The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Angela Hayes

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

 

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics is A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy. This is more than just a history lesson on the development of Nuclear weapons- it gives us an insight into the science behind the development, the types of nuclear weapons, the various delivery systems, the dangers, some of the near misses that have only just avoided complete annihilation, politics, and more.
I found this to be quite informative and insightful. We all know the destruction that nuclear weapons can cause- but this really opened my eyes to something I probably should have thought more about, before reading this book. It certainly made think- especially in this day and age. Quite sobering really.
Well worth the read…

Thank you, Paul McCarthy!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is not what I expected. I have read a lot by this author and they are usually light hearted fun children’s picture books. This book was a little more intense topic and for older ages. It would be a good beginner chapter book for 5th-7th grade or so. The topics are a bit intense and the average young child wouldn’t understand. The book focuses on a mother being picked up by ICE and risking deportation for being in the country illegally. I have 3 kids and none have heard anyone talk about that before. But then again they aren’t in a Hispanic neighborhood or school. Maybe that is the point… to introduce kids to this in a controlled setting.
In true fashion, the author used her amazing imagination on the ant man. Very different from Marvel character, but just as exciting. A shape shifting ant man that smells like cucumbers. I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff, but I loved the book.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Julie Johnson

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 stars

Julie never wanted to be a mom but she technically became a biological mom when she donated her eggs to her brother and his wife. Sadly, Brian and Esther were killed in a car accident when their twins, Lucy and Mikey, were just four years old. Brian and Esther left guardianship of these precious souls to Aunt Julie.

Julie’s whole family questions her ability to raise these children from day 1. They offer unsolicited advice and some even go so far as to flat out tell her she has no business doing this. A knock on her door could change everything for this new little family.

Brian and Esther also used a sperm donor to create these children. Grant is the knock at the door and Julie can’t be sure of his immediate motives. Is he her to fight her for custody or is he sincere in what he says about “doing his part” with Lucy and Mikey?

I found this book a bit difficult to get into. As the story went on, it did pick up a bit but by then I was losing so much of the real story that it fell kinda flat for me. I was hoping for so much more based on the synopsis. For a good bit, it just felt like the same thing was being repeated, especially in regards to the behavior of the kids. I understand that a buildup had to occur, but this felt a little dragged out. I did appreciate the overall story, I just wish it would have picked up faster.

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Robin Rankin

Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2)

Ashleigh has loved their music and dreamt of the lead singer Blu in Balefire for quite some time. I think most girls have had that dream including me (Mark Slaughter was going to be my husband) as teenagers and young adults, but most know there is no chance we will ever get to meet them let alone fall in love.

I found myself getting lost in their story intertwined with memories and dreams from way too many years ago. I absolutely loved Blu and Ashleigh together. She didn’t cave to him and his ego which I think made him realize she was worth the work he had to do to get her.

I hated having to put this book down, so much so I may have dropped my kindle on my face which I hadn’t done in a while. I kept fighting sleep to get a little further into the book. I already have the next book on my TBR list and I cannot wait to get started.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars

Wow, what a story….captured me right from the beginning. Gutted feelings, sadness at parts, drama, anger, love, healing and the sense of family and nurturing. I highly recommend this book…it takes you on a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows.

Julie Mercer is trying to pick up the pieces after her brother and sister in law pass away due to an accident and is now the guardian of four year old twins, Mikey and Lucy. Julie never really wanted to be a mother, but life threw her a wrench and now she is figuring everything out between balancing her job and the twins, questioning herself can she do this. Lucy throwing tantrums if things are not done “right” in her eyes and Mikey not talking at all…the trauma that these children endured has been difficult. When Grant, who is Julie’s sister in laws brother, makes an unexpected visit, Julie is not sure if there is more why he suddenly shows up.

As Julie and Grant navigate the death of her brother and his sister, they find that being there for Mikey and Lucy and for each other can be something special.

This is a great story and I highly recommend this read.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Crystal Jimmo

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Talk about gut punches galore Batman. I started reading and I immediately had to grab some tissues. Julie does a selfless thing and donates her eggs for her brother and sister-in-law, who suffer from infertility issues. Tragedy strikes and now she has custody of these two wonderful twins. But it’s not easy going as she’s trying to get through her own grief, but also has to navigate four year olds going through their own grief. She is questioning her skills as a guardian, when another wrench is thrown into the mix. When their uncle shows up offering to help, she’s leery of him. I loved reading this story. I wanted to take Julie and just hug her the entire time, and protect her from the author, and everyone in the book. But, her growth throughout the story is impeccable.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Michelle Austin

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. You get pulled in right from the beginning and you can’t wait to see what’s coming next. It was great seeing the characters from the first book. Lev and Daphne were great characters and I really enjoyed their story. The chemistry and banter between them was great. There are several twists and turns and the secret at the end, did not see that coming. This is my favorite couple so far in this series. All of the characters added a great element to the story. Once again these authors knocked it out of the park with their writing. Can’t wait for the next book. If you’re looking for a great enemies to lovers book this is it. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Michelle Austin

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was excited to finally get to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. Bridget and Fyn were great characters and they gave us a great, steamy story that I didn’t want to put down until I was done. After she discovers her fiance is cheating on her, Bridget decides to still go on her honeymoon. Where she has a hot and steamy evening with Fyn. You could feel their connection coming off the pages. Time passes and she returns to discover who he really is and she decides to stay with him. Let’s just say things get very interesting for them. We get a heck of a story with several great characters that added a great element to the story. My emotions were all over the place. The authors did a great job with their writing and I look forward to reading more from them. If you’re looking for a great read. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Darla Yocom

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three of the Protector Wolf Shifter Series and I think it may have become my new favorite. I’ve truly enjoyed reading the first three titles of this series and have remained hooked from the very first page.

Book three finds Tamasca and Kodiak dealing with an insane scenario. Tamasca is determined to complete the change to a wolf shifter so she can have a new level of protection against the never ending hunt by the vampires. She is aware of the possibility of a dangerous and lethal result. Whereas, Kodiak is not a fan of anything that may end her life or put her in danger. His love and need to protect her at all cost is strong and puts them at odds due their inability to come to a compromise. As their terrible luck continues, Kodiak finds himself captured by the vile vampires, leaving Tamasca to look for new options to help her complete the change and get back her mate. Danger seems to be attracted to both of these characters, so you know going into book three you’re going to experience a lot of drama, action, politics, and suspense.

I feel as if Tamasca is a bit of a bad ass in the making. Her character also showed a lot of growth as she found herself without her mate and still extremely vulnerable. Kodiak on the hand is your typical alpha with a bit of a teddy bear underneath. Hopefully the author will expand a bit more on that in the future storyline.

If you enjoy fantasy supernatural romance reads, you will find that here and more. Please read books one and two before jumping into this one so you’ll understand the backstory and details surrounding the main characters. They truly have endured a lot and come a long way in their character growth.

I’m looking forward to book number four and so on. Enjoy reading this incredible series.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Amanda Glaspie

When I started this book, I had no idea this was the second book in the series. itnhad great description ls of each character, and it was very easy to learn and feel their emotions. The story was intriguing and a little unique; at times, the storyline seemed a little far-fetched. The narration did sound forced which made it hard to focus on the story but I was able to get used to it as the story progressed. Overall, if you’re looking for a cute romance, this will definitely fill that need.

Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern

Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It shouldn’t surprise me because I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work, but I was caught off guard by just how much I adored it. I like rock star romances in general, but this one felt a bit different in a refreshing way. I found myself quite invested in Ashleigh and Blu right from the get-go. Blu is naturally a ladies’ man who doesn’t have to ask twice to find company. Ashleigh is the girl next door who seems very hard-working and down to earth. I really loved that she doesn’t care how famous he is, she’s going to give him a piece of her mind. Will there be a spark between these two, or do opposites really not attract? I highly recommend picking up this book (and series) to enjoy this wonderful romantic adventure.

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Mandy Ott

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider has delivered another amazing book in the second installment of the Spellbound Journeys series, Fortune’s Favorite. While I think it can be read as a standalone, reading it following Book 1 allows for a stronger connection with the characters and their journey. Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane return as the main characters and are just as realistic and flawed as ever. The connection between these two very contrasting individuals is heartfelt and enviable. They embark on separate journeys once docked in Maldarehm, but the ultimate test finds them joined once again. There are so many layers in this story, along with some mind-bending twists that I found it hard to stop reading. I wanted to find out what would happen next. As with all of the books I’ve read by C. L. Schneider, the vivid descriptions and imaginative writing made me feel as if I was right in the midst of the action. I am anxiously awaiting more by this author!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Lucy Machard

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me hook, line, and sinker from the first sentence. It’s a book full of healing, coping, determination, with a sprinkle of love and a huge helping of pure tenacity from the main character. Julie really did face a lot of odds in this book, and I think what I loved about it so much was how raw and real the writing felt. It’s a book with the perfect fall aesthetic, and i just know I’m going to be re-reading it again. Highly recommend!

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson is great contemporary romance

The groupies and superstars who typically command all of his attention are nothing like Ashleigh Baker. She spends her days making a blossoming showpiece out of her rental yard while wearing a lovely floppy hat and having her knees covered in dirt. Even though she is the most beautiful lady he has ever seen, she acts as like she doesn’t care a bit about him. But she has been the only thing on his mind since he first set eyes on her.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Heather Goodman

Love Shots (Bluestone Series #4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author has done it again. It’s amazing how she can put so much depth and draw you in so fast and keep you going to the last page. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and swoon over a HEA. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Crystal Brehant

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very unique take on tarot and magic as a whole. I love the way she had a short poem for each tarot card. It gets you thinking more about yourself and your own interpretation of each card. I love that it was more a go with the flow and free feeling type of explaination of each card. I will definitely be looking into more of her books.

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Hero Complex( Bluestone series book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Heather Goodman

Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ivy and Ace’s story will not disappoint. I love how this author makes all her characters so relatable. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and swoon all in the same book. This book is full of twists and turns. It keeps you on your toes and then makes you swoon.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Ashley Mertz

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants by Lois Wickstrom & Milagros Darling is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants is a chapter book geared towards young readers. Wickstrom and Darling do an amazing job discussing some difficult topics: deportation, living in poverty, family drama and all of the effects these situations have on children. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight to Hispanic culture and how some Spanish terminology was used throughout. Even though this book touched on many tough topics it was also filled with hope and magic allowing the reader to look forward to a positive ending. I would highly recommend this book to children approx. 3rd through 6th grade age level.

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Love Tools(Bluestone series book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Heather Goodman

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily is one of those characters you are immediately drawn to. You can relate to her and you are constantly rooting for her. The love story slowly unfolds and ends in a HEA. I can’t wait to read the next one. Love the way this author draws you in from the beginning and keeps you wanting more.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Crystal Brehant

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a tough book to read. I read this with my 6yo son. I chose this book because our cat Lilly is 18 years old. Her age has been starting to show for a while. I wanted a book to help explain about animals passing away. It may come to a point where she will need to be euthanized. This was a great book to help show why we may have to put animals to sleep sometimes. It was told in a way that little kids can understand.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by La Toya Lewis

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Though You Were Mine is a novel by J. Marie Rundquist. This story follows Julie Mercer, a woman who has donated her eggs to her brother and sister-in-law so that they may have a family. After the couple dies in a car crash, Julie is named guardian of the 4-year-old twins. This was such a wonderful story. Following Julie, you really get to experience her plight. Julie doesn’t want to be a mother but she tries her best to provide a home for her niece and nephew. I really sympathize with Julie mourning the loss of her brother while trying to raise his children and deal with the trauma of losing their parents. When Grant enters the picture, we see them both do all that they can to give the twins a good home. I loved that Julie finally had someone in her corner. They both could relate to each other. This is such a great and complex story.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Felicia Bates

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Though You Were Mine is not the type of novel you pick up to escape reality but it is definitely one to delve into when you want to “feel”. I was invested in the storyline and characters from the very start and loved the growth and progression throughout. The plot was deep and very well written and I adored the female main character and I liked watching the dynamic between she and her mother. That being said, I really enjoyed the intricacies shown within the entire family in this novel and how they navigated real life issues both common and uncommon. I would love to read more from this author again and highly recommend this novel.

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, I was worried there would be too much drama for me but I’m glad I gave it a chance!

This is an engaging read, following the story of Mia, Mitch and Lacey. There’s secrecy and plot twists which I loved, especially as when I thought I knew what the twist was going to be, there were elements I didn’t expect. The tension was built well as Mia and Mitch race against time to stop Mia’s life from being ruined. While I expected this to be a little more intense, I think it was paced well for a romance novel.

The characters were well-constructed, and described well so I could picture them clearly as the scenes played out. The chemistry between Mia and Mitch was evident throughout and I was rooting for them from the start. I would have liked to have some more insight into Mitch’s perspective on things but the book is well written, I really enjoyed it!

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Trista Martin

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. It is longer than the other books I’ve read of hers and I would recommend it more for middle/upper Elementary age kids. Xenia was taught not to cause trouble or bring the spotlight to her family due to her mom being undocumented from Mexico. The author utilized this book to discuss a sensitive topic in an age-appropriate educational manner.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Candice Estes

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julie is happy with her life. She is single, has no kids, and no real wish to change anything. However, life has other plans for Julie, when she unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her twin niece and nephew after her brother and sister-in-law die unexpectedly. What Julie could never have predicted is how much this would change her life. She goes from single with minimal responsibilities to having to take care of two four year olds who are grieving and struggling to understand the changes to their lives. Mikey has stopped talking, something she is told is new, while Lucy has started throwing temper tantrums whenever things aren’t quite the way that she expects them to be or when she just can’t handle her emotions. While learning to navigate grief, family, and suddenly becoming a parent, one more curve ball comes into Julies life in the form of the children’s uncle, Grant.

This story is, at times, heart breaking and yet heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a happily ever after, even if it there are a few wrong turns in the middle.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Trista Martin

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but still enjoyed The Guardsman and didn’t feel like I was lost. I enjoyed the suspense and family dynamics throughout the book.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. It really threw me for a loop that the twins weren’t really biologically Julie’s. This book proves everything happens for a reason. Julie needed those kids and those kids needed her. I highly recommend this book.

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book 1) by Anise Eden – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sooo, after reading everything available about this book I don’t know what I expected it to be about but it wasn’t that. I’m so glad that I didn’t though because I probably wouldn’t have picked it up and I would have really missed out on a great read! I liked Neve but I think my favorite character was Conman and maybe Erik the Viking. This book did have a few sensitive topics like Neves forced hospitalization, her being forcibly medicated (Con to the rescue), and an assassination attempt but it all added to an expertly thought out, well written plot. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see what they get up to in Ireland.

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn Mcnamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am very familiar with Gwyn Mcnamee, who writes truly wonderful, fully fletched out, steamy romance novels, less familiar with the second author, Christy Anderson, here but after reading the premise thought this book sounded interesting. I’m so very glad that I did! I loved Royally Complicated and read it in about 2 days once I got into it. Fyn and Bridget were going through such a hard time in the beginning and continued to push through all the adversities in their way throughout the book, how cruel Abigail and the Queen were at first. They made sure to have lots of steamy encounters throughout as well. About 3/4 of the way through when what happened, happened to not the person I thought it was going to happen to my heart was in my throat, I was on the edge of my seat and truly wondered what was going to happen luckily we got a happily ever after ending. I can’t wait to jump both feet first into book two about Lev, as if Bridget would ever have run away with him, lol, and Daphne, her best friend.

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was in between a three and a four star rating after reading Murder Creek. This is the authors debut novel which could attribute to some of the issues that I had throughout the book. While I was really enjoying the mystery aspect of the story and getting into a good flow the author would randomly stop, at the end of a chapter, seemingly mid thought, only to drop us back into yet another different place, or different thought. The abrupt changing of chapters, thoughts, and actions really pulled me out of the story. It wasn’t hard for me to fall back into it because as I mentioned it was a really good idea, the story could have been amazing. Maybe with more practice the author might be able to smooth the story out a bit. I will definitely read another book by this author and find out.

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