Review: Masquerades and Murder

Masquerades and Murder by Rachel Lynne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of A Holly Day Mystery series. In this book, a retired sheriff deputy turned party designer, Holly Daye’s screw up of a brother is a prime suspect in the murder of a podcaster. Holly Daye tries to find out who the killer is and free her brother. I thought the story was good. I did find some parts of the story dragged out. I thought the characters were good. I thought Holly Daye needed to believe in her skills as a designer or decorator. She seems to doubt her abilities. I liked everything about her except for that. The other characters were intriguing but I would have loved to have read more about them. The ending was intriguing. I am excited to read more mystery adventures with Holly Daye with Book 2. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: 22 Seconds

22 Seconds by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

Actual Rating: 4.5

This was an incredible read. This is the twenty-second book of the Women’s Murder Club series. Every book is getting better and better in my opinion. I really love Lindsay Boxer. She has become one of my favourite heroines. In this book, Lindsay and Joe get to work together to stop an illegal gun shipment from South of the border. As the case continues, Lindsay finds herself as the target. Meanwhile, Cindy is struggling while she tries to write her book because the serial killer, Evan Burke from the last installment gave her all the evidence of the murders he committed to her. There was crime, mystery, and some badass moments. I loved the fast pace of the story, and also the twists that unfold in the series are awesome. The ending was fantastic, and I didn't expect it at all. I did wish that this showed more Yuki in the story. I think her character does add a lot to the story with the trials making the book more enjoyable. This series reminds me of Criminal Minds, but an all-female version of it. The series about four best friends, who are more like sisters than friends is the best thing ever. We get to see how they are able to overcome anything because of their friendship. The only thing I am sad about is that Yuki never got to meet Jill. I think if all 5 women were in the series, it would have been even better. I can't wait to read book 23, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. The 23rd Midnight, here I come. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: 21st Birthday

21st Birthday by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

Actual Rating: 4.5

This was an incredible read. This is the twenty-first book of the Women’s Murder Club series. Every book is getting better and better in my opinion. I really love Lindsay Boxer. She has become one of my favourite heroines. In this book, there is a young mother, Tara Burke who goes missing along with her baby girl. Her husband is on the hook for his crimes after gruesome evidence comes to the cops. Meanwhile, Lindsay is trying to protect a woman from a serial killer long enough to see her 21st birthday. No woman is safe while the serial killer is out on the loose. I love the moments when the gang gets together after the case and just get to hang out. I love how their friendship works and how they work together to solve crimes. I am happy I found this series. I am close to the most recent release. I love how they stories have a lot of elements and different characters involved in the plot. There was crime, mystery, and some badass moments. I loved the fast pace of the story, and also the twists that unfold in the series are awesome. The ending was fantastic, and I didn't expect it at all. This series reminds me of Criminal Minds, but an all-female version of it. The series about four best friends, who are more like sisters than friends is the best thing ever. We get to see how they are able to overcome anything because of their friendship. The only thing I am sad about is that Yuki never got to meet Jill. I think if all 5 women were in the series, it would have been even better. I can't wait to read book 22, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. 22 Seconds, here I come. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: A Hellish Year One

A Hellish Year One by Eva Brandt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Academy of the Devil series. It is a paranormal reverse harem bully romance book. in this book, our heroine, Alyssa has to go to an academy where the next Satan is to be chosen. I thought the story had an intriguing premise, but I thought the book was a bit boring. The first half of the book was slow, but then it started getting good during the second half. Also, I thought the characters could use more development. I would have liked to know more about Alyssa. I thought she was a bit annoying at times. Also, I thought the guys in the story needed more development as well. The ending was interesting. I wonder what will happen to the story and characters in the next 2 books. I might continue the series next month if I have time. I just thought that this one was lacking for me. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Tea & Treachery

Tea & Treachery by Vicki Delany
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the first book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Cape Cod. In this book, we meet Lily Roberts, a tea shop owner in Cape Cod, and her grandmother, Rose, runs a Victorian B&B just adjacent to her business. When a real estate developer, Jack Ford, who wants to redone their properties in favour of a golf resort turns up dead, Grandmother Rose is the prime suspect. I thought the story was great. The plot was interesting. I thought that the characters were great. I thought Lily was a great main character. I thought she was smart, witty, and unique. I also really loved her grandmother, Rose. She was feisty and I really liked her personality. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I am glad that I finally got to read this book. I cannot wait for book 2 and more Vicki Delaney books. Murder in a Teacup, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Mooncallers Book One: Part 1

Mooncallers Book One: Part 1 by Miriam Khan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

I received an advance review copy for free from Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you, Miriam Khan, for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. This is the first novella in the Werewolf Novellas Series. In this novella, Ava Clarke leaves her career as a scientist to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend. She decides to go help out at her grandmother's hardware store in the small town of Pagosa Springs and meets Kade Kole, a feared werewolf leader. I thought the premise had potential, but the story was lacking. I wished there was more of a story in this novella, and that it could have been 100-150 pages instead of around 50 because the story seemed rushed. Also, the characters were okay. I thought Ava was a good character, although I would have liked to have seen more about what happened in her past before the events in the book. I thought she was a good heroine. Kade Kole was an okay character in my opinion. I did not really like him in the beginning, but gradually started to as the story progressed. In my opinion, if the story was longer, there could have been more room for worldbuilding, story progression, and character development. I will continue the series to see how the story goes, and I will read more Miriam Khan books. I think she has real potential. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Haunted & Wicked

Haunted & Wicked by Liz Gavin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Boring Read

This was a meh read. This is the first book of the Club Desires series. This read was not my cup of tea. It was described as a Paranormal Reverse Harem, but it seemed more like a painful love triangle. I thought the story was boring. The characters were not interesting as the book was short and I couldn’t connect with them that much. I wished the story was longer so that we can see progression in the relationship. However, I think the real reason I would like the story to be longer is to develop the characters more to make a relatable connection with them. Also, the ending was too abrupt. I was confused as to why the story ended like that. I will check out some other Liz Gavin books, I just thought this book was not as good as it could have been. Overall, a boring read.

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Review: The Ritual

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was an interesting read. This is the first book of Shantel Tessier's The L.O.R.D.S series. At Barrington University, there is a secret society where many young men are groomed to become Lords, where they devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. During their senior year of initiation, they receive their Chosen and have their futures planned out for them. Ryat Alexander Archer, the hero, is in his senior year and receives his Chosen, Blakely Anderson. I thought the story was better than I thought it would be. There were a lot of plot twists within the story, but I did feel like it did drag in some places. I thought the dual perspective from Ryat and Blakely was great. Ryat was jealous and protective. He wants to protect and claim what is His aka Blakely. I did think he made mistakes, but I thought he redeemed himself in some ways throughout the book as well. Blakely was a bit annoying and naive at first, but then when she fell for Ryat and wanted to make sure that he knew that she wanted him, I started to see a more mature side to her character. I did not like Matt or Valerie. I thought they got what they deserved. I thought the ending was sweet. I really liked that we got 2 epilogues. I am happy that they got their happy ending. I cannot wait to read more Shantel Tessier books. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Graveyard

Graveyard by K.L. Savage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Ruthless Kings MC: NOLA. In this book, Dr. Graves aka "Graveyard" is a doctor and member of the New Orleans Ruthless Kings MC. He helps a young lady by the name of Meredith and a young girl who can see death when someone touches her. He places them in the care of his friends, Pocus and Abigail, after helping them escape the hospital. I thought the story was great. There were so many interesting parts to the story. I liked reading the different characters and their thoughts. I thought it added colour to the story because it was not just a dual narrative; every character had a part, making it more enjoyable. Also, I thought the characters were great. The MC characters showed me the vibes of a family. They stuck together with each other through every bad and good decision. Also, Meredith is another great character. I loved how she protected Charlie and the other kids that she saved from the antagonist. I thought the story had me on the edge of my seat. Also, I did not see the plot twist coming. This book is part of a series, but I thought the story was still interesting and understandable as a standalone. I thought the ending was beautiful. I am glad all the characters got their happy ending. I am especially happy for Charlie because she is now surrounded by people who will protect and love her forever. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series and the other books by K. L. Savage. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Love Zindabad Not Jihad

Love Zindabad Not Jihad by Mahiraj Jadeja
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

I received a book review request from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Mahiraj Jadeja for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. In this short story of 11 pages, we meet Shiva and Mahira who fell in love at first sight in college, and been keeping their relationship hidden from their families and society. I thought it was a good story. I wish it was longer. I wish there was more about Mahira and Shiv. This story is heartbreaking, and it is about love, religion, culture and spirituality. However, I think this book has room to grow into a longer novel with more character development. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: 20th Victim

20th Victim by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 4.45

This was an enjoyable read. Every book is getting better and better in my opinion. I really love Lindsay Boxer. She has become one of my favourite heroines. In this book, there are three victims, three bullets, and three cities. The shooters are precise, and so is their selection process. Each one of the men and women taken down have done illegal and deadly activity that is causing a public debate. There was crime, mystery, and some badass moments. I really liked the fast pace of the story, and also the twists that unfold in the series are great. The ending was great, and I didn't expect it at all. This series reminds me of Criminal Minds, but an all-female version of it. The series about four best friends, who are more like sisters than friends is the best thing ever. We get to see how they are able to overcome anything because of their friendship. The only thing I am sad about is that Yuki never got to meet Jill. I think if all 5 women were in the series, it would have been even better. I can't wait to read book 21, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. The 21st Birthday, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Nightmare Hunter; The Cursed

Nightmare Hunter; The Cursed by Averi Hope
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Alternate Future series. In this book, we meet Erin, a girl who wants to live a normal life away from her father, and she enters the StarFire Academy to achieve her dreams. I thought the story was good. I did feel like with more development, the story could have been more engaging and interesting. The characters were good characters. I did find Erin a bit naive, but I did see potential in her character. I did like Caleb a bit more than Erin. He was also another good character. I found him protective, and dominant. He saved Erin a lot. I thought the ending was okay. I need to know what happens. I will probably continue the series to see what happens. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: The Black Book

The Black Book by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the first book in the Billy Harney series. I enjoy James Patterson's books, and I am glad that I got a chance to read/listen to this book. In this book, Detective Billy Harney accidentally finds a prostitution ring while investigating a murder aka following a murder suspect. I thought the story was great. There was mystery, crime, and a lot of twists. I thought the alternating perspectives of what happened in the past, and the present were great and made the story more interesting. I thought the characters were great. I liked the partnership between Detective Kate and Billy. I thought they worked together really well. Also, I thought Billy was a strong main character. I thought he was smart and intriguing. I thought the ending was great. The story had me from beginning to end, and I cannot wait to read Book 2. The Red Book, here I come. If it is anything like this book, I think I will like it. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Scarecrow: Tales from Oz

Scarecrow: Tales from Oz by S. Cinders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Dark Fairy Tales series. This book retells the story of Oz. In this book, the four daughters of the King of Oz are given land to prove to him who is ready to be the next heir to the Kingdom of Oz. In the meantime, Dorothy is wreaking havoc in the land of Oz, and it is up to the four sisters aka "Witch Queens" to defeat her and discover where their destinies lie. I thought the story was okay. I did find some of the story fast-paced, but I thought it did not need to be as heavy in the steamy scenes. I thought having Dorothy as the villain was interesting, and I liked the twists in the story. I thought the world could have been developed more. I thought the characters were good. I really liked the twins: Indy and Elphaba. They were both interesting because their personalities differed, but their bond was pure and genuine. Also, I thought Glinda and Mombi were good additions to the story. I liked that each sister got a guy, and that their personalities also differed for the heroines of the story. I thought the ending was good. I might continue to read the series because it will be interesting to see how the other fairy tales are reimagined. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Tricked

Tricked by Jen Calonita
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, Rumpelstiltskin took over management from Headmistress Flora, and gets kicked out FTRS. She is transferred to the Jack of All Trades School learning about the different leathers of shoes, when she finds out that her sister, Anna, was sent to FTRS after hanging out with her troublesome new friends, Hansel and Gretel. I think this story was great. I thought the characters were great and relatable. I really liked Gilly. She was an interesting character. I really liked how she was characterized as a person who gave everything to her family. She is the type of hero that you root for even when they have to get their hands dirty when trying to save the Fairy Tale Reform School and her sister, Anna, from Rumpelstiltskin. Also, I thought the plot revolving Rumpelstiltskin made me think about the TV show Once Upon A Time because in that show Rumpelstiltskin is a trickster who tries to find ways to rule over the people of Storybrook and the fairy tale characters. Also when I read this book, I thought of the movie series, Descendants, which is about mischievous villains' kids getting a second chance to be good. I thought the ending was great. I am glad that I found this series. I cannot wait to see what book 4 has in store for me. Switched (Book 4), here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: The Ghost and the Graveyard

The Ghost and the Graveyard by Genevieve Jack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was an enjoyable read. This was the first book of the Knight Games series. In this book, we meet a nurse, Grateful Knight, who secured a rent-free house on the cemetery's edge. While living at the house, she is attracted to Rick, the caretaker, and Logan, a ghost. Also, she finds out that she is not an ordinary person, no, in fact, she is apparently a witch. I thought the story was slow initially then picked up as the story progressed. I thought Grateful was an interesting character. She is a nurse, but I did find her character a bit naive. Also, like Grateful and many other readers, I am torn between Rick and Logan. For me, Logan has an advantage. I thought he was sweet. However, Rick has this mysterious charisma about him, so I was intrigued. I thought the ending was great. I cannot wait to read more books in the Knight Games series. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Flat White Fatality

Flat White Fatality by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book of A Ground Rules Mystery series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Portland, Oregon. In this story, Sage’s boyfriend, Luke Evan Baxter, co-owns a gaming company called Grumpy Sasquatch Studios, which is located right next to Sage’s roastery. During a team-building exercise, one of the programmers of Bax’s company, Robbie, who is a prankster ends up dead in Sage’s roastery. Now, Sage needs to find out who the culprit is before someone else turns up dead. I thought the story was great. The plot was interesting. I thought that the characters were great. I thought Sage was a great main character. I thought she was smart, witty, and unique. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I am glad that I finally got to read this book. I cannot wait for book 4 and more Emmeline Duncan books. Death Unfiltered, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Two Week Surrender

Two Week Surrender by Hayson Manning
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

I received an advance review copy for free from Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you, Hayson Manning, for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. The title of the book I have is called “Two Weeks to Surrender,” and the name of the hero’s name is changed to Trace. However, the premise is the same. In this book, Savannah is ready to move on with her life. Then the man who left her eight years ago, Trace, comes into her diner and storms back into her life. For two weeks, Trace and Savannah live together as requested by Trace, and thus begins their relationship again. I thought the story was okay. It seemed like your typical good girl/bad boy story. I thought the characters were okay as well. I didn’t really have that much of a connection to them. I did find their romance cute. Also, I thought the ending was good. I thought that was best part of the book. I cannot wait to read other books by Hayson Manning. I think she has great potential as an author that I would like to read in the future. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Soul Lanterns

Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. I usually am not a fan of historical fiction, but there are some books that catch my attention. This is one of those books. In this story, we meet three middle grade friends: Kozo, Nozomi, and Shun and their exploration of the events of August 6th, 1945. This book gave a glimpse of stories about grief, loss, and helping others when they need it the most. I really loved the lantern floating ceremony that started in 1947 or 1948 as a way to remember the people who lost their lives during the atomic bomb or died in the war. I thought the stories were moving, and the fact the students of the art club decided to display Hiroshima: Then and Now artwork based on the story they were told was inspiring. I could envision the artwork in my mind when the narrator described the pieces displayed at the culture festival. I thought the ending was beautiful. It was as if the characters were saying goodbye for now…know that we are not going to forgot you in our hearts and minds to their loved ones they lost as they did a small lantern floating ceremony. I cannot wait to read more books by Shaw Kuzki. I hope she translates more of her stories. She writes beautiful stories. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Double Shot Death

Double Shot Death by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the second book of A Ground Rules Mystery series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Portland, Oregon. In this story, Sage now co-owns a second coffee cart that is to be used for big events such as music festivals such as the annual Campathon music festival. However, things start to go wrong when the manager of a popular band is found dead near her tent with one of the custom coffee cups from her cart. I thought the story was great. The plot was interesting. I thought that the characters were great. I thought Sage was a great main character. I thought she was smart, witty, and unique. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I am glad that I finally got to read this book. I cannot wait for book 3 and more Emmeline Duncan books. Flat White Fatality, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: 19th Christmas

19th Christmas by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 4.45

This was an enjoyable read. Every book is getting better and better in my opinion. I really love Lindsay Boxer. She has become one of my favourite heroines. In this book, a fearsome criminal by the name of “Loman” threatened to commit a “big deadly event” on Christmas morning, thus putting the Women’s Murder Club plans for a quiet Christmas out the window. There was crime, mystery, and some badass moments. I really liked the fast pace of the story, and also the twists that unfold in the series are great. The ending was great, and I didn't expect it at all. This series reminds me of Criminal Minds, but an all-female version of it. The series about four best friends, who are more like sisters than friends is the best thing ever. We get to see how they are able to overcome anything because of their friendship. The only thing I am sad about is that Yuki never got to meet Jill. I think if all 5 women were in the series, it would have been even better. I can't wait to read book 20, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. The 20th Victim, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Normal Kids

Normal Kids by Melinda Di Lorenzo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

I received an advance review copy for free from Edelweiss, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Than you, Melinda Di Lorenzo, for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. In this story, Hannah Dresher is looking for her younger brother, Seth. In her search for finding him, she meets Eli, who helps her with his search. This book is a YA contemporary romance with some suspense in the plot as well. I thought the story could have been longer, and it could have shown more about Eli and Hannah’s relationship. The characters were good. Hannah was a good character. She don’t not care what people say about her, and works hard. I wish there was more about Eli. I thought he was a good character too, but I wanted to have a better connection with his character. I thought the suspense was good. It was engaging at some points, and felt flat in other parts. I cannot wait to read more Melinda Di Lorenzo books. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: My Life Off-Key

My Life Off-Key by Gail Anderson-Dargatz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

I received an advance review copy for free from Edelweiss, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Actual Rating: 3.5

Thank you, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, for the opportunity to read your book. This was an enjoyable read. In this book, we meet our main character, Jen, a seventeen-year-old girl who learns that her dad, Steve is not her real father at her school’s talent show when a stranger name Mike claims to be her father. We see how this discover changes her family forever. I thought this story was intriguing. I felt bad for Jen because she always felt like the odd one in her family, and to find out the truth in the manner that she did broke my heart. I wish that her mother was honest with her husband, Steve about the fact that Jen was not his. I think this story is about family and self-discovery. I really enjoyed Jen’s character. If the story was longer, I would loved to see how her journey in the book grew in the last chapter more. I think it would have shown more development and how much she grew to love herself. Also, I would have liked to see more progression in knowing both of her fathers: Biological and the one who raised her and loved her all this time in more chapters so that the book is longer. I enjoyed the book, I just wish it was longer. I cannot wait to read more books by Gail Anderson-Dargatz. Overall, a great read.

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