Tag: indie author

Book Review: All Hallowed Out (Wayfair Witches #11) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Length: 273 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: October 25th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Halloween is coming to Riddler’s Cove. And this year, it might just last forever …

Wanda and her coven are looking forward to the holidays. Unfortunately, a dangerous spell is in the works, and in order to see it through, witches are being put to sleep or being murdered, without a clear connection between them all.

With the help of a hyperactive familiar, Wanda and the gang need to track down the novel which began it all. But with all the copies quickly disappearing, and the book’s writer in a deep sleep, their task is a difficult one. And if they can’t stop the spell in time, the world will never be the same again.

Will Berry, now imprisoned in Witchfield, might well be the only one who can help. But only if they can bring themselves to trust him …

A FITTING ENDING.

Y’all. I did it.

I read this entire series during the fall season and it fit perfectly. In addition to the book review I want to add a touch of a series review too. I just loved these characters, how within the murder mystery of each installment there were bigger pieces being moved. The sweet romance and friendships. Cute talking animals, a great setting. I can’t wait to read Albright’s other series because this is definitely a favorite. I rarely stick with and read all the books in a series in such a short time period, these continually kept me entertained.

Now to the book, I love how this ending worked out. It was fitting and gave a certain character the redemption arc I needed to see for them. The mystery had me guessing the entire way through with its twists and turns. It flew by so quickly and I’m sad it’s over!

I love Wanda. I love Max. I love Dizzy, Melissa, Wanda’s family and coven, Finn, and oh my goodness everyone. These characters continue to do what they do best and make this series what it is. A hidden gem that I will definitely continue to recommend if you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal cozy mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: murder

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Book Review: If It’s Perfect (The Wedding Business #1) by Summer Dowell

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 192 pages
Author: Summer Dowell
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: October 22nd, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

One thing I learned this week: DO NOT flirt while at a client’s wedding. (especially with anyone in a tux)

Success-driven Hope Fletcher has some lofty goals for her life. But is it really too much to want a thriving cake design business by age 29? Marry a perfect (emphasis on the perfect) man by age 30? Then have the kids, dog, and house in suburbia by age 34? If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Dean. Wonderful, dreamy Dean who loves kids (and will eventually grow to love dogs) steps into Hope’s world. He’s the exact type of man she’s been looking for and she starts falling. Hard.

But will Hope’s perfect image of Dean crumble when she finds out about his past?

A clean, loud-out-loud romantic comedy that’s full of sarcasm and swoons! 

SUPER SWEET.

And laugh out loud.

This was a charming and quick contemporary romance. I’ve really enjoyed Summer Dowell’s books and this is no exception. I’m excited to get more romances from this cast because I adored Hope and Dean.

I saw a lot of growth with Hope. Learning to handle her need for perfection in a more realistic way really resonated with me. I thought she had a great dynamic and I absolutely love her cake decorator career.

Combine Hope with Dean and I thought they were just precious. It was kind of fun to have this “perfect” relationship happen for most of the book, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I actually burst out laughing (and in shock) when the reveal was announced. I like the way it was handled and that the drama didn’t drag out.

This was a delightful read that will put a smile on your face. Can’t wait to read more!

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

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Book Review: Forget Me Knot (Wayfair Witches #10) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Length: 269 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: February 19th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

All is well in Riddler’s Cove. There’s no crime, no illness, and Wanda Wayfair is engaged to Will Berry, the greatest Minister for Magical Law that the world has ever known.

Hey, wait a minute … that doesn’t sound quite right, does it? Maybe things aren’t going so well in Riddler’s Cove, after all. And if something strange is afoot, well, Wanda sure can’t be the one to solve it, because she doesn’t have an ounce of magic to her name.

When some healers are murdered, and their familiars ask Wanda for help, she begins to wonder: is she really the unempowered witch she believes herself to be? Or is someone changing the world to suit themselves?

The dead healers aren’t the only ones who need help. Two busloads of weredogs have gone missing, on their way to the holiday of a lifetime.

With her coven by her side, can Wanda regain her power? And when she does, will this strange new world finally begin to make sense?

THAT WAS DIFFERENT.

I don’t read synopsis when I’m immersed in a series. I’m always way too nervous that something will be spoiled. Even though this was unique to the entire series, you could still tell something was off. And figuring out what exactly happened was part of the fun.

The events did sadden me a bit because I thought things were going in a different direction, but yet I feel like things really fit too. If you think about Wanda’s entire story, it was only going to lead here. That’s what made sense. I wish the first section of this book didn’t last as long so maybe there would have been more to the second part, but it was a unique mystery regardless.

I am so curious on how the LAST (yes I am almost to the last book) will go. Like I mentioned just previously, I think this ending was fitting so now I’m all for the last happy ever after conclusion. At least, that’s what I hope I’m getting.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal Cozy Mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: murder, kidnapping

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Book Review: World’s Worst Boyfriend (Fake It #3) by Carina Taylor

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
Audience: Contemporary romance
Length: 263 pages
Author: Carina Taylor
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: April 7th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A romantic comedy adventure

Fletcher is the “World’s Worst Boyfriend” and I have the trophy to prove it—along with the consolation gift card I’ve already spent.

Entering him into the anonymous contest was cathartic and eye opening. It’s obvious I need to end this farce of a relationship… so, I do.

Too bad I’m still comparing every man I meet to Fletcher.
Too bad I can’t get him out of my mind—or my house, for that matter, with the way he’s always stopping by to ‘fix’ something.
And it’s especially too bad that I’m learning not everything is as it seems, and that maybe, just maybe, Fletcher had a good reason for his actions. (Although, there is no justification for the moldy laundry.)

What’s a girl to do? He says he’ll explain everything soon. But am I ready to face that explanation? What if he’s really not the worst—what if I am?

A romantic comedy adventure to make you laugh out loud!

A FUN ROM-COM.

Trope: disgruntled couple finding the love again.

Not usually my jam, but I really liked and appreciated the way that this one was accomplished! It’s a very quick read, I never felt like I wanted to put it down and enjoyed the humorous storytelling.

I like that this all felt legitmate. Saidy had concerns that I completely understood and I get why she was upset and frustrated. Since there is ALSO the point-of-view from Fletcher, you get his side of the story too. I love dual POV’s in romance books. It adds so much more.

This is a light-hearted book that had lots of good relationship nuggets. About not letting others dictate your relationship. Learning to listen and communicate. And what I love espcially is when the truth came out (and to me, it was a reasonable reason) neither party dragged it out. There was clearly love there and a commitment to their future.

It could have used maybe a bit of lengthening to deepen these characters and their arcs. I would have loved to have more of them on screen, with some angst. It felt that way towards the end, but not enough overall.

I like that the sub-storyline (which I’m not mentioning because it’s a minor spoiler) was wrapped up simply. Since the focus is on Saidy and Fletcher, I’m glad Fletcher’s side drama wasn’t a huge ordeal.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary romance
  • Language: little light
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: nearly being shot, being wounded

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