The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Christina Gran

The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie

The absolute sweetest book I have read in so long ….had me with all the feels! Wish I could give a gazillion stars….it was THAT good! The author pulls the reader in, having you feel like you are part of the town & the bookshop!

Three love stories, entwined by the Happily Ever After Bookstore—all leave the reader believing that happily ever after is indeed possible!

In the first story, the author demonstrates that sometimes it doesn’t matter how long you’ve know each other—some people are just destined to be together, whether you’ve know each other for 5mins or 5yrs. Fate (as well as shop owner, Leona) intervened when Sadie & Charlie crossed paths at the bookshop during the holiday season. A Christmas Eve mix up had the two them enjoying each other’s company and quickly falling in love—-with history repeating itself.
In the 2nd story, the author shows that it’s never too late for a second chance! When Fiona is in town for a book signing, she is surprised to learn her ex-husband, Price is also in town indefinitely. While their paths happen to cross at the bookstore during Fiona’s book signing, they (along with Leona) realize that the spark is still there.
In the last story, it is only fitting that the hopeless romantic bookshop owner, Leona, has the opportunity for her own “happily ever after”, when handyman Jon Ford shows up to repair the shop.

Best feel good book that I’ve read in a long time. Captivating the audience, leaving the reader rooting for everyone to get their “happily ever after”.

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The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cross of Ciaran is such an original, intriguing story of a New York archeologist that’s trying to find out what happened to a missing fifth-century Celt. Ciaran is said missing Celt that wakes up in modern-day times trying to figure out what is happening and why he woke up in a strange time and place. Fate brings these two together as Caitlin tries to solve this mystery. I greatly enjoyed this book. It starts with a bang and you learn so much about the customs, religions and other things as the world of this book is built and the story moves forward. I enjoyed the plot and could not wait to see what was going to happen next. The story is well researched and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Amy Brennan

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s like a tv series that you don’t want to start until you know you’re able to binge watch the entirety of that show. That’s what I was waiting for with this series and have been not so patiently waiting for the day to come where I could start. I always find that the Pilot, or the first installment in a series is the hardest to get through, with all the character development, world building, and plot coming into focus, but didn’t find it difficult to become addicted to flipping the pages of this novel. This author has very clearly put her love of writing into Ciaran, Caitlin, as well as Ciaran’s newfound chosen family, and supporting characters and in checked all the boxes for me.

There’s nothing like a slow burn romance amidst a fifteen hundred year old Celt that is keeping a heavily guarded secret, Priests that want nothing more than to please the higher power that they believe in but also do what’s right for who they care and love, and the mystery of the past, that will surely become more apparent as the series progresses. I thought to myself, okay, I’ll set aside an hour or two a night to read, which then turned into several hours the past few days, and here we are, swiftly moving onto The Book of Carraig. Once this is all done, I look forward to exploring more of her work, highly recommend!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compelling and intriguing just as the other in the series were! I simply love the story and how it continues this series, loved the other books in the series, and this one was no different. The author very much knows how to captivate the reader! I always enjoy the book installments in this series!

This book installment captivated my heart and soul in more ways than one! I loved the history we got to learn this time and how it relates to our main characters. There was a lot of detail in this book and it brought on a lot of curiosities within me. There was a lot of talk of the greatest thing being at stake…family! You really saw how much Ciarán loves Caitlin and the family on the way to say. I really felt a lot of feelings with this one, and this one is for sure my favorite in the series so far!

Loved this series so much with a passion! I can never tire of the characters in this series or the story that emerges with them! Loved this book especially! Must read book and series, highly recommend!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Cave of Ruin ArsaThe Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cave of Ruin Arsa is romantic and captivating. This book is the brilliant third installment of the Cross of Ciaran series. We see the stressors of Ciaran’s fears affect his relationship with Caitlan. I absolutely love them as a couple. They clearly love each other and it is fun to read about them. This is another wonderfully written plot as well as a page-turner. I love the historical aspect of this series which this book continues. The Cave of Ruin Arsa is a definite five-star read!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Kerry Carr

The Cave of Ruin ArsaThe Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 3 in the Cross of Ciaran series. These books have kept me gripped from the very first one. The stories of the characters are unique and really make for a page turning book. The author’s ability to mix historical references in with the story just adds to the realism. Their is a great love story in this book and also a strong sense of family and that you do anything to protect your family from danger.

We are back with Ciaran and his brother Aodhán. Both are adjusting to their new lives and finding love. Ciaran is even due to become a father again just like his pervious life. Things seem to be going smoothly, until Ciaran starts to be plagued with dreams of Ruadhán. Ruadhán is the high priest that killed his first love and also entombed Ciaran. In his dreams he sees that Ruadhán is alive and searching for him.
But its only dreams right? There’s no way Ruadhán came back to life after all this time? Ciaran soothes himself with this knowledge until Aodhán finds an undiscovered tomb with no body inside.

Could Ciaran’s dreams be a warning? Is his new wife and unborn children in danger from the man who destroyed his family all those years before? Does the tomb even belong to Ruadhán or is there another threat the brothers need to be away of?

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cave of Ruin Arsa is a time travel paranormal romance story and the last book in this trilogy. Steeped in history and archaeology Andrea’s passion shines through. Her vivid narrative makes it so easy to picture the scenes portrayed in the story. The Cross of Ciaran is to read and is unique and interesting.

With magic and mystery, suspense and adventure, drama and lies, danger and romance, religious beliefs and Pagan Priests Andrea gives a little of everything to draw the reader in. The story alternates between the fifth century and present.

Ready to leave his past behind Ciaran finds that very same past is once again threatening everything he loves.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Angela Hayes

The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

The Cave of Ruin Arsa is the third intriguing book in The Cross of Ciaran series by Andrea Matthews. This is a paranormal romance- with mystery, magic, time travel, history, adventure, danger, family, secrets/lies, adventure, dramatic developments, and plenty of suspenseful tension.
As this book follows on from the events in the previous book/s, I highly recommend reading them before diving into this one.
Ciaran was hoping that after everything that had happened to him that life might finally start to settle down and move on from the past. But fate seems to have other plans. Plagued by disturbing dreams that seem to point to a sinister force threatening everything he holds dear, Ciaran has some puzzles to work out- especially if he’s to ensure the past doesn’t destroy his future.
Intriguing and well-woven…
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Andrea Matthews!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Desiree Ottinger

The Cave of Ruin ArsaThe Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series, and it was an excellent addition! Ciaran and Caitlin are expecting twins and Aodhan is preparing to marry Niamh. Both are moving on with their lives like they weren’t born in the fifth century, but the past doesn’t stay buried for long. Ruadhan, their chief priest, comes back to haunt their dreams and appear periodically to them. As the brothers do their best to decipher the dreams, look for an empty tomb that could be Ruadhan’s, and protect their families from a possible devout priest of the goddess, they find themselves doubting what defies reality despite their very presence doing the same. Is the chief priest out for revenge? Is he even alive? Or are they both slowly losing touch with reality?

I am enjoying reading about these fifth century priests learning the idioms of the English language, navigating the “modern” times, and balancing their previous life with the one they are living now. The characters are all written realistically in the sense that I could see them being alive and well today. I love Ireland and how the author writes about the country and the characters. That’s what keeps bringing me back to this series!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Amy Brennan

The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am ecstatic! Here I was thinking this was going to be a trilogy, but imagine my excitement to discover there will, indeed, be a fourth installment in this brilliant series. This novel was likely my favorite so far, as we have gotten to know Ciaran, Aodhan, Caitlin, and really getting to know Niamh, as well as the whole Irish clan that we have come to love. The more we discover within these pages, the more we will be charmed by this authors ability to really bring their world into our hearts and flutter off the pages. The seamless introduction of new characters, the ability to connect with existing and the need to hold my breath while immersed in this literature never ceases to amaze me.

I can just picture this large 5th century Celt holding two wee babies, and the fact that Ciaran and Aodhan might be large in stature but are truly just large teddy bear kids at heart. I very much enjoyed getting to know Aodhan even more, and to be there threw the struggles and troubles that these folks go through in this installment. I very much look forward to seeing some new talents come to light, or at the very least, to grow, and to read about little Fionn and Aisling to grow. I can’t get enough, and have already recommended this series to my parents, they’re excited to read it as well. Amazing work!

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THE BOOK OF CARRAIG (THE CROSS OF CIARAN BOOK 2) BY ANDREA MATTHEWS – REVIEW BY CARLIE DEL GALLO

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the cross of Ciaran books and it is just as good as the first one! This is one of the books that is a slow burn that just gets better the more you read it. I was immediately transported back into their story while reading this book. If you are going to read this series you need to read them in order because if you read it out of order it would not make sense. Their love story is unlike any that I have read so far and I LOVE it.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Cross of Ciaran series. This book is quite the page-turner. Faced-paced and keeps you on your toes and guessing. I really enjoy the relationship between Caitlin and Ciaran. I love, love, love the historical references and the journey back to Ireland. This author does such a good job of intertwining fiction and history. The build-up of the relationship between Ciaran and Caitlin is well-written as is the plot. This is a must-read continuation of the series.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Amy Brennan

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have read the first installment in this series and were blown away by the story woven by this talented author, hold on tight for this adventure! Our crew travels to Ireland, and they’ve landed much to Ciaran’s relief, as he’s discovered he is not a fan of air travel and are making their way to their new project. I absolutely love when a series picks up where the previous installment leaves off, and that’s what you can expect from this second installment. We have already fallen in love with the characters, and I was so excited to get to know new characters and travel to Ciaran’s homeland with him.

Caitlin and Ciaran’s relationship continues to develop into something more than either of them ever would have imagined, though of course, us readers knew that they were meant for each other from the very first time they met. Be ready for some bumps in the windy Irish roads, more flashbacks, and more questions answered throughout this scrumptious second installment I have always wanted to travel to Ireland, and this author not only brought me there, but encouraged the most vivid dreams I have had in years. Onto the next installment now, cannot get enough. This authors skill just seems to get better and better. Thank you, and highly recommend!

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this time travel story. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help your enhancement of this series and author. I enjoy how the author is able to make the story come to life on each page with their attention to details. This is a well written story that took me on an adventure that could turn deadly. The twists and turns you won’t see coming. A story where you could lose your family to the past. This is a story where the characters take pieces of information and put them together that can alter dreams. The growth of the plot and characters made the story easy to read and entertaining as well. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I had to know what happened next. This is a great story that you don’t want to miss. A great adventure story that will take you back and forth in time. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by  Robin Rankin

Squid (Moto X Book 5)Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Squid (Moto X Book 5)

Levi is a man child whose favorite past time is woman, drinking and gaming.  He has watched his friends find their special ladies but he isn’t willing to risk his heart.

Kindle is a hero! She is strong, independent and has no problems telling a man (Levi) no.

Levi was a frustrating character but extremely likable in my opinion.   He put love in a box that he was unwilling to touch when it was really what he needed the most.

He had been through some stuff that scarred him, which most people have, he just didn’t handle it like an an adult would or should.

I enjoyed watching Levi grow up and change into the man he should have been.

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Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes Vol. 21) By Natalina Reis – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes, #21)Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing from start to finish! I loved the essence this book possessed! I was captivated from start to finish! I found one thing was not what it seemed, there was a lot of questions and not much answers at first glance, which I truly loved!

The book leads you down a path that brings on great curiosity and wonder. Knowing who to trust and what to expect truly is a different story! I was fooled more than once for sure! I was captivated by this brilliant author’s writing! This book became one of my favorites for sure. I loved the characters and their differences and what they brought to the table. I was very fascinated as I read for sure!

Loved this book and all that it brought and possessed. I loved it with all my heart and soul from start to finish. I highly recommend reading this book as a strong must read. Its well wroth the read!

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Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes Vol. 21) By Natalina Reis – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes, #21)Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have loved reading from the start. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her ability to make the story come to life with her writing skills. Her attention to details make her stories realistic. This is a well written story that is full of action. She is the Queen of Hearts and she is determined to make every man in town pay for what they have done. This is a shorter, fast paced story that I read in one sitting. It is an engaging story that has characters that pull you into the story. They have great growth as well as the plot throughout the story. This is a must read story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a die hard fan of this series since the first installment, and this one was certainly no different! I fell in love with the plot and the characters in the first, and I think I simply loved this one even more!

I loved the action and the appeal this book gives to the reader. I loved the story in the first, but this one was different, but in a good way. The writing had its appeal and its own darkness at the same time. I loved Julia even more in this one. She is such a great character, strong willed and very resourceful. I could not put this one down, I just kept on reading. I turned each page with quick pace as I read as I was hooked that much! Loved this book and series so freaking much! One of my favorite series for sure!

Wonderful writing by a very much gifted author. I can not get enough of this series and this one really impacted me greatly! Must read book for sure and I highly do recommend! Loved it truly!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jenni Bishop

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness is the second book in this dark vampiric paranormal, fantasy story. I really like Theresa’s writing style and her unique tales. I have been waiting to see what Theresa had in store for her readers after the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative. Pursuit into Darkness has a gripping and engaging plot that takes place 70 years after ethe first book. It is full of so many emotions, lots of action, twist and turns. I said it with the first book but I will say it again the characters are well written and well developed. The world building is artfully built and exceptionally crafted. The vividness allows us as a reader to enjoy every nuance of Theresa’s storytelling. Theresa has built a solid foundation for this skilfully woven, multi layered and exciting story.

I am giving nothing away as Theresa’s writing needs to be devoured by each individual so the story is drawn by your own imagination. I am off to get the third book, Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3).

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this paranormal story. This is the second book in the series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series. This is a well written story that has characters that pull you into the story from the start. A story that is full of fantasy and adventure. I enjoyed the characters. They are strong and supportive of each other. I also enjoyed their growth throughout the story as well as the plot. Julia has agreed to help overthrow the Vampire King. But what happens when the plan fails? She is left to fight but will she lose everything she loves? You don’t want to miss what happens next in this story. This is an engaging story that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shelly Kittell

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is full of paranormal suspense and intrigue. The struggles abound. Julia is with Samuel and the rest of the ka-tet llving out their lives. Valentino enters the picture and all heck breaks loose. Her soulmate is killed by him, as well fellow members of the resistance of vampires. The storyline is very engaging. I was pulled into the action from page 1 and couldn’t put down until I finished it. Julia is very strong-willed. She feels she is weak but she fights for what she feels she must do to protect those close to her. The characters are well-developed. The chemistry between her and Samuel is very up and down. It’s like a waning candle but you always feel the spark that is constantly there. The mystery around Kali kept me intrigued as well. That young girl knew more than she should. This is a fun book for fans of paranormal or fantasy. I highly recommend it.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Tina Vega

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Premeditated is a novel full of suspense and great storytelling. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened next. If you love a good crime story, great characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is the book for you. First book by this author, but def not my last.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Michelle Austin

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a thrilling 4 star read. This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it. DEA agents Grant and Josh are working on a case that has become very deadly. They are determined to find the culprit and get the drugs taken off the streets. The other scary thing is that the families of the agents also become targets, which includes Anne. Can the detectives solve the case before its too late?

There were several twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The author pulls you right in with her writing. You get action, suspense, and so much more. All the characters added a great element to the story. This can be read as a stand alone. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Lucy Machard

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and it’s not bad. I did like it a little better than
the first, because it was easier to understand the characters and who was who, and how they
were tied together. If you like crime and Christ, this is a good series for you. Not graphic, no bad
language or uncouth scenes, pretty mild all around. While I’m someone who lives for the
hardcore action, it’s a pretty decent book for something that’s tone down. Honestly, this is a
great option for teens who like suspense and thrillers, even though it’s not 100% my style I still
recommend giving this series a shot.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Angela Shirley

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the people who are trying to stop the push of drugs onto the streets start getting symptoms of drug use, they realise someone is trying to sabotage the work they are trying to do to help the young kids.

Anne is one of the crusaders who are trying to rid the streets of the evil drugs, but she gets embroiled in the sabotage but with help from her friends can she try and find out who is the main man and stop the sabotage before it goes too far.

In the meantime, DEA Agents are trying to close in on drug related crimes, Josh and Grant have been working the case a while but when things start happening to Anne who is Grant’s ex-partners fiancé it starts to become personal, and can they race against time to find out who is behind it all.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the relationships between the main characters, although this is the second book in this series it did not distract from this story, and I believe this could be read as a standalone book.

If you are looking for a good thriller this book is for you, with the twists and turns in the story will have you racing through the book to discover who is the mastermind behind it all and that can the main characters save the day. Although there are some religious aspects to the story this does not distract but adds another layer to the complex story and you learn about the character of Anne and where her values come from. If you love a good thriller and want to immersed yourself into the story, then this is the book for you.

PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Nakyshia Leger

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an action packed story! With the turn of each page I was left guessing and never saw the end coming! The action came in strong and didn’t stop until the very end. DEA agents Grant and Josh are out to solve a drug problem and bring down a drug lord. Addiction to a powerful drug is spreading fast and they need to act faster to stop it. Each character is uniquely built to fit into the story and the storyline gets better with each page. It is lifelike and the characters are relatable which brings you right in, feeling every emotion. Definitely a great read!

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Review by @nrl0522

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

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

JP is home from war, but the war continues to live within him. Sgt. JP Grimm lost some of his men in war and he doesn’t know how to forgive himself for not pulling the trigger. A hard-hitting look at PTSD and the horrors of war even after the soldier is home. The first 3/4 of the book was great for developing the characters, showing the horrors of war and PTSD, highlighting the mental health struggles our veterans face. The last part seemed like a completely different story as JP dealt with his changing family through electromagnetic changes. While it served the purpose of redemption and facing fears for JP it didn’t fit the rest of the story.
Overall, it was a great look at PTSD and the harsh reality many military member face upon their return home.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Moriah Venable

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake’s favorite thing to do is hike his trail. He even sees his friend Neet, the squirrel.

But the two become uneasy when Jake spots set of tracks that doesn’t look familiar.

This causes the pair to be unable to sleep and wonder who the tracks might belong too. The next day, Jake is out with his dog friends Bodhi and Luna who follow him on the trail to find out who the tracks belong to.

This may be a kids book with pretty pictures but I love the message and lesson that it conveys.

I saw that the author has more books in the series. I can’t wait to read them to see what other messages she wants to convey to children.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Megan Pesek

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun way to teach kids about overcoming worrying and fears. It’s perfect for those who are in the early worrying stages and get sucked into what may happen. Jake helps kids understand how to work through his fears and their own. Jake and his friends also model working together and apologizing to others. So many social emotional skills in a fun story! The activities at the back of the book provided meaningful ways to follow up with the lessons presented.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Tracy Manderson

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author with her first book and I’m very happy that I chose to take a chance on this author, as I’ll definitely be reading more of their work and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. The characters are well written and their quirks make them feel real. The plot was also great.
Ellawyn Calloway is finally able to breathe a little easier after leaving her old life behind. Quimby Grove, Pennsylvania is the perfect place for a fresh start and Starlight Books, a quaint bookstore café where she spends all her time. She develops a friendship with the elderly shop owner, Benji.
Benji requests that his grandson, Beckett Walden, return to Quimby Grove for a visit and everything changes. When Ellawyn learns of a threat to Starlight Books, she doesn’t think twice, offering to help Beckett run the store. She finds herself letting her guard down piece by piece. As her walls fall away, she finds herself with a stalker and now is in more danger than she ever imagined. As Ellawyn and Beckett begin to find love within each other, they are oblivious to the real danger that is lurking in the shadows, desperate to get Ellawyn alone.
Can Ellawyn and Beckett overcome the obstacles? Can Beckett help Ellawyn? Will they get a happily ever after or will tragedy strike?

Tracy
@tracym

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