Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Jenni Bishop

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Steamy and sassy frenemies to lovers’ sports romance is what Body Checked is about. The hot Astoria Bay Thunder hockey team are characters that you will fall in love with, well mostly. The battle of wills, the wit and their antics and back-and-forth banter make a fun read. I found myself laughing out loud. I really enjoyed the first book and this one was no different. I read it within a day. Sizzling chemistry, stubbornness, obsession, trust issues and of course hockey games had me turning page after page in this feel-good interesting tale that had me immersed in their world.

Bridger and Tia’s story beings with a no-strings-attached wild weekend. One weekend where sparks fly. Rules: No strings and no feelings allowed. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!

I can’t wait for the next book from CJ.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen REVIEWED BY SCARLET RICHARD

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WOW. this book really dug deep in my emotions. Jacob did an amazing job at getting down to the surface of someone who deals with PTSD after coming home from overseas. SO GOOD!

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REVIEWED BY @momwhoreads0215

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Amber Poole

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

First off I love this family. You feel the love for one another in every page and can’t help but love them too. I nearly had a heart attack when Mia thought she was being fired. But sometimes change is really for the best. I enjoyed reading about her and Nick’s adventure. Watching their love develop was beautiful, not perfect. Overcoming their own traumas and letting each other in was not easy but worth it. I think Mia and Nick are perfect for each other and I hope we get to “hear” wedding bells in the future.

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Love is What You Bake (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Amber Poole

Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve always been fascinated with Greek culture. It’s on my bucket list of places to see. This story gave me a insight to that. From the close knit family to the food I enjoyed every part of this story. Yiayiá is a firecracker. She added so much to the story. The recipes are amazing and I cannot wait to cook some of them up. I believe Melina is so strong. Not a lot off people could stay after what happened. Egypt reminds me so much of a relative of mine. Free spirited and full of spunk. It was so easy to get lost in this story. I highly recommend it.

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by stephanie nicole

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This cute little romance was definitely a good one. While I have read the previous two books in this series you don’t necessarily have to. However If you want to get more of a feel for the authors writing style and characters rhen I would recommend reading the series. The characters are unique, full of emotions, passion, and chemistry and they’ll pull you straight into their story. Krystina is our main character in this novel and we follow her on a journey of determining if it’s ok to fight for what you want. But will she fight for what she wants? You’ll have to read this fast-paced romance to find put for yourself.

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Kayla Kearney

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It certainly didn’t take long to fall in love with this book! Another one of my favorite authors has written yet another hit, this time in an unconventional romance in the workplace. Seth and Victoria themselves may not always be the most relatable due to their places in society, but the love story that unfolds in this book is one many people can relate to. As with the other two novels in the Pierce Brothers series, this book was a quick read that I was able to finish in two afternoons. I’m excited to read the next book in the series and also her other upcoming new releases.

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by stephanie nicole

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was absolutely amazing, full of emotions, great characters, chemistry, romance and more I just simply couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Tia and Bridger us just simply amazing. Bridger needs to change his life around or he’ll lose his job and everything else, so when Tia enters and isn’t what Bridger’s brand needs, will he deny himself? Or will he try and win her over? Will he be able to follow Tia’s rules? You’ll have to read this incredible sports romance to find out for yourself.

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kristan Anderson

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou is book three in the Meraki series. Book three follows Krystina who we have seen totally being annoyed by Loukas throughout books one and two so definitely read in order. I have been waiting for these two to figure out what the deal is and I’m so happy with how it ended. We finally get some answers from the family secret too and let me just tell you how heart wrenching that was. But it really was great that the youngest sister was able to figure it out. This one was such a quick read as I was so invested in the characters lives by this point. I love how loyal Loukas is dispute his personal life. And although Krystina can hold a grudge forever, she eventually comes around as she’s missed her best friend. I really hope book four follows their brother, Theo!

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Heidi Sturgess

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before I even get started I just want to say thank you to the author for broaching a subject that is very real and very scary both to the person living with PTSD and those around people living with it . To many , it’s a taboo but for some of us it’s a demon we have to live with ……

Also , PTSD is also very misunderstood and alit was put into perspective for reading this book , so again , thank you .

JP goes to war to keep his country and it’s people safe but he’s left with the aftermath of the decisions he had to make when he comes home . His wife is by his side fighting his demons and it really isn’t easy , my heart just broke into a million pieces over and over again for this family and so many like it 😭

A very emotional and hard hitting read

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kristan Anderson

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love by Design by Effie Kammenou is book two in the Meraki series. Book two follows Mia who we didn’t see much in book one but oh boy is she funny and relatable. I quite enjoyed the flow of this book and thought it was easier to follow than the first. Although I admit it was a little hard to like Nicholas. The point, maybe. And having a past as he did would make anyone harden. Working together at a news magazine, Mia and Nicholas have to learn to navigate their love – hate relationship with one another. I am immensely jealous of the beautiful locations they went to for the magazine. I was quite pleased that the family secret was carried into the second book but I am hoping for a resolution here soon with book 3!

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Love is What you Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kristan Anderson

Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love is What You Bake of It by Effie Kammenou is book one in the Meraki series. I knew that it was going to have a different vibe and at first I wasn’t sure if I liked it. However by the end, I was enjoying the book a lot. There were a few different views in the story as well as different years. Not terribly difficult to follow but sometimes confusing. I admit though I was definitely thrown for a loop. Just as I thought the story was about to end I realized I was only a little over halfway. Kally and Max have each had a rough past and are trying to move on from them. I really enjoyed the Greek culture in the book, I had to look a few things up – it wasn’t necessary, I just liked to learn the words – but it wasn’t difficult to follow. I am very curious about one particular character and I am hoping to figure that out further into the series!

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Vanessa Watts

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one sexy, sinful box set that keeps you coming back for more. Each book in this set is a different storyline to follow, all the sexy alpha’s who have forged their own path in life and the women that have turned them inside out. I absolutely loved how each of these strong burly men found something in a woman that was so completely opposite of what they are. There is really something about opposites attracting and this author does an amazing job integrating that into her plots. I have made it through each of these books and the only thing I can say is that you need to read them for yourselves. It is so easy for me to regale you with things that happen in each of these books but experiencing them yourselves will allow you to travel on this journey as we find out just what it takes to bring these “bastards” to their knees. If you like romance novels with mystery, intrigue, and combativeness this is the series for you. I could not stop reading these books and you may need a cold shower after following their escapades.

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Sheri Schrader

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One in a BIllion is the third book in the Pierce Brothers series. The series does have connections from book to book, but each can be read as a standalone book. I have read the previous two books and was glad to see another from this author. The story is a sweet romance that throws a twist on the office billionaire trope. I enjoyed the banter of super organized Victoria and businessman Seth. The book reads quickly, and I didn’t want to put it down. This book is a great grab if you need a sweet romance on a hot summer day. Make sure you grab the others in the series once you read this one. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Beverly Finnie

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When one accident happens and you lose everything. That’s what’s going on when we enter the firehouse 13 world in Burned By Fire. A story about finding oneself and learning to accept the love given to you.
Solomon saved 2 children from a fire, but he paid the ultimate price. His career is gone. Forced in early retirement by the fire department due to extensive injuries he’s become a lost soul.
Ember’s hero was hurt and he’s spiraling faster than anyone can help him. She still pushes and tries though. She also uses that time to be honest with him.
This book is a wonderful story of redemption. Though Solomon feels his life is over. The author has him go through the trials and tribulations dealing with life after tragedy. I’ve seen people with injuries and mental health struggle. So this story hits home for me. I’ve also seen those people take a lot longer to move forward. Which is why this is a fictional romance, but a beautiful one at that!

@placexba

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Veronica Lee

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You never know where you will fall in love. For Tia, who just needs to catch a break, and for Bridger who needs an image boost neither wanted anything just friends with benefits with no feelings attached. We all know how this is going to end one or the other gets feelings or is it the girl who falls first maybe this time is the hunky hockey play. You will have to read it to find out. I can not wait for the next in this series.

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Human Hearts (Draco Sang Trilogy Book 3) by Mary Beesley – Review by Emily Beehler

Human Hearts (Draco Sang #3)Human Hearts by Mary Beesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Human Hearts is the third book in the Draco Sang series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the conclusion of the characters in this series. A particulate favorite of mine is the story arch of Jade. She is this villainess that is waring with heart and her duty. Jade, like the rest of the characters, have had to figure out how to manage or control their beasts that they obtain in their teenage years. This series and this novel is a great story and metaphor for humans and how we sometimes have a beast that we must overcome and understand. I recommend this series if you like fantasy!

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series #3) by Effie Kammenou-Review by Amanda Kimble

Love is Worth Fighting for (Meraki, #3)Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series #3) by Effie Kammenou

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Love is Worth Fighting for is the third book in The Meraki Series. I’ve read the other two books in the series and this one is by far my favorite.

Krystina is the youngest sister and is finally getting her chance at a love story. She wants to ridicule herself for falling for the boy who used to be her best friend. Will they work it out or will it end horribly? The quote I chose for Kristina is: “Inscribed? I didn’t even know that could be done. Forever my Minnie. Loukas. This is the most thoughtful gift ever! I’ll have to savor these so I don’t finish them off too quickly. And I’ll have to keep at least one as a souvenir.”

Loukas has always loved Krystina and might finally get his chance. They get Covid and have to be stuck in the same house 24/7. The quote I chose for Loukas is: “Considering Minnie finally admitted she didn’t hate me after all, I’d say the year ended up okay for me.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

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Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Maryn Belling

Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani #1)Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Maryn Belling

In the mystery-style of Alexander McCall Smith and thickly set prose of Gabriel García Márquez, N.L. Holm transports us across 3300 years to Egypt’s New Kingdom era of intrigue, political machinations, and complex civilization. Underpinned with the familiar rhythms of domestic life and timeless beauty, the rich descriptions set the reader at ease in an unfamiliar land and time. Readers are cautioned to be aware of content-warnings (as listed in other reviews).

Set against nature’s bounty, the political intrigues of the kingdom roll out in languid detail. Traveling back to a time of litter conveyances & papyrus correspondence, the distinctions between ruling & working classes mirror those of contemporary society. The moral dilemmas of Hani in his work and diplomatic relations allow the reader a deeper understanding of internal motivations and political machinations – his internal dialogues are reminiscent of Christie’s Poiroit.

Beyond the story’s overt purpose, adept readers will find opportunities to consider contemporary social and civic matters. Often when we see flaws in characters we are given to introspection and self-correction. Whether we avail ourselves of mirror or prism.

Bird in a Snare, The Lord Hani Mysteries Series, N.L. Holmes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Historical, Cozy Mystery, Maryn Belling, June 2022

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW WOW WOW! This third book in the series was by far my favorite book in the series! Reading about each brother throughout the series is something that I really enjoyed. Reading about Seths and Victorias relationship and how it started was by far my favorite. If you are looking for a great series to read that has you captivated and not wanting to put down the book, then this is the series for you! I cannot wait to read this series over and over again!

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a good fast read. The characters were likeable and had a great story. The way the author wrote the book made it where I felt as though I was in the action. If you are looking for a great new book to read, then this is it! I cannot wait to look for more books to read by this author!

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this romantic comedy, which is book three in the series featuring the naughty but nice Pierce Brothers. This was a lighthearted, fun read and I fell in love with the very likeable and relatable characters. Victoria Verity is on a deadline, she needs to get an exclusive interview with Australia’s newest tech billionaire in order to secure her journalism career. The only problem is, Seth Pierce hates people making a big deal of him being a billionaire and is notoriously private. Seth decides to appoint a media adviser, but the perfect candidate, Victoria is not actually there for the job.
However, Seth is determined to make Victoria an offer she can’t refuse, and she is willing to do anything to get her story. Neither Seth or Victoria had imagined mixing business and pleasure, but Victoria soon learns that billionaires don’t give up easily. The story had the right mix of laugh out loud moments, emotional scenes and of course romance. The wonderfully written storyline flowed well which made this an easy read, and the authors descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life. I was hooked from page one and could not put this book down.

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Human Hearts (Draco Sang Trilogy Book 3) by Mary Beesley – Review by Ashley Showalter-Bourgeois

Human Hearts (Draco Sang #3)Human Hearts by Mary Beesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good young adult fantasy read. Dragons, drama, love – all of it are included. I was a little confused having come into this book as the third installation but eventually I caught up. Enjoyable, and I’ll read more from this author

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks

Burned by Fire is the fourth book in the Firehouse 13 series. I truly enjoyed this book and its probably in the top 3 favorites of this author. I love her style of writing and her attention to detail along with amazing characters make for a amazing story. This is a fast paced short story that I read in one sitting. This is Sol and Ember’s story. He’s a bit of a grump but once you find out what happened to him the grumpiness makes a little sense.
He’s retired now and Ember is a fairly newly qualified. She’s had a secret crush on Sol for a while, there’s quite the age difference between them but really does that matter? This story took me on quite the emotional journey. I felt sadness for Sol but also anger at times The chemistry between them is definitely there regardless of the age difference. Find out what happens next in this hard to put down Romance. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge – Review by Kerry Baker

Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your WorldCaring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew this book was going to be emotional going into it, and I wasn’t wrong! This tale is both heart breaking and heart warming at the same time. I really felt like you went on the journey with the author, experiencing things with her. Although the book is quite fast paced, it doesn’t shy away from any aspect of what the author went through.
This is the kind of book that will resonate with so many people as it is an experience many will go through. Having someone brave enough to tell their story, and really highlight what it all means, can really go a long way to helping someone else. This is a brilliant book and I applaud the author for writing it.

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kerry Baker

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What another great addition to this already brilliant series, and easily my favourite of them all. I was really excited to get back into this story and the lives of the sisters. This book is just as emotional and endearing as the previous ones, really drawing you in to the characters and their journey. The author knows how to write the best story to fit each character and I think it adds so much more to the story.
The book had a brilliant flow about it, really engaging and easy to connect with. I found myself getting lost in the words as I was pulled along with what was happening. I enjoy each and every book this author produces and I can’t wait to discover what else she has to offer.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Erica Fish

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good children’s story. The plot of the story is engaging. I could see reading this to a young child through 2 grade. The characters are engaging and tell a story about feelings. You see Oliver is adopted and he starts to question where he would be if he stayed with his birth parents. Oliver has been sent to his room by his dad, His punishment made Oliver start thinking about his birth parents and what he could be doing. I really enjoyed this book. It was a great way to talk about adoption and how it has made Oliver feel. I highly recommend this book.

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Kay Stritesky

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again C.J. Cartwright has managed to capture an audience! From start to finish there isn’t one bad thing I can say about this book! The characters are wonderful and leap off the page, the reader really feels like they are in the book with the characters and the story is fantastic and relatable! Tia, she’s a badass with rules… What are rules? Meant to be broken! Bridger he’s the boy everyone talks about but with Tia he’s soft and vulnerable! Together, together the story comes to life!

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sol has been forced to retire due an injury he sustained. This has led to him turning to the bottle to to deal. Ember is new rookie firefighter who has looked up to Sol as a mentor…while also harboring a crush. When they bump into each other, Ember wants to help him heal (heart and soul). However, they have her job and their age difference fighting against them! Will they give their love a chance? Or are they doomed from the start to be nothing more than a spark?

I enjoyed these characters. Ember is wise beyond her years. She is passionate about her career and mature than most her age. Sol is older…but not dealing with the loss of his job in a mature way. There were a few times when I had a hard time understanding his decision making, since he was a veteran firefighter, but I’m sure losing the ability to do what you love will make you do crazy things.

Overall, this is a quick read that is written in a way that makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. I have read a handful of books from this author and have never been disappointed. Another good story that I enjoyed reading!

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Bobbi Wagner

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this sweet romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous stories as well. They are just as great as this one. This is a well written story where mixing business with pleasure could mean more than you realize. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are connectable, strong and supportive characters. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and hard to put down. Victoria and Seth are about to find out what happens when you mix business with pleasure. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two. This is a great story that I truly enjoyed. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. One of the things I enjoy about this author is their ability to use details to make the story realistic. I enjoy how her writing skills make her stories pop and come to life. This story is no different. This is a well written story about Ember and Sol. They are both firefighters, one retired and the other newly qualified. There is a story of romance and realizing how much one means to the other. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. They added so much to the story that they really packed a punch in a short time. This is a fast paced romance story that is hard to put down. An engaging story that you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this story. I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner