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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2) by Landra Graf – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75705819-operation-escape” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680559037l/75705819._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75705819-operation-escape”>Operation Escape</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7847192.Landra_Graf”>Landra Graf</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5522617538″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sera is the daughter of head of space force but he said she was a failure. Her uncle who saved and raised her has gone missing. Months after his disappearance she can finally go search for him. Sera meets Markus, the captain, but they don’t know they are bonded due to her uncle. Sera goes to a hostile planet searching for answers about her uncle disappearing.<br />Can she make it off the hostile planet and back to Markus alive? I was not expecting all these twists and turns, but I absolutely loved this book! A must read!!
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Noah’s Not So Super Summer (A Super Series–Book 1) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Noah's Not So Super SummerNoah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noah’s Not So Super Summer is Book One in the Super Summer Series. It starts out with a bang as twelve-year-old Noah is desperately trying to escape from a group of bullies that are pursuing him. In an effort to evade capture Noah dodges into the bathroom of a local gas station and hides in one of the bathroom stalls. This is when Noah’s life goes from bad to worse as suddenly, he is being attacked by a mutant rat the size of a moose.

This becomes the turning point in Noah’s summer as his dream of being in The Summer With Supers Youth Program is crushed. A program he wanted to join in an effort to become popular, gain respect, and with any luck get away from the bullies that torment him. Instead, his dad forces him into helping him with his failing Mega Maintenance Company. Now he has to spend his summer cleaning up the destruction left behind after the mutants as they terrorize Lincoln City. Noah decides that he needs to investigate who or what the mastermind is behind the mutants and try to stop whoever is responsible.

This was a fun and enjoyable read for all ages. The characters were wonderful and the growing pains they experienced were relatable. Noah, especially, was a character that any kid who has ever been bullied can relate to. All he wanted was to be bully-free and popular. He felt the way of doing this was by taking part in the youth program with Supers. When his dreams were crushed, and his plans changed for the summer, Noah found a way to make the most of it. He decided to try to stand up and make a change by trying to rid the city of mutants by investigating who the mastermind was creating them. Noah was both smart and courageous which is admirable and inspiring. This book was full of action, suspense, drama, danger, adventure, bullies, mutants, and of course, super heroes. A twist on the classic tale of good versus evil, bullies versus the good guys.

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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2) by Landra Graf – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2)Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Operation Escape is Book Two in the Space Force Rejects series. The characters intertwine with the first book in the series but could be possibly read as a standalone. This book is told in two different perspectives and elaborates on the world of the Space Force. This book tells the story of Sera, who is the daughter of the head of the space force. Considered to be a failure by him due to her small size she was ordered to be terminated. Thankfully, Sera was rescued by her Uncle Garsett who then raised her and helped her to believe in herself.

Uncle Garsett has been missing for three months and Sera needs to find him and rescue him. She trusts few people, other than pilot Markus Engle who used to be Captain in the Space Force Special Ops. Sera’s uncle told her repeatedly that she could trust Markus and that if she ever needed help that he would be the one to ask. Markus has no choice but to help Sera because physical pain will be inflicted on him if he does not help. Sera asks Markus to fly her to Earth where all Space Force prisoners are forced to serve their sentence. The last person to see her uncle was an ex-commando who is on Earth and Sera wants to talk to him.

Sera and Markus are at odds through the mission and fight constantly, yet Sera feels attracted to Markus. When their ship is stolen, and Sera and Markus are left stranded their mission comes to a grinding halt. They are stranded on Earth with no protection against animals and violent criminals. When they receive an offer of help, they have to choose whether or not to accept it. If they do not accept the help they will not survive.

This book was a wonderfully written sci-fi adventure with action, adventure, mystery, drama, intrigue, suspense, and a bit of romance. The characters were intriguing, especially Sera who seemed to be a bit of an unlikely heroine because she was naïve and inexperienced as far as rescue missions go. Things got heated between her and Markus as they fought about the mission yet there seemed to be an underlying attraction. Markus feels the desire to protect Sera even if it means risking his life to do so. Another great book in this series by this talented author.

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To be a Fae Legend (Realm Chronicles Book 3) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123272843-to-be-a-fae-legend” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”To be a Fae Legend” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679228612l/123272843._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123272843-to-be-a-fae-legend”>To be a Fae Legend</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland”>Tricia Copeland</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5517413307″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This series in the start gives you a map to go back to, to understand which parts of the realm is being talked about which I highly appreciate.<br />This book takes place in the middle earth of the realm. Queen Titania has a kingdom to rule, a husband to find. And evil to fight. Could Titania do it all. This story just keeps getting better and better as it goes on.
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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29233832-magic-borne” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456082906l/29233832._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29233832-magic-borne”>Magic-Borne</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7704723.C_L_Schneider”>C.L. Schneider</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5517403631″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is the first book of the series I have read. It’s a little slow in the beginning but it picks up. It gives you everything fantasy you need. Gives you the battles, and love that you need, but without being overboard. This book gave me everything I want in a fantasy book! Such a wonderful series!
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suspicions is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. Set in 1880’s Chicago, this book follows Emma as she continues honing her sleuthing skills and solving mysteries everywhere she goes. This story starts off with a bang as Emma is hit from behind by an unknown assailant who starts stabbing at her with knitting needles. Not faltering for a moment, she is able to take the woman down and grill her for information to aid her in solving her latest case. The woman who attacked her is the head of a nefarious crime ring and Emma interrogates her seeking leads to solve a child kidnapping ring.

As Emma, Jeremy, and friends follow leads to solve the child kidnapping ring and rescue the abducted children they begin to realize it is part of something bigger. As they work to save the children smaller cases pop up everywhere and they realize that it is all part of a larger crime organization. The cases keep leading them to someone from Emma’s past who is behind bars, but Emma cannot figure out his involvement. Somehow from behind the prison walls he is able to pull Emma’s puppet strings and keep her guessing.

This was yet another great book by this amazing author. Although this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series first. They will help to provide background information on the characters and provide details that will add to the fifth book. The characters, the plot, the storyline, and the settings are brilliantly described and immerse you fully into the story.

This story, as the others, grabs your interest from the first pages and does not let go. I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride along with Emma as she fought to save the children from the clutches of the organized crime organization. I felt tears of both sadness and joy as Emma and Jeremy swooped in to rescue the abducted children. The characters are ones that I immediately felt a connection with from the first book. Especially the character of Emma, who is easily relatable with admirable qualities. She is feisty, brave, pigheaded, determined, courageous, and wise beyond her years. A great read full of mystery, danger, heart pounding suspense, and nail-biting action.

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The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Lone Star ChildThe Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lone Star Child is the third book in The Gods’ Scion Series and continues the story from the first two books. If you have not read the first books you may feel a bit lost while reading this one. This book is fast paced and full of action, drama, suspense, betrayal, and the desire for revenge.

Caro is a space acolyte and disciple to the goddess that rules the universe who finds that her position prevents her from having friendships. She finds her position a lonely one and feels detached from those around her. When Caro is kidnapped, it sets off a series of events in which secrets are revealed. The other acolytes do not know where she is or who has her. What secrets are preventing the acolytes from finding Caro? Who can be trusted?

Caro is with an enemy who has been plotting against those that discarded them as outcasts a millenia ago. Ophiuchus was imprisoned after wanting to share their gift with the world and for the past millenia have plotted revenge against those that imprisoned them and tossed them away like they were worthless. With the help of one space acolyte, they may get their revenge as well as their freedom and the Gods will not see it coming. With Caro’s help their freedom may become a reality and they will crush all those that mistreated them in the past. The Gods called them monsters, so they will become monsters as those that imprisoned them feel their wrath.

This book is a fantasy adventure with gods, royalty, magic, family ties, loss, heartache, and the strong desire for revenge against those that betrayed you. The storyline is compelling, the characters are wonderful, and the scenes are described so vividly that you get drawn into the story alongside the characters. The underlying issues of love, hate, family ties, revenge and betrayal lead the reader on an intense rollercoaster ride of emotions. You can feel the hurt, the anger, the sadness, and the hatred along with the characters and want them to all find peace and happiness within their lives.

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Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Esprit de CorpseEsprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jacqueline Duval and her twin sister Angelique Laforge are on a locomotive when it suddenly comes to a dead halt on the tracks. As they get out to investigate what could have possibly caused the locomotive to grind to a halt Jacqueline discovers something she has never seen before. It seems that a metal man has slammed into the locomotive full force. When Jacqueline pries open the helmet on the metal man something supernatural escapes. She decides to take the metal man home to look it over in her workshop. When someone breaks into her workshop and tries to steal the metal man it sets off a chain of events that lead them straight into danger as they try to stop a war.

This was a fun read, and I loved the setting. It was well written and vividly described which pulled me right into the story alongside the characters. Angelique and Jacqueline are interesting characters that I immediately loved. Both women were intelligent, brave, and faced danger head-on. A fantastic steampunk fantasy filled with danger, suspense, supernatural, shapeshifting, mystery, and drama.

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Consigliere's Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Consigliere’s Revenge is Book Three in the Sicilian Gods series. When beautiful reporter Izzy Arden shows up uninvited to the Larussio Crime Family’s nightclub, Lorenzo Larussio is immediately hit with a wave of anger. As Consigliere to the crime family, it is up to him to seek retribution towards anyone who threatens their position in the crime world. Izzy is nosy and poses a threat to the Larussio family as she digs for dirt on the family to expose them. Lorenzo’s job is to control Izzy but instead he finds himself drawn not only to her immense beauty but her feisty attitude.

As Izzy delves deeper into the Larussio Crime Family and exposes their secrets through her articles she knows the danger it poses for her. Stories and photos of the going-ons of the Larussio’s sell papers because people want to know about them. Women, especially, fawn over the Larussio men and she fails to understand the attraction. Or she did, up until she met Lorenzo. Although she knows the family is heavily involved in the criminal underworld, she cannot help but be attracted to Lorenzo Larussio. Can a relationship between them even be a possibility?

This book was intense from the first few pages as Lorenzo, Consigliere to the Larussio Crime Family, sets his sights on Izzy. His job is to protect his family at all costs and her stories exposing his family’s dark secrets threatens to destroy all they have worked for. Lorenzo is dark, sinister, and deadly which makes him the perfect person to keep his family safe. Yet, when he meets Izzy, something about the stunningly beautiful reporter causes a shift in him. Izzy knows her job is dangerous, but she does not back down easily. She is determined to fight for the truth even if it puts her life at risk. When Izzy meets Lorenzo, she too feels a strong attraction to him that cannot be denied. As the passion between them intensifies, so does the danger. When Izzy’s life is in jeopardy Lorenzo will do anything to keep the woman, he loves safe. Brace yourself for an intense read full of action, suspense, danger, passion, intrigue, and violence as Lorenzo and Izzy work through the complexities of their relationship.

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Silas Fitzpatrick is used to being small for his age because of a Growth Hormone Disorder but that does not prepare him for what happens to him on his first day of sixth grade. When he walks into class the teacher mistakes him for a lost elementary school student because of his small size. When Silas tries to explain to her that he is eleven years old she still does not believe him and sends him to the Principal’s Office. The Principal also does not believe him so the first day of middle school starts off bad.

Silas does not let the mishaps surrounding his small size on the first day of middle school stop him from making friends. He joins band class where he meets a group of other students who also face challenges because they are different. These differences have resulted in the school bully, Chad, calling them names and picking on them. Although Chad still picks on the others his bullying seems to be focused solely on Silas. He follows Silas around calling him names, throws spitballs at him, and pushes him around every chance he gets.

When Silas discovers that Chad is running for sixth grade class president he decides to run as well. Along with his friends they decide to start a misfit revolution as their way of standing up to the school bully. However, Chad wants to win and will do so at any cost. Silas must be brave enough to stand up to his bully and overcome his fear of what others think of him because of his small size. As he struggles through the challenges he faces at middle school he finds small comfort in emails he sends to his grandfather. The two have always been close and his grandfather is good at keeping the secrets Silas tells him. Sadly, his grandfather is starting to lose his memory and does not always remember who Silas is.

Throughout the book Silas messages his grandfather and tells him how school is going and the struggles he is facing, not just with the school bully but with one of the teachers as well. His English teacher hates him and does not treat him well because she believes his small size is a barrier. As Silas confides in his grandfather through messages, he also struggles with how his grandfather is slowing losing his memory because of Alzheimer’s. My heart broke for Silas as he had to come to terms with his grandfather not always remembering who he was.

This was a beautifully written story as told from the point of view of an eleven-year-old boy about how he navigates through the challenges he faces because he is small for his age. It is a heartfelt story geared towards middle school children and discusses the sensitive topic of being bullied for being different. Silas might be small, but he is mighty as he does not allow the bully to get the best of him. He perseveres and overcomes anything thrown at him, no matter how difficult it may be. No matter how badly he was treated he still chose to stand up for others. Silas is a true inspiration with a pure heart and courageous nature.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2)Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing!!! You will not be disappointed when reading it. It picks up where book one left off. You definitely will want to read book one before this one. It has the main male character being the one you want to have but just can’t. The leading female is still a kicking butt and taking names kind of girl and I am here for it. This book has all the steam that you could possibly want in a high school bully romance. You will have all the answers to everything that you were hoping form book one. This book will definitely leave you wanting more stories with the rest of the friend group. It makes you want to be part of that friend group. It was a very fast paced read because I was constantly turning pages to see what was going to happen next. There is suspense as well which just takes things to the next level for me. I highly suggest reading this when you have a day to dedicate to doing nothing but reading it, you won’t want to put it down.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magic Borne is Book Three in The Crown of Stone Series. This instalment in the series concludes the story of Ian Troy. After the resistance was lost Ian was forced into hiding where he must find a way to save his people from the evil clutches of Jem Reth, who has made himself emperor. Ian suffers under the weight of what magic has done to him. Although it causes pleasure for him it also comes with great pain as it is slowly turning him into more of a beast than a man.

Ian and his people have been subjected to slavery and endured suffering under the rule of tyrannical leaders. The fate of Ian’s people lay on his shoulders and in order to free them from the realm he needs to destroy The Crown of Stones. The outcome needs to be successful in order to save them which is a heavy burden to bear. Will he have the courage and strength to save himself and his people from the clutches of evil?

If you have not read the first two books in this series, I highly recommend that you do. Each story builds upon the preceding book. This series has captivated me from the beginning with its storyline and kept me riveted to the end. The characters are amazing and facing their own unique challenges in a world full of tyrannical leaders, slavery, and abuse. They crave freedom and may pay the ultimate price to achieve it. Ian is a character that you both love and hate at the same time. He makes some terrible decisions but has good intentions, so you feel conflicted. Ian is struggling with his own inner demons and conflicts as he fights the urge to use magic. He is constantly fighting the beast within that he is slowly becoming each time he uses magic. This takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride along with Ian as he tries to navigate who he is becoming. Overall, an amazing series full of magic, action, suspense, drama, intrigue, friendships, tyrannical leaders, and the battle of good versus evil.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magic Scars is Book Two in The Crown of Stone Series. It continues the story of Ian Troy, a Shinree, who has now been captured by his enemy King Draken of Langor and sent to prison. While imprisoned he was drugged so that he was unable to use his magic. Ian has lost not only his memories because of the drugs but has also lost his will after being tortured. He has no fight left and is a shell of his former self.

When Ian is rescued by an unlikely ally, he must fight to regain his memories and strength. As his body slowly purges itself of the drug, he comes to realize that the world he left is not the same. Those he left behind has been subjected to horrors at the hands of King Draken. A rebellion is underway, and Ian must find and repair The Crown of Stones so that its magic can be used. Ian is the only one who can save them which places immense responsibility on his shoulders. His addiction to magic and connection to The Crown of Stones lead him to search for answers. In his search, Ian uncovers some ancient secrets that have implications for not only him but also his entire race.

Another great book in this series that was hard to put down. The writing and attention to detail are so vivid that it feels as though you are there with the characters. Ian is someone that is very complex and although has a dark past you cannot help but feel bad for him. You want to see things work out for him in a positive way. Ian is in a struggle to overcome who he was in the past versus who he is now. The pain, sorrow, conflict, and guilt over past actions are a challenge for him. Another great book full of action, suspense, drama, intrigue, and magic. Now onto Book Three!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price(The Crown of Stones Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magic Price is Book One in The Crown of Stone Series. The book starts off fast paced and full of action, suspense, murder, and mayhem. We are introduced to Ian Troy who is a Shinree, a reviled group of individuals who have been shunned and bred as slaves. Their use of magic is scorned and therefore suppressed by the use of drugs. Ian has been forced to serve with the Rellan army and fight their ongoing war against the Langorians.

When Ian stumbles onto The Crown of Stones buried in a crevice on the battlefield, he uses it powers to end the war. In doing so, Ian causes more harm than good and leaves a path of destruction in his wake. This leads him to place himself in self imposed exile as he relives those moments over and over again. Years later Ian still lives with the regrets from the choices he made but when ghosts of his past surface with new threats Ian is faced with the difficult decision of using magic again. Will the use of magic help or cause more devastation?

This book was not at all what I expected it to be. From the first page the story was fraught with danger, violence, murder, mayhem, bloodshed, action, suspense, and of course magic. I expected the use of magic to have a positive outcome when used by Ian. I was quite a surprise to see that the use of magic actually had very negative and damaging consequences. The characters, storyline, and plot were well written and detailed which brought the story to life. I was so intrigued by the story that I immediately moved onto Book Two in the series so I could follow Ian’s journey and see what happened next.

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Helen Dawkins

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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing and hilarious book! If you love supernatural, paranormal, romance with a dash of southern, this is the book for you!

I enjoyed this book so much! All of the characters are absolutely delightful, they have snark, they are hilarious, they will keep you on your toes. The dialogue was EVERYTHING! The story was suspenseful enough to keep your interest while also keeping it fast paced and lighthearted.

My favorite part of this story is that Gwen, is midlife. So we get to see her past, present and future, as well as how some of those choices impacted others. She has more depth, experience, and balance than her younger self, as we all do when we get other. It was very relatable and refreshing.

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwen has just returned to her hometown of Hoodoo to collect on an inheritance. Her plan is to only remain long enough to sign papers and leave again. For Gwen, Hoodoo holds nothing, but painful memories and she just wants to put the past behind her and leave town as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, things do not go as she had planned when she discovers that there are strings attached to collecting on the inheritance that require her remaining longer than intended. As if that is not enough to deal with, Gwen witnesses a murder and because of her past and subsequent reputation around town she becomes the prime suspect.

I absolutely loved this book and the author’s writing style which really drew me into the story. Not only were the scenes vividly described but the dialogue was brilliant and cracked me up more than once. The characters were ones that I was drawn to, especially Gwen. She was down-to-earth, unstoppable, funny, witty, real, raw, and did not take nonsense from anyone. Gwen is someone that I could easily find myself wanting to hang out with. The town of Hoodoo fascinated me with the fact that it was full of ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and witches. I want to take a trip there to explore the supernatural, starting with the house Gwen inherited. Absolutely amazing book and brilliant writing!

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The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Traveler: Book 3The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Book Three of The Traveler Series, we continue to follow Harry, a highly intelligent ancient being who has transformed into many shapes over the millennia and traveled the universe. Each shapeshifting experience brings him more power and knowledge. During each transformation he goes into a period of stasis which for him is quick, but for the humans in his life take years. After his most recent shift he made his way back to Tristan after being gone for five years. His new configuration is a surprise to Tristan who takes a bit to adjust to Harry’s new form. It is a whole new experience for Harry as well as he learns how to navigate the emotions as well as the new dangers and obstacles he faces in his new form.

This book was an interesting sci-fi book with a time traveling twist. The characters were wonderful and the relationship between Tristan, Elena, and Harry was heartwarming and adorable. I loved how Harry is able to transform into different forms and travel through time. It was like reincarnation with a twist which fascinated me. I loved the twist the book took at the end as we watch Harry emerge once again. This book was entertaining, imaginative, creative, thought provoking, and engaging. It was packed full of action, danger, mystery, suspense, and time travel.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassandra has wanted to perform with Cirque de Lys ever since she was a child and first saw her idol Chandler performing his aerialist routine. From that moment she vowed that she would do whatever it took to be a silk aerialist and join the circus. When Cassandra’s dreams come true, and Chandler becomes her mentor she realizes that she cannot live without him. Chandler soon realizes that Cassandra means more to him than just being one of his students. On the surface it seems that fate has brought them together but what they do not realize is that something far more sinister is at play. Their lives have become intertwined, and they both have demons from their past that they are trying to escape from. Can they shake the shackles of their dark pasts to have a bright future?

This is an interesting story about romance between a student and her mentor. The borderline obsession that Cassandra had for her childhood idol Chandler turns from admiration to passion, then to romance, and ultimately to love. The age gap between Cassandra and Chandler was interesting and did not seem plausible until many years had passed. The book took an interesting plot twist when it was discovered that there were sinister elements at play, and they were brought together for a reason. Danger and suspense lurk under the surface as both Cassandra and Chandler try to escape demons from their past. It seems they both have secrets they have been hiding from the other that could put their lives in danger. The book ends on a cliff-hanger which sets you up for the second book in the series. I cannot wait to follow the further adventures of Cassandra and Chandler to see what deep dark secrets they are hiding.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Verbal is inspired by a true story and tells the life of severely autistic Emerson Rayne from her point of view. Emerson lost her ability to talk at the tender age of fifteen months old. Now, at the age of fourteen, Emerson is trying to navigate the difficult world of middle school. Middle school is tough enough as she deals with bullies, friendships, and the stress of being a teenager but for Emerson she must also deal with over protective stressed out parents and stressed-out teachers. She tries to remain good Emerson so she does not stress everyone out but finds that sometimes bad Emerson cannot help but lose control. Sometimes she cannot fight the urge to run away or eat the things that she knows that she should not eat. Sometimes the bugs crawl on her skin and she cannot stop scratching. Sometimes she feels like her body is on fire and she tries to make it stop. Having a daily routine usually helps to keep Emerson grounded and from having outbursts but sometimes the sensory overload from the bright lights and loud noises at school set her off. Now for some reason she is having outbursts that lead her to self-harm and she seems mentally and emotionally unstable. It is up to Emerson’s parents to try to keep her safe and find her the help and support she needs in both the health and education systems.

This was an absolutely beautiful and moving story that tells the point of view of someone who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder, an intellectual disability, and a sensory processing disorder. We see firsthand from her point of view life through Emerson’s eyes and although she is unable to speak, she has a voice and wants to be heard. We see the struggles and challenges she faces everyday as she fights the urge to do things like run, run, run. How she so desperately wants to be good so she does not worry those around her but cannot control how she reacts to certain stimuli in her environment. Bullies, loud noises, bright lights, and straying from her routine all set Emerson off and she is unable to stop from reacting. Good Emerson turns to bad Emerson, and she is saddened that she has worried those that love her and care for her. Emerson’s parents do everything they can to protect her, get her the help she needs, and show her that they love her. It was easy to empathize with Emerson and her parents with the struggles they all faced. A touching story that really gave insight on the dynamics surrounding those that have ASD and the daily struggles and challenges they face. A poignant, thought provoking and heartfelt read.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Little Red, the Detective is similar to Red Riding Hood in some ways, but with a little twist. Red (real name Maureen) got her nickname because her grandmother knitted her a sweater that she wore all the time and it happened to be red. Her grandmother called her to come over for a new sweater but asked her to pick her some flowers to make tea along her way. Packing her plant book to help her look for the flowers, cookies for grandma that she and her mom made, and her flinger print kit she sets off to grandma’s house. While looking for the flowers, a wolf comes along and helps her find some purple flowers that smell like vanilla. She stops to look them up in her book and the wolf runs ahead to grandma’s house. The wolf then eats grandma and Red has to use her detective skills to see if Grandma is really Grandma. I don’t want to give it all away, but it’s a super cute book and take on an old classic tale. I thought that my 8 year old would love this book, but I think that younger kids would enjoy it as well. You could easily read this to a 5 year old. This author is great at adding in some “learning” into her books, which I LOVE! For example, in this book you learn a little about finger prints. Check this book out, but also her other ones too! I have a few of them now, and my daughter’s and I love them all so far!!

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Shelly Kittell

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic book. As the parent of an autistic adult and 4 autistic grandchildren, I feel that the author has done a really good job of writing and giving the perspective of both the parents and of Emerson. Their life is complicated. I couldn’t put this book down. It grabbed my heartstrings and just kept me reading all the way through. All the emotions were felt. I will be buying and gifting this one to friends and teachers. It is deserving of more than 5 stars if I were allowed to give it more than that. Excellent book that I fell all should read.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhhhh! I love this series! I am not typically one to read bully romances, but this book has definitely changed my mind about them!

This is the first book in the series. But I highly recommend reading the prequel. It makes this book all that better!

I fell head of heels for Riley. She is an amazing character and super easy for me to relate to (even though I’m much older than her). Her dynamic with her mother pulled on my heart strings more than I thought it would! She has been through so much, but yet she is so resilient.

Cole, at first, I didn’t like him too much. He seemed super immature. While I understand his reasoning, I still thought it was just… eh. Like get the over yourself. Lol . But towards the end, he started to reel me in.

Now, the attraction and intense tension between Cole and Riley 🥵🥵🥵 wow. Someone needs to open the window because it was getting hoooottttt in here.

Definitely recommend to other readers, and I will be patiently waiting to read the rest of the series!

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Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unexpected Entanglement is the third book in The Echo Series. It centers around Rowan who has been working hard to restore a rundown inn that has been in her family for years. Her father was working with her to restore the inn until his sudden passing. Before her father died, he told Rowan a deep dark secret that he has kept hidden from her and her brother all their lives. This secret shocks Rowan to the core and alters the course of future events in her life.

Fast forward several months and a wealthy hotelier named Chris has arrived at Vinalhaven. As a man who owns hotels all over the world he is well known and well respected in the hotel industry. His plan was to only remain for twenty-four hours and do some snooping around on the owners of Vinalhaven. However, his plans quickly change when he offers to help Rowan who is fighting a tight deadline to get the inn ready for her cousin’s upcoming wedding.

Although both Chris and Rowan try to remain professional about their arrangement, they find it hard to deny their attraction to one another. When he gets roped into playing the role of Rowan’s doting fiancé things take a turn. Suddenly things between them sizzle and the sparks between them start to fly. Will Rowan and Chris be able to work together when things start to go wrong at the inn and its future is at stake? Is there a future between the two of them? Is there a future for the inn?

The chemistry between Rowan and Chris was undeniable and it was interesting to see where the story was going. Especially since Chris was at Vinalhaven to basically spy on Rowan and her brother. Obviously, a heart wants what it wants, and attraction is hard to deny. The long-lost family member part of the story was intriguing and gave the storyline an interesting twist. I needed to read farther and see if there would be a family reunion of sorts between the siblings and how that would go. This book had mystery, drama, chemistry, passion, unexpected romance, and a twist with long-lost siblings.

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Your Trainer Says Hi! (Vengeful Vixens Book 2) by Indie Sparks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Your Trainer Says Hi!Your Trainer Says Hi! by Indie Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Your Trainer Says Hi! is Book Two in the Vengeful Vixens Series. The story centers around Nadine who has recently opened up a juice bar with her boyfriend of six months, Heath. When Heath withdraws all of the money from their business account to invest in a sure-fire MLM scam, Nadine is both devastated and furious. She tells Heath that he is to pay all of the money back but in the meantime, she figures that she will take over his pre-paid personal training sessions as partial revenge for his treacherous act. Nadine refuses to allow her ex to break her and decides that she needs to bounce back on her feet right away.

Nadine’s only intention when going to see Heath’s personal trainer is to take away his beloved trainer from him. However, when she sees Wick her body betrays her with other intentions. Trying to shrug off the attraction she tells herself that she is only there for the workouts. It seems that not only does Wick notice that Nadine is attracted to him, but he enjoys the affect he has on Nadine. The two of them exchange sexy banter back and forth as Wick puts Nadine’s body through the wringer in the gym. When he invites her back to his place to soak and relax her muscles in his hot tub the sexual tension builds and before long Wick is putting Nadine’s body through the wringer again.

I loved this book and was hooked from the first few pages. I could not stop laughing out loud at the witty banter and jokes between Nadine and her BFF Oakley. I laughed so hard that the tears started when I read the scene where Nadine confronts her ex, Heath, about the MLM scam he invested in. My husband actually looked at me and asked me what was so funny, so I read a few pages to him. The scenes were so vividly described that I felt as though I was watching a movie as the scenes leaped off the pages.

The characters were relatable and lovable. Seriously, the friendship between Nadine and Oakley was epic. The jokes they cracked kept me in stitches. Oakley was there to act as a calming agent for Nadine when she needed it and help her pick up the pieces of a broken relationship. Heath was a character that you loved to hate because he was such a dimbulb and showed no remorse over his actions. Wick seemed like an arrogant jerk but ended up being a sweetheart. Nadine was smart, feisty, and unstoppable no matter what life threw at her. This book had wise-cracking friends, witty banter, revenge plots, betrayal, sexual tension, passion, unexpected romance, BFFs, and manipulation.

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The Sweet Temptations Trilogy (Sinful Delights) by L.M. Mountford – Review by Barbara Bohls

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The Sweet Temptations Trilogy (Sinful Delights)The Sweet Temptations Trilogy by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This trilogy is a very quick paced, fast read. I was verysrurprised with how quickly I was able to read each book. That said, let’s talk about the books in this trilogy. I feel like this has a bit for everyone since every story is a different trope. You may not like them all but you can definitely find one that you do like in this collection. The steam is in full force from the very first story and doesn’t really let up until the end. The plots of each book are there but do happen to get lost in the steam, which I think is intentional. Don’t get me wrong the plots are good for each of these stories in the trilogy. They just seem to take a back seat to the steam. Which in all actuality is what I was expecting to happen during this trilogy. I found it interesting to see what was going to happen to Richard in every story. I loved the continuity that flowed from book to book. Even though the tropes where different, you felt a connection because of Richard being in each story. I would highly recommend this trilogy to anyone who likes steams, enjoys a variety of tropes but keeps the main character, and someone looking for an easy quick read. I was not disappointed in this series at all.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder on the Moor, #4)With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Fire and Sword is the Fourth Book in the Thunder on the Moor Series. It centers around the characters of Will, Maggie and Dylan who are in different centuries. Will and Maggie are settling into their new life in the twentieth century while Dylan remains in the sixteenth century. Dylan realizes that something does not seem right and that the threads of time seem to have snapped. He must find a way to contact Will and Maggie and have them return to the sixteenth century and mend the rip in the fabric of time or it will forever alter the events in both centuries. He sends them a message by leaving a note tucked inside a diary in the hopes that they will find it in their present day. When Will and Maggie stumble onto Dylan’s mysterious note they must find a way to travel back in time and help Dylan.

It is up to Will and Maggie to travel back through time to the sixteenth century and repair the rip in the fabric of time or risk the course of history being forever altered. The problem is that the amulet Will And Maggie used for time travel has no stone left in it. How can they possibly travel back in time to help Dylan without the stone in their amulet? If they could get there, what events are they supposed to correct to mend the fabric of time? Is it worth it to risk their lives by travelling back through time?

I loved this book on time travel and was blown away by the storyline, the characters, and the attention to historical details. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt as though I was there with the characters and experiencing events firsthand as they unfolded. The characters were well written and relatable. I became fully engaged in each of their stories and how they would unfold. I loved that Will and Maggie were reading old diaries and looking through historical records. Having that connection to their past was fascinating to me. This book had action, suspense, danger, mystery, intrigue, and of course, time travel. A great read for anyone interested in historical fiction.

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brittany Angel

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite PrequelSavage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A nice little start to this series. We get a decent introduction to all of the main characters a year before the events in Savage Lies. Riley and her mother are in a new town again, and only this time, things are different. Her mother says they will be staying a while and to get comfortable, but Riley is waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brittany Angel

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies picks up a year after the events in Savage Start. Riley and her mother are back in town once again, and Riley has every reason to be weary. Her mother assures her they are there to stay and that she needs to get comfortable. The biggest problem she has is Cole Savage and the fact that he will do anything to get her out of his life and town.

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Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Yeti Left HomeYeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wylie Kang is a Yeti who spends his days trying to blend in with the townsfolk of Embarrass. He lives a quiet life in the outskirts of town in a small cabin. Home is where he enjoys the simple pleasures like a comfortable recliner, a television, and most importantly soft toilet paper. Wylie has vowed that he will never go back to using leaves again since discovering toilet paper. These creature comforts have changed his life and he finds joy in his secluded, peaceful sanctuary.

When Wylie starts having violent dreams that coincide with a series of strange murders his entire world changes. A Hunter of the supernatural comes to town looking for Wylie and he has no choice but to flee. Armed with his recliner, tv, a bag of food, and some personal items Wylie jumps into his trusty green truck and heads out of town.

Wylie heads to the Twin Cities where he figures that he will blend in except he finds himself in a city teaming with supernatural activity. Not only is the Hunter hot on his trail but there have been a series of strange murders here as well. Wylie is faced with the choice of fleeing his new home and leaving his new friends behind or finding the killer.

This was a great story about the struggle to fit in and feel a sense of belonging. Wylie was a great character who loved to live a peaceful life and cause no harm to anyone. He rolled with the changes and managed to keep a smile on his face no matter what came at him. Wylie enjoyed his secluded life back home in Embarrass but in the Twin Cities he made friends, formed bonds, and truly felt like he belonged. There was a sense of suspense, danger, and mystery as Wylie and his friends raced to catch a killer and save Wylie from the Hunter. The witty humor and banter left me chuckling to myself on numerous occasions.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maureen is asked by her Grannie to come visit so she can measure her for a new sweater she is knitting for her. Maureen loved the last sweater her Grannie made for her so much that she wore it all the time. She wore the red sweater so much that her friends and family started calling her Little Red.

When Little Red sets off into the woods to visit her Grannie, she stops to look for purple cone flowers to take for her Grannie to use for tea. There are so many similar looking flowers that Little Red is unsure which is the one she is looking for. When a wolf comes along and asks her if he can help Little Red figures that she will accept his offer because he would know better than her. The wolf picks out some cone-shaped purple flowers and hands them to her. As Little Red is taking out her plant identification book to identify the flowers, she realizes the wolf has vanished. She continues on to Grannie’s house, but Grannie has vanished. It is now up to Little Red to solve the mystery of where Grannie went.

I loved the author’s cute twist on the classic version of the story Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red has some sleuthing skills under her belt and uses those to save her Grannie from the big bad wolf. Young kids will learn about science and fingerprinting in this story. This book had a bit of mystery and sense of danger to it with an underlying message about how it is unsafe to talk to strangers. As always, the illustrations were beautiful and really brought the story to life.

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