All posts by Kelly S

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

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!”

# Review – Her Little by J.M. Walker

Her Little (A Novella) by [J.M. Walker]

I loved my husband.
But I also loved my sister in-law.
After getting the courage to talk to Jude about my little fantasy regarding his stepsister, I was surprised but elated that he agreed to go along with it.
My crush turned into more.
My fantasies became reality.
My obsession became my little.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

Alluring, sultry, provocative….hot, Hot, HOT! Right here is where you can stop reading my words and start reading J.M.’s words! But if you insist on going further reading my review, I need to say that right from the very beginning this story is sizzling. *wags eyebrows* Believe me, you want to read this at home and in one sitting. Jude and Mia have an intense relationship, and both realize that they want more. They love each other but they want to play… together, but with another person. They have never approached another person before and are unsure how to do so but little do they know that when they do, the heat that they cause would melt the coldest iceberg. Seriously, why are you still reading this? Go! Read Her Little!

J.M. Walker

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

“Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life…” ~ Nora Ephron

https://linktr.ee/authorjmwalker

#Review – Quantum Entanglement: Part One (Legion of Supernatural Academy Series Book 1) by S.R. Watson and Ryan Stacks

Quantum Entanglement: Part One (Legion of Supernatural Academy Series Book 1) by [S. R. Watson, Ryan Stacks]

There are no such things as witches, warlocks, vampires, and shapeshifters … or so we thought! Before everything changed three days ago, we would have agreed with you.

Three days ago, we didn’t have supernatural abilities we couldn’t explain.

Three days ago, we weren’t being hunted for these abilities.

Three days ago, we weren’t being rescued and recruited into a supernatural academy.

We were two strangers. Only two of our kind. What happens when other supernatural beings find out that we exist?

Genesis and Elysian are quantum entangled for a singular purpose. Their recruitment to the Legion of Supernatural Academy is unexpected but vital to the future of humanity. This unique series takes the world of supernatural academies to new heights with twisted tales, suspense-driven fantasy, and self-discovery.

Goodreads

Review by  Kelly

A unique twist on the supernatural! It can be difficult to shake things up a bit when it comes to the supernatural community…but yay! These two did it! There are vampires, werewolves, witches, oh my! But when Elysian and Genesis, seemingly normal random college students start having weird things happen around them out of the blue, things start to get crazy! There is a lot of self-discoveries for both of them. They are strangers but connected. How exactly does that happen? Fate? What they find is very mind boggling but what happens to each one as a result is downright scary, but exciting. As they are learning about themselves, each other, and making new friends….the crazy starts to come out. These two have a very intense pull because of this unknown connection, but what they don’t know is if it is predesigned or not. This causes a lot of hesitation for them. The romance portion of this starts as a slow burn but then the fireworks happen….and get ready to fan yourself because it gets HAWT!!! In the midst of all of this, they have become targets because of their powers. This erupts in a hellacious fight. But wait, there’s more! About the time that you think things may calm down, the authors add in a lovely, twisted ploy at the end that keeps you needing more. There are some typos that threw me off some and I wish the big fight scene had more detail or was drawn out more, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading about Imogen and Rhys and seeing what shenanigans they bring!

S.R. Watson: USA Today Bestselling Author, S. R. Watson, is a Texas native who currently resides in Washington with her children. She grew up reading the Sweet Valley series (Twins, High, & University) among others. Although she wrote countless stories during high school, she’d never published any of them. She continued her education and became an operating room registered nurse. The pursuit towards earning her degrees, meant less time for leisure reading and writing for a bit. After picking up reading again, starting with the Twilight series and 50 Shades Trilogy, she decided to pursue her passion for writing once again.

S. R. Watson (also writes as S. Reneé) published her first book in 2014. She is the author of the Forbidden Trilogy, The Object of His Desire, and the co-authored S.I.N. Trilogy. She co-authored Peppermint Mocha Love, R.L. Harmon (also writes as Ryan Stacks). The duo also collaborated on Unforbidden and Silas Part Two with more to come.

When S. R. Watson is not writing, or working as travel OR nurse, she loves to read and binge watch her favorite shows (Scandal, Elementary, Big Brother, etc.)

Ryan Stacks: USA Today Bestselling Author, Ryan Stacks, is a Walla Walla, WA native who currently reside in Utah with his wife Anna. Most would consider him a jack of all trades. His first love is wrestling and he’s wrestled his entire life. In addition to his talents on the mat, Ryan has many achievements. He’s a published international cover model and he released his first book, Peppermint Mocha Love with SR Watson in December 2017. For this novella, he debuted as both an author and cover photographer. Ryan Stacks has partnered with S.R. Watson to create many more stories that’ll take you for a ride.

When Ryan Stacks is not writing, he spends his time making fun TikToks, traveling, so being active with the youth in his community by coaching wrestling & helping in Young Life as a leader. In addition to his commitment to the community, Ryan has taken his fitness career to new highs as a men’s physique competitor – placing top 3 at the national level.

#WOTR21 – #Review #Zombies- Lost Undead (Stay Dead Book 2) by L.C. Mortimer aka Sophie Stern

Book cover for Lost Undead (Stay Dead, #2) by L.C. Mortimer

Zombies never stay dead.

They made it to the island. They managed to find a way to escape the burning cruise ship where they’d been trapped, and now they’re facing a new problem.

The zombies didn’t go down with the ship.

They’re here.

They’re everywhere.

Winter and her friends need to find a new way to escape, a new way to keep fighting.

If only the dead would stay that way.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I LOVE GRETA!! She is the perfect grandma and so many people underestimate her. The trio have finally decided that they need to get off this island, but they did not expect what happened next. Another lifeboat with survivors lands on their tiny island, which puts a kink in their plan. Something just isn’t right. Greta, Winter, and Isaiah all have a bad feeling. Next thing you know chaos erupts and they are scrambling to survive once again. Nothing can stay chaotic forever…everything will look better in the morning. Riiiight. Oh I want talk about what happened and about the really bad things and the badassery that Greta is….ooooohhhhhh how I want to tell you all about it, but I can’t! I refuse to give it all away. What I am saying is that there is so much going on in this story, I literally read it in one sitting, I was consumed by it! I am on pins and needles waiting to read the 3rd installment. I need to know what happens next!

L. C. Mortimer

L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.

#Review – The Double D Ranch: A Friends to Lovers Novel (A Fortuna, Texas Novel Book 1) by Rochelle Bradley

The Double D Ranch: A Friends to Lovers Novel (A Fortuna, Texas Novel Book 1)

Welcome to Fortuna, Texas where the men read romance novels. This spicy, heartwarming friends to lovers romance is set in the small town of Fortuna and is the first in the Fortuna, Texas series.

Longhorns and lingerie…

Much to the chagrin of foreman Josiah, Jessie Davidson wants a romance reduction. But the Double D Ranch hides a secret. Since inheriting the property, Jessie kept her grandmother’s hoard concealed, but now she’s found the courage to purge the unwanted items: steamy novels, thousands of them. Romance has to go! Donating the books is a good thing, right? Not when coupled with a dare.

The dare spirals out of control. The ante is upped when caches of the spicy books, left in barber shops, pool halls, and pubs, challenge others to join the fad. A perverted prankster runs amok playing on the town’s fantasies. Book clubs are formed. Plots acted out. In a town saturated with romance, Jessie finds her love life underdeveloped.

Keep Jessie safe. It’s the promise Josiah Barnes made to Jessie’s dying grandmother. He aims to honor it, even if it means protecting Jessie from himself. Failing her in the past has him on high alert when the Double D becomes ground zero for the arousal avalanche sweeping the town. As a full-support, silent partner, Josiah will do anything to augment the Double D. But when Jessie starts selling handmade lingerie, keeping his hands to himself is easier said than done…

Will she shelve happily ever after like a rejected novel, or open her heart and start a new chapter?

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

The Double D Ranch is where the arousal avalanche started with the discovery of the provocative hoard of romance novels. Now all the big bad men are in book clubs learning the art of magic mouths while the women wait to be experimented on. LMAO! This is not all! There is a wonderful story about Jessie who inherited the Double D Ranch when her grandparents passed away. She is slowly but surely going through all their things when she happens upon the hoard of romance novels. And I use the term hoard very loosely. A bet is made and next thing you know the whole town is hooked on the romance novels! She uncovers a past about her grandparents that she didn’t know and realizes that her grandmother was a little feistier than she ever would have thought. I LOVE her grandmother’s story and the fact that her friend is still around to add fuel to the fire. Actually, there are a lot of things that go on in this story. I will be brief so not to give too much away but there is a town prankster, lingerie, an incredibly slow burn love story, crazy characters, and an intense backstory of Jessie’s. I must be honest that the slow burn part was killing me. There were times that I was like “just get it on already”! However, the crazy names, funny situations, the plethora of sexual innuendos and the witty banter had me literally laughing out loud! There is a great story, though a bit sweet and corny at times, kept me turning the page. This is a new author for me, but I definitely needed the tongue-in-cheek story. If you need something light-hearted and a bit on the slapstick comedy side, I’d recommend!

Rochelle Bradley

Rochelle puts an artistic spin on everything she does but there are two things she fails at miserably:

1. Cooking (seriously, she can burn water)

2. Sewing (buttons immediately fall back off)

But she loves baking and makes a mean BTS (Better than Sex) cake. When in observation mode she is quiet, however, her mouth is usually open with an encouraging glass-is-half-full pun or, quite possibly, her foot.

She is a Bearcat, a Buckeye, an interior decorator, and fluent in sarcasm.

In 2008 she decided to get the stories out of her head. Midway through her first novel, hurricane Ike (yes, a hurricane in Ohio) rendered the laptop useless with a nine-day power outage. She didn’t give up, but continued to pursue her dream.

Every November Rochelle takes on the challenge of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org) where she endeavors to write 50,000 words in thirty days. You can often hear her cheering the Dayton, Ohio area Wrimos (those who join her in this crazy pursuit).

Rochelle shares her home with a big black cat, an itty-bitty orange tiger kitty, her daughter, her son, and her Prince.

She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on Facebook (search for Author Rochelle Bradley), Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Visit Rochelle’s website to sign up for her newsletter to keep up to date about future novels and book signings (RochelleBradley.com).

#Review Harpy’s Mission (Supernatural Retrieval Agency 1) by Laura Greenwood

Harpy's Mission (Supernatural Retrieval Agency, #1)

Harper has wanted to join the Agency for as long as she can remember, but even she never expected to be thrown in the deep end on her first day.

After she helps uncover a secret crime ring within the city, she’s sent on a rescue mission to get a vital witness to safety. But when the plan goes sideways, Harper and her partner have to work out why, and how they can fix it.

Can this harpy complete her mission?

Harpy’s Mission is book one in the urban fantasy Supernatural Retrieval Agency Series, which includes a romantic m/f sub-plot.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

I love all things supernatural and am a sucker for the lesser-known supernatural beings. With that being said, I was completely drawn in by the Harpy.  This is an action-packed quick read where the police force and the supernatural work together to take down the baddies. Harpies are a rare breed and there aren’t too many around. Once someone finds out what she is they always have something to say and want to see her shift. She is rather annoyed by this, but her wit and snark keep everyone on their toes. It’s Harper’s first day on the job and she is already going out on a job. Things go awry but they are able to obtain other information that take them to an even bigger crime ring. When things seem too easy, something is usually wrong. Well, the team soon finds the chink in the armor and things go crazy! I wish there was more back story for Harper and her boss, Elias (I am hoping for more in the next books). Some of the story felt a bit rushed. I do sense an underlying love story happening between Harper and Elias, so YAY! I love that a member of their team ended up being a cupid because we never hear about them in the supernatural community. This is a new author for me, but this story definitely has me intrigued.

Laura Greenwood

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she drinks a lot of tea, tries to resist French macarons, and works towards a diploma in Egyptology. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set. Laura specialises in quick reads, whether you’re looking for a swoonworthy romance for the bath, or an action-packed adventure for your latest journey, you’ll find the perfect match amongst her books!

You can check out Laura’s Website here:

www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

Join her mailing list here:

www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/mailing-list-sign-up.html

Or join her Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormalcouncil

For a full book list, please see here:

www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/book-list.html

For a full audio list, please see here:

www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/audio.html

#Review The Witch’s Lair by Jennifer Daniels

The Witch's Lair by [Jennifer Daniels]

Greta Lieder was amazing in the bakery. She excelled at it and her success was almost her downfall. Thinking she had it all including her own business and her hunky boyfriend, life had gone to her head. Who better to knock you down a peg than your boyfriend’s wife?

In a blink in an eye Greta’s life is turned upside down. She maybe cocky but she was not a homewrecker. But try telling that to a distraught witch who was hell bent on getting revenge.

The witch took the one thing Greta absolutely loved, her baking. She made a mockery of her house and turned it into a gingerbread house. For six years Greta has lived her life as authentically as she could until a handsome new logging contractor shows up into town and starts up his own business. Axe is taken with Greta from the first time he laid eyes on her.

How will Greta explain to him that she was cursed by a witch. Yup, that would earn her a one-way ticket to a padded room in no time. What a great first impression.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. This is a super cute twist on Hansel and Gretel. Greta was living life to the fullest, was very confident in a vain sort of way when one day, her boyfriend’s wife cast a spell on her. She went through all sorts of emotions and really tamped down her high opinion of herself. She works on her business and keeps everyone at arm’s length ensuring to not get too close to anyone, because boy oh boy, that spell is a doozy! Her business is booming, she has a wonderful best friend and a new boyfriend that she is completely smitten with. She has to tread lightly because she cares deeply for this people and doesn’t want them to think she needs to be committed, it’s kind of hard to bake while wearing a straight jacket, haha! As the story progresses some secrets unfold, and people aren’t always who you think they are. The story is witty but with some very sweet moments. This is a quick sweet story that will put a smile on your face.

Jennifer Daniels

Hello! I’m Jennifer Daniels, I live in Upstate NY with my husband and son. I’m a nurse by trade but, my arthritis does not allow to do my nursing anymore. My arthritis is called Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is a autoimmune disease with no cure. Anyways, one day I just started to write and then I went to the Writer’s on the River book signing. It was absolutely amazing and inspiring. So, a year later my debut book Opalla was released. My little family loves to be outdoors fishing, camping and going to the lake.

#Review #WOTR21 Wild Undead (Stay Dead Book 1) by L.C. Mortimer

Wild Undead (Stay Dead Book 1) by [L.C. Mortimer]

Zombies never stay dead.

Winter Hawk is on day three of a five-day cruise when the zombie infection decides to make its appearance.

She’s seen her share of bad days, but nothing compares to the fact that the people around Winter are dying and coming back to life in droves.

Winter has to get off of the cruise ship and away from the infection, no matter what it takes. Armed with a first aid kit, a couple of water bottles, and a few unlikely companions, she embarks on a journey that will change everything.

If she can manage to survive.

Goodreads

Review by  Kelly

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

WILD! This is a zombie book that you definitely want to read. This story sucks you in from the very start and holds tight right to the very end. It is consuming. Winter is sort of a loner, but with friends. Even though this is a quick read, her back story pulls at your heart strings. You see her relaxing and trying to have fun when all hell breaks loose. She starts hearing stories and then the unthinkable happens when she, and many others, witness a madman eating the bartender! She knows she needs to start preparing for the worst. There are others that are in the same boat as her (no pun intended, lol) and this is how she meets Greta and Isaiah. As they start the race for their lives, they form an unlikely alliance and embark on a journey of survival. This is absolutely a wild ride and stuck with me long after the book ended. I have a feeling that the trio are going to come upon some crazy obstacles, but where their story goes….I have no clue. I am on pins and needles for the next installment. L.C. Mortimer is a new author for me, but bravo because you have a new fan!

L. C. Mortimer

AKA Sophie Stern

L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.

#WOTR21 – #Review – Outbreak: A Zombie Novel by L.C. Mortimer aka Sophie Stern

Outbreak: A Zombie Novel

Emily thought she could survive the apocalypse and save her sister from hordes of undead. She was wrong. By the time she found her sister, it was too late. All hope was shattered. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Emily returns home. There’s just one problem: her haven is no longer empty. Someone has moved in.

Neil was a leader long enough to know when to cut his losses. Surviving in the city was one major loss. He gathered his friends and hoofed it to the forest. He knew there would be abandoned farmhouses and plenty of land. The fewer inhabitants before the apocalypse struck, the fewer zombies to deal with after.

The house they find is incredible. It’s isolated, well stocked with food, and Neil even finds a few loaded guns. Soon it becomes obvious that the home isn’t as empty as they originally thought, however. When the owner returns, she demands that Neil and his friends move out. She seems to have no problem with the idea of tossing them out on their asses, but there’s a major problem.

A storm is coming, and it carries with it a greater threat than just zombies.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I received this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Zombies! Need I say more? This is a standalone novel that gives you a bit of everything. There are so many emotions that are part of this journey, and everyone has their own story with their own demons to fight. This story brought a rag tag group of travelers together and they almost made it work. You know that saying “When it rains, it pours”? Well, just when this group seems to catch a break, the sh!! hits the fan. The characters are very relatable. They are regular people like you and me who were trying to figure life out. Then, BAM! They are forced to survive. Each character’s back story will humble you. It’ll really make you wonder what would really happen and how would you handle it. Each had their vices and crazy as it may seem, they even had some happy times during the Z apocalypse. This story will make you laugh, will give you the warm and fuzzies, and some of it can be a bit gory. Best of all, you will NOT see what is coming and are definitely not ready for the end. I swear that when I finished this book, I had one of these moments that just made me sit there, like wow, that happened. I had a book hangover! I am still going over this in my head going, how could that have happened? Seriously, you need to read this!

L. C. Mortimer

L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.

#Review – Finally Us (Next Generation Book 5) by J.M. Walker

Finally Us (Next Generation, #5)

-Vince-
She was perfect.
Her heart.
Her soul.
Everything.
I had been in love with Gigi Rodriguez for as long as I could remember. I had never been shy about my feelings toward her. Everyone knew how I felt. Except for the person who mattered most.
I needed her like I needed my next breath. Our souls called out to each other, entwining together to form a bond I had never felt with another person.
She was passionate.
Strong.
Mine.
Just when I thought I had her in my arms for good, an unknown force threatened to take away the only thing I had ever wanted…

-Gigi-
He was stubborn.
Obsessed.
Dominating.
Vincent Stone Junior was the very reason I danced. Every time I moved, I moved for him. He just didn’t know it yet.
It all started the night of his eighteenth birthday, but school got in the way and I didn’t see much of him for the next three years.
When he came home for good, I knew that he had one mission: To crack down the walls I had built.
I didn’t want to love him.
I didn’t want to need him.
But losing a piece of myself made me realize that I did in fact want those things. He taught me to love myself first and that he would be there, ready and waiting…
For me.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

There are some books that just stay with you. Vince and Gigi’s story is one of those. They are childhood friends but with a little age gap. Vince was basically everyone’s little brother. Both have “secretly” had the hots for each other, but as they have become adults, Vince knows that he must make Gigi his. And boy does he! Funny part to this is that everyone knows that these two need to be together.   Now, if you have read any of JM Walker’s books, you know that she can weave a very heart wrenching and extremely hawt tale. Well, let me tell ya, Finally Us is deeply passionate and full of emotion…like I said earlier, this one will stay with you. Vince and Gigi are completely relatable characters, almost as if they are real people that you actually know. You will feel for both of them and root for them right to the very end. It is a slow burn at first, but the wait is totally worth it because when they collide…whew! They truly ignite!

J.M. Walker

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

“Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life…” ~ Nora Ephron

Find me: https://linktr.ee/authorjmwalker