No Way out by Amy McKinley – Review by Crystal Jimmo

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! Just wow! This breath of fresh air in the form of a book was absolutely wonderful. Reading about Liliana and her badass self was absolutely wonderful. She did not need anybodies protection and she let people know it. She was a force to be reckoned with. Max is the perfect partner for her. He wasn’t overly possessive at all. He was protective but still let her have her freedom too. There were some pretty steamy scenes that just added to the story instead of overwhelming it. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what happens to the rest of Liliana’s close group of friends!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rachel Moss

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something Lost was a really good read! It was entertaining, romantic, emotional and had some funny bits in it as well. If you’re looking for a feel good, happy ending type of story this one is it. Bernadette Marie’s books all seem to follow a similar style and this one is no different. Picking up one of her books is like a comfort because you always know what to expect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Robin Rankin

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor

My only regret is I didn’t read the first book in this series before reading this one.  This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

Amy and Hugh work well together in personal life and in business and I really like them period.

There are so many little things about this story that make everything work, from the work relationships Amy has with her co-workers to the family relationships to how she interacts with new to her people.

I highly recommend this book.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Erin Wolf

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.
**This review may contain spoilers from previous books in the series.**

I constantly forget just how good this series is until I get into the next book. I swear, each book gets better and better. Each story is unique but still stays within the realm of the series. This book being about stolen money was interesting, especially when the suspect is someone we know. There are many twists and turns, keeping us on our toes and wondering just who all is involved.

Karina, as always, is yet again a great main character. She goes all out for those she cares about, jumping in head first to solve this. I also like the direction this series is heading and focusing more on the Silverthorne group. They have been my favorite since we first met them and really help define this series. We need to see much more of all of them in the future.

If you are a fan of intense mysteries with spectacular characters, this book and series are definitely for you. It can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is definitely worth your time.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Betsy Melano

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison is the first book in The Lochlann Feuds series. From the start, I was sucked into this book by the feisty and outspoken Princess Rowan and had to keep reading to find out what happens. Rowan and her cousin Davin find themselves in trouble but this time it’s not with the king but in Socair where they might be punished for smuggling. While they wait their fate, things get interesting in the romance department. I can’t wait to read more about Princess Rowan and Lord Theo!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Krista Vaughan

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Krista Vaughan

Lil is under her father’s evil thumb. He only wants to use her to grow his power. Liliana’s grandfather sends Max, disguised as an assassin named Matteo, to protect her from her father’s dangerous ways. She is a prisoner and she needs to escape before her father does something unimaginable. She thinks she has no hope, but she soon realizes that Matteo is more than he seems and she hopes she can trust him. She certainly is falling for him. Amy McKinley has done it again in this fast-paced novel of evil Mafia families and the men who would make them better.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Jo Frizzell

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy mother of goodness this book was AMAZING. I read it in only a few hours, unable to stop for anything because I needed to know more of Princess Rowan. She makes me think of Merida from Brave and honestly, Merida is one of my all time favorite princesses. Prince Theo is the man every headstrong princess wants to find and their relationship and the way it develops is beautiful! I legitimately cannot wait until I can find out what comes next in this captivating and breathtaking world with the people that I wish I knew.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Trish Ann

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story. I really liked the way the time travel was done in the context of the plot. Kat and Phillip had a beautiful story. The author did a great job creating deep dislike for Spencer and creating a thorn in the side of Kat. I loved that the time travel was to the 1940’s and especially that the author compared Kat’s voice to that of Judy Garland at one point in the book. Definitely hit the mark for me. I look forward to reading Book 2!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sophie Rae

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Soooo… let’s all point fingers at Amy. Because I was 100% sneaking off to read this book in full. I loveeee a good mafia romance and this hit it out of the park!! Between Max & Liliana everything was spot on. The characters themselves are intense and so easy to love. Falling in love with this book is so dangerously easy. Happy reading friends – you won’t be disappointed!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Beverly Finnie

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay well I’m going to start off by saying this book definitely has “trigger warning” potential. Stand your Ground by A.J. Ullman is definitely a story that currently goes with the narrative of this country’s current narrative. In saying that I struggled getting through the book. It was definitely a trigger warning for me but I still pushed on.
Cady, a lawyer, who is on the verge of making partner at her law firm. Chooses to ride her bike home rather late from work. When she makes it to Jefferson Park, she runs into the one person who has silently threatened her, Mingo. Next thing she knows is her clip is empty and Mingo is dead. Cady decides to “stand your ground” stating it was self defense because she feared for her life.
Does she get arrested?
Does her “stand your ground “ explanation hold up?
Back to the trigger warning, though not a member of law enforcement, this is a story about a “white woman” showing up in an offbeat neighborhood shooting and killing a “black man.” Despite the person Mingo is, the public is screaming for his justice due to “white privilege.”
As someone who stands behind the “black lives matter” movement, to get equal rights no matter the skin color and educate those about the prejudices that they face on a daily basis. It rubbed me the wrong way coming up in a book of fiction. That being said, character development was fantastic. As well as the book itself was well written. I just didn’t care for that aspect. I feel like there’s more to this movement than what can be presented by 1 person, in a book of fiction no less.

@placexba

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Nicole

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley is absolutely one of the most amazing mafia books that I have ever read. I have read several of Ms. McKinleys books and they are making her quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her plot lines are always so perfect, her characters are wonderful and very detailed, and she makes sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to descriptions. Max aka “Matt” is the very definition of mr tall, dark, and handsome. Meanwhile Liliana is a beautiful mafia princess who just wants out. Will Max get her out safely? Will she trust him to protect her and get her away from her horrible father? Or will she find a way out on her own? You’ll have to to read No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley for yourself to find out.

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love a good romantic suspense book, definitely pick this book up and read!! I really enjoyed the story and I am new to Author Kel O’Connor. Three years prior, Amy Stuart’s sister dies and she has been blaming herself since. When Amy is hired to be part of the DAG Team to find out who is smuggling drugs into Hugh Bainbridge IV mothers charity, Amy wants revenge. Will Amy get the revenge she so desperately wants or will love get in the way? I really loved this story, the character and suspense!!! It is so hard not to give so much away, but this is truly a fantastic book!

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor was a very interesting spy novel with a main character that puts the likes of Jason Bourne to shame. The spy novel had everything a spy lover needs including a character with amazing spy skills, grief, a rich playboy, revenge and family entanglements, that will all keep you flipping the pages quickly. While
this is book two I personally hope this story isn’t done because I loved Hugh and Amy so much that I want to see their story continue. While I haven’t read any of Ms. O’Connor’s work yet I will definitely be reading more. Her writing flowed so effortlessly, and her plot was so perfect that I couldn’t help enjoying her story. So if your looking for a good book for this weekend I highly recommend Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor.

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Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson – Review by Jenna Knee

Murder Among FriendsMurder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hooks you from page one.  You are instantly drawn into the world of Cammie and want to know everything right away. It very much has classic TV drama vibes and I could easily see this being made into a Lifetime Movie. Definitely a page turner that makes you want to continue reading with no regard to the outside world.  There are twists and turns in every chapter and just when you think you have it figured out, another twist smacks you in the face.  I really hope that Ms. Burson continues writing Cammie and Grant’s story because there is so much more to be told with these two characters.

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Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor-Review by Amanda Kimble

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Conner

This is the first book I’ve read by O’Connor. It certainly won’t be my last. Unsettled Scores is an amazing book. Amy and Hugh will leave you with mixed emotions.

Amy is finally where she wants to be. When she wants out due to her anger she finds herself back in Atlanta. Cue where she meets Hugh and all his glory. The quote I chose for Amy is: “I wanted to gut the bastard behind the abduction. I didn’t catch him; he seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. Most likely thanks to his boss moving him to another state. After Audrey died, I went too far trying to corner the Duke and was placed on indefinite leave from the force. That’s when DAG approached me.”

Hugh has recently lost his father and thanks to that it left him with a ton of money. When he meets Amy things are changed. He fell for her although he isn’t sure how she feels. The quote I chose for Hugh is: “Nah. I don’t know. I’ve yet to make a decision on it. I’m flying by the seat of my pants. Feels good to be doing something to make a difference. Seeing what Neddra and her friends are accomplishing energizes me. There are situations that cannot be helped by only throwing money at it.”

Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author. I think that the author was very imaginative in how the love story played out. Especially, since there is time travel in the mix! The characters were written in a way that I was able to relate to them. The author also did a wonderful job of describing the present and the past in such a way that I could see what was happening without too much imagination. The love story is sweet and I wanted to see Kat and Philip together. This is the first book of two and I will be eagerly awaiting book 2 to find out how it all ends!

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No Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio – Review by Ashley Hasting

No Strings AttachedNo Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just want to start with this: I wish I can see what Dat Ass really looked like LOL! But for real, this story was AMAZING! Lara, GREAT JOB! I was hooked from the beginning, and finished so Satisfied, but also now ready to read some more of her stories!! Kayla just couldn’t stop staring at a butt who ended up being a Handsome Single man who had the right packages, but not the time. Kayla is a single mom with an adorable 4 year old daughter working to support them both, but not with the job she really wants to do. Kayla and Tanner work slowly to get to know each other in other ways while they tackle many obstacles. There is a lot of love, family, friendships, and drama, but they all work perfectly together in this story. I seriously enjoyed every moment of this book!

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Reviewed by @ash18235

Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Ashley Hasting

Dating the It GuyDating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dating the IT guy can have many ups and downs. This story will definitely provide those scenarios with you and how it can feel. When you are under a lot of drama and family issues, it can be a lot more stressful. You are brought in with a Sophomore girl in high school who usually doesn’t hang out with many people, but when she starts a class in the summer with the hottest guy in school, you know she’s in for a whirlwind of an adventure. The only thing you are looking for is how long will this adventure last, and is it good for you, or are you overthinking it all? It has a lot of turns that took me a minute to read, but then I got into a good spot and finished with a great ending.

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Reviewed by @ash18235

Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Ashley Hasting

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For one, I would like to state that this book has many surprises, but I am so glad, because man were they SO GOOD! You first start out at a funeral of a loving coach, father, and husband. You are introduced to his family, as well as his main students he took pride in and watched all of them from afar. When his daughter finds one of those members again, another story rekindles and begins there. There are a lot of twist and turns, past and present, and lots of love, relationships, and friendships that are everlasting. I cannot wait to continue reading this series!

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Reviewed by @ash18235

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sarah Devereaux

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it again! No Way Out did not disappoint! I do not know where this author has been all my life, but I am happy to have found her because she is on the top of my 2021 favourite authors list!
No Way Out is book 1 in McKinley’s new Mafia Elite series! It is fast-paced and sucks you in from the beginning wanting you to keep on reading and find out what happens with Max and Liliana.
If you love suspense with some romance mixed in then this book, and author, are for you!

I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait to see where McKinley takes this series next! In the meantime, I will count down the days until I have book 2 in my hands!

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Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Felicia Bates

Saratoga RoanSaratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saratoga Roan
Bree M. Lewandowsky
4 out of 5 stars

I don’t read a lot of second chance romances but I was really drawn to Saratoga Roan by the synopsis. I quickly found myself pulled into the storyline and felt the attention to detail was rich and vivid.The characters were relatable and likable and the storyline flowed very smoothly. This short romance was the first I’ve read by Bree M. Lewandowksy but I look forward to seeing what
some of her other writing has to offer in the future.

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Something Lost by Bernadette Marie – Review by Carisa Saenz

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story Something Lost was great once the main plot got going. It is very slow in the beginning. I would have preferred if it didn’t take so long for these to start building between Craig and Rachel. Other than that this love story does pull heartstrings.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a soft spot for murder mystery novels, and this one had everything I adore: a stereotypical crime, a number of possible suspects that keeps the reader guessing, a clueless hero/heroine, a sassy cop, & finally a great tied together ending that explains everything that the reader had been piecing together themselves. It was perfect, from the amount of detail included to the amount of foreshadowing left for the reader to imagine their own conclusions!

The character interactions between Detective Overstreet and Lauren were positively scrumptious. I kept hoping that there would be a romance side to the story and I wasn’t disappointed, it was subtle but it was there and I loved the undertones of the interactions as they unfolded.

This story was made all the better because I have family in Wyoming, where the book is based, and it all felt like I was home. The author’s descriptions were spot on, while also not focusing too overly much on detail. It made it feel all very natural!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Nicole Elizabeth

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I devoured this book in 2 days. I’d rate it 5/5 stars. It wasn’t as heavy on the erotica as I had been led to believe but the characters were well written and invoked real emotion. The story is a tale of a Mafia Princess named Liliana and her struggles living in the brutal but luxurious life of mafioso royalty. From the weaponry and mindset to the descriptions and rationalizations everything was really well written. It was less erotica and more Mob/love story in my eyes but to each their own. The story has lots of twists and turns. Some you expect, but others not so much. I really enjoyed the overall storytelling and look forward to reading the next book. What’s next for these two?! I’ll be staying tuned, will you? Give it a read!

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Allyson Ware

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Allyson Ware

Wow. When I began this book, I never could have guessed what was contained inside. I also struggled at first with so much going on, but the author does SUCH a good job brining it all together cohesively.

I do have to say, I think my favorite character is Cassius. He almost reminds me of Sampson from the Bible. I love that he follows his intuition and seems to truly have a good heart. I cannot wait to see what the second book has in store for everyone involved.

Review by @aware

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book in the Funerals and Weddings series. This is a Contemporary Romance novel and is 233 pages in length. This story follows Craig and Rachel. In high school, Craig dated Rachel, the coach’s daughter. After graduation it was time to move on to the real world. But those feelings would never leave. When the coach dies and Craig returns for the funeral, it is a rekindling not only between his friends/teammates, but also with Rachel. Will the sparks between the two still be there?

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jade Thomson

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit for Amy McKinley! As soon as I saw she had a new release I knew I had to read!! I’m a sucker for mafia romance and she sure knows how to deliver. I was sucked in from the beginning and I couldn’t stop consuming this book! I’ve never been a HUGE fan of anything labeled “arranged marriage” and if anyone out there is like me- IGNORE that. It’s so much more. (Also- Max? Swoon worthy!) I won’t spoil anything but 👀🔥💖. (Sometimes I feel emojis express things better than my words can!) I’m excited for the next book! If y’all ain’t read her stuff yet- you’re behind the times! Get it! Onto the next 💖

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Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Saratoga RoanSaratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a second chance at love theme. Cassandra has a horse accident and her life literally flashes before her eyes and it’s the face of Rhett, her first loves that she sees. Their relationship ended badly five years ago and they have not seen each other since, but Cassandra hopes it’s not too late to try again. However, Rhett who was left in the small town they both grew up in when Cassandra left, still blames her for the end of their relationship, and for breaking his heart. Rhett has his hands full with a business to run, a mentally ageing father to care for and an estranged brother so the last thing he needs is a reminder of his painful past.
So when Cassandra turns up and makes it clear that she has returned for him, Rhett has to rethink what he really wants and stop his pride from keeping them apart. When old disagreements and arguments resurface the couple discover a major revelation, that some of their problems were actually medical. This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which had me hooked from start to finish. The main characters, Cassandra and Rhett are both likeable and relatable and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I was cheering them on and hoping that they would get their happy ever after.

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Something Lost by Bernadette Marie – Review by Michelle Collier

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much in the book I don’t even know where to start. So we start with a funeral, which was not a surprise given the series is called Funerals and Weddings. The beloved coach is gone and “his” has come to pay their respect. What will happen when Rachel and Craig meet again? I laughed and cried through this book. Definitely will be reading the next book!

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Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Kerry Baker

Saratoga RoanSaratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski is an enjoyable second chance romance. I found this book to be quite a quick and easy read, perfect for getting lost in on a lazy afternoon. The characters are relatable which makes them easy to connect with. I wanted to find out more about them and see how things would turn out.
I thought the author did a great job of creating an easy flow to the book. It was paced well and pushed forward in all the right places. This is a well written romance story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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