Book Review: A Ghost for Christmas by J. D. Winters (Mele Keahi's Mysteries Book 1)

 

    On a visit to her aunt's house after a bad breakup Mele notices first a ghost in the window that has plagued her periodically throughout her life followed by a man dead on her aunt's doorstep. After calling the police she still can't get over it and is determined to find out who is behind the grizzly murder. It could be anyone from her aunts best friend, her aunt, to anyone in between. Will her ghostly apparitions be a help or a hindrance to solving this crime or will she end up joining them as ghosts? 

    This book is adorable and fast paced. It is a who-done-it with a little bit of very light romance thrown in. Closer to attraction and tiny date than anything else, but it was cute. I really liked the detective and the woman who was always running in this book (can't remember her name right now). The detective was gruff and kind of a pain, but he was all goo on the inside. Then the woman was a real friend, even in the short encounters. 

    Mele and her aunt are very sweet and I loved how the ghosts popped in and out and how that was explained. The author did a good job with setting and mixing in Hawaiian aspects along with small town living. Also, the scene in the book with the statue was amazing. Trying to be vague with that one. The author does a good job of flipping blame from person to person until she is ready for you to know who the culprit was. 

    This is book one in a series, but I felt everything was well explained and enjoyed all aspects of the book. The book did not end on a cliff-hanger and is one that you could feel content stopping here if you weren't ready to pledge to a series or continue on to enjoy more activities Mele gets into. 

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

Book Review: Billion Dollar Enemy by Olivia Hayle (Seattle Billionaires Book 1)

     Skye and her best friend are about to lose their bookshop. There's no two ways about it. Some stupid billionaire has bought up the property and is going to be demolishing it for a hotel. No more quaint little bookshop that basically raised her as a child. In an attempt to blow off some steam Skye heads to one of the King hotel bars in town. Ritzy upper class men who are perfect for people watching and ideas for a book that she may or may not ever finish. A man named Cole entices her into a one night stand, but when he turns out to be the one behind the take-over she hates him. Even if he gave her the most intense orgasms of her life. And she definitely doesn't want it to happen again. 

    I loved Skye and Cole. I loved that he gave her a fair chance and didn't cheat her out of anything. I love how everything played out. The suspense of if they were going to turn a profit with the bookstore. The entire game option that he definitely didn't have to do. I love the quirky little ideas that she played into the bring more customers to the bookshop. Just everything about this book was a yes. 

    For starters. Cole. Yes, he is a sexy billionaire. Cool. But you know what is sexier than the stereotypical? He reads. Yup. She suggests him books and he actually reads. Not to please her, although I am sure that is why he reads some of the suggestions. But because he actually enjoys it. There is nothing sexier than a man that reads and enjoys it. 

    Then there is Skye. I love my women with a little bit of sass and this woman has plenty. For everyone except for her sister. I will say that I LOVED when she stood up to her, though. Not that her sister is a bad person. In fact, I 100% think she and Cole's friend should hook up. Until then, though, Cole is going to be an amazing uncle to that little boy. 

    I have not read anything by this author before, but look forward for more in the future. There are plenty of spicy scenes in the book that are very much so open door. No complaints there. But, there are not so many that there is no plot to the book. 

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

Book Review: Road to Desire by Piper Davenport (Dogs of Fire Book 1)

     Danielle Harris is the daughter of an overprotective police chief and a Kindergarten teacher. The last place she expected to be is on the wrong side of town when her car breaks down and she is approached by a rough and sexy biker. Austin "Booker" Carver tries to keep the chief's daughter at arms length, but when a threat is made all bets are off and she is his. 

    If it isn't obvious by now from my reviews I have a soft spot for bikers. Grew up in a club and they and their activities don't really phase me. I can honestly say that I loved this book from start to finish. Dani is a bit naïve, but she is sweet and isn't afraid to pursue her happiness. Then there is Booker who is kind of an ass, but what biker isn't? Hell, my Dad's name was Coyote. 

    I think it is sweet how Booker just decides that the car is getting taken care of and she doesn't get a say in it. Yea yea controlling macho whatever. It was adorable. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I doubt it will be my last as I really enjoyed it. 

    I can't say if the books in this series are a stand-alone or not, yet, as this was book one. Everything wrapped up nicely and I don't feel like I'm necessarily missing anything if I were to not continue on to the next book. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Oath of the Bear by Diane Queenston

      When his homeland is in danger Rengar sacrifices his future to serve the Lady of Grimwald in exchange for the ability to turn into a bear. He is given longevity in exchange for his servitude, but after a century and a half he wants more than just being a protector of the forest. A woman has spiked his fancy, but he knows that he belongs to the Lady until she deems his serve rendered. 

     This is a very fast read that I can’t say much more than what is above without giving everything away. A group of men from a village strikes a bargain with a lady of the forest who grants them the ability to turn into bears to defend their home, In exchange their lives are hers. They are to live in the forest and be it’s guardians until she deems their job complete. 

     When traveling to the nearby town to have his knives repaired by the Blacksmith he meets the Blacksmith’s daughter and develops feelings for her. They are far from one sided and she is willing to stand up to the Lady if it means a possible future with Rengar. 

     The characters are sweet, there are spicy scenes, and nothing is beyond saving. There is no relationship turmoil or self sabotage like we frequently see in shifter books. Also, this book starts with the shifter origin versus just of it having been in the bloodlines forever. All in all a cute little read. 

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

Book Review: Snowed in with Grumpy by Olivia Noble (Silver Mountain)

     Ava was told by her boss that she needed to get to some nowhere town and convince the owner to sell. Shouldn't be too hard except Garland only likes his solitude, growling, and kids. Then when she was just about to give up and just go home rather than deal with the jerk a freaking avalanche falls on her vehicle trapping her there. Just perfect. 

    Ava is trying to help her parents and her sisters with this commission, so I get where she is coming from. Although, I think my favorite character is her best friend. Actually, I know it is. He is amazing. Then there is Garland. Garland is adorable. By that, of course, I mean he hates everyone except when someone actually manages to get close to him then he turns into this sweet lovey male. Unless they are kids. 

    I can say that the book was very well written, beyond cute, and has a happily ever after. I am sure this is a part of a series, but I haven't read anything else by this author, yet, and did not feel like I was missing vital information. It is possible it is book one. I genuinely don't know. When I went to the Amazon page it just said Silver Mountain after it. Not if it was book 1 or 100. More digging could have provided this information, but it wasn't very important at the moment. 

    Ava is an absolute klutz and she manages to hurt herself time and again while mostly just frustrating Garland. Still, I think he handled things pretty well 90% of the time. I would absolutely read more on this series, if it is a series, or just by this author. From the best friend to them cursing in Christmas, no, I am not kidding, the book is amazing. 

    Side note that is important to some and not to others. There is some spice to the book, but not a ton. It is absolutely a romance, but there just aren't a lot of play scenes. Mostly plot focused. 

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

Book Review: Waiting for You by Lea Coll (Annapolis Harbor Book 6)

     Ava has had a crush on her best friend's brother since forever. But Alex has never looked twice at her. Now, he is staying at her Bed & Breakfast while in town for her best friend's wedding. Except he seems to be looking at her with a new intensity. Could he be seeing her for more than someone that is off limits? Is she willing to risk her relationship with her best friend and adoptive family? 

    While this is book 6 in a series I absolutely feel that it can be read as a stand-alone. I could be saying this because I have zero idea what is going on in this town and series and be absolutely wrong, but I don't feel like I have gaps. I haven't read any other books in the series, although this book was beyond adorable so I would be completely okay with doing so. 

    On to the goods. There is a bit of spice to the book, although it is primarily plot. Ava sees Alex for the first time in forever while he is playing music at the wedding and all those old feelings come rushing back. There is the normal who fell first type thing, but it seems that there was always a bit of a spark, even though one side felt it a bit more strongly. We get to know the characters and everything works out amazingly. 

    I love that the characters bring out the best in each other. Knowing they have their primary jobs while pushing them to explore and heighten their hobbies to make theirs, and others lives better. Plus, I am a sucker for baking books. Don't ask me why. I genuinely don't know. All in all I loved this book. 

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

Book Review: Must Love Ghosts by Charity Tahmaseb (Coffee and Ghosts Book 1)

     There is more than one way to catch a ghost and Katy and her grandmother have always used coffee. But, when a new guy comes to town shortly after her grandmother's death using tea of all things there will either be an alliance or competition. Is her small town big enough for two ghost hunters?

    This is a cute little paranormal hunting story that is very light-hearted. Aside from the death of her grandmother and the bit of addiction talk. And a few other things. Okay. So maybe it isn't so light hearted. I have been reading A LOT of dark romance so this was basically a fluff piece in comparison. That being said, there are your trigger warnings. Death of a loved one. Addiction (although not to anything normal). Relapse. Minor possession. 

    I don't have any complaints about this book. It is separated into "episodes" like the author wanted this to be intended like a season of a tv show or something, which is a little odd, but since the entire story was within one book it is an easy to overlook quirk. The writing is well-done and you go through Katy's emotions with her. Following her loss, the amusement at the pesky sprites at her neighbors house, and all things in between. 

    While there were some different suggestions on where the romance aspect of this series was going to lead, I feel confident on the end place, even if I don't end up reading more by this author. Not saying that I wouldn't. I absolutely would. It was amusing, quirky, and I can honestly say the coffee and tea luring was a first for me. 

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

Book Review: Ghost Squad by Bob Moats (Rest in Peace Book 1)

     Detective Russ Baker hasn't had an exemplary track record. In fact, the captain is so frustrated with him that he has been sentenced to the cold case files. But, when he arrives he learns that he has a new partner. A ghost helper from the beyond in the shape of a long dead cop. With the help of his new ghost partner Russ can not only talk to the ghosts in the cold case room, but bring killers to justice. 

    This book was one of my impulse purchases. I thoroughly enjoy paranormal books. Be they spicy or not. In this case, there is no spice and it is something I am kind of glad of. There is a strip club though. And there is the very good possibility of a slow-burn romance starting, but I don't know how in depth the author is going to go with it. Seems like it may end up being more of a closed-door situation, if that path is pursued. 

    Anyways, we have a cop that is basically spirally and has an awful close record being sent to cold cases as a punishment. Once there he meets a ghost detective who lets him know that he has been sent to help Russ help the ghosts move on by bringing their killers to justice. It works out great by both improving Russ's close rate and by helping get him out of his slump. 

    I enjoyed every aspect of this book from the character's personalities to the actions taken against the criminals. It was like a fun, and somewhat crass, mashup of Psych and Ghost Whisperer. I would absolutely read more in this series. 

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

Book Review: Sebastian's Secret by Felicity Brandon (The Dragon Guardians Book 1)

    Sebastian's father demanded that in order for his son's to retain the family inheritance and homes they must marry by a certain age. While his intent had once been to marry, with will of his father now imposed from beyond the grave there is nothing he wants less. But, when he is unable to get a one night stand out of his mind then finds out how she is treated by her own family, there may be someone worth letting himself fall for after all. 

    I impulse purchased this book forever ago. I love shifter books and dragons will always be my absolute favorite! For this particular book we struggles with telling her about his shifter side, which is not uncommon in paranormal romances. Meanwhile, she is an adult that still lives with her parents. Not because she is incapable of making it on her own. Her dad is just a bit controlling. And abusive. 

    What started as a one night stand for the both of them quickly evolves. Neither can get the other out of their heads until a chance encounter leads them back into each others arms. Now, they must decide if they can trust the other enough to reveal their secrets and make a new future together. 

    This is a he fell first that has abuse, neglect, and a bit of BDSM. These are your warnings. If those things aren't for you then there you go. If, like me, you love trigger warnings in that you don't have any then carry on. For a lot of the dark romance girlies this is some low level stuff. That being said, the spice is spicy and the plot is there. It is a quick read where you are rooting for the main characters the entire time.  

This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here.