Fleeting Memory - #TankaTuesday #haibun #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! My school year has already begun, though the students don't start until Thursday. I went in last week to prepare my classroom. Today, tomorrow, and Wednesday are filled with meetings and lesson planning. I had an incredible summer vacation and feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and I'm excited to meet my new students.

For this week's #TankaTuesday challenge, Melissa encouraged us to write a poem about forgetting. Each day has been quite busy this past week, so I'm just getting around to it today. I've chosen to write a haibun.

(image courtesy of @skaistyte on Pixabay)

Fleeting Memory

They say a teacher's brain makes over a hundred decisions in a day. Maybe that's why my memory has short-circuited. It no longer has the capacity to hold on to information from one year to the next. Honestly, sometimes I don't even remember things from last month. So, I take pictures, keep a journal, and rely on others to remind me of what I have misplaced in my brain's file folders. 

living for today

relishing present moments

brain quickly forgets

Would you like to participate in this week's prompt? Join us here.

July 2026 Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity #magic #werewolves #romance @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! It has been another great month of reading for me. For the first half, I was on a two-and-a-half week hiking road trip, and I wound down each night doing a little reading, so I was able to read through many books this month. The second half of the month brought me less reading time, but I was still able to finish a few stories. I enjoyed them all! Here are my reviews:

Rising Reign (The Wolves of Crescent Creek, Book 3)

by Tessa Hale

Book Genre: Polyamory Romance

Pages: 252

Book Blurb:

Love means sacrifice. And that’s what I’ve done: given everything to keep those I care about safe.

Now, I’m back where it all began, trapped with the architect of my nightmares. And this time, I know he won’t stop until he breaks me.
But my wolves won’t stop either. They’ll do anything to bring me home and end the one who has me in his sights.

Only there are more monsters and enemies than we ever could’ve imagined, and when new secrets are revealed, it will take everything we have to defeat them…

My Review:

This was such a great trilogy. I loved this final book. The new characters brought more depth to the relationships (and I can’t wait to read Rhys’s story!). The way Wren finally sealed her mating bonds was amazing, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I loved how the author wrapped up the loose ends after the final battle. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Inappropriate

by Vi Keeland

Book Genre: Workplace Romance

Pages: 366

Book Blurb:

Terminated for inappropriate behavior.

I couldn’t believe the letter in my hands.

Nine years. Nine damn years I’d worked my butt off for one of the largest companies in America, and I was fired with a form letter when I returned home from a week in Aruba.

All because of a video taken when I was on vacation with my friends—a private video made on my private time. Or so I thought…

Pissed off, I cracked open a bottle of wine and wrote my own letter to the gazillionaire CEO telling him what I thought of his company and its practices.

I didn’t think he’d actually respond.

I certainly never thought I’d suddenly become pen pals with the rich jerk.

Eventually, he realized I’d been wronged and made sure I got my job back.

Only…it wasn’t the only thing Grant Lexington wanted to do for me.

But there was no way I was getting involved with my boss’s boss’s boss. Even if he was ridiculously gorgeous, confident, and charming.

It would be completely wrong, inappropriate even.

Sort of like the video that got me into trouble to begin with.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

But sometimes it’s twice as fun.

My Review:

This is a new author to me, and I’m so happy I stumbled across her. This was such a great book! Ireland and Grant were amazing characters, and I loved the alternating POVs. The flashbacks of Grant’s past were brilliantly interwoven into the storyline. It was refreshing to see a male character with the haunted past instead of the woman, especially when that man was a sexy, overly confident CEO. If you love hot romances, I would definitely recommend this book!

The Cheater’s Game (Glass and Steele, Book 7)

by C.J. Archer

Book Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy

Pages: 316

Book Blurb:

The arrival of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in London brings trouble. When the sharpshooter who beats Willie at poker is murdered, Matt and India investigate. Willie is convinced the victim cheated, but no one knows how until India discovers his secret - he was a paper magician.

When their list of suspects grows to include a member of the mysterious magic Collector's Club, they uncover a spy. But who is he working for? And what does his employer want?

As danger circles, secrets are revealed, and India struggles to keep her own secret hidden from Matt. But when her grandfather introduces her to a man who can change her life, India must decide if she wants her life to change at all.

My Review:

Matt and India must solve another murder, this time to keep Duke from going to jail. When they find out the victim was a magician, it makes them even more determined to find the killer. While trying to solve the mystery, they are also planning their wedding. India’s grandfather is meddling in her life and trying to get her to embrace her magic more, frustrating Matt. And India tries to help her best friend become an independent woman.

This was such a great story with so many moving pieces! I loved how the story ended and can’t wait to read the next one, though I am worried about India’s secret being exposed in the worst way. I’m really enjoying this series.

Crown of War and Shadow: Kingdom of the Compass

by J.R. Ward

Book Genre: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy

Pages: 496

Book Blurb:

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall…

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

My Review:

JR Ward is one of my favorite authors because of her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, so when I heard she wrote this new book, I had to read it. As expected, I loved it! The characters were all amazingly written, especially Merc and Sorrel. I loved the struggles Sorrel had in trusting Merc and in accepting her feelings for him. And I loved how she held onto her goodness despite all that was done to her.

The revelation that happened in the last chapters of the book was mind-blowing, and I loved every minute of it! I won’t give anything away, but it was awesome! I loved how the author sprinkled in clues throughout the story, but the truth of it all was so powerful! This was a great book, and I cannot wait for her to write the next book, so I can dive right in!

The Summer Proposal

by Vi Keeland

Book Genre: New Adult & College Romance

Pages: 343

Book Blurb:

The first time I met Max Yearwood was on a blind date.
Max was insanely gorgeous, funny, and our chemistry was off the charts. He also had the biggest dimples I’d ever laid eyes on.
Exactly what I needed after my breakup.
Or so I thought…
Until my real date arrived.
Turned out, Max wasn’t who I was there to meet. He only pretended to be until my real date showed up.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
Before he left, he slipped me a ticket to a hockey game a few blocks away, in case things didn’t work out on my actual date.
I tossed the ticket into my purse and went about trying to enjoy the man I was supposed to meet.
But my real blind date and I had no connection.
So on my way home, I decided to take a chance and stop by the game.
When I arrived, the seat next to me was empty.
Disappointed again, I decided to leave at the end of the period.
Just before the buzzer, one of the teams scored, and the entire arena went crazy.
A player’s face flashed up on the Jumbotron. He was wearing a helmet, but I froze when he smiled.
You guessed it: Dimples.
Apparently, my fake blind date hadn’t invited me to watch hockey with him, he’d invited me to watch him play.
And so began my adventure with Max Yearwood.
He was everything I needed at the time—fun, sexy, up for anything, and only around for a few months since he’d signed with a new team three-thousand miles away.
Max proposed we spend the summer helping me forget my ex. It sounded like a good plan. Things couldn’t get too serious when we had an expiration date. Right?
Though, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

My Review:

What a great story! I was captured from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. Georgia and Max were such great characters! I loved their relationship. Their chemistry and connection was amazing. This author is becoming a favorite of mine. There were so many parts where I laughed at loud at the humor she embedded in the moments. And there were moments I teared up because love isn’t perfect. I enjoyed everything about this story and am so happy with the ending. 

The Prisoner's Key (Glass and Steele, Book Eight)

by C.L. Archer

Book Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy

Pages: 288

Book Blurb: 

India's study into the language of spells is interrupted by the arrest of her teacher for an unpaid debt. Before Matt can repay it for him, the powerful magician escapes from his prison cell. To make matters worse, the moneylender is murdered and the magician is implicated.

Convinced of his innocence, India and Matt must discover who really killed the moneylender before the police find the magician. Their investigation leads them down a path littered with lies, betrayal, scandal, and interference from people they don't trust.

Meanwhile, Matt's relatives accuse Cyclops of ruining their daughter, and plan to marry off their manipulative youngest to someone even more manipulative and far more powerful. Should Matt and India support the union, or try to stop it? And how will they stop Cyclops from being deported back to America?

My Review:

This was another great addition to the series. This book had so many side plots, and I loved them. I'm happy India came clean with Matt about her secret so they could stay strong in their relationship. Matt's nieces caused so many headaches in this book, but I am happy that it brought Catherine and Cyclops closer together. Hope's situation still isn't resolved, but I hope she gets her comeuppance as well.

Solving this story's crime had several turns, which I loved. The author does a wonderful job in keeping you guessing and then pulling all the pieces together. The ending was great, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next one. :-)

 

Did you read any great books this month? I'd love to hear from you. :-)

Missing! - #W3 #limerick #nonsensepoem #Ekphrastic #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! It's only Wednesday, but it's been quite a busy week for me. I've had a few wellness appointments - just annual checkups to make sure all is well, and it is. :-) I also spent time with my family as we had another birthday celebration for my son. We went to Topgolf and had a blast. I had never been before, and it was more fun than I expected it to be. And I met with my new principal and assistant principal and a few other leaders in the school. It was a great meeting, and I'm excited about the new school year.

Today, I am participating in this week's Wea've Written Weekly (W3) Prompt #222. Matt has invited us to write an Ekphrastic limerick-and-nonsense poem. He provided the image below along with the format to use. Here it is:

For my limerick, I used a 12-12-5-5-12 syllabic pattern, and for my nonsense poem, I used a 10-10-4-10-10 pattern. So, here is my poem:

Missing!

Whatever became of Sir Swellimpedeedoo?

An upstanding citizen we all loved and knew

He spread lots of cheer

Throughout the whole year

Then disappeared one day without leaving a clue

He didn't tell anyone of his plans

Nor did he leave a forwarding address

This much is true!

Our favorite neighbor chose to leave us

And now, our whole town is left feeling blue.

Would you like to participate in this prompt? Join us here.

Arch Nemesis - #W3 #triolet #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! Summer is in full swing in South Florida, and it is hot, hot, hot! I know there are parts of the world that do not have air-conditioning, but I cannot imagine enduring a South Florida summer without it. Even the ocean provides no reprieve as the temperature feels like bath water. Still, I'll take summer over winter any day. Lol!

Today, I'm participating in the Wea've Written Weekly (W3) Prompt #221. Selma invites us to write a triolet, which is a playful eight-line poem, eight syllables in each line, that uses a ABaAabAB rhyme scheme. The theme had to focus on summer and a "thought you cannot quite shake".

As much as I love summers, the one aspect I could do without is mosquitoes. I am highly allergic. I break out in welts and their bites stay with me for days, sometimes even past a week. And the bites itch incessantly! Unfortunately, I am a mosquito magnet. There can be one mosquito in a room of a thousand people, and it will bite me all night long. So, for this poem, I wrote about my arch nemesis. Lol!

(image courtesy of @francok35 on Pixabay)

Arch Nemesis

A tiny buzz beside my ear

Summer's most irritating pest

Skin begins to crawl, full of fear

A tiny buss beside my ear

I cringe whenever they are near

My skin won't ever get a rest

A tiny buzz beside my ear

Summer's most irritating pest

Would you like to write a poem for this prompt? Join us here.

Manifestation of Dreams - #TankaTuesday #choka #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I am hosting over at #TankaTuesday this week, and I hope you'll join us to write poetry. This week, I've challenged everyone to write about a dream that has come true or one that fell apart. It's such a beautiful day outside my window, and I'm feeling optimistic, so I thought I'd write about a dream coming true.

For today's prompt, I've chosen to write a choka, which is an unrhymed poem that alternates five and seven-syllable lines and then ends with an extra seven-syllable line. It is also often followed with another short poem called a hanka. The hanka summarizes, supplements, or elaborates on the contents of the main poem. I've chosen to write a nine-line choka with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5-7-5-7-5-7-7 followed by a tanka.

(image created by @TAI-Design on Pixabay)

manifestation

you came to me in a dream

filled my soul with song

entered my life with a click

instant connection

easy, comfortable talks

laughter fills the air

magnetic relationship

dream became reality

winter dreams dormant

seeds buried deep carry hope

earth begins to thaw

spring awakens with whispers

beauty explodes all around

Would you like to write a poem for this prompt? Join us here.

Salsa Fever - #W3 #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! Today, I am participating in Wea've Written Weekly (W3)'s prompt. This week, Jaideep invites us to write a "three-line poem that brings together a cultural tradition with modern technology." Here is the structure:

(image courtesy of @Παῦλος on Pixabay)

Salsa Fever

Salsa music infuses Latin rhythm into the soul as the couple dances

Live-streaming shares the electric energy with its viewers

Newcomers arrive throughout the night to join the party

Would you like to write a poem for this prompt? Join us here.

Natural Beauty - #TankaTuesday #bussokuseki #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity #nationalparks @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I'm back from my hiking road trip. It was absolutely amazing! My son and I visited seven states [Nevada, California, Arizona (driving through), Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana (driving through)], went to six national parks (Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone), and hiked over 85 miles! Yes, you read that correctly! LOL! 

We completed many easy and moderate hikes, but we also conquered some strenuous (and even dangerous) hikes. We completed Angel's Landing, which is considered one of the deadliest hikes in America (of course, I didn't find this out until after we hiked it). We also completed the Narrows, which took us ten hours to do since it was mostly in shallow water with slippery rocks. 

The different landscapes were gorgeous, and the peace that surrounded us was incredible! Temperatures ranged from 37 degrees (during a sunrise hike where I froze my butt off) to 110 degrees of dry heat in Vegas. My favorite park was probably Grand Teton because the smell of evergreen was so strong, the sounds of the streams and birds were relaxing, and the beautiful sights were mesmerizing. I took hundreds of pictures and will post more on my IG/FB pages later, but here are a few pictures from our trip:

Vernal Fall at Yosemite National Park

Crooks Meadow with Yosemite Falls at Yosemite National Park

On top of Angel's Landing at Zion National Park

View from above Angel's Landing at Zion National Park

The Narrows at Zion National Park

Big Springs in the Narrows at Zion National Park

Bryce Point at Bryce Canyon National Park

Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon National Park

Thor's Hammer at Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park

Double Arch at Arches National Park

Grand Teton/Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park

Hidden Falls at Grand Teton National Park

Cascade Canyon Trail at Grand Teton National Park (my son)

Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing at Grand Teton National Park

Leigh Lake at Grand Teton National Park

Geothermal Pool at Yellowstone National Park

River at Yellowstone National Park

I missed a lot of poetry challenges while I was gone. I detached from social media and technology as much as I could during this trip, so this is my first poetry challenge in a while. Colleen invites us at #TankaTuesday to write a bussokuseki, which is a tanka poem with an extra line of seven syllables at the end. I've chosen to write about my experiences in the national parks.

Natural Beauty

rich evergreen smells

permeate the summer breeze

thunderous falls roar

still lakes mirror grand mountains

huge rock forms create wonder

our world is so beautiful

Would you like to write a poem for this prompt? Join us here.

June 2026 Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity #magic #werewolves #romance @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! It's been another great month of reading! While I am currently hiking somewhere in Bryce Canyon National Park, I scheduled this to be released today for the month of June. I'll share my hiking adventures when I return. In the meantime, enjoy these book reviews. :-)

The Magician's Diary (Glass and Steele Book Four)

by C.J. Archer

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Pages: 338 pages

Book Blurb:

India and Matt thought all their problems would come to an end once they found Chronos. But the watch magician brings with him as many questions as answers, and a load of trouble. To fix Matt's magic watch, they must find an old diary that once belonged to a doctor magician murdered decades ago. The hunt drags them into a sordid mystery involving two of London's craft guilds. With old and new enemies determined to stop them, and long-held secrets unearthed, Matt and India must work together better than ever.

But as the reason for India's strangely strong magic is revealed, she wants to draw other magicians into the open, while Matt wants to hide magic to keep her safe.

Her plan backfires. His plan shatters. And danger comes to their door.

My Review:

This was another great addition to the series. India finally meets her grandfather and learns a bit more about her magic. Meanwhile, Matt and India try to solve the murder of a magical doctor, which puts their lives in danger again. Through it all, India continues to try to resist her attraction toward Matt while Matt makes it clear he has no plans of letting her go.

I love the slow pace of these books because it allows everything to develop sweetly. Their crime-solving adventures are always fun to read. The author's ability to weave in clues to solve the mystery is fantastic. I've already downloaded the next book! I'm loving this series! :-)

Thirty Day Boyfriend

by Whitney G.

Genre: Erotic Romance

Pages: 154

Book Blurb:

I should've never agreed to this arrangement...

Thirty days ago, my boss--Mr. Wolf of Wall Street--came to me with an offer I couldn't refuse: Sign my name on the dotted line and pretend to be his fiancée for one month. If I agreed, he would let me out of my employment contract with a "very generous" severance package.

The rules were pretty simple: No intimate kissing, no actual sex. Just pretend to love each other for the press, even though I've secretly wanted to knock that sexy smirk off his face since the first day we met.

I definitely didn't need to think twice about this. I signed my name and started counting down the seconds to when I would never have to deal with his special brand of a**-holery again.

I only made it to one minute...

We argued the entire four-hour flight to his hometown, failed to make a convincing impression with the welcoming press, and right when I was about to knock that arrogant look off his face in real life? He purposely dropped his bath towel in front of me, distracting me with his nine-inch cock to "show me who the bigger person was" in our relationship. Then he gave me his trademark smirk once again and asked if I wanted to consummate our marriage.

Tragically, this is only day one.

We still have 29 more days to go...

My Review:

This was a great story! Although it's listed as erotica, it didn't fit into that category for me. Yes, there was sex, but it wasn't graphic. Emily and Nicholas had a professional relationship - he as her boss and she as his executive assistant. Emily did everything she could to fight her attraction, but when Nicholas bribes her into a fake engagement, her resolve is tested. 

As always, this author is queen of banter. I loved the characters' interactions and the sarcasm they threw at each other. I loved that they were both strong characters and still had moments of awkwardness. And the ending was awesome! I definitely recommend this short story.

The Moonblood Empire (Book One: The Alpha's Secret)

by Elena Hart

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Pages: 316

Book Blurb:

She was never meant to survive. He was never meant to trust her. Together, they may destroy the world that tried to control them.

Selena Vale has spent her life hiding from a past written in blood, secrets, and buried power. But when the truth about her family resurfaces, she discovers she is more than a lost heir — she is an Alpha of a forgotten bloodline.

Adrian Blackwood is dangerous, powerful, and everything Selena should hate. A ruthless Alpha, a billionaire, and the leader of the enemy pack, he has built his life on control. But the moment Selena enters his world, ancient forces awaken, and the line between enemy and ally begins to break.

As the Silver Council hunts them, old betrayals rise from the shadows, and forbidden magic binds Selena and Adrian together in a way neither of them can deny. Their connection could save both their packs — or become the weapon that destroys them.

To uncover the secret of her blood, Selena must claim her power, face the truth about her family, and decide whether trusting Adrian is her greatest mistake… or her only chance to survive.

The Moonblood Empire: Book One — The Alpha’s Secret is a dark paranormal romance filled with werewolf packs, forbidden attraction, ancient secrets, betrayal, powerful Alphas, and a slow-burn bond that could change everything.

My Review:

This was a new author for me, but the story sounded interesting, so I gave it a chance. The story was great! It starts with a prologue that immediately draws you in and helps you understand why Selena wants revenge against those who made her lose her parents and her pack. Ten years later, she is set to enact that revenge until she realizes what she believes to be true was built on lies and secrets. When Selena and Adrian realize that they are just tools toward releasing an ancient weapon, they choose to put aside their own issues to fight together.

The plot moves easily from one problem to the next. The author does a great job with character development and drawing the reader in. The only real issue I had was that the author does not use quotation marks for dialogue, which was really annoying at the beginning. I eventually got used to it, but it was sometimes difficult to tell who was saying what. Still, the story kept me enthralled and I loved the bond that grew between Adrian and Selena. This is book one in a series, but it also could be read as a standalone story.

My Totally Unfair Deal

by Whitney G.

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 217 

Book Blurb:

Eliza Hart doesn't do heels, small talk, or sitting still—especially not for some uptight finance bro in a three-piece suit.

But when her brother ropes her into a crash course in “ladylike behavior” to help land the deals that could save their crumbling family business, she finds herself stuck in Manhattan with the cockiest bastard on earth: Harrison Jones.

Polished, smug, and irritatingly hot, Harrison owes her brother a favor—and apparently, that favor includes turning Eliza into Manhattan's newest social darling.

But in between champagne toasts, disastrous dinner parties, and one very memorable wardrobe malfunction, their love-hate banter turns into heat neither of them can ignore.

And in Harrison's sleek Manhattan penthouse, the only thing more dangerous than the high heels… is the sexual tension.

Eight weeks. One uptight gentleman. One hot mess.
What could possibly go wrong?

My Review:

I loved this story. Eliza and Harrison's characters are so well-developed. Their banter and the way try to deny their attraction was fantastic. I loved Eliza's transformation and how she still stayed true to herself throughout the whole story. And I really loved the slow revelation of Harrison's story and his coming undone at the end. This author is becoming a favorite of mine because of her ability to create sexy stories that tug at the heartstrings in such a fun way. :-)

Crescent Kingdom (Wolves of Crescent Creek, Book 1)

by Tessa Hale

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 242

Book Blurb:

Never stop running. And no matter what, never let the world know who you really are.

I’ve spent my whole life hiding. Training. Preparing. Hoping that no one will discover my secrets. What I can do. Who I am. And I’ve gotten so good at it, sometimes even I forget.

Until them.

The wolf pack with a ruthless reputation and a penchant for revenge. The protective fighter. The charming Brit. The shy hacker. The silent mercenary. The cruel assassin.

They see more than anyone ever has before. And even with demons of their own, they give me sanctuary. A place to hide, to rest, and maybe even a place to belong.

Only it turns into so much more. Because when they touch me, everything around me ignites, and nothing matters but them.
But these wolves have secrets. And those secrets bring enemies. And when they find out who I really am?

It’s not their enemies I need to fear. It’s them.

My Review:

I loved this book! I was drawn in from the very beginning. The chapters are told from different characters' points of view, which really helped to solidify their distinct personalities, and I loved every one of them. I loved that Wren is scarred and scared but still a total badass, independent woman who is resilient and strong. That is, until she meets the five werewolves who turn her life upside down and make her want a pack again.

The author's writing is fantastic, and she easily sets a pace that keeps the plot going without revealing too much too soon. And I loved the cliffhanger at the end! Not only will I keep reading this series, but I have a feeling I'll be reading more books from this author as well. I definitely recommend it!

The Convent's Secret (Glass and Steele, Book 5)

by C.J.Archer

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Pages: 270

Book Blurb:

To find the one man who can fix the magic in Matt’s watch, he and India are led to a convent where the nuns will do anything to keep their secrets private. Including murder? Matt and India must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies given to her care many years ago. But sometimes, the truth is painful and its exposure can have deadly consequences.

With his magic watch slowing down, Matt needs all the help India and his friends can offer before time runs out. But his nemesis will do anything to bring about his downfall, including rock Matt’s family with a scandal that can ruin them, and Matt and India’s chance of happiness.

My Review:

This was another great addition to the series. Matt and India continued to follow the only lead they had to find a doctor magician. Meanwhile, Payne is following their every move, intent on destroying Matt. As if that isn't enough to deal with, Matt's family is intent on forcing him to marry one of his cousins. Each move forward creates another obstacle.

I love Matt and India and am frustrated that everyone else will not just leave them alone. Lol! This author does a great job of weaving an entertaining story and keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat. I'm already looking forward to reading the next one. :-)

The Ink Master's Silence (Glass and Steele, Book 6)

by C.J. Archer

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Pages: 272

Book Blurb:

It should be a happy time for India and Matt, but forces beyond their control conspire to ruin their future. A distraction from their troubles comes in the form of murder.

When the editor of The Weekly Gazette is killed, controversial journalist and ink magician Oscar Barratt asks India and Matt to investigate. As the recipient of threatening letters written on magic paper, he believes he was the intended target. With suspects ranging from Oscar’s brother to guild masters and London’s elite, India and Matt have a lot of investigating to do.

But the more they dig, the more dark secrets they uncover. Secrets that involve blackmail and an exclusive club of magic collectors who want to preserve the value of their collections. When one of the secrets can give India and Matt the future they desire, will they give in to blackmail or sacrifice their happiness?

My Review:

India and Matt continue to struggle with Matt's family blackmailing him to marry Patience, his cousin. Matt is determined to find a way out of the marriage or flee the country with India, if necessary. While trying to figure that out, Matt and India are presented with a case from Oscar Barratt, whose boss has just been killed. He thinks he was the intended target and begs Matt and India to find the murderer before he comes after Oscar.

Their discovery unveils a hidden world of collectors of magical objects, all enthralled with India. In fact, India gets attention from a lot of  suitors once Matt's engagement becomes public knowledge. When Matt's family moves up the wedding, India turns to desperate measures to hold on to Matt. While Matt and India solve the murder case, India may have just set herself up for more troubles in the future.

This was another great book in the series. I am fully invested in these characters and can't wait to see what happens next! :-)

Eclipsed Empire (The Wolves of Crescent Creek Book 2)

by Tessa Hale

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 248

Book Blurb:

One secret tore my life apart. It sent me running from the place I thought I would be safe, right into the path of untold enemies.
But when my life is in danger, the wolves I thought I’d lost for good are the ones who come for me. And they’ll burn down the world to keep me safe—even if none of us trusts each other anymore.

With every moment we’re forced together, every whispered apology and stolen touch, my resolve to keep them at a distance weakens. And when I realize just how much each of these men has come to mean to me, that resolve crumbles to dust.

Only there are more secrets to uncover—all our pasts lurking in the shadows. And when the monsters emerge from the darkness, there’s no escaping them this time…

My Review:

Poor Wren! She has been put through so much torture, but she refuses to die. After being kidnapped and abused for weeks, Wren is finally rescued by her five mates. And while her body began to recover, Wren struggled with accepting her mates back after they had doubted her. Well, Locke and Puck had never wavered and were the first to be embraced again. The others took longer to forgive and accept, but eventually, she did, especially after her father found her and threatened her life. Just when she thinks she might have a chance at a normal life, Wren's life is turned upside down by the person she fears the most.

This was a great book! I love each of the five mates and what they bring into Wren's life. The author has a great way of drawing the reader in and holding on to them through every scene. I'm looking forward to the next book already!

Have you read any great books this month? I'd love to hear from you.