Category Archives: 5 Star Reviews

Outstanding – Best In Murder by Lauren Carr @TheMysteryLadie #bestinmurder #ireadbooktour

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MY REVIEW

YAY! Another Mac Faraday and Gnarly story and I can hardly wait to find out where Lauren Carr is going to take me now. Her stories never fail to entertain me, leaving me wanting more.

WOW! I am blown away. There is so much action and fun to be had in Best In Murder by Lauren Carr, but, of course, there has to be a downside, seeing this is a murder mystery. It all begins with a missing platinum and diamond dog collar and a missing Irish Wolfhound.

The kids and the dogs steal the show. As their actions unfolded on the pages they played like a movie in my mind. I had so many awww how sweet and laugh out loud moments, I never wanted them to end. Gnarly is the mayor of the town and throws his weight around, creating chaos. Can a mystery ever be solved in Mac Faraday’s world without Gnarly’s input?

There is so much I want to tell you, but I do not want to spoil all the fun you’ll have finding things out for yourself. Each book in the series can stand alone, so don’t be afraid to jump in at any time.

 

5 Stars

Book Details:

Book Title:  BEST IN MURDER (A Mac Faraday Mystery #15) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Oct 13, 2026
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

“Pedigreed dogs, rich owners, cutthroat competition, enormous egos, several murders, a stolen diamond dog collar, a missing Irish Wolfhound show dog, a disgruntled cop, and a criminally inclined biker with a vicious poodle all come together in this tale. As each new element dropped in my lap, I was pulled in further until it was impossible to put the book down. I consumed it.”– Marilyn R. Wilson, Book Reviewer and Author

Book Description:

One Collar. Two Dead. Total Chaos.
When a priceless platinum-and-diamond collar vanishes at the Mid-Atlantic Classic Kennel Club Invitational—Best in Show at the Spencer Inn, it looks like the ultimate high-society theft. But when two women connected to the glittering event are murdered in quick succession, the case explodes into something far more deadly.
Mac Faraday and his troublemaking German Shepherd, Gnarly, dive headfirst into the glamorous, cutthroat world of championship dog shows. Amidst perfectly groomed champions worth small fortunes, ruthless competitors, and million-dollar egos, the trail leads to a missing Irish Wolfhound whose value goes well beyond his blue-blood pedigree.
As tensions rise between Spencer PD and the county sheriff’s office, Mac’s team races to untangle a web of greed, betrayal, and long-buried secrets—all while the elegant resort descends into delightful canine chaos. With show dogs of every shape and size turning the Spencer Inn into their personal playground, Gnarly does what he does best: stir up trouble and sniff out the truth.
Fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny, and packed with four-legged mischief, Best in Murder proves that in the high-stakes world of Best in Show, the biggest prizes come with the deadliest risks.

Buy the Book:
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BONUS! BONUS! BONUS!

Pre-order Best in Murder now and receive the exclusive bonus noveletteWho Framed Michelangelo?— a complete Mac Faraday mystery featuring Gnarly and a very special Goldendoodle!

Download WHO FRAMED MICHELANGELO? Now

One Locked Cottage. One Framed Dog. Two Four-Legged Detectives on the Case.

When beloved local Frieda Selleck is found mauled to death in her locked cottage, all evidence points to her gentle, arthritic Goldendoodle service dog, Michelangelo. But Mac Faraday refuses to believe the obvious. With help from his irrepressible German Shepherd, Gnarly, Mac must prove the loyal service dog was framed for murder.

Just days before the glamorous Mid-Atlantic Classic Kennel Club Invitational descends on the Spencer Inn, Frieda—a sharp-eyed woman with a reputation for “psychic” visions—had handed Mac a sealed envelope containing clues to her own killer. Now, with doors locked from the inside, no signs of forced entry, and a hidden wall safe emptied of cash and gold, Mac and Gnarly race against time to uncover the truth.

Joined by an unlikely four-legged partner in Michelangelo, the canine detective squad follows a trail of family secrets, phony smiles, suspicious alibis, and a desperate climb down a steep wooded hillside. As the pieces fall into place, Mac discovers that even the shiniest “golden child” can hide a dark heart.

A fast-paced, twist-filled cozy mystery packed with humor, heart, and plenty of doggy mischief. Perfect for fans of the Mac Faraday series!

“Who Framed Michelangelo?” is an exclusive prequel short story set at the Spencer Inn the week before the events of Best in Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #15, coming October 13, 2026).

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the author of over thirty acclaimed mystery novels, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide. Her fast-paced series—the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and more—blend twists, suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters (including clever German shepherds!).
 
It’s Murder, My Son organically hit #1 in Mystery on Amazon, and her books consistently rank in the Top 20 Police Procedurals in the US and international markets.
 
A popular speaker and publishing consultant, Lauren lives on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV, with her husband and three spoiled rotten German shepherds.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/twitter ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

 

MY LAUREN CARR REVIEWS

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    MINDBENDING – Daggermouth by H M Wolfe #hmwolfe #daggermouth

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    dystopia; enemies to lovers romance; forced arranged political marriage; presidents son;assassin
    dystopia; enemies to lovers romance; forced arranged political marriage; presidents son;assassin

     

    Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

    MY REVIEW

    I LOVE the cover and the title for Daggermouth made me curious. Daggermouth has so many elements that speak to me: enemies to lovers, fantasy romance, apocalyptic and dystopian adventure that knocked my socks off. I got so much more than I bargained for and will, for sure, have my eye on H M Wolfe in the future.

    Of course, we have the corrupt elite. I would be disappointed otherwise. I love the have and have nots, the forbidden romance, the danger at every turn. As I turned the pages, I became more lost in the story. The characters, well, Shadera Kael makes for an outstanding female protagonist. She’s raised to be an assassin. That is all she is good for, but….she can’t even do that right, which drives her into the arms of a man she hates with all the passion she possesses. Of course, it’s an enemies to lovers romance, so somehow Shadera Kael and Greyson Serel will find their way.

    The ending BLEW ME AWAY. I WANT MORE, PLEASE!!!!!

    5 Stars

    GOODREADS BLURB

    Set in a corrupt surveillance state ruled by the masked elite, this true enemies-to-lovers dystopian romance that’s Conform meets V For Vendetta follows a mercenary who botches the assassination of the president’s son and ends up forced to marry him.

    The first thing you’ll learn in New Found Haven is that mercy doesn’t exist. The second thing is that, from the highest glass atrium in the Heart to the windowless slums of the Boundary, the Veyra are always watching.

    The last lesson is the hardest, but you must remember it: Love outside of your ring is a death sentence.

    The city is carved into rings of privilege and poverty, ruled by the masked elite who will do whatever it takes to hold onto power. Obedience is demanded. Rebellion is crushed.

    Greyson Serel has spent his life caught between two worlds. Publicly, he’s the flawless heir to the presidency. Privately, he’s entangled in secrets that could topple the regime. But when he’s forced into a political marriage meant to bind him tighter to the government’s brutal laws, he finds himself shackled to a bride as lethal as she is unwilling.

    Shadera Kael is a mercenary raised to kill, not to wed. Yet when her bullet misses its mark, survival leaves her tied to the very man she was sent to eliminate. Trapped inside the corrupt heart of the city, she becomes both prisoner and wife, her every step watched, her every move tested.

    Their union is no love story—it’s a battlefield. As secrets come to light and betrayals fester within the walls of power, Greyson and Shadera must decide between annihilating each other or burning the city to the ground together.

    In a world where passion has consequences and loyalty is paid for in blood, their forced bond may be the spark that ignites a revolution. Or the fire that consumes them both.

    • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dark Romance, Dystopian, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Romantasy
    • 516 pages, Kindle Edition
    • First published December 5, 2025 by Scarlett Press
    • Series: The Heart, Book I

    ABOUT H M WOLFE

    H. M. Wolfe writes with her heart wide open, chasing the thrill of chaos and the sting of heartbreak on every page. Based in Central Florida, she shares her days with her husband and three loyal dogs—her writing partners and adventure crew through every twist of her literary journey.

    Wolfe crafts stories where romance tangles with fantasy and unforgettable characters drive the action, inviting readers to disappear into worlds brimming with magic and meaning. She’s fiercely passionate about mental health advocacy and the messy, powerful work of self-discovery, believing deeply that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they love.

    As you turn the final page of her books, Wolfe hopes you’ll find a new kind of strength—ready to take on the world and own your story like the warrior she knows you are.

    Website

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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    Oustanding – Her Silence by S T Ashman #netgalley #stashman #hersilence

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    Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

    MY REVIEW

    Her Silence is my first foray into the writing of S T Ashman, and it won’t be my last. I always marvel at finding so many wonderful writers that supply me with endless hours of entertainment. So, let’s get down to brass tacks.

    For Nicole, it all begins with a 4 am phone call. Lacey, her daughter, is found in the woods beside her friend’s dead husband. They messed with the wrong woman, and Nicole is going rain hell on those who chose to bring trouble to her world. Secrets. Corruption. Vengeance.

    I love stories that get my emotions riled up. This family had me laughing and loving, bringing tears to my eyes. I love strong female main characters that capture my attention, making it hard for me to look away. Unputdownable. Riveting. I’ll be on the lookout for more work by S T Ashman.

    My thanks for out to NetGalley and S T Ashman for the opportunity to share Her Silence.

     

    5 Stars

    GOODREADS BLURB

    he survived the night. The truth didn’t.

    Nicole gets the call at 4 a.m. Her daughter Lacey was found in the woods beside her friend’s dead husband. He was stabbed forty-four times. Lacey is barely alive. Covered in his blood. And completely mute.

    She hasn’t said a word since. Not to the police. Not to her husband. Not even to Nicole.

    Nicole had Lacey at seventeen and swore her daughter would have a good life. Now Lacey is sitting in a cell, and Nicole’s three grandchildren are left behind with a father who is losing it.

    But Nicole knows her daughter. She isn’t a cold-blooded murderer. Guilt didn’t silence her. Fear did. Whatever happened in those woods scared Lacey more than prison.

    So Nicole starts digging. But some secrets don’t save people. They destroy them.

    • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller
    • 330 pages, Kindle Edition
    • First published July 21, 2026

    ABOUT S T ASHMAN

    S. T. Ashman is an American-German author who calls the beautiful U.S. Seacoast home. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she spent years working as a psychotherapist in the criminal justice system. The work gave her a rare window into the human mind, both the beautiful and the deeply shadowed. It’s no wonder readers often say her characters feel real enough to step off the page.
    When she’s not crafting her next twisty tale, you’ll find her chasing after her kids, nose-deep in a book, or curled up late at night with a horror movie and a husband who always falls asleep on the couch before the scary parts.

    Website

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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    Review For The Finale Of The Original Sinners – Beautiful Redeemer by Kait Ballenger @kait_ballenger #beautifulredeemer

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    Choosing between them is no choice at all

    Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

    MY REVIEW

    Beautiful Redeemer by Kait Ballenger is a blend of two of my favorites, Lucifer and Fifty Shades Of Gray. I have been loving this series and Kait smashed it out of the park in the finale of the Original Sinners trilogy. I love the amazing covers.

    We have all the players, from gods and goddesses, to demons and humans. Christianity takes a hit when the righteous rise, thinking they know how the world should be run. Lucifer has a target on his back, and seeing he has lost his powers and his mortality, his life it at risk…and the righteous aren’t the only ones who want to take him out. Charlotte, Queen of Hell, is determined to stop the apocalypse and, if she has to face off with God, that’s not a problem for her.

    This is my kind of romance. In your face, at times brutal, at other times sweet, but always passionate. Charlotte definitely has her hands full with Lucifer AND Azrael.

    So, if you are the least bit squeamish, you may want to shy away from the Original Sinners. BUT, if you are like me and love walking on the dark side, come on in.

    My thanks go out to Kait Ballenger, Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to review Beautiful Redeemer.

    5 Stars

    GOODREADS BLURB

    Lucifer’s wife, Death’s lover, mother of the apocalypse—a young bride’s desire breaks all bounds in the explosive conclusion to Kait Ballenger’s Original Sinners trilogy.

    I never asked to be the queen of Hell, but now the crown burns against my skin—and every choice drips with sin.

    Lucifer, my devil of a husband, feeds me power kiss by kiss, lash by lash. Azrael, Death incarnate, tempts me with the brutal devotion only he can give. They both worship me. They both ruin me. And I can’t get enough.

    I won’t be made to choose.

    But indulgence has its price. The apocalypse is splitting the sky. The Righteous hunt us with holy fire, and New York drowns. On the eve of my unholy wedding, all the armies of Heaven descend and all-out war begins. My greatest weapon is the impossible child growing inside the secret that could save or damn us all.

    To protect humanity and seize my dark salvation, I’ll fight. I’ll bleed. I’ll burn. And when the last seal shatters, I’ll rise again…or stay on my knees forever.

    • Genre: Angels And Demons, Dark Romance, Fiction, Gods And Goddesses, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
    • 502 pages, Kindle Edition
    • Expected publication May 26, 2026 by Montlake
    • Series: Original Sinners, #3

    ABOUT KAIT BALLENGER

    Evoto

      Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her husband and two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

      For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

      You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

      MY KAIT BALLENGER REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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      Review – The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R Patch @jessicarpatch #jessicarpatch #thegirlupstairs

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      Amazon / Goodreads

      MY REVIEW

      I am still amazed that I only recently came across Jessica R Patch. She is a prolific writer and her books fit in perfectly on my book shelf. She has now become an automatic read whenever I see one of her books available.

      Gwen McDaniel’s life is a mess, so, WTH, why not buy a rundown house in Cold Harbor, Maine…that is in dire need of a renovation? Their marriage could use an overhaul too. Immediately we are drawn in to drafty rooms and music playing, yet no one is there.

      I was immersed in the ominous mystery. The pacing kept the suspense rising, the further into the book I got. The twists and turns gave me many aha moments, sometimes wondering why I didn’t see that coming. That is how good Jessica R Patch’s stories are. She sneaks those nuggets of emotional turmoil below the obvious, amazing me as she delivers blow after blow to Gwen. The danger rises and there are those who will do anything to stop the secrets being exposed. I didn’t know whether to race through the pages to find out what happens, or relax and enjoy the journey.

      Many thanks go out to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Jessica R Patch for the opportunity to read The Girl Upstairs.

      4 Stars

      GOODREADS BLURB

      he bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.

      Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.

      Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.

      As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…

      • Genre: Christian, Fiction, Halloween, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense
      • 384 pages, Paperback
      • Expected publication April 28, 2026 by Love Inspired Trade

      ABOUT JESSICA R PATCH

      Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

      Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest / BookBub

      MY JESSICA R PATCH REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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      5 Star Review – A Shadow In The Ember by Jennifer L Armentrout @JLArmentrout #blueboxpress #ashadowintheember

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      A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

      Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

      MY REVIEW

      In this whacked out world we live in, I can sure use a break, an escape, and I can think of no better way than to enter a fantasy world. A world of riveting, engrossing Flesh And Fire in A Shadow In The Ember by Jennifer L Armentrout. I spent two unforgettable days in Seraphena’s world, an enemies to lovers, spicy fantasy romance.

      Serephena is a Princess, but she isn’t treated like one. Her life is not her own. She is the Chosen. A Consort. An assassin. A weapon. In her own eyes she considers herself a monster, willing to sacrifice herself to save others. Of course there is a prophecy, but who knows what kind of games the gods are playing.

      She is promised to the Primal of Death, Ash if you are close to him. When he denied her, Serephena thought all was lost. She had been touched by Life and Death. She is reckless, but mighty with the Shadowblade she always carries. She is fearless and I love their lively banter.

      I will warn you. Make sure you have plenty of time before you crack open A Shadow In The Ember, because, if you are like me, once you start you won’t want to stop. Sure, some things are predictable, but there is plenty of fresh and original twists and turns.

      My thanks go out to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the opportunity to review A Shadow In The Ember by Jennifer L Armentrout.

       

      5 Stars

      GOODREADS BLURB

      Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.   

      However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot. 

      Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

      • Genre: Enemires To Lovers, Fantasy, Fiction, Fantasy Romance, New Adult, Romantasy, Spicy
      • 647 pages, Kindle Edition
      • First published October 19, 2021 by Blue Box Press
      • Series: Flesh & Fire #1, Blood & Ash #4

      ABOUT JENNIFER L ARMENTROUT

      Hey Guys! Please note: I don’t send out ARCs for review. If you’re interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

      To email me, please use the below addy.
      jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

      # 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

      Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

      She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

      Website

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
      • You can see my Reviews HERE.
      • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
      • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
      • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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      New Release Review – The Secret Winners Club by Donna Galanti @DonnaGalanti #thesecretwinnersclub

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      Amazon / Goodreads

      MY REVIEW

      The Secret Winners Club by Donna Gilanti is written for those between the ages of eight and thirteen, but I think people of all ages can relate to the message: Embrace your own unique self because you’re special just the way you are.

      Each chapter begins with an illustration that spotlights a character’s point of view. I love when an author adds that something extra to the story.

      Thirteen year old Sunny Whitlock is the main character. She has alopecia, an auto immune disease that caused her to lose her hair. I love the way she deals with it, by making her own headscarves. She doesn’t hide with bland colors, but bursts with colorful designs. She also has joined the junk bot club competition. Her father owns the scrapyard in town, so she has access to a lot of the parts, but her father also donates parts to the club. She gets picked on because of his work. It’s still the usual that we all struggle with, the haves and the have nots and those that are considered different, ouside the norm.

      Sunny’s best friends are also auto immune deficient and together they form The Secret Winners Club. The goal is to step outside of their comfort zone, support each other and to win…at any cost. Do you see where this is going? What will be the cost of putting winning ahead of all else? This is one of those things…it’s a great idea, but they are doing it for the wrong reasons. As they begin to succeed, they learn the cost of their decisions.

      The Secret Winners Club is a coming of age story that shares thoughts, feelings, and actions we can all learn from. I loved how the characters developed, learning life lessons as they strive to achieve the goals they set for themselves.

      Tbank you Donna Galanti for the opportunity to read The Secret Winners Club.

      5 Stars

      ABOUT THE SECRET WINNERS CLUB

      1st Rule of The Secret Winners Club:
      Do whatever it takes.

      Thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock has alopecia; an autoimmune condition that’s made her lose her hair—and she’s desperate to be seen as more than just the bald kid. But how? By setting an epic goal: win her school’s junkbot club competition. And if she’s #1, then other kids will have to see beyond her disease … and she’ll finally fit in.

      Sunny’s immune-deficient best friends are also tired of looking different and achieving second place in their school competitions. With a bold plan, Sunny bands with them to create The Secret Winners Club, a club devised to win—at any cost—and push them outside their comfort zones.

      They promise to trust no one else. It’s all classified! And in total secrecy they aim to help one another become #1 before this middle school year is over. But as they start to succeed, they quickly discover that crossing the line and hurting others can make them even more visible and even more an outsider.

      Bookshop / Amazon / B & N / Books A Million / Apple

      ABOUT DONNA GALANTI

      Donna Galanti is the author of the middle-grade ooks Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the
      Lightning Road series, and Loon Cove Summer. She’s lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and the National Audubon Society. For details on her books, events, and school programs, visit donnagalanti.com.

      GIVEAWAY

      Donna Galanti is offering a paperback (US ONLY) or ebook (International) of her book, Loon Cove Summer. Entry is easy peasy.

      Enter a comment that answers the question, do you go on summer vacations?

      Giveaway ends 3.10.26

      MY DONNA GALANTI REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
      • You can see my Reviews HERE.
      • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
      • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
      • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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      AWESOME – Review – Redemption by V E Huntley #VEHuntley #redemption

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      They think his love for her makes him week with phoenix
      they're about to lean it makes him unstoppable
      my penance will never be enough redemption

       

      Amazon / Goodreads

      MY REVIEW

      Whew (as I brush the sweat off my brow). Redemption by V E Huntley is the heart pounding conclusion of Aden and Ellie’s story in the Bloodstone Legacy trilogy. Between the smoking hot sex (XXX Rated) and the bloody and savage battles, I can’t think of one thing V E Huntley left out. I love her original interpretation of the vampire world.

      We see the story from two points of view, Aden’s and Ellie’s. I love when I can see events unfold from different perspectives, delving into the minds of each character, allowing me to empathize with them, even when they are wrong.

      I will keep this review short and sweet, seeing I really do not want to spoil anything for those who will begin the series with Damnation. I cannot recommend the Bloodstone Legacy enough. The vampires are unique and have the same issues as us humans, politics, communication, and kids. What will they turn out to be? Vampires? Half breed’s? Humans?

      What a fabulous happy ever after ending to a mind blowing conclusion of Aden and Ellie’s story. Any time I see V E Huntley’s name, I’m hoping she has come out with a new book. She is definitely hovering around the top of my must read author list.

      My thanks go out to V E Huntley for the opportunity to read, review and share my thoughts for Redemption.

       

      5 Stars

      GOODREADS BLURB

      MY PENANCE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH The breathtaking conclusion to The BloodStone Legacy trilogy—a dark, seductive paranormal romance about forbidden love, impossible choices, and the price of redemption.

      They think his love for her makes him weak. They’re about to learn it makes him unstoppable.

      For centuries, vampire commander Aden Westcott’s reputation for brutality was legendary. Until her. When Ellie awakens feelings he thought long dead, their forbidden bond becomes both his salvation and his greatest vulnerability.

      In a society divided by power and blood, redemption demands the highest price. In this final chapter, Aden and Ellie’s choices will echo through eternity. Some say love conquers all. In Aden and Ellie’s world, it might just destroy everything.

      Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair’s Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle’s The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.

      Redemption is Book 3 of a trilogy. It ends with the HEA you’ve been waiting for.

      Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and dark fantasy who crave high stakes, forbidden love, and a brooding immortal hero facing his own redemption.

      This book is a dark paranormal romance. Be mindful of the trigger

      Graphic violence
      Sexual situations
      Blood Play
      Adult language – the word “fuck” is used a lot

      • Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Vampires
      • 647 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Published February 19, 2026
      • Series: The Bloodstone Legacy #3

      ABOUT V E HUNTLEY

      V.E. Huntley is a retired producer who has spent her life telling stories in one way or another. Just ask her cats. They had to endure a lifetime of her endlessly reciting entire dialogue scenes to them, even though all they desperately wanted to do was nap.

      Her childhood fear of Dracula was so intense that she couldn’t sleep without the lights on and her mother guarding her bedroom door. Over time, this fear evolved into a lifelong obsession with the dark and twisted world of vampires and the concept of immortality. So, after more than two decades in the film and television industry, she ultimately chose to pursue her true passion—writing dark and sexy paranormal romance.

      Besides writing, her hobbies include reading, watching movies, traveling, and keeping her husband busy with an endless honey-do list.

      Website

      MY V E HUNTLEY REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
      • You can see my Reviews HERE.
      • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
      • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
      • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
      • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

      Review – Facing Nightfall by Michael B Chikondi @M_B_Chikondi #facingnightfall

      Posted on by

      Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodread

      MY REVIEW

      Facing Nightfall: The Sunrise Saga by Michael B Chikondi is his first novel and I am glad that he brought it into the light. This dark, gothic, eerie novel can be described as a coming of age novel for Abbey Sharp. I love that she climbs out her window and has a hideaway on the roof where she observes her surroundings while smoking cigarettes.

      Abbey and her friend, Lewis, wander the streets at night fighting against the darkness that calls to them. They will face more than the supernatural. They will question their life, their loyalty will be tested and it will take a lot of strength to resist the evil taking over the town.

      MIchael B Chikondi blends the supernatural with humanity, making the characters question their choices. I found Facing Nightfall to be an original take on a familiar tale and I do love my vampires, so getting lost in Abbey’s story was exciting, making it hard to stop reading. It’s 419 pages of deliciousness.

      I have read numerous novels by Michael B Chikondi, but this is my favorite.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      GOODREADS BLURB

      When the quiet town of Masham falls under the shadow of something ancient and merciless, Abbey Sharp finds herself drawn into a struggle far larger than late-night smokes on the rooftop and her parents’ weary routines.
      As night stretches on, whispers of missing people, strange broadcasts, and creatures that shouldn’t exist unravel the fabric of normal life. Abbey and her friend Lewis are forced to confront a terrifying the town is infested with vampires, and survival demands more than just keeping the lights on.
      But in a world where allegiances blur and even family can change overnight, Abbey must decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice. Is she strong enough to resist the seductive pull of power, or will she lose everything in the fight against the darkness?
      Facing Nightfall is a gothic, atmospheric vampire tale where loyalty is tested, blood is bargained, and the night never truly ends.

      • Genre: Fiction, Gothic, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampires
      • 419 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Published October 31, 2025

      ABOUT MICHAEL B CHIKONDI (from Amazon)

      Michael B. Chikondi is not to be trusted, but the creature agrees to a meeting in its burrow. We enter with trepidation, given that the thing has no doorbell. As we crawl through the narrow tunnel, gored out by its own teeth, by the texture, we hear what can only be described as a hacking cough.

      “Can we approach?” we call.

      “No soliciting.” the voice returns.

      “You sent for us; you told us to ask you questions. You know, for promotional reasons.”

      “Ask.” the dread voice responds.

      “Alright, who are you?” we try.

      “A creature of mist and shadow, half-mad, I used to go out, I did, and know those…humans. Not now, not since…the pen.”

      “You found a pen? That’s why you became a writer?” we ask, now terrified, trying to gauge how fast we can leave the burrow. The photographer has already left us, chewing off his own watch, caught on a tree root.

      “Yes, but now…I hunger…”

      We are not proud; we turn tail and flee, before it can leave its den. We aren’t paid enough to get a full bio. We can only pray someone buys its books, so that the thing never comes out on its own.

      Ed. What the hell is this? This isn’t what we requested. Just some nonsense and an artist’s rendition of what one of my people saw before he contracted rabies? Eh, whatever. Plenty more writers in the sea.

      MY MICHAEL B CHIKONDI REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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      • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
      • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

      Sizzling Hot – Review – Watch Me Burn by V E Huntley #VEHuntley #watchmeburn

      Posted on by
      watch Me burn
      watch Me burn 2
      watch me burn 3

       

      Amazon / Goodreads

      MY REVIEW

      Watch Me Burn. Book II picks up where Book I, Watch Me Break by V E Huntley, left off. We’ve met the cast of characters: Luna, the main female character, Damien, the main male character, Maren, Luna’s quirky and lovable best friend, Cade, Damien’s COO, Shadow, Luna’s wolf protector, Ricky, the boob loving raccoon, and more.

      Luna and Damien’s romance is dark. They have a lot of kink in their love making, so if you are squeamish, Watch Me Burn may not be for you. Myself, I love dark and disturbing. I love that Damien is also a serial killer, meting out justice to those who torture and kill animals. We learn why he does what he does.

      I was lost in the story. I couldn’t stop reading. My eyes were crossing and I felt like I needed a shower when I was finished. We do have some fun moments, where I found myself laughing out loud. I love Maren. She has a big personality and I would love to have a best friend like her. She has no judgments, but when secrets are exposed, she lays down the law to Damien.

      I love Epilogues and V E Huntley wrapped up Luna and Damien’s story is a happy ever after way. I do love when the story ends on a positive note….And, In Watch Me Burn, we learn more about Cade, and I can hardly wait to see what V E Huntley does with him and Maren in Book III. I am so happy they will get their own story.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      GOODREADS BLURB

      She opened her curtains. He opened his heart. Now nothing will ever be the same. Damien Wolfe lives by three rules that have never failed him. But rules are made to be broken. And one smile from Dr. Luna Foster breaks them all. When she shatters everything he believes about control, Damien realizes he’s lost more than just his rules—he’s lost his soul to the one woman who sees his monster and calls him beautiful.

      Luna thinks she understands predators—but when she becomes the obsession of a man who kills for a living, she discovers that terror and desire often share the same heartbeat. As she transforms from victim to willing participant in their twisted dance, Luna discovers that some stalkers’ violence is a form of worship.

      But can love survive when built on secrets, lies and blood?

      Watch Me Burn is the second installment in the dark, sensual Watched in Darkness Series, where fear becomes desire when the right monster is watching.

      Fans of H. D. Carlton’s Haunting Adeline, Navessa Allen’s Lights Out, and Sheridan Anne’s Pretty Monster will devour this unforgettable series where love and violence go hand in hand.

      This is a dark romance containing mature themes, graphic violence, explicit sexual situations, and morally ambiguous characters. Intended for adult readers who enjoy psychologically complex relationships and anti-hero love interests. Please see the author’s website for a full list of trigger/content warnings.

      • Genre: Dark Romance, Fiction, Vigilante Justice
      • 417 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Expected publication December 3, 2025

      ABOUT V E HUNTLEY

      V.E. Huntley is a retired producer who has spent her life telling stories in one way or another. Just ask her cats. They had to endure a lifetime of her endlessly reciting entire dialogue scenes to them, even though all they desperately wanted to do was nap.

      Her childhood fear of Dracula was so intense that she couldn’t sleep without the lights on and her mother guarding her bedroom door. Over time, this fear evolved into a lifelong obsession with the dark and twisted world of vampires and the concept of immortality. So, after more than two decades in the film and television industry, she ultimately chose to pursue her true passion—writing dark and sexy paranormal romance.

      Besides writing, her hobbies include reading, watching movies, traveling, and keeping her husband busy with an endless honey-do list.

      Website

      MY V E HUNTLEY REVIEWS

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
      • You can see my Reviews HERE.
      • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
      • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
      • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
      • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!