A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey Review By Jessica Stone

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Veil of Gods and Kings(Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey Review By Jessica Stone

A Veil of Gods and Kings is a wonderful reimaging of the Greek myth of Apollo and Hyacinth, an interesting twist on an M/M, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Greek mythology.
One thing that caught my attention immediately about this book is how skilled the author is at creating such a mind-blowing immersive and vivid world. From the beginning I could picture every little detail from the fruit on the tress to the vivid blue and white hues of the sky
The first book of four in the ‘Apollo Ascending’ series this slow burn, fade to black, NA romance story told from multiple perspectives, did not fail to pull me in and hold me until I had no choice but to keep reading until the end. The main character of the story, Apollo is nothing if not relatable, with his disdain for being told how to live his life to his sassy attitude towards hyacinth, and his undeniable charisma, he was immediately my favorite character. Though this story is also being told from two other perspective, it leaves you equal time to get to know every character and to fall in love with each one, opening the possibility to further explore the other characters story in the future.
I enjoyed the empowerment on not only men being in less than favorable situations with unwanted destinations in life, but it shows the struggle of these strong women just trying to walk their own path in life, no matter what, or with who that might be.
If you’re looking for a new interesting take on Greek mythology, with fade to black type romance, I would highly recommend this book for you. I’m excited to see what this author has in store for us readers and where she’ll take us with her phenomenal characterization!

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book #1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Angela Hayes

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Blood & Ravens is the fantastic first instalment in A.D. Brazeau’s new series ‘The Casket Girls’. I have read a couple of Ms. Brazeau’s books before, but this one is definitely my favourite, so far. It had all the ingredients that I love to find in a great book…
*intriguing premise ….. tick
*wonderful characters who develop and grow over the course of the story ….. tick
*clever and creative world building ….. tick
*an interesting paranormal theme ….. tick
*historical details ….. tick
*a mysteriousness feel ….. tick
*gripping storyline ….. tick
*vampires ….. tick tick tick
*danger and suspense ….. tick
*romance ….. tick
*deliciously dark details ….. tick
*the promise of more exciting instalments ….. tick tick tick
I was intrigued right from the moment I laid eyes on the gorgeous cover, but the story I discovered under that beautiful cover was the real show-stopper. Couldn’t put it down. I need the next instalment STAT!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, A.D. Brazeau!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by La Toya Lewis

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood & Ravens by A.D. Brazeau is wonderfully dark and delicious! I really enjoyed delving into the world of 18th-century New Orleans. I loved the bond between Greer and her fellow casket girls. I also loved the chemistry between Greer and Theron; it was amazing! It was also fun seeing them both struggle with their attraction to each other. This was a book with a decadent plot and great characters. Blood and Ravens is a very intriguing story and a great beginning to what is sure to be a fascinating series. I cannot wait to start the next book.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Shai Flores

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! When I got to the end and realized that there was a cliffhanger, I was so bummed to have to wait—but then I saw that the next one comes out soon and that made me happy. I love Greek mythology and new versions of the old stories I have heard before. I am fascinated by the world of Olympus and the gods and goddesses that live there. This book tells the story of Apollo before he ascends, and his stay with Prince Hyacinth as demanded by his father Zeus. Apollo is a lovable character despite his flaws and the journey he goes on with Cin is page-turning. I also loved the supporting characters like Pip and Temi. There were some things that I expected to happen since I know the original stories of Apollo, but I definitely loved this retelling. I am very excited for the second book to be released!

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reviewed by @puffprincess

Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the 17th century of New Orleans, nothing is as it seems. Greek Gods, and vampires oh my! Greer was used to living her life in Paris, until something happens and she finds herself as a casket girl, and drawn towards the mysterious Theron. She is very drawn to him and she doesn’t know why. Enter Hades. Lord of the underworld, and a very wrathful person. This author knows what they’re doing in this series. The writing is captivating, and the little bit of historical facts littered throughout the books, is amazing. I couldn’t simply put it down and found myself reading into the wee hours of the morning. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by April McCoy

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I personally have limited knowledge if Greek mythology, and in saying that, I found this book a nice read! I enjoyed the story and like the characters a lot! It was easy to read, was easy to follow and definitely sparked an interest in Greek mythology for me! I enjoyed not knowing anything because I could enjoy the book for what it was and found it intriguing, exciting and a good romance all around!

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Blood & Ravens: A Dark, Paranormal Romance (The Casket Girls) by A.D Brazeau

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars amazing paranormal romance. Never thought that Greer will fall for Theron. She knew something was wrong but no one believed her. She only wanted to save her friends but she had to sacrifice herself for them. Theron knew what lay ahead of him but he was tired of everything. Both never knew that love can exist in them.
The other did an amazing job here. It gave me chills in each part of their stories, going from one character to another.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Entertaining and enjoyable read. I have never read a M/M romance before and I got to say I loved the Greek Mythology written. I enjoyed getting to know Apollo and Hyacinth’s characters and “see” their romance blossom from hatred. The story is addictive and I look forward to reading the next installment.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jordan Allen

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t get enough of this book! I am honestly so in love with everything I just read! Even though I was unable to put this book down, I didn’t want it to be over!

A Veil of Gods and Kings follows Apollo and Hyacinth as they are forced to learn how to live together. Due to Apollo’s stubbornness, he has found himself stuck with Hyacinth for the next year of his life. While the thought is grueling, he finds himself being mentored by him. Anything is better than descending right? As the story unfolds, we find ourselves on an emotional journey hoping for a love story that will leave us breathless.

When I saw a mythological retelling I knew I had to read it. I will be completely honest, I don’t know the original of this story. I am drawn to mythology retellings though. This one didn’t fail to disappoint me! This author was able to bring out every emotion while I read through this masterpiece. The story kept my interest the whole way. My only complaint about the book is that it’s over!

I absolutely recommend this book!

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Kristy Harmon

The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book I’ve read from this Author and I am OBSESSED! I read this book in 1 sitting. The characters were amazing and the story hooks you from the beginning. I only wish there were more of the story because I am so sad it’s over!

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Apollo is the son of Zeus, destined to ascend to Mt. Olympus to become a god himself. But he isn’t ready to give up his mortal life just yet. When Zeus gives him an ultimatum to ascend right away or spend a year mentoring with Prince Hyacinth, which he chooses so he can stay on Earth longer.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book and the characters were well developed. The story line did seem a bit narrow and I think there could have been more to the story than the blossoming romance between Apollo and Hyacinth. That being said, I do think this was an entertaining read and would recommend it.

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Jo Frizzell

Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so beautifully written! The descriptions were so vibrantly authored that it made me think of Tolkien’s illustrative language. I really enjoyed the way the point of view alternated which let me as reader understand more characters. I also adored the realistic and genuine relationships and the way the characters interacted with each other. Learning the backstory of characters is so interesting to me, seeing why they react to different situations the way they do, because I have an understanding of who they are. This book is just fabulous and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys some modern fantasy!

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The Wish-Eater by Claire Luana – Review by Jamie Truex

The Wish-EaterThe Wish-Eater by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and she is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Again I was quickly sucked into her world and wasn’t able to put the story down and get proper sleep! This was a bit different than the first book I read as it has some deeper messages that may not mean the same to her younger readers. I found myself a bit emotional reading The Wish Eater. So bravo. Highly recommend this book.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey- Review by Lauren West

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey

This book was nothing like I expected. I went in blind because I did not want to make judgements, and I ended up loving this book! The author did the Gods and the multitude of drama plenty of justice and more.
Apollo and Prince Hyacinth were interesting together. Powerful men each trying to navigate what was thrown there way as well as adjusting to the mentee and mentor relationship. The way they were able to work together and the transition from enemies to lovers played out well. This story was a fun read, and I would read this author again.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jamie Truex

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely enjoyed this one. I love Greek mythology and this didn’t disappoint. It’s not your same old story. It was an easy read and it got me hooked. I need to read the next book now! The author did a good job of keeping it interesting throughout the story. Absolutely recommend if you enjoy mythology at all.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Crystal Jimenez

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A re-telling of the story about Apollo the Greek God and his lover Hyacinth. Greek God, or oh my God? This book was ok, but not really a steamy read. I so wish it had more in the romance department. It didn’t wow me, but it wasn’t all bad. You should give it a chance and see for yourself if you like it or not.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Jamie Truex

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really good story. Definitely had me guessing and I didn’t expect the ending! I was a little put off by the fact that it talks a lot about covid, but it’s set during that time. The author does a very good job of world building and character development. It was very hard to put down!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers #1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi-Review by Amanda Kimble

The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers #1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The True Purpose of Vines is a great read. If you like historical romance you’ll love this book. This is the first book in The Winemakers Series.

Griffin is there to buy the vineyard. He doesn’t expect a headstrong woman to deny him. Can they work together and make something come between them? The quote I chose for Griffin is: “A few weeks. I’m going to the high Douro. My late uncle’s Quinta is leaking more money than a drainpipe, and I will set it to rights.”

Julia is a headstrong woman. She doesn’t want to sell and she isn’t going to go down easily. Meeting Griffin throws a wrench in her plans. The quote I chose for Julia is: “Vesuvio wine is different. To compare it with the other Quintas is unfair, if not insulting. Some of our neighbors add elderberries to improve color. Some don’t even prune their grapevines. It’s all quantity for them.”

Highly recommended for Historical Romance lovers.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Allyson Ware

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You definitely have to have a general understanding of Greek Mythology and the God’s before you read this novel (otherwise I do not know that I would have understood it as well as I did). I feel like the author did a great job incorporating the characters and really getting into their personality in a relatively short book and I applaud the author for that. The detail was immaculate from the characters to the plot and the world building.

The reason I gave this four stars instead of five was because I struggled to dive into this book like I have with other Greek Mythology books in the past. Otherwise this novel would have definitely been a five star read for me. I also loved that it was a different take on Apollo; before he ascends. I do give the author creativity points for thinking outside of the box with this different point of view. I would recommend this novel to any romance and/or Mythology reader.

Review by @aware

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas review by Stephanie Driskill

The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margaret, a poor girl from the South has big dreams of becoming someone besides a replica of her mother laden down with children and being nothing but a wife and mother. She wants to experience life away from becoming what is expected of her and breaking the pattern. Can she, do it? What would you do in order to leave your parent’s house and become your own person? What sacrifices would you make for your family and children?
Such a wonderful character in Margaret. What a strong individual that endured so much and sacrificed just as much in order to succeed! The characters in this story are well written and easy to identify with. It was so easy to see me standing in the place of Margaret and living through the tough times that she did. The story was easy to read and just as fun. I was taken through a gambit of emotions and at the end felt very fulfilled with the choices and decisions made by the characters. I even felt a bit sorry for the father in the book. Great read. Pick up a copy and enjoy a break from your life by living through Margaret’s.

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Blood and Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) A.D. Brazeau Review by Stephanie Driskill

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shanghaied and depleted of vital lifeforce and dumped into a room with others like you who are awaiting the day of their wedding to men who paid for a wife, Greer is fuming but determined to make something out of her life besides living someone else’s script. The boat ride that she barely survived but remembers the dark shadow that came to her often. Is it love or is it lust? Is he real or just a figment of her dream state?
What a great read! The book had my attention from page one, and I could not put it down. The characters were so well developed and easily relatable to whether you agreed with their choices or not. The story just kept moving right along and now I am anxious for the next book in the series. What will happen to Greer and The Casket Girls next? I cannot wait to find out but first read this book!

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did not know what I was getting into when I choose this book. All I saw in the description is a world event that turned everything into chaos. Unlike other books where it’s about zombies or natural disasters destroying the world. It’s about the current time when COVID happened. At first, I felt indifferent because it is still going on and after a while, it becomes old news. Though this book brought a twist to the present which interested me and keep me reading.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jess Dimmock

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow.. I do love when an author takes on the task of writing a “fractured Fairytale” or any new twist on a “known tale”. This is an amazing take on Apollo and the Greek Pantheon.
This is a re-telling that humanizes the Gods and paints them a bit differently than I’ve seen before. Apollo is the future Sun God, one he ascends, and we get to see him in a mortal form. He has serious parent issues, as you can imagine any child of Zeus would, and he’s jaded about life. We also meet his mortal sister Temi, who is a total Bad@$$!
Due to what Zeus perceives as Apollo’s many failings, he forces him to make a choice, ascend immediately or spend a year being mentored by the Prince Hyacinth. Since Apollo isn’t ready to give up his humanity yet he goes to stay with the Prince, and Temi goes with since she isn’t letting her brother give up or go alone.
We meet Prince Hyacinth in depth and his beautiful sister Princess Epiphany. Both of which aren’t what you expect. You also briefly meet their other brother. Our characters are a brilliant balance of strength and vulnerability. They jump off the pages and crawl into your heart.
With a beautifully written cast and world that feels like you can reach out and touch it, this story positively gleams with creativity. The imagery evoked is breathtaking and I can’t wait to read the next book.

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The Wish-Eater by Claire Luana – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Wish-EaterThe Wish-Eater by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fantasy romance had a fairytale feel to it, which held me captivated from start to finish. I liked the added folklore elements to the storyline, and I felt immersed in the world the author has created, due to the descriptive narrative. The suspense really built as the story went on, and the journey to find the mythical, wish-granting creature, which is shrouded in myth continued. I liked the main characters, Elodie and Sebastian, and really felt for them, especially Elodie and her wish to have a child and become a mother. Elodie’s desperation for a baby really came across in the story, and I felt as though I was there with her and Sebastian when they embarked on their dangerous quest to find the ‘Wish-Eater’. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which dealt with a sensitive issue, in Elodie’s wish for a baby. An engaging read, which I recommend.

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This Night Has Ended (Vampire State Book 5) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Cindy Rushin

This Night Has EndedThis Night Has Ended by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good. It was a fitting end for the series. Rowena’s journey had so many different paths it could have taken but I really like the path the author chose. I love the fact that at the end the reader finds that Rowena and Vincenzo do get a happy ending, although not in the way the reader might have anticipated. This author developed a dynamic world and story, I look forward to reading more from her.

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The Night has Ended ( Vampire State Book 5 ) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Caralee Loonat

This Night Has EndedThis Night Has Ended by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what an ending! I have really enjoyed this series and I am a bit sad to see it end but what an end. I like how the author was able to keep the action up and keep the reader’s attention. I really love vampire books and this was just what the doctor ordered. I really like how this book flowed from the previous and kept up the drama and story going. I just could not put this book down.

I love how the characters enhance one another and the chemistry keeps up from book 1 to book 5. I really like how it is character driven and how the ending really is an ending not really any loose ends or what ifs. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When epidemiologist Joanie Fisher’s life is thrown into a rather terrifying knot of confusion, the last thing she expects is to come into an inheritance from her recently deceased grandfather. What’s even more unexpected is the streak of missing children that, oddly enough, is happening in the same town in which her grandfather just mysteriously died in. To make matters even worse, it seems what’s happening in the town may just be tied to research she had been doing before her lab burned down. When too many coincidences begin making more sense, Joanie must come to terms with a surprising truth… I enjoyed the more medical-based perspective on lycanthropy that showed in this book and found the premise of this series intriguing.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Jade Thomson

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title really says it all!: “A totally gripping thriller full of twists” and boy was it!! First of all- I loved the characters, they were so fleshed out, with Josie being my favorite. The story really was twisty and kept throwing me through a loop. I’m a big fan of mysteries, especially ones that I can’t figure out before the end, and this one did that for me! Being able to read Josie’s journal and seeing her inner thoughts through that medium made me feel more immersed and interested in the storyline. I HAD to finish this in one reading! I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read more by this author! One of my favorite reads this month for sure- if you love mysteries give this one a chance!!! (Also- having this take place during COVID just adds another element where you really feel involved- or at least I did!)

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Snap Me Up (Full Throttle Cyborgs Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Snap Me Up (Full Throttle Cyborgs, #1)Snap Me Up by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Snap Me Up (Full Throttle Cyborgs Book 1) by Landra

Wow! To say I loved this book is quite the under statement! What a great start to this new series. This is a Sci-Fi/Romance that I found to be a bit intense at times. The author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and keeping your attention. I pretty devoured this book. This is a story about Snapper and Gina. She’s just trying to figure out what it means to be human all while working in a garage with Snapper. He’s the kind of person who likes everyone or it was until he met her.. These find themselves working together on a motor after it’s failed. These two have some serious chemistry between them. But he can be a jerk. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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The Wish-Eater by Claire Luana – Review by Kerry Carr

The Wish-EaterThe Wish-Eater by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this fantasy romance story. The author does a great job of mixing romance with fantasy. I really related to the part of the story of Elodie’s struggle to become a mother after going through this myself. The author handled this situation in a delicate moving way and Elodie’s story really connected with me.

Everyone wants things in their life that they can’t have. All Elodie wants is to become a mother, her marriage is an unlovable one and she feels a baby will help reconnect her and her husband but every year the baby doesn’t appear.

Sebastian also has a wish he wants and thats the love of Elodie. Obviously due to her circumstances that wish can’t be fulfilled.
However, when Elodie hears a story about a mythical creature called a Wish Eater Sebastian decides to join her on the quest to find it so that her wish to be a mother can come true.

As the pair go on their adventure of a creature that may not even exist they realise that the love they were trying to find could have been in front of them all along.

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