Sunday, March 9, 2025

My Review for Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley



Scotland's beautiful landscape, in all its glory.

I loved being a part of Alex's Street Team and I loved immersing myself into Brooke and Jack's lives and their trip along the Skye Trail, with all the authenticity of the incredible scenery, as the pair are thrown together once again, as they hike their way along, taking incredible photographs and writing up their travels as they go. 

Told in two timelines, then, (seven years ago) and now. We flip between the two with 'then' explaining just what happened between the two of them and in my opinion, the mistake Jack made, all those years ago when he broke Brooke's heart. But now they get a second chance at the love they had for each other, but only time will tell if Brooke can put the past behind her.

Scot and Bothered is another enjoyable read from Alex, and her love and passion for Scotland and all things Scottish is evident through her writing. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Kiley for the opportunity to read and review Scot and Bothered.

About the Book

Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago. Now a ghostwriter, she sticks to other people’s stories. But when her college mentor Mhairi McCallister needs a co-writer for her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek, Brooke would do anything for the opportunity—including agreeing to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake... not knowing the nature photographer who’ll join her is Jack Sutherland, the man who shattered Brooke’s writing career—and her heart.

Between getting sacked from the University and walking away from his family’s tour-guiding business to follow his photography dreams, Jack is desperate to prove he didn’t disappoint his family for nothing. And he can’t ignore his Aunt Mhairi’s final wishes for her memoir. Even if it means acting as guide and storyteller for the one who got away. Even if it means keeping secrets about Mhairi’s health.

As Jack and Brooke head into the solitude of the sweeping Scottish landscape, they’re forced to confront old feelings that haven’t disappeared with time. But can two weeks and eighty miles heal years of unspoken hurt and offer a second chance at the end of the trail?


About Alex

Alexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, hiking, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband and two kids. Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.





Thursday, March 6, 2025

My Review for Death at Horsey Mere by Ross Greenwood


I wish I'd discovered Ross before now!

I'll be honest, the only reason I chose to read this book was because I live just a few miles from Horsey Mere - yep, it's a real place, with lots of seals, but no dead bodies - as far as I know! But by God, I wish I'd discovered this series earlier! Now I want to read all the Norfolk series, followed by the rest of Ross's books. 

I loved it, from beginning to end. It's fast-paced, descriptive, full of great characters (well the good guys anyway) and lots and lots of references to real places in Norfolk and Suffolk. We only moved here a couple of years ago, but it's cool to see the pop-up references to the villages and tourist attractions. 

The story was brilliant, if dark, but honestly, stuff like human trafficking is prevalent and even though this is fiction, it's good to see it written about, and it'll definitely make you think about the completely evil people there are in this world. 

Apparently this is the fourth book in the Norfolk series, and it can definitely be read as a standalone, but I'll certainly be revisiting Norfolk in the earlier books. 

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Death at Horsey Mere by Ross Greenwood.



 About the Book

Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight has enjoyed her first six months in charge even though it’s been a challenging time with her team focused on breaking down a network of people smugglers.

One organisation has been swept away, but the other group operating in the county manage to fade from sight and reappear almost like their nickname, the Vampires. Blood is spilled, people vanish, lives are shattered, but intel is scarce. When they do catch the criminals, nobody talks. Tracking the ringleaders down in this vacuum is exhausting and morale is plummeting.

A teenage couple go missing in Suffolk, a body is found near a lighthouse and when two girls disappear from Norwich’s Golden Triangle, Hector makes a connection which chills Ashley to the bone. When another victim is found at Horsey Mere, the link to the ruthless criminals is obvious. Can Ashley solve the case, or will the mysterious Typhon prove to be an unstoppable force?

About Ross - by Ross

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

My first book Chancer was written after I decided to do something challenging while my knees permitted. No skydiving for me. I became a prison officer for four years. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

It's surprising for me to realise I've written sixteen books now. There are three strands, one where the books concern lives affected by prison, and then my detective series starring DI John Barton. The first Barton book, The Snow Killer hit the coveted number one spot on KOBO and AUDIBLE, with the rest of the series not far behind.

I've also written four detective books in a Norfolk series now, starting with Death on Cromer Beach. There are two more planned.




Sunday, March 2, 2025

My Review for The Legend of Uh by Aaron N. Hall read by Adriel Brandt


Wizard waffles and a noodle cult!

The Legend of Uh is hilarious! The humour had me laughing out loud and reaching for my phone to add notes, as I listened to this on my long walks through local villages. Often I stopped in the middle of a quiet country road to write something down so I wouldn't forget it in my review. 

The narrator is honestly one of the best I've listened to - and I listen to a lot of audiobooks. He brought the characters to life, and his Scottish and Irish accents were incredible. I have no idea whether those were the accents Aaron was thinking about when he wrote the book, but Adriel nailed it!

I loved the weird and wonderful characters that DJ and his friends met along the way, in particular, the waffle wizard (who pops up in the most unusual places), had my heart and yes, I want to try one of those waffles please!

Aaron hits the mark with the cult of Phillips and Friar Steve. I couldn't help but laugh and enjoy those plain old names that bring such interest and comedy to the story. 

If you enjoy fantasy and humour all rolled into one, I'd recommend you read or listen to The Legend of Uh - but honestly - the narrator is awesome!

Thank you to Aaron N. Hall for the opportunity to listen to and review The Legend of Uh, and for Adriel Brandt for making my walks fly by.

About the Book

Sir Dashing Junior was only knighted because they couldn't knight his father twice. Now he's determined to prove he's worthy of his new title.

With an aspiring ranger, an awkward friar, and a book-loving orc, DJ will venture across the territory of Uh to reach the Amulet of the Goddess, proving that he’s truly worthy of knighthood.

Along the way, he and his companions will encounter a cursed author, a violent noodle cult, democratic goblins, and a whole lot more.

It’s a journey fraught with danger and discovery, and the territory is rich with monsters and magic, so is DJ’s quest for respect really worth the cost?


About Aaron

Aaron N. Hall learned that he loved storytelling when he was only nine years old. He wrote poems, songs, and episodic stories for his friends until he began work on his first novel, Foreordained, at the age of fifteen. By the time he graduated high school, the book’s first draft was complete.

For two years, Aaron N. Hall left on a spiritual sabbatical then returned home to complete a degree in public relations at Utah Valley University. After completing his missionary service and education, he began work on more stories.

Since then, he’s completed the epic Christian fantasy trilogy the Wevlian Chronicles, the tongue-in-cheek superhero satire, the Hammerfist series, and multiple collections of stories and poems, including I’m Sorry, Here’s a Plasma Rifle and Love Letters to a House on Fire. His upcoming YA fantasy comedy, The Legend of Uh, will release in February 2025.

When he’s not writing, Aaron N. Hall serves as the Director of Public Relations and Messaging for the 501c3 nonprofit, Operation Literacy. He enjoys exercising, reading, watching movies, playing Zelda, and sipping herbal tea. He currently lives in Utah.










Friday, February 28, 2025

My Review for A Thousand Gates of Prayer by Michael Weiss


I was instantly transported to a small Japanese mountain village.

I went into A Thousand Gates of Prayer, completely blind. I'd read the synopsis a while ago when Michael asked if I'd read it, but I haven't read it since, and seeing as I can't remember what I did half an hour ago, I had no idea what it was about! So I dove straight in, and immediately I knew this going to be a story I loved. It's a beautifully written love story about a young Japanese girl who is finding her way into the adult world and the responsibilities that follow. 

It's not just the love that a young girl has for her first romance, it's also the love she has for the village she was born in and grew up in and how she wants it to remain the community space that she knows and loves and that supports her and her family. 

I fell in love with the writing, the characters, and the story. Michael Weiss swept me along as Miyuki climbed the mountain to the hot springs every day and I could easily imagine myself in amongst the mists and greenery of those mountainous paths that were just that little bit off the beaten track.

I would love if this book became something that future generations will read at school. It'll become a part of the curriculum, and young people will write assignments about the tranquility and love stories of this tiny Japanese village.

Thank you to Michael Weiss for the opportunity to read and review A Thousand Gates of Prayer.

About the Book

Miyuki, a humble and determined young woman from the quiet village of Hakone, spends her days steeped in tradition, helping her family make a living by crafting the region’s famous black eggs in the volcanic hot springs. Her life changes forever when she meets Masahiro, the heir to a wealthy Kyoto family. Despite their vastly different worlds, an undeniable bond forms between them, sparking a love that defies societal expectations.

But their budding romance is overshadowed by a looming a powerful construction project that threatens to destroy Hakone’s way of life and sever Miyuki’s ties to her ancestral home. Together, with the help of a fearless journalist, they uncover a web of corruption that runs deep into the heart of powerful institutions.

As they navigate resistance from their families, societal pressures, and the weight of their own fears, Miyuki and Masahiro must decide how far they are willing to go to protect the village, its traditions, and their love.

With themes of courage, sacrifice, and the timeless strength of love, A Thousand Gates of Prayer explores the infinite shades of human connection and the enduring beauty of standing for what truly matters. This is a story of love not just between two hearts but between people and the places they call home.
 

About Michael - by Michael

My story

For the past 50 years, I have lived in Israel, married to an incredible wife, and raising four wonderful children. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the cycle of hatred it perpetuates have been part of my reality almost since the day I was born. 

I realize that while I may not have the power to change this painful reality, I have the ability to offer a glimmer of hope for a better future, built on compassion and acceptance. Through my writing, I aim to send a small beam of hope, and a lighthouse for acceptance and understanding.

My focus is on contemporary love, something I feel our world is in desperate need of. Love in its purest and simplest form. Love as a foundation. Love as a way of living. I firmly believe that love can be the catalyst for change and hope in this world. 

My vision

My vision is rooted in the belief that every love story has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect readers on a profound level. I strive to showcase the beauty and resilience of love as it weaves through different cultures, offering readers not just an escape, but a journey into the heart of what makes us human. Whether it’s a tale of forbidden love in a remote village, a modern romance navigating the complexities of urban life, or a historical love story set against the backdrop of changing societal norms. My books reflect the infinite shades of love.

While I am focusing on my own books for now, my hope is to extend this vision and support talented yet disadvantaged authors from around the world. I dream of helping them bring their love stories to life, offering a platform for voices that can inspire, heal, and remind us of love’s beauty in all its forms. I believe that with your support, we can create a collection of novels that transcend borders and build bridges of empathy and caring.

Timeless Love Publishing 

My mission, through Timeless Love Publishing, is to bring the world closer together by sharing powerful, captivating love stories from every corner of the globe. I’m dedicated to curating and publishing novels that delve into the complexities of love in all its forms, set against the backdrop of diverse cultures, real-life challenges, and timeless traditions. I invite you to discover our world, one love story at a time.





Thursday, February 27, 2025

My Review for Shaedes of Power by Jenny Grimes


I NEED BOOK TWO - NOW PLEASE!

I don't even know where to begin this review. Shaedes of Power is easily the best book I have read so far this year - and yes - I read Onyx Storm! All of it, from the world-building, to the sassy friends that are Opal, Dru and Leyanna. The magic, Farris, Edmyn and even the Shadowlands just blew me away. It picked me up, threw me across The Gaylenswood and brought me down somewhere back in the human realm, and I'm still catching my breath!

There's love, there's hate, there's death and there's magic. Lots and lots of magic. You can't always control who you fall in love with, even if that means you'll never see the sunlight again (let's be honest, I can't remember the last time I saw it anyway)!

The love triangle had me intrigued, and I had no idea it was coming because hey, I don't check out what I'm reading before I read it! Sometimes that's the best way, right? I can't wait to find out how this pans out in future books, but I guess my curiosity will have to wait.

Oh and I want to be a yellow shaede!

Thank you so much to Jenny Grimes for including me on her ARC team for Shaedes of Power, and I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next instalment!

About the Book

How many pieces of your soul can you give away… before you break?
In a faerie hierarchy built upon one’s ability to produce specific, color-driven magic, Opal is an outcast, and on the cusp of giving up on her future at court.

While visiting the human realm, she witnesses a dark magic shadow beast attack a human—a beast which should have been forever imprisoned in the Shadowlands. Upon her return home to the faerie realm, she finds the Shaede Palace in chaos, the vampiric Dark Princes ready to start a war over old wounds and court prejudices, and a revolving door of impossible choices.

Join Opal on her path to self-discovery and a quest to save her realm, all while she navigates a passionate romance with the charming human she manages to save from the shadow beast, and the seductive Dark Prince who captures her and wants to show her a whole new world in the shadows.

It will take everything Opal has to find her way through the darkness, but with the help of her friends and the histories of her people, she might just discover spells that can change the world.


About Jenny

Jenny Grimes writes fantasy romance novels that focus on the blurred lines between worlds, the darkness you’ll find in all of them, and the love that resides there too. She creates her characters and spins her stories from her home in the human realm, where she raises her three little book dragons with her husband, and spends a healthy amount of time reading, travelling, and creating art.








Wednesday, February 26, 2025

My Review for Belladonna by Adalyn Grace


Death is hot - and I don't mean the temperature of hell!

Wow - I didn't see any of that coming! Fantasy, romance, and mystery, and a whole host of other stuff all rolled into one book. I honestly didn't know what to expect when Belladonna was chosen as October's read for #bookstabritsbookclub (yes, I know I'm behind with my reviews)!!! I loved it. The mystery and suspense of finding out who the killer was, was addictive, and Signa and Death's relationship was awesome - you'll soon forget that he's not a real person, as they begin to work together to solve the mystery.

Parts of this reminded me of The Secret Garden, I think because Blythe is ill in bed, and she reminds me of Colin Craven, weak and not wanting to help themselves! It was also reminiscent of another book that I can't recall, with Thaddeus Kipling - the library ghost, who quite frankly was an awesome dude! He should have a book written all about him!

Published as a Young Adult novel, I would say it's bordering on New Adult, so just be aware if younger teenagers are reading it. 

I've just realised the next one isn't on my TBR, so I'm off to add it now.

About the Book

Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, orphaned as a baby, has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her last remaining relatives are the Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at the glittering and gloomy estate of Thorn Grove. Thorn Grove’s patriarch, Elijah, mourns his late wife, Lillian, through wild parties and drink, while eldest son Percy grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and daughter Blythe suffers from the same mysterious illness that killed her mother. And when Lillian’s spirit confronts Signa and claims she was poisoned, Signa realizes that Blythe could be next to die.

Signa’s best chance of uncovering the culprit and solving Lillian’s murder is an alliance with Death himself—the very man she hates most. And Death, that fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side, shows her that their connection may be more powerful than she ever dared imagine.


About Adalyn

Adalyn Grace is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, IndieBound, and International bestselling author of the Belladonna series and the All the Stars and Teeth duology.

Prior to becoming an author, Adalyn spent four years working in live theatre and studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra. 

Local to San Diego, Adalyn spends her non-writing days by watching too much anime, and by playing video games with her two dorky dogs.




Monday, February 24, 2025

My Review for The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore



I'm so pleased I discovered the Dream Harbor series - if you haven't read it - make this the year you do!

OMG this was so cute and so gorgeous and all the things that I'd love a man to do for me - I've been married for 23 years, so that isn't going to happen now! But never mind, it's so sweet, I'll just have to be content living through Hazel and throwing myself into the bookish treasure hunt with her. 

I'm not sure about the defacing of books, but I'll forgive it for the sake of the gorgeous story and the gorgeous Noah and the beautiful romance that is inevitable as Hazel and Noah hook-up for the summer, but is it only for the summer...?

I liked The Pumpkin Spice Café, but I adored The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. I've read The Christmas Tree Farm too, and I'll post my review for that one soon!

Thank you to my Laurie Gilmore friends for including me in the chat and introducing me to her books.

About the Book

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…



About Laurie/Melissa

As Melissa McTernan, I write sweet and steamy fantasy/paranormal romance. I love grumpy heroes, sarcastic heroines, and grown-up fairy tales. I am currently working on The Wolf Brother’s series for One More Chapter (a HarperCollins UK imprint). The trilogy follows three werewolf brothers and their (maybe if they don’t screw it up) Mates.

As Laurie Gilmore (my pen name), I write steamy small-town romance. My Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. I love finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strive for that in my own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then these books are definitely for you.

When I’m not writing, I’m most likely reading or wrangling my kids as a stay-at-home mom. I live in upstate New York with my husband, kids, cats, puppy, and full bookshelves. I write romance to keep my sanity.