Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Carrie Cross

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings” is a delightful and hilarious rom-com by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray that will have readers laughing out loud and swooning simultaneously. The collaborative effort of these talented authors brings to life a charming story filled with witty banter, lovable characters, and a romance that will warm your heart.
The dynamic between the main characters is electric from the very beginning. The authors have expertly crafted a romance that sizzles with chemistry and tension, keeping readers hooked as they navigate their way through unexpected obstacles. The humor infused into the narrative adds an extra layer of enjoyment, ensuring plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book.
Stewart and Ray have a knack for creating relatable and well-rounded characters. The protagonist’s snarky and quick-witted personality is balanced perfectly with the hero’s charming and slightly cocky demeanor. Readers will root for this lovable duo as they navigate through funny and heartwarming situations.
The writing style of “Mood Swings and Hockey Flings” is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it easy to lose oneself in the story. The pacing is spot-on, with the perfect balance of tender and steamy moments that engage the readers thoroughly. And with its upbeat and lighthearted tone, this book is a perfect escape when you need a pick-me-up.
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with well-developed characters, sparkling dialogue, and a dose of laughter, “Mood Swings and Hockey Flings” is a must-read. Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray have crafted an entertaining and feel-good novel that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Carrie Cross

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery” by I.M. Foster is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Set in the serene coastal town of South Shore, the author skillfully crafts a web of mystery and intrigue that will have readers on the edge of their seats.
Foster’s writing style is engaging and immersive, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the world of the characters. The protagonist, along with a cast of well-developed and intriguing supporting characters, guides us through the intricate twists and turns of the investigation. Each suspect is carefully woven into the narrative, leaving readers constantly questioning their motives and secrets.
The pacing of the book is impeccable, with the plot gradually building to a crescendo while maintaining a steady stream of suspense throughout. I.M. Foster expertly balances the delicate line between revealing clues and keeping readers in the dark, resulting in a truly engaging reading experience.
“Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery” is a captivating and well-plotted crime novel that will satisfy fans of the genre. I.M. Foster’s attention to detail and atmospheric descriptions transport readers straight into the heart of the investigation. If you enjoy immersive mysteries with intriguing characters and a strong sense of place, this book is must-read.

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of how our bodies heal after getting hurt. I absolutely love how Wickstrom is able to take something so scientific and break it down so that not only is it understandable for kiddos but its also fun and entertaining. Our main character has skinned his knee after a fall and his mother puts a bandage on it and tells him not to peek because his body needs to be able to heal. Throughout the story, we learn exactly what our body is doing, phase by phase, as it heals. Wickstrom also includes some sidenotes with interesting little tidbits that are good for more advanced readers. As usual, the illustrations are fantastic and follow along perfectly with the story. This is such a great book to add to your Lois Wickstrom collection.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story rocks. It makes learning about healing wounds so much fun. The descriptions are really adaptable to a child’s level. The illustrations are so colorful and fun. The information on the healing process is bite-sized. Being an adult, I enjoyed reading this story. This would be a cool book to have in doctor’s offices to help kiddos. It’s a definite in family libraries. You must check this one out.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing read. I was hooked the moment I started it. A story of basically growing up and learning what family is. This story will tug at your heart strings. You will definitely feel every emotion. The main characters are so wonderfully written. A story of two siblings trying to survive and understand each other and the choices made. This is also the story of a community in Idaho that pulled together after a natural disaster. It’s a beautiful story that I couldn’t put down. I recommend you give this a read.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh this giver is one of those you can just climb into and be transported in time 😉

So Colin arrives the office a little early so that he can get work and get into the boss’s good graces because he was taken to task for looking unkept after a night in the saloon 🙈so he still looks a mess 🤣 but instead of finding the kar work he needed he cones across his boss , dead , in his office 🙈

Look the man wasn’t very likeable and there are many suspects but poor Colin in the main suspect at the moment fortunately Daniel , the coroner believes he’s innocent as does his sister Kathleen so there’s that at least 😉

Anyhoo Daniel and Kathleen are out to prove Colin’s innocence and things do get a little hairy and you keep second guessing yourself as to who really is guilty and yes there’s a dash of romance to take the edge off 😊

A relaxing and fun read ! I love being an armchair sleuth 😉

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Enisha Reaves

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a fun Rom-Com with humor, a strong female character, romance, and spice, then please grab this book.

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart follows hockey agent Kaitlyn and Hockey superstar Banks as they went from an instant connection in an airport to becoming enemies and rivals. As they find a way to work together, that fire starts to come back. Will they skate away together or melt the ice?

I love the enemies to lovers trope and this one delivered. The chemistry between the two was palpable, but it was how well rounded and fun they were that really drew me in. The banter kept a smile on my face until the last page.

The authors did an amazing job at presenting the dilemmas the characters faced while still keeping the humor. Hot Flashes, mood Swings and love…oh my. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue the series.

Happy Reading!

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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This is a 3 book boxset 🥰

TRUE PURPOSE

Well if the cover is anything to go by we’re in for a colourful and beautiful read ….

There’s so much to love about this book but a few quotes really stood out for me like this one where Julia compares the taste of wine to people

“It’s like making a new acquaintance. Some are pleasant enough , but after they leave , nothing of their presence remains . Others linger , their nuances and flavours persisting in their wake.”Age appears to be best in four things -d wood best to burn , old wine to drink , old friends to trust and old authors to read .” ❣️📕

All I wanted to do while reading this is save for a ticket to Portugal and drink copious amounts of wine and port 😉

At times it felt like I was reading a fictional non fiction , Giovanna really put alot of effort into research of the wine making process and for those efforts I thank you !

Griffin and Julia’s relationship was like aging wine it only kept getting better , pardon the play of words there , I couldn’t resist 😉

There was also more body to this story than just wine and port , I learnt about love , family , letting people in , embracing different people and cultures ❣️

This is a read I’d highly recommend ❣️📚

TASTE OF LIGHT

Sometimes we make bad decisions and when they done to haunt they come with a vengeance and I’m afraid this was the case for Pedro , yes he’s the man we all love to hate but there’s something that makes me feel sorry for him to a degree …..

Anne comes across as a bit if a fading wallflower but don’t underestimate her and her inner Amazonian warrior woman ….

As per the first book I was ready to pack my bags and head out to follow them wherever they were , I’m a picture person and the places I “went” to and the people I “ interacted” with while reading this was just amazing . These people are complex , deep and intense but there’s a live and respect for them and their stories that you need to experience for yourself ❣️📕

THE TRUTH ABOUT MYTHS

My “ passport “ was stamped with my “travels” between Portugal and Spain 😉

Having read the first 2 books I was ready to keep my glass filled and a bottle of “nectar of the gods “ on hand 😊🤫

Isabel is no fading wallflower and she has strong ideals and firm morals . When her brother , the king asks to o to Spain in order to resolve a crisis she agrees but I didn’t think she was expecting her “travel companion “ the annoying , liberal , handsome and oh so charming Viscount Henrique 😊

Henrique accompanied Isabel against his will to sone degree but I don’t think he minds teaching Isabel his ways 🤣🥰😉and while he’s clever and has street smarts and seems arrogant to a degree he can sympathise with Isabel and the position she’s in which just makes me like him so much more 😉<br /><br />I love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter ! I loved the rich history ! I loved watching their romance bloom 🥰but having said that I did feel a little sorry for Isabel and disillusionment she had of the politics of her country …,

All in all a rich and enjoyable read ❣️📚

Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by M Policicchio

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abigail needs one semester of student teaching to receive her teaching certificate/degree. There is only one problem. Abigail has an alter-ego as Pop Superstar Kaia. Kaia can’t just student teach. It would be a disaster. Abigail has it all figured out. A small Maine town. A secret deal with the principal to protect her identity. It was a good plan.

When Everett, the science teacher/vice-principal, finds out the deal that his principal made, Everett is livid. This can’t be happening. What is worse is that he wasn’t even supposed to find out but when Abigail’s scheduled mentor gets put on bedrest, Everett is brought into the loop because he is her new mentor.

There are sparks…like serious chemical reactions going on between Abigail and Everett. As each struggles with their pasts, the present, and ghosts, they build an unexpected friendship. When Abigail asks Everett’s help for a crazy plan to help a long-time friend, Everett goes along with it because it is Abigail. But it couldn’t be just that easy. Hijinks and mayhem ensue.

Abigail and Everett dive into their fake relationship without thinking about the consequences. When it blows up, hearts are left broken and battered. Can Abigail and Everett see what really matters?

This wonderful story has it all, humor, great banter, amazing character, and the right amount of steam. Super read!!

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Amber Howard

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin is the second novella in the Mythic Academy Collection. This story is about a Siren, Corisande, who accidentally hurts a sailor and a series of events that unfold. In this re-imagined telling, Sirens are sent to a special school in order to learn to conceal their powers and keep the knowledge of their existence a secret. On an outing with her best friend Sera, Bianca accidentally cause Noah to crash his boat. Feeling terrible the two Sirens save him. This action would be the start of turning the world they know upside down. Secrets will be revealed, bonds will be formed and something so powerful and simple may just be what they need to fix everything.

The characters are very sweet. Corisande and Noah are bonded by her curse but the feelings may be real. They both protect each other in their own ways. Sera is actually my fave character. The way she is there for Corisande is beautiful. She’s a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason, and a defender. Again, like the first story, the ending is complete. I don’t have numerous questions. I love the tie in to mythology.

This story is marketed towards young adults but I enjoyed it a lot. It’s nice to read feel good wholesome books that don’t have a lot of adult content in them every now and then. You get romance, fantasy/paranormal, and a bit of mystery in this one. 4.5 ⭐️

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The School of Nine (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Amber Howard

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The School of Nine (The Mythic Academy Collection, #1)The School of Nine by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The School of Nine by Amanda Marin is a part of the Mythic Academy collection but can be read as a stand alone novella. This story follows Bianca as she embarks on a journey of self discovery, acceptance, and sacrifice. As graduation nears she is tasked with showing the new kid ( Sebastian) the ropes. She soon finds out that every one has secrets and that her gift may be just what’s needed to save them all. With the help of The nine she just might.

I really enjoyed this one. The characters are well developed, the plot is super engaging and there isn’t a lull. Right from the start you can tell there’s something about Bianca that is powerful and I don’t mean her actual powers. Although she doubts herself she has a strength that many wouldn’t have in her situation.

This is a story for young adults but can be enjoyable by anyone who likes fantasy stories. Its wholesome. Doesn’t take long to read. The story feels complete and I am not left with a million questions which is quite refreshing. I also noticed that both stories in this series have mythical references. I love mythology and am always intrigued by the way they are incorporated. 5 ⭐️ from me.

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209529209-will-you-pretend-marry-me” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Will You Pretend Marry Me” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1709670104l/209529209._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209529209-will-you-pretend-marry-me”>Will You Pretend Marry Me</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3272041.Christi_Barth”>Christi Barth</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6491880398″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Abigail Dilworth is your normal and average everyday girl. However, she also is a huge pop star that goes by the stage name of Kaia. She has just come off of a world tour and intends on finishing her teaching degree. She will be going incognito at a high school in Maine, but after that she doesn’t know which career path she wants to continue. Everett Reynolds is the vice-principal at this school, and he also has a job working for the EPA. Nobody else knows about his second career and much like Abigail, or Kaia, as she is known, he does not want anybody to know. Things could get a little hairy when Abigail asks him to become her alter ego, the pop stars fake fiancé. Will he take her up on this offer? They got off to a rocky start when they met in a bakery, but as they continued to work together closely the lines started to blur. This was a fun book to read and the characters were enjoyable. Their interactions seemed genuine and were relatible in some instances. Although this was the first book that I have read by this author, I do look forward to looking for more of her published works.
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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Come Home to Death is full of suspense, family secrets, drama, and a little bit of romance. I was hooked from the first chapter. The main character has growth throughout the novel which have the coming of age moment helps propel the story forward. Sometimes going home again isn’t in your best interest.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202515951-murder-on-west-main” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1700630496l/202515951._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202515951-murder-on-west-main”>Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22926746.I_M_Foster”>I.M. Foster</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6491844475″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Colin was on the brink of losing his job, but the last thing he expected was to find his boss deceased. The lawyer was disliked by just about everybody in town so it’s going to be hard to prove who committed the crime. Colin’s sister is determined to investigate in spite of Daniel’s wishes. While she knows her brother is no angel, neither she nor her boyfriend believe he is guilty. Daniel feels like all the puzzle pieces are coming together, but there is one that is elusive. He is determined to figure out what the missing piece is before things get worse. Will the culprit be found or will they go on to commit another crime? This was a fairly fast place book and the author draws you in from the beginning. You don’t necessarily have to read book one in order to follow along with this one, however, it might give a little bit of a better understanding of the characters.
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Not So Little Things Audio Book by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Robin Rankin

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Not So Little Things

The Fairy houses were enough to convince me to listen to Tina’s story. While they were an important part of her story there was so much including some surprises which I never saw coming.

Tina held onto some very important memories from her childhood with her daddy. Those memories lead her down a career path with her best friend. Though it’s not super successful in the beginning she sees things shift after a meeting with a client amongst other things.

Doors open and shut all the way through. I loved the memories of Tina and her daddy, made me think of mine and miss him more than normal.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book, the narration only added to the it. I found myself getting lost in the story instead of what I should have been doing.

Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Robin Rankin

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will You Pretend Marry Me

I knew I was going to enjoy this book from pretty early on. As a sucker for for both a hot intelligent man and delicious pastries I found myself attached to Everett and his love of scones almost instantly.

Abigail/Kaia made me think of Hannah Montana as an adult. Rockstar with her real life identity a secret to the public, but I liked Abigail more than Miley (no offense to the Miley Cyrus fans) but that may be an age thing.

There were so many moments I enjoyed, but I think my favorites both happened early. The talk Everett and Abigail had in her classroom after a rough day touched me, but not sure why. The other one was in the coffee and the previously mentioned scone. Still smiling thinking about it.

I was surprised to learn that I had not read anything by Ms. Barth before this book, but now that I know what I can expect I will be reading her books again in the future.

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Michelle Austin

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The Winemakers - Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical RomancesThe Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great 4 star read. We get three books in this boxset.
The True Purpose of Vines, The Taste of Light and The Truth About Myths. Each of these stories really pull you in. The author does a great job with all of these characters. Each book can be read as stand alones so you don’t have to read them all in one sitting. I also like the historical piece of the series and now I really want to go to Portugal and have some wine, lol. I was also on an emotional rollercoaster. All of the characters added a great element to the story. If you are looking for a historical romance with adventure and so much more, 1-click and get started to day on this great read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good and I can’t wait for more to come out!! This contemporary romance is about Abigail (aka Mega-pop star Kaia) and Everett. Abigail has lived a double life and not many know her secret. She has a secret identity. She is pop start Kaia but also ordinary Abigail who’s trying to finish her teaching degree. Her latest tour is over and everything is in place for her to student teach in a small Maine high school in Swan Cove. Everett is vice principal, teacher, and he also has a secret career! He’s an analyst for the EPA in his spare time. He doesn’t have much of a personal life. He has friends, but he’s not looking for anything more. At first the two don’t like each other. They get started out on the wrong foot and they argue a lot. They want each other, but they need to stay away from each other. When a friend of Kaia needs help she has to enlist Everett’s help. What can go wrong with a fake engagement?? Loads apparently. Their worlds are about to collide and turn upside down. So good you have to give this one a read!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this cute romance.

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@jaimie0459

Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall, I liked this book. I thought it was a long read for a romance novel. At first, it was a slow, sometimes confusing read. Then, about halfway through, I got really invested in the story and couldn’t put the book down. I’m glad I stuck with it. I really like the character Kaia/Abagail. I felt sympathetic to her. I can’t imagine going through what Abagail endured as a child, or the lack of privacy and safety that Kaia encountered. I was confused by Everett’s story line. I think the author was trying to give him a secret double-life with the EPA job so he could be like Kaia/Abagail. I felt the story would have been just as good without that plot twist, though. I fell in love with the people of Swan Cove. What a gift to have such a great group of friends. I read this book stand-alone, but now I want to read the previous books in the Swan Cove series.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Shannen Kern

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked this book up without realizing it was part of a series, but I feel like I still had a wonderful experience without the background. I will say that after reading this one that I absolutely must pick up the first because I loved it! The author has a unique way of subtly grabbing your attention and the next thing you know you’re up in the wee hours of the morning devouring the book. Within the first chapter I was hooked and lost out on sleep to finish (worth it)! The characters feel relatable and well developed, and the flow of the story had a very natural progression. Although this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I am hoping to pick up many more by them. If you love cozy mysteries that will keep you on your toes until the end, look no further because this is your next read!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Shannen Kern

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to have been completely absorbed as soon as I started reading! It’s quite an adventure and I found myself giggling at quite a few scenarios that came to light. Abigail is a marvelous female character that felt incredibly relatable, and Everett was a cautious but swoon worthy book boyfriend. While the cover looks lighthearted and fun, don’t let it fool you because there are some great spicy scenes within these pages! This author has me hooked with one book, and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store. I highly recommend picking this up if you enjoy romance books with a touch of witty banter and steam. You won’t regret it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Erin DeRoma

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun entertaining rom com.
I appreciated the wild ride it took me on, there were certainly mini plot twists throughout the book , that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Although the main characters were well written and the many side characters were entertaining there were quite a bit to keep track of, and for me took the ease of reading away just a tad. Overall a fun witty read.
A perfect book to escape reality for a little while.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

::trigger warnings for suicide, PTSD, addiction::
Breaking Apart was a pretty complex crime mystery book, which is apparently book 2 in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. I did not know that until after completing, and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I did struggle with all the characters, and keeping them straight, so perhaps that would have been minimized by reading the first book. I thought it was cool that it was written by two doctors. Reading a little about them, it seems they incorporated a bit of fact into their story (Wanda Venters worked in pediatrics and has 2 labradoodles). I like crime, mystery, and psychology, so this was a must read for me. The topic of the book is very eye opening- PTSD, Veterans suicides, addiction, black market drugs, and get rich schemes. The book did a good job of balancing the mystery surrounding Josh’s death, with characters development and their personal lives. The book had me intrigued, and I found myself on google several times, trying to validate if what I was reading was real or based on the author’s imagination. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was gonna happen next.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings
3.5

I really enjoyed this from the standpoint of the characters are facing new life scenarios, they are older. It was refreshing not to have a prime twenty something but characters that appeal to another generation.
At times this book lost my attention briefly but there were also parts where I was all in and couldn’t put it down.

Kaitlyn with a K is good at what she does but second guesses herself and worries too much about what other people think. Don’t we all?!?!

Hot Shot or Ben or Banks depending on the day is a hockey star that seems to be up shits creek due to age but can he salvage his career with the help of the right agent?

Is it a coincidence that the lady he met in the airport is the women he needs ten years later?!?

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Andrea Lopez Salazar

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will You Pretend Marry Me-By Christi Barth
5 stars

Absolutely loved this and thought it was such a cute story. Gave me Hannah Montana vibes but for adults!
Kaia a famous popstar hangs up her wig and all her fame to finish her teaching certification as a Music Teacher in a small-town Swan Cove as her real identity Abigal Dilworth. Aside from her best friend and Personal Assistant nobody really knows her true identity. The Principal and Vice Principal Everett Reynolds have to know to let her teach there and they signed a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to keep it a secret.
During her time there the Main music teacher went on Maternity leave, Abigail also has multiple run ins with, which doesn’t always turn out the best and they seem to have feelings, but both feel they shouldn’t.

Her Friend Zara who she owes everything to for helping her get her first singing gig in the beginning uses Kaia’s wig and vehicle to go check out rehab places and suddenly Kaia has to make a return and even needs the help Everett of as her fake fiancé to save her reputation and career. She is torn between both lives and needs to make a choice soon.

I got the feeling that as Abigail she just wanted to belong somewhere and have friends. She seems to be making them and enjoying it knowing her time might be short as she doesn’t know if she will ever return to her life as Kaia or stay Abigail the Music Teacher.

I don’t want to spoil the rest but this is an absolute must read especially if you loved Hannah Montana (I had 2 girls who loved her, so we know who she is). Great Enemies to lovers

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War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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War in Sorcery's Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy #3)War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

War in Sorcery’s Shadow is the third book in the Ruarnon Trilogy of Epic Fantasy. It’s aimed at a YA audience but will appeal to older fantasy lovers as well! This trilogy should definitely be read in order, so begin with Manipulator’s War to get to know the world and the characters, and watch them develop.

I was initially drawn to this series by the non binary protagonist, Ruarnon, who uses they/them pronouns. It’s always a treat to come across non binary characters! Ruarnon’s gender identity is a part of who they are, and influences how they are as a ruler, but there is so much to their character and it is not regularly drawn attention to. I particularly like moments when they note how effortlessly another character uses their pronouns.

Another thing I enjoyed in this book was the focus on neurodiversity. We see it as something that shapes the choices characters make, and their magic. There are examples of characters who have developed magic to help others cope with sensory issues. This is a wonderfully inclusive fantasy world and I’m so here for it!

I’d recommend this series to fantasy lovers who enjoy epic, magical worlds that are inclusive enough they can imagine themselves finding a place there. It gets five stars from me!

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Michelle Troyer

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and not the last. Full of twists and turns, it kept my attention throughout the book. It does not disappoint.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Shea Gilkerson 5/8/24

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kaitlyn is a sports agent in a man’s world of hockey, and has to be as badass as it sounds like she does to deal with the alpha males in the sport. She started in football under a highly misogynistic male boss, Ed, but put up with all the comments and BS associated with women in a men’s highly competitive sport because she knew she wanted to end up being an agent with her own company.

As she is rushing through the airport to meet up with her first hockey player who took a shot on her, she meets an insanely attractive man named Ben at the airport bar and they had a great day eating grilled cheese sandwiches and sitting next to one another on the flight. They both walked away with many secrets they didn’t share and many thoughts of one another into the following day – when Kaitlyn meets Banks on the ice as she meets the team of her new athlete. Things go from having great chemistry, a lot of fun and positive thoughts to quickly making enemies of one another. They spend the next decade absolutely devastating each other with the horrible burns they dish out when they aren’t totally ignoring and avoiding each other.

10 years later, Kaitlyn has 3 players on the team, Banks is the oldest player at 38 with bad habits that make him look like he doesn’t take his job seriously, contract negotiations in the very near future and a retiring agent who has dropped him. The retiring agent just so happens to be Ed, and Kaitlyn is offered the suggestion of picking up Banks so he can finish his career with a bang. In addition to making herself look like a goddess in the world of agents, she also would get to make Ed look bad, negotiate a ton of money for making Banks look great, and offer herself a challenge in the meantime. While it takes a touch of work and help from his best friend, Banks takes Kaitlyn up on her offer.

The 2 have incredible chemistry, incredible dislike for one another, a passion for hockey and an absolutely hilarious cast of characters that offer laugh out loud fun for this super quick read. I planned to read a bit at a time but I couldn’t put this book down and finished it within a day. Absolutely recommend. Fantastic fun, funny and steamy read.

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond – Review by Charlene Pryke

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rake by Ava Bond is the story of Silvester “Langley” and Margot.

This novel has it all…. A little bit of a murder mystery and treasure hunt and an underlying steamy romance with great sex scenes and risqué behaviours. I found this novel hard to put down and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 to continue the story and find out what happens next.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Julie Johnson

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed so far, even though this is only the second book. The author keeps you guessing with what will happen next! It brings a bit of nostalgia with the historical aspect and how they ever did any kind of police/detective work prior to DNA and all the technologies of today.

This could be read as a standalone but I always recommend having the context of previous books in a series to have a full comprehensive of all the players involved.

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