Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield is the first compelling books in the Express Investigations Series. CB says it was inspired by the Reba McEntire video for ‘Because of You’ that was written by Kelly Clarkson. It does have a powerful meaning behind it. I can see why it inspired CB to write this book.

Three different stories three very different people but as the author says, “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming…”

The stories are centred around the Express Investigations detective agency and are all told in multiple POV’s. We get a much more rounded picture of the characters their background and how they got there. The author does this well.

This shrewdly crafted tale had me turning the pages. I had to know what was going on. Sleep is overrated. The well written characters are as engaging as the story itself. There are surprising twists and turns to keep you guessing all the way through.

I am not going to reveal anything else because this is one of those stories that you should go in without any preconceived ideas or information and discover it all for yourself.

The story doesn’t end it just sets us up for the next book that it is to be continued. I am most certainly looking forward to seeing how the worlds collide.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Beverly Finnie

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A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading A Crossbow Christmas was like stepping into a Hallmark movie in my head. Though it was a little longer than 2 hours and no commercials. I’m a sucker for a good Christmas novel and this one hit all the feels. I wasn’t too sure what I was jumping into, because with Christmas novels I haven’t read a bad one yet. So I decided to jump right in with this one.
The author wrote 2 characters that have had a heartbreaking last few years. Between family loss and the pandemic it was a lot to deal with. But the author wrote it beautifully and it kept me wanting more!
Carina is a mother of 4, with 4 grandchildren. Happily married or is there trouble in paradise. She has been through a lot. Losing both her parents as well as her sister in the last few years. She also had a long and tiring battle in the hospital with Covid. She needs a break, a vacation. She does everything to get her family to go away for the holidays, to no avail. Well her one son agreed, which made her decide to do it!
Max is a late 20s doctorate student, who lost the love of his life to cancer. He met Carina through a grief group on Facebook and they’ve been great friends since. He offered a cabin that his wife inherited, and they renovated to make it so much more. Located in a ski town of Crossbow CO, he thought it would be great for her family to spend the holidays there.
Carina goes through a rollercoaster of emotions on her journey. Sometimes the author had me frustrated with her. Other times I could relate because I’m the same way. When one feels alone, they are the only one who gets to break through those feelings to change that.
A feel good Christmas story for all to love!

@placexba

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast paced and suspenseful historical crime novel had plenty of mystery and drama which had me gripped from start to finish. The main characters include a swamp rat turned lady, a hotshot southern attorney, and a small town dreamer, all of which endure life’s ups and downs, to end up at Hollywood’s swanky Mansfield Supper Club. In 1927, Louisiana, seventeen year old Francie Roubideaux from the Louisiana bayou finds herself under the iron rule of Miss Claire in New Orleans. Francis uses her “daddy’s wits and her mama’s grace”, to survive, but fate and fickle fortune have plans for her. Rose Donovan’s dreary small town life in Illinois, during 1937, becomes exciting when a New York City music man whisks her away to Hollywood. However, Rose is soon torn between an addictive passion and another man’s arms, and finds that it’s more than her heart that’s on the line.

Georgia, in 1936, and a rising star on the Atlanta legal circuit, Beau Hartwell is envied by every lawyer in the city, until his past comes back to haunt him. Beau has to go from the big city to backwoods justice, with a case that can break more than his career. “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming”, and the storyline definitely had me hooked. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the settings vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. Although the three stories are complete at the end of this novel, it does have a ‘to be continued’ ending. I look forward to book two in this new series.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Juls Dick

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley, it follows the sisters of the families prior to the events of the books in the main series. I really liked this story, even the sad parts. It was quite short though and I would have liked it to be longer (as I always do with this series as I am never ready for them to finish and want to know more!). It was really interesting to learn more about the events that are mentioned in the future books and I was screaming in my head to warn them about the traitor among them! I think this is a must read for fans of this series.

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jess Dimmock

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly rich world with everything you could possibly want! Secret society, magic, betrayal, murder. It’s just a wonderfully written piece that Dan Brown fans will love! I really enjoyed this one and the twists and turns were awesome! Strap in for this one, it’s a ride!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Katie Kearney

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eve and Devlin pulled me into their story with ease and I really enjoyed my time with them. It’s an office romance that will have you sinking in and never wanting to leave. The characters are relatable and easy to connect with. The story is cute, fun and a bit steamy. It’s well written and I wanted it to keep going. This author definitely had me hooked from start to finish. I’m gladly giving this book five stars and can’t wait for more from this author. Highly recommended!

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Diane Sennett

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And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catherine Keely is in Crete at the hotel where her daughter Susie was; one year prior before falling from a balcony to her death. Susie’s death is ruled an accident from too much alcohol. Catherine, a mother who is still coping with the loss of her daughter, is there looking for answers.
And Then She Fell is a stunning suspenseful mystery. Dreena Collins had me reeled in with her writing. After each chapter I wanted to know more about Susie and that fateful night.
Catherine speaks to Susie throughout the book as she meets with Susie’s friends and learns more about her daughter than she thought she knew. Each story gives Catherine a different take on what happened on that balcony. This book had me wanting to know the truth and the ending surprised me!
I recommend this book!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me. I enjoyed their writing skills that brought their story to life. This is a well written story where three worlds collide in one fateful night. No one will see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were able to pull me into the story. They kept the story engaging and easy to read. A fast paced story that has twists and turns that left me turning pages fast. There is much going on in this story but the author did a great job of transitions to keep the story entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing more from this author. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie

Mercy is a young girl living in Sueno, New Mexico that is doing her best to break free from the generational traumas that have befallen the women there. La Llorana is always looking for the next generation of young girls to baptize and fill with so many tears and so much sorrow that it overwhelms them. Each generation of girls does their best to avoid the banks of the river and the Weeping Woman, but few can escape the curse as she drags them into her watery depths.

A moving and unforgettable story of a young girl who fights to escape the curse of generations of women who are overtaken by pain and darkness. Mercy is strong, smart, and determined to find the light through the darkness against all odds. You cannot help but root for Mercy as she so valiantly tries to make her way in the world and overcome a curse that has taken the lives of so many women through the generations. A beautifully written story of rebirth through healing and magic.

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The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Taylor K Stephenson

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The Virus of BeautyThe Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

~ Teenage Wizard On the Run~

This is the first book in an exceptional Trilogy about a young Wizard named, Wilf Gilvary, and his world. It’s pretty obvious from the start he wants absolutely nothing to do with magic. The start of the story can be a little rocky to follow. Between the disappearance of his father and transition into the magical world. Nevertheless the story is so intriguing you tend to fly through it!

Poor Wilf is just a kid, and is forced into situations where he has to make some more mature choices. This is a good story for any age, as the content is fairly appropriate. And is very relatable to anyone reading the story as well. As such, the tale is very interesting and advances at a steady and enticing pace.

Eventually, Wilf is faced with a deadly virus that impacts the Wizarding world, and the magical folk in it. Between Wilf’s heritage, and his own innate skill set. It is up to him to make a decision on how to save not just those closest to him, but the entire world with the people in nit as he knows it. Wilf does a pretty solid job of navigating through this new and scary world, that he has been trying to resist from the beginning. There is quite a bit of character development, and I am looking forward to reading the second installment!

Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed their writing style as well as their attention to details that made the story come to life. This is a well written story about challenges, secrets and truths that are just waiting to come out. The characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are engaging, creative and really just made the story for me. They have great growth and took me on an emotional roller coaster ride in parts. I enjoyed what they brought to the story. This is an entertaining and easy story to read. A fast paced story that has twists and turns you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend reading this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book that I read from this author and it was really good. I like that it took me out of my normal comfort zone in my reading and the cover is beautiful.

Magic and folklore….the legend, La Llorona is haunting for sure, sadness surrounds the legend and we meet Mercy whom is trying to be careful about this legend due to her best friend was lost because of
La Llorona. Will the legend come for Mercy and never let go?

This story is very unique, surrounded by sadness and a bit of heartbreak for me as well.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Man, I was hooked from the beginning. This is an intense mystery/suspense that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat, holding your breathe wanting to know what’s going on. There are some twists and turns, but it all tends to come back together nicely in the plot. The characters are fantastic. I found them all so intricately well-written. The detail of their personalities is wonderful and fits into the story. I thought I had figured out what was going to happen and BAM, plot twist. Fantastic start to a series. I was shocked by the cliffhanger but I will be eagerly awaiting the next book to see where the story continues for Ruby and Rose. This is a new favorite mystery author for me.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the only series I’ve not read yet by this author. I have devoured every book in every series by this author but had missed this one. Although I ultimately know how their story turns out, I was excited to finally get the chance to read Chase and Kate’s journey.
This book covers the very early days in their relationship. We get their first meeting where the sexual tension between the two is evident from the very start.
In keeping with other books from this author, once the sexy times begin they are very hot and very often not ‘vanilla’. If you like a hot, sexy read then this is the book for you. I’d definitely recommend anything by this author if you like a good steamy read.
Although this series is described as a dark mafia romance, we don’t get introduced to the mafia element until the end of this book.
Filled with drama, danger, intrigue and hot sex, this book is definitely worth the 5 stars that I’m giving it.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three stories of three different people, time and places that all converge in one tragic night.

Francie Roubideaux is from the Louisiana bayou and is handed a tough go. When she finds herself at the mercy of Ms. Claire and her house of pleasure in New Orleans, her singing saves her from a worse fate. When tragedy strikes, she gets out of New Orleans and eventually finds herself in California singing at the Mansfield.

Rose Donovan is swept off her feet in her small, hometown in Illinois one day by a handsome stranger. Seeing him as her way out, she leaves with him despite her father and friend’s advice to stay. When they move to California, he sells her singing talent to the owner of the Mansfield. It’s not all that she expected it to be though, and she finds herself in an abusive marriage with no way out.

Beau Hartwell is an up-and-coming lawyer in Georgia with a perfect record, job and wife. When his hometown best friend is framed for murder and he witnesses the demise of his hometown, it leaves him questioning all that he has held dear for the last ten years. After being fired, divorced, and homeless, he makes his way to California to friends that give him help, a job and a purpose again. He becomes a part of their Express Investigation team.

This was a great first book to a series. It gives background on all the characters in such a way that is concise but in depth. I felt like I had all the information on each one to picture them and their struggles. I am looking forward to the next book and finding out how the tragic night transpired and how they all play into it. I think I can see the way that it is going, but there were some surprises with the back stories. Definitely going to be on the lookout for book 2!

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The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Virus of BeautyThe Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in this series and i really enjoyed it. The author does an amazing job with the characters and the world building.
I really felt for Wilf’s character. All he wanted was to be a normal boy. He doesn’t want magic and all the complications that come with it, but no matter how reluctant he is he is forced into a world he doesn’t want to be a part of.

There is a struggled for power between the witches and wizards which is released a curse. This curse causes witches to lose there powers and become beautiful.

The only cure is in Wilf’s fathers journal and the only person can unlock the secrets is Wilf himself.
Now he is drawn into a battle he doesn’t want to be part of, and when his friend becomes a victim of the virus he is determined to save her even if that means accepting and embracing his magic.

This story is a real page turner and a great fantasy adventure that I couldn’t put down.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tori Werkheiser

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a prequel to the Mafia Elite Series and it was so fun! I absolutely love all the women in this series so them having a book just focused on them in their college days was a delight. We get to see them just being best friends and comforting each other and dealing with the realities of being Mafia Princesses outside of the ways we do in their own books which showcase the romances they end up in. This story is really all about the night before Marissa’s murder which was a big point in the series so seeing Marissa from a different side before her death was very interesting. I love Amy’s writing and I feel everything the girls do so this was an emotional read for me thinking of them anticipating their futures when i already know how its gonna end up i just wanted to hug them all and say its gonna be okay. If you have read any of the Mafia Elite books this is a must-read. It is fast and short but well worth it.

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The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Erin Vosters

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The Virus of BeautyThe Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Witches and Wizards live together but there’s also a resistance. Wilf is born wizard but refuses to do magic and instead thinks of himself as a Normal. When a virus threatens the magical realm, Wilf must do what needs to be done.

This book is very well written and it’s truly a wonderful story-scape world!

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely Loved this story and this family!
This story had me glued to its pages! I loved everything about it. The uniqueness, the storyline, the characters and the town. I don’t want to forget the emotions that this brought forth. I could feel the love these two had for each other. The book should be called enduring love.

The theme of this book is one that drew my attention. I enjoyed that this is surrounding Ted and his jail release, incarceration and his worries and concerns being on probation or possibly put back in jail. He really took me on a journey. Then we hear the story of what got him in jail. Wow! Just crazy what can happen!

Loved meeting this family!! They all have such different personalities. I look forward to watching them grow as their stories are written.

Overall its an excellent beginning to a new series. I enjoy this author’s writing and the stories she comes up with are always wonderful. I look forward to more in this series!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Lisa Helmick

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very enjoyable story. Office Romances are one of my fav tropes and this one surprised me. While I thought this was a cookie cutter office romance story it really isn’t. It has secrets and the characters have to work to find trust in each other. I really liked the characters. They are relatable and fun. I really liked watching Devlin. He liked Evelyn but thought it was a one time thing then strangely he started becoming addicted to her. He became invested in her even though she was extremely leery of a relationship with him.

Overall I read this quickly and had a nice time learning about the characters and their tics. It is a good office romance story. This is a first time author for me. She surprised me by not writing a run of the mill office romance.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Vanessa Watts

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A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a real tear jerker for me as I put myself in her shoes and relate to so many things Carina is feeling in this novel. Sometimes losses are not that big but impact you in a way that you could not even fathom.

Carina in her post covid world, after suffering several tragedies through the year with losing people close to her, is trying to build her world back up after being knocked around. With Christmas coming up, it seems her husband and kids have other ideas about the holidays leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Enter Max, from her support group, who offers her his cabin in the mountains to rest, relax, and get away. The cabin itself has enough room for her whole family but they seem as if they have moved on with their own lives and she is being left in the dust. Can Carina take this extravagant opportunity for herself?

This book had me all in my feelings as I am dealing with my own personal stuff to the point that the Christmas spirit is super hard to come by in my household. This feels like a rebuilding yourself book especially when several of us are looking to do just that. It reminds us that it is okay to take time for yourself, as you cannot be everything to everyone else all the time. If you like feel good novels where you might come out with a different look on life than I definitely recommend reading this book.

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Rayne East

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Romantic
Faultless Love is a truly engaging contemporary romance. This is a second chance romance that had all the feelings. There’s drama, angst, demons from the past and steamy moments throughout this story. This is the first book in The Bennett of Langston Falls Series and I loved it. This can be read as a stand-alone, as each book focuses on one of the brothers, but I can’t wait for book 2, Shameless.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mercy is a young native woman who has been taught to not show her tears and never walk the riverside at night otherwise La Llorona will get you. She does everything in her power with her best friend Sherry to break the cycle that has plagued the women of their tiny town. Unfortunately, her Sherry does not escape the fate and we soon follow the story of Mercy and her growth. This a powerful story of a young woman who doesn’t give up, despite the hardships that are consistently thrown at her. I really enjoyed this book. It was quick and short, but so much was packed into this story and I didn’t feel like anything was lost or rushed. I truly enjoyed Mercy’s growth.

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After 5 years in prison and a year at a halfway house (for a crime he didn’t commit), Teddy is finally coming home. Getting through each day has been a challenge…but being back home with his family has kept him pushing forward. He still thinks about the woman he let go when he was convicted because why would a woman who wants to be a lawyer be tied down to a convict?!?
Robyn had dreams of graduating law school and becoming a lawyer. But, those dreams were put on hold after she saw the justice system fail and the man she loved was taken away from her. She has tried to move on and be happy…but one look at Teddy when he comes home is enough to remind her that he is her happiness.
They face numerous challenges as they navigate finding what their new relationship looks like…and keeping Teddy out of trouble with his parole. But, when the justice system once again proves to be unfair, can their relationship survive?
This was an interesting story that had some twists that I did not see coming. I enjoyed the characters and watching Teddy make amends with those that he feels he has wronged. I couldn’t quite figure out the way one of the characters was acting as the story was wrapping up…and seeing that he is the main character of the next book made it make more sense. Overall, a good story.

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Dia’s Lure (Solstice Quartet Book 3) by Catherine Peace – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Dia's LureDia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this set! I haven’t read many sifter books outside of the normal werewolves and such, so I was super excited about this set after reading the first book. I am so happy that I gave then a read! I defiantly recommend this set to anyone how loves shifter romance books. Día has been on the run for years. She is always watching her back, changing the way she looks, and always always running. She’s been on the run from hunters trying to keep her family safe, but her luck so far has just run out. She gets caught. But not by hunters! She stumbles onto a colony in hiding and they don’t trust outsiders. This bat shifter and witch colony has been through a lot and many of them are sick and dying. They can’t trust anyone and two strangers showing up on the same day worries them. Her fellow captive (the other stranger) just so happens to be an ex-lover who betrayed her years ago and brought the hunters to her family. Kano regrets so much in his life. Not being able to stop the slaughter of Día’s tribe and family being the biggest of all. He can’t believe his eyes when he drug into colony and he sees her alive. He’s been so focused on his journalism and putting the worst of the worst into the lime-light and behind bars. He can’t escape his own guilt and seeing Día brings it all rushing back. Again. When he gets taken by the bat colony he doesn’t know what he is in for. Día plans to run as soon as she can. She can’t be around him and she needs to find her group and make sure that they are okay. Milos, one of the bat shifters feels like something bad is coming. He can feel it in his gut. So when Día and Kano stumble onto the camp his gut stabs him with fear again. He just wants to protect his colony, find a cure to their sickness, and live! With their leader dying he must do something, anything to help their fast decreasing colony members. When someone from Kano’s past comes and threatens the colony the three of them must put their mistrust aside and fight together. Putting fears behind you can be tricky when fighting for your life. Will they come together and defeat their enemy? Or will history repeat itself. Will fear keep these three from saving everyone? Will Día kill Kano for his part in her family’s slaughter? Will Kano admit his mistakes from all those years ago and get Día to forgive him? Will she be able to? Man this book has so much going on! Those three are in for a lot!! You have to read this set!! If you love shifter books and magic and love you, will love this set!!

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459

Gunner (Hollins & Haring Book 3) by T.J. Beach – Review by Devon Pulliam

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Gunner (Hollins & Haring #3)Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off this is book 3 but a great standalone read. I don’t feel like you miss anything by not reading the other 2 first. This book does have some trigger parts…. I say that not to spoil but to warn it does talk about a suicide and a miscarriage. It also talks about the struggle and then turn around of a covid patient. Plus the struggle families had in the early days/weeks/months of the pandemic when a loved one was in the hospital.

Gary and Debbie end up quarantining together when Debbie’s mom comes down with Covid. They aren’t just co-workers but also friends as well. So this book is taking place early 2020 and mentions several times at how strict the lockdown(s) were at that time and being the first case in that area.

Debbie knows Gary has a past and during their time in quarantine she talks Gary into telling her his story. And what a story it is! His military background and training were working for him when he got mixed in with basically the wrong people. As he is telling his story to Debbie he changes into what I would like to think his old self… the one before getting caught up “chasing the money”.

All while they are working towards being private investigators. He tells Debbie about his past life and why he is now in Australia and under a new name. Seeing how hard Gary worked in his past life and let the bad over take his life I felt bad for him and his journey.

Now I am off to read the other 2 books as I need to know more of Debbie and Garys story! Hopefully there is a 4th because I’d love a follow up to this one!

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Dia’s Lure (Solstice Quartet #3) by Catherine Peace-Review by Amanda Kimble

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Dia's LureDia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Dia’s Lure (A Solstice Quartet #3) by Catherine Peace

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Dia’s Lure is the third book in the Solstice Quartet Series. This book captured me from the get-go. I had a hard time choosing quotes for everyone. Dia and her friends are amazing.

Dia aka Dane is hiding out from hunters. She is traveling with a Samaritan Group which helps people out. When an explosion happens and she is thrown out of the vehicle, she runs. Then she’s found by others hiding out. Her ex shows up and she finds herself falling for the one who saved her. The quote I chose for Dia is: “You’ll have to try hard, dingo. But yeah, I’ll let you try.”

Kano has been keeping an eye out for Dia since the night of the killing of her mother. When she is found again it takes his breath away. Then he finds himself also falling for Milos. Can he save the two of them? The quote I chose for Kano is: “It’s not. It’s not your fault. Harrington made the decision. He called the hunting party, not you. All you did was exist, love. You existed and you were beautiful, and you still are. Some people just can’t be happy unless they’re causing pain, and he was one of ’em.”

Milos is of a colony. He doesn’t necessarily like strangers. Then Dane and Kano come to his little camp and he can’t help but want them both. Can he survive the whole legend thing? Will he be able to have his happily ever after? The quote I chose for Milos is: “When we left Transylvania, I was a small child. I hadn’t had my first transformation yet, so I rode in a wagon with the other children. Sorina, too. I think Cammie was still a baby. I remember people yelling at us. Torches, pitchforks, guns…the whole deal. As the caravan trundled out of town, they threw rocks at us. One hit me right here. I was lucky. Something about our first transformation causes the anemia. A hit like that might kill me now, but back then…then it just terrified me. These were friends, people whom the vràji had worked side by side with. Parents of children Rina and I had played with.”

Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Lape

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and when I found out that this was a book from the point of view of the ladies of the mafia I could not be more thrilled. I loved reading the backstories of The Five Families Princesses Liliana, Emiliana, Sofia, and Eva, along with Marissa’s death. This prequel really gives a different point of view about the struggle of the women of the mafia and that they are not invisible to the danger they are born into. I genuinely wish it was longer but I have high hopes that this is not the end for this fiery bunch of women. PLEASE keep the stories coming!!

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Trish Ann

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice short novella to read after a really long day. I was sucked into the plot but would have liked it to be a little longer! I thought the characters were well developed especially in such a short read. Their connection was deep. I look forward to seeing how the series develops.

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Ember’s Secret (Solstice Quartet Book 1) by Catherine Peace – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Ember's Secret (Solstice Quartet #1)Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was so surprised by this book! When I first started reading it I forgot that it was about shifters. I haven’t read many “shifter” books outside of the normal werewolves and such, so I LOVED seeing some other animals being brought into the genera. Ember has a big secret and with the Solstice coming up quickly she’s not sure if she can keep that secret much longer. She want to see more people in her café and in turn be reunited with her two sisters. Her café only sees people that are passing through and she hasn’t turned a good profit in years. Cooking for people she never sees twice is lonely and not at all what she wants out of her café. Food brings people together. She wants more out of her life and she wants more for her café. But can she risk it? Austin is the host of a popular Food TV show Back Road Eats. He’s tired of the same old easy dependable American grilling and BBQ. And being on the road more and more is wearing him out. A chef tv host who’s burnt out on food! While on the way to one last round of shows before heading home his RV breaks down in the middle of no where Wyoming. Dreading the extended stay while him and his camera and editing crew wait for a part for the RV, they learn of a Maori restaurant and his interest is piqued! Sick of BBQ, burgers, and all the normal Back Road Eats he’s been eating for the past few years he is ready to try something new. Once he meets Ember and tries her food he can’t leave without getting her to do his show! He can’t believe the flavors that she brings out in all her dishes. Everything he tries, he loves! But she’s terrified and family comes first. Her father forbids anything to do with the show and he is all she has left. Family first. Can Austin get Ember to do the show? Does Ember bring her whole world down around her and put what little family she has left in danger? Will she get them killed? Will she ever get her café full of people who fall in love with her food? It’s clear that Austin loves more than just her food too! What will come of that?! Dealing with his own father drama he doesn’t want to push to hard. Does he push her away? Or will they over come fears and trials and come together? You have to read to find out!!! You won’t be disappointed!!

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459