Category Archives: Part of a Series

#WOTR25 #Review – Given: Project Xol (Book 6) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Taken to a Xol lab, Cassidy prepares to meet the one woman who’s never wanted her. It’s not clear why the scientist requires her now, but she hangs on to two hopes—that Luke has gotten away and is safe, and that the vial of genetic material they’d fought to protect is destroyed. Life isn’t fair, but she pushes aside the cruelty of losing Luke so soon after finding his love. Survival, however it may come, is imperative, because she refuses to fail in ending the diabolical “cure.”Stranded in Mexico, Luke must contact the one person he’s always wanted to keep from danger. It doesn’t take much to convince his brother to be his backup in rescuing Cassidy from Project Xol’s team, and soon, the brothers follow her trail. Even with the help of the billionaire who’d once funded the research, it seems impossible to take down such a corrupt team hellbent on unethical experiments and producing something that can change the world forever. Despite the odds against them, they can only fight until the end, hoping they have made it in time…Given is the final book of the Project Xol series.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy what the heck in the Jason Bourne did I just finish reading?!?!?! Project Xol for the win!!!

Cassidy is one of my all time favorite characters. She started out as a meek and timid character but her strong badassedness had shown through time and time again. And she does not disappoint in Given. She is literally at the end of her rope but she knows she needs to do the right thing. She is out of tricks and out of rescuers. BUT, the tricks and rescuers are on their way. Even though she is adopted, she is such a pure and genuine person that she has made strong and unwavering friendships with others that become her family. And they are coming to help her. She has to take down her blood family and the diabolical “cure” as it is wrong. A new human subspecies….um, no thank you! When all things seem against you, monsters against humans, you have to pull out all the stops. When you have overcome so many episodes of hell, you can’t just stop. They do not stop. Not til the very end.

This entire series is a page turner! You will keep going and going and going. There is not one part of this series that I would change. Bravo!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#WOTR25 #Review – Reclaim: Project Xol (Book 5) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Reunited with one of the Project’s original researchers held captive at a cartel compound, Cassidy is tasked with delivering answers about a so-called miracle drug. She struggles with the fear of being separated from Luke, anticipating he’ll be harmed unless she cooperates. The details the cartel wants aren’t forthcoming, and instead, she’s instructed to find another Project colleague in another city. Luke doesn’t sit still once he’s parted from Cassidy. The danger in this jungle is unlike any peril he faced in prison or on the streets, but using his head—and ignoring the ache in his heart at losing what he’s sure is love—he plans an escape.

Once they’re on their way, however, he still lacks the chance to tell Cassidy how much she means to him.They leave behind death and horror to find a scientist in the city. Wrought with doubt and confronted with hostility, they realize they have the key pieces to ending Project Xol. Faced with the responsibility of destroying the resources that could save many lives, decisions are harder to make. And when it becomes clear Cassidy is expected to be reunited with her family, the stakes are higher than ever.

Reclaim is the fifth book in the Project Xol series, which continues in Given.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

And here we go again! Within the clutches of the cartel trying to get to the bottom of Project Xol and exactly what Cassidy’s purpose is, is becoming more and more difficult. Hendrick and Cassidy are reunited but Hendrick is in a bad way. He is able to answer some questions but some of his answers just bring up even more questions (I hate it when that happens!). Escaping was going to be difficult enough but saving anyone on the way is a suicide mission. Turns out luck was still hanging around for this hellish ride for Cassidy and Luke. As Tramer continues to come along for the craziness, everyone gets split up, chaos ensues and no one is who you think they are. This story will literally keep you on your toes. There are twists that you have no idea are coming, then BAM! The next cliffhanger!!!! Come along with me to the next book, Given, for the final ride!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#WOTR25 #Review – Stolen: Project Xol (Book 4) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

After another narrow escape, Cassidy hopes for a break—for any kind of a breather from constantly being on the run. She and Luke head to a safe house arranged for them by Zero, and it’s there that they find new sources of potential help. Hendrick’s journal might show a promise of where to locate the elusive scientist, but it more than digs up Cassidy’s past. Finally given a chance to recover from his injuries, Luke struggles to accept this temporary relaxed state. After all, how much longer can he and Cassidy deny their intense chemistry? Peace doesn’t last, though, as a newcomer trespasses on the property. Together, they head to Mexico in pursuit of the man who might have answers to Project Xol’s new agenda. Getting there is a challenge, but running into the cartel is a bigger dilemma… Stolen is the fourth book of the Project Xol series and it continues in Reclaim.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Finally….a moment to breathe. Time to think. Time to get stuck in their own heads. Cassidy and Luke continue to stay on the run but get to finally “rest,” if you can call it that. The chemistry between these two is so intense and when they finally collide you will literally FEEL the heat! The rest doesn’t last too long because we get a new character that comes to the party! Welcome Tramer! OH, and spoiler alert!!!! So many secrets are unveiled!! The reason for Luke’s prison sentence is unveiled and we get a lot more information about Cassidy’s biological family. And whew! There is sooooo much to take in! Then while looking for Hendrick, they are in the clutches of the cartel. I mean super-secret science freaks and now the freaking cartel?! What more could you ask for? There is so much crazy going on in this story that you can’t help but keep turning the page to only find that you have yet come to the end of the story. Yep, another cliffhanger. C’mon folks! Time to start reading the next book, Reclaim. See ya there!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#WOTR #Review – Find: Project Xol (Book 3) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Armed with data they don’t know what to do with, Cassidy and Luke struggle to escape the invincible recruits from Project Xol. Desperate for help, Cassidy strives to locate a safe place for Luke to recover. There’s no time to fall into a false sense of security—not when she’s wanted for alleged murder. She needs to protect her father’s intel from zealous scientists and to figure out a way to avoid the law. Trust doesn’t come easily for Luke, but he must have faith in Cassidy when he’s too wounded to protect her. Even though they have limited options on the run, he hopes they’ve found an unexpected ally in a rural location. Too high of hopes, it seems, because they’re only pushed closer to law. Captured, Luke reaches out to his brother for help. But could that one call be all it takes for the leader of Project Xol to finish him? Find is the third book of the Project Series, which continues in Stolen.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy, I don’t even know what to say! Book 3 starts exactly where book 2 ends. Literally….BANG!

I have no clue how these two keep going on, but they do. Luke is hurt bad and Cassidy has to get help, and fast. Zero, thank the gods for Zero, gets her on a path, and she finds a helpful hand. But even this helpful hand doesn’t last long. They have fallen into a bizarro mad scientist war and they were just innocent bystanders a week ago. Chaos is a constant and it is sucking them dry. However, everything that was before Project Xol just doesn’t seem important anymore. Their relationship is getting stronger. But they can both be their own worst enemy when it comes to their relationship. Each one, with good reason, questions their feelings because of the constant chaos. Is it real? Is it because they are constantly being hunted? Do they only need each other right now? They hardly know each other, but there is sooooooo much chemistry!!!!!!!

***small spoiler alert*** THEY KISS!!!!!!!

There is so much going on all the time. And so many twists! You don’t really know who to trust, when to sleep, can you go outside, will he kiss me again? (yes, he does)

You really should stop reading this review and just read Find. And as soon as you finish Find, skip reading my review for STOLEN because you will just need to read it too like I did. 😊

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#Review – #0.5 Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy. That’s why I hide it so well.

But now I’m supposed to mentor Darius Acrux: the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria. If he’s caught using blood magic, he’ll lose his claim to the throne.

The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we’re determined to find out what.

No matter what dark power we must turn to…

Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny. As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite.

***This is a prequel novella set five years before Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, Book 1 in the Zodiac Academy series.***

When I started this series, I didn’t realize there were so many books and that it should be read in a certain order. Thankfully, I haven’t missed much but it was nice going back to the beginning to find out how Lance and Darius’s bond formed. Darius’s father is still a monster and I loathe him even more now. It was also nice to see how Lance was completely different compared to now (I’m on book 3 of the series). Looks I’ll have to go back and read the one told by the boys too.

This novella introduces us to the dark magic you hear Lance talk about later on. If you read this one first, you will get spoilers. So I actually liked reading book 1 and 2 first and then going back to read this one. I think I’ll like that for the boys book too. It’s such a big world and I’m so looking forward to reading all of these books. I also can’t wait to get them in paperback because I know I’ll want to read them again and again.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4ceTdfH

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries Dear Quinn (Love Notes Season 2) by Danielle Keil

Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Quinn Maguire has her sights set on one thing, and one thing only: softball.

After a disaster last season left her injured, she’s determined to come back better than ever and prove herself.

Her plans are slightly altered when she gets a teal envelope on her locker. She won’t let it distract her from her plans, though. If it does, she’ll quit the secret admirer game before she loses softball.

But when her admirer sends her on a chase across town to find geocaches, she’s confused. None of the clues make sense to her.

And days before her first game, she finds herself back where she was last year—on the bench.

Now Quinn needs to figure out what is actually most important to her– softball or the people in her life who love her?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228588700-dear-quinn

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Quinn-Love-Notes-Season-ebook/dp/B0DYXQKHRW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3TNPD9E13X7KZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9hvHGcXRO_Y3neeaDl3a7NrgY5ocGprGu0IGy7OfReTYCgciptWCNJ264svVL0E5wIcfUcsamCCHuRqT6O6TwrFCqck70A16DDSnIOlofyGPyq_M52sNeR32hkCxzoWk0iuU7V5OS4-NPCheYVlPCTODGuiqDNuE1-oJ_ZjIALf9G-WbMwLack_xtrVoPKLjbe_pV5ecXKNzFZwzxfI6RqyiYqp2BjbZh_Kr8DGJSkY.HI_7CZdsuhWn3DJ2Tdp3c97iw4gC2RpaIYOhecnhO2M&dib_tag=se&keywords=danielle+keil&qid=1743081730&sprefix=danielle+keil%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

Quinn has one thing on her mind at all times softball she eats, sleeps and breathes the game 24/7, but she gets thrown for a loop when she gets the famous teal envelope right at the beginning of softball season. but she couldn’t turn down the challenge so with school, practice, gym time and extra time at the batting cages, she now had to find out clues to who this mystery guy could be. thankfully the guy understood that softball was first, so he was making it fun and semi easy for Quinn to get clues around her schedule Geocaching was the name of the game and its going to be a wild ride. Will Quinn be able to find clues while focusing on the game she loves or will she be forced to quit the game and accept defeat.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

#review #partofaseries Onyx Storm (Empyrean 3) by Rebecca Yarros

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.

But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209439446-onyx-storm

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-Empyrean-Book-3-ebook/dp/B0CW1FKFB9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8GAQZELOHYKL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q8nsibD3r8o5FUc6dMBNpZ9tReoKp-6KceIfv1_zlWbCW8PpbwoX73_JEgYOWF11pp_M8f2vHScFilNZuGGP9PLxAtKAiRzfOv3IQucs9XV1FGg-6BKEd0C0czMeLNau3kc5gao460nyESfZ1lCfXI88Bnp2ojlJNEoOD5ZqD6i_093lLsR6Wo5t6VUkQBXuhECyT2sJUpANZxwGJ2D4v72jUDBI6YGcDHvLladMVUw._JFjuQHJs6MmvmxLnd84N-aP26MOGQAdKFyrrr7kHfY&dib_tag=se&keywords=onyx+storm+rebecca+yarros&qid=1743081708&sprefix=onyx+storm+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest opinion

Back at Basigath its still crazy, trying to get things back in order after the crazy wyvern and venin attack. Violet isn’t giving up without a fight, with her siblings, friends, and boyfriend by her side she’s determined to find a cure to turn Xaden back from being a venin and also find her dragon’s family the 7th kind. is she the key to unlocking all this new at Basigath or is it the end. so many tears, heartbreaks and another cliffhanger to leave you wondering where the rest of the story is. this was a great climax of the series, and it was difficult to put all the words together for the review.

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.

#WOTR25 #ReRead #Audio #2ndChance- Triple B Baking Company, Hearts of Braden book 2 by Michel Prince

Triple B Baking Co. (Hearts of Braden #1)

Three years ago a heart broken Merryn Sota got in a SUV and drove away from California. Call it fate or serendipity, but when the vehicle broke down outside of Braden, Iowa she fell in love with the calm and community. Using her skill as a baker she opened up Braden Buttery Bites Bakery which the town lovingly renamed the Triple B. Every confection she makes heals her wounded heart a little bit.

Ever since the tragedy, the only way Austin Larsen can cope with life is to have it completely regimented. The Triple B brought schedule to his life. Something to focus on day by day.

When a snowstorm hits the small town Austin’s schedule is disrupted and old wounds are reopened. Only the hospitality of the Triple B, along with Merryn, can right his world. However, as Merryn and Austin grow closer, their pasts resurface and threaten to destroy their happiness forever.

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I purchased this book.

I grabbed this book when I saw the first two books are by authors who will be at a book event I am going to be attending.  When I read the description of it, I was loving the whole 2nd chance story because she doesn’t love a 2nd chance to redeem themselves or two find love.  Any who…..

I loved Merryn from JUMP!!  She was sassy but kind.  She was all about helping the small town while also staying a bit mum about her past due to the gossip and all that small town jazz.  She was just relatable.  She always wondered about the shy and kind man who entered her shop every single day at 11:00 for one of her egg salad sandwiches.  He smelled of “Iowa Money”…read and you will understand…but always treated him with compassion and kindness even when her staff found him to be a bit old and creepy.

Austin has always had a bit of a crush on Merryn but given his job and what the town gossiped about him, he figured he would never have a chance.  The fact he lives on a farm with multiple roommates who gossip more then the ladies in town doesn’t seem like a mature adult.

When Austin comes to Merryn’s aid, they notice the spark and start the flirt.  Flirting starts to become a conversation and we soon see the couple starting to form “more”.    The scene about their first time….Legit stitches.  STITCHES!!!!  But I love love love the banter between these two adults.  They both have been through hell and are not being anyone but themselves.

Of course, life happens and we start to see outer forces coming into play.  The couple begin to miscommunicate but still trust the other but also wonder IF they would be better off without????

I gotta stay I loved this story and would love to read more especially about Hank or Darryl because they were hilarious!!!

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.

#Review – Book 2: Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we’re not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don’t know what’s coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn’t an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won’t be easy, but if we pull it off, they’ll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they’ve already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

I finished this book in 24 hours. I completely devoured it and I have to say that I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time. I’m so glad the whole series is published because there is no way I could have waited patiently between books.

So the story continues with Tory and Darcy fighting for their rightful place within Zodiac Academy. While the Heirs are a little nicer to them, they still can’t be trusted. Tory and Darcy get their revenge and I haven’t laughed out loud while reading in such a long time. It was amazing and so funny. Once you get to the pitball chapters, I couldn’t read fast enough.

This book had action, suspense, lust and the spice is definitely increasing. I have to stop myself from googling spoilers. Clearly I am not patient when it comes to slow burns/enemies to lovers.

I can’t wait to see what happens next with but I am so rooting for Darcy and Orion. Their little moment was hot AF. Then you get Tory and…well, I’ll let you read the book to find out who she ends up with.

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4bXpJmn

#Review – Book 1: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling dark fantasy romance series from authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti – a Booktok sensation!

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch – all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

***This is a enemies to lovers romantasy – don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride***

Oh boy where do I even begin? So first off, if bullying isn’t your jam, you will wanna skip this series. I know it’s a bit older but if you’re like me and just checking it out for the first time, please be warned that the bullying isn’t subtle. Now I’m not usually one for the bully trope but I kept seeing this series every where. After reading Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy world, I needed more. So I decided to check this out and I devoured book 1. Like absolutely devoured. It’s an easy read and I really enjoyed the world building. I even downloaded a horoscope app because of this series. lol

So we meet Darcy and Tory, who are twins and are super down on their luck. After turning 18, they find out that they’re actually Fae and from another world. No more cold windy Chicago for these girls.

The girls find out that they’re heiresses to the throne but 4 other heirs will have none of that.

The stuff these poor girls go through is unreal. I had issues in highschool but man, I am so glad I am not these girls.

Most of the characters I absolutely loathe but the one guy, Orion, is actually coming around. I can’t wait to see his relationship with Darcy grow. If they even end up together. I have no idea and I’m trying not to read spoilers but it’s killing me. This is why I tend to stay away from the slow burn enemies to lovers thing because I want the spice right away.

Anyway, if you want a fun ride with 4 beyond grumpy guys who would stop at nothing to claim their throne and two girls who refuse to back down, this is for you.

Available in KU – https://amzn.to/4isLywH