Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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

WOW! Excellent book! I really hope there is more after this, because I need more about Julia’s group and Kali’s group. Julia’s feelings in this book are all over the place and my heart hurts for her. She still feels that sense of unease between her and Samuel, and also with Mary Anne, because of the past, but I think she has proven over and over that she is not that person, that she was, deceived into making those decisions 6 years ago. The showdown with Jonathan was rough, but I am waiting for the battle with Valentino. In the end, I was happy to see her relationships with everyone strengthen, and the new friends she makes in Alicia and Adrian. Something is going on with Julia and her power to sense others in her ka-tet and I can’t wait to find out what that is! Wonderful series thus far!

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Goodman

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute spinoff of Jack and the beanstalk. My little girl loved it. She was drawn in from the first page and was captivated the whole time. Everything this author does hasn’t disappointed me.

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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

This book is read from Lane’s point of view, and while I did enjoy seeing everything happen from someone else’s perspective other than Julia’s, it seemed a bit unnecessary. I’m still not 100% sure where Lane stands, whether he wants to be alone like he has been, or join Julia’s group. There is also his relationship with Kali, is it just friends or more? At the end of this book is where there is more, continuing on from the 3rd book and Julia and Kali go through some things, big things. I hope the next book I find Lane back with Julia’s group and they are all together and working out how to get rid of Valentino once and for all.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Heather Goodman

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect with this book but it was delightfully captivating. It draws you in and then takes you through a blooming romance and twist and turns all along the way. You can feel the connection between the two main characters. You gradually fall more in love with the characters as the book goes on. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves romances.

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

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

Another excellent addition to this series! My heart was so broken for Julia with the way everyone is treating her. The way she copes just tears me up, I get why they are mad but also I think they are afraid of what they don’t know. A blast from the past shows up and turns everyone’s world upside down. Relationships mend, and tear apart again, Julia just seems to be thrown left and right. Her and Samual, I know have something between them if they would just talk, I’m so tired of Julia holding everything in and taking everything on her shoulders alone. Bring on the next one!

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

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

Another great book! This series is wonderful so far. This book broke my heart and made me smile. I am devastated to learn of the group’s losses, but Samuel and Julia become closer and that somewhat makes up for it. This book is set 70 years after Julia first gets turned, I know the timeline of vampires is vast, it really was a bummer to realize that Julia had been without her daughter for that long. Valentino is getting closer to Samuel and his group of resistance and is intent on getting to Julia, to have her join his side. Julie makes terrible decisions, and the way she talks, keeps things from Samuel and tries to handle everything on her own really gets to me. I am hoping for something different from her in the next book

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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

Wow! I feel like this book falls under the old adage “never judge a book by its cover”. This book blew me away, the story is so well written and just gut punched me. I am just devastated about Julia being married to Greg and all that she endures. I didn’t think there would be any way out for her until Samuel. Their journey, together with the rest of the group and Adam is rough, wondering if Julia will ever be able to tell Adam about her time married, or if her and Samuel have something between them.

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

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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

Wow! This book is painfully beautiful. I really enjoy learning and hearing about the Native American people and their culture and traditions. This book had my heart breaking for all the Native American’s from back then and even now. No one deserves the treatment they received and it makes me so angry that although this story was fictional, things like this did happen. I could not stop reading and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. I only hope Walks Like Thunder can once again meet with Golden Eagle, and together they can heal from their great loss.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Barbara Bohls

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book caught me off guard. I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because I am normally not one that is drawn into the circus theme because I don’t care much for clowns. That said, I was blown away with the elegance in which the writer conveys the storyline. The aerialists in this story really are captivating in the way they are described in this story. I love the determination of the leading female character. She sets her mind to something and runs with it. This book brought out a lot of emotions for the characters that help give the reader a sense of being. It really drew me in and made me feel everything they were feeling. There is suspense, love, danger, and a lot more that I wish I could talk about but don’t want to spoil this for others. It is a must read and I can’t wait for the second book because I need to know what happens. The steam in this book is done with grace. It really helps build the storyline. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes suspense, danger, and steam. It was a very quick read because I had to know what happened. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This is the first book of the series and I am hooked ready for more.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

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Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT?! Amazing! At first, I was really irritated that Skylar didn’t just talk to Gia in the beginning about Damon before they even went to the first party. Then I realized, if she did we wouldn’t have this book. I am so addicted to Skylar and Damon’s story, dare I say I might even like it more than Riley and Cole’s! Gia is so oblivious and weak that she is susceptible to changing the way she acts to fit in with the elites. She wants to be popular so bad, but her best friend, Skylar, has no desire to fit into that clique. The bet Skylar makes with Damon, instantly, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, but they sure do take us on a wild ride. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the ending…. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Skylar, Damon and Gia. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first 2 books introduce us to the characters in this book.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, Lady Helen finds herself in a bind. A widow with a small child, she finds herself back home at her brother’s wedding. The Earl of Griffith is her escort to his wedding. The Earl charms his way into their life. This is a sweet 2nd chance romance that made me smile because Helen deserved a second chance at a happy life. There is drama and romance. The characters are lively and kind of fit into the storyline. I found Helen to be quite brave for the time period. I’m not sure I would have made it, if it were me. The storyline was quite fascinating and well-written. Scoundrels and heroes abound. An excellent read if you like historical romance.

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A dark and kind of depressing story. Unfortunately, this hit a little to close to home, I had a family member go through something similar to this. It is a reminder that there is always hope at the end of the journey when life is hard. The struggle may be rough. It’s a hard story. The issues of addiction, conversion therapy, etc. may be hard for some readers to read. It’s a story worth reading because it is well-written and, though dark, the author gives hope. There is light from addiction, etc. The characters were well-written. The issues were done in such a way as to feel real. It’s a story definitely worth reading. I would just give a tw for some

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Living With Conviction is a gripping true crime memoir. It is also a tale of long overdue self-discovery. Toby Dorr bravely tells her story of aiding a convicted murderer. It is a soul baring, raw, powerful, and frank telling of love and the aftermath of one wrong turn in life’s journey.
It is Toby’s story of her how her life took her from one side of the bars to the other side. We get a riveting and eye-opening view of life inside jail. It is a look as Toby finds bonds and friendships in the most unlikely of places. It takes us on a hard journey of self-awareness to self-growth, worthiness and understanding, of looking deep inside oneself.
It exposes the undertones of prison life that they try to keep under wraps and a broken system that needs to be fixed. It also shows how families and communities’ frown upon the label of being in prison and their treatment thereof.
I am so glad Toby shared her story and that I took a chance to read it.
It is one book that is a must on everyone’s TBR list.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toby’s story is truly inspirational about how she overcame and tried to change the system while she was in for what she did wrong. She knew her mistake and acknowledged it. She learned to stand up for herself. She tried to make a better world. I found this to be a well written book that I couldn’t put down. It’s a definite must read. I don’t want to give a lot away. Toby shares her vulnerability with the world and because of this, we get to read a 5 star memoir of this year. A truly fascinating book that shows there is hope and things can change one person at a time.

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underneath The Whiskey is a New Adult MM romance tale. This is the first time I have read Chelsea’s work and let me tell you it pulled on my heart and made it ache. The emotions are real people.
There are many hard subjects dealt with in this story alcoholism, mental illness, sexual assault, violence and suicide. Chelsea has done a good job in writing these issues.
Underneath The Whiskey is dark and complex story of a closeted gay man who is living a life of lies. The pain, the suffering, the longing, the wants, denial, the horrors of what our MC had to go through just about broke me.
Conversion therapy oh h*ll no! no, no. Sexual violence no! just no. But this is what our characters had to deal with. I have too many family members and friends that have had to deal with these issues, so it hit an extra spot in me.
The characters are complex, full of flaws and raw and not easy to like. There is a harshness to them that comes from trying to protect oneself. We see inner struggles and watch as they finally work through demons and on the way to self-acceptance.
This book will not be for everyone, but I encourage you to give it a go.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Michelle Collier

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Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a great love story. Ayo has always loved Prince Yi, yet he never told him. Their story is so beautiful. They overcome obstacles to save each other. The love they show each other is so strong. This book is filled with adventure, magic, friendship, and of course love. This MM romance fantasy is all about how love can overcome all things.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne

4.5 stars
Earl of Griffith is the sixth captivating book in this second chance historical romance series Once Upon a Widow by Audbrey Wynne. I really like Aubrey’s work and this series in particular. Each book gets better than the last. Aubrey’s storytelling keeps you engaged as she brings her stories to life with her rich and vivid imagination and poignant details.
Her characters are really well crafted and fully realised and easy to like. I love stories written in multiple POV as it gives you an insight to their thoughts and feelings and you get a better understanding of who the characters really are.
This delightful story will keep you entertained. This is a sweet, sweet short romance filled with love and laughter.
Helen is ‘once bitten twice shy’ as the saying goes. Is it too late to find the love she always dreamed about?
Conway has been consumed with duty his whole life. Now he has found something infinitely more precious something for him. But will they give him a chance? Well, I am not going to tell you, you will have to read it to find out. Happy reading!
If you like historical romances, then this is a book for you.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis-Review by Victoria McQuigg

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Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. This is an M/M Paranormal Romance with a Friends to Lovers Trope. Our main characters Yi and Ayo have a beautiful love story. The story is well written. The characters have so much depth. The pacing is perfect. There is even humor sprinkled throughout. Yi is the crown Prince and Ayo grows up along side him. As they grow Ayo develops feelings for Yi as well as powers. When the King finds out he Exiles Ayo under false pretenses. When the kingdom falls under a Sleeping Curse Ayo comes back to save his Prince. If you like Fantasy/Paranormal Romance then this one is for you! 4 stars, definitely recommend.

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Michelle Collier

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Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enchanting story of a woman torn from her life to marry a stranger. Cressida and Caravahl’s story is one of discovery and danger. I loved the way this story unfolds. As the mystery of the land begins to unfold, so do the feelings they feel for each other. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this tale.

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Rayne East

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Twisted Proposal: Central Florida StoriesTwisted Proposal: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Revenge with a twist
This is book 3 of the Central Florida Stories which can be read as a stand alone. Ethan and Siena are a formidable couple. Ethan is Dom who takes no prisoners but he wasn’t prepared for Siena. With BDSM, mystery and smoking chemistry this is a a well written contemporary romance that has the reader in suspense waiting to see how it all turns out. Recommend.

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Rayne East

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Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantasy romance
This was an amazing adventure, with beautiful imagery and strong characterisation. The story has a good flow and quickly draws you in. Cressida and Caravahi’s romance is one for the ages. It starts out as a simmer and builds to a roar. Recommend.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Angelina Frazzini

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This isn’t my usual go to as far as genres and it still isn’t my cup of tea however, this book is very well written which I can always appreciate.

After many years of a successful relationship, Dane realizes something is missing and proposes changing things up and maybe adding another person to the mix. Both Mike and Dane find someone they think will make a good addition making their partnership a polyamorous relationship. This story follows their journey to navigate this new relationship.

As I mentioned, this book is well written. The relationships are complex and there is a lot emotion and drama.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cecily in the City” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1670736851l/65151631._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city”>Cecily in the City</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager”>Krysten Lindsay Hager</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5588133904″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cecily has two things she really wants to happen right now. She wants to become an actor and be on the same city as her pop star boyfriend. She struggles with keeping their relationship not only long-distance but a secret as well. After landing a gig on a popular daytime soap opera she can’t wait to move to the big city. She has seen all the negative comments left on other people’s social media pages, but hopes that none of that will affect what she is trying to accomplish. After starring in another huge stars music video rumors start to swirl and her relationship with Andrew becomes even more strained than it was. Will she be able to handle all the new found fame and haters that want to see her fail? Or will she have to give up on her career ambitions and start over? I really liked the characters in this series and had fun reading this trilogy. The author does a great job of roping you in and keeping those pages turning as you wait to see what will happen next.
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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Ashly Renner

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read! It is definitely reminds me of Harry Potter, one of my very favorite series. This book takes me back to being a teenager reading Harry Potter for the first time. If 35 year old me loved this, then I know 13 year old me would love this book! I cannot wait to read more in this series. A little fantasy and fun to keep things exciting!

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Ashly Renner

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book, I had really no idea what it was about exactly; this is rarely something I enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised by this book though. I was captivated and drawn in right from the start. This book is dark, twisty, romantic, and suspenseful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

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Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Maikalani Alexander

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Punk (Popov Boys #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miranda and efrem are truly a match made in heaven. Steamy and written beautifully! Perfect to be read as a stand alone with enough details that’s it’s not confusing. Or if you enjoy the popov men read the series. You surely won’t be disappointed.

Dive in head first to read about a smooth talking charmer that makes you weak at the knees and a fiery passionate bombshell female lead. You won’t be disappointed.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Kiana Corley

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Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great read with amazing character development. Cori does a great job at keeping you thinking and trying to figure out what will happen next.

This book follows the story of Bailey and her friends. Bailey has a history of not always making the best decisions and not being the best version of herself. Her brother comes up with a deal to help make her a better version of herself.

Tanner Banner is an enigma. He is a young man in his early twenties teaching a college-level math course. He also dresses in a way that would be offputting for any woman. He also does not say much and is super outspoken.

What happens when the mysterious guy meets the over-chatty girl? Will they become friends or will their differences keep them away from each other? What happens when the mystery is over and she finds out who he really is? Read to find out.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kiana Corley

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book follows the story of Cecily and her tales from the big city. Cecily is a woman looking for her big break and to get out of her small town in Michigan. When an opportunity arises in the same city as her boyfriend, who would turn that down?

With her big break comes a lot of interactions and other tasks that take her out of her comfort zone. When you are trying to break into a highly sought-after career field like modeling and acting you need to do a lot to keep up. With the support of family, she is off to try to make her dreams a reality.

Dex is a musician trying to break into the American music scene. He meets Cecily when she comes to work with him for a video. He is used to people lying and pretending to be something they aren’t. Yet Cecily is honest even with the chance of hurting his feelings, a breath of fresh air.

What happens when you bring a small-town girl to a city that never sleeps? Will it change her for the better or turn her into a completely different person? What happens when a chance to gain experience in the industry leads to rumors?

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book #1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Angela Hayes

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Hope and Lies: The Abredea Series Book OneHope and Lies: The Abredea Series Book One by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Hope and Lies is the first book in the Abredea series by C.H. Lyn. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and after reading this I am so glad to have stumbled on her book because she brings something a little different to the table. This gave me some ‘Hunger Games’ vibes- but with its own unique ‘identity’ and feel.
It is a dystopian fantasy with superb world building, a caste system, abilities, a post-apocalyptic setting, rebellion, a battle for equality and justice, secrets, revenge, agendas, action, adventure, drama, danger, self-discovery, family, friendship, politics, corruption, grief, loss, heartache, betrayal, emotion, and hope.
The story is told from several points of view, which gave the story greater depth and interest for me- the pov’s give us a much broader perspective so we can fully appreciate what is going on. It’s a complex and multi-layered story that weaves multiple threads and timelines into one engrossing read.
Looking forward to continuing this series, as well as exploring more of this talented authors work in the near future.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, C.H. Lyn!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is wonderful at telling children’s tales and this is yet another example of that. A retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this book will teach children that everyone has situations that they may need help with. Great story with great illustrations that will teach a wonderful lesson to those who read it. I really enjoy sharing the books by Lois Wickstrom with my kids and my friends.

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