Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shannen Kern

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Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read quite a few books by this author, so I was excited to see another installment of the Choosing Family series. This is a compelling exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of trust. With a keen eye for character development and a knack for crafting tension-filled scenarios, the author draws readers into the lives of Anna and Hunter, two professionals navigating both their careers and an unexpected romance.

There is fiery chemistry between them and the dialogue crackles with tension. The push-pull dynamic between the characters is expertly handled, and I found myself rooting for both of them even when I may not have wanted to! The way the author intertwines romance with personal growth is astounding. There are plenty of heartwarming connections, but it is deftly balances with the looming shadow of betrayal. I couldn’t read fast enough as the anticipation increased with every twist and turn.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and engaging read that combines sizzling chemistry with poignant themes of trust and redemption. This brilliant author has once again proven her talent for creating characters that linger in your heart long after the last page is turned. If you’re looking for a romance that navigates the intricacies of love and ambition, this book is a must-read.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great historical fiction read with a bit of an Agatha Christie vibe. Ariadne (love this name!) wants so desperately to be an investigative journalist. However, this is set in 1958 when women were expected to have a far more different role than the women of today. A unique situation presents itself for Ariadne and she’s able to be a journalist, but is it going to be without controversary? You can bet not!

A very enjoyable read by an author that I’m becoming more familiar with. I’ve read two other books of hers that I’ve enjoyed. This is the first book in a new series and I look forward to reading more!

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Masquerade (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shannen Kern

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Masquerade (Choosing Family # 1)Masquerade by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read a few books by this author before, I immediately grabbed this one when I came across it. This is marvelous as the first book in the Choosing Family series. The author weaves a delightful tapestry of romance, identity, and the complexities of family. We get to know Liam and Kate who both have their own secrets and find themselves working together in a professional setting. The author expertly crafts a narrative that combines humor with heartfelt moments.

The chemistry between Kate and Liam ignites a spark that is both steamy and authentic. The tension and attraction are captured beautifully, crafting a romance that feels earned rather than forced. What stands out to me is the author’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with poignant reflections on love, loss, and the masks we wear. The playful tone is reminiscent of contemporary rom-coms, while the deeper emotional threads give the narrative a substantial foundation. The supporting characters add richness to the plot, each contributing to the main characters’ journeys in meaningful ways.

This is definitely a charming read that offers a delightful escape, filled with laughter, romance, and a touch of intrigue. For fans of contemporary romances and rom-coms, this will make a perfect addition to your reading list.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sabrina is a secretary to Brent Fraser by day and nightclub worker at night. She works hard to keep her day and night personas separate as she juggles her work responsibilities while also taking care of her son and mother. However, when her son’s gambling debt triggers a series of events that threatens her day job and exposing her double life…she finds herself relying on her boss with her safety and her identity. While feelings are growing and lies are unraveling, can Sabrina trust Brent to keep her (and her family) safe?
I enjoyed Sabrina’s character so much. She is older than most MCs in the book I read, so that was a breath of fresh air. Watching her switch between her personas (while trying to keep each of them separate) created tension that could be felt coming off the pages. The protective streak that emerged from Brent’s character kept the story entertaining. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading what comes next.

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Heaven Only Knows (A Silver Buckle Romance Series Book 3) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Candida Hopper

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HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS (A Silver Buckle Brides Romance Book 3)HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS by Laurie Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in this series but can be read as a standalone. This is a slow burn romance with a lot of emotions. Agata has known loss and pain and her past is what dictates how she lives her life now. Barrett is a lawyer that has been asked to stay after the firm he is working for just won a big case. Barrett has a decision to make because part of him wants to stay working for this firm but part of him feels his family obligations pulling at him. These two are drawn to each other but what will they do with these feelings? The author does an excellent job of pulling you into the story and connecting you to the characters. I enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this story, but I am so glad I decided to pick it up. It’s a slightly quicker read, but the author does an amazing job of bringing to life this magical, funny, quirky tale. We have Molly, our protagonist who has decided to take a solo trip to a small town in Mexico for reasons even she can’t explain. As she pursues her journey of self-discovery, she meets 3 spirits who watch over the town and the people in it. The more she learns from them, the more she learns about herself. The author creates a world that starts as ordinary, but upon further inspection is filled with magic. Molly continues to find the magic and what she truly is looking for. This was a fantastic read and the author writes in a way that you really feel like you are right there in the story.

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has it all – a fake relationship, secrets, drama, and suspense. Kylian’s football life is going just as planned and his future is looking great. His personal life is another story. His mother’s terminal illness and his politician father’s manipulations are taking a toll. When he finds Gia as a stowaway on his boat, he realizes this is an opportunity to get something they both need. For Kylian it’s for his mother to see him settled into both his career and personal life and for Gia it’s a chance to stay somewhere safe and to have a nest egg for later. As time goes by they begin to get closer and things change. Will Kylian be able to earn Gia’s trust? Will Gia be able to see a way out from her past that keeps threatening her?

I found this book to be a fast paced, suspenseful drama. I always love a good fake relationship romance and this one doesn’t disappoint. From the beginning you can feel the chemistry between Kylian and Gia. Gia’s conflict within doesn’t feel forced or fake. Don’t wait to read this one!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate Book 4) by Sylvia Black – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate #4)Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Master Romano is Book 4 in the Masters of the Consulate series and I continue to love each book in the series. While you can read each as a stand-alone, I very highly recommend reading this series in order from the beginning as there is characters intertwined in each book. If you love paranormal romance filled with vampires, witches, shifters, secrets, tested loyalties and magic, do yourself a favor and check out this series!

Master Romano has to keep an eye out as there is findings of a rogue in their midst…but also there is suspicion toward Romano as well….is Romano innocent or guilty. When Romano meets Raven, whom is a witch, there is push and pull between them, since Romano is a vampire and she is a witch. With so many secrets in between them, can they work together and also see through the chemistry between them?

Definitely read and find out…..I am looking forward to more from this series!!!

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It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Crystal Brehant

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It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great story about how being kind doesn’t require someone to do really big things. That being kind can be little things like helping someone tie a shoe, or helping carry bags of groceries. You can make a difference every day by being kind and helping others. I think it has a great lesson. The extras at the end really add a lot to this book too.

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The Waydowns (The Cool Thing Sci-Fi Series) by Robert Rife – Review by Shelly Kittell

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THE WAYDOWNS (THE COOL THING SCIENCE FICTION SERIES)THE WAYDOWNS by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Robert Rife, again, you have written a book that had me spitting coffee (my grandson wasn’t so appreciative of that). I so enjoyed this book. It’s weird, unique, original and just as good as the first two. I have waited so long for another book from you. Your science fiction is wonderful and I just started my husband on the first book. These are books that make you go hmm, and laugh. The characters are weird, that’s for sure. I enjoyed the flow of the story. Let’s just say that I will never buy house with a UFO under it, LOL. And watch out for the ladies in lab coats. (You have to read it to understand that one. I’ll be eagerly awaiting more.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Crystal Brehant

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GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story. I love the vibrant colors of the illustrations. It’s a great book to explain to kids that it is okay to be different. That they can be whoever they want to be. That trying new things can turn out really well. I read this with my 7 year old son. He loved that it was a story about witches.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second book in this series! The author does such an amazing job of writing such memorable characters that you fall in love with as you watch them fall in love. We meet Tasha, a nurse who is struggling with a recent break up and Caleb, who is looking for a fresh start somewhere new after his divorce. The two of them are brought together by their love of birds at the local sanctuary. The characters are extremely relatable and real. These are people who you would want to hang out with in the real world, have some yummy brews at Beakers while you hear all about their lives. If you are a fan of very sweet characters who you will fall in love with, this is the perfect feel good story to check out!

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Dragon Bond by Lilliana Rose – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Dragon Bond: A Monster Brides RomanceDragon Bond: A Monster Brides Romance by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Dragon Bond is a paranormal, forbidden romance filled with dragons, betrayal and a bond between a dragon shifter and a human. How far would you go to not only protect your own kind that is threatened by dragon hunters and a forbidden bond with human. Roran fights to protect the precious dragon eggs that his clan needs to have survive….but it comes at a high cost. When Roran meets Lila on a chance encounter he knows it is forbidden to couple with a human…but Roran and Lila both know their bond is inseparable…but again, at what cost.

This is a very good story, and I need to know what happens next….I will be eagerly anticipating to see how the story continues for Roran and Lila….

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Dragon Bond by Lilliana Rose – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Dragon Bond: A Monster Brides RomanceDragon Bond: A Monster Brides Romance by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this story. It was a quick read. Amazing characters that really brought this story together. A dragon shifter fell for a human. It comes down to a choice: human or dragons. It does end with a cliffhanger. The story has a wonderful flow to it. It’s fast paced with strong characters and detail. I found myself diving into the story. I really enjoyed it.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

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Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Down by the River by Tricia Gardella
4 stars
This is a cute book. Very different from what I would normally read. However, that being, said I can see it being very educational for children. It’s almost like a poem set to illustration. The pictures are beautiful, and the descriptions are worded wonderfully. I read it to my daughter she loved it.

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a ‘middle age’ female, I love romantic comedy’s, but usually they are about super young, slightly childish, free woman. It was really refreshing to read something closer to my age. Sabrina is supporting both her mother and son, and has totally changed herself by day to fit into a role required by the job, offered by Brent, that allowed her to do all that. Although once night falls she becomes someone else totally at a nightclub. India is a wonderful, reliable author, and she knows how to write an intriguing, steamy, fast paced, romance full of suspense. I really enjoyed Midnight Deception and I am looking forward to book 2.

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Dead Late (Things Unseen Series) by Anise Eden – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Dead Late (Things Unseen, #3)Dead Late by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite romantic suspense series. This is book 3 and it has to be my favorite yet. Con and Neve go on a big adventure yet. While they are one this adventure, she’s trying to process what’s happening with her health. That’s a lot to go through to be dealing with a mystery and processing your health issues. I find that the details of the story and the characters always bring such life to the story. The story carries on from where it pretty much ended in the previous book. I like how previous characters can make an appearance. The flow is perfect for the story. I highly recommend this series. It’s so very good.

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Isla Vaughn’s quick witted writing style. She has a way of pulling the reader in with twisted plots. The characters may be a bit over toe top at times, but I enjoy the break from reality.
Kylian and Gia meet by accident, but it leaves their lives intertwined in ways they couldn’t imagine. When secrets are out they’ll have to decide what is worth fighting for. Readers will root for Kylian and Gia, together and separately, all the way through!

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The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love getting to read about Sparky’s different adventures and the author does a great job of making each one feel fresh and original. This time she is stowed away on a cruise ship, she thought was headed for the South Seas, but it turns out to be filled with silent movie stars! She is mistaken for someone else and forced to be the lead in the all-girls chorus. As always, Sparky somehow manages to get involved with a mystery surrounding her mistaken identity as well as a passenger going overboard. The author continues to write vivid tales that really make you feel like you are back in the 1930’s and experiencing that Sparky is. The story continues to have well written characters that are easy to imagine and connect with. Another well written and researched cozy mystery from the author in a series you will want to keep reading.

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The Trouble With Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar – Review by Lucinda Morton-Phillips

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The Trouble with PossibilitiesThe Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the tragic end of her marriage, Del, in her 40s, decides to make a drastic change in her life by leaving her unfulfilling job and volunteering at a school in Tanzania.

From the very beginning, she begins to doubt her decision after a confrontation with the school’s director, David. Things don’t improve when she meets actor Ben Mahoney, the celebrity who founded the school.

Del struggles to overcome the feelings of guilt related to her family trauma and her low self-worth as she tries to move forward with her life. She finds it nearly impossible to believe that someone like Ben would be interested in her, and she worries about whether it would be fair to expose her adult children to the scrutiny of dating a celebrity.

This emotionally charged book addresses various issues surrounding death, addiction, relationships, friendships, and self-worth, yet it remains highly readable.

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Dragon Bond by Lilliana Rose – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Dragon Bond: A Monster Brides RomanceDragon Bond: A Monster Brides Romance by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roran is a defiant dragon shifter who is protecting dragon eggs with his life because it they are destroyed the dragon race will die out. While protecting them one night hunters came and tried to destroy the eggs and Roran protects them. Interestingly the eggs call to him after he protects him and touching them heals him. Leadership is livid he touched the eggs and they are unclear if this will be the demise of the eggs.
After he’s released from protecting the eggs for his shift he does what he always does goes to town and mingles with humans (a big rule broken)
While there he meets lila, who he’s drawn to and wants to protect and he saves her from likely assault or worse. He walks her home and chemistry ignites with Roran realizing she’s his mate.
His leader finds out and confronts him and Lila is thrown into a world she doesn’t understand but she knows the feelings she has for roran are real.
I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Megan Pesek

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kat found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time after running from her foster home. Kat doesn’t belong in a foster home, but had no choice following the loss of her grandma while awaiting her brother’s return from deployment. Maddi, a social worker, is the savior Kat needs for so many reasons.

Maddi is lost and alone, some by circumstance and some by choice. Her one goal is to reunify Kat with her brother Nate despite any obstacles that arise. Maddi must stay focused or risk the reunification Kat and Nate deserve. Nate must keep his focus also, or risk pushing Maddi even further away.

A Safe Place is the 6th book in the series, but all can be read as standalone books. The story is well written and full of unexpected twists. I love the way the characters interacted with each other and felt real.

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Alison Risher

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The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting read. The author weaves storylines together in much the same way that natives use finger-weaving. The past, the ancient past, and the present collide in this pleasant nod to native culture. Supernatural creatures interact with people in the southwest desert region of America. This is a must-read.

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Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills (Donut & Peanut Collection) by Debbie Sullivan – Review by Gabrielle

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Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social SkillsFinally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute and helpful book for young children to learn how to make new people. Showing the reader that different approaches may be needed and that what seems harmless to you may come off as different to others. It was nice to see Donut learn from the mistake and try again with each new approach. Peanut also learns to understand someone else’s way of friendliness. With the help of Bobo, the two become friends and even include Bobo in that friendship. I like the message that this tale has for young reader.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Amelia Stansell

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SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the mix between fairytale and a fantasy story. The build up between the two main characters was great. I wish the ending had a better ending, but overall I liked the book.

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Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Robin Rankin

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Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm

Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Book 1)

This is a book is hot, intense, dark with some mystery and suspense.

Brynn is grieving the loss of her older sister after she was found dead. She moves into her sister’s place and takes care of her sweet dog Lug Nut. As she settles into her new life and learning how to go on without her sister Blair she learns some things about her which intrigued and surprised her. No idea the can of worms she opened when logs into Olympus from Blair’s computer.

Adrain is an introvert who is Dom and very involved at Lotus. He is fascinated with Brynn from their first conversation. Something about her speaks to him and his BSDM Dom ways.

This is the first book of the trilogy and I cannot wait for the next two to be released. I need to know how this ends, and when it comes to books I have really enjoyed I have almost no patience while waiting for the next book.

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Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in this series which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how these two authors were able to pull me into the story from the start. Their creativity is such that the characters are creative, engaging and full of romance. I enjoyed how attention to details made the story realistic and come to life. This is a well written story about Adrian and Brynn. He fights his inner demons and she is about to find out the truth about her sister’s murder and herself. I enjoyed their characters and what they brought to the story. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their attraction throughout. This is a fast paced, engaging story and hard to put down. It is one that you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoyed reading this book and it just might be my favorite yet. I enjoy this author’s creativity of characters and plots that are nonstop. This book is no different. It is a well written story that is full of suspense, secrets, and romance. A story where you question who to trust and a secret that could tear things apart. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story from the start. The characters are engaging, connectable and add so much life to the story. This is a fast paced story that I enjoyed watching the growth of. This is a hard to put down story that has some twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to picking up the next book in the future. I enjoyed reading this book which I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

SHADOWS IN THE DARK BY Anise Storm and Taylor L. Ray

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Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm

This book starts off introducing Adrian as a very closed off person but throughout the book he gives little ted bits of himself and his past.  Throughout the book we get to know Brynn and how close she was with her sister and the life secret she never knew she had. With Brynn taking over her lease and electronics then finding her sister’s journals she falls down a rabbit hole that introduces her to Olympus and lotus. This book ends on a cliffhanger  so I can’t wait until January for the next book!!!

It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Cindy Rushin

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It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great story. It helps remind children that sometimes it is the smallest things that make them special. I agree that often it is the big splashy things that make the most noise and leave people feeling like they are not important because they are not able to do that big splashy thing or only able to do it but not at the level of someone else. I love how this story brings home the message that being kind and helping others is equally valuable and worthy of being rewarded. I recommend this book to anyone with children who need this kind of affirmation.

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