The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Cindy Mayberry

This is Liam and Teresa’s story. Once again this author took me by surprise. The audio story puts your mind into the audience. This story holds all the suspense and romance you could ask for. Teresa is a strong independent woman and Liam has seen and been through enough trauma. While both are tied together by family and blood, their banter is fun to follow. Can Liam and Teresa fight their true hearts and stay away from each other? Will their siblings help to keep them apart? Having been to Port Townsend, this story fits perfectly, even if there were some fabrications.  I still love this story. This could be a standalone, but I feel you should read this series in order, as book one has some information that will keep you on track with this story. Yes I will be waiting to see where this author takes the next in this intriguing series.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire has her future planned out, until her mother has a second child and Claire’s life is upended. Her mother is struggling with this surprise pregnancy and Claire goes from only child to taking on the mother role for her mom and her brother, Harry. As secrets come to light, Claire’s planned out future is no longer attainable…and her family might be torn apart. With the help of her best friend, Mads, and their new friend, Chad, Claire is forced to make decisions that will change the course of her life. When push comes to shove, which is more important…family or future?

Claire’s sense of loyalty to family is inspiring. She is willing to do whatever it takes in the name of family. At times, my heart broke for her and the situation she was in. And that final shocker…I was so mad for her. I enjoyed the loyalty her friends had, as well, and the support they gave her less than ideal situation. This was a story that I could not put down until the end. There were twists and turns along the way that kept me invested. Overall, a good story that I enjoyed reading.

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this sweet romance story. This is a shorter story but it packs a punch in a short amount of time. This is a well written story about Derek and Melinda. When Melinda becomes Derek’s assistant they never expected to find a strong attachment to each other. Their story is one of challenges and strength that it brings to their lives. This is a story you don’t want to miss. A fast paced story that I read in one sitting. An engaging story that kept me coming back to the end. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters and how easy they made it easy to read. This is a great story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Bobbi Wagner

A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. I found this book to be well written with characters that keep the story engaging to the end. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their story from the start. They are creative, strong characters that add so much to the story. This is a story about Adrain, his band, a journalist and a fate that holds nothing back. There is great growth throughout the story. You don’t want to miss what fate has in store for these characters. This is a fast paced, engaging story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Robin Rankin

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel King

It took me a little bit to get into the book but once I did I couldn’t put it down and I’m currently suffering from a book hangover.

It took me quite a while to warm up to Matthias, I really didn’t want to like him. Still not sure why he was so cruel to her since none of it was her fault, it was outside forces that caused most of the problems

Ava and Matthias’s story was sad in so many ways. They both had to deal with way too much loss at a young age and unfortunately like most the older you get the more you end up losing.

Crying or tearing up is something I do often enough that I don’t think about it. Sobbing is reserved for those gut punch moments and I did in fact sob.

I suggest having kleenex close by if you’re a Cryer and sit back and get lost in this story. I do hope we get to see all of the King boys travel down the love path.

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Barbara Bohls

Refrain (Off the Record Book 3)Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW, is all I can say. This book took me through it. It has drama, trauma, romance, steam, friendships, sizzle, and a great plot. The inner turmoil that the main character has, is the center for the book. How he reacts to everything being brought to light about his past and the way he deals with it, is what keeps you turning pages. I couldn’t put the book down. It is the 3 book in the series and there is even a prequel to this series. It would be helpful to read the other books first if you really want an understanding of everything. However, it is not necessarily needed and you will find yourself wanting to read the other books in the series after this if you haven’t already. The books builds and builds and you will get lost in the feelings of the characters. My mood even shifted while reading this book. So be advised that you might need to take a time out from other people while reading this. You won’t want to be disturbed. I can’t give this book high enough praises by the way it handled certain situations and the feelings that it provokes within you. You won’t be disappointed with this book.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Jules Herbert

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in quite a while where I have wanted to reach into the pages and slap one of the main characters up the side of the head or as my daughter would say Gibbs slap him!! LOL To me that is the sign of a talented author if they can have the reader that invested in the lives of the characters they have created, that they have such a emotional response to the storyline. I loved Ava and Matthias and I can’t wait to explore more books from this truly wonderful author.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Lilly is a young girl who is ready to head back to school but forgets her best friend, her stuffed bunny Hun Bun. Lilly is nervous with her “heebie-jeebies” on what to do and how she can go about her day at school without her stuffed bunny, Hun Bun.

With different ways to help Lilly when she feels this way, Lilly learns from the school nurse and a new friend, Noah, how to cope when her “heebie-jeebies” come back and make her feel nervous all over again.

This is a beautifully illustrated book that is a great teaching story as well. I loved how the author explained in the story to Lilly the different ideas on how to overcome her worries. While this book -is for ages 7-10, I believe this is a great story for all ages, I even learned some different ways to help me with my worries too. Wonderful book.

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jules Herbert

Refrain (Off the Record Book 3)Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The best way to sum this book up is to simply say it is written by a very talented author who gives us a storyline and characters that are dark, gritty and full of emotion. Now I stupidly came to this series in book 3. Take my advice and don’t do that! Start from book one because it took me a while to get a proper grip on who everyone was and I only had a slight understanding of what had happened prior. I really believe had I started from the very beginning that I would have enjoyed the book so very much more because I would have understood the characters more. I will now go back and start again! This series is so worth it!

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson

Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers Series and is a wonderfully written Paranormal Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I’ve read other books by this author and this one is my favorite yet. It’s fast paced and the characters are developed and engaging, they make the story pop off the pages. Antonie is a hybrid ready to meet his mate and Donna is ready to end hers and meet her maker. Antonie saves her life but can these two work out their differences to defeat the demons? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Hannah Porter

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As this is my first time reading work from author Toya Richardson and I gotta say I am Mesmerised 😂 but no really I truly was. This author has written such a unique and captivating story that I for one could not put down.I don’t think I have ever read a book yet that has the Hybrid as a vampire/angel. That in itself was amazing, everything else was just icing on the cake. But the demon Gutstov is a real piece of work ill tell you what. And Antoine and Donna are in my opinion perfect for each. Lol i mean his waiting over 600 years for his fated mate i’m glad the chemistry between them is there and growing stronger.Although this can be read as a standalone, I am definitely going to go read the first book in this series Captivated

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Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Susan Ratchford

Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vampires Of Atlantis
By: Courtney Davis
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

This book was right up my alley! I absolutely love vampires and mythology! Courtney Davis always does a wonderful job of making her novels so relatable and addicting and this is one of my favorite novels by her so far! In Vampires Of Atlantis she creates an intriguing world filled with monsters and romance! Speaking of romance, I love the relationship between Katherine and Ian. I couldn’t get their interactions out of my head or my heart! I am a sucker for relationships like theirs! I really hope this novel isn’t the last we see of them or their adventures! It’s such a fun twist on the mythology of Atlantis! I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes the paranormal, romance, vampires, myths, or monsters! You will not be dissatisfied!

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Hannah Porter

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes after reading the last book with Bridget and Fynix, with that little tease at the end with Daphne and Lev. I just had to run and read this book. OMG this was even better than the last. Although I really liked Bridget and Fynix, Daphne and Lev are my absolute favorite. Their semi-enemies to lovers is filled with so much passion and angst it was almost tangible. The authors really make you feel like you are the characters making us feel all their emotions lol i love it. I would definitely clear your day cause this would make you want to finish it all in one go and leave you frustrated when someone or something interrupts you.i really hope this isnt the end of this world. I would love to see it continue somehow 🥰 I would 100 % recommend reading not just this one but both of the bools in the series.

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Nina Maes

Intriguing
Strong characters with a great storyline. This novel had me from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the author was able to tap into my imagination and panted a beautiful picture for me to follow. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape the norm and dive into a fast-paced book. Looking forward to reading more of this author.Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing
Strong characters with a great storyline. This novel had me from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the author was able to tap into my imagination and panted a beautiful picture for me to follow. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape the norm and dive into a fast-paced book. Looking forward to reading more of this author.

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Paloma Fierro 21/08/2023

Adrian is a songwriter for a rock group with several accomplishments under his belt. But now after the success the public demands more, and Adrian’s colleges as well, and since he himself is having a hard time trying to write anything worth recording. Alas, a lucky lady has arrived on his bus in the form of a girl named Hastings, and this may be the beginning of an amazing journey for the both of them.

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Manda Kelly

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was AMAZING… I love the Supernatural world, and these HYBRIDS are great. Antoine and Donna are fated mates. They have instant chemistry, and it’s ELECTRIC. I couldn’t get enough of their story. Toya Richardson has created an awesome world within our world, full of amazing beings. I can’t wait to read more of her work! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Review by Manda Kelly

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Ashley Sugar

Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute and quick read! Extremely fast paced romance book but I throughly enjoyed it! The characters were like able and I loved the little bit of spice the author threw in there 😉 I do wish the book was longer because I’d love to read more about Melinda and Derek! I’d love to have more of their story because they’re so cute with each other!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I appreciated this is a direct continuation of Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend, which makes the pairing logical for helping children acquire, and sadly, lose, pets. This book continues, as with the first, to depict the cats and playful and cheerful animals and characters. This book has a great description of what a vet may do, which helps with social stories for young kids that have to take their pet to the vet, written in language they can understand, and teaching proper terms such as euthanasia (yes, children can understand big words). For a sensitive topic, the authors handle it well and this book provides a bridge to discuss pet loss with young children.

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@bookworm1909

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Mandy Ott

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel is a fast-paced, exciting read! The target audience is 9-12 year olds, but my 39-year-old self absolutely loved it! It has a little bit of sadness with the sickness of Rusty’s grandpa, but it also has excitement, adventure, and magic! K. L. Small delivers unbelievably realistic characters who not only have flaws, but also struggle with different things in life. This book not only creates a magical world full of adventure, but also touches on real-world topics such as bullying, alcoholism, and health issues. This book reminded me that, despite all the negative things around me, there is still magic and excitement all around as well; I just have to look closer. The magical world beyond the carousel was so vividly detailed and explanatory that I felt like I was right alongside Rusty on his exploits. I can’t wait to read more books by K. L. Small!

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Trista Martin

Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I work in children’s mental health and think the author did a great job discussing anxiety. Not only did she normalize anxiety on a children’s level, but she showed how Lily overcame a rough day of forgetting her stuffed rabbit. I look forward to reading this to kids at work.

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Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Trista Martin

Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor)Regaining Integrity by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series keeps getting better and better. The characters are interconnected, but I doot believe reading the books in order is necessary. In Chase and Angelica’s story, Chase returns after serving in the military for many years. His nephew’s teacher quickly catches his eye, and he can’t understand why she isn’t interested. Or why everyone is telling him to leave her alone. Only once he remembers who she is can these two truly have a chance to develop a relationship.

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Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Trista Martin

Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2)Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed book one, but Brooke May took it up a notch with Taking Flight. She did a great job developing the characters and setting the plot for Holt and Jody’s story. I was pulled in quickly and can’t wait to read the next book involving one of these military men.

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Megan Pesek

The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Suitor is a contemporary romance novella which is part of The Studs of Clear Creek County series. While it can be read as a standalone, the characters are best understood when read in order. The Reluctant Suitor is Fisher and Billie Jean’s story in the series.

Fisher Hines is wealthy and he does all he can to earn the respect of his family. Overseeing the employees at Locke Farm is one way to keep their respect and propel himself forward in their eyes.

Billie Jean is visiting family in Clear Creek County from college. What she never expected was to fall for Fisher when she visited home. Billie Jean finds herself conflicted after learning that Fisher works for Locke Farm. She is determined to do what is best for her family and the Black people who work for Locke Farm and she’ll do it with or without Fisher’s help.

Stacy-Deanne does a good job tackling the tough issues. The story between Billie Jean and Fisher was partially eclipsed by what was happening with Sue Ann. I would have preferred more development between Billie Jean and Fisher, but still found it to be a good story overall.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Maria Colon

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The authors take us along the journey of an enemies to lovers path with Lev and Daphne in the second book of The Crowned Hearts Series.

I have to go back and read book one but as far as Lev and Daphne…

Daphne has a secret she stays behind in Lovolia after her best friend’s wedding rather than return to the United States.
Lev is required to go on a mandatory holiday while his best friend goes on his honeymoon.

The two end up together where one thing leads to another and things happen that lead to other secrets coming to light…cue the plot twist I did not see coming.

I’ll leave it there and let you find out what happens.

The book was filled with plenty of banter among the main characters. I will read the first book in the series.

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Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Trista Martin

Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1)Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good second chance romance. Duke essentially leaves right after high school after he and Patience finally take their relationship to the next level. Instead of giving her an explanation, he is gone for many years serving his country. Patience and Duke give their relationship a second chance when he returns home after they have gone through lots on their own.
I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Julie Johnson

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sullivan sisters are a fabulous family that seems like a lot of fun. In book two of this series, we learn more about Katelyn and get to catch up on what Ellie’s been up to.

Katelyn is restless and feels the need to travel again. When an opportunity comes up for her to go and help an injured horse, she’s all in. She might be the only one who is though! The set-up came through a third party mutual friend so when Katelyn shows up at Grant Tennyson’s farm to help rehabilitate his prize-winning thoroughbred, he’s wondering where she came from. Grant is also not wanting her help and will do what he can to get her to leave.

Katelyn is full of sass and vinegar and finds a way into Grant’s horse barn, as well as into his heart. She’s not afraid to put him or anyone else in their place and she will prove that she’s the right person for this job.

There is a lot of raw emotion in this story and it’s one that goes by fairly quickly. My favorite character has to be the butler in this story though! I loved Katelyn and Grant but the butler stole my heart!

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Jamie Truex

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first book from Toya Richardson but probably my favorite so far.
She did such a great job with the character development and Donna is very relatable. I am really starting to enjoy the different POVs in a story and this book did very well with it. I would say this story is fast paced and flows nicely. If you enjoy paranormal romance books, this is one you should consider. I’m glad I did and look forward to reading more of her books.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a sweet, friends to lovers, contemporary romance with drama, angst and love and everything that I love about a good romance story. Love Shots is book 4 in the Bluestone Series, and while this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this series in order.

Summer comes back to Bluestone to claim what she thought was taking her grandfather’s bar, but instead, a friend that she grew up with bought it. When Summer finds out, the whiskey goes flying and anger ensues. Summer is trying to pick up pieces of her broken life and wants to feel safe. As Summer gets to know Teddy again….sparks fly….even if danger may be lurking.

Teddy is retired from the Navy SEALs and living his life as a bar owner in Bluestone. What he does not expect is Summer to come flying back in to his life as they knew each other from so many years ago. Knowing he missed his chance prior to joining the Navy, will Teddy get to know Summer again and tell her his feelings that he has been holding on from so many years? Will Teddy be there for Summer when she needs him the most, especially when her past comes back to haunt her?

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Christina Ford

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic book that explains illness and euthanasia and makes it understandable to children as young as five. Nobody wants to talk about these difficult subjects and it helps so much to have a book to open the door to a discussion.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christina Ford

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love all of Lois Wickstrom’s books, this was no exception. The story points out how we can feel like we are different and don’t belong, but if we look long enough we will find ways we are alike and belong together. The illustrations are adorable.

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