addict, lover of all things books!

When not pushing women down the stairs in the fictional world, Cary has her hands full. Soccer mom in all sense of the word to two wild and crazy, spoiled kiddos, and wife to the most supportive husband. In addition to writing full time, she enjoys binge watching Netflix, laying around in her hammock and baking up cookies for her family and friends.

Cary writes real, raw romance! In her stories the characters deal with life’s everyday struggles and unwanted drama, they talk about the ugly and they become the broken. Everyone deserves a happy ending, but sometimes before you can appreciate the light, there has to be darkness.

Growing up, if someone would have told her she would become a writer, she wouldn’t have believed them. It wasn’t until she got her hands on her first romance novel, that the passion grew. Now she couldn’t imagine her life any other way – she’s living her dream.

Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries Perfect Summer (Mason Creek 7) by Bethany Lopez 

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Coming back to Mason Creek was never the plan…

When Faith left her small town after high school, she swore she’d never look back. But life and hard circumstances eventually opened her eyes, sending her back to Mason Creek a different person. Now a single mom, she wants to give her daughter a good life, even if it means facing the ghosts of her past…and the man she left behind.

Moving on had never been an option…

When Faith left Mason Creek, she took Mitch’s heart with her. Over a decade has passed and he’s never moved on, unable to forgive the girl who left him. Now she’s back, and there’s no avoiding her in a town as small as Mason Creek. The memories of their young love war with the new feelings she stirs within him, once again putting his heart at risk.

They were each other’s first loves, first kisses, and first heartbreaks, and the damage between them runs deep. Will their reunion end with even more devastation or will it turn into a Perfect Summer?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57249754-perfect-summer

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ylMYmb

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Can sparks still fly when its been years since your heart up and left after graduation without so much as an explanation? Mitch always wondered that when his high school sweetheart left him and move to Chicago without a word, but now that she was back in Mason Creek and they have avoided each other for a year he finally bit the bullet and walking into the coffee shop when she was there. Faith had a hard time with life when she left Mason Creek she started having panic attack and ended up finding help in Chicago. She ended up married to a narcissist who played into her anxiety and ended up pregnant, after her husband died she decided it was time to move back home, she packed up her and her daughter moved home bought a house and the local salon. When Faith and Mitch finally get face to face are will their past history bring them back together or will the pain from when she left the first time leave them apart. 

Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than forty books and has been published since 2011. She’s a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible. 

Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!

Cowboys, Part of a Series, Review, Single Mom, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries #standalone Perfect Casanova (Mason Creek 19) by Fabiola Francisco 

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She’s a single mom. He’s her sexy cowboy neighbor. Will he be able to break through her guarded heart?

When I move next door to a sexy cowboy, I know right away that he’s trouble. I won’t fall for his charms, though. My priority is keeping my son safe and starting fresh in this new town.

Levi keeps on knocking on my door, though, showing me what life could be like if I let my guard down. I’ve dealt with my share of Casanovas, but this one is different, and I’m tempted to explore what lies deeper than a cowboy hat.

But when everything gets turned upside down, I realize that a woman like me doesn’t always get her happy ending.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59437040-perfect-casanova?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mSYLpGrV7P&rank=28

Amazon https://amzn.to/3qon12u

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book by the author for an honest review 

Camille is a single mom to a very energetic 4 year old, who came to Mason Creek to get out of the town that holds her past and everyone was judging her. She needed a fresh start where no one knew her past, and she is your typical mama bear who is going to do anything to protect her son. Levi your sexy cowboy neighbor tries to do a little flirting with his new neighbor but she isn’t falling for it. Levi is sort of use to women giving into his flirty nature but he isnt the playboy that Camille think he is. When it comes to being the new girl in town Camille has to learn that everyone in Mason Creek is willing to help out for no price at all it wanting to be helpful. Will this new girl ride off into the sunset with this cowboy or will he get his heart pounded in the mud. Oh wow this was a great story but it hit way to close to my heart I’m a single mom to my own son and i felt everything that Camille was feeling and worried about, maybe one day ill find my Casanova but then again I’m ok with being single lol. 

I am an indie author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction. You’ll often find southern gentleman in my books and a love for country music. Coffee fiend and star gazer

Cowboys, Friends to Lovers, New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries Perfect Plan (Mason Creek 14) by Cary Hart

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When Joey decides to stay in Mason Creek a little longer than planned, Cole Jackson comes to the rescue and volunteers a room at his place—and his unsolicited advice on how to land the perfect cowboy.

Cole quickly realizes Joey is perfect for him in every way, and he’d much rather be lovers than friends. There is only one way out of this. The perfect plan? Sabotage.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59735371-perfect-plan?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cTKuqqJlmr&rank=17

Amazon https://amzn.to/3qWuoPo

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book by the author for an honest review 

Cole Jackson Mason Creeks biggest playboy around loves to joke and push everyone’s buttons. But he will protect, and give you the shit off his back if you needed it. Joey flew from Georgia to help her sister Charlee when she gave birth to her daughter, being there to pick up all the pieces back home after Charlee’s failed wedding but it lol worked out in the end she got her happily ever after and now it was Joey’s turn. Having a bad day Joey found herself in the bar drinking her dream apartment just fell through, she’s tired of making sure she don’t walk in on her sister loving on her husband again, Cole was there and offered her to move in with him. Thinking it was going to be easy to have a super cute roommate and nothing was going to happen, but it turned out to be a lot harder then either one of them thought. Will these two let their feelings get to them and give into temptation or will it seriously just be a friends living together no strings attached situation. OMG not only do i love Mason Creek and want too live there I’m in love with Cole Jackson, this is an amazing story and i just ugh love it words can’t decide how hilarious it is. 

Cary Hart hails from the Midwest. A sassy, coffee drinking, sometimes sailor swearing, Spotify addict, lover of all things books!

When not pushing women down the stairs in the fictional world, Cary has her hands full. Soccer mom in all sense of the word to two wild and crazy, spoiled kiddos, and wife to the most supportive husband. In addition to writing full time, she enjoys binge watching Netflix, laying around in her hammock and baking up cookies for her family and friends.

Cary writes real, raw romance! In her stories the characters deal with life’s everyday struggles and unwanted drama, they talk about the ugly and they become the broken. Everyone deserves a happy ending, but sometimes before you can appreciate the light, there has to be darkness. 

Growing up, if someone would have told her she would become a writer, she wouldn’t have believed them. It wasn’t until she got her hands on her first romance novel, that the passion grew. Now she couldn’t imagine her life any other way – she’s living her dream.

M/M, Mystery, Review, Suspense

#WOTR21 – #Review – The Pinkerton Man Series by C.J. Baty

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The Pinkerton Man Series (The Pinkerton Man, #1-2)

BOOK ONE:
THE PINKERTON MAN
Stiles Langberry leaves England under the dark cloud of blackmail.
He resettles in America with a new name, becoming a Pinkerton Agent.
His new employer sends him undercover to a brothel that serves homosexual men, where prostitutes are being murdered. In the course of his investigation, he becomes involved with Paul, one of the prostitutes. Complicating matters, one of the suspects draws Stiles like no man before him. Stiles knows he must stop the killer before he strikes again.

BOOK TWO:
HOME ON THE RANGE
Pinkerton Agent Stiles Long is sent to the Circle W Ranch to uncover who is killing the ranch’s cattle. In order to discover the truth about the goings on at the ranch, Stiles has to prove to the ranchers he’s more than a good-looking city slicker.
Savage Beare, the head ranch foreman, is far from happy that Stiles is there to check things out. He has secrets of his own.
Stiles finds Savage incredibly good-looking, but cold and aloof.
He’s also a suspect. One of many.
When Stiles’ best friend and partner, Lizzie Ferguson, is kidnapped things begin to shake apart.
Stiles doesn’t trust anyone and he needs to find Lizzie before time runs out.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

A provocative detective series set in the late 1800’s that won’t disappoint. Stiles has moved to the United States after being blackmailed for being a gay man in England. He never loses himself but rather reinvents himself. On the boat he forms a wonderful friendship with Lizzie and soon these two become the best of friends. Stiles eventually moves to St. Louis and becomes a Pinkerton Man. He has to go undercover for his first assignment to a brothel that caters to M/M. While investigating he gets attached to one of the gentlemen at the club. He ends up having one of the hottest nights of his life. Things take a turn for the worse. His “friend” ends up murdered. He takes this incredibly hard but has to move on. The silver lining is that Lizzie ends up popping back into his life. These two go on the road undercover together to solve another mystery. In true Stiles fashion, he ends up playing while working and grows rather fond of the foreman. Things really go crazy when Lizzie is kidnapped. Stiles could never live with himself if something happened to her. This is a rollercoaster of a story. I don’t normally read M/M books but the actual story is what keeps me going. I look forward to continuing their journey!

C. J. Baty

C. J. Baty lives in southwest Ohio. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to fan fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

She has a loving and supportive family who doesn’t mind fixing their own meals when she is in the middle of a story. And a network of friends, who have encouraged and cheered her on in her quest of being an author.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is: “You are never too old to follow your dream!”