Unbreakable Bond (Fated Mates Duet Book 1) By Jess Bryant KU

Blurb

Sometimes fate gets it all wrong.

Zoey Kent has lived with that fact ever since she turned eighteen and learned that the man she loved could never be hers. He’s a born shifter, a wolf,

and she’s a mere human. Fate doesn’t care if on paper they’re a perfect pair. She isn’t his fated mate and she’s resigned herself to the knowledge that

someday, she’ll have to watch Michael mate with another. It’s never crossed her mind that there might be someone else out there for her, that she would

be the one to mate another, to choose another over everything she’s ever known or wanted.

Sometimes fate gets it all right.

Rafe Hudson left his pack behind years ago. Physically and mentally scarred from an attack that left his parents and twin dead, he walked away from his

responsibilities as Alpha. He never intended to return but lone wolf or not, he can’t leave Michael open to an attack he’s learned is coming for his only

brother. What he didn’t know was that going home would mean scenting his mate, the one person in the world that could make him whole again, that could

give him everything he thought he’d lost. His pack, his home and his family.

But fate always has a plan.

There’s no way Michael’s brother is her future, is there? Just like there’s no way that the girl his brother has loved since they were kids, was always

meant to be his, right?

Only fate knows why they were brought together but there is one thing for sure, the sparks between Zoey and Rafe are undeniable. The bond between them

is unbreakable. And together… they’ll change the face of the pack forever.

Review

This book is so awesome that I had to read it twice! I’m sure that everyone has that “feel good” read. It’s a book you can reread when you’re in a particular mood. I know that in my case, it helped me escape the monotony of staying home. I love this book for several reasons. The first one is the lack of bone chilling horror. It isn’t a dark fantasy with heads being boiled, but there are a few fight scenes that are enough to keep a fantasy fan like me excited. It also has a romance that is unexpected by both characters.

You have Zoey, who is a human that was adopted by a shifter couple. She spends the beginning of the book thinking about Michael, her best friend, and alpha of the pack. Despite longing for one another, the pair still manages to be friends. A relationship between them is hopeless, since they are not fated mates. Rafe on the other hand is broken for a good reason. Rafe was the rightful alpha of his brother Michael’s pack, who vanished after the death of his twin brother and his parents. He holds on to guilt that kept him away from the pack for years.

Naturally, Michael tries to prevent Rafe from claiming his soulmate, but Zoey fights for the man that belongs to her. Thank goodness, she’s a female lead with a back bone. This is a shifter romance, so there is instalove, steam, dialogue, and testosterone. The side characters are interesting. The threat to the pack does reveal himself, and he is handled in the second novel, which I have also read and enjoyed.

If you’re looking for a new adult novel that has steam, love, and hot werewolves, this is the book for you!

Loving Eliza (South Dakota Series #1) by Ruth Ann. Nordin PF

Blurb

Eliza left her life of prostitution to become something she could never be back in Omaha: a lady. Her plan is to remain single for the rest of her life,

but when she arrives in South Dakota, she runs into John Evans. And he’s not about to let her remain single if he has anything to do about it.

As soon as John sees Eliza, he falls in love with her. Not only is Eliza the most beautiful young lady he’s ever seen, but she isn’t put off by the fact

that he’s mute. Since his mail-order bride didn’t come, then he sees no reason why he can’t marry Eliza and make a home with her.

Eliza, however, knows very well why they can’t be together. She used to be a prostitute. John is a sweet man who’s never even kissed a woman. He deserves

a virgin who can give him her innocence and a future with children. Eliza can do neither one for him. But while she insists he waits to see if his mail-order

bride is coming after all, she is taken in with his sweetness and charm until she’s torn between doing what is best for him and what her selfish heart

wants.

*This is the first book in the South Dakota Series.

Book 1: Loving Eliza

Book 2: Bid for a Bride

Book 3: Bride of Second Chances

Review

What a read! The book begins with the arrival of Eliza, a former prostitute who is looking for a fresh start. She arrives in town to clean houses for a middle-aged woman, but is intercepted by John, a mute man who mistakes Eliza for his mail order bride. He sticks to Eliza like glue, because he already knows that Eliza’s employer had suffered a deadly fall down the stairs. In a typical historical romance, the heroine would then be forced to marry someone. Nope, Eliza is under the impression that her sorted past makes her unfit to be a bride. So, she agrees to work for John instead of being his bride.

Although the story is romantic, sensitive subjects are touched upon, but are not enacted in scenes. John also deals with a disability that is misunderstood by many. Because he is mute, many of the towns people, including his brother Troy, think that it translates into him being stupid. The fact that Eliza is able to see John for who he really is, makes this story have a special place in my heart. It’s nice that in return, John is able to love Eliza for the wonderful person that she is.

There are twists, turns, and moments that made me laugh out loud. I’d recommend this read to anyone looking for a story that has love, spice, and interesting side characters.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/loving-eliza/id380446423

A Chance for Charity (The Immortal ones #1) By S.L. Baum PF

Blurb

A new family has just arrived in the isolated mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Welcome the Johnstons – Jason (a doctor), Rachel (a designer), and their niece Emily (a current High School Senior).

Emily has lived the life of a quiet loner in the past, trying to go unnoticed. But with Telluride being such a small and welcoming town, she finds a group of friends at school almost immediately. When Emily meets Link (another new transplant in town) her world turns upside down. She doesn’t understand why she feels a magnetic pull toward him, or why she unknowingly lets her guard down around him. Link is just as confused by his own need to be with her.

Emily knows she is playing with fire. She should be doing whatever she can to keep herself isolated, to keep Link from getting too close. Danger has a way of finding Emily’s family – that is what keeps them on the move. They arrive in a new town every few years – it is safer that way.

Because… Emily isn’t really Emily… her real name is Charity – and Charity has an even bigger secret. Charity and her family are not like other people, they have “skills” that mere mortals cannot begin to comprehend.

Before long, Charity is struggling with the reality that her two lives are coming closer to each other with each passing day. Soon Link will find himself wrapped in a supernatural world that he never knew existed – and discover that mortals are not the only beings that walk this earth.

Review

What a refreshing book! Anyone that knows me, won’t find this surprising, but I’m all about the sweet paranormal romances. In fact, I can get lost in those feel good novels for hours. This read was no different.

So, the novel begins with Emily, whose real name is, Charity. And, yes, she’s the one that is a part of the supernatural world. She has decided to stick with her friends, who pose as her aunt and uncle. They travel every few years in order to stay undetected by hunters, and suspicious humans. Of course, she meets Link, who is completely human and unaware of the supernatural. Link is in his early twenties, and Charity is posing as a 17-year-old, don’t worry she’s actually much older. In fact, Charity has a heart-breaking past and by the end of the novel, an unknown aspect of her history will be revealed.

Charity is transformed by the relationships she makes, both romantic and platonic. I have to mention that Charity and Link’s chemistry is lovely, beautiful and makes me nostalgic. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will mention some cool aspects of this book. The author incorporates witches, vampires, and shifters. Meanwhile, she also created a race of beings that have something in common with vampires. I also love how the author brought Telluride to life. She wrote in such a way that I felt like I was on the slopes with the lovebirds.

This book will appeal to anyone that enjoys a feel-good novel that has magic, hilarious side characters, love and awesome dialogue.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-chance-for-charity-the-immortal-ones/id443234490 https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Charity-Immortal-Ones-Book-ebook/dp/B003PPCTS8

So You’re Not Supermom….It’s OK!: Rants of a foul mouthed mom Volume 1 By Supermom, JN. KU

Blurb

This is a compilation of short rants from a foul mouthed mom with some little words of wisdom!

In this one you can find such wonderful shit as:

Germs, Germs, More Germs?

Tantrums Galore?

Do Ends Meet?

P.TAhhhh Fuck That?

Date Night WTF Is That?

As I rant away the not normally spoken words of everyday life raising kids with a ton of f-bombs. This will let you know you’re not the only parent who

feels they have failed some days.

This is just how I feel about raising children! No judgement! We aren’t perfect! Nobody is!

Raising kids isn’t easy, especially now a days, there are so many expectations not just from society, but most of all ourselves!

In my opinion if they are still alive, fed, clothed and roof over them, you’re doing just fine!

Keep at it! One day at a time!

Review

I’m totally blown away by the frank writing in this book! Nonfiction isn’t usually my cup of tea. But the synopsis made me curious. And let me just say, that the author loves using the word f*ck and other four-letter words. And her seven children, which she refers to as the seven dwarfs, have taught this loving mom a lot of lessons. My favorite involves a child gluing the drawers shut with dried toothpaste. I don’t want to spoil too much of the book, but I will say that it gives you an uncensored point of view of a working mother. I want to take this time out to thank my mother for putting up with all of the crap that I put her through as a toddler. I don’t have children yet, but this read makes me wish I did. Yes, kids are a pain sometimes, and they do require a lot of work. But the love that parents have for their children is amazing! The author’s love for her children is felt in every word. This book is a compilation of the rants of a mother who managed to get an education while being a dedicated mother. I recommend this read for anyone that wants an honest view point of motherhood.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CG5JCPY

Korrigan (Secrets Of The Fae #1) By Rebecca F. Kenney KU

Blurb

A girl at night, a caged monster during the day. Aislinn has lived in darkness as long as she can remember. She is Korrigan— and only by Life-Stealing can she keep her human shape from dawn to dusk. When she finally steps into the sunlight, the first person she sees is Zane. He’s everything she wants— handsome, sweet, and normal.
But an encounter with the Far Darrig, the malevolent trickster of Old Irish myth, changes Aislinn’s future. He opens a new realm of possibilities that are anything but normal— and with them, brings dreams and desires as dangerous as he is.
Above all, Aislinn craves choice— the right to decide her own path. But what if gaining power for herself means giving up something much more precious?

Review

Wow! I finished this book in one day. I am hooked and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. So this young adult book focuses on Aislinn, who is a 17-year-old girl who lives with five shady, uncaring guardians. All of the Korrigan are cursed, forced to pay a price, in order to go out in the day. I won’t spoil that part, since that will ruin some of the book. But let me just say, the curse on the Korrigan is truly horrible. So, once Aislinn is able to walk around in the day, she meets Zane, a handsome guy who is sweet, kind, and good. Of course her guardians aren’t thrilled with her making friends with humans. In fact, most of the women that Aislinn lives with, treats her like she is a bother. She is often times controlled and ridiculed. Aislinn also has nasty nightmares and is being harassed by the fae. When you find out the real reason why Aislinn and her guardians were cursed, you’ll be shocked. There is sort of a confusing love triangle that goes on. I like how it’s resolved in the first book. Aislinn also has to decide if she will walk down the path of good or evil. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys an all-consuming paranormal romance about the fae.

Solving For X by Ellie Lieberman KU

Blurb

It’s been at least a decade since words like “outbreak” turned to “epidemic.” The suburban population has retreated to apartment complexes, where they created miniature societies. Garrett, Erik, and Jenna try to survive this world any way they can.

Will Garrett get stuck in the fear of the unknown like everyone else? Can Erik keep his world from crumbling? And, how much more can the epidemic and new world take from Jenna?

Review

Damn! Who knew that a book about zombies could actually connect with me emotionally? I had no idea how attached I would become to certain characters when I first began reading. I actually teared up a little during one part of the book. I’ve got to hand it to the author, this read was anything but predictable. This book is the first in a series. The narrative switches between the prospective of a couple, Erik and Jenna, and Garrett, a teenager that the couple looks out for. Jenna and Eric have knowledge of what life was like before the world was infected, but Garett, who’s younger, has little memory of a pre-zombie period. Jenna is an artist who paints designated areas of the compound. Eric has a dangerous job that Garrett covets. You know how teenagers are. They are always longing to grow up, even when they aren’t ready. Some parts of this book get’s kind of philosophical, which is how the title comes into play. I won’t spoil any more of this read. But I promise there is a council, like there is in every great dystopian novel. Of course the leaders make a bunch of decisions that I most definitely don’t agree with.

I would recommend this read to anyone who loves dystopian novels that focus on the emotional impact an outbreak can have on a society.

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman

Blurb

John Worthington is a man who knows his place in the world and keeps to it. That is, until a letter he writes is misdirected. A simple and thoughtful reply begins a correspondence that will turn that well-ordered life upside down.

Review

Wow! I really didn’t expect that ending! And man, did it make me want to cry. Anyone that knows me will confirm that I love happy ever afters. But after reading this book, I’ve come to realize that the characters’ growth may matter more than an ending where the couple walking into the sunset hand in hand.

This book also made me realize the power of words. A lot of the book consists of a compilation of correspondences between Jack and the pen pal that he accidentally acquired. The author did a great job of conveying personality through the letters. As a reader, I could understand why the couple fell for one another. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Jack and Emma. When the mystery was revealed, I wanted to smack myself for not reading between the lines of Emma’s letters. She was both honest and vague at the same time. It was also heartwarming to realize that Emma’s love made Jack a better person. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clean historical romance with sophisticating pros and a bittersweet ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman KU

Blurb

Review

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

Phoenix of Fyre by Danizza Hymas KU

Blurb

Magic. Mystery. Adventure. A war waged centuries ago is reborn as an evil sorcerer from Taurent attempts to seize control of the three Ivory Kingdoms. Magic not seen in 500 years returns to Cicero in the form of a young girl named Phoenix. Daughter of a blacksmith, she is taught to sword fight; a talent she ends up utilizing for survival and success. During an attack on her village, she loses her family, but she finds that she possesses a unique skill set that grants her certain mystical abilities, particularly over the elements. Raised by gypsies, she befriends a mute named Monique. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to meet Ayden, an archer. He assists them in the realization of Phoenix’s destiny as the Lady Fyre, who is prophesied to be the only being powerful to defeat the sorcerer Daedalus. The trio fights to take back Cicero, as well as their very lives. The island nation of Isys also has a unique interest in Phoenix. They send a spy to seek her out, which results in an unlikely alliance, as well as an unexpected reunion. Will Phoenix and her entourage be able to defeat Daedalus and his Taurentian army?

Review

What an exciting read! Can I have more, please? This author knows how to weave a plot that includes magic, mystery, secrets, action, adventure, romance and a villain who has control over two nations. The story begins when Phoenix is a child, and concludes when she is in her mid-twenties. I love this aspect because I was able to understand how each event in her life shaped her. As she matures, her powers over the elements, and her skills with the sword become even greater. She also acquires friends that aid her on her quest to rebel against the occupation of her country. The novel has intriguing side characters that have their own pasts and secrets. What I like most is that these characters are no damsels that constantly need saving. They are useful and have varying personalities. I don’t agree with everything that the characters do. But their moves are realistic, since things aren’t always black and white. If you enjoy a long read filled with action, adventure, and a side of clean romance, this is the book for you.

The Strictly Business Proposal (Freshwater Bay # 1 bye Nell Grey KU

Blurb

Is Beth Barnes a beautiful con artist or the genuine friend of Evan Morgan, an elderly Welsh chef?

When Evan dies, he hands talented London chef Beth her big break. She has the chance to realise her dream and run her very own restaurant in a village on the wild Welsh Celtic coast. But there are strings attached. Can she comply and gain her inheritance, her dream? Accused of being a gold digger by the family, Beth’s welcome to Wales is not quite as warm as she’d hoped for.

Burned from a recent divorce, the last thing on architect Gareth Morgan’s mind is another wedding. If he wants to realize his development dreams, he must marry.

It’s a strictly business proposal. But can Beth and Gareth really stick to the terms?

Review

I loved this book. This was a great start to a Series. It was your typical marriage for gain romance with a couple that end up falling in love. The author did a wonderful job with displaying the sexual tension between the characters. At times I was wondering, will they or won’t they? Both of the main characters are not perfect. I loved reading about the baggage that each of the individuals brought in to their arrangement. This is a four book series, and I am on book three. Each book focuses on a different couple. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance that takes place on the sea.