Review: Stories of Wizards

Stories of Wizards by Gillian Doherty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Stories of Wizards" is a great collection of new wizard stories to read aloud. We read two stories to our children ages 5 and 8 and they enjoyed them very much. Nice illustrations for the book and beautifully bound hardback book. There are about 12 stories of about 5 pages in length.

My eight year old loved the first story called "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", it's a funny story with a moral. And my 5 yr old loved "An Enchanted Horse", the story of a magical flying horse. I personally would have to see my favorite is "The Tree Wizards", the tale of a person eventually getting what they asked for.

I did get this book from a Usborne party, but I'm not sure if it can be purchased elsewhere or not.

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Review: Nightmare by Design

Nightmare by Design by Allana Kephart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Nightmare by Design" is the prequel to their Fractured Fairy Tales series, and what an exciting beginning it is!

Growing up did your family have your whole life planned out for you, what job you would do it, how you would do it? Leanna did. Leanna had no choice but to train to be one of a secret society that kept tabs on the supernatural community. Working at a cool small bookstore in town, she gets to meet and become best friends with Maddie. As close as the pair are, they never reveal the horrible secrets they hold about their family's . When Maddie's parents are murdered she's pushed to care for her little sister, a newbie shapeshifter, their worlds collide in more ways than they could have ever imagined. Loyalties will be tested and who knows what the outcome will be!

Aghhhhh these two ladies have once again left me with a story that I can't wait to read more of, but have no idea when the next part will be out!!!They have earned the title of "Cliffhanger Queens" for a good reason!

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Review: Scorched

Scorched by Alexis Blake
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"Scorched" is part 1 in a multi-part series, that I'm not sure I'll finish reading.
Lucy is a 20 something year old woman who moves to California to learn the ropes from one of the best hotel managers in her company. So she moves to California and rents Peters home for the year she'll be there. Lucy finds a box of sex toys in the closet as she's unpacking that has her thinking about Peter in very intimate ways. They hook up rather quickly and it ends on a cliffhanger.

I think Lucy is naive and Peter seems to be more about getting her out of her clothes than anything else. Not that its a bad thing, but it's kinda like a bad porn.... there's no connection to the characters that make you care whether they build a relationship or not. I read this as a diversion to all the sweet, romantic Christmas stories I've been reading, but this was just not very good in my opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorched-Alexis...

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Review: Never A Choice:

Never A Choice: by Dee Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Never A Choice" by Dee Palmer has replaced Mr. Grey with Mr. Stone and Anna with Bethany, and added in a pyscho to the mix to keep it fresh. Mr. Stone is a local wealthy businessman who gives lectures to aspiring business students at the local university that Bethany attends. Bethany forged her paperwork so that she could attend as an older student part time so she can also work at her best friends family restaurant in order to take care of her ailing mom. Daniel immediately recognizes her lies but keeps her secrets because he's both attracted and intrigued by her. Bethany needs to make more money so she gets another job working on a phone sex hotline as a submissive. She doesn't really think she's a submissive but finds she enjoys her talks with one caller that has booked all her time up. At the same time she keeps that secret her attraction to Daniel continues to grow into more, so very much more! Things become twisted when the sister that deserted her pops back into the picture.
I liked this book because the characters are likeable, the sex scenes are hot, and the twist in the story line make it interesting. On the other hand outside of the bedroom stuff I never really saw Daniel and Bethany grow into more of a relationship , and Daniel's character never fully was explained.

http://www.amazon.com/Never-Choice-Ch...

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Review: The Devil's Eyes

The Devil's Eyes by Jennifer Loren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I bought this paperback at an author signing in 2014 (yes I know it's 2 years ago) and I finally made it through my tbr stack to read it. OMG, I freaking love this book!

When Kayla's sister commits suicide she blames it on Brayley's then ex-boyfriend, Nick. She promises herself that she will ruin him no matter what it takes, so she gets a job as a stripper at one of his legitimate businesses. He tries to resist her charms by putting her at a side business he runs, high class prostitution ring, but eventually he can't stand anyone else having her..... especially not his worst enemy! Danger from other mob bosses, the police, and Kayla's own ignorance keep them constantly on their toes. "The Devil's Eyes" takes you on a roller coaster ride that you don't want to end! I've put the rest of the series (8 books in all) on my need to read list and added Jennifer Loren to my growing list of fave authors!
Here's a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Devils-Eyes...

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Review: Still

Still by Angela Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When an online predator kills Brianna's sister Lisa, she has a conflict of interest and is sent home to deal with her grief. Instead she can't let this go until she finds him. With the help of an old friend she finds that there is so much more she doesn't know about this killer.

I really liked this suspenseful story, and I really wished it had been more drawn out into a full book as opposed to a 23 page story. I also noticed that there was an editing issue with my copy so there may be an update available that I didn't have. It however did not take away from my enjoyment of this story. Angela Ford is one of the best suspense story writers in my opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017...

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Review: Play Me

Play Me by Kimberly Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Sophie tries to make her own way in the world away from her Dad and his "rock star lifestyle" she starts college to become a librarian and live the "straight and narrow". But when Emilio steps into the diner she works at looking sexy with a hint of glitter and a "drop the panties" smile, she can't help but be pulled in. Emilio works as a stripper while waiting for his big break in the rock world, a world that Sophie wants nothing to do with, so he doesn't tell her. A mistake that could cause him to lose her if she finds out.

I completely love this novella! I read it as part of the "Mischief in the Mistletoe" box set and OMG it's freaking amazing to me! I have now added Kimberly Kincaid to my list of fave authors and can't wait to read more of her books!

http://www.amazon.com/Play-Me-Kimberl...

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Review: The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little boy named Keith and his family stop at a hotel while on vacation, where he meets a mouse named Ralph. Ralph is totally in love with Keith's toy motorcycle. He decides to climb on it and that's where the story takes off. Ralph's mom is fearful for him and tries to convince him to leave Keith alone, but they soon become good friends.

I remember watching the movie for this book as a kid and thinking it was so cool, so when my kids brought home the Scholastic order form and I saw it on there (actually the whole set), I knew I had to get it for them. My 3rd grader had already had it read to him in story time at school so he really didn't want to hear it (so he said), but was actually glued to the story when I read it. My first grader enjoyed it very much since this was his first exposure to it.
http://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Motorcycl...

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Review: Snow One Like You

Snow One Like You by Kate Angell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Allie and Rhys have been best friends practically from birth and what started out as a fun kiss under the mistletoe led to them reevaluating their relationship. The began to realize that their friendship may be leading to the kind of once in a lifetime kind of love.

I really liked this Christmas romance because it truly showed how sometimes you can have the one perfect person in front of you but be afraid to take that plunge. I read this book as part of the "Mischief Under The Mistletoe" box set, so Kate Angell is a new to me author, but one I will continue to read.
http://www.amazon.com/Snow-One-Like-K...


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Review: Wrapped Up In You

Wrapped Up In You by Stephanie Rowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a kiss on a moonlit beach between two teenagers, it leads them on a path where they will be forever changed. They don't know how deeply until they find themselves back on Mystic Island where it all happened. Both of them suffered from emotional scars on their hearts, but can they renew the hope they once had for a love real and with each other?

This story touched my heart, because I've been hurt and I found renewal with someone new. I can identify with their pain and need for escape by whatever means necessary.I read this as part of the "Mischief Under the Mistletoe" box set.

http://www.amazon.com/Wrapped-You-Mys...


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Review: Ruck

Ruck by Holly S. Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Ruck" is the first of a few things for me: my first Rugby romance and my first Holly S. Roberts book. I have to say I was completely impressed by the book and story line and recommend giving it a read!

Van is womanizing Rugby player who figures out after a one night stand with his brothers now wife, that maybe he wants something more with someone now. He looks to his best friend, Danny, and starts to think maybe he's been missing out on something. Danny is not having any of his BS and quickly puts him in his place. She's not buying into his sweet charms, but the thing is he's serious about it. Can he prove to her that they're worth fighting for or will he miss his chance?
I read this as part of the "Mischief Under the Mistletoe " box set.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018...

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Review: Fly Me to the Moon: A Small Town Contemporary Romance Novella

Fly Me to the Moon: A Small Town Contemporary Romance Novella by Mindy Klasky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When winter weather drives an ex-soldier suffering from PTSD into a year round Christmas store full of fragile items, only chaos can happen. He accidentally knocks over some expensive ornaments and offers to pay for them, but finds out that despite his good intentions he can't afford to. He comes to a deal with the owner to work on building shelves for her in repayment. Their budding attraction for one another helps to heal her emotional scars, but takes longer for him to stop hiding in a bottle of booze.

I enjoyed this romantic story very much even though it dealt with hard topics that most would prefer to keep hidden. And maybe for that reason the most, I love it. It's easier to write a love story that has little conflict, than to write one with so much obvious pain and angst. I read this as part of the "Mischief Under The Mistletoe" box set.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018...

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Review: Snowflakes, Exes and Ohs

Snowflakes, Exes and Ohs by Melanie James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes growing up every has your life planned out for you, and sometimes you rebel against that plan. You think you know what's better for you, until you see what you've left behind. Going home to find nothing is the same as it was when you left and everyone has kept secrets from you, what do you do? Do you run away again or jump with both feet into a future that you thought you didn't want?

This is one of Melanie James' best stories to date and I highly recommend it. I read this as part of the Mischief Under the Mistletoe box set that is no longer available.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019...

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Review: Collide & Burn

Collide & Burn by Claudy Conn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a billionaire decides he wants to own a horse farm/ranch he sets out to do just that. With Cora's family deciding that its too much for them to run they decide to sell it. When he see's her in town he becomes intrigued with her, and even more so when he finds out she belongs to exactly the kind of place he's looking to buy. As the new owner of her family's ranch he tries to implement his business sense into horse business which doesn't set to well with her. To make matter worse they can't get near each other without setting off sparks.

A very sexy read by Claudy Conn. I read this as part of the box set "Mischief Under The Mistletoe".

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019...

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Review: The Bad Boy Meets His Match

The Bad Boy Meets His Match by Kristin Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a trip with friends a mountain retreat at Christmas time, Cora meets up with a sexy man and has the best night of her life. Before it can get ruined by the light of day, she packs up and leaves. She's watched him from a distance because he's always in the limelight, but will she find out that you can't always believe what you see on TV?

This is the first book in the "Mischief Under The Mistletoe" box set I'm reading, and definitely sets the tone for the whole set of awesome romances!

Here's the link for this book on Amazon since the box set is no longer available:
http://www.amazon.com/Meets-Match-Kis...

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Review: It's A Marshmallow World: A Rock and Roll Fantasy

It's A Marshmallow World: A Rock and Roll Fantasy by Diane Rinella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"It's A Marshmallow World" is a fun Christmas read. If you like quirky characters, with a hint of paranormal, a bit of romance, and some good insight into the human mind...... then this is the book for you!

Darla was given a ouija board by her Gran-Gran shortly before she passed away, a way to talk to her after she was gone. Many times Darla would've been lost without her gentle guidance or prompting to find her own way and be herself. So when she meets Chris at a local hangout she's ecstatic when he asks her out, but then disappointed with him. Ready to walk away she gets another message from Gran Gran about her situation. Through her guidance a happy ever after occurs.
I love this series and read the first book "Scarey Modsters and Creepy Freaks" , and look forward to reading "Voices Carry".
Here's the link to Amazon for this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Marshmallow...

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Review: Feng Shui For Writers

Feng Shui For Writers by M.C. Simon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a person who hopes to write a book this year, I wanted to make sure that I was setting myself up in the best way possible. "Feng Shui for Writers" has given me numerous ideas on setting up my work space to allow for the free flow of ideas and creativity. I've worked at my computer for a number of years but had it placed with my back to a window, which has always made me feel vulnerable. I hope with the new placement it will help me to feel more stable and secure so that I can also believe more in my own abilities.
I know from my previous exploration into Feng Shui that it works if you use the fundamentals of it. Now it's time to get my life back on track and this book will be one of the things that helps me get there.
Below is the link for Amazon for M.C. Simon's book:
http://www.amazon.com/Feng-Shui-Write...

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Review: Shifter Seasons: 10 Paranormal Shifter Romances

Shifter Seasons: 10 Paranormal Shifter Romances by Tina Talon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Shifter Seasons" is a great collection of sexy, sweet, steamy, and downright good shifter romances. A few sweet/steamy male/male stories and several good male/female romances. I had never read any of these authors before this collection and I plan on adding them to my to-be -read list. I honestly couldn't pick a fave story.... there were several.

Here's the link for this collection on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shifter-Seasons...

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Review: Siren's Call

Siren's Call by Jessica Cage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Siren's Call" by Jessica Cage is about Syrenada aka Sy, who finds out after being kidnapped and raped that she is a Siren or Mermaid. Unable to control her abilities she goes after those her harmed her, but in the meantime a long time hottie that she's been attracted, Malachi, to comes out of the background and reveals his true reason for living.... to be her guardian. Sy finds out that there is way more to her story along the way and has to dodge danger from herself and others out to destroy her from fear of what she's able to do.

I enjoyed reading this book with a different view on Mermaids/Sirens/Mermen and its urban approach mixed with fantasy/mythology. There were a couple of moments that I had to reread to understand what was happening, but overall I found the story enjoyable and look forward to reading book two "Siren's Test".
Here's the Amazon link to "Siren's Call":
http://www.amazon.com/Sirens-Call-Sir...

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