Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: The Love Position by Evie Alexander

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The Love Position by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (07/23/24)

Summary:

“People who do bad things are very good at hiding what they do, and we’re so trusting because it would never occur for us to beave the same way.” (Page 352, Kindle Edition).

Sophia Hunter-Savage has been through a lot lately!  After discovering yoga with the local hot yet unavailable Isaac, she decides to spend her summer on a remote island for an intense yoga instructor training course. Isaac doesn’t want to break his vow and his new student Sophia has awakened in him something he hasn’t felt in years. He runs away to his ashram to get away from temptation and back on the path of inner peace. But Sophia’s new yoga course and Isaac’s ashram are one and the same and neither can deny the forbidden attraction. 

Keywords:

Romance, Contemporary, Standalone, HEA, Forced Proximity, Steamy, Yoga, Retreat

My Review:

Talk about toxic environments! This yoga intensive seems so far from what I think of as the practice of yoga. How ironic for Sophia that she just wanted something relaxing to focus on for the summer and this ‘retreat’ is anything but. I remember the shy and keeping-to-herself Sophia as a brief character in other Foxbrook novels. What I recall of her is that she wouldn’t stand up for herself and she’s been thrust into an environment so difficult to get through. The rules of the yoga retreat are terrible and seem so counter to health and happiness. Sophia will have to go through so much to discover what she’s made of and how much she’ll take before speaking up and out. Is there a fine line between discipline, rigorous practice, and being at peace and one with others? It is places like this Ashram and the leader who give yoga communities a bad name. This place is more like a cult than a community. Even the less timid best friend Sophia makes at the retreat, Jessica, doesn’t fight back against some of the rules. They did pay a lot of money to be there, so it must be worth it? When the abusive relationship between this Ashram and its students is finally broken, it was so satisfying! 

I liked how this Caribbean setting really gives Sophia the chance to have her story. Her family and the Foxbrook crew are so lively and larger-than-life that Sophia would fade into side character territory in their midst. Sophia shows real grit and perseverance at this yoga retreat, to the detriment of her health and happiness. In the end, everything turns out alright. 

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 07/23/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: Bitterroot: A Novel by Suzy Vitello

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Bitterroot: A Novel by Suzy Vitello

A Socio-Political Fiction Novel published 5/21/2024 by Sibylline Press

 

Summary:

In a small town in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho, Hazel works as a forensic artist. She mostly keeps to herself but is suddenly thrust into the midst of her brother’s chaotic struggle. Kento and his partner are using a surrogate to have a baby. In Idaho. With an ex-girlfriend who is married. What could go wrong in a conservative town full of anti-LGBTQIA sentiment and guns?

Keywords:

Crimes, abortion laws, LGBTQIA rights, prejudice, suspense, racism, same-sex marriage, rights, romance, second chances, grief, familial drama

My Review:

The main character Hazel can diffuse so many potentially violent situations but the chaos just keeps coming into her life. She is still processing her childhood trauma when her husband suddenly and abruptly dies. Thrust into this new grief, it’s fascinating to watch Hazel navigate her new life. And then again her life is thrust into chaos when Kento, her brother, decides to get involved with an ex-girlfriend who is still married. Why would he choose someone like her to be a surrogate? Corinda, the ex, seems highly unstable and unpredictable and yet the author humanizes her through Hazel. I feel exasperated by the situation. It becomes harder and harder to blame Corinda though, as more and more of the story and past unfolds. Each character is complex, layered, and both a product of the environment and their conservative upbringing. In this way, the characters come to life as real people with real lives and real motivations.

The story, more than the characters, is larger than life as the chaos unfolds. I was riveted by the story. What could possibly happen next? It all seems unreal but makes sense in the context of the setting and the community the author crafts in this fictional small town. Step across the border from Washington into Idaho and you step into a different world. A world with fewer rights for LGBTQIA folks. A world with a different political and social atmosphere. A world with different laws and legislation.

There are so many themes/sub-plots intertwined that I had so much to think about as I was reading and getting sidetracked by the main story. I could probably have an hours-long discussion of all the myriad issues brought up in this book, including same-sex marriage and rights, grief and death, family drama, small-town struggles, and LGBTQIA rights and struggles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced novel with multi-faceted characters and striking setting.

This novel was published by Sibylline Press on 5/21/24 and is available on Amazon here.

TLDR Star Rating: 5.00

 

Links for more information:

Suzy Vitello’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Uglier by Kelly Vincent

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Uglier by Kelly Vincent

A YA Novel published by KV BOOKS LLC  (08/01/23)

Summary:

Nic is back – this time at a boarding school in Oklahoma City. Still mistaken for a boy, even in the bigger city, Nic is still discovering her own identity and who she wants to be. This is the fresh start she’s been wanting, but there are new growing pains in this new environment.

Keywords:

YA, Contemporary, Bullying, Gender Nonconforming, Identity, Art, Introvert, Questioning, Labels, LGBTQ+ themes

My Review:

“My mere existence seemed to be a problem for some people.” (Kindle Edition).

Nic’s perspective continues to be true, full of anxiety, and full of heartbreak. Her thoughts still skew negative and anxious but with tones of hope and self-bolstering. Within the new school, she knows that she has the opportunity to rewrite her story a bit, to be more confident, to be perceived differently even if people try to push her into a box. Continuously, Nic is mistaken for a boy (especially given her height), multiple times in the very first chapter and throughout the novel as well as in different places and contexts. It’s sad to think that there are places where people are still shocked at those who dress more androgenously or don’t conform to societal ‘norms’ for female or male presenting selves. I do disagree with Nic that ‘normal’ girls always wear makeup but perhaps that was my upbringing.

There were multiple aspects of gender and identity presented in this book and all of Nic’s new friends were part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. I liked how this book dived deeper into different experiences and how the characters’ lives were affected by their gender identities. “This was the whole problem with the binary, and the way other people felt like they had the right to determine your gender.” (Kindle Edition). I loved that there are multiple fiction books mentioned that also touch on themes of identity.

It was neat to see Nic grow in this second novel and I can’t wait to read more of their journey in book three of the series.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by KV BOOKS LLC  on 08/01/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Kelly Vincent’s Website

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