Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to Savage Lies in the Hidden Valley Elite series! It’s a great start to a fantastic series.

I have already read the entire series, but I had to come back and read the prequel when I had the opportunity to see where it all began! Cole and Riley are from completely different worlds. Cole was born into a world of wealth and privilege. Riley has been most of her life running with her mother and a grifter. Her new target is Cole. She plans to steal a souvenir and leave undetected. It seems like an easy enough task until she gets stopped by Cole. Not only does she get caught by him, but she shares a steamy kiss with him. Neither have a clue what the repercussions that passionate kiss would have.

This series would become one of my favorites, and this novella did a great job of giving me the background of Riley and Cole. If you like new adult, a good, steamy bully romance, and an epic enemies-to-lovers book, this prequel and the duet are not to be missed!!!

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Ayla Eddy

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Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another cute story following Nessie, Craig, and Linda. The siblings are at a concert, but this event is causing problems for Nessie in her grotto. It was an enjoyable adventure story perfect for bedtime with my tiny humans. Having read the first book previously for a bedtime story the kids were excited to continue with these characters. 

I highly recommend this as a bedtime story for younger children. My family looks forward to reading more books by this author. 

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Lape

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying this is one of my favorite series and authors. I have read every book this author has published and they keep getting better. This book was the prequel to Savage Start. Cole and Riley have a rocky start. Riley is trying to not be noticed at a house party but when a goth chick walks into Ken and Barbie’s party is pretty hard to stay undetectable. Especially when the hot eye candy that is giving alpha male vibes catches Riley where she has no business being. This book gives an insight as to what happens to Cole and Damon´s parent’s marriage and the tragedy that taints his family name. I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with!
Reviewed by @alape

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Shea Gilkerson 1/22/24

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A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A rhyming book with a message of kindness, A New Day for Cray was adorable. Cray, a crab, has a lot of fun hassling his friends by pinching and pushing them. Turtle Fay saw him coming one day and swam away to avoid him. Next, he visits the seagull Ray – who flew away from Cray to avoid having his legs pinched. Finally, fox Hay tells him outright that no one likes his pinches! While on the move, Cray suffers an accident and loses his pinching claw. Cray was very upset about knocking off his claw, but when he looks up he sees his friends have stopped fleeing him and came by to offer support. The world can be changed with just a little kindness!

There’s the fun of the rhymes, the wonderful illustrations, and a simple message that ties it all up in a very cute bow.

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The Human Mating Site, Box Set 1 (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Christie Mitchum

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The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella's 1-4The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Human Mating Site is a steamy and oftentimes, hilarious journey of one woman’s self-discovery after her split with her ex-husband!

The book opens with Bella and her husband’s split after twelve years together. She knew deep inside that the marriage was struggling, but her ex was her best friend and represented safety. Now, she has no choice but to move on without him. As the healing process continues, she realizes how much of herself she has lost over the past twelve years. Not only is she now on a journey to figure out who she is but now she has entered the dreaded dating pool, and she has no idea how much dating has changed since then.

Every novella is about a guy she meets, and so far, each one isn’t Mr. Right but Mr. Right Now. Each novella very aptly describes each guy, and with each encounter, Bella is gaining more confidence. I love her relationship with her friends. They each want what is best for her, and they are an amazing source of support.

I’m hoping that Bella finds more of a connection with someone as she continues her journey, and I have to say I’m really a fan of Liam. He is a player, but somewhere in that heart of his, I think he is a great guy, and I think he might have more feelings for Bella than he thinks he does. Can’t wait to see where her journey takes her.

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, January 2024

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun little book. It’s the second one in the series about Grandma’s Closet. This book lets little kids revel in their imagination. While reading this book to my littles, they popped off their own ideas about what could or would happen next.

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel)Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This woman goes on quite the journey. I enjoyed reading this fast paced story. Never really knowing what would happen next or who I could trust. I like stories that make it difficult for me to figure it out. I always had hope just like Margo does and was not disappointed in the ending. I could easily see myself reading more by this author.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to the books Savage Lies and Savage Truth in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with drama, mystery, angst, and toxic family environments. As the prequel to the series, it is best to read the remainder of the series to have a full understanding of the characters and their continuing stories. This book introduces the reader to Riley and Cole and explains how they first met. Riley is an interesting character that I felt empathetic towards because of her upbringing. Her entire life has been spent planning the next con with her mom as they move from place to place. Riley and her mom constantly look over their shoulders anticipating the moment when they will be caught. Cole is a character that might look tough on the exterior and comes across as just another spoiled rich kid however, deep down he has a big heart. He comes from a toxic family environment where his parents are constantly fighting, and his dad is cheating on his mom. Cole’s mom suffers from depression, and it is up to Cole to be there for her when she has breakdowns. Riley and Cole meet momentarily at a party and share a passionate kiss that leaves Riley wanting more. A great read with some intense moments that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and left me reaching for the box of Kleenex.

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore Lois Wickstrom’s stories. They’ve quickly become a favorite for me to recommend to my educator friends. Her quirky stories, full of whimsy and magic, and brightly illustrated pages. Such a great thing to have in every classroom library. The Round Box is just another one of the many stories I’ve added to my collection I’m building for my nephew. He loves when I read him the stories (he’s almost 4) and I’m hoping that one day, he will enjoy reading them on his own.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nessie and the Viking Gold is the delightful second magical book in the Nessie’s Grotto series. The beautiful cover and illustrations by Sara Silvestris Strand bring the story to life making it an even more imaginative and captivating tale.
The story is 47 pages and is aimed at children aged between 7 -12 years old, but it is a fun read for children of any age. My grandchildren aged 3 and 5 really enjoyed this engaging story even though they could not read it their little eyes lit up as they went on this adventure.
Craig and Linda find themselves caught up in another fantastical adventure with the Loch Ness Monster and the hidden mystical world beneath Loch Ness where there is action, magic and a little suspense.
What do the Loch Ness Monster, Viking treasure and a rock concert have in common? To find out you will have to read it.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our entire household loves every book I bring home by this author, and this one is no different! Both of my kiddos are always excited when we open a story to see where it takes us, and we went on a really cool journey this time around. I enjoy how some of the words are in different fonts, so they feel different. The illustrations are also cute and fitting. Carrie misses her grandma and can’t seem to find anything interesting to do. Nothing seems fun throughout the entire house. Once she finds a box that’s a little bit different, everything changes! This sparked our imaginations so much that we made our own ‘Fascinators’ to play along. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing with the young ones in your family or at school!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute tale about a little girl who is bored and misses her grandma who moved. So, in search of something to do to make herself feel happy, Carrie looks through the stuff grandma left behind. At the bottom of the closet she finds a round hat box labeled fascinator, and this is where her fun adventure begins, using her imagination as the key.

I love the cover art and wish the inside art was more like that. Although the illustrations do flow with the story, I just found the cover art more aesthetically pleasing. This is a fun book about the power of imagination and all the places your imagination can take you.

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Julie Johnson

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Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has been my least favorite book by this author so far, but it’s still an enjoyable story.

Everyone’s favorite rock star is in town for a big concert. However, when Craig and his sister go back to visit with Nessie, they learn that all the drumming is causing issues in Nessie’s grotto. Can they stop the concert and save the grotto before it’s too late?

It was a good story but it did seem to lack some plot development. This is the second book in this series and I have read the first one prior to this one. This is a book that is a bit longer than most of this author’s style of books as well, so maybe that’s a bit why. I would still recommend this book to be read by young readers or reading it to younger listeners.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amy Dean

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is nothing like a fresh start in a new town to really change things around, take a souvenir, and find a fresh attractive local boy to kiss and turn a young girls world upside down. What starts as a bully can change into someone you can’t get your mind off. This book is a quick page turner that leads perfectly into the next book and leaves you in suspense!

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Kerry Baker

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Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having only read the previous book in the series recently, we were excited to get our hands on this story. This is a great follow up to the first book and it was nice to see my children remember the characters and re-engage with them. This story was just as fun and exciting to read and it was lovely to join Craig and Linda on another adventure.
With every book I read by this author I always think that the next one can’t be as good. Yet time and time again she proves otherwise. I am already looking forward to the next book we can read as a family and always enjoy reading each and every book again. I would highly recommend this author and this book.

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We love Lois Wickstrom books. My 7yo son and I read this book together. This is another story about a little girl who misses her grandma. Her grandma moved away, but left some stuff behind. What will she find when she feels sad about grandma not being available? This story has beautiful imaginations!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Valley is a typical place for those made of money, the elite of the elite and they know who they are and how they are supposed to behave, but for one young woman who tries to blend in wherever she is, she stands out.

She is young but has experienced a lot in her short life so far and she is hoping that here is the new start she wants, but she is also always looking over her shoulder and around her for her next grift.

This doesn’t perfectly when she goes for a walk on the beach, spots a target and tries her hand, however she finds something else altogether, something much more dangerous.

A gorgeous boy who kisses her such a way that she forgets where she is, but will this boy be her downfall, and will she be able to escape if she needs to? This is a fast-paced novella with an “opposites attract” theme where emotions are dangerous and grifting should be easy, but plans are seldom straightforward.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Round Box by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carrie is a young woman who is in her room and is a bit bored, however, when she goes to see if either her mum, dad, or grandma are free, they are all busy.

This is when she finds a round box in her closet among some other boxes belonging to her Grandma labelled FASCINATOR,, but when she opens the box, she pulls out a small boat.

Soon Carrie realises that the boat is a hat and when she puts it on, everything changes, it feels like she is at sea and things don’t look the same as they did before, but what has happened and what will Carrie do with this newfound information?

This is a lovely story with plenty of imagination and a fascinating fascinator.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Heather Hoke

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT! THIS ONE SET ME ON FIRE! From the romance to the spice. The plot to the ending. The characters to the setting. This book is amazing! I couldn’t put it down, I finished this one in less than a day! If you are looking for a must read? Do yourself the best favor and read this one!

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always love books by Lois Wickstrom. She does such a wonderful job capturing the magic of imagination.This one is probably my least

Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Megan Pesek

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ariella Talix is a new-to-me author and I had no idea what to expect with her writing. I enjoyed the easy banter, characters, and plot of this story. It’s definitely a spicy one, so be prepared!
When the three main characters, Weston. Callum, and Petra, all find themselves living together after some undesirable circumstances they find that being roommates is a tall order to fill.
Getting the perspective from each character is perfect for this book as there are so many things to consider from each perspective. Group Hug is a story of friendship, love, and overcoming obstacles.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Megan Pesek

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A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cray learns that his actions have consequences. A New Day for Cray is a good book to teach young children that their actions towards others have consequences. Cray likes to be mean and can’t understand why his friends don’t like it. Only when there are consequences to his actions does Cray understand the impact of his actions on his friends.

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom- Review by Phylis Carpenter

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have three grandchildren and am always searching for books that they will like. I also sometimes babysit the younger children in our neighborhood.

I read this book and think that the little ones would love to read this or have it read to them anytime. This was a quick read and would be nice before bed or maybe as a storytime book to read at the library.

Check it out. I think your children will enjoy it.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Cross

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Savage Start” by Isla Vaughn is a gripping prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series that captures readers’ attention from the first page. The author does an excellent job of portraying the cruelty of high school bullying and the devastating effects it can have on someone’s mental health. The dynamic between Riley and Cole is intense, and the author’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the moment with them. Overall, “Savage Start” is a well-written and engaging read that leaves the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good high school romance with a touch of drama and suspense.

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The Rocklyns Collections: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyn) Phylis Carpenter

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The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As you start reading the stories in this box set about The Rocklyn family you will see how each couple gets together. After you finish reading the seven books in this set you will have met a very unique family with a lot to offer each other as well as you the reader.

You will be taken away into a fantasy world/ I found myself caught up in the characters and their story lines and it was really hard to put the book down. Every time I got a few minutes I caught myself sitting down to read just a little more.

I highly recommend this box set and think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Trish Ann

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick read for me. I thought the characters were good and it set up the upcoming books in the series. I am not a huge fan of bully and con tropes but this was a decent read. I didn’t connect with the story but am optimistic for the series as a whole. I do like the author’s writing style.

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns is the first book in this series about four young royals managing their way through a school that began as a way for different kingdoms to build relationships with one another. Coming out of a war that their parents almost lost against the underworld, the royals realized that they had to stop infighting so that they could defeat their common enemy. The forming of a school to teach their children altogether is their hope for a better future of peace. However, their children also have a mind of their own.

Amelia of Avonlee has been promised to Dane of Carpathia and is not too happy about it. She would much rather choose her own path. Dane does not want to make anyone do anything they do not want to do, but fate steps in and has other plans. Cora wants nothing but her cousin Amelia’s happiness and safety. Kessara, the necromancer’s daughter, is a loner that just wants to cause chaos. New friendships are made, hearts are crushed, and attacks abound on this new school. Can these teens work together or will they end up mortal enemies?

This is my first time reading this author. I have to say, I really enjoyed this book! I would have liked more background information on the war, but there is enough given that I could piece it together. The characters were easy to read about and picture in my mind. The relationships made, the self-discovery, and disappointments were relatable even though it is fantasy. I am looking forward to the next book to see where this story goes, especially with Kessara. I hope the author will surprise the readers with a character twist!

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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Angela Shirley

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Weston has hit a bump in the road, with his relationship gone and a house which he wants to keep as it holds memories of his grandad but as his financial position becomes more of a problem he is forced to seek a room mate. So when he adds to advert to the site he receives instantly two applications.

Callum is fresh out of school and just embarking on his career as a chef, this is the perfect place to stay but with his two new room mates, can he divert the attraction to both of them to concentrate on his career.

Petra has just come out of a horrendous situation, a bad relationship and her last room mate was not the best and arriving here to meet Weston and Callum she is loving the vibes and it helps they are both gorgeous. Having a safe place for her and her dog to stay is great but these two hunks are a added bonus.

This a lovely story and the chemistry is off the charts. I love all the characters although Weston is my favourite if I had to choose.

I thought the dynamic was brilliant and as it is written in all three point of views it is heart warming to read how there love for each grows with each chapter. With each character struggling with issues in there lives they become closer and start to become a family of sorts including the four legged family members too. The story is well written and the characters are well developed and draw you into the story.

I loved the this story and can’t wait to read more books by this wonderfully talented author.

Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate Book 9) by Sylvia Black – Review by Angela Shirley

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate #9)Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Master Botosoni has a lead to the rogue elements trying to bring down the Consulate but can he follow the rules and stay away from her or is the attraction too much for him to resist.

Catina has visions of where the shifter den is but when she is enlisted by the consulate to find the rogue Vampires and shifters but when her vision leads her into danger can she get out in time or is her fate sealed.

This is the ninth in the series and they just get better with each instalment. The chemistry between Catina and Master Botosoni is off the chart and I always love the loyalty these alpha man have to the charges they have, it is just brilliant to read. Although these are relative short stories they definitely pack a punch and leave you wanting more and more.

I can’t wait to see who the next Master’s story will be and get closer to them getting rid of the rogue elements.

Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Angela Hayes

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Group Hug by Ariella Talix is a sweet and spicy menage/why choose story with plenty of ingredients to keep you flipping the pages.
Weston’s set to lose everything, so in a last-ditch effort to keep afloat, he decides to rent out a couple of rooms in his house to help make ends meet. Callum culinary dreams have his sights set on a bright future, so he can’t afford to let anything distract him from his goals. Petra and her furry companion have been down on their luck and really need a place to stay. When these three come together, sparks fly- and things heat up quite quickly. What happens makes for a fun read.
-MMF
-chemistry
-Sizzle
-Humour
-Banter
-Drama
-Angst
-emotion
-multiple POV’s
If you love sexy MMF menage stories with interesting characters and steamy developments- then you might want to check this out.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Ariella Talix.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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