#BookReview ~ The Light Beside the Sea (A Zodiac Mystery) by Connie di Marco ~ @askzodia #Mystery #ZodiacMystery

The Light Beside the Sea by Connie di Marco

The Light Beside the Sea (A Zodiac Mystery)

Traditional Mystery

5th in Series

Setting: San Francisco, California

Publisher: CMA Literary (May 6, 2024)

Paperback: ‎341 pages

ISBN-13: ‎979-8989009596

Digital Print length: ‎318 pages

ASIN: ‎B0D393JQ87

About The Light Beside the Sea:

San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti has been haunted for years by the hit and run death of her fiancé, Michael Sefton. The driver of the vehicle was never apprehended. The lone witness to the accident spoke to no one and now is dead. Even the cold case detective assigned to the case died before any resolution was found. Every time Julia thought she might be getting close to an answer, each clue led only to a dead end.

Michael, a graduate student, had just returned from an archeological dig in Guatemala when he was killed. But why did he mail his journal to Julia for safekeeping before his return home? What was he afraid of? Why did another graduate student fall to his death on that trip? And now, another man connected with that journey has been murdered closer to home. And the murderer hasn’t finished.

When Julia finally finds the courage to delve into the journal Michael sent to her years before, she learns of the undercurrents, jealousies and anger between members of the group. She begins to understand the pressure and fear her fiancé was coping with and his suspicions of their University mentor who was most likely engaged in unethical and illegal behavior. But events soon take a darker turn when Julia finds a likeness of the Maya god Hunhau, god of death and the underworld, on her doorstep. A strange man covered with markings and tattoos keeps appearing to her but no one else seems to see him. With guidance from another professor she’s introduced to a world she never knew existed.

Is the man she sees human? And is he under the sway of the Maya god of death?

Will he unleash evil or is he here to right a wrong done to his people?

Julia must move quickly or her death will be the next.

My Review:

The Light Beside the Sea is the fifth book in the Zodiac Mysteries. Julia is still reeling from the untimely and sudden death of her fiancé, Michael Sefton. After returning home from Guatemala, Michael was run down and killed. Was the archeological dig he was part of, the reason for the death? Is the death of one his colleagues on that same trip related to Michael's death? Now, Julia learns of another recent death of someone related to that trip. Julia finally has the courage to read the journal Michael mysteriously mailed to her prior to leaving Guatemala. The journal, filled with passages of anger and jealousy, pushes Julia down the path of a world she was unaware of until now.

The Light Beside the Sea is a great addition to the Zodiac Mystery Series. The twists and turns in the book had my head spinning as I desperately tried to piece things together. The author pulled in characters that had motive, means, and opportunity. I enjoyed at the ebb and flow of the book and how the author tied everything together. The multi-faceted story kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire book.Of course, the death of Michael has haunted Julia for years and during the parts where she had to revisit her past, I really felt her emotions bleed through the pages. She’s still grieving because there really hasn’t been any closure to the tragedy that struck. When she has to fully engage in the journal, new world she comes involved in, revisit the cold case death, and deaths of others from the same trip, her emotional wounds reopen.

The Zodiac Mystery series is very interesting. I'm glad I've been along for the ride. The author does a great job weaving together different threads.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously published on Sapphyria's Books

My Rating:




Visit Connie di Marco:

 
Blog: http://conniedimarco.com/blog

Purchase Link:

Amazon

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~ The One I Left Behind by Piper Rayne ~ #Romance #PiperRayne #PlainDaisyRanch

The One I Left Behind by Piper Rayne

About the Book:

It’s the classic story—boy goes off into the world to fulfill his dreams and leaves the girl behind.

Not every boy returns home, and I wish Ben Noughton wouldn’t have come back to our small ranching town at all after he retired from playing professional football.

I figure it’s a quick layover for him. He always wanted out of this town and off his family’s ranch. I just have to bide my time until he turns his back on all of us again.

Then he takes on the coaching position for the high school football team and starts milling around too much, bulldozing the protective walls I’ve built around myself. But he goes too far when he takes my son under his wing to help him be the best player he can be. Leaving me to protect not only my own heart but my son’s too.

Because I promised myself a long time ago that I’d never be the girl in the rearview mirror again.

My Review:

The One I Left Behind is the first book in the Plain Daisy Ranch series. Ben Noughton left Nebraska to play football with the San Francisco Kingsmen. In doing so, he left behind the love of his life, never looking back. Now he's retired and coming back to Plain Daisy Ranch.

This story is a second-chance romance complete with a single mom and meddling townsfolk. I enjoyed Gillian's character. Her feelings were hurt all those years ago and the last she was looking forward to was Ben coming back to town. When they keep ending up in the same places at the same times, Gillian and Ben finally realize everyone in town is involved in getting them back together. 

When Ben and Gillian encounter each other for the first time, the sparks are still there. Their chemistry explodes like fireworks that never end. They truly are meant for each other. I just wish Gillian would have demanded more from Ben. He left to follow his dreams and Gillian was a casualty of his selfishness. She was left behind, brokenhearted, and the talk of the town. Gossip of her escalated when she had Clayton.

Clayton is a typical teenager. When Ben came back to town, Clayton didn't care who he was or his popularity. Clayton didn't immediately take to Ben. Clayton is completely devoted his mother, and doesn't want to see anything happen to Gillian. 

The One I Left Behind is a cute and fun second-chance romance. I enjoyed the story, setting, and characters. I can't wait for the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase from Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Visit Piper Rayne: 

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Savage Revenge by Kate Oliver ~ #DarkRomance #AlphaMale #StrongHeroine #TouchHerandDie #EnemiestoLovers #BillionaireRomance @greyspromo

Blurb:

Cash
Revenge is what I live for. My father’s blood stains the streets of Las Vegas, and I know exactly who’s to blame. To destroy the man who took everything from me, I’ll start with his daughter.

Jordyn is a sweet, spoiled princess—or so I thought. Kidnapping her was supposed to be my way to break her father, but she’s nothing like I expected. Her fire matches my rage, her softness tempts my darkness, and she sees me for more than the monster I am. Now I’m torn between punishing her… or keeping her. Or both.

Jordyn
My life appears perfect—wealth, power, and security all wrapped in a glittering lie. But it all fell apart the day Cash Savage took me to pay for sins I didn’t commit.

He’s cruel and relentless, but behind his anger, I see his pain. I should hate him, and I should run. But the more I see of the man beneath the heavy armor, the more I crave him. And now, I’m not sure if I want him to let me go.

Amazon

Goodreads

ASIN: ‎ B0DV9RVXS5
Publication date: ‎ July 22, 2025
Print length: ‎ 396 pages

My Review:

Savage Revenge is an intense journey through the dark underbelly of the Las Vegas casino industry.

Describing Cash Savage as unhinged is putting it mildly. He grew up in the casino world of Las Vegas, and that in and of itself is as close to being the mafia as you can get without actually being in the mafia. The business is cut-throat literally and figuratively. When his father is shot outside one of their casinos, there’s only one man to blame, and Cash is going to make him pay.

Jordyn may be in an executive position within her father’s casino empire, but it’s only to placate her and not because she’s good at what she does. Women don’t belong in this world, something her father never lets her forget. When she’s kidnapped from her home by her father’s main competition in Vegas, she doesn’t know whether to believe Cash Savage and his brothers about her father.

This story is dark, gritty, and filthy. It’s full of testosterone, control, and submission. I wasn’t just pulled into Savage Revenge, I was yanked. There were no door frames to try and grab, no way to slow the train down. This book pulls you in and pulls you in hard. I was mesmerized by Kate Oliver’s writing. The ability to dive into the dark side of Vegas with characters that make it out the other side speaks volumes of the author’s capabilities.

There are a few things that take place in this book that made me uncomfortable, and I made sure to read the trigger warnings first so I knew what I was getting into. I advise that you do, as well. My rating does not reflect my discomfort as the book overall is amazing, plus we are warned.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Here For The Cake by Jennifer Millikin #Romance #Frenemies

Here For The Cake by Jennifer Millikin is now live!

About the Book:

A spicy, sassy, and swoony fake dating romantic comedy from Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin.

A week on an island sounds like the stuff of beach dreams, but for Paisley Royce, it's a nightmare. Her little sister is marrying her ex-college sweetheart, and Paisley is serving as maid of honor. To add insult to injury, nobody will let Paisley forget she’s single.

Bachelorette weekend changes everything when she runs into her old college frenemy, Klein Madigan.

Klein is still intelligent and funny, and somehow time has only made him more attractive.

Paisley is Klein’s ‘one that got away’, not that he’d ever admit it to her. A colossal misstep (and one terrible kiss) in college sealed their fate.

Or so they thought.

Klein’s an aspiring author allergic to social media. Paisley owns a digital marketing agency.

A brilliant plan is hatched: A trip across the country for a week of faking out her family in exchange for her firm marketing his work.

One hastily scrawled and signed contract on a bar napkin later, Paisley and Klein embark on a journey of tension, only one bed, and fake dating shenanigans.

Paisley’s goal is to survive the week.

Klein’s plan is to enjoy the sun, sand, and wedding cake.

But then there’s a scorching kiss to make up for that bad one in college.

And another kiss in a lighthouse during a thunderstorm. A gentle palm on Paisley’s lower back, and a reassuring hand squeeze under the table.

Everyone is convinced Klein and Paisley are the real deal, but as the week wears on, they begin to wonder if the only people they’re kidding are themselves.

My Review:

Here for the Cake is a super cute fake-dating story.

Paisley’s sister is marrying one of Paisley’s exes. What an awkward situation for Paisley. Paisley then turns to a former college frenemy, and they decide to enter into a fake dating scenario. Paisley makes sure she has a date for her sister’s wedding, and Klein, an aspiring author, needs promotional assistance by way of Paisley’s marketing firm.

I loved Paisley and Klein’s chemistry. They may have been frenemies once-upon-a-time, but the author created a perfect fake relationship to get them back on track. Here for the Cake is a fresh story in a popular trope. I had fun reading about Paisley and Klein. Fantastic story, wonderful characters, and terrific setting.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Previously reviews on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase from 

Amazon

Add to 

Goodreads

Visit the Author:

Website: https://www.jennifermillikinwrites.com/

This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Deadly. Set. Vegas. (A Vegas Victory FC Novel, Book 1) by Vanessa M. Knight ~ Romantic Mystery #Mystery #Romance

DEADLY. SET. VEGAS.

Vanessa M. Knight

Genre:

Romantic Mystery

About the Book:

Kennedy Romero is not a murderer. Why is she the only one who believes that? Well, her and her best friend believe it. And, yes, she knows it’s a little coincidental that she arrived in Vegas the same day her best friend’s husband was killed. But she swears she had nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, Vegas Metro has other ideas—and they all lead to Kennedy. So instead of enjoying her vacation in Las Vegas, she’s stuck smack-dab in the middle of a murder investigation.

What she would give for an all-you-can-eat buffet and watching her best friend's soccer team play a match. But no. Instead of hitting the casinos, she’s trying to interview the players of the Vegas Victory FC and wishing she wasn’t the main suspect.

The body is growing as cold as the trail of the murderer. But if she doesn’t find the killer soon, Metro will be giving her a red card and she’ll be sitting in jail. Permanently.

My Review:

Deadly. Set. Vegas. is a fantastic murder mystery. Kennedy is a Chicago cop assigned to desk duty and mandatory AA meetings - you do the math. She finds herself in Vegas to support her bestie, Darcy Perrault, who is receiving an award. On the same day Kennedy arrives in Vegas, her bestie's husband, Chuck Perrault, is found dead in a VIP box at the stadium he owns. Since there's no love lost between Kennedy and Chuck, and her unfortunate and coincidental arrival, Kennedy shoots to the top of the suspect list, right next to Darcy. Knowing she didn't do it and neither did Darcy, Kennedy uses her training to dig up clues to exonerate them both. If only Detective Pagonis was easier to work with on this case.

I really enjoyed this mystery. There were twists and turns throughout. The sheer amount of betrayal put a couple of people at the top of my list. I was completely engaged in this story and surprised at who the murderer turned out to be at the end.

The characters are all flawed - significantly, making them more realistic. Kennedy is a great heroine and I enjoyed her encounters with Detective Pagonis. While Kennedy was a thorn in Pagonis's side, she ultimately was a great unofficial sidekick.

This book is so good I read it in one sitting.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:





Visit the Author:

Website: www.VanessaMKnight.com

Purchase from Amazon

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~ Seducing Cinderella: A Fighting for Love Novel, Book 1 by Gina L. Maxwell @Gina_L_Maxwell

He’ll teach her the art of seduction…for a price.

Seducing Cinderella and Rules of Entanglement, the first two books in the titillating, sports romance series; Fighting For Love from New York Times bestselling author Gina L. Maxwell are both now available with bonus content!

Only months before reclaiming his championship title, mixed martial artist Reid Andrews suffers a serious injury. Fortunately, his trainer knows the perfect physical therapist to get Reid healed and back into fighting shape—the little sister of Reid’s best friend. But Lucie is no longer a little girl, and she’s more than capable of handling a bad boy with a bad attitude.

Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. Bookish girls don’t usually land the hot guys, and she’s gone unnoticed by a certain doctor for way too long. So when her childhood crush offers her lessons in seduction in exchange for getting him ready for the biggest night of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.

But when his feelings begin to change, Reid finds himself in the fight of his life, and it’s not even in the octagon. Now he needs to switch up his game plan if he wants to win Lucie’s heart…before she gives it to somebody else.

My Review:

Seducing Cinderella was such a fun book. The older brother’s best friend trope was written well. I enjoyed meeting Lucie and Reid. What started off as a way for Lucie to catch another man’s eye, quickly becomes Reid’s next big challenge: Keep her eyes off the other guy and only on him.

Lucie and Reid are great together. Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved watching him pull Lucie out of her own head. Reid helped boost her confidence. He provided tips and tricks for Lucie to use to charm those around her.

Lucie’s friend Vanessa was a wonderful addition. She was the perfect friend for Lucie. Nessie protected Lucie, stood up for her, and knew Lucie’s worth and tried to get her to see it, as well.

I loved this story.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Links:

Purchase from Amazon

Add Seducing Cinderella to Goodreads 

For more information about Gina L. Maxwell and her books, visit her website: 

https://ginalmaxwell.com

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~ The Drawback of Single Dads by Piper Rayne ~ #ContemporaryRomance #Romance

About the Book:

He’s the father of my child and my best friend.

When Hudson and I met, somehow things just clicked between us. We had the same sense of humor and the same carefree attitude about our lives and goals. Neither of us wanted to lay down roots, we wanted to explore the world.

Then one night, too much alcohol and uncontrolled hormones led to the line blurring, and we fell into bed together only to discover a month later that we were more careless than we thought.

Like the upstanding guy he is, Hudson followed me back to my hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska, where you can’t throw a penny and not hit one of my family members. We gave them the news that yes, we were having a baby but there would be no wedding. We loved each other but we weren’t in love.

Fast forward three years and we live side by side to make co-parenting our daughter easy. I’m a writer, and he’s a ski instructor. We’ve worked out all the rough edges. Life is good.

Until out of nowhere, things start to change. He has a girlfriend, we’re arguing more than ever, and it feels as if someone has come along and popped our perfect bubble. I’m not sure we’re ever going to fit back inside it now because things are developing. Things like feelings.

My Review:

The Drawback of Single Dads is the fourth book in the Lake Starlight series. The focus of this book is Palmer and Hudson, best friends who also got a bit wild and procreated. This friends-to-lovers romance was executed perfectly. Palmer and Hudson are wonderful characters. I loved meeting them, seeing them grow, and watching their romance unfold. The authors filled this book with tension, emotion, and passion.

The story was fantastic, the characters well-developed, and the world-building done spectacularly. I am a huge fan of Piper Rayne (they are pretty much on my "read anything I can get my hands on - without reading the blurb first" list). I was so engaged with Palmer and Hudson's story from the first paragraph. The writing, characters, setting, and story took my breath away. The Drawback of Single Dads and the entire Lake Starlight series are highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase from Amazon

Add to Goodreads

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~ Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn (The Downside of Dating, Book 2) ~ @AveryFlynn @entangledpub #SportsRomance #Hockey

Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

About the Book:

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life.

My Review:

Walk of Shame is the second book in The Downside of Dating series.

Walk of Shame is a fun romantic comedy. I fell in love with both Astrid and Cal. They are fantastic characters individually but put them together and they are extraordinary. The chemistry and steam is off the charts. The snark, competitiveness, and genuine affection between the two mains was enjoyable to read. I loved watching Astrid and Cal's love story unfold.

Walk of Shame is a cute romance between two unsuspecting characters. One was burned by a hockey player and hardened her heart. The other was consumed by hockey. They thought their lives were great until he walked into her bar, then they realized was great really meant.

The book is perfectly paced, well-written, and the setting and world-building expertly crafted. I devoured Walk of Shame because once I started reading the book, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

Avery Flynn is a one-click author for me. Every book is phenomenal. The themes, settings, and multitude of characters are unique, likable, and imperfectly perfect.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~ The (Anti) Wedding Party by Lucy Knott ~ #RomCom #Romance

The (Anti) Wedding Party

It's the biggest day of their best friends' lives... and they might just ruin it.

About the Book:

Andi hates weddings. So when her best friend Alex tells her she’s getting married in Italy, and asks her to be her maid of honour, she knows she’s the wrong woman for the job. But Alex won’t take no for an answer, and so begins a week-long trip to a beautiful villa in Italy, full of potential disasters that it’s Andi’s job to avoid. But what if she’s the one causing them?

Enter Owen, fellow wedding-hater, Best Man and also the worst person for the job. Tall, sexy and warm, Andi can’t help but feel the ice around her heart begin to melt when he’s around. But as Andi and Owen grow closer, the disasters begin to multiply, try as they might to keep them at bay. Together, can they put their feelings aside and pull off a successful wedding for those they love most?

My Review:

The (Anti) Wedding Party stars Andi as the cynical, wedding-hating main character. Her parents' marriage was a failure and Andi's own fiancée cheated on her on their wedding day, in the bathroom, with one of the maid's of honor. Her hatred of anything matrimony related permeates off the pages. 

Andi is dismayed when her bestie Alex announces her engagement and asks Andi to be her maid of honor. Andi knows she's not the person for the job and expresses her displeasure during a time when all there should be is excitement. I wasn't a fan of how Andi reacted to Alex's news. Personal dislike for anything wedding related is fine but you don't drag your friends down during a very exciting and happy time in their lives. Andi does finally buck up and she and her mom travel to Italy for the festivities.

Paired up with Alex's fiancée Charlie's best man, Owen, there are now to wedding-haters in very prominent positions. Between the banter, hating on the very reason they are in Italy, and the disasters that continue to crop up, is a successful wedding even possible? Andi and Owen need to pull it together in order to make the wedding between Alex and Charlie as epic as possible. 

This book had its ups and downs but ultimately we got the story we desired. I was not impressed with Andi's character and did not relate to her at all. In fact, she and I would probably never be friends in real life. However, she was the perfect character for the role she played in the book. The author did a great job creating her and helping her to evolve past her wedding-hating ways. Owen can take some credit for that, too. He was a fantastic character.

Ultimately, this was a fun story with great writing and wonderful imagery. I don't need to like all the characters in the book for it to be a fantastic read. Sometimes having a downer in the book aids the needed controversy or conflict. Eventually that controversy or conflict is solved, allowing said character to grow and move forward in their life.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously published on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/48T26YR

Meet the Author:

Lucy Knott loves nothing more than curling up in a cozy writing spot, with coffee and biscuits on hand, and writing the day away.

She loves love in all its forms and adores writing warm, happy stories full of romance, sibling bonds and best friends who know each other inside and out. You’re also guaranteed to find the most delicious food in her books, with Lucy being a lover of Italian food and anything and everything sweet.

When not writing Lucy enjoys spending time with her partner and her family, cooking her Nanna and Grandad’s Italian dishes (that you can find in her and her twin sister, Kelly’s cookbook, Fame Da Lupo), baking all kinds of cake and cookies, and getting lost in a good book.

Social Media Links:

You can find Lucy on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @LucyCKnott

https://www.tiktok.com/@lucycknott

https://twitter.com/LucyCKnott

https://www.instagram.com/LucyCKnott

Publisher Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriaFiction

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaFiction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headofzeus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headofzeus

This blog uses affiliate links.

Cover Reveal ~ Mirror's Fate by Justine Alley Dowsett ~ #DarkFantasy #Romance #Fantasy @MirrorWorldPub

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the cover reveal for

Mirror's Fate by Justine Alley Dowsett

About Mirror's Fate:

Balance is Everything

The Mask Tendro picked up after the battle in the Mirror World is more than it seems. When he puts it on he is flooded with all the memories of his previous lives and all the ways his future could play out. Choosing to destroy the Mask instead of giving into the temptation of hiding beneath it, Tendro decides that this time he’s going to do things differently. And that means staying one step ahead of Caralain in his own world and the one that Mirrors it.

Mirena agrees to help Tendro with his plan, even though it will have her facing harsher consequences for her involvement in the attack on the Capital. But in order to break the cycle, they’re both going to have to tread into uncharted territory and face down friends and enemies alike. Alliances shift, fates change, and the past comes back to haunt them as they finally unravel the secrets of the Mirror Worlds and their places in them.

Release Date: 

July 17, 2025

Genres: 

Dark Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy


Meet the Author:

J.A. Dowsett (she/her) writes scifi and fantasy with strong romantic subplots. Her books range from young adult (the Crimson Winter trilogy, Neo Central) to adult fantasy romance (Mirror Worlds, Ismera). She loves superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons, and Star Trek. In her spare time, she owns and operates Mirror World Publishing, an independent Canadian press specializing in Escapism Fiction. She lives in Windsor, Ontario.

Connect with J.A. Dowsett:

Website: 

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com

Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Justine-Alley-Dowsett/e/B004MNQAUA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637105.Justine_Alley_Dowsett

#BookReview ~ Against All Odds Anthology (Far, Far Away Vol. 3) @MirrorWorldPub #Fantasy #SciFi #Romance #Escapism

About Against All Odds:

Love wins against the odds, in tumultuous times, unlikely circumstances, and dangerous places...

Volume three of our Far, Far Away series brings seven authors together to put a spotlight on stories of marginalized love.

Step across the galaxy to a world where love defies gender, race, and the outbreak of war. Fight for love of all kinds when the well-being of family and friends are threatened by magic power-tools. Witness an unlikely and dangerous affair between a god and his human handler. Then learn the meaning of self-love through the lived experience of a sentient Sapphire.

Through these powerful, unique tales, love is revealed to be the ultimate risk, it gives you purpose when the world turns dark and strange, and it proves time and again that it crosses all barriers, whether they are those of culture, time, distance, or strife. In this collection, love really does conquer all.

Stories in the Anthology:

“Worldsteppers” by Jane Lupino

“Do It Yourself” by Titania Blesh

“The Pomegranate Question” by Mason Michalak

 “The Value of a Sapphire” by Andrea Barton

“Chasing Llyranite” by Shannon Nell

“vAMP” by Taylor Calder

“White Snake, Jade Terrapin” by Pat Woods

My Review of the Anthology:

Against All Odds is a fantastic collection of love stories that face obstacles, challenges, and danger. Love that is unconventional, unusual, and nontraditional. Each story is unique, engaging, and original. I was immersed in each author's world, enjoying the characters and their tales of love.

Each of the seven stories is five-star read. Grab your copy today and escape into the realm of love Against All Odds.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Follow the Tour:

https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/book-tour-schedule-against-all-odds.html

Release Date:

May 19, 2025

Publisher Links:

Website

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

Blog

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.wordpress.com

Twitter/X

http://www.twitter.com/mirrorworldpub

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28439132-mirror-world

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-d6tf8fpn4_mjraKjM-hUQ

Purchase Links:

Ebook

Paperback

Amazon

#BookReview ~ Midnight by Cala Riley ~ #MCRomance #Romance

Midnight
The best and the worst thing happened to me when I was nineteen. I became the father to two beautiful twin girls, but it tied me to their mother. I never thought I would trust a woman again until I met her. Lainey. She's everything I should stay away from. Young, gorgeous, and comes with a lot of baggage. Not only does she work at my tattoo shop, but she is also my twin's nanny. So why can't I leave her alone?

Lainey
My only goal in life is to survive. When I walked into the Lotus MC club that night, that was the only thought on my mind. I had no idea what I was getting into until I met him. Midnight. Not only is he offering me a life raft, but there's more to him than the grumpy persona he puts on. When his life is thrown for a loop, I offer to jump in and help him. After all, he is my attractive boss who I owe my life to.


My Review:

Midnight is the fantastic fourth book in the Lotus MC series. The authors crushed the single father and the nanny trope. For the record, the authors also nailed the baby mama who uses the kids as pawns. As someone married to a man with a daughter, I saw firsthand how mothers use their kids to hurt fathers. It’s pathetic and disgusting and Midnight’s ex was aptly written and portrayed. I love the real-life elements I can relate to even when they aren’t the good elements.

Midnight is a beautiful and gritty MC romance, filled with suspense, action, and realism. The authors created a novel with all the feels. The description of the book pulled me in but the character-driven plot, outstanding character development and world-building, and writing style kept me engaged. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Amazon

Goodreads

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Wedded Chaos by by Tina Saxon ~ #BillionaireRomance #Romance #WeddedChaos #TinaSaxon

Bachelor party in Vegas.

What could go wrong?

About the Book:

The feisty, green-eyed brunette who stole my coffee thought she was being cute. The last thing this billionaire needs is a thief in his life—especially one with a sharp tongue, a fiery temper, and legs that go on for days.

But one wild night in Sin City changes everything. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

The only thing I left in Vegas was my single status—and my wife.

Six years ago, my playboy lifestyle came to a screeching halt. These days, my life revolves around boardrooms, dance recitals, and mastering the perfect bun for my little girl. That is until Gracyn Carmichael comes crashing into it, flipping everything upside down.

Turns out she stole more than my coffee.

I can’t stay away, even with thousands of miles between us. She thinks our drunken wedding night was a mistake. I’m here to prove my wife wrong. Because when I want something, I close the deal.

But when the past we never saw coming collides with the future I’m trying to build…I might just lose it all.

My Review:

Wedded Chaos entertained me from the very first page. Gracyn quits her job at her dad’s establishment after an altercation with the manager. She is weeks away from graduating and becoming a teacher and a little relieved to have some time off to concentrate. A chance meeting in a coffee shop has Gracyn crashing a bachelor party to hang out with Brooks. When she awakens the next morning it’s in a hospital bed with a marriage certificate for herself and Brooks.

Two different sides of the country, two different lifestyles, but a whole lot of chemistry. The story is fast-paced as post-Vegas-wedding chaos has Gracyn trying to annul the marriage and Brooks dragging his feet. I love how this book is not predictable. So many events happen that you will not suspect, and it just makes this story that much more fabulous.

This is my first experience with Tina Saxon, and it will not be my last. Her story telling is fascinating and I love her writing style. I enjoyed every bit of Wedded Chaos. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Amazon

Goodreads

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Royal Ransom: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: (Princess Procedural, Book 4) (Haven Hollow Book 42) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain #PWF #Paranormal #HPMallory #JRRain

 

ASIN: ‎ B0DTJFM238
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ March 29, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 193 pages

Amazon
Goodreads

About the Book:

Reign of Winter

When I became Chief of Police in Haven Hollow, I thought my biggest challenge would be keeping the supernatural residents in line while raising my two adopted sons.

I was wrong.

My ex-fiancé, Fox Aspen, was kidnapped by the would-be queen of Winter, and his life is hanging on the line.

Not only that, my brother’s soul, which was trapped in his class ring, has been stolen by Wren, Janara’s right-hand-woman.

And if that weren’t enough to make me want to tear my hair out, my husband—yes, I have one of those, too—has disappeared after being possessed by a vampire deity.

Now my worst enemy, the usurper Queen Janara, has sent me a severed finger along with a chilling ultimatum: surrender, or everyone I love dies.

Becoming the queen I was born to be means sacrificing the life I’ve worked so hard to build. But staying human means abandoning those who need me most…

With refugees from Misty Hollow flooding my town, a murderous fairy queen hunting me down, and family I never knew I had thrown into the mix, I’m facing impossible choices at every turn.

I never wanted a crown, that’s true.

But I’ll be damned if I let Janara keep it.

My Review:

Royal Ransom is the 41st book in the Haven Hollow series, and the fourth book in the Princess Procedural spin-off. I love how the focus of each book in the series is on a different character. Taliyah is the narrator for the Princess Procedural tales, and I really love her stories.

This book follows right on the heels of the eighth and final book in the Misty Hollows series, As the Crow Dies. Refugees from Misty Hollow are dropped at the doorstep of Haven Hollow. As they flow through the portal from the Winter realm, Fox stays behind and is unceremoniously kidnapped by Janara, the evil would-be queen. Now, Fox’s life is on the line, and Taliyah has been sent an unsavory ultimatum. Since she’s in line for the throne, Taliyah turns to someone who may be able to sneak her into Winter without involving anyone in Haven Hollow.

This installment is dark, gritty, and full of action as Taliyah works through several challenges all tossed into her lap at the same time. She has to try and come to terms with her Princess Olwen side, saving Fox and the entirety of the Winter realm, and rescue her brother’s soul. High costs are paid on this book, ones that will have a lasting effect throughout future books. If anyone can serve and protect, while resisting the evil that flows around them, it’s Taliyah and entire Haven Hollow cast of characters.

Royal Ransom is a wonderful fourth book in the Princess Procedurals series (and book 41 in the Haven Hollows series) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters continue to evolve and bond.  

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.