Contemporary

Hilming is where Amber gives her all. She is Hinalizing her residency and does not enjoy the cameras on her all the time, but the money is worth the hassle. Her surgery successes and knowledge has gained her high praise and popularity. She is the main income provider in her household of foster siblings, all of whom are in school and working to become professionals in their respected Hields. They are a very tight bunch and when one of Amber’s brothers slips back into gambling debt she is hopeful that the new reality TV vet the show brings in is her ace in the hole for a raise. Can she survive her – HOT – vet school nemesis?

Two talented veterinarians reunite in “Doc Showmance”. The enemies to lovers is a common trope but has a reality TV twist in this modern day romance. The protagonists draw readers in with their past history which may dictate their future. They are polar opposites in the way they were raised and yet see eye to eye when it comes to animals and loyalty and being good and kind people. The family drama from both sides plays into decisions they now make as independent adults. The rich snobs are played out on point. When sudden changes occur and take characters in different directions, readers may predict how the story concludes. Overall, a quick and witty relationship book, which includes appearances from loyal pets who steal the show.

Viola Robbins

Hyphenated Relations

Daniel

Maunz

Family dynamics always make for good Hiction. Sam’s life in interrupted by a surprise visit from her former father-in-law’s invitation to his engagement party. He and Sam were united by the tragedy of her husband and his wife being killed in a car accident. Though Sam reluctantly attended the party, what she found was family who raised dysfunction to a new level. Harold was to be husband number Hive. The other four had died, and Marcie had a child with three of them, and adopted the fourth’s daughter. The four children lived separate lives, connected only by their mother. An only child, Sam is intrigued by their relationships with one another. During the process, Sam becomes close to Marcie. When the discontented children unite to stop the wedding, Sam steps in as a mediator.

Readers will no doubt recognize members of their own families in this story as it carries many truths. Reclusive since her husband’s death, Sam is shocked by Harold’s invitation. Gregarious and outgoing, Harold’s boisterous behavior tended to put Sam on edge, and she typically avoided him. Suspicious that Marcie is a black widow, Sam agrees to meet the family. As her relationship with Marcie grows, however, Sam Hinds herself changing in unexpected ways, including her feelings for Harold. Bumping heads with the dysfunctional siblings educates her in family dynamics. Dominating the story line is grief, and its various effects on everyone. This book illustrates how some people change and some just stagnate. Readers may Hind the psychological impact for them as strong as it is for the characters.

Leah Neale

name calling will have the reader laughing out loud. The author has created some complex characters that each have their own story. Although there is chemistry between Ari and Abella, the reader may not feel a strong connection or bond between them, but will still enjoy the tale.

Victoria Zumbrum

Cursed by a Vampire (Immortal Heart of San Francisco Book 7)

Susan Griscom

Ari is the adopted human son of the DeMarco vampires since he was rescued by them as a kid. As a human, he manages their club and handles errands. Ari has always felt inferior to the vampires and has asked them to turn him into one which they have refused. Ari meets Abella, who also is human, and whose grandfather is human. A half-witch cursed her and her father when she was younger, and Abella has learned to live with the curse. Everything changes for Ari and Abella when they meet for the Hirst time.

“Cursed by a Vampire” is Book 7 in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco series, and can be read as a standalone, however, one should read the series in order to know about the background of the other vampires that live with Ari. Susan Griscom has created a unique storyline that shows vampires in a new and different light, and how truly human they still are. The reader will love watching the interaction between Ari and the vampires. He is their son and is treated as a part of their family. When Abella and Ari meet, they clash and sparks Hly between them. The clashing and

Song of Lorelei

Desiree

M. Niccoli

Captain Killian Quinn is out on the Dawn Chaser, with a nervous crew preparing to enter the man eating siren’s territory. The humans have a deal with the sirens – to feed them tinned meat while Hinding a cure to a virus that makes the merfolk crave human Hlesh.

Killian’s Hiancé e, Lorelei, is desperate to help in the study. She too is a siren and only a few trusted people know, and keeping it a secret is getting harder day by day. But Hinding a cure comes at a price. Lorelei watches a fellow mermaid living in captivity undergoing a series of tests, and with her health declining, she learns that the lab has no intention of setting her free. How can Lorelei make this right? After all, she is the one who persuaded her to volunteer.

A unique paranormal story that starts off with a horror scene, and quickly unravels into a thriller with a heist thrown in! Lorelei is tormented by her guilt, and of proving her worth which is relatable to any woman in a man’s world. The characters are well developed, with some intriguing plot lines that could be taken further. The bond and romance between Killian and Lorelei are well established, but are still fragile as they continue to learn about each other, which pulls the reader in further. It is an exciting story from start to Hinish, with some fun and steamy scenes to break up the tension. It can be easily read as a standalone as there is enough backstory to keep the reader’s interest piqued, and has the potential for the storyline to continue.

Rika Chandra

Wild Azure Waves - Rockin' Fairy Tales, Book 3

Leslie O’Sullivan

Rainn "Rai" Cloud, a talented singer, performs an ocean ceremony spreading the ashes of his family and ex-girlfriend, Tani, into the waters when a rogue wave causes Tani's urn to shatter and release her spirit; as well as plunging him into the churning ocean. Rai is rescued from drowning by a mysterious woman with an enchanting voice. Tani's spirit is captured by a sorceress demanding she spy on her daughter, Azure in order to return from death and to Rai's arms. After hearing her perform with her sisters, The Mermaids, Rai and Azure meet, instantly click, and start a secret romance. Hoping to use Rai's feelings for Azure to ensure he sells his record company to her, Sulaa uses her dark powers to manipulate everyone. The two songbirds pray their new love will be strong enough to get them through an evil sea witch's machinations and other magical mayhem.

Submerging readers into a fantastical world, "Wild Azure Waves'' is a hippie dippy love story swimming with music, mysticism, and magic. Readers may enjoy the point-of-view plot of three characters Hilled with an unrelenting desire to have their heart's mate. Singing with angst and lore, the story's pace treads water in a few spots while some parts of the story swim swiftly. Enchanting imagery of island beaches and underwater landscapes provide readers with a sense of wonder. Secondary characters are peripheral Hillers hardly needed in the storyline and upstaged by a pet fox. Villains deliver with evil schemes and diabolical characteristics that readers will hear their sinister chuckle every time they are on the page. Leslie O'Sullivan's whimsical fantasy tale is an interesting take on sorrow, second chances, and soulmates.

Tonya Mathenia