Book Review: Wolfsong by Ignatz Dovidans (Moonrise Book 1)

     Jumping perspectives between three people who in this book have seemingly no connection we meet a master anti-assassin, a farm boy, and the daughter of a sword-smith. The farm boy was by far my favorite character. He longs for adventure and to get away from his foster parents, when he discovers a new book to add to his collection it soon becomes a prize. Although the secret of his parentage may lead to his biggest adventure. 

    I found this book by chance while scrolling on TikTok and decided to try it out. I enjoy a good fantasy adventure and although this book starts out a little slow by the time you reach the cliffhanger for each of the characters you are invested. It is one I would have no problem reading more on in the future. 

    The world building and characters are enjoyable. I will say that it jumps perspectives from one chapter to the next with no cross-over between the three, which leaves a little to be desired, but you can see that the author is eventually building towards something with these characters. Exactly what that is we are not yet sure. All in all it is a sold start to a series. 

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Peppermint and Pentacles by Melanie Karsak (Red Cape Society Book 3)

    Clemeny is no rookie to the supernatural events that unfold in the streets of London. However, when she is assigned to a special case involving missing children she never expected just what other paranormals truly lurked in the shadows. She has until Christmas to solve these disappearances or the children may be lost forever.  

    I got this book as part of a boxed set including books 1-3. Links for my other reviews are listed below, if you would like to check them out. While this is book 3 in a series and you would be missing some of the characters back-stories, you can read this book as a stand-alone. It is Christmas themed and I really don't want to give away who the culprit is. 

    We get more of Clemeny and her boss in this book, although any budding romances are still very mild. I will keep my fingers crossed that book 4, which is on my TBR, will have a bit more of that aspect. That being said, the action and all the paranormal adventure is still very present in the series and we do not feel like we are missing out on anything just because the main character is not in a relationship. Also, we still get the fun of the setting. I will say that this is likely my favorite book in the series so far, just because of who is behind the kidnappings. 

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books By This Author: 

Wolves and Daggers (Red Cape Society Book 1)

Alphas and Airships (Red Cape Society Book 2)

Book Review: Tasting Red by Holly Roberds (The Lost Girls Book 1)

     Having one of the most magically inclined grandparents does not mean that you will have a strong affinity for magic. Red knows this first hand, but she decided to make the most of it by living among the humans. At least there she wasn't looked down on for her lack of abilities. She could attend college and was working at a bar she enjoyed. But when Red comes home to visit her grandmother for the holidays she finds a wolf shifter instead. Thinking he is one of her grandmother's guards she accepts his "protection" without knowing his end goal.

    I found this book on BookTok and immediately downloaded it. I will start by saying book two for this series is absolutely on my TBR and my best friend received so many screenshots of highlights from this book. It is fun, witty, and most importantly sexy. 

    Scarlet, who goes by Red, is the granddaughter of everyone's favorite grandmother. She is the maker of Magical Morsels, a treat that lets humans have a taste of power for a short time. She is one of the only witches powerful enough for this kind of magic, but it also puts a continuous target on her back from competitors wanting her recipe. Red isn't sure what she is, but for some reason at certain times she craves sex like no other. Doing her best to control these urges goes well until she finds a werewolf shifter at her grandmother's house. He takes on the role of her protector, but can she protect herself from this sexy man whose sole purpose is to get close to her?

    I loved every bit of this book. From the spicy scenes to the continuous attitude. All of the girls in this book are my favorite. I can't choose just one. I will absolutely be devouring every single one of these books then hunting for more by this author once I am done. The characters are wonderful. The setting is exciting, and who doesn't love a sexy twist on our favored fairy tales? Yes, please. 

 This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Alphas and Airships by Melanie Karsak (Red Cape Society Book 2)

     After the retirement of her partner from the force Clemeny is on her own for the most part. Lionhart has taken over the role as alpha and the streets of London are largely quiet. However, mischief brews in the skies above as pirates threaten, capture, and control. The new captain of the Red Capes has decided to join her on this and while Clemeny has a strange attraction to him she is sure that it is as one sided since her new scar does nothing for her looks. 

    I got this book as part of a set in an impulse purchase and loved it. I will start by saying this is book 2 in a series and while it can technically be read as a stand-alone I suggest reading book one first. Without reading it you won't know the intimate details of Lionhart and his game companion, Clemeny and her grandmother, or her scar. It gives brief descriptions of these things as an overview, but first hand knowledge is always better. Plus book one is great. 

    We are still in a steampunk Victorian London in this book as we were in the previous. So the setting is, of course, still amazing. We still have Clemeny as our main character and while she has grown a bit as a character and her biases have changed a bit. Always a good thing. It seems that the series, while still focusing on the paranormal enforcement has begun bridging into a romance category as well. I am not complaining on that since I love a good smut book as much as the next girl. 

    While the threat in this book is again werewolves this time they are Viking werewolves. We also are introduced to some other paranormals and Clemeny's heritage is brought under closer scrutiny. 

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this Author: 

Wolves and Daggers (Red Cape Society Book 1)

Peppermint and Pentacles (Red Cape Society Book 3)

Book Review: The Center Duet by Liz Hambleton (The Discovery Center Book 1)

    Alaina's ten year mark with her husband is about to be reached. At the end of the term they must either both choose to remain in the relationship and begin the next term of their lives with the prospect of children or search out a new partner in The Discovery Center. When she is informed her husband decided against extending their relationship she was shocked and hurt, but with the attentions of her inductor at the center life begins to take an exciting turn. However, he isn't the only one interested as Killian has arrived with motives of his own. The choices she makes could have consequences she had never before even considered on her life and others. 

    I found a snippet of this book somewhere or other talking about how you got your partner for ten years and then you changed or remained. I was intrigued and as soon as I started this book I loved it. It is post-apocalyptic in a way. The world is controlled in every aspect, down to the weather, of anyone within the dome. Their entire worlds exist within the dome and everything is regimented. The world within the bounds works tirelessly to hide that their society is on a downward spiral with less and less women being born every year. Meanwhile, the world outside the dome is wild, untamed, and flourishing. Just so long as they are never found by the authorities. 

    The book is well-written and exciting. I loved her slowly carving out a place in the world while the story built in another way as well. Every choice was her own as we discovered her future and her past. Killian was immediately my favored choice, although there is always something about the morally grey choices in men. This is absolutely a book that I have added the next book in the series to my TBR, but who knows when I will be reading it considering BookTok is terrible for me ever completing said list. 

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Even the Losers by Bryant Delafosse

     It was the summer of 1980 and Neal had just moved to a small town in Texas with his father and older brother. While his brother was able to live rent-free on the couch his father told him to get a job. Setting him up with a position that could lead to the union he was a part of was the first step, but Neal had other asperations. The town had two movie theatre's and the goal for young Neal quickly became to learn everything he could about this place of wonder. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book took some time for me to get through and while it told a story of Neal's first summer in 1980 I didn't get a sense of real purpose for it. He started work, met a girl he liked, was an absolute geek (obsessed with Star Wars, played D&D, and Risk), was friend zoned and so on. He grew as a character and achieved some goals, but largely it was just what a random boy did over the summer in 1980. 

    I will say that I enjoyed seeing how rare arcade style games were and the fact that The Shining was just being released at this time. If you are into coming of age stories this may hold more interest for you. It was well written and engaging. Be warned there is a fair bit of Star Wars hype in this book. While I was never a fan, my husband definitely is. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $10.95 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Wolves and Daggers by Melanie Karsak (The Red Cape Society Book 1)

 

    Agent Clemeny has been a member of the Red Cape Society for years, but when her long-time partner disappears she is partnered with a werewolf, Sir Lionheart, to track down those who are capturing the cities alchemists. While "Little Red" has made a name for herself amongst the supernatural community partnering up with one has never happened before. Can the pair work together before their foes develop their secret serum?

    I got this book in a box set of books 1-3 and I loved them. That being said, if I happen to mention something from the other books versus just one I apologize. Once I finished book one I immediately began the next two. This book is engaging, set in a steampunk Victorian London. As with all my favorite period pieces Agent Clemeny is a far cry from meek and mild. In this fascinating dark fairy tale retelling it is the big bad wolves that should fear little red. 

    We start strong in this book jumping into some action with an abduction followed by an unlikely partnership. Unfortunately this is not an enemies to lovers book, just an action packed paranormal mystery type. We follow Clemeny and Sir Lionheart as they track the abductions to their source. They must stop those behind it before they complete their goal. Otherwise, the Red Cape Society, and likely the world as a whole, is going to have problems. 

    I am trying really hard not to give anything away in the book. I loved it from the characters sass to the suggestion of romance to the violence that reigns rampant. 

    This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Alphas and Airships (Red Cape Society Book 2)

Peppermint and Pentacles (Red Cape Society Book 3)

Book Review: The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith (The Vine Witch Book 1)

     For centuries the vineyards of France have relied on vine witches to help cultivate their crops for their wine. They have the ability to know exactly what the grapes need to become perfect and young Elena loved being a vine witch under grand mère's tutelage. When a curse is placed upon her she vows to find her way back to herself and exact revenge, but when she gets home seven long years later much has changed. Grand'Mere has sold the vineyard to a handsome young stranger, Jean-Paul Martel, and her magic remains largely out of reach. Can she still exact her revenge and save her home? 

    This book was an impulse purchase forever ago and it took me a while to actually get to it. I loved it, don't get me wrong. My TBR is always forever long, but once I started reading it I loved it. 

    We start just as Elena is breaking the curse that was put on her. We occasionally backtrack to get information needed from before the curse was placed on her, but it never takes you out of the story. We also get to see how Elena's relationship with Jean-Paul changes as he slowly becomes more open to things outside of his understanding. 

    I enjoyed the twists and turns as we learn more about the curse and how it affects Elena even after it is broken. The story was well-written and engaging and I would definitely read more by this author!! There is fantasy, magic, betrayal, and a dash of romance thrown in. We even get a bit of budding friendships within the pages. I don't have any complaints on the story from the characters, story-line, or writing. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Mayor of Noobtown by Ryan Rimmel (Noobtown Book 1)

     After a fatal car crash Jim finds himself being cast as a new character for a demon's game of D&D. Except he is still cognizant and soon finds a way to travel to this new world under his own control. Unfortunately, there is no way back to his family and now he is stuck with an annoying shoulder demon whose only goal is to retrieve his levels and once more become the all powerful creature he was before. He has fallen into an old world style area in a noob area. Except the area has long since been abandoned and no one bothered to tell the creatures to take it easy. Can Jim and Shart team up long enough to survive? 

    My husband suggested this book to me as soon as he read that Jim named the demon Shart. Yup. It stands for EXACTLY what you are thinking. The verbiage is crass. The violence is at a ten. And the attitudes are real. So of course I LOVED this book. Seriously though, if you are a fan of the tabletop game, role playing games, and are fine with the type of talk that those games almost always have you'll love this book. 

    This is real world/game world combined. Death is real and permanent, but leveling up a character is also possible. We start out low level, but because he was offered a unique build Shart isn't very helpful other than by telling him he shouldn't be able to do some of the things he does. We follow Jim as he travels to a nearby abandoned town. Along the way he does some minor animal hunting and runs across some goblins that are a bit smarter than the wolves before them. Then the wolves of the goblins are even smarter. Defeating them will be a challenge, but the possible reward is more people for his new town. 

    The writing in this book is not awe-inspiring. There are typos, grammatical errors, and incorrectly used words. Still. The book was good and the quests we began and finished kept my interest and I would definitely be willing to read more on the series. I think my husband actually did finish the series and I heard no complaints about it. There are also stat sheets in the book. For some this is a good thing for others it is a detractor. Personally, I skipped them. It didn't take away from the story and I didn't feel like I was missing anything not knowing the information. 

    This book ties up the quests that had begun while being a bit of a cliff-hanger. There is still plenty of opportunities where this story will go and I hope for good thing. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Magick of Chaos by Ricardo Victoria (Tempest Blades Book 3)

     Now that the games are over our band must figure out their place in the world. Be it revisiting old homes, self-discovery, tracking down a missing crown, helping an amnesiac deity, or choosing between two love interests. Will the groups inner struggles block their way from stopping the oncoming war?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in a series and it cannot be read as a stand-alone. If you haven't read them already, click the links at the bottom of the page to see my reviews of the other 2 books with a purchase link for Amazon at the bottom of the reviews. They are well worth the read. 

    In this book rather than the entire group being together they are split in half. Gaby, an old friend, and Fionn in one group on a mission to track down a crown of death to stop an on-coming war. Meanwhile the rest of the group have found a deity that has lost her memory. In order to help her they need to find a way to restore her memory. If their missions weren't enough there is still the inner turmoil we have seen budding or delved into in the other books. 

    Alex is still struggling with his depression. Sam is trying to figure out a balance between her human and Fae side. Gaby is trying to figure out not only her music, but her relationship with Fionn. More and more it feels like a comparison to his dead wife. Then there is the tension between Sid and his cousin. 

    The action and the story-line are always amazing with Ricardo, but it is the depth of the characters that keep you invested. You want to see how your favorite character can solve their problems while they complete the quest that they are on. This book like the others ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger. The main points of the story were covered, but there are still threads that need tied.     

    This book is available on Amazon for $7.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this Author: 

The Cursed Titans (Tempest Blades Book 1)

The Withered King (Tempest Blades Book 2)

Book Review: Justice Rides by SaddleTramp 1956

     After Sargent Eli was shot and killed in 1864 in battle he learns he has been recruited by an immortal being named Adrestia to help dispense justice amongst the living. To complete his training he must spend the next five years as a Texas Ranger, under Captain Bill McDonald. He will face some of the worst humanity has to offer and maybe catch a glimpse of his family from time to time. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a western period piece, but since it isn't a historical romance I had high hopes for it. Afterall, who doesn't love a cowboy. The book was an avenging force that was still wrapped in sweet. 

    I don't mean that the man was sweet. Eli held no qualms against punishing the wicked for their crimes, once the crimes were confirmed. But, he did it justly. I will warn you there is a fair bit of Christianity in this book. He also cared deeply for his family throughout the story, even though he was dead he made sure he was able to check in on them occasionally. 

    We get to see how certain people tried to gain as much as an upper hand over others as possible through deceit in the Wild West and how these things were addressed. I don't want to go into too much more detail and give away the entire book. It was sweet and if it didn't have so many religious undertones I'd likely read more on it. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh (The Beautiful Quartet Book 1)

 

    Celine was forced to leave her home and dress-making apprenticeship in Paris after an unfortunate event. On the run, she finds herself in a convent bound for New Orleans. The church has agreed to take in the girls until they find suitable matches and are married off. Celine quickly finds herself caught up not only in the entertainment of her new home, but in La Cour des Lions and their leader, Sebastian. Still, this mysterious man and her keepers are not Celine's biggest concern. A murderer stalks the streets and it soon becomes apparent they are targeting her. 

    I was lent this book by a friend of mine and I really enjoyed it. This is a dated book, if the dress-maker description didn't give that away along with the suitable matches to be married off to. It takes place in the late 1800s, which isn't something I read a lot of simply because I am not big on women being treated as little more than property. Still it was a YA vampire book, so I was going to give it a shot.     

    The book started off with some concerns. First, of course, was the time frame. Followed closely by the fact she is in a convent. We know I don't do religion so I was concerned. But, I kept reading and it paid off. While there are some minor religious contexts this is not a down your throat Christian book. In fact, it's a morally grey male main character book. We do have a good guy to choose from too, but the morally grey's are so much more fun. 

    Celine does not fit in the tiny boxes women used to fit into and by the time we finally discover what she was running from it wasn't even a surprise. I kind of assumed from the beginning, but there were a lot of clues leading up to. I genuinely loved Celine almost as much as Sebastian. Although the woman she made the dress for was very close to being my favorite character. So much attitude and did not care what anyone thought. She was wonderful. 

    Then, of course, we have the added thrill of murders happening around town. Bodies of women who were being courted by others found drained of blood. Celine keeps showing up in the wrong places until it becomes clear that she is the killers newest target. We get to flop back and forth between perspectives in this story and it provides an added element of fun. Especially when we see through the killers thoughts but not enough is given away to know who they are. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Ricochet by Krista Ritchie (Addicted Book 2)

     Lily and her long-time boyfriend Loren have addictions they both struggle with. For Lily she is a sex addict while Loren is an alcoholic. While Loren is in rehab Lily must face her own addition so that they can stay together and move forward together. She must go 90 days completely celibate. The reward is the only man she has ever loved. But, addiction is hard and even self pleasure comes at a cost. 

    I was handed this book by a friend of mine with absolutely no warnings. Just said that her sister enjoyed it and she thought I would too. After reading it I realized that she knows I read waaay too much smut. If there is such a thing. Once I read the back of it I had to read the book, even if I typically avoid books that deal with addictions. I have been getting out of my comfort zone a fair bit recently and haven't been disappointed in what I've found. 

    This book jumps time periods with some frequency. Jumping between things that are happening in the present with Lily and things that happened in the past between she and Loren, primarily. The couple is extremely co-dependent and are both enablers of the other's addictions. This time apart will either tear them apart completely or let them move forward together towards a better future. That being said, the time jumping helps to tell of the couple's history without taking away from their current struggles. 

    There is addiction (obviously), porn use, and cheating depicted in this book. These are your trigger warnings if any of these things bother you. Personally, I think the book was great and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. This book nicely sets up a tension between Lily's little sister and Lo's brother. This could go really well, if done right, and how this book went I have no doubt it will. Unfortunately, I can't go into much more detail with the book without giving things away. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did, though. 

    I will say that you can read this as a stand alone. I have not read book 1 and did not feel like I was missing important bits. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Splintered by A. G. Howard (Splintered Series Book 1)

     Alyssa Gardner had always been a bit different. Her mother had been locked into the ward for most of her life. Ever since she was a child and her mother had taken after her with scissors. She didn't really want to hurt her daughter. In fact, she wanted to protect her from the butterfly. So, when the flowers began to talk to Alyssa she ignored it until she couldn't any longer. After-all. She was the descendant of Alice and she too was destined to fall down the rabbit hole. What she finds was more intoxicating and amazing than she could have guessed. 

    I got this book as a gift from a friend of mine years ago and it has just sat on my shelf as a beautiful trophy. Given, I'd never read the back of it to know that it was Alice in Wonderland themed. Otherwise I would have read it long before I did. Bear in mind I am still ridiculously behind on my reviews. I finished this book August 2nd, 2023. I keep a notebook filled with my read dates just for moments like this. On to the good stuff. 

    This is and isn't an Alice in Wonderland retelling. We pick up on Alice's family a few generations later. She is living a mostly normal life, even if her mother long ago went off the rocker. She visits her mother frequently, has a crush on her best friend's brother, and has favored hobbies. Normal enough life. But, when the opportunity presents itself to see if Wonderland is real she has to travel there. Even if she accidentally takes her crush with her. 

    This isn't the wonderland she read about. Chaos rains and it is up to her to set things to rights. Undo the damage done and regain her life. Can she right the wrongs without losing herself to a certain mischievous creature?

    This book...gods. There is nothing I want more than to finish this entire series. It is on my list. While the person she ends up with hits all the right feels something is off. I may be reading way too many dark romances but there is just something about that morally grey character that will melt me every time. As I mentioned a bit above when Alyssa gets to wonderland she realizes things aren't the same as in Lewis Carroll's book. Not just that that was romanticized.  

    Alyssa has to go through wonderland fixing the things Alice unintentionally broke from her sea of tears to waking a slumbering tea party. The goal is setting her family free of it's curse. Along the way she must decide who to trust. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $8.26 by clicking here. Personally I suggest getting a physical copy. It does make such a beautiful shelf trophy. 

Book Review: Darklands Online by David J Bushman (Darklands Online Book 4)

     After the challenges in both the real world and the game after facing the Ithkari Kurt has taken a step back from Darklands. In fact, he hadn't had a desire to rejoin the game since. But, when the Goddess decided to call him from his computer, offering the one thing he could possibly want, he had no choice but to rejoin. Upon re-entering the game he quickly found a bounty placed on his head. Can Kurt and his friends achieve the Goddess' goals so Kurt can be reunited with the one lost?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I need to start by saying this book CANNOT be read as a stand-alone. You HAVE to read the others first. That being said, they are all on Kindle Unlimited and beyond worth the read. Personally, I have read the audiobooks each time and they are amazing. I tried to be vague in my above summary in case there were newbie's to this book. Anything beyond this point is likely to include spoilers about books 1-3. Not intentional, it's just going to happen. Feel free to check out thoughts on those books with links at the bottom. 

    This book picks up basically after Greg's death. Kurt is mourning the loss, as can be expected. He doesn't have any intention of going back to the place where he last seen his brother, not even thinking of the friends he had made there. It just wasn't a priority. When he is offered the chance to see his brother again he will take it no matter how remote the possibility actually is. Once back into the game while trying to be up with his friends Kurt finds a bounty on his head. With a revenant intent on killing him, programmers pulling out all the stops to contain him, and gamers also looking to collect on his bounty it is only a matter of time before he dies. But, the prize at the end is worth it, if he can survive. 

    We have most of our favorite characters from the other books in this one as well as a few new additions. As always, I loved the books and can't wait for literally anything else this author publishes. There is action, adventure, the tidbits of romance, and of course loss. Kurt is a far cry from the noob he once was to this game, but the challenges never stop. I can't wait to find out what will happen next with the ending we got here. Yup, as always it was a cliffhanger of the best kind. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Darklands Online Book 1

Darklands Online Book 2

Darklands Online Book 3

The Guy Who Accidentally Started the Apocalypse 

Book Review: The Haunting of Gordon's Lake by Danny Gunn (Van Diemen's Valley Book 1)

     Brad is forced to spend the last weeks of summer with his aunt and uncle, but he is promised lots of fun. Crickets, swimming, and barbeque. While his cousin doesn't initially seem very interested in hanging out, the friends he slowly begins to make warn of ghosts in the area. He doesn't believe it at first, but he may just lose his life the same way a group of kids did years ago if he isn't careful. Will he join the eternal playground or go home with his family at the end of summer?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a middle grade horror novel that is well done. Just in case you can't handle child death you might want to be leery of this one. A group of teenage kids die in this book. It doesn't go into a lot of detail about that and it is something that happened years before the book begins, but it is mentioned throughout multiple times. 

    We start by following a young boy as his parents drop him off with his aunt and uncle while they have to travel. Everything seems normal about them, including a surly older cousin, and the cabin they go to seems nice enough. The longer he is there, however, the more weird things begin to happen. While his aunt and uncle assure him that his cousin was only teasing with her warning of ghosts in the area, some things aren't adding up. Following along as Brad decides who is real and who is a ghost out of each he encounters. 

    The truth behind who is a ghost was a bit obvious to me, but it didn't take away from the story. Again, this is a middle grade horror. Still, it is well written and engaging. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Civil: Revolution in Turn by Frank Visone

 

    Jack Miller is an average man who wants nothing more than to protect his family. After joining a local militia, he learns more about how to protect his family. Now that China-men have taken the opportunity to land on their shores in an attempt to take over the country Jack will protect his family and land through any means possible. Standing toe to toe with trained military men as they fight to protect what matters most will Jack be able to save his home, or will he lose his life along with everything he loves?

    I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but once it got exciting it got VERY exciting. It was well written, and I completely enjoyed it. No trigger warnings that I can think of to warn people about. Well...unless you get butt hurt over putting down Trump and are for having guns removed from the general population. Then you should probably not read this. You'll be really mad. Course I should hope I don't have those on my page anyways...(The no gun people. Don't care one way or the other about the trump people. Politics doesn't have a place here.)

    Anyways, we follow Jack as he tries his level best to protect his family, home, and neighbors. When a foreign military breaches homeland shores he is on the front-line to protect it. Armed with just the guns he owns he soon amasses the foreign weapons as well as he takes them down. No, he isn't perfect. He isn't Rambo. He is just a regular guy doing whatever it takes, no matter how afraid he is. We see him leave his family time and again in an effort to keep them safe. Even when he is home, he is doing everything he can to help his neighbors.     

    Be it threats from home or threats from outside the challenges are met again and again. While there are plenty of casualties it is worth it in the end. Once the threats are over and life goes as close as back to normal as possible the next threat comes from the government. However, that is another fight no one is willing to back down from. Can't say I blame them. 

    This book is page after page of fights, threats, and willpower. Worst part is it is a possible threat. I'm not saying the Chinese are going to attack us or that the government would make any headway with taking away the general public's weapons. But it is a matter of time before someone somewhere decides to attack on American soil. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Queen of Reckoning by N. C. Hayes (Redfern Legacy Book 2)

     After risking everything to find a teacher to help with her volatile magic Shaye's troubles are far from over. Between a looming wedding, others opinions of her and her families past, and now mysterious visions she may just lose herself. In fact, the more she deals with the person in her visions the more she learns that he was far from the person he was made out to be. Can one secret have so completely shaped her entire past?

    I received a request from this author to read this book after having already read it. She sent me book one and I enjoyed it, but when I finished I lent it to a co-worker, Ms. Deb, who enjoyed it so much she bought book 2. After she was finished with book 2 she gave it to me. So these are books I have the physical copies of. I want to start by saying they are gorgeous and I love having them on my shelves. 

    Book 2 picks up directly after book 1 ends and this is not a book that you can read as a stand-alone. I tried to be as vague as possible with the above so if you haven't read book 1 yet you can go check it out first without a lot of spoilers. 

    Just like in book one this book has a very YA Fantasy feel. Yes, the characters are of age, but there is magic and very innocent scenes. I'm not saying there isn't activity. There is plenty and there is even some possible trigger warnings. I read this book while I was pregnant and it was a lot for emotions at points because of a miscarriage and subsequent depression. If that is something you can't handle, even in literature, this is your warning. 

    I am not by any stretch of the imagination trying to put you off this book. I fully enjoyed book 1, as you will see in by review, and I enjoyed this one as well. I just try to give disclaimers as some people have certain triggers they go to lengths to avoid. The characters are still just as amazing as they were in book one. The same characters have continued on to this one, although character relationships have changed a bit, in the best possible way. 

    We still have the loveable cat of Skye's and her teacher's snake, in case you were wondering. There is also attempted progress made on reclaiming the throne and castle that the mortals currently occupy. That is something that made great progress and I look forward to what will happen next there. I read this book rather quickly and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Although, we will need to wait for the next instance in this series as there are only the two books at this time.

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.89 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Wayward Prince (Redfern Legacy Book 1)

Book Review: An Angel and a One Armed Man by B. D. Lawrence (The One Armed Detective Series Book 1)

     Lefty has been a PI of sorts since he left the department, but he wasn't really looking for a case. When a beautiful woman approached him at the bar and wanted to dance with him he didn't suspect her ulterior motive until it was too late. While talking she let him know that her niece was missing and she'd like to hire him to find her. With Angel's picture safely in hand Lefty begins tracking down known sources to find the missing girl. Caught between two human trafficking operations Lefty may not be able to make it out of this one with his clients life, let alone his own. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I read this book I didn't know that it was book 2 in a series. It seems that it can be read as a stand-alone, though, as I haven't read book one and have no idea what it may have been about. 

    The main character in this book is skeptical of everyone, but it seems he has plenty of reasons to feel that way. From the woman who just wanted him to talk to her (although there is plenty of opportunity for more there) to the mobsters who do want the meddlesome ex officer dead. Although he comes off as gruff Lefty is a bit of a softie as we see as the story goes on. I don't know how he was in the other books, but that is what I got the impression of with him. 

    I do want to give the disclaimer that although the book is good and interesting there is human trafficking, prostitution, and drug use in the book. That is just a head's up for anyone who can't handle reading about those things for one reason or another. That being said, the book holds the readers interest from the beginning as we try to figure out just who has Angel and what their intentions with her are. The author leaves plenty of room for interpretation of that until they want you to know the truth. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: In Shadows Lie by T. Emiller (In Shadows Lie Book 1)

     Liana worked hard in her video game testing job, and they were just about to launch a new product. When two new men were added onto her team, she didn't think much of it, no matter how attractive they were. But visions and dreams have begun to plague her starring these two. When one carts her away at the game launch she learns that her past is a lie and must uncover who she is now. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. To be honest by the time I started reading this book I had long since forgotten the blurb. So, I went into this book blind. With the set up from the beginning I honestly thought that this was going to be a smut book. Possibly even a multiple male smut, which isn't something I read. Although smut I never complain about. I won't say I was disappointed to discover it was a fantasy book, they have their own charms. 

    That being said, while the characters in this book are all adults the book reads similarly to a Young Adult Fantasy. There is a special main character, a very innocent budding love interest, betrayal, and magic. All the best things in a YA fantasy. The only deviation from the normal is that this is adults. Still, I am never against a good YA to sink my teeth into and I haven't read any in a while, so I was pleasantly surprised. 

    Watching Liana develop as we go through the story I half wondered who she would choose as her memories were unlocked. The options were definitely left open, and even with how things were left there may be some wiggle room in the future. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and reminds me a bit of Cassandra Clare's. Decent read and I do have book 2 for this, so you will be seeing another from this author at some point. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Clattering by Joan Wendland

     With no memory of who you are or how you arrive you walk up to a group at a table in a bar. They tell you that people only come to a bar for two things to drink or for information and ask what you are there for. After a moment you hear yourself speaking, filling them in on your past and asking them to band together to travel on a quest. Suddenly, you remember these details about yourself and your past. As you travel every once in a while you hear a clattering before anything, or nothing at all, happens. What could this be and what could this mean for yourself and your newfound crew?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I say book, but honestly it is barely countable as a Novella. It is tiny. In fact, most of what I said above is most of the book. But, the author's blurb gave away more than I wanted to. In fact, it basically gave away the only mystery the book had it in. So, I am leaving it out. You'll probably still be able to guess what the clattering is, but maybe not. 

    What little of a book there is to this it was decently written and the characters weren't bad. If there was more meat to the story it would have been more enjoyable. Instead, it felt a bit rushed and condensed. Not a bad thing if you are going for a short story, but for an actual book or even Novella it needs to be longer. Again, I am not saying I didn't like the story. It was good and I love D&D as much as the next girl, and LitRPGs are among my favorite. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Violins Played Before Junstan by Lou Kemp

     Celwyn hasn't cared about anyone since the lost of his great love, but some people have a way of worming their way into your heart. He is about to find out just how much he was missing and how much he now has to lose. As he picks up one after another in his band of misfits he knows he will do whatever he can to protect them from both the vampires that took his last and a deity that is able to possess different people. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Once I got into this book I really enjoyed it. It was a bit of a slow start for me, although it does have action sections from the first page. I didn't truly become interested in the story until after they had left the ship. Given, this isn't very far into the book. 

    We begin the story with Celwyn and follow him as he is conscripted to track down and capture an automaton. As plans change we slowly start to see a softer side to the prickly magician, including a doting on orphaned children. Although there are lots of characters within the book that all play their own parts, my favorite was the crow. You'll find out all about the little guy while you read. 

    That being said, the other characters aren't without merits of their own. From the automaton who emotes like a human to the magician himself who can conjure images and music from thin air and even to a young strong-willed woman whose Aunt was intent on marrying her off to someone. Each draws the reader in in their own way. I particularly like the fact that although the book is set in a steampunk version of Victorian England there is no qualms with the female character speaking her mind and thinking what a woman should and shouldn't do is entirely not her problem. 

    I will warn you. Anyone who has a problem with child deaths may want to steer clear. There is a couple rather vivid scenes involving child murder and torture. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Buymort: Bull Market Mayhem by Damien Hanson (Shopocalypse Book 5)

     With the fall of Kraken Silken Sands has risen through the ranks of the multiverse. Darth conglomerate is plummeting, and things seem to FINALLY be going well for Tyson. Yet, appearances may not be what they seem. The Church has named Tyson their hero, giving him the honor of fighting the sleem within Storage and on the newly to-be-inducted BuyMort planet. All that is at risk is the entirety of the Multiverse. The sleem will devour everything if they are allowed to add these newest additions to their collective. Silken Sands is all that stands in the face of this foe. Will they fall or gain more than they ever have before?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you have read any of my other BuyMort reviews, you know by now that I LOVE Tyson and everything to do with the BuyMort books. Even if I didn't get these books from the author, I would be reading them. I am hooked and will not be stopping this series until it is completely finished. Not that I am in a rush for that to happen. I genuinely love these characters. 

    Tyson continues to mature while still keeping his sense of humor and desire to rid the multiverse of BuyMort completely. His enemies have remained the same, but the threats against him continue to increase. Not only are they becoming more plentiful they are also growing in power. These new sleem are not only numerous but are much more powerful than any of the creatures they have dealt with before. Silken Sands will have to give it all they have if they are to escape with their lives, let alone complete their mission. 

    We have not lost any of our favorite characters and yes, my absolute favorite, Phyllis, is still alive and well. In fact, she is better than ever. I can't wait to find out what happens with this absolute legacy. We also continue to have Molls, Reyna, and even Tower from the other books. Tower begins to play a larger part in the story while the relationship between one of our favorite couples becomes strained. I truly hope they are able to overcome it in the next book! I won't give away which couple or why. You'll get to figure that out for yourself. 

    As always, this is my disclaimer that this book cannot be read as a standalone. Don't worry, though. The ENTIRE series is available on Kindle Unlimited. Or, go all in and purchase the books to keep forever. Personally, I am considering getting printed copies to decorate my shelves at home at some point. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this Author: 

Grand Opening (Shopocalypse Book 1)

Smart Shopper (Shopocalypse Book 2)

Rise of Windowpuncher (Shopocalypse Book 3)

30,000 Leagues (Shopocalypse Book 4) 

Book Review: Photograph and the Atomic Juggernaut by Michael Blatherwick (The Photograph Chronicles Book 1)

     Dana has always tried to have a normal enough life. Sure, her father had drawn up plans for Laverne and Shirley, her rocket powered skates. And her mother died young while her grandfather gave her an edict on his deathbed to bury the atomic juggernaut he had built in the military. Still...she was normal enough. But, her grandfather wasn't the only one on that long ago team, nor is she the only one looking for his legacy. With highly paid killers that go only by numbers on her tail and only the help of an electrician in training named Nick will they be able to destroy the juggernaut or even escape with their lives? 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. While Dana is constantly trying to make her life less exciting because of how her parents and grandfather died Nick would give anything to get him and his father out of the life they lead. His dad has struggled for years, but has never let it get him down. Meanwhile, Nick is intent on going to college while working to make a better life. 

    When he captures a picture of a girl on rocket skates he feels the spark to get to know her better. From roller derby to her impulsiveness as she tries to right the wrongs of her predecessors Dana is far from ordinary. In fact, she just might be the thing he needs to get out of his ruts. There are very small romance aspects of this book, although that is far from the point of it. We see relationships mostly broken in this, although there is the possibility for more in the coming series, based on how this book ended. Mostly, the story is non-stop action. 

    We come to a good stop in this book with the initial threat handled, however, the story is far from over. There is a bit of a cliffhanger that gives you just enough interest to want to continue one without feeling like the first book was unfinished. All in all I don't have any complaints about this book.   

    This book is available on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Becoming Insane by Leyla Cardena

     When the body of a junkie is left outside one man's apartment he and his previous best friend reconnect, only to slowly descend into madness together. The trigger may be a long buried shared memory from their childhoods that has come for them once more. Will the pair be able to regain their sanity and return to a normal life, or will their newfound afflictions bring them into a permanent institutionalized state?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I found this book a bit hard to get into. We jump around between the two characters as they complain about their average lives not going how they want, without ever actually doing anything to change them. Then, the madness slowly starts to overtake them with one insane instance after another to the point the reader doesn't know what is going on half the time. 

    Don't get me wrong, the insane bits held some excitement, although all the details on what actually happened to the pair I am still unclear on after actually finishing the book. Even though the book wasn't my favorite that I have read recently I didn't walk away from it with any feelings of distaste. My favorite part was where the agent and psychologist were tracking down the man. I'd say more about him, but considering that was the best bit, I'll leave it out. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.97 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Dead Sound by Anise Eden

     Neve has worked in the psych ward at a hospital for years. She is a psychotherapist and likes to think that she is good at her job. Still, when she is stabbed by a patient at work it becomes hard to face coming back. Determined to battle these demons on her own she comes back to work as soon as she is able. Upon returning she finds her favorite patient, Amos, has returned to the floor. He has a new delusion about her being the only one that could stop the apocalypse. The truth soon leads her down a spiraling path that sometimes has her questioning her own sanity, all while fighting off the advances of her awful ex. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is great. Normally I prefer books I choose over my review requests, but I honestly forgot that this was a review request. It was written well and very engaging. I will say that the author does tend to explain Neve's best friend's past in Ireland a bit too often. Telling the details of his parents once would have been sufficient. We didn't necessarily need it repeated another few times. 

    Other than this I really enjoyed the book. Neve reacts about how you would expect anyone to act in the situations she is put into. Cornelius is basically perfect, even with his physical limitations. The book plays out making you go through each of the feelings that Neve is going through, which keeps the truth hidden until the author wants you to know about it. I will say that the book ends in a way that solves the immediate issues, but the story is far from over. Thrilling and suspenseful to the last page. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Journeys by Jeanne Roland (The Archers of Saint Sebastians Book 1)

 

    It is the 14th century and the longbow is renowned. The archers of Saint Sebastians are known far and wide, those who make through trials will be narrowed down until one becomes the Prince's new guardsman. One men are allowed to participate in the trials which take place over 2 years, but when Marieke's father is killed she seeks refuge under the guise of a young boy in these sacred halls. While squiring for a Journeyman Marieke discovers more about her father and current threats. If only she isn't caught for being a girl first. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is very slow to pick up and it took me a long time to actually become invested in the story. I would "reward" myself for completing a chapter by reading something I was enjoying more. Still, I persisted, and I am glad I did. Once you actually get into the story it is very interesting. A bit bogged down in details, but it works in it's own way.     

    While it took me a while to become interested in the book, once I did I would read only on this instead of deviating to other books, as I am prone to do while reading. This book gives serious Eon vibes, without the disclosure at the end of that book. Still, I loved Eon, and I eventually grew to enjoy this book as well. To the point when it ended I considered immediately grabbing book 2. Afterall, this book ends on a cliff-hanger and I needed to know if they survived. I say they so you don't know who until you read it for yourself!

    Even though Marieke is under the guise of a boy, that doesn't mean her feelings and attraction has magically changed. Instead, she gets to ogle these men as they train, even if she rarely gets to enjoy it as she is trying to hide her own identity. The internal conversations where she attempts to battle these feelings is amusing, as well as the dangers faced both within the grounds and outside of them. Marieke does gain one enemy of sorts, but I don't know about him. I don't think he is as bad as he is portrayed and I kind of wants to see her end up with him instead of with anyone else. If this series were to go down the romance aspect it seems like it will lead into. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Confrontation by KM Ryan (What If Book 4)

     Haley has hated Seth since the moment he first came into the bar. But since he is her best friend's friend there was really no avoiding him. Not at work and not outside of it. He is immature and a playboy, but when one Friendsgiving ends in a sexy interlude, he quickly becomes her naughty indulgence. At least on Thanksgiving. Still, he is not boyfriend material, and she needs to cut her losses sooner rather than later. As sexy as Seth is, their Friendsgiving interludes cannot continue. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoy books by this author. Nothing like a little contemporary romance to spice up your reading pile! This is book 4 in a series, and while you CAN read them out of order, I don't suggest it. Characters from the other books play a part in this one, so it would ruin their stories to know the ends before you begin. 

    I have been WAITING for Haley and Seth's story. It was bound to happen eventually. They were at each other's throat's way too often in the last book for them not to end up at least sleeping together. All that tension HAD to end up either in the bedroom or with one of them killing the other. My money was on Haley, even with Seth's background. 

    Still, it was fun getting to know their story and I loved every second of it. As always, I look forward to more from this author in the future. If you haven't already, check out some of her other books I've read below!

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this Author:

The Reunion (What If Book 1)

The Meeting (What If Book 2)

The Encounter (What If Book 3)

Save Me (In the Moment Book 1)

Book Review: A Healer’s Gift by Tao Wong (Adventures on Brad Book 1)

     Daniel was gifted by the Gods at birth with the ability to heal even the most grievous wounds. However, this gift is not without great cost. Each time he heals he looses an equal amount of memories and experiences. While his gift is not something he advertises, he does use it when the need arises. With his goal of becoming an Adventurer Daniel travels to a nearby town, leaving his previous mining experience to go on Dungeon runs. Whether he succeeds or not will depend on the friends and decisions he makes along the way. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is a LitRPG where the main character lives the RPG without thinking it is a game. He levels, has gifts that have an exchange rate, and can obtain new skills. The characters within the book range in a wide variety of species, but they all work well together with their own skillsets. 

    This book is a nice change of pace from my normal readings. Normally I read the books that the character is entering into a VR world that is completely immersive versus this is their daily life. The change of pace was nice, and the book had a lot to offer. The dungeon runs and friendships along the way rounded out the book nicely.     

    The book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger after the healing, but I don't want to spoil anything. It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more in the future. 

    This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: An Amorous Dance by Jessica Lauryn (Rabourn Theater Book 2)

     Hannah Rabourn has tried her best to continue her father's theater. While he never believed in her acting abilities, he entrusted the care of the theater to her. She would not let him down, no matter how much her previous love would like to see her fail. Working so close with the man who had broken her heart years ago had been hard, but she would never give the man the privilege of knowing he got to her. But, when there are threats against herself she finds an ally in the most unlikely of places. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was hesitant when I first started this series, but with the completion of Book 1 I began to come around. I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this series, but a fun mystery with a large helping of romance wasn't it. I am not in the least bit disappointed by that fact, mind you. 

    Book 2 picks up shortly after book 1. While you could read these books as a stand-alone and still know what is going on, I personally suggest starting with book 1. Instead of Alicia we have moved on to her cousin, Hannah, who played a role in book 1 as well. While the threat to Alicia was removed, temporarily, there is now a threat to both the theater and to Hannah. Slowly the pieces begin to tie themselves together as to who is behind the threats and violent attempts. 

    Can she truly trust those around her? Who is the most likely to turn? These are questions Hannah must ask herself as she goes along. But, her ex deciding they needed to run the play her father was killed during may skew her focus. After-all, she was once the leading role along-side Evan Masters before her father took her out of stage-life and the play had not been ran since. Can she focus long enough to find out who is behind these attacks or will the seemingly long burnt flame rekindle only to be extinguished with her life?

    As I mentioned, a lot of mystery with a big helping of romance. You will be turning pages and waiting to see what will happen to this newest couple. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

A Passionate Play (Rabourn Theater Book 1)

Book Review: Crimson Sands by J. Arthur Klein

 

    James had been waiting on Crimson Sands to come out since he first heard of it. A new VR experience that was taken to the next level by new VR pods? When he learned that the local arcade would be adding a few of the pods in preparation for the new games launch, James was quick to reserve a spot. From the moment he entered the game he could tell this would be an experience unlike any other. No information about the game was released prior to launch, yet everyone couldn't wait to start the game, even with the bugs. How far into the game can James and his new friend go? 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. As an avid gamer I love VR and LitRPG books. I have a soft spot for them and very rarely turn down the opportunity to read one. This book is one that I personally would LOVE to read the next in the series of. 

    While there are in-game threats, this isn't a 'God in the Machine' mechanic that we see so often in these books. The gaming experience is fun and amazing while allowing the reader to get to know the characters. Then we get a little bit of real-world inside the pages as well, which is where the real threat lies. I will be completely straight-forward with you and let you know that this book does end on a cliff-hanger. BUT, trust me when I say that this is one book you just want the next one for, even if it does leave you hanging. 

    The characters are amazing. The world building is amazing. You get just enough information to feel like the pods are possible while enjoying the SciFi of it all. The book is well written and I look forward to more from this author in the future! 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here.