Even if it needs to remain a secret

Under the Magnolia: Daughter of Fire Prequel Novella by Fleur Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book now introduces us to Evie Jacobs in her high school years, where the blooms of love start to bloom. Fleur Smith takes us back to where the Evie & Clay story began. The eloquent writing of this author makes the story flow, meandering over highs and lows in a young girl's live.

Evie has never been able to have friends. Each time she tries, her father’s paranoia sends them fleeing to another state.

When a mysterious boy at her most recent school takes an interest in her, she longs for some kind of human connection.

Even if it needs to remain a secret.

Can Evie discover her true self when everyone she cares about is hiding a deadly truth?

Aspects of this book were previously published as part of Through the Fire by Michelle Irwin. (less)



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A maiden dying for adventure!

Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold by Demelza Carlton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am enjoying reading the Medieval Fairytales by Demelza Carlton. She does such a wonderful job of remaking old classics to make these stories her own. With all the aspects of a medieval story, monsters, heroes and the classic maiden (ok maybe not the classic) but a maiden nevertheless.

A maiden dying for adventure! A prince on a perilous quest. Monsters that must be slain.

Once upon a time…

After losing a battle with a dragon, George is desperate to salvage his reputation. Only he can’t do it alone – he needs an assistant.
Royal tailor Melitta longs for adventure, so when she hears of a job opening for an apprentice hero, she jumps at the chance. Slaying monsters must be more exciting than sewing.

Can the unlikely pair still succeed at their quest – or will they fall for each other instead?



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Can a free spirit find the freedom she craves?

If I Were Me by J. Corrine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


J. Corrine is a new author to me and this is her first release. The story introduces us to Jeannie who is a bit of a wild child who won't conform to her parent's wishes. The story follows her attempts to be more than just the next in line to the family expectation. This is an easy read, with some amusing parts, sad parts and lovely parts, all of which makes up the life of Jeannie.

Can a free spirit find the freedom she craves?

Jeannie Astor chases after her dreams while her identical twin adheres to the path their parents laid. The wild child seeks relief from her stifling life in New York and will do anything to see the world at large.

After Jeannie makes her escape, she soon discovers that freedom may come at too high a price. When she returns home, she tries in earnest to live up to the demands of her family name. Stymied by rules, rejection, and criticism at every turn, she fights to hang on to what little is left of herself.

When reality and dream collide, will she become someone she swore she’d never be?



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Even if she has to paint him there herself

The Art of Love by Michelle Irwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A very colourful and light hearted story by Michelle Irwin. This story introduces us to Ariana (The Artist) and Hennessy (Bar Manager) and a whole lot of misunderstandings make for some amusing moments.

A whirlwind of color meets a man whose face could launch a thousand ships, and at least that many orgasms.

When art school student Ariana stumbles onto Cecelia’s, a hidden bar on New York’s Fifth Avenue, she finds her muse. After their first meeting, she wants him in her bedroom anyway she can, even if she has to paint him there herself.


Her attempts to capture his likeness could provide the passion her art needs, if they don’t drive her crazy first.

Hennessy is the last man defending his mother’s legacy from his stepmother’s plans to remodel Cecelia’s. When a mysterious young woman crashes into his life, he’s unable to forget her or the crazy things she does.

Can her storm bring calm to his life or will her manic influence cost him everything?



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Beacon by Michelle Irwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The two words that come to me when I started to read this story were WOW and OMG. Michelle Irwin writes this very emotional story with such grace and poise and is a true love story. Take your tissues with you when you start reading the final phase in Phoebe Reede's story.

Sometimes happily doesn’t last ever after.

Beau Miller believes the worst of the battles are behind him and Phoebe. They’ve found their way together despite the odds and have settled into their new normal. Only, an unexpected discovery will change everything.

Will Beau find the beacon he needs to guide him through the biggest certainty of life?



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Decode: Declan Reede: The Untold Story #5 by Michelle Irwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Once again Michelle Irwin spins together the words to make the story a wonderful read. We pick up Declan's story at the start of his second Christmas with his every expanding family while trying to work his way through the mysteries of fatherhood.

Bring it home. Claim the win. Celebrate the victory.

Declan Reede finally has it all. He has a family he never expected. His career has been revived in a way no one could have predicted.

The future looks brighter than ever as he faces the greatest challenge of all--bringing a new life into his family.

Can he decode the mysteries of fatherhood as he navigates the wildest ride of his existence?



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Phantom by Michelle Irwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love the Phoebe Reede Story, all the highs and all the lows. Michelle Irwin knows how to write a very intriguing story will twists and turns that run smoothly in the written word. Michelle has a few surprises in this book but these go a long way to explain quite a few things in earlier books (won't go into spoiler details).

When she came home she had nothing left, but now she wants it all.

After fighting her way back from tragedy, Phoebe Reede is ready to claim the life she deserves. With Beau at her side, she thinks it might be possible. Only, the things she wants are out of her reach.

Can Phoebe find joy in what she has, or will she destroy her own happiness chasing a phantom?

**Due to strong language and sexual content not intended for anyone under the age of 18. Some books in this series contain content, including sexual assault and violence, that may trigger emotional distress in some readers.**



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