The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Felicia Bates

The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t read many sci fi books but I stumbled across this novella and I figured with such a short page count, what did I have to lose? I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I was taking a chance on a new to me author but as I find more often than not, I was pleasantly surprised. This story was captivating from start to finish and left me craving more. The imagery and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this brief escape from
reality!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jordan Allen

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely deserves to be a New York Time’s best seller!

Adijana enters into a life she didn’t ask for when she goes to visit her best friend Simeon. Upon arriving the queen is killed. Adijana learns that she has power that may make the truth of the murderer become apparent. However, she finds herself in murky waters as she muddles through politics, deception, and her new found mystical abilities.

Claire Luana knocked it out of the park with this one! I found myself staying up until midnight and waking up at 4AM just so I could read this book. I couldn’t find the self control to put it down! Every page leaked with passion, murder, fear, and betrayal. I didn’t know who to trust or where the story would lead. The last hundred pages Claire wrapped it all up in a beautiful box and set it on our laps.

I am really sad this book is over! I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book!

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Skylar Daniels

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae is my first book by the author, but it’s definitely not going to be my last. It had me engrossed from the first paragraph and I wasn’t able to stop reading it until the very end. Tia and Theo meet by chance, but that very moment changes everything in their lives. Sofia finds it hard to trust again and Theo is driven to keep her safe. Their relationship progresses fast but it suits them very well. This story will absolutely amaze you with its brilliant plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful romance. It has everything, angst, suspense, mystery.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Angela Shirley

A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gina has steadily been putting her life back together from the tragic roadside bomb from her army days. Gina is comfortable with showing herself from behind a computer but when she gets close to Bryce someone who is prepared to get inside the walls she has built up.

This story was heart warming and engaging, the characters were well developed and I related to Gina’s character and her reluctance to involve herself with Bryce in the beginning. Although she has scars on the outside of her body the ones on the inside are more powerful and more deadly.

The story was well developed and you are gently woven through the backgrounds and the present day for both of the main characters, the secondary characters also add a depth to the story which is great to read. I can’t wait to read more books by this great author.

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by M Policicchio

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright

5 out of 5

I love hockey and I love steamy romances. This book brings those two things together in a wonderful story of second chances and finding the one.

Brynn Mackintosh is starting over. Brynn needs to find a place where she can be happy and escape the past. Brynn has decided to follow her dream of becoming a fine art photographer but she finds that it isn’t as easy as she thought it was going to be. On a chance, Brynn takes a job that offers to double her normal fee. At this event she meets Bridger, a man that will help change the course of Brynn’s life.

Levi Fawkes has been playing for the Astoria Bay Thunder for ten years. He is the team captain and resident man of mystery. Levi is always ready to help out with the many charities that the team funds. When a promotion between one of the charities is combined with a radio contest winner, Levi is brought face to face with the one that got away, the one he walked away from when he was 18, the one he has missed and longed for everyday since.

Can Levi explain what happened when he left? Can Brynn forgive Levi? Can the ghosts of Brynn’s past haunt her future with Levi? Is there any hope?

The cast of characters starting with Brynn, Bridger, Levi and Tia are fun and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book. I love the way the stories are interwoven and will be a part of each other’s stories. The author is amazing at making you feel each character’s emotion. The details in the descriptions paint vivid pictures, like the photo shoot in the shower or with the lumberjack! Jump into this series now! Don’t wait. It is going to be one helluva ride!!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Allyson Ware

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly do not even know where to begin. I knew I would enjoy this book from reading the synopsis, but I had no idea just how much I would enjoy it. There are twists and turns in every corner of this novel. I think my jaw dropped, at minimum, five or six times while reading it.

If you are a fantasy lover, like myself, then you will adore this book. You will also love Adrijana and the adventure she gets sucked into at 17 years old. I know I will not be able to go into detail without spoiling the book, but just trust me on this and read it.

Review by @aware

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kerry Baker

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has done it yet again. Every time I pick up a book by this author I think there is no way she can possibly create something as good as the other books. And every time I am proven wrong! This book was absolutely brilliant. I was pulled straight into the story and could not stop reading until I had finished. I always find this authors stories to be so vivid and imaginative. I was fully invested in Adrijana’s journey and couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out.
This is such a well written and exciting story. I would highly recommend it to everyone!

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Whitney Morrison

The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella. It really had a way of pulling me in and I devoured it very quickly. It was such an interesting time going with Thomas on his very different hike. Then we meet April and things just keep on getting more interesting and captivating from there. I just overall loved it! Highly recommended if you enjoy science fiction.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Santana Hicks

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The concept of this book was very interesting. The main character, Adrijana, lived a poor life with her father longing to live in the city where the royal family lived. Little did she know her wish would be granted but not in the way she thought. Adrijana was always able to see peoples emotions but she didn’t really think anything of it. When her and her father went into the city to deliver a herb to the queen, she is found to be an undeclared Mesmerist. Her powers were suppressed and she had no idea. The two royal Mesmers take her in to train her. Overnight, Adrijana’s life is turned upside down.

Someone is killing the royal family one by one and Adrijana is trying to get to the bottom of it with the help of the other two Mesmers in the royal court. Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted.

This book was filled with suspense and mystery with a splash of romance. I would love to look into some more works from this author. This book has for sure been my favourite read thus far in 2022.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Amanda Swindle

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was unfamiliar with this author and decided to give it a chance based on the synopsis and very glad I did! The story is so captivating and engaging, the characters well written and the plot had me wanting to stay up into the late night hours reading! I appreciated how down to earth and relatable the characters are, and the growth they show throughout. Adrijana is the main focus, and the Royal Family is being targeted, one after the other. Now she has to figure out the who and the why. With the help of some magicians that can control thoughts and emotions, the story intensifies. This is one of those “I never expected to like this, but what the heck” books turned into “OMG, I LOVE THIS” and definitely not sorry to have grabbed The Mesmerist. I will be looking into more works by this author, definitely worth the chance!

Reviewed by: @zoltrixes

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Whitney Morrison

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing!

I loooved this story so much! Brynn and Levi couldn’t be anymore perfect. I’m so happy they got thrown together for a second chance and it was a wild ride to be on. I loved everyone from the Astoria Bay Thunder team and I’m so excited to read all the stories we’ll get from it. If you are in the mood for a fun second chance romance this is definitely the right book for you!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tausha Treadway

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley. So Amy McKinley is one of my very favorite authors and this series has not disappointed! I LOVE it! This is the continuing story of the Elena Caruso and her Italian Mafia Family. In the last book Elena has been in hiding for a long time and the secret is out that she is still alive. There have been so many changes in the Family that she can hardly keep up. Chicago Mafia Boss Marco La Rosa has been roped into an arranged marriage with Elena and he’s all for it but he has to convince her and keep her from getting killed. Elena has secretly been in love with Marco but he had been with the love of his life but she had died several years prior. He didn’t think he could ever love again but Elena has changed that. Their chemistry is electric and if they can both stay alive they may actually make an arranged marriage work! Read Savage Secrets to find out if Elena survives!

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Vanessa Watts

The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all things having to do with witches and magical beings so I was absolutely excited to give this book a try. This book lived up to all expectations having read it in two days or mostly nights. I do not recommend reading this late because you will definitely get sucked in and may find yourself losing sleep over having to find out what happens next.

We start out meeting Arabella the seventh daughter of a seventh witch who has seemed to do nothing except embarrassing her extremely gifted witching bloodline. Called a brown bud for lack of revealing any magical talent or affinity whatsoever it seems the heard prophecy may not be about Arabella at all. This all changes when for the first time Arabella is around working machinery and she sees the glow which is the tell tale sign of magical ability. As she now must prove to her family what she can do with her technomancy power and now her future seems more uncertain than before. Will the council acknowledge this new magical power or will it result in Arabella’s death if she cannot manifest other normal abilities?

This book is a force to be reckoned with and unfortunately my good nights sleep was the loser. From the world Ms. Sonnier builds to the characters she describes and their interactions are phenomenal. This is an amazing book written by an amazing author and I for one can not wait to read the second book in this series!

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier. This is a fun young adult story with sci-fi, steampunk, fantasy and magic with witches. It’s a page turning story about a young girl named Arabella who feels like she is constantly letting her family down. Her dream is be a part of the Sisterhood of the Witches and she fulfills that dream. Her first assignment is a big one, to find a cure for the famine in Ireland and she goes about it with gusto. If she can achieve this job her family will treat her totally different. This task is not easy and its full of danger trying to secure her future. They’ve already lost 2 witches on this same job. Will Arabella be able to make her family proud or will she fail just like her family expects her too or even worse lose her life? Read The Clockwork Solution to find out! This can be read as a standalone but would be better enjoyed as a series.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Enzo Vitale is being groomed to succeed his father and take over as boss of the Vitale family. But he knew the weight being in charge carried. All those you loved were a target to get back at you. His sister had been sold into human trafficking at the same time his arranged fiancé, Elena, had died. His sister was safe now, but how could he get close to anyone again? Sofia La Rosa had always had a crush on Enzo since they were young. He had hung out with her older brothers when they were young and always took time for her. Enzo had been promised to Elena, her best friend. Would they be able to finally be together?

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Stefano Rossi has lived under the rule of his cruel father for long enough. The only one left at home, he lost his brother at a young age, his father went his older sister to be married to a Russian mafia family, their mother jumped to her death, and his younger sister was murdered. But his father thought him weak and not worthy of leading the family. Emiliana Vitale was abducted and sold into human trafficking. Her brother Enzo had rescued her, but it had been Stefano who had found her and carried her out, leaving a trail of blood behind them. He had always been there for her, would he continue to do so?

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Piper Foster

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly I love the cover in this book the colour and visual are very appealing. The royals are Adrjssian royal and are been killed off but who is doing the killing and why. There are a lot of twist and unexpected turns in this book many which has me on the Edge of my seat. Thus is a well written fantasy book. The ending I didn’t see coming

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great read for me no words can define otherwise. I fell in love with the first few pages, and I could not get enough. I loved the characters and how things played out. I was left by the end wanting more. The writing was perfect, and held my interest all the way to the very last page and word.

This one was impossible not to love. Sophia and Theo were two characters that had pasts, but still knew deep down they were missing something. Their chemistry was undeniable. I related to Sophia a lot cause of her past, as I have been in a similar situation. Theo was a good guy from the start, he wanted to only protect her, but I got the impressing from their time together, Sophia really rescued him.

There was a lot of build up. You got so much at a time, and you were able to take it all on. I was under this book’s spell from the start. I fell in love with this book so much. I wish it could have lasted longer. I was not ready to let Sophia and Theo go. Amazing character developments between the two of them!

Loved this book truly. I will be looking forward to reading more by this gifted author. I rally loved the book, you get hooked right from the start. You then go down the tunnel and don’t want to look back or stop till you finish. it holds you and doesn’t let go. Amazing read!

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Jacque Flynn

A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartfelt and steamy coming together between a fire investigator and an injured soldier. With many obstacles to overcome, Gina and Bryce, tackle them together with more time spent in lust than in conversation. Everyone seems to work as hard as they play, and the group of friends coming together would be a fun group to spend time with anywhere. This book is so touching because we know that Gina is not alone, and terrible things happen. She has a great group of friends to help her through her trials and Bryce is worth helping him figure out his stuff as well.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Maximus Caruso was thought dead. Growing up and learning the family business in Italy, Max was biding his time. Well now is that time and change was coming to the Italian American mafia. First he had to secure a few things. Liliana Brambilla was a captive in her own house. It was only her and her father, the boss of the Brambilla family and that’s all she was to him, his property. Planning her escape before her father marries her off to who knows, she is aided by her father’s newest hire, but is she trading one prison for another. This book is the first in a new generation of mafia families.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Naomi McDonald

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful read! Intriguing characters. Superb world building. Suspense. Danger. Masterful plot twists.
I loved the reading adventure this author took me on.

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marco La Rosa is the underboss of his family, being groomed since he was young to one day take over and lead the Italian American mafia family. When Elena, princess to one of the other Five Families, is targeted by their enemy, the Russian mafia, Marco knows he’s her only chance of survival, even if she doesn’t. The surest way to protect her is to marry her. Like that will go over well. Lots of action and romance, makes for an exciting read!

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophia had escaped from her abusive boyfriend and started a new life. She was just getting her feet back under her when she received a text from “him”. Where is he? Is he close? Will she have to pick up and run again?
Theo is immediately taken with the red-haired beauty that drops her phone in front of him. As he picks it up to return it to her, she looks as if she’s seen a ghost. What has her so scared? Being a detective, this is a mystery he feels compelled to solve. This is a quick read that you will stick with until you’re finished. Very likable characters and storyline.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was full of surprises! Adrijana travels with her father for the first time as he hauls his cargo of verbenia to the royal family. When the queen is pushed from the castle tower, a web of mystery, deceit, magic, unfold. Adrijana learns that she is one of the rare Mesmerists, who have the ability to read the auras of others. When the king is attacked in his bedchamber and later dies, who can Adrijana confide in about all the mysterious things going on that only a mesmerist can see.. The story will keep you guessing at who can be counted as a friend and who is lying and killing off the royal family. I highly recommend it!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Ayla Eddy

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author did a fantastic job at creating this book. The characters are intriguing and well crafted. You just want to keep turning the page to see what they go through next. This book had be hooked from page one. I never wanted to stop reading. The twists in the plot only furthered my desire to keep on reading. I have not any other books from this author, but that will not be the case for long. I cannot wait for my next read from her works. I highly recommend this book!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Michelle Marlow

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We start out with our main leading lady and her father heading to the city. They are the only farmers of verbania that the queen trusts. However, her father is very eager to get in and get out of the kingdom.

This story follows Adrijana as she starts a new life path that she wasn’t even aware was something she was capable of. She is paired with the other mesmerists of the kingdom.

It was a nonstop journey and adventure of magic and trust. I finished this in one day. I look forward to anything else from this author!!

Review by @michellerenee6590

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Stephanie Chapman

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tia is a Reiki practitioner at a Wellness Center in Boston. She prefers not to disclose much about herself, and only has one friend. Tia has a secret that keeps holding her back. Last year, she had fled Springfield to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Why did she not go to the police? Dane was a police officer and despite having two witnesses to her last assault, justice failed, and she was stalked by Dane and two other officers everywhere she went. Today, on her way to her self-defense class, a text appeared on her cell phone: “Happy anniversary. You know what today is?” Shocked, she drops her phone in the snow. How had Dane found her?

Theo picked up the phone and handed it to the frightened woman. He is a detective in recovery from being shot on duty. Recognizing Tia’s fear, Theo feels an immediate need to protect her. After a proper introduction by her self-defense coach, Tyson, Theo introduces himself and pursues a relationship with her. Despite her reservations about police officers, Tia accepts going on a date with him. Unfortunately, during their date, another ominous text arrives with her apartment building’s picture on it. Theo automatically moves her into his apartment, where she reveals her situation and that she wasn’t Tia. In an effort to escape Dane, Sofia had changed identity. Theo promises her will bring her stalkers to justice.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this suspenseful young adult story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. I have enjoyed this author from the first book that I picked up from her. This is a new book for this author which was hard to put down. This is a fast paced story that pulled me in from the beginning. The characters are not only connectable but I enjoyed their growth throughout. They kept the story engaging and had me wanting to know more. This is a story about a Royal family that is being picked off one by one. Now, with a mixture of lies, secrets and has Adrijana second guessing her instincts. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. For me, she made the story entertaining to read. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot that kept me guessing. A great story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Amy Brennan

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excuse me while I scope out all her other literary works. I don’t even know where to start, to be honest. The world building gave me blinders to the real world, and I felt like I was pulled right in beside Adrijana, or Jana as she is called by her nearest and dearest. It seems like a cute little trip to the big city for her and her dad, until things quickly start falling apart, and she’s swept into a whirlwind of activity, accusations, and responsibilities that would overwhelm any 17-year-old, to be honest. The magic, and abilities of the Royal Mesmers are well thought out, crafted, and has you wanting to wish upon a star to gain some of those abilities.

The reader is lead on this adventure, second guessing everything, and personally, I had wound this great ending in my head about this novel, and this author added so many phenomenal twists and turns that I really couldn’t remember what to believe for more than a few pages. I found it very easy to connect to each of the characters that we follow, the character building well woven, and thoroughly enjoyed that there is more than one strong female character to lean on throughout this tale. I fell head over heels for a couple of the men, second guessed, and fell all over again. Trust me, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to escape into Adrjssian. Highly recommend!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by

The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a first time author read for me, but certainly will say it will not be my last. I loved how this book was written and put together. It kept things going, and was unlike most I had read. It was something that brought on a lot of questions in my mind, and truly had me intrigued all the way through!

I loved the murders and the mystery take on this book. Especially with the murders being of the royal court, this made the book much more interesting than other murder filled books i have read. There was a lot of twists and turns and I was guessing myself a lot as I had read through, I was kept in suspense, and trying to figure out who is in danger next. Lots of intrigue came with each passing sentence!

Personally, I loved Adrijana. She brought such a strength, that she was remarkable in so many ways. For everything she is being told fault for, it did not push her down, she got up and kept working to clear her name as well as what is going on in the court. I admired her for many reasons and I found she was a character that really made the story. Loved the person she was, and whom she became by the end.

Amazing and fun read. The suspense was real too. I loved the craftmanship of this book and the characters that surrounded it. Truly highly recommend this author, not one to passed up to say he least. Ans seriously, read this book, super high recommendation from me. It truly is a “royal” treat.

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