Reviewed By Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

The Internship of Pippa Darling: The Summer Abroad Series, Book 1 is my first Gemma McKay novel and most definitely not my last one! The fact that this takes place in Ireland was enough to hook me alone. But, once I sat down and opened the book, it quickly became a book with characters that stole my heart and kept me hooked to the very end. What can I say about Pippa Darling? She is developed very well. Her character is chiseled beautifully. She's captivating and witty. I loved feeling her emotions like they were my own. Watching her interact with Finn and seeing the sparks that literally flew from the pages as I read was such fun.

Finn Burke's character? Deliciously yummy! I mean, seriously? Gemma McKay did a phenomenal job at creating him. He's hot AND Irish. What girl wouldn't want him? Not to mention he's an author? When he was around Pippa, not only could I feel her emotions, his emotions jumped out and enveloped me. I was cheering for him from the beginning! From start to finish, this New Adult book will leave you spinning from the sizzle and panting with desire for the brooding Irishman. Gemma McKay has a true talent for writing and I highly recommend this book with 5 stars. Each turn of the page brought something different, and I found myself sometimes laughing out loud; other times, I wanted to crawl into the book and follow these beautiful characters to the end of their story. The Internship of Pippa Darling will leave you ready for more hot Irishmen and lots of laughs.

Reviewed By Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

According to college freshman Amy, there are three types of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. When she unpacks her belongings at Syracuse University, she also unpacks her father’s theory on the appropriate gentlemen types. Amy York’s roommate, Veronica, is skeptical at first, but soon finds comfort in her friend’s words. As the girls acclimate to college life, join a sorority, and collect more memories in friendships, break-ups, surprising romances, and common conflicts in their freshman year, the cutlery theory broadens to encompass every level of relationships.

The girls try to avoid all forks and are cautious amid the spoons. The knife is the way to go: “The knives are right in the middle, they have an edge and can be sharp when they need to be. Not too sharp and not too dull. They’re smart. They have drive, fortitude, strength of character, and they may not be as sure of themselves around girls as the forks are, but they will find their confidence.” Her father’s words became a silent anthem to Amy and her friends, making it their goal to find the perfect, shiny steak knife in the drawer of eligible Syracuse males.

Forks, Knives, and Spoons by Leah DeCesare is a plucky story relevant to any college coed. DeCesare expresses the fears, dreams, and insecurities of the modern day college student. From yearnings to be loved to the realities of loveless families, it is all here. As the characters come to realize that the bonds they make in college are so different from any they have ever forged, the reader will revisit their own college days.

Reviewed By Elizabeth Butts for Readers' Favorite

Beautifully Undone (The Beaumont Brothers Book 3) by Susan Griscom is a stand-alone book that is a part of a series. It does not end with a cliffhanger and can be read separately. This book follows Asher Beaumont, a damaged character who has just been dealt the blow of his mother's death. Outside of his mom, the only other 'family' he has is his best friend, Melody, and her brother, Teddy. Asher's dad was never really in the picture. Melody wants to be seen as a LOT more than best friend/little sister and, through some fun (and sexy) circumstances, starts turning Asher's head. One of the challenges Asher's mom put in his path before she passed was to find his half brothers. However, Asher grew up hating them, jealous of the relationship with their father that he believed they had. He is pushed to find them, hopeful that they will welcome him into their family with open arms, and not be one more rejection attached to the name of Beaumont.

Beautifully Undone is beautifully gritty. Asher is a wonderfully written character. He is damaged, broken, hurt, angry, loving ... everything you want your next book boyfriend to be. Melody is sunshine, warmth and open arms. She understands all his hurt and wants to do all sorts of things to help heal those wounds. I fell in love with these two as a couple. They were real in their imperfections. Susan Griscom painted a portrait of them that was easy for me to visualize and put myself in the scenes of the book. I highly recommend Susan Griscom's Beautifully Undone for anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with some grit.

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Jellybeaners by Gene Scott is a heartbreaking story of the opioid epidemic, a story that captures the drug plague in the very heart of Appalachia. In this spellbinding story, readers will navigate the pains and peril and the despair that surrounds the use of the opioid. The story features a game of power and money, political corruption, untold misery resulting from drug abuse, and a lot more. In vivid and captivating prose and making compelling historical references, the author leads the reader into a vivid setting, a world cursed by drugs.

The reader is left in no doubt that the author has done his research very well, because he writes like an expert in the field, unveiling facts and scientific truths about the use of the drug that aren’t accessible to the ordinary person. The novel’s plot is very unusual, told in a highly descriptive style; it is focused and purpose-driven. I was drawn in, pulled irresistibly from the start, and having worked in a mental hospital, I could see the same drama I have witnessed in mental patients unfolding within these pages. The story has a realism that forces the reader to take note, to stop and contemplate the insidious events that literally rob millions of people of life and an abiding sense of meaning. The conflict is unique and strong enough to allow the reader to continue from page to page. This is a story that combines history with powerful social commentary to offer an exposé of a dark reality that is woven into the fabric of modern society. Jellybeaners by Gene Scott is a succinct indictment for the lucrative trade of drug trafficking.

Reviewed By Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Stalker, My Love is a romantic tale of suspense and mystery, written by Zack Scott. As the well-known admirer and stalker of Rosalyn Ray, Rhett Calloway seems to be the likeliest of suspects when Rosalyn disappears, after she storms out of a bar where her friends had been drinking. Rosalyn’s best friend, Elliott Venice, had woken up the next morning in the bed of Earl Wick – Rosalyn’s boyfriend. After finding Rosalyn’s abandoned car overturned by the river bank, a frantic search begins. The discovery of a man’s body nearby leads to more questions than answers, leaving an entire town aghast as all fingers continue to point towards Rhett. Why had Rosalyn been so anxious to leave town that night? Who was she running from? With all parties, from her boyfriend to the mob, under suspicion, people’s deepest and darkest secrets are unveiled as each piece of the puzzle from that evening unfolds, leading to a shocking discovery.

Zack Scott’s incredibly well-written story brings many different genres together in order to tell a complex tale. Rosalyn is the daughter of the most powerful family in town, and their connections and influence reach farther than anybody could have thought. As a battered woman who refuses to leave her abusive boyfriend, Rosalyn was destined to meet with a shocking fate. Each character in the story seems to have motive, an incredible lack of memory, a deep devotion towards Rosalyn and a subconscious regret which they cannot explain. It makes for one of the most exhilarating and thrilling whodunit stories I have ever read, with just the right amount of mystery, humor, love and hate. Rivalries are at their most explosive as the truth slowly comes to light. No crime is more horrifying than the one you had no idea you’d committed before it’s too late. Stalker, My Love is masterfully presented and will be sure to appeal to readers who are die-hard fans of mystery, romance, and more plot twists than the most daring of roller-coasters. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional journey which Stalker, My Love took me on, and look forward to Zack Scott’s next masterpiece.

Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson follows a family's journey through the years 1917-1937, from the Great War to the Great Depression. Des Stewart is the responsible member of his family, having never married or left home and devoting his life to caring for his younger sister and ailing mother. Both of his brothers lead opposite lives with fractured marriages and children. His family has been haunted by a past of death, guilt, and secrets. All of this changes for Des when his older brother insists he take in nine-year-old Phena after her parents tire of her insolent behavior. As Des tries to steer Phena onto the right path, their unbreakable bond ends up saving them both.

Though the events take place during significant time periods such as the Great Depression and the flu pandemic, the story primarily remains focused on the characters and leaves most of the historical context largely in the background. Redemption is a key factor in several of the characters' lives. Des finds his second chance in life when he gets custody of Phena. He finds fulfillment in his life by giving her a better chance at a future. She's a spit-fire, attacking when she feels attacked, and calling out what she finds to be wrong, but her second chance with Des makes her a stronger character. He teaches her kindness and forgiveness, and gives her a real chance at a happy life. The characters are deeply flawed, but very real with some redeeming themselves along the way while others don't change at all.

The most shocking change is found in Des's younger brother's journey from a drunk bored with his marriage after week two to someone who has some redeeming qualities. Phena has the most significant change as she experiences a coming of age journey going from childhood to adulthood. Colleen A. Parkinson writes a realistic and human story about family and second chances. There's a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of heart as this family may be estranged, but love is still there. Secrets are revealed in this emotional read about how a fractured family becomes whole. The Finest Hat in the Whole World is a story of past regrets and second chances in a journey of love and loss.

Reviewed By Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

“Where are you? he wondered. Where am I? Where is everybody?” are words that introduce the reader to the strange state of mind in which the protagonist finds himself. Dardic Jennings has just found out that he has been thrust into a completely new reality. His beautiful life with a nice job and a gorgeous fiancée and a home are gone. Now, he finds himself a beggar and in need of help. Sherry Rosen, a psychologist, takes on Dardic as a pro bono case, and as she works with him to bring him to reality, she begins to believe him, and this has staggering effects on her own perception of reality. Could she be losing her mind too? Or is she being pulled out of her reality into Dardic’s world? Cinnamon Kisses by Ra Lynn LoneWalker is a story that fans of Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson will delight in.

Cinnamon Kisses is a psychological novel that features a powerful conundrum. Readers who love books that transport them into the inner workings of the hearts of the characters will love this story. In very beautiful and insightful prose, Ra Lynn LoneWalker creates two memorable characters and explores the psychological problems that faintly brush the minds and hearts of readers. The author masterfully integrates the themes of connection, self-awareness, and the liberating character of reality into the work. The novel features compelling passages and streams of consciousness that will absorb the reader into the viewpoints of the characters. This is a very enjoyable read.