Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Review: Midnight Mated

Midnight Mated Midnight Mated by Savannah Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

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

Thank you Savannah Lee for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Clover Pack series. In this book, we meet Rowan, a woman who gets run off the road and bitten by a wolf. She finds a pack of shifters and finds out that she is a shifter as well. I thought the premise of the story was interesting, so I decided to read it. The story started off strong, but it slowly started to lose my interest as I kept on reading. I thought the characters were okay. Rowan was an interesting character, but I did not think she was the best heroine that I have met. She was not as relatable as I thought she would be. Also, I thought the other characters in the book were okay as well. I did not dislike them or love them. The ending was good. I hope to continue with book 2 - Midnight Magic. Also, I do think Savannah Lee has potential so I will look out for future releases of hers. Overall, an okay read.

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Saturday, January 27, 2024

Review: Comeback

Comeback Comeback by Lyn Ashwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

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

This was an incredible read. This is the first book of the NEON series. This book includes two things that I love: reading and K-pop. This is my first book that involves K-pop in the storyline, and I thought that it was amazing. I loved that I was able to dive into the world of K-pop in a novel format. Being a K-pop fan since 2009, I thought the story explored the K-pop industry in a new and inviting way. In this book, we meet Emery and Alana. Emery Jung is the hero of this book and a member of the rising K-pop group, NEON. Alana Kim is the heroine of this book and works as a stylist with her cousin, Stephanie Lim. I thought the relationship between Emery and Alana was beautiful. I loved how they went from being friends to lovers. Also, I thought the dual point of view made the story more interesting because we got to see the story from both of their perspectives. I thought that the ending was perfect. I cannot wait to read more books by these writers. Overall, an amazing read.

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Friday, January 26, 2024

Review: The Stand-In

The Stand-In The Stand-In by Lily Chu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the debut rom-com by Lily Chu. This was a cute, slow burn celebrity romance story. In this book, Gracie Reed is a Chinese-Canadian who looks like famous Chinese actress, Wei Fangli. Fangli proposes an opportunity to Gracie to take the movie star's place temporarily, and attends fancy events, and accompanies Sam Yao, Fangli's boyfriend. I thought this book was fun! I thought Gracie was a great character. She is smart, sweet, and caring. I thought she was courageous for standing in for someone who has fame and wealth. However, I thought the relationship between Gracie and Fangli was the best part of the story. Also, the romance between Sam and Gracie made the story more intriguing. I thought the three of them were great character. They were written in such an authentic and beautiful way, that I felt a connection to all of them. I thought Fangli was another great character. She might be famous, but when I read her character, I thought that she was more than that. She was loving, smart, and beautiful. I loved Sam as well. I thought he was sweet, smart, and sexy. I thought the ending was great. I am looking forward to reading more books by Lily Chu. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Dean's List: A Forbidden Professor Student Romance

Dean's List: A Forbidden Professor Student Romance Dean's List: A Forbidden Professor Student Romance by Carmen Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth and final book of the Dorsey Brothers series. In this book, there is a forbidden student-teacher relationship between Dean Dorsey and Kate Bennett. This was a delightful read. We meet Dean Dorsey, the youngest Dorsey brother and a tenured history professor at the college that Kate Bennett attends. Kate Bennett is a single mother and a student. I thought their relationship was beautifully written. Dean and Kate were great characters. Also, I love Kate's son, Henry. He is adorable and funny. He is my favourite character. It was nice to see the brothers again and have fun. I thought the suspense and the ex-boyfriend storyline was intriguing. The ending was sweet. I am glad that they got their happily ever after. I am looking forward to reading more books of Carmen Bishop. Overall, a great read.

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Thursday, January 25, 2024

Review: Sparkle Witch

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

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This is the novella in The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic trilogy. I loved every minute of it. I thought this book was a sweet companion to add to the series. In this novella, it is Christmas time. Brutus is up to his usual tricks and Ivy has to find an artefact that was taken from the Order. I love Ivy. She is my type of heroine. She is snarky and badass. I also loved that we got to see to more Rafael Winters. I thought their chemistry in this book. I loved Brutus in this one again with his “Food” and other words. He is a funny familiar. The ending was amazing. I really hope that there can be more added to this series because I want more adventures of Ivy and Rafe. I think it would be great to see more of their journey. I feel sad to say goodbye to these characters. I will miss them dearly. Ivy and Rafe forever! Overall, an amazing read.

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Review: Heaven Can Wait and Other stories

Heaven Can Wait and Other stories Heaven Can Wait and Other stories by Mahiraj Jadeja
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.15

I received a copy from Kindle Unlimited as a request for a review.

Thank you Mahiraj Jadeja for the opportunity to read your book. I have watched to read this for a while, I started December of last year, and made it around 34%, but then stopped. Hence, I decided to restart the book again at the beginning of the month. I thought this was a great read about different types of love and life. I think it will be a great read for everyone. It contains eight short stories, and I thought they were all great. I am glad I finally got to read this book. Overall, a great read. Below are my ratings and thoughts on each story!

Heaven Can Wait: 5 stars
This was an incredible read. This is the first short story in the book. Such a beautiful story. After losing her husband, Mary found out she was pregnant, and found out that she could die if she had the child. However, she decides to keep the baby despite knowing the consequences. I thought Mary was brave. She showed her faith and fought to keep the baby alive until she died—an inspiring story about love and sacrifice. Overall, an amazing read.

Instant Crush: 3.75 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the second short story in the book. This was a cute, fast read. I am not a fan of instant love/crush stories as much as I love the slow burn. I thought the story was cute. Cowboy meets the new neighbor, and they are instantly attracted to each other. I wished the story was longer. I think Nathan could have been more developed as well. It was a great story about experiencing love at first sight. Overall, a great read.

Two Bodies One Heart: 4 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the third short story in the book. I thought this was a sweet story about loving each other despite the struggles that come at us. In this story, Annie and Christian are a married couple, and the wife just lost her job. They are about to lose their home and do not have much to eat. They both get heart attacks at the same time. The owner of their apartment tried to provide other accommodations for them because he felt guilty about their heart attacks. The ending was sweet. I think it shows that true love involves two people who share one heart instead of two people with two hearts because when you love someone, you feel like you are home and that they will understand you more than anything else in the world. Overall, a great read.

An Afflictive Promise: 4 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth short story in the book. In this story, Victoria and William are a young couple who test how much they trust and love each other. When one attempt doesn’t go well, they prove their love for each other. They end up happily married and promise to love each other until death. It was a sweet story about commitment and trusting one another. Overall, a great read.

Two Apples: 5 stars
This was an incredible read. This is the fifth short story in the book. In this story, we meet Nanny Ma, her son Adam, and his wife Eve. There are only two apples left to eat, and the mother, Nanny Ma decides to give the apples to her son and daughter-in-law. When night came, and they went to wake her up, they found that she had died. I think this story shows the love of a mother. Mothers will do whatever they need to do to provide for their families. Also, I think this means that God gave us mothers as a gift and that we should cherish them forever. Overall, an amazing read.

Ready and Waiting: 3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the sixth short story in the book. In this story, a man is waiting for the person he likes in the garden. However, he starts to panic because she has not written him or come by 8 am. I thought this story was cute but not really my favourite out of the 8 stories. I thought it could have been better if we saw more of an interaction with the girl he was meeting. Overall, a great read.

A Pleasure Trip: 4 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the seventh short story in the book. In this story, Jack is into automobiles and long rides to seek pleasure. He was driving and did not see a town or village, so he continued. As he continued his ride, he saw a woman asking for a ride, and he first did not want to give her a lift, but then decided to give her one. I thought that this story was nice. It was an interesting story because of the woman. She was intriguing and mysterious, and it made the story more intriguing as we followed Jack's journey. This story tells me that God makes way when there seems to be no way and that God brings people into our lives for a reason. Overall, a great read.

Wise and Vice: 4 stars
This was an enjoyable read. This is the eighth and final short story in the book. In this story, I thought it was an interesting read because I think it deals with the pressures of choosing to live a Godly life or following the lifestyles of those around you. The fashion contest, in this case, demonstrates society and the expectations we have to follow with those around us. However, not everyone wants to follow what society dictates. I might be wrong, but that is my interpretation of the story. Overall, a great read.

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Saturday, January 20, 2024

Review: Spirit Witch

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

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This is the third and final book in The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic trilogy. I loved every minute of it. I thought this book was better than the first and second book. I love Ivy. She is my type of heroine. She is snarky and badass. I also loved that we got to see to more Rafael Winters. I thought their chemistry in this book. In this book, Ivy and Rafe trying to find a serial killer dubbed as “Blackbeard” for the murder of a complete coven. This man hates witches, and planned the attack. Also, I thought the addition of Ivy being able to see ghosts after the ending of Star Witch was an amazing touch. I loved Brutus in this one again with his “Food” and other words. He is a funny familiar. The ending was amazing. I really hope that there can be more added to this series because I want more adventures of Ivy and Rafe. I think it would be great to see more of their journey. I cannot wait to see what the novella - Sparkle Witch has in store for me. Overall, an amazing read.


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Friday, January 19, 2024

Review: treading water: poems on the depths of mental health

treading water: poems on the depths of mental health treading water: poems on the depths of mental health by Alyssa Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Read

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

Thank you Alyssa Harmon for the opportunity to read your book. This was an incredible read. In this poetry collection, mental health is explored. I thought the different poems that Alyssa Harmon used in her poetry made each poem stand out more. Through the progression of poems, we see her life experiences written on the page as she went through the journey of helping others overcome mental health in this beautiful and thought-provoking way. In the sinking and the drowning parts, we see the struggles that one goes through with mental health. In the swimming, we see that it is still a struggle, but that one is trying to push through. However, my favourite part was the rescue because it proves that one can overcome mental health and start to live again. My favourite poems in this collection were Mom, aren’t you proud?, and kintsukuroi. I think this poetry collection teaches us that the struggles and how we can overcome mental health. However, that we also need to understand the depths of mental health as well. I loved this book. I cannot wait to read more Alyssa Harmon poetry and see her wonderful words on page again. Overall, an amazing read.

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Monday, January 15, 2024

Review: Death of a Hussy

Death of a Hussy Death of a Hussy by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fifth book of the Hamish Macbeth series. In this book, our laid-back police constable, Hamish Macbeth, has to find out who killed the wealthy, but not so nice, Maggie Baird. The list of suspects includes Maggie's clingy niece, Alison Kerr, who is the main recipient of her aunt's wealth, and four former lovers of Maggie. In the case of the four ex-lovers, Maggie was baiting them with money to get a husband. Hamish follows all leads and follows his instincts to find out who murdered Maggie Baird. I thought the idea of having a cozy mystery with a male character was also something different for me. I thought Hamish was a great character. He is mysterious, but I am enjoying his character more in this book. I think his character makes the story fun and exciting. He is described as bumbling, and lazy. However, as I kept reading, I thought he was observant and skilled at his job. I thought this was a great addition to my first cozy mystery with a male main character. The ending was great. I am looking forward to seeing how the series goes. I am excited to read book 6. Death of a Snob, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Sunday, January 14, 2024

Review: Death of a Perfect Wife

Death of a Perfect Wife Death of a Perfect Wife by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.75

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Hamish Macbeth series. In this book, Trixie Thomas, a newcomer to Lochdubh, is found dead by poisoning. She certainly was not very liked in Lochdubh because she was trying to persuade the local ladies to her ideas, which included embracing low-cholesterol meals, banning tobacco, and bird-watching. Now, it is up to our laid-back police constable to find out who is behind the mysterious poisoning of the perfect wife. I thought the idea of having a cozy mystery with a male character was also something different for me. I thought Hamish was a great character. He is mysterious, but I am enjoying his character more in this book. I think his character makes the story fun and exciting. He is described as bumbling, and lazy. However, as I kept reading, I thought he was observant and skilled at his job. I thought this is a great addition to my first cozy mystery with a male main character. The ending was great. I am looking forward to seeing how the series goes. I am excited to read book 5. Death of a Hussy, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: A Bad Day for Sunshine

A Bad Day for Sunshine A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the first book in the Sunshine Vicram series. It is a cozy mystery thriller in the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico. In this book, Sunshine Vicram returns to her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico, after being newly elected as sheriff. Her first day at work involves a kidnapping case. Will she be able to find the kidnapper? I thought this was a great story. The writing was fun and witty. I enjoyed the characters as well. I thought Sunshine was a great character. I can't imagine what it would be like to endure being kidnapped. I also thought Levi was another great character. I thought he was interesting and sexy. I did think that their relationship needed more open and honest communication with one another, but I did enjoy it. I thought the ending was great. This was a great way to start a new series. I cannot wait to read book 2. A Good Day for Chardonnay, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Murder in Christmas River

Murder in Christmas River Murder in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the first book in the Christmas River series. This cozy mystery takes place in Christmas River, where it is Christmas all year round. In this book, Cinnamon Peters is a baker, and entering the annual gingerbread competition. A dead body of one of the judges, Mason Barstow is found in the woods behind her shop, and whoever killed him is trying to find it. I thought this was a great start to the series. I thought the story was quick and fun. I thought Cinnamon was a great character. She is indeed one tough cookie. She has been through a lot, but she always gets back up. She is resilient, patient, and smart. I also thought Daniel was a great character. I thought he was sexy, smart and protective.

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Review: Death of an Outsider

Death of an Outsider Death of an Outsider by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.75

This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book of the Hamish Macbeth series. In this book, our police constable, Hamish Macbeth, is temporarily assigned to the town of Cnothan, where their only cop is on vacation. Exiled to the new town with his dog, he has to figure out who killed the most hated man in the village. I thought the idea of having a cozy mystery with a male character was also something different for me. I thought Hamish was a great character. He is mysterious, but I am enjoying his character more in this book. I think his character makes the story fun and exciting. He is described as bumbling, and lazy. However, as I kept reading, I thought he was observant and skilled at his job. I thought this is a great addition to my first cozy mystery with a male main character. The ending was great. I am looking forward to see how the series goes. I am excited to read book 4. Death of a Perfect Wife, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Agatha's First Case

Agatha's First Case Agatha's First Case by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay Read

This was an alright read. This is a short novella in the Agatha Raisin series. In this book, Agatha as the secretary of Public Relations office, and has to tell a client that he is going to be arrested for the murder of his wife and the firm is not representing him. I thought that this story was good. I think this has the potential of being a great series. If this is the first case, I wonder how the rest of the series will turn out. I thought Agatha was an interesting character. I actually liked her a lot. I cannot wait to see how she develops as the series goes on. I cannot wait to read the first book in the series. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, here I come. Overall, an okay read.

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Review: Death of a Cad

Death of a Cad Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was an enjoyable read. This is the second book of the Hamish Macbeth series. In this book, Hamish Macbeth finds out Priscilla is engaged to a playwright. At her engagement party, Captain Bartlett is found murdered after being shot while on a grouse hunt. I thought the story was fun and quick. I thought the idea of having a cozy mystery with a male character was also something different for me. I thought Hamish was a great character. He is mysterious, but I am enjoying his character more in this book. I think his character makes the story fun and exciting. He is described as bumbling, and lazy. However, as I kept reading, I thought he was observant and skilled at his job. I thought this is a great addition to my first cozy mystery with a male main character. The ending was great. I am looking forward to see how the series goes. I am excited to read book 3. Death of an Outsider, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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Review: Death of a Gossip

Death of a Gossip Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was an enjoyable read. This is the first book of the Hamish Macbeth series. In this book, Hamish Macbeth has to find the person who strangled and drowned tabloid reporter, Jane Winters. She was a widow and she reveal too many other people’s secrets. I thought the story was fun and quick. I thought the idea of having a cozy mystery with a male character was also something different for me. I thought Hamish was a great character. He is mysterious, but I kinda of would like to know more about him. He is described as bumbling, and lazy. However, as I kept reading, I thought he was observant and skilled at his job. I thought this is a great start to my first cozy mystery with a male main character. The ending was great. I am looking forward to see how the series goes. I am excited to read book 2. Death of a Cad, here I come. Overall, a great read.

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