Brooke
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Unsettling: 😬😬😬😬😬
SCARY: 👻👻👻/5
DEATH: 💀💀💀💀/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠
Creepy: 🎈🎈🎈/5
The Book Of Cold Cases packs a punch that I never expected. When I picked this up I knew that I was going to fall hard when the story really started. In Simone St. James fashion, she did the damn thing.
I have been a Simone stan for the last few books and I knew I couldn't not read this. And I was right. It was fantastic. I loved how well the characters were well fleshed out and really brought them to life. Simone covered an aspect of crimes that some people won't and she covered it well. These characters brought so much to life, whether it was the storyline or just the feeling you have while reading.
I was constantly questioning what was real and what wasn't. Whether it be from Beth's life or Shaes with many circumstances. But it was the best guessing I have had in a while. And I cannot say enough good things about this book.
Do yourself a favor and pick it up!!!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
This was the cutest smutty ROM com I have ever read. I loved every scene and quirk of the two MCs. They legit had the best chemistry and it showed in every conversation and interaction between them.
Some people don't like instalove, and I'm not one of those people. I absolutely adore instalove. Especially when the chemistry is off the charts and the mesh so well in every other aspect of their lives.
Clover and Leaf were the cutest and most passionate couple I have read in a little bit. And I am soooo here for it. I loved their witty banter and how well they conversed in the bedroom. Just what both of them wanted and needed in each moment. Without having to overthink too much they made every single moment the best.
Abby is a master at instalove and I love her for it. I can't wait to see more from Abby this year!!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕/5
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎/5
Paranormal: 👻👻👻/5
Well I started this one because I needed to know about the cliffhanger from the first and go very little from it. If we are going to give a cliffhanger at least give me more than a smidgen to keep me hanging on. Although the series is growing on me idk how much more I want to read to get a pebble of info about said cliffhanger.
BUT, this book was enjoyable to say the least. I'm starting to enjoy more of the dynamic between our characters. They have built a great relationship between all three along with the police within the town. I really enjoyed seeing Emily grow more into mediumship. Which is what I wanted on the first book. I'm quite excited to see where this goes in the next book. I'm hoping with that mediumship she is able to contact more spirits. In her home and otherwise.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Coziness: ☕☕☕/5
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎🔎/5
Paranormal: 👻👻👻
While reading Sweet Dreams I kept thinking how much I wanted to know more about our main character Emily, because I felt that it was lacking that character development. Although it gave a slight overview of her and an even slimmer sight of her past. I also wish there would have been more of her communicating with the spirits of the house. Or at least she would have had been a little more in tuned with the spirits of the house.
Sage seemed to be the best of anyone with the spirits being a medium, but I feel like if there was a little more between Emily and the spirits it would have cemented more about her connection with them. Instead of her just living In the house with the spirit that they spoke about Mrs. Thomas.
One thing I will give this story is the culprit was not who I expected by any means. So I definitely give major kudos for that aspect! I just wish there would have been more for a 200 page book in regards to Emily and the whole dynamic with the spirits.
With the cliffhanger that Beth left us with I now have to pick up the second book so I can know what is going on!!
This was such a hard book for me to try and love. Much less like in any sense of the word. I cannot stand a mc who completely disregards other people's lives because they need to get ahead. Ruining lives and stepping on the smaller people is never a way to get what you want. And this is the main premise in this book. Instead of actually working to find the truth she just runs with anything sensational enough to get her clicks. Just like someone else within the story, but different context.
I was absolutely disgusted through most of the book and I just couldn't keep going any longer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unsettling: 😬😬😬
SCARY: 👻👻
DEATH: 💀💀💀
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠
Creepy: 🎈🎈🎈
I feel like I have climbed a tall mountain with strife but as I met the other side I was met with adventure.
Long Lankin was a great read, long but great. I feel as if some of it could have been shortened but in the end I really enjoyed the journey. I am not a slow burn kind of gal, but this slow burn was worth the wait. With so much action packed into the last 35% of the book, it was well worth the trek. Throughout the book you get to learn more about after WWII and how it was so hard for so many. You hear about the hard times that people went through but you don't really get it until you are thrust in the center of it.
Cora and Mimi are the final descendents of a cursed line thrust into this new world by their parents. Their parents can no longer take care of them due to money and time constraints so they are warded to their Auntie Ida. Being so young Mimi is able to adapt pretty well. Being 4 can be hard but usually with a slice of heaven on the side. She doesn't truly understand what is going on. Cora adapts well enough but doesn't understand why they can't go home, much less be on her own without Mimi.
With so many questions comes a journey of how Long Lankin came to be and who he used to get what he wanted.
With so many different ways of finding things Cora chooses nothing more than simple questions to the right people.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Unsettling: 😬😬/5
SCARY: 👻/5
DEATH: 💀/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠/5
Creepy: 🎈🎈🎈/5
This was a short little supernatural read that was a bit unsettling. It definitely gave me the heebie-jeebies because we have all at one time or another had the feeling of someone watching you or following you. Then you turn around and no one is there. Or you get goosebumps and your heart starts to beat a little faster for no reason other than you feel uneasy.
This was the perfect scenario for all of the above in this book. I enjoyed how the plot was set up to give the ultimate creep factor of not remembering exactly what happened immediately. Being disoriented when you wake up after a wild night is something most people have done. But when you wake up and realize so much more happened and then it keeps happening.
Horror movies galore always have that one scene that you look in a mirror and see something that isn't in the flesh. And I know I have always thought “If that ever happened to me I would lose my shit!”
I'm excited to read more in this series and see what Sam gets into!!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/4
Scary: 😱😱/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠/5
It is hard to put into words how I feel about this book. It started in East Germany under multiple different forms of police/government and was hard to tell what time frame we were in. It said post war but didn't really clarify the time frame other than the car in the book was a 1979.
With the circumstances of times obviously being different due to the police/government, there was a hierarchy of who gets certain privileges such a coffee, or different foods. Which almost made me feel like it was during world war 2 with rations and such, but I couldn't have been if he had a 1979 car. So it was confusing to say the least.
What started as paranormal activities soon we shown to be something else entirely. Something that must be harnessed and learned to control. Which isn't what the expection was from the synopsis. It started off strong and for me fell down the further I got into the book after the “poltergeist” activity.
Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
My love for this book and the series is unabound. This series has given me so much I never knew I needed. Growing up Peter Pan wasn't my favorite, but now I def say based on this storyline he is. By far. But this storyline wouldn't be what it is without Winnie, the Twins and Vane. Not to mention the other supporting characters that add so much to this novel and series.
I love how much these strong unapologetic men are willing to do anything for each other and Winnie. Winnie doing the same for them. There is nothing without sacrifice and compromise. And this shows the rewards of such efforts that they have went to the ends of the Neverland for.
With so much to lose but so much to gain with every characters you begin to see that hesitation isn't an option. You must be willing to put it all on the line, when you have nothing what is there to lose? NOTHING. There is always something to gain.
The love and relationships that continue to grow through every struggle, situation, and feelings are just a testament to commitment. They are committed to be and do the best for each other. How we should all feel and do by our partners, because if not we lose it all.
Pan learns so much more about himself within this book and he is astounded at the facts that he is shown by the least likely person. But said least likely person has nothing to lose, so he proceeds without caution. And he reaps the benefits in full when the time comes.
Winnie and Vane are a pair that couldn't never hide from one another. Even in the darkest of dark. The shadow will always connect them in one way or another. And that is put to the test, but you're able to see how much is tested from Tink. The one person who has sooo much to lose in everything.
Bash and Kas have a journey ahead of them and they know their steps that are needing to be taken. Their sheer will is all they need and a little help from Tilly and Pan along the way. So much is gained and will continue once they are willing to just go with it.
I have loved this series with my whole heart. And to say my heart is wrecked for these 5 main characters is barely skimming the top. I have ravished every page as much as the boys ravished Winnie in every way possible. My heart is aching to get more of these characters but at some point there must be an end. And this is unfortunately it
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕/5
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎/5
This was a definite no for me. I hit 50% and just couldn't keep reading. After the crime was laid out and the detective she had the hots for told her to just leave it alone, she refused. And not in a I'll keep you posted on anything I hear while still actively investigating. It was a I have to prove myself to him. I was a bit confused why she needed to prove herself to someone she hasn't seen in years. He wasn't challenging her, or anything close to the sort. But that was the bug that got in my crawl and I couldn't get it out. So I quit. And I'm glad because I don't want to read something I'm not enjoying.
Rating: 4.75⭐
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕
There is honestly nothing more comforting then coming back to a series that you have enjoyed from the very beginning. The Rooftop Garden series is definitely that for me. This series always brings me the feeling of meeting up with friends and going over their latest adventure in life. And I absolutely love it.
Murder Just Isn't Faire was such a fun jaunt into a little cosplay of the Old English Times involving Robin Hood of Locksley. All I could think of during this book was the Disney animated version, and the satirical version. Two of my absolute favorite movies, and this was just a sweet stroll down memory lane.
I adore the couples that we have within this book, they are always super sweet and have a clean romance. I just want Oliver to find someone now.
With the Faire there is mayhem and of course a murder. But it comes for a person least expected, from the last person I expected. With more new characters added for the faire you get some great characters that would make a great addition, but also those unsavory characters that ruin it for everyone.
I was completely surprised by the outcome but it was definitely one of the best that I've read!! I can't wait to continue the series!
Rating: 5 ⭐
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎
Paranormal: 🧟♀️/5
TW: Death, Paranormal, Stalking, Blood
There is nothing I love more than a paranormal cozy mystery. They are just such a comfort read, and I fell in love from the first chapter.
With a little paranormal activity, there is plenty of mystery within these pages. I never saw the culprit as one. Just some guy. But I wish there would have been a little more in the way of what happened to Jared. It gave a somewhat explanation, but I wanted how everything led up to it.
I honestly can't complain because this was such a quick and wonderful read! I cannot wait for the next in the series!!
Rating: 4⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪/5
Sinful Temptation is a sweet romance with some gusto packed in. With an abusive ex who treated Camilla like the scum on the bottom of his shoe, it was hard for her to open up to the possibility of love. With a pregnancy scare under her belt she never thought she could see the day she would be with someone who wants her and her baby.
The relationship between our MCs were really sweet. Someone to love indefinitely no matter what the circumstances. Their love for each other was unabounding. And their sex life was fantastic. But I feel like there could have been more steam to go with that spice. And a little more spice.
I enjoyed this romance through the majority, but at times things were a bit vague. And at times I had to go back and reread certain places to make sure I didn't miss anything. And I feel like if we are going to include the bombshell at the end we could have been given the outcome. Not just left on a cliffhanger.
This is a standalone so I don't understand why you would leave the ending the way it was left. Yes it was an HEA, BUT there was no conclusion to round out that happy ending.
Rating: 4.75 ⭐
🔪🔪🔪🔪/5
TW: Death, Gore, Crime Scene, Suicide, Child Death, Stalking, Mental Health Issues, Mental Health Institutionalization
I picked this beauty up for bookclub and had some decent hopes for it. What I didn't account for was the need to constantly read to find out what was going to happen next. It was an unputdownable book that I won't forget anytime soon. It makes me even more excited about the next in the series.
Hide is a read that is conflicted, bruised by loss and lies. Harriet is our MC who has suffered so much already. She has lost not just her child from a senseless robbery for his bike gone wrong, but also her partner, Glynnis. Then her divorce from her husband rounds out the loss she has suffered. It has been over 1800 days since her son died, but she is back. After Glynnis committed suicide in the CPD parking lot she needed to find a new precinct. And she did. But with it came so much more than she ever anticipated. Being female, African American, and single she knew the odds weren't in her favor. But she was determined to do the job she was so good at.
Harriet was such a well fleshed out characters that had huge emotions that she didn't want to deal with until she absolutely had to. Losing Reg was such a loss she didn't know how she would make it. Then she endures so much more. This is what a woman is. Strong AF and unapologetic about it. But we don't always have to be so strong. And I think Harriet was learning that while working with Li. I loved what Li brought to the table when she came into the partnership. She brought what Harriet needed, even if she didn't want it. Being scared to open up again is always prevalent when there is loss. But it's necessary. You need that human interaction and touch to be able to move past so much more.
With so many women killed for so many unbeknownst reasons there were 4 that stood out because they not only fit the pattern but also the description of one female. A ghost of a woman once known to love her family. But would never live to see how they have grown and lived without her. She would never know the truth about her twins that she was taken from.
The characters within this storyline had so much to gain and so much to lose at the same time. Being taught what you should be and not who you are always takes a huge toll on someone mentally. And in this case it did. Catastrophically. The one that was pegged as the inferior twin was the one who had the most to gain.
With the twists, turns and small clues along the way it was definitely a guessing game as to who was doing what. But the payoff was worth the wait.
I hope you will pick up this gem and see what there is to Hide. It was definitely worth the read.
Rating: 5 ⭐
TW: drugs, abandonment, child abuse, kidnapping
After reading the synopsis for this book, I had to see what it was all about. I'm so glad that I did! This was such a treat to read! With two young heroes who are brothers, it gives you the feels when they do everything they can to work together. It's stated multiple times that Ollie is different, or special. And I wish they could have given him a more definitive diagnosis.
I'm so glad to see that there is more representation about those kiddos that are different and special. Because they deserve to be seen just as much as a regular kid does. And we cannot forget about Mr. Peebles, I absolutely loved him and how much he played a part in helping with the boys. Everyone knows or knows of someone who is like him, but always play them off as something they aren't. But this gem of a man became their “grandpa” of sorts while they were searching for their dad.
This was such a wild ride between the kids being alone to getting into a tree farm that was being used otherwise. You couldn't keep these kids away from making sure they found their dad. Working together made them the dream team, and they were able to uncover so much more than they ever expected. It was such a great read!
Rating: 4 ⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪.5/5
Violent Beginnings starts with the biggest alpha-hole on the planet and ends with a changed man from the one he was long before this. Markus is definitely a man you don't want to piss off and for some this is a deadly game of cat and mouse. One that Fallon has learned quickly after being sold to him for $1 MILLION.
The novella before this Bought & Owned contained a few chapters from this book, so if you have read that then you're good to skip a little. I was a bit blown away by how scummy the auction was, and how Markus came to be there. I know he isn't the most upstanding guy but why there? Why not a higher end auction? Or ANYTHING ELSE?? Either way, he walks away with Fallon.
I'm not a huge fan of captive situations with alpha-hole men and I really tried my best to LOVE this story. But captive/stalker types are just not my jam. I rated this a 4/5⭐ because the plot was there. It was heavy in action and kept me wanting to come back so I could see what was going to happen. Scene after scene I couldn't stop reading it. I wanted to know why, who, and where at every turn. Not to mention the steam between these two.
Markus and Fallon had some amazing chemistry, even more when she was there because she wanted to be. That is where I was really able to get into their relationship and just have this giddy feeling of this is what it was supposed to be like. But for them it just wasn't until it was. They had to learn each other, along with their secrets they kept.
I enjoyed the tumultuous journey with Markus and Fallon, and hope that we will see them again later within the series.
Rating: 4 ⭐
TW: child abuse, alcohol abuse, gun violence, abuse, violence, bullying
Fragile Wings is a hard book to swallow for those who are triggered or affected by any kind of abuse. This was so hard for me to read and I couldn't help but break down and cry for this girl who didn't deserve anything she was given. She deserved so much better than anything.
Claire's dad is a drunk who spends all of us money on booze and gambling. When drunk he blames her for everything wrong in his life. Instead of being a real man and taking responsibility he chooses to beat on her. An innocent child who wants nothing more than to be loved and taken care of. Basic needs. No child should ever have to go through this struggle. But it is so prevalent today. The solution is easy, sterilize yourself if you don't want to deal with the consequences of your actions.
I'm trying everything I can to not want to rage against the man myself. Thank goodness there is some sunshine in her life, Lucca. But that sunshine can only shine so bright until it gets dark again. He had every right to stop what was happening. But it went further than anyone expected. Claire has to pay the ultimate price, once again.
4.5 ⭐
I have read some auction storylines but never ones that were quite like this one. It wasn't just women who owed money, or was taken because of someone they know. But this one really took it to a new level. They treated the women like absolute trash. These women even if they are being sold deserve to be treated better. But when you are in a seedy situation with some questionable people you can't expect a high end bidders situation.
But Markus and Fallon took me to a new level of buying and keeping. I think they will have the chemistry for so much more once he lets his guard down a bit.
I really enjoyed this storyline and can't wait to read the next book to see how it plays out!
There is nothing more that I love than Christmas. Well.....except for one thing. A strong, dominant, possessive man who will do anything for his wife and child. That is exactly what you got with this story. He made such a point that no one would mess with his family. Because he refused to let it happen. Until it did. He got some unexpected help from the one he least care for.
The strong brooding man who would do ANYTHING for his wife and daughter is the ultimate man in my eyes. It makes it even better when you can see and feel the love that they share. Much less how well it works for them and their bond. But nothing will strengthen that bond like some passionate love making at a Christmas outing.
I couldn't get enough of these two. I have read their book and loved it. Now I need more in my life!!!
This is the beginning of everything for the Moretti family saga for the next two books. And it was the perfect amount of insight as to how Elyse came into the fold.
But I'm at a place once again I wanted more of that fragile amount of time where they were getting to know each other. But alas this isn't the last of the Morettis!
If you love mafia, alpha-hole men, and their cinnamon roll inside then you will like this series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don't think that I could have loved this book any less than I do. And that says a whole lot. Because I absolutely adore this book.
Mike and Jordyn are back at it again but this time with a baby in the making and a wedding to plan. A HUGE wedding. 400 guests. The dress is being tried on and things go south.
Jordyn realizes how much she has going on with the baby on the way the wedding and her job. Getting overwhelmed is expected. Mike comes to save her from peril with Begneits from their favorite place.
After some discussion and play time they realize they just want a simple ceremony. So they elope to Vegas.
With some spice, and a wedding in Vegas I couldn't have asked for a better book. I just wanted more. Once again I fell for their relationship and how much they love and honestly care for each other. This relationship is #goals.
With their families on their side they tie the knot and see what married life is really like!
I really really hope that there will be more for these two in the future!
After reading the second in the series, I figured that I might as well pick up the first 😂. This could have easily been a whole novel, and I would fight you on it. With more expansion on the relationship and their life, I'm sure this would have been a huge hit!
I absolutely loved how Mike and Jordyn met, in a bookstore while perusing the romance section. I mean don't all bookworms dream of a partner who loves books as much as you do? Or at least someone who will listen at the very least.
Mike not sharing who he was until you get close to the end was perfect. I love that she loved him because she didn't know who he was. And I'm sure he had that in the back of his mind as well. But their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!!
Their comfort with each other and their silliness within their own little world was EVERYTHING. I could have easily read another 300 pages of this beautiful story.
I got to the epilogue and it essentially carried on after Mike's parents 35th anniversary party. And I'm so glad I read that. But at the same time I wish I would have not read that till after the main part of book 1. But nonetheless I loved every part of their story!
Cassie and Aurie (Aurora) are the perfect team to take on the world or in this case spiteful ex husband and ex mother in law. With Auriekidnapped by her dad Cassie has to find a way to get her back permanently. Leave it to Crystal, Christina, Juliette and gang to come to the rescue and help make things right.
In this book Cassie comes more into her magic and learns what it's like to really embrace who you are. She wants to be happy, but also wants Aurie to be happy and love the place where they are putting down roots. But it's hard to have someone else love what you can't just love the most yourself.
Cassie gets a new sous chef, Christine, and she brings so much to the table. She is a time witch and can bake the heck out of some bread! I'm so glad that there is a third in the bakery, because that really helps. But I can't wait to get to know more about Christine and Raphael.
I couldn't help but feel for Aurie because she just wants to be loved and wanted. And she gets thrown around like a ragdoll by her dad and grandmother. Not that they want her, they just like the idea of her not shaming them for who she will become.
Girl power will always be the answer when you need some friends who have quickly become family because you no longer have any. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the ladies in this book and how much they care for each other. Cassie is such a great mom within the whole series, and Aurie struggles with everything going on. But within the circumstances they have a really great relationship that so many people wish they could have with a parent.
I always love getting back into this series because it's definitely a comfort read. Magic. Bakery. Family. It's all a girl could ever need.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
Unsettling: 😬😬/5
SCARY: 👻👻/5
DEATH: 💀💀/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠🧠/5
The Spite House was nothing like I expected. With such poignant writing to take you through so many cycles of terror that were being held within the four walls of the Spite House. The tenants withheld in those four walls have every intention to make your life hell while you are there. Would you believe me that two children run the house? Oh yeah. Those children will scare and torture you till you finally just give up.
With a family on the run after a miraculous happening, the chance to make 6 figures is always a plus. Especially when you are hiding who you are and why. But is the money worth it when you know that you could lose the two people you love the most? The ones you went on the run for??
Eric is a father that is determined to do everything for his girls that he can. Even after his daughter comes back to life after dying, he knows something within their family gives them that blessing of life after death. Just as it did for his grandfather. But he is determined to make a life for his girls and figure out more about the gift they have been given.
With so much paranormal activity, lies, deception and money there is always room for mayhem. Enter the Spite House. Welcome to the chaos!
I also want to include that this book is a great representation of POC by a POC. Which I absolutely love and appreciate. In what bit of horror I have read there isn't a whole ton of POC representation. But also the representation showing how different the stereotypes that so many authors stick to aren't the same in this book.