Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: The Upper Crush by Evie Alexander

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The Upper Crush by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (04/17/24)

Summary:

“Because we’re leaping into the unknown and hoping the other person will be there to catch us.” (Kindle edition, 94%).

Lady Estelle and James must work together to make the Foxbrooke festival a success for both their sakes. Estelle knows James to be a bully while James secretly likes Estelle but doesn’t think she’ll be able to see past his reputation. Can Estelle keep herself in check or will her personality and feelings get in the way of the festival planning? Can James redeem himself in her eyes so that she sees him as anything other than a bully?

Keywords:

Romance, Contemporary, Standalone, HEA, Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Lady, Estate, Rich, Forced Proximity

My Review:

I love a good slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with dueling POV. The book includes some other good romance tropes like forced proximity, small town, bully turned nice guy, and a bit of love at first sight.

I loved the main characters. I loved the side characters. I even loved the animals/pets. Both Estelle and James are the main characters you can’t believe are single but also can very much understand why they are single. They are both stubborn, strong, and big personality types. Both characters have a different but similar purpose intertwined with their forced proximity situation. They each also had their own backstory that made them very compelling. I really liked how both main characters were completely independent people and didn’t need the other to complete themselves, which made their love even more captivating. They have their flaws but are also the most caring and heartfelt people. Estelle will not hesitate to stand up and protect a woman she thinks is being abused. James will go out of his way for others without a second thought.

The romantic element makes this book so good, especially the slow buildup of the enemies-to-lovers romance that makes the eventual romance so very satisfying. The sexual attraction is always there, even from the beginning. There are a lot of falling-in-love montage moments and overcoming inevitable obstacles before getting to the first of the steamy parts.

The plot holds together the romance well and the dialogue is witty and super fun to read. The climax felt real and well-integrated into the story’s plot and the ending was satisfying with its HEA.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 04/17/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: Ruthless Ends (The Marionettes Book 4) by Katie Wismer

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Ruthless Ends (The Marionettes Book 4) by Katie Wismer

A Dark Urban Fantasy Novel published by Ahimsa Press (10/22/23)

Summary:

“The bond is pulled taut, like we’re each gripping one end and holding on for dear life.” (Kindle edition, 6%).

Valerie’s blood magic is changing. Her life is still in chaos. She must decide if she’s going to be the one to fight and if that will cost her too much or if the sacrifices will be worth it in the end.

Keywords:

Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Witches, Paranormal, Romance, Sacrifice, Blood, Attack, Mystery, Friendship, Family, Love, Gothic Fiction, New Adult

My Review:

This fourth book of the series starts where book three left off and if you aren’t reading them one after the other it may take you some time to get re-aclimated into the turmoil and chaos that is Valerie’s life. Even though I didn’t remember all the characters and their stories thus far, I was propelled along by the action and the plot. It felt like this book was building up to a grand ending and I wasn’t getting stuck in the details along the way.

I absolutely am enthralled with the world-building in this series. I don’t typically read this genre but Katie Wismer has sucked me into the world of the Darkmoors, vampires, and all the creatures in between. My favorite part was the newly introduced storyline of darker magic and the shadow world. If you are a fan of the movie Us then you will be as fascinated by the shadow world as I am.

There was one steamy/spicy scene that I felt was out of place to read but guess it made sense as it related to Valerie and her declining mental state. This book felt like less romance and more thriller/horror and the steamy romance didn’t feel like it belonged as well as it did in the first book.

This novel was published by Ahimsa Press 10/22/23 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Katie Wismer’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: An Unholy Affair by Evie Alexander

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An Unholy Affair by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (09/14/23)

Summary:

Small-town vicar Eveline puts everyone else first. Her dream is to find the perfect partner, but that doesn’t seem to be in God’s plan… Until she meets Jack. Could he be the one? Jack keeps his profession a secret from his friends and family, his life in France separate from the life he grew up living in the small town of Foxbrooke. It was love at first sight when he saw Eveline but she’s doing God’s work and he’s an escort. Would he be good enough for her?

Keywords:

Forbidden Love, Gender Swapped Priest, Escort, Grumpy V. Sunshine, Love at First Sight, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Standalone, HEA

My Review:

I am so incredibly mad at the townsfolk of Foxbrooke! They take advantage of Eveline’s goodwill. They invade her privacy and her space without thinking about her. She always listens to their woes and solves their problems when her hot water hardly works and her front door barely opens. She lives for her town but they don’t seem to see her as a person with her own feelings and needs. Eveline has real external problems that Jack is poised to fix with his protective mentality. But Jack is also saddled with real internal problems that someone as caring as Evelenine is perfect to fix. I was very invested in Eveline and Jack realizing they were perfect for each other and couldn’t wait for their HEA and personal growth as characters.

Foxbrooke comes alive as a small town. Several different types of people come to Eveline for advice, help, or just a snack and a chat. My favorite side character was the lively and full-of-personality Estelle. She seems like such a character and almost like the opposite of Eveline!

I like how the roles are reversed in this book – where Jack is the escort and Eveline is the vicar. However, neither of them has had a perfect past. They are both flawed. The main characters are what make this book stand out. They are the most compelling. Their story is the page-turner. Their inevitable love and happily ever after is the book high I crave when I read a romance.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 09/14/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Book Review: Love ad Lib by Evie Alexander

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Love ad Lib by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (06/13/23)

Summary:

“The vicar’s pigs are gonna fly before you take any risks with your life.” (Kindle edition, 10%)

Henry Foxbrooke wants order, control, and to have a curated life in the financial sector of London’s finest. His family wants him to step into the role as heir to the Foxbrooke estate, settle down, and produce heirs. Libby Fletcher is the brightest most positive personality in the room but she’s also a people pleaser who’s afraid to let go. Libby agreeing to be Henry’s fake girlfriend will solve all their problems, at least temporarily until they inevitably fall for each other. 

Keywords:

romance; romantic; contemporary romance; romcom; romantic comedy; comedy; standalone; love story; HEA; happy ending; happily ever after; funny; sweet; sexy; steamy; heat; funny; hilarious; laugh-out-loud; feel good; humorous; humor; fake romance; small town, steamy, romance, romance series, one bed, fake dating, fake relationship, standalone, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract, fish out of water, celebrity, comedy, stately home, Duke, Duchess, royalty, humor, HEA, love story, love, United Kingdom, Somerset, Bath, Jane Austen, Austen, rural

My Review:

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 06/13/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Book Review: In the Woods: A tale of supernatural suspense by Claudia Blood

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In the Woods: A tale of supernatural suspense by Claudia Blood

A Paranormal Suspense Novel published by Dragon Bane Publishing (08/15/23)

Summary:

Laura and Todd have a new case: clearing the name of a very good family friend of Laura’s and finding the real killer. A blackmail note accuses the man of killing Laura’s mother, except she has no memory of the event or even of the case right after they talk about it. Magic is at work but Laura is convinced that the man is innocent. It’s a race against time before the killer strikes again.

Keywords:

Suspense, Magic, Mystery, Lies, Demons, Lost Memories, Flashbacks, Murder, Fighting, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary, Attack, Threat, Target

My Review:

This book, along with the first in the series At the Cabin describes a unique type of magic, a supernatural type of magic that is hard to pin down. What are the rules and how do they work in this magic realm? I was kept guessing as to how the magic worked and I liked how the magic usage was different from the norm.

There were frequent POV switches from Laura, Doug, and Todd and with the gap of time since reading the first book and these POV changes, I felt more removed from connecting to the characters as I had in the first book. This book is also a fast read so there isn’t as much time to get too deep into each of the main characters.

I enjoyed how detailed the descriptions were of facial expressions and what they might mean every time a chapter was told from Laura’s POV. Todd’s flashbacks were very exciting and had me at the edge of my seat. Doug’s chapters really brought a sense of justice and urgency to the mystery.

My favorite part was the ending. I absolutely loved the final scene, and the book was wrapped up to my satisfaction.

This novel was published by Dragon Bane Publishing on 08/15/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Claudia Blood’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Reify (Seahaven’s Orphan Mystery Book 3) by Victoria Bastedo

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Reify (Seahaven’s Orphan Mystery Book 3) by Victoria Bastedo

An Inspirational Mystery novel published by Amazon Digital Services (5/30/2023)

Summary:

“Two against one keeps your opinions from experiencing any permanent change.” (Kindle Edition, 43%).

Michael is ready to hang up the jacket of Vanish. Theft is committed and Vanish is to blame and now more than just Liona’s family knows that Michael is Vanish and Vanish is Michael. The Constabulary are divided in accusing Michael of the crimes of Vanish. Michael will have to put on his detecting hat to absolve himself of the crimes as well as find some missing orphans. An orphan himself, Michael might also be at risk.

Keywords:

Religious, Inspirational, Mystery, Historical, Young Adult, 1900’s, Docks, Sea Town, Kidnapping, Family, Friendship, God

My Review:

This novel opens with a mystery that is solved before building slowly to the main action and excitement of kidnapping, burglary, identity theft, and violence.

As we see more and more of Michael, we get less and less of Vanish. The excitement and the mystery of Vanish are turning more to self-reflection, self-discovery, and seeking wisdom and direction in a higher power. God is referenced consistently and more directly than in the first novel of this series. I appreciated that the characters showed a high sense of morality that was felt in action, as literal description on the page, and verbalized by other characters.

“It must be God, doing it. God, who’d intervened already so much.” (Kindle Edition, 29%).

Some of the writing gets very cheeky and some of the turns of phrase made me pause to really envision and consider. I enjoyed the clever writing and dialogue that really brought the characters and setting to life.

“Mostly muscle, with a few pounds of policeman’s teatime to soften the blow.” (Kindle Edition, 3%).

The phrase, “It wouldn’t do to describe it in adventure books.” (Kindle Edition, 93%) especially made me chuckle. The author was definitely having some fun with the readers. There are several times when the details really engaged me. I found the little chapter heading pictures especially delightful. I loved that little detail. It made me smile as I read each new chapter.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services 5/30/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TLDR Star Rating: 3.75

Links for more information:

Goodreads

FreeValleyPublishing

Victoria Bastedo WordPress

Book Review: The Beauty of a Spiral: A Novel by Beth Maddaleni

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The Beauty of a Spiral: A Novel by Beth Maddaleni

A Contemporary YA Novel published by Ponderlit Press (07/10/23)

Summary:

Madz is exhausted. She’s been tired for so long, putting her body through such a demanding skating schedule for years as well as her recent recovery from mono, that she doesn’t even remember what it feels like to be normal and healthy. She’s ready to be done. For good. Even though her parents don’t want her to quit, she’s determined to leave the skating world behind. “I refuse to waste another moment of my life killing my body and humiliating myself at the rink.” (Kindle Edition, 6%).

Keywords:

Death and Dying, Figure Skating, Friendship, Mother-Daughter Relationship, Cancer, Grief, Illness, Love, Coaching

My Review:

First Reviewed through Reedsy Discovery.

The beginning sucked me right in. The pacing was excellent. The writing style was seamless and flowed easily. I especially enjoyed all the interactions between Madz and Gracie and the way the author crafted each character with unique and distinct personalities so that it felt like the world was completely fleshed out and real. This is the type of contemporary fiction I would recommend to anyone who wants a good book with depth, gut-wrenching emotion, and who doesn’t mind learning a thing or two about the daily grind of a figure-skating teenager.

Madz is brave. She is brave to say no. She has the courage to stand up for herself, her body, and her needs. She dares to do the opposite of what her parents want, what her coach wants, and what her sport thinks she should do. She’s been pushed to the edge of her limits and she’s not backing down on her decision. It is so admirable that she finally defines her boundaries and stands her ground on her decision to leave figure skating. It is so hard to change your daily schedule and to suddenly be free of an activity that didn’t just take over your life but is your life. Figure skating is a defining part of who Madz Monroe is and without it, she will have to figure out who she is. I admire her so much and love how strong her personality can be. She’s not just stubborn but full of conviction that’s backed by facts. She’s not just quitting because it’s hard or uncomfortable. Madz is a role model for teenagers and adults in the way she navigates her world and her problems. “… asking him to help me takes nerve. But I have a lot of them, and I have to get going.” (Kindle Edition, 77%).

There is so much going on in Madz’s world! This book was not just about Madz and her journey with figure skating. It touches on so many emotional subjects and does each of them justice. The parts with Chelsea were especially emotionally gut-wrenching.

It was so hard to put this book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen in each of the internal and external conflicts. The tension between Madz and Will, the cute landscaper, was intriguing. The relationship between Madz and her mother was fascinating and all their interactions had such well-written dialogue.

The relationship between Madz and her skating and health was the most fascinating of all. It was this subject matter, after all, that drew me to this book in the first place.

This novel was published by Ponderlit Press on 07/10/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

Beth Maddaleni’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Please Live for Me (The Brotherhood Series) by M. W. McKinley

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Please Live for Me (The Brotherhood Series) by M. W. McKinley

A NA Romance Novel published by M.W. McKinley (03/29/23)

Summary:

“Even if our songs seem the same show after show, my solos communicate how I feel on this night, at this show, different from all the others.” (Kindle, 25%).
“It makes me hopeful that other disasters in my life can also turn into the same kind of magic.” (Kindle, 46%).

Brotherhood is back in the UK for a summer tour and this is Rob’s opportunity to convince Emily to give them another chance. Emily and Rob have been in love since they were fourteen, but Emily doesn’t want Rob to be held back by her. She was diagnosed with a lifelong medical condition as a teenager that affects her daily life and Rob has commitments to the band. Will they be able to work everything out before summer ends?

Keywords:

Love, Band, Guitarist, Artist, Tour, England, Bandmates, Best Friends, Brothers, Family, M/F, Dual Timeline

My Review:

First Reviewed through Reedsy Discovery.

This is the third standalone story in the Brotherhood Series. The common thread between the books in the series is the band: Brotherhood. I love reading more in the world the author has built and we finally get Rob’s story – told as both present and past narrative. There is also the dueling POV’s between Emily and Rob in both past and present. The dance between the two voices and the two timelines is delicate and handled well. The pacing continues throughout the time and POV switching seamlessly and it’s difficult to put the book down because of the richness in voice and emotion.

The characters, their reactions, and their dialogue feels grounded and truthful. Each scene is carefully crafted using all the senses so much so that I felt fully immersed as I read. The details about music, musicianship, and MS felt so real to me. I empathized and rallied behind both Rob and Emily. As someone who used to play music but hasn’t for years the excitement, fervor, and longing in all the descriptions of playing brings me back and makes me nostalgic.

Both Emily and Rob have compelling stories full of emotional pull with rich and complex backstories that feed into their current dilemmas. There are many rare small glimpses into the personal lives of the characters that one would miss in real life but the author is able to highlight. These subtle insights through setting, dialogue, and actions reel you in as a reader as if you’ve been invited to watch something private and amazing going on between and within Emily and Rob. The way Rob is always there for Emily is immensely satisfying in a romance. The way Emily doesn’t want to let go of her independence is tough but also relatable, creating tension between them. Music is present throughout both of their lives as it pulls them together and pulls their story back to Brotherhood.

Overall, this book features beautiful writing, beautiful storytelling and serious relatable issues. If you’re a fan of wholesome and sweet romances, you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the next book by M.W. McKinley.

This novel was published by M.W. McKinley on 03/29/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

M. W. McKinley’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: One Night in Foxbrooke by Evie Alexander

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One Night in Foxbrooke by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novella published by Emlin Press (04/14/23)

Summary:

They used to be childhood friends and each secretly had a crush on the other. Now ten years later, they will have one night to see if those feelings are still alive. 

Keywords:

Romance, Contemporary, Standalone, HEA, Star Wars References, Chefs, Childhood Friends, Second Chance Romance

My Review:

I love the author’s writing style but didn’t love this story. I wanted this story to be a full novel. Both the story and the romance felt rushed since the character development and backstory didn’t have enough space to develop in this short novella. There wasn’t enough character development and I didn’t feel a true connection to these characters. They didn’t feel real. Their problems didn’t feel real. Their stakes didn’t feel real.

One part I disliked was the Star Wars references. They felt cheesy and didn’t add to the story for me. It felt like the entire premise of this story was built around these references. They didn’t make the story any more interesting or enjoyable for me and it felt like it was trying too hard.

The most exciting part to me was the catering/restaurant details but there were not enough details to hold my attention as it was side to the romance story.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 04/14/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.25

Author Bio:

Evie Alexander is the award-winning author of best-selling sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humor. She takes a method approach to her work, believing her capacity to repeatedly fail at life and love is what has given her such a rich supply of material for her writing.

Her interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasizing about people who only exist between the pages of her books. She lives in the West country with her family.

Links for more information:

Book Review: Sagistic by Victoria Bastedo

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Sagistic by Victoria Bastedo

A Fantasy novel Independently published  (05/31/2022)

Summary:

Finch, a professor turned soldier, is ready to aid his country using his smarts and the little training he receives prior to jumping into conflict! He must work as bait, to find and rescue villagers who have gone missing. There are only a few complications in the form of unicorns, gnomes, and a pretty waitress.

Keywords:

Villains, Village, Fighting, Unicorns, Gnomes, Gentlemen, Romance

My Review:

This book has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of adventure. I enjoyed the blending of multiple genres within this book. If you’re a fan of the book (or even the movie) Princess Bride, you might be a fan of this novel as well.

The fantasy elements were centered around fantastical creatures like unicorns and gnomes and the tone of the book kept its historical feel even through the introduction of these fantastical creatures. The introduction was well-grounded in the environment and characteristics of the past before bringing the fantastical creatures into the plot.

The pacing of this book felt like it was an action/mystery story broken up into parts as if it was a quest story with multiple distinct segments.

Like other Bastedo books, and true to the genre of romance, this story features a happy ending.

This novel was Independently published  (05/31/2022) and is available on Amazon here.

TLDR Star Rating: 3.75

Links for more information:

Goodreads

FreeValleyPublishing

Victoria Bastedo WordPress