My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Christen Ware

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Relatable fictional story that plays off a real pet of the author, and it done very well. Using a story as a guide through this “made-up world” the reader is quick to empathize and relate more than usual. Using such a heavy topic and spinning it to come across as lighthearted while still hitting home is something of wonder. Bernard’s writing was fictional but felt so personal, it was like having a look at her (and sometimes my own) inner monologue. A good read!

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Tausha Treadway

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray. Whewwww! You better buckle up when you read this one. Its a flip pages until you are finished no matter the time book! SO good! Its the story of Dominic and Juliana and their love story. Dominic is from a very powerful family and when he and Juliana find themselves in love and looking to the future they think they have it all together. Juliana’s father does not care for Dominic and is not bashful about telling her. When Dominic and Juliana have a argument and Juliana disappears the blame is pointed to Dominic. Blame so substantial Dominic is charged with the crime and remains in jail for 2 years until he is found not guilty. When Dominic gets out he’s got one thing to do and that is revenge. Revenge on Juliana’s father and Juliana herself. When he meets a physic named Whitney he feels like he knows her, knows her so well that he thinks she is Juliana and he blames her and her father for everything. The problem is Whitney isn’t Juliana she can just hear Juliana and she’s trying to send a message to Dominic to save him. Will Whitney convince Dominic of the message from Juliana? Read this awesome book to find out!

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The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Tausha Treadway

The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-DeanneThe White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne. I have truly enjoyed this series and this book was no different. Its the age gap, grumpy older cowboy and young servant story. Dusty is the grumpy cowboy who is in desperate need of money for his ranch. When Dusty finds 19 year old Lovely Jo hiding in his barn he is interested in getting the reward money not in the girl herself. Lovely Jo has found her owner dead and runs so that she is not falsely accused of his murder. Running away has caused that to happen though and a bounty is on her head. Running to Dusty is the only way Lovely Jo thinks she can find help. He’s grumpy but has a good heart. Dusty needs the hefty bounty but doesn’t think he’s going to catch feelings for Lovely Jo. Will he take the money and turn her on or will he keep her for himself and protect her? Read this awesome historical romance to find out

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Santana Hicks

True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Landry, a 14 year old girl, thinks she is nothing special. She dislikes a lot about herself. When her two best friends, Tori and Ericka, decide the three of them should try out for a reality tv show about young models, Landry thinks she will be laughed at. Being the people pleaser she is, she goes to the audition. The judges liked Landry and she moved on to the next round. Meanwhile Tori and Ericka were cut.

Monday rolls around and Landry is shunned by both girls. They started talking behind her back and low key insulting her. Landry started hanging out with a few other girls in her grade. Some of them were typical teenage girls, jealous, controlling, already established with their own cliques.

Landry just wants to have a friend she can rely on when she needs emotional support. She feels like no matter where she goes, she’s on the outside looking in. Will she ever truly belong somewhere?

While reading this book, I felt like either I could have written it myself or someone wrote about my life when I was 14 years old. The author was spot on about what being a 14 year old girl was like. Jealousy, low self-esteem, backstabbing, never knowing who your true friends are. I had all these things happen to me, minus the modeling, when I was that age so this book hit me in the feels. Highly recommend this book to teenagers and young adults.

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Candida Hopper

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book to be intriguing and entertaining. This is a dark romance with anger, heartache, mystery, drama, love, paranormal aspects, and more. Dominic and Juliana are in love and dream of a future together but everything falls apart when she goes missing and he is accused of murdering her. Dominic wants revenge on the man that put him in jail and he works for many years for his revenge to be possible.
Whitney who has special gifts and is hearing a voice that needs her help and that’s how her and Dominic meet which does not go well, mainly because she looks exactly like Juliana. This story kept me turning pages wondering where the story was taking me and how it would end. There are twists and turns and if you want to know how it ends then you must read it. These authors wrote a great story.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ashley Mertz

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Night Hawke is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

“I love to play games, especially with an opponent like Jack and when I know what I’ll win in the end.”

Both “Jack” and “Nolan” find themselves running from reality for two completely different reasons. “Nolan” has just finished law school and is about to enter the billion dollar family business. “Jack” has her own share of family problems. The two meet in a bar and agree to a one night stand that turns into an entire weekend together…in bed. When “Nolan” decides two nights together isn’t enough he speaks up. When he wakes up and notices “Jack” has left he does everything in his power to catch her. Two nights with only two rules lead to a lifetime of consequences. Will “Nolan” ever find his mystery woman?

Night Hawke written by Gwyn McNamee is a second generation Hawke family prequel. McNamee writes stories with a bit of suspense and action mingled with romance and heat. Night Hawke will not let you down in any of these categories. This novel is steamy and full of spicy scenes. The novel jumps right in from the very beginning with a steamy introduction. This prequel really sets the stage for the next series, ending with a cliffhanger that leaves you begging for more. It is not necessary to read the first generation to follow along in the second series, but I promise you wont regret getting your hands on those as well!

“This woman is trouble. No doubt about it. But it’s exactly the kind of trouble I need tonight.”

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Jenni Bishop

What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gives the reader and any aspiring writer’s tips, pearls of wisdom and insight by many remarkable writers. Who better could you ask for information to help you along your journey to ensure your dream becomes a reality? Each of them have had many ups and downs and wish they had something like this book to help them along the way.
With this many writers there are often differing opinions on what you should do BUT what worked for one may not work for others. It is not a book where they say you should do it this way or the other way. It is good solid information that has been tested and what worked for them and what didn’t.
If you get something out of the insightful information then that is the bonus of this book.
Dig in to see what information is useful to you to help you on your journey. Who knows it could be one small detail from this book that could make you a world renowned writer.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loretta loves the outdoors and especially a garden and all it has to offer. In this book we see Loretta watching over an egg and seeing it grow and change through its circle of life to become a monarch butterfly.
I remember being a kid and Dad taking us out to catch the caterpillars and chrysalis. We would take them home and watch them through their change to a beautiful butterfly and then release them back into the wild. Now as an adult I have taken my grandkids to do the same.
It is a lovely story that will inspire kids to venture into their own gardens and find out what treasures they can find. The pictures are bright and colourful. Lois has also provided information on how to start your collection to nurture the process yourself.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by April Smith

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short and steamy read does not disappoint readers. This is not a stand alone read, but easy to follow the characters without getting lost. The author draws you in quickly and then leads you into a night of no strings attached fun. This book leaves you wanting more and I can’t wait to continue this series with the next book that’s due out.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta loves various types of bugs. This book focuses on monarch butterflies.

In May, Loretta sees a milkweed field full of monarch butterflies but shortly after seeing them, they disappear. This upsets Loretta, as she really enjoys looking at butterflies. She makes a trip to the milkweed field and sees lots of little “seeds” on the back of plants. She soon learns that these “seeds” are going to turn into caterpillars, which turn into butterflies. Loretta is able to watch the various stages in which a butterfly is formed.

I am a huge fan of Lois Wickstrom and her books!! This one is unique in that some of the words are different shaped to represent what they are saying. There is also a bit of information in the back of the book about monarch butterflies, milkweed plants, and where to obtain milkweed seeds. It also shows the differences in male and female monarchs. I learned a couple of things reading this book! This is a great book to read to anyone of any age and would be great in a homeschool, daycare, personal library, etc!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
5 Stars

This book is packed with information and colourful illustrations. The story will captivate children while they learn the life cycle of the monarch butterfly; from the egg to metamorphosis to migration. Even I learned things that I didn’t know. Never would I have thought that it took five generations of butterflies to migrate from the Stares to Canada. It’s absolutely amazing! The book even teaches you how to differentiate between male and female butterflies. I e read many books by this author and this one has to be my favourite. Your children will love it too.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping psychological thriller that I found hard to put down, this is a real page turner of a novel. Newley widowed and grieving Jacklyn Stone is struggling to stay strong, having been left bewildered following her husband’s death. Although Jacklyn is usually independent, confident and manages her garden shop, she finds her life spiralling into chaos. When her son and daughter suggest going on a brief holiday to a remote retreat, where she can grieve and heal she reluctantly agrees. However, it’s not long until she realises that the so-called retreat is actually a psychiatric facility, and now she’s checked in she can’t check out. Reeling from the shocking betrayal of her children who seem determined to keep their mother locked up, Jacklyn fights hard to establish her mental stability. I was hooked from start to finish by the tragic storyline and atmospheric setting of this novel. I really felt for the main character, Jacklyn who was a great heroine and who I felt engaged with throughout the story. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this immersive novel. A great read and one which I definitely recommend.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Christine Baranek

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Man in Black
By: L.R. Liverpool

This book is so good. It is incredibly gritty and is full of suspense and mystery. I also really enjoy that this is told as if it is a documentary or a memoir. I feel that this storytelling technique really added to my enjoyment. It really took you right there with Fenimore. I really enjoyed Fenimore aka Simon and his quest to become a famous outlaw. I found that the book was a little slow in the beginning, but sticking with it is worth the reward, as this book is so good. I definitely recommend it!

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kerry Baker

True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is one that anyone around the same age as the main character should read it. Even as an adult this book was so relatable. It portrayed that era of school so well and it really brought memories of how it was for me. This made it so easy to connect with the story and the characters, especially the main character.
This is an author that I have become quite familiar with over the last couple of years and it really feels like her writing just gets better and better. This was a brilliant story and a really great way to kick off a new series. I am already looking forward to picking up book 2.

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Amy Dean

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twists and turns in the story make for a steamy mystery of a young girl’s life and death. This story was captivating and had me guessing most of the story. Dominic and Whitney end up tangled together in several ways that help drive the story into a true page turner. Everyone needs their closure when things end abruptly and little did Dominic know how much he needed Whitney to be able to find his peace and a future of his own instead of being tied to his past.

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Tina Vega

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew! When I read the blurb, I just didn’t expect this story to make me feel like this. It is incredibly sad at points, and yet will make you laugh out loud at times. It is mysterious, paranormal, and romantic. Even though we expect HEA most of the time, there were times that I didn’t really know how the couple would get there. I will warn that there are some dark moments, but I felt overall the book was great. I found the plot to be quite original and that was refreshing. A few times I did not expect the turn of events. Great characters, original plot, and exciting mystery!

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Kerry Carr

The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really gripping read. The twists and turns in this book had my head spinning and completely took me by surprise. The author writes in a way that you really get to feel every emotion that the lead character goes through. Her childhood is traumatic and she seems easily taken advantage of. Sam’s naivety really leads her into some dangerous and scary situations as she finds her way in life.
I also like how the author starts at the present day with her little boy going missing before going back and telling us the tale of how she got to this situation in the first place.
Sam leaves her past behind her and moves to LA to become an actress. However her plans aren’t working out how she wants. That is until she meets Corey.
Corey is a charmer, he sweeps her off her feet and promises her everything she desires in return he wants her to have a baby.
And so begins the twisted tale but when she is left alone but imprisoned its not the dream she imagined.
Fast forward 4 years later and her little boy goes missing. Is this Corey finally making the exchange complete? Who is really the bad guy in this tale?
This book was great in that you don’t know who to trust, who to believe and who is the actual mastermind and who is the person dragged along for the ride.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Katie Turner

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Man in Black is a MM romantic thriller by L.R. Liverpool. The story takes the reader along on a journey with Fenimore James as he sets off to make a new name for himself, literally and figuratively. At the beginning of Fenimore’s journey, he transitions into his new self- Simon Shaw. As he travels west, he contemplates on his dreams of all the fame and glamorous lifestyle of being an outlaw. There are times where he feels like he should turn around and go back to his old life. But eventually his dreams are in reach and joins with Red Evan’s gang. It’s there, he makes some very confusing and deep revelations of himself and who he really is as a man he despises becomes his love interest. Members begin dying and the boss is on edge as he suspects it is one of their very own. Is this dream everything he really wished it could be or will he regret this adventurous life he sought out as it all takes a dark turn?

While this is certainly no quick read, the author has put a lot into this story and by the end of it, I felt like everything came together so well. So many feelings were felt along with Simon and just wished I could reach into the story and give him a big hug. The character growth and writing was immaculate and really kept me drawn in. I quite enjoyed this!

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Brehant

Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite PrequelSavage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great prequel. A good short story to get you introduced to the characters. These kids have been through a lot and they keep on going. It shows how sometimes people go through a lot that you just don’t see. This book keeps your interest and keeps you reading. It was too short, but isn’t that always the case with books you enjoy? They are never long enough even if they are 800 pages. I can’t wait to read more in the series.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love that this book teaches kids about butterflies. Their lifecycle, how to tell the difference between a male and female and background on monarch butterflies. It is also interesting adults to learn as well, if they haven’t already. The art is lovely to look at and the different words on each page in a different font style really are eye catching The only thing that was kind of hard for me to grasp was the name Loretta chooses for the butterfly. I don’t think it is really kid friendly to try and read. Overall great story for children.

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Michelle Collier

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spicy, dark, and twisted is what is in store with this book. Dominic was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit but after almost 18 months waiting in jail, he was finally found innocent. He makes a good life for himself in LA with his motivation of getting revenge. Whitney has a gift that she doesn’t really want. When she seeks out Dominic to give him a message from the great beyond, she is the one in for a surprise. She is a dead ringer for the woman he was accused of killing, he wants answers. The spice in this book will definitely keep you warm on a cold winter’s night.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has fast become my favorite kids science story book. Loretta has adventures learning about monarch butterflies this time. The author includes terrific tidbits about them in the back. These entertaining stories that I use with our homeschool and my kiddo loves them. The story is educational and fun. The pictures are colorful. The kids learn new words about the butterfly. Every child’s library should have this one.

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Michelle Collier

Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Dirty Rockhard Billionaire series. Definitely not for everyone. If you like a really spicy best friend’s brother trope then you may proceed. Vaughn and Xena are obsessed with each other, yet neither knows the other has those same feelings. Will they given in to the forbidden?

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Shelly Kittell

What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic resource. As a wannabe writer (I still need to sit my butt down and spill out my story), I am grateful to these authors for sharing these tips. There are so many helpful ideas and thoughts shared. The added benefit is that I’ve even found some new authors to try. As in independent reviewer, I find that the tip to read in the genre you want to right is spot on for me. It has developed into that for me. I read what I enjoy and I find that I have already been using these tips as a reader. There are authors I love because of the way they write and the way they can grab me and keep my attention. The book is very easy to relate to and is a definite resource that will be on my desk. I’ve already ordered a paperback for my desk. If you have any dreams about writing, I highly recommend this book to join your library. Very informative and well put together.

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StoryTeller’s Tale (Wretched Soulz MC) by Manda Mellett – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett My rating: 5 of 5 stars 5 Stars StoryTeller’s Tale (Wretched Soulz MC) by Manda Mellett StoryTeller’s Tale is part of the […]

Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Rayne East

Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mixed feelings
The overall premise of this book kept me reading – there were just moments I felt were forced and the dialogue didn’t quite match my idea of the characters. I struggled to connect with Vaughn, which didn’t help. I liked Xena though. There’s steam and some drama and angst but it was the disjointed writing in places that distracted me when reading. Willing to give book 2 a go.

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Jade Thomson

Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not sure if y’all can see what I’ve read for my previous years reading challenges but you’d quickly realize I read almost exclusively smut. This had some grad A smut in it. The storyline was a little awkward for me though. I wrote this in another review earlier but it applies here as well: sometimes the writing feels disconnected. If that makes sense? I liked the relationship between the characters (for the most part) and I’m definitely looking forward to reading another book in the series to see how their relationship continues to play out.

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The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney – Review by Rayne East

The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy MysteryThe Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very descriptive cozy mystery
This intriguing cozy mystery is a fun read. Lots of imaginative suspense and delicious muffins. The story draws you straight in and I really liked the eccentricities of the characters. A good quick read.

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jade Thomson

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve always been a fan of suspense/mystery/and thrillers. I’ve kinda lost interest in the last few years but lately I’ve been giving them a try again and now I remember why they’re so addicting! This was a good thriller. The only real issue I had with the book was the writing seems disconnected sometimes- which could be intentional for the book and I’m just a picky brat- but I’ve never read anything else by the author so I have nothing to compare it too. Other than that(l? Great. Loved the plot. Hated the characters. (In the best way!!) Some suspense/mystery/thrillers are predictable- but this one kept me guessing!

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by LaliLovely

Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is fantastic ! I love that it’s part of a series & can still be read as a stand alone, but there isn’t any point where it feels like you’re missing something if you haven’t read the others. Just enough curiosity about all the wonderfully written characters to want to read their stories too. Dripping with magic & sweet romance, danger, & excitement, I loved reading this. I honestly wish things had been more drawn out so I could have read more, longer. I would have enjoyed a bit more flirtation between Faiza & Hagen at first to feel their love more authentically, but they definitely still ended up being very cute together. The villain is deeply creepy & there are truly tragic circumstances, but nothing too detailed or triggering. I can’t wait to read all the other books in this series!

Reviewed by @lalilovely

 

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