States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller

States of Grace is the first book in the Grace Locke Mystery Series and holy cow what a ride! This is a Mystery/Suspense that will hook you from the beginning and keeps reeling you in as you read. This is a fairly new author to me and this is her debut mystery. The twists and turns had me turning the pages all while trying to figure out what happens next. Grace finds herself in a situation where she has to turn to the dark side in order to be able to her bills. She finds herself taking on a client who needs her to prove their innocent and to keep herself out of more trouble. It’s a ra e against time can she prove their innocence before its to late? Grace is a character I can totally see myself being friends with. Although she has secrets she’s still a strong women even if she finds herself weak at times. You guys I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. What a wonderful start to this series.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Michelle Austin

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Grace Locke series and this author’s first book. It was a great 5 star read. The author pulled me in with her writing and being a lawyer herself it makes it even more interesting.

Grace is currently on probation and is working on trying to get things back on track in her life. She is recovering from drug and alcohol addiction due to the loss of her leg. The cases she is currently taking are not helping her situation. There is a twist and a case that could help her career has come up and she is determined to defend the accused.

As evidence starts to pile up on her client will she be able to prove innocence or is she really guilty?

Overall this was a great mystery with several twists and turns that added a great element to the story. All of the characters were great, my favorite was Vinnie, I was LOL several times. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was coming next. The author’s detail was great, you felt like you were right there in the story. I can’t wait to read more from this series and author. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Betsy Melano

No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is about three pregnant young women who find themselves in a home in New Orleans where they are eventually expected to give away their baby. This was situation many young women found themselves in back in the 1950’s or 60’s. Each of them have different reasons on why they are at the home. I really appreciated hearing how each character was feeling or thinking. The author did a great job of sharing the characters, making it easy to emotionally connect with them. I also appreciated that we find out how their children’s lives have turned out. I can’t even imagine how difficult it was for the young mothers to give away their child. It truly shows how strong the young women had to be and also as they grew into strong mature women.

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Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Corine Lombardi

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #5)Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story hit home during this time of year.
Overcoming the bottom of the bottom and taking the chance of failing in life for love.
Sam is a beautiful character and he is dark and fabulous.
How one phone call can change your life, for the better!
This is a quick and enjoyable read and I am here for this entire series.
This author has an amazing way of quickly building an addictive world.
This book is number five of the series but honestly this book felt like a Stan alone to me.
I am glad I chose now to read this book as it matches the setting.
I look forward to reading the other books to this series.
Dark is an excellent way to describe this character and world that has been created.

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Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase, #3) by Anna Paige – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase, #3)Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved Loved Loved this book and definitely could not put this down until the very end. The very beginning had me pulled into the story and this book gave me roller coaster of emotions of the highs and lows. Jared, a rock star, wants nothing more to make sure his father is taken care of. Madison is a caring and compassionate caregiver to Jared’s father. At first, when Jared and Madison meet, there is some friction. When you read more into the story there is so much more!! I could just go on and on about this book but do not want to give away any spoilers. I can say this book is definitely worth the read. Fantastic Contemporary Romance with sweet and emotional moments.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Megan Pesek

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Welcome to high school where nothing is as it seems and reputations mean everything. Blindsided has all the drama you’d expect from high school and friendships forged in unforgettable circumstances in one story. Brock is easy to hate, yet you’re compelled to not give up on him. Kirsa is easy to love; she just wants a chance to live the life she once had without the hate that follows her. You’ll feel so many emotions and possibly even want to knock some sense into a few characters along the way!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Lape

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are into Mafia thrillers this book is for you! When I picked up this book I was unaware that it was part of a series but the author gave enough background that this book can be read as a stand-alone book. The five head bosses of Chicago’s mafia have to band together to flush out the rat. Emiliana is the mafia princess who has had to overcome some major PTSD after an incident almost four years ago. Stefano is the son of one of the five heads of the family for the Chicago Italian Mafia who has fallen head over heels in love with the one female he really should stay away from. Emiliana and Stefano can only share a few moments alone with no one finding out. I am a new fan of these thrilling, on the edge of your seat mafia books!

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Reviewed by @alape

Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Ember Daley

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slow clap from the back of the room… I really am sad this was the end of Tasha and Levi’s story!! This is the third book in the trilogy, definitely recommend to read the first two books for a better understanding of where we are now. Would absolutely give this a place in the best books I’ve read this year hands down.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Vanessa Watts

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is something to be said about legal mysteries that can pull you in and take you back to a memory or a moment that you dealt with something the main character is going through. Grace is a down on her luck attorney just trying to survive after experiencing major pitfalls in her life. From enlisting in the military after September 11 to the throes of addiction and battling a crushing disability that can knock out even the strongest fighters. Grace has switched sides in the courtroom from being a prosecutor to now being defense counsel and defending those she once had the pleasure of putting away, all for the sake of keeping her law license. However, one day she sees the news about a young rich girl arrested for murder but there is one silver lining Grace knows that last name. Finally seeing a light out of her dark days Grace just needs to find a way to represent the accused and she knows just how to do it. The only problem is the accused is the daughter of the woman who stole her husband.

The evidence against her client is stacking up and for Grace often accused is synonymous with guilty especially with the insurmountable evidence the police have. However, as Grace continues to investigate she comes into irrefutable evidence of her client’s innocence and the victim isn’t as innocent as he seems. This leads Grace down a dark road from her past as she looks into the pill mill enterprise in Florida. Can she escape her past life while getting her client acquitted for murder? This book pulls you in hard from the first page and doesn’t let go!

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Beverly Finnie

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Swipe Right to Bite is a paranormal romantic comedy. A story of a succubus vs an incubus, satan two sex demons. What could be more entertaining than that?!
Katrina, who has been in New Orleans for just under a century, has her own Tinder type app for supernatural beings to have some fun. Choosing to abstain so Satan will set her free, she uses the apps sexcapades to keep her succubus in check. Until that is Gabriel enters her turf preaching love is more powerful than sex.
The dynamic between Gabriel and Katrina is entertaining as best, both hoping to dupe the other into falling in love. Does it work? Does it backfire on them?
There’s also the problem of Satan who will never let Katrina go, despite making a deal with Gabriel for her freedom. Satan doesn’t actually think he will succeed. Is he right? Does Gabriel fail at the task of making Katrina fall in love?
You want to laugh out loud while reading? Pick up this book! You’ll also get all the answers to the questions above along the way!

@placexba

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never fails to entertain me. I have read all of the books in this series and each one has been great. Katrina is a recovering succubus who is trying to earn her freedom from the Devil but being his favorite, this will be no easy task! Katrina has come up with a dating app for supernaturals to hook up. All is running great until Gabe, a celibate succubus rolls into town to give love lessons.

This was a very quick read for me and it was almost over too soon. The writing was fantastic and all of the characters were easily relatable. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment in the New Orleans Nocturnes series.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Erin Wolf

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit, when I started this book, I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t really love it in the beginning. I couldn’t connect with Grace. But happily, that didn’t last long. Once more of the secondary characters were introduced, starting with her landlord, things seemed to really come together. Her interaction with people and coming to terms with her past and who she is now really shine through and make her a great character. She cares and wants to do right. The secondary characters also shine and make this book even better.

While I really like the characters, that’s not all this book is about. The story starts around her taking a case where it looks pretty evident that her client is guilty. But as any great thriller/suspense book shows us, there is so much more going on. Grace heads down the never-ending rabbit hole, digging up more and more. You think you know what’s going on, but then the author throws another curve at us.

This was a book I was engrossed in pretty quickly, and could not put down until I finished. The author weaves such a fantastic tale of whodunit and why that we are kept guessing the whole way. That’s what really makes this book superb. A must read in my mind.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Erica Fish

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mandy Miller’s debut book is amazing. I was grabbed from the first word until the last word of the book. Her attention to detail makes this mystery one of the best books I have read recently. This book has drama, mystery, thrillers, crime, and investigation. I could not put this book down because I needed to know what was coming on the next page. This story is about Grace. Grace is trying to find her way. Grace is a disabled Army veteran who is a prosecutor who has fallen from grace. She has had a lot of bad decisions that make her look at her life choices. Grace takes on a case that really takes her on a journey. I highly recommend this mystery to find out what happens to Grace and her case.

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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction (Book 2) by C.L. Schneider -Reviewed by: Jasmin Slagle

Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dahlia Nite is a police advisor and half-dragon shifter. After a serious drug is released in the city, dead bodies start turning up. Dahlia, Creed, and Evans try to discover who is behind Chrysalis (the drug).

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Tina Vega

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the final book of this trilogy, we wrap up this paranormal romance. Even though I was sad to see it end, this was one of those that you HAD to know what happened. The author created an intriguing world with vampires and lycans as well as an unknown danger. It is a must read series, very different from other paranormals to me. I do encourage everyone to start at the beginning bc it is basically a different world. With well-developed characters and so many different elements in the story, I could easily see this go to the big screen.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series Book 1) by Mandy Miller – Review by Krystal Gregory

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series Book 1) by Mandy Miller
5 out of 5 Stars
Let me preface this by stating that I RARELY issue a big 5 stars. Miller has done an incredible job with States of Grace. Grace Locke has some serious conflict both internally with herself and externally with her clients. Being a very run down prosecuting attorney who can’t seem to run from her own demons will do that do a girl. Grace takes on a client who she believes to her bones is guilty of murder and yet she finds evidence that not even she can disprove that her client is innocent. So the clock is ticking to find the real killer, save her client from the death penalty and then maybe she will have time to save herself in the end.
Miller has crafted a story of mystery, thrills, and heart pounding intrigue. You can’t flip the pages fast enough, or in my case, tap the kindle fast enough. Lovers of mystery, thriller and good old fashioned who dunnits would love this book. A solid 5 out of 5 stars.

Review by @kgregory
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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Santana Hicks

Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was very unique. I find a lot of “zombie” books are all the same but this one was so different. You follow 3 family members travelling through the apocalypse towards North in hope to bring a cure to the CDC. Kella, the main character, is writing her own little survival journal which gives the book a refreshing escape from reality.

Kella’s younger brother sees things differently than other people which causes a lot of others to be annoyed by him. It seems he is autistic, although the author never comes out and says it. Its nice to see someone “different” incorporated into a story. He sees the world as one big video game.

I fell in love with Kella first thing, she’s intelligent, witty, sarcastic. A typical 17 year old.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a different take on a zombie story.

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Kerry Baker

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read another book in this series, especially one about this particular character. I had been looking forward to her story from the moment she was introduced. The author yet again delivers on a fantastic book that just highlights why this is not only one of my favourite series, but why she has firmly become one of my favourite authors. I could not stop reading this book, I had to read it in one sitting. It was as entertaining and witty as I expected and is a book I thoroughly enjoyed. If you haven’t read this series yet I would urge you to do so immediately. This is a brilliant book from start to finish.

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ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons by Megan Mackie – Review by Jenni Bishop

ConQuest: The Art of Selling At ConsConQuest: The Art of Selling At Cons by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Megan has put together a self-help book to help authors with the art of selling their books by hand. She gives you all the tools that she uses at geek and nerd cons, from how to research, schedules, know your buyers, calendars, what you will need, how to get contacts, swags etc. They may seem like simple things, and some are but things like knowing to make sure to put your name at the top of banners as you are the product, she has learned from making a mistake. She holds nothing back and openly shares what works and what doesn’t.
Grab a copy if you are a writer and investigate what will work for you.
Reviewed by @jennadb

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Piper Foster

Tally and the Angel Book Two, CanadaTally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. This is our second adventure with Tally. Whilst travelling with her dad another adventure begins. It’s a very interesting read and am completely to know more

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jenni Bishop

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as I saw this new book by this author it was click and get asap. This author does paranormal romance comedy brilliantly! There has not been one single thing that this author has written that I have not loved. The New Orleans Nocturne series is a world full of crazy and quirky characters that you just can’t help but love. I really enjoy the tongue in cheek witty banter and humour that has me laughing out loud. This series just gets better with each new book. It’s always pandemonium in this fantasy world and this book is no different with sexy and sassy succubi, hot as sin incubi along with panty melting drama, and a multitude and variety of demons in the Big Easy. You never know what you are going to get and that makes it a magical tale.
She’s trying to stay under the wire so she can have what she is longing for but when a hot as sin incubi struts into town he apparently has other ideas.
Reviewed by @jennadb

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Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase, #3) by Anna Paige – Review by Finley K. James

Embracing Jared (Thrill of the Chase, #3)Embracing Jared by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jared and Madison have some serious chemistry. I could feel the disdain, the attraction, and the emotional connection between them clearly. The cast of characters left nothing to be desired—they were all so well-written. Each character had their own personality and backstory, and they were brought to life in a very real, interesting way. The whole “rockstar romance” trope has been done, but this book gives it a very different touch. It’s clever and beautiful, and I’m so glad to have read it. There is little more that the author could have done to make this book better—it is so brilliant as it is. It can be read on its own without needing prior knowledge of the series, but I’ll definitely read the previous books to learn more about the characters!

@finleykjames
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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Bethany Rollins

Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading Apocalypse Thoughts during our current Covid pandemic hit really close to all the feelings. I had to take breaks just to ponder over certain aspects that we are currently facing in today’s world. Yes, there are bigger themes such as cannibal humans due to the virus, but the way the POX virus mutated, went through stages, changed people and how society and government reacted is so fitting for our current time.
The story itself centers on Kendra, Huck, and Jumper, who along the way meet new companions on their quest to save humanity from the virus. We are taken along the Appalachian Trail and their fight to survive. All the characters are amazing and written well. The author makes you feel connected to them all and want them to survive whatever difficulties their mission takes them on. Highly recommend and now I’m going to anxiously await the next installment as we were left with a sense of unknowing.

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very good book when it comes to historical romance

He is adamant about defending his nation. Is he, however, capable of defending himself against the ultimate betrayal? 1610, Muscovy Jacek Dbrowski want to be remembered for his bravery. The twenty-two-year-old Polish cavalry officer earns his captain’s animosity instead of securing the territories he craves with his recent promotion to lieutenant. And his out-of-character rescue of two innocents from slaughter sets off a cascade of disastrous events. Dbrowski leads the young woman and her brother back to the castle in his birthplace after discovering they are not Russian opponents and have no relations.

However, when his competition with his superior intensifies and the growing beauty ignites a fire in his heart, the valiant horseman’s aspirations of greatness may be shattered. Will the brave warrior be able to withstand sinister plots that threaten to ruin all he holds dear? The first book in The Winged Warrior Series historical fiction duology, The Heart of a Hussar, is a gripping read. Griffin Brady’s well-researched novel will appeal to fans of motivated characters, gut-wrenching twists, and dramatic action scenes.

I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book in the series from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Katie Matthews

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I really enjoyed this book, when I first read the synopsis, it sounded like an interesting read and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I believe this is the authors debut novel and what a novel it is! She should certainly be proud of the book she has written, it was exciting, engaging and had some great twists and turns. I really liked the character, Grace; she was a really complex character and I felt like the deeper I got into the story the more I found out about her and got to know and understand her better. I definitely felt like I was in the middle of a court case at times, it felt very real to read! After finishing this story, I am definitely looking forward for more to come from this author!

@katiem
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Rebecca Steele Living the Dream (Rebecca Steele series Book 3) by Joanne Patterson – Review by Katie Matthews

Rebecca Steele Living The Dream (The Rebecca Steele series Book 3)Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

Having read the second book in this series I was really looking forward to this new instalment and I wasn’t disappointed! I really like the authors writing, it’s easy to read and she writes in a very engaging way. I really like Becky as a character, she has such an admirable strength about her. I have really enjoyed reading about her! In this story we see Becky faced with many challenges, the author definitely wasn’t going to let her final book be an easy one!
This was definitely a fitting story for the final book in this series and I absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend this book and the series! I look forward to reading more from this author again in the future.

@katiem

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dani Honeycutt

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three in the series and WOW! You definitely need to read the entire series! The author has painted an amazing picture of a mob boss and the monster that we all imagine a mafia leader to be. I love all the characters and world that the author has built throughout this series. The passion, suspense, wondering how it is all going to play out really gets me going. I love reading books like this that keep me turning the pages out of curiosity.

 

Reviewed by @danihoneycutt

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dani Honeycutt

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series and it was tough competition to the first book! I loved the suspense and romance.The author has a way of writing that keeps you guessing without leaving you wondering at the end. If you enjoy mafia stories, you will absolutely love this series! I am so ready for book 3.

Reviewed by @danihoneycutt

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Barbara Bohls

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has it all. It has humor, steamy scenes, character growth, and a happy ending. The author takes her characters on a journey in this series. I read all of the books leading up to this one before starting this one. I noticed that all of the authors characters go on a journey. The journey always ends up with a trip to hell. In this book, there are a few trips to hell for the characters. The main characters in this book are trying to recover from their time in hell. It is a laugh out loud book that takes you through the ores of the characters. It is a day read and you won’t want to stop until you are finished. It is a HUGE page turner. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, it is not necessary to do but will help you understand the secondary characters in the book. . I was able to completely immerse myself in the book because of the way the author writes. The descriptive writing and amazing dialogue keeps you wanting to the turn the pages. It makes you want to keep going. Add in the humor and the steamy love scenes and this book has become a contender in my top 20 books of 2021. This is a must read if you just want to clear your mind and take an escape into the crazy supernatural realm.

Reviewed by @bbohls

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dani Honeycutt

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author. The story is definitely a “hook, line, and sinker”. I was hooked from the first few chapters. I love how Max and Liliana have their own story lines that are even intertwined. Liliana is one of my favorite characters! She is so strong willed and wants out of her family’s shadows and ploys. Max is absolutely consumed by his revenge and that makes the story so much wilder! This was a great read.

Reviewed by @danihoneycutt

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