The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Codi Parham

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise

Love through the ages. I was hooked from the start and could not wait to see how the story of Nick and Julia would unfold. Suspense, adventure, history, and a but of mystery. I am anxious to see what will happen in Book 2!

The Prisoner of Paradise, Painted Souls Series, Rob Samborn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Historical

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Getting power with the water. Having them tempt you to drown yourself. Yet walking by river to call yourself. Then having a daughter and her having the same temptation. Then going to war and having river on your side. Hester deals with all this.

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Rayne East

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secrets and a love triangle
I loved you yesterday is an intriguing contemporary romance with twists and turns as long buried secrets had a way of surfacing. With angst, drama, emotional heartache and betrayal this book unfolds in a realistic way. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing. The characters are very well developed and easy to connect with. I am happy to see there is another book coming.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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

This was a really good quick read. I get Harry Potter vibes but with a twist. Makayla ends up at the school no one wants to attend, herself included. What she soon finds out, she is there for a reason. This fast paced magical book packs a punch in only 150 pages with the ending leaving you wa ting more. I felt for her as she made and lost friends, as she feared for her life, and as she sought out hope. There were parts that I felt it sped through but for a short book, did a great job. Can’t wait to read the 2nd book.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Rachel Moss

 

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic read! It was very well written, and the story telling was so vivid. It was a little confusing at first, but everything fell together eventually so it’s definitely worth pushing through the confusion at the beginning. I found myself having trouble putting this book down. I was in awe of the rich history woven throughout the story. I’m really glad I picked this one up and I can’t wait to read the next book!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It would be hard to trust anyone. Considering there is some tales you need to watch out for you would have to always be on guard. It would be lonely like only having a cat for company who lives across the street. Then any cut you have to be careful it’s not going to turn you. Short and to the point story.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Anastasia Dodson

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was an interesting read. It was set in present-day and 16th-century Venice. This was very different from my normal reads but I liked it and I am glad I took the chance on it. It was a Suspenseful thriller and had historical notes that made it interesting. I would recommend it to a friend and I wouldn’t mind reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This is different type of read for me. I will tell you I felt pulled every time I read another page. I wasn’t sure what to think with the time jumping with Hester ( the main character) who at the start of the book was 8 years of age, then it jumped to her being 14 years of age. I am still actually reading it while I write this review to be honest. I have found myself wanting to watch a river and see if it will too take me away. I will continue reading the book and will give an updated review once I have finished the book.

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is different type of read for me. I will tell you I felt pulled every time I read another page. I wasn’t sure what to think with the time jumping with Hester ( the main character) who at the start of the book was 8 years of age, then it jumped to her being 14 years of age. I am still actually reading it while I write this review to be honest. I have found myself wanting to watch a river and see if it will too take me away. I will continue reading the book and will give an updated review once I have finished the book.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This was the first book that I have read by M. DeBlassie. While the title seemed to intrigue me, I realized it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I realized that I chose to read about dating in a world full of zombies. It’s not something that I could relate to but I really couldn’t put the book down. It’s so weird because as I read it I didn’t think I was connecting with it, however when I finished with the book I felt like I connected to some of it because I basically live like a zombie (I only leave my home to go to work and then come home).

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book that I have read by M. DeBlassie. While the title seemed to intrigue me, I realized it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I realized that I chose to read about dating in a world full of zombies. It’s not something that I could relate to but I really couldn’t put the book down. It’s so weird because as I read it I didn’t think I was connecting with it, however when I finished with the book I felt like I connected to some of it because I basically live like a zombie (I only leave my home to go to work and then come home).

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Shannen Kern

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We’ve always been told that you can’t be too careful with your wishes. But how many of us have actually had to learn the lesson, especially when you’re in a dire situation? This book contains everything you want in a YA paranormal fantasy, and you can tell this author is one to watch.

Taking a ring from a strange looking man doesn’t seem like a bad idea when you’re a young teenager, but Bax changed his life when he just that. Now he will have to decipher what’s real versus what’s imagination which is no easy task with djinn against you. Will he be strong enough to resist the powerful djinn that appeals to him, or will he give in to temptation no matter the cost? With magic, mythology, murder, and tough lessons, this book was impossible to put down. I’m a huge fan of the YA genre and highly recommend From Brick & Darkness!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Audrie Harrington

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun beach series set in Hawaii with all of the emotions. The characters are likable and easy to relate to, the setting is amazing and I loved hearing about all the local places that I haven’t heard of or been to as a tourist, and the story lines were easy to follow. The first book is Keoni and Lou’s story. Keoni is an amazing surfer but hasn’t gone pro. He holds onto the loss of a friend and blames himself. He meets Lou who is a tourist, who helps him change his feelings about tourists. The second book is Declan and Pearl’s story. Declan is a professional surfer but hasn’t been back to his home in Hawaii since the loss of a friend and a big fight with Keoni. He is just barely holding onto his sobriety and walking through life with no emotion. Pearl loves to surf and wants to be noticed so she can stop waitressing and make it back to Hawaii. The last book is Henry and Claudia’s story. Henry is a stuntman and Claudia is a bit part actress. They become friends as Henry decides to help her. There is drama and chemistry and this is a very well written series of relationships!

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the fifth book which I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series to help your enjoyment of this series and author. I enjoy how the author has the ability to pull me into their story from the start. The characters come to life on each page by their writing skills and attention to details. This is a well written story that will make you question how far you will go to protect your children. This is a story you don’t want to miss. A fast paced story that is hard to put down. A story that is full of emotion with relationships and family. I can’t wait to see what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Bobbi Wagner

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this second chance romance story. This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I look forward to reading the next book in the future. This is a well written story about Mavis and her love for two brothers. One broke her heart and the other picked up the broken pieces. I enjoyed how these characters were able to pull me into the story from the start. They are engaging, creative characters that bring life to the story. They have great growth and their chemistry made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is not only entertaining but had me coming back for more. I really enjoyed reading this book and what a great story. You don’t want to miss what happens with Mavis and her story with twin brothers. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Sceptre Of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dexter is one of four kids, he lived with them and their parents up until they moved to the Void and ever since it seems that trouble has been finding him jo matter how hard he tries to keep on the straight and narrow. This leads to a bit of friction between him and his dad and they couldn’t see eye to eye, but all that changed when they tried to leave and before he knew it, Dexter was on his own.

However, albeit he is away from his family, he is not alone, thanks to something his father did, Dexter is now feeling like a pawn in a whole new game, but this one involves torture and imprisonment, but the things he hears between sessions are what keeps him up at night. This is as well as the nightmares fuelled by the loss of someone precious to him, as well as past events which changed him beyond recognition.

This carries on for a while, until he is no longer alone, two prisoners join him and they hatch a plan to escape, but things never go as planned for Dexter and now he has to his hide himself from them, as well as those who wish to use him for their own gain. The joke is on them though as Dexter has learned more about the Void than he lets on, he knows there are magical there and he knows who is in charge as well as what they want, he also knows that they should have let his family go.

What they don’t know is that Dexter is determined to become a Vigilant and find his family, but will he be able to keep his feelings in check long enough to carry out his mission? This is a paranormal urban fantasy where nothing is as it seems and danger lies around every corner and in every shadow. It is an addictive story which you will not want to put down until you know how it ends.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Emily H

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

Makayla is not sure what school she will be chosen too, there are so many options in the paranormal academy but the one no one wants is the Grave Digger Academy. Her first day is met with confusion and when she finds out she is assigned to the Grave Digger class, she is less then thrilled. That being said, none of her talents appeared until her class and now she seems a bit ahead of the curve. Something is going on though and only Makayla seems to be able to unravel it but could it end up costing her more then she thinks?

I thought this was really good. I felt for Makayla, she is trying to find her footing and with a bunch of older siblings to live up to it is even more pressure added on her. Well written and was one you kept reading until the very end.

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kimberly Wilkinson

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Easy reads

The Aloha Series Box Set has three wonderful stories. Each set in the beautiful tropical islands of Hawaii in the 1960’s. Jills’s vivid writing makes you actually feel like youbare there. They are fun anf quick easy reads. Learning about how the Hawaiians live and their cultures was amazing to learn.

Try Easy is the first book in this box set and is Keoni and Lou’s story. Keoni has an easy life and everything going for him. He is a pro at surfing and it’s his life. He can sing and play guitar and also sexy. Lou is a Photographer and gets a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. It’s here that she meets the charming and charismatic Keoni. But what does she still have her boyfriend back home, what about him? This book has very likeable characters but what really happens with the couples?

Try Me is the second book and is Pearl & Declan’s story. Pearl wants to be just like her mother. Declan and Pearl have this chemistry about them, they don’t know it but everyone around them sure do. Declan is a surfing pro and finding it hard to return to the place he lost his best friend. They pretend to be in a relationship. This story is full of emotions where there is guilt and heartbreak, loss and grief and lots of chemistry. This book makes you want to try for what you want and what you believe in.

Try Right is the third book and is Claudia & Henry’s story. Claudia was once the most sought-after actress who is now only a bit part actress and looking for the one that got away. Is trying to recapture something really what anyone really needs? Henry is a stuntman who was captured by the beauty to turn up for filming and for better or worse he decides to help her. What starts as friendship has the potential for so much more. With some angst, a little drama, and lots of chemistry, this tale will delight the reader.
These books have a lot of chemistry and romance and a lot of drama. But a good read.

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was great to be able to get back into this story and the characters. It is such a quirk type of mystery story that I really just can’t help but enjoy it. This is quick a quick book, easy to read and it has the element of fun running through it that I came to expect from the first book.
The story was well developed and I thought a great way to bring the characters back. It was light hearted and entertaining the whole way through. This is a great book and is shaping up to be a great series.

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Mercedes Jones

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK TWO! Dexter’s life is a mess. He is separated from his family and his best friend is dead. He finds out that he has been living in The Void, kind of like the regular world but not. Mortals are not aware that they aren’t where they think they are. Dexter is trying his hardest to right wrongs and stay alive. Through many challenges, he just wants to become free and save his family and friends.
This was a good read, action packed, supernatural beings, and testing oneself. Please read the first books of the series!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Mercedes Jones

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s worse than dating? Dating during the zombie apocalypse! You’re trying to avoid the undead but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. She is looking for love not to be someone’s meal. Her only solstice in this forsaken love game is a fat cat across the street that she watches every night.
This was such a fun read! A quick story, but it was well written. And such an interesting spin on the dating game. I will be reading more from this author!

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Mercedes Jones

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bax has been waiting for an adventure his whole life. As it’s just him and his mother, he spends a lot of time with his best friend playing video games. He also frequents the comic book shop, as in a way to be close to his dad. When a mysterious man gives him a purple ring, the life Bax knew is changed.
Go on this fantasy ride that also is dark and twisty. What a great read.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Shannen Kern

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This thriller was a jaw-dropping adventure that never let up throughout the entire book. I can’t believe I read through this so quickly, but that’s what happens when you forgo sleep to reach the end. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series!

As you stare down two different timelines throughout the book, the author does an amazing job weaving the two together with such intricate yet seamless detail. Nick is finally taking his wife to Venice, her dream trip, not long after he is injured. During their trip, a painting seemingly reaches out to him and the voice he hears is soul-stirring. Julia is terribly worried about her husband, but Nick believes that the voice is his love from a past life. Will he be able to serve what he believes is justice for the past souls or will his injury prove too much for his current wife to take?

Rob Samborn has released such a brilliant start to the Painted Soul Series! I am already pre-ordering the second book now. You won’t regret this elaborate time-travel experience.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Trish Ann

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The history in this book was beautifully written. I am a big fan of mixed timelines and past lives. This book hit the mark! Some very beautiful love notes and quotes in this story which kept it captivating. The ending left enough for the reader to wonder and need to know what happens next!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Trish Ann

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not usually one for zombie stories but the cover of the book drew me in. I really thought it was a good story. The plot kept me invested which was good for the shortness of the story! Very clever and well written in such a short amount of pages!

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Rebecca Hill

NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely hated this book! You might be asking why I gave it 4 stars then? Ok fine; I hated that it ended with a mother’s sacrifice for her daughter! The writing was so good, and it pulled me in right from the beginning. This book is a post-apocalyptic book about a woman named Amy and her daughter, Lila. I loved how it was told from Amy’s perspective and the reader gets to hear her thoughts. I related to her desire to protect her daughter and talking herself into doing things she didn’t want to do. I thought her struggles were quite realistic and grieved the choices she had to make. This is a short read and was well written!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Emily Nolden

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great quick read, with a happy ending.
I am not one for mysteries but reading Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins makes me want to continue reading mysteries. This was a very quick read, but I loved every minute of it. Seeing the different relationships between each character was a great addition to the story.

I loved the strong female lead, who did not need any help. How she defended herself in every situation, especially towards the end.

Being a large romance person, I would have loved to see her and Jeremy’s relationship more, but hopefully that is shown in the other books of this series.

Another favorite part of this book, is how each person or situation is given background information. So, even if you missed other books of this series, you still get to know parts of information from those previous books.

I also would love to keep reading about Emma’s past. Her past is explained a little in this book, but does not go into great detail.

I cannot wait to try the recipes at the end of the book, especially since it is apple season where I live.

Thank you Kimberly Mullins for a great read, I cannot wait to read more!

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kimberly Filer

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect summer reads. Get swept away by romance, the descriptive scenery is breathtaking, and you can almost picture being in Hawaii with these characters. Super easy reads that lock you in from the first moment you crack open the book. Try Easy is the first book in this box set and is Keoni and Lou’s story. Try Me is the second book and is Pearl & Declan’s story. Try Right is the third book and is Claudia & Henry’s story. Perfect for a weekend on the beach or cuddling up on the couch with a cup of your favorite drink.

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful novel that brings you along on a journey and the dual timelines were easy to follow.

Nick and Julia were on holiday to Venice…..taking it all in sightseeing and coming upon a famous painting that would lead Nick into hearing voices from a woman from long ago. He is driven to find out about this voice he hears from the past…..Isabella…and what this painting has in store for the action and suspense with trying to free Isabella but knowing that other entrapped souls can be impacted and that The Order will have something else to say about that.

Wow what a story….I love the intrigue and adventure that this author took me on as I turned the pages and I am looking forward to reading book 2!

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Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Rebecca Hill

Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga #1)Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the first in a series, and I cannot wait until the next one comes out! It will be on my calendar! This book was unique in its story while still having a Hunger Games Capitol vibe. The main characters are Leora, Roland, Aurora, and Leopold. Each one has their own section with backstory and are quite different from each other. They come together to run from the evil sovereign, Alrich, along with his henchman, the White Riders. There is a bit of mystery about a Border and The Realm. It is hinted at, and I’m looking forward to those revelations in future books. The only downside, for me, was the unexpected explicit scenes in the later parts of the story. It didn’t add anything to the story, in my opinion. However, it was a fantastic book and well worth the read!

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Shannen Kern

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like I was transported back to the 60’s to Hawaii, where the author describes in the most gorgeous detail. I have a major impulse to hop on a plane now. You may as well grab the box set because once you read the first one, you’ll want to devour them all!

Book #1, Try Easy describes the complication of a love triangle on vacation, which definitely sounds like a double-edged sword. What could go wrong if it only happens on a trip? The obvious and palpable chemistry between Lou and Keoni is irresistible. Will Lou remain faithful or is the attraction just too strong?
Book #2, Try Me goes into the tragically beautiful story between Declan and Pearl. On the surface everything looks as it should but hiding underneath are the ever-evolving feelings that Declan shouldn’t have. This is supposed to be a fake relationship, just for show, so why are these emotions getting stronger? Another couple with amazing chemistry, you’ll breeze right through this book.
Book #3, Try Right. When Henry sets eyes on Claudia, a breathtaking movie star, he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to be close to her…even if that means helping her rekindle a lost flame. Will he be able to resist his own feelings and help Claudia follow her heart?

I connected with each character so easily which can be such a difficult thing to do, especially with an entire box set. I’m so glad I picked these up and can’t wait to read more from Jill Brashear!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Sara Grantham

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I adored this series. I breezed through all three books and highly enjoyed them. I felt myself getting sucked into the story more and more as I went on. While Book 2 was definitely my favorite, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of the characters and the setting.
This series made me want to throw on a bathing suit and learn to surf. It also made me crave living in Hawaii and getting to experience the beautiful ocean there everyday. Within this retro romance, there was all sorts of love, lust, tragedy, drama, and happy endings.

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