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

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

Despite the dark nature of the title, this book is actually full of hope for someone living with PTSD. The main character learns to accept that he has issues once he has reentered civilian life. Realizing that his grandfather also lived with PTSD, he eventually decides to get help, with the support of his wife, his grandmother, and his young son. The author weaves in real stories of PTSD from real people, as well as some examples of what group therapy might look like. Set against a backdrop of climate change and electromagnetic changes, the author skillfully draws the reader into his amazing story. This book is excellent as a stand-alone, but I was thrilled to learn that it is also the first in a series!

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Heather Bass

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis

This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good paranormal romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book in the Nurse Morgan series and let me tell you I’m hooked. These characters drew me in from the start. It only took me a little over a day to devour this wonderful book.

Morgan Cutler had a normal life as a nurse but something happened that changed it all. She had an emergency surgery and now she is seeing people she can’t explain. Morgan thinks she is losing her mind but her patience are dying on her and she doesn’t know why. She is thinking it has everything to do with her. Morgan also meets the man of her dreams but he is a doctor. She doesn’t know who to talk to about her new ability. Morgan is shocked when one of her patients has done something evil but can she make things right?
Review @heatherbass
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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story and I am so excited to read the sequel! When we meet Nurse Morgan she is experiencing weird paranormal situations that she cannot explain, while trying to get back into the swing of things at her job as a charge nurse at the emergency center in a metro Detroit hospital. She had just recently survived a blown aneurysm in her brain six weeks previously. Things start ramping up when she starts being able to communicate with ghosts. Initially she thinks she is going crazy, but as she continues to get to know her new friends and share her secret with her best friend and boss Dr. Savannah Holt, she starts to lean into the experience. Mixing into all of this chaos is a new doctor at the ER, Dr. Caleb Lightfoot who isn’t freaked out by the new ghostly friends that Morgan is making. The author did an amazing job of keeping a tight pace with the writing and slowly guiding us through the story. She even throws in cool scientific theories regarding auras and the fourth dimension. It was a fun mix of paranormal and romance. I look forward to seeing how Morgan, Caleb, and Savvy continue to deal with the added complication of ghosts in Morgan’s life.

Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Dawn Mitchell

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I tried hard to get into this book because of all the good reviews but I just couldn’t. It was hard to keep up with in the beginning an I wasn’t a fan of the overseas dialect. I will try another one of his books though.

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is there to say about Deadly Sommer? Well it reminded me a lot of the movie Untraceable. There’s always a story to tell. Especially once one resorts to kidnapping.
Nora Sommer, nineteen, and new to the Cayman Island police force thought she was going to have a normal day. Well boy was she wrong. Getting looped into a 4 challenge scheme to rescue the daughter of a prominent Florida business man Donovan Briggs.
Jensen Massey is trying to prove a point. That his wife was murdered and that it was covered up. So he kidnaps Skylar Briggs and enlists Nora into helping him with his game. “Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” Broadcast online for anyone to see. Jensen has a message and doesn’t plan to stop till the family he feels is behind his wife’s death is brought down and held responsible.
Will Nora get through all 4 challenges?
Does Skylar end up hurt and/or dead?
Where does the Briggs family fall into all this?
The author keeps you intrigued and guessing on what will happen next. Weaving you through a story of corruption, lies, and the benefits of having friends in high places. Unfortunately an innocent young woman is used as a pawn to get the story across. If you like suspenseful thrillers this book is definitely for you!

@placexba

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely read,
Grace is a young girl when her father dies in the underground fight ring, leaving her to care for her mother and younger sister, and how do you do that when you are from the less affluent area of the city?
You do what you know, you fight.
The story follows Grace as she comes of age and moves up the ranks of the underground fighting. Juggling caring for her family, a job and her own memories. Spotted by an up and coming company she moves into the UFC. We watch the characters evolve and her group of supporters and those who care for her grow, how she affects their lives.
Touches on themes of mental illness, desperation and shows those that you choose as family are not always blood.
Really well written, making you feel as though you are one of the team. An author that I cannot wait to read the next book from.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Tina Vega

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about a woman who is determined to make it. Working three jobs to provide for her mother and sister and she still struggles. One of those jobs is fighting in the ring. On a lucky break, she gets noticed which gives her an opportunity to better her family’s life. We are down in the trenches with her rooting for her to win. The author created a character that is admirable and strong. It was a great read with an inspiring theme.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new author to me and a semi new genre about a UFC fighter. I admit I wasn’t so sure but boy am I glad I took the time to read it!

Grace a sensitive yet incredibly strong young woman has been dealt a terrible hand in life, starting by being jumped as a young girl going to the store for her dad. Her trials continue raising her sister but thanks to lessons from her father she is more than capable of taking care of herself and her sister.

When an opportunity to move up from underground fighter to the UFC emerges she jumps at the chance to provide for herself and her sister. This story explores Grace’s strength, resilience, and a little humor and romance.
The characters are very well developed, realistic; and I can’t wait for the subsequent stories to come!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jerricka Brown

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. I was hooked from the very beginning. This is my first book by this author and I was thoroughly entertained. I love how it goes between time frames. I felt a connection with the main character. I highly recommend this book.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story filled with amazing characters! I really got pulled in to Grace’s life. She is an inspiring character. I felt, wished and hoped for her. We meet her at her almost lowest and watch in awe as her dreams become reality. Sure there are humps and bumps along the way but they only endear her to me more.

Her friends and family are all great secondary characters! As with Grace we learn about them along the way. I liked the camaraderie between a lot of them. It is tough times but I still saw myself smiling at them all.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Just about everything about it made me happy. This is a new author for me and she did an excellent job creating this world and characters.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Whitney Morrison

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book in the series and by this author that I have read. I really enjoyed it. It was such a cute and fun story. I really like how Bree was written and loved going on her crazy journey with her. I also really loved Chloe and Nate. Overall it was just a great contemporary romance and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Mandy Ott

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect is a modern, relatable romance that captured my attention. The main character, Bree, has been hurt by past romances and it has caused her to become very critical of those she let’s into her life. Bree seems pretty judgmental towards the opposite sex based on her negative experiences in the past. For example, Bree has been hurt by “jocks” before so she has sworn off dating all those she sees as “jocks.” I did find it rather ironic though that, to improve her social life, Bree begins taking tennis lessons. I would consider tennis a sport played by “jocks.” Overall, Maria Jane did an amazing job building her characters; they were well-written, believable, and relatable. I also enjoyed the overall story. I look forward to reading more books by Maria Jane.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Juls Dick

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bree has been burned by love in the past, she has had her heart broken by her past two boyfriends and has since given herself a strict list of rules to adhere too when it comes to men, no jocks, no corporate suits and no intimacy before relationships. When Bree meet Latvian- American Nate at her tennis club she he instantly hits the first two of her rules so she friend zones him and focusses on finding someone more suited to her goals. However, she quickly finds that things aren’t always as they first appear. This was a nice read, I initially didn’t really relate to the main female character, she was too closed off and judgemental, however she started to grow on me towards the end. I did like the main male character from the beginning.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jess Engel

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an easy, good read with great characters. I enjoyed the story and development of the characters and brewing romance and chemistry between Bree and Nate, but Nate is everything Bree isn’t looking for, so she keeps looking!

I loved the quirkiness of Bree, she is an over thinker with a flare of sarcasm. Nate is patient and persisten, but how patient can he be?

Though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone, which is how I read it. It was entertaining and I enjoyed the characters and relationships so I may go back and read the first two in the series now!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Devon Pulliam

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful little romance novel! The story flowed naturally and I loved how Maria Jane let Bree and Nate naturally find each other. The connection they had through tennis and then the friend support.

I LOVED how Bree just was tell it like it is and didn’t care to stand up for herself. Especially with Steven. I didn’t like him at all and was glad when she told him off.

I was shocked though when Bree informed her parents of her status with Nate and their reaction. I did not see that coming or see how much of an issue it would cause on both sides. But it was well written.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Colleen Noyes

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luc and Summer Are my absolute favorite couple ever I love they both come from a terrible background and have used that to their advantage to not just grow closer to each other, but they are also using it to integrate themselves into the mafia. I thought that these two had so much heart and I loved that you could see the progress of slowly joining the mafia life where they weren’t born into it.

I love that Summer is portrayed as a survivor and fighter it comes out in droves throughout the story and made her completely relatable to myself.

You could just feel Luc’s complete intensity and more than anything I fell in love with his protectiveness of Summer. This story felt even more realistic than the prior ones in the series I was excited to be introduced to even more families which I hope means the series will continue in one way or another for a long period of time.

One of the things that touched me the most was in this story you felt at the height of what it means to have family whether by blood or not. The bond that they all have with each other and are continuing to build brought tears to my eyes in the greatest way possible. It hit home the fact that family is who you choose. This author did a tremendous job and is becoming hands-down one of my favorite authors ever. If you like a great character built romantic suspense book you will find yourself 100% enveloped and enthralled in the series.

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

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Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona ChapterTickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read a lot of books by this author, Joker’s Fool is my all time favorite, but this one is now following a close second. Even though I had the outcome figured out within the first few chapters, the spook factor was excellent. I think the subject matter was what contributed to it.
Great read on a stormy night!
*Be advised, there are no on-page scenes, but the book does mention child abuse.

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Sam Rainville

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Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great start to a series. Jay Batista really weaves and intricate tale. There are a lot of details and insight to the inner workings of a Viking clan. There are deep characters on great adventure. Thorfinn wins your heart as you find yourself rooting for him while submersed in Viking and Norse culture and mythology. If you are a fan of magical quests, you will be captivated by this tale.

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

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

This book was a very powerful read to say the least. It gave me thoughts that I never thought I would have, I thought of feelings and emotions I often do not even consider. The book gave me a lot of emotions, though sometimes it was hard to have these emotions as I read, I am glad that I did!

Sergeant JP Grimm was a strong character to say the least. He struck me as man that could handle everything that would come is way for sure! Even the strongest of men can fall. The emotions and feelings he had were real as can be. I felt so much, teared up a few times. What he went through and had to do to survive to make it home to his family in the war was so real, it was as if the events were unfolding right before my eyes. The author created a story that had its visual components and the words to go with it. This was a great read, and one I will not forget for some time!

Wonderful book and wonderful writing. Sometimes the hard parts to read, were the best, for the realism they possessed. I highly recommend this book; everyone should read it I believe. It is not one to be passed up or put on the back burner. It’s a very high recommendation from me, well worth a read!

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

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

Intense! Original! Hauntingly realistic! This has become my #1 favorite so far for the year. JP Grimm is a soldier returned from the war having to deal with PTSD and its real effects on him and on his family. It’s taking a devastating toll on him and his family. He and his wife are both trying to save their marriage and their family. Adin looks like the little boy that turned out to be the suicide bomber that took out his unit. JP was not able to shoot the bomber in time and is dealing with that guilt. This is the part that made the book hit you like a gut-wrenching punch. I felt all the feels. All the emotions came out when reading this book. It may be fiction, but a lot of the emotions felt are real. The research done for the story is there and you felt it. I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in finding out what happened with his grandparents and what has going to happen next for him and his family. The plot felt so well-developed that is naturally built in. It was smooth and silky flowing. The check-ins with Richardson were always nice, even if they were sad due to realistic events (such as suicide, DV, etc.). The solar storm events, etc. is a nice add-in because it could happen, and it was a way to maybe help bring JP back to his family. It was such a heartfelt and heart-tugging story (even being a thriller). I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait for the next book in the thriller. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend!

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Christine Baranek

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IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Illegal
By K. J. Gillenwater
5*
I was absolutely unable to put down this book. It is a quick, page turner romance. Wyatt is working at the U.S. Embassy when a gorgeous woman catches his eye. She has come in in an attempt to reapply for a visa after being deported. She is helped at the window by Wyatt’s coworker. When Wyatt overhears a conversation between his coworker and an unknown caller, Wyatt knows he must help this beautiful woman.
Meanwhile, Selena has been deported from America and she is quickly discovering that everything she thought she knew about her mother and her life in America is a lie. She is the daughter of a major drug lord and head of a cartel. Her father has been looking for her for years.
Wyatt chases after Selena after hearing the phone call and from there they travel across Mexico in an attempt to escape the danger that they think is ahead of them. Meanwhile, they form an unlikely romance.
This book is one that that I really cannot recommend enough. It is filled with believable characters who are on an unbelievable adventure. I found myself rooting for Wyatt and Selena individually and for them to be together.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic work of Women’s Fiction that had me hooked (no pun intended) from the very beginning. It was also my first time reading any work by this author and I can definitely say that I will be reading more, especially more of this series.
Grace is just one of those fantastic characters that swallow you up whole and has you totally invested in their story. I absolutely loved her whole outlook on life. She’s given up everything in life to provide for her sick mother and to bring up her sister.
I love the relationships she has with the significant men in her life, Johnny her trainer and Alasdair, another fighter at her gym that she’s friends with. Both are really amazing guys but I know which one I’d like Grace to have a romantic relationship with if that’s in the cards for her. I won’t say who but allow you to make up your own mind.
This is an excellent book and I’d definitely recommend it to others.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lauren Cox

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read but third book in the series, even though I didn’t read the first two this book was easy to keep up with and I didn’t feel like there was very many missing pieces in the dialog.

I found the main character Bree very relatable, she has gone through a lot of really bad relationships and did not want to be hurt anymore. Although I did find this very relatable, Bree went a full 180 in the other direction, she set strict rules and high expectations for all her new prospects and I feel like this really hurt her character growth.

As she starts to venture out in the dating world again, she swears off athletes, jocks and looking for mister right AKA the one.

She really enjoys playing tennis and while playing tennis she meets her best friend Nate, who is completely and utterly in love with her. But to Nate’s dismay he has been friend zoned, not only is he an athlete he is a tennis coach. Everything Bree has sworn off.

Does she wake up and realize what she has always wanted is right in front of her? Or does she let him slip through her fingers.

Overall this was a very cute book and would recommend to friends.

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Colleen Noyes

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

The 4th book in Amy McKinley’s Mafia Elite series brings us into Marco La Rosa and Elena Caruso’s story. This story had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The author brought in a whole new experience because of the Bratva connection. The amount of secrets, the amount of suspense, the amount of action took this series to a new level. I love that each story is it’s own, but very much connected. I’ll admit this one had me dreaming about it three nights in a row which is how I knew it was a good book. Elena has been on the run for so long, she has no idea what to do. When she is suddenly confronted by her past and a man she once had feelings for you can’t help but wonder where it will all lead. Making this story even more are the secrets surrounding Katya, Nicole, and Yuri. If you love a good romantic suspense story you will love this series. I highly suggest starting with book 1 so you can get the most enjoyment from what this author has to offer.

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake Series) By Olivia Sherwood Reviewed by Carlie Del Gallo

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Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, each book in this series just keeps getting better and better! This book focused on the towns nurse practitioner, Brant who has not really had a semblance of normalcy in his life until he found his mother, Betty, took him in under her wing. The other character in this story is CC, who has grown up in a household that was more interested in drugs and having a fun time versus taking care of her which made her grow up even faster. CC is a wonderful character who is a hairdresser who appeases the community with her wonderful hair dyes and nail salon services. When these characters interact, they started to open up and let love in. This book series gets better and better with each story told! I cannot wait to see what the next story brings!

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Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2) By Olivia Sherwood Reviewed by Carlie Del Gallo

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Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2)Unlikely to Fit by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment of the Parker Lake Novel Series, and this book was just as amazing as the first book! This series revolved around Breckin, whose husband wound up leaving her for the head cheerleader as soon as she walked across the graduation stage and Griff, the bar owner who lost his long-term girlfriend in a tragic accident that has left him closed off to the idea or notion of getting close to anyone again. Both of these characters had a lot to overcome in this book but my favorite moments of reading this novel had to involve when Griff and Breckin were spending time with his grandmother, Kelda. She is everything I long to be when I am an old lady. Kelda is an integral part of this book that helps to bring these two together in an unlikely way. If you are looking for your next fun series to read that has a lot of laughs and a great story, then look no further because this author has it covered!

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Unlikely in Love (Parker Lake) By Olivia Sherwood Reviewed by Carlie Del Gallo

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel, #1)Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not read any books by this author before I started reading this book and I have to say that I am HOOKED and will be reading many more to come!!! This story revolves around Annabelle, who has gone through the tragic loss of losing her grandma, the one person who has always been there for her and raised her since she was young, and a guy named Wyatt who she grew up with that is fighting his own demons. Annabelle is looking for help to tend to the farm that is left for her, and he just so happens to volunteer, and the rest is history. This is a very cute contemporary wholesome romance that I have been reading the past couple of days during my lunch break at work. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this first book in the series and cannot wait to read the other three as well as more books by this author. Her writing style is one that makes you think you are right there in the middle of the action in the story with them and not just reading the story.

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood Reviewed by Carlie Del Gallo

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These books were such a great and fun read that I was so sad to read this last one! I fell head over heels for this novel as it revolved around Karen and Brody. This story was one that I thoroughly enjoyed as it went over these two characters back stories and revealed why they are secretive, while also finding someone that they love along the way. I found myself laughing and crying along with them as their story progressed. Having the ability to read these novels and continually get information about couples that were the main characters in the other books in this series is one of my favorite things! Seeing the lives of these friends and their growth throughout the books as well as reading about crazy Kelda and Bert were truly my favorite things. I cannot recommend this book and the series enough!!

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