House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures Book #1) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Angella Hayes

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

House of Arsceneaux is the first book in the Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures series by Caterina Novelliere.
Caitlin was supposed to be on vacation, but a last-minute demand from her boss has her mixing some business in amongst her vacation time. She isn’t too happy about it, but there is a huge ‘business deal’ at stake- plus she isn’t given much choice on the matter. Little does she know that her trip to New Orleans is about to turn her world upside down- changing everything she thought she knew- about pretty much everything. This story is about fated mates, soul mates reconnecting after centuries apart. It is about the power of love and fighting the forces that wish to keep you apart.
This is an original paranormal second chance romance with vampires, the supernatural, drama, adventure, secrets, agendas, ancient evil, danger, intrigue, mystery, and fate. I have to be honest and say that the author pretty much had me hooked from the moment I saw ‘vampire’ in the blurb and really enjoyed their take on vampire lore. Looking forward to devouring the rest of the series.
Happy reading…

Thank you, Caterina Novelliere!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book #2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Angela Hayes

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Sacrifice Bunt is the second book in the Ground Rule Series by Bree Kraemer. This is a superb contemporary sports romance with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, chemistry, sizzle, friendship, banter, humour, emotion, drama, angst, and more.
As expected from Ms. Kraemer- Zara and Noah pulled me in right from the beginning and had me fully invested in them and the outcome of their story.
Bring on Book #3!
Happy reading.

Thank you, Bree Kraemer!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Angela Hayes

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My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is an angsty and emotional women’s fiction story about star-crossed lovers, and is not your ‘typical’ romance. The story spans several years as the two MCs continue to come together only to be pulled apart- and we follow along on all their highs and lows.
I was intrigued by the premise of the story- a practical and analytical scientist meets a more fanciful romance author- their chemistry draws them together, and connection and developing feelings ensue. But they have personal and professional obstacles that keep drawing them apart. What happens makes for an angsty and interesting read.
I really wanted to love this book more than I did, as I just couldn’t connect with the characters the way I had hoped to. But I will shelve this book to read again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way, or maybe discover that I was just having an ‘off’ reading day during this first read-through.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Anna Gomez!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk Off is book one in the Ground Rule series. I have always been super involved in sports growing up and seeing that this was a feel good romance but also involved a sports theme, in Walk Off it was mainly centered around a baseball player, only added to my interest. Celia and Kyle are the female and male character but there are a lot of side characters too. Celia broke Kyles heart many years ago but as fate would have it they show up to the same wedding of friends where they are reunited and their love is rekindled. I thought this was a great book but there were a few moments where I thought Celia was pushing against everything to hard or things were a little immature but I also felt like those parts added to the story and helped us understand why Celia and Kyle are the way they are because of their past and trauma they are both a little emotionally stunted. Their friends were so supportive but also gave them space to come to terms with their own feelings. This all came together to make a great read that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading the others in the series.

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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix – Review by Ashley Sugar

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so well written and I highly enjoyed it! Amazing characters and phenomenal character development! There’s humor and there’s spice and I loved every single page. Its a steamy MMF and I finished this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Every time I did, I’d end up picking it right back up. Highly recommend!

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is so gut wrenching but I love it so much. I love everything the author has done with The Wounded Heart Series and I think book 3 may be my favorite. Someone to Watch Over Me, makes one feel happy, sad, angry, and you may even shed a tear. These characters get put through the ringer and you get to see it every step of the way.
Angelo and Lucia are best friends. Yet they secretly love one another. Just that description right there you know there’s going to be drama and fireworks. But through that drama and fireworks you see teo very stubborn characters start to grow out of their stubborn and selfless ways.
I will reiterate that I love this series and though this is book 3, you don’t have to read the books in succession. It works just as well as a standalone novel. However I would recommend you read them all, even if it’s out of order. All 3 are worth it.

@placexba
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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix – Review by Beverly Finnie

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed it! The Passion of 3 is what I’ve come to expect from this author. I enjoy her work and this is not the first series I’ve read books in by her. However, this being book 2 in The Perfect Number series, it’s the first I’m reading. I may very well have to go back and read book 1. This MMF second chance romance gives one all the feels. Happy, sad, and angry. Sometimes it’s felt throughout. The author makes you feel like you are one of the 3 main characters. Each falling into a different category of characteristics we can each relate too.
Some people are a Greyson.
Some people are a Nash.
And some people are a Caro.
Caro secretly craved a second chance with the men she left behind. That’s why she had no issues moving to Kentucky. But she had yet to run into either. Derby season brought Nash back into the fold and both went after Greyson. But nothing’s ever perfect and there’s speed bumps along the way. The author puts things into a wonderful perspective as those speed bumps play out.
As you read this story you’re rooting for everything to work out. Especially as the growth between the 3 becomes visible. After 10 years apart they are back as one. But though they are the same they are different people now as well.
I look forward to continuing to read books by this author.

@placexba
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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix- Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a MMF steamy tale about 3 people, Nash, Caro, and Greyson who get a second chance at romance. The characters are really likable and had me hoping things would work out for them this time around, especially since they were separated before, mostly because of a complete misunderstanding.

The author’s writing style was easy flowing and kept me invested in the story. I really also enjoyed the horse racing details/ tidbits that showed just how much research the author had done. This is the second book in this series and though I didn’t read the first book I could easily follow along and grasp aspects of other characters who had appeared in the first book. I must admit that after reading this one, though I do plan on going back and reading the first one just because I want to read more by this author and visit the other couples’ stories. This is definitely a fun, fast paced, steamy read.

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Gabrielle

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Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an interesting book that combines a lot of myth and magic. There is a lot going on and the reader really has to pay attention to what is going on. It is the fourth book in a series so you need to have read the previous books so as to understand this world and its characters better. Lots of characters and timelines are going on in this book but it all is going on at the same time through the book so every few pages it is another character or time that you are reading about. While it all connects it can be a bit hard to follow. With a lot of different characters having their say it was sometimes hard to get immersed in the story. The main focus of this book is the character The Tall Dark Man and the beginning of a new story arc. As much as I like the idea of this story, I always find it hard with so many changing narrations and times lines so quickly.

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Robin Rankin

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1)

I have been a fan of Ms. Kraemer since her Cedarville series and was so excited to dive into this book and I wasn’t disappointed. She paints the picture in your head with using extra and unnecessary words to fill the pages.

Second chance romance is one on the tropes I enjoy a lot. Throw in sports, especially baseball and I’m hooked. I’m so glad I read this book, especially after the week i have had. Celia and Kyle are both great characters and I instantly fell in love with them and their friends.

I already have the next two books on my Kindle waiting to be read, and I can’t wait to read them. Once again Ms. Kraemer hit it out of the park.

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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have picked up books from this author before and I’m never disappointed! The Passion of 3 is a wonderfully written story with plenty of MMF steamy scenes and a beautiful love story between Caro, Nash, and Greyson. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster and couldn’t stop reading long enough to do anything. I read this in one sitting because I HAD to know what happened. I really enjoyed the message of life without love just not being all it’s cracked up to be. I highly recommend picking this up especially if you enjoy MMF and second chance romance stories!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Kristan Anderson

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Someone To Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack is book three in her Wounded Hearts series. Lucia and Angelo have been best friends since Angelo was two years old and Lucia was born. Although with them being so close they pretend to only see one another as “siblings” rather than romantically… except they are both bad liars. Phewwww, I don’t know what it is about Debbie and her stories but I am living for them. They are SO good and so raw. I love how relatable they are even if I don’t fully relate to everything. She’s just that good. The connection between Angelo and Lucia was palpable, I could feeeeeeel it in every interaction. The lust, the longing, the love, can she write for my life lol! The story itself is a stand alone though the first two books have characters that you’ll see in here and I LOVED it. It truly tied together so well. The slow burn for these two was exactly what they needed. I cannot sing enough praises for Debbie!

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my second book by Nadija, and this book is just as breathtaking and suspenseful as Ten Thousand Shells and Counting. Mitch is a highly unlikeable, egotistical character that you can’t help but hope for a change of character. I disliked him from page one, yet didn’t want the story to end to find out (1) whom murdered the student and (2) did Mitch do it?

Unlike some psychological thrillers, I appreciated the author’s attention to detail and consistent story lines, which made the story more realistic and believable. I read a lot of books, and was grateful the ending/plot was not obvious.

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jess Engel

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great, easy read! This one will suck you in and keep you turning the pages until the end. The author crafts an effortless second chance romance between Celia and Kyle. Once lovers, they find their way back to each other, but one secret could ruin it all!

The author builds a world upon fantastic characters. The reader is pulled into their story and can’t help but rooting for them. The chemistry between the characters is palpable. It is well written and engaging. I highly recommend this read!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Shannen Kern

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful start to the Ground Rule series! It was also my first read by Bree Kraemer, and I’m already picking up other books by her. I absolutely loved the emotional story of a second chance romance with Kyle and Celia. You will feel the heartbreaking past and be torn by the choices they have to make. You can feel their chemistry and will be speeding through the book asking yourself will they or won’t they?! This author has definitely been placed on my watch list because I love their writing style! I highly recommend picking this up and getting lost in this amazing fast-paced sports romance.

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Candice Estes

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in this series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I doubt you will want to!

Years ago, Zara Dewan met Noah Ashe in a memorable way, by being completely naked in the apartment while waiting for his roommate, though she didn’t know he had a roommate at the time. Their meeting was short, and memorable for another reason as well, a fire that destroyed the whole apartment building. Since that day, Zara has hated Noah, because he carried her out of the apartment without clothing, gave her his shirt, and then disappeared. They have crossed paths many times since then, because Zara is a sports agent, and Noah is a professional baseball player. When the pair is thrown together due to Zara’s friend a business partner (and Noah’s agent) being sidelined from an important meeting due to an issue for another client, the spark that had been simmering just under the surface lights and the pair end up sleeping together. What Zara never saw coming was her developing feelings for Noah, who already wanted to be with her in more ways than one. There is some strong language, and plenty of steamy scenes, with a guaranteed happily ever after.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams is a beautifully written and inspirational YA family book. Neyah and Abby live in two very different worlds but form a friendship as pen pals through a school project. Neyah lives in Africa and does not have water in her village. She misses a lot of school because of having to walk several miles to bring water to her family for bathing, cooking, and for the livestock. Neyah’s village struggles with diseases caused by the lack of running water and her daily life is full of dangers as she faces bandits on her way to get water. Abby lives worlds apart in Minnesota and has a good life in comparison to Neyah. She has clean, running water and modern conveniences but her life is far from perfect. Her parents have issues, and she has been diagnosed with having a brain tumor. The two girls work together to raise awareness and money for water in Neyah’s village. The characters of Abby and Neyah are well written and the strength and courage the two girls had was inspiring. Both girls were smart, independent, and faced challenges head-on. The unlikely friendship between Neyah and Abby will inspire and uplift you as they encouraged each other to follow their dreams. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the girls faced their own challenges and helped each other even though they were worlds apart. I highly recommend this book!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk Off is Book One in the Ground Rules series. It is a second chance romance story that centers around the characters of Celia and Kyle. Celia broke Kyle’s heart eight years ago but he has never gotten over her. When he sees her at the wedding of a friend all the memories come flooding back. He still loves her and even though she broke his heart his feelings for her have not changed. Celia still loves Kyle, but she lied to him years ago and has been hiding a secret from him ever since that could cause Kyle to hate her forever. Can Celia and Kyle get past the hurt, secrets, and lies and get a second chance at love? This is a beautifully written story with wonderful characters whose lives were easy to become invested in. You could not help but root for them to work through the hurt from their painful past and get a fresh new start together. Celia’s decision was clearly a gut-wrenching one to make for Kyle to have a chance at a future. The chemistry between them is undeniable and hard for either of them to deny. This book was full of raw emotions, love, loss, secrets, lies, betrayal, angst, drama, chemistry, passion, and second chances.

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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Passion of 3
By: Ariella Talix

This is a fantastic second chance romance. It is the second book in the perfect number series. However, it completely functions as a standalone and you will not be lost at all if you haven’t read the first one.
This is such a good book. I loved that it featured characters in their mid thirties. I also loved that it focused on rekindling romance that was had years before. I know that perhaps this explanation sounds a bit contrived, but it was absolutely far from that. In addition to being a MMF romance, it also takes place in the world of horse racing. This was honestly a fantastic addition to the book that I truly found added to my love of the story. I truly loved the story and I loved that there were twists towards the end that really made this book hard to put down. Ariella Talix is a fantastic author who has phenomenal character depth and development. I definitely think this is a book that is well worth the read!

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Jenni Bishop

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Way Out is engaging and the second contemporary romance book in Tami’s Rock Star series. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I note she has many more under her belt that I look forward to reading. I am glad I picked up this book because I really enjoyed it. It is a quick, fun and spicy read.
Nothing like a road trip to clear the mind and lose one’s heart. Way to complicate things by sleeping with your sexy and irresistible hot fledgling rock star. But Maria Hearsy Bernard has never done easy.
It is full of wonderful characters some being hot rock stars. I mean who doesn’t love a rock star. Takes me back in time to when friends were in a band and trying to make it big.
It is loaded with humour, angst and drama. Told in dual POV we get to see all of the characters and what is going on inside their heads.
This book is fun with a great romance and hot, sexy times! But let’s not forget the one person who always has an agenda!
If you want some light reading to take you away from life for a few hours, then A Way Out is a good way to do so.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jenni Bishop

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are things that may be a trigger to some readers.
The Master of Demise is full of obsession, desperate choices, violence, betrayal, death and dark secrets. This dark and gripping psychological thriller hit the mark. There are characters that you will like and others not so much but that is the credit of Nadija’s work to evoke such strong emotions.
There is so many facets to our main character who once had it all. He now lives in a world where there is much darkness and danger. No one likes to take a look at themselves and realise they are not what they seem. Nothing like being knocked down a peg or two but nothing like being blamed for a murder or two.
Nadija has given us a chilling original tale with an interesting premise. There were times when I could see things coming but there are enough twists and turns the biggest being the ending. That is a surprise.
It had me looking in the darkness and shadows just to make sure no one was around. It is one of those stories to keep the most avid reader glued to the pages and the pages turning because you have to know how it ends.
If you love a dark and gripping tale of revenge and so much more, you will fall in love with Nadija Mujagic’s The Master of Demise.
I look forward to what comes next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sacrifice Bunt is the second book in the Ground Rule sports series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend as always starting at the beginning and working your way through.
Bree writes complex characters that are relatable, sexy, strong and sassy and know what they want. The story is steamy with fun and humour yet at times emotional and intense. It is well written and the story flows seamlessly making it easy to become lost in the story.
Zara is an independent woman who likes what she likes and make no apologies for it. One night that shouldn’t have happened is now threatening all that she likes. Or is it?
Noah wants the sexy woman that doesn’t want him. What started out as one night of fun become much more to him than he anticipated.
I can’t wait to see where Bree takes us next in the third book Grand Slam.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Jenni Bishop

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My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My Goodbye Girl is the first book I have read by this author, and it hit me in the feels. So, make sure there are tissues at hand. It is a romantic story that had me hoping for more.
With vivid accounts of different places Anna’s writing makes it so easy to get caught up in the story. Add on top of that characters that are as real as it can get. I really wanted to like our FMC more than I did which made it hard for me to fully connect with the story. But having said that it still made me feel.
A chance meeting, hope and anticipation, hopeless love, divided hearts, separated by geography and one everlasting heartbreak.
It is a story where one has to ask is freedom, fame and success worth the price over love?
I look forward to reading more of Anna’s work.
If you need a good cry, then this is the book to help you along the way. If you love a romance story, then this is one to settle down with.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Jenni Bishop

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
I have said it before, but I do love a good dark paranormal romantic story and House of Arsceneaux fits that bill. This gritty vampire romance tale is part of the Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures series. Add in Catarina’s cleverly woven threads with time travel, past and present, back and forth and you get extra elements that tease and delights the senses.
With secrets, vampires, a curse, immortals, fated mates and legends/gods it is a supernatural reader’s delight. With guilt, remorse, pain, suffering, longing, lust, love and ghosts from the past, ancient evil enemies and prophecies just to name a few it has everything that makes it a good story with its dark undertone.
It is an action-packed original story and an intriguing read. It is told through adventure, history and memories. Caterina’s passion makes the story a vivid picture and she has thrown in a little twist and turn along the way.
There is a lot going on and it did take me a while to settle in to the story and to get to know the complex characters that you will either love or you will love to hate.
His world turned upside down in the worst ways. Becoming involved in a business proposition he doesn’t want he comes face to face with his past.
This read will have lovers of romance, history and the supernatural delving in.
I did like this story. I want to read more of Caterina’s work and see more of the other characters.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

Melissa Lavi is in a job she loves as a Preschool Teacher, and it is through this that she has written children’s picture books. One being A Teacher’s Heart. It is a sweet story that young ones will enjoy. Can you imagine if we were all the same. What a world that would be. Melissa shows just how diverse people can be and in particular teachers.
It is a short story that is told through wonderful prose and illustrations. A sweet tale of teachers their hopes, their wishes and their dreams for the children they dedicate their lives to help. A passion to help shape them, help them grow and learn.
I like the messages within and that we get to share these with our children and/or grandchildren or those that we love. These books are geared for kids, but I am in my sixties, and I enjoyed it. It is nice to sit with them and watch as the gears turn, and their imaginations run wild.
Melissa has done a great job.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Master of Demise is a gripping and fast-paced psychological crime thriller about one man’s downward spiral into a path of self-destruction. Mitch had a seemingly perfect life with a loving wife and a great career as a well-respected professor. Then his life turned upside down when one of Mitch’s students took his own life and fingers were pointed at Mitch. As he slowly starts to lose everything that he had worked so hard for Mitch begins to make a series of choices fueled by desperation and his own narcissism. As Mitch becomes driven by his own ego, he makes one bad choice after another that lead to violence and betrayal. When other deaths occur, Mitch becomes the main suspect, and he is asked to leave the university. The author did an amazing job of keeping me hooked from the first few pages and building suspense throughout. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending took me by surprise. The characters were well written, and Mitch was someone that I loved to hate. It was hard to tell if he was a victim of circumstance or if he was more sinister than he let on. This book had action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, drama, secrets, lies, and twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end. I highly recommend this book!

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

My Goodbye Girl is a heartfelt and poignant story of a chance encounter turning to love. When Simon and Tessa meet by chance on an airplane their chance encounter blossoms from a friendship into a romance. The problem is that they live very different lives, in different countries, and are focused on their own individual success. As the love between Tessa and Simon grows, they meet in different places around the world until fate intervenes and Tessa must decide if she is ready for love. The writing is superb, and the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we anxiously wait to see if love will overcome all in the end. The characters are well written, lovable, and relatable. I highly recommend this story of friendship, romance, love, loss, and hope.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping psychological crime thriller which kept me captivated throughout. At the start of the novel professor Mitch Wegner has it all, a prestigious career, a loving wife, and a reputation as a brilliant academic. It doesn’t take long for his life to spiral out of control when one of his students commits suicide and Mitch is blamed. With his job on the line and his marriage falling apart, Mitch descends into a dangerously dark world where he is haunted by his past. Mitch then makes a series of increasingly desperate choices resulting in violence and betrayal. When a second person mysteriously dies on campus, Mitch is the prime suspect, however the truth behind the killings turns out to be more twisted than anyone imagined. This novel had me on the edge of me seat and glued to my book as the drama and suspense built. Mitch is not a very likeable main character especially as he’s consumed by his own ego and dark secrets, however he is an intriguing character. The descriptive narrative brings both the setting and the characters vividly to life making me feel immersed in the storyline. The unpredictable plot along with the twists and turns kept me guessing as to the outcome of the novel. I was hooked from start to finish and was left stunned by the shocking ending!

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

A Teacher’s Heart is a beautifully written and informative story for children of all ages. The illustrations were bright and colorful and really brought the story to life. It does not matter what someone looks like on the outside, what their personality is, or what their teaching style is. All teachers care and want to support you. All teachers want to put you on the path to success. The author delivers an important message about how all teachers have one thing in common and that is that they all have big hearts. I highly recommend this book!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Julie Johnson

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two girls a continent apart. Neyah is super quiet and shy and lives in Africa. Abby is a bubbly socialite in Minnesota, USA. They learn of each other through their social studies teachers and become pen pals.

Neyah rarely gets to go to school. Her family depends on her to fetch water for them to survive. Neyah loves school and learning and aspires to be a doctor.

Abby is ok with school but jealous of the “time off” that Neyah has, not really realizing at first why Neyah isn’t able to attend as much.

Through a series of back and forth letters, the girls learn of each others cultures, customs, and norms and both are determined to help make the world a much better place.

I would advise you to read this in a solitary room if you’re apt to cry. I was reading this while sitting out at a yard sale in between customers. BAD IDEA because I could not stop the tears. There are happy crying moments, there are sad crying moments. This book is such a beautiful story of two unlikely people to form a bond and then do something with that bond. This story will stick with me awhile!!

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