Justice for the Forgotten: A Steel Wheels Cold Mystery by R. Weir

 

Justice For The Forgotten: A Steel Wheels Cold Mystery by R. Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new series by a great author.
Donnie is a recent widower just trying to survive life with his K-9 Kogel. Together they set out on an adventure where they try to help a family dealing with a 3 year old cold case. Donnie wants to give this family peace and closure.

A highly emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings and have you anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

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What We Give Away (Bold Journey's #4) by Paulette Stout

 

What We Give Away by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author so I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this one. This book may evoke some strong emotions as it deals with the topic of the "dieting" industry. There is mention of multiple issues around dieting from several different aspects. I feel that the author handled these with kindness.
This was an enjoyable read about Leslie and Chef Risto. It's a second chance at love but how will they handle it?
I look forward to reading more by this author.

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The Importance of Being Roxie by Cori Cooper

 

The Importance of Being Roxie by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge Cori Cooper fan! I love her writing style and the way that her characters seem to jump off the pages into real life. Roxie is no exception to this rule. She's about to graduate from high school and feels like she's wasted her teenage years. She aspires to be more but at what cost?

This is a great story of a young lady learning to love herself and accepting herself for who she is. It's inspiring to young ladies that you don't have to be "everything" to be "anything". I can't wait for my next read by this author.

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The Celtic King's Daughter (Divided Isles Saga #1) by Isabella Hargreaves

 

The Celtic King's Daughter by Isabella Hargreaves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance of forbidden/forced/enemies to lovers love, full of adventure and deceit, is what you'll find in this riveting read. Apples really don't fall far from trees when it comes to family and Sorcha is proof of that. Once her father the king is killed, she becomes the leader of her tribe. She's out for revenge for those who took the life of her father and she even grabs a prisoner named Lucius.

It's really hard to say much more without giving away all the tidbits of this story. It held my attention well. I look forward to reading more in this series!

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Whispers in the Dark: A Ravaged Skies EMP Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (Echoes of the Flair Book 1) by Courtney Konstantin

 

Whispers in the Dark: A Ravaged Skies EMP Post-Apocalyptic Thriller by Courtney Konstantin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new-to-me author and I am already looking for more of her books! This is one of my favorite reads of 2025 so far! It's been awhile since I read a dystopian style read so this was a nice break for me.

No one really enjoys jury duty and after today, Marlowe is really ready to just go back to work at Target. During a rather confrontational vote in the jury room, she moves to the window and that's when her whole world changes. In fact, it changes for everyone in the blink of an eye.

Cristian isn't thrilled about having to testify in another trial but it's the nature of his job as a deputy sheriff. Attorneys are trying to sway his testimony without asking him outright to amend what he's going to say on the stand. There's a large commotion and everyone starts running around the courtroom and the defendant is going after law enforcement. Cristian does what he can but then realizes he needs to get out of dodge.

During the courthouse stampede, Cristian spots Marlowe and sees someone about to do something horrible to her so he grabs her and runs. From that moment on, Cristian sees an opportunity to save Marlowe and finds himself doing that over an extended period of time. Can they both survive this "new world" and get back to some semblance of life before the EMP blast?

I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series!

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Escape to the South Land by T.J. Beach

 

Escape to the South Land by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She's escaping a past and trying to give her daughter a better life. He's trying to deny his attraction to her so that he doesn't feel tied to place that he's trying to escape from. Set in the beautiful, vibrant scenery of New Zealand, this is the story of Libby and Oliver. It was neat to see their relationship develop in the midst of turmoil and secrets.

There is humor, friendship, mystery, suspense, and a slow burn romance in this great read.

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Right in Front of You: Volume Two: Lilly and Gage (Morris Valley Gang Book 2) by Brooke May

 

Right in Front of You: Volume Two: Lilly & Gage by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some of my favorite romance reads are enemies to lovers types. Lilly and Gage are the perfect example of this. Light and Dark. Happiness and Sadness. Their lives become intertwined again when Lilly moves back to Morris Valley. Gage is not the same person as he was the last time he saw Lilly and this time he's determined to not let her get away. Does Lilly feel the same way though?

A great read that leaves you ready for the next story by this author.

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So Stinkin' Hot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl

 

So Stinkin' Hot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The wild animals living on the safari are very hot, so they decide to take a trip to Chicago. Once there, they realize that things are very different and they can't wait to go back home.

Cool point (no pun intended): you can learn to draw Zippy at the end of the story.

Not so cool point: I found the characters to be a bit whiny. Kids can be whiny though.

Overall, cute book for kids but likely adults will find it a bit annoying.

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A Just Man (Choosing Family #5) by Jennifer Raines

 

A Just Man by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This *might* be my favorite book in this series so far!! It's hard to pick a favorite when the stories and the characters are so well written.

This is a book in a series but I've read most of them out of order and do not feel like I've missed anything by doing so. Feel free to read them in whatever order you choose....just be sure to read them!!

Kelly hates small country towns and for good reason. She's been assigned a placement in Tullamore, a country town. Her life couldn't possibly get any worse, or so she thinks. Enter Mitch, a former cop turned deputy principal...THE deputy principal of the school Kelly has been assigned to. Not only do they work together, they live together and this isn't good for either one of them.

Lots of mystery in this one to keep you turning the pages!! Another very well done story!

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Quinn, By Design (Choosing Family Book 2) by Jennifer Raines

 

Quinn, by design by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let's chat about this adorable cover before we discuss the book. Isn't the cover just lovely? That, along with the author's name, drew me to this book. I'm a fan of Jennifer Raines, having read several of her books now. This one is just as enjoyable as the others!

This is a story about Niall and Lucy. Niall is a carpenter who is making beautiful furniture for all the world to see. Lucy has been taking care of her grandfather Cam, who was an antiques dealer, until his recent passing. When Niall and Lucy meet there were fireworks, but not the pretty kind. These two must learn to trust and communicate to overcome their issues.

Another great read by this author!!

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Matador: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn Dodson

 

Matador: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great story with Jessica!! She's the detective you'd want on your case if your family member was involved, unless you were on the wrong side of the story! Jessica has a way of getting those family secrets out and helping her to solve the burning mystery of the day.

This is an enjoyable series and each book can be read as a standalone. You're missing out if you don't go back and read previous books though!!

I'm looking forward to what's next with Jessica!

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Hani's Daughter Mysteries Books 2-4 by N.L. Holmes

 

Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the series and while this can be read as a standalone, there will be better understanding to read these books in order.

The author is well versed in Egyptian history and uses this knowledge to weave another story about Neferet, Bener-ib, and Mut-tuy. This time a dead body washes up and it's up to Neferet and her team to determine who this is and what has happened. The team is determined but there are some who will do anything to stop them in their tracks. These women appear to have no fear when it comes to solving mysteries!

I love that the author includes maps so you can see where these stories are based out of as well as a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar.

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  Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Neferet and her band of women are at it again in this third book of the series. This time, they find themselves investigating a murder that is wrapped up inside of a Ponzi scheme. There are lots of interesting twists and turns as this story progresses.

Again, great research by the author on this time period as well as Egyptian heritage/history.

 The Melody of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this is my favorite of this series so far! Another great riveting read about Neferet and her band of women who are ready to solve another mystery. This one involves a murdered musician and time is of the essence to solve this puzzle. The twists and turns will catch you off guard and keep you guessing!



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