Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 4 in an amazing series. The series is about the Brooks Family. Cash, Carter, Denny, Miller and the baby sister of the bunch Lynn. Lynn is treated like a precious jewel by all
Of her brothers and she hates it. They see her as their kid sister not an almost 20 year old woman going to college to be a sports therapist. She’s currently working at a concession stand at Ardent Park. When she hears so
Done yelling help as she’s crouching over a man on the floor. Lynn stays very calm, calling 9-1-1 and keeping the man alive until help arrives. A dark haired hottie who also works at the stadium was there trying to assist her but wasn’t much help. They run into eachother again and make plans to meet up another time. Dark haired hottie is the shortstop for the Arrows who play at Ardent Park.
They end up getting together but not before Lynn decides she can’t be with him. They see eachother a year later and have a 2nd chance romance thing going. Lynn is very stubborn and she annoyed me at times but Joey kinda knew how to handle her….kinda. The. Throw in all the drama that’s been happening with Larry being stolen in previous books, Miller’s accident, the fire, the people trying to buy the three properties where the owners do not want to sell. This book had some steam, some sweet moments, lots of suspense and an ending you aren’t expecting. At least I wasn’t. Another great addition to the series. Loved it!!!

review by @xchellex

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Kerry Baker

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a lovely follow up to the first, although it can be read as a standalone. It is a slow-burn, clean romance story that centers around two great characters. Age-gap romances aren’t usually my favourite, usually because they feel like the whole story is about the characters ages. This book however didn’t feel like that. It felt like the story had been developed regardless of the age of any character which meant I was able to connect with it really easily.
I enjoyed the overall story of this book. It is a quick and easy read that was perfect for getting caught up in for a few hours. It is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next.

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Murder a la Christie(Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson- Review by Heather Knalls

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lexie is back in her old hometown for awhile and she is catching up with some of the people she grew up around. One of her old friends Rosie has asked her to start a murder mystery book club and on their first meeting one of their members Sylvia ends up dead. Every believes her death is related to her heart issues but Lexie believes other wise and that she was murdered. The autopsy comes back after the funeral and Lexie finds out she was right and that her friend Sylvia was poisoned. But who could have done that and why? Lexie is determined to find out who had it out for Sylvia including one of her good friends German who Lexie heard threaten her before the meeting. But now Lexie has become a suspect because she has now found out that Sylvia left her money in her will. Can Lexie find the culprit before it’s too late?

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Karrie Sears

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the book it shows how CJ and Lora are trying to be responsible pet owners and it does a great job at that. Helping children understand that there is more to owning a dog than just playing with them is wonderful! The fact that the story shows CJ and Lora taking Porter and Midge to the vet and socializing them and getting both dogs comfortable in any environment or situation is amazing. Involving children at a young age in caring, teaching and sharing responsibility for a pet is a great thing. The checklist at the end of the book is a great resource for children to use and can see how much they have achieved in the training journey from when they first started with the puppy training.

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Lisa Helmick

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super second story in the series! I was at a little hesitant because of the Dom/sub lifestyle but there was not a lot of that. Once I got past that the rest was amazing! Sylvan is so much more than just a writer. She is a surprise at one time or another. I do like how she is able to learn to let herself go. TB…I learned soooo much about him! The changes he makes are impressive. I really like these two together! They are magic together. The story kept me going and once things heated up I could not stop turning pages.

The Tribe!! OMG! They are incredible! They have quite the camaraderie and made me laugh out loud but also watching them work just together like family. That Nemo!! I can not wait for his story! He is going down hard.

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Kerry Baker

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brillaint opposites attract Romance story that is exciting and action packed. I loved reading about TB and Sylvan. Although they are completely different from each other they have such obvious chemistry. Their connection caught my attention and really pulled me into the story.
I loved the fact that this book wasn’t just about the romance. It is a fast paced story that was intriguing and easily kept my turning the pages. This author really knows how to create brilliant stories. I have never read one of hers that I don’t like and this one is probably on of my favourites.

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Italian American by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a continuation of Greetings From Asbury Park, continuing the story of Jack and Mariella – the soldier who met his Italian bride during WWII.

In the continuation, he’s taken her home to Asbury Park, and Mariella must learn all the nuances of American culture and struggles a great deal about the whole process. Through making friends in her neighborhood, to dealing with Jack’s mother who does not like her, to having her children and figuring out the American ways of childbirth are nothing like the Italian ways, Mariella thinks she finally has a foothold in this whole American thing… Then she’s called home to Italy, and everything she thinks she knows for sure about her life are questioned and new fears are unlocked.

The only problem I had with this book is how neatly it wrapped up. I wanted more story to devour!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I mostly loved because I just love historical romance novels. This is a sweet story about Mariella, an Italian with a huge family, falling in love with an American soldier during World War II. She’s lost so much already, and so when he goes back to America and writes about his engagement, she assumes she’s lost him, but fate has other plans for both of them.

While it was a very sweet love story that had a lot of stakes involved, I also loved how they showed the humanity of both Jack and Mariella and where they both seemed to want the both for themselves, their families and their countries and also showing the hell that war is for everyone involved, no matter whether they’re on the front lines or not.

I was so glad this book had a sequel!

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Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart – Review by Netania Lim

Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble RomancePercy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a historical romance featuring the American West, mail order brides, and of course, a meddling family. A quick and clean read, the characters were fun to read and somewhat developed. It’s a short, sweet story, which means I wouldn’t mind reading another novel by the author.

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Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley – Review by Kerry Baker

Vague Directions: Into the WoodsVague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great paranormal romance story that is interesting to read with some strong characters. It is easy to connect with the book from the moment you start reading, and I enjoyed watching how the story unfolded. It felt like it had an element of fun the whole way through which made it more enjoyable to read.
The characters fit really well with the story the author created. Heather really had a great adventure. I always enjoy the books I read by this author. This one is perfect for those lazy afternoons doing nothing but reading. This is a thoroughly enjoyed book.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Darian Vester

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’re looking for a clean slow burn romance definitely check this one out, it can be read as a standalone and I started the series with this book but now I’m wanting to read the stories of our other characters. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Joe and Abby.
I’m not going to lie, at first I felt nothing between Stephanie and Ted, so I wasn’t sure if their slow burn was even going to work for me. But I did like the characters individually. I like that the author has us get to know them first before trying to push them together, but I do wish there was a little more of just them to help with their chemistry in the book. I did like that he cared for her, especially with the drama happening at school.
Overall I enjoyed the book and think romance readers will enjoy it along with the happy ending.

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Kerry Carr

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Dead man’s Tribe Series. This books are great. They are romance suspense reads with a strong alpha male which I love. This story has got elements that kept me reading long into the night, from steamy romance, danger, angst and twists and turns which kept me hooked all the way through.
Sylvan is a romance writer. She has always been about HEA’s however she is still to find her own. For her next book she wants to explore new avenues so she is put into contact with a Dom called Lobo to help with her research of the scene.

TB(LoBo) is an IT specialist. Him and the Tribe team get hired to look for a missing girl. This girl is the 5th one to go missing.
As this case progresses and TB and Sylvan’s relationship gets closer, TB realises that she could be the next one on the kidnappers hit list. But when Sylvan starts to hold things and information back TB makes it his mission to get to the truth and protect the women who dispite his best efforts he is falling for.

Both Sylvan and TB have both had past traumas that still affects them to the present day. Sylvan is a good girl, TB is a bad boy. They are so opposite do they even stand a chance of working? And with the added danger of someone who may want to cause Sylvan harm will she be able to trust TB enough so that he can protect her? I really enjoy these books and I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for us next.

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Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Rose McCaskey

Whiskey Throttle (Moto X #6)Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this would just be a romance but it’s also about trauma, hitting rock bottom, healing, and redemption. It was a really good story, I enjoyed the descriptions of the characters and the setting. I know it’s part of a series but you don’t need to read the previous books to get what’s happening. The author describes what happened in the previous books with the characters each one was about. I do recommend reading the triggers before starting the book as it talks about addiction, abuse, and some other topics some might not like reading about.

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Rose McCaskey

Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wasabi was the last book in the Evil Sushi series. It was a really creative story. I like that it ended up being about Mother Nature getting revenge. The destruction of the Earth in this series is similar to what humans have been doing to our Planet so it brings a portion of real issues into a different story where you think start trying to figure out who the good guys are but you are wrong the entire time.

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with a feline twist, which kept me happily turning the pages. ‘Fairytale Forest’ is an amusement park where Catherine (Cat) is a night-shift custodian. Along with a clowder of feral cats the custodial staff keep the park neat and tidy. When one of the less liked and mean-spirited custodial managers is found dead, Cat finds she is the prime suspect. Cat decides to investigate so she can find the real killer and clear her name. She is helped by her co-worker Gloria and the cat colony led by Zoe. The cats who catch the vermin in the park lead Cat to the dead body, where she discovers her first clue. It is up to Cat, Gloria, Zoe and the other ‘Fairytale Forest’ felines to solve the murder. This is an entertaining cozy mystery with an intriguing storyline and a mix of quirky characters and cats! I enjoyed solving the case alongside Cat and her furry felines, and I felt immersed in the story due to the descriptive narrative. I’m looking forward to book two in this fun new series.

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book. I have enjoyed this author in previous books and was not disappointed! This is book 4 of a series, but I was able to read it as a stand alone and it was fine, but I will be going back to read the previous books since this one was so much fun. Cute rom-com style, with a little spice, but not a crazy amount. Baseball players, protective brothers, lots of humor, and so much more. Lynn and Joey are just such a great pair in this story! Great book for a summer read!

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Brandy Rymer

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder a la Christie was an amazing mystery book and such a great homage to the Agatha Christie stories. I loved the whole “who done it” mystery to this storyline and was so intrigued by it all starting with a death during a book club meeting. The character development was amazing, and the fact that the author utilized such a wide array of characters of varying ages and genders was a great way to add to the thrill of figuring out who the antagonist was. The fact that this is a new series is even more amazing, the way that the author leaves the book hanging on a cliffhanger of what’s next for our main character, Professor Lexie Driscoll, was a genius way to end the book. It left me with just the right amount of wanting to know more about her and her two love interests, as well as see how her future book clubs may come about. Will there be more tragedies, mysteries to solve perhaps, or more unexplained deaths that need to be investigated with her great sleuthing skills? I cannot wait for the next book to come out, so I can have these questions answered and delve back into another great mystery.
@Brandy Rymer
06/2024

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book #2) by MK Harkins – Review by Angela Hayes

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 – 3.5 Stars

 

“The Big Bad Wolf is the Least of Her Worries.”

Red is the second book in the Modern-Day Fairy Tale series by M.K Harkins. It is a modern take on a classic fairytale- a YA fantasy, with paranormal elements, a touch of fate, drama, angst, fairy godmothers, magic, adventure, romance, mystery, secrets, a plot for revenge, danger, agendas, and interesting quirky characters.
This story might pick up from the previous book, Ashes- but we ‘follow’ different MC’s, so it could be read as a standalone if you wanted. But having said that, knowing what happened in the first book will definitely enhance your appreciation of the characters, story, and series.
So, join Lily and George on their ‘adventure’ – especially if you love a great YA fantasy, fairytale retellings, several intriguing threads, multiple Pov’s, and an overall cute story. If this sounds like your jam, then you will definitely want to add this to your reading list.
Happy reading…

Thank you, M.K. Harkins!

 

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee – Review by Angela Hayes

Homicidal InnocenceHomicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee is a gripping and twisty little romantic suspense that had me intrigued right from the outset. This was quite an intense ‘introduction’ to Ms. Lee’s storytelling, as I had never read any of her work before, but now that I have a taste, I will certainly be coming back for more.
I am a sucker for a great psychological thriller/suspense story, and throw in some gritty tension, twists, and some sizzle- and I am all in. This promised all that and more- and I have to say that the author delivered on the promises held in the synopsis.
Maya works as a live-in nanny in a very affluent and ‘exclusive’ gated community where lots of dark secrets are hidden. Things take a darker and sinister turn when a serial killer seems to be using the area as his hunting grounds. Several beautiful young women have vanished, and bodies of other young women are being discovered after being tortured and then brutally murdered. Detective Cole Silverthorne is determined to hunt down the killer before things get even more grim. But there is a bit of a tangle web to unravel in order to get to the bottom of things- which won’t be easy. Things are far more complicated than he can imagine. And the stakes are only going to get higher. Add in some danger, drama, edge of your seat developments, and clever, unexpected twists which all come together seamlessly to make for quite a gripping read.
The story is told from several POVs, which gives us, the readers, a deeper perspective and appreciation of what is going on. It definitely made my reading experience even more intriguing- especially since we also get to ‘hear’ from X, the serial killer. But Ms. Lee doesn’t make things too easy to unravel, keeping a tight rein on my attention and keeping me guessing the whole way through. Even when I thought I knew what was going on, she would then throw something in the mix that had me second-guessing everything all over again.
So why have I rated this 3.5 stars instead of 5, you might wonder. Well, the story itself was well woven and the ‘mystery/suspense’ side of things was clever and tense- which is fantastic- and the characters are complex, well-developed individuals who brought the whole story to life—– BUT, there were a few ‘minor’ issues that I had with character ‘attitudes/thoughts/dialogue etc, which all combined to affect my rating. Plus, there were quite a few moments where Maya’s weight was mentioned (usually in a derogatory manner) and it became a little uncomfortable to read those comments/thoughts, and seemed repetitive after a while. I appreciate that Cole liked a ‘curvy’ woman- but we are told that Maya is a curvy size 14 – which is not really big, or plus size in my opinion. It is a healthy, normal weight for a ‘normal’ woman. She is ‘happy’ with her size and weight- so I don’t understand why her weight was such a factor. Yes, mention it in passing maybe, but I just felt uncomfortable for her after a while. Which affected my reading experience. I should have been focusing on the well-crafted suspense, which I did do to a degree, but the uncomfortable feeling never left and was always in the back of my mind, the whole way through.
But, putting that aside as a ‘me’ thing/issue- like I said earlier, now that I have a taste for Ms. Lee’s work, I will definitely be going back for more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, V.J. Lee!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Daryian Lucas

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The characters are relatable, and their chemistry feels genuine. The small-town setting is beautifully described, adding to the story’s charm. While the plot is a bit predictable, the engaging writing makes it an enjoyable read. Perfect for fans of feel-good romances!

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Heather Bass

Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author and I’m hooked. This is the perfect summer read. I love a good rom com but this exceeded my expectations. I love it when the author makes the book from both characters point of view. I feel more connected with the story. You will fall in love with these characters right away. I could not not put this book until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.

Kenna has the life that she always wanted. She has a husband and job that she loves. Kenna finds out that her husband has been cheating on her and her dream job is now going to a person she can’t stand. She has had enough so she walks out on her old life. Kenna is lost until she finds out that a family member passed away and now she has a place in Florida. She can start a new life. Kenna meets her very handsome neighbor and she feels something there. Will Kenna find her life that she has been waiting for or will the past come back to haunt her?

review by @heatherbass

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205091734-murder-a-la-christie” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706049927l/205091734._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205091734-murder-a-la-christie”>Murder a la Christie</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson”>Marilyn Levinson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6601274208″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Professor Driscoll runs Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub and she is a huge fan of Agatha Christie. At the very first meeting one of her friends is unalived. As Professor Driscoll dons the hat of a sleuth and her developing detective skills, more of her friends are ending up in the same condition. It starts to make her feel like she is in one of the books written by her favorite author. She is determined to find who committed this crime and save her fledgling bookclub. Murder a la Christie is a fun and engaging page turner. This is only the second book I have read by this author and so far I have enjoyed her work.
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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read the other books in this series and Wasabi didn’t disappoint. The idea of evil food taking on a life of it’s own is a unique story line. Will the wasabi burn going in and coming out? You’ll have to read this story to find out!

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I gotta say this story was pretty dang adorable. Rachel gets stood up for a dinner date, and Miguel swoops in to save her night. You could literally see the chemistry burning right off the pages. Rachel is frustrated because she has high hopes in a date that ends with not so great results. So she tries everything, but realizes with Miguel, that just because you might not be someone’s cup of tea, but there is always one out there that you are their cup of tea. I honestly am a sucker when the guy makes food for the girl. In most stories it’s the other way around, so seeing this different switch was a breath of fresh air. It was pretty cool seeing Ryan and Tess as side characters in this book. The acceptance by both sides was phenomenal. I can’t wait to read more from Julie!

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Jenni Bishop

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 – 4 stars
This very dark and twisted thriller will have fans of the Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger jumping in to read. Christopher Alan Broadstone pulls out all the stops in this macabre tale. He uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience to evoke strong emotional responses. His use of Greek mythology is interesting but better used when dispersed throughout the tale. It pulls the reader from the main game of engagement.
The Puzzleman is graphic, viscous, lurid, and gruesome, and the thing nightmares are made from. You will be pulled from one extreme to another and often feel like you have been in a car crash.
There is a cast of many and a lot happening in this book and at times would have been better spent with a few less words. I think you will either love it or hate it, but true lovers of this genre will love it.
Read if you dare!

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Jenni Bishop

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Between Managing Mischief book 2 & Discovering Desire book 3 in the Shattered Embrace Series, I made a little side trip & read Whispers in Wonderland where Derek’s story started. You don’t have to, but I suggest you do read it first & the first two books because they work well together, and you are missing out.
Hidden Mischief & Managing Mischief are the first two book where they take us into the life of the sinful Club Shattered Embrace where your deepest & darkest desires come to life. It takes us into the world that is captivating & complex.
Club Shattered Embrace is the place to be when letting go of your inner inhibitions. A place to let go. A place where dominance & the power that one’s body secretly yearns. This is a sexy, sizzling, erotic, sensual tale that will have you sitting up & taking notice.
In Discovering Desire things heat up. You are in his world where he can take you to a place only, he can take you. A place of wonton behaviour & self-discovery. A pleasure you have never known before. But just as the club will pull you in so does the story where our MC will do whatever it takes to save those, he loves from a very disturbed man, even if he is his brother.
I need more.
Enjoy!

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story of Tess and Ryan was super sweet. My heart broke when the evens with Ryan and his longtime girlfriend/fiancé broke it off. But I’m glad he did because I did not like her one bit. Tess wasn’t my favorite in the beginning, but as she began to grow and learn from her past mistakes she got better. The self-loathing did seem a little much, but both were stuck in the spiral of self-depreciation, and that’s sometimes hard to get out of. Julie really did an excellent job with this story and I really enjoyed it a lot. The spice was there and the romance progression was really well done! The storytelling was done beautifully and It was a good pallet cleanser between my dark romance stories.

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Shannen Kern

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had only read one previous book by this author and enjoyed it, so I was happy to pick up another. I absolutely love the way the author writes as it captures attention immediately and holds on throughout the entire book. There were also multiple twists and turns that kept me on my toes! I wasn’t a big fan of the main character which made it a little hard to relate and feel the story deeply, but that is literally the only thing I didn’t love about this book. Overall, it was an incredible cozy mystery! If you enjoy Agatha Christie then you will likely find yourself appreciating this story as well. This would be a wonderful book to read in your spare time as it’s easy to delve back into after putting it down.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series #1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals is Book 1 of the Protect and Honor Series and this is also a new author to me. I was already intrigued by the cover and the synopsis and definitely not disappointed. This story gave me everything I love about a book that grabs you right from the beginning of page one. Secrets, betrayal, danger, action and you wonder what is the truth….this is a great book and I highly recommend.

How much danger can you be in living behind a secret identity because you have to? Michaela, now Lea, knows all about this as she had no choice in the matter when she herself got in the crosshairs of a political assassination of her grandfather. With that, Maxwell Cole was there on that fateful day, saving Michaela when she was in grave danger. Years go by…then Lea’s father makes a fateful decision that impacts her as well…..this really causes turmoil and when secrets are discovered….Lea is the middle of the chaos. Will Maxwell Cole be able to protect her again when she needs him…..

This story had me at the edge of my seat!! Great story and looking forward to more of this series!

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Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel reading this book was worthwhile, even though I am not a creative or business person, or “other professional.” I am, admittedly, a massive procrastinator and perfectionist. I expected this book to deliver useful advice on how to overcome procrastination and become more productive, and it delivered. The author gives many examples on how to achieve a non-perfectionist mindset. She encourages time management and gives advice and examples for how to budget one’s time. I found the exercises useful, and they added to the value of the book. Some advice, I felt was for people with greater privilege than me. I am relatively low-income and very isolated, with the majority of child raising and domestic tasks in my household. The book emphasizes having a community of support, which is difficult for some people. The author also suggests paying someone to complete lower priority tasks, which is not possible for most working-class wage earners I know. In true procrastinator mindset, I underestimated the time it would take to read this book in a meaningful way. It took approximately 12 hours to read and work through about half the exercises. I love the overwhelmingly positive tone in this book! I appreciate the author taking time to remind readers that we have what we need to succeed, and our lives have “value and meaning.”

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