A Long Kiss Goodbye (Onyx & Mercury Book 2) by H.D. Thomson

 

A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an interesting take on this fabulous and gripping paranormal romance!! This book is the 2nd in a series but I do not feel as though I've missed any aspects regarding the storyline by not reading the first book. Rest assured, it's on my list now and I've found another author that I enjoy reading!

Avery goes out with some friends to a local bar but finds herself waking up naked in her apartment covered only by a sheet. She hadn't been drinking. How did she get here? She does remember someone over in the bushes...but who? How long has she been unaware of her surroundings?

Luys lives in the same condo building as Avery and when he sees her stumbling around aimlessly, he can't help but step in to see what he can do. He knows better than to get attached though...his past could put both of their lives in danger. He can't just let her wander around or worse yet, get in a car and have an accident.

Mayor is a rather interesting character. I am intrigued by her entrances and exits. It reminds me of someone rather green with envy. ;) She's a character that I wanted to hate but couldn't. I found her very intriguing!

The paranormal aspects are unlike anything I've read before. I found the ties to Aztec history to be very interesting!! I appreciate that there is still a bit of mystery to the paranormal aspect as well and the book isn't heavy on the paranormal until things really heat up. Even then, I found myself almost forgetting that I was reading a paranormal book. Very nice touch!

I had a hard time putting this one down, as the author really keeps the reader engaged with appropriate bits of action and some romance. There was a beautiful blend of all aspects throughout the book without any super heavy overtones that are seen in some more common works. This was an extremely enjoyable read!!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good historical romance...they are among my favorite genre! This was a bit of a learning curve for me on this one though because I do not drink. I was lost on a lot of the wine references but I did learn a few things about how wine is made and found it interesting.

This book is set in Portugal during the 1800's and is centered around a plague that attacked vineyards during that time. Mrs. Julia Costa is one of those vineyard owners, after being left a widow and a single mother. Women were not looked highly upon as business owners during this time so she faced increased scrutiny due to her standing in life, as well as her occupation.

Griffin Maxwell is an Englishman who is really good at keeping books. When his business partner suggests that he checks out this particular vineyard, Griffin obliges. The findings he uncovers will be the end of someone in this story though!

Julia and Griffin eventually meet and the sparks pretty much start flying right away, however very subdued. I love how the author allowed the character development to take place before the romance really heated up. There's a few extra players involved too...so scandalous! ;) In the end, can different cultures comingle and create something more beautiful than the vines themselves or will dedication to culture win out?

I'm excited to read the next book in this series, although I already don't like a particular character and the way he behaved in this one. We'll see if he will have any redeeming qualities about him!

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Phoenix's Ascent (Hera Force Book 2) by Winter Austin

 

Phoenix's Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast-paced military romance novel will keep you on the edge of your seat! Nadia, aka Phoenix, is back at it again after slashing some no good bad guys at a local bar, which prompts a huge backlash from the rest of the goons. Mitch, who is a former SAS operative, gets wrapped up in all the drama and falls back in love with Nadia. She doesn't remember him though after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Lots of action back and forth, along with a crazed doctor with some "lifesaving" drugs and a super cool dog will keep the reader entranced in this story!

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom

 

The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The bonds between grandparents are super special and Caspian is no exception! It's his un-birthday and he gets not one, but two, special gifts!! The first is a hat that once belonged to his grandpa. The other is a very uniquely shaped stone. Caspian learns really quickly that when he's wearing the hat, he can hear the thoughts of others in their own voices! The rock gives him great ideas and helps him to solve problems.

What I wouldn't give for a hat like Caspian's! That would make life interesting for sure!

This is a super cute book and I wish I had a little one to read it with. This book would be enjoyable for those early readers. The illustrations are very bright and vibrant. The story is one that children would be able to easily enjoy.

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson

 

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super fun book that dog lovers of all ages can enjoy. Toby is a really good dog but this pesky neighborhood cat is set on making sure to make Toby look bad. She paws her way into his life and he just can't resist chasing her through the neighborhood. Then he gets picked up and ends of in a vet's office were some destruction takes place. He meets his new hu-mom and she loves him but Toby really doesn't like it when hu-dad goes to work. Toby really is a good dog, it just takes some time for his hu-people to see it!

I recommend this super cute read, especially if you have budding readers!

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Bake Off by Cori Cooper

 

Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Bake Off, we continue to read the story of Cat, Robyn, and their family. This book starts off with a trip to Arizona to Spend some time with GG and Josey to learn more about this weird family stuff. Cat and Robyn have had some adventures and now they are coming of age to learn more about why Cat's mom won't bake and why Robyn's mom loves it!

GG and Josey are ready for the town Bake Off. There are several bakeries in town and there is a restaurant wanting to partner with one of them. How can the family restaurant stand out amongst the others? Cat finally enjoys waking up at 5 am to bake with her GG and she's loving what she's learning but what sets their bakery apart? And what in the world is up with Josey and the delivery guy?

This story gives you more background from Evie, the family baking matriarch. Cat and Robyn have some fun adventures in baking during this story as well. I found it as equally enjoyable as book 1 in this series.

I highly recommend this to those who love the show "Just Add Magic" as it follows a similar story line. Like Book 1, this one also includes recipes with a lot of humor at the end of each chapter!

Just don't read this one while hungry!! :)

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper

 

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you a fan of the Amazon show, Just Add Magic?? If so, you'll love this book!
Do you enjoy baking or watching baking shows? Again, you'll love this book!

This was such a fun read!! Cat's going into the 8th grade and it's the last day before summer vacay ends. She's at the pool with her best friend and cousin, Robyn. They smell something so deliciously yummy that they can hardly stand it. Then this super cute boy walks by with a pretzel. You know the kind...dripping in butter with those little flakes of salt on it? THOSE kind...irresistible!! Cat goes and buys one but not before running into Tobey. All of a sudden, there's this spark. Oh, why can't summer last forever!!

Cat's mom doesn't ever bake. They eat frozen food all the time. Robyn's mom bakes all the time. They live next door to each other but Cat is never allowed to eat at Robyn's. Why all the craziness around that, wonders Cat? Her mom gets all up in arms anytime she's offered food at Robyn's. Then one day she eats at Tia's house and everything changes....

Can you Bake Believe it??

I loved this book from start to finish!! I love the series I mentioned previously but this book is pretty awesome too! This author has a great way of keeping even a non-baker like myself entertained. I mean, I love to bake and cook but my family doesn't appreciate my northern cooking style in their southern home. :) My favorite part of this book is the recipes at the end of each chapter. Along with all the helpful hints and tons of humor!! What fun is baking if it's not fun??

Enjoy this one folks but don't read when you're hungry! :)

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