Review: Slouch Witch

Slouch Witch by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

November 2023 Review

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. Thank you Sharon J, my bestie for recommending this book to me. This is the first book in The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Trilogy. In this book, we meet Ivy Wilde, a non-Order witch who was taking care of her neighbour, Eve’s familiar. While Eve is away on assignment by the Order, Ivy gets bonded to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winters because they mistook her for Eve. Now, she has to go to the Order and participate in the investigations that Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winters is involved in, while figuring out their attraction for each other. I loved this book. The story was so compelling and I loved the heroine of the story. Ivy was my type of heroine. She was snarky and bad-ass. Raphael “Rafe” Winters….my my….what can I say I loved you even more the second time. You and your blue eyes have my heart! The book had humor which made me love it more because it made the story more comedic and more compelling. I loved the ending. I cannot wait to read book 2! Star Witch, here I come! Overall, an amazing read.

August 2017 Review

Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This was an incredible read. I loved this book. The story was so compelling and I loved the heroine of the story. She was snarky and bad-ass. Also, I really liked the other characters too. The book had humor which made me love it more. Very interesting book in my opinion. The ending was amazing. I can't wait to read Book 2. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Forests, Fishing & Forgery

Forests, Fishing & Forgery by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the third book of the Campers & Criminals series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Normal, Kentucky. In this story, Happy Trails Campgrounds is fully booked for Labor Day weekend despite a drought that threatens to cause local businesses to close. As this is going on, Happy Trails Campgrounds is at the center of a murder investigation, where the locals and campers are considered suspects. Mae West must follow the clues in order to find the campground murderer. I thought the story was good and quick. I enjoyed Mae a bit more in this story, but she did come off as a bit of a naive, and self-centered person at times. I think her character development still needs improvement. I am hoping that as the series goes on, I can build more of a connection with her. I thought the ending was good. I will continue the series. I am wondering what Book 4 has in store for me. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: 23rd Midnight

23rd Midnight by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. This is the twenty-third 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 copycat recreating the murders of a famous serial killer from the Women’s Murder Club’s past. Cindy wrote a bestseller about serial killer, Evan Burke and now someone is using the book to recreate the crimes. Lindsay has found a suspect, and must find him before another murder is committed. 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 am happy that I am now caught up with the series. This series is one of my favourite crime series, and I cannot wait to continue the story. I can't wait to read book 23.5, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. 23 1/2 Lies, here I come. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Kissing Galileo

Kissing Galileo by Penny Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the second book of the Dear Professor series. This was a student-teacher relationship story, and I believe the storyline in this one was more relatable and engaging than the first book. I thought the story was definitely more interesting as we got to understand the characters more. I thought the main characters were great. Emily Von is a college student in Dr. Victor Hanover’s class. She is the best friend of our heroine from the first book, Anna Harris. She works as a model for lingerie for private client showings. Dr. Victor Hanover is a professor at Emily’s college and I found his character interesting because in this story, he is the inexperienced virgin character. I thought that his awkwardness and his storyline with body issues made him more compelling as a character. The ending was good, but abrupt in my opinion. I wish it was longer and showed more of their happily ever after. It would have been nice to see. I will look forward to reading more books from this author. Overall, a great read.

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Review: The Sinner

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

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the second 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. In this book, we meet Easton “Sin” Sinnet and Ellington “Elli” Asher. Sin has always wanted Elli and has loved her for a long time. He is a Lord. He will do anything for Elli because he loves her so much. I thought his character was protective, smart, and sexy. Elli has been through so much in her life. I cannot imagine how people endure the things she has been through. I found her character was brave, beautiful, and deserving of love. The story was great. It was fast-paced, had lots of action, plot twists. I thought Sin and Elli were a great couple, and deserve all the love in the world. I am happy that they got their happily ever after. I cannot wait to continue the series. The Sacrifice, here I come! I am ready for Tyson’s story! Overall, a great read.

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Review: Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This was an incredible read. The story was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. The story itself is what stands out to me. The romance is secondary and it is a great sign of Rebecca Yarros’s writing if we know that the story can stand alone without a romance as well. She made me invest in the world that she created. The characters were fantastic. I loved Violet and Xaden. Violet Sorrengail is my type of heroine. She is smart, snarky, and brave. I love that she was willing and able to stay in a quadrant that she didn’t want to join. However, my favourite part was the moments between Violet and Xaden. Their chemistry was undeniable. Also, I love Xaden as well. I am in love. The last few chapters were incredible. I thought the ending was brilliant, but left me with more questions. The beginning was a bit like Divergent and Hunger Games, but with dragons. However, it was so much more than I was expecting for an opening book to a series. I can’t wait for more suspense, and whatever else is to come. I can’t wait for book 2. I need it to be November already. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Cursed

Cursed by Jen Calonita
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. This is the sixth and final book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, Rumpelstiltskin is trying to erase Enchantasia from existence. It is up to Gilly and her friends and teachers at the FTRS to stop him from gathering all the ingredients he needs to activate the spell/curse. I thought the characters were amazing and relatable. I loved Gilly. She was an interesting character. I really liked how she was characterized as a person who gave everything to her family. I love how Rumpelstiltskin is the villain again in this story. Also, it is amazing that so many different fairy tales are introduced during the series. I grew up with these fairy tales as I think almost everyone did, but to see how Jen Calonita brought our favourite characters and made a series of them all together. 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 believe it is over. I know it is for Middle Grade kids, but I have to say this series was fun and enjoyable. I give the series a 4.33/5. It was great to relive the fairy tales I grew up when I was little in a book version of Once Upon A Time TV show, where all the characters live together. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Wished

Wished by Jen Calonita
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. This is the fifth book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, the citizens of Enchantasia are on high alert with Rumpelstiltskin still on the loose. Also, Maxine finds an old lamp which holds an very enthusiastic genie, and wishes for everyone to be happy! Now Gilly and Maxine must find to break the wish, so that people can focus on Rumpelstiltskin. I thought the characters were amazing and relatable. I loved Gilly. She was an interesting character. I really liked how she was characterized as a person who gave everything to her family. I love how Rumpelstiltskin is the villain again in this story. Also, it is amazing that so many different fairy tales are introduced during the series. I grew up with these fairy tales as I think almost everyone did, but to see how Jen Calonita brought our favourite characters and made a series of them all together. 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 6 has in store for me. Cursed (Book 6), here I come. Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts

Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the second book of the Campers & Criminals series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Normal, Kentucky. In this story, Mae West has settled into her role as owner of the tourist campground, Happy Trails. When a series of burglaries occur in the small town. One of their own is found dead, and Mae’s good friend, Betts Hager, is the prime suspect for the murder. Just when Mae thought she found a place where she belongs, Mae must prove that her friend is innocence of the crime. I thought the story was better, but still could be better. I thought the story was good and quick. I enjoyed Mae a bit more in this story, but she did come off as a bit of a naive, and self-centered person at times. I think her character development still needs improvement. I am hoping that as the series goes on, I can build more of a connection with her. I thought the ending was good. I will continue the series. I am wondering what Book 3 has in store for me. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries

Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Campers & Criminals series. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Normal, Kentucky. In this story, Mae West has lost all of the security that she had after her husband, Paul West was arrested for a Ponzi scheme. The only thing that was not seized by the government was a tourist camping ground called Happy Trails. When Paul escapes prison and is found dead in the Happy Trails lake. Mae is the prime suspect and now she is running out of time to prove her innocence. I thought the premise was interesting, but I was a bit disappointed with the story. I thought it was not as interesting as I listened to the narration. Also, I thought the characters were okay. I did not love them or dislike them. I thought they need more character development. I did not feel a connection with the main character. I thought the ending was good. I will continue the series. I am wondering what Book 2 has in store for me. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Switched

Switched by Jen Calonita
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, Rumpelstiltskin is no longer headmaster. Beauty and Prince Sebastian (The Beast) join the teaching staff. Gilly is worried about her sister, Anna, who has joined Rumpelstiltskin. The Royal Court said they are working on it but there is no evidence of it. New kid, Jack is telling tales of his family being snatched by Rump. Gilly and Jack are looking for answers and are willing to break rules in order to get the people they love back.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. I love how Rumpelstiltskin is the villain again in this story. Also, it is great to see Jack come into the storyline. 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 5 has in store for me. Wished (Book 5), here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Instant Regret

Instant Regret by Hazel Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is a college student-teacher romance book. In this book, the relationship between Dr. Luke Dean, the professor, and Carly Williams, the student begins after a viral TikTok of Carly professing her love for Dr. Dean. I thought the story was good, but there were moments where I was annoyed with the hero. I think he was a bit to indecisive at times, which made the story not as interesting. The characters were good. I actually really liked Carly. She was bold, smart and stood up for herself. She was interesting and relatable. For Luke, I thought he was alright. He did have some good qualities, but there were some decisions that I thought he should not have made. I thought the ending was cute. I am glad that they got their happily ever after. I cannot wait to read more Hazel Parker books. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Cupcakes and Conspiracies

Cupcakes and Conspiracies by Katherine Hayton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Sweet Baked Mysteries series. In this book, Holly Waterston comes back to her hometown of Hanmer Springs with a divorce pending and her career on the line. Her accountant tells her that she has to sell the cupcake bakery owned by her family for three generations. Her sister Crystal works at the bakery, the only place where she ever felt like she had a sense of purpose and belonging. Then, their mortgage holder, Mr. Masters, suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake with peanuts from their bakery. Crystal is the prime suspect, and Holly has to try and clear her name. I thought the story was good, but it could have been less complicated. Also, I loved the sister dynamic between Crystal and Holly. I would have liked to know more about their childhood and their father. Also, I thought the book could have been longer to expand on the story because I think the ideas could have been better expressed. I thought the ending was good. I am interested to see what else happens in this series. I cannot wait to read book 2. Overall, an okay read.

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