Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Traveling all over the world is a dream for many. However, only a small percentage of people manage to accomplish this due to their life circumstances. Life Travel and the People in Between is a memoir by Mike Nixon. Mike relates his journey to becoming a world traveler, overcoming challenges one step at a time. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mike and his family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, when he was very young. A year out of high school, Mike started working as a hotel receptionist, dreaming of traveling the world after meeting hotel guests from around the globe. After going to the Dominican Republic on a student program, he volunteered for the Peace Corps. He traveled all over South America, while a later stint in the US Navy took him to the eastern hemisphere.

Life Travel and the People in Between is a travel guide, memoir, and inspirational tale all in one. Mike Nixon lays bare his life story, giving an unabashed account of how he pursued his dream of traveling the world and learning different lessons along the way. Through his experiences, whether they were in South American countries, South East Asia, or India, Mike learned to deal with people from widely different cultures, acquiring unique knowledge and wisdom during each of his journeys. These travels also connected him with people whose influence he would carry for the rest of his life. This is a captivating memoir that I will recommend.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Girl I Never Knew: Who Killed Melissa Witt? is a work of non-fiction in the true crime and thriller subgenres by LaDonna Humphrey. As the title suggests, the work focuses on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Melissa Witt, and the answers to her untimely death seem to lie within the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas. Humphrey’s vested interest in unmasking Melissa’s killer is impressive for her sheer determination and attention to detail, but also remarkable considering that she never actually met the victim in person. So begins a real-life thriller of cracking the case and the strange twists in life that following Witt’s killer have given the author.

I am an avid fan of true crime and trying to unpick and understand why vicious people do vicious things, so I was sucked into the exciting premise offered by LaDonna Humphrey from the start. That is not to say this is a gory tale, because Humphrey is enormously respectful of the tragic fate that befell Melissa Witt, and the circumstances of her death are never glamourized or used to gratuitous effect. Moreover, it is the dogged tenacity and powerful sense of justice that Humphrey possesses that rockets this work of non-fiction into action and will certainly keep readers flipping pages to see what clue is uncovered next and how these experiences have shaped the author as a person. The Girl I Never Knew is a superb work of true crime narration that no fan should be without.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Twenty: One Woman’s Trek across Corsica on the GR20 Trail by Marianne C. Bohr is an inspirational tale of persistence, drive, courage, and love that will touch the hearts of many and perhaps even motivate some to experience new adventures. Marianne and her husband were about to turn sixty and were determined to experience all they could in their retirement. Lifelong hikers, they resolved to attempt their toughest challenge yet by walking the infamous GR20 Trail which winds over the rugged mountains on the island of Corsica. Although they trained assiduously for this adventure, nothing could prepare them for the degree of difficulty they would face on this treacherous trek. With a guide and a small team of like-minded adventurers, Marianne and her husband Joe were as ready for this challenge as they could be but a shocking diagnosis from the doctor just before the trip had Marianne questioning her ability to complete the journey. Nevertheless, these two “seniors” were determined to give this trail their best shot. Along the way, they would make lifelong friends, and test the bonds of their love and marriage.

The Twenty appealed to me in many ways because the age of the pair is similar to my own and I found myself in awe of their commitment to both each other and the monumental challenge they had set themselves. Marianne C. Bohr brings an intimately personal touch to this memoir. She is not afraid to open herself up to introspection and criticize herself for her failings and, despite her often appearing overly self-critical, it is easy to empathize and feel her frustrations and anger, especially at the silent invader that is slowly robbing her of her ability to do the thing she loves so passionately. There is an underlying current of humor throughout the book which helped to keep the participants on course despite the sometimes harsh and unforgiving conditions they faced. More than a book about a trek across unforgiving terrain, this memoir is full of warmth, joy, and an unceasing zest for life which readers cannot help but be caught up in. For all of us approaching or reaching those senior years, this is a clarion call that life does not end at sixty. I salute Marianne and Joe and the magnificent achievement that they shared with us in this story. The writing style is conversational and carries the reader from one exciting, dangerous challenge to the next. Readers will soar with Marianne’s successes and feel deeply for her failures. This is a fantastic read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is her story as a successful corporate lawyer in Silicon Valley and how she juggles being a mother, wife, and Latina, and battles with her identity throughout her corporate career. She shares her journey of revealing her true Latina heritage, everything that makes her a woman, and the courage it takes to be yourself at work. Additionally, she shares the stories of other successful C-suite executives and how they struggled with issues of identity and authenticity and how they overcame workplace biases. Regardless of your unique story, you will find someone or at least a part of a story you can relate to and start to forge your journey to become the real, beautiful you that the world needs. This book is for individuals and a useful guide for corporates, including insights on creating an environment where diversity and authenticity are celebrated and respected.

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is a bold, candid, passionate, and inspiring book about being your authentic self at work, including the benefits and process of achieving it. As a professional of color in the corporate world, I could relate to almost every story in this book, especially the microaggressions we ignore to keep the peace and not make others uncomfortable. I could relate to the term code-switching and how often I was asked to change parts of my identity to fit into the norm, although this is the first time I realized code-switching is the actual term for it. I wish this book had been available when I started my career; it certainly wouldn’t have been as lonely a journey. Timm’s vulnerability in this story is apparent, sharing deep and some demeaning experiences, which I am sure were difficult to share but which I sincerely appreciated because it made this book highly relatable as I reflected on similar experiences. This book is a phenomenal must-read for anyone starting their professional journey or those already years into it to become confident in being their authentic and amazing selves.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Rich Amooi's novel The Backup Groom, the protagonist Amber faces a life-altering decision after her great-uncle's death. The will stipulates that Amber receives a large inheritance only if she marries her former high school sweetheart Ryan Scott within a few weeks. However, her ex-boyfriend is already married, and her evil cousin Mercedes is waiting to claim the inheritance she is entitled to if Amber fails. Amber's quick-witted friend Stella discovers a loophole: Amber can marry someone with the same name as her ex-boyfriend, and the spouse will receive a percentage of the inheritance. Thus, Amber and her friend embark on a wild search for potential suitors with the same name, while Mercedes seeks to undermine her efforts. Meanwhile, a kind coffee shop owner with a convenient name secretly admires Amber, waiting patiently for his divorce to be finalized.

What makes The Backup Groom a delightful read is its witty and over-the-top craziness, and Amber's likable character. While Mercedes is a well-developed but unlikeable character, Amber's humor and relatability make her an endearing protagonist. The star of this book really is Stella, who is the type of BFF that everyone deserves to have. The author's use of quick-witted dialogue and absurd scenarios keeps the story entertaining and leaves the reader rooting for Amber until the end. The search for Amber's 'twin-Ryan' becomes a farcical journey with suitors that range from wholly ridiculous to warmly comical, and the tension between Amber and Mercedes keeps the pages furiously turning. Overall, Rich Ammoi has written an enjoyable novel that explores the theme of personal fulfillment in a romantic comedy that does not reinvent the wheel but certainly flourishes it, with a delightful cast of characters, a satisfying conclusion, and enough humor to keep the reader entertained. Recommended.

Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite

Loving the Wrong Guy by Holly Kerr is a fun and entertaining read. Demi is a trusting and sweet soul from Toronto, Canada, who has taken a weekend trip to Las Vegas. Her boyfriend back home, Justin, does not like that she goes anywhere alone and always makes her feel guilty. Demi meets new friends she instantly connects with on her trip. Chrissa is a tough chick with an even scarier exterior, and Tad is a gentleman who is very proficient at card games and wears suspenders. After a wild night of dancing and gambling, the trio runs into Justin, and all hell breaks loose. Demi realizes that Justin is the wrong guy for her and wants to escape him. Tad rents a Mustang, taking Demi and Chrissa on a spontaneous cross-country road trip to get Demi back home to Toronto.

Holly Kerr takes readers on an adventurous road trip with three distinct and charismatic characters. The fantastic chemistry between Demi, Chrissa, and Tad, with their instant friendship, kept me highly entertained. Their dialogue and interaction were witty and realistic. The storyline and plot are lighthearted and engaging as Demi deals with the aftermath of her breakup while developing feelings for Tad. The sexual tension between Demi and Tad was sweet and tender, reminiscent of a high school crush. The pace is steady and flows easily as the road trip continues, and creative surprises pop up for some comedic and light relief. Loving the Wrong Guy is a great escape from dealing with a breakup!

Reviewed by Cloie Belle Daffon for Readers' Favorite

The Outcast is book two of the Techboys Series. This is a sexy, modern love story by Eve M. Riley. Dr. Kate Thurman and Fabian Adramovich are two very different people with completely different lives. They happen to meet one fateful day at the hospital. One look and there was a spark that made it hard to look away from each other. Kate was a hardworking medical intern who was too hard on herself, and Fabian was a tattooed, chaotic bad boy. They should not fit together but against all odds they did. The love between them was deep and tempestuous. Being together was difficult and their lives and personalities clashed constantly. Dark forces seemed ready to tear them apart and trouble was brewing. Will Kate and Fabian be able to face these difficulties together or will they break apart under the pressure?

Establishing a romance between two people leading very different lives was a narrative challenge that the author tackled with exceptional skill. The chemistry between Kate and Fabian was sizzling hot. Their interactions were often intense but with complicated circumstances and people opposing their relationship, their love for each other was always under threat. It broke my heart to see their romance riddled with misunderstandings and hurt. Riley articulates their love and struggles in a way that pulled at my heartstrings and made me wish all their cares would be resolved quickly. The exciting plotline paints vivid scenarios which made the story easy to follow and hard to put down. The swapping of first-person narratives between Kate and Fabian allowed me to understand their story from two viewpoints. It was so frustrating to see the feelings they were holding back, even when they were together, and sometimes I just wanted to reach into the book and shake them to remind them how important they are to each other. The fact that The Outcast can bring about such strong feelings in me demonstrates how skillfully Riley has portrayed Kate and Fabian’s story. This incredible book had me spellbound from the start. I can’t wait for more from Eve M. Riley.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Lena Gibson’s The Edge of Life: Love and Survival in the Apocalypse features Kat and Ryan. Kat is a schoolteacher who lost her husband two years previously. Every weekend, she drank away her pain. Her best friend Nick suggested that she go hiking with him, his partner, and his friend Ryan. Kat agrees. After several successful hiking trips, Nick tells Ryan and Kat to go hiking together while he goes on a trip for work. After two weeks, Ryan and Kat received a message from Nick telling them to go on vacation. Knowing this was a warning, they prepared for a long trip. The day before they were to leave, the media released a warning of the imminent impact of an asteroid. Kat and Ryan’s trip to South Dakota has now become a fight for survival.

Lena Gibson depicts the realistic struggles Kat and Ryan faced. The mass hysteria after the media release was easy to envision. Kat and Ryan were fortunate to get their supplies early. However, this quickly falls apart when the broken pieces of the asteroid impact all over the world. The after-effects are devastating, and violent gangs, volcanic ash, and impassable roads are just some of the problems they have to navigate. I liked the updates from Nick’s study of the asteroid. They added an ominous tone at the beginning of the story. It described every moment in vivid detail, which captivated me. The transitions between Kat and Ryan were seamless. I found the approach to a worldwide disaster unusual. A disaster rarely occurs without the main characters’ plans getting them to safety. Readers who enjoy original dystopian stories with a growing romance will enjoy The Edge of Life.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Mantle of the World Ruler is the second installment in the Lost Wells Trilogy by Kate Gateley. The trials and tribulations of Julia Harrison continue as she and Dom O’Brian try to recuperate after the onslaught of danger by Marcus Cassius Longinus. However, things slowly get better as Julia tries to control her Bearing magic and lay low in LA for the time being. Julia works hard to unlock her potential and the full extent of her powers, but it cannot come quickly enough. Cassius is hot on their heels and is ready to do whatever it takes to remove Julia from the equation. As Julia tries to master her power, she begins to sense a dark and dangerous Bearing magic wielder who could be far more lethal than Cassius. But Julia and her friends cannot ignore Cassius for long as he drums up something dangerous that can end magic users once and for all. They have their hands full, but can they stop him before it is too late?

I love it when the second novel in the series is far superior to the first one. This is a massive compliment because Ties of the Sovereign is one of my all-time favorite reads. Fantasy stories can be redundant and overdone, but not when Kate Gateley writes them. She works magic to build the most realistic yet fantastic world you can imagine yourself in. Julia’s world is something like that. The mystery oozes out of the pages as Gateley takes us through the motions and gives us a first-hand look inside her characters' minds. The narrative style is fantastic, and the pace complements Julia’s development through and through. While Julia isn’t so sure about her powers, Dom believes her irrevocably. He follows her lead wholeheartedly while providing her with the best support possible. Mantle of the World Ruler is a novel for adults, thanks to the passionate relationship between the protagonists and the constant action that demands our attention. I don't want to give away much, but I love the plot's complexity! I cannot praise this installment enough.

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

Master of the Dawn is the fifth book in the De Rayne Domination series by Kathryn Le Veque. The book is set in medieval England, filled with castles, knights, and politics. Lorica de la Beauvriere does not wish to see Sir Galen Burleson; he is rude, arrogant, and full of himself. However, Sir Galen is smitten by Lady Lorica of St. Nicholas Court, who is angelic and brilliant but has too many suitors. When Galen and Lorica find themselves bound in marriage, they cannot ignore the sparks that fly between them, but dark secrets from the past haunt them. Will their love conquer the world, or consume them?

Master of the Dawn is a delectable romance in a historical setting. The reader is transported to a world of flowing dresses and looming castles. The plot is not very complex and is driven mainly by the characters, from Galen and Lorica through to the supporting cast, and all are delightfully portrayed. I especially enjoy the bonding of Galen with the Rayne brothers. The romance is gentle and charming, with a tinge of spice, particularly within the arranged marriage, which is handled beautifully. The banter between the two main characters was an absolute delight to read and although the story moves slowly, the political intrigue keeps the book engaging. Le Veque makes the reader giggle with delight at times and grieve with the characters when sadness prevails. This is a beautiful novel with complex characters and an enchanting romance; the editing throughout is flawless. Readers who adore medieval England and epic love stories will enjoy this book, especially lovers of tales about arranged marriages. I loved Master of the Dawn and highly recommend it.