Science Fiction

KeSira’s ship is overrun by Marauders and she needs help. Thankfully, she is assisted by Blake, who rescues her and the survivors. But he has a condition for the rescue, and it’s something that KeSira could never have expected. What she cannot deny is how handsome and strong Blake is. And, regardless of what her feline guard feels, there is a growing attraction she Sinds difSicult to Sight. Together they must face an enemy who is hell bent on harming the galaxy. Will they be able to put their differences aside in order to defeat their insidious foe? Or will they Sind themselves at odds with one another and be defeated in the end?

Vijaya Schartz has created unique and memorable characters who travel throughout the galaxy battling the forces of evil in a truly epic novel. There are so many unique aspects to this book and not just the world building. The characters are well rounded, the description is on point, and the surroundings are awesome. The plot of “Angel Ship” will grip readers from the Sirst page and keep in a talonlike grip until the very last page. Readers will enjoy Blake as he is all male and has so many qualities that will appeal. KeSira is a strong female character who wants to do the best for those aboard her ship, even if this means bargaining with the handsome rescuer. Fans of science Siction will love this offering and will be drawn to read more books from this talented and capable author.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Moonlight Cove: Love on the Beach Book 1

Shanna HatSield the main protagonists, but pacing, character motivation, and technical skills show a talented author. Jamie, the young runaway, is a pivotal part of the murder and is wholesome and easy to root for. She needs more page time to fully develop. The slow burn between Brenley and Jake is sweet to witness. Readers who want an entertaining tale that is a generous amount of mystery, plenty of intrigue, and with a dash of Shanna HatSield’s famous humor will want to grab this book by a proven author!

Emerson Matthews

MYSTERY: Introverted Brenley Baker is asked by her extroverted grandmother, Mimi, to come to the family beachfront home, called Moonlight Cove, in Seaside, Oregon, for the summer. Reluctantly, Brenley agrees and arrives at the cottage while Mimi happens to be out. Almost immediately, the local policeman, Captain Jake Adams, surprises her when he looks in the window of what he assumed was an empty building. Jake was chasing a murder suspect and thought of checking the vacant cottage when he accidentally startled the lovely granddaughter of the owner. Soon he Sinds himself hoping Brenley will spend more than just the summer in Seaside. But Sirst, before he can get too involved with her, he must solve the murder of the dead undercover policeman who drifted ashore on Brenley’s Sirst night in town.

Has the winter blues already got you wishing for a sun-drenched beach vacay? With great characterization and a strong plotline, this book will have readers wanting to pack their bags for Seaside and Moonlight Cove. There could be more conSlict, both within and between

Her Homegrown Christmas Wish

Rachelle Paige Campbell

Hannah Beacon is a single mother raising her daughter, Olivia, in the very town she grew up in. The only thing Olivia truly wants is a father. When Hannah’s estranged husband, Daniel, shows up in town, everyone thinks Olivia might be getting her wish. But Daniel has only returned to divorce Hannah and set her free. Once Daniel realizes that it isn’t only his wife he would be freeing but also the daughter he never knew he had, he decides he might need to stick around and make this marriage work. After Sive years, Daniel and Hannah don’t know each other and must reacquaint themselves. But his career is about to take off, and his Hollywood dreams might put a quick end to the family he didn’t know he had.

Hannah and Daniel both have a lot of hurt to overcome in order to trust their hearts to one another again. Despite their best intentions, neither one wants to be vulnerable. Olivia is adorable as she pulls the couple together, and shows them both how to love and how to trust. A tender Christmas romance begins to blossom as they fall in love again. It is a great story if the reader can get past the weak reasons behind the initial separation. Hannah leaving her husband while she is pregnant and never telling him is hard to believe in this Christian romance. The element of faith is woven into the story with bible study groups and many references to faith. This feel-good story is a fun holiday read brimming with wholesome humor and love.

Cara Cieslak

That Dickinson Girl

Joan Koster admiring their guts and bravery, and recognizing their immaturity. There is less said of Anna’s early years, and the demonstration of her public prowess, which is perhaps a missed opportunity. What inspired her initial interest? How did she carve a platform for herself as a woman of these times? Who were the puppeteers behind her rise and downfall? The Author's Note alludes to this, but does not weave it into the story. Regardless, it is a truly engaging read and would pique the reader’s curiosity to learn more about this trailblazer.

Rika Chandra

HISTORICAL: It was the height of the American Civil War, and eighteen-year-old Anna Dickinson is on the cusp of glory when she meets the Pennington sisters at a political rally. The sisters have fallen on hard times after the loss of their parents. Julia Pennington is forced to work at a mill to support her younger sister, Gracie, through school. After losing her job and falling out with her sister, Julia is destitute. Anna offers her a position as her companion on her oratory tour. Their friendship evolves on the journey, but their hearts are being pulled in different directions. Is love strong enough to withstand Anna's ambition of fame and fortune? Will Julia Sind the strength to stand up for herself and reconcile with her sister?

Well written, it gives a Slavor of the socio-political landscape during the Civil War, with a biographical snapshot of Anna Dickinson’s romantic relationships - although Julia is a Sictional representation in this story. The facts are wellresearched and include many historical Sigures that give it authenticity. The reader is drawn into their youthful hopes and dreams, but is soon torn between

Catering to Love (Departments of Love Book

1)

Joshua Ian two lovers have to deal with their forbidden attraction, but an enemy, Lord Ockley, blocks the two from their potential relationship, threatening to ruin them. As Henri and Nico battle these never-ending obstacles, will they still make their way back together unscathed?

This book throws readers into a time machine, allowing them to relive the historically rich moments vicariously through the characters, and leading readers down a rabbit hole of sweet romance. There is confusion at the beginning because too many characters are introduced at once, making readers’ heads spin. But the author Sinds stability in the middle of the novel, and readers Sind themselves mesmerized by the amount of history that is shown, even from basic trips and interactions with the protagonists. This plot is very predictable, and readers may get bored with the repetitive slow-burn, love-at-Sirstsight trope. The book also has moments where characters would speak other languages like French, which was quite an interesting addition. However, there is a big lack of character development or background, which makes readers feel a loss of connection to the story. Overall, the Slow of the plot and the connection between this forbidden romance satisSies all the needs of any romance reader.

HISTORICAL: Set during the 20th century, a time of the Summer Olympics and the famous FrancoBritish Exhibition, Henri works as the head chef of the Royal Tea Room in the Hartridge & Casas department store. This French chef, Monsieur Henri Newbold, is on a mission to one day open his own restaurant. And yet, he Sinds himself distracted by a new Greek waiter, Nikolaos KavaSis, who captured his attention immediately. Not only do these

Austen Grace

The Stars in Their Eyes

Kristy Gardner

rescued by Jacob and repays this kindness with cruelty, and abandons him again. He follows, and she sleeps with him —a few times— which ironically are the only times she even remembers Tess! The characters are hard to Sind likable, and a plot that is implausible yet predictable. It could beneSit from more science along with backstories to give the characters better depth. Still, the author maintains an action Silled pace to keep the reader entertained.

Rika Chandra

SCI-FI: Calay and Tess are enjoying an intimate moment in their apartment when all hell breaks loose. The apartment is destroyed, and people are being annihilated by alien crafts. On the run, Calay wakes up disoriented in the middle of a warehouse, covered in blood, and Tess is nowhere in sight. With grit and determination she escapes, and now her sole mission is to Sind the love of her life. Cast out by her parents Sive years before for coming out, Tess is all she has left, and the only one she can count on. Scrounging around the apocalyptic city for sustenance and supplies, will she have the resources and strength to Sind Tess? And in doing so, can she avoid being captured by the ‘Others’?

This Sci-Fi apocalyptic mashup keeps one on their toes! Though there are several gaps in the storyline, with less science - more Siction, it is an intriguing read. Calay runs headlong into obvious danger with questionable and implausible choices. She mistrusts and attacks Jacob, a solo survivor like herself, who is kind to her but then runs willingly toward a group of armed men who attack her. Calay is then

Rembrandt’s Station (Exiles of the Drift 2)

Christie Meierz

SCI-FI: Albert “Bertie” Rembrandt, Tolar stationmaster, keeps an eye on everything that goes on and manages to keep everyone safe. Alas, Bertie is human and a banished aristocrat who has fallen in love with Monral, but due to Tolari culture, is banned from admitting his true feelings for him. As Bertie works to keep his adopted world protected from enemies, solve a family squabble, stay mortal yet still be with Monral and Six many catastrophes, he falls ill from mysteriously being poisoned. Bertie becomes weakened from the toxin, yet he still has work to do and wants to continue doing what he did before despite the danger to his life. When Bertie does get the chance to be with his one true love, he still doesn’t want to give up his humanity. This is truly an astounding LGBT science Siction story that is such an engaging tale! Sure, the story starts off slowly, but as it progresses, it magically transports the reader to a scarily dangerous universe. The smooth writing style and excellent world building are fully apparent, making for such captivating imagery! Unfortunately, some of the character descriptions, like how they actually function or move, are puzzling. Also, this is the second book, so some readers that like to read the series in sequence might not want to read this separately, even though the book can standalone without any problems. Bertie is just the perfect angst-ridden protagonist. Even with all of the dilemmas he must face, it isn’t hard to connect with him. Ms. Meierz writes an amazing, exhilarating, nail-biting space opera that is truly an extraordinary read!

Roslynn Ernst

Ghostly Howls: A Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Stephanie Hansen understands Orla but lives with her too. Orla is scared to touch anyone, including her best friend, Dave, whom she also loves.

Orla is a soul possessor and cockle shell seller who lives a very solitary, lonely existence. Her roommate, Molly, is a half banshee who not only

Molly loves Cormac, but whenever Molly gets close to her, she inexplicably pulls away. Molly keeps having visions and hearing the name Drogheda yet doesn’t know what it means. Orla and Molly’s small-town Ethel, VA, is being plagued by angry poltergeists. Orla must overcome her touch aversion in order to show how much she loves Dave, while Molly must stop Cormac from getting on a boat to help a friend. Plus, they both must stop the ghosts from invading the town without losing their loves or each other.

An extraordinary paranormal fantasy Silled with so many different elements all jam-packed into a fast read! The story is told from dual points of view, pushing the tale along wonderfully and managing to thoroughly immerse readers in the thick of it. The town is portrayed beautifully, although it doesn’t seem like such a good idea to visit. The story, however, is complete and written with great care with each of the protagonist’s abilities explained perfectly. Nevertheless, both live in such careful isolation. The book doesn’t skimp on visual descriptions either. Hopefully, there will be more about the other characters and the town in another book. Ms. Hansen has penned such a magniSicent story that the only sad thing is that it has to end!

Roslynn Ernst

A Laughing Matter of Pain

Cynthia Hilston

Narrator: Brian Callanan mistakes before he starts appreciating his life. Harry is a tortured soul who eventually Sinds his way to a decent life. The tension varies as Harry navigates life, as does the pacing. However, his conSlicts are crystal clear!

Brian Callanan does a Sine job narrating this story. His characters each have a distinctive voice and his consistency is notable. There aren’t any obvious production errors or extraneous noises in the recording. This story is welladapted as an audiobook.

Carey Sullivan

his time at Auschwitz, he will reexamine what remains of his humanity and Sind the answer to one that plagues almost all people: was his life enough? Did his work make a difference? Could he have done something better?

“Primo” is an emotional and powerful experience that reminds one of the depth of the human soul and what it takes to break it. Forever haunted by his past life in the concentration camp

HISTORICAL: As this audiobook begins in the 1920’s in Cleveland, Ohio, it’s pretty clear there will be a reckoning in Harry Rechthart’s future. He is Silled with jealousy of his older brother, with hurt at being ignored and misjudged by his family, and with laughter to cover his pain. He falls in with a crowd that deSinitely doesn’t want him to be his best self. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion: it’s going to happen… It’s just not clear how bad it’s going to be. It turns out pretty terrible for Harry. However, the story has redeeming qualities, and Harry gets the chance for redemption after his reckoning. He does so admirably, for a time. Then his life is thrown into chaos again, and he traipses down the poor-choice path once again, and ignores his original family for many years. His relationship with his new family suffers, until he pulls himself up and starts making better choices again.

Harry isn’t always a very likable protagonist. He gets lost in the bottle often, and runs from pain instead of facing it. He loves his family, but makes really poor decisions regarding their future. His Sirst girlfriend, Kat, is toxic, but Harry is unable to see it. Unfortunately, he is a protagonist that has to make a lot of stupid

Primo: A Stage Play: Auschwitz through the lens of time

Ed Davidson

Narrator: Abby Craden, Jay Aaseng, Jeremy Cohen, Violinist, Mark McClain Wilson, Mark P. Robinson, and P.J. Ochlan

Auschwitz, during World War II, Primo Sinds himself reliving certain events in full on his last day of life. Mr. Davidson captures this beautifully, seamlessly interweaving Slashbacks with Primo’s present. A rollercoaster of emotions takes place over the course of this play. Each trip back in time is impactful and well chosen. Some are disturbing, reminding listeners of the horrors of the holocaust. Listeners will be left thinking about “Primo” long after it is over and will leave them questioning and reevaluating their own lives.

HISTORICAL: In 1987, famous author and holocaust survivor, Primo Levy fell down the stairs of his home and unfortunately passed away. That last day of his life is the beginning of this powerful stage play: a Sictitious reimagining of the Sinal moments of his life. Take a trip through time as Primo re-lives some of the most terrible experiences of his life. Through this voyage, particularly

All of the actors present have strong performances! Each connects with their character and the events taking place in the scene, adding to the drama and intensity of the emotions they are experiencing. The whole production is well timed, having the perfect length for the content and good pacing. There’s some light music incorporated with scene breaks that help build the atmosphere, and a few stage sound effects are used tastefully that add to the fullness of the production.

This is a great listen for lovers of history!

Chelsea Andersen

Azabu Getaway (Detective Hiroshi series, Book 5)

Michael Pronko

Narrator: Peter Berkrot satisfying and thrilling experience!

Peter Berkrot gives a strong performance. The narrative sections are his strongest. With his acting, the slower portions of the book keep moving as he commands the pacing of the tale. His portrayal of Detective Hiroshi is excellent! The male side characters are better performed than the female ones. There are a lot of accents and a lot of character changes that are performed seemingly with ease. Tone and quality of the recording are well produced. A great listen!

SUSPENSE/THRILLER: Tokyo

detective Hiroshi Shimizu Sinds himself in unfamiliar territory when one of Japan’s highest respected and ranked executives is murdered. Just as he’s making progress, another murder takes place and two girls are kidnapped in a seemingly unrelated case. The further he investigates the incident, the more he realizes that this might not be true. As he dives deeper into the hidden parts of Japan’s Sinancial world, he discovers that world is much darker than it seems and it extends beyond their borders.

Full of suspense, “Azabu Getaway” is the detective novel, mystery readers crave! A solid procedural novel that is part of the Detective Hiroshi series, readers can enjoy it as a standalone adventure.

Detective Hiroshi Shimizu is a dependable character that is easy to like. There are moments in the story where the Slow is a little slow. Mr. Pronko uses that pacing to help build the ambiance of the book. There is great attention to detail both in how Detective Hiroshi goes about his case as well as the cultures present in Japan. The story shines the most in its layers of details that teleport readers to Tokyo. Overall, it is a again many years later, while arguing over a stolen necklace above a Silthy bar. Both are carrying ‘scars’ from that earlier meeting. However, Leona recognizes Aldwin, but he doesn’t recognize her. And Leona is a strong and capable protagonist, as is Aldwin, but she needs to keep her identity secret. Nevertheless, the intensity of these opening scenes sets the tone for the rest of this well-thought out story.

This is the perfect story for a dark night, cozied up in blankets, when one is in need of amysterious adventure!

The tension and pacing are perfect throughout this audiobook. Fair warning: this story is difSicult to pause once started. The story is intense; dangerous people abound and appear in unexpected places. The world-building descriptions are vivid and easily imagined, with villains who are truly vile, and with good characters who are wonderful people that listeners can really enjoy. The conSlicts and motivations are established early, and the protagonists don’t stray from these. Unfortunately, the villains are motivated by greed and revenge, and switch allegiances readily depending on who can provide the best reward…

A Knight's Temptation (Knight’s Series Book 3)

Catherine Kean

Narrator: James Gillies

HISTORICAL: This audiobook starts with an intense and heartwrenching prologue that pulls readers into the story unequivocally. The story begins in Moydenshire, England, in 1183, where Lady Leona Ransley and Aldwin Treynarde meet for the Sirst time as children. Something unfortunate happens that day that affects both of these protagonists for years to come. They meet

James Gillies does a marvelous job navigating the various character voices required within this audiobook. His voice is delightfully smooth and easy to listen to, while remaining true to each character he is expressing. His accents are believable and he conveys the story realistically. The sound quality is excellent on this recording, and there aren’t any unexpected noises or obvious mistakes within the recording. This audiobook is a true delight for any lover of historical and/or medieval romance!

Carey Sullivan