Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195006169-born-to-die” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1690281176l/195006169._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195006169-born-to-die”>Born to Die</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880807.Winter_Austin”>Winter Austin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5875133617″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cassy is trying to forget her past and the trauma she went through two years ago. Kidnapped by madmen, escaped leaving with some scars. Her ex Boyce comes back into town to help her department with a string of robberies. Cassy is cold towards Boyce, I mean who wouldn’t be with what he did. But they end up having to work together, as Boyce thinks the robberies and the murder of one of her follow police men is tied together. Boyce wants to try and get cozy with Cassy again. But she has a sister, brother in law and a nephew to protect. Such another amazing read by Winter!
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Vixen: (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter) by D.M. Earl – Review by Nicole Thompson

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Vixen Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter” by D.M. Earl was a recommendation outside my usual reading preferences, but I ventured into its pages and was captivated. This fourth installment in D.M. Earl’s “DEVIL’S HANDMAIDENS MC: TIMBER-GHOST MONTANA” series stands strong as a standalone novel. It boldly explores dark and erotic themes that may challenge sensitive readers, yet these elements enrich the story with steamy passion, heartrending emotion, and intense action.

At its core, “Vixen” unveils the powerful story of Mira, or Vixen, and her intricate relationship with former undercover FBI agent Lucas ‘Ironsides’ Dombranski. Vixen’s unwavering loyalty and acceptance of hidden truths deeply resonated with me, while Lucas’ commitment to doing what’s right and his gratitude for Vixen’s trust were truly admirable. Despite occasional narrative shifts between characters, the story shines brightly, offering a complex blend of mystery, suspense, abuse, lies, and secrets, all driven by noble intentions. “Vixen Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter” is a must-read for fans of dark and compelling romance that leaves hearts both broken and warmed.

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn did it AGAIN in Cruel Love! This book is part of a series, and while you don’t need to read all of them to get it, you do need to read Cruel Hate and Cruel Start.
Phoenix is volatile, moody, and has a chip on his shoulder, but all that is striped from him in the accident. His family has dark secrets, many unknown to Phoenix, and will stop at nothing to ensure they stay hidden. Only after the accident does Phoenix start to put the pieces together.
Aspen is pregnant with Phoenix’s baby and is just hoping to be able to parent this baby with him. They’ve tried a fake relationship and it failed miserably, so there’s really no hope of a real relationship.
In Cruel Love, Phoenix and Aspen learn to let down their barriers despite all their past hurt, disappointment, and heartache. They overcome so much to deserve their happily ever after.
But… family drama is just heating up, so I’m anxiously awaiting Wicked Games and Wicked Ends!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenique Bornman

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In “Cruel Love” by Isla Vaughn, readers are taken on an exhilarating emotional ride from start to finish. This enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance doesn’t hold back on the drama, passion, or heartache.

The story revolves around Aspen and Phoenix, two characters who initially couldn’t stand each other. However, fate has a way of twisting things, and their tumultuous journey takes unexpected turns. The blurb hints at the gripping premise: a devastating accident that erases Phoenix’s memory of Aspen and their child. The transformation of Phoenix from a “cruel” enemy to a kinder soul adds layers of complexity to their relationship.

Isla Vaughn expertly weaves together elements of love, loss, redemption, and sacrifice. The characters’ chemistry is palpable, and readers will find themselves rooting for their happiness, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

The novel delves into the past, unearthing buried secrets that resurface in the present, threatening to tear Aspen and Phoenix apart once again. Vaughn skillfully keeps the suspense and tension building, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

“Cruel Love” delivers on its promises of angst and heat. The passion between Aspen and Phoenix sizzles on the pages, but it’s the emotional depth of their journey that truly captivates. The story explores the lengths one will go to for love, family, and a chance at a better future.

As the conclusion to the duet that began with “Cruel Hate,” this book ties up loose ends and provides a satisfying resolution for the characters readers have grown to care about.

In the end, “Cruel Love” by Isla Vaughn is a gripping and passionate read that will leave you breathless. If you enjoy complex characters, intense romance, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is well worth your time. It’s a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, a happy ending is possible.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phoenix and Aspen have quickly become my favorite couple in the Hidden Valley Elite series. But that grandfather! What a…jem? Piece of work…ugh can’t wait to see what happens with him!

Phoenix certainly changes after the accident which is a nice twist for the most part. The details of his recovery are so believable and real. I could feel his pain. But I like to think everything happens for a reason. His accident turns things around not only for him but for those around him.
Aspen is at a loss. Phoenix isn’t himself and she doesn’t know how to deal with the new him. Does she cut and run? Should she stick around and see what happens?

I love the choices these two make when it comes down to it! I can not wait to read more!

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade

Beautiful Dangerous is the fourth book in the Philly Heat Series and is a wonderfully written Romance Suspense that will keep you turning pages until the end. It’s a very intriguing yet intense at the same time. I’ve read other books by this author but this one is definitely my favorite yet. There are twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The characters are developed, there’s definitely chemistry and they bring the story to life. They’re raw yet relatable. These two have serious chemistry between but they both have pasts that seem to lurk. Hannah just wants her lurking stalker to be caught so she can go back to having a semi normal life. Doyle will do anything to protect her but that’s not a guarantee with the crazy stalker. This story will keep you hooked till the end. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122825466-cruel-love” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680528056l/122825466._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122825466-cruel-love”>Cruel Love</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5874796099″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Aspen and Phoenix are going through a tough patch in this book. They’ve been in a car accident and Phoenix is missing 5 years of his life. He doesn’t remember Aspen, nor does he remember that she’s carrying his child. They both have their struggles and an uphill battle and both have been resilient, especially Aspen. There are a lot of things that have happened to this couple over the series and you are definitely rooting for them to get their HEA. I can’t believe there are only 2 books left in this series! This author has done an amazing job with these characters. As always I’m looking forward to the next installment.
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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 9/28/23

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First – READ CRUEL START AND CRUEL HATE FIRST.

REALLY loved the ending of this story! Phoenix and Aspen had a lot of separation between them in Cruel Hate, it got frustrating at times but their passion and chemistry kept it pretty intense. So many things kept coming between them. In the end, it was quite a cliffhanger.

At the start of Cruel Love, we find out what happened with the cliffhanger, and then spend the book watching Aspen and Phoenix learn to trust each other and get to know one another without the walls from part one. It turns out that going back in time can sometimes help us grow in the future. This story turned out to be much sweeter than I anticipated. It was nice watching them come together and I love watching the previous main characters stories continue to grow, as well.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Cade Dawkins is back from book one after forging his way to catch the Blond Killer in book 1 and nearly losing those he loves the most.

Yet again, his loved ones are targeted as well as himself. This time, it is by a page exclusively for serial killers to make contact and issue challenges to one another. After being splashed across the news for catching the madman killing blondes in his city, this website of predators sent out a call. Get to the Twin Cities and see if you can best the one who caught the last serial killer in his area!

His paranoia is growing, the danger is growing, the number of serial killers terrorizing his area is growing, and so are the dark choices he will be faced with. Will Cade be able to keep everyone safe while keeping the media off his back and keeping his job?

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans

Dawkins is a cop who toes the line and does things his own way. When he is called in on a case that shows a predator going after stunning blondes, he has some choices to make. Will he be able to catch the killer before it puts those he loves at risk? The fear leads him down a path that has some dark opportunities. Cade isn’t considered lucky for having this case tossed in his lap, but his boss needs a win at best, and a scapegoat at worst.

Gritty, suspenseful, intriguing. A quick read that kept me interested until the end. I enjoyed reading the frame of mind behind the killer.

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♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.* PREORDER *.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️ My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale

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♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.* PREORDER *.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️
My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3EKNFd0
#ComingSoon #Preorder #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #MyMurderYear #KateLarkindale #YA #YoungAdult #LGQBT #Contemporary #LGBTQIA+ #Fiction
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – YA, LGQBT
Page Count – 309
Cover Designer – Jay Aheer

Seventeen-year-old Stas Nonu has nothing more to worry about than looking like an oversized pumpkin in the bridesmaid dress her mother picked out for her wedding to her long-time partner, Mama K. Her father’s newfound religious beliefs are annoying and starting to cramp her style, but nothing to be really concerned about. Besides, Zane, the new guy she met at that party is way more interesting. 

When Stas finds her mother’s dead body in a pool of blood, and evidence points to her father as the murderer, she realizes how uncomplicated things were before.

Especially when two aunts she’s never met fly from her mother’s native Russia and start talking about her coming to live with them. Then her father’s brother shows up with his own reasons for why Stas should live with him.

Unable to face the tug of war between her relatives, or the devastating effect it’s having on her beloved Mama K, Stas turns to Zane for comfort. But their increasing closeness is not enough to allow Stas to escape the reality of her fractured family.

If Stas can’t figure out a way to prove Mama K is as much her mother as the woman who gave birth to her, she might find herself banished to Siberia. Or somewhere even worse.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book #6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

Cruel Love is Book #6 in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. OMG- I can’t get enough of this series!! This is the continuation of Aspen and Phoenix’s story which started in Cruel Start, continued in Cruel Hate, and concludes here in Cruel Love. So if you haven’t read those previous books, I highly recommend you do so you have all the important details on board before diving into this book…
After the cliffhanger ending in the previous book, I really couldn’t wait for this instalment to release. And boy, Ms. Vaughn didn’t disappoint!! This picks up right where we left off in the previous book and all the dramatic developments that entailed. Phoenix’s memory has been impacted by the accident and with things the way they are, poor Aspen is beginning to wonder what the future holds for her and their unborn baby. Gah- Ms. Vaughn loves toying with my emotions!
I know I keep saying it, but this series really does keep getting better as we go- getting more intriguing and angstier with each new addition. Ms. Vaughn outdoes herself every time.
Wicked Games is next- and I am already anticipating what Ms. Vaughn has in store for us there!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Isla Vaughn!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Daryian Lucas

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 stars
This was a cute holiday romance. I love Christmas so I love reading Christmas books throughout the year. With it getting closer to the holidays, I picked this book up and it hit the spot. A nice clean read!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Cruel Love more than Cruel Hate. The duet in the series is mind boggling. There’s so much going on, however it all works. This author beautifully ties everything together/up with a little bow. Book 6 in this series did not disappoint.
What would you do if you had a chance to start over? Meaning when getting to know someone?
Well that’s exactly what Aspen gets. After the car accident Phoenix doesn’t remember the last 5 years. He’s changed, he’s kinder and more open with her, should she take advantage? A chance to get to know her baby’s father, without all the walls that held both of them back.
Unfortunately Phoenix’s grandad plans to put a stop and end things between them. Aspen isn’t worthy and his threats and promises, bring some thoughts and decisions to make.
The drama of it all keeps you turning the page. Keeps the reader wanting more. I can’t wait for the final duet, books 7-8 on how the author ends this series.
All I can say is start from the beginning and don’t look back. It may be broken down into duets, but they are all connected. So I leave you with this, Happy Reading!!

@placexba
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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Hannah Porter

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Man ohh man after a much anticipated wait I finally got to gobble down every last word in this book and I did it in one sitting lmao. After that cliffhanger that left me wanting , no needing more. Picking up and reading this was a no brainer and hot damn this Isla Vaughn did not disappoint in the least. I just had to know how Phoenix and Aspen were going to get their Happy ending. Just like all the previous books in the series, this one was just as freaking AMAZING. Passion, drama, secrets, lies and jealousy. With twists and turns that’ll leave you upside down and on the edge of your seat. Also this story made me love Aspen even more.
This will always leave you wanting more, point and case I’m literally counting the days til the next release withWinter and Shane’s story🥰 Whoooot whoot now bring on

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by M Policicchio

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dearest Author, Why do you hate me? You know the next book doesn’t come out for months and months, and (even if it is only next week, it will seem like) months? That ending truly was cruel love.

We pick up where Cruel Hate ended. Phoenix, Shane and Aspen are dealing with the aftermath of the car accident. Their world has been turned upside down in more ways than one. People Phoenix and Shane have known all their life are not who they seem to be. Phoenix struggles to find himself.

While Phoenix is on the mend, Aspen finds her community. The family that includes Cole, Damon, Riley and Skylar rallies around Aspen to support her and assist with her dream of her own business. No matter what happens with Phoenix, Aspen knows that she will always have family for her little one.

Ugh! This is so hard. There is soooo much to love about this book but I don’t want to give away its secrets. I don’t want to be that reviewer that tells way too much. Not to mention the way this one ends. This is one of my favorite series of all time. The found family bond and strong female characters rival the Elite Mafia series by another author who is constantly on my TBR List. Super! Wonderful! Fantastic! I could throw in a few more but I will wait for the next one to add to that list.

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Shadow By D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Larson

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Shadow (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book Two)Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadow by D.M. Earl

Shadow by D.M. Earl is from Zoeys POV along with a few other members from the story line. In this specific book you will dive into Shadows mindset and her struggles from her background and childhood. This book is dark and if you’ve read Tink then you will know what to expect.

Shadow just finished up finding Hannah for Tink, and was on her way to her secret getaway where everything was going smoothly. By the next day they were called to close another circuit to better the world when things took a nasty turn.

Shadow is literally such an empowering female main character and is inspiring to all women who have been through hard times where life seems unbearable. I loved this book. The plot, the writing, the multi-character POV, it was all there and executed flawlessly. I also loved the sass and attitude that came with it all and the plot twists. I do recommend reading Tink before Shadow but it can technically be read on its own in my opinion. Overall I do think this is a great MC series and the sisterhood behind it, as you don’t see many all female clubs if at all depending on where your from.

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Tink by D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Larson

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Tink (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book One)Tink by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tink by D.M. Earl

Tink by D.M. Earl is a MC “dark” romance about a girl whose life has taken some dark turns and unthinkable obstacles.

Tink grew up in a loving home and raised by her parents and her father’s club members known as the Intruders. She is the the little princess of the group and protected solely by these people, until one day that all changed. She did finish school, went to college, and then formed her own MC of all strong women. She works her ranch while also saving young women in the circuit. The devils handmaidens do everything they can to protect young women and children from the horrors in life and Tink manages it all with her best friend Shadow.

This story is empowering and will leave you strapped in your seat wanting to do everything you cannot to scream into your kindle/book. You will read some dark moments and the ptsd that comes with it as this story is not for the light hearted.

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off i just want to say thank you to Austin for broaching a subject that many either shy away from or that is taboo to other PTSD is a very real thing ! I salute you for “ going there” secondly thank to all those who go to war to keep me and mine safe 🙏 I honour you and your families and your sacrifice ❣️
Another thing that got me is Cando and others like him , what happens to service dogs ?

Nicolette Rivers aka Nic , first female sniper , now retired from the marines is working as a deputy in Mctinre county and we meet her having to the unimaginable but the necessary, she has to a man to save his wife and children , she manages one but not the other and most of the townsfolk are questioning her and giving her a hard time but she followed orders …. People are dying by their own hand and something is amiss , my worries was that she’d be next ! She’s vulnerable with the ghosts that chase her and theses people that are dying by their own hand aren’t doing it by choice they’re being assisted! Twisted I know ! Someone had a god complex and is dumbed “The priest “

Due to Nic being involved in a fatal shooting and investigation / debrief has to take and Detective Con O Hanlan , our Irish Yumminess joins the story , trust me to find a little spark 🔥 but what can I say I’m a sucker for the accent 🤣🫣 anyhoo back to the task at hand ….

Nic and hee spitter ended up getting romantically involved and after a specific incident he took his life and she found him and it hones for me because I lost my mum to suicide so my heart just aches for Nic and having to carry on after is very hard and this new case is a massive trigger for her and I’m so grateful to Con for being there for her !

I’ll just say this expect the unexpected, what seems to be obvious isn’t and just as I thought I I knew who “ Tbe priest “ was I’d be left in the dust again , you’re kept on your toes 😉

There were other elements that added to this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read , Con’s family own the local pub so there’s that element which is warm and inviting , it’s home if you like , Cando, the German shepherd , adopted by Con after his retirement from the military ( thank you for your service 🐾❣️) and while he follows order he has a soft spot for Nic that’s for sure and again I’m floored at the compassion of animals , there’s romance yes and it’s enough to take the edge off the tension of this read ….there’s family drama as well , as I said a little bit of everything thing and expect the unexpected 😉

Looking forward to more of Winter’s writing it’s almost fictional non fiction if that makes sense ….

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Taz by D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Larson

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Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taz by D.M. Earl

Taz by D.M. Earl is about one of the Devils Handmaidens by the name of Taz also known as Raquel smith or Que. She lives a simple life while practicing, cards, and trusting her crystals to center her in times of hardship or happiness. Taz may be small and quiet, but she is a force within when it comes to those she loves. She would do anything for her boy and people.

Taz is going about her daily life doing what the club expects from her such as, managing the bank statements and funds. She comes across some information, leading to an immediate chapel meeting which changes everything for her. She is the smartest person when it comes to managing the finances for her President Tink, and what she finds not only changes the whole aspect of this book but for her as well.

I really enjoyed Taz’s position in this book not only because you get her backstory but also, you find out her love interest and what she will do for the people she loves. I love that this particular installment included a child that is spectacularly different, and has all the attitude but is also brilliant. Travis was the one I was least expecting of all the men from these previous books, but every bad boy needs a soft chick to center them. Now im not saying that Taz is “soft” because she doesn’t have a back bone, because that is definitely not the case. This woman has been through the wringer and isn’t afraid to do the hard work that needs done. She is also a wonderful mom who is nothing but patient with Teddy. I really loved this book because it brings real world factors to the light in today’s societies and you do not see that stuff written in books these days. Overall 5 stars to this 3rd installment to the series. On to the next!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The accident took every moment they had but gave them everything they needed and more. What an incredible finale to Phoenix and Aspen’s duet. As always, the talented Isla Vaughn takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, happy, sad, angry, devastated and keeps going without warning. This book picks up one month after the events of the first half of the duet, Cruel Hate.
Phoenix has been in a medically induced coma to help his mind and body heal as much as possible before he woke up. Aspen other than minor bumps and bruises is okay and so is the baby, much to her father’s dismay. Just when things seem to be the darkest Phoenix wakes up, and for a moment everyone is happy until reality sets in. Phoenix thinks he is fourteen years old and a freshman in high school, but still every fiber of his being is drawn to Aspen. With his defenses out of the way the door is opened wide for them to get to know each other without attitudes or fears getting in the way. Information starts to seep through when Jillian, yes, the punt bunny returns, with some vengeance and spills the beans about Aspen being pregnant. Shane’s mysteries in the first book get some insight when he lets out that Grandad has been running him to death with errands for the family business. Reckless ideas of reconciliation with their father come to light and so much more.
How will Phoenix get his memories back? Without their defenses can Aspen and Phoenix finally find the balance they need? While the world of the Hidden Valley Elite is the same, essentially, the characters go on so many journeys throughout this book. Phoenix loses his defenses and Aspen drops hers to let him in. Knowing that we are always promised a happy ending at the end of each duet keeps me counting down the days to each new entry to find out what will happen next and how it will all end. There are no perfectly wrapped little packages here, the author makes sure the characters fight for what they want, nothing is handed over easily. More so, the mystery, suspense, and growth never end. My lord the way she set up the final duet, Shane’s story will finally be revealed part one, Wicked Games, October 26th, 2023.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the way Cruel Hate ended I was absolutely devastated. I waited on baited breath before Cruel Love was released. Reading through this third book in Phoenix’s and Aspen’s story put me on an emotional rollercoaster. Seeing Phoenix not remember his child and Aspen was heart wrenching. Aspen struggling to help him remember but at the same time caring for their child was hard to read. She was dealing with basically being a single mom and mourning the loss of her alive partner, while trying to juggle everything else on her plate. I loved the ending and felt like it did the couple justice and brought everything together beautifully!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this author is so freaking talented and amazing! I absolutely DEVOURED this book, and after everything the characters went through, I’m so happy that they got their happy ending. Seeing Phoenix grow after everything that happened made me so happy. All I wish is that we got more time with the characters, but I can’t wait for Shane’s book!!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I was waiting in sheer anticipation for this continuation of Aspen and Phoenix’s story as this book picks up where Cruel Hate ends….and my gosh. Starting right from the first page 1 my heart was beating so fast, not knowing where the story will take me and I could not put it down. I love Aspen and Phoenix so much…giving me all the feels that I love about this series….passion, secrets, drama, lies, angst and sizzle.

The odds are totally against Phoenix and Aspen, from an unplanned pregnancy, juggling college work, family drama and Phoenix being determined to make his shot at the NFL. When an unfortunate event leads down a path of struggle and determination and opening up family wounds and secrets, will Aspen and Phoenix make their own choices in life and in process of becoming parents and not be influenced by money and greed………

I do not want to give any spoilers away as I could talk about this book forever…but I highly recommend reading this series right from the beginning to get to know all the characters and the progression of the story-line right from the start. I cannot wait until the next installment to know what happens to Shane and his story…

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Born to Die is the second book in the McIntire County book series and another great romantic suspense/mystery from Winter Austin. This book is its own case/story but we do meet Cassy and Boyce in Book one, Atonement, which is the story of Cassy’s sister, Nicolette, and Con. We hear a continuance from book one of their life over the past two years but we get plenty of suspense, twists, and turns concerning Boyce and Cassy. Cassy and Boyce have a history and a bitter one at that because she got hurt and he ran away when she needed him the most claiming his job would get in the way and ruin a case they were building on his mother. So struggling with her own mental health and PTSD she is shocked to find him re-entering her life to aid a murder/bank robbery case in McIntire County. Can she find it in her head to solve this case, and in her heart to trust him again? Winter has written another winning novel in my book.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Shadowstalker Series. The author does a wonderful job of describing the world and the characters are well written. The book has some darker moments, drama, magic, and so,e surprises! As a reader of many years, I always enjoy finding a new author or series that brings me the joy of connecting with the main characters, when it’s a series, we get to learn so much more of that world. This is a young adult series and I know I would have loved reading it back when I was a teen.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Runyon

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn’s Cruel Love continues Aspen and Phoenix’s story. Phoenix saved Aspen by shielding her when his father’s car was in an accident. However, Phoenix was in a coma for a month. When he woke, he thought he was only fourteen years old. He recognized his mother and was stunned by how big his twin was. Aspen found out she was having a baby girl. It conflicted Aspen about telling Phoenix that the baby was his. Thankfully, Phoenix’s cousins and their girlfriends were supportive. Despite their support, it appears as though two members of his family are not on board with Aspen’s plan to keep her baby.
Phoenix’s struggle to recover changed his behavior, and Aspen began to stop being as stubborn about a relationship. His grandfather used manipulation to get rid of Aspen by lying that Phoenix didn’t want the baby and wanted her out of his life. On the edge of the story is the strange behavior of Shane. A shocking ending made me want to continue reading. The Hidden Valley Elite Series has been amazing and easy to read. The alternating perspectives give a full picture of what each person is thinking. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes relatable characters and romance that is realistically depicted.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is such an awesome read about the four elite guys at Hidden Valley School and the girls they care for. I would suggest reading this series in order, not because you have to, but because it’s a great series and you get to see a lot about each of the main male characters as they are present in each other’s stories and lives, being as they are all four related and best friends as well. Also note, this series has two books, a continuation duo for each of the four heroes, making it an eight-book series with a novella that comes before the first book in the series.

I don’t know how Isla Vaughn keeps making the books in this series better and better, but she does. This book is the conclusion of Phoenix and Amber’s story. We pick up here after the cliffhanger in book five to find out how Phoenix and Aspen are going to cope with a plethora of problems, passion, drama, and oh so much more. Will Phoenix ever remember his time with Amber? Should Amber keep fighting or just take care of herself and her child? Wow, Isla Vaughn has written some complex characters who face a lot, but Phoenix and Amber’s story and all they face has really blown me away.. in a good way, that is.. I’m so impressed with the writing and plotting of this series, this duo especially! I truly can’t wait for the next duo of books, because if these are any indications, then the next will be even more mind-blowing. You get so invested in these characters’ lives that you just want to read more. You should definitely check out this series as I’m positive you won’t be disappointed!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristan Anderson

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

EXCUSE ME, how do you just end the dang book like that? Hello?! I neeeeeeed more. Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn is book six in the Hidden Valley Elite series. These really should be read in order but especially this one and the previous, they are the same story and very important to understanding and falling for these characters. After an accident, Aspen finds she’s been given almost a second chance with Phoenix. A chance to see who he is without the jerk attitude, without all the arguments of before, but also, without his memories of her. Once they realize they this is the new norm, both let go and try to get to know one another again. I loved how this story played out. Every single bit of it. I’ve always had a hatred towards granddad and it came to a head in this book for sure. The book ties up a lot of loose ends and does so in the best ways at the right time. I can’t recommend this series enough!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Please do not read this till you read the first ones in Phoenix and Aspen’s story. That being said, the first chapter will rip you apart. Phoenix and Aspens has been my favorite story but this book broke my heart so many times. Poor Phoenix and poor Aspen. If you have not read anything by Isla Vaughn, get ready for a ride. She writes the best.

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