Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Sarah Devereaux

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Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Competing With The Star is the second book in the Star series by Krysten Lindsay Hager.

I highly recommend this series! I really enjoyed this second book and felt I connected with the characters even more than when I read the first book, Next Door to a Star.

Hadley is at her new school with her new friends and her cute boyfriend, Nick. Life is the best it has been for her since she moved to Grand Haven. She and Nick have a great friendship and a great relationship as well and they can talk to each other about just about anything.

When Hadley finds out her boyfriend used to have a huge crush on her best friend Simone, Hadley’s whole world gets shaken up, and not necessarily in a good way! What could possibly go wrong when your best friend is a former TV star?

I really felt connected to this book and series as a whole. Even as an older adult, I could relate to how Hadley felt about that first relationship and the feelings of insecurity and if she was good enough or doing the right things. I could also relate to the friendships, and lack thereof, and how you don’t always know if your friends are who you think they are in the end.

YA contemporary is one of my favourite genres and I really feel this series would be a great addition to any young teens book collection and I highly recommend it for the 12-18 year old age range. I hope that someday Krysten writes a third book to let readers find out what happens between Hadley and Nick and the rest of the gang.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Piper Foster

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger is the academy no one wants to be at. It is a lovely quick read. Very fasted paced which I enjoyed this however does not take from the story at all. All in the bottom of the bottom academics. This actually read better than I expected. Mikayla is the daughter of a big family and is not fitting on with the rest of them academically let’s see what the future holds.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Kerry Carr

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is a YA paranormal story and contains witches and magic. As you can imagine with young witches learning new magic things done always go the way they should.
The author does a really good job at bringing the paranormal world to life and the story is magical and funny which keeps you reading.

In this story we follow a young witch called Makayla. She is unsure of her power and coming from a powerful family she wants to prove to them she is as good as they are.
However when she doesn’t get into her choice of school she ends up at Grave Digger Academy. This is an place no one wants to end up and Makayla wants to leave as soon as she can.
The Grave Digger Academy turns out to be harder than she expects and things turn into an adventure when the dead she is supposed to stop rising decide that they don’t want to play ball and stay where they are suppose to. Dead and buried.

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name #1)Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shane Coulter is a man with a dark past and a darker heart, he has been through a lot in his life and this has made him into the person he is today, abrasive, sarcastic and a pain in the ass to those around him, but as much as he tries to distance himself from those around him, he can’t seem to push them far enough away. One day he is meeting his friend for something to eat, but instead of him, he sees a face from his past, his first love, Callan Reid, a tall, blonde man whose blue eyes keep him entranced and help his breath to come back, but they also remind him of what they had and why he left him. Callan cannot help being drawn back to Shane, the man he left behind to appease his family, but the life he chose hasn’t made him happy and all he wants is a second chance with him and he is determined to get Shane to come around to his point of view.

They agree to meet up and go on a date, but Shane insists that it is his rules or nothing and the main rule is that they are complete strangers, they don’t talk about the past or delve too deeply into each others lives, Callan agrees, albeit reluctantly and they agree to meet and start again. As the two meet on one of Shane’s favourite walking trails, Callan asks to take his picture, Shane agrees, however, it is too much like all times, but he agrees to dinner as payment for the photographs, although he takes his own car and follows him there. When they get to the restaurant, it is the same one as the other night. After the waiter brings their food, they talk about their careers and other small talk, slightly touching on the topic of family and relationships, but before he can get too comfortable, Shane makes his excuses and leaves, albeit agreeing to dinner the next Friday on his way out.

Shane is really trying to keep his aloof attitude going, it is becoming harder, especially when the rest of his family and his boss at work are trying to drum up an uncomfortable amount of conversation, as time passes and Shane sees more of Callan, he is finding that the more time he spends around him, the harder it is becoming to stay closed off and Callan is beginning to think that there is more to Shane pushing him away than just being obstinate, meanwhile, Shane is still desperately trying to keep his secrets hidden, but his well built walls and boundaries are starting to be pushed against and he isn’t comfortable with it at all. Will Callan be able to get Shane to open up to him and accept the help being given, or will Shane close himself off even more as the pressure mounts? Can Shane keep his demons at bay, or will the darkness close in on him and destroy whatever he has left? This is a thrilling story of love and protection in this romance with a dark twist which will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing as to what will happen all the way to the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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The Myder Bird TattooThe Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author for me which I enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. This is a well written story that is full of action and kept me turning pages to the end. The characters are relatable and bring the story to life on each page. This is a story about a series of situations that puts things on a course of destruction. The queen is assassinated and her two daughters have had a couple of failed attempts at killing them. Living in a matriarchal society, the youngest daughter realizes that some of the soldiers are her brothers. What happens next you will want to find out. This is a little different story but it was easy to read and I found it to be entertaining. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Of Fire & Bone (Of Magic & Scales Book 3) by Natalina Reis – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Of Fire and Bone (Of Magic & Scales, #3)Of Fire and Bone by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Of Fire & Bone is the third book in the Of Magic & Scales series. Somehow, I ended up with the third book without reading the second one. I read the first one and going from that one to this one I can say that it’s not difficult to pick up what’s going on, BUT you miss out on the actual events that sparked what’s happening in book three. So, I’d definitely say you need book two for the best reading experience.

This is a quick, fun-filled read. I love the banter between the characters and how easy it is to connect with them. I liked how the book had a warm vibe without tipping over into cheesy. The only thing I wish had been different was that the final battle seemed a bit glossed over. That could be because I missed book two and maybe that’s where most of the action happened with that character.

Overall, a pleasant read. Even though this is the conclusion to the main books, I’m looking forward to the holiday book, which is unusual for me because I don’t normally prefer holiday themed books. These characters draw you in, though. Plus, I have to find out what Vee does for the event. There’s bound to be something, what with all her wild ideas…

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven #1)The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this young adult paranormal story. This is one of my first books by this author which I enjoyed how she brought the characters to life with her attention to details. They are connectable and make the story engaging. This is a well written story that pulled me in from the beginning and made it fun to read. Lucy has found herself in a new town living with family after the death of her mother. She just wants to fit in but finds that her destiny has something else in mind. She is a gifted young teen that finds herself in the middle of good and evil. What happens with Lucy you will need to find out. She kept me turning pages because I wanted to know what would happen to her next. Will the darkness destroy things before she comes to terms with her destiny? She is such a great character, I just loved her. She made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Remember His Name (Remember My Name Series Book 2) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Remember His Name (Remember My Name, #2)Remember His Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Remember His Name is the second book in the Remember My Name series. I had a rocky experience with book one, but I decided to give the second one a chance anyway. I’m here to say that book two did a MUCH better job with suspense and overall story telling.

While I still felt like there were a lot of major time skips, this story held my interest more than the first book. It also answered the question of whether the first book ties into this one at all. It does. I can’t really say how or it’ll ruin the story, but I will say there is one part of the tie in that connects to the cliffhanger in book one. That piece felt much too brief after the buildup from book one. Maybe there will be more regarding that in an upcoming book? The main story line in book two is rounded out and feels like part of it has a conclusion, which is what I think was missing in book one. Even with somewhat of a cliffhanger in book two, there was still a sense of closure, which made for a much more satisfying read.

This book is a bit different in that you could read it by itself for the main story line, but if you don’t read book one, you’ll miss the impact of how things shape up toward the end. It will make sense, but you won’t fully understand why it’s important. So, even though book one was not my favorite, I’m glad I read it to get the full reading experience for book two.

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Sex on Fire (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1)Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read by Ashley Bostock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this short romance story. It is a naughty neighbor romance that pulled me in from the beginning. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her. This is a well written story that packs a lot of heat in a short time. Turner is a neighbor that anyone would love to have next door. In this neighborhood all the women swoon over him but he says I am the one for him. But is this woman good enough? Will he convince her that she is the one for him? I enjoyed their chemistry and watching their relationship grow throughout the story. It was an entertaining story to read and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name #1)Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Remember My Name is the first book in the Remember My Name series. This was not the reading experience I expected. This book is marketed as suspense, but I didn’t feel like it was suspenseful at all. I feel like it’s more of a dark, angsty romance because the main character has a haunted past. I had what I’m guessing was supposed to be the suspenseful part figured out within the first few chapters.

Now, I LOVE a dark, angsty m/m romance, so I tried to get into this book despite the mis-marketing, but I couldn’t get emotionally involved with the characters until over half-way through. There wasn’t a good emotional build up at the beginning.

Another thing that was a bit distracting was the choppy way the scene breaks came up. It didn’t flow well, so there were times I had to take a minute to figure out where they were or what was going on. And the overall story was a bit slow in places.

Also, the book ends abruptly after only 13 chapters. It is unclear whether or not the author meant for it to be a cliffhanger. There isn’t really any closure to the story. I read the description of book two in order to try to see if there was a hint that it was continuing, but based on what I read, it looks like book two has a completely different set of characters. Basically, it left me confused as to the authors choice of ending the story where it ended. I’m wondering if maybe there was supposed to be more and it just didn’t get uploaded?

Something I did like about the story is that the main character had people around him who were truly trying to support him no matter how much he pushed them away.

This story had a lot of potential and I really wanted to like it more than I did. Maybe book two will be more satisfying. I’ll give it a try, just in case.

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Grumbler’s Ride (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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grumbler-s-ride” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Grumbler's Ride (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #2)Grumbler’s Ride by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grumbler’s Ride is the second book in the Satan’s Devils MC series by Manda Mellett. Grumbler is a rough and tough biker who feels as though he has no time in his life for anything other than his bike, his work, and his MC life. He has never been married and never had kids, nor has he had any desire to have either. His family is the Satan’s Devils and that is how he intends to keep it. His girlfriend, as his biker buddies refer to it, is his beloved motorcycle. Besides, even if he wanted an old lady in his life, he is too darn old at this point as he is nearing sixty.

Mary, a single mom, has been raising Alicia alone since Alicia was about 10 years old. Now at 17, Alicia and her mom butt heads constantly because, as teenagers often do, she knows everything. Mary has no desire to date or bring a man into her life because raising her head strong daughter not only keeps her busy but tends to be a turn off to men. Mary and Alicia bicker constantly as Mary tries to teach her daughter the dangers of the world. Alicia, feeling that her mom is being too overbearing and too protective, chooses to often ignore her mom’s advice. When Alicia is approached by a photographer who asks her to do some modelling for him Mary is nervous and reluctant to let Alicia do the photo shoot. However, against her better judgement, Mary allows her daughter to do the photo shoot, but only on the condition that she goes along to supervise.

As luck would have it, Grumbler has been approached by the same photographer and has been asked if his beloved bike can be used in a photo shoot. At the photo shoot Grumbler briefly meets Mary and gets a glimpse into the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship between Mary and her daughter Alicia. This chance encounter between Mary and Grumbler during the photo shoot changes all their lives forever in a way that non of them could have ever predicted.

This book was a great read and I fell in love with the characters of both Grumbler and Mary. I absolutely loved the fact that the main characters were both older and more mature. I also found it quite refreshing that Grumbler and Mary first became friends before deciding if it could be taken any farther. Grumbler is a man who oozes sex appeal and goes to show that even mature, older men that are considered rough around the edges can be sexy. Mary is someone who shows that older, more mature women, can also be attractive and desirable. This was a great read, but I must warn that there is some sensitive material in the book.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this book and needless to say this is a start to an amazing series, and was very well done and I’m quite eager for me! I loved the authors techniques in writing this amazing novel, from the characters and how they grew and changed, from how words played to describe not only the events and the scenery, but as well as the minds of the characters very thoroughly, this was a rare gem and left me very impressed and happy to pick up this novel and look forward to where the characters are at, to what hey will face next, with it be good intentions or perhaps something more of a more darkening sense?

The main character which to me is so relatable in more ways than one is named Makayla…she is to study at what is called The Grave Digger Academy. Trust me, she was deeply against being there in the first place more less, although perhaps she would learn soon enough that the the old saying the universe has a plan always, maybe there was more truth in the sentence than she was willing to believe?

Makayla is very headstrong, and doesn’t want her life mapped on a star collision for her life. She wants to choose her own destiny and make her own decisions that will make forth a path that only she can follow as it will be the one she has chosen and willingly made. People she meets quickly choose a side to love or hate her. As much as people she could trust join one more side, the ones perhaps with less good intentions quickly make a side. But will this dividing up impact her more than she believes or again is this something the universe is planning as if all the students of the academy are more less like pawn sin a chess game? waiting till one is knocked out to reach the one piece that is desired most?

The novel ends at a good standing point as well. It was a fast and brisk read for me. It didn’t drag or make you feel bored, but more less the complete opposite.

I loved this book for so many reasons, and I truly am eager to see what Makayla will go through next. Again she makes her own path, but is there truly any way to escape destiny? Sometime we can evade but some things no matter how hard you try, you cant run from some things that tru1y have a way of finding you.

I cant wait to see how she progresses and more of her path and what is already chosen and set for her. As well as how she is to be “shaped” for the continuation of the series. I always loved reading, understanding, as well as witnessing the growth of a character. And I already know with Makayla there is to be anything but slow motions. She truly is set up already to a force that if reckoned with, well you may have doubts for doing that in the first place.

This was my first novel/series I have read by C.A. King …my only regret is I have not gotten to enjoy more books by them until I discovered this one! This was a fun and brisk read, and I will be eagerly awaiting for the continuation of the series

Well done C.A King, you have truly left me wanting more, and needless to say, very impressed!
Do pick up this wonderful book my fellow readers, and join me in attending the “orientation” for The Grave Digger Academy…surely we do not want to be late do we?

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Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic Series Book 1) by Denise D. Young – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Tangled Roots (Tangled Magic, #1)Tangled Roots by Denise D. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A time-traveling witch? Cassie is stuck in a tree from 1974-2019. Nick is a witch who is hiding his powers. The two are brought together to rescue others from a diabolical plan. There are misadventures and new adventures for Cassie as she meets new family. So much has changed. The chemistry off Cassie and Nick could start a fire of its own. The town sounds wonderful. It reminds of one of the small towns in our area. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. It’s funny, light, and a great read for book 1 in the series. I can’t wait to read more.

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have now been following Hani, an Egyptian Diplomat from book one and I always look forward to a new story and I am never disappointed. Each book can be read as a standalone story, however I feel that the reader will enjoy the novels more if they are read in order. This story is set in ancient Egypt, around the seventeenth and final year of Akh-en-aten’s reign, which is about 1338 BCE. Hani makes a great main character as he is well defined and is both relatable and likeable and he really helps brings the plot together. Due to the authors wonderfully descriptive narrative I always feel engaged with Hani and immersed in his world, so much so that I feel I am solving the mystery alongside him.

This time Hani is investigating thefts from the household of the king which on closer inspection appear to be related to a sinister attempt on the kings life. Alongside the main mystery Hani is worried for his daughter who was present at the crown prince’s birth as those present begin to die as secrets emerge about the princes identity. Hani is caught between the government and the radical revolutionaries who would like to restore Amen-Ra by civil war. This unfortunately involves the Queen, who Hani has sworn to serve. As usual this is a complex historical crime mystery story with an action packed plot which had me hooked from start to finish. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I enjoyed figuring out the mystery elements of the storyline alongside Lord Hani.

There are a lot of characters mentioned which can be confusing but the list of characters at the beginning of the book is very helpful and I found it interesting to know which characters were based on a real person and those who are fictional. The authors knowledge and research shines through in her writing and I found the historical notes particularly fascinating along with the glossary of terms. I continue to enjoy ‘The Lord Hani Mysteries’ series and I look forward to book number six, hopefully!

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Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic Series Book 1) by Denise D. Young – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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Tangled Roots (Tangled Magic, #1)Tangled Roots by Denise D. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It was right up my alley for paranormal romance. Cassie Gearhart, fresh out of highschool escapes a family who has made her suppress her magical nature. In an attempt to hide from her older brother she makes a blind deal with the Goddess. Fast forward 45 years, Cassie stumbles back to the farmhouse she has come to know so well. Only to find that the inhabitant is no longer the woman she knows but her grandson, Nick Felson.

After tragedy struck the small town of Willow Creek, Virginia, Nick had sworn off using magic and had plans of leaving forever. Until Cassie showed up. Both Cassie and Nick can feel the way their magic calls to the other, it’s like they are meant to be, or at least meant to use their magic together for a larger purpose.

I would recommend this book if you are looking for a nice easy read with a great story line.

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Flash Point: Nite Fire Volume 1 AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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I’ve been looking for my next serial obsession, and I think I just found it! Nite Fire: Flash Point took me on a roller coaster ride through a new world and mystery. Dahlia Nite, hiding from her own race, now lives in the human world as a protector of sorts. A new murder has her attention, providing pieces to a puzzle Dahlia never saw coming, and brings up even more questions that she had never ventured to ask. As the world of this new series begins to take shape and readers are drawn deeper into the life of Dahlia Nite, you’ll be led deep into the mystery surrounding and threatening the existence of more than just one race. Nite Fire: Flash Point will take you down the rabbit hole and out the other side to what I’m hoping will be a just as exciting and riveting ride into the next book.

Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat house confessions) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Kimberly Griffiths

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat House Confessions, #6)Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster
By
Danielle Jacks

In this story, author Danielle Jacks portrays life at college really close to what college life is like, full of pranks and love, this story has a happy ending. Both the main characters, Casey and Setter are opposites who are brought together, Both bring out the best in each other. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend this story. It’s a quick read and you will enjoy it.

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor

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Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lake of Flowers is the fifth in the Lord Hani series. It is the first novel I have read by this author and can be read as a standalone. NL Holmes has done an excellent job of setting the story in ancient Egypt, I could feel the heat and environment that the characters were experiencing. I struggled a little with the general conversation used by characters and felt that it perhaps didn’t fit the time. Otherwise, the novel is very well written and researched. I also intend to read more of this series as it now has me intrigued!

 

Review by Penelope Taylor July 2021

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Barbara Stegall

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Remember My Name (Remember My Name #1)Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Barbara Stegall July 2021 I found this book very emotional. Without giving any spoilers I just wanted to yell at Shane to trust his friends!!!!!!! It hurt my heart reading all that Shane has gone through. You find Shane is between a rock and a hard place. This book has a cliff hanger at the end which I did not like at all!!!!! What happens next????

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short StoriesBeginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though a short book of short stories, it will make a large impact on your heart. Every story makes an impact and leaves a message. You will have to figure out that message. I did find a tear rolling down my cheek at times because it was very heart warming and sad at times also. Quick read and highly recommend.

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Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic Series Book 1) by Denise D. Young – Review by Anna Hirsch

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Tangled Roots (Tangled Magic, #1)Tangled Roots by Denise D. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic Series Book 1)
By Denise D. Young
4 Stars

This book is full of witches and magic. Cassie is need of help. She doesn’t want to be found so she casts a spell asking the Guardian for help. Magic has a price and the Guardian helps in the most unexpected way. They say everything happens for a reason. Fate brings Cassie and Nick together. The chemistry is instant and their love sparks an intense passion. There is an evil lurking in Willow Creek and it’s set on destroying everything and everyone. Can they survive it?

This is a good introduction to the series. The author presents the characters for you to realize that you will fall in love with them. Cassie is a wonderful, caring person with a strength of character that Nick needs. She will help him grow and gain confidence. Most of the action happens at the end of the book and the author throws in a few surprises. The book doesn’t fully end on a cliffhanger but it leaves you wanting more.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Sex on Fire (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock – Review by Tracy Wilkin

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Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1)Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read by Ashley Bostock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read is book one in the Naughty Neighbour series by Ashley Bostock. This story was short, stylish and intoxicating. A friends to lovers quick read that was attention grabbing and totally satisfying. The characters were entertaining, the chemistry sizzling, and the innocence of the leading lady was endearing and and equally frustrating. Their adventure had highs and lows and in betweens. A quick romance that was to the point and easy to read. 4 stars.

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Sex on Fire (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1)Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read by Ashley Bostock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story was a cute, very quick read. While there’s sex it’s not super explicit in its detail, which I liked in this case. I do wish the story was a little bit longer in order to flesh out some of the storyline, as I felt there was an abruptly ended chapter and there were some quick scene change.

I enjoyed the banter and push and pull between Poppy and Turner. I really liked that we get to read about a FMC who is nerdy, quirky, and a bit shy around strangers; you don’t get that often in an adult FMC.

Summary:
Sex on fire is about two neighbors, Poppy and Turner, who desire the other but are hesitant to act on it, until one of them isn’t.

After finally succumbing to the mutual desire between them Turner knows that “neighbors with benefits” simply won’t be enough. Can he win the awkward, nerdy girl who’s running around in his head, or will her social awkwardness burn them before they really begin?

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat house confessions) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat House Confessions, #6)Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars rounded up

A fun college age romance. This book, and Brandon Setter (the Male Main Character), is quirky, fun loving, and sexy. A slight slow burn romance, with Casey (the Female MC) either disliking or being indifferent toward Setter until about 30%, but once the sparks fly, oh do they.

Both Setter and Casey are still growing into who they are. Setter has his future planned out for him, so in the meantime he’s trying to enjoy life to the fullest. Casey is still dealing with the loss of her best friend from high school, pulling away from everyone but her dad, and focusing on her schoolwork, until Setter literally stops in on her in the library and thereafter brings her back to life. But it’s not all fun and games, with both outside forces and Casey and Setter themselves threatening to pull them apart.

I enjoyed the additional background mystery storyline and the drama along the way to finding out “whodunnit.” I liked that Setter and Casey’s relationship, or lack thereof, wasn’t completely the sole focus of the novel. I also enjoyed reading how both Casey and Setter grew into more of an adult with the help of the other. The romance between them is sweet and pure.

This book is just one in a series written by many authors, but I’m interested in searching out the rest to read about what previously happened to side characters and what happens in those to come.

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Kingdom of War (Kingdom Journals Volume 4) AUDIO BOOK by Tricia Copeland – Review by Jenique Bornman

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Kingdom of War (Kingdom Journals #4)Kingdom of War by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Witches and Vampires have been at it forever and I thought that I have read all there is to this trope but then Tricia Copeland comes out of nowhere and surprises me with this gem of a series.
Kingdom of war is the 4th book in the series and I do recommend that you start this series from the beginning.
This is Hunter’s story and Tricia took us on an epic adventure with Hunter as he lives up to his vow of protecting the witch lines.
The character development is great and the storyline is well thought out. There was one or two places where I got a bit confused but it didn’t take away from the story.
The narrator also did a great job (not the voice I would fit with Hunter but still he did an amazing job)

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Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens

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Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens
Genre – Poetry, humor, inspirational
Page Count – 80 pages
Cover Designer – Leon Stevens
Lines by Leon is an eclectic mix of poetry, prose, and short stories that address the subjects of loss, struggle, human behavior, and environment in both humorous and thought-provoking ways. The author invites his readers to laugh, think, cry, and meditate on the wide variety of topics. Scattered throughout the book are sketches of various subjects, many that relate to the poems and stories they illustrate; others speak for themselves.

~ AMAZON ~ KOBO ~ APPLE ~ BARNES AND NOBLE ~

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 Leon Stevens is an author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, a book of original classical guitar compositions, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.

Author Interview With Leon Stevens

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Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson

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Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson
Genre – Historical Western, Romance, mystery
Page Count – 288 pages
Arriving at the station in 1897, twenty-year-old Elizabeth Campbell steps off the train onto the wooden platform at Bittersweep, Texas. After Yellow fever ran rampant over the small community devastating families, hers included, she hoped never to see the place again. However, broke and in need of employment, she accepts a job as the new teacher. She dreads meeting a native of the town yet is thrilled by her chance to discover what really happened fifteen years earlier. Would her mother’s box still be hidden waiting for her to retrieve?
Standing in the middle of the road, memories of fifteen years ago roll over her drowning out every sound except the roar of the fire behind her. Trapped in the recollections of her five-year-old self and that dreadful time, she envisions peering over her shoulder at the smoke and flames billowing over the treetops behind the wagon. Wanting to cry, she lifts her chin and turns away from the horrifying scene. She must care for her baby sister now.
JP Honeycutt snatches her out of the path of a runaway team and wagon bearing down on her. He is the chairman of the schoolboard meeting the train to escort her to her lodgings. Wealthy, powerful, a man of strength and character, he takes a dim view of her actions. Deciding to give her a chance to prove herself, he loads her into his buckboard and takes her to the boardinghouse.
Will what they discover together bring the two together or forever tear the lovers apart?

~ AMAZON ~

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 I write under the name Wareeze Woodson. I took my mother’s pen name Wareeze for my own. She never had anything published so I thought I would carry her pen name forward. I write historical romance with a twist of suspense, Regency and Victorian mostly. I did tackle a historical western as well. I’m an avid reader and I love to write as well. I live near Houston, TX and enjoy my family. Thank God for grandchildren. If you like to read historical love stories with a flavoring of suspense, look for books by Wareeze Woodson and join me on a journey through the past with daring heroines and dashing heroes.

Author Interview With Wareeze Woodson

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The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn

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The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn
Genre – Fantasy / dark
Page Count – 294 pages
Everybody knows something – about the steps, the tattoos, the kidnappings – but I don’t even know what questions to ask.
Inter-racial tension comes to a head when the queen of the tiny realm of Arcadia is assassinated. The delicate Ellisians, small in number, have dominated the stronger and more numerous Cadians for decades, using the powerful Negaforce to subdue and torture, but the Cadians have finally found a leader who can organise them into resisting. The queen’s two daughters were also supposed to die, but both attempts were botched, and the realm is now in the hands of the eldest daughter, whose cruelty is honed to a fine point by her paranoia.
The Ellisians have a matriarchal society, where males, with their weaker Negaforce, have no value. They are discarded at birth and sent to be trained as mindless soldiers, overseeing the Cadians. When the queen’s youngest daughter becomes curious that some of these Brethren soldiers are her brothers, it triggers an unstoppable sequence of destruction.

~ AMAZON ~

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Finally I have the time to do what I love best: writing. After twenty years teaching science in a secondary comprehensive school, I am relishing the freedom to be able to get down on paper all the ideas I have been carrying around in my head.

 

My writing doesn’t fit neatly into any particular genre. My third and fourth books come under Romance, but they’re a bit too gritty and earthy to really fit the bill. My first two books (The Glass Knight and its sequel) were first put under science fiction, but fit better under dystopian fantasy. My fifth book was meant to be an historical romance but I ended up writing fantasy again!

 

The thing that links all my books is a fascination with people and in particular, atypical relationships. None of us fit in a box and we all have our shadowy corners. Saffy, in the Glass Knight, is angry nearly all the time and has a terrible relationship with her father and half-brother (for reasons that slowly become apparent). Kate, in Seduction & Destruction, has an unhealthy fascination with violence that doesn’t fit with her privileged upbringing. Wendy, in The Kill Shot, is dealing with a Narcissistic ex and a jealous best friend. I like to think that I tell it how it is, without flinching from my characters’ weaknesses and flaws.

I flesh out my characters by watching them and listening to them in my head! Usually there are little bits of people I’ve met in them, though no character is based on any single person. I can picture how someone’s face expresses itself as they talk. I can hear the tone of voice they would use, the phrases that seem natural. My dialogue sentences often finish with three dots… because in real life people often just tail off a sentence, or someone else jumps in before they’re quite finished.

I hope my writing is also entertaining in that it has, not only some rather dry humour, but some thought-provoking ideas. I myself, love a book that educates or stimulates me, as well as entertains me. Is love necessary for a successful marriage? What technology would we try and recreate, if we lost all that we have now? Is religion of some sort essential? What do the different colours on squash balls mean? (The last is revealed in The Kill Shot!)

 

Born in south east London, I now live in Kent with my husband. I have three grown up daughters and my hobbies include photography, travel and scuba diving.

Author Interview With Julia Colbourn

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Remember His Name (Remember My Name Book 2) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Book two in Remember My Name series was just as good as the first one. This book follows the story of Wren who was born an empath. Wren’s past is tragic and I kept hoping for him to find happiness as I turned the pages. The twists and turns in this book kept me hooked and I was determined not to put this book down until it was finished. When Wren found his husband I was happy for him, but then he becomes a prime suspect when the love of his life is found murdered. Who is the culprit? Will Wren be able to find justice for his love before there is another victim? I have enjoyed this series so far and I hope there are more to come.

A Cold Day In Hell (Life Is Hell Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Angela Hayes

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

A Cold day in Hell is the fifth book in the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. This is a captivating fantasy with angels, shifters, demons, pixie, imp, other supernatural beings, humour, banter, family, drama, mystery, danger, f/f romance, chemistry, an enemies-to-lovers element, magic, tension, suspense, secrets, action, sacrifice, and lots more.
This is Hadassah (Haddie) and Jezebel’s story- Haddie is an angel on suspended duty for miss using her powers and has been sent to Earth on probation. She isn’t happy about it- all she wants to do is serve her time and get back to heaven. But things take a bit of a complicated turn when Haddie feels obliged to help one of her brother’s friends.
Jezebel is a bit of a recluse, a shifter who has been trying to hide from her past. She knows that eventually it will catch up with her and she will have no choice but to run again. She just didn’t expect it to be now, or to have to go on the run with a prickly angel by her side.
Jezebel has been quite the mysterious character throughout the series, We knew she was a shifter, but little else. This book really allows us to get to know her, and my heart broke finding out everything she had been through. She and Haddie had a bit of rocky start- but the chemistry was there all along. They really were perfect for each other. After meeting Haddie previously, I wasn’t sure I would like her as she had been quite abrasive. But following along on the story and finding out more about her, I understand why she is prickly and discovered there is more to her than first meets the eye- and I ended up loving her.
As expected, Ms. Valkyrie created superb tension and suspense throughout her story, balanced beautifully with some tender, emotive, and heartwarming moments.
I love that even though each book concentrates on one particular ‘couple’- there is also a much bigger picture being painted and a secondary, subplot/bridging storyline woven through the series that amps up the danger and tension- and has me itching for more. Having said that I really recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one- as knowing what happens previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book.
I know I keep saying this, but I really do adore this series so very much!!! It’s wonderfully original, with intriguing storylines featuring quirky and endearing characters who have firmly embedded themselves into my heart, and I can’t get enough.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Naomi Valkyrie!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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