Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Karen Pearman

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another amazing book in one of my favorite book series ever. I think the author was able to end the series in the right way, although I personally will miss these books. And their recipes. In fact, I would not recommend reading this without eating beforehand. Otherwise, you will find yourself hunting in your cabinets for ingredients to make these wonderful goods. Or perhaps that was just me. I love how the chapter title is the recipe is that you get at the end of the chapter. Such a cute and clever way to include that. I love how the author once again was able to make me laugh at all the things these teens did. Not to mention tug at my heartstrings with the morals being taught. There were a couple of times I had tears welling in my eyes at the thought of having to decide if the ability of magic was a gift or a curse. Especially when it involves your family and isn’t something that only one individual has. An amazing end to what has become a book I look forward to reading. I hope that perhaps she will revisit the series later.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Conley

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it again! I know I say this with every book in this series, but this is the best one yet! I cannot believe this is the last one! As always, you can read this as a standalone; however, I would recommend reading the entire series, in order, as you will get the best understanding of the plot line and all of the characters. You will also understand all of the little nuances and seemingly “minor” details better if you read the prior books.
The heat between Mia and Nico is electric *wink, wink* from the first time they meet and only continues throughout their story. With Mia on the run from her horrible family, the only person who can protect her is Nico and the only way he can truly protect her is to marry her. So Mia risks it all and seeks him out, offering to take down her family if he’ll change her last name. Can they trust each other enough to do this? Or will both of their pasts interfere and ruin everything? McKinley definitely saved the best for last with Mia and Nico’s story. I absolutely love how they are both guarded but they bring that guard down for each other. I think their story is my favorite.
I love the way McKinley writes her characters, especially her female characters. They are completely capable of standing up for themselves and getting themselves out of precarious situations. They also stand with the guys during the tough times and are forces to be reckoned with. They are badasses. This has been an amazing series! It’s a definite must-read!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Johnson

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a good quick read. The chemistry between Nico and Mia is off the charts. Mia is a Mafia princess but she’s not a weak damsel. Nico is tall, dark, handsome and arrogant. They work together despite being from rival family’s. Will definitely be reading the rest of the books from this world.

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Taylor K Stephenson

A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

~Zombies…Epidemics…For All Fans of Thrill and Destiny~

There are so many reasons I loved this book. I think the main one is because of my own natural love of the environmental sciences. Reading about them in a fictional setting, from an author who obviously did their homework makes this an easy favorite. From world building, scene setting, and character development you are in for a ride. Calum is a character you can fall right in line with as the plot develops.

He is persistent in the face of obviously challenging situations, making him in my opinion an excellent leader. He isn’t a cookie cutter character, rather his choices really put you into the world in a way that makes you think, “What would I do here?” The plot develops in a way that is shocking, and unique. Seriously loved this over-all, it’s hard to find a story with zombies that you can really sink your teeth into. If you have ever wanted to read the post-apocalyptic genre, focused more on the sciences and challenges your way of thinking, you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Bohls

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book that has the steam, action, and suspense. What happens to the characters will take you on twists and turns that you didn’t see coming. The secrets and lies that are revealed in this book will have you thinking about what happens next. The immense need to know more will have you constantly turning the pages and not putting the book down. I finished this book in a day because I had to know what happens next. If you have read the previous books in the series, you won’t be disappointed with this one. I feel like each book gets better and better. If this is the first one that you have read. You must go back and read the rest of the series. The growth with the characters is amazing and I love how the author gives us glimpses of the previous characters. It makes me feel like I have become their friends and I am living in their world. One of the best books of the summer that I have read.
Reviewed by @bbohls

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Rayne East

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Final book in trilogy
What a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. I have enjoyed every book in this series. With quirky family, teenage angst, mischievous magic and lots of delicious baked goods – what more is needed? The story is well written and the characters amazing. The added bonus of the recipes is a treat. Totally recommend reading from book 1 to get the full experience.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly bittersweet moment has been had. I have had the pleasure of reading this series from the beginning to what is now the end. The story of the Five Families, aka The Chicago Mafia, has now been told in such a manner that you feel like you are leaving close friends. The main characters in ‘Rivals’ are Nico La Rosa and Mia Tucci. Unfortunately, I cannot share a whole lot with you because it just gives away too much. The author grabs you right from the start. Each book basically picks up where the last one left off. In this book, we also get to visit with everyone except Max and Luc (and their wives) as they were in Italy. Everyone else played a pivotal role in helping Nico and Mia take down the New York Tucci and Amata family. There are moments that will live in your mind such as Mia meeting the other wives and she’s told that they will love her, but they will have no qualms at killing her either. My favorite are the quiet moments between her and Nico. They are tender and romantic in a chaotic environment. The plot just stays right on task with a twist thrown in here and there, and it just comes right back. This author is extraordinarily talented and her writing is also. Her female characters are strong and courageous. This series is one that I recommend to all my friends that love romantic suspense and Mafia. Hot, steamy and fantastic! It would get more than 5 stars if I could give them.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Carr

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This the 7th book in the Mafia Elite series and omg I absolutely love this series. The stories are full of danger, twists and turns, loyalty and a really good steamy romance. These stories for me really captivate me and this book was just the same.

In this story we follow Mia and Nico. Both of them are part of different Mafia families.

Nico is considered quiet but is a very smart calculating underboss. He’s looking for a way to bring down the other Mafia boss. His research keeps bringing up one name. That of the bosses daughter Mia. He know she could be the key to finding a way to destroy the other boss but how will he get her to talk?

Imagine his surprise when Mia turns up to see him with a proposition. One that will get Nico everything he wants but will also change his life forever.

Mia is a confident, strong, fiesty women. For years she has been kept locked up by her father. But she holds a secret. She is the rat in her father’s family and she is determined to bring him down. The only way she can do that and protect herself is to team up with another Mafia family.
So she approaches Nico asking for marriage so that she is protected from her own family.

Will Nico accept her conditions? Will they successful bring down Mia’s father and his illegal actions? And what happens when a proposition of convenience turns into something more real and intense?

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jerricka Brown

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me think of some good times in my life. It was a quick read yet entertaining. I was hooked from the beginning. I love how the author makes you want more and more while reading. The characters felt so relatable. There was so much emotion in this book. I highly recommend it.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Tina Vega

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This time around is a novel about second chances. This is probably my second favorite trope to read. Katie and Chase were high school sweethearts. I absolutely loved Chase. I loved their backstory, loved their chemistry in the book. The meetup after several years was great! I also loved Katie’s turn around. Characters are well developed even the secondary ones. I did struggle to connect with Katie. I didn’t understand her choices of breaking it off with Chase like she did or not coming to see her dad. It just didn’t feel explained enough I guess. I also felt like Chase needed more of an explanation of why she did it. I also felt like I went from intimately knowing characters thoughts to just being an acquaintance close to the end of the book. Ending felt rushed. Overall, a great story and great character development. Looking forward to more from this author.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Piper Foster

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic read. This is a great second time around romance. Katie breaks up with her high school sweetheart Chase they can both pursue thier respective dreams. Thinking she did the best thing for everyone she soon realizes what she gave up. Suddenly she lands her dream however there a demanding boss soon causes her love for this dream job. Arriving back at her home hometown for a friend’s wedding she takes a break from working none stop. Chase’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a tragic car accident due to this he’s given custody of his nephew. Finding each other again at this wedding they find they still care about each other. Will they be able to figure out a way to make their relationship work?

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Lisa Helmick

Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew! That was an emotional journey! Mental Health is a subject that can be touchy. This author did a wonderful job pulling me into the characters which then immersed me into their story. I enjoyed learning about the angst and stress these characters lived under and tried to overcome. Meeting the families add all the fun into the story but then as families do they add pressure and different stress to the main characters.

Overall there are many reasons to like and enjoy this story. I loved the two main characters and all they overcome. Saved by Love is the perfect title for this book. Give it a shot and prepare to be shocked and surprised.

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Kelli Harper

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Page turning contemporary romance. Ella and Jake are both very passionate about protecting those they love. This book was a first for me by this author and I do recommend this book. Great story, and the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts. The way Jake pays attention to the little things and notices details as well as asks about Tessa is fantastic.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Ashley Sugar

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katie and chase are high school sweethearts. She had a dream and wanted to leave her home town. But she couldn’t take him with her. Chase was devastated and they go their separate ways. 10 years later they get set up together for a date for a wedding. Reconnecting and bringing back all those emotions right along with it. She was in love with the boy and 10 years later she falls in love with the same person but as a man! I love seeing 2 people rekindle after all those years. And chase has been super busy the last 10 years taking care of his nephew! It’s cute seeing their relationship! Super quick and cute read! I wish it was longer! First book by Jane and I’m going to check out a few of her others!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Amanda LaMiller

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After getting home from a long stressful vacation, I was looking for a short love story to read. Man did I ever pick the right one. This Time Around by Jane Suen was everything I was looking for; I wasn’t able to put it down once I started. This is a heartfelt second chance first love romance. It was refreshing to see a female MC be the heartbreaker, even if she was heartbroken for doing it. If you are looking for a quick read I definitely cannot recommend this enough!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Robin Rankin

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Time Around

I have had the pleasure of reading a few books by this author.  I love that she hasn’t pigeon holed herself into one genre and is good at writing each of them.

Katie and Chase’s second chance love story was very sweet and definitely realistic when it comes to getting too caught up with working and not living.  I type this after working almost twelve hours before vacation.

They way they reconnected after so many years was sweet sort of.  Chase experienced more changes than Katie but they both had their share.

Looking forward to the next book, no matter the genre by her.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend to give him space to grow and become the man he was meant to be. Did she regret the words she used to push him away? Of course. Did this mean she didn’t love him? Not exactly, it just meant she wanted to grow up and find her way in the world and wanted the same for him.
When Katie travels back to her hometown, she finds herself connected to Chase again due to the bride putting them together as each other’s plus one! Will this bring them back together as a couple or end in more sadness? I’ll let you finish the story.
I enjoyed reading this book. I connected to Katie’s character on many levels having moved away from family after college. I could feel her sadness and joy from different timeframes of her life with and without Chase as high school sweethearts. I would recommend this book to friends.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Megan Pesek

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate has earned everything she has wanted in life at any expense necessary. She’s made it in the big city and couldn’t ask for more. Except an enjoyable life and her family.

Chase was forced into a fatherly role and wears it well. He has almost everything he’s ever wanted. Except the girl who broke his heart a decade ago.

When Kate and Chase are finally in the same town again they have the chance to fix what was broken in the past. Happily ever after is possible, but not without sacrifice.

Jane Suen did a great job developing her characters in this feel-good read. It’s the perfect light read to enjoy on a night in. This is the stuff Hallmark movies are made of.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Happy is the final instalment of the Bake Believe trilogy, bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion with a captivating story of fate, wishes and grumpy teenagers.

If you’re new to this series, I would recommend reading the books in order. It’s a wonderful series for teen readers full of magic and delicious food. It would make a great holiday read as every chapter is accompanied by a recipe for a delicious treat that appears in the story – it will definitely provide days of entertainment!

I particularly liked the extent to which Bake Happy addresses the moral implications of Cat’s family’s gift/curse. They are, for the most part, careful when they bake emotions into things to only do happiness. But what if people don’t want to be happy?

I also really liked getting to spend a bit more time with Maurice, and hear his story. It’s great that this series brings together several generations of family members who share their ideas, experiences and baked goods with each other.

Definitely 5 stars from me! I’d recommend it to teen and pre-teen readers who love baking and magic (and have already read the first two books – if not, do that first!)

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Felicia Bates

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a short, face paced romance by a talented author, look no further.
When I stumble across ANYTHING written by this author, it is a must read. This was no exception. This was such a believable storyline that felt unique… something impressive with how second chances are such a popular romance trope. I loved the main character and she was someone I feel a lot
of women (or people) could relate to. How many times have people chosen a career over a “life”.
This was the perfect late night read as it was short and I never wanted to put it down. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Thief by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Michele Del Rey August 1, 2022

Thief (Popov Bratva #4)Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy this book has it all, suspense, chemistry, secrets, opposites attract and everything in between. I could not put it down and I loved it all. These two were complete opposites and it worked for them because just being in the same room they were on fire. The cover is what pulled me into reading this book but the story is what made me love this book, I enjoyed everything about it from beginning to end.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Beverly Finnie

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a sweet second chance romance. It brought all kinds of smiles to my face. This Time Around was short, sweet, and worth the read.
Chase and Katie were high school sweethearts, but when it came to leaving for college Katie broke Chase’s heart. 10 years later and now they are back in their hometown attending a wedding as each other’s plus one. Katie has been living the last 10 years with guilt and regret over what she said and did to Chase. While Chase has been dealing with resentment and hurt.
Has 10 years been just what they needed?
Will the past always be in the way?
Maybe it’s that love has never died and they both need to embrace it. Who knows?
What I do know is I feel for Chase. He dealt with the harder end of the deal and persevered. Also made me dislike Katie, but part of me wonders if the author implied the reason for the breakup as selfish or self-sacrificing. Selfish because she didn’t want to even try to make the long distance work. Self-sacrificing because Katie refused to let Chase give up his scholarship to follow her and her dreams vs going after his own. You know what else I know, I know what I read and recommend that you read it too! The author put together a well written love story that should be enjoyed by all who love the genre’!

@placexba

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ella is struggling to deal with the loss of her sister Chrissy after an intense two year battle with cancer when she receives a summons from Taylor’s Law office to come in for an inquiry. Ella feels blindsided that she is having her ability to care for her niece put into question. Once letters surface there written by her sister, things get a little uglier for the time being.

Jake Taylor is doing all he can to put his law office back on the maps with the right reputation after his last partner pretty much ruined everything for him. Then his aunt and uncle ask for his help in a family matter, when he doesn’t even practice family law. At what lengths can he help his family?

This book was set in Sydney, Australia and was a fun little romantic read. There were a few times when I felt the writing was a little bit choppy but overall this is an enjoyable story. I would hope that no one I know would ever have to endure what Ella has had to endure in keeping her family together!!

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1)Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The moment I saw Pemberley in the title I knew I had to read this book! I am always a bit nervous about adaptations, but this one knocks it out of the park! The story is about the descendants of the original characters and our main character Eliza, was named after our gal Elizabeth. Her father had moved to America years ago and now she is returning back to England for a family reunion filled with descendants from the rest of the sisters! I loved how she also brought in other familiar names from other Jane Austen stories, it just made the whole book feel like a fun and cozy friend! The characters are fun and he book is filled with all sorts of mysteries and danger for the heroine for uncover, all while trying to get along with her family, learn the British phrases, attempt to not annoy the local detective too much, and get to know the very hot guy she met on the plane, who also happens to be a guest at the mansion. Eliza has her hands full, but just like her namesake, she will be able to navigate it all with a great sense of humor! I am so excited to read the next books in the series and see what happens next!

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance Book 5) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Let It Be Love: A Mustang Prairie RomanceLet It Be Love: A Mustang Prairie Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just fell in love with the cover and even more to with what’s between the covers ! ❣️📕

I wish I had read the other books in the series , it’s not that I felt lost or anything but the people of Mustang Prairie is the kind of place you go to each time and feel like you’re home ❣️

So the mayor of Mustang Prairie, Eric , is dating music starlet Kiki and a normal relationship is difficult enough but add in crazy thing like paparazzi, fans , crazed manager and who knows what else and I think one might be ready to head for the hills but love will always prevail ❣️

  1. A fun read and I’ll be sure to read the others and more from ND Jackson ❣️📕

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Maryn Belling

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Maryn Belling

The literary equivalent of homemade custard pie, This Time Around lives up to its promises. Especially well-suited for fans of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, or Harry Stiles the story hits all the idyllic notes of small town America and the bumps along the way from high school to late-20something-ness.

Not as wild as Aurora Teagarden’s escapades by Charlaine Harris or the adventures of Mojo Sheepshanks by Linda Lael Miller or the audacity of Charlie Davidson’s work by Darynda Jones , This Time Around brings a gentler approach. While her boss isn’t quite the Miranda Priestly we all met in Devil Wears Prada, Katie isn’t far from our beloved Andrea Sachs. Life has its ups and downs for all the folks we meet in Katie’s unnamed hometown.

You’re sure to enjoy this book if you’re a fan of homemade custard pie and a mug of diner coffee. Unsure about custard pie? If walking through a small town gives you warm fuzzies & doesn’t make you think of Pretty Little Liars or The Stand, this book is for you.

CWs for widows, orphans, survivors, and elder-care-givers.

This Time Around, Jane Suen, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Sweet Romance,

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Shai Flores

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading it, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about some of the unrealistic elements of the story, but I ended up loving it! A romance with a twist was enjoyable, but what I liked the most was actually the characters. The characters felt alive and I became invested. I felt like I knew them like I know my own friends, and I would love it if there were other books about some of the extended family members or even the future of TJ, Kat, and Toby. I will definitely be looking into some of her other books as this was the first one that I have read by this author.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie and Chase were high school sweet hearts. They planned to go off to college together, but when they each get accepted into different colleges plans changed. Katie breaks it off as Chase is proposing and leaves town. Now ten years have gone by and they haven’t spoken a word to each other. Katie has come home for a friend’s wedding and the bride-to-be has put her foot down about couples only. The bride sets her up to be another single’s plus one and it just so happens to be Chase! Talk about freak out! Now his plus one, to his cousin’s wedding, she’ll have to finally face him and all the past drama they never resolved. They have both moved on and built their lives. Katie rising up the cooperate ladder and Chase fathering an orphaned nephew. But now there worlds are colliding weather they like it or not! Will they be able to put the past behind them? Can they reconcile after ten years of hurt and moving on? This book read surprisingly fast. I sunk into it and finished it in a few hours. If you like small towns, romance, and a bit of drama this is a great book for all the above.

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459

Caged Fire (The Vigilant Book 1) by LM Preston – Review by Carrie Reed

Caged Fire (Vigilant, #1)Caged Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!

Wow! What a ride! This story is so much fun. I wasn’t sure where life was going to take EmVee after the first book. I had a feeling her and Kayson would find each other again, I can understand why she is so hesitant to get to close to him after their past and Silas, but by the end of this book I was happy with how far they have come together. I can’t stand Megan, she is cunning and evil the way she treats people to get what she wants. I can’t wait to see where the next book leads, and to read more about EmVee and Kayson, see if anything happens to Megan and find out what happened to EmVee’s family.

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Sword of Darkness (The Vigilant Book 3.5) by LM Preston – Review by Carrie Reed

Sword of Darkness (Vigilant, #3.5)Sword of Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!

I am loving this series! I was happy that this book was all about Reece. He irritated me so much chasing after Zamina, and I still am not fully convinced that she was in love with him like she claims, but I understand, he was is in love and can’t help it. I am glad he has a friend in Hook to help him out with his situation, and that he could go to his father’s friend Jeb for help when it all went down with Zamina. I am sad for him and how lost and disgusted he is with hisself for hurting his twin sister. I have read these books out of order, this book could be read as a standalone but it is best to read them in order to get back story on many of the characters that come up. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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