The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Carly Vogler

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager, by Wareeze Woodson, is a historical romance you won’t soon forget. When Emily is used as a wager in a bet, she can’t believe the men would follow through and allow it. It becomes all too real when Emily’s stepbrother loses the bet and she is now the property of the Earl of Lenbridge.

What is in Emily’s future? Will she be traded again? Will she be forced to marry this man. Worse yet, will she be his mistress? I love the way this story played out and can’t wait to delve into more stories by Wareeze.

Review by Carly Vogler

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Apocalypse NOPE!! (Queerpocalypse) by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Erica Fish

Apocalypse NOPE!!Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is not my first book by this author but it has become one of my favorites. Deidre Huesmann does an amazing job with this familiar story with her own twists. Her character building is clever. This is about Ivy-Jean and her apocalypse dilemma. She is an awkward teenager, who opens a piece of mail that was sent to her neighbor. That is when all hell breaks through literally. She has started the four horsemen of the apocalypse on their tasks. If she does not help bring the world to an end, they will kill her mother. What would you do to save your mother? Will the four horsemen be sent on their mission or will they have a different agenda? I highly recommend reading this story to see what our awkward teenager chooses to do.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with her first book in the Meraki series Love by Design is amazing. While it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading Love is What you Bake of it first for context, reacuring characters, and some family details. Just like the first book Love by Design is a fun, light, and slightly funny book, but don’t let that fool you. While Miss Kammenou gives us a lighter romance story it is still full of adventure, mystery, and drama that will keep you furiously flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Once again Miss Kammenou gives us wonderful character descriptions, great scenery, and overall a wonderful story. I know I for one can’t wait to see what Miss Kammenou gives us next.

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love is What You Bake of itLove is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love light, funny, romance novels then you will love Miss Kammenou’s first installment to the Meraki seires. Love is What You Bake of it has great characters, beautiful descriptions and a great flow to make up a wonderful story. Honestly the first thing that drew me to this book was the front cover, but once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. At only 280 pages Miss Kammenou gives us a story with a lot going on but its not your typical hot and steamy romance novel, instead Miss Kammenou gives us love with a humorous side. So if you are looking for a light, easy read then I highly recommend Love is What You Bake of it.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our Wicked Lies- Glede Browne Kabongo

5-stars

This was my first book by this author but it most certainly won’t be my last! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and ended up reading it in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to put it down, I just had to get answers to all of my questions.

This author managed to pull me in right from the start, I was fully intrigued and remained that way until the very end. This story was incredibly captivating, detailed, intense, unexpected and really entertaining. I loved everything about this story and I cannot wait to read more by this phenomenal author.

If you are looking for a great thrilling read look no further this is the book for you!

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Candida Hopper

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1)
By Carmen Richter

This book is full of emotion. There are alot of things going on in this story. Zoe’s boyfriend goes missing and she is having a hard time dealing with this so her family leaves for the summer. When she comes back she still feels the same until she meets Elijah. What these two have is forbidden but can they make it work anyway? This book is full of loss, tragedy, friendship, romance, family, hope and more. I laughed, cried, got angry, and all the emotions in between while reading this book. This book may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster this book put me through and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Ashley Dover

Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a twisted story!

Alicia and Eliot Gray have been married for twenty years, twenty years of marital bliss. At least that is what Alicia thinks. Eliot is a successful partner at a law firm in Boston. Alicia is the mother of his two beautiful children and a homemaker. Alicia volunteers at a women’s clinic in Boston three days a week. Her best friend, Katalina Torres Deluca, lives on her street but owns a successful marketing firm in Boston. They’ve been best friends for two years.

Everything seems perfect for Alicia and Eliot until the hidden lies start to unfold. Piece by shocking piece the story of the last fifteen years is unfolded wickedly by Gledé Brown Kabongo, and you won’t believe the truth when it is revealed.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bake Believe – Cori Cooper

4-stars

This was an incredibly entertaining and quirky read that I was able to read in one sitting. It’s intriguing, witty, original and captivating. It was truly a one-of-a-kind story; I’ve honestly never read anything like this.

I really enjoyed how this author was able to accurately portray Cat’s thoughts and her life as young girl in a realistic way. And I thoroughly enjoyed the added bonus of easy and delicious recipes with witty commentary.

If you are looking for a fun and light read look no further this is the book for you!

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Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon – Review by Opal Nelson

ChasedChased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I was not a fan of some of the scenes within the novel, I have got to admit that Felicity does have a way with words and is a creative storyteller. I was escorted out of my comfort zone and invited to take a ride on the literary wild side. That is the beauty of story writing – although the reader and the author may have opposing views- the author is enticing, alluring, and engaging enough to capture and maintain the readers’ attention and interest; Felicity did just that. A short, spicy, and delectable read.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons—Reviewed by Jerricka Brown

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was awesome. It is well written and an attention grabber. I took a chance on this book, being outside my comfort zone of reading. I am glad I did. I was taken on an amazing adventure. I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. I can’t wait to read more from T.S. Simons and this series.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

This is a great audio. An emotional rollercoaster as I am listening to the story…. I stop and my heart is just breaking at points of what happens. Definitely emotional listen when tragedy strikes Valerie and her family. Hearing the back story as well of Flynn…. just tore at my heartstrings. The narrator is fantastic as well. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Blood Mug (Red Farlow Mysteries Book 4) by W.F. Ranew – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Blood Mug (Red Farlow Mysteries: #4)Blood Mug by W.F. Ranew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Red Farlow Mysteries series. This is a Crime novel and is 253 pages. This story follows the P.I., Red Farlow. Red heads to Atlanta for a meeting with a chairman, but when he arrives at the pottery studio, Red finds him dead from a stabbing. The killer used a medieval dagger. As Red starts his investigation, he soon finds more victims, all dead and in the same way. But why the dagger and why everyone in this studio?

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Dangerous Curves series. This is a Cozy Mystery novel and is 234 pages. This story follows Sunshine, Molly and Evangeline. When a library treasure and funds go missing, Sunshine and her library coworkers are on the case! Sunshine was tasked with planning the annual library gala, but the money raised, and the library’s 400-year-old Bible is stolen. The only problem is the only experience they have is what they have read in books. And to make matters worse, one of her coworkers could be the thief.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou-Review by Amanda Kimble

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou

This is the second book in The Meraki Series. It’s also the second book I’ve ready by Kammenou. Love by Design is amazing just like Love is What You Bake of It.

Mia is living in the city instead of with her family. She doesn’t want to be stuck in a small town. When she meets Nicholas her life is flipped upside down. The quote I chose for Mia is: “Precious time. That’s not for me. How did couples meet before all this online stuff? What happened to the old-fashioned way of meeting by chance, or at work, or through a friend?”

Nicholas runs his business with his sister. When he meets Mia things change. He isn’t sure what to make of her. Things aren’t clear until they spend time alone. The quote I chose for Nicholas is:“Well, I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

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An Unexpected Bonding (The Unexpected Trilogy Book 1) by Lilly Rayman – Review by Heidi Schoolman

An Unexpected BondingAn Unexpected Bonding by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in The Unexpected Trilogy. This is a Paranormal Romance and is 430 pages. This story follows Livvie and Darius. There is a centuries old fight between the vampires and the wolves. Livvie has been living in Texas and running an inherited ranch for the last decade. Her fiancé died and she continues to run the ranch in his memory. Darius is a wandering vampire whose wife died a few years ago and so he wanders trying to escape her memories. He ultimately comes to work on Livvie’s ranch. The attraction between these two are undeniable, but can they overcome the past of their kind?

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Try Right (Aloha Series book 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Opal Nelson

Try RightTry Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone loves an underdog. I enjoyed that Jill did not stick to the script. Try Right is fun, witty, breezy, whimsical, romantic, and downright compelling. I was rooting more so for the ‘underdog’ as opposed to the ‘lost love’. The characters are relatable; the fear of Henry’s perceived inadequacies resonated with me and made his and Claudia’s relationship more touching and special. I will always be a fan of the girl/boy next door finally being enough and getting their deserved happy ending.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading historical fiction and am pleased to have discovered a new author having thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Wareeze Woodson. This wonderfully written story is full of historical detail and time period social niceties all of which added to the feeling of being immersed in this story and the era. Both the characters and the setting were bought to life by the authors descriptive narrative and I felt engaged with the characters, especially the likeable Emily. Emily Riventon is pledged by her stepbrother and guardian as collateral for his wager in a game of chance. Emily is shocked that both her stepbrother and the other gents involved in the game are willing to use Emily in a bet and tries hard not to show her terror, especially when her guardian looses both the bet and her. The handsome Earl of Lenbridge is the winner and wins Emily, but what does he intend on doing with his prize. Emily does not know what her future holds and whether she will become a mistress or a wife. The storyline flows well and the exciting plot kept me happily turning the pages and I was hooked from page one. I definitely recommend this enjoyable and engaging page turner.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

Ready For Flynn, Part 1 (Ready For Flynn #1)Ready For Flynn, Part 1 by K.L. Shandwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wheww this novel is emotion!!l. There was alot of character and world building in this story, at times I did feel some of this could have been left out as it wasn’t essential to the story, however I felt that by the end of the book I knew the characters well and so I felt their highs and theirs lows with them. I did have to remind myself that Valerie, the main female character, is actually quite young in this novel as I felt there were alot of adult themes for a young woman of 15 to 18 years of age. I liked that the book ends on a cliff hanger as I am now eager to read the next one. I really enjoyed the narration of this book as I felt the narrator really brought the personalities of the characters to life which I feel is important for such an emotionally hard hitting story.

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Walker Pride (The Walker Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Walker Pride (The Walker Family, #1)Walker Pride by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this wonderfully written novel both enjoyable and engaging and thought it was a great start to a new series and an exciting introduction to the Walker family. This story focuses on Eric Walker and Susan, Eric lives a quiet and structured life until his Uncle lost the family’s property by gambling it and Eric’s livelihood away. Meanwhile, Susan Hayes moves to Georgia to start a new career in catering and start a new life. Just when she begins to get settled Eric Walker and his family enter into her life. Eric is dealing with family secrets, someone trying to ruin his business and is being driven off his land, when he meets Susan and falls in love. As well as dealing with the fact that someone is trying to destroy the Walker family Eric and Susan can not deny their mutual attraction and obvious chemistry. Life becomes even more complicated when someone tries to kill Eric. The storyline flows well and the plot is action packed and along with the likeable and relatable characters this novel had me hooked from page one. I look forward to reading future books in ‘The Walker Family’ series.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Dani Dando

Imagine meeting the one that you know you are meant to be with, but the timing being all wrong? That’s what it’s like for Valerie and Flynn. Fate for them like to intervene and then sucker punch them for good measure. I’m not kidding, I listened to this in one day, and what an emotional rollercoaster that was.

So Valerie happens to be the little sister to Flynn’s best friend, and though there is that unspoken, or sometimes spoken rule about not touching the younger sister of a mate, neither of them can help the attraction. But as previously stated, Flynn and Valerie don’t do rainbows and ponies, and it takes time before their paths would cross and they could finally meet each other on a level of love and understanding that was always there, it was just too soon.

Honestly, I love how Shandwick tells this story, she really builds the characters and their relationship instead of rushing it. I felt like I got to know the characters as they grew and grew into their feelings, finally knowing them for what they were and being able to express them. There is such love and heart in this book and am excited for the rest of the series. Bring it on.

Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Myths & LegendsMyths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this collection of stories each one by a different Indie author and all based on myths, legends and love. There are stories about, knights, dragons, mythical creatures, curses, magical moments and dashing quests for love. The Anthology includes tales about Egyptian Gods, stories from Arthurian legend and Robin Hood to tales of myths and Hades. There really is a story for everyone in this ‘Indie Love Anthology’. I enjoyed reading all the stories and have discovered some new authors but one of my favourite stories was, ‘Dragon’s Heart’ by Carrie Austin Malone. Set in Wales, the authors descriptive narrative really brings the setting and the characters to life which made me feel engaged in the story from start to finish.

Dragon shifter Geraint lives in ‘Tref Dreigiau’ along with his brothers and is a guardian of ‘Dragon Town’, a refuge for people with Dragon blood and who are hunted by a secret society. This society wants to bring back Dragons and use them as weapons. A dragon has a ‘Mate’ who they can wait centuries for and Geraint is hoping he will find his. Meanwhile, Mary has been dreaming about dragons and is a ‘dragonmate’. On her twenty first  birthday her dream changes and she dreams of a man alone in a cell being tortured. This man haunts her dreams and through them talks to her of a future together. When she starts to hear him when she’s awake she can not refuse when he asks her to find him and help him. This is a wonderfully written love story featuring dragon shifters and their mates. Geraint and Mary are both likeable characters and I enjoyed following their love story and reading how they found each other through the Mate bond. I was hooked from page one of this story and felt the storyline flowed well and the plot had plenty of drama along with the romance.

I recommend this whole Anthology as an enjoyable and engaging read and perfect for some escapism into fantasy, myths and legends.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

Flowers in December (Flowers in December #1)Flowers in December by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is heart achingly beautiful. Connor hasn’t been back to his childhood hometown for over twenty years aside from birthdays and Christmas. However, when his mother dies he has to return to arrange her funeral and take care of her belongings. He finds himself overcome with regret and longing for his past mistakes, grief and love for the mother he loved with everything he had and with hope for his future. The words in this were so beautiful and really got to the heart of the lessons that we can learn from the passing of a loved one and what it truly means to be happy with a well lived and loved life. An absolutely stunning novel.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Amanda DelFemine

Jane Suen did not miss a beat when it came to this story. Its a story of loss, life, and finding your way. It really made you relate to Connor on missed opportunities because life is too short. He held a grudge that he didnt know he had until it was confronted. Connor comes home after his mothers death to arrange a funeral and get everything squared away all the while he meets MaryAnn while picking out the flowers for the funeral. Its not until a few months later when time slips that he realizes hes alone in the world and noone to turn to.

I cant wait to get my hands on the next in the series.

The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda DelFemine

The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Holmes writes such an interesting piece of work. Its a mix of historical fiction and mystery. It is not my usual subject matter to turn to but figured why not try something new. The story flowed and had me wanting more. Holmes really knows how to bring the characters and worlds to life.

Tiwatipara spends a lot of time putting blame on himself for the chariot disaster. It takes him years to figure out who really killed his father and left his grandfather injured. Tiwatiparas father was the picture perfect representation on what a father should be.

The only real gripe of the book is the names of people an places were a bit daunting and made me read a bit slower.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson. This book was so good. Its the story of Emily Riventon who is of Nobel Birth and she is put up for wager by her stepbrother due to his horrible gambling problems. The Earl of Lenbridge has rightly won Emily in this game all due to her stupid stepbrother who is her guardian. Emily is terrified. Phillip Beckley Benton is the Earl of Lenbridge and he can’t believe the luck he’s having. If he wins Emily’s as his prize he will be in seventh heaven. As the two get to know each other they realize they might actually like on another. The only question is will Emily be his wife or his mistress? The two realize that even thought they got together thru very unconventional circumstances they might actually have a chance at love. Will Emily realize her stepbrother may have done the best thing ever for her? Read The Earl’s Scandalous Wager to find out!

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne – Review by Tausha Treadway

Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and GunningTapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne. This is an action packed Sci Fi, Fantasy read. It can be read as a standalone but I think its best if you read the first one beforehand. Its the story of Cash and Jack as they work together to take down the Black Queen who is a cyber terrorist. She also has supernatural powers and those combined can be deadly. Jack’s girlfriend Erika is helping them and she too has super powers just as powerful as the Black Queen. The only problem being they don’t have a clue as to who the Black Queen really is. Will the gang get out of this one alive? Erica seems to be in real danger this time. The Black Queen is not someone to be messed with. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire read!

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Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Kayla Bullock

Myths & Legends was not at all what I was expecting.  Although I did enjoy some of the stories, I felt as though several of them did not really fall into the category of myths or legends.  I was expecting amore updated version of classical mythology.  While some of the stories delivered this, such as Queens of the Underworld, others did not come close.  Each story is written by a different author, which made each story unique.  Focusing on differing ways of falling in love, the stories make for an interesting read, but some stories felt rushed at the end and needed to be expanded further.

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Kerry Baker

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter is the first book in the Sealed With A Kiss series. This is a book that is full of emotion and heartbreak right from the word go. It felt like you went on the journey with the character and experienced those emotions right alongside her.
I did think the story could have done with a little more depth to it. The basis was brilliant – boyfriend mysteriously vanished and announced dead, dealing with the aftermath of that. However it felt like at times the story became a little repetitive instead of detailed. I think if a bit of that had been stripped out and a little more flesh added to the story then this would have been fantastic. However it is the first book in a trilogy so it could be that it is just setting everything up for the next two. I will certainly be willing to give them a go!

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Blue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor – Review by Liz Vrchota

Blue Summer Part OneBlue Summer Part One by Everly Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what I was going to get when I picked up Blue Summer: Part One by Everly Taylor, but I knew just from the gorgeous cover I needed to read it and see what adventure awaited me. I am so glad I dove right in. This world that Ms. Taylor created was one that easily transported me and made me feel the magic that she created so effortlessly. I felt as if I was right there with the characters and like the world was very real and tangible. I love when a book can do that for me so this was an instant win in my book. I particularly loved how this was a sweet and easy read with underlying themes of acceptance and character growth for many ages that could enjoy the read. I know my daughters could pick this up and read it in a few years and enjoy it as much as I did now in my thirties. This is one you won’t want to miss out on if you enjoy witty and strong characters with paranormal themes and slight romance undertones. I look forward to seeing what will come in the second part hopefully very soon!

Review by @lizaileen
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Luminoso (The Luminara Series, Book 4) by SJ Molloy – Review by Kerry Baker

Luminoso (Luminara, #4)Luminoso by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luminoso by S.J. Molloy is the fourth book in the Luminara series. This is a series that does need to be read in order as it follows the same characters and is a continuation of their story. For me this series just keeps getting better. Which each new book I am pulled further and further into these characters and their story. This really is a book – and series – that has it all.
This book is such a rollercoaster of emotions. It really is a testament to the author that you feel absolutely everything as you read this book. I am fully invested in this story and cannot wait to see where it will go in the future!

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