Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Paloma Fierro 02/08/2023

Meet Rebeca, a Jewishlatin woman full of intelligence and dreams. Oh but her only but great defect is to not have confidence in herself. Not at work and less with her partners. Her romantic affairs had had a negative in her steem and looking back at each experience makes  her realize that  maybe she needs help getting her head in place.  

 

Just when she begins her journey to self discovery a cute and easy going guy gets in the picture. Kyle moved across the hall in order to be with his aunt, she is older and the company helps her. Both try to understand each other and the needs that come from the development of a relationship, oh but sometimes trouble will make this harder.

 

This story is full of self awareness and is a way to understand the place most of us live a daily battle, our heads, what they may need and how to address their issues. 

Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another fantastic book by this author and gave me everything that I love full of crime, mystery, suspense, deceit, lies and the tense moments I had that left me at the edge of my seat trying to see what happens next.

Detective Scala is back…..but this time he must put the puzzle pieces together on a missing woman, leaving behind her vehicle with evidence of blood at a gas station. Trying to figure out the whole who done it, brings Detective Scala in parts unknown as he digs deeper…..but will Detective Scala be able to solve this puzzling mystery while trying to protect a witness who is key and twists and turns on every level?

I highly recommend these books…they really keep you engaged and intrigued…..questioning at every turn of the page what will happen next.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Ashley Mertz

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie is available now
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

I would have to say Liz’s Road Trip was one of the best books I have read this year. Liz stole my heart in this novel. Being raised by my grandma, I could relate to her in so many ways. I couldn’t imagine how she felt learning all the secrets her gram’s held onto all of those years. The characters in this novel were lovable, relatable, and down to earth. And Cosmo, well who wouldn’t have a soft spot for Cosmo. Bernadette Marie whisked me away on this one from the very beginning. I was able to read it in two days, picking it up to read every opportunity I had. This novel was moderately paced and kept me wanting more the entire time. The descriptive scenes had me feeling as if I was on this road trip of a journey right alongside Liz. This was my first time reading a novel written by Bernadette Marie and I will not hesitate in the future to pick up another. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick pick me up type of read, you won’t regret the decision to do so.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Jennifer Reimer

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a collection of amazingly put together spellbinding tales that I just couldn’t get enough of. I read every story they were all great in their own way. they took me on a little journey to different magical like places and characters that makes you feel like you were really getting swept away to that world. This book had me right from the beginning from the story telling and the way everything just flowed and was put together. I can’t get over how these collections were so beautifully written with amazing and wonderful characters and interesting tales that sucked me in, and I had to keep reading to know the whole story. This author did a fantastic job of creating this fairy tales. I highly recommend this book!

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is my first book that I have read from this author and I totally loved it. This is book 2 in the series and it could be read as a standalone…and I am definitely wanting to circle back on the beginning of the series, but I did not feel like I missed anything by reading this book first.

Detective Maurizio Scala is on a manhunt, trying to figure out whom murdered a young man and leaving his body in a cemetery. This mystery man is also leaving notes behind…poetic in sorts… possibly more bodies may be piling up…..revenge. Will Detective Scala be able to stop this murderer with a poetic mind before it is to late and more murders are ensued?

This book is a great crime, drama, suspense, corruption, secrets, lies and full of twisty turns as I tried to piece together the who’s who in connecting all the dots to the end. Very highly recommended and looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Robin Rankin

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broken.: A Green St. Girls Romance

Wow, what a story! I loved these ladies from the moment I was introduced and I may have fallen a bit more in love with them in this book.

Indigo like the other ladies has done very well for herself in so many ways, but had a hard time letting go of the past which is understandable. She made a promise to Charlie and still hasn’t made good on it, until Gideon comes into her life.

Not sure why but I instantly pictured Henry Cavill as soon as Gideon was described. Not the Witcher, totally got Superman Henry vibes for some reason and I was more than okay with that.

Gideon and Indigo got through a lot in a very short amount of time and a lot of it wasn’t great which sucked but they had such an amazing chemistry that I couldn’t help but read as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen between the two of them.

Now there is 1 remaining Green St. Girls left standing. I think she is going to fall hard when her time come and I can’t wait.

Great book, can be read as a standalone but I would recommend starting with Athena’s story. You won’t be disappointed.

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Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun book, not something you would necessarily expect from the title, but I greatly enjoyed it. I thought the author did a great job of creating multi-dimensional characters and the very deliberate way she brought them all together was fantastic. Clearly Barney the dog was hands down my favorite character, but I loved the friendship that blossomed between the characters. She did a great job of building the suspense about the murder and how it happened. I loved the interludes that had the HOA notes and correspondence as it really helped paint a picture of the HOA and the member in it. It was a very amusing book with a lot of heart in it. I absolutely recommend people give it a whirl!

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Reimer

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another great kid’s book. I have totally enjoyed every single one and same with my children. This is a great book based on the fairly tale jack and the beanstalk, but with a little twist. Its all from the giant’s point of view. The giant plans and writes them all out on how to catch little boys and eat them. I absolutely love how other people have different point of views on different stories and these never seem to get me to think. This book was very entertaining, it was funny, cute, skimming, learning, and the pictures are just great and really flow and show the story in a different way which brought the story almost to life.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ashley Lape

Reticent Hawke: (A Second Generation Hawke Family Novel) (The Hawke Family Second Generation)Reticent Hawke: (A Second Generation Hawke Family Novel) by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Technically Jude was not a Hawke by blood but he grew up as one and the family most definitely considers Jude a Hawke. He sometimes wishes he wasn’t because they were intense. From the first night that Jude was introduced to the family Allie and Angie have been by his side even when Jude pushed the rest of the world away. But Jude never intended to fall in love with her especially since she is a Hawke by blood!
I love this series! The author gets you hooked from the first page. I have read many books from this author and I can’t get enough of her work!

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Reviewed by @alape

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Shannen Kern

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a talent for reading books in a series out of order, but I’m glad I picked this one up anyways! After going on this slow burn journey, I will definitely be picking up every single book in this series. This author is amazing at creating relatable characters and palpable chemistry. I think Dimitri and Austen have quite a funny and entertaining meet cute. The story had an incredible flow, and I was fully invested in the characters within minutes of reading. If you love a good sports romance, look no further!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jennifer Ramos

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

Ellis has such mannerisms in making her readers empathize with her characters and their experiences. This is actually my first book that I’ve read from this series and even though I’m sure reading the previous books may have helped bring a full circle insight of the characters, this book does a great job of detailing some of the past experiences. Very intense at times and focused on mental health as Spook deals with his past “demons” and sinks into a deep depression while hiding out. Xane, a determined band mate and willing to help Spook through his endeavors and he also has Alle, his girlfriend, who has the fiercest heart and devotion towards him. Moments of steamy spice as well if you’re into that.

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Betsy Melano

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book happens to be the first book I read by this author. The story sucked me in from the start. It can be hard when you’re reading a book in a series but I had no problems figuring out the characters. I especially love Austen’s character! What a strong woman to have not only saved herself but also her 4 sisters! I really enjoyed Dimitri’s personality and work ethic. Even though he came in knowing he had to prove himself to get on the Nashville Assassins team, he made sure to be on the ice early and stayed late. Between Austen and Dimitri and how they become friends and moving along to be more then friends with love, some frustration, and openness, really spoke to me.
I hope I can read more books in this series and others by this author in the near future.

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Robin Rankin

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Planting Hope

All I thought about last night and this morning was those kids. They have dealt with unimaginable pain and suffering, yet the garden they were working on with Kit, Mona and Holly became so much more for each of them and their healing.

Holly and Kit weren’t trauma free either and I think that helped them connect with the children and also heal and recover too.

I’m not sure why but Bella in the mud puddle really tickled me, thought about that a few times throughout the book especially during the more difficult moments.

There is love involved, but I feel the book is more about healing any way possible and helping other heal along the way.

Ms. Raines is a new to me author and I absolutely loved this book. I will be reading more by her in the future.

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Bared. By N.D. Jackson Review by Faith Jackson

Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These friends have been with one another through their own personal hells and back. I found myself relating to Athena the more I read it. I, too, have a group of sisters and I can see them through the characters. I couldn’t put this one down and neither will you. There’s so much to enjoy: just check it out!

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shannen Kern

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes! I was so happy to pick up the next book from one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! This series has been so amazing. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and start today. In this book we are back with the Hawke Family and the author navigates through different traumas. I loved the emotional rollercoaster twisting and turning through the story. I’ve never met a character in this series that I couldn’t connect with in some way, so I am always so attached to the journey of each character. I really loved Jude and Angelina. The chemistry is always different with couples, but somehow this author makes them relatable no matter what. The flow of the story was just beautiful and never pulled me out of the zone even once. I’ll say it over and over, please pick up this series and get lost in the gorgeous Hawke Family!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Faith Jackson

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is series 2 in a group of books by N.D. Jackson. From book one to this one, I love where I see this going. The author managed to add in some mystery, love/romance and make it a great combination which is taking us on adventure I’m down to reading all about. Very impressive work, Ms. Jackson.

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shannen Kern

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute contemporary romance! I have read books by this author before, and I have come to enjoy this her work. She takes you on an emotional ride, but still captures the essence of the characters which invests you in them quickly. I picked this up because the cover was cute, and I love gardening so it felt like something I would relate to. I really liked the Australian slang that was thrown in as I have family there, so it made me feel even more at home. If you are looking for a great contemporary romance to read in your cozy book nook this afternoon, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Julie Johnson

The Secrets they Hide (Commissario Scala #2)The Secrets they Hide by P.J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more by her! This is the second book in a series but was easily read as a standalone. I’m going to go back and read the first book in this series though!

This book held me from the beginning and didn’t let up until the end. It’s a riveting police procedural featuring a setting in Rome. What could be more interesting than a murder in a place known for their love? Just when you think you might have “whodunit” figured out, more plot twists and turns come up that will have you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Very enjoyable read!

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Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady – Review by Krystal Gregory

Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers #9)Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guarding the Crease: An Opposites Attract Romance (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady

What a sweet and adorable book. I am a sucker for any sports romance book, but tell me that it is hockey and I will trip you to get to the book first. Serena Lambert, is in a pickle, and not the dill kind. The one person who saves her is the one she cannot stand. Wyatt Tompkins needs Serena, in a way that is both irritating and necessary. Serena is the only one that can save his career. And he is not above playing some seriously dirty tricks to get his way.
This sweet book is the a great addition to the Playmakers Series. Lovers of sports romance, hockey, and fun whitty banter will adore this book. 4 out of 5 stars.

Review by @kgregory

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R19YMZ7OC7GOR6/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a twist on Jack and the Beanstock. I read this story to my almost 10 year old and the laughter out of her was priceless. The pictures in the story was bright and colorful. Jack was lazy and wanted to get money. The ogre was watching his every move and trying to get him to the top so he could eat him. I would say this book is more for age 7-8 years old.

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Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Faith Jackson

Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great coming of age story where the characters allow you to relate to them but also wanna rip through the pages to help them. This story brings you into the lives of the characters and you’re right there with them feeling the same experiences from their POV. Great read!

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan

Back to the 80’s Contemporary Romance that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to be looking into what other books they have written. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself rooting for Blaine and the other shop owners. The characters are relatable, fully developed and creative yet made me feel like I was apart of the story. Blaine owns a fun novelty shop that her deceased mom passed on to her called “ Back to the 80s “. Then there’s Eric who is a developer who works for his family’s construction company the one that has plans for the mall where Blaine’s shop is. She comes up with a plan that will give her some time thirty days to be exact to convince Eric that the 80’s were rad and why he shouldn’t tear down her shop. These two have an attraction but can they win the bet without losing their hearts in the process? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2SSY1II58FNXG/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets They Hide is the second book in this series. The story takes place in a beautiful place in Rome. What I love most about this book is the twist and turns that it had. You can try to predict what’s going to happen and then the author tricks you and a twist comes. The plot of the story was amazing. This was a page turner and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZHWPRI0ZDJ55/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broken is the second book in this series. I didn’t read the first one and I was able to follow along without being lost. I do want to go back and read the first one. I’m not a huge fan of romance books, HOWEVER this one was written so well I got into it from the beginning. The world building was well thought of. The description of each character was beautifully thought of that I could picture them. This one was a page turner for me. I wanted to know what happened next. This romance story had a happy ending. If you are into romance books, I highly recommend the series.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Aranza

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reticent Hawke: A Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book)

by Gwyn McNamee

4 out of 5 Stars

This was a fun story. I had so much fun reading it. This is definitely one of my favorite Hawke family stories. Highly recommend reading it. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Michelle Marlow

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into this book not knowing it was part of a series. But that is on me! However, despite being slightly confused as I could tell events have happened prior to this book, it did not take away from the fact that it was a fun read! This was a fun hockey romance read about Austen and Dimitri. Their back and forth jests really help carry their emotions and their feelings!
Reviews by @michellerenee6590

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Brittany Angel

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my very first hockey romance, and I may be a fan for life now. When Dimitri and Austen find themselves in an unfortunate situation, they decide to make the best of it as they can. What then ensues is some of the funniest banter I’ve read in a while. Their relationship slowly goes from strangers to friends to lovers in the best way. By then end, you can’t help but cheer them on in their love for one another. I plan to add the rest of this series to my TBR because I need to know what happens with the other characters in this!

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Heavy Shot(Nashville Assassins:Next Generation) by Toni Aleo- Review by Heather Knalls

Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Austen has had a challenging life. She now lives with her grandfather who has decided to buy a hockey team, that will be the farm team for the Nashville Assassins. He has named her the General Manager of this new team and has sent her to Nashville to learn from the best. Dimitri is a possible new player for the Assassin’s, that’s if he can show the General Manager that he has a history with that he belongs there. Austen and Dimitri have both been given the same apartment and are having to figure out how to make all of this work. Austen is trying her hardest not to get distracted by Dimitri because she needs to learn as much as possible while she is with the Assassins. Dimitri has other plans even though he doesn’t need to be distracted either because he needs this chance to prove he belongs in Nashville.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series. Although it is not essential to read the rest of the series to understand what is happening, I would recommend doing so to understand characters and background better.

I enjoy the author’s descriptive writing and their ability to paint a clear picture of what’s happening and the characters within the scenes.

Scala is a determined character, not taking the easy option by accepting the convenient answers. He is determined to find the truth, even when the case twists and turns as much as this one – nothing is what he expects.

I enjoyed the plot and where the story led in this instalment. There were moments which surprised me, moments which tugged on my emotions but there was never a dull moment.

I’m enjoying reading this series, and would recommend those who enjoy a good mystery book to give this a try.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Jenni Bishop

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Lucky is Lee Wood’s first novel in the Trentbridge Tales. It is an interesting and original tale set in England UK. I think readers will be surprised by this story and it’s twisty and unusual plot.
Mr Lucky is not so lucky he is suffering from a heart-wrenching loss. Detective James Sheldon had it all and hit rock bottom, but fate had other plans for him. Some say a win is a good thing but not when it brings trouble to your doorstep. He has many demons to overcome and dangers to face.
There are characters that you will like and some not at all. The villain is a truly despicable person but that comes through the intriguing narrative.
Mr Lucky is psychological crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat at times and at others my heart breaking.
If you like British crime thrillers, then you will enjoy Mr Lucky.
I look forward to more of James Sheldon and his adventures.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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