Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first book to get a deeper understanding of the characters.
The plot is once again engaging and gripping, this time Karina finds herself a person of interest in a murder. We’re also reintroduced to FBI agent Mike who is put on the case. There were so many twists, I loved it.
The strong and independent Karina decides to start investigating herself before she becomes an official suspect. I fell even more in love with Karina in this book, she’s strong, determined and lovable. When you think about someone in politics, you don’t normally picture the lovable Karina.
I love this series, I’m obsessed! Onto the next!

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan Book 3) by T. Christensen – Review by Christine Baranek

Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan #3)Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Truths
By: T. Christensen

This was such a fun and easy to read enemies to lovers office romance! This is a trope that I generally enjoy and this one definitely delivered on my expectations.
This story sucks you in from the opening sentences where we meet Lindy who has a dream of being a fashion designer. The only thing standing in her way is Cade Kinglsey, who is her boss. It is clear that this working relationship is going to be anything but fun. However, beneath his prickly facade a lot is hiding and that’s where the fun really begins.
I truly enjoyed the characters in this story. Lindy is well developed and she truly just comes to life off of the page. She is a strong female lead, but it isn’t over the top or in your face, it just comes across as a driven individual who is working toward a dream. Cade was also a very interesting character and I’ll be honest I had very mixed feelings about him, but he definitely kept the story interesting. I definitely recommend picking up this quick and fun read!

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in what has begun as a great series, the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. I loved this introduction to Karina and the storyline was brilliant! It doesn’t hurt that this is a cosy mystery which is one of my absolute favourite types of books (perfect for a autumn night by the fire).
I enjoyed the writing style of the author; it flowed well and was easy to follow and the links to true events made it feel even more real. I was lost in the storyline almost instantly – it felt unique, and I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I also liked the section which explained more about the actual crime which this book includes, I find true crime fascinating and having this insight was a brilliant addition.
The characters were great, fun and interesting. I loved Karina, she felt so real, and lovable and strong. Despite the danger, she was determined and came out the other side stronger than ever.
I loved this book so much and had to move onto the next immediately!

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vanishing Day
By: Valerie Davisson

Vanishing Day is Valerie Davisson’s take on what is a familiar plot. It is one I have seen before, an abuse victim on the run from their abuser. However, I have not seen this plot as skillfully crafted as that by Valerie Davisson. She takes a character I already love, Logan Mckenna, and gives her to this hard, yet common, topic and just really lets her writing take center stage. This book was so hard to put down and I just wanted to see justice prevail from the beginning to the end. Valerie’s true talent is in her character development. She takes a well loved character and just continues to develop her through each book. She then gives her new characters and plots that just help her to show her positives and her flaws. She makes Logan seem like an amazing friend throughout the story. I absolutely love this story and will be anxiously awaiting my next Logan McKenna read!

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You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna – Review by Christine Baranek

You and Me Equals LoveYou and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You and Me Equals Love
By: Marina Hanna

This is a fun, standalone, contemporary romance. This book was written in multiple POV, which I personally love because I feel it gives the story a lot more depth than if it was written in only one. It lets us get to know each of the characters on a more intimate level and get to know their innermost thoughts and feelings. It also helps them to gain your attention. The author is fantastic at writing believable storylines that really transport you into the middle of it. This is a fantastic story about what happens when friendship and love mix. I definitely recommend picking it up for a fun book to read when you need one! It won’t disappoint!

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Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Shelly Kittell

Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

i really found this to be quite the romantic suspense. It is intense, powerful and our female protagonist really had to take on a big role. I found the writing quite engaging and intriguing. I was ulled in right from the start. You jump right on in and devour this story. The characters are relatable yet so powerfully written. A story full of romance, suspense, and danger that you should read.

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek

Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shattered
By: Valerie Davisson

In this book we are introduced to Logan McKenna. Her entire life seems to be falling apart. She recently lost her husband in a car accident. She sells the business that she had build with her husband and becomes a teacher. She then is accused of helping her students cheat because they are doing so well on standardized tests. This means that her job is on the line.
She decides to move to the beach in SoCal. Near a very important part of her life of her childhood – the Otter Arts Festival. She decides that she will reconnect with her old friends and just relax and figure out her next steps. Well this is until a body is found and her friend is a person of interest. This gives Logan something to do other than think about everything that has been going wrong in her life recently.
I LOVED this story. I loved Logan as a character and all the chaos that she has been through. I feel that it made her even more likable. I loved the aspect of glass blowing as this is an art that has literally always been of interest to me. I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to see more of Logan McKenna.

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Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Elisha Johnson

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper- 4 out of 5 stars

This book was quit enjoyable. I would say this book is old school fairytales with a twist. The story is wonderfully written and the characters are great. It is such an interesting and unique read. I recommend this read.

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Shelly Kittell

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, this is such a sweet fur baby romance. They meet when she’s trying to catch a stray. They come from two different worlds and the story builds from their. It’s really a darling romance that will melt your heart. A very cute story helps too, who doesn’t love puppies? It’s a quick romantic read that’s quite entertaining. Several times I was chuckling and my husband asked why. I love explaining books like this to him. The characters are written so well that you feel like you know them. This is a story you should read.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forest Park
By: Valerie Davisson

This was a fantastic book. This is the second book by Valerie Davisson that I have read as well as the second Logan McKenna book I have read. Each one has been absolutely fantastic. It contains fantastic thriller and mystery elements as well as elements of Women’s Fiction. Valerie Davisson crafts fantastic novels that read quickly and contain a fantastic amount of character development. This book looks ast two stories that surround a mysterious explosion. The first plot line looks at a the Vietnamese family who’s food truck was involved in the explosion. The second looks at a Vietnam vet who is struggling deeply with PTSD. Additionally we have Logan who is involved after witnessing this explosion. This book is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to continue reading this series. I enjoy Logan McKenna as a protagonist and am loving her development from book to book thus far.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell From Heaven by N. L. Holmes- 4 out of 5 stars

This is a historical story that is very fill of vibrant details and vivid descriptions from a time long ago. I found this story to be very captivating and well written. The attentioto detail that the author put into the story made it both realistic and relatable. This book was truly a treat. I highly recommend.

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely story – I loved it and was completely hooked from beginning to end. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the main characters, they were both so warm and likeable. I really liked the storyline it was easy to follow and the authors lovely writing style was a pleasure to read. I loved Wynter, she really was such a lovely person, she had a warm heart and her passion in life was encouraging people to donate to worthy causes. I really thought that Caleb was going to be you r typical playboy but I could tell as soon as he met Wynter she was the one for him!
This really was a lovely read and one that I would highly recommend!

@katiem
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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another fun children’s story from this author. This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a fun alien twist. As usual, the kids loved the colourful pictures and the aliens!
The story was interactive and kept the kids engaged. There are always learning opportunities in the author’s books, and this is no different. Topics are covered in a fun wat for the kids to understand and enjoy.

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the McIntire County series, this can be read as a standalone but to get a deeper understand of the characters and past events which link them, I would recommend reading from book 1. In this instalment we followed Jolie and Xavier.
As with the previous books in the series, the writing style is easy to follow and the descriptive language pulls you into the story, allowing you to picture both characters and scenery.
I found the characters of Jolie and Xavier particularly interesting; their pasts were what interested me most and how this affected them. Jolie, a new deputy in charge of finding a missing girl, faces the pressure from her family and what makes her different and intriguing to me. It’s not just the usual pressures, her brother is a killer and the effect of this on her was shown quite well, I think. She’s determined and continues looking into the case and the new elements despite being given the ‘easy’ answers. I enjoyed her character development as she reminded me a little of myself in being unsure of herself, but her confidence grows, and you can see her really coming into her own. She’s one of my favourites so far.
I look forward to the next one!

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Shelly Kittell

Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. Beautiful, tragic and original. A story of how love is not easy. Such beautiful writing. The characters are written and developed so very well. You can’t help but be sucked into this story. You’ll feel every emotion that is felt. I couldn’t put this story down. I felt like i was on a roller coaster.

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Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading Riley and Lynette’s story was fascinating. My understanding is that this is the prequel to the series. I came into the series later and I have to say that this gave me a different perspective. I enjoyed the writing. I have enjoyed the characters in the story. Reading about and following each as they find their match of talisman to warrior signs is fun. Their is strength, courage and bravery in each character. The writing is very well done. I love this series.

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Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Kerry Carr

Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this book was amazing. It si a passionate love at first sight story but with so many twists and turns I wasn’t sure our couple would ever get their happy ever after.
The author’s writing really brings the characters to life and it makes this story so engaging that you won’t be able to put it down.

When Con and Jessica meet after literally bumping into each other at a bar, Con knew she was the one for him and he had to be with her. Jess on the other hand was not as confident, not wanting to get her hopes up. However Con is determined to prove to her that its love at first sight and goes out of his way to do that. So Jess is more than a little confused when their date arrived and Con doesn’t show up.
Feeling heartbroken and angry at being led on Jess leaves feeling like she was played with. She plans to move on and forget Con until it comes to light that Con is missing.

What follows is a story that at times made me cry and made me doubt that they would ever get the break to see if what they have is real. With kidnapping, amnesia, PTSD and an attack which altered the course of both of their lives will they ever be able to find their way back to each other or will what they have disappear just like Con did on that fateful day.

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Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley, with his brother and friend, goes to a party after attending a training on how to find their Talisman- their other half to help guard their back in a battle. All are looking for a good time but also, they each secretly want to be the first to find their Talisman. Lynnette and her friends are at the same party. Knowing that they are to be on the lookout for their warrior, no one really thinks it is going to happen THAT night. Low and behold, Riley and Lynnette are matched pretty quickly. Riley takes Lynnette to a cabin to finish their bonding. However, in his boldness and thrill of being the first of the guys to find his Talisman, he forgets the most critical part. He has left them unprotected and open to attack. Can they complete the ritual before it is too late? Or will they be forever separated because of Riley’s pride?

I started reading this series prior to the prequel. It was nice to be able to read Riley and Lynnette’s origin story. It added a different insight as to how they play their parts in the books I have already read. I do not think I was missing anything, but I enjoyed reading their action-packed story. It was like experiencing a flashback in a movie, only in the book series. It was a quick read and worth reading because I can see the character added in this book coming back to play a bigger role. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2023

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great YA read. I loved that it was written around the beautiful ceremony of the quinceanera. The tradition of the coming of age ceremony for Mexican American’s is such a special day, and thank goodness Mia was intent on making sure nothing spoiled her friend Zoey’s special day. Mia, a witch, and Gumshoe, a ghostly inhabited cat, work together to solve a murder mystery. Gumshoe has the advantage of being in places where he can hear the gossip of the town and nobody thinks twice. This story is full of action and twists and if you are into the paranormal – this is your read. I think this would be a good read-a-loud for parents of tweens, one you can do together.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2023

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautifully illustrated book about a toddler learning about animals! Kingston loves his walks with his mom, especially when he sees a dog. Then he learns that not every furry creature with four legs is a dog. Ms. Harris has written a story that helps parents to teach their young children about the world around them. This would be a great book for the bookshelf of any new parent!

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The sweetest love story I have read in a while! Grab your favorite drink and a cozy blanket and snuggle up because you won’t want to put this down! I enjoyed how wholesome this story was. Alice and James have the sweetest connection and I loved unraveling their story. The small town life aspect is more than accurate as everyone is in everyone’s business and gossip spreads fast. Which is exactly what the couple needs to keep their peace. It was a beautiful painted picture that kept me engaged from start to finish! If you are looking for a cute romcom, look no further.

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Heidi Schoolman

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

This is the fourth and final book of this series. Hannah is a lawyer whose brother passed away about a year ago. She also has a stalker who is becoming increasingly threatening. Doyle is a detective who has taken a step back from police work to find himself. A friend sought out Doyle in hopes he would take her case. This is just what he needs to jump back in. This one leaves you on the edge of your seat!

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R8D8TL2ZFSF9Z/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5912364902
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2976362310

No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1OTW9AM00QA5I/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4277049822
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5912355946

Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/RO2ADXHU9MF14/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/238990419
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5912346681

Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jenni Bishop

Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Tracker is a prequel and where it all started for the Talisman series. This paranormal fantasy series is a definite must-read. It’s easy to become immersed in Tam’s magical world of modern-day alpha Celtic warriors.
It is written in multiple POV which makes the story so much more interesting hearing from different perspectives.
This unique series has a lot going on and all the paranormal goodness with Celtic mythology druids and mythology, gods and goddesses, shamans, supernatural abilities, magic, a curse, revenge, and good vs evil.
Tracker is a quick action-packed well written read and a good introduction to the colourful and badass warriors in this series.
Tracker is the fun story of Riley and Lynette and how he found his Talisman. Riley is a skilled warrior, but a young man who likes to have a good time and thinks he is all that. There were times I wanted to smack some of that out of him.
Lynette is level-headed and keeps him in check on top of trying to learn about her gift.
Now all they have to do is stay one step ahead of Morrigan a goddess who does not want warriors and their talisman to bond.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Jenni Bishop

Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3)Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars
Merry Christmas, Montana is the third book in the heart-warming series The Millers of Marietta by Elsa.
This small-town romance is a fun story and a nice read to escape for a few hours. Plus, we get the added bonus of it being set around Christmas. It gives you all the feels and gets you in to Christmas mode.
The Millers of Marietta is about the Miller siblings as the name suggests, who moved to Marietta for a new start. You really should read the books in order as these wonderful characters cross over and you get to find out so much more about them. I love the characters and it is nice to catch up.
As I said this tale is filled with mixed emotions, taking chances, laughter, family, love, weddings, with slow burn romance and spicy undertones.
With just the right pace, some tension, and realistic characters that you can’t help but like it is easy to become invested.
I had mixed emotions about Riley in the beginning, but a broken heart will do that to a person, so I understand. She doesn’t have time for or want love. She is only in town for a cousins wedding. AND the fun begins.
Mitch was so easy to like and being the eldest he is a little overprotective and can come across as a grump. It was fun to watch these two dance around each other.
Plus, you hope that one little boy gets his Christmas wish.
This delightful story is also the perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays or just because. It leaves you eager for what’s to come next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Jenni Bishop

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street is book 2 in the North Fork series, and it will lift your spirits. I was first introduced to this sweet romance tale in the anthology Irresistible at Christmas – Pets to the Rescue and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a wonderfully written tale this is a quick and easy read. It is heartwarming and heartfelt with adorable characters.
I was so engrossed and drawn into their journey so much that before I knew it, I was turning the last page and at some stage hubby was calling for me and I didn’t hear him. He’ll get over it because it’s not the first time he has been ignored whilst I was reading.
The story was a little predictable, but it is still a fun story with some steam and lots of surprise twist and drama.
They come from different worlds but when a rich ex-SEAL falls for a waitress at the local café the chase begins even if she is not sure they are a good match.
Let’s not forget the adorable four-legged creature who worms their way into hearts as well.
Who doesn’t love a sweet story with fur babies and romance?
I am excited to read the rest of the series.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Jenni Bishop

Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
**This book contains adult content and the loss of a loved one. It is not suitable for all readers. **

Almost and Forever is a heartachingly beautiful tale. Tissues please……. This old saying holds true in this case – “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours. If not, it was never meant to be,”

It is a tale of love, loss, guilt, hope, want, need, anger, angst and forgiveness and so much more that it will have you smiling one moment and then crying the next all throughout.

The story flowed smoothly and with likeable but heartbreaking characters. I love that this book was written in both of the characters points of views, and I loved the care, the tenderness, and everything in between. There were times when I wanted to shake them and others when I wanted to wrap them in big hugs but as they say the road to happiness is not always straight.
When truths come to light it may just destroy everything.
He is all she has ever wanted but how can you compete will a ghost, when one’s heart is with another. Playing second fiddle is not a place she wants to be.
He is a mess, but she makes him want more only he is buried in his grief.
If you like a sweet romance with a few twists and turns, then give this author a go.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson

Lies That Bind is the sixth book in the Logan McKenna Series and is a Crime/ Thriller that is hard to put down once you start reading. This story is packed with drama, family, secrets, trust, lies and so much more. Logan is back at it again, she’s got a pot going on, she bought a house to fix up, found out she has a half sister, and a young woman is found murdered. Let the adventure begin as Logan and her half sister find themselves right dab in the middle of an investigation. The twists and turns had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Can Logan get through all the lies and secrets before it’s to late? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m already ready to dive into the next book. As always can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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