Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Ashly Renner

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt real and relatable. I truly appreciate how this book talks about mental heath, especially men’s mental health because I genuinely feel like mental health in men is so often looked over. Men are considered strong and like nothing can break them, and while that may be partially true, men are human just the same and feel emotions and deal with things they don’t always discuss. I love how the relationship between these two evolved, they are both a little damaged. His was from injuries and losing the one thing that mattered most to him, until Ember. Hers was from the relationship with her mother. I wasn’t too sure I would be able to get into this book at the beginning, but it didn’t take long for the storyline to progress and make it easy to get into.

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Jade Thomson

Romance Under AquariusRomance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read from this author! I love her work and this book was just amazing. The cover is gorgeous and eye catching- and was what inspired me to read it. (I do often pick books based on covers.) It was beautifully written and the world the author created was fascinating to dive into. I’m a big fan of star crossed lovers and when you throw in a mermaid? Obsessed. There was so much going on- not only with the main characters but the side characters as well. It really was a hard book to put down. I can’t wait to read the rest in this series! If you’ve read books from her before, you will not be disappointed! And if you haven’t- check this one out!

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Katie Kearney

The Mastermind : A Brother's Best Friend Romance (WaterFyre Rising Book 1)The Mastermind : A Brother’s Best Friend Romance by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of books this year and this is in my top 10 favorites for sure but I’m a sucker for an awesome billionaire boss story and this author writes a great one. The characters are complex and their story is one that hasn’t been over done In my opinion. I really enjoyed my time with their story. There’s enough twists to keep you on your toes and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next as fast as possible. I was completely hooked and I was sad to leave these characters at the end but I’m excited to see where the author goes from here. It’s well written and kept me completely captured definitely giving this one five stars! Highly recommended!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Kearney

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this is a wonderful story for any child to read I read it with my niece who’s 8 years old and not adopted but she still learned the lesson being presented with the story. And I think it’s absolutely wonderful for those who are adopting to have something to show them that what they feel is totally fine. It’s short sweet and to the point and a very easy read for children. I highly recommend it for the age group intended and for adopted and non adopted children. Four big stars and highly recommended!

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Katie Kearney

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know that little feeling you get when you read the first few pages and just know you’re about to read an amazing story? That’s exactly what happened when I opened this one up. The characters instantly had me hooked. And this author had my emotions all over the place. Oh how I fell in love with Ellawyn her character spoke to me so much and I seriously wish we could read books for the first time more than once but I’ll make due adding it to my read again list. It’s a well written storyline and had everything I was looking for in a romantic suspense story. I can’t wait to see where this author takes readers next. I’d give this more stars if possible, but it’s definitely earned a five star rating!

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Vanessa Watts

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is like pulling a rusty knife out of your heart with the way it makes you bleed and your insides churn. PTSD is a heavy topic for any author to cover and even harder to read if you know someone who has battled this disease or if you are battling this disease.

It starts out with a pistol in his mouth and traveling down a dark road that is filled with despair and gut wrenching memories. SGT Grimm returns home with some unpleasant memories and a life filled with hatred at himself for feeling guilt over feeling responsible for his friend’s and service members deaths. This is a dangerous path and walking down this alone is often hard to come back from. As if that is not enough JP must also face the impending doomsday as the Earth’s magnetic field is weakened and the flaring sun. Can JP face his nightmares and reconnect with his wife and son before he loses the chance to? Or will the darkness consume his path and join his comrades in the afterlife?

This is a heartbreaking read that isn’t all dark as we do see some happier memories flow through that mix with the sad ones. This book gives insight into what families that face PTSD go through and the thought that no one is immune. This book is magnetizing and if you get the opportunity to pick it up definitely give it a read!

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The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Misti Maggio

The Prospect of Death (Alyssa Chalmers mysteries, #2)The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully, delightful read. I was instantly pulled into the story and couldn’t put the book down until I was finished. The world building was great. The story moved along at the perfect pace. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by @mimimadge

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Paula R Sayers

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a great read. JP is a Marine who has returned from the war in the Middle East. He has trouble coming back to his life with his wife and his son. As he struggles to adjust, everything he holds dear is threatened. PTSD is experienced by many men and women who serve. This book helps us see these struggles through the eyes of JD. Such an emotional and important read.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Chrissy Spulak

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sergeant Grimm is faced with a horribly impossible split-second decision. A soldier on the war-front and now in his personal life. Dealing with PTSD, Grimm must find some way to re-enter his old life, which is now burdened with an entirely new problem. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I didn’t want it to end! The characters and their relationships with each other are intricate and endearing. You guys, this story is so good. It is realistic, haunting, action-packed, and not long enough for my taste. This book will suck you in and intrigue you all the way through. Highly recommend.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Candida Hopper

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book definitely brought me into JP Grimms pain. JP is dealing with PTSD from the war and he also feels responsible for the death of his brothers in arms. Most of us know what PTSD is but reading such a detailed account of how it is affecting JP and his family is heartbreaking. The author did an exceptional job of opening my eyes to the degree of some people’s struggle. This story draws you in and to make matters worse there is also danger heading their way. This story was emotional, riveting, and hard to put down.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Kerry Baker

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a fantastic portrayal of PTSD and fhr devastating effects it can have, not just on the individual but tydif immediate family too. The author does an incredible job of highlighting the struggles the main character goes through.
The Book had a slow and intense pace to it, really lending to the emotional aspect of the story. I couldn’t help but be drawn into it. This is an incredible boom and is one I think more people should read.

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Katie Matthews

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVED this book! From beginning to end I was completely hooked. I honestly could not believe that this was the authors debut novel! This makes me very excited to read future books from her – absolutely outstanding writing! I just loved every single minute of it. Remi and Audri – the tension between them was just amazing, I could feel it coming off the pages as I read. I do love a forbidden romance, and this one was definitely that! The storyline was complex but not so much that it was difficult to read, the author did an amazing job with making sure everything flowed really well.
I am definitely going to be waiting in anticipation for more from this author and I absolutely would recommend this book to other readers!

@katiem
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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Katie Matthews

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading and enjoying book 1 in this series I couldn’t wait to get started on the second one and I wasn’t disappointed. All the fun writing from the first book spilled over in to this one and it made for yet again another really enjoyable read. I think I actually enjoyed this a little more than this first book, I think because I knew Morgan a little more I could really see her character developing so much more. There were definitely a few moments in this story that made me laugh out loud especially when Esmerelda the man hunter ghost appeared!
I have definitely really enjoyed these stories, they were something a little bit different to read for me.
I would highly recommend this book and series to other readers.

@katiem
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The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Katie Matthews

The Prospect of Death (Alyssa Chalmers mysteries, #2)The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a story! I thoroughly enjoyed every second if this book – it was definitely a page turner. It had quite a few themes running through that separately I enjoy but thrown together it made for an exciting and engaging read. The pace was fast and so easy to read, you could easily put it down and pick it straight back up and not have to try and remember what you had read previously. I love Alyssa, she is just so full of fight, determination mixed in with a bit of curiosity – she was such a great character to read about. I liked that the author had clearly researched the era in which she set this story because (although I can’t be sure) I would imagine the historical information was fact as it certainly seemed to read that way.
This is book 2 in this series and although I think it could be read perfectly well as a standalone I would recommend book 1 also as that was a great read.

@katiem
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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story was eloquently written, but the plot was a bit predictable at times. The characters were very tangible. It felt as if you could clearly visualize the characters, and picture their movements and actions. Overall, Finding Starlight is an incredibly good story, with a strong lead into what could be a powerful series.

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista- Review by Stephanie Driskill

The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We meet up again with Thorfinn in the second book of The Forerunner Series and this time there is trouble with a capital T. The entire family is at great odds with invading factions, strange occurrences at sea, and fighting at the homestead. We find Finn out to sea with his Uncle Karl, the crew, and a troll that lives on the Verdandi Smiles (his uncle’s ship). He once again can travel between worlds, but this time learns much more about the different worlds that he is a part of. Cub, his brother, and Ange, Finn’s father, are away at war against an enemy and fighting fiercely for their lives. Finn’s mother and the rest of his family who lives at the homestead are being invaded and have gone on the run. Whew, so much going on and no I will not tell you how it ends in this book, but I can say that you are in for a wild ride!
I am absolutely in love with Thorfinn and can really understand and feel his pain and hardships. The characters are so wonderfully developed and created with such feeling and compassion. The descriptions of the people, places, and events really jump off the page, especially in the description of the battle. Not only was I able to see the scene in my head but also able to feel and smell from the great description that was provided. The historical aspects really shine through in this masterpiece, and I cannot wait for the 3rd book in this series. I love reading all the poems and stories as told through Jormander their storyteller. I love the historical references and the ancient lore associated with the people and world of the past. Pick it up and read it!

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The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Amy Brennan

The Colors of Friendship (Colors Trilogy, #1)The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t know where to begin. This whole time whilst reading this novel I was thinking that something was going on between Melody and Kevin, even more sinister than what really happens, though I will not give anything away. This author truly had my mind running around in circles, wondering what was going to happen next. I thoroughly love the kinship that the three of them share, being Imani, Lance, and Melody, certainly one to be cherished, as chosen family is so special in so many ways.

I did feel like this novel seemed to go on a little longer than it needed to, as I did find myself thinking that this is where the climatic part was, and this is where it was going to be, and so on. I do find this to be a common occurrence within the pages of a first installment, taking away from holding my breath at times. The pressures pressed upon us by other scenarios and expectations as we enter adulthood are made very apparent in this novel, which I applaud. I will be reading the rest of the series and looking forward to getting to know the other characters more intimately. Well done!

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Hannah Porter

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book The Mastermind by Nadia Han started out with a BANG  hahaha. But forreal this book was so freaking good.I really didn’t want to but it down and was annoyed when I kept getting interrupted 🤣 . It had everything: Love, Action, and A plot twist. The attraction between Audri and Remi was intense from the beginning and I loved it. I was extremely sad when the book ended 😭 I needed to know who the major bad guy was 😬 and

😭😭😭😭 I have to wait til next year for the next book. How will I survive? Just gonna have to keep re-reading it🥰

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shelly Kittell

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! For a novella, this is a fantastic story. Second-chance romances are one of my favorites to read. The thought of people being able to find love again after a troublesome time in their life is both inspiriting and encouraging. Sol is a fireman who was forced to retire after getting injured after saving 2 children from a burning house. He had to retire from his career. He ended up retiring and is now an alcoholic that has to get therapy. Ember is his best friend and mentee. She is 11 years his junior and has a tremendous crush on him. She is working through her own baggage. Can they help each other? He is kind of gruff but she surprised me by dishing it right back. They have chemistry. I felt it in the story. You feel their emotions. I loved every bit of the story. The pain, the tenderness for each other and themselves. When Sol realizes he can help others was an aha moment and your heart felt his joy. The spice was just perfect. Ember needed someone to giver her the push when she needed that reminder she was strong enough and that was Jackie. It was a terrific story that I think many will enjoy. You have to read the story and experience every minute. I want to say it felt like reading it in Dolby surround. I felt the story around me and that just doesn’t happen, if at all. Terrific story.

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The Lie that Binds by Amy Argent – Reviewed by Tanya Wall

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Think back to your high school days, when you wanted to be part of the popular crowd or at least keep out of their way so they didn’t target you. The Lie that Binds takes you back there. The cool crowd is cool. Nobody wants others to know they are different. The cliques are real.

When Holly moves to town, she just wants to fit in, but finds that the group she wants to fit in with are unkind and downright mean. She sees Nathan and instantly wants to connect with him, but he is in that group that she is actively trying to stay away from. Little does Nathan know, she is going to change his life – she is going to understand him a level nobody in the high school understands him. He has a secret and does everything he can to keep it from getting out.

This story has love, romance, steam and friendship. If you want to take a ride back in time to relive your high school days, the excitement of first love, and drama, give it a read!

Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Daryian Lucas

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.2/5 Stars
This was my first read in the series and by this author and I wasn’t lost. This book is right up my alley in the romance department, as I am a sucker for this type of stories. I really enjoyed the POV changes and didn’t find them hard to keep up with like I have with other books. This book does a great job of pulling you into it. I’m planning on reading the other two books just to hear the other sister’s stories but it’s definitely not a necessity!

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before reading The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent I thought I was not going to like it because I love books with thrills and page-turners. Never thought this book was going to make me feel like I am on the edge of a cliff. SO many emotions and pain n in this story between Holly and Nathan. Amazing characters and so many details in their feeling for one another. But when lies and secrets start to flow onto the surface things start to get hard for the main characters they will do anything to keep it in. This book is amazing and the Author Amy Argent is amazing for
my first time reading something that I can compare to myself. 5 out of 5 stars

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Katie Turner

No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen is a story about JP Grimm, a U.S. Marine Sergeant who goes to war and comes back plagued with nightmares of what he witnessed and what he wished he’d done differently. All he can think about is getting home to his family, but once he does and some time passes, he starts showing signs of PTSD that rapidly progress and he does not know how to process it or let anyone help him. Although his beautiful wife, Lisa, is supportive and hurts for him as she watches him spiral, she becomes terrified of what he might accidentally do and has to make difficult choices to keep their 7 year old son safe while her husband unravels into the depths of his terrors.

This book reminded me how easily we take for granted that we have brave men and women, most who are strangers to us, who are willing to sacrifice literally everything to fight for our entire country’s freedoms. I know firsthand it is not that easy for them to come home and slip back into normal routine with society, if they ever even can. This author captured these truths so well in a way that was equally heartbreaking and beautiful. The writing and details were absolutely phenomenal and thought-provoking. I love the direction this story took towards the last several chapters, and look forward to reading the next book after reading the sample provided. I absolutely recommend to anyone who wants to experience what many of our servicemen and servicewomen endure, away from home and when they return. To anyone who does live with PTSD but is considering reading this story, take it slow as PTSD is a main theme here and is quite detailed. Still, a great read!

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The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Colors of Friendship (Colors Trilogy, #1)The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Trigger warning – there is domestic violence/an abusive relationship.

Lance, Imani and Melody meet and instantly click. The Colors of Friendship is about friendship, watching the characters grow as individuals and become besties. It is about their journey through good times and bad times and times that will test their friendship.

Lance wants to have fun and is our resident sports jock and any lady will do man and makes no apologies but he would do anything for his two besties.

Imani is sassy, sarcastic and serious about her study and loyal friend. She had me laughing at her banter.

Melody is naïve and a fairy tale romantic at heart and sees the best in people leading to her falling for the biggest a’hole who is good at masking who he is. This took up most of the book which I found to be a slow read in the start but picked up near the end. I also found it hard to relate to/invest in her a lot of the time because she spent a lot of time in the clouds and wanted to shake her to wake up.

When things take a turn for the worst Melody will need her friends more than ever.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by stephanie nicole

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an interesting YA romance to say the least. I originally picked up this book due to the eye catching front cover, amd the interesting synopsis. However upon starting this book I couldn’t consume it fast enough. This book had so many emotions it made me laugh, made me cry, it even made me go back to my teenage years. The characters are so realistic, and the plot line has you feeling like your walking along side the characters in high school. So if your looking for a great new read, make sure to pick this up today.

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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis

Distant Memories is the second book in the Nurse Morgan Series. This is a fun Paranormal Romance that once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book if not more. This authors style of writing along with her creative characters make for a fun and interesting ride. Her characters are relatable, fun and well developed. I read this in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. Nurse Morgan is back and all is going well until its not Esmeralda shows up. But Morgan finds herself doing what she needs to in order to stand up to Esmeralda. There was a few times I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I highly recommend reading this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Michelle Collier

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Nurse Morgan series and let me just say it was as good if not better than the first book. I just absolutely love Morgan. She is such a determined person and yet she is so unsure of herself when it comes to relationships. I love that she is such an imperfect person with her messy eating and insecurities. Caleb is so patient with her and tries to do anything to assist her. Every character in this book is so well developed. You can actually feel the flow of how a hospital works. The relationships between the living and the dead are so complex and wonderful to read about.

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Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13 Book 4) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Michelle Collier

Burned by Fire (Firehouse 13, #4)Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the only book in the Firehouse 13 series that I have read and all I can say is that I need to run, not walk to get the first 3 books in this series! Solomon Fox is a local hero to everyone except himself. Yes he saved 2 kids that will be able to live their life, but it cost him his career. Now what is he supposed to do? His body has healed from the burns but his mind has not. Ember is 11 years younger than Sol and is still working at the firehouse he retired from. She has held Sol in a special place for a while. He was an inspiration to her as well as her mentor in the department. She sees him struggle. Can she help him in finding where he belongs since he can no longer be a firefighter?

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Piper Foster

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing writing i feel on love with the team straight away. I really enjoyed the plot of this book Tia is such a diva. Bridger does the best to stick by her rules will this work or will it backfire. These two are great together the chemistry is on fire. The story follows Tia and Bridger. He is a professional hockey playeThis is a real page turner. This i read on a few hours as I couldn’t put it down.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Jo Frizzell

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my lanta this book! I adore the point of view changes and seeing into the minds of both Nathan and Holly. I love Holly’s personality – a little shy, a little sass, and a hint of fire – and the way she will stand up for her friends, even when she’s scared. I enjoy the complexity of Nathan – even as he surrounds himself with people who seem to lack that same complexity – and his relationship with his family. Most of all though, I really like the realistic way that high school is represented. This book brings to mind those by Sarah Dessen with a relatable high school or college age person, the real problems they face, and their relationships that are built on truth even when it hurts. So if you enjoy reading Sarah Dessen, I absolutely recommend this book!

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