Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Carla Clemmons

Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not my usual read but I am really glad I picked it up. This was a great read from the start. I really love Rose’s character and enjoyed reading from her point of view. This book had a plot twist I did not see coming at all. This story made me feel a lot of emotions I was not expecting to feel when I picked it up. It was definitely a read where I had to know what was going to happen and what Rose was going to discover if she kept digging into her family’s past. I literally read it one sitting! I will be looking for more books from this author as they have a very easy writing style with characters that are easy to relate to. If you are looking for a page turner then I definitely recommend picking this book up!

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Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1)Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charming Chapter was a cute story with a happy ending. I love that it wasn’t the typical young characters, but multi generational. Laura, the main character, has just turned 60 and has decided to travel to England to investigate her ancestors roots. She meets Hugh and they hit it off right away. The book is full of all kinds of important messages- Follow your dreams, listen to your heart, don’t be afraid to start over or fall in love again. The advice Laura gives her daughter is perfect and so spot on! I will look forward to reading more if this series continues.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are so lucky to have found this author awhile back because she is absolutely marvelous! Every single time I bring a book home, both of my kids get outwardly excited. This one belongs to the Invisible Magic Wand series which we have loved each installment of. Caspian always goes on such imaginative adventures, and this was no different! He has to search for his unbirthday present with an Inquisitive Indicator, which is a perfect name for the actual item. This exploration contains an important lesson for kids as most of the author’s books do. The illustrations are beautiful and really add another layer to the story. I highly recommend picking up this book (and series) to share with the young ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Jennifer Ramos

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First book was so good and I couldn’t wait to read the next one. This second book in the series was even more intense. Both Ashton and Zachary’s attraction and desire grows and intensifies as time moves forward. Both are very taken with one another in every way possible. Their heated connection takes them on even more twists and turns then before. Even through the difficult situations they endure, they are able to manage the circumstances together. It is amazing to see their connection grow even through challenging matters.

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Rest for the Wicked is the first book in the Life is Hell series. I’ve been enjoying a lot of books by this author recently, including the House Valdis series, so knew I was in for a treat with this one! I love how she brings together unique fantasy elements and a variety of LGBTQ+ relationships.

In No Rest for the Wicked, we discover the small town of Juniper Lake through the eyes of burnt out demon Delilah. She’s in need of a break and, as the title suggests, the universe has other plans for her! This book does a good job of establishing the characters and giving the town history and depth.

I particularly like some of the supporting characters, including Jezebel and Millicent. I need to read more of the series now to get to spend some more time with these characters!

This book gets five stars from me. I’d recommend the series to readers who are already fans of the author’s work, and those who enjoy varied LGBTQ+ paranormal romances.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3SZFKF1549JGH/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6380266802
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1091584384

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book) by MJ Murray – Review by Elisha Johnson

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, #2)Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by MJ Murray- 5 out of 5 stars

Dylan and his sister are on another adventure. The two of them, along with their loyal dog set out to try and solve the newest mystery. This is the second book in the youth sleuths series and I have to say, they are a perfect introduction into the mystery genre.

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Elisha Johnson

A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Girl, Stuck (A Novel) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston- 5 out of 5 stars

This book had great character development with plenty of twists and turns that kept drawing me in. The cover art doesn’t draw much to the eye but the authors words breathe life into the pages. Although this book is the third in the series, it can be as a standalone without feeling as if you have missed something important. I can not wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this book.

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Elisha Johnson

A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Girl, Stuck (A Novel) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston- 5 out of 5 stars

This book had great character development with plenty of twists and turns that kept drawing me in. The cover art doesn’t draw much to the eye but the authors words breathe life into the pages. Although this book is the third in the series, it can be as a standalone without feeling as if you have missed something important. I can not wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this book.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hidden Present is Book Eight in the Invisible Magic Wand Series. Caspian wakes up on his Unbirthday and looks under his bed for his Unbirthday present but cannot find it. He is puzzled by this because his grandpa always leaves it there in a special box. Caspian goes to the kitchen where he finds an Inquisitive Indicator on the table and a note from his grandpa. Caspian must use the Inquisitive Indicator to follow the clues and find his Unbirthday present. The clues take Caspian on a little adventure as he uses the clues to solve the mystery of the hidden Unbirthday present. A cute and engaging read full of colorful illustrations that help bring the story to life.

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Elisha Johnson

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander- 5 out of 5 stars

Sexy, sneaky, spicy, secretive, steamy storyline. This book has all of that and so much more! Single mom Jolie and sexy Cy craft a storyline that will keep you transfixed. Sparks fly and then secrets start to reveal themselves. I love how the author wrote this book Undercover Boss style. I highly recommend this book.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Alison Risher

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A luggage mix up during a layover at a British airport leads to a case of mistaken identity. The mistaken identity leads to the love of a lifetime. Along the way, readers will encounter mobsters and estranged families. The ones fighting corruption begin to wonder who they can actually trust. I couldn’t put this book down!

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Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas – Review by Kerry Baker

Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1)Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is such a sweet and heartwarming story. It is unusual to get a book that has such an older character as it focus and even more unusual for one to do it so well. The main character was really engaging and I thought her whole arch was so inspiring and brilliant to read. She is the kind of person that makes me thing you can do anything no matter how old you might be.
I thought the story was really well imagined, and made me appreciate my capital city more than I have in a while. I loved watching the main character explore it and discover more about herself. The story was interesting and I easily became absorbed in it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.

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The Complete Echo Series: A Heartfelt Romance Collection (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Complete Echo Series (Echo #1-4)The Complete Echo Series by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Complete Echo Series: A Heartfelt Romance Collection (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam. This is such a good romantic series. One of my favorite books was Dangerous Rhythm. Its the story of Lina who used to be Army intelligence but now works as Security for the rock band Canis Major. Curtis is the epitome of rock star, he loves money, women and a wild lifestyle. Lina is loving this easy job until she gets involved with Curtis. She has been trying to avoid him because she gets her emotions all involved. When Curtis sees something he shouldn’t he becomes a target of the Mob. Lina has to be around him now so that she can protect him from this threat. Lina isn’t strong enough to fight her attraction to Curtis but she has to for the sake of Curtis’ safety. Will she be able to keep Curtis safe along with fighting her attraction to him. Will Curtis ever settle down so that Lina won’t be heartbroken! I loved this book because of the mystery along with the romance! I also really enjoyed Echoing Hearts. This is the first story of The Echo Series and its a slow burn romance. Its the story of Rae who has been reluctant to find love because she has watched her mom be heartbroken for a long time. She is a travel blogger and goes to Dean Rowland’s ranch to do a article on it. Dean is angry at everyone due to being left at the altar. When he sees Rae he thinks she is trespassing so their first meet it not pretty. After their initial meeting he can’t get her out of is mind and he wants nothing more than to see her again. She refuses all his advances and when she finally gives in and they are starting to see each other her best friend comes to town and causes upheaval. Dean has never been jealous like this. Will he ruin their new relationship because of his jealousy.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Tausha Treadway

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey. This is a wonderful romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grad student Evelyn is on her way to Greece and while in the airport in London she is mistaken for someone else and Private Investigator Patrick thinks Evelyn is someone else so he grabs her. Megan is the girl that Patrick was looking for and after he realizes Evelyn is not the girl he’s after he lets her go. Hurrying to get on the plane Evelyn mistakenly picks up Megan’s suitcase putting her in serious danger. This leaves Patrick feeling like he has to protect Evelyn. As they spend time together they begin to grow feelings for each other. This book will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Such a good romantic suspense!

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging small town western romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Meg runs an antiques store which is faltering, and so when her elderly friendly neighbour Hank asks her to clear out his shed she says yes hoping to discover a forgotten treasure. Her only concern in visiting Montana Ranch is seeing Hank’s grandson Ryan, her childhood frenemy. Ryan is a workaholic putting everything into his business having gone into the world of high-end tourism. He usually avoids Meg, his annoying neighbour, but with her clearing out his Grandfather’s shed he can’t ignore her. However, the forced proximity has him seeing Meg in a different light. As the couple’s feelings develop a surprise discovery forces them to choose to either trust in the potential of love, or end the relationship and move on. This is a sweet, heartwarming slow burn romance between two likeable and relatable characters within a small town setting. The enemies to lovers storyline had me hooked and both the characters and the setting came to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I also loved octogenarian Hank who is a wonderful character. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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The Changed Man (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 4) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Tabitha montero

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6369511796

 

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Mary Espinoza

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander is the first book in the Spicetopia series and to say that I really enjoyed this book is an understatement! Phoebe has written a story about a hardworking mother who is just trying to make ends meet for her sons, and a hot, rich boy who thinks he’s being slick by going in as an undercover boss.
Spicetopia is a place for adults to vacation, relax and have fun in an “adult” setting. It is original, fun, sexy and so much more! After experiencing some time at Spicetopia you will find yourself needing more than an ice-cold drink to cool down!
Cy (rich, hot boy) has orders from his parents to try to discover and infiltrate the enemy, his parents are convinced that the theme park they own is being compromised but have no idea where to start. This is where Cy comes into the story, but as time goes on, Cy realizes just who the true enemy is. However, Cy comes across an unusual situation when he meets the queen of Spicetopia, Jolie, and now he can’t get her out of his mind.
Jolie is a hard-working woman who works two jobs to make sure her sons are taken care of, and even with the two jobs it is just enough to scrape by. Jolie finds herself in a unique situation when a certain young man comes to work. Now she can’t get him out of her head, and it is really messing with her since she has a family to worry about. Jolie really worries about what Cy will think of her when he finds out her secrets.
This is the type of story you can find yourself lost in, this story has a little bit of everything in it, and it makes for a really great read! You will find yourself having a hard time putting down this book once you pick it up to read! Great job Phoebe on writing a great story, I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

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Mary Espinoza, March 2024

Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Kerry Carr

Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. It is a mixture of family drama and mysteries. The author does a great job of describing the scenes and the characters so much so that it feels like you know the characters personally.
This story gripped me from the beginning as we meet Rose and her mother. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer Rose moves back home to care for her. As a journalist/photographer she is not one to turn her back on a mystery and when crime starts happening in the small town she wants to get to the bottom of it.
Added to this is the mystery involving Roses own family.
When Rose discovers secrets of her fathers in the attic she feels compelled to get to the truth but when she is warned off by not only her mother but also her brother will she back down or will their resistance make her even more determined?
Are some family secrets best kept in the dark? What will be the consequences of uncovering these secrets?

I loved Rose’s determination to uncover the truth and my heart went out to her as she struggles to for and come to terms with her mother’s diagnoses. I honestly couldnt put this book down as each chapter left me wanting to know what happens next. I really enjoyed this story. Parts of it are quite emotional to read, situations around Rose and her mum and her illness really pulled at my heart. This author did a great job of making the reader emotionally invest in the characters.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannon Fowler

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite children’s authors. This story is a quick and cute read. It is book 8 in the Invisible Magic Wand series. We continue to follow Caspian on a little adventure using his mind and his “Inquisitive Indicator”. Every year Caspian has an unbirthday and his Grandpa leaves him a gift. This is the first year there is no gift. Caspian quickly learns other ways of finding things. The pictures are adorable and fitting for the story. I look forward to the next adventure with Grandpa and Caspian.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am in love with this series! These are cute stories filled with wonder, allowing a child to open their imagination to amazing possibilities! The Hidden Present, like the rest of the series, can be read as a standalone book, but I’d encourage you to check out the rest of the series as they are all well-written and include beautifully rendered illustrations. I must say this book is by far my favorite yet!

It’s Caspian’s unbirthday again, but our young hero is surprised when he wakes up and can’t find his unbirthday gift. Could it be that his grandpa forgot his unbirthday? Caspian goes on the lookout for his present and his grandpa to see what’s going on. It’s on this hunt that Caspian finds what I think is his coolest unbirthday gift yet; The Inquisitive Indicator. Read this cute story and find out just what this new gift is and what all it can do!

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Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Before I Let You GoBefore I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace

Before I Let You Go is a Contemporary Romance with Paranormal/Fantasy/ suspense that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is a fairly new author to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but I was intrigued from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages till the end. I had a hard time putting it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. The characters are developed and creative yet make the story come to life. It’s a fast paced story with a few twists and turns. Elsbeth is in need of a change her life is falling apart. She finds herself moving to the remote island home she recently inherited. What she isn’t expecting is what she finds when she gets there. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Toni Sellers

Web of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 2)Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Web of Evil is another great mystery in Hani’s daughter Mysteries, even though this is book 2 you could definitely read it as a standalone. I love the glossary, historical notes and character list, it does come in handy.
All of the characters are very well written and likeable. This is set in Ancient Egypt, a nice cozy historical drama full of murder, danger, secrets, drama, lies, suspense and a whole lot more to keep you hooked from the beginning.

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Hannah Porter

No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No Rest for the Wicked is the first book of the Life is Hell Series. I am so happy to have found this author Naomi Valkyrie. I first had read her House Valdis Series( if you haven’t read it I highly suggest you read it. It’s really good!). This story is a fast- paced read with MMF a trope. I made quick work of this. That’s how good it was 😀. After killing cheating husbands for about 200 years, Delilah takes a much needed break in a small town, Or so she thought lmao cause what she thought was a small town turned out to be filled with paranormal beings . I loved Delilah. She was a kickbutt , smart, strong main female character. I can not wait to read the next four books. I really enjoy reading books published by this author. I can’t wait to read more. I highly recommend reading this and the others 🥰
Also I love to cover its super cute!!!!!!

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The Changed Man Audio Book (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 4) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Robin Rankin

The Changed Man
The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 4

I have listened to all of the books so far and I had a hard time liking Jake due to the history and I unfortunately hold a grudge so Jake is still not a favorite of mine but that did not make me not enjoy the book. It was a great way to escape after a challenging day.

Jake’s perspective seems to change thanks to his friend Rory and that brings him back home amongst his Mom and siblings and their families. Chiara was a bonus when he got home.

My favorite things were Rory and the house Jake ended up in. It was the perfect place for Jake to end up.

We finally get the meet the missing O’Connell siblings Edward, not going to lie I’m looking forward to getting his story.

Ms. Treadgold does a good job narrating, her connection to the characters definitely adds a little something to it.

The Closer (The Hustlers Trilogy) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Michelle Austin

The Closer (The Hustlers Series, #3)The Closer by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good 4 star read. This was a dark enemy to lovers read that pulled me right in. June finds herself in need of help. The only person that can help is the last person she wants to even ask. Will he agree to help her? Will they reconnect or let the pain keep them apart? I really enjoyed both characters, June was strong and I really liked her. We get suspense, dark, steamy and so much more. There were several twists and turns that added a great element to the story. This is part of a series, which I suggest reading from the beginning. If you are looking for a great series to read, 1-click and get started today on this one. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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The Complete Echo Series: A Heartfelt Romance Collection (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Kristan Anderson

The Complete Echo Series (Echo #1-4)The Complete Echo Series by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Echo series box set includes four stories by CR Alam. Each story is written to be a stand alone couple however, they are all intertwined in each book.

Echoing Hearts is book one in CR Alam’s The Echo Series. Dean and Rae were quite the interesting pair. Though they were both stubborn, they were also scared and just wanted to be loved – even if they didn’t seem as if they did. Though Dean felt dry in a romance novel aspect, he felt real, like someone I would or could know. Rae was the sunshine in your cloudy day and always the positive one. I loved that about her character. I felt as though I truly got to know the couple as individuals. It made the story that much better.

His Forever Muse is book two in CR Alam’s The Echo Series. I fell for Brandon in book one. The romantic famous best friend. He just wants his happily ever after and he truly deserves it. Callie has had a hard time letting go from a hard past. There was a lot of character growth in this story from Callie. I enjoyed the second chance storyline between these two. It felt like any fantasy where you want to fall for the lead of your favorite band. I’m happy that Brandon got his story and that it was just what he needed. Very steamy spicy scenes. I feel like book two was much better than book one – though that is strictly personal preference.

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Stars in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Betsy Melano

Stars in the CityStars in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed reading books by this author in the past. I specifically like that she writes YA books that are clean that I feel comfortable getting for my daughter. It is fun learning about Valeria Joseph, how she feels about her life in New York, what happened with her on set boyfriend Lance, how things didn’t quite work out like she expected with him. To read how Valeria truly feels as she realizes how lonely a big city like New York can be and missing many of the life long friends she used to confide in. It has to be tough for a young actress to keep going!

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Give Us Bad Boys & Billionaires by L.M. Mountford – Review by Jennifer Ramos

Give Us Bad Boys and BillionairesGive Us Bad Boys and Billionaires by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love stories and spice, this is the book for you! Many of these tantalizing stories include themes of enemies to lovers, dark romance, kinks, and so much more. The book is very long but has so many stories full of intrigue and smut that it will keep you engaged and attentive to each of its stories. Personally, I felt much more of a productive reader as I read through each one since it takes me some time to get through a novel. The diversity of the themes also keep you continually engaged!

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Paula R Sayers

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evelyn switches bags with another woman accidentally in the London airport on her way to Greece. This seemingly innocent switch ends up being a matter of life and death. Evelyn meets Patrick who tries to protect her from the Fitzgerald crime family. Can someone finally bring the crime family down and get justice? This book is a page turner.

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