Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think Phoenix and Aspen’s story may be the hardest yet to come into. These two are coming with some big baggage and then one spur of the moment choice can change your life. I always viewed Phoenix as kind of a putz but I am seeing a little glimmer of a nice guy under that tough persona. Aspen has been messed by her parent’s relationship. This book is intense and you can feel every emotion as you are reading. I got pulled into it right from the start. It was like coming home. New faces, old faces, and then we get a cliffhanger until the next one comes out. I’ll be hanging on here waiting to see what’s coming for them. These characters are so well-written that they feel like they could be your friend’s kids. They are real struggles and very relatable. This is a really good series and I’m always watching for the next one to come out. You are watching a new relationship develop and waiting to see how it’s going to turn out. Will it last or fade out? Stay tuned for the next episode of Phoenix and Aspen.

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez

My Goodbye girl is a wonderfully written Women’s Fiction that will take you on quite the emotional journey. This journey expands over several years and many different places. There’s plenty of good times ,bad times lots of highs and lows. My heart broke many times and I even shed a few tears. This is a fairly new author to me but I’m definitely going to check out what else they’ve written. This was just what I needed, a good heart felt Romance that pulls you in and you feel like you are strolling right along side them. I highly recommend reading this story about Tessa and Simon to find out if they find there ways back to one another. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! This is the 4th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, but it is a part of Damon and Skylar’s duet, so you technically don’t need to read books 1 & 2, but I recommend it as they interconnect!

The connection and energy between Damon and Skylar is off the charts. I think this second part of the duet is better than the first, but there is less of the bully aspect in part two. Skylar and Damon have just been discovered, and everyone is pissed. Especially Gia. So what will they do? Confess their attraction? Absolutely not, because why on earth would they do something like that? HAHA.

I am heads over heels for Sky. She is an AMAZING person, and friend. My heart absolutely breaks for her in every situation. She gets the short end of the stick every time it seems.
Damon grows A LOT in this book, and it is so beautiful and mesmerizing to read as it unfolds in front of you. You get to see deep into both of their minds, and in the end, they both have to ask their selves, what do they truly want? Not only do Damon and Sky have to deal with what they have done behind closed doors, Sky also is battling a horrible situation with her father, that threatens everything in Skys life.

Will their true feelings come to light? If they do, does it even matter or have things gone too far past repair? Will Damon or ANYONE be able to protect Sky from her father? How will this end? In love… or in possible death? Will Damon and Sky stand up for what they truly want, or will they let everyone else’s feelings and wants to dictate their future?

I highly recommend this book, duet, and entire series! It is a show stopper!
There is plenty of drama, spice, angst, and also pure love.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah King

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Wickstrom has managed to write an adorable story to draw in her readers / listeners. She has become one of my favorite authors to purchase for my nieces and nephews; they always enjoy, and I love the bonus of a worthwhile lesson snuck into the story.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by April McCoy

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla just gives us such an incredible story every time. We are transported to a world with her words, where the emotions are Hugh, the tension could be cut with a knife, and we get sucked further and further in. This series is shaping up to be a new fave of mine. It’s so good. I could drown in angsty love and this give us that and then some!!! Cannot wait to read the others in the series!

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness I’m about to say take me cowboy 🤠 loving the cover ! I know I’m so easy to please 🤣❣️📚but I’m weak when it comes to cover art 😍😉

It’s soooooo good to be back in Bluestone ❣️

Ace , an injured marine needs to find peace and quiet , a place where he can heal his body , mind and soul , he rents a cabin on Ivy’s land and soon enough he’s hands on in more ways than one 😉

Ivy’s grandparents passed on and left her their ranch and while she’s no wallflower she needs more than money to run the ranch , she works hard and not a scared hair on that head of hers but we all need a little help even our darling Ivy ….

Ivy and Ace are each others healing balms and watching them together was a gift and yes I cried , hard I’m not even going to try and lie but it’s a beautiful story and worth every tear❣️📚

See you soon Bluestone , you’ve been good to my soul 😍

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by April McCoy

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know what it is but every time I pick up a Paranormal read and we travel to new Orleans I’m sucked in. This was an excellently satisfying read. So well balanced with the perfect flow that kept me flipping pages as fast as I could read them! Loved the characters and definitely loved the setting. Cannot wait to see what comes next!!!

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by April McCoy

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredibly thought inducing tale. As a university student I was intrigued having studied historical culture, cultural anthropology and indigenous studies but this really sucked me in. Such a powerful tale that was so well put together. I was honestly sad when I came to the last page. Superb job to the author. Highly, highly recommended 👌

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kids always love it when I bring a Lois Wickstrom book into the house, so we were excited to dig into this one! We get to read about Chester whose mom wants him to clean his room. He plays around for a bit but much to his surprise he meets some alien friends! It’s a pretty fun and wacky adventure with Chester and his friends. The illustrations are beautiful and really add depth to the story. This has a great flow and isn’t too long so the kids should stay interested! My kiddos loved to play with their messy kid friends after we read this. I highly recommend picking this up and reading it with the young ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good kid’s book. This is a picture book that I think was super cute, it has Hudson helping doing things for others and doing chores around the house. But one day he started to feel overwhelmed, and I would even say stressed. So as the family sees what’s happening the story teaches Hudson that he needs to also take care of himself with doing self-care which is important for himself. This book was well written and a very learning experience for children to care of themselves. The pictures were well drawn and illustrated to the book; it really painted the picture of what was happening. We could all use some self-care and that its ok for others to help us too not just a one way.

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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story. Christy was such a great character and I loved seeing her growth as a character. She is such a great mom and the twins absolutely cracked me up! They were such adorable characters. Ryan was an amazing lead character and definitely brought the sizzle to the book. I loved all of the supporting characters in the story as well. They created a great group of friends who got along well and supported each other. I have not read the first book in this series, but I will be remedying this immediately and I can’t wait to read book 3! This was a great story full of humor and love.

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Emma Samways

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Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I quite liked this one, it follows Julie, Marie, Terry & Paige 20 years after a plane crash. Page really wants to move on but Julie can’t forgive herself for what she did on that flight. She has kept in touch with Paige over the years trying to pay penzance I guess. Paige doesn’t really want to stay in contact with Julie, as it’s a constant reminder of what happened but she does because she knows it helps Julie. We learn how each survivor has coped or not coped with the aftermath and how they’ve lived their lives afterwards and not everyone has dealt with it well. This was beautifully written and I will definitely be reading more from this author.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a very creative author that always tends to slip in a lesson or fun learning opportunity in her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture. The artwork/ illustrations are also always so colorful and help the reader visualize and experience the story more easily as well. Her books have become a definite favorite of my family.

In this book we find Chester being asked to clean his room, but he would rather be doing other fun things. It isn’t until The Messy Kids show up that he really starts cleaning his room with their help. They don’t know how to properly clean his room though, so with encouragement from his mom, Chester teaches them. This is a really fun, easy read for younger kids.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story! Lois Wickstrom has dealt with such heavy topics as bullying and believing someone is being truthful in such a fun and creative way. I really loved how Colleen tried to make friends with the kids who made fun of her dad and her instead of retaliating. I have read several books by this author, but I do believe this is my favorite by far. I love how she always incorporates a lesson or fun learning opportunity into her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture and this one is no different. I honestly can’t wait to see what she comes up with next and how Nicolàs Milano will illustrate it. This artist has illustrated several of her books and they are all so colorful and appealing to the eye, drawing me even more into the story. I also really admire the way that they incorporate all different kinds of characters with different ethnicities, disabilities, and abilities into their stories and renderings. This book should be in the hands of every child as it conveys such great life lessons within a fun rhyming storyline.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Erin DeRoma

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this as an educator. This ode to teachers is beautifully written and very touching.
I really like how this was written in prose. This would be a great gift for any educator new or old. Great for new teachers, retiring teachers, teacher appreciation day, or maybe even a teacher feeling overwhelmed and deflated. A must share with any teacher.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Nights picks up exactly where Brutal Days ends- so do not read it as a stand alone. Things have turned into quite a mess for Skylar and Damon. Neither was expecting things to go this way, but such is life. This book, like the others in the series, are a good mix of suspense and romance, with a bit of comedy and typical teenage drama. I did not want to put it down, and look forward to the rest of the series. The book alternates POV between Damon and Sky. I like that it continues to tie in the characters and story line from the previous books. The ending is a perfect happy ending for the characters involved, after a peak of action. Highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA romance.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My 7 year old son read Messy Kids to me. It was a cute book and good for his age. He only got caught on a couple words. He liked the book, and we have read a lot of books by this author. We always enjoy them. It sparked a good conversation after, how it’s okay to make messes as long as you clean them up in the end. He liked the illustrations and how each alien is different.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My son and I read Holding Up the Sky together. It’s a good book for elementary school age (he is 7). We liked the rhyming, as it made the book flow and have a bit of Dr Seuss vibe. Like many of this author’s book, it has a good message to the kids- Do not be quick to judge. Colleen is teased for saying her dad holds up the sky. She figures out a way to prove it to everyone, and learns a little about herself at the same time. The pictures are colorful and fun.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Paula R Sayers

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teachers are all different but one thing makes them the same…they all have a big heart. This is a sweet book about teachers. I feel like it would be a good book for children who are getting ready to head to school for the first time or even those returning for a new school year to read.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

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https://www.amazon.com/review/RDK14HV1Z9LSV/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding Up the Sky is another great story written by Lois Wickstrom. I love how detailed her books are. Lois writes amazing kids books. The colors are always so bright and vibrant. The story had great world building and the plot was well thought of. My daughter really enjoyed the story and she is 9.

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3507923661

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal series.

Years of not knowing whether the apparitions in front of her were genuine or just her imagination caused Julia to fear them. After all, someone had duped her into turning on the Resistance and harming people who were most important to her. However, Julia has since discovered the truth about her ability. She is the first vampire to be identified in centuries who has this ability.

Her ka-tet asks a group of seasoned pals in Marseilles to impart what knowledge they can to Julia. She works against the clock to master her power and convince the Resistance’s top brass that she possesses these exceptional talents. When King Valentino’s men learn of the gathering and arrange a trap by kidnapping surrounding human tribes, their intentions are foiled.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny #4)Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a a great vampire story.

For many years, Lane Marlow has been evading capture. He escaped Valentino, King of the Vampires, after being condemned for feeding on his own kind. As reports about how such a young vampire managed to escape spread, Valentino orders his immediate execution. Before disappearing, Lane is able to escape from or kill every pursuer. But now Lane misses the house he was compelled to leave. He is found in Rome as he begins to travel back to Ireland. Valentino orders two members of his Council to lead the hunt after realizing that his prey is still very much alive.Lane encounters a bunch of vampires that are unlike any he has ever faced as he fights those sent after him.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal vampire series.

With the help of those who could only be seen and heard by her, Julia betrayed her ka-tet, the individuals she considered her family, to Valentino, the King of Vampires. They avoid her because they believe she is insane. She worries about the apparitions coming again while she works to mend her relationships. Julia is compelled to ask Matthew for assistance after her commander vanishes without a trace. Their formerly intimate relationship has turned hostile. Since Julia’s betrayal, Matthew has been living away from the others. He has created a new life for himself inside Florence’s influential Medici family. The entrance of Julia is neither anticipated nor welcomed. Julia and Matthew understand that something much more evil is at work as their adversaries close in.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chester is a young boy and like all young boys, he hates it when his mum asks him to clean his room, so he agrees, but decides to do the sandbox first. When he gets there, he sees a spaceship which is shaped like a fairground ride and four aliens with cat like faces pop out of it! When they start to play with the sandbox, Chester realises that they are more messy than him, so when they all go to his room and instead of tidying it, they just put all of the toys under the bed, Chester’s mum is annoyed and asks him to clean his room properly.

Will Chester’s mum believe him when he tells her that it was the aliens who did it wrong and will he be able to teach them how to do it right? This is a cute story which teaches an important lesson about the right and wrong way to do things which is easy to understand and shown in a charming way which is suitable for all ages.

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Reviewed by @roxsannel

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great vampire series

Julia accepted Samuel’s offer and aided the Resistance in deposing the Vampire King seventy years ago. She has coexisted peacefully with the rest of her ka-tet as her power and prowess grow.When Valentino shows up, his peaceful existence is upended because he wants to eliminate the growing danger to his authority. Samuel hopes to depart before the enemy gets too close because he is aware that his fledgling is still too young to overthrow the King. Julia is left with no choice but to fight when the plot backfires. The threat, though, is unlike any she has encountered before, and there are dangers to her ka-tet’s security everywhere—even in her own thoughts.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal series

Julia comes from a prosperous household in 16th-century London. She develops feelings for Adam, the son of a servant, and is devastated when her family makes her enter into an arranged marriage. Since her husband is neither forgiving nor sympathetic, Julia finds it difficult to protect the people she cares about. When tragedy strikes, a stranger shows up and makes her a deal that might permanently change the course of her life. Agreement would fulfill her deepest desires and provide her what she has been denied: the freedom to do as she pleases and a chance to see her one true love again. Only one catch exists. Additionally, accepting would entail joining the Vampire Resistance in the King’s war.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down. This is the first book of the story and I can’t wait to continue the series.

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1)Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. It is a well written story about what happens on an abduction vacation and one steamy stranger. A romance story where the characters pull you into their world from the first word. They have great chemistry and growth throughout the story. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring a realistic feel to it. The characters are fun, steamy, engaging and made the story for me. They had me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. I enjoyed their story and wanted to see them have a happily ever after. You don’t want to miss this story. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another lovely book from the author. The story line was engaging, and the illustrations were colourful and bright.

As usual there is a lesson to be learned from this author’s stories and this one is an important one. Treating people with kindness no matter what they look like.

The story is fun and easy as well as being educational/thought provoking for children.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the third book but I highly suggest reading the previous two books as well. They are just as great if not greater. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books as I know that I am in for a journey of romance and a great story. This is a well written story about being from two different worlds but what happens when the attraction is greater. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world with ease. They are strong, supportive and add so much to the story. This is a romance story that is easy to read and hard to put down. I enjoyed watching the growth of the relationship as well as the chemistry between these two. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Messy Kids
By: Lois Wickstrom

This is such a fun book about Chester. Chester is like every kid I’ve ever met, he doesn’t want to clean up, there are so many amazing things to do that are so much more fun. However, when he encounters the messy kids, his mom has the best idea. Why doesn’t he teach them how to clean up? This is really a great, easy children’s book that I know all kids will enjoy. I definitely recommend reading it as it is a fun bedtime story.

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