Heedless (The Hellbound Brotherhood Book #4) by Shannon McKenna

Heedless by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 4th book in the Hellbound Brotherhood series with Nate Murphy, security expert realizing in Book 3 that Elisa Rinaldi the manager is on the run from something. Loved the mystery and romance in this book as Nate finally breaks down Elisa's walls by continually caring. I can't wait to find out what KImball is after in the 5th book due out summer 2021!

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Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!! Cerys is one of my fave heroines! She is a gardener's daughter who has lost her mother, her friend the prince and a a guard friend. They all live in Aloriya which has lush vegetation, everyone gets along just don't go near the forest. Which is what they did 7 years ago when ancients took the prince, guard and her mother. This world just kept getting better and better with Poston's world building, the magic, curses, and faeries. Cerys has a pet fox she loves even though she constantly vows to change him into a hat. But fox also has a big part to play in this tale and oh did I love him---he was funny, a coward, yet both Cerys and fox are drawn to each other more and more as the story unfolds. I could not stop turning the pages; there were so many delicious twists and turns which I have come to love from Poston's books!

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Hellbent (The Hellbound Brotherhood #3) by Shannon McKenna

Hellbent by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 3rd book in the series, getting to know the oldest Trask brother, Anton, and his deep caring and respect for Fiona (a GodsAcre friend he saved 7 years ago before the cult was blown up) who has now come knocking at this door for help. Fi believes Kimball, dead in the destruction is still alive, haunting her and trying to claim something from her; first killing her cousin and now gunning for her. Anton tells Fi he believes her story and will bring her to GodsAcre with his brothers and backup to find out what is going on now and what happened in the past. This story kept me turning the pages. Fi is jittery with fear but no one dictates to her; she has been on the run and on her one for 7 years. It takes all of Anton's inner strength to bring Fi along to try to believe he can end the Kimball assault. Diving right into the 4th book to see what else it going on with the GodsAcre story!

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Possession (Steel Brothers Saga #3) by Helen Hardt

Possession by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 3rd in the series delves deeply into Talon's therapy with Dr. Carmichael and the horrors of his abduction but also his memories as he tries to remember things about his masked abductors. Talon and his brothers tell Marjorie about his abduction and she is devastated. Talon also tells Jade about his abduction, fearful that she will spurn him but hopeful (as Dr Carmichael tells Talon Jade needs to know) that Jade will love him despite his trauma. The mystery continues to unfold as Jade's mom visits with her boyfriend who has a phoenix tattoo on his forearm. Also Jade's creepy boss has disappeared as well as her fiancee. What is going on in this small town?!? I can't wait to read #4!

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Obsession (Steel Brothers Saga, #2) by Helen Hardt

Obsession by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jade and Talon are back and there is more mystery behind Talon's abduction that Talon is determined to uncover with the help of therapy. Talon has banished Jade from the ranch but not from his obsession. Talon realizes he loves Talon and tells his younger brother, then his older brother and then his sister and then his therapist. Meanwhile Jade is working for the district attorney and digging up information about the Steels (information for herself but also information for the DA, which he claims is classified). As with the first book, mystery abounds about Talon's abduction, his abductors, and now people are disappearing. I could not stop turning the pages!!!

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Headlong (The Hellbound Brotherhood #2) by Shannon McKenna

Headlong by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Otis's death brings the Trask brothers back for his funeral; there are a few mysteries popping up- why did Otis call all 3 sons and leave a cryptic message that they had to come home and he would tells them something about GodsAcre. When a heart attack kills him, it is Demi who finds him. At the funeral the brothers are not welcome and want nothing more than to get out of town. Erik sees Demi and when he finds there is danger for Demi, he abandons thoughts of leaving and warns Demi (who still hates him). What a spine tingling, roller coaster ensues! I could not put this book down as Erik and Demi find out they were set up and against each other, there are people dying of heart attacks for years now, and they are both in danger! I can't wait to read Book 3!

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Hellion (The Hellbound Brotherhood #1) by Shannon McKenna

Hellion by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Erik Trask and his brothers were raised in a cult and when their compound is set on fire with many deaths; the town balks when the sheriff, Otis, decides to raise them. When Erik begins to daily stop into the cafe Demi Vaughn works in, things heat up quickly---between Erik and Demi BUT also in the town. The owner of the cafe raises the alarm to Demi's parents and they freak out. But Demi is used to their stifling commands to stay away from Erik; therefore it only pushes Demi into his arms. There is definitely chemistry between Erik and Demi but there is also an undercurrent of evil and mystery that is just hinted at. Erik knows he wants Demi but when he declares, Demi waffles because she is strong and no one dictates to her. What ensues is Erik being set up for a crime he did not commit, but will anyone believe him? I hate Demi's father (he is definitely into some shady dealings) and did not particularly like Demi's mom (she was erratic in her support for Demi). I loved Eric's brothers and their unwavering loyalty to each other. Fingers crossed for Demi and Erik.

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Craving (Steel Brothers Saga, #1) by Helen Hardt

Craving by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first Helen Hardt book, recommended by a friend (you know who you are) because she knows I like romances. Talon is a tortured adult because of what happened to him as a child. He is broken and has not been able to move on; his brothers (only know part of the story) and his sister, Marjorie, have lived with Talon's issues. It is when Jade, Marjorie's best friend, is jilted at the altar and Marj begs her to come live on their ranch that things get interesting. Talon is a puzzle, doesn't talk much, but when jade can't sleep her first night at the ranch and decides to visit the kitchen she finds Talon staring at a glass of water. What happens next is explosive and continues without any of the family knowing. Talon's all consuming kiss hooks both Jade and Talon. This begins the story of these two strangers finding solace in each other. There is also Talon's back story that is seen through flashbacks, tough to read and mysterious in many ways.

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The Wife He Needs: A Boss Employee Vacation Romance (Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws Book 1) by Brenda Jackson

The Wife He Needs: A Boss Employee Vacation Romance by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Brenda Jackson romance series and this first in a new series got my attention right away. Garth is the owner of his father's company, still mourning the loss of his one time love, he decides to enlist some help in moving on. He contracts with an exclusive dating service and is going to Spain to meet his "bride" (if all things work out). When she is a no show, through no fault of her own, Garth is prodded by his sister to stay, rest and ask their friend and his pilot, Regan, to stay with him, this beginning a very enticing series of events as we find Regan has loved Garth from afar and for years. I could not put this book down and loved every moment as Garth and Regan explore new territory as friendship becomes something more. I can't wait for the next book in the series but I think I will read
Breaking Bailey's Rules , where the various members in this book are introduced. For an exotic locale, steamy chemistry, this book will be perfect for romance readers!


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A Sky Beyond the Storm (An Ember in the Ashes, #4) by Sabaa Tahir

A ​Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this last in the 4 book series; I could not put it down! There was such a fight for good (Laia, Helene, Darren, Elias) versus evil (The Nightbringer and The Commandant) and Tahir, deftly wove an exciting read with a redemptive ending!!! Told thru Helene, Laia, Elias, and the Nightbringer viewpoints, the devastation being wrought by the Nightbringer and The Commandant was so daunting but Laia has found a person within herself who foretells a world that will end unless Laia rises to the challenge and the more she finds out, the more the horrors build. Someone is stealing the ghosts and the reasons why is within bringing the Nightbringer and Commandant down. A fantastic series, I highly recommend!

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The Cousins by Karen McManus

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Sarah Skaer , Kate Reinders , David Garelik , Julia Whelan; I loved this narrated mystery!!! McManus is an author who writes mystery books you CAN'T put down! Milly, Jonah and Aubrey are cousins who are invited to work at their grandmother's summer camp. Their parents all hope to be back in the will and find out why they were disinherited with the words, "You Know What You Did!" which they don't. The suspense and thrills drew the reader in with present day and slipping back into the past from Allison's POV. The way the cousins interact after hardly knowing each other was nice to see and believe. The other characters like the demented doctor and his history buff daughter, Hazel, and Uncle Archer really fleshed out the mystery keeping the reading guessing about what is really going on. A spine tingling, thrilling must read!

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Fable (Fable1) by Adrienne Young

Fable by Adrienne Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book! The character of Fable kept me turning those pages. Despite her father, his ruthlessness, and his 4 rules to live by in order to survive, Fable makes a hardscrabble life in The Narrows and can't wait to leave and make her way back to her rightful place on her father's boat. To get there, Fable pays for passage aboard the Marigold while the helmsman, West, has been buying her pyre for the last 2 years. This boat is different and Fable soon learns more than she should, all the while, trying to prove herself to the 5 members of the Marigold. Young's descriptions of the sea, the storms, boats, diving, kept me turning the pages as I rooted for Fable every page, while life turned against her at every turn. With Covid, sometimes this book was tough to read---Fable and the crew of the Marigold, had enemies at every turn and I ached for this awful world they lived in (and loved, but did they really all love this world, Willa???) and hope the final book, Namesake, is redemptive because the ending of Fable certainly WAS NOT! An intense, thrilling, gripping read!

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Wayward Witch (Brooklyn Brujas Book3) by Zoraida Cordova

Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I loved the first 2 books in this series, I really enjoyed Rose's adventures in this 3rd series. On her Deathday, Rose confronts her Dad who has returned after 7 years, remembering nothing (or so he says). They are both captured and taken to the kingdom of ADAS and Rose must make a deal woth the king to get her father back and go home. The problem with this kingdom is that any human who eats or drinks their food forgets everything. Since Rose has on a bracelet with charms she is protected, and she begins as Lady Siphon to help other guardians cure the rot that is destroying their kingdom. you will be biting your nails as Rose valiantly tries to overcome and defeat this black rot that is killing and destroying ADAS. A compulsively great read!!! with nods to the importance of family, customs, food, brujas, and more!

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Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow did I love this audiobook narrated spectacularly by Will Wheaton! Wade Watts is totally into the thrill of virtual games and compulsively following his idol, James Halliday, creator of the OASIS. Wade is not much for life in the real world; his real world is the OASIS and figuring out the puzzles set out after Halliday dies. Good and evil, this story packs alot of punch and takes place in the year 2044. I LOVED this audiobook!!!

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Junk Boy by Tony Abbott

Junk Boy by Tony Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was gripping, intense, and so true. Teens will love so much about this book and be sharing with their friends!!! Tony Abbott's novel in verse about Bobby Lang who is called junk boy because he lives in a house that is definitely a hoarding situation to anyone who sees the cars, junk, thrown out items, strewn throughout and around the yard and house. Bobby's dad is a drinker, doesn't work and belittles his son daily. In school, Bobby tries to be invisible but one day, he is drawn into fighting going on in a classroom. What he finds changes his life; a mother is slapping and yelling at her daughter (because she is gay). Once she leaves, after angrily demeaning him, Bobby helps the girl hang up art posters---thus begins the weird relationship of Bobby and Rachel. Rachel becomes his friend, dragging him to art shows and telling him how much she hates her mother. But things are not always good between them, Rachel has anger issues, lashes out, and Bobby becomes her target too. As their friendship grows, Bobby begins to seek help for himself and Rachel. As both teens experience abuse, will they both be able to rise above and become better? Highly recommended!

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Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and love all of Tiffany D. Jackson's books and Grown is a compelling, gripping and essential read! Enchanted loves to sing and attends a mic night (with Mom in tow) to hopefully break into the music scene. In this ripped from the headlines story, Enchanted becomes famous singer, Korey Fields' find and as she dreams of making an album, Korey makes promises to her family as he takes her on the road and they make a good singing duo. But pretty quickly, we all see what Enchanted does not, Korey is insecure, controlling with out of control anger and punishments. I could not stop turning the pages as Enchanted becomes of prisoner of her own thoughts and Korey's awful techniques to control her. Another highly recommended read from Tiffany D. Jackson!

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Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Juliet; she is real, funny, insecure except when she is not; leaving the Bronx for a summer internship with a writer in Portland Oregon who has written a feminist manifesto. Juliet comes out to her family before she leaves and that doesn't go entirely as planned. And when she arrives in Portland, there is a whole lot going on, Juliet's girlfriend broke up with her with a letter, and now that she is in Portland; Juliet is not really sure Harlow Brisbane is all she says she is...as she figures her life, her summer and her internship out, Juliet finds she will be alright, has many staunch friends looking out for her in Portland and don't forget her cousin Ava, and her mom!!! I learned alot as I read about Juliet and was glad I read this book! I loved Juliet's message and you will too!

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Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in the Little Beach Street Bakery series and this one was awesomely Narrated by: Alison Larkin! Polly and Huckle and Neal once again grace the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne, Polly operating the little Beach Street Bakery for Mrs. Manse and then she retires. Life could not get much better with the cast of characters until it all falls apart. I love Jenny Colgan books and really am enjoying this series--the beauty of Mount Polbearne, Polly's purchase of the Lighthouse, and her descriptions of making bread are down to earth, really yummy, and begin to bring her fame. I can't wait to listen to the last book in the series!

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Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this hard-hitting nonfiction book detailing how black girls are judged, misunderstood, reacted to, and rejected through research, interviews, and stories and in person interviews, Author Monique Morris has written a must read book. Awesomely narrated by Kristyl Dawn Tift, I could not stop listening to these girls, their lives at home and in school and in jail. We have so much work to do to change the mind set of schools, detention centers, and jails marginalizing black girls. Highlu recommend!

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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tyler Feder's graphic novel is a tribute to her mother, who died too young of cancer. With humor, love and grief, Tyler recounts her life with a mother she adored, her family, and how the grief affects her. The illustrations are perfect, teens and adults alike will enjoy this tribute to a life lost too soon.

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Little Beach Street Bakery (Little Beach Street Bakery, #1) by Jenny Colgan

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awfully narrated by Veida Dehmlow; all of the men sounded like they were craggy 90 year olds! I am so glad I did not abandon the audiobook because the story was so good! Polly has a life changing crisis and moves to a small seaside town, sets up a bakery, makes friends, and raises a puffin. she is a great main character who has a sunny disposition but will stick up for herself and others, and makes the most of everything and asks little of others. Just as I fell in love with Polly, so did the residents of this town, she ends up changing many people as well as herself. Listening to the 2nd book and the narrator is much, much better! Loving Polly, Huckle and Neal, wishing them the best in their life together!

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Damage Control by Robert Dugoni

Damage Control by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Christopher Lane, this Robert Dugoni stand alone delved into breast cancer, spousal abuse, and grief. Dugoni's mysteries always keep me turning the pages and this book did not disappoint with Dana whose twin brother is murdered, her marriage is falling apart, who just gets better and better as the book evolves. She becomes a kick ass heroine who is not afraid to find out who killed her brother. And I loved just as much, Michael Logan who is the smart detective investigating Dana's brother's murder. Logan is a good, honest detective who is able to talk Dana into being a hero without getting herself killed. I could not stop listening to this awesome audiobook!

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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel that takes place in Metropolis in 1946, a Chinese American family moves in and their 2 children become friends with Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane and fight racism and evil. This graphic novel will appeal to all who read it, teens and adults with it's new take on kids helping thwart crime and terroristic threats!

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Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome historical fiction novel for my Albright College Book Club, Cleeton's Cuban world's as seen through Elisa(1958) and her lover, Pablo and her granddaughter, Marisol (2017) and Luis. I loved and hated the difficulties the Perez family endured, separated from their family and friends in Cuba while living in exile in Florida and all the harshness, poverty, and tragedy that is Fidel's Cuba as Marisol visits to spread her grandmother's ashes, reconnect with family and see Cuba's "new reality". This book was beautiful in the many settings of Cuba, the food, the music, the beaches, and the political revolutions.

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